20 Minutes of Kagurabachi Gameplay Delivers on the Hype

Kagurabachi has quickly become a sensation in the manga world, carrying high expectations from the start. Takeru Hokazono’s dark fantasy revenge saga was hailed as the next big hit in Weekly Shonen Jump even before it had enough chapters to establish its footing, as fans eagerly anticipated a new obsession.

After years of buildup, the series is finally making its anime debut, with the 2026 Anime Expo providing fans their first glimpse during the Kagurabachi World Tour.

Attendees were among the first to experience the opening 20 minutes of the inaugural episode. The premiere featured a panel with voice actor Taihi Kimura, who voices Chihiro Rokuhira, along with manga editor Takuro Imamura and anime producer Koichi Yasuda, offering insights into the series ahead of its official launch in April 2027.

Kagurabachi centers on Chihiro Rokuhira, the son of the renowned swordsmith Kunishige Rokuhira. His tranquil life is shattered when his father is murdered and six mystical Enchanted Blades are stolen by the nefarious Hishaku organization. Armed with Enten—the secret seventh blade forged by his father—Chihiro embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance that escalates into a battle for the fate of the blades. The series combines supernatural swordplay, stylish action, and a surprisingly nuanced emotional narrative, making it one of Shonen Jump’s fastest-growing modern hits.

The presentation on Saturday highlighted how the manga’s distinctive visual style translates into animation, giving fans a taste of the adaptation’s pacing, direction, and action choreography after months of teasers. The first 20 minutes were nothing short of stunning, showcasing Chihiro in action-packed scenes that will resonate with fans of intense swordplay. Witnessing these sequences leap from the page to the screen is an unforgettable experience. Although Episode 1 only covers a fraction of the first chapter, the pacing is exceptional.

Series director Tetsuya Takeuchi employs striking canted angles throughout the episode, capturing the essence of the story in a fresh way. Additionally, Yutaka Yamada’s score adds a profound, ethereal quality that intensifies during action sequences, blending light piano and jazz undertones that enhance the quieter moments. It’s a remarkable experience that fans of Kagurabachi—and anime enthusiasts in general—will not want to miss next year. The wait can’t come soon enough.

For those eager to see Chihiro’s Enten in action, the Kagurabachi World Tour will continue at Anime NYC in August.

Kagurabachi will begin streaming on Crunchyroll in April 2027.