Vtuber, Krystal Vee speaks with voice actors from three major anime series about their characters, performances, and the stories ahead.
As anime continues to expand its global audience, the voices behind its characters remain central to bringing these stories to life. From introspective fantasy journeys to high-stakes supernatural battles, voice actors help shape the emotional depth that resonates with fans worldwide.
In a series of VA (voice actor) interviews, The Kitsune Network’s VTuber host, Krystal Vee, spoke with voice actors from three highly anticipated anime titles: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2, JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3, and Sentenced to Be a Hero.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
Voice Talent: Mallorie Rodak, Jill Harris, and Jordan Dash Cruz
Few modern fantasy anime have resonated with audiences as strongly as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Known for its reflective storytelling and emotional themes, the series explores life after the traditional “hero’s journey.”
Together, the cast reflected on how the bond between Frieren, Fern, and Stark continues to shape the heart of the series as the story moves forward.
Watch the Interview
JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3
Voice Talent: Adam McArthur and Kayleigh McKee
With its intense action and complex characters, JUJUTSU KAISEN has become one of the defining anime franchises of the modern era. As the series heads into its third season, the stakes for its characters continue to rise. Krystal, spoke with two returning voice actors from the English dub Adam McArthur as Yuji Itadori, and Kayleigh McKee as Yuta Okkotsu.
McArthur reflected on Yuji’s emotional resilience and how the character’s desire to protect others remains central to his journey. McKee discussed portraying Yuta’s quiet strength and the internal struggles that make him one of the series’ most compelling characters.
Both actors also shared insight into the demanding recording process behind the show’s high-energy battles and the excitement of continuing the story for a passionate international fanbase.
Watch the Interview
Sentenced to Be a Hero
Voice Talent: Dawn M. Bennett
Among the upcoming fantasy titles generating buzz among anime fans is Sentenced to Be a Hero, a series that blends action with darker themes of redemption and fate.
In a conversation hosted by Krystal Vee, Dawn M. Bennett, who voices Patausche Kivia, discussed the complexity of portraying a character navigating responsibility and redemption within the series’ darker narrative tone. She also shared insight into the voice recording process and how actors collaborate with directors to capture the emotional atmosphere of each scene.
Watch the Interview
Bringing Fans Closer to the Voices Behind Anime
At the heart of every unforgettable anime moment is a performance that brings the story to life. Through these conversations, Krystal Vee and The Kitsune Network offer fans an inside look at the voices shaping some of today’s most anticipated anime series.
From the reflective, emotional journey of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End to the high-stakes supernatural battles of JUJUTSU KAISEN and the darker fantasy world of Sentenced to Be a Hero, each interview explores the passion, creativity, and dedication voice actors bring to their roles.
For anime fans, these discussions provide more than just behind-the-scenes insight—they offer a deeper appreciation for the performances that give these characters their heart, intensity, and humanity. As these stories continue to unfold, audiences can look forward to powerful new moments, evolving characters, and the voices that make modern anime truly unforgettable.
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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 .
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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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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Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Beginning of a New Era, the first feature-length anime film from Cygames’ long-running Umamusume franchise, will receive its first North American theatrical release on Feb. 27, 2026.
The film marks a significant milestone in the franchise’s expansion outside Japan, following a strong domestic performance in 2024 that saw the film surpass 1.4 billion yen at the Japanese box office. Its North American release reflects the growing international presence of the Umamusume brand, which has steadily expanded through anime, manga and mobile games .
Prior to its theatrical debut, Beginning of a New Era screened at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles and Anime NYC 2025 in New York City. Both showings drew large and enthusiastic crowds, signaling strong demand for a wider theatrical release among North American anime audiences .
The film is part of the broader Umamusume Project, a multimedia franchise produced by Cygames that centers on character-driven stories inspired by real-life racehorses. Set within the competitive Twinkle Series racing circuit, the franchise follows Umamusume athletes as they train and compete in pursuit of their dreams alongside classmates and trainers .
Cygames’ flagship mobile title, Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has surpassed 30 million downloads across Asia since its Japanese launch in 2021. The English-language version debuted last summer and quickly gained traction, earning Best Mobile Game honors at The Game Awards 2025 .
