The official website for the upcoming television anime adaptation of Motoei Shinzawa’s classic gag comedy manga, High School! Kimengumi, has revealed the voice cast for the “Bangumi” delinquents. Nobuhiko Okamoto leads the new additions, set to voice Yō Nihiruda, the notorious leader of the “Bangumi” group.
A Modern Take on a Classic Gag Comedy
First serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump, High School! Kimengumi (also known as High School! Funny-Face Club) is returning to screens with a new TV anime set to premiere in January 2026. Unlike its original 1980s setting, this modern remake will transport the eccentric antics of the “Kimengumi” and their rival factions into Japan’s contemporary Reiwa era. The series is known for its five idiosyncratic, wacky student protagonists who navigate school life alongside other colorful cliques, including the athletic “Ude-gumi,” the tough “Onna-gumi,” and the handsome “Iro Otoko-gumi”.
The ‘Bangumi’ Delinquents Take Center Stage
A significant focus of the recent announcement was the casting for the “Bangumi” (literally “Program”) group, a quintet of delinquent students notable for having repeated a year in junior high. Leading this troublesome faction is Yō Nihiruda, who will be voiced by the seasoned Nobuhiko Okamoto. Okamoto is known for his versatile roles in various anime.
The full lineup for the “Bangumi” delinquents includes:
- Yō Nihiruda: Voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Omiya Nakasudō: Voiced by Toshiki Horikita
- Kensaku Meri: Voiced by Yūhi Asagiri
- Ranto Jōgai: Voiced by Masafumi Kobatake
- Koeru Tabuchi: Voiced by Kazuki Ogawa
This announcement rounds out a key rival group, promising more comedic confrontations and unique character dynamics in the upcoming series.
The Full Ensemble of Eccentric Characters
Prior to the “Bangumi” reveal, the main cast for the “Kimengumi” themselves, as well as other central characters, had already been announced. The principal members of the “Kimengumi” include Tomokazu Seki as Rei Ichidō, Shunsuke Takeuchi as Gō Reietsu, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kiyoshi Shusse, Chiaki Kobayashi as Jin Daima, and Kikunosuke Toya as Dai Monohoshi. Additionally, Haruka Shiraishi will voice Yui Kawa, and Ikumi Hasegawa will take on the role of Chie Uru. This diverse cast aims to bring the beloved characters to life for both returning fans and a new generation.
Production Details and Release
The new High School! Kimengumi anime is directed by Kazuaki Seki, who makes his anime directorial debut with this project, having previously worked on music videos for prominent artists. Animation Studio Seven is handling the production, with Takashi Nishikawa serving as the animation director. The series composition is managed by Shigeru Murakoshi, and Yuka Abe is responsible for character design.
The anime is slated to premiere in January 2026 and will be broadcast on Fuji TV network’s Noitamina programming block on Fridays at 11:30 p.m. JST. Fans can anticipate a fresh interpretation of the iconic gag comedy, promising to deliver both nostalgic charm and contemporary appeal.
