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Solo Levelingis arguably the most popular anime released this year. It dominated social media and anime discussions while it aired a few months ago, and it remains as one of the most commented-on series this year, even without new episodes. While fans eagerly wait for the announcement ofSolo Leveling Season 3, they should also keep an eye on an upcoming anime that seems destined to become a massive hit:Kagurabachi.
Even those who don’t often read manga might have already heard ofKagurabachi. It is one ofShonen Jump’s current flagship titles, written by Takeru Hokazono, and it has the potential to become one of the most popular anime ever, a massive hit that could perhaps even surpass series likeSolo Leveling.
Kagurabachi Is Shonen Jump’s Next Big Hit
Kagurabachihas been in serialization since 2023, and it quickly gathered a lot of attention with its dark and gritty tone. It was quickly dubbed “the newJujutsu Kaisen” due to some similar themes, but in many ways,KagurabachiresemblesSolo Levelingmore. Sure, it is an original story that differs from both series but holds a few likenesses that can attract similar audiences. Additionally,Kagurabachiis already much more successful than most manga that haven’t yet been adapted into anime, with over 2 million copies in circulation as of May 2025. The series is likely to explode in popularity when the anime adaptation is released.
Butwhat makesKagurabachiso appealing? This is not an easy question, but the main character definitely helps. Chihiro Rokuhira is not the typical cheerful shonen protagonist of series likeMy Hero Academia. Instead, he is on a mission to avenge his father. The first chapter starts with a bloodshed scene, then introduces Chihiro, who is on a mission to avenge the death of his father with his powerful katana. His father was the blacksmith who forged the six Enchanted Blades, which were used in an important war. One day, a group of criminals murders him and steals the blades. However, they didn’t know that there was a seventh blade, Enten, which is the one Chihiro holds while targeting those who killed his father.
Every week, I’m amazed at the composition that feels like watching a movie. He understands what it means to be cool.
—Naruto creatorMasashi KishimotoaboutKagurabachi
So, instead of a typical story about a character overcoming challenges to become the best, we are presented with a story about vengeance with an edgy and determined protagonist acting alone, a very promising and appealing premise.
Cygames Pictures Is The Perfect Studio for It
The manga seems to have all it takes to become one of the biggest anime hits of the past few years. However, a good anime isn’t just about having a good story. It also requires good animation and direction, among other elements (like soundtrack and so on). While the anime hasn’t been officially announced byShonen Jump, Toyo Keizai, one of Japan’s leading business publications, has reported that aKagurabachianime is in production. Fans were expecting the anime to be handled by studios like A-1 Pictures, MAPPA, CloverWorks, Ufotable, Bones, or even Toei—studios known for adaptingShonen Jumpseries. However,according to Toyo Keizai,Cygames Pictures will be responsible for the animation.
Shonen Jumpreaders might not be familiar with Cygames Pictures, as many of their works are adaptations of Cygames properties, butthe studio generally delivers high-quality animation. For instance, it animated Shinichiro Watanabe’sBlade Runner Black Out2022 short anime film, which is set after the originalBlade Runner. It also animated Masami Obari’sBrave Bang Bravern!in 2024. One of its most recent works isApocalypse Hotel, currently airing this season. While all the series mentioned are niche, they have been praised for the quality of animation and visuals.Kagurabachiis likely to have a higher budget than any of them, so Cygames Pictures will surely be able to deliver something even better.
When Will Kagurabachi Anime Be Released?
Toyo Keizai only confirmed that the anime is in the works but hasn’t reported a release window. It would be reasonable to expect a 2026 release, but that remains speculation for now. There may be news onKagurabachiat Anime Expo 2025 in early July. It has been reported thatNetflix has acquired the streaming rightsto the anime. If true, Netflix may drop new information about the series during their panel on July 5.
For now, as the anime adaptation hasn’t been officially announced byShonen Jump, Cygames, Netflix, or any other potentially involved party, there is no official release date or release window.
Netflix Can Take Kagurabachi Even Higher
With a good story adapted by a great studio,Kagurabachican become one of the flagship titles in Netflix’s exclusive anime catalog. Netflix might finally have an exclusive anime hit that dominates fan discussion and social media while, and maybe even after, it airs. With the right investment and production, Kagurabachi has the potential to become one of those rare and unprecedented hits.
Kagurabachiis available to read on MANGA Plus in English, Spanish, and many other languages.
