Darker Fantasies Await: New Details for ‘Yuusha Kei ni Shosu’ Episode 2
Get ready to descend into the mines! New information has surfaced for the winter 2026 anime Yuusha Kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku (which can be translated as Punish the Hero: Penal Hero 9004 Squad Prison Record). The synopsis and preview screenshots for Episode 2, titled “Punishment: Zewan-Gan Tunnel Suppression Lead 1,” have been released. The episode begins airing on Thursday, January 15th, 2026.
Winter Anime ‘Yuusha Kei ni Shosu’ 2nd Key Visual
What’s This Anime About?
Based on the dark fantasy novel by Rocket Shoukai, Yuusha Kei ni Shosu started its life as a web novel on the “Kakuyomu” site in October 2020. Its first print volume was published by KADOKAWA (Dengeki no Shin Bungei) in September 2021. The story offers a brutal twist on the classic hero’s journey, following criminals who are sentenced to become “Yuusha” (Heroes)—cursed to fight the Demon King, resurrected even if killed, and denied the release of death itself. It chronicles the grim battles of these Penal Heroes against the demon army.
Meet the Team Behind the Animation
The TV anime is directed by Takashima Hiroyuki (note: the “Taka” in his name uses the ladder “daka” kanji) with animation production handled by Studio KAI. The cast features some stellar voices bringing these tormented characters to life.
Main Cast & Staff
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Zairo Forbartz | Azekami Youhei |
| Theoritta | Iizuka Mayu |
The supporting cast is equally impressive, including Ishigami Shizuka, Horie Shun, Toki Shun’ichi, Ueda Youji, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Fukushima Jun, Chiba Shouya, Hikasa Youko, Nakamura Yuuichi, and Oonishi Saori.
| Role | Staff Member |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Rocket Shoukai (Dengeki no Shin Bungei/KADOKAWA) |
| Original Illustrations | Mephisto |
| Director | Takashima Hiroyuki |
| Series Composition/Script | Inohara Kenta |
| Character Design | Noda Takeshi |
| Music | Takizawa Shunsuke (TRYTONELABO) |
| Animation Production | Studio KAI |
Episode 2 Preview: A Descent Into Darkness
Synopsis for #02 (Episode 2) “Punishment: Zewan-Gan Tunnel Suppression Lead 1”
A new mission is handed down to the Penal Hero unit. Zairo sets out to suppress the Zewan-Gan tunnel alongside Norugayu Senridge and Tatsuya.
Preview screenshots from Episode 2.
Zairo accepts the reckless order to subdue the grotesquely transformed land, but he is soon forced to make an even harsher decision.
More preview scenes from the upcoming episode.
2nd Location Visual: Zewan-Gan Tunnel Edition
Mark Your Calendars!
Winter anime Yuusha Kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku Episode 2, “Punishment: Zewan-Gan Tunnel Suppression Lead 1,” will begin airing on January 15th (Thursday) on TOKYO MX, Kansai TV, BS Nittele, and 26 other stations across Japan.
Full Broadcast & Streaming Details
Broadcast Info: Currently airing on TOKYO MX, Kansai TV, BS Nittele, and 25 other nationwide stations.
Prime Video: Simulcast exclusively and fastest. New episodes every Thursday at 22:30.
Other Streaming Services: Available weekly from Sundays at 22:30 on various subscription and pay-per-view platforms including d-Anime Store, ABEMA, Netflix, and others.
*Broadcast and streaming times are subject to change.
Complete Cast List
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Zairo Forbartz | Azekami Youhei |
| Theoritta | Iizuka Mayu |
| Patouche Kivia | Ishigami Shizuka |
| Dotta Ruzuras | Horie Shun |
| Benetim Leopoul | Toki Shun’ichi |
| Norugayu Senridge | Ueda Youji |
| Tatsuya | Matsuoka Yoshitsugu |
| Tsaa’vu | Fukushima Jun |
| Jace Parchilact | Chiba Shouya |
| Niily | Hikasa Youko |
| Rynoa | Nakamura Yuuichi |
| Frency Mastibolt | Oonishi Saori |
Theme Song: SPYAIR “Kill the Noise”
(C) 2024 Rocket Shoukai/KADOKAWA/Yuusha Kei ni Shosu Seisaku Iinkai
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