by Fans of classic anime can now enjoy a major sci-fi series online. All 51 episodes of the TV anime Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldier are currently streaming for free on YouTube for a limited time.
The full series, based on the legendary manga by Shotaro Ishinomori, became available on March 16 through the official Anime Times YouTube channel.
However, the episodes will only be available during a limited streaming window, so viewers who want to revisit the classic anime should watch it soon.
Streaming Schedule for the 51 Episodes
The entire series is divided into two streaming periods:
Episodes 1–27
Available March 16 – March 29
Episodes 28–51
Available March 30 – April 17
Because the release schedule rotates episodes over time, viewers are encouraged to watch earlier episodes before the first batch expires.
About Cyborg 009
The story originates from the manga Cyborg 009, which first began serialization in 1964. Created by Shotaro Ishinomori, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential science-fiction manga series in Japan.
The story follows nine humans who are kidnapped and transformed into powerful cyborg soldiers by an evil organization known as Black Ghost. Instead of becoming weapons of war, the cyborgs rebel and fight to protect humanity.
The main protagonist, Joe Shimamura, also known as Cyborg 009, leads the team in their battle against oppression and global conflict.
The series explores themes such as:
The ethics of advanced technology
The value of human life
War and peace
Identity and belonging
These themes helped make Cyborg 009 a pioneering work in Japanese science fiction.
The 2001–2002 Anime Adaptation
The episodes currently available online come from the 2001–2002 television adaptation, which is often referred to as the Heisei-era version of the anime.
This series gained attention for its faithful adaptation of the original manga while introducing the story to a new generation of viewers.
Notable Features of the 2001 Series
Modernized animation style for the early 2000s
Expanded storytelling based on the original manga arcs
Emotional character development for the nine cyborg heroes
The show also features music composed by Tetsuya Komuro, a famous composer and producer known for his work in J-pop and anime soundtracks.
Voice Cast Highlights
The series features a talented cast of voice actors who helped bring the characters to life.
Main Cast
Takahiro Sakurai as Joe Shimamura / Cyborg 009
Kana Ueda as Francoise Arnoul / Cyborg 003
Showtaro Morikubo as Jet Link / Cyborg 002
These actors helped redefine the characters for modern audiences during the early 2000s revival.
Part of the “More Anime on YouTube” Project
This limited-time streaming event is part of the “More Anime on YouTube Supported by au” campaign.
The initiative is organized by KDDI and aims to promote anime accessibility by providing official free streams on YouTube.
Through this campaign, fans can discover or revisit classic anime titles without needing a subscription service.
The campaign also features a special webpage where viewers can check which anime series are currently available to stream for free.
A New Cyborg 009 Anime Coming in 2026
The franchise continues to evolve. A new anime adaptation of Cyborg 009 is scheduled to premiere in 2026, further expanding the long-running sci-fi series.
Although details about the upcoming project are still limited, the announcement has reignited interest in earlier adaptations—including the 2001 TV series now streaming on YouTube.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, the current free release offers the perfect opportunity to revisit the story before the new adaptation arrives.
Why Cyborg 009 Remains Important in Anime History
Cyborg 009 is considered a groundbreaking series for several reasons.
Key Contributions
1. Early Team-Hero Concept
The series introduced a group of super-powered heroes working together, influencing later anime and superhero stories.
2. Complex Sci-Fi Themes
It explored ethical questions about technology and war decades before similar topics became common in anime.
3. Legacy of Shotaro Ishinomori
The creator also worked on many other influential projects, including Kamen Rider and Himitsu Sentai Gorenger.
Because of this legacy, Ishinomori is often called the “King of Manga.”
How to Watch the Series
Viewers can watch all 51 episodes through the official Anime Times YouTube channel.
Since the episodes are only available for a limited time, fans should watch them before the streaming period ends.
Whether you are revisiting the classic or discovering it for the first time, this streaming event provides a rare opportunity to experience one of anime’s most influential science-fiction stories.
