Last May, fans rejoiced at the news: Gosho Aoyama's beloved manga "YAIBA" (also known as "City Boy"), which predates his mega-hit "Detective Conan," was officially getting a brand-new anime adaptation! By September, the title was confirmed as "True Samurai Legend YAIBA" (Shin Samurai-den YAIBA).
Today (January 14), the official announcement dropped: the first episode is complete, and the series is set to premiere this April! To celebrate, an exclusive "world's fastest screening event" will be held, giving lucky fans an early peek at this epic Reiwa-era revival. 
"YAIBA" was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1988 to 1993. The story kicks off with protagonist Yaiba Kurogane and his father, Kenjuro, training in the wild. An unexpected turn of events sees Yaiba accidentally transported back to Japan, where the father-son duo finds refuge at the Mine Dojo. Their lives take an even wilder turn when they cross paths with Takeshi Onimaru, a young boy wielding a legendary demon sword, sparking a series of thrilling duels and adventures.
The manga previously received a TV anime adaptation in 1993, titled "Kenyuu Densetsu YAIBA." Interestingly, many of the voice actors from that original "YAIBA" anime later went on to lend their voices to "Detective Conan."
The previously announced voice cast includes some familiar names and exciting new additions. Minami Takayama will reprise her role as the protagonist Yaiba, a role she first played three decades ago! Sayaka Mine will now be voiced by Manaka Iwami, taking over from Kotono Mitsuishi. Yaiba's formidable rival, Takeshi Onimaru, will be voiced by Yoshimasa Hosoya, replacing Ryo Horikawa.
Additionally, Kenjuro Kurogane will be voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi, stepping in for Bin Shimada, and Musashi Miyamoto will be voiced by Junichi Suwabe, replacing Masaharu Satō.
Behind the scenes, the production team boasts some serious talent. Takahiro Hasui, known for directing "Mob Psycho 100 III," is helming the project. Character design and chief animation direction are handled by Yoshimichi Kameda, another "Mob Psycho 100" alum. Series composition comes from Touko Machida, who penned scripts for "Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!" and "The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated!" The animation itself is being produced by the powerhouse WIT STUDIO, whose recent hits include "My Deer Friend Nokotan" and "Suicide Squad Isekai."
▼ Check out the "True Samurai Legend YAIBA" teaser trailer below!
With an incredible 31 years since its last adaptation, "True Samurai Legend YAIBA" is shaping up to be an unmissable comeback for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Get ready, because April is just around the corner!