The upcoming anime True Samurai Legend YAIBA has revealed its teaser visual, PV, cast, and staff information. Minami Takayama will reprise her role as Yaiba, the same role she played in the 1993 anime adaptation. Manaka Iwami will voice Sayaka Mine, and Yoshimasa Hosoya will voice Takeshi Onimaru. The animation is produced by WIT STUDIO, directed by Takahiro Hasui, with character design and chief animation direction by Yoshinori Kameda and music composed by Yutaka Yamada.

The teaser PV showcases intense sword fights between the protagonist Yaiba and his rival Takeshi Onimaru, along with the appearance of heroine Sayaka Mine. Viewers get a glimpse of each character’s voice. The teaser visual depicts Yaiba holding the Lightning God Sword in front of Tokyo’s iconic Kaminarimon with the tagline, "I am the true samurai!"

YAIBA, created by Gosho Aoyama, is a story about a wild samurai boy, Yaiba, who returns to Japan after training in the jungle. Seeking greater strength, he embarks on a thrilling journey fueled by his samurai spirit, encountering his rival Takeshi Onimaru, who possesses a legendary demon sword. Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday (Shogakukan) from 1988 to 1993, the series has sold over 17 million copies. The anime aired from 1993 to 1994, and this new adaptation marks the first return in 30 years. Gosho Aoyama will fully supervise the script.

The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday (Shogakukan) from 1988 to 1993, with a total of 17 million copies in circulation. It received a TV anime adaptation from 1993 to 1994. The new anime will mark the series' first continuation in 30 years, with the scenario fully supervised by Aoyama.

Comments from the Cast and Staff:

Minami Takayama's Comment:
"I am Yaiba Kurogane, the samurai!" I never imagined I'd get to declare that again. It's not just happiness (read as miracle) — it's beyond words! I am deeply grateful to the staff for their love. Right now, I'm in the middle of fun and exciting training, "Uraura Hore, Uraura Hore." I can't wait to bring you Yaiba bursting off the screen!

Manaka Iwami's Comment:
I couldn't believe it at first when I found out I’d get to act in a world created by Gosho Aoyama, which I’ve admired on TV since childhood. Playing Sayaka, who is so cute yet at times really cool, is an incredible experience. I'm learning and growing every day thanks to the inspiration of those around me. I hope that more people will get to enjoy the world of YAIBA, which has been loved for so long!

Yoshimasa Hosoya's Comment:
I am Yoshimasa Hosoya, and I’ve been cast as Takeshi Onimaru in the TV anime Shin Samurai Den YAIBA. This character, Onimaru, came to me at a time when I struggled to pass any auditions, and I was fearful of auditioning, thinking I might fail again. I also felt both a strong attachment and a sense of pressure, wondering if I was worthy of such a large role. I am truly grateful to now be sharing this news with everyone. I’m excited to record and share Onimaru’s charm with the world. Thank you for your support!

Director Takahiro Hasui's Comment:
Whether you're familiar with YAIBA or not, we’ve worked under the supervision of Aoyama-sensei to create a modernized, animated version that everyone can enjoy. A powerful team has gathered to bring this multifaceted YAIBA to life. I hope you look forward to this new YAIBA!

Character Designer & Chief Animation Director Yoshimichi Kameda's Comment:
When I was in elementary school, my grandmother gave me an oil painting set. Not knowing what to paint, I copied the cover of the 21st volume of YAIBA, my favorite comic, onto a canvas. Now, 30 years later, I’m not just a fan — I get to officially design the characters! It's the happiest and most honorable job I've ever had. I will do my best to make this a great work!

Music Composer Yutaka Yamada's Comment:
When I first spoke with the director, I was delighted when he told me, "I want the music to be treated as a character itself." I aim to create music that matches the fast-paced tempo of the story while bringing a variety of styles. I hope you’ll enjoy the soundtrack as a character within the anime itself.

Staff Information:
Original Work: Gosho Aoyama’s YAIBA (published by Shogakukan's Shonen Sunday Comics)
Director: Takahiro Hasui
Series Composition: Toko Machida
Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yoshimichi Kameda
Sub-character Design/Main Animator: Takeshi Maenami
Special Effects Director: Hiroshi Masuda
Art Director: Yusuke Takeda (Bamboo)
Art Settings: Kazushi Fujii
Color Design: Ken Hashimoto
3D Director: Yukinori Nakamura
Director of Photography: Toru Fukushi
Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
Music: Yutaka Yamada, Yoshiaki Dewa
Sound Director: Yo Yamada
Sound Effects: Eiko Morikawa
Animation Producer: Maiko Okada
Animation Production: WIT STUDIO

Source : ORICON NEWS