Content creator, Voice actor in training & entertainment journalist specializing in Anime & Anime adjacent content. Follow me my content here, krystal_kitsune.bio.link
The world of KPop Demon Hunters is stepping off the screen and into real life as McDonald’s and Netflix unveil a new collaboration that transforms the film’s iconic rivalry into an interactive dining experience.
Beginning March 31, fans across the United States will be able to choose their side with two limited-time meals inspired by the film’s central groups — HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys — alongside exclusive collectibles and digital rewards.
The campaign blends anime-style storytelling, K-pop energy, and Korean-inspired flavors, creating an experience that goes beyond a traditional fast-food promotion and taps directly into the film’s growing global fandom.
Pick Your Side: HUNTR/X vs. The Saja Boys
At the center of the collaboration are two themed meals designed to reflect each group’s identity.
The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal channels the group’s fiery, charismatic energy with a spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg, crispy hash browns, and a drink — a bold start for fans aligning with the rival boy group.
Meanwhile, the HUNTR/X Meal takes the spotlight for the rest of the day, featuring 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, a medium drink, and unique additions like Ramyeon McShaker fries and two signature sauces — Hunter Sauce and Demon Sauce — inspired by the group’s dynamic personalities.
The menu also incorporates Korean flavor influences, reinforcing the cultural roots that define KPop Demon Hunters.
Collectibles and Exclusive Fan Access
Each meal comes with a collectible photocard pack tied to either HUNTR/X or the Saja Boys, alongside a special “Derpy” access card. By scanning the QR code through the McDonald’s app, fans can unlock exclusive content and participate in a campaign-wide “Battle for the Fans” event, culminating in a final reveal of the winning group.
This interactive element turns the collaboration into more than a promotion — it becomes a fan-driven experience that mirrors the competitive spirit of the film itself.
A Sweet Newcomer Hits the Menu
Rounding out the collaboration is the debut of the Derpy McFlurry, a new dessert featuring vanilla soft serve blended with berry popping pearls and wild berry sauce. Inspired by the film’s mascot-like character, the treat adds a playful finishing touch to the lineup.
Derpy McFlurry
Expanding Anime’s Cultural Footprint
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, KPop Demon Hunters follows a K-pop girl group balancing global stardom with secret lives as demon hunters, all while facing a rival boy band hiding a darker truth.
With this collaboration, McDonald’s and Netflix continue to push anime and animation-inspired properties further into mainstream culture — not just through streaming, but through real-world, interactive fan experiences.
For anime fans, K-pop listeners, and collectors alike, the question now becomes simple:
Which side are you on?
The KPop Demon Hunters meals and promotional rewards will be available for a limited time through April 26 at participating McDonald’s locations nationwide.
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A new chapter in anime-themed entertainment is set to arrive in Southern California as Universal Studios Hollywood announces the debut of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Miracle – Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe, an original Japanese CG anime short film, as part of its upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights event.
The experience will run on select nights from April 23 through May 16, offering fans a limited-time opportunity to step into the world of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon through a cinematic and interactive showcase.
A New Sailor Moon Story Comes to Life
Originally introduced as part of Universal Studios Japan’s “Cool Japan” initiative, the CG anime short will make its U.S. debut inside the DreamWorks Theatre. The presentation will feature Japanese audio with English subtitles and center on Super Sailor Moon as she faces a new enemy seeking the Legendary Silver Crystal.
Guests will be immersed in a story-driven experience that blends animation with audience engagement, encouraging viewers to support Sailor Moon as she battles to restore peace to the Moon Palace.
Universal Fan Fest Nights Expands Anime and Pop Culture Offerings
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event designed to celebrate fandom across anime, gaming, film, and television. The event features immersive environments, live entertainment, cosplay opportunities, themed food and merchandise, and character interactions.
Alongside the Sailor Moon attraction, the 2026 lineup includes a wide range of experiences:
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show — A live-action stage production inspired by the globally popular anime, featuring action-packed performances and fan-favorite characters.
The addition of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Miracle – Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe underscores the continued global expansion of anime as a central pillar in themed entertainment. By bringing a Japan-originated experience to U.S. audiences, Universal Studios Hollywood is further bridging international fandoms through immersive storytelling.
