by To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its original April 2016 broadcast, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has officially launched a large-scale commemorative campaign titled “The Ten-Year Journey of the Iron Fortress.” The project looks back on a decade of steampunk action, emotional storytelling, and fan support while offering new ways to revisit the franchise in 2026.
As part of the kickoff, the sequel film Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato will air on terrestrial television for the first time. The broadcast is scheduled for March 6 at 24:45 (12:45 a.m.) on Fuji TV (Kanto region local). For many fans, this marks a rare chance to watch the cinematic continuation of the story on free-to-air TV.
What Is the 10th Anniversary Project?
The anniversary theme, “The Ten-Year Journey of the Iron Fortress,” highlights the series’ lasting impact since its 2016 debut in Fuji TV’s Noitamina slot. The project will feature:
- A terrestrial TV premiere of The Battle of Unato
- Special merchandise with newly drawn anniversary illustrations
- Limited collaboration menu items
- A fan-voted re-screening of selected TV episodes
- Special exhibits at themed locations
Beginning April 4, 2026, the Noitamina Shop & Cafe Theater in Aqua City Odaiba (Tokyo) will host a dedicated anniversary campaign. The venue will offer exclusive goods, themed food, and nostalgic screenings—making it a must-visit destination for longtime fans.
Further updates will be shared via the official anniversary website and social media accounts.
About Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Produced by WIT STUDIO and directed by Tetsuro Araki, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is an original anime series set in a steampunk-inspired world.
The story follows humanity’s desperate fight against the Kabane—immortal monsters that spread like a plague. Survivors travel between fortified stations aboard armored steam locomotives. The protagonist, Ikoma, is a young engineer who becomes a Kabaneri—a hybrid of human and Kabane—granting him enhanced abilities at a dangerous cost.
The series gained attention for:
- High-intensity action sequences
- Detailed steampunk mechanical design
- Emotional character development
- Music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano
Following the 2016 TV broadcast, compilation films were released in 2016 and 2017, with the sequel film The Battle of Unato premiering in 2019.
Cast & Director Comments on the 10-Year Milestone
To mark the anniversary, key staff and cast members shared heartfelt messages.
Tasuku Hatanaka (Ikoma)
Hatanaka described Kabaneri as an irreplaceable work that shaped his life. He expressed disbelief that the series proper was only one season long, saying it felt like much more due to its emotional intensity. He also shared his wish to reunite with Ikoma and Mumei someday.
“Even after 10 years, I will never forget how I felt back then. I hope to face Kabaneri again someday.”
Sayaka Senbongi (Mumei)
Senbongi reflected on her audition and the passage of time:
“It feels like yesterday, yet 10 years have passed in the blink of an eye.”
She credited the series as a foundation of her career and expressed hope that it continues to connect people through its story.
Director Tetsuro Araki
Araki’s message was both reflective and deeply personal. He recalled launching the project from his desk and even searching online to confirm that the word “Kabaneri” did not already exist.
He also referenced a special connection between the series and real life: voice actors Hatanaka and Senbongi, who later married in 2019.
“What made this work most precious to me was that the main character Ikoma and two unknown cast members actually got married. It felt like proof that I wasn’t wrong.”
Araki emphasized that while production was not always smooth, something authentic remains “burned into” the film—making it a treasure he intends to cherish.
Why Kabaneri Still Matters in 2026
Even a decade later, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress remains influential for its bold aesthetic and emotionally charged storytelling. It helped define mid-2010s original anime productions and demonstrated how a short, tightly structured series could leave a long-lasting impact.
Its continued presence—through pachinko adaptations, streaming platforms, and anniversary events—shows that fan passion has not faded.
For new viewers, the upcoming TV broadcast of The Battle of Unato offers an accessible entry point into the franchise.
Broadcast Information
Film: Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 24:45–26:15 (Kanto region local broadcast)
Anniversary Campaign:
April 4 – May 10, 2026
Location: Noitamina Shop & Cafe Theater, Aqua City Odaiba
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 the emotional resonance the series continues to hold.
With a terrestrial TV premiere, special campaigns, and heartfelt comments from cast and staff, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for fans of the Iron Fortress.
Whether you’re revisiting the world of Hinomoto or discovering it for the first time, this anniversary is the perfect time to board the Kotetsujo once again.
