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World Trigger
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World Trigger
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World Trigger
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Yūma Kuga
ワールドトリガー
(Wārudo Torigā)
GenreAdventure, science fiction[1]
Manga
Written byDaisuke Ashihara [ja]
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
Magazine
English magazine
Original runFebruary 9, 2013 – present
Volumes29 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed by
  • Mitsuru Hongo (S1, #1−48)
  • Kouji Ogawa (S1, #49−73)
  • Morio Hatano (S2–3)
Produced by
Written by
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioToei Animation
Licensed by
Original networkANN (TV Asahi)
English network
Original run October 5, 2014 – January 23, 2022
Episodes99 (List of episodes)
icon Anime and manga portal

World Trigger (Japanese: ワールドトリガー, Hepburn: Wārudo Torigā), also known in Japan by its abbreviation WorTri (Japanese: ワートリ, Hepburn: WāTori), is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Ashihara [ja]. It was initially serialized in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from February 2013 to November 2018, and transferred to Jump Square in December 2018. Its chapters have been collected in 29 tankōbon volumes as of December 2025. In North America, the manga has been licensed for English release by Viz Media.

An anime television series adaptation produced by Toei Animation aired on TV Asahi from October 2014 to April 2016. A second season aired from January to April 2021, shortly followed by a third season that aired from October 2021 to January 2022. An anime remake that re-adapts the manga storyline featured in the original anime's first season was announced in December 2025.

Synopsis

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Main article: List of World Trigger characters

Setting

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One day, a gate to another world opens in Mikado City (三門市, Mikado-shi) and monsters called "Neighbors" (近界民（ネイバー）, Neibā; lit. 'Near-world people') start appearing from it. Humanity struggles to fight the Neighbors, as their weapons are ineffective against them, until a mysterious organization appears that is able to repel the Neighbors' attacks. The organization is called the National Defense Agency, or "Border", and has appropriated the Neighbor technology "Triggers", which allows its user to channel an internal energy called Trion and use it as a weapon or for other purposes. When a Trigger is activated, the user's body is replaced with a battle-body made of Trion.

Plot

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Four years following the appearance of the gate, the people of Mikado City have become accustomed to fighting with the Neighbors and have mostly returned to everyday life. One day, a mysterious white-haired student named Yūma Kuga (空閑 遊真, Kuga Yūma) transfers to the local school. Kuga is actually a strong humanoid Neighbor, which he seeks to hide from Border. At school, he meets another student, Osamu Mikumo (三雲 修, Mikumo Osamu), who is secretly a C-rank Border trainee. Since Kuga is unfamiliar with life in Mikado City, Mikumo must help him adjust to life there and keep him a secret from Border.

Media

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Manga

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Main article: List of World Trigger chapters

Written and illustrated by Daisuke Ashihara [ja], World Trigger started in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump on February 9, 2013.[2] Due to health issues on the part of the author, it was put on hiatus in November 2016.[3] The series resumed publication on October 29, 2018, and ran until November 26 of the same year, before being transferred to the monthly manga magazine Jump Square on December 4, 2018.[4] Shueisha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on July 4, 2013.[5] As of December 4, 2025, 29 volumes have been released.[6]

In North America, Viz Media licensed the series for English release in 2014.[7] The first volume was released on October 7, 2014.[8] As of August 1, 2023, 25 volumes have been released.[9]

Anime

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Main article: List of World Trigger episodes

In May 2014, an anime adaptation of World Trigger was announced to start airing in October of the same year.[10][11] The series is produced by Toei Animation and its first 73 episodes were broadcast on TV Asahi from October 5, 2014, to April 3, 2016.[12][13][14] The series is directed by Mitsuru Hongo with series composition by Hiroyuki Yoshino. Toshihisa Kaiya and Hitomi Tsuruta are the character designers and animation directors, and the music is composed by Kenji Kawai.[15] The season was originally slated to run for 50 episodes,[16] but ended up receiving 73 episodes.[17] In July 2015, the World Trigger Summer Festival 2015 event announced World Trigger: Isekai Kara no Tōbōsha, a new series with an original story not featured in the original manga, debuting new characters and concepts.[18] The "new series" ended up being the "Fugitive Arc", which ran from episodes 49 to 63.[19] The Nagoya trio Sonar Pocket performed the anime's first opening theme song, "Girigiri" (ギリギリ; lit. 'Borderline').[20] The second opening theme song is "Ashita no Hikari" (アシタノヒカリ; lit. 'The Light of Tomorrow'), performed by AAA.[21] The third opening theme song is Dream Trigger (ドリームトリガー), performed by Pile.[22]

