DARK MACHINE: A New Anime Depicting a Young Man’s Challenge

“DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION,” the TV anime component of Project Carbuncle’s completely original cross-media game and anime initiative “DARK MACHINE,” is set to broadcast on Fuji TV in 2026. Set in a near-future Japan, this coming-of-age story follows a young man and his team as they tackle the e-sport “Dark Machine” in search of survival and a reason to live. The key visual, teaser trailer, and main cast have been revealed.

The e-sport “Dark Machine” boasts overwhelming global popularity, driving the masses into a frenzy and even transforming Japan’s economic system. The story takes place in Golden Valley, the only city in Japan designated as a “Dark Machine” special economic zone. Reigning at the summit of this world is Ajima, the Seventh “Senki”—a title inherited by the strongest “Dark Machine” player.

Through “Dark Machine,” Ajima has established de facto rule over Golden Valley. The protagonist, Kairi, arrives in the city carrying his late grandfather’s dying wish: “Find the Senki.” There, he accidentally encounters Rudra, a girl being pursued by “Ardabil,” a faction under Ajima’s command.

Swept up in Rudra’s situation, Kairi becomes a “Dark Machine” player. Through a series of fierce battles, his latent talents gradually blossom. Can Kairi confront the “Senki” and carve out his own destiny?

Kairi’s battle to reach the pinnacle of “Dark Machine” begins now.

The original concept is by Project Carbuncle, with Kazuo Terada serving as Director. Series composition and script are handled by Team Carbuncle (Takaaki Suzuki, Tatsuhiko Urahata, Atsuo Ishino, Kento Sata). Main character design is by Kou Yoshinari, sub-character design by Akira Mitani, and mechanical design by Hidetaka Tenjin. The chief animation directors are Yumi Kuroiwa and Hideki Ito. Sound direction is by Takeshi Takadera, with music by SUGIZO. Goro Taniguchi serves as Creative Producer. Animation production is by Production +h.

The cast features Kensho Ono as Kairi, Miyuki Sawashiro as Rudra, Kouki Uchiyama as Shin, Riho Sugiyama as Blanc, Saya Aizawa as Isana, and Yuichi Nakamura as Ajima.

Dark Machine Character Profiles

Kairi (CV: Kensho Ono)

A young man who lived with his grandfather on an isolated island in Chiba. Left alone after his grandfather’s death, he leaves the island to play “Dark Machine” in order to survive, finding new companions and a sense of purpose along the way. He possesses excellent dynamic visual acuity, reflexes, and intuition, as well as high adaptability and learning capacity.

Rudra (CV: Miyuki Sawashiro)

Note: The source text provided for this character is identical to the entry for Kairi. As a translator, I have rendered the text exactly as supplied:

Shin (CV: Kouki Uchiyama)

A cool, handsome, and sharp-tongued genius. While he finds the newcomer Kairi—who is overly attached to him—annoying, they gradually deepen their bond. Usually reticent and composed, he hates losing but has a habit of buckling under pressure at critical moments. He specializes in confusing enemies with overwhelming speed and finishing them off at close range. He holds a grudge against “Gandeal,” the strongest team led by Ajima.

Blanc (CV: Riho Sugiyama)

The mediator of the protagonist trio. Viewing things from a calm, detached perspective, she often soothes the clashing Kairi and Shin to provide direction. Diligent and highly focused, she is intelligent but struggles to fully trust her teammates due to past experiences. In “Dark Machine,” she utilizes her concentration to serve as a sniper. By teaming up with Kairi, she becomes able to utilize her true abilities in play.

Isana (CV: Saya Aizawa)

The cook at the shipboard café “Carbuncle.” Her skills are such that she has regular customers. She is a motherly figure who specifically supports Kairi and the “Carbuncle” team.

Ajima (CV: Yuichi Nakamura)

The Seventh “Senki.” He is the leader of “Gandeal,” the strongest team, and the man who inherited the title of the 7th “Senki”—the designation for the strongest player in “Dark Machine.” He becomes Kairi’s greatest enemy.

Worker (Kairi Unit)