The official website for the upcoming television anime adaptation of Motoei Shinzawa’s High School! Kimengumi manga announced on Tuesday the voice cast for the “Udegumi” (literally “Arm Gang”) athletes, a prominent clique of sports-focused students. This latest casting reveal adds more depth to the highly anticipated modern reboot, which is set to premiere in January 2026.
Meet the ‘Udegumi’ Lineup and Their Voice Actors
Leading the “Udegumi” is Kai Undō, voiced by Yūsuke Kobayashi. Kobayashi will portray the leader of this athletic group, known for their prowess across various sports clubs.
The full roster of announced “Udegumi” cast members includes:
- Kai Undō: Voiced by Yūsuke Kobayashi (Leader)
- Ken Akiresu: Voiced by Takuto Yokoyama
- Susumu Intahai: Voiced by Masayuki Satō
- Yutaka Konjō: Voiced by Shuya Watanabe
- Chikara Suji: Voiced by Ayumu Asakura
Notably, the names of the “Udegumi” members incorporate clever wordplay related to physical education and athletic terms. For instance, the names Kai Undō and Ken Akiresu are homonyms in Japanese for “athletic meet” and “Achilles’ heel,” respectively, a nod to the series’ comedic roots.
A Modern Take on a Classic Gag Comedy
The new High School! Kimengumi anime brings the beloved 1980s gag comedy into the contemporary Reiwa era. The original manga, and its initial television anime, were set in the 1980s, captivating audiences with its unique brand of humor. This modern adaptation aims to reintroduce the chaotic and memorable characters to a new generation while offering a nostalgic treat for long-time fans.
The Enduring Appeal of Kimengumi
The series revolves around the “Kimengumi,” a group of five eccentric and quirky students who navigate the absurdities of high school life. Their antics often lead them into hilarious competitions and interactions with other distinct groups within the school, all while befriending the school’s cutest girl and her best friend.
The narrative of High School! Kimengumi is characterized by its fast-paced humor and unforgettable cast. It explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the everyday—or rather, extraordinary—experiences of being a high school student. The return of familiar groups like the Iro’otokogumi, Bangumi, and Omegumi, alongside the newly cast Udegumi, ensures that the spirit of the original will be well-represented.
Production Details and Previous Cast Announcements
The new anime is being directed by Kazuaki Seki, making his directorial debut in anime, with Takashi Nishikawa serving as the animation director. Shigeru Murakoshi is overseeing the series scripts, and Yuka Abe is responsible for character designs. Animation Studio Seven is handling the production, with planning and production by Slow Curve. The series will be broadcast on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block.
Prior to the Udegumi announcement, the main cast for the titular Kimengumi members and other key characters was revealed. This includes 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. Haruka Shiraishi voices Yui Kawa, and Ikumi Hasegawa plays Chie Uru. The cast for the “Bangumi” delinquents, led by Nobuhiko Okamoto as Yō Nihiruda, was also previously announced.
