Category Archives: Anime Studios

Kinema Citrus Marks 15th Anniversary With Original Anime Goodbye, Lara, Premiering July 2026

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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 .

©Kinema Citrus/Goodbye Lara PARTNERS

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.

©Kinema Citrus/Goodbye Lara PARTNERS

U.S. Premiere Planned at Anime Central

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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GKIDS Acquires Rights for the highly anticipated Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- film

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GKIDS, the Academy Award®-winning distributor renowned for its dedication to high-quality, artist-driven animation, has announced its acquisition of the theatrical distribution rights for the highly anticipated Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-. The film is set to hit North American theaters on February 28, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in the Gundam franchise.

This project represents the first major collaboration between EVANGELION creator Hideaki Anno’s studio khara and Sunrise, the legendary studio behind the Mobile Suit Gundam series. With an all-star lineup of creators from some of the most iconic anime productions of the last three decades, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- is poised to be a must-see cinematic experience.

© SOTUS | SUNRISE. All Rights Reserved

Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for his work on EVANGELION and FLCL, the film brings together renowned screenwriter Yoji Enokido (who worked on Revolutionary Girl Utena, Bungo Stray Dogs, and FLCL) as Series Supervisor and Screenwriter. The acclaimed Hideaki Anno also joins the project as a screenwriter, bringing his distinctive vision to the Gundam universe.

© SOTUS | SUNRISE. All Rights Reserved

Character designs are handled by illustrator Take (known for Katanagatari, Zaregoto, and the Pokémon series), while the mechanical designs are being crafted by Ikuto Yamashita, a veteran of the EVANGELION series and Shin Kamen Rider.

The Gundam GQuuuuuuX film is a re-edited version of episodes from the upcoming TV series Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which was first announced in Japan on December 4th, 2024, along with character and mechanical designs, and a theatrical teaser. The film will debut in Japan on January 17, 2025, with the TV series’ release information still to be announced.

David Jesteadt, President of GKIDS, shared his excitement about the project, saying,

“The incredible talent involved in this collaboration on such an iconic series makes Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX an unmissable event for anime fans. We are thrilled to bring this exciting new project to North American audiences in a way that does justice to the cinematic experience it deserves.”

– via press release

Film Synopsis

Set in the vastness of space, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- follows Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student living in a peaceful space colony. Her life changes when she meets Nyaan, a war refugee who introduces her to Clan Battle, an illegal mobile suit dueling sport. As Amate enters the battle arena under the name “Machu,” she pilots the powerful GQuuuuuuX mobile suit. But her world is further shaken when an unidentified Gundam mobile suit appears, pursued by both the space force and police. Its pilot, a boy named Shuji, may hold the key to changing the course of their world forever.

© SOTUS | SUNRISE. All Rights Reserved

Only in Theatres, February 28, 2025

For ticket and show time information visit GKids.com.

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PANTY & STOCKING ARE BACK! | New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT

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TRIGGER Assembles All-Star Team for 2025 ‘Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt’ Anime, Teaser Visual and Director Revealed

©TRIGGER・今石洋之/NPSG製作委員会

After a 14-year hiatus since its original broadcast, the iconic MADE IN JAPAN cartoon anime ‘PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT‘ is making a spectacular comeback. Alongside this announcement, the teaser visual and title logo have been unveiled, and the official website, X, and Instagram accounts are now live and buzzing with excitement.

©TRIGGER・今石洋之/NPSG製作委員会

The new series, officially titled ‘New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT,‘ promises to bring back all the characters we love. The teaser visual showcases PANTY, STOCKING, BRIEF, GARTERBELT, CHUCK, and their adversaries KNEESOCKS, SCANTY, and FASTENER, all in one stylish image. The new pop and stylish logo is sure to grab your attention.

Additionaly, the main staff for the new series has been revealed, and their first talk video has been uploaded on the TRIGGER YouTube channel. In the video, director Hiroyuki Imaishi, series composition and concept planner Hiromi Wakabayashi, character designer and art director Shigeto Koyama, and character designers/animation directors SUSHiO and Masaru Sakamoto discuss the visuals and their enthusiasm for the new series.

The animation will be produced by the renowned studio TRIGGER, famous for works like ‘KILL la KILL,’ ‘PROMARE,’ and ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.’ Hiroyuki Imaishi returns as the director, with Atushi Nishigori back as the original character designer. Hiromi Wakabayashi will handle the series composition, and Shigeto Koyama, SUSHiO, and Masaru Sakamoto will lead the character design. Adding to the excitement, Yoh Yoshinari, a prominent creator at TRIGGER, will join as a special “specialist“.

