Enthusiastic Support in Latin America! The Globally Popular "Monster-Grade" Anime "Rooster Fighter" Finally Begins First Broadcast in Japan on April 5th (Sunday) on Cartoon Network

Discovery Japan LLC is pleased to announce that the anime "Rooster Fighter," based on the manga by Shu Sakuratani, which is popular in over 50 countries worldwide, will begin its first broadcast in Japan on Sunday, April 5th, on the anime specialty channel "Cartoon Network."

"Rooster Fighter" is an animated series loved in over 50 countries, featuring a super-powered rooster named "Keiji" who confronts the giant monsters "Oniju" that ravage the city. It is drawing attention ahead of its Japanese broadcast with its explosive action, bizarre humor, a feathered hero who steals the spotlight, and addictive characters.

Globally, ahead of Japan, it began airing on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the popular "Toonami" slot for adult programming on Cartoon Network in the US, and simultaneous broadcasts began in Latin America. Furthermore, from Sunday, March 15th, it began streaming sequentially on Hulu in the US and on "Disney+" in major countries such as Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil.

In Asia, with Medialink as the master licensee, it is being distributed on Ani-One YouTube, Bilibili, Crunchyroll, and other major platforms across Asia, excluding Japan. On the day of its release, "#Toonami" and "#RoosterFighter" trended on X, generating significant global buzz.

Following the global release of the first episode, it has ranked high in many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia, gaining fervent support.

And now, it will finally begin broadcasting and streaming in Japan starting Sunday, April 5th, 24:00 on Cartoon Network, TOKYO MX, BS NTV, and sequentially on various video distribution services from 24:30 onwards.

To commemorate the start of broadcasting and distribution in Japan, an interview with Jason DeMarco, the Executive Producer of the anime "Rooster Fighter" and Senior Vice President of Anime/Action/Long-form Content at Adult Swim and Warner Bros. Animation, has arrived. We asked him about the background of its production and the fervor in Latin America.

-- Among the many works, what was the deciding factor in choosing to adapt "Rooster Fighter" into an anime?

Please tell us if there were any scenes or elements that you felt would be "interesting to visualize."

**Jason DeMarco:** I was captivated from the moment I first saw it. The characters and story are "ridiculously fun" concepts, yet they intelligently and affectionately deconstruct the narrative style of classic shonen manga. It possesses a unique charm that coexists with exhilaration and intelligence, making it irreplaceable.

-- What were the reasons and strategic decisions behind commissioning Japanese animation studios for the anime production, and choosing Japanese art and production systems over American ones?

**Jason DeMarco:** The original work is a manga originating from Japan, and the story itself is a "deconstruction" of the classic shonen manga format with affection. We believed the series' "DNA" was essentially Japanese, so we chose Japanese anime production to visualize it as faithfully as possible to the original work.

-- What were the reasons and strategies behind airing the series in the US prior to its broadcast in Japan?

**Jason DeMarco:** Frankly, it was due to scheduling convenience. We originally aimed for simultaneous broadcast in Japan and the US, but as a result of final adjustments, the US broadcast slightly preceded it. We consider this work to be global and believed a simultaneous premiere made the most sense. In the end, by airing it overseas first, we were able to receive a great deal of enthusiasm from many international fans, particularly in Latin America, allowing us to welcome the anime's Japanese broadcast with momentum.

-- How has the reception been since its premiere broadcast in the US and the first episode on March 14, 2026, to the present?

**Jason DeMarco:** The performance in the US has been extremely strong, and we are feeling significant traction globally. We expect further growth as viewership expands. Thankfully, the positive feedback has been overwhelming.

-- It is said that there is a great response from overseas, especially centered in Latin America, but what elements of this work do you feel resonate particularly well?

**Jason DeMarco:** I believe the culture in Latin America that reveres roosters as brave warriors, and the region's long-standing strong support for anime, are significant factors. Perhaps the themes and expressions of this work resonate with that foundation. Additionally, anime has consistently shown strong performance in South America over the past few years, which is also a contributing factor.

-- Although it seems like an unusual work at first glance, could you describe "Rooster Fighter" in a single sentence for those who haven't encountered it yet? Also, please tell us about the highlights to watch for.

**Jason DeMarco:** In a word, it's like "What if the protagonist of 'One-Punch Man' was a rooster?" The highlights include the dynamic battle scenes handled by Sanzigen. The expressions, skillfully blending hand-drawn and CG animation, are truly vibrant. Furthermore, the well-timed, witty comedy interspersed throughout deepens the work's flavor.

-- Finally, please tell us about your aspirations for this work and its future prospects.

**Jason DeMarco:** From the original manga to the anime production, everyone involved has paid meticulous attention to every detail and treated the work with utmost care. I believe that passion and a straightforward attitude, unswayed by cynicism, will be conveyed through the screen. I sincerely hope it grows into a global hit significant enough to warrant a sequel.

**Jason DeMarco** A producer, screenwriter, and director from America. Best known as a co-creator of the anime block "Toonami" within America's Cartoon Network. Major works include "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim," "Ninja Kamui," and "IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix." He served as Executive Producer for "Rick and Morty: The Anime."

Japan Broadcast Information Cartoon Network: Starting April 5, 2026 (Sunday), every Sunday from 24:00 to 24:30 TOKYO MX: Starting April 5, 2026 (Sunday), every Sunday from 24:00 to 24:30 BS NTV: Starting April 6, 2026 (Monday), every Monday from 23:30 to 24:00

Japan Streaming Schedule Starting sequentially from Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 24:30 on the following platforms: [Unlimited Streaming] ABEMA/Lemino/U-NEXT/d Anime Store (Main store, Nico Nico branch, Amazon branch)/DMM TV/ Anime Times/Hulu/Anime Hodai/FOD/Nico Nico/AnimeFesta/Furato Douga/Bandai Channel/Video Market *J:COM STREAM Unlimited Streaming/Miru Plus/TELASA will begin sequential streaming from April 8. *Prime Video will begin sequential streaming from April 12.

[Free Streaming] ABEMA/Nico Nico Live Broadcast

[Pay-per-view Streaming] Prime Video/Nico Nico Channel/Video Market/music.jp/Kantele Douga

Anime "Rooster Fighter" Work Overview [Introduction] A single rooster saves humanity. The strongest rooster vs. the most monstrous monster. "Keiji," a rooster with superhuman strength, confronts the "Oniju" (demon beasts) that trample the city. A spectacle loved in over 50 countries worldwide, featuring explosive action, bizarre humor, and a feathered hero.

[Staff/Production] Original Work: Shu Sakuratani (Serialized on HERO'S Web) Production Produce: VIZ Media / HERO'S

[Official Information] Official Website: https://www.niwatori-fighter.net/ Official X: https://x.com/niwatorifighte1 ▼Recommended Hashtag #ニワトリファイター ________________________________________ *Please include the following when publishing: ©Shu Sakuratani/Kino-HERO’s, VIZ Media

Cartoon Network The world's largest anime specialty channel, viewed by over 192 countries and approximately 400 million households. From timeless masterpieces like "Tom and Jerry" to popular Japanese anime such as "Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma," and Cartoon Network's original animations like "The Powerpuff Girls," "The Amazing World of Gumball," and "Adventure Time."