“High School! Kimengumi” Anime to Broadcast on Noitamina from January 2026! Seki Tomokazu, Takeuchi Shunsuke, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Kobayashi Chiaki, Totani Kikunosuke Join as Kimengumi Members

Get ready for a blast from the past with a fresh new look! The TV anime High School! Kimengumi is making a grand return, set to broadcast across Japan on Fuji TV’s prestigious “Noitamina” block starting January 2026. This exciting revival brings a stellar cast, with Seki Tomokazu, Takeuchi Shunsuke, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Kobayashi Chiaki, and Totani Kikunosuke voicing the iconic Kimengumi members. Accompanying this announcement is a captivating image music video featuring a cover of the classic theme song “Ushiro Yubisasa Re Gumi,” specially arranged by Night Tempo, along with a striking teaser visual that prominently showcases the unforgettable faces of the five Kimengumi members.

The original manga by Niizawa Motoei first captivated readers in 1980 under the title 3-nen Kimengumi in “Weekly Shonen Jump.” As the characters progressed in their schooling, the series was retitled High School! Kimengumi, becoming a massive hit for its then-innovative approach. This chaotic school gag comedy follows the antics of the famed “Kimengumi,” a group of five uniquely eccentric and wild characters: Ichidou Rei, Hieetsu Gou, Dase Kiyoshi, Ooma Jin, and Monoboshi Dai. The series’ popularity soared even further with its TV anime adaptation, which began broadcasting in 1985, creating a nationwide phenomenon.

TV Anime High School! Kimengumi Image MV Scene

A Modern Revival with a Stellar Team

The upcoming TV anime adaptation in 2026 brings High School! Kimengumi into the Reiwa era. Directing this highly anticipated project is Seki Kazuaki, celebrated for his work on films like Kakukaku Shikajika and Beethoven Neizou, as well as music videos for renowned artists such as Perfume, Hoshino Gen, Fujii Kaze, and Vaundy. This marks Seki Kazuaki’s first foray into directing an animation, and fans can look forward to seeing his vision for the Kimengumi adapted to contemporary sensibilities.

High School! Kimengumi Cast & Characters

A fresh and talented cast has been assembled to bring the distinctive members of the Kimengumi to life. Seki Tomokazu will portray Ichidou Rei, Takeuchi Shunsuke takes on Hieetsu Gou, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu voices Dase Kiyoshi, Kobayashi Chiaki steps in as Ooma Jin, and Totani Kikunosuke plays Monoboshi Dai, forming the new generation of the “Kimengumi.” Additionally, Shiraishi Haruka has been cast as the heroine and classmate Kawakawa Yui, and Hasegawa Ikumi will voice her close friend Uru Chie. Comments from the cast members have also been released, sharing their excitement for the project.

New Music Video and Eye-Catching Teaser Visual

The recently released image music video features a vibrant cover of “Ushiro Yubisasa Re Gumi,” the beloved theme song from the original anime. This nostalgic track is performed by Kawakawa Yui (CV. Shiraishi Haruka) and Uru Chie (CV. Hasegawa Ikumi), with a modern arrangement by Night Tempo, known for pioneering the recent City Pop boom. This fresh take on a classic tune is sure to delight both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The teaser visual provides a glimpse into the updated world of High School! Kimengumi, depicting the five members peering out from what appears to be a smartphone screen, reminiscent of an SNS interface. Each character sports their signature “kimen” (strange face) with unique expressions, making for an unforgettable image. Pay close attention to the details, such as the Kimengumi-themed stamp in the bottom right corner and the comments from Yui and Chie in the bottom left, which add a playful touch.

TV Anime High School! Kimengumi Image MV Scene

The TV anime High School! Kimengumi is set to premiere in January 2026 on Fuji TV’s “Noitamina” block. Beyond the core Kimengumi, the series promises a rich array of distinctive characters. Fans eagerly await further announcements as the broadcast date approaches.