Expectations are sky-high for this new project from the globally acclaimed TRIGGER. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare for an explosive return of ‘New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT’!

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Spy x Family CODE: White REVIEW | Family Sticks Together

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After months of anticipation, Spy x Family CODE: White debuts in theaters worldwide! Preceding its release, Crunchyroll hosted a red-carpet event to commemorate the English dub premiere of the series’ first film. On April 11, fans and celebrities gathered at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles to witness the beloved Forger family on the big screen, joined by voice talent: Alex Organ (Loid), Megan Shipman (Anya), Natalie Van Sistine (Yor), Tyler Walker (Bond), Anthony Bowling (Franky), Tyson Rinehart (Luca), Phil Parson (Domitri), and Lindsay Seidel (Nightfall), with additional attendance by actors Dara Reneé, Emery Kelly, Max Ehrich and Zeno Robinson; rapper 24kGoldn; musician Kim Dracula; model, singer, actor and producer Skye Aurelia; and content creators Billy Yue, Jacki Jing, Nicewigg, Neekolul, Izzy Kento, Magdaline Janet and Stella Chu.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: (L-R) Tyson Rinehart, Anthony Bowling, Tyler Walker, Phil Parsons, Megan Shipman, Alex Organ, Natalie Van Sistine, Cris George, and Lindsay Seidel attend World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)

We had the thrilling opportunity to attend and view the film firsthand, and we are eager to share the excitement surrounding it!

Spy x Family CODE: White

When Loid faces a critical directive: his role in Operation Strix is slated for replacement and with it entire Forger family. Determined to maintain his position, he embarks on a mission to assist Anya in winning a cooking competition at her school to win a Stella Star and earn him one step closer to his objective; Donovan Desmond. Under the guise of a family vacation, the Forgers embark on a journey to seek the principal’s favorite dessert. However, their seemingly harmless quest sets off a series of events that threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of peace and ignite a full-blown conflict between the two nations.

The Forgers In Action On The Big Screen

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: A general view of atmosphere at World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)

Spy x Family is a series I enjoy a lot with its unique concept, storytelling, and loveable characters. Watching the film on the big screen in theaters felt different. The animation is what I would expect from the likes of Wit Studio and Cloverworks; clean and detailed. Its production showcases the high-quality animation that WitStudios and Cloverworks are known for. Fans can look forward to the film knowing it got the seal of approval by having Tatsuya Endo serve as the production supervisor, ensuring the film stayed true to the Spy x Family series.

The action scenes for Loid and especially for Yor’s fighting scenes, were animated with high attention to detail, allowing the audience to enjoy the thrill of the fight. In contrast, there were a lots of heartwarming moments between the Forgers as they enjoyed their little family “vacation”.

While the series balanced action, comedy, and heartfelt moments, the movie felt like it leaned towards the comedic aspect of the Spy x Family series. There wasn’t a time within the movie when the audience was not bursting with laughter. The family’s secrecy about each other’s identity and intentions often led to hilarious misunderstandings between Loid and Yorn. We also can’t forget about the mischievous Anya, who basically launched the film’s storyline through her innocent but troublesome methods.

Family Stays Together

I’ve always been excited to see how the Forgers grow not just as individuals but also as a family with every season. It’s one of the things I enjoy watching in Spy x Family. The movie also focuses on that theme and emphasizes it a lot throughout. It was quite prominent compared to what I saw during the series. Each character played a certain role that led to them being one step closer to learning what a family is. 

Loid, who never had a family and created the Forgers specifically for the mission, is still learning what family is and what it means to be one. We could see Loid express his confusion about the meaning of family and why he desires to protect the family even though it’s fake. Yor, who has her little brother, Yuri, became sort of like a guide for Loid, guiding him on what a family means based on her experience. Anya, who wanted a family of her own, kept the family together in her Anya-like way and was the reason that Loid was acting more like a father of the family and learning what it means to be one.

First Time Watching In English Dub

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: (L-R) Megan Shipman (Anya), Natalie Van Sistine (Yor) and Alex Organ (Loid) | (Photo by Krystal Kitsune/TKN)

This was my first time watching Spy x Family in English, and it was an interesting experience. I am more of a Japanese dub fan and watch most of my anime series in English sub, including Spy x Family. Listening to the English dub cast was different from watching the English sub, perhaps because I can understand the Japanese version and am already used to their voice actors. 

Although there were a couple of times when I cringed at some of the lines they said in the English dub, the English voice cast did a fantastic job voicing their characters, very fitting. Being able to understand them even made the whole movie much funnier than I anticipated. 

