If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen clips of a guy being literally walked on a leash by a powerful commander. It's weird. It’s intense. It’s Mato Seihei no Slave, better known to Western audiences as Chained Soldier. Because of its "borderline" content and the way it mixes high-octane battle shonen tropes with heavy ecchi elements, finding where can i watch Chained Soldier isn't always as straightforward as searching for the latest episode of One Piece.
The series follows Yuuki Wakura, a high schooler who gets sucked into a pocket dimension called Mato. He ends up becoming a "slave" to Kyouka Uzen, the captain of the 7th Unit of the Anti-Demon Corps. It sounds scandalous—and honestly, it kind of is—but the show actually has some of the most creative power systems and monster designs we've seen in recent years.
The Main Hub: Where to Stream Legally
Most people assume everything lands on Crunchyroll. Not this time. For those wondering where can i watch Chained Soldier in the United States and many other territories, HIDIVE is your primary destination.
HIDIVE has carved out a niche for itself by picking up the titles that are just a little too "spicy" or niche for the bigger platforms. They hold the exclusive simulcast rights for the first season. If you already have a subscription there, you’re golden. If not, they usually offer a free trial, which is perfect if you want to binge the 12-episode first season over a weekend.
Why didn't it go to Crunchyroll? Distribution rights are a mess. Sometimes a Japanese production committee prefers a specific partner, or sometimes a platform simply outbids the others for a specific genre. In this case, AMC Networks (who owns HIDIVE) snagged it.
International Options and Regional Differences
If you aren't in the US, things get a bit more fragmented. In some parts of Asia, the show was distributed via Ani-One Asia. This is a godsend for fans in Southeast Asia because they often put content on their YouTube membership channel.
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- Europe: Most regions still fall under the HIDIVE umbrella, though some local distributors might have sub-licensed it.
- Australia: Typically follows the North American licensing, meaning HIDIVE is the play.
- Japan: It aired on Tokyo MX and BS11, and it’s available on platforms like d Anime Store and U-NEXT.
The Uncensored vs. Censored Debate
Here is where it gets tricky.
Chained Soldier is famous (or infamous) for its "Reward" scenes. When Yuuki helps Kyouka win a battle, she is physically compelled to give him a reward. These scenes can get pretty graphic. When you look for where can i watch Chained Soldier, you need to be aware that the version airing on TV is often censored.
The HIDIVE version is generally the "broadcast" version during the initial run, but they often update their library with the home video (Blu-ray) versions later. The Blu-ray version is where you get the "unmasked" experience. If you’re watching it for the plot—both the literal story and the fan service—the Blu-ray release is what you actually want.
Is it on Netflix or Hulu?
Right now? No.
Netflix has been aggressive with anime lately, picking up Delicious in Dungeon and Dan Da Dan, but they haven't touched the Mato dimension yet. Hulu occasionally shares a library with Disney+ for anime like Bleach or Undead Unluck, but Chained Soldier remains a HIDIVE exclusive.
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Could it move later? It’s possible. Once a licensing agreement expires (usually after a few years), we sometimes see shows hop over to Netflix. But for 2024 and 2025, don't expect to see Yuuki and Kyouka popping up on your Netflix "New Releases" tab.
Why This Show is Dominating Conversations
It’s easy to dismiss this as just another "horny" anime. That's a mistake. The animation by Seven Arcs—the same studio that did Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha—is surprisingly crisp during the fight sequences.
The dynamic between the characters is actually quite endearing. Yuuki isn't just a victim; he's a guy who finds purpose in being useful, even if the "utility" is unconventional. Kyouka, despite her dominant exterior, is a deeply principled leader who cares about her squad. It’s this weird mix of genuine heart and extreme fanservice that makes people keep asking where can i watch Chained Soldier.
The Technical Side: Subs vs. Dubs
HIDIVE has released an English dub for the series. If you're a fan of English voice acting, they’ve brought in some solid talent. Gabriel Regojo takes on the role of Yuuki, while Katelyn Barr voices Kyouka.
I personally think the Japanese audio captures the intensity of the battle cries a bit better, but the dub is surprisingly well-written. They don't shy away from the awkwardness of the dialogue, which is half the fun.
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What to Watch Out For (The Red Flags)
When searching for where can i watch Chained Soldier, you will inevitably run into "free" pirate sites. You know the ones. They have twenty pop-up ads for "hot singles in your area" and try to install a browser extension you didn't ask for.
Aside from the obvious legal and ethical issues, these sites often have terrible video quality. Chained Soldier relies heavily on visual effects and vibrant colors. Watching a 480p rip with hardcoded subs in three different languages ruins the experience. Stick to the official channels if you can. It supports the creators and ensures we actually get a Season 2.
Will there be a Season 2?
Yes! It has been officially confirmed. The announcement came shortly after the first season finished airing. This makes finding a stable place to watch it even more important. You’ll want to be caught up before the next arc starts, as the stakes in the manga only get higher (and weirder) from here.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
- Check HIDIVE First: Sign up for a trial. It’s the most reliable way to get high-definition, subtitled and dubbed episodes in the West.
- Verify Your Version: If you want the full, uncensored experience, wait for the physical Blu-ray release or check if your streaming service has swapped the broadcast version for the "Home Video" version.
- Follow the Official Twitter: The Japanese account (@m_s_n_s_anime) is the first to post about Season 2 updates and special events.
- Read the Manga: If you can't wait for Season 2, the manga by Takahiro (the creator of Akame ga Kill!) features incredible art by Yohei Takemura that the anime sometimes struggles to replicate.
The search for where can i watch Chained Soldier usually ends at HIDIVE's door. It’s a polarizing show, for sure, but its success proves there is a massive audience for anime that isn't afraid to be a little "out there." Grab some popcorn, clear the room if you’re embarrassed, and dive into the Mato.