Category Archives: Anime Studio News

Anime ‘KamiErabi God.app’ Unveils New Information for its October Premiere

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New anime series by Anime industry legends is set to premiere this October in Japan!

KamiErabi God.app is an original new anime created in collaboration with Yoko Taro, Atsushi Ohkubo, JIN, and Hiroyuki Seshita. The anime is set to premiere in Japan on October 4.

Slow Curve, an anime production company, has recently revealed the newest visual, PV, cast, and opening and ending song artists for the upcoming anime. The new visual, which showcases the character was drawn by Atsushi Ohkubo, the characters. Ohkubo will serve as the series’ character designer.

The PV offers a glimpse of the “fetish x battle royale game” concept teased earlier, along with a preview of the opening theme song. The anime will premiere on October 4 on Fuji TV’s +Ultra block, with worldwide streaming on Crunchyroll (excluding Asia).

KamiErabi GOD.app is a large-scale project with an original story by Yoko Taro, the globally-renowned director of the hit game “NieR: Automata”, scripts by JIN of “Kagerou Project”, character designs by Atsushi Ohkubo, creator of the hit manga series “Fire Force” and “Soul Eater”, and directed by Hiroyuki Seshita of “Knights of Sidonia” and “BLAME!” fame.

Anime Synopsis

A message received on a smartphone, triggers a series of events for High school students who must now fight each other in a battle royale for the chance to become a god.

Goro, a first-year high school student at a private high school in Tokyo, has no hopes, no dreams, and no ambitions. The world is indifferent to him, and he has a faint longing for Honoka, a classmate from the same school. He and his best friend Akitsu live a boring, unchanging life. One day, Goro receives a strange notification on his smartphone: “You have been chosen. Breathe into me your wish.” Thinking it malicious spam, Goro types, “I want to have sex with Honoka, the woman of my dreams.” The next day, Honoka invites him to drop his pants at an unpopular arcade… “Congratulations on your great accomplishment!” Then, a mysterious girl, Lall, suddenly appears. Confused by this series of events, Goro is told of a cruel fate.

Goro has been chosen by the “Great Will” to become a god to make his wish come true. With other potential gods, they are to kill one another until there is only one left. The ability given is the “Scripture of Fools”. At the cost of the “Misfortune” that befalls you, the power to twist the cause and effect of the world and manipulate the reason of this world at will. The first god candidate who appeared to kill Goro was, of course, Honoka, whom he had longed for. What choice will Goro make against Honoka, who attacks him mercilessly? Thus, the fetish battle royal by the god candidates, each with their own secrets, begins!

The Cast and Cast Commentary

Goro (CV: Kazuki Ura)

Ura plays the main character who is involved in a killing spree

I was excited about KamiErabi from the time of the audition and thought “I definitely want to be in it!” I was so excited to be a part of it since the audition. When I heard the news that I had been cast as Goro, I was gut-punched! Goro is a very modern and adolescent boy. I played the role while being particularly conscious of the instability and youth of the adolescent’s unique self. Please enjoy the fetish battle royale by the god candidates!” – Ura

Lall (CV: Ayane Sakura)

A mysterious presence, activating her abilities with raw meat.

“Is Lall a friend or foe, is she the ones that chooses or the one that is being chosen…there are many mysteries in this work. Although she is an enigmatic character, I recognize Lall as someone you can’t hate. We hope that everyone will enjoy the disturbing and grotesque atmosphere of this work. Please watch a few episodes first and please get into it.” – Sakura

Honoka (CV: Sara Matsumoto)

The super sadistic girl

My name is Sara Matsumoto and I will be playing the role of Honoka Sawa in KamiErabi. The characters each show “justice,” but is the opposite evil, or is there another kind of justice? It will definitely make you think! We hope you will take note of the duality of Honoka and the beauty of the images and music.” –Matsumoto

Akitsu (CV: Shuichi Uchida)

