(C)CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
Yui Tsukada has been chosen to play the lead role of Musashi in the theatrical anime “KILLTUBE,” which is currently in production and is scheduled for completion in 2026. It has also been revealed that Kengo Kawanishi will play Kikuchiyo and Ayane Sakura will play Leonardo. The “Cast Release Movie,” “In-Development Video #01,” and new visuals have also been released.
The film is a project with a total production budget of 1 billion yen, and production process, called “108 Experiments,” is being released from time to time. Set in Japan, where the isolation of the country by the Edo Shogunate will continue until 2026 and a strict class system is in place, the trio of Musashi, Kikuchiyo, and Leonardo, who are treated as the trash of society, take on the “duel broadcast,” the only way to change their status, and depicts their challenge to reach the top by spurring public ridicule. The three men who join the duel video platform “KILLTUBE” and aim to make a fortune by “defeating the strong” suddenly become famous, and soon find out a truth hidden in “KILLTUBE”. The production is handled by STUDIO DOTOU, which was jointly established in 2012 by CHOCOLATE, KASSEN, and WACHAJACK.
(C)CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
Tsukada will be taking on his first leading role as the protagonist Musashi, who is unconstrained by anything and lives as his heart desires. Kawanishi will play Kikuchiyo, a born conman, and Sakura will play Reo, an inventor who has lost his mind. Collaboration images of each of them with the characters they play have also been released.
(C)CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
The “Cast Unveiling Movie” and “In-Progress Video #01” featured the voices of the three characters along with 3DCG animation from the production process. The “Cast Unveiling Movie” focuses on each of the three characters, while “In-Progress Video #01” is a documentary-style video that includes the battle scenes that are the highlight of this work. The new visual shows Musashi dashing through the city, and many characters whose details have not yet been revealed make an appearance.
(C)CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
These new information were announced at Anime Expo 2025, one of North America’s largest anime and pop culture events, held from July 4 to 6. Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi and the producers appeared on the talk panel.
The site “KILLTUBE BACKERS’ STORE”, which sells related items for the work, has also opened. As part of the “KILLTUBE” project’s attempt to “develop the work together with fans”, a portion of each sale will be used for the production and promotional costs of the work. At the time of opening, a poster in the world in which the purchaser appears, the right to be credited, the right to appear in the main work, and other items are on sale.
The full comments from the cast are as follows.
[Yui Tsukada (Musashi/Musashi)]
(C)CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
When I was told that Tsukada had been chosen to play Musashi, I was so surprised and moved that I ran around my house. I will never forget the excitement I felt when I got the chance to fulfill three dreams at once: the main character, the boy, and the movie. I was determined to change my life. From the moment I auditioned to play Musashi, I felt the freedom that comes from his straightforwardness and honesty. The most memorable part of the audition was that I found that to be so much fun. I want to enjoy acting until the very end. I’m going to aim for the top, Musashi.
[Kanishi Kengo (role of Kikuchiyo)]
(C)CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
I’ve been tasked with voicing Kikuchiyo in “KILLTUBE.” I’ve been taking promotional stills for the release and having lively discussions with the director about what kind of work I want to create, so I’m working on a new and unique project. I hope you enjoy this new project.
[Sakura Ayane (Leo/Leonardo)]
(C)CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
I love Director Kuribayashi’s work and have been following his work as a fan, but I never thought I would be involved with KILLTUBE. Isn’t it amazing to think that we can continue to watch the quality of the pilot movie in theaters? I’m really looking forward to seeing Director Kuribayashi’s work moving on the screen. Leonardo is cool and cute, and I was impressed by how he kept subtracting his acting during the audition. I hope that many people will support him.
KILLTUBE official
Channel subscriber count: 20,900
Theatrical animation “KILLTUBE” currently in development video #01
KILLTUBE official
Channel subscriber count: 20,900
Theatrical animation “KILLTUBE” cast unveiling movie <Musashi/Kikuchiyo/Reo>
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Yui Tsukada, Kengo Kawanishi, and Ayane Sakura Join the Voice Cast for a Dark Digital Thriller
The newly released production footage of KILLTUBE offers a glimpse into its edgy, modern aesthetic, as well as the emotional range brought by the talented cast. Yui Tsukada, Kengo Kawanishi, and Ayane Sakura are known for their versatility, and their inclusion hints at a project that blends psychological tension with dynamic character development. With its focus on digital media culture and the darker side of internet fame, KILLTUBE may emerge as a timely and gripping commentary on the online world. The use of behind-the-scenes voiceover adds a layer of intimacy and creative transparency rarely seen in anime film promotions.
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