The upcoming sequel anime, Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers, has released a “Special First Look Ver.1” video, offering fans a glimpse into the series’ action sequences and, notably, teasing the faces of its new generation of samurai warriors. The highly anticipated anime is set to premiere in January 2026 and serves as an official sequel to the beloved 1988-1989 series, Yoroiden Samurai Troopers (known as Ronin Warriors in the West).
A New Era for the Samurai Troopers
Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers brings the classic hero action series into a modern setting, specifically present-day Shinjuku. The new narrative will follow five young boys who don “Yoroi Gear” samurai armor to combat the returning demon emperor Arago. This marks the first television continuation of the franchise in 37 years since the original series concluded.
The series is being produced by animation Studio Sunrise, with Yoichi Fujita (known for Gintama) directing. Shogo Muto, head writer for Kamen Rider Build, is handling the series composition, while Yuhei Murota (Love Live!) is responsible for character designs. Hideo Okamoto, the armor designer for the original Samurai Troopers, returns to contribute to the new “Yoroigear” designs. Shuji Katayama is composing the music. The original story is credited to Hajime Yatate, the collective pen name for Sunrise’s creative staff.
Special Video Highlights Characters and Action
The “Special First Look Ver.1” video provides a brief but exciting preview of the anime’s action scenes, building anticipation for the full release. Crucially, the video moves beyond earlier teasers that only showed characters in silhouette, now offering clearer looks at the protagonists.
The main cast of voice actors and their respective characters have been revealed:
- Gai voiced by Hiiro Ishibashi
- Kaito Uesugi / Sōkyū no Kaito voiced by Junya Enoki
- Musashi Hōjō / Suiren no Musashi voiced by Ayumu Murase
- Yamato Hōjō / Kōya no Yamato voiced by Shunsuke Takeuchi
- Shion Ishida / Senkō no Shion voiced by Kentarō Kumagai
The video also includes new “arming scenes” for the four additional Samurai Troopers, showcasing their transformations with elements like “Water Curtain,” “Wilderness,” “Azure Sky,” and “Flash of Light,” alongside Gai’s “Blazing Heat”.
Legacy and Anticipation
The original Yoroiden Samurai Troopers aired from April 1988 to March 1989 and gained a significant following, particularly in the United States as Ronin Warriors. The series inspired three OVA sequels, manga, and novels. Crunchyroll currently streams the original anime, which describes the plot as an ancient evil spirit, Arago, Emperor of Doom, returning to conquer the human world after a thousand years, prompting five young samurai to fight back.
The announcement of Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers has generated considerable buzz among long-time fans and new viewers alike. With a blend of classic themes and a modern setting, the sequel aims to deliver intense battles and a compelling new chapter in the saga of the Samurai Troopers. Fans are eagerly awaiting the January 2026 premiere to see how this new installment lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.
