A new chapter in anime-themed entertainment is set to arrive in Southern California as Universal Studios Hollywood announces the debut of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Miracle – Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe, an original Japanese CG anime short film, as part of its upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights event.
The experience will run on select nights from April 23 through May 16, offering fans a limited-time opportunity to step into the world of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon through a cinematic and interactive showcase.
A New Sailor Moon Story Comes to Life
Originally introduced as part of Universal Studios Japan’s “Cool Japan” initiative, the CG anime short will make its U.S. debut inside the DreamWorks Theatre. The presentation will feature Japanese audio with English subtitles and center on Super Sailor Moon as she faces a new enemy seeking the Legendary Silver Crystal.
Guests will be immersed in a story-driven experience that blends animation with audience engagement, encouraging viewers to support Sailor Moon as she battles to restore peace to the Moon Palace.
Universal Fan Fest Nights Expands Anime and Pop Culture Offerings
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event designed to celebrate fandom across anime, gaming, film, and television. The event features immersive environments, live entertainment, cosplay opportunities, themed food and merchandise, and character interactions.
Alongside the Sailor Moon attraction, the 2026 lineup includes a wide range of experiences:
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show — A live-action stage production inspired by the globally popular anime, featuring action-packed performances and fan-favorite characters.
The addition of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Miracle – Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe underscores the continued global expansion of anime as a central pillar in themed entertainment. By bringing a Japan-originated experience to U.S. audiences, Universal Studios Hollywood is further bridging international fandoms through immersive storytelling.
As anime continues to grow in popularity worldwide, events like Universal Fan Fest Nights highlight how franchises such as Sailor Moon are evolving beyond the screen—offering fans new ways to engage with beloved characters and stories in real-world environments.
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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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Japanese illustrator Acky Bright has become one of the most exciting names in global pop culture, fusing his signature kawakakkoii (cute × cool) aesthetic into projects that bridge anime, gaming, music, and fashion.
Over the past two years, Bright’s work has exploded onto the international stage. In 2024, he spearheaded McDonald’s worldwide “WcDonald’s” campaign, designing manga-style packaging, original characters, and a digital manga series that brought anime culture into fast-food history. He also teamed up with chart-topping band ASTERISM on the Planet of Metal concept album, creating a 28-page artbook that expanded their musical world into visual storytelling. Fans of gaming saw his touch in the Monster Hunter Now × Ayase collaboration, where Bright’s illustrations powered an energetic crossover of music and monster hunting.
Characters Designed by Acky Bright (Left to Right): Mia, Carm, J, Flurry, Mr.Bev, Wicke, Burg, Midnight, Quart Sr, and the WcDizer 3000.
Planet of Metal concept by Acky Bright
On the fine art side, Bright’s “Studio Infinity” solo exhibition at Japan Society in New York blurred the line between gallery and studio. Visitors watched him live-draw massive murals and even join in on the process, highlighting his love for interactive creation.
At Anime Expo 2025, Bright delivered one of the convention’s most talked-about panels, mixing live art games like “Guess the Sketch” and the “3 Deck Challenge” with big announcements. He teased a major cross-industry project set for October 2025, showcased a prototype of his upcoming Underverse collectible figure, and reaffirmed his lifelong dedication to designing original characters.
Acky Bright’s journey demonstrates not only his versatility but also his commitment to making art that’s playful, edgy, and deeply personal.
Exclusive Interview with Acky Bright
We at The Kitsune Network had the honor of speaking with Acky Bright to discuss his recent projects, his artistic philosophy, and what fans can expect next,
Krystal:
You’ve worked with McDonald’s on some high-profile anime-inspired projects – from the global “WcDonald’s” campaign (complete with manga-style ads and even an immersive LA restaurant experience) to a viral McDonald’s Japan music video promotion featuring popular artists like Ado, YOASOBI, and Hoshimachi Suisei. How did you approach blending your manga-style art with such an iconic fast-food brand, and what was most challenging or rewarding about bringing these campaigns to life?
WcDonald’s iconic Manga paper bag, designed by Acky Birght.
