The story begins when **Jiro Azuma**, a high schooler raised as a ninja descendant who can talk to animals, meets the wounded black-cat Mononoke **Rago**.
Rago's true form is a legendary Mononoke once called the **"Black Calamity Star."** Amid the schemes of humans, Mononoke, and the nation's secret organization "Kogi Onmitsu Bureau," the "shinobi" battle of Jiro and Rago begins.
Produced by 100studio; OP by SiM, ED by I Don't Like Mondays. Premieres July 4, 2026 🐈⬛
📝 Highlights & Appeal Light spoilers
01① Ninja Descendant × Legendary Mononoke Buddy
The greatest charm is the buddy action of the ninja-descendant boy **Jiro** and the legendary Mononoke **Rago**.
Jiro, fused with the once-dying Rago, borrows his power to fight demons.
The mismatched-duo feel of the two trading quips and their in-sync teamwork battles are highlights 🐈⬛
02② A Protagonist Who Can Talk to Animals
Protagonist Jiro is a high schooler raised as a ninja descendant who can **talk to animals**.
Because of that ability, he meets the wounded black cat Rago and gets drawn into the world of Mononoke.
Jiro's bright, positive character adds freshness to the serious story 😺
03③ Japanese-Style × Dark "Shinobi" Battle
The core is the **Japanese-style × dark** "shinobi" battles where ninjutsu and Mononoke power intersect.
A tense world where the schemes of humans, Mononoke, and the nation's secret organization swirl is the charm.
Watch the stylish action direction ⚔️
04④ The Mystery of Rago, the "Black Calamity Star"
The black cat Rago that Jiro meets is a legendary Mononoke once called the **"Black Calamity Star."**
Over his overwhelming power, Mononoke and secret organizations scheme in the shadows.
The mysteries hidden in Rago's past and power are the engine that drives the story ✨
05⑤ Solid Rock Theme Songs
The opening theme is **"FREEZE ME UP" by SiM**.
The ending theme is **"Groooovy" by I Don't Like Mondays.**
The driving rock sound shows superb chemistry with the stylish battle action 🎵
06⑥ Authentic Battle Action from Jump SQ.
The source is the manga by Tsuyoshi Takaki, serialized in Shueisha's "Jump SQ."
An authentic battle action that gained popularity with meticulous art and a well-crafted setting.
Look forward to how the anime expresses the original's charm 📚
07⑦ For Fans of Battle × Buddy Stories
Irresistible for fans of Japanese-style battle works like 'Blue Exorcist' and buddy action depicting a partner's bond.
An orthodox yet hot story where different beings — human and Mononoke — join hands.
Please savor the stylish action and the hot bond 🔥
08⑧ 📺 Broadcast & Streaming Info
Premiere: July 4, 2026 (Sat)~ 22:00~
Channels: TOKYO MX, Sun TV, BS11 and others (worldwide simulcast)
Studio: 100studio
Check the official site for the latest info 📱
💡 Key Points & Predictions Some spoilers
The anime's Season 1 is expected to depict the early part of the original — from Jiro and Rago's meeting to plunging into the "shinobi" battle.
It will likely center on Jiro, who can talk to animals, fusing with the legendary Mononoke Rago and getting drawn into a battle where the schemes of humans, Mononoke, and a secret organization swirl.
Watch how the mismatched-buddy duo face strong Mononoke foes.
🧾 Story So Far Contains spoilers
This is a new anime starting in summer 2026.
The story begins when Jiro Azuma, a high schooler raised as a ninja descendant who can talk to animals, meets the wounded black-cat Mononoke Rago.
Rago's true form is a legendary Mononoke once called the "Black Calamity Star." Jiro fuses with the dying Rago and gets drawn into the battle between humans and Mononoke.
✅ Recommended Viewing Points
Wholeheartedly recommended for fans of Japanese-style battle works like 'Blue Exorcist' and buddy action depicting a partner's bond.
The chemistry between stylish action and solid rock theme songs is superb.
An orthodox yet hot work where different beings — human and Mononoke — join hands.
👀 Trivia & Fun Facts
・Tsuyoshi Takaki is a manga artist known for a distinctive style.
・OP artist SiM is a popular rock band also known for an 'Attack on Titan' theme.
・"Mononoke" refers to the demon-like beings in this work.
💫 Unresolved Foreshadowing Contains spoilers
Mysteries to watch in the work:
● Rago's past, once called the "Black Calamity Star," and the secret of his overwhelming power.
● The true aim of the nation's secret organization "Kogi Onmitsu Bureau."
● Jiro's ability to talk to animals and his origins as a ninja descendant.
● Can humans and Mononoke coexist, or will they keep fighting?
● What fate the fusion of Jiro and Rago brings the two.
● Mysteries of the Japanese-style dark battle that draw in both fans and newcomers.
💌 Predicted Viral Quotes for Next Season
● "Lend me your power."
—Words showing Jiro and Rago's resolve to fuse.
● "I won't let anyone die."
—Bright, positive Jiro's sense of justice.
The bond of two who trade quips yet entrust their backs to each other when it counts produces standout scenes.
In the anime too, hot buddy lines can be expected 🐈⬛