Muse Asia Licenses Winter 2026 Anime: Scum of the Brave, Dragon Hatchling, Kaguya-sama Special & More

# Muse Asia Licenses Winter 2026 Anime: Scum of the Brave, Dragon Hatchling, Kaguya-sama Special & More **Published:** December 2025 | **Category:** Anime News | **Read Time:** 10 minutes --- ## Major Licensing Announcement: Muse Asia Expands Winter 2026 Lineup **Muse Asia** has officially licensed multiple major titles for distribution in **South and Southeast Asia**, including two highly anticipated Winter 2026 premieres and a special year-end event for 2025. The platform will announce specific streaming territories and platforms on the **Muse Asia YouTube Channel**, continuing its role as a leading distributor of legal anime content in the region. This licensing announcement covers **five anime titles** that span diverse genres—from action-comedy to isekai fantasy to romantic comedy—demonstrating Muse Asia's commitment to bringing varied content to regional audiences. The combination of new premieres and a special broadcast ensures there's something for every anime fan to look forward to. --- ## The Five Licensed Titles: What to Expect ### 1. Scum of the Brave (Yūsha no Kuzu) - **Premiere:** January 10, 2026, at 24:55 JST on NTV - **Episodes:** 24 episodes (2 consecutive cours) - **Genre:** Action-Comedy, Urban Fantasy - **Studio:** OLM ### 2. Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling (Tensei Shitara Dragon no Tamago Datta) - **Premiere:** January 10, 2026 - **Genre:** Isekai, Fantasy, Adventure - **Studios:** GA-CREW & Felix Film - **Also Available:** HIDIVE (North America via Sentai Filmworks) ### 3. Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Stairway to Adulthood - **Premiere:** December 31, 2025, at 10:00 PM JST - **Type:** New Year's Eve Television Special - **Genre:** Romantic Comedy - **Studio:** A-1 Pictures - **Note:** Potentially adapts final chapters (may skip 70+ manga chapters) ### 4. The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System - **Release:** 2026 (specific date TBA) - **Distribution:** South and Southeast Asia, including Muse Malaysia and Muse Philippines ### 5. Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord - **Release:** 2026 (specific date TBA) - **Distribution:** Regional (confirmed for Malaysia) --- ## Scum of the Brave: Action-Comedy with a Unique Premise ### A Modern Urban Fantasy Setting **Scum of the Brave** (Japanese: Yūsha no Kuzu) presents a unique take on the fantasy action genre, set in an alternate 21st century where rich mafia members can transform into "Demon Kings" through increasingly popular ether-enhancement surgery. The bounty hunters called "Braves" are tasked with taking them down, creating a modern urban fantasy setting that blends organized crime with supernatural elements. The story follows **Yashiro**, a character who only wants the simple pleasures in life: pizza, beer, and card games. When three young Braves offer him a majestic sum to be their private tutor, he agrees solely for the money, but soon discovers that the arrangement may be more complicated than he anticipated. This premise sets up a comedic yet action-packed narrative that explores themes of mentorship, responsibility, and the clash between personal desires and professional obligations. ### Production Details and Cast The anime has been confirmed to run for **two consecutive cours, totaling 24 episodes**, making it a substantial commitment that will span the Winter and Spring 2026 seasons. This extended run allows for comprehensive storytelling and character development. **Voice Cast:** - **Ryōta Suzuki** as Shinigami Yashiro (main character) - **Akari Kitō** as Aki Jogamine - **Momo Harumi** as Yukine Indō - **Yumiri Hanamori** as Sara Kashiwagi Pendragon - **Hinata Tadokoro** as Salt Joe - **Daisuke Hirakawa** as Ongakuya Ishinō - **Yasuhiro Takato** as Moguri no Maruta **Production Team:** - **Director:** Shinji Ushiro (OLM) - **Series Composition:** Yoichi Kato - **Character Design:** Rika Murakami - **Music:** Kenichiro Suehiro - **Opening Theme:** "Gun Powder" by TOOBOE - **Ending Theme:** "Mental Rental" by Mulasaki Ima **Source Material:** The manga is published in English digitally by Manga Planet, making the source material accessible to international readers. --- ## Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling: Isekai from the Bottom ### Starting at the Absolute Bottom **Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling** (Japanese: Tensei Shitara Dragon no Tamago Datta: