KILLTUBE voice cast revealed at Anime Expo
The voice cast for STUDIO DOTOU’s forthcoming theatrical anime title KILLTUBE was revealed at Anime Expo on Saturday.
Yui Tsukada (Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Shimajiro no Wow!) will portray Musashi, Kengo Kawanishi (Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) will lend their voice to Kikuchiyo, and Ayane Sakura (The Quintessential Quintuplets, My Hero Academia) will portray Leo aka Leonardo.
Tsukada said this about their involvement:
“When I got the call “You’ve been cast as Musashi!” I was so shocked and moved that I couldn’t help but run around my house. It felt like a dream come true, all at once: a lead role, a boy protagonist, and a theatrical film. I’ll never forget the excitement of grabbing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I made up my mind: This is going to change my life. I’m going to change my life.
From the moment I played Musashi during the audition, I felt a sense of freedom rooted in his honesty and straightforwardness. It was such a joy to perform, and that impression stuck with me. I want to enjoy the role through to the very end.
Let’s shoot for the top, Musashi.”
Kawanishi said this about landing their role:
“I’m honored to be voicing Kikuchiyo in KILLTUBE. In preparation for this announcement, I also took part in a promotional photoshoot and had passionate discussions with the director about how to shape the final story. The entire project is being developed under a bold and innovative approach.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this unique story.”
Sakura also stated:
“I’ve long admired Director Kuribayashi’s visual work and have been following his projects as a fan, so I never imagined I’d get to be a part of KILLTUBE. Isn’t it amazing to think that the quality of the pilot movie will be sustained throughout an entire feature film? I’m truly looking forward to seeing Director Kuribayashi’s vision unfold on the big screen.
Leonardo is a character who’s both cool and charming. I remember consciously subtracting layers from my performance during the audition, which left a strong impression on me. I hope many of you will enjoy and support KILLTUBE.”
Aside from the voice cast announcement, a new development trailer was revealed during the panel. The trailer can be seen here. A new key visual can be seen below.
STUDIO DOTOU is offering fans a chance to help production costs for KILLTUBE with their official webstore. Currently, the store is offering fans a chance to be in the film as a background character, have their name in the credits, and be featured in a one-of-a-kind poster. The webstore can be found here.
A synopsis for KILLTUBE reads:
In 2026, Japan continues its isolation under the Edo Shogunate. Amidst strict social hierarchies, three individuals, treated as scums of society, cross paths destined for a fateful encounter. They each join the duel streaming platform called “KILLTUBE” to pursue fortune and to win their freedom in a segregational world…
This battle entertainment follows three underdogs who defy public ridicule and rise to the top in a closed environment. The anime is envisioned as 3DCG-based and involves collaborations with cutting-edge VFX studio KASSEN and concept artist collective WACHAJACK.
Since 2009, MP3s and NPCs owner Terrance Pryor has written about music, conventions, cosplay, and video games for publications such as AXS, Examiner, Fake Walls, and Ranker. Based out of Los Angeles, the former rock concert promoter/radio host can be seen talking about rock music on AXS TV’s Music’s Greatest Mysteries and discussing music and whatever else on their Black Man Talks Rock channel on YouTube.