Anime

January 7, 2026

Exploring the Dark Side of Reality: SHIBOYUGI Cast and Promo Video Revealed

In the heart of the anime world, a new series is stirring excitement and anticipation. “Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table” has unveiled its main promotional video and introduced five additional cast members, adding layers of intrigue to the already compelling narrative.

The series, adapted from the light novels by Yushi Ukai and illustrated by Nekometal, delves into a world where survival hinges on deadly games. The story revolves around Yuuki, a professional death game player who finds herself in a manor filled with lethal traps and dangerous challenges. Unlike her companions, Yuuki is no stranger to these gruesome contests, using her skills to secure prize money and survive.

The anime made its debut on Tokyo MX on Wednesday at 11:00 p.m., with the first episode lasting a full 60 minutes. Subsequent episodes will air at 11:30 p.m. Additionally, the series is available on ABC TV and will premiere on WOWOW on January 13. Viewers in the West can catch the anime on Netflix and Crunchyroll as it airs.

Sota Ueno, known for his work on “Days With My Stepsister,” is at the helm as the director, leading the project at Studio DEEN. Rintarou Ikeda, who worked on “The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement,” is handling the series composition. Character designs are crafted by Eri Osada, known for her work on “Blade & Soul,” while Noriyoshi Konuma, from “The Dangers in My Heart,” serves as the sound director.

The musical score features LIN from MADKID performing the opening theme song, “!Ersterbend.” The ending theme, “Inori” (Prayer), is performed by Chiai Fujikawa, who also wrote the lyrics. The composition and arrangement are by Seima Kondo from Elements Garden.

The light novel series, published by Kadokawa’s MF Bunko J imprint, has garnered significant attention. The first volume was released in November 2022, following its win at the 18th MF Bunko J Light Novel Newcomer Award. The eighth volume hit the shelves in February 2025, with the ninth volume set to release on January 23, 2026. The series also topped the New Title category in Takarajimasha’s 2024 “Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!” rankings.

A manga adaptation by Banzai Kotobuki Daienkai began in Kadokawa’s Comp Ace magazine in April 2023. The fourth compiled volume was published on September 24, with the fifth volume scheduled for January 23, 2026.

The promotional video and cast announcements have further fueled the excitement around “Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table,” promising a thrilling and dark exploration of survival and strategy.