Introduction to Tougen Anki
Tougen Anki: Legend of the Cursed Blood (桃源暗鬼, Tōgen Anki) is more than just another shonen title—it’s a bold, bloodstained saga deeply rooted in Japanese mythology. Created by Yura Urushibara and serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion since June 2020, the manga has captivated fans with over 3 million copies in circulation by mid-2024. In July 2025, the anime adaptation by Studio Hibari hit screens worldwide, exploding onto the scene with slick visuals, a mature storyline, and a dark reimagining of the classic Momotaro folktale. In a landscape filled with copy-paste battle manga, Tougen Anki doesn’t just stand out—it bites.
This article dives into the plot, characters, and the legacy of this myth-fueled revenge story, while also unpacking what makes it one of 2025’s most emotionally charged anime experiences.
Tougen Anki Plot Summary: A Tale of Blood and Myth
At its heart, Tougen Anki is a twisted tale of bloodline, betrayal, and inner demons—both literal and emotional. The story flips the well-known Momotaro myth on its head. Instead of depicting Oni as villains, the narrative repositions them as misunderstood beings in a tragic war for survival. The real enemy? The Momotaro descendants who, consumed by obsession and duty, have hunted Oni into near extinction.
We meet Shiki Ichinose, a hotheaded teenager raised by his adoptive father, Tsuyoshi. When Shiki is attacked by a ruthless Momotaro assassin, his world is shattered. Tsuyoshi reveals that he was once a Momotaro himself, hiding Shiki’s true Oni heritage all along. Tsuyoshi sacrifices himself to save his son, and in that trauma, Shiki’s dormant Oni blood erupts—awakening powers fueled by rage and sorrow.
Now fully aware of who he is, Shiki enters Rasetsu Academy, a training facility for young Oni. Here, he’s introduced to others like him—misfits, monsters, and warriors with powers passed down from their cursed lineage. As the war between the Oni and Momotaro agencies escalates, Shiki’s struggle becomes not just one of vengeance, but of discovering his identity in a world where blood defines destiny.
It’s a brutal coming-of-age tale where nothing is black or white—only deep, unsettling shades of red.
Tougen Anki Characters and Voice Cast Overview
The series thrives not only on action but on its emotionally charged cast. Every character in Tougen Anki carries a personal burden, making even minor roles feel weighty.
- Shiki Ichinose (Kazuki Ura / Zeno Robinson): The rebellious protagonist, shattered by loss and burdened by legacy.
- Naito Mudano (Hiroshi Kamiya / Stephen Fu): Calm, calculating, and one of Rasetsu’s most impactful mentors.
- Jin Kougasaki (Koutaro Nishiyama / Khoi Dao): Mysterious and masked, his rivalry with Shiki is layered and tense.
- Homare Byobugaura (Manaka Iwami / Erica Mendez): Timid yet pivotal, her development reveals the emotional heart of the series.
- Ikari Yaoroshi (Shogo Sakata / Alejandro Saab): Fierce and brash with surprising emotional depth.
- Kuina Sazanami (Aimi / Rebecca Wang): Obsessed with Shiki, her devotion adds chaotic loyalty to the mix.
- Kyoya Oiranzaka (Ryōhei Kimura / Mark Whitten): A flirtatious Oni commander whose charm masks deadly intent.
- Samidare Momoya (Yasunori Masutani / Patrick Seitz): The assassin responsible for Tsuyoshi’s death—a walking symbol of Shiki’s trauma.
Each voice actor brings raw energy to the screen, grounding fantasy in real emotion. The chemistry between characters, whether in conflict or camaraderie, is a core strength of the anime.
Manga & Anime Development: From Page to Screen
Tougen Anki has seen rapid growth since its manga debut. From 900,000 copies in late 2021 to 3 million by 2024, the title’s rise has been meteoric. As of July 2025, 25 volumes are available, and English readers gained access thanks to Yen Press starting September 2024.
The anime adaptation, announced in December 2023 and launched in July 2025, has garnered global praise. Studio Hibari, known for detailed animation and expressive character work, has faithfully translated the manga’s emotion-heavy style into a visual spectacle. Episode 5 is now set to release on August 6, 2025, teasing new character arcs and devastating revelations.
You can watch the anime on:
- Crunchyroll(https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GP5HJ84D2/tougen-anki?srsltid=AfmBOopzMn2y40ysNhaBhk98f1_-peHv7UYlAkhecErfOcn-r0SAtiPs)
- Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81969861)
- Prime Video
- It’s Anime YouTube Channel
Availability varies by region, but the global hype is undeniable.
Reception: A New Shonen Contender Emerges
Fans and critics alike are divided—but talking. The manga was nominated for the 2021 Next Manga Awards and recently ranked 7th in Rakuten Kobo’s 2024 list of top recommended manga. Its anime sits at a 6.9/10 on IMDb—solid for a debut season with heavy expectations.
Some praise it as “the next Solo Leveling,” while others criticize its use of familiar tropes from Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. But what sets Tougen Anki apart is its lack of cheap fan service, moral ambiguity, and characters that feel both mythical and heartbreakingly human.
It’s not about being original—it’s about being emotionally real.
Final Thoughts
Tougen Anki delivers a myth-fueled punch straight to the heart of the shonen genre. With its blend of traditional folklore, emotional character arcs, and relentless action, it doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel—it sets it on fire. As the anime heats up and the manga pushes new boundaries, now is the perfect time to dive into this tale of cursed blood and burning vengeance.
So, whether you’re into folklore, explosive transformations, or emotionally grounded storytelling—Tougen Anki is the modern shonen epic you’ve been waiting for.
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