Penal Hero Unit 9004 Unleashed: 'Sentenced to Be a Hero' Anime Confirms January Debut with Thrilling PV

The long-awaited television anime adaptation of Rocket Shokai's gripping light novel saga, Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004, has finally confirmed its definitive premiere date. The series will begin airing on January 3, 2026, at 22:00 JST. This crucial update, disseminated across official platforms, signals that the production team diligently utilized the extra time secured after shifting from the initial October 2025 slot to ensure an impeccably polished viewing experience.

The recently released main promotional video serves as a potent preview, showcasing visceral combat and stark, unforgiving world-building. The PV also unveiled the series' sonic signature: the opening theme, "Kill the Noise," delivered with electrifying force by the acclaimed rock outfit SPYAIR. This track perfectly embodies the narrative’s core themes of unyielding struggle and desperate defiance.

The Cruel Sentence of Heroism

The series dives into a grim reality where the mantle of 'Hero' is the cruelest form of capital punishment reserved only for society's most irredeemable convicts. Our protagonist, Xylo Forbartz, once the revered leader of the Holy Knights, is condemned for the alleged slaying of a goddess. He is dragged back from death’s embrace, his sentence being to serve in perpetually bloody conflicts against Demon Lords as a disposable asset in penal battalions like the infamous 9004 squad.

The core tension ratchets up exponentially upon Xylo's entanglement with Teoritta, an enigmatic goddess figure shrouded in mystery and reputedly the world's most formidable weapon. Their forced alliance thrusts Xylo into a maelstrom of relentless warfare, simmering betrayals, and the terrifying prospect of revolution. Kadokawa’s official synopsis chillingly frames the stakes: victory is the only currency, with the promise of Teoritta’s praise or even a simple head pat being the only fleeting reward amidst the constant slaughter.

Key Cast and Production Team

Anchoring this epic are exceptional voice talents. Yōhei Azakami leads the cast as the conflicted Xylo, with Mayu Iizuka voicing the enigmatic Teoritta. They are joined by a powerhouse ensemble including Shun Horie, Shizuka Ishigami, Shunichi Toki, Jun Fukushima (as Tsav), Shōya Chiba (as Jayce Partiract), Yōko Hikasa (as Neely), and the freshly cast Yūichi Nakamura as Rhyno.

Under the masterful direction of Hiroyuki Takashima, with series composition by Kenta Ihara and character designs meticulously rendered by Takeshi Noda, Studio Kai is bringing this dark fantasy to life, supported by Shunsuke Takizawa's musical score.

Broadcast and Global Distribution

The broadcast schedule is equally compelling. The series debuts with a special 60-minute premiere on Tokyo MX at 10:00 p.m., followed by subsequent episodes airing every Thursday starting January 15 across 28 stations in Japan. Streaming begins immediately on Amazon Prime Video in Japan on January 3, expanding to other platforms from January 6. Globally, Crunchyroll is confirmed for the simulcast, with Medialink managing distribution in specific territories. Furthermore, a newly revealed 'location visual' showcasing the foreboding Couveunge Forest offers fans a tantalizing glimpse into the early arc’s setting.

Since its initial unveiling at the Dengeki Bunko 30th Anniversary event in mid-2023, Sentenced to Be a Hero has cultivated immense excitement. Yen Press continues to deliver this narrative of subversive heroism, brutal action, and complex political maneuvering to English-speaking audiences. This January event fundamentally challenges the conventions of the isekai and military fantasy genres.