Renowned Japanese actor, comedian, and singer Yō Ōizumi is set to perform the ending theme song for the upcoming television anime series, “Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-.” The song, titled “Kagerō” (Heat Haze), marks Ōizumi’s first foray into contributing a theme song for an anime production.
The announcement comes as the historical firefighting anime gears up for its premiere on January 11, 2026, across CBC, TBS, and 26 other channels in Japan, airing in the “Agaru Anime” programming block on Sundays at 11:30 p.m.
Yō Ōizumi’s New Musical Endeavor
Yō Ōizumi, widely recognized for his extensive career across film, television, stage, and voice acting, is now adding anime theme song performer to his impressive resume. While Ōizumi has a significant musical background, including the release of his compilation album “YO OIZUMI ALL TIME BEST” in 2023 and subsequent recital concerts, “Kagerō” represents a new milestone in his diverse career.
His multifaceted talent has earned him multiple Japan Academy Film Prizes for acting, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Japanese entertainment. This latest musical contribution is anticipated to bring his unique artistic expression to the anime viewing audience.
“Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-” Anime Details
The “Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-” anime is an adaptation of Shōgo Imamura’s historical novel series, “Ushūboro Tobigumi,” specifically drawing from its first volume, “Hikuidori” (Fire Eater). The story transports viewers to the late Edo period, focusing on Matsunaga Gengo, once celebrated as “The Fire-Eating Bird” for his prowess in combating great fires in Edo.
After a period away from firefighting, Gengo is called upon to revive the struggling Shinjo clan’s fire-fighting team, a unit often ridiculed as “ragged steeplejacks” due to its lack of resources and personnel. Encouraged by his wife, Miyuki, Gengo embarks on the challenging task of rebuilding the team, committed to saving every life despite the odds. The narrative also weaves in a mysterious element with a series of suspicious fires known as “foxfires” plaguing Edo.
Production and Staff
The anime series is being animated by SynergySP. Hiroshi Yasumi is directing the series, with Hajime Kamegaki serving as the “head director.” Ryūsuke Mori is in charge of the series scripts, collaborating with Shōhei Fukuda, Yoriko Tomita, and Kōhei Nishimura. BILBA is credited for the original character designs, Takeshi Sanada is the CG director, and Akiyoshi Tanaka handles the sound direction. The musical score for the anime is composed by Yasuharu Takanashi.
Main Voice Cast
The talented voice cast bringing the characters to life includes:
- Yūichirō Umehara as Gengo Matsunaga
- Shūichirō Umeda as Shinnosuke Torigoe
- Subaru Kimura as Torajiro
- Nobunaga Shimazaki as Hikoya
- Kenshō Ono as Seijuro Kaji
- Ayaka Miyoshi as Miyuki
- Junichi Suwabe as Kankurō Ōto
The opening theme song for the anime, “Hamidashi Gomen,” will be performed by the popular Japanese rock band Porno Graffitti.
An advance screening of the first two episodes, with cast members in attendance, is scheduled for January 8 at United Cinema Toyosu in Tokyo. The series will also be streamed by Crunchyroll.
