Are you ready to turn up the heat this winter? The highly anticipated TV anime Hikuitori: Ushu Borotobi Gumi (火喰鳥 羽州ぼろ鳶組) is officially hitting screens on January 11, 2026! Along with the premiere date, we finally got confirmation that the legendary rock band Porno Graffitti will be performing the opening theme. Get ready for a historical action series that is truly on fire! 🔥
Meet the Samurai Firefighters Defying Edo’s Deadliest Infernos
Forget the traditional samurai duals for a moment; it’s time to meet the “Hikeshi”—the heroic firefighters of the Edo period. The story follows Gengo Matsunaga (松永 源吾), a legendary firefighter who once walked away from the flames but is now tasked with rebuilding a broken squad. Mocked by others as the “Boro-Tobi” (Ragtag Kites), this underdog crew must band together to save lives and protect the city from a mysterious series of arsons known as “Kitsunebi” (Foxfire). It’s a gritty, emotional, and high-stakes drama that brings a unique side of Japanese history to life!
From Naoki Prize Novel to High-Stakes Animated Action
One of the biggest reasons for the hype is the source material. Hikuitori is based on the award-winning novel by Shogo Imamura (今村 翔吾), a recipient of the prestigious Naoki Prize. Known for his deep research and gripping storytelling, Imamura has crafted a world where honor, duty, and survival collide in the smoke-filled streets of old Japan. With SynergySP handling the animation, fans can expect a visually stunning adaptation that stays true to the soul of the original books. 📚✨
Porno Graffitti Returns with a Powerful New Opening Theme
Music fans, rejoice! The iconic rock duo Porno Graffitti—the voices behind legendary hits for Fullmetal Alchemist and My Hero Academia—is back. Their new song, titled “Desperado” (はみだし御免), was specifically written for the series by guitarist Haruichi Shindo after he dove deep into the original novels. He describes the track as a powerful anthem for those struggling through times of great change, perfectly mirroring the rebellious spirit of the Boro-Tobi squad. You can already hear a teaser of this high-energy track in the latest PV! 🎸🎶
Elite Voice Cast Brings the Gritty World of Hikuitori to Life
The cast list for this series is absolutely stacked! Leading the charge is Yuichiro Umehara (梅原 裕一郎) as the stern but passionate Gengo Matsunaga. He is joined by an incredible lineup including Shuichiro Umeda (梅田 修一朗), Nobunaga Shimazaki (島﨑 信長), and Kensho Ono (小野 賢章). Seeing these heavy hitters portray a band of rough-and-tumble firefighters is going to be a treat for any voice-acting enthusiast. The chemistry between these characters is definitely one of the highlights to watch out for! 🎤🌟
Broadcast and Streaming Schedule for the January Premiere
Mark your calendars for January 11, 2026! The series will air every Sunday at 11:30 PM JST on the “Agaru Anime” block across 28 stations in Japan. For those who prefer streaming, the show will be available on U-NEXT and Anime Hodai starting January 12 at 1:00 AM JST. Whether you are watching live or catching up on-demand, make sure you don’t miss the fiery debut of the Boro-Tobi crew!
Catch the Early Screenings and Watch the Latest Trailer Now
Can’t wait until January 11? There’s a special early screening event held at United Cinemas Toyosu on January 8, featuring the main cast and the original author, Shogo Imamura! For everyone else, the second official trailer is now live on YouTube, showcasing the intense action and the new theme song. Check out the link below to get a head start on the excitement! Watch the Second PV here.
Join the Squad: Official Links and Next Steps
The fire is just starting to spread! Be sure to follow the official X (Twitter) account and visit the website for the latest updates, character art, and behind-the-scenes content. Don’t forget to pre-save Porno Graffitti’s new single “Desperado” so you’re ready for the premiere! 🚒💨
- Official Website: Hikuitori Official Project Page
- Pre-save “Desperado”: Listen to Porno Graffitti
株式会社アミューズクリエイティブスタジオ
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