Goro’s good-natured best friend

“Just the thought of “the battle to determine God” makes my heart flutter. KamiErabi is filled with such excitement. Akitsu, who I will be playing, is truly a mood maker! Akitsu’s charm is such that when he appears on stage, the air is filled with light. I will do my best too!” – Uchida

Chika (CV: Natsuko Abe)

The glib mad scientist

Chika is a girl full of energy who fights with sharp words and actions but with a pure wish at the root. I was strongly attracted to her inner self and her outward appearance of twintails and a white coat. I am very honored to have been entrusted with the role of Chika, as I have always wanted to play the role of Chika. What kind of chemical reactions will occur for the sake of ‘wishes’? I will do my best!– Abe

Koki (CV: Gakuto Kajiwara)

The student body president who has the appearance of a Yankee.

“Since it was an original story, I enjoyed anticipating what was to come from the post-recording stage. There are some things we are informed about, but there are also some things we dare not know. I think I am able to play the role while thinking along with the character. There is a lot of excitement and suspense coming from me. I think it will be a work well worth seeing, so please look forward to it!” Kajiwara

Iyo (CV: Tomori Kusunoki)

An idol with a reason at the peak of her popularity

“You will surely fall in love with Iyo, an idol who is so adorable in every way! Please be ready for the Iyo Call. It is an original animation, please look forward to seeing how Iyo will be involved in the story!” Kusunoki

Mitsuko (CV: Ai Fairouz)

A bright AV actress

“From the time I received the audition draft, I was very interested in the unique world view and the mysterious situations, and among the many unique characters in the show, one in particular, Mitsuko, packs a punch. I was very happy to be entrusted with a wonderful character! As this is an original animation work, we are also very much looking forward to working with you, the viewers, to make it a success. We are on the edge of our seat and are excited to welcome you to the next episode. We hope you enjoy it!” Fairouz

Tatsuya (CV: Yuuki Shin)

The vice president of the student council and known as Tenshi-kun.

“I myself am excited about this original animation work by a great team of creators. Like the other characters, I felt Tatsuya was not a straightforward role. I am enjoying playing the role even though I am worried about it! Please take a look. Thank you for your cooperation.” – Shin

OP & ED Themes

The anime’s opening theme song “Scrap & Build” will be performed by Elaiza Ikeda better known as ELAIZA.

“We are pleased to announce that we will be performing the OP theme for the anime “KamiErabi”. Yoko Taro, JIN-san, Atsushi Ohkubo, and Hiroyuki Seshita, I am honored to be a part of this team’s work. As you can sense from the preview, it is not a sweet story, but a story full of unique philosophy, I worked on it while staring at the script and character design. I am also looking forward to seeing it on TV.” – ELAIZA

ELAIZA

The ending theme, “Bleed My Heart” will be performed by Alisa. Alisa is known for being the vocalist for the singing role of Angela in the worldwide hit anime “Carole & Tuesday”.

Alisa

“I am very honored that ‘Bleed My Heart’, which I wrote as the ending song for “KamiErabi” was selected! At first glance, it may sound like a bright and fun song but behind it, I drew a greedy and unhealthy love story. Like the anime, I think the song makes you think about various themes such as desire, power, and true happiness. I hope that everyone will enjoy the anime and the ending song while thinking about what their true happiness is.” Alisa

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Mission: Impossible X SPY x FAMILY | Special Collaboration Video & Visual art

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In what has been officially labeled as the “most powerful spy collaboration decision“, Toho Animation collaborated with Paramount Studios to create a special promotional video for the upcoming installment of Mission: Impossible, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part One, and Spy X Family CODE: White, the first motion picture film from the hit anime series of the same name.

Theatrical version SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” super teaser visual

Spy X Family CODE: White is set to release in theaters on December 22nd of this year in Japan. While Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part One its premiere in the U.S. on July 12th, In Japan, the film is set to release on July 21st. A special promotional collaboration between both IPs was released on July 10th, which consists of a collaboration video and visual art.

