The anime KAGURABACHI made a strong impression at this year’s Anime Expo 2026, offering fans a special preview of the first twenty minutes of episode one and delighting them with the impressive quality of the early footage. Even though he wasn’t very talkative during the twenty‑minute preview, the lead character Chihiro Rokuhira delivers several memorable and powerful lines that drew loud cheers from the crowd. Japanese voice actor Taihi Kimura, who gave Chihiro his distinctive delivery, did an excellent job of portraying Chihiro’s quiet resolve and simple wishes in just a few minutes.
We got the chance to chat with Kimura‑san about his approach and experiences voicing Chihiro. He shared valuable insights and detailed how he crafted one of the 2027 anime’s most compelling leads.
Parts of this interview have been trimmed for clarity. The discussion was carried out with the help of a translator.
Q: When you first got the role, did anyone give you advice on shaping Chihiro’s voice? Did any major change occur in the sound?
Kimura-san: I first tried a voice that expressed grief, anger and pain. However, that tone felt too heavy for an 18‑year‑old, so I shifted to a more natural, everyday way of speaking—much like my own.
Q: Did you picture Chihiro initially as a swordsmith’s son or as a swordsman? How did Kunishige’s performance affect your take on his voice and emotional flow?
Kimura-san: I actually did it the opposite way. I first thought of him as a swordsman, then switched to seeing him as the swordsmith’s son. That reversal helped me lighten the tone, making it fit an 18‑year‑old. I hadn’t met Tomokazu Seki, who voices Kunishige, until we gathered in the recording studio. The meeting was both thrilling and nerve‑wracking, but being together let us build a believable father‑son dynamic.
Q: Were you familiar with the series before taking the role of Chihiro? What were your initial thoughts on it?
Kimura-san: Yes, I had heard about it beforehand. It’s a sharp revenge tale with an unconventional rhythm, which makes it very intriguing and a fresh reading experience for me.
Q: Chihiro appears tough and grim, yet he also shows softer, more delicate sides. How do you balance his core personality with these other facets?
Kimura-san: His primary drive is to avenge his father, but deep within he holds vulnerable feelings that surface occasionally. In his youth he wasn’t like this. While he isn’t overly chatty or constantly upbeat, there’s a nuanced mindset beneath the darkness. Keeping that underlying mental state in mind helps me portray the character authentically.
Q: Which connection gave you the deepest insight into Chihiro’s character—his father, an ally, or an enemy?
Kimura-san: It’s his father. Their shared history and past conversations are crucial for how I approach Chihiro.
Q: How do you maintain vocal energy and match the intensity of highly violent or action‑packed scenes?
Kimura-san: Chihiro doesn’t rely on overt emotional displays in intense moments. I keep my performance natural, reacting to the situation rather than overacting, even during violent or action sequences.
Q: Many shōnen leads see themselves as heroes, but Chihiro doesn’t. How does that self‑perception shape your vocal approach?
Kimura-san: He rarely leans on others and tends to be introverted, though he can quickly trust certain people. The mix of traits makes him complex, and I’m still exploring the depths of his character.
Q: Which aspects of the show do you think stand out, and what should viewers focus on?
Kimura-san: The standout elements are the high‑octane action sequences. I also encourage audiences to watch for the emotional highs and lows that Chihiro experiences throughout the story.
Q: Is there one aspect of Chihiro that the Anime Expo 2026 audience might have missed?
Kimura-san: I want them to remember that Chihiro is still just an 18‑year‑old boy at heart.
Q: How did you feel watching the fans react to the premiere, and which moments caught you off guard?
Kimura-san: The fans’ enthusiasm was incredibly motivating, and I’m truly grateful for it. I was surprised to see them shouting “Woo!” during the action scenes—they were completely caught up in the excitement. Both Japanese and international fans are passionate and energetic, and it was a fantastic experience to share.
We appreciate Taihi Kimura for sharing his thoughts on the anime KAGURABACHI after its debut at Anime Expo 2026. This event marked the opening of the Kagurabachi Anime World Tour Part 1. More sneak peeks of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 are posted on the official site, and some gatherings include staff panels.
KAGURABACHI is set to debut in April 2027 and will be available on Crunchyroll, MUSE, SMG HOLDINGS, and additional streaming services.
You can locate the official website and social media channels for the anime below:
Copyright © Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA, Project Kagurabachi
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