Yuki Kaji Cast as Joe Shimamura in Cyborg 009: Nemesis Ahead of Summer 2026 Premiere

Yuki Kaji has been cast as protagonist Joe Shimamura, also known as 009, in the upcoming anime Cyborg 009: Nemesis. The series, produced at studio Arect, is set to premiere via streaming in summer 2026.

A New Generation Meets a Legacy Hero

Cyborg 009: Nemesis is the latest adaptation of Shotaro Ishinomori's classic Cyborg 009 manga, which has spawned multiple anime series and films since the 1960s. The story follows nine cyborg warriors who have protected humanity for over fifty years. In this new chapter, a rival group called the Nemesis emerges, convinced that the original cyborgs can no longer guide the world toward peace. Led by the gravity-manipulating cyborg Graviton, the Nemesis faction challenges whether traditional approaches to eliminating conflict remain viable.

Kaji, widely known for voicing Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan and Shoto Todoroki in My Hero Academia, commented on the role's contemporary relevance. He noted that the narrative resonates especially now that AI technology has become increasingly prominent, and that the story explores fundamental questions about humanity's essence.

The Nemesis Group Cast

Alongside Kaji's casting, a full voice cast for the nine-member Nemesis Group was revealed. Yuichi Nakamura, the voice behind Satoru Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen and Hawks in My Hero Academia, leads the antagonist faction as N009 Graviton. The rest of the Nemesis lineup features a stacked roster of veteran talent:

N001 Myuu: Rina Hidaka

N002 Blizzard: Yoshimasa Hosoya

N003 Crack: Hiroshi Kamiya

N004 Opro: Kikuko Inoue

N005 Aspida: Tetsu Inada

N006 Blitz: Shion Wakayama

N007 Morphin: Maaya Uchida

N008 Depths: Ayane Sakura

A newly released visual accompanying the announcement showcases all nine Nemesis members in neon-glowing suits, each with a distinct color scheme.

Production and Staff

Hideki Ambo is directing the series at studio Arect, with Atsuhiro Tomioka and CHARATEX handling screenplay duties. Sanorin is responsible for character designs. Rock vocalist Kyoko from the band Barbee Boys performs the theme song "Taga Tame ni" (For Whom), a callback to the 1979 Cyborg 009 television anime which used the same track.

The involvement of Ishimori Production on the project ensures creative continuity with the original manga's legacy. The combination of modern animation production at Arect and a nostalgic musical choice signals a series that aims to bridge classic fans and newcomers alike.

Streaming Details

Cyborg 009: Nemesis will stream on Crunchyroll across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania when it debuts in summer 2026. Indian availability has not been confirmed, though Crunchyroll's expanding presence in the region could bring simultaneous access.

With its star-studded Nemesis cast now fully revealed and a summer premiere window locked in, Cyborg 009: Nemesis is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing franchise revivals of the season.