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The Rising of the Shield Hero 2019

“Our regrets make us stronger.”

★ 8.5/10 · 1,569 votes TV-14 AnimationAction & AdventureSci-Fi & FantasyDrama 5 seasons · 62 eps Returning Series
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Quick answer

What is The Rising of the Shield Hero?

The Rising of the Shield Hero is a Japanese anime television series based on the light novel series of the same name written by Aneko Yusagi and illustrated by Seira Minami. The story follows Iwatani Naofumi, an otaku who is summoned to another world and tasked with becoming one of the Four Cardinal Heroes, specifically the Shield Hero, to fight the Waves of Catastrophe.

Type
TV series
Year
2019
Status
Returning Series
Episodes
62
Runtime
24 minutes
First aired
Jan 9, 2019
Last aired
Sep 24, 2025
Original language
JA
Origin
JP
Networks
AT-X
Genres
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
Updated
Availability by region

Where to watch

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Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 62 episodes and an average 24-minute runtime.

Trailer

Overview

The Rising of the Shield Hero is a Japanese anime television series based on the light novel series of the same name written by Aneko Yusagi and illustrated by Seira Minami. The story follows Iwatani Naofumi, an otaku who is summoned to another world and tasked with becoming one of the Four Cardinal Heroes, specifically the Shield Hero, to fight the Waves of Catastrophe. Alongside his assigned party, Naofumi begins his quest, but soon faces betrayal that strips him of his money, dignity, and trust in others. As he adapts to his harsh circumstances, he takes on the challenges of this new world with a slave named Raphtalia by his side. The series explores themes of perseverance, betrayal, and personal growth as Naofumi attempts to overturn his desperate situation. The anime is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix.

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Should you watch it?

“An ordinary man summoned to a fantasy world must overcome betrayal to become a legendary hero.”

# fantasy# dramatic# adventure# gritty
Reasons to watch
  • compelling underdog story
  • unique character progression
Keep in mind
  • dark themes
  • slow pacing

Watch it if you enjoy stories about protagonists overcoming social isolation and systemic injustice.

The series features themes of betrayal, slavery, and social conflict.

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Cast

Kaito Ishikawa Naofumi Iwatani (voice)
Asami Seto Raphtalia (voice)
Rina Hidaka Filo (voice)
Maaya Uchida Melty Q Melromarc (voice)
Hiroki Yasumoto Elhart (voice)
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka Ren Amaki (voice)
Kikuko Inoue Mirellia Q Melromarc (voice)
Makoto Takahashi Motoyasu Kitamura (voice)
Megumi Han Glass (voice)
Sarah Emi Bridcutt Myne (voice)
Yoshitaka Yamaya Itsuki Kawasumi (voice)
Yutaka Nakano Aultcray Melromarc XXXII (voice)

Episode guide

Season 1 · 25 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 13 episodes
Season 3 · 12 episodes
Season 4 · 12 episodes

Frequently asked questions

What is the premise?

A man is summoned to another world to fight against waves of catastrophe as a hero.

Who is the protagonist?

The story follows Iwatani Naofumi, who is summoned as the Shield Hero.

What are the Four Cardinal Heroes?

The Four Cardinal Heroes are warriors armed with a sword, spear, bow, and shield.

Does Naofumi travel alone?

No, he eventually employs a slave named Raphtalia to assist him.

Is the series an isekai?

Yes, the story begins with the protagonist being transported from his world to a fantasy realm.