The highly anticipated new anime adaptation of Motoei Shinzawa’s classic gag comedy manga, High School! Kimengumi, is set to premiere on January 9, 2026, and will feature the return of celebrated voice actor Kenichi Ogata reprising his role as Principal Sakio Kochō from the original 1985 television series. The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 7, confirming a nostalgic callback for long-time fans while introducing the eccentric school to a new generation.
High School! Kimengumi‘s Grand Return in the Reiwa Era
The beloved High School! Kimengumi manga, which originally ran in Weekly Shonen Jump, is making a significant comeback with a brand-new anime series slated for 2026. While the original manga and its first anime adaptation were set in the 1980s, this new iteration will transplant the chaotic humor and quirky characters into the modern Reiwa era. The series centers around the “Kimengumi,” a group of five idiosyncratic students whose bizarre antics lead to hilarious situations, often befriending the cutest girl in school and her best friend.
The new anime will debut on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block, airing on Fridays at 11:30 p.m. Studio Seven is handling the production, with Kazuaki Seki, known for his work on various music videos, directing the series. Shigeru Murakoshi is in charge of series composition, and Yuka Abe is designing the characters.
Kenichi Ogata Reprises Iconic Role
A highlight for fans of the original series is the confirmation that Kenichi Ogata will once again lend his distinctive voice to Principal Sakio Kochō. Ogata is a veteran Japanese actor and voice actor with a prolific career spanning over five decades. He is widely recognized for numerous iconic roles, including Professor Hiroshi Agasa in Detective Conan, Genma Saotome in Ranma ½, Myōga in Inuyasha, and King Dedede in Kirby: Right Back at Ya! His return as the principal signifies a bridge between the classic and contemporary versions of the comedic series.
A Fresh Cast Joins the Chaos
While Ogata brings a familiar voice, the new High School! Kimengumi anime will introduce a fresh ensemble of voice actors to portray the eccentric students and their peers. The main cast includes Tomokazu Seki as Rei Ichidō, Shunsuke Takeuchi as Gō Reietsu, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kiyoshi Shusse, Chiaki Kobayashi as Jin Daima, and Kikunosuke Toya as Dai Monohoshi. Haruka Shiraishi and Ikumi Hasegawa will voice Yui Kawa and Chie Uru, respectively, the two girls who take an interest in the “Strange Mask Group’s” peculiar ways.
The production team, including director Kazuaki Seki, aims to infuse the timeless absurdity of Kimengumi with a bold, modern energy for this Reiwa-era adaptation. With a mix of nostalgic returns and fresh talent, the 2026 High School! Kimengumi anime is poised to deliver a new wave of laughter and chaotic school life.