Saikyō Igai Mezasanee) offers a unique twist on the reincarnation genre, starting the protagonist at the absolute bottom of the power scale as an immobile, powerless egg in a world full of dangerous monsters. The story follows an unnamed protagonist who finds himself reborn at the very bottom of the food chain as an egg. Even hatching requires leveling up by fighting monsters—the same monsters who would love to eat him as a snack. With the help of a mysterious voice in his head (the Divine Voice), he is determined to grow into the most powerful creature in the world, creating a compelling underdog story that combines survival elements with power progression. ### Global Distribution and Production For North American audiences, **Sentai Filmworks** has also licensed Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling for streaming on **HIDIVE**, ensuring the series reaches international fans through multiple legal streaming platforms. This dual licensing strategy demonstrates the series' global appeal and the growing recognition of isekai anime in international markets. **Voice Cast:** - **Shunichi Toki** as Illusia (the dragon egg protagonist) - **Ami Koshimizu** as Divine Voice - **Miku Itō** as Myria - **Rie Kugimiya** as Marielle - **Tomori Kusunoki** as Black Lizard **Production Team:** - **Director:** Yūta Takamura (chief director for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable) - **Assistant Director:** Nobuyoshi Arai (Banana Fish, Vinland Saga) - **Series Composition:** Tatsuhiko Urahata (Hi Score Girl, Haganai) - **Monster Designer:** Hiroyasu Oda - **Character Designer:** Masahito Onoda - **Music:** Kō Ōtani (Shakugan no Shana) - **Opening Theme:** "Gliding Claw" by Sizuk - **Ending Theme:** "Sky Clipper" by TAO & SAK (virtual singers) **Source Material:** Seven Seas Entertainment publishes both the light novel series and RIO's manga adaptation in English. --- ## Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Stairway to Adulthood: The Potential Series Finale ### A Special New Year's Eve Broadcast **Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Stairway to Adulthood** (Japanese: Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Otona e no Kaidan) will premiere in Japan on **December 31, 2025, at 10:00 PM JST**, making it a special New Year's Eve broadcast. This special is **rumored to skip over 70 chapters of the manga** to adapt the series' final chapters, potentially acting as a series finale that brings the beloved romantic comedy to a conclusion. This special continues the beloved romantic comedy series that has captivated audiences since its first season premiered in January 2019. The decision to adapt the final chapters suggests that this special may serve as the definitive ending to the anime adaptation, making it a must-watch event for fans who have followed Kaguya and Miyuki's journey from the beginning. ### Returning Cast and Staff The special features the complete returning cast and staff, ensuring continuity with the established tone and character dynamics: **Voice Cast:** - **Aoi Koga** as Kaguya Shinomiya - **Makoto Furukawa** as Miyuki Shirogane - **Konomi Kohara** as Chika Fujiwara - **Ryōta Suzuki** as Yū Ishigami - **Miyu Tomita** as Miko Iino - **Yumiri Hanamori** as Ai Hayasaka - **Yutaka Aoyama** as Narrator **Production Team:** - **Director:** Mamoru Hatakeyama (A-1 Pictures) - **Character Design:** Yūko Yahiro - **Music:** Kei Haneoka - **Theme Song:** "Abunai Kioku" (Dangerous Memory) by Masayuki Suzuki feat. Aoi Koga ### Muse Asia's History with Kaguya-sama Muse Asia has been a key distributor for the Kaguya-sama franchise, streaming the first two seasons in a marathon catchup immediately prior to streaming the third season as it aired in Japan. This strategy helped build the series' popularity in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Muse Asia screened **Kaguya-sama: Love is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends-** theatrically in various Southeast Asian territories in 2023, demonstrating the platform's commitment to bringing the franchise to regional audiences. **Source Material:** Viz Media publishes Aka Akasaka's original manga in English. --- ## Muse Asia Streaming Regions and Distribution ### On-Time Premieres vs. Delayed Catch-Up Muse Asia typically distributes licensed titles through its **YouTube channel**, with different premiere timing based on territory: **On-Time Premieres** (available simultaneously): - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, and