At Anime NYC 2025, VIZ Media announced AJ Beckles has been cast as protagonist Jiro Azuma for the TV anime adaptation of Tsuyoshi Takaki’s Black Torch manga. More cast members for the English dub will be revealed at a later date.
The Japanese main cast of Black Torch includes:
- Ryota Suzuki as Jiro Azuma
- Yoji Ueda as Rago
- Sayaka Sembongi as Ichika Kishimojin
- Junya Enoki as Reiji Kirihara
Previously, Tsuyoshi Takaki shared a message with fans about his excitement for the upcoming anime adaptation:
“Congratulations on the anime adaptation of Black Torch! I don’t think there’s anyone more excited and surprised than me. This is all thanks to everyone who has loved the manga, both in Japan and overseas.
As for the production, I’ve been supervising the settings and storyboards, and I feel it’s been recreated into something even better, while still fully respecting the original story.
A new Black Torch has been brought to life, now with voices, sounds, movement and color. There are battles, cats, and thighs! We hope you enjoy it!”
The Black Torch manga series was first serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square and Shonen Jump+ between 2017 and 2018. Lastly, here’s an overview of the manga’s first volume, via VIZ Media:
Although he may appear rough-and-tumble, Jiro Azuma’s compassionate side emerges when it comes to the furry critters he can communicate with. But Jiro’s soft spot for animals gets him in major trouble when a suspicious stray cat fuses with him, granting him exceptional power but also dragging him into humanity’s hidden battle against powerful Japanese spirits, mononoke.
