by Hiromitsu Kitayama is taking on the opening theme song for the second season of the TV anime “Tougen Anki: Dark Demon of Paradise,” and the newly unveiled jacket artwork has quickly attracted attention from fans.
The new song, titled “BACKLASH,” will serve as the opening theme for the anime’s upcoming Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc, which begins broadcasting in Japan on October 2, 2026. The jacket illustration was specially drawn by the original manga creator, Yuuki Urushihara, giving fans a unique collaboration between the musician and the creator of “Tougen Anki.”
The illustration shows Kitayama with black hair, earrings, black clothing, gloves, and a motorcycle, creating a striking visual that matches the darker atmosphere of the series. Fans have already reacted enthusiastically, with comments praising how closely the illustration resembles Kitayama and how stylish the artwork looks.
Hiromitsu Kitayama Sings “BACKLASH” for Tougen Anki Season 2
Kitayama announced that his new song “BACKLASH” has been selected as the opening theme for “Tougen Anki: Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc.”
The song will accompany the second season of the TV anime, which continues the story following the Kyoto and Nerima arcs that aired during the first season in 2025.
According to the official anime website, “BACKLASH” is specifically listed as the opening theme for the Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc. The ending theme will be “Hand in Hand” by TRACK15.
The choice of Kitayama is also notable because the new song is being introduced alongside a major new stage in the anime’s story. The upcoming arc takes the characters to the Nikko/Kegon Falls setting, where they will encounter new characters and conflicts.
Yuuki Urushihara Draws Kitayama for the Jacket
One of the biggest talking points surrounding “BACKLASH” is the jacket artwork.
Instead of using a conventional photograph alone, the project features a special illustration drawn by Yuuki Urushihara, the creator of “Tougen Anki.”
The artwork depicts Kitayama sitting on a motorcycle beside the white flame-like “BACKLASH” logo. He has black hair and earrings and wears a predominantly black outfit with red accents and black gloves.
The background uses strong yellow and purple tones, combined with a glitch-style visual effect that gives the image a modern and slightly rebellious atmosphere.
The illustration also creates a visual connection between Kitayama as a musician and the world of “Tougen Anki.”
Fans quickly noticed the resemblance between the illustrated version of Kitayama and the real performer.
Comments included reactions such as:
- “Congratulations on the anime theme song!”
- “He looks so much like him!”
- “Kitayama-kun drawn by Urushihara-sensei looks really cool.”
- “I’m jealous!”
- “I really love this picture. I keep looking at it because it’s so cool.”
The unusual combination of a real-life musician and an original manga illustration has made the jacket artwork one of the most talked-about aspects of the new opening theme.
What Is “Tougen Anki”?
For viewers who are new to the series, “Tougen Anki” is a dark fantasy action manga written and illustrated by Yuuki Urushihara.
The manga is serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion, published by Akita Shoten. The story takes inspiration from the famous Japanese folktale “Momotaro,” but gives the traditional story a much darker and more modern interpretation.
Instead of simply telling the story of Momotaro defeating demons, “Tougen Anki” imagines a world where descendants of Oni (demons) and descendants of Momotaro have been in conflict for generations.
The official anime website says the manga has surpassed 6.5 million copies in circulation, demonstrating the scale of its popularity.
The story begins with Shiki Ichinose, an ordinary-looking boy who discovers that he carries the blood of the Oni.
His life changes dramatically after he is attacked by a mysterious man connected to the Momotaro Agency. During his escape with his adoptive father, Shiki learns the truth about his heritage and becomes involved in the long-running conflict between the Oni and Momotaro factions.
This mixture of Japanese folklore, supernatural abilities, action, and darker character drama forms the foundation of “Tougen Anki.”
Season 2 Moves Into the Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc
The first season of “Tougen Anki” was divided into two major parts.
The Kyoto Arc began airing in July 2025, followed by the Nerima Arc in October 2025. The second season now moves the story forward with the Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc.
The new season is scheduled to premiere on October 2, 2026, in Japan’s Friday Anime Night programming block on Nippon Television and its network affiliates.
The anime will air every Friday at 11:30 p.m. JST and will be broadcast nationwide across 30 stations. It will also air on BS Nippon Television beginning October 5.
