New anime adaptation of Hell Teacher Nūbe revealed key elements

The iconic manga series Hell Teacher Nūbe (Japanese: Jigoku Sensei Nūbē) by Sho Makura and Takeshi Okano is receiving a new TV anime adaptation, set to premiere in July 2024 as part of the IMAnimation W programming block. The main key visual, first trailer, and details about the expanded voice cast and production team have now been officially confirmed.

Key revelations at a glance:

- Key Visual: The protagonist Nūbe—a teacher with a demonic hand—is depicted against the backdrop of Dōmori Elementary School. Alongside him are frightened students and his colleague Ritsuko Takahashi, as he unfurls a mystical scroll.

- Expanded Cast: Newly announced voice actors include Ryoko Shiraishi (as Tateno Hiro), Aya Suzaki (Inaba Satoko), Tomoyo Kurosawa (Hosokawa Miki), and Ryōta Iwasaki (Kimura Katsuya). Aya Endō takes on the role of teacher Ritsuko, while Ai Kakuma voices the enigmatic Yukime. A highlight: Toshiyuki Morikawa returns as the antagonistic Yōkai Tamamo Kyūsuke—a role he previously played in the original 1990s anime.

- Production Team: Director Yasuyuki Ōishi (Cestvs: The Roman Fighter) leads the series, supported by screenwriter Yoshiki Ōkusa (The Vampire Dies in No Time) and character designer Masaru Yoshiyama (Beyblade Burst). The music is composed by Evan Call (Violet Evergarden).

Nūbe, whose real name is Meisuke Nueno, teaches at Dōmori School while simultaneously combating supernatural threats that endanger his students. The original manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1993 to 1999, blends humorous school-life scenes with dark folklore elements. The first anime adaptation aired from 1996 to 1997.

The released trailer offers glimpses of the balance between tension and comedy, accompanied by dialogues from the main characters. Fans of the original production will likely especially appreciate the return of established voices like Ryotaro Okiayu (Nūbe) and Morikawa.