The official website hokuto-anime.com has just published the announcement for episode 8 of the anime Hokuto no Ken – Fist of the North Star 2026. Titled “The Messenger from the Homeland” (故郷からの使者), it will air on Friday, May 15 on Prime Video. After the Golan arc, Kenshiro enters a new arc of the manga with the arrival of the fearsome Jackal.
Hokuto no Ken Episode 8 “The Messenger from the Homeland”
Here is the official summary translated from the hokuto-anime.com website:
While Kenshiro is chatting in a bar with his companions, a group of burly men shows up and tries to recruit him into their ranks. Kenshiro easily routs them, but shortly after, a young boy covered in grime enters the bar. His name is Taki, a boy who once lived with Bat in a remote village.
Taki and the Shadow of Jackal
Taki is a young orphan who lived in the same village as Bat, under the care of Toyo, the old woman who raised him. Faced with the water shortage plaguing the village, he undertook a dangerous journey across the desert alone to find help. His encounter with Kenshiro at Johnny’s bar sets off the entire upcoming arc.
But their conversation was overheard by a hidden man: Jackal, leader of a gang of motorized raiders and former inmate of Pirenii prison. His motto, “Never fight a man stronger than yourself”, sums up his strategy. Rather than confront Kenshiro, he will follow him, wait for his moment, and strike where it hurts the most.
Cast of Episode 8
Kenshiro: Takeuchi Shunsuke
Bat: Yamashita Daiki
Lin: M.A.O
Taki: Ishihara Kaori
Toyo: Sadaoka Sayuri
Jackal: Matsuyama Takashi
The official website hokuto-anime.com has published dedicated character profiles for these three new characters, confirming the start of the Jackal arc beginning with episode 8. Ishihara Kaori (Taki) is a top-tier seiyuu, known for her roles in Kaguya-sama, Princess Connect! Re:Dive, and Boruto. Matsuyama Takashi brings his deep and unsettling voice to the cynical antagonist that is Jackal.
Broadcast
Episode 8 will be available on Friday, May 15, 2026 on Prime Video with English subtitles and French dub, simultaneously with the Japanese broadcast on TOKYO MX and BS11.