As anime continues to grow in popularity worldwide, events like Universal Fan Fest Nights highlight how franchises such as Sailor Moon are evolving beyond the screen—offering fans new ways to engage with beloved characters and stories in real-world environments.
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In recent years, manga readers have increasingly embraced works that challenge conventional storytelling. One such title is HORIZON, a series that blends philosophical themes, grounded realism, and an unusual narrative tone that shifts between genres.
Created by Shiten Akiyama, HORIZON explores the relationship between fiction and reality while following a protagonist navigating personal history and unresolved emotions. With its distinct pacing, cinematic composition, and thought-provoking ideas, the series has sparked curiosity among readers searching for something outside traditional manga structures.
Front cover of HORIZON (Japanese) | (c) 秋山視点/少年画報社
Although the manga itself remains relatively niche in Japan, HORIZON recently circulated widely on social media following controversy surrounding creator Shiten Akiyama posting an English-translated version of the first chapter online in an effort to reach overseas readers—a move that reportedly drew concern from the series’ Japanese publisher.
In this interview with The Kitsune Network, Akiyama-sensei discusses the origins of HORIZON, the themes that shaped its creation, and how his perspective on storytelling continues to evolve.
Interview With Shiten Akiyama – HORIZON
Shiten Akiyama‘s Twitter profile picture
The Origins of HORIZON
Krystal: To begin, could you tell us what inspired you to create HORIZON?
Shiten Akiyama: Originally, I planned to draw only short works. However, if I wanted to pursue manga professionally, serialization was essentially the only path forward. I created several proposals and storyboards, but most of them did not work out.
During discussions with my editor, I encountered a barrier—the idea that “a project must be fully understood before it can be approved.” At that point, I decided to stop overthinking and simply create a storyboard for a first chapter. That draft became the early concept for HORIZON. From there, I began developing the series’ concept and setting.
Meaning Behind the Title
Krystal: The title HORIZON suggests ideas like distance and perspective. What meaning does the title hold for you?
Shiten Akiyama: In the earliest concept, the series was actually titled Because the Earth Is Ending. However, the core theme of the work eventually became “fiction and reality.” I chose the word HORIZON because it represents the boundary between those two worlds.
Interestingly, I discovered the word while working on music production in a DAW. I noticed a plugin called “Horizon” by Waves that I frequently used.
I also designed the logo myself. The base font is “Plaza,” which was used in the logo for director Satoshi Kon’s animated film Perfect Blue. I also like the symmetrical arrangement of the “O” letters centered around the “I.”
The Reader Experience
Krystal: When you began drawing the series, what kind of experience or emotions did you want readers to feel?
Shiten Akiyama: My goal was to create the feeling that the genre changes with each volume. Chapters 1 through 6 were intentionally written with the tone of a light romantic comedy. The reason for that is to betray the reader’s expectations in Chapter 7.
Another core theme is the relationship between fiction and reality—something I constantly think about. Ultimately, this leads to a paradoxical message to the reader: “Don’t read manga.”
Even the discomfort someone might feel from reading a manga can be part of what makes manga interesting.
Character Inspiration
Krystal: Were the characters in HORIZON inspired by real people or society, or do they reflect parts of yourself?
Shiten Akiyama: Each character has a real-life model among people close to me. I sometimes ask them about subtle nuances in dialogue, their thought processes, or their values.
However, because I am the one drawing them, my own personality inevitably enters every character. Sometimes that even feels a little unsettling.
Creating the Series’ Atmosphere
Krystal: HORIZON has a distinctive atmosphere from the very beginning. How did you approach building that tone visually and narratively?
Shiten Akiyama: For me, realism is always the most important factor, so I never intentionally tried to create something unusual.
However, readers often comment on the dialogue. Since much of the story is conversation-driven without action scenes, I try to make those exchanges engaging enough to carry the scene.
Even within those dialogue-heavy moments, I spend a lot of time thinking about camera angles and panel layout. My approach is heavily influenced by the directing style of Akio Jissoji, known for his work on Ultraman.
Silence, Pacing, and Visual Rhythm
Krystal: The series also uses silence and panel spacing in striking ways. What role do these elements play in the storytelling?
Shiten Akiyama: I personally dislike overly “manga-like” techniques, so I always imagine a live-action camera when composing scenes.
