The hit manga Kagurabachi, penned and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono, is set to make its highly anticipated anime debut. According to a report from the esteemed Japanese publication Toyokeizai, the anime adaptation will be spearheaded by CyberAgent’s animation studio Cygames Pictures, in collaboration with Shochiku.
This strategic pairing signals a bold move to decentralize anime production and bring fresh perspectives to the ever-competitive anime industry.
What Sets the Kagurabachi Anime Apart?
Unlike recent adaptations of iconic Shonen Jump series like Jujutsu Kaisen by MAPPA or My Hero Academia by Bones, Kagurabachi’s production team opted for Cygames Pictures.
While Cygames is relatively newer in the field compared to the giants of anime production, their prior works, including the critically acclaimed Uma Musume series, showcase a track record of high-quality animation and storytelling.
This decision aligns with Shueisha’s approach to distributing workload across studios, minimizing the risk of overburdening more established production houses.
An industry insider shared with Toyokeizai:
Spreading production across different studios not only avoids burnout but ensures a balance in quality and timely delivery. Cygames Pictures presented a pitch and visuals that impressed both the Shueisha editorial team and Hokazono himself.
Also Read- Why is Kagurabachi So Popular? A Look at the New Manga Sensation, Trailer Preview | Animeking
Kagurabachi: A Manga Success Story
Launched in September 2023, Kagurabachi has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and quickly rose to prominence. The story follows Chihiro Rokuhira, a skilled swordsman with a dark past, as he embarks on a quest for vengeance using a mystical sword forged by his late father. With only four volumes, the series has already surpassed one million copies in circulation, rivalling the rise of modern hits like Jujutsu Kaisen.
VIZ Media, which has licensed the manga in North America, describes it as:
As a young boy, Chihiro trains daily under his father to become a master swordsmith. Although their days are peaceful, tragedy strikes, leaving Chihiro with a burning desire for revenge. Following the clues left by a yakuza organization, he uncovers a sinister group of sorcerers called the Hishaku—possible orchestrators of his father’s demise.
CyberAgent & Shochiku: A “Third Force” in Anime
This collaboration between CyberAgent and Shochiku marks a significant shift in the anime landscape. CyberAgent’s involvement includes leveraging their streaming platform ABEMA, while Shochiku brings decades of expertise in anime distribution, including cinematic releases like Gundam. Industry observers view this pairing as a potential “third force” to rival industry giants like Sony and Toho.
Cygames Pictures is also gearing up for other ambitious projects in 2025, including the adaptations of The Summer Hikaru Died and Uma Musume Cinderella Gray.
What Fans Can Expect from Kagurabachi adaptation
While no specific release date or streaming platforms have been confirmed, Kagurabachi’s anime adaptation is already shaping up to be one of the most significant announcements in the industry this decade. Fans eagerly await details on how Cygames Pictures will bring Chihiro Rokuhira’s gripping journey to life.
With its compelling narrative, high-octane action, and themes of revenge and family, Kagurabachi is poised to make waves in both anime and manga history.
