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Amazon Prime to Stream Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Anime From Attack on Titan Team

Roy Price, head of Amazon Studios, reported on his official Twitter account in January that his company will stream Wit Studio's original television anime series Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (Kōtetsujō no Kabaneri) on Amazon Prime Japan in April. He further confirmed that it will be available to Amazon Prime Members in the United States as well.

Price then retweeted an article by German website Animania that reported last week that Amazon has the worldwide streaming rights to the anime.

The "steampunk survival action" story takes place on the island country Hinomoto, where humans hide themselves in fortresses called stations against the threat of zombie-like beings with steel hearts known as "Kabane." Only armored locomotives known as "Hayajiro" go between the stations.

The anime is slated to premiere on April 7 during Fuji TV's Noitamina timeslot. The first episode will air at 24:25 (effectively 12:25 a.m. on April 8), while the remaining episodes will air at 24:55 (12:55 a.m.). The official website streamed the show's second promotional video last month.

The cast includes:

Tasuku Hatanaka (Ushio & Tora's Ushio) as Ikoma, a young steam smith who make a living in Aragane Station making iron and steam engines. He and his good friend Takumi developed a weapon called "Tsuranuki Zutsu" in order to defeat the Kabane. Everyone makes light of him now, but he looks forward to a day when he will be triumphant.

Sayaka Senbongi (Chronicles of the Going Home Club's Claire Kokonoe) as Mumei (Nameless), a mysterious girl who boards the Kōtetsujō and appears at Aragane Station. It seems she gets special treatment from warriors, but her true colors are...

Maaya Uchida (Charlotte's Yusa and Misa) as Ayame, the eldest daughter of the family that governs Aragane Station. She will someday govern in her father's stead, but until now hasn't expressed her opinions clearly.

Toshiki Masuda (Samurai Flamenco's Masayoshi Hazama) as Kurusu, a young warrior who serves Ayame's family as her personal bodyguard. Among warriors his sword arm is considerable. He is usually sober and honest, and he maintains his honor as a warrior.

Yūki Kaji (Attack on Titan's Eren) as Takumi, Ikoma's friend and fellow steam smith. Although he's shocked by Ikoma's rashness, he admires how Ikoma isn't afraid of anyone.

Kanae Oki (Fresh Pretty Cure's Cure Peach) as Kajika, Ikoma and Takumi's friend and fellow steam smith. She has a familial personality.

Mariya Ise (Hunter × Hunter's Killua) as Yukina, a crew member of the Hayajiro "Kōtetsujō," who transports items across Hinomoto. She is a shy but big-sisterly hard worker who loves her job.

Ryota Ohsaka (Snow White with the Red Hair's Zen) as Sukari, a steam smith who lives at Aragane Station. He puts up a cynical front, but has good judgement.

Kensuke Satō (Chaika the Coffin Princess' Nikolai Aftotorr) as Kibito, a warrior who serves Ayame's family. He is understanding and treats people of all social classes without discrimination.

In addition, the website lists Mamoru Miyano as a character named Biba, but no picture or information has been released.

The anime reunites director Tetsuro Araki and Wit Studio, the team responsible for Attack on Titan. Code Geass creator Ichiro Okouchi is writing the scripts. Haruhiko Mikimoto (Macross 7, Gunbuster) is designing the original characters and Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan, Aldnoah.Zero) is composing the music. The group EGOIST (Guilty Crown, Psycho-Pass, Project Itoh films) created the opening theme song "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress" for the anime.

Thanks to Poi Lee for the news tip.