by The acclaimed steampunk action anime Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is officially celebrating its 10th anniversary. Originally broadcast in 2016, the series quickly gained attention for its striking visuals, intense storytelling, and emotionally charged character dynamics.
Now, in April 2026, the “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress 10th Anniversary Project” has launched, bringing special broadcasts, exclusive campaigns, and heartfelt comments from the main cast and director Tetsuro Araki.
One remark in particular has captured fans’ attention: Araki’s emotional reflection on the real-life marriage of voice actors Tasuku Hatanaka and Sayaka Senbongi, which he described as “proof that I wasn’t wrong.”
What Is “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress”? (Beginner-Friendly Overview)
Set in the island nation of Hinomoto, during a period resembling Japan’s industrial revolution, the story follows humanity’s desperate fight against terrifying immortal creatures known as the Kabane.
The only way to defeat these monsters is to destroy the glowing core hidden in their hearts. To survive, people travel between fortified stations aboard armored steam locomotives—most notably the Kotetsujo (Iron Fortress).
The story centers on:
- Ikoma – A steam engineer who becomes a human-Kabane hybrid (Kabaneri)
- Mumei – A mysterious and powerful girl skilled in fighting Kabane
Blending steampunk aesthetics, high-intensity action, emotional drama, and music by Hiroyuki Sawano, the anime became one of the standout original series of 2016.
10th Anniversary Project: What Fans Can Expect
The anniversary theme, “The Ten-Year Journey of the Iron Fortress,” aims to celebrate the series’ legacy and reconnect fans with its world.
🔹 First-Ever Terrestrial TV Broadcast of the Sequel Film
The 2019 sequel film
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato
will air on Japanese terrestrial television for the first time.
Broadcast Details:
- Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
- Time: 24:45–26:15 (Kanto region)
This film continues the story after the TV series and remains one of the franchise’s most beloved entries.
🔹 Noitamina Shop & Cafe Theater Anniversary Campaign
From April 4 to May 10, 2026, fans can visit the Noitamina Shop & Cafe Theater in Aqua City Odaiba for a special campaign featuring:
- Exclusive 10th anniversary illustrations
- Newly released merchandise
- Limited-edition collaboration menu items
- In-store exhibitions
- A fan-voted re-screening of a TV anime episode
Additionally, the official radio program “Kabaneri Tours”, originally broadcast during the 2016 anime run, will make a limited comeback during the latter half of the campaign.
Further updates will be shared via the official anniversary website and X (formerly Twitter) account.
Cast Reflections: A Decade Later
Tasuku Hatanaka (Ikoma)
Hatanaka described the series as life-changing:
“Kabaneri is truly an irreplaceable work that shaped my life. It feels like I spent such a long time with it, even though the TV anime was only one season.”
He expressed hope that he may one day reprise his role as Ikoma, emphasizing that the emotional connection to the series has never faded.
Sayaka Senbongi (Mumei)
Senbongi reflected on her audition and early experiences:
“I can remember the audition like it was yesterday. I’m amazed that ten years have already passed.”
She added that her work on Kabaneri became the foundation of her career, supporting her growth over the last decade.
Director Tetsuro Araki’s Emotional Comment
Director Tetsuro Araki shared perhaps the most striking message.
Rather than simply celebrating the milestone, he expressed gratitude:
“Since I’m proud to say I created this work, I want to say ‘thank you.’”
Araki recalled starting the project from his small desk, unsure whether it would succeed. He even searched online for the word “Kabaneri” at the beginning, excited that no results existed yet—it was something entirely new.
But what touched him most was something deeply personal.
He referenced the real-life marriage between voice actors Tasuku Hatanaka (Ikoma) and Sayaka Senbongi (Mumei), often affectionately called the “Kabaneri marriage” by fans.
“What made this work most important to me was that the actors who played Ikoma and Mumei actually got married. It felt like proof that I wasn’t wrong.”
Araki explained that during production, he carefully observed their interactions and subtly adjusted character dynamics based on their natural chemistry.
“This film certainly contains something real. Not everything about it is perfect—but there is a certain truth burned into it. And that makes it a treasure.”
For longtime fans, this comment adds a new emotional layer to the relationship between Ikoma and Mumei.
Why “Kabaneri” Still Matters 10 Years Later
Even a decade after its debut, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress remains relevant because:
- It features original storytelling (not adapted from manga)
- It showcases cinematic action sequences by WIT STUDIO
- It combines steampunk aesthetics with Japanese historical elements
- It delivers emotionally grounded character arcs
With high-quality animation, music by Hiroyuki Sawano, and strong character development, the series continues to attract new viewers through streaming platforms.
Main Staff & Cast (Sequel Film)
Director / Screenplay: Tetsuro Araki
Series Composition: Ichiro Okouchi
Character Design (Original): Haruhiko Mikimoto
Animation Production: WIT STUDIO
Main Cast:
- Ikoma: Tasuku Hatanaka
- Mumei: Sayaka Senbongi
- Ayame: Maaya Uchida
- Kurusu: Toshiki Masuda
Final Thoughts
The launch of the Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress 10th Anniversary Project is more than a nostalgic celebration—it is a reminder of how powerful original anime storytelling can be.
Director Araki’s heartfelt words about the “Kabaneri marriage” highlight something rare in anime production: when fiction and real emotion intersect.
Ten years later, the Iron Fortress still moves forward—and fans are once again invited aboard.