The collaboration video begins with the Forger family watching Mission Impossible on TV. Anya states she’s has never watched the film series before, and Loid then carefully explains who ‘Ethan Hunt’ is while watching the action scenes played by Tom Cruise. The video features highlights from the film alongside brand-new voice acting from Takuya Eguchi (Lloyd), Atsumi Tanezaki (Anya), and Saori Hayami (Yor). The video segment is followed by the teaser trailer of CODE: White.

 You watch the full video here; the video contains no English subtitles

A collaborative visual art piece by illustrator Kana Ishida was also released via the Spy X Family official website.

Original picture/Finishing/Special Effects by Kana Ishida

The image depicts the Forger family illustrated in the same poses as the Mission Impossible poster, with the Forger family, lined up precisely as Tom Cruise (Ethan Hunt), Hayley Atwell (Grace), Rebecca Ferguson (Ilsa Faust) & Esai Morales (Gabriel). Take a look at the comparison below,

Image Highlights: Look at Anya and Bond on the upper Right | Ethan running on the train is replaced by Anya

Spy X Family author Tatsuya Endo recently joined the fun by sharing an original illustration of Anya performing Enthan Hunt’s iconic rope drop from the famous vault scene in Mission: Impossible (1996).

Watch Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One, now in theaters, and Spy X Family CODE: White as they take on the ultimate mission to save the world!

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POKEMON CONCIERGE Coming to NETFLIX December 2023 | AX 2023 Coverage

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Initially announced on Pokemon Day, POKÉMON CONCIERGE is the first ever stop-motion animated Pokemon series, which diverts from its 2-D animated counterpart. This series marks the first collaborative production between Netflix and The Pokémon Company. Pokemon Concierge is produced by critically acclaimed dwarf studios known for Mr. Osomatsu (TV Series) and Rilakkuma and Kaoru (stop-motion ONA).

The series expands on the Pokémon world and follows Haru, a concierge at the ‘Pokémon Resort,’ and her interactions with Pokémon and their owners who visit as guests. Currently, there is not much information that has been released on the series itself.

During Netflix’s From Japan to the World panel at Anime Expo 2023, it was revealed that NON will be voicing Haru. NON is a voice actress and musician from Japan. She is known for portraying Suzu in the 2016 critically acclaimed animated film “In This Corner of the World,.” In 2017, she founded her music label, “KAIWA (RE)CORD.” and released her debut single, “Ohirome Pack,” along with her debut album “Superhero’s” in 2018.

NON INTERVIEW – Experience Voicing HARU

During Anime Expo this year, I had an opportunity to ask NON about her experience voicing HARU,

NON and Psyduck during Anime Expo 2023 Roundtable Press Junket

Krystal: Can you speak on your experience voicing HARU for this unique Pokemon series?

NON: When I was working on Haru, I was told there would be many scenes where Haru is kind of struggling, trying to figure out what she should do. They asked me to ‘DO THAT’ in a gesture by using my body language, so I was dropping my head, doing those various movements to try to express how she was having a hard time. I was also told that they would film my movements and they would utilize that in the stop-motion animation, and that was a very fun thing to be a part of! Once I saw the final, complete, finished scenes, they were really different from what you usually see in 2D/3D CGI animation.

NON , Psyduck and Interpreters during Anime Expo 2023 Roundtable Press Junket

The footage that I saw was stop motion animation, and the movements are totally different from 2D/3D animation. I thought, ‘Oh, this is how you can also enjoy Pokemon in this format, this art form”. I found Haru’s movements very interesting, and it’s done perfectly, and it’s shot frame by frame; when you see that in action, I thought that it was totally believable and it was convincing.

The Production Team

The series is directed by Iku Ogawa (Rilakkuma and Kaoru) and written by Harumi Doki (Cyborg 009 Call of Justice, Ultraman, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045) with character design by Tadahiro Uesugi (Coraline, Big Hero 6, Luca). The series is set to be released this December, with no exact date currently unavailable.

