"Hikuidori: Ushu Borotobigumi" is the long-awaited TV anime adaptation of Naoki Prize-winning author Shogo Imamura's debut work and masterpiece.
Set in the Edo period, it's the passionate story of firefighters (hikeshi) whose trade is "destructive firefighting."
It depicts the exploits of legendary firefighter Matsunaga Gengo, once feared as the "Fire-Eating Bird," and the "Ushu Borotobigumi" he leads—a group of troubled individuals.
The original work has surpassed 600,000 copies and won the 6th Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Prize as a popular historical novel series.
Broadcasting begins January 11, 2026 (Sat) on CBC/TBS network's "Agaru Anime" slot (every Saturday at 11:30 PM).
① Unique Theme of Edo's "Destructive Firefighting"
Firefighting in the Edo period wasn't about extinguishing with water, but "destructive firefighting" that demolished buildings to prevent fire spread.
The firefighters wielding tobiguchi hooks and sasumata forks to protect the town from fires is refreshing.
The completely different approach from modern firefighting brings endless surprise and excitement 🔥
② Bonds and Revival of Troubled Souls
A ragtag group of people with various pasts—former sumo wrestlers, acrobats, astronomers, and more.
Each overcoming their wounds and past to grow as firefighters is moving.
Bonds with companions weave a passionate story 🤝
③ Robust Historical Novel by Naoki Prize Author
Original author Shogo Imamura debuted with this work, later winning the Naoki Prize for "Saiou no Tate."
A highly satisfying work fusing meticulous historical research with passionate drama.
The massive volume of 13 published books is also appealing 📚
④ Story Based on the Historical Meiwa Great Fire
The "Meiwa Great Fire" (1772) that forms the story's axis was an actual great fire that struck Edo.
Historical fact and fiction intertwine exquisitely, balancing reality and excitement.
An irresistible work even for history lovers 📜
⑤ Skilled Voice Actor Cast and Luxurious Production Staff
A luxurious cast assembles with Yuichiro Umehara as protagonist Matsunaga Gengo, Junichi Suwabe as Ondo Kankuro, and more.
Animation production by SynergySP, music by Koji Takanashi.
A lavish development with a stage version also performing simultaneously ✨
① Story of the "Fire-Eating Bird's" Revival
Why did Gengo, once feared as the "Fire-Eating Bird," leave firefighting?
The process leading to his resolve to rise again as a firefighter is a highlight.
Look forward to the legendary man's revival 🦅
② Showdown with Rival Ondo Kankuro
Ondo Kankuro, who leads Kaga Domain's elite firefighting squad "Kaga-tobi," is Gengo's greatest rival.
The battle between two firefighters' pride is intense.
Pay attention to the great matches between worthy rivals ⚔️
③ The Colorful Past of Unique Crew Members
Crew members with one quirk or two—former ozeki Torajiro, acrobat Hikoya, astronomer Kaji Seijuro, and more.
Why they gathered at Borotobigumi, each person's drama is depicted.
Look forward to the depth as an ensemble drama 👥
④ Rising Tension Toward the Meiwa Great Fire
The story converges toward the great fire of Meiwa 9 (1772).
How will Borotobigumi face the great fire that historically burned half of Edo?
Anticipation for the climax rises 🔥
⑤ Marital Bond with Miyuki
Gengo's wife Miyuki is a former samurai's daughter, a talented woman who single-handedly manages the household.
Her figure supporting a husband who throws himself into dangerous work, and their bond adds depth to the story.
The couple's love story is also a highlight 💕
① The Legendary Firefighter "Fire-Eating Bird"
Matsunaga Gengo was once called the "Fire-Eating Bird," the most feared firefighter in Edo.
However, triggered by a certain incident, he retired from the front lines and came to lead the weak "Borotobigumi."
A story of past glory, setback, and revival begins 🦅
② Troubled Companions
Those who gather under Gengo are people cast out from society.
Former ozeki Torajiro expelled from sumo, sideshow acrobat Hikoya, disgraced astronomer Kaji Seijuro, and more.
They begin walking new lives as firefighters 👥
③ Relationship with Shinjo Domain
Borotobigumi are firefighters employed by Shinjo Domain in Dewa Province.
The relationship with domain official Orishita Samon and political issues surrounding the domain also intertwine with the story.
There's a depth beyond just a firefighter drama 🏯
④ Fate with Kaga-tobi
Kaga Domain's firefighting squad "Kaga-tobi" is one of Edo's premier elite units.
Its leader Ondo Kankuro and Gengo have a deep connection.
The rivalry and sometimes cooperative relationship between the two groups is a highlight ⚔️
⑤ Prelude to the Meiwa Great Fire
The story heads toward the great fire of Meiwa 9 (1772).
To protect Edo's town, Borotobigumi grows and unites.
Tension rises over how they'll face the historical great disaster 🔥
⑥ Gengo's Past and Atonement
Why did Gengo abandon the name "Fire-Eating Bird"?
What happened in his past becomes clear as the story progresses.
His figure facing the past and moving forward evokes emotion 😢
📺 TV Broadcast
Premiere: January 11, 2026 (Sat)~
Broadcast Time: Every Saturday at 11:30 PM~
Broadcasting Station: CBC/TBS network "Agaru Anime" slot
Broadcasting on 28 stations nationwide 📡
📱 Streaming Information
Streaming is planned on various streaming services.
Please check the official site for detailed streaming platforms.
Latest information will be updated as needed 🎬
🎭 Simultaneous Stage Version
Performance Period: January 23 - February 1, 2026
Venue: Hakuhinkan Theatre (Ginza, Tokyo)
A lavish project with simultaneous anime and stage versions 🎪
🦅 Matsunaga Gengo (CV: Yuichiro Umehara)
A legendary firefighter once feared as the "Fire-Eating Bird."
Currently serves as head of Shinjo Domain's weak firefighting squad "Borotobigumi."
Calm and collected, braver than anyone at fire scenes.
💡Trivia: The nickname "Fire-Eating Bird" came from his figure charging into flames as if devouring the fire.
🔥Fun Fact: Yuichiro Umehara is starring in a period drama anime for the first time, and spoke of his enthusiasm for working on a production with sword fighting!