In December 2019, During Jump Festa '20, it was announced that the series would receive a second season, with the cast reprising their roles and Toei Animation returning to produce the series.[23][14] Morio Hatano was the new series director, while the rest of the staff reprised their roles.[24] The second season aired for 12 episodes on TV Asahi's NUMAnimation block from January 10 to April 4, 2021.[25][26] The opening theme song is "Force", performed by TXT, while the ending theme song is "Mirai Eigō" (未来永劫; lit. 'The Endless Future'), performed by Kami wa Saikoro o Furanai.[27]

In December 2020, During Jump Festa '21, it was announced that the series would receive a third season.[28] The third season aired for 14 episodes on TV Asahi's NUMAnimation from October 10, 2021, to January 23, 2022.[29][30][31] The opening theme song is "Time Factor" (タイムファクター), performed by Kami wa Saikoro o Furanai, while the ending theme song is "Ungai Shōkei" (雲外憧憬; lit. 'Yearning to Be Above the Clouds'), performed by Fantastic Youth.[32][33]

In North America, Toei announced in July 2015 that they would be producing an English dub with Ocean Productions.[34][17] The series began airing in the United States on Primo TV on January 16, 2017.[35] The English dub became available on Crunchyroll on February 11, 2020.[36] In September 2020, Crunchyroll announced a "home video and electronic sell-through distribution" partnership with Sentai Filmworks to distribute anime titles on home video.[37] The series was released on Blu-ray on June 8, 2021.[38] On October 8, 2021, it was announced the English dub of season 2 would be released in 2022.[39] The dub for the second and third season were released on a variety of download to own platforms beginning on October 4, 2022.[40]

In December 2025, it was announced that the anime would receive a "Reboot Project".[41] A week after this announcement, the official X account for the anime clarified that the project is a remake of the first season of the original anime that intends to re-adapt the manga's storyline from the beginning, including the "Border Enlistment Arc", "Large-Scale Invasion Arc", and "B-Rank Wars Arc". Toei Animation will return from the original anime to produce the first season remake.[42][43]

Video games

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A PlayStation Vita action game developed by Artdink titled World Trigger: Borderless Mission (ワールドトリガー　ボーダレスミッション) was released in Japan on September 17, 2015.[44] An iOS and Android game developed by Ganbarion titled World Trigger: Smash Borders (ワールドトリガー スマッシュボーダーズ) was released on July 21, 2015.[45] It was later released on PlayStation Vita on February 17, 2016.[46] Both were published by Bandai Namco Games.

Reception

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Manga

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World Trigger was the 20th best-selling manga of 2016, with over 1.2 million copies sold.[47] By July 2023, the manga had over 15 million copies in circulation.[48]

The series ranked 43rd on the 2014 "Book of the Year" list from Media Factory's Da Vinci magazine, where professional book reviewers, bookstore employees, and Da Vinci readers participate;[49] it ranked 33rd on the 2015 list;[50] 31st on the 2019 list;[51] 44th on the 2021 list;[52] ninth on the 2022 list;[53] and 26th on the 2023 list.[54]

In a 2016 reader's poll on Goo, the series was voted as the fifth most likely to become a Weekly Shōnen Jump signature series.[55] On TV Asahi's Manga Sōsenkyo 2021 poll, in which 150,000 people voted for their top 100 manga series, World Trigger ranked fourteenth.[56]

Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network said that "World Trigger is an exciting read that distributes its information organically rather than relying on info-dumps."[57]

Anime

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The anime series ranked tenth in the Tokyo Anime Award Festival's top 100 TV anime series of 2016.[58] During NHK'S top 100 anime voting, World Trigger placed 158 out of 400, tied with Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare.[59]

The first season of the anime received criticism stemming from Toei's handling of the adaptation. Gabriella Ekens from Anime News Network referred to the production as "incompetent" and "baffling", stating "World Trigger isn't a bad show, but it's a terrible adaptation."[60]

