by Bushiroad has officially unveiled details of its ambitious new cross-media project, ZERO RISE, at the “Cardfight!! Vanguard 15th Anniversary Bushiroad New Year’s Announcement 2026.” Alongside the project reveal, it was announced that ZERO RISE will be adapted into both a TV anime and a stage play, marking a major push into original sports-themed storytelling.
With its focus on underground street basketball, social disparity, and second chances, ZERO RISE aims to deliver a hard-hitting, emotionally driven narrative that resonates with modern audiences.
What Is “ZERO RISE”? — A New Kind of Basketball Story
Unlike traditional sports anime that center on school tournaments or professional leagues, ZERO RISE tells the story of young people who were once cast out of the official basketball world.
Some were expelled due to past mistakes, others gave up because of unavoidable circumstances—but all of them share one thing:
they refuse to let their story end there.
Set in a harsh society where:
- Economic disparity continues to widen
- Honesty is tested daily
- Competition is brutal and unforgiving
these characters gather in the underground street basketball league known as “Zero Rise.” Here, skill alone is not enough pride, survival, and personal resolve are constantly put to the test.
The series explores how these so-called “dropouts” reclaim their dignity and fight their way back up from the streets.
Anime and Stage Play: A Full Cross-Media Experience
One of the biggest highlights of ZERO RISE is its simultaneous development across multiple media.
TV Anime
- Animation production: Nichika Line
- A newly released anime trailer features intense basketball action and dramatic character moments
- A full character voice trailer is now available on the official ZERO RISE YouTube channel
Stage Play
- Performance period: May 2 – May 17, 2026
- Venue: Airship Theater, Tokyo
- Total performances: 20
- Script: Ichidai Matsuda (ILCA)
- Direction: Nobuhiro Mori
Advance ticket lottery applications are currently available via e+ and will remain open until February 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM (JST).
Meet the Teams and Characters
At the announcement event, all characters and cast members appearing in both the anime and stage play were revealed at once.
UNFIXXX — The Rising Street Team of Shinjuku
A newly formed team shaking up the underground basketball scene.
- Madoka (Kurogane Madoka) — Yuki Sasamori
- Date (Tenjutsu Hagane) — Tomoe Fukui
- Marlin (Marindo Shisaki) — Kai Otom
KINGS+HOOT — Childhood Friends Reunited
Three former official basketball players who reunite after years apart.
- Blink (Sugawara Touki) — Hiroki Ishibashi
- Miracle (Tamura Kagetora) — Takamichi Sato
- Sunshine (Niwa Harumitsu) — Yusei Hiraga
RumbleWing[s] — The Twin-Powered Powerhouse
A feared team known for overwhelming coordination and speed.
- York (Hirai Tsubasa) — Ren Tahara
- Ujin (Jinuchi Uichiro) — Takumi Mano
- Sajin (Jinuchi Kazusa) — You Maejima
BLACKSPOT — The Most Dangerous Team
Infamous for its ruthless, weapon-like playing style.
- Ballista (Harai Takeshi) Masahiro Kawakami
The Founder of ZERO RISE
- Jigen (Jigen Hayato) Yuki Kimisawa
- Former pro-league champion
- Creator of the Zero Rise underground league
Why “ZERO RISE” Stands Out
ZERO RISE is not just another sports anime—it combines:
- Street culture × Basketball
- Social realism × Youth drama
- Stylish action × Emotional storytelling
By focusing on characters who were once rejected by the system, the series offers a fresh perspective on sports and success, appealing to both anime fans and newcomers alike.
Project Staff Overview
- Project Concept: Takaaki Kidani
- Series Concept: Tatsushiro Watanabe
- Character Design: From Tokyo
This strong creative lineup highlights Bushiroad’s commitment to building ZERO RISE as a long-term multimedia franchise.
Final Thoughts
With its TV anime, stage play, and cross-media storytelling, ZERO RISE is shaping up to be one of the most unique and ambitious original projects of 2026.
Fans of sports anime, street culture, and character-driven drama should keep a close eye on this title as it prepares to rise from the underground just like its characters.
