Hikuidori: Ushuu Boro Tobi-gumi [Ongoing – ? / ?]

“Hikuidori: Ushuu Boro Tobi-gumi” – The Edo Firefighter Anime We Didn’t Know We Needed

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re into samurai action, historical vibes, and stories that mix heart with heat (literally), Hikuidori: Ushuu Boro Tobi-gumi (or Oedo Fire Slayer: The Legend of Phoenix, if you prefer the flashier title) is the new anime you need on your radar. Set to hit screens in January 2026 (mark those calendars!), this series from SynergySP (the studio behind Cardcaptor Sakura and Inuyasha spinoffs) is already generating buzz for its fresh take on Edo-period Japan—think fire-fighting samurai, not just sword-swinging ones.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. The anime is based on Naoki Prize-winning author Imamura Shogo’s novel, so you know the story has depth. It follows Matsunaga Gengo, once known as “The Fire-Eating Bird”—a legendary samurai who traded his sword for a fire hook to battle blazes in feudal Tokyo. Imagine Demon Slayer but instead of demons, the enemy is raging infernos that threaten Edo’s wooden streets. That’s the energy here: high-stakes action with a historical twist.

What’s got fans hyped? For starters, the premise feels original. Sure, we’ve seen samurai anime before, but fire-fighting as the core conflict? That’s a gap in the market. MyAnimeList users are already geeking out over the “fire-extinguishing samurai” angle, with one fan writing, “Finally, an anime that shows the unsung heroes of Edo! Firefighters back then were total badasses, and I can’t wait to see that translated into animation.” Another commented, “The mix of historical accuracy and over-the-top action sounds perfect—like Rurouni Kenshin meets Fire Force.”

Visually, SynergySP is pulling out all the stops. The studio’s track record with vibrant, dynamic animation (hello, Cardcaptor Sakura’s magical sequences) suggests the fire scenes will be nothing short of spectacular. Imagine Edo’s narrow alleys engulfed in flames, with Gengo and his crew—dubbed the “Boro Tobi-gumi” (Ragged Kite Group)—leaping across rooftops, swinging fire hooks, and using traditional tools to outsmart the blaze. It’s the kind of eye candy that’ll make you lean in, popcorn in hand.

But it’s not all action. The series promises emotional depth too. Gengo’s backstory—why he gave up being a warrior to fight fires—teases layers of regret and redemption. Fans are speculating about his past: “Is he running from a mistake? Did a fire take someone he loved?” One user on the MAL forums even theorized, “His nickname ‘Fire-Eating Bird’ probably has a tragic origin—maybe he once caused a fire that he now dedicates his life to stopping.” That kind of character development is what turns a good anime into a great one.

The voice cast is another win. Kakeru Hatano (known for Jujutsu Kaisen’s Fushiguro) voices Gengo, bringing that gruff yet noble energy the character needs. Yoshiko Kamei and Yurie Funato round out the main crew, and early snippets of their chemistry have fans excited: “I love how the Boro Tobi-gumi feels like a found family—they bicker, but when the fire starts, they’re a unit.”

Of course, no anime is without its skeptics. Some fans worry the historical setting might feel too niche, or that the fire-fighting premise could get repetitive. But the team behind Hikuidori seems to have thought of that. The series is set to blend historical facts (Edo did have massive fires, after all) with fictional drama, keeping each episode fresh. Plus, the “ongoing” tag means there’s room to explore side characters and expand the world—think One Piece but with fire hoses instead of pirate ships.

For 20-somethings who grew up on shonen classics but crave something new, Hikuidori hits the sweet spot. It’s got the action you love, the heart you connect with, and a setting that feels both familiar and fresh. As one fan put it, “I’m tired of the same old isekai and demon stories—this is the breath of fresh air anime needs right now.”

So, mark January 2026 on your calendar. Whether you’re a history buff, an action junkie, or just someone looking for a new show to binge, Hikuidori: Ushuu Boro Tobi-gumi is shaping up to be the next big thing. Just don’t forget to keep a fire extinguisher handy—you might get so into it, you’ll feel like you’re right there in Edo, fighting the flames alongside Gengo and the Boro Tobi-gumi.

Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars (based on early buzz). This isn’t just an anime—it’s a love letter to Edo’s unsung heroes, wrapped in stunning animation and a story that’ll keep you hooked. Don’t sleep on this one.

— A fan who’s already counting down the days.