Category Archives: Upcoming Anime

The Voices Behind Frieren, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Sentenced to Be a Hero | INTERVIEWS

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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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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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Inside Anime’s Love Stories: Hana-Kimi, Hell’s Paradise & You and I Are Polar Opposites

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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-KimiKatelyn 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.

Now Streaming on Crunchyroll

Fans looking to experience these heartfelt stories can watch Hana-Kimi, Hell’s Paradise and You and I Are Polar Opposites now streaming on Crunchyroll.

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.

For more content Subscribe to The Kitsune Network!

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New Guns N’ Roses PV and Key Visual Released for Gundam Hathaway Film

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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’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” Set as Ending Theme for New Gundam Hathaway Film

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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 .

©SOTSU・SUNRISE

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 – First NA Theatrical Release set for February 2026

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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 .

©2024 Umamusume: Pretty Derby Movie Animation Project

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 Returns as ‘Enhanced Series’ Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, Premiering Fall 2026

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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 .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

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 .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

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 .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

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 .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

The launch of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus positions the series as a centerpiece of Dragon Ball’s ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, signaling a renewed focus on revisiting and refining key moments from the franchise’s modern era.

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Magic Repo Man: Dumped by My Party, I’ll Cash In With a Cute Support Fairy to Become the Strongest! Anime Premieres in 2026

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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.

©Masakichi, Singou Iijima, Flex Comix Inc./Magic Repo Man Committee

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.

©Masakichi, Singou Iijima, Flex Comix Inc./Magic Repo Man Committee

Character Introduction

©Masakichi, Singou Iijima, Flex Comix Inc./Magic Repo Man Committee

 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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JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution Heads to IMAX for One-Night-Only Event Before Nationwide Release

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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.

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution © Gege Akutami/Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project

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.

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution © Gege Akutami/Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project

Synopsis

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.

Early Fan Access Event

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution © Gege Akutami/Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project

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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KILL BLUE Anime Casts Shunsuke Takeuchi as Legendary Hitman Jūzō Ōgami

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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.

First Look: The Silver-Haired Hitman

©Tadatoshi Fujimaki/SHUEISHA, KILL BLUE Production Committee

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?

©Tadatoshi Fujimaki/SHUEISHA, KILL BLUE Production Committee

Production Staff

Director: Hiro Kaburagi (GREAT PRETENDER, Kimi ni Todoke)

Character Design: Miho Daidōji (Kuroko’s Basketball, Kimi ni Todoke 3rd Season)

Animation Production: CUE

Manga Information

Title: KILL BLUE

Original Story: Tadatoshi Fujimaki (SHUEISHA / Jump Comics)

Current Volumes: 11

Next Release: Volume 12 – November 4, 2025

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