The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Yura Urushibara’s Tougen Anki: Legend of the Cursed Blood is set to premiere on July 11 in Japan. In addition to the premiere date, it has been announced that the rock band BAND-MAID will perform the ending theme song, titled “What is justice?”.
Theatrical Screenings and Convention Premieres
Before the official broadcast, fans can catch early screenings of the first three episodes at special events.
- Japanese Premiere: June 21 at United Cinemas Toyosu in Tokyo.
- World Premiere: Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Indonesia, held in Jakarta from June 6-8. Kazuki Ura, the voice actor for Shiki Ichinose, and producer Takanori Matsuoka will attend this event.
- US Premiere: Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles from July 3-6. Kazuki Ura will also be a guest at this premiere.
About ‘Tougen Anki’
Tougen Anki: Legend of the Cursed Blood is a manga series by Yura Urushibara that began serialization in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion in June 2020. Yen Press is publishing the English version in North America. The story is based on the Japanese folktale of Momotaro, but with a dark twist. It explores the conflict between those who possess the blood of Oni (demons) and those who carry the blood of Momotaro.
Synopsis
Shiki Ichinose discovers that he is part Oni, a race hunted by the Momotaro clan. His father, who has Momotaro blood, adopted and raised him despite the dangers associated with Oni blood. After a member of the Momotaro Agency kills Shiki’s father, Shiki vows to avenge him. He joins an organization that trains young Oni to control their powers, leading him to confront the Momotaro.
Characters
- Shiki Ichinose: Voiced by Kazuki Ura.
- Naito Mudano: Voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya.
- Jin Kougasaki: Voiced by Kōtarō Nishiyama.
- Homare Byobugaura: Voiced by Manaka Iwami.
- Ikari Yaoroshi: Voiced by Shōgo Sakata.
- Juji Yusurube: Voiced by Natsuki Hanae.
- Rokuro Kiriyama: Voiced by Kaito Miura.
- Kuina Sazanami: Voiced by Aimi.
Staff
- Director: Ato Nonaka
- Assistant Director: Hiroyuki Hashimoto
- Series Composition & Scriptwriter: Yukie Sugawara
- Character Designer: Ryoko Amisaki
- Art Designer: Hiroyuki Becchaku
- Art Director: Scott MacDonald
- Color Key Artist: Saki Tada
- Compositing Director of Photography: Naoki Serizawa
- CG Director: Ryota Fukushima
- Editor: Yumika Okazaki
- Sound Director: Satoki Iida
- Music Composer: KOHTA YAMAMOTO
- Music Production: Pony Canyon
- Animation Studio: Studio Hibari
BAND-MAID to Perform Ending Theme
BAND-MAID, known for their rock sound and maid aesthetic, will perform the ending theme song “What is justice?”. The band’s music has been featured in other anime series, and their participation in Tougen Anki is generating excitement among fans.
A Potential Rival to ‘Tokyo Ghoul’?
Some fans are comparing Tougen Anki to Tokyo Ghoul, citing the dark fantasy elements and the conflict between different factions. Both series feature protagonists who are caught between two worlds and must grapple with their identities and powers. Whether Tougen Anki will reach the same level of popularity as Tokyo Ghoul remains to be seen, but the premise and animation quality have generated significant buzz.
With its blend of action, dark fantasy, and a unique take on Japanese folklore, Tougen Anki is poised to be one of the most anticipated anime of the Summer 2025 season.
