TOKYO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The anime Kagurabachi, based on a next-generation flagship title from Weekly Shonen Jump, has announced that Yuichi Nakamura has been cast as Soshiro Azami. Alongside this announcement, a new character visual, trailer and comments from Nakamura have also been unveiled.
Kagurabachi (Original Author: Takeru Hokazono), currently serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump, has surpassed a cumulative circulation of 4.5 million copies (including digital editions). A stellar team of creators has been assembled for the project. Production will be handled by CyberAgent group company animation studio, Cypic (Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, The Summer Hikaru Died), the anime boasts an all-star staff, including Director Tetsuya Takeuchi (Action Animation Director on Sword Art Online II, Battle Scene Storyboards/Episode Director/Animation Director on Heavenly Delusion) and Character Designer Keigo Sasaki (Blue Exorcist, The Seven Deadly Sins). The protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, is voiced by Taihi Kimura, winner of the Best New Actor award at the 2025 Seiyu Awards.
Yuichi Nakamura Cast as Soshiro Azami!
Yuichi Nakamura will play Soshiro Azami, a sorcerer affiliated with the Kamunabi. To commemorate the announcement, comments from Nakamura were also shared.
Full Comments from Yuichi Nakamura:
Q. What are your impressions of the character you voice, and what did you keep in mind while voicing them?
Although there are still relatively few characters, I paid close attention to how he balances with the others.
This should really pay off when a lot more characters start appearing later on...!
I approached the role viewing him as someone who is serious, yet carries a bit of a dry demeanor.
Q. How did you feel when you were cast, and what are your thoughts on the anime?
I read the manga when I auditioned for the role, and I felt like it really embodied the recent "spirit of Jump." I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, so I ended up reading every volume that had been released!
I'm incredibly excited to see all those memorable scenes brought to life in the anime.
Q. What were your thoughts when you first read the manga?
Although it starts off with a dark atmosphere, the protagonist's convictions and goals are clearly defined, making it really fun to read.
The action may be what catches people's attention first, but the worldbuilding, artistic sensibility, and unfolding story are equally captivating.
Q. What is Azami's greatest charm?
He strikes me as a realist who serves as a contrast to the romanticist Shiba.
He's compassionate, yet there's something interesting about how he stays slightly detached.
I think he's a character whose appeal will become increasingly apparent as the story progresses.
Q. How would you describe the appeal of the series in one phrase?
"Incandescent!"
Soshiro Azami Character Visual & Trailer Unveiled!

Soshiro Azami Character Introduction
A sorcerer affiliated with the Kamunabi. One of the few people who knows of Chihiro's existence, which had been kept secret. Possessing extraordinary physical strength that allows him to overwhelm his opponents with devastating blows, he stands out as one of the Kamunabi's most formidable members.
Soshiro Azami Character Trailer:
English: https://youtu.be/O7A5d4obyyo
Japanese: https://youtu.be/x3Y3UaoGW4I
About KAGURABACHI
View Teaser Trailer:
English: https://youtu.be/pC39732i1bA / Japanese: https://youtu.be/Ppmbg4IoL3g
Broadcasting and Streaming information
April 2027
Crunchyroll, MUSE, and SMG HOLDINGS, among others
Introduction
A single stroke opens a new era, cutting a path from Japan to the world—
Weekly Shonen Jump's Neo-Japanese Sword Action series begins here!
From day one, the Kagurabachi manga has captivated fans, weaving a blood-soaked tale of revenge through breathtaking sword-fight sequences.
And now, known for its uncompromising quality, animation studio Cypic brings the story to life with jaw-dropping visuals!
Story
Flames of resolve, kindled by hatred.
Chihiro Rokuhira is a boy who aspires to become a swordsmith, and took daily training under his father Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith. Their days, once filled with laughter, are brutally torn apart by an attack from the mysterious sorcerer organization, the Hishaku.
What is stolen from them are the six Enchanted Blades—swords of immense power capable of shaping the fate of the nation—and the gentle, warm life they once shared.
