The "Cardfight!! Vanguard 15th Anniversary: Bushiroad New Year Announcements 2026" event announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, that Bushiroad's ZERO RISE cross-media project will have a television anime, as well as a stage play on May 2-17 at the Hikōsen Theater in Tokyo. Anime news 2026 highlights Bushiroad's expansion into cross-media projects, combining anime and stage play productions to create a comprehensive entertainment experience. Anime announcements 2026 showcase how companies are increasingly developing multi-platform franchises that engage audiences across different media formats.
The project also presented its animation and character promotional videos, and announced its cast members who will both perform in the stage play and voice the characters in the anime. Anime news 2026 highlights the unique approach of using the same cast for both stage and voice performances, creating continuity between the live-action and animated adaptations while showcasing the versatility of the performers.
ZERO RISE is the story about youths who have been expelled from or have given up on the basketball world for various reasons. In a world where the gap between the rich and the poor is widening, those with integrity are few and far between, and the battle for survival is fierce, these youths will struggle to seize a chance for another beginning in the underground street basketball league called "ZERO RISE." Sports anime news 2026 highlights the series' focus on street basketball and social themes, exploring issues of inequality and redemption through the lens of competitive sports.
The project's cast members include UNFIXX team members: Hiroki Sasamori as Madoka Kurogare, Fukui Tomoya as Hagane Amadate (Date), and Kai Ōtomo as Tsukasa Marindo (Merlin). KINGS+HOOT team members include Hiroki Ishibashi as Daiki Sugawara (Blink), Takamichi Satō as Kagetora Tamura (Miracle), and Yūsei Hiraga as Haruhi Niwa (Sunshine). RumbleWing[s] team members include Ren Tahara as Tsubasa Hirai (York), Takumi Mano as Yuichiro Jinnai (Ujin), and Yo Maejima as Issa Jinnai (Sajin). BLACKSPOT team members include Shōta Kawakami as Takeshi Hari (Ballista), Shota Takiyama (suit actor) as UNKNOWN A, Yūshi (suit actor) as UNKNOWN B, and Yūki Kimisawa as Hayato Jigen. Anime voice actor news 2026 highlights the diverse cast of performers, with actors bringing their stage performance experience to voice acting roles, creating a unique synergy between live theater and animation.
Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani is credited for the project's original concept, Yoshiki Watabe is credited for the series' original concept, and From Tokyo is credited for character designs. Nobuhiro Mōri is directing the stage play and Ichidai Matsuda (ILCA) is writing the script. Anime studio news 2026 highlights the experienced creative team, with Bushiroad's president providing the original concept and From Tokyo handling character designs, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across both anime and stage play adaptations.
The television anime adaptation is confirmed and produced by Nichicaline, but an air date has not yet been announced. An animated trailer has been released. The stage play will run for 20 performances from May 2-17, 2026, at the Hikōsen Theater in Tokyo. Anime news 2026 highlights the project's multi-media approach, with the stage play premiering before the anime, creating anticipation and building audience engagement through live performances that will later be adapted into animated form.
The cross-media project represents Bushiroad's strategy of creating comprehensive entertainment franchises that span multiple platforms. By combining anime and stage play productions, ZERO RISE aims to reach diverse audiences and create multiple touchpoints for fan engagement. Anime industry news 2026 highlights how companies are increasingly investing in cross-media projects that leverage different entertainment formats to maximize audience reach and commercial success.
The story's focus on underground street basketball and social themes resonates with contemporary issues of inequality and the struggle for second chances. The series explores how youths who have been cast aside from traditional basketball institutions find redemption and purpose in the underground "ZERO RISE" league. Sports anime news 2026 highlights the genre's ability to address social issues while providing exciting sports action, creating narratives that combine entertainment with meaningful themes.
The announcement at the "Cardfight!! Vanguard 15th Anniversary" event demonstrates Bushiroad's commitment to expanding its entertainment portfolio beyond card games. The ZERO RISE project represents a significant investment in original content creation, showcasing the company's ambition to become a major player in the anime and stage production industries. Anime industry news 2026 highlights how established companies are diversifying their content offerings, creating original IPs that can be developed across multiple media platforms.
The cast's dual role in both stage play and anime creates a unique production approach that bridges live performance and animation. This strategy allows performers to develop their characters through stage work before bringing them to life in animated form, potentially creating more nuanced and authentic character portrayals. Anime news 2026 highlights innovative production methods that combine different performance mediums, creating new opportunities for actors and expanding the creative possibilities of cross-media adaptations.
The ZERO RISE project's focus on street basketball and underground leagues offers a fresh perspective on the sports anime genre. By exploring themes of social inequality, redemption, and the struggle for second chances, the series aims to create a compelling narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences while providing exciting basketball action. Sports anime news 2026 highlights the genre's evolution, with new series exploring diverse settings and themes beyond traditional school or professional sports contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ZERO RISE project?
The ZERO RISE project is a new cross-media initiative by Bushiroad that will feature both a television anime series and a live stage play. The story centers on youths striving for a second chance in an underground street basketball league.
When was ZERO RISE announced?
The project was officially announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, during the "Cardfight!! Vanguard 15th Anniversary: Bushiroad New Year Announcements 2026" event.
When will the ZERO RISE anime air?
An official air date for the television anime adaptation has not yet been announced.
When is the ZERO RISE stage play?
The stage play will run for 20 performances from May 2 to May 17, 2026, at the Hikōsen Theater in Tokyo.
Who are the main cast members?
Key cast members performing in both the anime and stage play include Hiroki Sasamori as Madoka Kurogare (UNFIXX), Fukui Tomoya as Hagane Amadate (Date), Hiroki Ishibashi as Daiki Sugawara (Blink), and Ren Tahara as Tsubasa Hirai (York).
Who created the ZERO RISE project?
Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani is credited with the project's original concept. Yoshiki Watabe is credited for the series' original concept, and character designs are handled by From Tokyo.
What is ZERO RISE about?
ZERO RISE is a story about young individuals who have been expelled from or have given up on the professional basketball world. They struggle for survival and a chance at a new beginning in a fierce underground street basketball league.
What teams are in ZERO RISE?
The confirmed teams featured in the project are UNFIXX, KINGS+HOOT, RumbleWing[s], and BLACKSPOT.
Will the same cast perform in both the anime and stage play?
Yes, the project specifically features cast members who will both perform in the stage play and voice the corresponding characters in the anime.
What studio is producing the ZERO RISE anime?
The anime adaptation is confirmed to be produced by Nichicaline.