The wait is finally over for anime fans. BLACK TORCH, the supernatural action series based on Tsuyoshi Takaki’s manga, makes its debut on July 4, 2026. The show arrives eight years after the original manga ended its run, bringing a fresh adaptation that mixes ninja battles with Japanese spirit lore.
The series comes from 100studio, the global animation label, with Crunchyroll handling worldwide streaming outside Asia. Fans in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and the CIS region can watch the show on the platform. The English dub arrives on the same day as the Japanese version, making it easy for global audiences to jump right in.
BLACK TORCH Episode 1 Release Date and Time
BLACK TORCH Episode 1 premieres on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 10:00 PM JST on TOKYO MX and other Japanese networks. The episode runs for 30 minutes, airing weekly every Saturday at the same time.
For international viewers on Crunchyroll, the episode drops on July 4 as well. French viewers can expect the episode around 3:00 PM CEST. Other regions should see the episode become available within a similar window, though exact times depend on time zone differences.
A special world premiere event took place on July 3 at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles. The event featured the full debut of Episode 1 with English subtitles, giving attendees an early look before the public release.
Where to Watch BLACK TORCH Episode 1
Crunchyroll holds the exclusive streaming rights for BLACK TORCH in multiple regions, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS countries.
Japanese viewers have several options. The series airs on TOKYO MX, BS11, Sun Television, and other regional stations. Streaming platforms like ABEMA, d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and Anime Times offer simultaneous broadcast with the TV airing.
Additional platforms begin streaming from July 9. These include Prime Video, Disney+ Star, Hulu, DMM TV, FOD, and TELASA. YouTube will also offer rental viewing. Netflix plans a full-episode batch release starting November 5, 2026.
What Happens in BLACK TORCH Episode 1
Episode 1 carries the title “The Future Lies in Our Hands” (ๆชๆฅใฏไฟบ็ญใฎๆใฎไธญ).
The story introduces Jiro Azuma, a high school student who comes from a long line of ninja. His grandfather trained him in martial arts from a young age. Jiro also has a rare gift: he can talk to animals.
One day, Jiro finds an injured black cat in the forest. He helps the cat recover, only to learn that this is no ordinary animal. The cat, named Rago, is actually a mononokeโa powerful spirit that has slept for a long time. Rago was once known as the “Black Star of Calamity,” a name that carries weight in the spirit world.
The episode shows how Jiro and Rago’s paths cross and how their connection pulls Jiro into a hidden conflict. Other mononoke want to use Rago’s power for their own purposes. A secret organization called the Bureau of Espionage also takes interest in the pair.
Voice Cast and Staff
The Japanese voice cast brings the characters to life with experienced talent:
- Ryota Suzuki as Jiro Azuma
- Yoji Ueda as Rago
- Sayaka Senbongi as Ichika Kishimojin
- Junya Enoki as Reiji Kirihara
- Nobuhiko Okamoto as Koga
- Toshiyuki Morikawa as Amagi
- Yuko Kaida and Hochu Otsuka in supporting roles
The English dub cast includes:
- AJ Beckles as Jiro Azuma
- Keith Silverstein as Rago
- Erin Yvette as Ichika Kishimojin
- Ben Diskin as Amagi/Crow
- Ryan Bartley as Nachi
The production team includes Kei Umabiki as director, Gigaemon Ichikawa handling series composition and scripts, Gou Suzuki in charge of character designs, and Yutaka Yamada composing the music. The original creator Tsuyoshi Takaki oversaw production and supervised settings and storyboards.
Theme Songs
The opening theme is “Freeze Me Up” performed by SiM. The ending theme is “Groooovy” by I Don’t Like Mondays. Both songs appear in the show’s promotional videos and give a taste of the series’ energetic tone.
About the Manga and Its Comeback
BLACK TORCH started as a manga by Tsuyoshi Takaki and ran from December 2016 to July 2018. The series published in Jump Square and later on Shonen Jump+ before ending with only 19 chapters and five collected volumes. The manga did not gain much attention during its original run, but the anime adaptation gives the story a second chance to find an audience.
Viz Media holds the license for the manga and plans to release a complete box set of all five volumes in the United States on September 22, 2026.
The creator expressed his thoughts on the adaptation:
“A new BLACK TORCH has been brought to life, now with voices, sounds, movement and color. There are battles, cats, and thighs! We hope you enjoy it!”
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What to Expect from the Series
BLACK TORCH blends ninja action with supernatural fantasy. The story follows Jiro as he navigates life as a shinobi descendant while dealing with the dangers that come from his bond with Rago. The series explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the clash between human and spirit worlds.
The anime reportedly plans for 11 episodes in its first season, with the finale expected around September 12, 2026. Each episode releases weekly on Saturdays.
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