Battle Spirits [Re] Zekkai No Ku Episode 1 Worldwide Release: Exact Streaming Times for USA, UK, India, Australia, and More

The newest chapter in the Battle Spirits trading card game anime franchise has arrived. Battle Spirits [Re] Zekkai No Ku (also written as Zekkai no Kū) premiered in Japan on October 6, 2026, and fans around the world can now watch Episode 1, titled “UNFORGIVEN,” through multiple streaming platforms. The series takes the card battles to the Bakumatsu period of Japan, a time of great change, and follows a young boy named Kū Bashin as he trains to become stronger. International viewers can catch the episode on Crunchyroll and other services, with exact release times varying by region.

Episode 1 Release Date and Where to Watch Worldwide

Episode 1 of Battle Spirits [Re] Zekkai No Ku is available now. The episode first aired on TOKYO MX in Japan at 11:00 PM JST on October 6, 2026. For global audiences, the primary streaming home is Crunchyroll, which is releasing new episodes every Tuesday. In Japan, the episode is also streaming on Prime Video, ABEMA, d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and Anime Hodai, with most services beginning distribution at 11:30 PM JST on October 6, 2026.

The table below shows the exact local time for Episode 1’s streaming debut on Crunchyroll across major regions. Times are based on the standard simulcast release window for the Fall 2026 anime season.

A Crunchyroll subscription is required to watch the episode. The platform offers a free trial for new users. The episode is available with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and more.

What Happened in Episode 1: A Detailed Preview of Each Character’s Story

Episode 1 sets up the world of Eito, Hinomoto (a fictional version of Edo-era Japan), during a period later known as the Bakumatsu. In this era, samurai settle disputes through Eternal Battles—duels with real stakes—while common people play Standard Battles, a safer version of the card game. The episode introduces the main cast and their personal struggles.

Kū Bashin (voiced by Taichi Kusano) is a cheerful and positive boy who was taken in by the Bashin-in temple after his parents died. He loves Battle Spirits and wants to become stronger. His journey begins when he meets a traveling samurai named Zetsu Ajara, and he starts to question what true strength really means. Kū uses a red Standard deck.

Zetsu Ajara (voiced by Daiki Hamano) is a quiet and unapproachable rōnin known as the “Assassin.” He carries a second sword on his back, which he intends to deliver to someone. Despite his cold exterior, he values honor and repays his debts. Meeting Kū begins to change his closed-off heart. Zetsu uses a blue Eternal deck.

Ibuki Mizuha (voiced by Hiro Shimono) is the leader of the children learning Battle Spirits at Bashin-in. Born into a wealthy family, he wants to become a leader for the people. He is Kū’s rival and often finds Kū’s reckless style frustrating, but he still respects him. Ibuki uses a green Standard deck.

Yui Kusumoto (voiced by Mariya Ise) is Kū’s childhood friend and a gentle, energetic girl. She values spending time with her friends over becoming stronger at the game. She aims to follow in her mother Mine’s footsteps and become a doctor. Yui uses a white Standard deck.

Shie Anpachi (voiced by Megu Umezawa) is a tea shop owner’s daughter who is expected to inherit the family business. After meeting Kū and the others, she begins to think about her own life and what she truly wants. She uses a purple Standard deck.

Jinzan Takasugi (voiced by Akira Ishida) is a samurai from the Choshu domain who created the Tenkentai, a militia open to samurai, farmers, and townspeople alike. He believes in action over words and sees the overthrow of the shogunate as his destiny. He uses a green Eternal deck.

Ryuga Sakemoto (voiced by Daisuke Ono) is a merchant and thinker who left his domain to form the Kaieitai. He trades with foreign countries and is connected to anti-shogunate figures. He loves new things and wants to create a Japan where everyone can live freely. He uses a yellow Standard deck.

Suiboku Bashin (voiced by Yasuhiro Mamiya) is the head priest of Bashin-in and Kū’s adoptive father. He teaches the local children how to play Standard Battle Spirits.

The Story So Far: Why Episode 1 Matters for New Viewers

This is a brand-new series and does not require watching any previous Battle Spirits anime to understand. The show is set in a completely new timeline and serves as an origin story for the card game within its own fictional world. Episode 1 focuses on introducing Kū, Zetsu, and the core conflict between the old ways of the samurai and the new, peaceful Standard Battles played by the common people.

A key moment in the episode is the first card battle between Kū and Ibuki. Kū’s father and Yui provide enthusiastic commentary during the match, which helps explain the game’s rules to newcomers. The episode ends with Zetsu observing the children from a distance, suggesting that he will play a major role in their lives going forward.

Production Team and Theme Songs

Masashi Kudo is directing the anime at Bandai Namco Pictures and is also credited for the original character designs. Toshizo Nemoto is handling series composition.

The opening theme song is “Here we are!” by JAM Project, a well-known anison group. The ending theme is “PULSE” by the music collective Himegoto.

How to Watch Episode 1 on Crunchyroll and Other Platforms

For viewers outside Japan, Crunchyroll is the easiest way to watch Battle Spirits [Re] Zekkai No Ku legally. The platform is streaming the series on Tuesdays as part of its Fall 2026 simulcast lineup. A subscription costs $7.99 per month for the Fan plan, which includes ad-free streaming and access to the full simulcast season.

In Japan, the episode is available on TOKYO MX, BS Nippon TV, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, TV Aichi, and Shizuoka Broadcasting at various times on Tuesday nights. Japanese streaming services including Prime Video, ABEMA, d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and Anime Hodai are also carrying the series.

International fans in Italy can watch the series on D-anime, a Prime Video channel, starting October 7, 2026.

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