The upcoming summer anime adaptation of Takaki Tsuyoshi’s manga BLACK TORCH has unveiled a thrilling new key visual and promotional video, along with the announcement of its opening and ending theme songs. The series is set to begin broadcasting on July 4, 2026, at 22:00 on TOKYO MX and other stations.
The new key visual brings together protagonist Wagatsuma Jiro and his monstrous partner Ragou, alongside members of the special anti-mononoke squad known as the Black Torch – Ichika, Reiji, Shiba, and Usami. Facing them are the formidable mononoke Koga and Tenki, creating a powerful ensemble image.
Story
Originally serialized in Jump SQ. and Shonen Jump+ from 2017 to 2018, BLACK TORCH follows high school student Wagatsuma Jiro, raised by his grandfather as a descendant of ninjas and possessing the ability to speak with animals. One day he encounters a wounded black cat named Ragou, who turns out to be a legendary mononoke once known as the “Black Evil Star.” As other mononoke and the secret government organization “Kougi Onmitsukyoku” close in, Jiro and Ragou must make a stand.
Promotional Video and Theme Songs
The new PV showcases the characters and features first looks at the opening theme “FREEZE ME UP” by SiM and the ending theme “Groooovy” by I Don’t Like Mondays. Both artists have contributed comments about their songs.
SiM Comment
“Manga is the universe. There are as many galaxies as there are readers. This is what happens when I do my best to express the BLACK TORCH galaxy that spread in my brain through sound and words. Congratulations on the anime start!”
I Don’t Like Mondays. Comment
“We wrote the song ‘Groooovy’ as the ending theme. We imagined the calm everyday scenes behind Jiro and the others’ battles, and created this track with the desire to overcome adversity and enjoy life. We hope this song will not only add color to the world of ‘BLACK TORCH’ but also resonate with the lives of those who hear it. It is a great honor to be involved in such a wonderful work.”
Broadcast Information
TV anime BLACK TORCH begins on July 4, 2026 (Saturday) from 22:00 on TOKYO MX and other stations. Simultaneous streaming will be available on various platforms.
- TOKYO MX: July 4 – Every Saturday 22:00–22:30
- Sun TV: July 4 – Every Saturday 22:30–23:00
- TV Aichi: July 4 – Every Saturday 25:55–26:25
- RKB Mainichi Broadcasting: July 4 – Every Saturday 26:30–27:00
- Hokkaido Television Broadcasting: July 4 – Every Saturday 26:35–27:05
- BS11: July 4 – Every Saturday 22:30–23:00
*Broadcast times are subject to change.
Cast
- Wagatsuma Jiro: Suzumoto Ryota
- Ragou: Ueda Yoji
- Kishibojin Ichika: Chikamoto Sayaka
- Kirihara Reiji: Enoki Junya
- Shiba Ryosuke: Suwabe Junichi
- Usami Hana: Ueda Reina
- Tenki: Morikawa Toshiyuki
- Koga: Okamoto Nobuhiko
- Wagatsuma Hisamasa: Tsuji Shinpachi
- Kusumi Touko: Kaida Yuriko
- Tokieda Manjuro: Otsuka Hochu
Staff
- Original Creator: Takaki Tsuyoshi (Shueisha)
- Director: Umihira Kei
- Character Design: Suzuki Go
- Series Composition/Screenplay: Ichikawa Juuokumon
- Sub Character Design: Nakamura Yumi, Suzuki Masahiko, Kinoshita Mariko
- Design Works: Kikuchi Junya
- Art Directors: Takahashi Sachi, Imaizumi Seiko
- Color Design: Nobori Haruko
- CG Director: Naito Hirotaka
- Director of Photography: Yamamoto Hijiri
- Editor: Yoshitake Takehito
- Sound Director: Takatera Takeshi
- Sound Effects: Yamatani Naoto
- Music: Yamada Yutaka
- Animation Production: 100studio
- Opening Theme: SiM – “FREEZE ME UP”
- Ending Theme: I Don’t Like Mondays. – “Groooovy”
(C) Takaki Tsuyoshi / Shueisha, BLACK TORCH Production Committee
Manga reprints of the original five volumes are expected to arrive at bookstores sequentially from June 8, 2026. With the broadcast approaching, this is a good opportunity to pick up the series.
