by The acclaimed original anime Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its television broadcast with a special commemorative project that is sure to excite longtime fans.
As part of the anniversary celebration, a brand-new illustration titled “Mumei Ranman” by original character designer Haruhiko Mikimoto has been unveiled. The artwork also serves as the basis for a newly announced 1/6-scale Mumei figure, while a new five-minute original anime short has been released to commemorate the figure’s production.
Even more exciting for fans, the short anime reunites the original creative team and brings back Tasuku Hatanaka and Sayaka Senbongi as the voices of Ikoma and Mumei, marking their first return to these beloved characters in years.
A Decade Since Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Originally broadcast in 2016, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress quickly became one of the standout original anime of the decade.
The 12-episode television series was directed by Tetsuro Araki, widely known for directing the early seasons of Attack on Titan, while animation was produced by WIT STUDIO, the acclaimed studio behind titles including:
- Attack on Titan (Seasons 1–3)
- SPY × FAMILY
- Ranking of Kings
- VINLAND SAGA (Season 1)
Combining steampunk aesthetics, high-speed action, horror, and emotional storytelling, the series earned praise for its cinematic animation, memorable soundtrack, and striking visual direction.
Story Overview
Set in a world devastated by terrifying creatures known as the Kabane, humanity survives inside heavily fortified stations connected by armored steam locomotives.
The Kabane are nearly immortal monsters with steel-like hearts, making them incredibly difficult to defeat.
The story follows:
- Ikoma, a talented young engineer determined to fight the Kabane after developing a powerful anti-Kabane weapon.
- Mumei, a mysterious and highly skilled warrior who is revealed to be a Kabaneri—a hybrid possessing both human and Kabane abilities.
Together, they travel aboard the armored train Kotetsujo (Iron Fortress), battling relentless enemies while searching for hope in a collapsing world.
New “Mumei Ranman” Illustration Revealed
To celebrate the anime’s 10th anniversary, legendary illustrator Haruhiko Mikimoto created a brand-new artwork titled “Mumei Ranman.”
The illustration depicts Mumei relaxing inside the Kotetsujo, presenting a more mature interpretation of the beloved heroine.
According to Mikimoto, he spent considerable time experimenting with poses and rough sketches before completing the final illustration, aiming to portray how Mumei may have naturally grown over the years since the original series.
Rather than simply recreating her original appearance, the artwork reflects both the passage of time within the story and the decade that has passed since fans last saw her.
New 1/6-Scale Mumei Figure Announced
The newly revealed illustration will be faithfully recreated as a premium 1/6-scale figure.
Figure Details
- Character: Mumei
- Based on: “Mumei Ranman” illustration
- Scale: 1/6
- Price: 38,500 yen
- Scheduled Release: June 2027
- Pre-order Deadline: September 30, 2026
The figure has been carefully sculpted to reproduce Mikimoto’s original artwork, capturing Mumei’s elegant expression, detailed costume elements, and refined pose.
Collectors and longtime fans can now reserve the anniversary figure ahead of its 2027 release.
New Five-Minute Original Anime Short Released
Alongside the figure announcement, the original production team reunited to create an all-new five-minute animated short.
Rather than serving as a sequel, the short focuses on the events surrounding the newly illustrated version of Mumei, revealing how she came to appear as depicted in “Mumei Ranman.”
Although brief, the animation gives fans an opportunity to revisit the world of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress with newly animated scenes produced especially for the anniversary celebration.
Original Cast Returns After Many Years
One of the biggest highlights of the anniversary project is the return of the original voice actors.
Tasuku Hatanaka returns as Ikoma
Hatanaka shared how happy he was to reunite with Ikoma after so many years.
He remarked that both Ikoma and Mumei still felt remarkably familiar despite the long absence and joked with his character during recording, saying, “Calm down, Ikoma!”
He also encouraged fans to support the new Mumei figure.
Sayaka Senbongi returns as Mumei
Senbongi admitted she never expected to portray Mumei again.
She thanked director Tetsuro Araki and everyone involved for making the reunion possible and expressed her joy at revisiting the lives of Ikoma and Mumei after such a long time.
She also invited fans to check out the commemorative figure.
Director Tetsuro Araki Reflects on Returning
Director Tetsuro Araki explained that the anniversary inspired him to ask whether the staff could reunite to create something new for Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress.
Thanks to everyone’s support, the project became a reality.
Araki said that working with Ikoma and Mumei again reminded him how much he genuinely loves the series.
He also expressed hope that he might have another opportunity to return to the franchise in the future.
Haruhiko Mikimoto on Creating “Mumei Ranman”
Original character designer Haruhiko Mikimoto shared that creating a brand-new illustration of Mumei after so many years was both exciting and challenging.
He revealed that he spent a great deal of time refining Mumei’s pose through multiple rough sketches before settling on the final composition.
Mikimoto also humorously noted that Mumei’s more mature appearance reflects the many years fans have waited to see her again.
He even wondered how much further she might grow if another reunion project were ever created.
What Makes This Anniversary Special
Unlike many anniversary celebrations that focus only on merchandise, the Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress 10th Anniversary Project combines several exclusive experiences:
- A brand-new official illustration by Haruhiko Mikimoto.
- A newly animated five-minute original anime.
- The return of the original voice cast.
- A premium collectible figure.
- Special commemorative videos and promotional content.
Together, these projects offer longtime fans a nostalgic celebration while introducing newer audiences to one of WIT STUDIO’s most visually distinctive original anime.
The Legacy of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Since its debut in 2016, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has remained one of the most memorable original anime series of its era.
Its unique blend of:
- Steampunk world-building
- Intense action
- Horror elements
- Emotional character relationships
- Cinematic animation
helped the series build a loyal fanbase around the world.
The franchise later expanded with compilation films and the sequel movie The Battle of Unato, further exploring the adventures of Ikoma and Mumei.
Although new entries have been limited in recent years, the 10th anniversary project demonstrates that the series continues to hold a special place in the hearts of both its creators and its fans.
Final Thoughts
The 10th Anniversary Project for Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a heartfelt tribute to one of anime’s most visually striking original series.
From Haruhiko Mikimoto’s stunning “Mumei Ranman” illustration and the beautifully crafted 1/6-scale figure to the surprise release of a new five-minute anime short featuring the return of the original cast and staff, the celebration offers fans a meaningful opportunity to revisit the world of Ikoma and Mumei.
Whether you’re a longtime follower of the franchise or discovering the series for the first time, this anniversary project highlights why Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress remains a beloved action-fantasy anime a full decade after its television debut.
