The official website for the upcoming anime adaptation of Motoo Nakanishi’s “Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho” novel series has released a second promotional video, showcasing the anime’s opening theme song, “Continue,” performed by the Japanese rock band NEE. This historical fantasy anime is set to premiere on March 31, 2025, promising a captivating journey through time and intertwined destinies of humans and demons.
Edo-Era Fantasy: What to Expect from “Sword of the Demon Hunter”
“Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho” transports viewers to Japan’s Edo period, a time of turmoil and famine. The story centers around Jinta, a young man serving as the guardian of Shirayuki, the shrine maiden (“Itsuki-hime”) of Kadono village. He lives with Suzune, who he sees as a sister. One day, while on a demon-hunting mission, Jinta encounters a mysterious demon who speaks of a future Demon God threatening humanity, with the seeds of this threat originating in Kadono. This encounter sets Jinta on a centuries-spanning journey through time, questioning the meaning of wielding a sword.
A Plot Spanning Centuries
The anime’s narrative stretches across 170 years, from the Edo period to the Heisei period, with the protagonists traversing through time and space. This unique premise blends historical fantasy with time travel elements, promising a complex and engaging storyline.
“Continue”: The Opening Theme Sets the Stage
The second promotional video offers a preview of the opening theme song, “Continue,” by the rock band NEE. The band members expressed their honor in being chosen to perform the opening theme, noting that this is NEE’s first anime tie-up and the last song written by their vocalist, Kuu, who passed away last year. The song is expected to resonate with the story’s themes of fate, duty, and the enduring struggle against evil.
NEE’s Comments on “Continue”
NEE’s translated comments reveal the personal significance of the song: “We are very honored to be in charge of the opening theme for the TV anime ‘Kijin Gentosho.’ This is NEE’s first anime tie-up. It is also the last song written by vocalist Kuu, who passed away last year. I hope you will enjoy this story and song, which I feel very attached to.”
Production Details and Cast
The anime is produced by Yokohama Animation Laboratory, with Kazuya Aiura (Assistant Director on 7SEEDS) directing. Deko Akao (Ragna Crimson) is in charge of series composition, while Taro Ikegami (Legend of Mana -The Teardrop Crystal-) is handling character designs. The music is composed by Ryuichi Takada, Keiichi Hirokawa, and Kuniyuki Takahashi, all from MONACA.
Key Staff Members
- Director: Kazuya Aiura
- Series Composition: Deko Akao
- Character Design: Taro Ikegami
- Music: Ryuichi Takada, Keiichi Hirokawa, Kuniyuki Takahashi (MONACA)
- Sound Director: Noboru Haraguchi
Voice Cast
- Jinta: Taku Yashiro
- Suzune: Reina Ueda
- Shirayuki: Saori Hayami
- Douka no Oni (Assimilation Demon): Hiroshi Shirokuma
- Toomi no Kijo (Demoness of Foresight): Yui Kondou
Premiere Date and Streaming Information
“Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho” is set to premiere on March 31, 2025, with a one-hour special episode. The anime will air on Tokyo MX, MBS, BS Fuji, and other networks in Japan.
Broadcast Schedule
- Tokyo MX: Premieres March 31, 2025 (Monday) at 9:30 PM JST. Regular episodes air every Monday at 12:00 AM JST starting April 7.
- MBS: First episode airs April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) at 2:30 AM JST. From April 8 onward, new episodes air every Tuesday at 3:00 AM.
- BS Fuji: Airs the first episode April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) at 12:00 AM JST. Weekly episodes continue every Tuesday at 12:30 AM starting April 8.
Streaming Platform
The series will be available for streaming on HIDIVE, with the first episode airing at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on March 31, 2025. Subsequent episodes will be released every Monday at 11:00 AM Eastern Time, starting April 7, 2025.
Story and Characters
The story revolves around Jinta, a strong and determined young man raised in Kadono village alongside Suzune. As the guardian of Shirayuki, the village’s shrine maiden, Jinta is tasked with protecting her from demons. Shirayuki, graceful and serene, holds significant spiritual importance and is constantly at risk.
Main Characters
- Jinta: The protagonist, a skilled swordsman with a strong sense of duty and kindness.
- Suzune: Jinta’s sister-like companion, warm-hearted, supportive, and courageous.
- Shirayuki: The revered shrine maiden, carrying significant spiritual importance and a mysterious aura.
Themes and Setting
Set in the Edo period, the anime explores themes of fate, duty, and the struggle against supernatural forces. The series’ historical fantasy setting provides a rich backdrop for the characters’ journeys through time.
Additional Information
- The anime was initially scheduled for release in June 2024 but was delayed due to production issues.
- Hilcrhyme, featuring Izumi Nakasone, will perform the ending theme song, “Senyaichiya (One Thousand and One Nights).”
- Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the English version of the manga adaptation by Yu Satomi.
- The first episode will be a 1-hour special.
