What Is Vertex Force? Anime Release Date, Cast, Studio, and Story Breakdown

Animation studio SMDE and producer Aniplex have officially announced that Vertex Force, an original sci-fi mecha anime series created and directed by Kazuhiro Takamura (Strike Witches, Vividred Operation), will premiere on October 3, 2026. Co-written by Takamura and Masashi Suzuki, the action series features mechanical designs from industry veterans Kanetake Ebikawa (Mobile Suit Gundam 00) and JNTHED (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury). Starring Makoto Koichi as Akira Todo and Kaede Hondo as Haruka Todo, the show will air in Japan on Tokyo MX, BS11, GTV, and GYT.

Essential Anime and Production Information

• Anime Title: Vertex Force (バーテックスフォース)
• Creator and Director: Kazuhiro Takamura (Strike Witches, Vividred Operation)
• Assistant Director: Goro Kuji (Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise, Chained Soldier)
• Animation Studio: SMDE Official Web Portal
• Production Company: Aniplex Official Portal
• Mechanical Designers: Kanetake Ebikawa (Mobile Suit Gundam 00) and JNTHED (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury)
• Music Composer: Nobuaki Nobusawa (Dagashi Kashi, Steins;Gate 0)
• Japanese TV Premiere Date: October 3, 2026
• Primary Genres: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Action, Drama
• Official Social Media Directory: Follow series announcements on the Vertex Force Official X Account and producer news on the Aniplex Official X Account.

What Is the Story and Setting of Vertex Force?

Set against the scenic backdrop of northern Okinawa, Vertex Force weaves an emotional family drama into an apocalyptic interplanetary threat:

• A Quiet Life in Okinawa: Akira Todo, a middle school boy, lives a peaceful routine alongside his elder sister, Haruka, and their mother, who runs a local seaside café.
• The Secret Engine Power: Haruka inherited their father’s extraordinary Engine power, granting her incredible physical capabilities and the aptitude to pilot high-tech mecha.
• The Inferiority Complex: Because Akira lacks this genetic gift, he constantly relies on his sister’s protection, harboring a deep sense of inadequacy.
• An Unknown Galactic Enemy: When mysterious hostile entities descend upon the globe, Akira, Haruka, and their allies are thrust onto the frontlines to pilot ENIA combat suits and safeguard humanity’s future.

Who Is in the Main Voice Cast of Vertex Force?

The original television project features a star-studded ensemble of modern anime voice talent:

• Akira Todo: Voiced by Makoto Koichi (Lloyd Bell de Saloum in I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince).
• Haruka Todo: Voiced by Kaede Hondo (Eiko Tsukimi in Ya Boy Kongming!, Sakura Minamoto in Zombie Land Saga).
• Eleanor Northbrook: Voiced by Ami Koshimizu (Ryuko Matoi in Kill la Kill, Kallen Stadtfeld in Code Geass).
• Lala Zudenstein: Voiced by Megumi Han (Gon Freecss in Hunter x Hunter, Kana Arima in Oshi no Ko).
• Yoko Nishina: Voiced by Rie Takahashi (Megumin in Konosuba, Emilia in Re:Zero).

What Makes the Creative Team Behind Vertex Force Notable?

Vertex Force brings together premier creators who shaped modern Japanese sci-fi and 3DCG animation:

• Kazuhiro Takamura’s Signature Vision: Renowned for blending charming character dynamics with meticulous military and mechanical design in Strike Witches, Takamura takes charge of both directing and original character concepts.
• High-Level 3DCG by SMDE: Studio SMDE (Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment) brings expertise in 3D modeling and dynamic mecha rendering from acclaimed projects like Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion.
• Gundam Design Royalty: Mecha enthusiasts will recognize the visual flair of Kanetake Ebikawa and JNTHED, who crafted the Engine units and ENIA combat suits.

Where Can You Watch Vertex Force?

Vertex Force begins broadcasting in Japan on October 3, 2026 across Tokyo MX, BS11, Gunma TV (GTV), and Tochigi TV (GYT). International streaming platform details will be announced closer to the premiere, with coverage available on Crunchyroll News.