References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

World Trigger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
World Trigger is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Ashihara. It has been serialized in Shueisha's magazine since February 9, 2013, with several hiatuses due to the author's health, including a major break from 2016 to 2018, after which it resumed in . As of November 2025, the series comprises 258 chapters collected into 28 volumes. The story is set in a world where mysterious gates open across , allowing invasions by powerful extraterrestrial beings called Neighbors, who destroy cities and abduct humans. To counter this threat, the Border Defense Agency, a secretive organization, develops Trigger devices—alien technology that enables agents to manifest weapons, shields, and other abilities based on their "trion" energy. The narrative centers on Osamu Mikumo, a low-ranking Border agent and high school student, who forms an alliance with Yūma Kuga, a powerful humanoid Neighbor hiding on , as they navigate intense training, rank wars, and real invasions while uncovering deeper mysteries about the Neighbors and Border's operations. World Trigger has been adapted into an television series produced by , with the first season airing 73 episodes from October 5, 2014, to March 26, 2016, followed by a second season of 12 episodes from January 10 to April 4, 2021, and a third season of 14 episodes from October 10, 2021, to January 23, 2022. The series is renowned for its strategic, team-based combat system emphasizing tactics, positioning, and resource management over raw power, drawing comparisons to tactical simulations and . Published in English by since October 7, 2014, it has garnered praise for its intricate world-building and character development.

Premise

Setting

In the fictional universe of World Trigger, Earth faces invasion from extradimensional beings known as Neighbors, who emerge through irregular portals called that connect to a parallel dimension referred to as the Neighborhood. These invasions began four years prior to the main events, with the initial Gate opening in Mikado City, , unleashing destructive forces that caused significant devastation in the area. Neighbors are depicted as advanced humanoid entities from various "countries" within the Neighborhood, capable of deploying automated soldiers and vessels to raid for resources, particularly the energy source called Trion, which powers their sophisticated technology. The story is primarily set in Mikado City, a metropolis with approximately 280,000 residents that has been isolated and fortified by a massive protective wall constructed by the defense agency to contain future incursions. This wall encircles a designated combat zone where Gates are drawn by 's technology, minimizing threats to the broader city and allowing civilian life to continue with relative normalcy despite the ongoing peril. Neighbor technology, based on Trion manipulation, enables the creation of humanoid Trion Soldiers and via Away Ships, giving them a tactical edge in invasions that counters using reverse-engineered versions of the same principles. Gates manifest unpredictably when Neighbor countries drift within range of Earth in the multidimensional space, typically opening in clusters to facilitate large-scale assaults rather than at fixed intervals. The persistent conflict has profoundly shaped society in Mikado City, fostering a culture of vigilance where agents integrate into everyday life—such as attending school—while the populace relies on the agency's protection to maintain routines amid the existential threat. This setup underscores a world where technological adaptation and communal resilience are essential to survival against superior extraterrestrial forces.

Plot

Osamu Mikumo, a high school student in Mikado City, witnesses a Neighbor invasion and uses a Trigger to save lives, leading to his recruitment into , the organization tasked with defending Earth from these interdimensional threats. He forms a partnership with Yūma Kuga, a powerful newcomer revealed to be a Neighbor who defects to aid humanity, and together they join the Tamakoma Second squad as B-Class agents. This alliance drives their initial efforts in training exercises and defensive missions against sporadic Neighbor incursions. The series progresses through competitive arcs within , beginning with the B-Rank Rank Wars, where squads battle in simulated environments to climb the rankings and secure resources. As Osamu and his team advance, they participate in the A-Rank Promotion Exams, rigorous tests designed to evaluate elite agents for higher responsibilities. These internal competitions highlight strategic growth and team dynamics amid the organization's hierarchical structure. Escalating interstellar conflicts introduce larger-scale invasions by advanced Neighbor forces, pushing to undertake away missions beyond . The protagonists' journey involves steady rank progression, from novice operatives to key players in 's defense strategy, as threats intensify with coordinated attacks on multiple fronts. Key developments feature internal betrayals that strain alliances and profound revelations about the Neighbors' origins and objectives, reshaping the scope of the ongoing war without resolving the core invasion peril.

