by The TV anime The Forbidden City Cat Guard Room is entering a brand-new storyline, and a special promotional video celebrating the beginning of the next arc has been released. Titled the “Black-Lacquered Medicine Chest with a Gold Twin-Dragon Pattern” arc, the new chapter begins with Episode 9, following the conclusion of the anime’s opening eight-episode storyline.
The latest announcement also introduces two important new characters: the twin cats Wu You and Wu Lü, both voiced by Reiji Kawashima. The actor will take on a double role, portraying two characters who look almost identical but have different personalities and occupations.
Wu You works as a physician at the Imperial Medical Institute. He is timid and quiet by nature, but he is hardworking and has extensive knowledge of medicine and medicinal ingredients. His younger twin brother, Wu Lü, uses the name “Yu Gan” and works as a servant in the Fang household. Although the brothers share almost identical appearances, the position of the mole on each cat’s face is different.
Kawashima has also shared a special comment about playing both characters. He revealed that he was surprised by how much dialogue the twins had once recording began and explained that he paid particular attention to expressing their individual feelings and the unique relationship between brothers.
With the new arc introducing a mysterious medicine chest, two important new characters, and another adventure involving the protection of cultural treasures, the story is set to take the six cat guardians into a fresh mystery.
The Forbidden City Cat Guard Room Begins Its New Arc with Episode 9
The new chapter of The Forbidden City Cat Guard Room follows the conclusion of the first storyline, known as the “Tousai Sanshuu Cup” arc.
Episodes 1 through 8 focused on the adventures of the six cats belonging to the secret organisation known as the Forbidden City Cat Guard Room. Their mission is to protect precious cultural treasures and the memories contained within historical objects.
With the opening arc now complete, Episode 9 begins a new storyline titled “Black-Lacquered Medicine Chest with a Gold Twin-Dragon Pattern.”
To celebrate the transition, the official anime channels released a special new-arc promotional video on November 3, 2026. The PV introduces the atmosphere of the upcoming storyline and offers viewers a preview of the new characters who will become important to the story.
The announcement also confirms that Reiji Kawashima will join the Japanese voice cast, taking on the roles of the twin brothers Wu You and Wu Lü.
The new arc is particularly interesting because it introduces characters connected to medicine and the Imperial Medical Institute. Their different positions and personalities are expected to add another layer to the mystery surrounding the medicine chest.
Who Are Wu You and Wu Lü?
Wu You and Wu Lü are twin cats who make their first appearance in the new storyline. Although they have nearly identical faces, they live very different lives and have distinct personalities.
Both characters are voiced by Reiji Kawashima, who will portray the brothers in a double role.
Wu You – The Quiet Physician
Wu You is the elder twin and works as a physician at the Imperial Medical Institute.
He has a timid and quiet personality, which makes him appear somewhat reserved when interacting with others. However, he is not lacking in ability. He is hardworking and possesses extensive knowledge of medical practices and medicinal ingredients.
His professional knowledge makes him an interesting character for a storyline centred on a medicine chest.
Wu You also cares about his younger twin brother, Wu Lü. Despite their different circumstances, he remains concerned about his brother and pays attention to his situation.
His calm and gentle personality contrasts with the more complicated circumstances surrounding his younger twin.
Wu Lü – The Younger Twin Who Works for the Fang Household
Wu Lü is Wu You’s younger twin brother. Unlike his elder brother, who works at the Imperial Medical Institute, Wu Lü serves the Fang household as a servant.
He also uses the name “Yu Gan” while working there.
At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish him from Wu You because the two brothers have almost identical appearances. However, there is one small but important difference: the position of the mole on his face.
Wu Lü also has a more complicated emotional side. The official character introduction describes him as having a somewhat self-deprecating or insecure personality, particularly in relation to his elder brother.
This difference in their personalities and social positions could become an important part of the new storyline.
Although the twins look alike, their different experiences have shaped them into distinct individuals. Their relationship is one of the main reasons to watch the upcoming arc.
Reiji Kawashima Takes on Two Roles
Voice actor Reiji Kawashima has been officially announced as the voice of both Wu You and Wu Lü.
Playing two characters in the same anime can be a challenging task, especially when the characters are twins who share nearly identical appearances. The voice actor must make each character recognisable through differences in speech, emotional expression, and personality.
Kawashima shared his excitement about the opportunity in a special comment released alongside the announcement.
He explained that he was surprised when recording began because the two characters had considerably more dialogue than he had initially expected. He also described the brothers as key figures in the new chapter, jokingly calling them the “key cats.”
Kawashima said that he made an effort to express the feelings of each brother separately while also paying attention to the special relationship that exists between twins.
His comment suggests that both characters will have important roles in the upcoming story rather than simply appearing as minor additions to the cast.
