Originally released in 2018, the Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, is set for a digital release on March 18, 2025, followed by a physical 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release on April 15, 2025. This time, Batman will face off against of the Japanese underworld, including reimagined, villainous versions of the Justice League as part of the Yakuza.

To build excitement for the film, Warner Bros. Japan has released a unique promotional video introducing Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League in an unexpected way. Instead of highlighting the cutting-edge animation featured in the movie, the video—titled Go! Bat Phoenix—pays tribute to the golden age of Japanese animation. Featuring an original theme song composed by Yugo Kanno and ionately performed by the legendary Mitsuko Horie, the track captures the nostalgic sound of mid-1970s anime, enhancing the homage to classic Japanese animation styles.

The Go! Bat Phoenix Video: A Tribute to Classic Anime

Mitsuko Horie: The Voice Behind the Nostalgia

In the Go! Bat Phoenix video, Batman, alongside his sidekick heroes Red Robin, Nightwing, and Red Hood, races through the Batcave in their vehicles toward the launch pad of a new Batwing-like super vehicle known as the Bat Phoenix. The craft then erupts from a secret base in dramatic fashion. Fans have been eagerly analyzing the retro anime references sprinkled throughout the clip. One of the most apparent influences is the 1972 series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (known in the U.S. as Battle of the Planets), which also featured a giant super ship called the Phoenix. Additionally, elements of classic 1970s mecha anime, such as Grendizer and Voltes V, are woven into the video’s aesthetic.

Perhaps the biggest nod to the past comes from the vocal performance of Mitsuko Horie, widely known as Japan’s "Queen of the Anison (anime songs) World." A singer and voice actress since 1969, Horie has contributed vocals to several classic mecha anime series that may have influenced Go! Bat Phoenix, including Magne Robo Gakeen (1976) and Daikengo, The Guardian of Space (1978). Her involvement adds an extra layer of authenticity to the retro-inspired promo.

Anticipation Builds for Batman’s Yakuza Showdown

A Stellar Creative Team and Voice Cast

It remains unclear whether the footage from Go! Bat Phoenix will be incorporated into Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League or if it will remain a standalone promotional piece. However, details about the film’s plot have been revealed. The story picks up right where Batman Ninja left off—when Batman and his team return to present-day Gotham, they’re met with a shocking discovery: Japan has vanished, and the Justice League is nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, Yakuza begin falling from the sky, launching an attack on the city. Sensing an unusual energy source, Batman follows its trail to a mysterious new island called Hinomoto. There, he discovers a world where Yakuza clans—each led by superpowered figures who bear a striking resemblance to the Justice League—are battling for supremacy. To protect Gotham, Batman and his allies must take on this formidable Yakuza League.

Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League brings together an impressive team of creators and voice actors. The film is directed by Junpei Mizusaki and Shinji Takagi, with a script penned by Kazuki Nakashima (Kill la Kill, Gurren Lagann). Animation duties are handled by studios Kamikaze Douga and YamatoWorks, promising visually stunning sequences. Returning to voice Bruce Wayne/Batman is Koichi Yamadera, ed by a stellar cast that includes Daisuke Ono (Nightwing), Akira Ishida (Red Hood), Kengo Kawanishi (Red Robin), Yuki Kaji (Robin), Hochu Otsuka (Alfred Pennyworth), and Takaya Kamikawa as Kuraku Hagane/Superman. Yugo Kanno provides the film’s score, further enhancing the cinematic experience.

As the release date draws closer, anticipation continues to grow for Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League. Fans are eager to see how Batman will confront the Yakuza League and whether elements from Go! Bat Phoenix will tie into the larger narrative. Whether the Bat Phoenix itself plays a significant role in the film or remains a fun promotional piece, one thing is certain: the fusion of Batman with Japanese animation traditions has struck a chord with audiences, making this sequel one of the most exciting anime releases of the year.