It’s official! The legendary gag comedy “High School! Kimengumi” is making a grand comeback as a brand-new TV anime in 2026, marking the return of one of Weekly Shonen Jump’s most chaotic and beloved series. The announcement dropped alongside a striking teaser visual showing the five eccentric members of the Strange Mask Group, plus an image MV for their new cover song “Ushiro Yubisaregumi” remixed by Night Tempo.
Originally created by Motoei Shinzawa, the Kimengumi series began back in 1980 as “3-Year Strange Mask Group” in Weekly Shonen Jump. As the characters graduated, it evolved into “High School! Kimengumi” — a slapstick school comedy that became a pop-culture sensation through its absurd humor and unforgettable cast. The original 1985–1987 anime ran for 86 episodes and even inspired a feature film, solidifying its cult status among classic anime fans.
Now, after almost four decades, the gang is back — this time for the Reiwa era.
The New Generation Behind the Chaos
The 2026 adaptation will be directed by Kazuaki Seki, known for his creative visuals in Perfume, Gen Hoshino, Fujii Kaze, and Vaundy’s music videos. While this marks his first anime directorial project, Seki aims to bring Kimengumi’s timeless absurdity into the modern day with bold, stylish energy. The production will be handled by Studio Seven, with planning and production by Slow Curve.
– Main Cast
Rei Ichidou – Tomokazu Seki (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean)
Gou Reietsu – Shunsuke Takeuchi (My Senpai Is Annoying)
Kiyoshi Shusse – Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Mission: Yozakura Family)
Dai Monohoshi – Kikunosuke Toya (The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons)
Jin Daima – Chiaki Kobayashi (A Condition Called Love)
Chie Uru – Ikumi Hasegawa (Bocchi the Rock!)
Yui Kawa – Haruka Shiraishi (We Never Learn: BOKUBEN)
– Staff
Director: Kazuaki Seki (Ranma ½ (2024) Opening Sequence Director)
Series Composition: Shigeru Murakoshi (Zombieland Saga)
Character Design: Yuka Abe (Fire Force: Season 2)
Animation Director: Takashi Nishikawa (Nobunaga-sensei no Osanazuma)
Song Production: Night Tempo (Let’s Play: Quest-darake no My Life)
Synopsis: High School! Kimengumi
Check out the Trailer PV:
Rei Ichidou, Gou Reietsu, Kiyoshi Shusse, Jin Daima, and Dai Monohoshi — five troublemakers with more energy than sense — form the infamous “Kimen-gumi”, a group known for turning every school day into pure chaos. When transfer student Yui Kawa and her friend Chie Uru stumble into their orbit, their ordinary lives spiral into a series of hilarious and heartwarming misadventures.
Between the handsome Iro Otoko-gumi, the delinquent Ban-gumi, the athletic Ude-gumi, and the fearless Onna-gumi, this school is anything but normal. Expect wild comedy, nostalgic gags, and the unfiltered absurdity that only Kimengumi can deliver.
Final Thoughts
It’s surreal seeing a legendary ‘80s gag comedy like High School! Kimengumi getting a modern Reiwa-era anime adaptation. For longtime manga readers who grew up laughing through its pages, this moment hits with pure nostalgia — the kind that reminds you why classic Jump humor never fades. With its iconic chaotic energy, a stacked voice cast, and Kazuaki Seki’s modern direction, this revival is set to reintroduce a new generation to one of manga’s most eccentric comedies. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering Kimengumi for the first time, 2026 is about to bring back the wildest school chaos in anime form.
Source: MyAnimeList (MAL)
Related Articles:
- Fall 2025 Anime Guide: 15 Shows Every Otaku Needs on Their Watchlist
- Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc Worldwide Screening Dates Announced!
- Hell’s Paradise Season 2 Premieres January 2026 with New Trailer
- 10 Romance Anime Where the Girl Confesses First
- 20 Best Romance Anime with Happy Endings – No Sad Goodbyes, Just Love
- One-Punch Man Season 3 Premieres October 12 With New Teaser & Visual
Leave a Comment