Comments from the Cast & Crew

Ichidou Rei: Seki Tomokazu

Q. Please share a message for the viewers!
Ah, those days when Kimengumi was incredibly popular! I spent my own school days with it. I always wished I could hang out with everyone from Kimengumi, Yui-chan, and Chie-chan! I never imagined I’d get the chance to play Ichidou Rei-kun! I’m thrilled to have fun being weird with the new Kimengumi (laughs).

Q. If you could go back to your student days, what would you like to do?
Dance and musical instruments! Especially instruments! I can start now, but I wish I had started and continued back then! My parents were right! Mom, I really want to do it now, just like you said!

Hieetsu Gou: Takeuchi Shunsuke

Q. Please share a message for the viewers!
Hello, this is Takeuchi, and I’ll be playing Gou, the one with the school uniform and afro. I feel a strange connection to this role, and I’m really happy to be playing Gou-kun. A certain senior of mine once told me at an izakaya, “Take, use a higher voice!” (in a deep bass). I’m approaching the recording sessions as if I’m asking myself, “Is this what they meant?” I’m going to try various approaches to make Gou-kun an immortal character, not a ruined one. Shine, azuki-colored school uniform! Thank you for your support.

Q. If you could go back to your student days, what would you like to do?
I’d start small-scale investments, beginning with 100 yen. I’d buy Bitcoin when I was told, “Buy it now.” Gold keeps rising, so I’d buy that on an accumulation plan. I’d love to complete my ideal portfolio.

Dase Kiyoshi: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu

Q. Please share a message for the viewers!
This is Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, playing Dase Kiyoshi. The recording studio is chaotic with so many people, but there’s an incredible energy! It’s like an atmosphere where anything goes! (laughs) I believe this work perfectly captures that passion, so I hope you all enjoy it!

Q. If you could go back to your student days, what would you like to do?
I believe that the person I was back then made me who I am today, so I wouldn’t do anything differently; I’d just live the same daily life.

Ooma Jin: Kobayashi Chiaki

Q. Please share a message for the viewers!
This is Kobayashi Chiaki, and I’ll be voicing Ooma Jin. Even though we are in the Reiwa era with so many different works and content, there were many moments during recording where the heartwarming love within this comedic work really resonated with me. I’m sure this anime will connect with your hearts and bring you plenty of laughter, so I hope you look forward to it!

Q. If you could go back to your student days, what would you like to do?
In high school, I spent my time on part-time jobs and hobbies, and didn’t join any clubs. So, I’d like to join a club I considered back then, like the track and field club or the tennis club. I wanted to experience that passionate youth, competing in inter-school matches and then fighting in the prefectural tournament.

Monoboshi Dai: Totani Kikunosuke

Q. Please share a message for the viewers!
This is Totani Kikunosuke, and I’ll be playing Monoboshi Dai! Dai-kun loves all things girlish and has a unique aura even among the distinct members of the “Kimengumi.” Apparently, he takes three baths a day. I thought to myself, “That’s just like me.” Baths are so refreshing, aren’t they?

Q. If you could go back to your student days, what would you like to do?
I dislike bitter foods now, so I wish I had eaten a lot of bitter things during my student days to build up a tolerance so I could enjoy them as an adult. So, I’d eat a lot of bitter things. Also, I’d want to fall in love.

Kawakawa Yui: Shiraishi Haruka

Q. Please share a message for the viewers!
This is Shiraishi Haruka, playing Kawakawa Yui! Yui-chan, as her name suggests (“kawaii” meaning cute), is an adorable girl, but while you might expect a classic heroine, she has some unexpectedly peculiar traits that make her charmingly unique. This work is so comical that it’s hard to hold back laughter during recordings, yet Kimengumi’s words often make me pause and think. It’s a fun show packed with messages that I believe resonate strongly in today’s world, so please come meet the Kimengumi in the anime! Thank you!