A second course is scheduled to begin in April 2027, giving fans another continuation of the story after the first part of the Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc.
New Characters and Cast Members Join Season 2
The upcoming arc will introduce several new characters, adding another layer to the conflict.
The recently announced cast includes:
- Kenichi Suzumura as Kusabi Momoura
- Yuki Kaji as Hizumi Momotsugi
- Kisho Taniyama as Senritsu Momoo
These characters are connected to the Kegon Falls Branch Laboratory of the Momotaro Agency, setting up new conflicts for Shiki and the other characters.
Their arrival is expected to expand the Momotaro side of the story and provide viewers with a closer look at the organization opposing the Oni.
“BACKLASH” Will Open the New Season
The new opening theme is an important part of the upcoming anime season because it introduces the new arc from the very beginning.
The official music information confirms:
Opening Theme: “BACKLASH” — Hiromitsu Kitayama
Ending Theme: “Hand in Hand” — TRACK15
The combination of Kitayama’s song and Urushihara’s jacket artwork has created additional anticipation ahead of the October premiere.
The official promotional material has also highlighted the new arc through a new visual and trailer, giving viewers a glimpse of the conflicts to come.
When and Where Can You Watch Tougen Anki Season 2?
For viewers in Japan, “Tougen Anki: Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc” will begin airing on October 2, 2026.
Japan Broadcast Schedule
Nippon Television and affiliated networks:
Every Friday at 11:30 p.m. JST, beginning October 2
BS Nippon Television:
Every Monday at 11:30 p.m. JST, beginning October 5
The anime will also be available through multiple streaming services.
The fastest Japanese streaming services—ABEMA, d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and Anime Hodai—will begin streaming episodes from October 2 at 12:30 a.m. JST, after the television broadcast. Other subscription platforms will begin distribution from October 5. TVer will offer catch-up streaming beginning October 8.
For international viewers, Crunchyroll has announced that “Tougen Anki: Nikko Kegon Falls Arc” will stream worldwide outside Japan and China.
Why the Jacket Illustration Is Getting So Much Attention
The collaboration works because it combines two different worlds.
Kitayama is presented as himself, while Urushihara reimagines him through the visual style associated with “Tougen Anki.” The motorcycle, black outfit, red accents, and glitch-inspired background also fit the anime’s darker, action-oriented identity.
The artwork is therefore more than a simple promotional image. It serves as a visual bridge between the singer and the series he is contributing to.
For fans of Kitayama, it offers a different representation of the performer. For “Tougen Anki” readers and anime viewers, it provides a creative connection between the manga creator and the opening-theme artist.
“Tougen Anki” Continues to Expand Its Anime World
The anime adaptation has become an important part of the “Tougen Anki” franchise.
The official project began in 2023, with the anime adaptation following other developments,s including stage and game projects. The manga itself continues to be serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion.
With the second season introducing a new arc, new characters, a new opening song, and a new visual direction, the franchise is entering another major stage.
For existing fans, the October premiere will continue Shiki’s story. For newcomers, the new season also provides an opportunity to discover the series and its unusual interpretation of the Momotaro legend.
Hiromitsu Kitayama’s “BACKLASH” is set to become the musical introduction to the next chapter of “Tougen Anki,” and the special jacket artwork drawn by Yuuki Urushihara has already given fans something to talk about.
The image of Kitayama with black hair, earrings, a motorcycle, and a dark outfit has particularly attracted attention for its stylish design and resemblance to the real performer.
Meanwhile, “Tougen Anki: Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc” will officially premiere on October 2, 2026, with “BACKLASH” as its opening theme and “Hand in Hand” by TRACK15 as its ending theme. New characters voiced by Kenichi Suzumura, Yuki Kaji, and Kisho Taniyama will also join the story.
With the manga having surpassed 6.5 million copies in circulation, the second season is entering a highly anticipated new phase.
For fans of dark fantasy anime, Japanese folklore, supernatural battles, and character-driven action stories, “Tougen Anki Season 2” is one of the notable anime releases to watch this fall.
“Tougen Anki: Nikko/Kegon Falls Arc” premieres October 2, 2026, while Hiromitsu Kitayama’s “BACKLASH” will serve as the opening theme.
