The highly anticipated anime adaptation of SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table (also known as Shibō Yūgi de Meshi o Kū.) is officially set to premiere on January 7, 2026. The announcement, accompanied by a new promotional video, confirms the debut date and expands on the series’ cast, offering fans a deeper look into the dark survival thriller.
January 2026 Premiere Date Confirmed
The television anime series will begin its broadcast on January 7, 2026, airing on Tokyo MX and other networks. This confirms earlier reports of a January 2026 window, solidifying the start of what promises to be a brutal and original take on the death game genre. Produced by Studio DEEN, the series adapts the popular light novel by Yushi Ukai and Nekometaru, which explores a world where deadly games are not just entertainment but a means of survival and employment.
Key Cast Members Revealed for Intense Survival Story
Leading the cast is Chiyuki Miura, who will voice the protagonist, Yuuki. Yuuki is depicted as a stoic and unsettlingly calm professional death game participant with a mysterious past, already seasoned in the art of survival at just seventeen. Rena Motomura has also been announced to voice the character Aoi. The anime’s narrative plunges Yuuki and five other girls into the “Ghost House,” a mysterious mansion filled with deadly traps and games, where they must constantly fight for their lives and, literally, for food.
Visionary Staff Behind the Production
Behind the intense visuals and psychological tension of SHIBOYUGI is a talented production team. Souta Ueno is directing the series at Studio DEEN, known for their work on various anime titles. Rintarou Ikeda is handling the series composition, ensuring a compelling narrative flow, while Eri Osada is responsible for the character designs, bringing Ukai’s original illustrations to life. The haunting musical score will be composed by Junichi Matsumoto. These key staff members are poised to deliver a gripping adaptation that delves into the desperate psychology of its characters.
A Glimpse into the World of SHIBOYUGI
The series is based on the light novel written by Yushi Ukai and illustrated by Nekometaru, which began publication in November 2022. The story diverges from typical survival horror by institutionalizing death games, forcing participants into a career of lethal challenges to earn their living. This unique premise promises a psychological thriller blended with explosive action and gritty social commentary. The opening theme song, “Ersterbend,” will be performed by Lin from MADKID. Fans can anticipate a dark and original anime that explores the profound desperation and the will to survive in a world where life itself is the ultimate currency.
