Kadokawa Unveils Global Premiere Events for Sentenced to Be a Hero Anime Ahead of 2026 Launch

Kadokawa is generating international interest for the upcoming anime adaptation of Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004. The company has scheduled a series of exclusive promotional events for 2025, offering audiences worldwide an early preview of this dark fantasy series prior to its official broadcast.

International Early Screenings

A key component of these global initiatives is a special early screening of the anime's one-hour premiere episode. This event will take place at Lucca Comics & Games 2025 in Italy on October 30, 2025, providing European viewers with an exclusive first look several months before the series' general release. Concurrently, Kadokawa plans to engage Asian audiences through dedicated events at Anime Game Festival (AGF) Korea 2025, ensuring broad international participation.

Production Delay for Quality Enhancement

Kadokawa's strategic approach highlights its dedication to production quality and the viewer experience. Although the anime was initially scheduled for an October 2025 debut, its premiere has been moved to January 2026. This postponement was enacted to facilitate significant improvements in animation quality, aiming to deliver a more refined and engaging viewing experience for global audiences.

Series Background and Plot

The narrative of Sentenced to Be a Hero originates from the acclaimed light novel series, authored by Rocket Shoukai and illustrated by MEPHISTO. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity's survival depends on 'heroes,' who are condemned individuals compelled to combat lethal contagions. The central figure of this narrative is Xylo Forbartz, a member of Penal Hero Unit 9004. Known as a 'goddess killer,' Xylo's path shifts dramatically when he forms an enigmatic agreement with a new goddess, a connection that may alter their shared future.

Voice Cast and Franchise Expansion

The anime features the voice talents of Shoya Chiba and Yoko Hikasa, who portray significant characters within the series. The franchise also includes a successful manga adaptation by Natsumi Inoue. The upcoming promotional events at Lucca Comics & Games and AGF Korea demonstrate Kadokawa's proactive efforts to build anticipation, establishing Sentenced to Be a Hero as a notable series for early 2026.