Naoki Prize-winning author Shogo Imamura’s hit historical novel is heading to TV with flames blazing. The anime adaptation Hikuidori: Ushu Borotobi-gumi（火喰鳥 羽州ぼろ鳶組）has confirmed its January 11, 2026 premiere on the nationwide “Agaru Anime” Sunday late-night block across 28 CBC/TBS-affiliated stations, and the latest update brings new cast members, the first PV, and fresh event details.
Edo Firefighters Take Center Stage in “Hikuidori”
Set in Edo, the story follows Gengo Matsunaga, once known as the city’s top fireman and feared as the “Hikuidori” (fire-eating bird) for stopping major blazes. Having quit the job for complicated reasons, he’s suddenly scouted by the financially strapped Ushu (Shinjo) domain to rebuild its failing fire brigade. Together with his practical, supportive wife Miyuki, Gengo becomes head of a ragtag crew mocked as the “Boro Tobigumi” and vows to save every life he can—even as mysterious arson cases dubbed “fox-fire” begin to haunt the city.
From Hit Historical Novel to TV Anime Adaptation
Ushu Boro Tobigumi began as a historical novel series by Shogo Imamura, who went on to win the Naoki Prize for his later work Saiou no Tate. The series has earned multiple awards, including the Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Award, and is often cited as one of his signature titles. The anime is produced by Amuse Creative Studio as its first major animation project, with direction by Hiroshi Yasumi and animation by SynergySP, turning a best-selling literary fire brigade drama into a full Edo action series on screen.
New Voices for Miyuki and Rival Fire Chief Kankuro
Two key characters have just received star casting. Miyuki, Gengo’s frugal, level-headed wife who quietly pushes him back toward the fire lines, will be voiced by actor and model Ayaka Miyoshi. She describes bringing warmth and steadiness to the role despite having little prior voice acting experience. Facing Gengo on the other side of the flames is rival fire chief Kankuro Ooto, the proud head of Kaga domain’s fire brigade known as “Yatagarasu.” He will be played by Junichi Suwabe, who hints that beneath Kankuro’s swagger lie some unexpectedly charming qualities he hopes to draw out.
Fiery First PV Showcases Rescue Action and Drama
The first promotional video finally lets fans see the Boro Tobigumi in motion. The PV cuts between roaring fire scenes, tense rooftop rescues, and glimpses of Gengo’s younger days as the feared “Hikuidori.” Viewers can spot core squad members fighting through smoke and debris, a visual emphasis on ladders, hooks, and traditional Edo firefighting tools, and the contrast between Gengo’s rough battlefield presence and the grounded calm he shows at home with Miyuki. It’s a quick but intense look at how the anime plans to balance period detail, squad banter, and large-scale fire sequences. Fans can watch the teaser on YouTube via the official link on the project site or directly at this PV page.
Broadcast and Streaming Details for Winter 2026
Hikuidori: Ushu Borotobi-gumi will air from January 11, 2026 in the “Agaru Anime” block on CBC/TBS and 26 other JNN stations across Japan, in the Sunday 23:30 time slot. For streaming, U-NEXT and Anime Hodai will offer early Monday-morning episodes starting January 12, with additional services expected to follow in Japan. Overseas platforms have yet to be fully detailed, but global viewers can watch for region-specific announcements as winter 2026 approaches. The official website’s broadcast page and the Agaru Anime portal both list Hikuidori as part of their Winter 2026 slate.
Screenings, Tie-In Posters and Growing Hype
The rollout isn’t stopping with a PV. A special advance screening of Episodes 1 and 2 is scheduled for January 8, 2026 at United Cinemas Toyosu, featuring cast members Yuichiro Umehara, Shuichiro Umeda, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Kensho Ono, Ayaka Miyoshi and original author Shogo Imamura on stage. The series is also teaming up with Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency and Tokyo Fire Department for public-safety tie-in posters, which will appear at fire stations nationwide. Before the broadcast even begins, Tokyo Comic Con 2025 will host a talk show with Imamura and Umehara and debut collaboration apparel and “hanten” coats at the HiKESHi SPiRiT booth. For ongoing updates, fans can visit the official site at Hikuidori-project.com or follow the project’s X account @hikuidori_pj.
©今村翔吾／祥伝社／ぼろ鳶組一同
✨✨✨More Anime You’ll Love:
Who Is Nachoneko? Virtual Star Gets New High-Quality Figure from F:NEX
New Cast Announced for “Potion, Waga Mi o Tasukeru (ポーション、わが身を助ける)” as TOKYO MX Late-Night Slot Begins Oct 2
“Saihito” Palmyra Church Arc: Where to Watch Fast, New Visual & 3rd PV Drop
A Surreal, Warm-Hearted Family Comedy: Kujima Utaeba Ie Hororo Premieres April 2026