Reiji Kawashima’s Comment
“I am Reiji Kawashima, and I will be playing Wu You and Wu Lü!
This time, I get to voice both of the twin cats! What’s more, they are key figures—or rather, the ‘key cats’—in this chapter!
When recording began, I was surprised by how much dialogue they had (laughs). I did my best to portray the feelings of each cat individually, as well as the unique relationship that only twins can share.
Please look forward to seeing what kind of impact Wu You and Wu Lü will have on this story about the memories hidden within cultural treasures!”
What Is The Forbidden City Cat Guard Room About?
The Forbidden City Cat Guard Room is the Japanese-dubbed version of the Chinese animated series Zi Jin Cheng Yu Mao Fang.
The story is set in China’s Forbidden City, a historic palace complex in Beijing. Within a hidden corner of this famous location exists a secret organisation called the Forbidden City Cat Guard Room.
The organisation is made up of six cats who possess intelligence, courage, and special abilities. Their responsibility is to protect important cultural treasures and the memories associated with them.
In the world of the series, historical objects contain special memories known as “Bukka” (物華). These memories are connected to the cultural significance and stories preserved within the objects.
The cats can enter a mysterious world associated with these cultural treasures. Their mission is to protect the memories from an evil being known as Black Owl, who threatens to damage or destroy them.
The story follows the six cats as they investigate different mysteries, encounter dangerous situations, and work together to protect the treasures.
Sometimes they disagree or argue with one another, but they must learn to cooperate when facing difficult missions.
The series combines fantasy, adventure, mystery, and elements inspired by Chinese cultural heritage. Its setting also provides opportunities to introduce viewers to historical objects and the stories associated with them.
Meet the Six Main Cats of the Forbidden City Cat Guard Room
The organisation’s six main members each have different personalities and responsibilities. Their individual strengths help them work together during missions.
- Soubi – Voiced by Kazuki Urawa
Soubi is the leader of the Forbidden City Cat Guard Room and one of its most intelligent military officers.
He is generally calm and makes decisions carefully, especially when the team faces dangerous situations. However, he also has a strong sense of adventure and is willing to take risks when necessary.
Soubi has a slightly narcissistic side, which adds some humour to his otherwise serious personality.
- Oboi – Voiced by Makoto Furukawa
Oboi is a powerful military officer with an impressive physique.
He is confident in his abilities and often relies on his physical strength when dealing with difficult situations. Despite his self-assured attitude, he is caring towards his companions and has a strong sense of loyalty.
He frequently argues with Shimo-bi, but the two still respect each other.
Oboi also has a soft spot for his younger sister, Momo, and finds it difficult to be strict with her.
- Heian – Voiced by Sora Amamiya
Heian is a former stray cat who eventually becomes part of the Forbidden City Cat Guard Room.
She has a calm and elegant personality and is skilled in disguise techniques and medicine. Her excellent observation skills allow her to notice details that others might overlook.
Heian also has a strong sense of justice and often helps guide the other members when they face difficult situations.
- Zeze – Voiced by Takeo Otsuka
Zeze is a cheerful and friendly military officer who is particularly good at gathering information.
His outgoing personality makes it easy for him to communicate with others and build relationships. However, his past as a stray cat has also made him cautious in certain situations.
He is also known for having a big appetite, adding another entertaining side to his character.
- Rohan – Voiced by Kentaro Tone
Rohan is the oldest member of the group and serves as an experienced support officer.
He has extensive knowledge of history and folklore, making him an important source of information for the younger members.
His calm and thoughtful personality helps the team deal with complicated situations. He is also frequently seen drinking tea.
- Momo – Voiced by Hikaru Tono
Momo is a support officer who specialises in gathering and analysing information.
She is intelligent, friendly, and quick to learn new things. Her attractive appearance and approachable personality make her a memorable member of the team.
However, because her older brother Oboi has always been protective of her, she sometimes lacks experience and can be a little timid.
Why the New Medicine Chest Arc Is Worth Watching
The new storyline introduces a different setting and two characters whose backgrounds are closely connected to medicine.
Wu You’s position at the Imperial Medical Institute and Wu Lü’s work in the Fang household give the twins different perspectives on the events surrounding the medicine chest.
Their relationship also creates an opportunity to explore how two people who look almost identical can develop very different personalities and experiences.
The title, “Black-Lacquered Medicine Chest with a Gold Twin-Dragon Pattern,” draws attention to a specific cultural object. In a series where historical artefacts contain important memories, the medicine chest is likely to play a central role in the new mystery.
The introduction of the twins also expands the story’s cast beyond the original six guardians. Their connection to the Imperial Medical Institute and the Fang household may bring new characters and conflicts into the narrative.
For viewers who enjoy fantasy mysteries, historical settings, and character-focused adventures, the new arc offers another reason to follow the series.
