Netflix-Exclusive Anime 'Akuma-kun' Set for Terrestrial Broadcast, Igniting Social Media Buzz

The anime series "Akuma-kun," which has been exclusively distributed worldwide on Netflix, has finally been greenlit for terrestrial broadcast, generating significant buzz on social media. The broadcast is scheduled to begin on January 9, 2026 (Friday) on TOKYO MX and other channels.

This announcement is particularly welcomed by non-Netflix subscribers, as it means the series, previously only available to Netflix users, will now reach a wider audience. Many expressed their joy with comments like, "I'm not a Netflix subscriber, so this is great!" and "I'm happy because I couldn't finish watching all the episodes."

Produced as a commemorative work for Shigeru Mizuki's 100th birth anniversary, the new "Akuma-kun" offers a blend of nostalgia and freshness for fans familiar with the original series. On social media, it has received high praise for the protagonist Akuma-kun's "cooler" appearance, Mephisto's "cute" charm, and the opening theme's "mysterious music" that incorporates the "Eloim Essaim" spell, with comments like "the scene where streetlights disappear one after another is too cool." The music has been described as "a truly mysterious sound, both Eastern and Western," with its soundtrack also captivating many fans.

The story is characterized by strong mystery elements and a deeply depicted world of demons and magic, geared towards an adult audience. The voice cast is also stellar, with Hiro Shimono (Red Feather), Yuki Kaji (Akuma-kun), and legendary voice actor Toshio Furukawa (Mephisto) bringing the characters to life. Comments like, "If you watched 'Gegege no Kitaro: The Birth of Kitaro' (Gegege no Kitaro: Kitaro Tanjo Gegege no Nazo), you absolutely must watch Akuma-kun," highlight the growing anticipation among Shigeru Mizuki fans.

With this terrestrial broadcast, expectations are high for the series to reach an even wider audience, with comments like "I want more people to watch it" and "I'm waiting for Season 2." The further expansion of the work is anticipated.

The Context

"Akuma-kun" (悪魔くん) is a classic manga series created by Shigeru Mizuki, one of Japan's most revered manga artists, famous for his works featuring yōkai (Japanese supernatural beings). The original manga began serialization in the 1960s, leading to several anime adaptations over the decades. The anime mentioned in this article is a new adaptation produced to commemorate Shigeru Mizuki's 100th birth anniversary, offering a modernized take on the beloved characters and world. Initially an exclusive release on Netflix globally, its upcoming terrestrial broadcast (地上波放送) means it will be shown on free-to-air television channels in Japan, making it accessible to a much broader audience beyond Netflix subscribers. This move is significant as it dramatically increases the potential viewership, particularly appealing to those who prefer traditional TV or do not subscribe to streaming services. Shigeru Mizuki's works, including "Gegege no Kitaro," often explore themes of the supernatural, folklore, and social commentary, making him a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture. The reference to "Gegege no Kitaro: The Birth of Kitaro" indicates a shared fanbase and similar thematic elements between Mizuki's creations.

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