"Akuma-kun" is one of Shigeru Mizuki's masterpieces, a legendary work that began as a rental manga in 1963.
In November 2023, as part of Shigeru Mizuki's 100th birth anniversary project, a completely new anime was exclusively distributed worldwide on Netflix.
This new anime, the first in about 34 years, is positioned as a legitimate sequel to the 1989 TV anime, depicting the supernatural detective buddy story of second-generation Akuma-kun Ichiro Uzumeki and Mephisto III.
Starting January 9, 2026, it will finally premiere on terrestrial TV! Broadcasting on TOKYO MX and other channels!
Experience the new "Akuma-kun" revived in the Reiwa era with the spell "Eloim Essaim," magic circles, and dark, stylish visual beauty 👿
① Revival as a Legitimate Sequel to the 1989 Version
This work is not just a reboot but a legitimate sequel set about 30 years after the 1989 TV anime.
Nostalgic characters like the original Akuma-kun Shingo Uzumeki and Mephisto II also appear, capturing fans' hearts.
Voice actors Yuko Mita and Toshio Furukawa reprising their roles is also an exciting point 🔥
② The Appeal of the Cool Second-Generation Akuma-kun
The new protagonist Ichiro Uzumeki (CV: Yuki Kaji) is a genius boy who appears once every 10,000 years.
Due to his complex upbringing, he struggles to understand human emotions and has a cool, arrogant personality.
But his pursuit of mysterious incidents while chasing the mystery of his origins is so cool ✨
③ Mephisto III - Half Human, Half Demon
Mephisto III is the son born between Mephisto II and Shingo's sister Etsuko.
Despite being half-demon, he has a kind heart and his emotional personality complements Ichiro.
The mismatched buddy dynamic between Akuma-kun and Mephisto III is the biggest highlight of this work 🤝
④ Dark and Mystical Visual Beauty
Beautiful animation production by Encourage Films.
Magic circle designs, occult-like direction, and a world that's both pop and dark.
The "Eloim Essaim" spell scenes are a must-see spectacle 🔮
⑤ Star-Studded Staff Assembled
The general director is Junichi Sato, the series director of the 1989 version.
Series composition is by Hiroshi Ohnogi, known for "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" and "GeGeGe no Kitaro" Season 6.
Music is by Akio Izutsu of "99.9 Criminal Lawyer" and "Hakozume," adding exotic sounds to the work 🎵
① The Mystery of Ichiro's Origin
Akuma-kun, Ichiro Uzumeki, was adopted by the original Akuma-kun Shingo Uzumeki as a child.
Not knowing his real family, Ichiro seeks the secret of his birth.
That answer connects to the core of the story 🔍
② The Existence of Satan
The mysterious being "Satan" (CV: Yusaku Yara) is deeply involved in the story.
As the being at the top of the demon world, what role will he play?
His fate with Ichiro leads to the story's climax 👹
③ The True Identity of Strophaira
Strophaira (CV: Hiro Shimono) is a mysterious character with red wings.
What is his relationship with Akuma-kun, and what is his true purpose?
Watch him as a key person who greatly moves the story 🔴
④ Human Emotions and the Nature of Demons
Ichiro, being a genius, struggles to understand human emotions.
Meanwhile, half-demon Mephisto III is more emotional than humans.
This contrast poses deep themes about "what is human" and "what is demon" 💭
⑤ The Fate of the Millennium Kingdom
Akuma-kun's ultimate goal is to realize the "Millennium Kingdom."
An ideal world where the misfortune brought by demons is eliminated and everyone can live happily.
Will this dream inherited from the original come true? 🌟
📺 TV Broadcast Info (First Terrestrial Broadcast!)
Starting January 9, 2026 (Thursday), every Thursday at 23:00
Broadcasting on TOKYO MX, BS Nippon TV and more!
The long-awaited terrestrial broadcast from Netflix exclusive streaming has been decided 📡
🎬 Netflix Streaming Info
All 12 episodes have been streaming since November 2023.
Ahead of terrestrial broadcast, all episodes are available on Netflix!
Fans around the world are enjoying it with subtitles and dubbing 🌍
Akuma-kun / Ichiro Uzumeki (CV: Yuki Kaji)
A once-in-10,000-years genius and wielder of Solomon's Flute, the second-generation Akuma-kun.
