Singapore-based animation studio Kasagi Labo has announced a new project tied to the Ninja Scroll universe, drawing fresh attention to one of anime’s most celebrated action classics.
The Legacy of Ninja Scroll
The original Ninja Scroll film was a singular achievement by Yoshiaki Kawajiri at Studio Madhouse, who served as director, screenwriter, and character designer. Released in Japan in 1993, the film later found a massive audience in the United States through cable television broadcasts. Sentai Filmworks acquired the license in 2012, and the film has since been available to stream on platforms including HIDIVE and Hulu. HIDIVE relaunched streaming of the film in November 2024, offering both the Japanese-language version with English subtitles and the original English dub.
The story follows Jubei, a wandering ninja swordsman who rescues a young female ninja from a horrific fate — only to find himself drawn into a far larger conspiracy. Together, the two investigate the mysterious deaths of an entire village, uncovering a plot of demonic proportions. As they close in on the truth, sinister forces will stop at nothing to silence them permanently.
A Landmark 4K Restoration
Sentai Filmworks spearheaded the film’s 4K restoration and remaster, carried out under the direct supervision of director Kawajiri. The process began with a 4K scan (3,840×2,160 pixels) of the original 35mm negative, followed by meticulous damage repair and color correction.
The restored version made its world premiere on February 15 at 10:00 p.m. CET at Berlinale, the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, making Ninja Scroll the first anime film ever to screen in the festival’s prestigious Berlinale Classics section. Encore screenings followed on February 16 and 22.
In September 2024, Iconic Events Releasing and Anime Expo had already screened the film in the U.S. to mark its 30th theatrical anniversary as part of AX Cinema Nights. Sentai Filmworks will hold further 4K screenings in the U.S. and Canada on October 4, 5, and 7.
Collectors can also look forward to a limited edition 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc Steelbook, which Sentai Filmworks plans to release in early 2027.
The Television Series
Beyond the film, a 13-episode Ninja Scroll television anime series — also produced by Madhouse — aired in 2003. Urban Vision released it on VHS and DVD between 2003 and 2005, and Discotek brought it to Blu-ray in 2020.
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