Take a look behind the scenes with NON, as she explores the POKÉMON CONCIERGE set at dwarf studios,

Will this series resonate with Pokemon fans? Perhaps. As NON stated, this is a different way to enjoy Pokemon. Although not all Pokemon fans will be onboard, we do not think the series will underperform, especially with the incredible talent behind its production and the magic of stop-motion animation. Watch the official teaser below,

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ONE PIECE LIVE-ACTION TRAILER SETS SAIL

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The highly anticipated, live action film One Piece released its first trailer. This Netflix adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s acclaimed manga series, In it protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, The Straw Hat Pirates, aim to become the king of Pirates by locating the legendary ‘one piece’. In July 2017, Weekly Shōnen Jump editor-in-chief Hiroyuki Nakano announce the production of this new adaptation of the manga series. Eiichiro Oda, will serve as an educative producer on the series with Arisu Kashiwagi serving as the creative director and designer for the show’s brand identity. Kashiwagi is responsible for designing the series’ logo and title sequence.

The upcoming Live action adaptation is set to be released on August 31st 2023, and will feature cast members, Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji

The series is set to have 10 episodes, watch the newly released trailer,

One Piece has made a cultural impact among the anime community due to its engaging storyline and characters, this felt throughout Japan where the One Piece has its own film festival, cafes and theme park attractions. On September 18, 2004 the One Piece anime series premiered in the U.S. on the Fox network and later, on Toonami. The anime series features the voice of Colleen Clinkenbeard as Monkey D. Luffy, Sonny Strait as Usopp, Luci Christian as Nami, Eric Vale as Sanji, Brina Palencia as Chopper and, Christopher R. Sabat as Roronoa Zoro.

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EHAMIC’S “Koinu no Carnival – From “Minute Waltz” Going Viral After Being Featured on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

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Not many anime songs get featured anywhere other than their intended IP; however, in a rare move, Marvel included the song ‘Koinu no Carnival – From “Minute Waltz’ in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. The song was originally used in the TV anime “Classicaloid.”

Musician EHAMIC

The song was produced by vocalic producer EHAMIC for BN Pictures’ Classicaloidis, an anime series that aired on NHK E-television between 2016 and 2017. It is a comedy in which classical composers such as Beethoven and Mozart appear as “Classicaloids” in the modern age. The songs of the classical composers in the series are called “musik” in the show, and the show has gained popularity because of the collaborations by famous musicians, such as Tomoyasu Hotei for Beethoven, TSUNKU♂ for Bach, and Daisuke Asakura for Liszt.

Koinu no Carnival is the only Japanese song selected to be included in the latest Marvel movie “Guardians of the Galaxy: VOLUME 3”. The song received a great response after the film’s release and ranked No. 1 on the Spotify Viral Top 50 Global & USA Chart (as of May 12), and it also reached the Viral Top 50 in countries and regions worldwide.

The bright and light Waltz No. 6 “Minute Waltz,” originally a solo piano piece, has been arranged by EHAMIC with a samba arrangement and lots of dog barks, together with about 50 Vocaloid voices (mainly of the VOCALOID Galaco) overlapping to create a festive and fun piece.

Japanese VOCALOID galaco developed by Internet Co., Ltd. and YAMAHA Corporation, under the Stardust Music, Inc.

Listen to EHAMIC on Spotify

Did you hear Koinu no Carnival in GoTG vol 3? Tell us your thoughts below!

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“Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One” World Premiere – WonderCon 2023

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To celebrate the union of The Justice League and RWBY, Warner Bros. hosted the world premiere of the first ever collaboration between The Justice League & anime inspired series, RWBY at this year’s WonderCon!

