What you need to know:
- The TV anime adaptation of Akita Shoten Weekly Shounen Champion’s currently popular “Mogen Anki: The Legend of Cursed Blood” (written by Urushihara Yura) has been confirmed. The play is based on the beloved Japanese folk tale “Momotaro” and depicts the conflict between the descendant of an oni (demon) and Momotaro. The comic has sold over 3 million copies in print since its initial launch in 2020, and the landmark 20th volume will be released on May 8. “Taoyuan Anki Project” was launched in June 2023. The first stage play starring well-known actors such as Allen Abe was widely praised, and a sequel has been confirmed to be produced in January 2025. A trailer for the anime premiered on the official YouTube channel, announcing that the TV series is set to air in 2025. Shiki Ichinose, Naito Noda and Kane Takasaki.
- In the trailer, the protagonist Shiki Ichinose stands in front of a crumbling building. His demon blood exceeds his rationality and plunges him into a state of madness, while smiling sinisterly. This image set the stage for a new era of dark heroic stories.
The trailer showcases key lines from the original manga and shows Shiki’s confusion after discovering his demonic heritage, effectively setting the stage for the story to begin. - Casting has also been revealed. Kazuki Ura, who has been active since the beginning of the project and recently won the Best Actor Award at the 18th Voice Actor Awards in March, will voice Shiki Ichinose. Hiroshi Kamiya will play Mudano Naito, a teacher at Rakshasa Academy where Shiki is studying, and Kotaro Nishiyama will play Shiki’s classmate Hitoshi Kozaki.
- About a year after the project was launched, “Taoyuan Anki” is now preparing for broadcast. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting series!
generalize
Togen ANKI
Original author: Urushihara Yura
Serial: Weekly Shōnen Champion (Akita Shoten)
Volumes 1-19 are now available! Volume 20 will be released on May 8th!
*Currently published in seven countries in Europe and Asia. The English version is scheduled to be released later this year on September 17 by Yen Press.
summary
“You inherited the bloodline of ghosts…”
The bloodlines of “Oni” and “Momotaro” are passed down from generation to generation among some humans. A long time ago, the ghost tribe realized their ferocity and lived a secluded life. However, their peace is shattered by an invasion led by Momotaro. For thousands of years, these two factions formed the “Momotaro Society” and the “Ghost Society” respectively, and have been in conflict ever since.
The protagonist Shiki Ichinose suddenly learns of his ghost ancestry after Momotaro’s unexpected attack. This revelation sets Shiki on a path to discover the destiny in his blood—and an encounter with the ghost that inhabits his body.
—A new generation of dark heroic stories begins with this demonic tale!
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Shiki Ichinose (VA: KAZUKI URA)
The protagonist who inherits the ghost bloodline. Shiki’s life changes drastically when he is suddenly attacked by “Momotaro”, allowing him to discover his true ghost heritage. After learning the news, he entered Luo Xue Academy, a training school for ghosts.
NAITO MUDANO (Virginia: Hiroshi Kamiya)
Lecturer at Luoxue Academy. Naito was a rationalist who despised inefficiency and waste.
JIN KOUGASAKI (VA: KOUTARO NISHIYAMA)
Shiki’s classmate at Rase Academy always wears a black mask. Jin and Shiki have a contentious relationship, often experiencing conflicts and disagreements.
Official link
Website: tougenanki-anime-global.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@ItsAnimeJP
TikTok: tiktok.com/@itsanimeenglish
Source: Official press release