Characters

Main characters

Osamu Mikumo is the primary of World Trigger, a high and low-ranking C-class agent in the Border organization, known for his strategic acumen rather than raw combat prowess. Orphaned at a young age due to a Neighbor invasion, Osamu joined Border to protect Mikado City and its residents from further threats, initially operating alone before forming alliances that elevate his role. His abilities center on tactical planning and efficient use of standard Triggers like Raygust for versatile defense and mobility, allowing him to support teammates in high-stakes Rank Wars and invasions despite his limited Trion reserves. As the leader of Tamakoma Second, Osamu coordinates squad strategies, emphasizing teamwork to compensate for individual weaknesses, and his growth involves honing leadership skills through rigorous training under veterans like Masafumi Shinoda. Yūma Kuga serves as Osamu's key ally and a central figure, appearing as a transfer student but revealed as a powerful Neighbor from Aftokrator who infiltrated to locate a lost comrade. Disguised to evade detection, Yūma possesses exceptional combat instincts and stamina, wielding advanced Neighbor-exclusive Triggers such as for rapid, multi-limb attacks and Golden Cup for self-healing, making him a frontline powerhouse capable of soloing elite foes. In Tamakoma Second, Yūma acts as the squad's ace attacker, adapting Earth technology to his style while mentoring Osamu on Neighbor tactics, with his focusing on building trust with humans amid cultural clashes during joint operations and invasion defenses. Chika Amatori completes the core trio, a timid yet prodigiously talented Border recruit with unprecedented Trion output that enables devastating long-range assaults. Traumatized by witnessing her older brother Rinji and childhood friend abducted by Neighbors during an early incursion, Chika enlisted in Border to gain the rank necessary for away missions aimed at their rescue, channeling her isolation into focused determination. Her abilities shine through sniper Triggers like for precision barrages and for area-denial explosions, though she initially struggles with close-quarters combat and emotional control; within Tamakoma Second, she provides essential firepower support, evolving from a hesitant participant to a confident contributor via simulated battles and real invasions that test her resolve. Hyuse is the fourth member of Tamakoma Second, a Neighbor from Aftokrator who initially arrives as an antagonist seeking to capture Chika but joins after being stranded on . Skilled in close combat with Triggers like and Raygust, Hyuse serves as an operator and fighter, bringing insider knowledge of Neighbor society while adapting to team dynamics and human customs. Together, Osamu, Yūma, Chika, and Hyuse form Tamakoma Second under the experimental Tamakoma Branch, blending human and Neighbor perspectives to tackle threats beyond standard squads, with their interpersonal dynamics driving growth—Osamu's intellect complements Yūma's aggression, Chika's raw power, and Hyuse's precision, fostering bonds through shared training regimens and Rank War victories that propel them toward A-rank status. Among the primary antagonists are the leaders of Neighbor invasion forces, such as Gatlin, captain of the Galopoula expedition force's assault on Mikado City, who deploys massive Trion Soldiers and elite agents like Rataich to harvest for interdimensional wars. Gatlin's strategic oversight and command of advanced Triggers underscore the Neighbors' technological superiority, forcing Border's protagonists into desperate defenses that highlight themes of and survival. Another key foe is the Aftokrator elite, exemplified by figures like Hyrein, whose aggressive expansionist policies and personal vendettas against Earth agents like Yūma escalate conflicts, compelling the main characters to innovate in battles that span dimensions. These antagonists' backstories reveal a war-torn Neighbor society reliant on conquest, contrasting with the protagonists' protective motivations and catalyzing the trio's development through escalating confrontations.

