Dark Machine Locks Rival Cast, BUCK∞TICK OP, and October Premiere

Fall 2026 just got a louder mecha slot. The official site for Dark Machine: The Animation unveiled extra cast, a brand-new opening, and a second promotional video on Wednesday, locking an October premiere on Fuji TV, Kansai TV, and BS Fuji.

The original series, born from Project Carbuncle's game-and-anime crossover, follows Kairi as he fights through Golden Valley, a special economic zone built around the giant-mech esports title Dark Machine. This week's names belong to the teams standing in his way. Ryuunosuke Watanuki voices Nyudo and Jun Kousaka voices Hachiman, both of rival squad GREAT CLUSTER. Minori Suzuki and Rikuya Yasuda join as Bianca and Weiß of Esmeralda, the other opposing roster.

Rock band BUCK∞TICK is writing and performing the opening "Sonzai Riyuu Kai" (Reason for Existence: Revised). The second promo threads that track through machine-battle footage, giving the first real look at how the in-universe sport plays on screen. Guitarist Hisashi Imai called the tie-in an honor and said he hopes the song's noise, rhythm, and words deepen the show's world.

Kazumi Terada is directing at Production +h., with music by SUGIZO, mecha designs by Hidetaka Tenjin, and Goro Taniguchi as creative producer. Fuji TV will air the series Tuesdays at 1:45 a.m. JST starting in October, with Kansai TV and BS Fuji following on their late-night slots.

Official: Official site · X