During a dynamic stage event at the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2025, fans were treated to an exciting reveal for the highly anticipated action-fantasy TV anime, *Sentenced to Be a Hero*. A brand-new, second main trailer was unveiled, offering a deeper look into its thrilling world and characters.
In addition to the captivating trailer, two new key characters and the talented voice actors bringing them to life were officially announced.
Introducing the New Cast Members
Jayce Partiract – Voiced by Shoya Chiba
Shoya Chiba, known for his role as Kiyotaka Ayanokoji in *Classroom of Elite*, steps into the boots of Jayce Partiract. Jayce is a formidable Dragon Knight, soaring through the skies as the elite aerial force of his unit, and masterfully skilled in spearmanship. Unique among his peers, he possesses the rare ability to communicate with dragons and has an unusually beloved constitution among them. Despite his bond with dragons, Jayce remains somewhat aloof and unfriendly towards humans, reserving his true interest for his draconic companions.
Comment from Shoya Chiba:
“I’m thrilled to be portraying Jayce, the Dragon Knight. I’m approaching his character with a rugged yet refreshingly crisp vocal tone. Keeping his intriguing background firmly in mind, I’m pouring my heart and soul into every single line. I was already familiar with the series, but upon reading the original novel for the audition, I was absolutely stunned by the vividness of its story and development. I’m incredibly excited for everyone to experience that same profound impact through the anime adaptation. While everyone holds their own unique vision of what defines a ‘hero,’ I truly believe this work has the potential to resonate with audiences worldwide. For that very reason, I fervently hope Neely is depicted with nobility, beauty, and undeniable charm. Please look forward to it!”
Neely – Voiced by Yoko Hikasa
Joining the cast is Yoko Hikasa, famous for her role as Mio Akiyama in *K-ON!*, who will voice Neely. Neely is a majestic female dragon who races across the battlefields alongside Jayce. She boasts stunning vivid blue scales and unleashes powerful flames from her mouth. Her deep affection for Jayce is clear, sometimes even leading to a touch of jealousy due to his popularity with other dragons. According to Jayce, Neely’s captivating allure stems from her mysterious eyes and her strong-willed spirit.
Comment from Yoko Hikasa:
“While Neely’s physical form is that of a dragon, when she interacts with Jayce, you feel an almost human warmth from her. She embodies a unique blend of a mother, a sister, and a friend, all at once. Jayce and I will work diligently to ensure that our vocal performances convey the profound trust and affection that transcends race, making it palpable for the audience!”
About the Anime Series
The TV anime adaptation of the *Sentenced to Be a Hero* light novel series, penned by Rocket Shokai with illustrations by Mephisto, is slated to make its grand premiere in Japan in January 2026. The series is being brought to life by Studio KAI, with Hiroyuki Takashima (*Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation* animation director) at the helm as director. Kenta Ihara (*Saga of Tanya the Evil*) is handling the series composition, Takeru Noda is responsible for the character designs, and Shunsuke Takizawa (*Kemono Michi: Rise Up*) is composing the music. Yoshitake Nakakoji serves as assistant director and creature designer, Nobutaka Ike as world designer, and Kota Sugawa as prop designer.
The Intriguing Premise
Yen Press, the official English publisher of the original light novels, describes the compelling and unique premise:
Heroism—a dire punishment reserved for society’s most heinous criminals. Those condemned to the fate of a hero are relentlessly forced onto the front lines, battling deadly centers of contagion that blight the land and transform its creatures into relentless armies of violent beasts. And if a hero falls in battle, their only grim reward is resurrection, merely to perpetuate the never-ending fight. However, when Xylo Forbartz, a member of Penal Hero Unit 9004 and a convicted goddess killer, encounters a new goddess, the extraordinary pact they forge might just possess the power to fundamentally alter their world forever…