Conclusion

Packed with action, thrills, and comedy, Spy x Family CODE: White is what you would expect to see in a Spy x Family movie. I love seeing how the Forgers grow as a family as they navigate their way on what it means to be one. The movie might have even given us a glimpse or even an idea that we might see in the series in the future. We won’t know this for sure since the series only has two seasons so far. If you’re a manga reader, then you might have already gotten some foresight into how the Forgers act as a family. As for those of us who only watch anime, it will be a while before you get to see some family development in possible future seasons. Until then, the movie is great for anyone who wants to see more of the Forgers and scratch that itch until a new season is announced.

Spy x Family CODE: White is now in theaters, get your tickets now! Can’t get enough? Check out our YouTube Channel, and watch my interviews with the English dub cast of Spy x Family at the red-carpet premiere!

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Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Wins Best Animated Feature | SECOND WIN FOR MIYAZAKI & STUDIO GHIBLI

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GKIDS, known for bringing beloved animated films to North American audiences, is thrilled to share the exciting news: Studio Ghibli’s latest masterpiece, “THE BOY AND THE HERON,” has clinched the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. This victory marks a significant achievement for the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, who adds yet another Oscar to his collection after his groundbreaking “Spirited Away” triumph in 2003. Miyazaki, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, received well-deserved recognition at the 2014 Governors Awards for their exceptional contributions to cinema.

“Spirited Away” and “THE BOY AND THE HERON” are the only hand-drawn films to secure this honor since the category’s inception in 2002. This win also signifies the first Oscar triumph for producer Toshio Suzuki, adding to Studio Ghibli’s impressive track record, which boasts seven nominations and two wins.

For GKIDS, this win is particularly sweet, marking their first victory after an impressive 13 nominations in the Best Animated Feature category. Their journey began in 2010 with “The Secret of Kells” and includes notable titles like “Ernest & Celestine,” “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya,” and “Wolfwalkers.”

“THE BOY AND THE HERON” has not only broken records as GKIDS’ highest-grossing release but is also Studio Ghibli’s top-earning film in North America, with over $46 million at the box office and the highest-grossing original Japanese animated film domestically. To celebrate, GKIDS plans a re-release across North American theaters later this month.

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, presenting from the Dolby Theater, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Miyazaki and Suzuki, who remained in Japan. Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima conveyed producer Toshio Suzuki’s heartfelt appreciation backstage in Los Angeles,

“As producer of The Boy and the Heron, I am extremely honored to receive the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Academy. I would also like to give my thanks to those who were involved in the production of this film, and to all those who worked to distribute the film worldwide. This film began with director Hayao Miyazaki retracting his retirement statement. Following that, we spent seven years in the production of this work. It has been ten years since Hayao Miyazaki’s previous film, The Wind Rises, during which time there have been dramatic changes in the environment surrounding films. This film was truly difficult to bring to completion. I am very appreciative that the work that was created after overcoming these difficulties has been seen by so many people around the world, and that it has received this recognition. Both Hayao Miyazaki and I have aged a considerable amount. I am grateful to receive such an honor at my age, and taking this as a message to continue our work, I will devote myself to work harder in the future. Thank you very much.”

– Toshio Suzuki via Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima

In response to this landmark win, GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman and President David Jesteadt expressed gratitude to the Academy and Studio Ghibli, reflecting on their longstanding partnership and dedication to bringing masterful animation to worldwide audiences.

With the passing of founder Isao Takahata in 2018, Miyazaki and Suzuki remain the driving forces behind Studio Ghibli’s legacy. Their combined efforts have garnered numerous Oscar nominations, solidifying their place in animation history.

GKIDS’ impact on cinema extends beyond Studio Ghibli, introducing audiences to a diverse array of master filmmakers from around the world. From Mamoru Hosoda to Makoto Shinkai, their catalog showcases the artistry and storytelling prowess of animation.

“THE BOY AND THE HERON” made waves internationally, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival to sold-out screenings and rave reviews. It has since garnered accolades from BAFTA, Golden Globe, and various critics’ associations. Adding to the excitement, the film’s IMAX debut and its star-studded English-language version continue to captivate audiences worldwide, proving once again the timeless appeal and artistic excellence of Miyazaki’s storytelling.

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Hayao Miyazaki’s THE BOY AND THE HERON First Feature in 10 Years | Nominated For Best Animated Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards

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GKIDS the renowned producer and distributor celebrated for bringing captivating animation from diverse corners of the world to audiences, has unveiled a teaser featuring insights from Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. In this interview, Suzuki delves into the visionary mind of Hayao Miyazaki, shedding light on Miyazaki’s latest creation, “The Boy and the Heron,” and offering glimpses into the future landscape of animation.

