Highlights
- Veteran voice actor Tomokazu Seki has been cast as Kunishige Rokuhira, Kagurabachi protagonist Chihiro’s father.
- Kunishige’s creation of the Enchanted Blades and his murder serve as the foundation for the anime’s revenge-driven narrative.
- The anime is scheduled to premiere in April 2027, supported by a global promotional campaign that starts in July 2026.
CyPic’s Kagurabachi anime has cast veteran voice actor Tomokazu Seki as Kunishige Rokuhira, the legendary swordsmith father of protagonist Chihiro. The announcement, released on June 19 by producers CyberAgent and Shochiku, was accompanied by a new character visual and a dedicated Kunishige Rokuhira trailer.
Seki is well-known in the industry for voicing popular characters, including Gilgamesh in the Fate/stay night series, Rob Lucci in One Piece, and Kyo Sohma in Fruits Basket. Kunishige is the father of protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira and the creator of the powerful Enchanted Blades that shaped the entire narrative and outcome of the Seitei War.
As per the official character introduction from the press release, he is the only swordsmith capable of forging the Enchanted Blades, highlighting his significance in Kagurabachi’s narrative.
His death at the hands of the criminal sorcerer organization, the Hishaku, sets Chihiro’s revenge-driven journey, making Kunishige both the emotional anchor and the story’s catalytic force. The character trailer features his motto, "Katana should be wielded by those dedicated to vanquishing evil."
VA Seki on How Kunishige’s Role Reflects Kagurabachi’s Core Themes
Although Kunishige dies before the main story begins, his influence permeates nearly every major development in Kagurabachi anime. The swords he forged remain at the center of the conflict, while his teachings continue to guide Chihiro’s actions.
The newly released character materials emphasize both sides of Kunishige’s personality, portraying him as a legendary craftsman while also showcasing the kindness and humor that defined him as a father. “I voiced the role with the aim of conveying the charm of both of those sides naturally,” Seki said in an official statement.
Seki added that he considers Kunishige “an important presence in the story” and expressed personal alignment with the character. He also added that Kunishige’s charm lies in his ability and strength to love deeply while upholding convictions.
The voice actor called Kagurabachi “a passionate series” and said he was drawn to its blend of action, revenge, and emotional depth, with a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers hooked. Seki further described the series’ appeal in a single phrase: “A spirit passed down.”
That description mirrors Kunishige’s narrative function. While Chihiro seeks vengeance against the Hishaku, much of the story revolves around preserving the ideals and craftsmanship of his late father. 2025 Seiyu Awards' Best New Actor award winner Taihi Kimura takes on the role of protagonist Chihiro.
Kagurabachi is scheduled to begin streaming in April 2027. Ahead of its release, the production committee has launched the Kagurabachi Anime World Tour, featuring a screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1, in an attempt to promote the anime in international markets.
Anime Expo 2026 will host the first screening, alongside appearances from the cast and production staff. Shueisha’s hit Weekly Shonen Jump manga series, which started serialization in September 2023, has already surpassed 4M copies in circulation.
