Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is an original anime series that ran on Fuji Television’s Noitamina programme block from April to June in 2016. It drew huge attention for its gorgeous visuals and action-packed scenes.

The series received two films in 2016 and 2017 entitled Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress – Part 1: Gathering Light and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress – Part 2: Burning Life respectively. A video game was also released in 2018. Now, in 2019, the franchise is set to get yet another film on May 10 entitled Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato. The movie will be screened for just two weeks.

The main cast members and staff attended an event on April 23 which was held to commemorate the upcoming release. This included the director and screenplay writer Tetsurō Araki and series composer Ichirō Ōkouchi. Below are some comments made by the voice actors and staff members.

――About creating an entirely new film

Ichirō Ōkouchi (Composition): “Continuing on from the TV series I knew I wanted to include all the parts that were interesting about the show as well as those parts that are quintessentially Kabaneri. With that in mind, I wanted to to make this film into an even more pleasing one. This meant including the trains, wrapping up character stories, and seeing Ikoma’s strength to hit back at adversity. I feel I have been able to do all the things I wanted to do.”

Tetsurō Araki (Director/Screenplay): “When the TV series ended, I wanted to do more. I wanted to bring the characters back again. When me and [Ichirō] Ōkouchi finished with the composition I wrote the script and he looked over it and did touch ups. Until now I would receive a script, incorporate my ideas and make into storyboards, but there have been few chances for Ōkouchi to slash back with something. But this time we were able to go back and forth with each other on the script. We also did temporary dubbing. By having that temporary dub playing with the storyboards we were able to brush up the work before going onto the main voice recording. It’s a great use of time. We have made our ideal film. I think everybody will live a happy life when they watch it [laughs].

――Thoughts on showing the completed film

Ryōta Ōsaka (Sukari): “I am overjoyed that the time has finally come where we get to see this film. The voice acting for the game was carried out individually, so I was happy to be able to get together with everyone again after 2-3 years on this new film. It reminded me what a great franchise it is and a great one to work with. I think people will discover new things each time they watch it, so I would be happy for you all to go to the cinema to re-watch it after you see it today.”

Toshiki Masuda (Kurusu): “The staff and cast poured their blood and sweat into this film. I am truly looking forward to seeing how it gets through to everyone. I want it to be seen by lots of people. A recap has also been announced, so if you know anyone that hasn’t seen the series then please be sure to recommend it to them!”

Those who see the film in Japan when it is released will receive a large-sized postcard illustrated by the series character designer Haruhiko Mikimoto. The postcard also has a serial code on it that can be redeemed in the video game (PC/iOS/Android) for a special outfit

©Kabaneri Production Committee

EGOIST, produced by ryo (supercell) have announced that they will release their ninth single Sakase ya Sakase on May 15, 2019. The record will be released in three editions: a Limited Pressing Edition which comes with anime packaging, a Limited Edition which comes with original merchandise, and a Regular Edition.

The single’s title track Sakase ya Sakase will be used as the main theme for the upcoming anime film Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato which is releasing on May 10, 2019. Described as a “killer tune,” the song was performed during the group’s ongoing fan club tour EGOIST showcase*005 and plunges EGOIST into new musical territory with the use of traditional Japanese instruments that reflect the animated film.

The tour was set to end at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo on March 31, but due to demand from the tickets selling out a follow-up show will take place at the same venue on April 6.

The other tracks on the single include a cover of the traditional English nursery rhyme London Bridge is Falling Down as well as The Everlasting Guilty Crown Nightcore mix, a remix of one of the duo’s most famous songs from their early days. The illustration above released for the new record was drawn by redjuice.

From April to June 2016, Fuji TV programming block NoitaminA launched an overwhelmingly beautiful and intense original animation series called “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress”. A highlights compilation of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, as well as a social game have been developed from the anime. Now, the sequel anime film “The Battle of Unato” is coming to theatres!

This will only be running for two weeks starting from Friday 10th May. A trailer for the anime that includes juicy highlights and bursting with action has been released!

It has been confirmed that Shin-ichiro Miki, who voices the character Kageyuki in the anime, will also be a member of the additional cast. As well as hitting the theatre, it will also be released simultaneously on NETFLIX and Prime Video.

The main theme song has been written by EGOIST, who were in charge of the anime’s TV opening theme song. After meeting with multiple anime director Tetsurō Araki. EGOIST are setting a new tone by using traditional Japanese instruments for this song to match the atmosphere of the anime ー this is your chance to enjoy a new side to EGOIST! This opening theme song is bound to be a killer tune that will make the crowd go crazy at any live concert.