Vietnam **Delayed Catch-Up Viewing:** - Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand The platform also operates **regional channels** like Muse Malaysia and Muse Philippines, providing localized distribution for specific territories. ### How to Stay Updated Specific streaming territories and platforms will be announced on the **Muse Asia YouTube Channel**, where fans can stay updated on distribution details. The platform's track record with previous seasons and specials suggests that these new licenses will be made available to audiences in a timely manner. --- ## Additional Winter 2026 Licenses Beyond the three main titles, Muse Asia has also acquired distribution rights for two additional anime series: ### The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System - Acquired for distribution in South and Southeast Asia - Includes regional channels like Muse Malaysia and Muse Philippines - Scheduled for 2026 release (specific date TBA) ### Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord - Licensed for regional distribution - Specifically confirmed for Malaysia - Scheduled for 2026 release (specific date TBA) These additions further expand Muse Asia's Winter 2026 lineup, offering fans even more content to look forward to. --- ## Why These Licenses Matter ### Legal Anime Streaming in Southeast Asia Muse Asia's licensing of these multiple anime demonstrates the platform's commitment to bringing diverse and popular anime to South and Southeast Asian audiences. The platform has established itself as a major player in the regional anime streaming market, offering both simulcasts and catalog content to fans across multiple countries through its YouTube channel and regional sub-channels. ### Supporting the Anime Industry By providing legal streaming options, Muse Asia helps support the anime industry while making content accessible to fans who might otherwise turn to unauthorized sources. This approach benefits creators, studios, and fans alike. ### Regional Accessibility The platform's strategy of offering on-time premieres for most territories and delayed catch-up options for others ensures that fans across the region can access content in a way that works for their local markets. --- ## What to Expect from These Series ### For Action-Comedy Fans: Scum of the Brave Scum of the Brave offers a unique urban fantasy setting with a comedic protagonist who finds himself in an unexpected teaching role. The series combines modern elements like mafia organizations and ether-enhancement surgery with traditional fantasy concepts, creating a fresh take on the genre. With 24 episodes confirmed, fans can expect substantial character development and world-building. ### For Isekai Enthusiasts: Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling appeals to isekai fans who enjoy underdog stories and power progression narratives. Starting from the absolute bottom as an egg and working up to become the most powerful creature provides a compelling journey that differs from typical isekai protagonists who often start with advantages. The series' unique premise has resonated with readers, leading to this anime adaptation. ### For Romantic Comedy Lovers: Kaguya-sama Special The Kaguya-sama special continues the beloved romantic comedy series, offering fans more of the witty banter, strategic mind games, and character development that has made the franchise so popular. The New Year's Eve premiere timing makes it a special event for fans to enjoy as they ring in the new year. If this truly adapts the final chapters, it will be an emotional conclusion to a beloved series. --- ## Key Takeaways ✅ **Scum of the Brave:** 24 episodes (2 cours), premieres January 10, 2026, at 24:55 JST on NTV ✅ **Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling:** Premieres January 10, 2026; also on HIDIVE (North America) ✅ **Kaguya-sama Special:** New Year's Eve special, December 31, 2025, at 10:00 PM JST (potentially series finale) ✅ **Additional Titles:** The Exiled Heavy Knight and Easygoing Territory Defense (2026 release) ✅ **Streaming:** Muse Asia YouTube Channel (territories to be announced) ✅ **On-Time Premieres:** Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Vietnam ✅ **Delayed Catch-Up:** Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What anime did Muse Asia license? When do they premiere? Muse Asia has officially licensed multiple titles for South and Southeast Asia: **Scum of the Brave** (Yūsha no Kuzu) premieres January 10, 2026, at 24:55 