During the Aniplex Online Fest 2025, held on September 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM JST, a major announcement thrilled anime fans as the highly anticipated Fate/strange Fake anime adaptation received a confirmed premiere date of January 3, 2026. The event showcased a new trailer, highlighting the series’ stunning visuals, and introduced the opening theme song, PROVANT, performed by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA, heightening excitement for this latest chapter in the Fate franchise.
The new trailer, presented during the online stream, offered a captivating glimpse into the intense and mysterious world of Fate/strange Fake. It featured intricate character designs, dynamic animation, and a palpable sense of tension that fans associate with the Fate series. Accompanying the trailer was the reveal of the opening theme, PROVANT, performed by the renowned musical project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], featuring vocalists Jean-Ken Johnny and TAKUMA. Known for their work on iconic anime soundtracks, SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]’s involvement promises a powerful and atmospheric track that complements the chaotic and enigmatic tone of the Snowfield Holy Grail War, further amplifying anticipation for the anime’s debut.
Directed by Shun Enokido and Takahito Sakazume at A-1 Pictures, Fate/strange Fake promises to deliver the high-quality production that the studio is renowned for, with a focus on bringing the complex narrative and vibrant cast of characters to life. The series is based on the light novel of the same name, which has garnered a dedicated following for its fresh take on the Fate universe.
What is Fate/strange Fake About?
Fate/strange Fake originated as an April Fool’s joke in 2008, crafted by Ryohgo Narita, known for his work on Durarara!! and Baccano!. Initially presented as a faux novel synopsis, the concept gained significant traction among fans, leading Narita to develop it into a full-fledged light novel series with illustrations by Shigenobu Matsumoto. Published under the Dengeki Bunko imprint, the series has since expanded into a rich narrative, blending the established Fate mythology with fresh characters and a new setting in the American city of Snowfield. The light novels have been praised for their intricate plotting and unique spin on the Holy Grail War, making the transition to an anime adaptation a highly anticipated event.
Set in the expansive Fate universe, Fate/strange Fake introduces a new Holy Grail War, diverging from the traditional Japanese setting of Fuyuki City to the enigmatic American city of Snowfield. The story explores a warped and chaotic iteration of the iconic ritual, where Mages (Masters) and their summoned Heroic Spirits (Servants) vie for control of the Holy Grail, a mystical artifact said to grant any wish. Unlike previous Fate stories, this war is marked by irregularities, including a missing Servant class, impossible summonings, and a secretive nation orchestrating events behind the scenes.
Crunchyroll provides the following description of the series:
"In a Holy Grail War, Mages (Masters) and their Heroic Spirits (Servants) fight for the control of the Holy Grail—an omnipotent wish-granting device said to fulfill any desire. Years have passed since the end of the Fifth Holy Grail War in Japan. Now, signs portend the emergence of a new Holy Grail in the western American city of Snowfield. Sure enough, Masters and Servants begin to gather... A missing Servant class... Impossible Servant summonings... A nation shrouded in secrecy... And a city created as a battleground. In the face of such irregularities, the Holy Grail War is twisted and driven into the depth of madness. Let the curtain rise on a masquerade of humans and heroes, made to dance upon the stage of a false Holy Grail."
This narrative setup promises a thrilling exploration of deception, ambition, and supernatural conflict, with Snowfield serving as a battleground for a war that defies the established rules of the Fate universe.
The announcement at Aniplex Online Fest 2025 has set the stage for Fate/strange Fake to become a standout addition to the Fate franchise, with its unique setting and bold narrative choices. As the January 3, 2026, premiere approaches, fans can look forward to more details about the production, including the full reveal of the opening theme and additional cast members. A-1 Pictures’ involvement ensures a visually spectacular adaptation, poised to capture the essence of Narita’s intricate storytelling.
Sources: Press Release, Aniplex Online Fest 2025