Supporting characters

In World Trigger, supporting characters from the agency form a diverse ensemble of agents who bolster operational efforts through specialized roles and interpersonal dynamics. These figures, particularly the captains of A-rank , exhibit distinct tactical styles that influence 's overall strategy against Neighbor incursions. For instance, Nobuaki Kazama, captain of Kazama , leads with a focus on disciplined, balanced formations that integrate robust defense with multi-role attackers, enabling his team to maintain control in prolonged engagements and adapt to varying threats. His serious demeanor fosters a environment of mutual respect and precision, contributing to subplots centered on leadership challenges during rank battles. Similarly, Yasushi Arafune captains Arafune Squad, an A-rank unit renowned for its sniper-centric tactics emphasizing long-range precision and positional superiority. Arafune's analytical approach allows his team to disrupt enemy movements from afar, providing critical support to frontline units and enhancing Border's battlefield awareness. This style not only aids in team dynamics by allowing snipers like Kirie Konami to shine in coordinated assaults but also drives subplots exploring the integration of specialized roles within larger operations. The Tamakoma Branch features key personnel such as Reiji Kizaki, a veteran operator and captain of Tamakoma First, whose nonchalant personality belies exceptional strategic foresight. Kizaki oversees experimental Trigger development and agent training, promoting a collaborative atmosphere that encourages unconventional tactics and cross-squad alliances. His involvement in subplots often revolves around navigating Border's internal hierarchies and fostering growth among recruits, thereby strengthening the branch's innovative edge in the agency's structure. Other notable Border captains include Haruaki Azuma of Azuma Squad, whose all-rounder versatility and veteran experience enable fluid tactical shifts, supporting subplots on historical Neighbor conflicts and mentorship. Itsuki Suwa leads Suwa Squad with an emphasis on aggressive close-combat maneuvers, bolstering team morale through his boisterous leadership and contributing to dynamics in high-stakes invasions. Masataka Ninomiya, captain of Ninomiya Squad, employs overwhelming firepower tactics, driving narratives around power imbalances and squad rivalries within Border's ranking . On the Neighbor side, recurring figures from the Aftokrator faction, such as the executive commanders, provide depth to antagonistic subplots through their hierarchical command styles and advanced Trion weaponry. These characters, often depicted in strategic councils, underscore Aftokrator's expansionist ambitions and occasionally influence Border's defensive preparations via intercepted intelligence, enriching the series' exploration of interstellar tensions without dominating the central conflicts.

Terminology

Triggers and agents

In the World Trigger universe, Triggers are specialized devices created by the organization that enable agents to harness their Trion—a vital energy source within humans—to manifest weapons, barriers, and other combat utilities during operations against interdimensional invaders known as Neighbors. These devices are activated by equipping them to the agent's body, allowing seamless switching between up to eight Trigger slots (four per hand) for tactical flexibility in battle. Triggers are broadly categorized by function, with each type tailored to specific roles in squad-based engagements, emphasizing strategy over raw power. The primary Trigger classifications include Attacker, Gunner, Sniper, Defender, Operator, All-Rounder, and the rare Mother type. Attacker Triggers focus on close-range melee combat, producing blades or slashing effects; examples include the Kogetsu, a straightforward sword that extends with Trion for strikes, and the Raygust, which generates high-speed wind blades for cutting or forming temporary shields, enhancing mobility in confined spaces. Gunner Triggers enable mid-range projectile fire using Trion bullets, such as the Asteroid, which detonates on impact to damage groups or structures, and the Meteor, designed for penetrating armor with concentrated shots. Sniper Triggers prioritize long-distance precision, like the Ibis, capable of curving trajectories around obstacles for surprise attacks from afar. Defender Triggers provide protective functions, including the Shield for deploying energy barriers against incoming fire and the Bagworm for cloaking the user from detection at the cost of immobility. Operator Triggers are non-combat tools used by support personnel stationed at Border's command center, facilitating real-time monitoring of field agents' positions and statuses via holographic displays. All-Rounder Triggers offer versatility by combining elements of multiple categories, allowing users to adapt to various situations without fixed specialization. Finally, the Mother Trigger serves as a core holder for Black Triggers—powerful, self-sustaining devices acquired from defeated Neighbors—which grant unique abilities but are compatible only with rare individuals due to their unstable nature. Border agents, the operatives who wield Triggers, operate within a structured ranking system to ensure and skill progression: from (E and D ranks) to elite levels (C, B, A, and the exceptional S rank). As of the series' events, has approximately 400 C-rank agents, 100 B-rank, 30 A-rank, and 2 S-rank agents. Ranks C through S determine assignments and mission eligibility, with promotions awarded based on points accumulated during Rank Wars—a controlled, team-versus-team simulation of invasion scenarios that tests coordination, strategy, and Trigger proficiency without real-world risks. Points are earned through victories, captures, and eliminations, requiring squads to reach specific thresholds (e.g., 4,000 points for B-rank promotion) over evaluation periods, fostering continuous improvement among agents. Central to Trigger usage is the Trion body, a humanoid avatar constructed from an agent's Trion reserves upon activation, which replaces their physical form in the field to minimize injury risks from Neighbor attacks. This body amplifies strength, speed, and proportional to the agent's Trion , but overuse leads to side effects such as rapid fatigue, temporary loss of upon depletion, or long-term health strain in low-Trion individuals, who must rely on supportive squadmates. Training for agents occurs in Border's simulators, where recruits build Trion capacity through repeated exercises, learn Trigger handling, and simulate combat to mitigate these risks, with specialized programs at branches like Tamakoma emphasizing innovative tactics.

