The beloved 1980s gag comedy manga, High School! Kimengumi (also known as High School! Funny-Face Club), is set to receive a brand-new television anime adaptation, slated to premiere in January 2026 on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block in Japan. This modern remake aims to reintroduce the eccentric “Kimengumi” to a new generation of viewers, commemorating the series’ enduring legacy.
Revival of a Classic Gag Manga
High School! Kimengumi, written and illustrated by Motoei Shinzawa, first captivated audiences with its absurd humor and quirky characters in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump. The manga began as Third Year Funny-face Club in 1980 before continuing as High School! Kimengumi from 1982 to 1987. Its original anime television series aired from October 1985 to September 1987, alongside an animated film in 1986. The new adaptation arrives as a significant event, especially as October 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the original anime and the 45th anniversary of the manga’s serialization, underscoring its cultural impact.
Key Staff Bringing the Kimengumi to Life
The production team for the new High School! Kimengumi anime features a mix of experienced talent and fresh perspectives. Kazuaki Seki, known for his work on the film Kakukaku Shikajika and music videos for prominent artists, will make his animation directing debut with this series. He is joined by Takashi Nishikawa as animation director, Shigeru Murakoshi handling series composition, and Yuka Abe designing the characters. Creator Motoei Shinzawa has expressed excitement for how younger audiences will perceive this new version.
Star-Studded Cast Announced
The iconic members of the Kimengumi and their companions will be voiced by a talented cast:
- Rei Ichido: Tomokazu Seki
- Go Reietsu: Shunsuke Takeuchi
- Kiyoshi Shusse: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
- Jin Daima: Chiaki Kobayashi
- Dai Monohoshi: Kikunosuke Toya
- Yui Kawa: Haruka Shiraishi
- Chie Uru: Ikumi Hasegawa
Each cast member shared their connection to the original series and their thoughts on the remake, hinting at the blend of nostalgia and fresh energy the anime aims to capture.
A Modern Take on a Beloved Theme Song
Adding to the nostalgic excitement, an image music video has been released featuring a new city-pop style cover of the original theme song, “Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi.” This nod to the past, while embracing modern aesthetics, is expected to resonate with long-time fans and new viewers alike.
The Enduring Appeal of the Kimengumi
At its core, High School! Kimengumi chronicles the bizarre, hilarious, and often nonsensical adventures of a group of misfit high school boys known as the “Kimengumi” (Funny-face Club). Consisting of Rei Ichido, Go Reietsu, Kiyoshi Shusse, Jin Daima, and Dai Monohoshi, these five individuals are renowned for their eccentric personalities and antics. The series is episodic, focusing on their daily troubles at school, interactions with other quirky clubs like the Pretty-boy Brigade and the Buckle-down Bunch, and their unexpected friendship with classmates Yui Kawa and Chie Uru. The manga’s fast-paced humor and parodies of Japanese school life made it a sensation, and the upcoming anime promises to deliver the same blend of absurdity and charm.
Fans can look forward to diving back into the chaotic world of High School! Kimengumi when the new TV anime begins its run in January 2026.
