New Anime “Hokuto no Ken” Casts Takeuchi Shunsuke as Kenshirou! Teaser PV Released Featuring His Famous Line “Omae wa mou shindeiru”

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original manga, a completely new anime series, 『Hokuto no Ken -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-』, is set to broadcast and stream in 2026. As the first glimpse of this project, a teaser PV has just been released. Furthermore, it has been revealed that Takeuchi Shunsuke will voice Kenshirou, Yamashita Daiki will voice Bat, and M・A・O will voice Rin. Comments expressing their enthusiasm have also arrived from the cast.

About the Original Hokuto no Ken

『Hokuto no Ken』 is an action manga created by Buronson (story) and Hara Tetsuo (art). Set in a post-apocalyptic world where civilization has been lost due to nuclear war and violence reigns supreme, it depicts the journey of Kenshirou, the successor of Hokuto Shinken, as he grows into a savior burdened by love and sorrow.

『Hokuto no Ken』 new edition Volume 1 cover art

Serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” from 1983 to 1988, the series captivated readers with its overwhelming artistic skill depicting the world and character visuals, as well as the life story of the protagonist, Kenshirou, who defeats evil with the ultimate assassination technique, “Hokuto Shinken.” Starting with a TV anime adaptation in 1984, it has been loved by fans both domestically and internationally through various media mixes. With cumulative sales exceeding 100 million copies, it has truly become a monumental work of action manga.

『Hokuto no Ken -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-』 Key Visual #1

『Hokuto no Ken -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-』 is a completely new series anime commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original work. It aims to fully animate the charm of the original manga using new staff, cast, and the latest visual technology. The battles of the men living in the century’s end will carve a new legend in the Reiwa era.

As the first footage for the series, a teaser PV has just been released, featuring appearances by Kenshirou, Bat, and Rin. Also, this teaser PV revealed the main cast, announcing that Takeuchi Shunsuke will take on the role of Kenshirou, the 64th successor of the ultimate assassination technique, “Hokuto Shinken.”

『Hokuto no Ken -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-』 Character Image Visual [Bat & Rin]

Bat, who journeys with Kenshirou, will be voiced by Yamashita Daiki, and Rin-chan will be voiced by M・A・O. Comments expressing their aspirations have also been received from the cast. Additionally, a character image visual showing Bat and Rin-chan powerfully moving through the wasteland has been unveiled, further heightening anticipation for their roles in the main story.

The completely new series anime 『Hokuto no Ken -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-』, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original 『Hokuto no Ken』, is scheduled to broadcast and stream in 2026. We look forward to further updates.

Comments from the Cast

Takeuchi Shunsuke

Q1. Your enthusiasm for this work.
It is a great honor to be involved in Hokuto no Ken, a work that depicts universal human themes.
For me, Hokuto no Ken is a story of “love.”
Isn’t the greatest charm of this work the depiction of various forms of love: romantic love, friendship, human love, love-hate, universal love? As long as “love” exists, humanity can surely be reborn. I want to carefully express this unwavering theme.

Q2. Your favorite line from “Hokuto no Ken.”
“O… O-shisan… mu… mukashi no you ni… mou ichido nukumori wo…” (O… Master… just like the old days… warmth once more…) This is Sauzaa’s line.

Q3. Your favorite character.
Sumimasen… actually, I’m part of the Nanto faction, my favorite is Rei.

Q4. Your encounter with “Hokuto no Ken.”
It was when I was in elementary school, a friend recommended it to me.
My elementary school teacher was a Hokuto fan, so there was a special exception that only ‘Hokuto no Ken’ manga was allowed during reading time. Because of that, my friends and I often passed it around and read it at school.
Also, being of that generation, convenience store comics and various anime versions were released on soft media. Games like “Hokuto Musou” and the “AC” series started coming out, so I spent my after-school days continuing to enjoy Hokuto.

Q5. What is necessary to survive in the world of the century’s end?
Put simply, assassination techniques.

Yamashita Daiki

Q1. Your enthusiasm for this work.
I’m super fired up about getting the opportunity to play the role of Bat in Hokuto no Ken! Bat is Kenshirou’s younger brother figure, and sometimes an equal nakama. He’s a charming character with the toughness to survive in a harsh world, while also bringing brightness and humor to the scene. I want to portray his lighthearted speech, quick-witted actions, deep trust in his nakama, and his growth carefully.
In particular, the bond he shares with Rin-chan and Kenshirou is the core of Bat’s heart, so I’m really looking forward to building that carefully from the start! I want to survive this world, growing alongside my nakama and alongside Bat!

Q2. Your favorite line from “Hokuto no Ken.”
It’s a classic, but 『Omae wa mou shindeiru.』 (You are already dead.) I said it over and over again since I was a kid, lowering my voice as much as possible on the verge of breaking! (lol)
I also liked Bat’s relationship with Toyo Baasan, the grandmother in the village he was in before! Even without a blood connection, the form of family is very important in this world, and knowing that it’s a power for living left a deep impression on me, making it a story I cherish!

Q3. Your favorite character.
I like everyone individually, but Rei is just so cool! I remember being glued to the screen by his cool appearance fighting for his sister and risking his life for friendship.

Q4. Your encounter with “Hokuto no Ken.”
It was through the manga at my cousin’s house…! I think I was in elementary school back then, a time when my desire to become strong was particularly intense! I read it feeling as though I was also becoming stronger through the life-risking battles. My cousin’s house was about a 2-hour bike ride away, so I would visit to read the manga under the guise of training! I think my legs and lower back got a bit stronger! (lol)

Q5. What is necessary to survive in the world of the century’s end?
More than anything, I think it’s toughness of heart! No matter what happens, believing in tomorrow, believing in your nakama, and believing in yourself is an important element for surviving! However, in the story, it’s precisely those with such indomitable and kind souls that the fangs of the wicked prey upon…(cries) When that happens, let’s call out together, ready… KEEEN!!!

M・A・O

Q1. Your enthusiasm for this work.
I am M・A・O, and I will be appearing as Rin-chan.
It is a great honor to be able to participate in a work that has been loved by so many people around the world.
Along with Rin-chan’s loveliness and inner strength, I want to portray the “shukumei” (fate) I felt for her through the original work, doing my utmost best!

『Hokuto no Ken』, which is said to have caused a social phenomenon in the past, will be depicted as anime in the Reiwa era, and I sincerely hope you look forward to its broadcast and distribution.

Q2. Your favorite line from “Hokuto no Ken.”
“Watashi wa akuma ni wa shitagawanai. Tatoe donna koto ga atte mo. Akuma ni kutsuu shitara ningen ja naku naru… Sou Ken wa oshiete kureta mon” (I won’t obey the devil. Even if anything happens. If I surrender to the devil, I won’t be human anymore… Ken taught me that) This line reveals young Rin-chan’s strength of heart, and I felt that brave actions can become hope for people.

Q3. Your favorite character.
It is Rei-san, who is Kenshirou-san’s good rival and also his friend.
He is kind and passionate, and more than anything, I think the way he cares for his sister is wonderful!

Q4. Your encounter with “Hokuto no Ken.”
I don’t remember the exact age, but I think it was when I was in the lower grades of elementary school.
I often watched the TV anime reruns with my younger brother.

Q5. What is necessary to survive in the world of the century’s end?
I think it’s richness of heart, trusted nakama, and muscles!!

Staff & Cast

(C)武論尊・原哲夫／コアミックス, 「北斗の拳」製作委員会