Video content created by GKIDS

“The Boy and the Heron” recently won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, adding to its accolades with a nomination for Best Original Score. The film has garnered further acclaim with nominations at the British Academy Film and Television Awards and the Critic’s Choice Awards, while also vying for recognition in multiple categories at the Producers Guild Awards, Art Directors Guild Awards, Cinema Audio Society Awards, and the ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards.

The international debut of “The Boy and the Heron” was a landmark event, serving as the Opening Night Gala of the 48th Toronto International Film Festival. The demand for tickets was unprecedented, with all five screenings at TIFF selling out rapidly. Following its success in Toronto, the film continued to captivate audiences worldwide, with premieres in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. These screenings, held at esteemed venues such as the New York Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival, further solidified its global appeal.

The film has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, winning Best Animated Feature at numerous prestigious award events, including those presented by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, New York Film Critics Circle, Chicago Film Critics Association, and many others across various regions such as San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, San Diego, Philadelphia, Dallas Ft. Worth, Florida, New Mexico, and Greater Western New York.

This hand-drawn animated masterpiece marks Miyazaki’s return to the director’s chair after a decade, featuring an original story crafted and directed by the master himself. Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki led the production serving as the film’s producer. The musical score was created by Miyazaki’s longtime collaborator, Joe Hisaishi, who worked on Studio Ghibli titles such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, to mention a few. Furthermore, the captivating theme song “Spinning Globe” is performed by the acclaimed J-pop sensation Kenshi Yonezu, adding another layer of allure to this cinematic experience.

Photo by Kazuhei Kimura

The English dubbed version of the film, features the voices of renowned star-studded English language cast, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. It’s worth noting that the English language dub was created in compliance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.

The film is currently in select theaters in English dubbed and subbed, for location and ticketing information visit, https://gkids.com/films/the-boy-and-the-heron/tickets/

GKIDS takes charge of distributing Studio Ghibli’s renowned collection across North America, ensuring these beloved classics reach audiences through theaters, home video, digital, and streaming platforms. GKIDS also promotes recent releases like “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya” and “When Marnie Was There,” alongside beloved favorites such as “From Up on Poppy Hill.”

Since 2017, GKIDS has organized Ghibli Fest annually, a nationwide celebration showcasing Studio Ghibli films in over 800 theaters. This year’s festival highlights the unmatched cinematic legacy of Hayao Miyazaki, inviting audiences to delve into the timeless wonders of his storytelling prowess.

Additionally, GKIDS is the founder and host of ANIMATION IS FILM, the annual LA-based film festival which embraces animation as a cinematic art form, and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions.

For more information on The Boy and Heron, visit GKIDS.com | Subscribe to our articles, and don’t miss upcoming, exclusive content!

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Dangers in My Heart: “Twi-Yaba” Short Manga Anime Adaptation and Season 2 Release Dates Revealed

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During the FAN FEST 2023 event held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, TV Asahi made an exciting announcement about the upcoming release of “Twi-Yaba,” a short manga spin-off based on Norio Sakurai’s “The Dangers in My Heart.” Published initially on X (formerly Twitter), the manga will debut in Japan on December 10, with international release dates to be unveiled later.

©Norio Sakurai(AKITASHOTEN)/The Dangers in My Heart Committee

The spinoff is set to be released as multiple short episodes combined into a single 21-minute episode, perfectly complementing the highly anticipated sequel of “The Dangers in My Heart.” “The Dangers in My Heart “Twi-Yaba” will be accessible worldwide, available on HIDIVE in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as on Peppermint anime & Amazon in Germany. Moreover, it will be broadcast on ANIPLUS in Korea, ANIPLUS Asia in Southeast Asia, and Ani-One in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao.

The eagerly awaited second season of “The Dangers in My Heart” is set to premiere on January 7, 2024. Exciting news for fans, as the PV trailer has just been released! You can catch a glimpse of the upcoming season below and even get a sneak peek at the new opening (OP) and ending (ED) theme songs. The first season, which aired on April 1, 2023, received high praise and gained a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Get ready for more thrilling adventures in a classic tale of boy meets girl!

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Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms | INTERVIEW | AX 2023 Coverage

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Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms held its world premiere at this year’s Anime Expo. Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms is a new science-fiction action-adventure anime and manga that explores the world of sentient mechanical beings called Mecha-Ude and the people who wield them! Originally created by independent animator & director Okamoto and produced by Fukuoka-based TriF Studio in 2016. 

Animator and director, Okamoto created the series in 2016 with a Kickstarter, which raised over $67,000, more than twice its $25,000 goal. A pilot episode, produced by TriF Studio through the Kickstarter, became an instant hit and in 2018, got an English dub.