Neighbors and Border

The Neighbors are extradimensional beings originating from the Neighborhood, a parallel dimension comprising numerous warring planetoids, who pose a severe threat to through repeated invasions. These entities, often manifesting as massive, invincible monsters impervious to conventional weaponry, first breached four years prior to the series' main events via a sudden dimensional gate in Mikado City, , resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Among their factions, Aftokrator stands out as a prominent military power responsible for deploying advanced humanoid Neighbors during escalated conflicts, highlighting the organized nature of their incursions. In response to this existential danger, the Border Defense Agency was established shortly after the initial invasion to safeguard humanity, operating as a specialized organization that reverse-engineers Neighbor technology for defensive purposes. Headquartered in Mikado City to maintain proximity to the primary incursion site, Border maintains a policy of global isolation, confining its operations to due to the localized nature of the gates and the absence of widespread international cooperation or awareness. The agency includes specialized branches, such as the Tamakoma Branch, led by Takumi Rindō, which pioneers diplomatic approaches toward non-hostile Neighbors and integrates unique assets into its ranks. Gates function as unstable portals connecting Earth to the Neighborhood, unpredictably manifesting to facilitate Neighbor invasions that follow patterns of large-scale assaults interspersed with smaller, probing attacks aimed at exploiting weaknesses. Border's containment strategies revolve around rapid deployment of agents to seal these breaches, prioritizing the neutralization of invaders before they can advance beyond the immediate vicinity of Mikado City, thereby minimizing civilian exposure and broader geopolitical fallout. Politically, enforces strict secrecy to avert public panic and international interference, framing its existence as a that shields global society from the full scope of the interdimensional war. This isolationist stance raises ethical concerns regarding transparency, as the agency recruits agents—often young civilians with high potential—from the general populace through selective, undisclosed processes, requiring recruits to balance clandestine duties with everyday lives while grappling with the moral weight of wielding alien-derived weapons against existential threats.

Media

Manga

World Trigger is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Ashihara. It began serialization in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on February 9, 2013. As of November 2025, the series has been collected into 28 tankōbon volumes in Japan. In North America, Viz Media licensed the manga for English-language release, with 27 volumes published by 2025; digital chapters are also available simultaneously via Viz's Shonen Jump service and MANGA Plus. The comprises 258 chapters as of November 2025. Serialization faced significant interruptions due to Ashihara's health issues, including a two-year hiatus from November 2016 to October 2018, after which the series transferred to for a monthly schedule to accommodate the author's well-being. Subsequent breaks, such as a one-month hiatus in 2025 and a one-issue pause in July 2025, have resulted in an irregular release cadence, extending the time between chapters.

Anime

The anime adaptation of World Trigger was produced by and aired on TV Asahi's NUMAnimation block, comprising three seasons that total 114 episodes. Season 1, directed by Mitsuru Hongo for episodes 1–48 and Kouji Ogawa for episodes 49–73, ran from October 5, 2014, to April 3, 2016, and consists of 73 episodes. The season adapts the manga's early story arcs, including the introduction of the organization, initial Neighbor invasions, and the start of rank battles among agents, while incorporating an original anime-exclusive Fugitive Arc in episodes 49–63 to bridge pacing. Series composition was handled by , with character designs by Toshihisa Kaiya and Hitomi Tsuruta, and music composed by . Season 2, directed by Morio Hatano with Yoshino returning for series composition and Kawai on music, aired from January 10 to April 4, 2021, spanning 12 episodes. It continues the adaptation by delving into the B-Rank Wars Arc, emphasizing strategic team-based competitions and the emerging threat of invasion from the Galopoula forces. Season 3, also directed by Hatano with the core staff reprising their roles including Yoshino and Kawai, broadcast from October 10, 2021, to March 26, 2022, and includes 29 episodes. The season advances the B-Rank Wars Arc, covering intense squad matches and tactical developments amid escalating interdimensional conflicts. No original video animations (OVAs) or compilation films have been released for the series. Internationally, the anime is licensed by , which handled simulcasts for seasons 2 and 3, and is available for streaming on and as of 2025.