JST on NTV for 24 episodes (2 cours); **Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling** (Tensei Shitara Dragon no Tamago Datta) premieres January 10, 2026; **Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Stairway to Adulthood** special premieres December 31, 2025, at 10:00 PM JST; plus **The Exiled Heavy Knight** and **Easygoing Territory Defense** (2026 release). Specific streaming territories and platforms will be announced on the Muse Asia YouTube Channel. ### Where can I watch these anime? Which countries get on-time premieres? Muse Asia will announce specific streaming territories and platforms on the **Muse Asia YouTube Channel**. Typically, licensed titles premiere on-time in **Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, and Vietnam**. Delayed catch-up viewing is available in **Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand**. The platform also operates regional channels like Muse Malaysia and Muse Philippines for localized distribution. ### Is Kaguya-sama anime ending in 2025? What time does the special premiere? **Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Otona e no Kaidan** (The Steps to Become an Adult) is a New Year's Eve television special premiering **December 31, 2025, at 10:00 PM JST**. The special is rumored to skip over 70 chapters of the manga to adapt the series' final chapters, potentially acting as a series finale that brings the beloved romantic comedy to a conclusion. The special features the returning cast including Aoi Koga as Kaguya Shinomiya, Makoto Furukawa as Miyuki Shirogane, and Konomi Kohara as Chika Fujiwara. ### What is Scum of the Brave about? How many episodes will it have? **Scum of the Brave** (Yūsha no Kuzu) is set in an alternate 21st century where rich mafia members can turn into "Demon Kings" through ether-enhancement surgery, and bounty hunters called "Braves" take them down. Yashiro, who only wants pizza, beer, and card games, agrees to tutor three young Braves for money. The anime has been confirmed to run for **two consecutive cours, totaling 24 episodes**, premiering January 10, 2026, at 24:55 JST on NTV. The cast includes Ryōta Suzuki as Shinigami Yashiro, Akari Kitō as Aki Jogamine, Momo Harumi as Yukine Indō, and Yumiri Hanamori as Sara Kashiwagi Pendragon. ### What is Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling about? Where can I watch it in North America? **Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling** (Tensei Shitara Dragon no Tamago Datta) follows an unnamed protagonist reborn as an immobile, powerless egg at the bottom of the food chain in a world full of dangerous monsters. Even hatching requires leveling up by fighting monsters. With help from a mysterious Divine Voice, he aims to become the most powerful creature. The cast includes Shunichi Toki as Illusia, Ami Koshimizu as Divine Voice, Miku Itō as Myria, Rie Kugimiya as Marielle, and Tomori Kusunoki as Black Lizard. The anime is directed by Yūta Takamura at GA-CREW and Felix Film, premiering January 10, 2026. For North American audiences, **Sentai Filmworks** has licensed the series for streaming on **HIDIVE**. ### What are the theme songs for these anime? **Scum of the Brave** features the opening theme "Gun Powder" by TOOBOE and ending theme "Mental Rental" by Mulasaki Ima. **Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling** features the opening theme "Gliding Claw" by Sizuk and ending theme "Sky Clipper" by virtual singers TAO and SAK. **Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Stairway to Adulthood** features the theme song "Abunai Kioku" (Dangerous Memory) by Masayuki Suzuki feat. Aoi Koga. ### Where can I read the source material for these anime? **Manga Planet** is publishing the Scum of the Brave manga in English digitally. **Seven Seas Entertainment** is releasing both the Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling light novel series and RIO's manga adaptation in English. **Viz Media** is publishing Aka Akasaka's original Kaguya-sama: Love is War manga in English. All source materials are available for international readers. --- **Are you excited for these Muse Asia licensed anime? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to the Muse Asia YouTube Channel for the latest streaming announcements!** --- *Last Updated: December 2025 | Tags: Winter 2026 Anime, Muse Asia, Anime Licensing, Southeast Asia Streaming, Legal Anime, Scum of the Brave, Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling, Kaguya-sama: Love is War*