I try to avoid elaborate paneling and instead focus on the rhythm of time as experienced by the reader. This includes background-only panels and carefully adjusting the amount of dialogue within a panel.
These decisions help the story feel less like an exaggerated fictional world and more like the lives of people who might exist nearby in reality.
Artistic Influences
Krystal: Were there particular artists or works that influenced the tone of HORIZON?
Shiten Akiyama: The foundation of my manga comes from the works of Inio Asano. However, although I’ve been influenced by many manga, I rarely incorporate those influences directly.
Most of my inspiration comes from films and novels.
For HORIZON, I often thought about Night on the Galactic Railroad by Kenji Miyazawa and 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke.
Toward the later chapters of the story, The Consumer Society by Jean Baudrillard also served as an important conceptual influence.
Introducing HORIZON to New Readers
Krystal: How would you describe HORIZON to readers discovering it for the first time?
Shiten Akiyama: I often see readers struggling to describe the series, and honestly, I feel the same way. It is not an easy work to introduce.
In truth, I create manga primarily for myself. As I get older, I find myself disliking more things—even becoming bored with manga that I once loved.
So I created the kind of manga that would still excite someone like me.
If it reaches readers who feel the same way I did in the past, that would make me very happy.
Message to International Readers
Krystal: What would you like to say to international readers discovering your work through HORIZON?
Shiten Akiyama: Overseas readers often know a great deal about Japanese culture, and communicating with them is always enjoyable.
First of all, I want to sincerely thank readers for their interest in Japanese culture.
The freedom and diversity of manga culture are supported not only by creators but also by the diversity of readers. Because I am not a mainstream author, reaching international readers and communicating with them can positively influence my creative work.
Thank you very much for reading HORIZON. I will continue doing my best so that one day readers can confidently call it a masterpiece.
(c) 秋山視点/少年画報社
HORIZON is currently published in Japan by Shōnen Gahōsha, and an official English-language release has not yet been announced. Readers interested in experiencing the series and supporting creator Shiten Akiyama can find the manga available through retailers such as Amazon(JP account required) and Kinokuniya Books (US).
To celebrate our interview with Shiten Akiyama, The Kitsune Network is giving readers a chance to win a copy of HORIZON. This giveaway is independently organized by The Kitsune Network and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Shiten Akiyama, the manga HORIZON, or its publisher Shōnen Gahōsha. Go to the NEXT PAGE and enter for your chance to win and experience the thought-provoking series for yourself.
Japanese animation studio Kinema Citrus will celebrate its 15th anniversary with the premiere of its original anime project Goodbye, Lara, scheduled to debut in July 2026, KADOKAWA announced .
The announcement was accompanied by the release of the series’ main promotional video, offering a first look at the fantasy drama and its distinctive visual style .
Inspired by the classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid, the story reimagines the familiar legend in modern Japan while blending magical elements with everyday life.
A Mermaid Princess Returns to the Surface
The series follows Lara, a mermaid princess voiced by Hana Hishikawa, who resurfaces in modern-day Shiga Prefecture after two centuries . There she encounters high school student Mari Otsu, voiced by Nana Kawaishi, and the two begin a journey that explores friendship, identity and the search for true love.
According to the promotional material, the narrative moves between past and present. Two hundred years earlier, Lara fell in love with a human prince despite the strict laws of the mermaid world. In pursuit of that forbidden love, she drank a potion given by a witch named Grace that allowed her to take human form. When her love ultimately went unfulfilled, she dissolved into sea foam.
Now revived in Lake Biwa centuries later, Lara is given another opportunity to find the “true love” that once eluded her .
The series juxtaposes ordinary settings — including supermarket aisles, quiet streets and railroad crossings in Shiga Prefecture — with the extraordinary presence of Lara, creating a grounded yet fantastical atmosphere.
Ahead of its global release, Episode 1 of Goodbye, Lara will receive a U.S. premiere screening at Anime Central, presented in partnership with KADOKAWA, Newtype magazine and Kinema Citrus .
The event will feature appearances from director Takushi Koide, KADOKAWA producer Sayaka Ueda, and Newtype deputy editor Momoko Hatooka, offering fans an opportunity to hear insights about the project directly from its creative team.
