Image: Jigoku Kourin Key Visual
AMBot | 06/12/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Japanese anime director Hiroko Utsumi (Free!, SK8 the Infinity) is responsible for the character designs of a novel IP project that merges the traditional Beppu-Keirin velodrome with the city's famous Hell Tour (Jigoku Meguri). The project is titled "Jigoku Kourin" (Japanese: 地獄降輪) and is being realized by the IP development specialist company Pictoria in collaboration with the Beppu City Public Enterprise Bureau.
Unlike one-time collaborations, "Jigoku Kourin" focuses on a long-term, community-driven content strategy. The characters – personified representations of the seven hot springs of the Beppu Hells – are intended to be experienced both online and on-site. A teaser trailer released on June 4, 2026, provides a first impression, hinting at the project's mystical atmosphere. On June 11, the key visual, designed by illustrator INEMOUSE, followed, depicting the seven main characters in an opulent Japanese style. INEMOUSE was commissioned at the express request of Hiroko Utsumi, who saw him as the ideal person to realize her vision for the characters.
The voice cast is also known: Chi no Ike (Blood Pond) is voiced by Chiharu Sawashiro, Umi (Sea) by Reya Takahashi, Tatsumaki (Tornado) by Shotaro Morikubo, Shiraike (White Pond) by Takeaki Masuyama, Onishi Bozu (Devil Stone Monk) by Masaaki Mizunaka, Oniyama (Devil Mountain) by Sho Nogami, and Kamado (Hearth) by Katsuyuki Konishi.
The project encompasses a broad spectrum of content: In addition to a YouTube channel featuring voice dramas, video content, and interactive live streams, a so-called "Talk Experience" is planned at the Beppu-Keirin Hall. There, visitors will be able to communicate with the characters in real time. For this interactive function, synthetic voices will be used, which, according to the operator, are employed expressly with the agreement of the voice actors and under strict protection of their rights.
In the long term, "Jigoku Kourin" aims for sustainable regional economic revitalization. The IP is intended to encompass not only the Keirin facility but also the entire tourism and industry of Beppu – both digitally and analogously. The project sees itself as a "participatory economy" that grows with its fans. Official information is provided via the website jigoku-kourin.com, the X account @JIGOKUKOURIN, and the project's YouTube channel.
1Px7MduWBk
Unlike one-time collaborations, "Jigoku Kourin" focuses on a long-term, community-driven content strategy. The characters – personified representations of the seven hot springs of the Beppu Hells – are intended to be experienced both online and on-site. A teaser trailer released on June 4, 2026, provides a first impression, hinting at the project's mystical atmosphere. On June 11, the key visual, designed by illustrator INEMOUSE, followed, depicting the seven main characters in an opulent Japanese style. INEMOUSE was commissioned at the express request of Hiroko Utsumi, who saw him as the ideal person to realize her vision for the characters.
The voice cast is also known: Chi no Ike (Blood Pond) is voiced by Chiharu Sawashiro, Umi (Sea) by Reya Takahashi, Tatsumaki (Tornado) by Shotaro Morikubo, Shiraike (White Pond) by Takeaki Masuyama, Onishi Bozu (Devil Stone Monk) by Masaaki Mizunaka, Oniyama (Devil Mountain) by Sho Nogami, and Kamado (Hearth) by Katsuyuki Konishi.
The project encompasses a broad spectrum of content: In addition to a YouTube channel featuring voice dramas, video content, and interactive live streams, a so-called "Talk Experience" is planned at the Beppu-Keirin Hall. There, visitors will be able to communicate with the characters in real time. For this interactive function, synthetic voices will be used, which, according to the operator, are employed expressly with the agreement of the voice actors and under strict protection of their rights.
In the long term, "Jigoku Kourin" aims for sustainable regional economic revitalization. The IP is intended to encompass not only the Keirin facility but also the entire tourism and industry of Beppu – both digitally and analogously. The project sees itself as a "participatory economy" that grows with its fans. Official information is provided via the website jigoku-kourin.com, the X account @JIGOKUKOURIN, and the project's YouTube channel.
1Px7MduWBk
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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