The upcoming KILLTUBE anime film was one of the main highlights of Anime Expo 2025, and after more than a year, fans in attendance got their first preview of the animation. The KILLTUBE panel was very insightful and revealed some details that fans have been waiting for since the pilot was released in April 2024.
During its Anime Expo 2025 panel, the KILLTUBE team premiered a trailer that showcased some in-development footage, giving fans a look into the production process. In addition, director Kazuaki Kuribayashi and animation producer Fuuko Noda offered insight into the project. Kuribayashi is a newcomer to the anime industry, and the project was born out of ambition to challenge norms of traditional anime filmmaking. Meanwhile, Noda explored the anime film’s art direction, explaining that the animation combines disciplines across 2D animation, 3D animation, and traditional hand-drawn methods.
“KILLTUBE is a project that will change the history of anime,” Kuribayashi said at the panel. “It’s something that could only be born in Japan—an entirely new stage for animation. Please look forward to it!”
“We’re experimenting with a hybrid look that pulls the best from both worlds, and even adding elements inspired by Edo-period art,” Noda said. “It’s creating a style that’s uniquely Japanese.” Noda remarked. “I believe that this kind of creative freedom leads to surprises you could never get if everything were fully planned from the start.”
The Anime Expo 2025 panel also revealed the main cast of KILLTUBE with an exciting trailer, and the audience in attendance shared their enthusiasm through cheers and applause. Yui Tsukada takes on the role of protagonist Musashi in her first lead character role, Kengo Kawanishi plays the role of con-artist Kikuchiyo, and Ayane Sakura joins the cast as the genius inventor Leonardo, who believes she’s the reincarnation of Leonardo da Vinci. The cast also shared comments about their roles.
“This is going to change my life. I’m going to change my life,” Tsukada said.
“This bold and innovative approach makes KILLTUBE unlike anything I’ve worked on,” Kawanishi said.
“I never imagined I’d get to be part of this team. I can’t wait to see it on the big screen,” Sakura said.
The panel also held a live Q&A session, giving fans a rare opportunity to engage directly with the production team. Questions ranged from intrigue regarding the setting of KILLTUBE to the history of the film’s production thus far.
The KILLTUBE team surprised attendees with an interactive quiz, which went over the Edo-period history. Winners received exclusive KILLTUBE T-shirts as prizes, and the segment proved to be a rewarding way to close out the panel.