Q. If you could go back to your student days, what would you like to do?
During my student days, I focused on work and lessons, so if I could go back, I’d love to join a sports club and experience a “sports-based youth drama”! While it seems tough, I believe there’s a unique bond and perseverance that only comes from club activities, so I’d like to try it. Also… I’ve always longed for detours after school! When recording crowd noise for students going home, I often find myself saying, “Hey, why don’t we get crepes before heading back?” This is definitely me dragging in my own unfulfilled dreams of how I wanted to spend my after-school hours (laughs). If I could go back to my student days, I’d want to save the “crepe ghost” within me!

Uru Chie: Hasegawa Ikumi

Q. Please share a message for the viewers!
This is Hasegawa Ikumi, voicing Uru Chie! I’m honored to be entrusted with this role. I’m thoroughly enjoying the world of High School! Kimengumi, sharing Chie-chan’s feelings of bewilderment, exasperation, and laughter as the Kimengumi members constantly leap far beyond expectations in every episode! The recording studio is always bustling and lively, to the point where the air in the booth feels thin from all the excitement! Please look forward to the broadcast ♪

Q. If you could go back to your student days, what would you like to do?
High school was the most unmotivated period of my life, so I’d want to dedicate myself to a club or a hobby, or just hang out with friends endlessly. Anyway, I’d want to find something, anything, that I could say, “I was absolutely crazy about this!”

Niizawa Motoei (Original Author)

With new era settings and a fresh cast of voice actors, I’m genuinely excited to see how this new animated Kimengumi will be received by young people who are completely unfamiliar with the original manga or previous anime. Of course, I’m also looking forward to the reactions from fans of the original and the old anime. I’m excited myself!

Seki Kazuaki (Director)

That Kimengumi anime is back! This is a work I encountered during my own student days. It is an honor for us, now adults, to approach this work with the same feelings we had back then. Furthermore, it’s a series that gives us energy, thanks to the sheer power of Kimengumi that makes us feel this way. I hope you will enjoy the antics of these five characters and the various personalities surrounding them, allowing you to momentarily forget the unpleasant things you experience daily. I hope you feel both nostalgia and discover something new! Kimen Flash!

Nishikawa Takashu (Animation Director)

I hope this anime brings everyone a boost of energy! In our increasingly chaotic society, many difficulties arise. While it might not be true that you can do anything with energy, certainly nothing can begin without it. This representative gag manga from the vibrant 80s is “reviving as a health food supplement for the modern anime industry.” With that in mind, I’m committed to doing my best in production.

Murakoshi Shigeru (Series Composition)

Kimengumi—one of the quintessential gag manga of the Showa era, passed down in various forms even today. Looking at the characters appearing in the Reiwa era, I feel an even stronger sense of “no matter what challenges come, let’s laugh them off together!” Beyond its “outrageous humor, vigor, and facial power,” I hope viewers will also sense its “individuality and eccentric strength” that truly resonates in this day and age.

Abe Yuka (Character Design)

I was originally a huge fan of the series; without Kimengumi, I wouldn’t be who I am today. It is truly an honor to be able to deliver this work to everyone in the role of character designer, and I’m “shupatashupata!” with joy every day. My deepest gratitude to everyone involved, and especially to Niizawa Motoei-sensei. That unique impact, once seen, can never be forgotten. Even 45 years after its serialization began in 1980, it remains vibrant. These faces are cultural assets that should be passed down to the next generation.

Night Tempo (In-Show Song Producer)

It’s a great honor to be involved with a work I deeply respect, even for a second. In the context of retro, I reconstructed the original song for a remake. The charm of the characters suits the song perfectly, making it a truly interesting track. Please give it lots of love!

TV Anime High School! Kimengumi Production Overview

Broadcast Information

Broadcasting every Friday from 23:30 (11:30 PM JST) starting January 2026, on Fuji TV’s “Noitamina” block nationwide!

Staff

Cast

(C)Niizawa Motoei/Shueisha・Kimengumi