The first cour of the TV anime Hokuto no Ken -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR- came to a dramatic close with Episode 14, delivering a long-awaited showdown between Kenshirou and Rei, and the first appearance of a fan-favorite villain.
In the episode, Kenshirou, Rei, and Mamiya are forced into a desperate situation when Rei’s sister Airi is taken hostage by the Kiba clan. Under the orders of Kiba Daiou, Rei is compelled to fight Kenshirou to the death. Despite Kenshirou’s attempts to reason with him, the two warriors clash in a brutal one-on-one duel.
Viewers on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to react to the tense atmosphere. Many noted the irony of the Kiba clan’s boss acting as a play-by-play commentator, with comments like “The Kiba clan’s boss is surprisingly knowledgeable” and “This running commentary is hilarious.” Others echoed Kenshirou’s line “Rei, your footwork is sloppy” as a nod to the original manga.
The emotional weight of the episode was heightened by Airi and Mamiya’s attempts to sacrifice themselves. Airi tries to bite off her tongue, while Mamiya resolves to impale herself on a spear. Fans were moved: “Mamiya… what a woman…” and “Even though I read this in the manga, it’s still painful to watch.”
“Say My Name” – Jagi Arrives
After a fake death strategy that fooled the Kiba clan, Kenshirou and Rei revealed they had only feigned their deaths, turning the tables. The Kiba Daiou’s iconic cry of “Ajapaa!” – a reference to a 1940s catchphrase from actor Ban Junsaburou – drew amused reactions: “Never thought I’d hear ‘ajapaa’ in Reiwa.”
Kenshirou then easily neutralized the steel-bodied Kiba Daiou by striking his pressure points, delivering a signature dark joke: “I forgot to tell you one thing…” before the villain’s death was already sealed. Fans loved it: “The ‘I forgot to tell you one thing’ bit always makes me laugh.”
With Airi and Mamiya rescued, Kenshirou even treated Airi’s eyes, leading one viewer to wonder, “If it weren’t the end of the century, Kenshirou might have become a doctor.” The episode ended on a cliffhanger: Airi described the man with seven scars on his chest – the same man Kenshirou is hunting – and in another ruin, a masked man appeared, protecting a woman from thugs. He revealed his own seven scars and uttered the iconic line: “You… say my name.”
That man is Jagi, voiced by Takagi Wataru. Fans erupted: “Lord Jagi!” “Everyone’s favorite Jagi-sama!” “Takagi Wataru as Jagi – perfect fit.” “His thug acting is the best in the world.” The arrival of this popular character has set high expectations for the second cour, which begins in 2027.
Staff and Cast
The anime is produced by TMS Entertainment / 7th Studio, with direction by Maeda Hiroshi, series composition by Inukai Kazuhiko, and character design by Hisatsune Naoki. The opening theme is “Hallelujah” by [Alexandros].
Key cast includes:
- Kenshirou: Takeuchi Shunsuke
- Bat: Yamashita Daiki
- Lin: M・A・O
- Shin: Yuuichi Kouji
- Yuria: Hayami Saori
- Rei: Nakamura Yuuichi
- Mamiya: Aoki Ruriko
- Jagi: Takagi Wataru
- Toki: Mogami Tsuguo
- Raou: Kusunoki Daisuke
- Narration: Yamaguchi Kenji
Episode 14 aired on April 10, 2026, and is available on Prime Video. The second cour is highly anticipated.
© Buronson, Tetsuo Hara / Coamix, “Hokuto no Ken” Production Committee
