The highly anticipated anime adaptation of “SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table” (Shibō Yūgi de Meshi o Kū) is officially slated to premiere on January 7, 2026. The dark survival thriller, which sees its protagonist navigate deadly challenges to earn a living, has also unveiled additional cast members in a new promotional video, building excitement for its winter 2026 broadcast. Studio DEEN is producing the series, bringing the intense world of death games to life.
Premiere Date and Broadcast Information
“SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table” will make its television debut on January 7, 2026, airing on Tokyo MX and other networks. This confirms earlier announcements of a January 2026 release window, providing fans with a concrete date to mark on their calendars.
The Desperate Premise of SHIBOYUGI
The anime dives into a grim reality where “death games” are a legitimate, albeit brutal, industry, offering a means of survival for those desperate enough to participate. The story centers on Yuki, a 17-year-old who wakes up in an unfamiliar, luxurious manor known as the “Ghost House,” clad in a maid uniform alongside five other bewildered girls. Unlike her companions, Yuki is no stranger to these life-or-death competitions; playing death games is her profession. The Ghost House is a labyrinth of deadly traps, from blowguns and buzz saws to locked rooms, where only the most cunning can hope to survive. The series explores psychological tension, action, and social commentary as Yuki seeks to achieve 99 victories in her perilous career.
Revealed Staff and Main Cast
The production team for “SHIBOYUGI” features a lineup of experienced talents. Souta Ueno is directing the series, with Rintarou Ueda (also cited as Rintarō Ikeda) handling the series composition. Eri Osada is responsible for character designs, adapting Nekometal’s original illustrations. The music for the anime is composed by Junichi Matsumoto.
In terms of voice talent, Chiyuki Miura has been confirmed as the voice of the stoic and unnervingly calm protagonist, Yuki. Her portrayal is expected to capture Yuki’s unique composure amidst the terror of the death games.
Production and Source Material
The anime adaptation is based on the popular light novel series “Shibō Yūgi de Meshi o Kū,” written by Yushi Ukai and illustrated by Nekometaru. The light novel began publication in November 2022 under Media Factory’s MF Bunko J imprint. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Banzai Kotobuki Daienkai, also began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten’s Comp Ace magazine in April 2023. Studio DEEN is handling the animation production, known for its work on various anime titles. The opening theme song, “¬Ersterbend”, will be performed by Lin from MADKID.
