The summer 2025 anime season just got a lot more intense! Tougen Anki Episode 1 premiered with a bang, introducing viewers to a world where the classic Japanese folktale of Momotaro takes a sinister twist. The episode, titled “Oni’s Blood,” premiered on Friday, July 11, 2025, marking the beginning of what promises to be one of the most compelling dark fantasy anime series of the year.
Table of Contents
Tougen Anki: Episode 1 Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | Oni’s Blood |
| Air Date | July 11, 2025 |
| Runtime | 24 minutes |
| Genre | Dark Fantasy, Action, Supernatural |
| Studio | Studio Hibari |
| Director | Ato Nonoka |
What Happens in Episode 1?
After a Momotaro assassin suddenly kills his adoptive father, Shiki vows to avenge him. But first, he must learn to control his newly awakened Oni blood. The premiere episode wastes no time establishing the stakes, throwing viewers directly into a world where traditional heroes and demons aren’t what they seem.
Key Plot Points:
- Shiki Ichinose’s peaceful life shatters when his father is murdered
- The shocking revelation of his Oni (demon) heritage
- Introduction to the secret war between Oni descendants and Momotaro
- First glimpse of Shiki’s awakening demonic powers
The Twisted Momotaro Mythology
What makes Tougen Anki fascinating is its bold reimagining of Japanese folklore. Drawing from the beloved Japanese folktale “Momotaro,” TOUGEN ANKI depicts the conflict between descendants of Oni (demons) and Momotaro. The series asks a provocative question: what if the traditional heroes were actually the villains?
The protagonist, Shiki Ichinose, suddenly learns of his Oni lineage following an unexpected attack by Momotaro. This revelation sets Shiki on a path to discover the destiny that lies within his blood — a meeting with the Oni dwelling within him.
Where to Watch Tougen Anki Episode 1
International Streaming Platforms:
- Netflix – Available globally
- Crunchyroll – With English subtitles
- Prime Video – Multiple regions
- Additional regional platforms across Europe, Latin America, and Asia
New Tougen Anki episodes release on Fridays at 8:30 a.m. PDT / 11:30 a.m. EDT on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. Remow has licensed the series and is simulcasting it on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and other services, making it one of the most widely available new anime series of 2025.
Character Analysis: Shiki’s Transformation
Episode 1 brilliantly establishes Shiki as a reluctant hero thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His character arc begins with the tragic loss of his adoptive father, who had protected him from the truth about his demonic heritage. The episode’s emotional core lies in Shiki’s internal struggle between his human upbringing and his awakening Oni nature.
The animation by Studio Hibari perfectly captures the intensity of Shiki’s power awakening, with fluid fight sequences and striking visual effects that bring his demonic abilities to life.
Production Quality and Animation
Studio Hibari has delivered exceptional animation quality that matches the manga’s dark aesthetic. The character designs remain faithful to Yura Urushibara’s original artwork while adding dynamic movement and atmospheric lighting that enhances the supernatural elements.
The sound design deserves special mention, with bone-chilling effects during transformation sequences and an orchestral score that amplifies the emotional weight of each scene.
Why This Episode Sets Up an Epic Series
With its compelling characters, dark themes, and high-quality production values, this series is positioned to become one of the standout anime of 2025. Episode 1 successfully establishes the series’ unique premise while delivering enough action and emotional depth to hook viewers immediately.
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FAQs
Q: Do I need to know the original Momotaro folktale to understand Tougen Anki?
A: While familiarity with the Momotaro legend enhances the experience, the anime explains the mythology clearly. The series works as a standalone story that subverts traditional folklore, making it accessible to all viewers regardless of their knowledge of Japanese folktales.
Q: How violent is Tougen Anki Episode 1?
A: The episode contains intense action sequences and mature themes, including character death and demonic transformations. It’s rated for mature audiences due to its dark fantasy elements and graphic combat scenes, making it suitable for viewers who enjoy series like “Demon Slayer” or “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