Beginning of a New Era follows Jungle Pocket, known as “Pokke,” a free-spirited racer who resolves to challenge the Twinkle Series after witnessing a defining performance by Fuji Kiseki. After enrolling at Tracen Academy, she trains under veteran coach Tanabe and faces formidable rivals in pursuit of the Triple Crown, a series of three races that can only be attempted once in a lifetime .
The film is directed by Ken Yamamoto, with a screenplay by Kiyoko Yoshimura and music composed by Masaru Yokoyama. Animation production is handled by CygamesPictures, with Jun Yamazaki serving as character designer and lead animation director .
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Beginning of a New Era will be distributed theatrically in North America by GAGA Corporation.
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Dragon Ball Super is officially returning with a new enhanced edition titled Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, set to premiere in Fall 2026, it was announced Sunday during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event at Makuhari Messe in Japan .
The announcement was made during the live stage presentation “Exclusive Announcements! GENKIDASTAGE Part 2,” marking a major relaunch of the Dragon Ball Super anime. Based on the original work, story and character designs by series creator Akira Toriyama, the project is described as a comprehensive reworking of the original television series .
According to producers, Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is an “enhanced edition” that features newly added and redrawn animation cuts, fully re-rendered footage and reconstructed story elements. The series will also include newly recorded dialogue, updated musical scoring and enhanced sound effects, with a strong emphasis on increasing the intensity and immersion of its battle sequences .
The reveal took place on stage with Masako Nozawa, the voice of Son Goku; Koichi Yamadera, the voice of Beerus; and Dragon Ball executive producer Akio Iyoku in attendance. The cast and staff shared their reactions with fans following the announcement .
A new launch trailer and key visual were released alongside the announcement. The trailer opens with Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakening from a long slumber before setting his sights on Earth. Goku and his allies, including Vegeta and Whis, are shown preparing for a universe-shaking confrontation that threatens the balance of cosmic order .
The key visual depicts Beerus and Goku against the backdrop of Earth and outer space, underscoring the scale and stakes of the conflict. Both the trailer and visual are now available through official Dragon Ball platforms .
First serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball has grown into one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, expanding into television animation, feature films, video games and merchandise worldwide. Dragon Ball Super originally aired from 2015 to 2018, with the franchise continuing through theatrical releases such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the debut of Dragon Ball DAIMA in 2024 .
The launch of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus positions the series as a centerpiece of Dragon Ball’songoing 40th anniversary celebrations, signaling a renewed focus on revisiting and refining key moments from the franchise’s modern era.
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Dragon Ball, one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the worldwide release of a special animated video unveiled Sunday during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event at Makuhari Messe in Japan.
The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video was announced during the event’s opening stage and released simultaneously across the globe, marking a major milestone for the long-running franchise. The commemorative animation brings creator Akira Toriyama’s iconic color illustrations to life through a blend of modern animation techniques, designed to honor the original artwork while presenting it through a contemporary visual lens.
Produced by Toei Animation, the project is directed by Naoki Miyahara, a veteran of the series who previously served as general animation director on Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. The animation places a strong emphasis on faithfully translating the texture, color and expressive qualities of Toriyama’s illustrations into motion, resulting in a dynamic visual journey that reflects the growth and legacy of protagonist Son Goku.
A major highlight of the anniversary video is its original musical score, composed by Academy Award–winning film composer Hans Zimmer. Known for iconic works such as The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean, Zimmer composed a brand-new orchestral theme titled “Infinite Future” exclusively for the project, adding a cinematic scope to the celebration.
In a statement shared during the event, Zimmer expressed his appreciation for being part of the franchise’s milestone anniversary.
via Instagram
“It was truly a joy to be part of this special anniversary project,” Zimmer said. “Drawing inspiration from Akira Toriyama’s incredible illustrations and the stunning animation in this video, I thoroughly enjoyed composing the music. To Dragon Ball fans around the world, I sincerely hope you enjoy watching it”
via press release
The announcement took place at Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri, a free, reservation-based event dedicated to celebrating the franchise’s four decades of history. The event featured special exhibits, presentations and livestream programming for fans around the world.
Originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball quickly became one of Japan’s most successful manga series before expanding into television animation, theatrical films, video games and merchandise. The franchise has continued to evolve in recent years with releases such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the debut of Dragon Ball DAIMA in 2024, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the manga’s original publication.
Watch The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video,
