The upcoming short anime adaptation of Hiroshi Kurao’s comedic spinoff manga, Fist of the North Star: Elegy of Ken-Oh’s Army Grunts (Hokuto no Ken: Ken’ō-gun Zako-tachi no Banka), has officially announced its main voice cast. The series, which offers a unique perspective from the lowest ranks of Ken-Oh’s (Raoh’s) army, is slated to air and stream in January 2026.
A New Perspective on a Post-Apocalyptic World
The Fist of the North Star: Elegy of Ken-Oh’s Army Grunts anime puts a humorous spin on the grim, post-apocalyptic world established by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara’s legendary Fist of the North Star manga. Instead of focusing on the powerful martial artists, this spinoff centers on the daily struggles and dark humor of the expendable foot soldiers serving under Ken-Oh (Raoh), the Conqueror of the Century’s End.
The story follows a protagonist named Nobu, who, in the year 199X after a nuclear apocalypse, finds employment as a mere grunt in Ken-Oh’s formidable army. The manga’s tagline, “Three daily meals included, company room and board, no experience necessary!”, hints at the comedic tone as Nobu navigates a workplace where fatalities often outnumber job applicants.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Grunts to Life
The official announcement, made via the anime’s X (formerly Twitter) account, revealed the talented voice actors stepping into the roles of these unlikely heroes and the narrator.
Hiro Shimono as Nobu
Leading the cast is Hiro Shimono, who will voice Nobu, the central character navigating the perilous life of a grunt in Ken-Oh’s forces. Shimono is well-known for his diverse roles, including Zenitsu Agatsuma in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Connie Springer in Attack on Titan. His casting suggests a blend of comedic timing and relatable everyman qualities for Nobu.
Shinnosuke Ogami as Zaku
Shinnosuke Ogami joins the cast as Zaku. Ogami’s past roles include various supporting characters, and his involvement is expected to add another layer of character to Ken-Oh’s diverse army.
Masaaki Yano as Buzz
Masaaki Yano has been cast as the character Buzz. Yano has lent his voice to several anime productions, and his portrayal of Buzz will likely contribute to the ensemble’s dynamic.
Shinya Takahashi as the Narrator
Veteran voice actor Shinya Takahashi will take on the crucial role of the narrator, guiding viewers through the comedic and often dangerous adventures of Ken-Oh’s grunts. Takahashi’s experienced narration will undoubtedly enhance the storytelling and comedic timing of the short anime.
Anime Release and Background
The short anime is scheduled to premiere in January 2026. The original manga, Hokuto no Ken: Ken’ō-gun Zako-tachi no Banka, was serialized on Coamix’s Manga Hot app from November 2017 to February 2020, concluding with three compiled volumes. This anime adaptation is distinct from the new Fist of the North Star anime adapting the original manga, which is also set to premiere in 2026. The simultaneous development of both projects highlights the enduring legacy and expanding universe of the Fist of the North Star franchise.
