The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Shu Sakuratani’s Rooster Fighter manga has unveiled additional cast members, with Yūko Kaida, Jun Kasama, and Natsumi Fujiwara joining the production. The new voice actors will take on the roles of Kugone, Yuji, and Hikari, respectively, for the series set to premiere in Spring 2026.
Key Cast Announcements and Character Roles
The latest casting news, revealed at the Anime NYC convention, expands the roster for the action-comedy anime. Yūko Kaida will portray Kugone, described as Gakuma’s right-hand woman who is instrumental in creating demons across Japan. Jun Kasama steps into the role of Yuji, while Natsumi Fujiwara will voice Hikari. These additions follow earlier announcements that included Kenta Miyake as the protagonist Keiji, Mariko Honda as Elizabeth, and Shiori Izawa as Piyoko. Other recently announced cast members include Hikaru Tōno as Sara and Akio Ōtsuka as Keizan.
Rooster Fighter: The Story of Humanity’s Avian Protector
Rooster Fighter centers on Keiji, an extraordinary rooster who serves as humanity’s last hope against giant, monstrous demons. These formidable opponents, often “ten stories tall,” are no match for Keiji’s indomitable spirit and powerful battle cry, “Kokekokko!” The narrative follows Keiji on a quest for vengeance against “The White Demon,” a mutant responsible for killing his sister, Lisa. Along his journey, he encounters various creatures and people, defending them from demons and undergoing significant personal experiences.
The manga, written and illustrated by Shū Sakuratani, began serialization on Hero’s Inc.’s Comiplex manga website in December 2020. It has garnered a reputation for its unique blend of action, comedy, and parody, often playing its “batshit insane” premise with a straight face.
Production Details and Release Window
The anime adaptation is being produced by Sanzigen and Sola Entertainment, with Daisuke Suzuki at the helm as director and Hiroshi Seko handling series composition. Joseph Chou serves as producer for the series. Viz Media holds the licensing rights for the anime’s worldwide streaming, television broadcast, electronic sell-through (EST), home video, and merchandising outside of Japan, with Hero’s Inc. managing these rights within Japan. The series is confirmed to be broadcast in the United States on Adult Swim.
Fans can look forward to the Rooster Fighter anime’s premiere in Spring 2026. A world premiere of the first episode was also held at Anime NYC, giving attendees an early glimpse into Keiji’s epic battles.
