Why Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren Might Not Be the Biggest Anime of Winter 2026

Following the explosive debut of Sentenced to Be a Hero on Crunchyroll, the series’ publisher, Kadokawa, has already moved to secure the trademark for the title in Japan. As reported by Manga Mogura RE, this swift administrative action serves as a clear indicator of the massive splash the anime has made during its premiere window.

While protecting intellectual property might seem like a standard business move, Kadokawa has historically been surprisingly sluggish in capitalizing on its most successful franchises. For instance, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World—one of the publisher’s most profitable assets—premiered back in 2014, yet the company didn’t attempt to trademark the “Re:Zero” abbreviation until 2024. That specific application hit a roadblock and was initially rejected because the name was deemed too similar to existing, unrelated Japanese trademarks.

Securing the series’ full title in the United States was a similarly drawn-out affair. According to USPTO records, the registration process didn’t even commence until 2020, finally reaching approval three years later in 2023.

Kadokawa’s uncharacteristic haste in trademarking Sentenced to Be a Hero suggests two major developments: first, the publisher is refining its legal strategy to avoid past delays, and second, they view this new series as their next potential blockbuster. It is also significant that Kadokawa is now partially owned by Sony. Sony has been the driving force behind a massive 2025 anime slate, distributing heavy hitters like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc film, and Scarlet.

With Sony also controlling the Crunchyroll streaming platform, both giants seem to anticipate a bright future for Sentenced to Be a Hero, even within an incredibly crowded market. The early 2026 season is already packed with the return of industry titans like Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. While those shows have already established their dominance, Kadokawa’s proactive measures signal that Sentenced to Be a Hero is being positioned as a high-value IP with long-term staying power.

The second episode of Sentenced to Be a Hero is set to premiere on January 16, accompanied by a Crunchyroll simul-dub.

Source: Polygon