Video games

World Trigger has seen limited video game adaptations, primarily released in by . These titles draw directly from the series' core elements, such as Trigger weapons and tactical squad-based combat reminiscent of Rank Wars, allowing players to simulate agents' strategies against Neighbors. The primary console adaptation is World Trigger: Borderless Mission, a 3D developed by for the , released on September 17, 2015. In this single-player title, players control Border agents in third-person perspective missions, equipping a limited set of Triggers based on the character's rank to engage in combat and complete objectives like defending areas or eliminating threats. The game features over 80 missions, including story-driven chapters and free battles, with ad-hoc multiplayer support for up to eight players in cooperative modes. As a physical and digital release exclusive to , it remains playable on Vita hardware as of 2025, though no official English localization or ports to other platforms have been announced. Another key adaptation is World Trigger: Smash Borders, a turn-based strategy game initially developed by for and Android, launched on July 23, 2015. Players manage a , recruit agents, and deploy squads in grid-based missions that emphasize tactical positioning and Trigger usage to counter Neighbor invasions, mirroring the series' emphasis on team composition and during Rank Wars. A port followed on February 17, 2016, expanding accessibility with similar core mechanics. Service for all versions ended on February 22, 2018, rendering the digital editions unplayable without preserved data, though the Vita port's offline components may still function on compatible systems. Beyond these, World Trigger has no other major official releases, with minor tie-in apps like the World Trigger Information Terminal providing non-interactive content such as character databases rather than gameplay. As of November 2025, the franchise lacks active online or new adaptations, limiting access primarily to second-hand physical copies of the Vita titles.

Production

Development

Daisuke Ashihara, born on February 13, 1981, in Tokyo and raised in Okayama Prefecture, entered the manga industry after his one-shot Room 303 secured second place in the 75th Tezuka Award in 2007, marking his professional debut at age 26. His first serialized work, Super Dog Rilienthal, appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 2009 to 2010, establishing his style of character-driven narratives with fantastical elements. Following its conclusion, Ashihara sought to craft a more ambitious project, drawing on his interest in science fiction to create World Trigger as his second major series. Ashihara's inspirations for World Trigger's sci-fi action blended childhood favorites with classic literature, particularly his admiration for , which sparked ideas of integrating advanced future technologies into everyday human life. He also drew from Robert A. Heinlein's novels and , incorporating concepts of interdimensional gates that connect worlds and enable conflict between humans and alien forces. These influences shaped the series' tactical elements, emphasizing strategic combat over brute strength, where characters leverage intellect and teamwork in battles reminiscent of team sports. In developing the core concept, Ashihara prioritized world and character creation before plotting, experimenting with character placements to ensure dynamic interactions and growth arcs typical of . He innovated by fusing mecha-inspired Triggers—alien devices that manifest as customizable weapons and abilities—with shōnen tropes like underdog protagonists who compensate for physical weaknesses through clever tactics and squad synergy. This approach allowed for accessible alien technology that levels the playing field, enabling even novice agents to engage in high-stakes confrontations. Early prototypes, such as the 2011 one-shot Jitsuryokuha Elite Jin, tested these ideas by featuring proto-Triggers and agents in tactical scenarios. Ashihara pitched World Trigger to Shueisha's editors after completing Super Dog Rilienthal, where his editor urged him to pursue an original sci-fi narrative distinct from conventional shōnen battle formats. The proposal emphasized innovative elements like interdimensional threats and , receiving positive feedback for its fresh take on genre conventions and potential for long-term serialization. Key world-building decisions included the lore of Neighbors as humanoid invaders from parallel dimensions who breach via unstable , posing an existential threat that necessitates a specialized defense organization. Ashihara designed the ranking system to highlight tactical proficiency, with agents progressing from C-rank to A-rank based on mission performance, evaluations, and accumulated points, fostering a merit-based that rewards and over innate power.