Koide, a native of Shiga Prefecture, makes his directorial debut with Goodbye, Lara. He previously served as assistant director on Revue Starlight and contributed to Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun .
A Milestone Project for Kinema Citrus
Founded in 2008, Kinema Citrus has built an international reputation through acclaimed titles including Made in Abyss, My Happy Marriage, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and Revue Starlight .
Goodbye, Lara represents a milestone for the studio as a fully original project created specifically to commemorate its 15th anniversary.
The production staff includes series composition by Anna Kawahara, character design by Shiori Tani, and music by yuma yamaguchi, with animation produced by Kinema Citrus.
With its blend of fairy-tale inspiration, contemporary Japanese settings and emotional storytelling, Goodbye, Lara aims to deliver a modern reinterpretation of a classic tale while celebrating the studio’s creative legacy.
The anime is scheduled to premiere in July 2026.
Synopsis:
Once upon a time, there was a mermaid princess named Lara. She grew up loved by her father, the King of the Sea, and her sisters. One day, Lara fell in love with a human prince living on land. It was a forbidden love, not permitted in the world of mermaids. Even so, Lara set out for the surface. She drank a potion given to her by the witch Grace and took on a human form. However, it was a taboo potion. Unless she found “true love,” she would turn into bubbles and disappear. Though she was a mermaid princess, Lara desired love with a human. But—her wish did not come true, and she turned into bubbles and disappeared into the sea. 200 years later. After a long passage of time, the mermaid princess Lara is revived in Lake Biwa. This time, to find “true love”—
Staff:
Director: Takushi Koide Series Composition: Anna Kawahara Character Designer: Shiori Tani Music: yuma yamaguchi Original Story, Animation Studio: Kinema Citrus
Japanese Voice Actors: Lara: Hana Hishikawa Mari Otsu: Nana Kawaishi Grace: Rica Fukami Luca: Ayumu Murase
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The global music × anime project Running Girl premiered its second music video Thursday, expanding its cross-media universe through a fashion-driven collaboration with BEAMS MANGART, the newly rebranded cultural initiative from Japanese apparel company BEAMS.
Titled “Michiko – RUN / tofubeats – Supported by BEAMS MANGART,” the video debuted on YouTube at 12 p.m. JST and introduces a new protagonist whose story unfolds in Tokyo’s Harajuku district .
Phase 2 shifts focus from the first installment’s character, Ran, to Michiko, whose aesthetic reflects Harajuku’s contemporary street culture. The video follows her run toward BEAMS WOMEN HARAJUKU, capturing the district’s vibrant atmosphere while reinforcing the project’s central motif of motion as both physical expression and emotional momentum .
BEAMS MANGART Rebrand Signals Expanded Cultural Vision
Originally launched in 2022 as MANGART BEAMS, the initiative has been revamped under the name BEAMS MANGART, accompanied by a new logo and refined creative direction.
Building on its established collaborations, BEAMS MANGART aims to fuse fashion with Japanese pop culture, including manga, anime and games. The project seeks to compile the artistry embedded within these works and amplify the passion of their creators through branding initiatives, product development and cross-industry collaborations.
A newly launched BEAMS MANGART brand website will provide updates on current activities, archive past projects and preview upcoming initiatives, positioning the label as a long-term cultural platform bridging fashion and entertainment.
Music × Anime With Global Ambitions
The Phase 2 music video features “RUN” by tofubeats, pairing electronic rhythms with fluid animation that mirrors Harajuku’s urban pulse .
Originally launched on YouTube, Running Girl is a short-form anime project built around the theme of “girls running around the world.” By combining high-quality visuals with music tailored to each scene, the series presents a stylized format designed to function as both narrative storytelling and immersive, everyday background viewing.
As BEAMS MANGART formalizes its cultural rebrand and Running Girl continues to evolve its global footprint, the collaboration highlights the growing intersection of fashion, music and anime-driven storytelling.
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TOKYOPOP has announce the will release Alien Stage: The Art Book in English on March 3, delivering a 320-page, full-color hardcover that spotlights the hit Korean sci-fi web series for the first time in North America .
Based on the globally popular animated project by creators VIVINOS and QMENG, Alien Stage unfolds in a dystopian future where human contestants, raised as pets by aliens, are forced into a high-stakes televised singing competition. The twist: the loser of each round is executed — often onstage and in front of the winner — amplifying the emotional weight of a story built on tragic romance, childhood bonds and unspoken feelings .
