Get ready to be engulfed in flames of excitement! Shogo Imamura’s historical firefighter novel, Hikuidori, is blazing its way to manga on April 24th, 2025. This thrilling adaptation, titled Hikuidori Ushūboro Tobigumi (Fire-Eating Bird: Ushū Brigade in Worn-Out Clothes), will be illustrated by Shinobu Seguchi and serialized in Akita Publishing’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine.
From Award-Winning Novel to Manga Mania
Hikuidori is the first installment in Imamura’s Ushūboro Tobigumi series, which began in 2017. The novel has garnered critical acclaim, winning the sixth Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Award in 2021. With 12 volumes and a spin-off short story collection already published, the series has captured the hearts of readers with its captivating characters and thrilling depiction of historical firefighting.
Imamura is also known for his Ikusagami (Last Samurai Standing) novels, which have also been adapted into a manga and are set to become a live-action series on Netflix in November 2025.
A Fiery Plot: Bravery in the Edo Period
Hikuidori plunges readers into the Edo period, a time of vibrant culture and devastating fires. The story centers around Matsunaga Gengo, a former top firefighter samurai, nicknamed “Hikuidori” (Fire-Eating Bird). Gengo had abandoned his life as a firefighter for personal reasons, but when he receives an offer to serve in the domain of Shonai, he decides to accept the challenge.
The Shonai Fire Group is in dire straits, lacking resources, talent, and respect. With the support of his wife, Miyuki, Gengo takes on the responsibility of rebuilding the team and protecting the people of Edo from the constant threat of fire.
The manga adaptation promises to bring Imamura’s vivid world to life with stunning visuals and dynamic action sequences. Seguchi’s artwork will capture the grit and determination of the firefighters as they battle raging infernos and confront the challenges of their time.
Anime Adaptation Ignites Winter 2026
But the fiery excitement doesn’t stop there! An anime adaptation of Hikuidori is also in the works, slated for release in Winter 2026. Animation production will be handled by SynergySP, a studio known for its work on series such as Girlfriend, Girlfriend and A Couple of Cuckoos.
The anime will be based on the first volume of the Ushūboro Tobigumi novel series and is titled Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix. A teaser video has already been released, showcasing the anime’s stunning visuals and introducing the main characters. The anime is set during the Edo period, a time when mysterious arsons plagued Japan, and a group of firefighters emerges to combat the chaos.
Imamura himself has expressed his excitement for the adaptations, stating, “These men who never give up will warm your hearts. I am convinced that this will be the best anime and manga based on a historical novel.”
More Than Just Flames: Themes of Courage and Camaraderie
Hikuidori is more than just a historical action story. It’s a tale of courage, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. The firefighters of the Ushūboro Tobigumi face not only the dangers of fire but also the challenges of a society grappling with change and inequality.
The series explores themes of:
- Bravery: The firefighters risk their lives to save others, demonstrating extraordinary courage in the face of danger.
- Camaraderie: The members of the Ushūboro Tobigumi form a strong bond, supporting each other through thick and thin.
- Perseverance: Despite facing numerous obstacles, the firefighters never give up on their mission to protect the people of Edo.
- Social Justice: The series touches on issues of social inequality and the struggles of marginalized communities in the Edo period.
Why You Should Be Hyped
- Historical Setting: Immerse yourself in the vibrant and dangerous world of Edo-period Japan.
- Compelling Characters: Root for the brave firefighters of the Ushūboro Tobigumi as they battle flames and overcome personal challenges.
- Thrilling Action: Experience the adrenaline rush of firefighting with dynamic and intense action sequences.
- Emotional Depth: Connect with the characters on a deeper level as the series explores themes of courage, camaraderie, and social justice.
- Award-Winning Source Material: Discover the acclaimed novel series that has captivated readers with its historical accuracy and compelling storytelling.
- Double the Excitement: Enjoy both a manga and anime adaptation, each offering a unique and engaging way to experience the world of Hikuidori.
Other Firefighter Manga to Check Out
If Hikuidori ignites your passion for firefighter stories, here are a few other manga series to explore:
- Fire Force: In a world where people can spontaneously combust, a special firefighting team battles infernals and uncovers a sinister conspiracy.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX-AbjO-VvE] - Firefighter! Daigo of Fire Company M: This classic manga follows the career of Daigo Asahina, a dedicated firefighter who faces various challenges and disasters.
- Fireman: A college student becomes a firefighter and confronts the harsh realities of the profession in early 2000s South Korea.
- Blazing Rescue: A team of highly skilled rescuers battles fires and saves lives in a modern urban setting.
Mark Your Calendars!
Don’t miss the launch of Hikuidori Ushūboro Tobigumi manga on April 24th! And be sure to keep an eye out for the anime adaptation, Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix, in Winter 2026. Get ready to be swept away by this epic tale of historical firefighting!