He has a cool, arrogant personality but pursues the mystery of his own origins.
He works as a supernatural detective at the "Millennium Kingdom Research Institute" with Mephisto III.
🔥Fun fact: Yuki Kaji is a popular voice actor known for Eren in "Attack on Titan"! He passionately portrays the "once-in-10,000-years genius" ✨
Mephisto III (CV: Makoto Furukawa)
Son of Mephisto II and Etsuko, a half-human, half-demon.
In contrast to Ichiro, he has an emotional and kind personality.
Akuma-kun's partner who has demon powers inherited from his father and a human heart.
🔥Fun fact: Makoto Furukawa plays Saitama in "One Punch Man"! In this work, he brilliantly plays an emotional half-demon 👻
Original Akuma-kun / Shingo Uzumeki (CV: Yuko Mita)
The previous Akuma-kun who once played Solomon's Flute and fought the Black Demon alongside Mephisto II and the Twelve Apostles.
Ichiro's adoptive father who took him in and raised him as a child.
The protagonist of the 1989 anime, appearing as an adult in this work.
🔥Fun fact: Yuko Mita returns after 34 years since the 1989 version! Reviving with the famous quote "May dreams reach your heart" ✨
Mephisto II (CV: Toshio Furukawa)
The First Apostle who fought alongside Shingo in the 1989 version, and father of Mephisto III.
Son of the high-ranking demon Mephisto, with ramen as his favorite food.
He married Etsuko and had Mephisto III.
🔥Fun fact: Toshio Furukawa has voiced many legendary characters like Ataru Moroboshi in "Urusei Yatsura" and Piccolo in "Dragon Ball"! 👻
Sanae Kazama (CV: Ryoko Shiraishi)
The landlady of the Millennium Kingdom Research Institute and owner of the cinema "Kamichofu Odeon."
She waits for her missing husband while raising her daughter "Mio" alone.
She's like a mother figure to Akuma-kun and friends.
🔥Fun fact: The setting "Kamichofu" is modeled after Chofu City, Tokyo, where Shigeru Mizuki lived for many years 🏠
① Who Are Ichiro's Real Parents?
Ichiro was adopted by Shingo, but he doesn't know his real family.
Why was he chosen for "Solomon's Flute"? There must be a secret in his origins.
We hope it will be revealed in sequels or future developments 🔍
② Completion of the Millennium Kingdom
Akuma-kun's mission is to "eliminate the misfortune brought by demons and create a peaceful paradise."
A grand goal inherited from the original Akuma-kun.
Will this dream come true? Watch the story's progress 🌟
③ Satan's True Purpose
What is the great demon Satan planning?
His fate with Ichiro and the impact on the entire demon world.
Highly likely to be revealed in future stories 👹
🎯 "Eloim Essaim, Eloim Essaim"
The spell used to summon demons.
A traditional phrase that has continued since the 1963 original.
An authentic spell that Shigeru Mizuki incorporated by referencing the Western grimoire 🔮
🎯 "What is 'happiness' to you?"
A question that has become the work's catchphrase.
A deep theme that makes you think about the boundary between humans and demons, good and evil.
A message that resonates with viewers 💫
🎯 "The strange is calling"
The catchphrase from the new visual.
Words expressing Akuma-kun's mission of pursuing mysterious incidents.
A phrase symbolizing the dark, cool worldview 👁️
A Must-See for Shigeru Mizuki Fans!
A representative Mizuki work alongside "GeGeGe no Kitaro."
Part of the same 100th anniversary project as "The Birth of Kitaro," so check out both!
Experience the depth of the Mizuki world 👻
Enjoyable Even Without Seeing the 1989 Version!
While it's a sequel, it's structured so new viewers can enjoy it without problems.
Of course, watching the 1989 version first lets you enjoy it more deeply!
We recommend checking both with the terrestrial broadcast 📺
Recommended for Dark Fantasy Lovers!
Filled with dark elements like occult, demon summoning, and mysterious incidents.
But not too heavy, balanced with pop-style direction.
Enjoy Mizuki dark fantasy different from "Kitaro" 🦇