For fans of emotionally charged storytelling and striking visual world-building, this release offers a deep dive into one of the most talked-about Korean web series in recent years.
A 320-Page Deep Dive Into a Darkly Beautiful World
Alien Stage: The Art Book explores the series’ settings, character relationships and creative development, compiling production illustrations, concept art and behind-the-scenes insights . The volume also features character profiles, commentary on song production and interviews with VIVINOS and QMENG, offering readers an intimate look at the creative process behind the dystopian musical phenomenon .
The series itself has amassed millions of YouTube views, while its original songs have generated millions of Spotify streams, cementing Alien Stage as an international cult favorite .
Standard and Deluxe Editions Available
The art book will launch in both Standard and Deluxe editions, each spanning 320 pages and recommended for readers ages 13 and up .
Standard Edition: $49.99 SRP
Deluxe Edition: $59.99 SRP
The Deluxe Edition includes:
An 88-page “Drawing Book” featuring exclusive creator sketches
Six full-color character prints
A U.S.-exclusive holographic foil poster
Gilded holographic foil page edges
The English-language release marks a significant moment for international fans eager for expanded access to official Alien Stage content.
About TOKYOPOP
Founded in 1997, TOKYOPOP helped establish the North American manga market and played a pivotal role in bringing Japanese and broader Asian pop culture into mainstream Western publishing . The company continues to publish original and licensed graphic novels while expanding into live events and location-based entertainment.
Alien Stage: The Art Book will be available beginning March 3 through major retailers.
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Love in anime is rarely simple. It can be comedic and chaotic, quiet and uncertain, or fierce enough to survive death itself. Across genres, from romantic school corridors to blood-soaked islands, love remains one of the medium’s most powerful emotional anchors.
In recent interviews I had the opportunity to sit down with the voices behind Hana-Kimi, Hell’s Paradise, and You and I Are Polar Opposites, where we spoke about how love — in all its forms — shapes their characters and connects so deeply with audiences.
Young Love and Self-Discovery in Hana-Kimi
For the cast of Hana-Kimi — Katelyn Barr, Wyatt Baker and Dallas Reid — love is inseparable from identity.
While the series thrives on humor and high-energy moments, the actors emphasized that its emotional weight comes from vulnerability. Beneath disguises, misunderstandings and comedic tension lies a familiar longing: the desire to be accepted for who you truly are.
The cast described building authentic chemistry as essential to portraying first love — that nervous uncertainty, the quiet glances and the emotional risks that define adolescence. In Hana-Kimi, romance is not just about attraction; it is about courage.
Devotion in the Dark: Hell’s Paradise
Love takes a far more dangerous shape in Hell’s Paradise, where Alejandro Sabb voices Gabimaru, an assassin driven by one unwavering motivation: returning to his wife.
Though surrounded by violence and survival trials, Sabb explained that Gabimaru’s emotional core is devotion. Every battle, every moment of restraint, stems from a longing to reunite with the one person who gave his life meaning.
Portraying that restrained affection required subtlety. Sabb spoke about finding softness beneath stoicism — allowing glimpses of vulnerability to surface in a character known as “The Hollow.” In this story, love is redemption. It is hope in the face of death.
Opposites, Attraction and Understanding
In You and I Are Polar Opposites, romance unfolds through small, intimate shifts. Celeste Perez and Brandon Acosta explored how two contrasting personalities learn not just to like one another, but to truly understand each other.
Here, love is not dramatic — it is patient. It is learning to listen. It is recognizing that differences are not barriers, but bridges.
Love Beyond Genre
Though separated by tone — romantic comedy, dark fantasy and introspective romance — all three series center on connection.
Whether it is the thrill of first love, the steadfast devotion that defies death, or the quiet work of understanding another person, these stories remind viewers why romance remains one of anime’s most enduring themes.
For the actors behind these roles, the responsibility goes beyond performance. It is about honoring the emotional truth of love in all its forms.
Valentine’s Day often invites reflection on romance, these anime series reveal something universal: love, whether loud or quiet, comedic or tragic, remains the heartbeat of storytelling.