A post-screening panel was headlined by the voice talent of Natalie Alyn Lind (Big Sky, The Goldbergs, Gotham) as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince and RWBY’s long-running cast – Lindsay Jones (Camp Camp) as Ruby, Kara Eberle (RWBY: Ice Queendom) as Weiss, Arryn Zech (The Detective is Already Dead) as Blake, and Barbara Dunkelman (Blood Fest) as Yang – alongside Jeannie Tirado (Soul, Saints Row) as Green Lantern, and Tru Valentino (The Rookie, The Cuphead Show!) as Cyborg.

Also included on the panel are producer/director Kerry Shawcross (RWBY franchise) and screenwriter Meghan Fitzmartin. Watch the FULL panel below,

Film Synopsis

Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One finds the Justice League facing off against a new horror: adolescence! Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Cyborg, Green Lantern and Vixen are surprised to find that not only have they materialized on a strange world called Remnant, but they’ve also been transformed into teenagers. Meanwhile, the heroes of Remnant – Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang – find their world has been mysteriously altered. Can the combined forces of the Justice League and Team RWBY return Remnant to normal before a superpowered Grimm destroys everything they know?

Release Date

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Rooster Teeth Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One, available to purchase Digitally and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray on April 25, 2023. Available to preorder on Amazon:

Can’t get enough of RWBY or need to catch up? Here some products we think you’ll love

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STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 Kicks off with 35th Anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro  

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STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 is back this year bigger than ever, with celebration of the 35th Anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro on March 25th! All 10 of Hayao Miyazaki’s Masterpieces will be screened in theaters throughout the year including the 35th Anniversary screenings of My Neighbor Totoro, 15th Anniversary screenings of Ponyo, and the first-ever North American screenings of SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stage, featuring two separate full performances filmed during the production’s acclaimed run in Tokyo last year.

GKIDS, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, are proud to continue their partnership with Fathom events and expand STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 to more screening dates than ever before to meet increased fan demand.

Each of the 10 animated features will be shown in both original Japanese and English dubbed versions and will include exclusive selections from the documentary series 10 Years With Hayao Miyazaki. Tickets for STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 can be purchased online now by visiting FathomEvents.comGhibliFest.com or at participating theater box offices. (Theater participants are subject to change). 

STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 SCHEDULE ( All event listings are in local time):

My Neighbor Totoro 35th Anniversary

●       Saturday, March 25 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, March 26 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, March 27 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, March 29 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

SPIRITED AWAY: Live on Stage *All performances in Japanese with English Subtitles*

●       Sunday, April 23 at 4:00 PM (with Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro)

●       Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 PM (with Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro)

Ponyo 15th Anniversary

●       Sunday, May 7 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, May 8 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, May 10 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Kiki’s Delivery Service

●       Sunday, June 11 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, June 12 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

●       Sunday, July 9 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, July 11 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Castle in the Sky

●       Monday, July 10 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Wednesday, July 12 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Princess Mononoke

●       Saturday, August 5 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, August 6 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, August 7 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, August 9 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

Porco Rosso

●       Sunday, August 20 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, August 22 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

The Wind Rises 10th Anniversary

●       Monday, August 21 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Wednesday, August 23 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Howl’s Moving Castle

●       Saturday, September 23 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, September 24 at 4:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles) and 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Monday, September 25 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, September 26 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, September 27 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

Spirited Away

●       Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, October 29 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, October 30 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, October 31 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

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Toei Company President & CEO Passes Away at 62

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Toei Company Ltd. announced on Tuesday the passing of the company’s president and CEO, Osamu Tezuka (not to be confused with the manga artist of the same name). Tezuka, born on March 1, 1960, died at the age of 62. Tezukaoined Toei on April 1983, marking 40 years at the company, and in June 2012, he became a board member. In 2016, he was promoted to managing director, president, and ultimately, CEO in June 2020.

Toei announced that current managing director and chairman Noriyuki Tada would take on the role of president in light of Tezuka’s passing. Tezuka’s close relatives will hold a private burial, and a memorial ceremony is planned for later.

Sources: Toei Co.IR News (PDF) | Toei Co.IR News (PDF 2)