Toonami Fans, Ronin Warriors Is Back

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For many Western fans who first discovered anime, Toonami was the ultimate source. Launched in 1997, this afternoon cartoon block let fans watch popular series like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z, as well as lesser-known shows like Outlaw Star and The Big O later on. In late 1999, a surprising addition to the lineup quickly gained a devoted following. Now, more than 25 years after its debut on Cartoon Network, Ronin Warriors is back, and there’s plenty of reason to be excited about its return.

In June 2025, Sunrise, the original studio behind the classic anime Ronin Warriors, announced a brand new sequel. Though the show, which first aired in Japan in 1988, previously received three shorter follow-up series, this sequel is much larger in scope. It aims to introduce the beloved characters and story to a new generation with modern animation while still appealing to longtime fans with a touch of nostalgia.

Although Ronin Warriors stopped airing on Toonami relatively soon—in March 2001—it clearly made a lasting impact. For example, my husband initially said he barely remembered the show, but he was immediately able to name all five main characters and the villain when asked. The series successfully combined elements of superhero stories with fantasy and fast-paced action, and that unique mix resonated with viewers, even if they didn’t fully realize it at the time.

Ronin Warriors Was a Staple of Early Toonami

Many American anime fans first discovered Ronin Warriors on USA Network or the Sci-Fi Channel in the mid-1990s, but it really gained popularity when Cartoon Network’s Toonami block began airing it on September 27, 1999. The series centers on five young warriors battling Talpa, an ancient evil determined to destroy the world. A hundred years earlier, Talpa was exiled to a dark realm, and his armor was broken into nine pieces. Four pieces were given to his evil generals, each embodying Corruption, Cruelty, Illusion, and Venom. The remaining five pieces became part of the heroic warriors, ensuring they remained forces for good.

What truly makes this series special are its characters. The five main heroes each embody a positive trait – qualities parents would want their kids to learn. (Plus, their awesome samurai armor looked fantastic and translated well into popular toys!). Ryo represents righteousness, Kento stands for justice, Sage embodies grace, Cye champions trust, and Rowen exemplifies wisdom. These values, combined with each warrior’s unique elemental powers and personality, made it easy for viewers to connect with and root for their favorites – whether it was just one Ronin Warrior, or all of them. (The series is known as Samurai Troopers in Japan.)

The Western release of Ronin Warriors differed significantly from the original Japanese version. Character names were changed, an English theme song was added – a practice less frequent now – and the voice acting and translation were often over-the-top, moving away from the show’s Japanese cultural foundations. Because of these changes, many fans preferred the original. Despite this, the show’s nostalgic appeal kept viewers engaged with the edited version for years. Now, after decades of repeats, fans are excited to finally have new Ronin Warriors content.

Nearly 40 Years after the Original Series Debuted in Japan, The Ronin Warriors Sequel is Finally Here

The first episode of Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers, a follow-up to Ronin Warriors, debuted on January 6th. When it was first announced in Summer 2025, fans were surprised it wasn’t a remake. Given the long gap since the original series, the improvements in animation technology, and the fact that Ronin Warriors had a conclusive ending, a sequel seemed unexpected. However, the first episode clarified things: Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers isn’t a direct continuation of the story. It introduces a lot of new characters and features more action than fans who watched on Toonami might remember. While there are a few familiar faces and nods to the original, it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t the Ronin Warriors you grew up with.

You can now watch Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers on Crunchyroll! The first episode launched on January 6th, and new episodes come out every Tuesday. The classic series is available to stream there as well.

The new series’ first episode surprisingly features 80s Japanese pop music – not songs from the original show, but familiar, upbeat hits that evoke nostalgia. Those who know Japanese pop culture will likely be very surprised by these additions. The animation is bright and energetic, and while the art style might not appeal to everyone, it’s definitely eye-catching, especially compared to older, more subdued visuals. Fans hoping to recapture the feeling of watching Toonami may have mixed reactions, but it will probably take a few more episodes to get a clear sense of how people feel about the new release.

Early 2026 is shaping up to be a great time for anime fans! Popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End are both scheduled to return in January. Several other shows are also getting new seasons this year, including Hell’s Paradise, Oshi no Ko, Fire Force, and The Apothecary Diaries. Fans are also hoping to see some older, beloved anime make a comeback, similar to the recent return of Ronin Warriors.

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2026-01-08 17:34