Each series offers a distinct perspective on love — from youthful romance to unwavering devotion — making them fitting additions to any Valentine’s watchlist.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our gratitude to Crunchyroll for the opportunity to conduct these interviews and create this feature highlighting the emotional depth behind these performances.
As anime continues to connect audiences worldwide, collaborations like these help bring fans closer to the voices shaping the stories they love.
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The multimedia franchise HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- is expanding the boundaries of anime exhibition with the release of Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle Interactive Movie, a feature-length production that allows audiences to determine the outcome of its central rap battles in real time.
Launched in 2017 by King Records as a character-driven rap music project, Hypnosis Mic evolved into a cross-platform property spanning CDs, manga, stage adaptations and the television anime Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle: Rhyme Anima. Set in a dystopian future where traditional weapons are banned, territorial disputes are resolved through lyrical combat using “Hypnosis Mics,” devices that amplify the psychological force of rap.
Within the narrative, divisions representing Tokyo districts compete under the authority of the Party of Words, a female-led governing body. Each team blends distinct musical styles with character-driven storylines centered on identity, rivalry and personal history. Prominent divisions include Buster Bros!!! (Ikebukuro), MAD TRIGGER CREW (Yokohama), Fling Posse (Shibuya) and Matenro (Shinjuku).
The interactive film marks the franchise’s most experimental installment to date. Rather than presenting a fixed narrative, the production integrates live audience voting at key battle moments. Viewers cast ballots via the CtrlMovie mobile application, and the story branches according to the majority decision in the theater.
According to production information from Polygon Pictures and Kino Industries, the film contains five voting sequences per screening, resulting in 48 possible narrative paths and seven distinct endings. U.S. listings indicate a runtime of 106 minutes.
The model builds upon Hypnosis Mic’s history of fan participation. Previous real-world Division Rap Battle tournaments have incorporated voting systems tied to CD sales and digital campaigns. By embedding collective decision-making directly into the cinematic structure, the interactive movie formalizes that participatory ethos on the big screen.
Industry observers note that the film arrives as studios explore new theatrical incentives amid the dominance of streaming platforms. By combining concert-style performance energy with branching narrative design, Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle Interactive Movie blurs the distinction between spectator and participant.
Voting Guide
Our Interactive Cinema Experience
We had an opportunity to attend a screening of Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle this week at Regal L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. Our familiarity with the HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- franchise was limited however, knowing the film was designed as an interactive experience heightened our anticipation and curiosity about how the format would function in practice.
Regal L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles
The screening opened with a QR code on the theater screen that prompted viewers to download the CtrlMovie app, which is used for real-time voting. After that brief setup, the film introduced each character and division, giving newcomers a clear overview of the competing teams. The opening sequence ended with a performance of “Hypnosis Mic -Division Battle Anthem-” by Division All Stars, setting the tone for the Final Division Rap Battle at the center of the story.
One standout element was the English-language master of ceremonies. The MC’s delivery felt energetic and authentic, adding credibility to the competitive atmosphere and reinforcing the film’s live-concert feel.
Audience participation takes place after each battle. Viewers do not decide who goes first, but once a rap showdown ends, they have about 15 seconds to vote in the app for the division they believe performed best. Each vote determines which story branch plays next. There are five total voting rounds, all leading toward a climactic final battle involving the all-female unit KOTONOHATOH.
At our screening, the audience appeared to choose what could be considered the “canonical” ending—though in a franchise built on audience choice, that idea remains flexible. Even with limited prior knowledge of the series, the experience was easy to follow and highly engaging.
15 seconds to voteOur results
The screening ended on an enthusiastic note. The immersive format and high-energy performances left us eager to revisit the film during its official run beginning Feb. 27—this time with a light stick in hand.
Achievements and Digital Collectibles
The interactive experience extends beyond the theater. The CtrlMovie app includes optional account-based tracking. Viewers who create accounts can log their voting history, unlock achievements and collect digital items tied to viewing milestones. Without an account, vote data and ending results are not saved.
This gamified retention design encourages repeat attendance and alternate route exploration, strengthening the film’s replay value and aligning with the franchise’s competitive roots.
At its core, HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- centers on the concept that language itself is a weapon. Lyrics serve as strategy, persuasion is power and self-expression determines victory. The interactive format amplifies that philosophy by granting audiences tangible influence over the narrative outcome.
