The highly anticipated anime series, SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table, has released its main promotional video, offering a thrilling glimpse into its dark world and confirming five additional cast members. Set to premiere on January 7, 2026, the survival mystery anime promises a twisted blend of psychological horror, dark comedy, and high-stakes action, with global streaming available on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
SHIBOYUGI’s Deadly Premise Unveiled
SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table introduces viewers to Yuki, a 17-year-old professional “death gamer” who earns her livelihood by participating in perilous, ultra-violent survival competitions. The narrative begins as Yuki awakens in a mysterious “Ghost House” or “strange manor” alongside five other girls, all clad in maid uniforms. Unlike her terrified companions, Yuki is composed, recognizing the deadly scenario as another opportunity to secure prize money and free her family from debt.
Produced by Studio Deen, the series is based on the popular light novel by Yūshi Ukai and Nekometal, which has received critical acclaim and a manga adaptation. The anime is lauded for its unique take on the death game genre, emphasizing character psychology over excessive gore, drawing comparisons to series like Danganronpa, SAW, Kakegurui, and Squid Game.
Meet the New Faces of the Death Game
The newly revealed main promotional video not only showcased the anime’s intense atmosphere but also confirmed five more additions to the Japanese voice cast. These talented seiyuu will bring to life some of the pivotal characters trapped in the deadly manor alongside protagonist Yuki.
Japanese Voice Cast Additions:
- Rena Motomura as Aoi
- Inori Minase as Kinko
- Haruka Satō as Kokutō
- Mutsumi Tamura as Beniya
- Rina Kawaguchi as Momono
Chiyuki Miura stars as the series’ lead, Yuki.
English Dub Cast Announced
For international audiences, Crunchyroll has also announced the English dub cast, with a same-day release alongside the Japanese version.
- Suzie Yeung as Yuki
- Dawn M. Bennett as Hakushi
- Michelle Marie as Kinko
- Morgan Berry as Beniya
- Kayli Mills as Momono
- Brianna Knickerbocker as Aoi
- Sky Santacruz as Kokuto
Production Details and Release
SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table is directed by Sōta Ueno at Studio Deen, with Rintarou Ikeda handling series composition and Eri Osada designing the characters. The series is set to debut on January 7, 2026, on Tokyo MX and other broadcast networks in Japan.
Global audiences will be able to stream the series concurrently. Crunchyroll will offer weekly simulcast episodes in multiple regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Netflix is also listing the series for streaming starting on the same day. The English dub will also be available on Crunchyroll from January 7.
A Twisted Take on the Survival Genre
The series promises to be a standout in the Winter 2026 anime season, offering a fresh twist on the “death game” subgenre. Unlike some predecessors, SHIBOYUGI reportedly avoids excessive blood and gore, instead focusing on the disturbing psychological elements and the characters’ reactions to their dire circumstances. Yuki’s unique profession as a seasoned death game participant provides a compelling angle, as she navigates the traps and outsmarts the house, all while her newfound companions grapple with the terrifying reality of their situation. This blend of experienced professionalism and raw fear is expected to create a dynamic and deeply entertaining narrative.
