The upcoming television anime adaptation of Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s popular manga, “Kill Blue,” has officially announced that voice actor Shunsuke Takeuchi will portray the protagonist, Juzo Ogami. The highly anticipated series is slated to premiere in 2026.
Anime Adaptation Details and 2026 Release
The official website for the “Kill Blue” TV anime confirmed Takeuchi’s casting for the adult version of Juzo Ogami. The anime, an adaptation of Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s manga, is set to debut sometime in 2026. Hiro Kaburagi, known for his work on Great Pretender and Hozuki’s Coolheadedness, is directing the series at Studio CUE. Miho Daidōji is responsible for the character designs.
The Intriguing Premise of “Kill Blue”
“Kill Blue” follows the unique story of Juzo Ogami, a formidable 40-year-old hitman who has spent his entire life in the shadows. His routine takes an unexpected turn when, during a mission involving a genetic manipulation company, he is stung by a mysterious, genetically-modified wasp. This incident magically regresses his body to that of a 13-year-old boy.
Unable to continue his work as a hitman in his new, youthful form, Ogami is given a new assignment by the head of the Z.O.O. assassin syndicate: to infiltrate a middle school. This unexpected return to adolescence forces the grizzled assassin to navigate the complexities of school life, balancing his secret identity and newfound enjoyment of middle school with the looming dangers of his past profession and the quest to revert to his original age. The manga, created by Tadatoshi Fujimaki (best known for Kuroko’s Basketball), concluded its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump in September 2025.
Shunsuke Takeuchi: A Versatile Voice Actor
Shunsuke Takeuchi, born on September 12, 1997, is a prominent Japanese voice actor affiliated with 81 Produce. He gained significant recognition early in his career, winning the award for Best Rookie Actor at the 10th Seiyu Awards.
Takeuchi has an extensive and diverse filmography, lending his distinctive voice to numerous popular anime characters. His notable roles include the Producer in The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls, Alexander Yamato in King of Prism, Juuza Hyoudo in A3!, Revolver in Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS, Zack Walker in Astra Lost in Space, and Brawler in Akudama Drive. He has also voiced characters such as Harumi Takeda in My Senpai Is Annoying, Ryouken Kougami in Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS, and roles in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans and Drifting Dragons. In addition to his voice acting career, Takeuchi is also involved in music, performing under the stage name Jack Westwood as part of the musical duo Amadeus with rapper Lotus Juice. His casting as Juzo Ogami brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the unique blend of action and school comedy promised by “Kill Blue.”
