The upcoming anime film KILLTUBE has revealed its main cast, a new key visual, and behind-the-scenes information during a panel at Anime Expo 2025 on July 5, 2025. The film is slated for a worldwide release in Spring 2026.
Main Voice Cast Revealed
The primary voice cast for KILLTUBE features:
- Yui Tsukada as Musashi.
- Kengo Kawanishi as Kikuchiyo.
- Ayane Sakura as Leonardo.
Yui Tsukada takes on her first leading role as Musashi, a protagonist described as living life freely. Kengo Kawanishi portrays Kikuchiyo, a cunning con artist, while Ayane Sakura voices Leonardo, an inventor.
New Key Visual and Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
A fresh key visual for the KILLTUBE theatrical anime film was unveiled, providing a new look at the project. Additionally, a “cast reveal movie” and preview videos were released, highlighting the newly announced cast and offering a glimpse into the film. During the Anime Expo 2025 panel, director Kazuaki Kuribayashi was expected to share insights into the creative vision and the story behind KILLTUBE‘s creation. A world premiere of a scene from the film was also presented at the event.
Production Details and Synopsis
KILLTUBE is produced by STUDIO DOTOU, a collaborative animation studio established by CHOCOLATE Inc., KASSEN, and WACHAJACK. This marks CHOCOLATE Inc.’s inaugural anime film production, part of its “108 Experiments” initiative, which aims to explore innovative methods for creating, presenting, and monetizing original stories. The film has a substantial reported budget of 1 billion yen (approximately US$6.8 million).
The film’s production staff includes Kazuaki Kuribayashi as director, Yutaka Uemura as assistant director, and Saeri Natsuo, Ryo Takemura, and Takenori Tokuyama as scriptwriters. Yusuke Ujita is credited with the world view setting, and Nike Shimaguchi is responsible for character design and technical direction.
The official synopsis of KILLTUBE describes a setting in 2026, where Japan maintains its isolation under the Edo Shogunate. Amidst stringent social hierarchies, three individuals from the lower strata of society cross paths in a prison cell. They subsequently join a dueling video platform known as “KILLTUBE” with the aim of achieving fortune and securing their freedom in a segregated world. This era, dubbed the “Age of Great Duels,” allows participants to accumulate significant wealth by defeating strong opponents. As they defy conventions and achieve successive victories, they gain popularity and become celebrated figures. However, at the peak of their fame, they uncover a hidden truth behind the “KILLTUBE” platform.
A one-minute pilot film for KILLTUBE was previously released in April 2024, at which time the film’s production was initially announced.
