Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress 10th Anniversary Celebrations
The anime community is abuzz with anticipation as Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress gears up to commemorate its 10th anniversary this April. The unveiling of the “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress 10th Anniversary Project” sets the stage for a reflective journey titled “Kabaneri’s Ten-Year Journey,” which aims to delve into the series' rich history over the past decade through a series of commemorative endeavors.
Accompanying this milestone announcement are heartfelt insights from key figures involved in bringing this captivating series to life. Tasuku Hatanaka, renowned for his portrayal of Ikoma, expressed a profound connection to the work, stating, “I truly feel like I've spent such a dense and long time with this work. If possible, I'd love to see Ikoma and Mumei once again."
Similarly, Sayaka Senbongi, who breathes life into Mumei, shared sentiments of pride and gratitude, reflecting on the enduring impact of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress on her career: “Even after the broadcast ended, many people continued to bring up Kabaneri, and every time it made me feel proud. What I experienced on set back then became my foundation and has supported me through these past ten years."
Director Tetsuro Araki, the visionary behind the series, offered insights into the inception of the project, reminiscing about its humble beginnings and personal ambitions: “It started as a project I launched from my small desk, praying that it would reach people. I remember searching to see if the word ‘Kabaneri’ already existed and pumping my fist when nothing came up."
As part of the anniversary celebrations, fans can look forward to the terrestrial television broadcast of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato on Fuji TV, scheduled for March 6 in the Kanto region. This marks a significant moment for the film, which initially debuted in 2019, extending the narrative beyond the original TV series. Notably, the film is also available for viewing on Netflix as a 3-part release.
Beginning on April 4th, fans can immerse themselves in the “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress TV Broadcast 10th Anniversary Campaign” at the Noitamina Shop & Cafe Theater in Aqua City Odaiba. The campaign promises special exhibits, exclusive anniversary illustrations adorning merchandise, unique collaboration menu items, and revival screenings of fan-favorite anime episodes.
Adding to the nostalgia, the official radio program “Kabaneri Tours,” first aired during the original broadcast in 2016, will make a limited-time comeback, offering visitors a chance to relive the magic of the series within the store premises.
Director Araki further emphasized the personal significance of the project, revealing that the real-life union of Hatanaka and Senbongi added an unexpected layer of depth to the production. Drawing from their chemistry, Araki sculpted their on-screen personas, resulting in a genuine portrayal that resonated with audiences. Despite the challenges faced during production, Araki treasures Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress as a labor of love, promising to cherish its legacy.
Set in the intriguing backdrop of Hinomoto, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress unfolds in an era teetering between the early modern and modern ages, where humanity confronts the relentless Kabane, immortal adversaries spreading terror. Originally brought to life by WIT Studio in 2016, the series was followed by compilation films in late 2016 and early 2017, culminating in the sequel film The Battle of Unato in 2019.
As the anime landscape prepares to honor a decade of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, fans eagerly await the unraveling of the project's rich history and the promise of new adventures yet to come.
Sources: Oricon
© Kabaneri Production Committee
