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,
TV Asahi has officially announced the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Magic Repo Man: Dumped by My Party, I’ll Cash In With a Cute Support Fairy to Become the Strongest! Based on the manga written by Masakichi and illustrated by Shingou Iijima, the fantasy adventure series is set to begin broadcasting on the TV Asahi Network in 2026, accompanied by the release of a new teaser visual featuring the main cast and protagonist, Lent, alongside his party, The Skypiercers.
Visual Teaser
In the newly released visual, Lent wields his unique ability, “Magic Warehouse,” as he and his allies — Guy, Misa, and Elle — explore a dangerous dungeon. The series blends traditional fantasy with an economic twist, introducing viewers to a protagonist whose powers are as much about resource management as they are about magic.
Adapted from the manga serialized on COMIC Meteor, the anime will follow Lent’s journey of revenge, redemption, and financial literacy — themes that the author says resonated strongly with readers from the beginning.
Author & Artist Comments
“Since the beginning of the web serialization, many readers have shared thoughts like, ‘I want younger audiences to read this,’ and ‘This should be used as high school finance education material.’ It made me really happy,” said Masakichi, the series’ original author. “Thanks to everyone’s support, the story was adapted into a manga and now it’s getting an anime adaptation! I hope viewers also find an interest in money and finance while enjoying the series.”
via press release
Manga artist Shingou Iijima also expressed excitement for the project’s expansion, releasing the illustration below. Seven Seas Entertainment confirmed the English release of the manga’s first volume for September 2026.
Lent, A gentle boy who grew up in a rural village. As a member of “The Sky Piercers”, he journeyed while lending magical abilities to his allies using his unique gift “Magic Warehouse”.
Synopsis (According to Seven Seas Entertainment’s official description)
Lent is part of the up-and-coming party known as the Skypiercers, and thanks to his unique Gift, he can loan massive amounts of magic to others. No MP? No problem with Lent around!
But when his companions grow too powerful and question his usefulness, Lent is kicked out of the group. Furious and betrayed, he discovers a hidden power within his Gift — and with the help of an adorably mischievous fairy partner, he’s ready to reclaim his magic from his former party… with interest!
Production Staff
Original Author: Masakichi
Manga Artist: Shingou Iijima
Director: Takahiro Tamano
Series Composition: Ryusuke Mori
Character Design: Kazue Mori
Animation Production: SynergySP
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The Jujutsu Kaisen franchise returns to the big screen with a colossal new theatrical feature, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution. Fans across North America will get the first chance to witness the chaos when the film debuts exclusively in IMAX theatres for one night only on December 3, followed by a nationwide rollout beginning December 5, presented by GKIDS in both Japanese and English-dubbed versions.
For the first time ever, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution unites the franchise’s two most intense arcs—“Shibuya Incident” and “Culling Game Part 1”—into a single cinematic experience designed for the big screen. The feature serves as a special compilation of the Shibuya Incident saga, reimagined for theatrical presentation, and includes the world premiere of the first two episodes of Season 3, ahead of their January 2026 streaming debut.
The IMAX screening event will feature one exclusive showing across 100 screens nationwide on December 3, giving fans an early-access experience before the film opens widely. A new IMAX-exclusive poster was also unveiled in celebration of the announcement.
About JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution
Released in Japan under the title JUJUTSU KAISEN: The Movie – Shibuya Incident Special Edition x Culling Game Advance Screening on November 7, 2025, the feature brings the franchise’s most ambitious story arc to life. Produced by TOHO animation and animated by MAPPA, the film continues the legacy of Gege Akutami’s best-selling manga published by Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump.
Since its 2020 debut, JUJUTSU KAISEN has evolved into a global phenomenon—earning “Anime of the Year” at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards and amassing millions of fans worldwide. Earlier this year, GKIDS released JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie, grossing over $3.25 million in North America. The previous film, JUJUTSU KAISEN 0, went on to exceed $188 million globally.
A veil abruptly descends over the busy Shibuya area amid the bustling Halloween crowds, trapping countless civilians inside. Satoru Gojo, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, steps into the chaos. But lying in wait are curse users and spirits scheming to seal him away.
Yuji Itadori, accompanied by his classmates and other top-tier jujutsu sorcerers, enters the fray in an unprecedented clash of curses — the Shibuya Incident.
In the aftermath, ten colonies across Japan are transformed into dens of curses in a plan orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo, the most wicked sorcerer in history. As the deadly Culling Game starts, Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu is assigned to carry out Yuji’s execution for his perceived crimes.
