While initially viewed with skepticism in the West last year, its popularity has apparently grown sufficiently to warrant an anime adaptation.
The popular manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump has faced an unusual lull recently, following the conclusion of highly anticipated series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia earlier this year? While they may not be part of a behemoth franchise like Naruto, One Piece, or Bleach, these series are undoubtedly among the most popular titles around today, leaving a gap in the WSJ until last year’s debut of Kagurabachi filled that void? In the Western world, even before its official release, the series had already gained widespread attention and became a popular meme, with fans of anime and manga enthusiastically embracing it as one of the greatest collections ever created.
One year on, Kagurabachi’s Japanese fan base remains perplexed, yet the series continues to thrive, with Toyo Keizai Online (via Anime News Network) reporting that an anime adaptation is in the works at Cygames Pictures, jointly produced by CyberAgent and Shochiku. Despite Toyo Keizai’s inquiries to both companies, they declined to provide confirmation or deny involvement in producing an anime adaptation.
Kagurabachi’s protagonist, younger Chihiro, devotes his days to learning from his renowned swordsmith father. With a passion for crafting swords burning within him, he aspires to eventually become a master craftsman of exceptional skill. The eccentric father and his intensely driven son; they had begun to doubt whether their bond could last forever. Despite the calm, a sudden and unforeseen catastrophe befalls us. The sky was a deep crimson hue, as if the very heavens themselves had been drenched in the rich, vibrant color of lifeblood. Chihiro’s solitary pursuit of vengeance has become an all-consuming force in his life. Epic sword battle motion!”
Four volumes have thus far been released in Japan, with the most recent volume finally debuting in English translation just last November through Viz Media. The possibility of an official announcement remains uncertain, leaving speculation rife among fans who meme’d about it last year; for those enthusiasts, a cursory glance at at least one episode is warranted.