While the full scope of participatory screenings has primarily launched in Japan, international interest continues to grow following the global reach of Rhyme Anima. If similar interactive infrastructure expands overseas, the project could signal a broader shift in how anime films are structured and experienced.
Trailer
For ticket information and participating theaters, readers can visit GKIDS’ official listing page.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to GKids for the screening opportunity and create this feature highlighting this unique, anime film experience. As anime continues to connect audiences worldwide, collaborations like these help bring fans closer to the voices shaping the stories they love.
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Bandai Namco Filmworks has unveiled a new promotional video and key visual for Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, marking the film’s recent theatrical release in Japan .
The newly released promotional video features the film’s ending theme, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, and is now available on the official Gundam YouTube channel, GUNDAM CHANNEL INTL. The footage highlights protagonist Hathaway Noa’s inner turmoil as he struggles to reconcile lingering feelings for Gigi Andalucia, whose growing influence and mysterious abilities increasingly shape the course of the conflict .
According to the announcement, the song was selected to underscore the emotional weight of Hathaway’s journey while amplifying the epic scale of the story. The promotional video also includes new footage spotlighting the mobile suit TX-ff104 ALYZEUS, offering a closer look at one of the film’s notable mechanical additions .
Alongside the video, Bandai Namco Filmworks released a second key visual depicting a climactic standoff set at Ayers Rock in Australia. The image captures a tense moment just before Hathaway’s XI Gundam clashes with Lane Aim’s TX-ff104 ALYZEUS, emphasizing the immediacy and intensity of the film’s central battle .
TX-ff104 ALYZEUS is described as a mobile suit developed as a temporary high-speed flight trainer for Lane Aim during the development of the Penelope. Built on a modified RX-94 mass-production Nu Gundam frame, the unit incorporates repurposed components from earlier prototype testing and utilizes a Shelf Nozzle propulsion system capable of achieving high-speed flight comparable to the Penelope despite relying on older engine technology .
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe is set in the Universal Century timeline 12 years after Char’s Rebellion and continues the story of Hathaway Noa, the secret leader of the anti-government organization MAFTY. As Hathaway prepares an attack on the Adelaide Conference, his actions intersect with those of Federation officer Kenneth Sleg and the enigmatic Gigi, whose role grows increasingly significant as events unfold .
The film is directed by Shukou Murase, with a screenplay by Yasuyuki Muto and music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. Animation production is handled by Bandai Namco Filmworks, with theatrical distribution by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Shochiku Co., Ltd. The film opened in Japanese theaters on Jan. 30, with U.S. release details yet to be announced.
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Guns N’ Roses’ iconic rock anthem “Sweet Child O’ Mine” has been selected as the ending theme for Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, the latest entry in the Gundam Hathaway film series, Bandai Namco Filmworks announced Thursday .
A special promotional trailer featuring the song is scheduled for release Monday, Feb. 2. According to the announcement, the song’s themes of tenderness and longing were chosen to reflect the emotional state of protagonist Hathaway Noa, particularly following his encounter with the mysterious young woman Gigi Andalucia .
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe opened in Japanese theaters Friday, Jan. 30, with a global theatrical release planned for a later date. The film follows the 2021 release of Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, which drew widespread attention for its grounded combat sequences, subdued dialogue and psychologically driven storytelling within the long-running Gundam franchise .
Originally released in 1987, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” became Guns N’ Roses’ signature hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. The song is widely recognized for Slash’s opening guitar riff and has endured as a cross-generational anthem. Its official music video surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube in 2019 — the first song from the 1980s to do so — and has since exceeded 1.8 billion views worldwide .
Set in the Universal Century timeline 12 years after Char’s Rebellion, the Gundam Hathaway storyline centers on Hathaway Noa, the son of Federation officer Bright Noa, who secretly leads the anti-government organization MAFTY. As Hathaway prepares an attack on the Adelaide Conference, Federation officer Kenneth Sleg mobilizes countermeasures, while Gigi’s cryptic presence complicates the motives and actions of all involved .
The film is directed by Shukou Murase, with a screenplay by Yasuyuki Muto and music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. Animation production is handled by Bandai Namco Filmworks, with theatrical distribution by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Shochiku Co., Ltd. A U.S. release date has not yet been announced .
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