The desperate confrontation between Satoru Gojo’s two beloved students comes to the big screen with an early preview. Be the first to experience Yuji and Yuta’s fateful battle with the hotly anticipated kickoff to Season 3 in theatres nationwide.
Fans can experience the ultimate Jujutsu Kaisen spectacle early with IMAX Fan Event screenings on December 3. The film then expands to standard theatres nationwide starting December 5.
Be among the first to witness JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution — where the Shibuya Incident reaches its devastating climax and The Culling Game begins.
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DMM.com LLC has officially announced that acclaimed voice actor Shunsuke Takeuchi will portray the adult version of the infamous hitman Jūzō Ōgami in the upcoming anime adaptation of KILL BLUE. Set for release in 2026, the series adapts Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s (Kuroko’s Basketball, ROBOT × LASERBEAM) hit manga and promises a thrilling blend of high-stakes action and coming-of-age drama.
Shunsuke Takeuchi
Speaking about his role, Takeuchi expressed both excitement and humor about bringing the character to life:
“Jūzō has the mind of an adult but the body of a child, so at first I thought I might need to do some detective work—but it seems that’s not the case! What a relief! I’ve often been told I seem a bit older than my age, so I feel a certain kinship with this character. All of the characters in KILL BLUE are incredibly expressive, and I’m excited to pop in from time to time and watch over their energetic interactions. Please look forward to KILL BLUE! ”
– via press release
Takeuchi’s impressive portfolio includes standout roles such as Producer in The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls, Alexander Yamato in King of Prism, Jūza Hyōdo in A3!, and Revolver in Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. Known for his commanding voice and nuanced performances, he’s expected to bring both gravitas and emotional depth to Ōgami’s complex duality as a hardened assassin turned teenager.
A legendary assassin at 39. Starting over… as a middle schooler.
Jūzō Ōgami, a notorious hitman with a flawless record, collapses after being stung by a mysterious wasp. When he awakens, the once-feared 39-year-old finds himself in the body of a 13-year-old boy. Ordered by his boss to infiltrate a middle school, Jūzō must now balance an unexpected student life with the deadly world he thought he left behind. As new enemies emerge, the question remains — can Jūzō reclaim his original body, or will his second chance at life be cut short?
Hololive’s rap queen Mori Calliope has officially released the music video for “LET’S JUST CRASH” — the high-energy opening theme for the second cour of the hit anime Gachiakuta. The track showcases Calliope’s signature bilingual lyricism, fusing sharp English-Japanese wordplay with thunderous beats and attitude.
Directed by Yohei Kameyama, best known for Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, the music video is a fast-paced visual spectacle, blending razor-sharp editing with stylized animation to match Calliope’s explosive performance.
“From the first time I heard ‘LET’S JUST CRASH,’ its explosive energy hit me like a powerful drug,” Kameyama said. “I’m extremely grateful to have been part of the production and put a lot of thought into expressing the track’s captivating sound visually.”
– via press release
The project also marks Mori Calliope’s first fully 3D-animated music video, produced by Kanaban Graphics, the acclaimed studio behind Usavich. The result is a kinetic, vividly stylized world that amplifies Calliope’s unique musical identity — a blend of idol charisma, street-style rap, and J-pop theatricality.
The Kitsune Network is excited to officially announce an exclusive collaboration with independent VTuber talent up-and-coming talent Krystal Vee, marking the beginning of a new chapter of engaging, creator-driven anime and pop-culture content.
This partnership will expand The Kitsune Network’s multimedia presence across YouTube and Twitch, introducing VTuber-hosted vlogs, interview coverage, in-depth product and content reviews, and exclusive interviews with figures from across the anime, gaming, and entertainment industries. Fans can also look forward tolive-streamed gaming, community interactions, and future giveaway opportunities as part of this growing collaboration.
About Krystal Vee
Softly debuting in late 2024, Krystal Vee has steadily cultivated a small yet loyal following through a mix of gaming streams, YouTube videos, and casual vlog-style content. Known for their friendly personality and variety-driven approach, Krystal brings a fresh and interactive edge to anime and gaming discussions online.
Vee streams on Twitchand posts additional content on YouTube. Their growing online presence and genuine connection with viewers make them an ideal collaborator for The Kitsune Network’s mission to celebrate anime culture from both the professional and fan perspectives.
