Kaze wo Tsugumono Stage Report: Cast in Kimono, New Cast, and Theme Songs Revealed at Kyoto Manga Anime Fair 2026

At the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2026 (Kyomafu), held at ROHM Theatre Kyoto, the stage for the original TV anime Kaze wo Tsugumono drew a full audience. The main cast—Sakuma Daisuke as Tachikawa Jinsuke, Kaji Yuki as Okita Souji, and Uchiyama Kouki as Hijikata Toshizo—took the stage in kimono, setting the tone for a packed announcement session.

The series is a collaboration among Aniplex, Live2D, and Drive, presenting a new-sense period drama using Live2D technology. It is directed by Kawamura Tomohiro, written by Narui Yutaka, with music by Kishida Shigeru. The anime will air from January 2027 in the “Agaru Anime” slot on CBC/TBS (Sundays 23:30) across 28 stations. Before that, the theatrical advanced version Kaze wo Tsugumono -Hajimari- will be released in theaters for two weeks starting November 13, 2026.

Sakuma, attending Kyomafu for the first time, expressed his excitement and hoped to convey the series’ appeal. Kaji, who serves as the “Oideyasu Ambassador” for Kyomafu 2026, noted the pleasure of holding a stage for a Shinsengumi-themed work in Kyoto. Uchiyama closed his greeting by encouraging everyone to enjoy the event.

Kyoto Collaboration

Given the show’s deep ties to Kyoto, multiple collaborations with Kyomafu were revealed. A collaboration visual shows Jinsuke, Okita, and Hijikata taking selfies at Konkai Komyoji, a temple significant to the Shinsengumi. The collaborations include acrylic stands, badges, food items at the character cafeteria, a digital stamp rally, a special exhibition, and in-stadium announcements by the three characters. Additionally, a wrapping train on the Karasuma Subway Line (toward Takeda) is running.

The cast were visibly surprised by the selfie scenario, commenting on the fun of merging the fictional world with reality.

Latest Information

The event then screened the second cast announcement PV, which had been released earlier. The cast shared their impressions of the new additions and talked about the friendly atmosphere during recording, noting that conversations never stopped during breaks. Attention also turned to the character Saitou Hajime, whose voice actor has not yet been announced.

Next, the key visual for the theatrical advanced version was unveiled, along with news that it will run for two weeks from November 13, and that movie tickets (Muvichike) will be sold at theaters and online.

The stage then premiered the theatrical trailer. Following that, the theme songs were announced. The TV anime opening theme is “Kaze wo Tsugumono” by Quruli + Hitsujibungaku, while the ending theme and the movie theme is “Namida no Kawa” by Hitsujibungaku + Quruli. Additionally, it was revealed that Kamikawa Takaya, a former member of the theatrical troupe Caramel Box (founded by scriptwriter Narui Yutaka), will make a special appearance as Umetsu Shinbe. Also revealed were stage greeting events with cast on November 13 and 14. The cast themselves were surprised by the sheer volume of information, but expressed happiness at sharing new details and anticipation for what’s next.

Finally, a collaboration with shrines and temples related to the Shinsengumi in Tokyo and Kyoto was announced for early 2027. The collaboration will feature original goshuin (stamps), goods, and life-size panel displays of characters like Tachikawa Jinsuke and Okita Souji. Further details will be posted on the official website and social media.

Variety Corner

In the variety segment, the cast viewed photos taken by Kurokuke (a cat-like character that the soldiers look after at the station) visiting famous Kyoto spots, and they chatted about the locations.

Final Comments

In his closing remarks, Uchiyama reflected that with the story based in historical fact, he couldn’t predict the final form; the recording process involved discussions with staff and cast to build the atmosphere and character relationships, and he invited everyone to enjoy the journey together. Kaji noted that with each new announcement, the series’ unique take on the Shinsengumi becomes clearer, and he’s even more eager for viewers to see the full story. Sakuma concluded by saying he gave his all in recording so that every character would be loved, and he expressed hope the work will add a new page to Shinsengumi history, urging everyone to keep looking forward to it.

Basic Information

TV Anime Kaze wo Tsugumono

Theme Songs

Opening Theme: “Kaze wo Tsugumono” by Quruli + Hitsujibungaku (F.C.L.S. / Sony Music Labels)

Ending Theme: “Namida no Kawa” by Hitsujibungaku + Quruli (F.C.L.S. / Sony Music Labels)

Staff

Kaze wo Tsugumono -Hajimari- (theatrical advanced version) is distributed by ANIMEC. Its theme song is “Namida no Kawa” by Hitsujibungaku + Quruli.