New “Fist of the North Star” Anime to Premiere in 2026 After 18-Year Hiatus
『北斗の拳 -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-』のキービジュアル（C）武論尊・原哲夫／コアミックス, 「北斗の拳」製作委員会（オリコン）
Great news for anime fans: a brand-new “Fist of the North Star” anime, titled “Fist of the North Star -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-”, is officially set to premiere in 2026! This marks the first new anime in the iconic series in 18 years, since the 2008 film “Fist of the North Star: The Legends of the True Savior – Episode 0: Legend of Kenshiro.” Get ready for a fresh take on this legendary franchise, as it’s being reimagined with a new staff, a new voice cast, and the latest animation technology—all while staying true to the original manga’s gritty charm.
The first key visual has already been revealed, featuring the series’ iconic hero, Kenshiro, striking his signature pose: fist clenched, knuckles cracking. It’s a powerful nod to the character’s legacy and a teaser of the epic action to come.
A 40th Anniversary Celebration
This new anime isn’t just a random reboot—it’s a special project celebrating the 40th anniversary of the “Fist of the North Star” manga. To kick things off, fans won’t have to wait until 2026 for more details. Mark your calendars for Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles, North America’s biggest anime event. On July 6th (Japan time), a must-see panel hosted by the animation production team from Coamix (the manga’s publisher) will dive into the project. Expect big reveals, including the first teaser PV and the announcement of the main voice cast. If you’re an anime enthusiast or a “Fist of the North Star” die-hard, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
The Creators Weigh In
The announcement has sparked excitement from the original creators themselves. Buronson, the manga’s writer, shared his thoughts:
“It’s incredible that a work from 40 years ago is being brought back to life as an anime. Back then, I saw manga and anime as separate entities and kept my distance. Now, with the tremendous advancements in animation technology, I’m eager to see how ‘Fist of the North Star’ will be interpreted—especially since this adaptation aims to stay true to the original manga. I can’t wait to share this new journey with all the fans who have cherished it for four decades.”
Meanwhile, Tetsuo Hara, the illustrator, couldn’t hide his joy:
“Thank you for bringing ‘Fist of the North Star’ back to the screen! When I was in my 20s working on the manga, I never imagined we’d celebrate its 40th anniversary with a brand-new anime. It’s heartwarming to hear that the voice actors are immersing themselves in the original story to truly embody the characters. I’m thrilled to see how the passion I poured into those pages 40 years ago will be reimagined by a team that cherishes the source material.”
A Legacy That Endures
For the uninitiated, “Fist of the North Star” is a cultural juggernaut. Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1983 to 1988, the manga takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where civilization has crumbled, and violence rules. It follows Kenshiro, the successor of the deadly martial art Hokuto Shinken, as he evolves into a savior burdened by love and sorrow. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide, the manga’s impact is undeniable.
The franchise has seen numerous adaptations over the years, including TV anime series (1984-1987, 1987-1988), theatrical films (1986, 2006, 2007, 2008), and even a musical in 2021. Back in 1984, the original TV anime hit a peak viewership rating of 23.4% in Japan, cementing its status as a social phenomenon. The series officially celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 13, 2023, and this new anime is the perfect way to keep the legacy alive.
