Fresh Blood in the Tougen Anki Universe
The action-packed world of Tougen Anki is growing once again—this time with a spinoff manga that puts the spotlight on the formidable Momotarou clan. Announced on May 6, 2025, the new series titled Tougen Anki: Shousei no Kiroku (Records of Training) launched in this year’s June issue of Monthly Shōnen Champion, offering fans a deeper dive into the mythological conflict and hidden history of the franchise.
Created by Yura Urushibara, Tougen Anki has built a devoted following with its fusion of Japanese folklore, intense battle scenes, and a dark tale of bloodlines and betrayal. With the spinoff now underway, readers can expect fresh character dynamics and expanded lore from a different narrative angle.
Story Overview: Inside the Walls of Momotarou
While the original manga follows protagonist Shiki Ichinose—a young man born of oni blood—the spinoff pivots to focus on the elite Momotarou clan, the traditional rivals of the oni. Tougen Anki: Shousei no Kiroku zeroes in on the training and early days of Momotarou warriors, giving long-time fans a look at how these elite demon-hunters are forged.
Set years before the main story’s events, this prequel-type spinoff provides critical context to the main conflict between the oni and Momotarou. It explores the personal histories, sacrifices, and ambitions of those raised within a rigid system built on strength, justice, and vengeance.
Key Characters: New Faces from an Old Lineage
While the original series centers on Shiki’s struggle with identity and power, the spinoff introduces a new cast—young trainees undergoing brutal and disciplined education under the watchful eyes of their superiors. These new characters offer a window into the clan’s inner workings, including the emotional cost of growing up within a warrior society.
Among the emerging cast are potential future antagonists—or allies—who may link back to familiar names from the main series. The early characterization also allows for a more nuanced view of Momotarou, often seen as rigid or antagonistic from the perspective of the oni side.
Why This Spinoff Matters
The spinoff isn’t just fan service—it serves a narrative purpose by giving weight and texture to the broader Tougen Anki mythos. The story deepens the moral ambiguity at the heart of the series by humanizing the Momotarou side and showing their origins, motivations, and internal conflicts.
Additionally, the change in setting and focus creates a fresh entry point for new readers while still rewarding existing fans with connections and expanded lore.
Looking Ahead: Canon Expansion and Fan Expectations
With Tougen Anki gaining momentum and popularity, including whispers of a potential anime adaptation, the timing of this spinoff is strategic. It offers additional content for fans hungry for more while building a world that could easily sustain multimedia growth.
As Shousei no Kiroku continues, fans are eager to see how its characters and revelations might eventually tie back into the main storyline, possibly recontextualizing events or setting the stage for future arcs.
