Kagurabachi’s first 20 minutes slices through the explosive Anime Expo hype
Kagurabachi, Takeru Hokazono’s dark fantasy revenge manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, has achieved rapid popularity since its debut, quickly establishing itself as one of the franchise’s most anticipated properties. The series is finally transitioning to anime after years of fan anticipation and internet speculation, marking a significant milestone for a story that captured devoted followers even before accumulating enough chapters to fully establish its narrative.
The anime adaptation made its public debut at Anime Expo 2026, which serves as a central hub for the Kagurabachi World Tour. At the convention, attendees—including media representatives—became among the first people globally to experience the opening 20 minutes of the anime’s first episode, giving fans their initial glimpse of the animated adaptation.
The premiere event featured a panel discussion including Taihi Kimura, who voices protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira, and Kagurabachi manga editor Takuro Im. This combination of voice talent and production personnel underscores the adaptation’s significance and the production’s commitment to honoring the source material.
The transition from manga to anime represents a major moment for the franchise, which had already generated substantial internet buzz and speculation about its potential for expanded media. The physical premiere at Anime Expo, combined with the World Tour strategy, demonstrates a coordinated effort to build global momentum for the anime adaptation while capitalizing on the manga’s existing fanbase.