As part of this collaboration, Krystal Vee will work exclusively with The Kitsune Network as an independent partner, helping to bring more personality-driven, community-oriented experiences to viewers worldwide.
Gundam fans, prepare for liftoff. Bandai Namco Filmworks has revealed a brand-new commemorative visual, “Barbatos Rises at NYC,” as the centerpiece of an unprecedented Gundam celebration at New York Comic Con 2025 and across New York City. Illustrated by Naohiro Washio, the artwork depicts the mighty Gundam Barbatos standing tall against the Manhattan skyline—an image that will symbolize this fall’s Gundam festivities.
Illustration by Naohiro Washio
From October 4–19, 2025, Gundam will transform New York into a fan paradise, combining exclusive convention events with city-wide activations, screenings, pop-ups, and giveaways.
NYCC Highlights: Meet Gundam Legends
One of the most anticipated events is the exclusive director autograph session with Tatsuyuki Nagai (Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans).
Date/Time: Thursday, October 9 @ 2:00 PM
Location: TAMASHII NATIONS Booth #2417
Tickets: Free (first 70 attendees, distributed starting at 10:00 AM)
Bonus: Signed commemorative poster featuring the Barbatos Rises at NYC visual
Attendees will also receive a generous giveaway bundle, including a Gundam Card Game promo card, headbands, balloons, an intro booklet, an Iron-Blooded Orphans mini-poster, and even a GUNPLA Trial Kit RX-78-2 Gundam.
Later that evening, fans can keep the momentum going with the Gundam Fan Meet Up (7:30 PM, Room 1E05), a casual gathering for cosplay, photos, and community bonding.
Gundam Film Festival at Japan Society
On October 11–12, Japan Society will host a two-day Gundam Film Festival, featuring English-dubbed screenings, cast appearances, and exclusive giveaways.
Highlights include:
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- (Oct. 11)
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special (4K remaster, Oct. 12) with a talk show featuring Mark Hildreth (voice of Heero Yuy)
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway (Oct. 12) with Megan Shipman (Gigi Andalucia) & Aaron B. Phillips (Kenneth Sleg) joining a live discussion
Gundam-Wrapped Buses: From Sept. 28–Oct. 12, specially wrapped Gundam buses will roam Manhattan, with select routes offering free rides.
The Gundam Base Pop-Up World Tour: From Oct. 4–19 at American Dream Mall (NJ), fans can enjoy exclusive merch, hands-on Gunpla building, Gundam card game workshops, and model-painting activities.
TAMASHII NATIONS Store New York (Times Square): Special Iron-Blooded Orphans displays, giveaways, and collectibles will be featured during the event.
What’s Next for Gundam
The NYC celebration also teases Gundam’s upcoming Japanese theatrical releases, including:
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe (Winter 2025)
Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt -Path of the Little Challenger- (Special Edition, Oct. 31, 2025)
With a striking new visual, exclusive fan signings, city-wide screenings, and immersive pop-ups, NYCC 2025 is set to be a Gundam experience like no other. From Barbatos towering over Manhattan to buses wrapped in Gundam glory, fans across New York will feel the series’ legendary impact like never before.
For updates and full schedules, fans can follow Gundam Info and Gundam Info NA on social media.
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The race for anime-inspired fashion heats up today as Crunchyroll unveils its first-ever capsule collaboration with Olympic champion Noah Lyles, powered by adidas.
Designed by Lyles in collaboration with Crunchyroll, the capsule reflects his identity as both the world’s fastest sprinter and the world’s fastest anime fan. Lyles channels the determination of Dragon Ball’s heroes, the grit of Tokyo Ghoul, and the resilience of Fullmetal Alchemist into a collection that captures the essence of his journey.
When I’m on the track, I channel the same energy as the heroes I grew up watching,” Lyles says. “Their determination, their style, their fight to push beyond limits; this collab is my way of sharing that love with fans everywhere
– via press release
The lineup includes bold essentials with anime-flair:
Speedline Saga Tee ($40)
The Poster Tee ($40)
Crunch Mode Hoodie ($70)
Speedline Saga Hat ($35)
Each piece incorporates anime-inspired visuals, Lyles’ love of manga aesthetics, and his signature red — built for both trackside energy and everyday fandom.
Crunchyroll describes the partnership as a cultural milestone, further bridging anime with sports and lifestyle. Following past activations with athletes and entertainers, the Crunchyroll x Noah Lyles x adidas capsule marks a new stride into the global sportswear scene.
The exclusive collection is now available only through the Crunchyroll Store in the U.S.
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