High School! Kimengumi Returns: Sports Rival 'Udegumi' Cast Unveiled for 2026 Anime Reboot

After an astonishing 39-year hiatus, the iconic gag comedy series, High School! Kimengumi, is officially returning to the screen with a highly anticipated new anime adaptation scheduled for January 2026. This revival promises to inject fresh energy into the beloved franchise while maintaining the signature blend of chaos and heartwarming humor that defined the original work.

Adding a dynamic new layer to the narrative is the introduction of the Udegumi, an elite, all-sport student group whose presence is set to challenge and complement the established comedic dynamics of the series. The production team recently announced five key cast members joining the reboot. Leading this new athletic cohort is Kai Undo, the enthusiastic, curly-haired leader of the Udegumi team, voiced by the talented Yusuke Kobayashi.

Kobayashi shared his excitement for the role, emphasizing Kai's passionate and intensely lively nature, describing him as a true embodiment of the sportsman spirit. The voice actor praised the series' unique ability to combine refreshing charm with outright silliness, assuring viewers that the show will continue to offer an uplifting and enjoyable experience.

The source material, Motoei Shinzawa's manga that captivated readers starting in the 1980s, established High School! Kimengumi as a cult favorite. The 2026 reboot is committed to honoring this legacy, retaining the distinctive humor and stylistic flair that made the original so popular. Furthermore, the anime will reintroduce the previously announced rival group, the Bangumi delinquent students, whose new voice cast was revealed in earlier updates, setting the stage for hilarious confrontations.

Animated by Studio Seven and slated for broadcast during Fuji TV's prestigious Noitamina late-night programming block, this adaptation masterfully bridges nostalgia with modern anime production standards. Character visuals released for the Udegumi clearly showcase the distinct personalities that contribute to the show's chaotic, comedic atmosphere. The imminent return of High School! Kimengumi represents a major milestone for enthusiasts of both classic and contemporary shounen comedies, cementing its place in Japan's modern anime landscape.