From that day on, everything changed. In a world engulfed in darkness, Chihiro takes up Enten, the seventh Enchanted Blade left behind by his father, and sets out on a blood-soaked path of revenge.
Staff
Original Work: "Kagurabachi" by Takeru Hokazono (Serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump)
Director: Tetsuya Takeuchi
Character Design: Keigo Sasaki
Production: Cypic
Production Committee Leads: Shochiku & CyberAgent
Cast
Chihiro Rokuhira: Taihi Kimura
Kunishige Rokuhira: Tomokazu Seki
Togo Shiba: Katsuyuki Konishi
Soshiro Azami: Yuichi Nakamura
Hinao: Miku Ito
Char Kyonagi: Miyari Nemoto
Official Links
Original Work
Cumulative circulation has surpassed 4.5 million copies (including digital editions)!
Title: Kagurabachi
Author: Takeru Hokazono
Previously Published: Available online on MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA and published in print and digitally by Viz Media (English Version).
Copyright Notices
*When featuring the cover art for Kagurabachi Volume 1 or the original illustration by Takeru Hokazono, please ensure the following copyright notice is included.
©Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA
*When featuring anime image assets, please ensure the following copyright notice is included.
©Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA,Project Kagurabachi
*Copyrights must be indicated when posting or using the images/materials
*Single space is needed between "Takeru" and "Hokazono," and between "Project" and "Kagurabachi."
*No space needed after "/(slash)" and ",(comma)."
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Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier hat den Festakt zum Tag der Deutschen Einheit in Bremen für eine eindringliche Warnung vor der Gefährdung der Demokratie genutzt. In seiner voraussichtlich letzten großen Rede zu diesem Anlass sprach er von einer angefochtenen demokratischen Ordnung und mahnte, radikale Kräfte entschieden abzuwehren. Angesichts wachsender Erfolge populistischer und extremistischer Parteien sieht Steinmeier nicht nur Freiheit und Demokratie, sondern auch die innere Einheit des Landes unter Druck.
Steinmeier verwies darauf, dass inzwischen „ein Viertel und mehr“ der Wähler mit ihrer Entscheidung deutlich machten, dass sie sich von wichtigen Grundentscheidungen der Bundesrepublik abwenden. Diese Entwicklung werde begleitet von „unerträglicher politischer Demagogie“, in der Menschen verhöhnt und bedroht würden. Die Diskreditierung demokratischer Verfahren, die Radikalisierung der Öffentlichkeit und die Diffamierung des Kompromisses seien Warnsignale, die man nicht ignorieren dürfe. Populistische Parteien aller Couleur destabilisierten die parlamentarische Demokratie, sagte er.
Deutliche Kritik übte der Bundespräsident an der Rolle der sozialen Medien. Eine „Flut der Manipulationen und der Lügen“ trage zur „schrillen Emotionalisierung“ des politischen Diskurses bei und befeuere extremistische Tendenzen. Steinmeier forderte, die demokratische Streitkultur zu verteidigen und den Kompromiss wieder als Stärke zu begreifen. Ob die Demokratie in Deutschland einer Entwicklung ähnlich der Weimarer Republik entgegengehe, sei nicht entschieden – man habe es „in der Hand“.
Zugleich erinnerte Steinmeier an die historischen Grundlagen des Feiertags. Vor 36 Jahren sei mit der deutschen Wiedervereinigung eine „tiefe Wunde“ geheilt worden, die das Land zuvor über Jahrzehnte in einem „unnatürlichen Zustand der inneren Spaltung“ gehalten habe. Der Tag der Deutschen Einheit sei Anlass, die erste friedliche Revolution für Freiheit und Demokratie in Deutschland und ihre Protagonisten im Gedächtnis zu behalten. Die Errungenschaften der Einheit dürften von aktuellen Krisen nicht überdeckt werden, mahnte Steinmeier, und rief die Bürger dazu auf, sich aktiv für die liberale Demokratie einzusetzen. Er zeigte sich überzeugt, dass diese den aktuellen Belastungen standhalten könne: „Wir sind so viel stärker, als wir glauben.“