“e-sports” Anime DARK MACHINE: Completely Original Production to Air in 2026! Starring Ono Kenshou & Uchiyama Kouki, with Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi and Others Co-starring

It has been announced that Ono Kensho will star in the brand-new original anime, **DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION**, slated to air on Fuji TV in 2026. Alongside this exciting news, a teaser PV featuring the main visual (KV) and a soundtrack by SUGIZO has been released, revealing the stellar cast including Uchiyama Kouki, Sugiyama Riho, Sawashiro Miyuki, Aizawa Saya, and Nakamura Yuuichi.

Here are some additional scene photos from the anime to build up the hype!

A Groundbreaking Cross-Media Esports Project

This completely new original anime is part of the **”DARK MACHINE”** cross-media project, a groundbreaking initiative combining an esports game and an anime, a first for the industry! It will unfold simultaneously with an esports game slated for global distribution, aiming to deliver an unprecedented “esports” anime experience centered on “the protagonist’s and team’s growth” and “the evolution of the competition.” The animation production is handled by **Production +h.**, a studio renowned for numerous high-quality works, including *Chikyuugai Shounen Shoujo* and the film *Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction*.

The story is set in a near-future Japan where Chiba has become separated from Kanto due to a rapid rise in sea levels. The globally dominant esports game “Dark Machine” has captivated people and even transformed Japan’s economic system. Golden Valley is the only city in Japan designated as a “Dark Machine” special economic zone.

At the pinnacle of this world is **Ajima**, the 7th generation “Senki,” a title bestowed upon the strongest “Dark Machine” player. Ajima, through “Dark Machine,” has effectively seized control of Golden Valley. The protagonist, **Kairi**, arrives in Golden Valley with his late grandfather’s dying wish, “Find Senki,” in his heart. There, he coincidentally encounters **Rudora**, a girl being pursued by Ajima’s subordinates, “Arudabiru.” Becoming a “Dark Machine” player through his entanglement with Rudora, Kairi’s talent gradually blossoms through numerous fierce battles.

Meet the Stellar Voice Cast

The previously announced cast members for this series include an impressive lineup: **Ono Kensho**, known for roles like Giorno Giovana in *JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind* and Hathaway Noa in *Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway*; **Uchiyama Kouki**, who voices Shigaraki Tomura in *My Hero Academia* and Itoshi Rin in *Blue Lock*; and **Sugiyama Riho**, recognized for her work as Kodata Minare in *Nami yo Kiite Kure* and Kurono Miko in *Necronomiko no Cosmic Horror Show*.

Ono Kensho will be playing **Kairi**, the young protagonist. Kairi leaves his isolated island in Chiba following the death of his grandfather, subsequently encountering the esports game “Dark Machine” and finding new companions, a place to belong, and goals within its competitive world. Uchiyama Kouki takes on the role of **Shin**, a cool, handsome, genius, and sharp-tongued young man who becomes deeply involved with Kairi. Meanwhile, Sugiyama Riho portrays **Buran**, a calm woman who approaches situations with a measured, detached perspective.

Additionally, **Sawashiro Miyuki**, **Aizawa Saya**, and **Nakamura Yuuichi** have also been confirmed to join the cast, bringing even more star power to the project. Sawashiro Miyuki will voice **Rudora**, the founder of the “Dark Machine” professional team “Carbuncle” (Red Gemstone), and the very person who invited Kairi to her team and introduced him to “Dark Machine.”

Aizawa Saya, known for her performances as Monica Everett in *Silent Witch: Chinmoku no Majo no Kakushigoto* and Mejiro Ardan in *Uma Musume Pretty Derby*, will voice **Isana**, the chef at Rudora’s floating cafe, “Carbuncle.” Nakamura Yuuichi will portray **Ajima**, the 7th generation successor to the title of “Senki” (Thousand Oni), the strongest “Dark Machine” player, and Kairi’s ultimate adversary.

Dynamic Visuals and Soundtrack by SUGIZO

Alongside these exciting announcements, character visuals for the six main cast members, setting designs for the mech Kairi pilots in “Dark Machine,” a highly anticipated key visual, and a dynamic teaser PV have also been unveiled.

The captivating key visual, featuring impressive mechs, centers on protagonist Kairi, joined by Shin and Buran as they play “Dark Machine,” with new characters also visible in the background. The teaser PV offers the first glimpse of Kairi speeding through near-future Japan, logging into “Dark Machine,” and battling alongside his companions. In addition to the stunning visuals, the PV also features the voices of Ono Kensho, Uchiyama Kouki, and Sugiyama Riho, allowing fans to get a taste of the characters’ personalities.

Furthermore, it has been revealed that rock musician and music producer **SUGIZO** will be in charge of the soundtrack. His powerful soundscapes and delicate melodies are set to intensely color this work, where the souls of mechs and humans resonate, promising an epic auditory experience.

With the release of these latest details, anticipation for the project is soaring, further fueled by comments from the creative producer for both the game and anime, **Taniguchi Gorou**; the mechanical designer responsible for the mechanical art in both the game and anime, **Tenjin Hidetaka**; and the anime director, **Terada Kazuo**. With a star-studded cast of talented voice actors from popular anime and a production staff highly trusted by anime fans, *DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION* is slated to broadcast in 2026. Fans can look forward to more exciting updates to be revealed in the future!

Comments from the Production Team

Taniguchi Gorou (Creative Producer)

“Sometimes light, sometimes passionate. Please enjoy this story, woven by director Terada and many other talents, with esports as its theme!”

Tenjin Hidetaka (Mechanical Designer)

“‘Dark Machine’ has probably become the work where I’ve created the most robots in my career. Before I knew it, I was dedicated to robot design day in and day out for several years. Each one has a unique personality, so I’m sure there’s a machine that will resonate with your heart. All the staff are putting in our full effort. Please, enjoy this world to the fullest.”

Terada Kazuo (Director)

“A multitude of cool machines! Intense battles! Bullet hell and explosions! A team’s effort, friendship, and growth! Numerous adversities falling upon the protagonist and mysteries unraveling! We’ve packed in many exciting elements and put them together with great momentum. I hope you’ll enjoy it with a drink in hand!”

TV Anime “DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION”

**Broadcast Schedule**
2026 Broadcast

**Cast**

**Staff**

**Original Work**
Project Carbuncle

(C)Project Carbuncle/ DARK MACHINE Committee