HIDIVE streamed an incomplete version of episode 21 of the Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho anime on Sunday, September 1, 2025, according to the streamer. The episode aired with missing frames, filters, and significant graphic effects, reportedly due to scheduling constraints for the simulcast release.
Details of the Incomplete Broadcast
The issues with Episode 21 were immediately noticeable to viewers, who reported missing visual elements, including frames, filters, and other graphic effects. This resulted in a substandard viewing experience for subscribers expecting the full, polished episode of the supernatural historical fantasy series.
HIDIVE’s Official Statement and Resolution
In response to the incomplete broadcast, HIDIVE confirmed on Monday, September 2, 2025, that the version released was an “interim version” provided by the licensor to meet the scheduled simulcast release. The streaming service stated its commitment to delivering high-quality content and announced that it would roll out the final, complete version of Episode 21 “as quickly as possible” for subscribers. As of September 1, HIDIVE has updated the episode to the final version.
Broader Context of Sword of the Demon Hunter Production
This incident adds to a history of production challenges for Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho. The anime adaptation of Moto’o Nakanishi’s novel series was originally slated to premiere with a one-hour special on June 27, 2024, with weekly episodes following in July 2024. However, due to “production delays,” the series’ broadcast was postponed to 2025, eventually premiering on March 3, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks, and subsequently on HIDIVE. The anime is planned to run for two consecutive cours (quarters of a year).
The anime is being produced by Yokohama Animation Laboratory, with Kazuya Aiura directing and Deko Akao overseeing series scripts. The ongoing production struggles have been noted by viewers since the first episode.
Impact on Viewers and the Streaming Landscape
While HIDIVE quickly addressed the issue by replacing the incomplete episode, the incident highlights the pressures of simulcast releases and the potential for technical and production challenges to affect the viewer experience. Streaming services like HIDIVE, which specializes in anime, aim to provide timely access to new episodes, but this sometimes comes with the risk of receiving unfinished masters if production schedules are tight.
This event also comes amidst a competitive and evolving anime streaming landscape, where consistency in content delivery is crucial for subscriber satisfaction.