Hiatuses and serialization

The manga series World Trigger, written and illustrated by Daisuke Ashihara, experienced its most significant interruption in from November 2016 to October 2018, stemming from the author's deteriorating physical health, which necessitated an indefinite hiatus after the release of chapter 171 in issue 49 of 2016. During this nearly two-year period, Ashihara underwent treatment, including surgery related to chronic conditions that had previously prompted shorter breaks, such as a one-week pause in September 2014 for cervical spondylosis. The extended absence allowed for recovery but marked a pivotal shift in the series' publication rhythm, as 's demanding weekly schedule was deemed unsustainable for Ashihara's condition upon resumption. Upon returning on October 29, 2018, in issue 48, the series published five consecutive chapters before transitioning permanently to the monthly magazine starting with its January 2019 issue (released December 4, 2018), a move designed to accommodate a less intensive serialization pace while maintaining ongoing publication. This relocation to , which features a bimonthly or irregular schedule for some titles, has since defined the manga's output, with chapters typically appearing every other month but subject to adjustments. Subsequent shorter hiatuses have occurred periodically due to recurring health challenges, including a one-month break in the summer of 2020 skipping the August issue, multiple one-issue absences in 2022 (January, May, July, and December), an August 2023 pause, and a January 2024 one-month hiatus. More recently, in 2025, the series missed the February and August issues of , as well as taking a one-issue break announced in July, all attributed to Ashihara's ongoing health management. These interruptions have notably influenced the series' visibility and momentum within the landscape, where consistent weekly releases drive hype and rankings, leading to a dip in mainstream buzz during extended pauses but fostering a dedicated fanbase appreciative of the detailed storytelling. Sales of compiled volumes, however, have remained resilient, surpassing 15 million copies in circulation by early 2025, with recent releases like volume 27 in 2024 charting highly on rankings despite the irregular schedule, indicating sustained reader loyalty rather than significant erosion. The fan community has voiced concern for Ashihara's well-being on platforms like official , often expressing patience and support during breaks, which has helped mitigate potential attrition by emphasizing quality over quantity in updates. As of November 2025, World Trigger remains in active serialization in , with the most recent chapter published in the October 2025 issue following a brief health-related pause, continuing its narrative without an announced endpoint and adapting to the author's paced workflow.

Reception

Commercial performance

The series has achieved significant commercial success in , with over 15 million copies in circulation as of July 2023. Volumes frequently rank highly on charts; for instance, volume 27 debuted at number one on the weekly in May 2024, while volume 28 sold 238,229 copies in its first week in February 2025. The series' volume 27 also featured a substantial first printing run of 420,000 copies, reflecting strong anticipated demand from publishers . Internationally, has licensed the manga for English-language release in since 2014, contributing to its global reach through print and digital formats on platforms like Shonen Jump. The anime adaptation, produced by , has been distributed via streaming services such as , where it maintains a strong user rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 16,000 reviews, indicating sustained popularity among international audiences. A video game adaptation, World Trigger: Borderless Mission, was released by in 2015, expanding the franchise into interactive media, though specific sales figures remain undisclosed. Merchandise tied to the series, including figures and apparel, supports ongoing revenue through licensing agreements, aligning with the broader market's segment valued at over $10 billion globally in 2024.

Critical response

Critics have praised the World Trigger for its intricate world-building, which establishes a detailed sci-fi framework involving interdimensional threats and a specialized defense organization known as . The series' character development stands out, particularly through protagonists like Osamu Mikumo, whose relatable determination contrasts with the ensemble cast's diverse roles and backstories, fostering emotional investment. Tactical battles receive acclaim for emphasizing strategy and over raw power, turning confrontations into cerebral "chess matches" that highlight clever tactics and team synergy. The anime adaptation has faced mixed reception, with early seasons drawing criticism for subpar animation quality, including static shots, repetitive sequences, and a flat color palette that fails to capture the manga's expressive art. Pacing issues in the initial arcs, marked by slow exposition and a literal adaptation that prioritizes setup over momentum, further hampered engagement. However, Season 2 improved significantly with dynamic direction and high-quality animation that vividly animates multi-front battles, enhancing the tactical depth. Season 3 garnered stronger praise for its exceptional action sequences, fluid visuals in key fights, and deeper character arcs, such as Chika Amatori's growth, though some noted a slow start and abrupt conclusion. World Trigger Season 3 won the Sci-Fi or Anime of the Year award at the Fall 2021 Anime Trending Awards, recognizing its innovative and contributions. Thematic analyses highlight World Trigger's focus on as central to against otherworldly invaders, where individual strengths are amplified through coordinated strategies rather than solo heroism. Critics note its subversion of shonen tropes by prioritizing intelligence and collaboration over brute force, creating tense, intellectually satisfying conflicts. Broader themes of , , and emerge in the characters' defense of their world, adding emotional layers to the sci-fi narrative and appealing to themes of amid existential threats.

References

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