In 2022 the series was picked up for a full anime adaptation, produced by TriF Studio and Pony Canyon. At this year’s Anime Expo, episode 1 premiered with new exclusive footage, not previously seen in the pilot. The Mecha-Ude anime series is slated for 2024, exact release date is currently TBA. To learn more on the series and its Japanese cast and crew visit the official Mecha Ude website.

Anime Synopsis

One day, Amatsuga Hikaru, a junior high school student living in Kitakagami City, meets the mysterious “Ude”-shaped mechanical life form Alma. Alma attempts to bind to Hikaru’s body in order to obtain energy from him, but fails. To his surprise, it binds to the hoodie that Hikaru was wearing. Meanwhile, the “Kagami Group,” a large corporation that plans to enslave the Mecha-Udes and turn them into weapons, is in pursuit of Alma. ARMS, an organization working to save and free the Mecha-Udes, also searches for Alma. Hikaru, unable to abandon the weakened Alma, puts on the hoodie that Alma has bonded with and gets caught up in the great events unfolding among the Mecha-Ude users…

INTERVIEW WITH OKAMOTO

At Anime Expo I had the opportunity to interview Mecha-Ude animator and director, Okamoto about her journey and experience creating the world of Mecha-Ude,

Animator and Director, Okamoto

Krystal: Can speak about the origins of MECHA-UDE?
Okamoto:
I’m a huge fan of Shounen manga and one day I just decided I wanted to draw a robot, but drawing a full-size body robot was too hard. So I decided I would try just to draw an arm.
K: Enhance the subtitle “Mecha arms
O:
Correct. Yes. 
K: So you’re not only the creator of the stories, but also the director for the Anime series, are some elements within the anime, that you emphasizes for the audience members?
O:
The story is very much about the characters. I hope that people will see, like, pay attention to how they develop and how they move.
K: It has been roughly serve years, between the kickstarter in 2016 and now, what are some things that changed in the series?
O: When the pilot episode was made, a fuller story was already created, like a bigger story that we were hoping to work on later. So basically not much has changed. I’m brushing up on stuff in the past few years, but that’s about it.

Okamoto, Shuichi Aso (TriF CEO) & Tetsuya Kinoshita (Producer)

K: How would you describe the anime series to encourage people to read the Manga, or watch the anime series?
O:
All of the mecha-udes are also their own characters, and they’re very unique, so they’re very appealing as well. They’re part of the series and just as important as the human characters, that’s one of the selling points.
K: What can you tell me about the main character?
O:
Hikaru was a pretty dull, mundane character with nothing special going on until he meets “Alma”, the Mecha Ude, he meets, and then they’ll have adventures and he’ll also be able to grow as a character. The story’s going to be about their partnership and how they grow together as characters in the series.

THE MANGA

Additionally, eManga publishing company Azuki, celebrated the launch of the latest exclusive manga series, Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms by Yoshino Koyoka and TriF based on Okamoto’s creation. The manga adaptation is now available only on Azuki with new chapters every Wednesday!

Manga Synopsis

A brand-new manga series based on the anime by Okamoto and TriF! Kita-Kagami City is a pretty normal town… except that some people have gotten their hands on Mecha-Ude: powerful, sentient mechanical beings attached to the limbs of their hosts. When middle school kid Hikaru accidentally activates Alma, a mysterious Mecha-Ude with no memory of his past, he forms an unlikely connection with the talking arm. But where did Alma come from? And why are shadowy secret organizations and corporate assassins with deadly Mecha-Ude of their own suddenly chasing Hikaru down, hell-bent on stealing Alma? Hikaru and Alma must learn to work together to uncover the truth behind Alma’s identity and prevent him from ending up in the wrong hands (or on the wrong arm)!

You can start reading the manga which is now available over at Azuki, available on the web at www.azuki.co and in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The app features over 200 series, including international hits like Attack on Titan and acclaimed new series like Mecha-Ude: Mechanical ArmsNatsume & Natsume, and My Dear Detective: Mitsuko’s Case Files.

Start reading for free with advertisements today, or upgrade to Premium and access the full catalog for just $4.99 a month. A 14-day free trial and discounted annual plan are also available. Most titles are available worldwide (except Japan). Stay up to date on the latest announcements by following Azuki at twitter.com/ReadAzukifacebook.com/ReadAzuki, and instagram.com/readazuki.

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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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ONE PIECE LIVE-ACTION TRAILER SETS SAIL

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The highly anticipated live-action film One Piece released its first trailer. This is a 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 announced 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 on the anime community due to its engaging storyline and characters; this is felt throughout Japan, where 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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