Acky:
Regarding WcDonald’s, I found it incredibly cool that the actual McDonald’s launched a global campaign using the “WcDonald’s” parody—a concept long familiar in anime and manga. I was truly honored and excited to be selected as the campaign’s main designer. I also had a great degree of creative freedom, which made the entire experience genuinely enjoyable from beginning to end. Given my understanding of Western culture, I think I was able to deliver work that left both the client and fans highly satisfied. In Japan, McDonald’s campaigns are major cultural moments each year, and this one was led by a creative team composed of some of the country’s top talents, so it was a fantastic project to be a part of. I was also given considerable freedom in designing the characters, which made the process all the more enjoyable. One additional point: each popular artist has their own loyal fanbase. So when creating the designs, I considered not only the artist themselves, but also how to make their fans happy through the visuals.
Krystal:
At Anime Expo 2025, you surprised fans with a sneak peek of an upcoming figure based on one of your original designs. This is part of your partnership with collectible company Underverse to create high-end figures. How does it feel to see one of your illustrations come to life as a detailed 3D figure, and what can you tell us about the design or story behind this character? Are there more figures or plans in the works through this collaboration?
Acky:
As for the UNDER VERSE project, while I can’t go into too much detail as this was shown as a bit of fan service, I’m absolutely thrilled that a figure of mine is being produced as part of the “SEVEN STARS” series. The official setting is as follows: when the silicon-based civilization tore through the constraints of the “Three Laws of AI,” a torrent of machines was unleashed within the quantum matrix, issuing a final judgment upon human civilization and bringing it under machine rule. In response, humanity leveraged the “GAME” system—featuring rogue AI warriors that still retained remnants of the Three Laws—to ignite rebellion through a bounty-based mechanism. The first figure in the series is MONICA, once a member of the “Number 7s.” Originally created by AI as the perfect warrior to carry out humanity’s extinction, she now fights back—having lost those memories. The plan is to release more figures of these “Number 7s” warriors, and I hope the project will eventually evolve into something like an anime.
Krystal:
Your solo exhibition “Studio Infinity” at Japan Society in New York essentially turned the gallery into your personal studio – you were live-drawing on site, letting visitors watch and even participate as you created manga-style murals in real time. What was that experience like for you, performing your art live in a museum setting? Did interacting with visitors on the spot influence the pieces you created?
Acky:
This was my first solo exhibition in the U.S., and it was held at a gallery with more than a century of history—one that has hosted only world-renowned artists. It was truly an unforgettable experience for me. Some people came back to visit every week, and I was able to form real friendships with them. I imagine it’s unlikely that another artist will exhibit something similar at Japan Society in the future, which makes me feel incredibly grateful. I look back on this time with nothing but happiness.
Krystal:
Any plans on bringing “Studio Infinity” to Los Angeles?
Acky:
If the opportunity arises, I’d definitely love to do it again. There are many great galleries in Los Angeles, so I hope to make it happen someday.
Krystal:
Your art style is often described as kawakakkoii – a blend of “cute” and “cool” aesthetics. When designing characters, how do you decide what elements should be charming or adorable versus which should be edgy or “cool” to achieve that mix?
Acky:
I’m not the type of artist who draws based on theory, so I can’t say for sure how my style developed. However, the phrase “kawa-kakkoii” (“cute and cool”) has become somewhat of a signature descriptor for me. It actually originated from manga artist Yusuke Murata (of Eyeshield 21 and One-Punch Man fame), who once posted on social media that he had purchased my art book and used that term to describe my work. I’ve proudly adopted it ever since.
Krystal:
You’ve mentioned that you have a lifelong passion for creating your own original characters rather than working on pre-existing IPs. How has focusing on original designs (instead of fan art or existing IP) helped shape your career and identity as an artist?
Acky:
When I was in middle school and first dreamed of becoming a professional artist—with no real basis for that dream—I told myself: “You can’t become a true artist by copying others.” Of course, as we live, we naturally absorb influences from everywhere, and as professionals, it’s important to understand trends. But even within that, I try to maintain originality and focus on expressing what makes my work me.
Krystal:
What elements in daily life inspire you to create your own original characters?
Acky:
My inspiration comes from everything I see. In that sense, traveling the world and experiencing different cultures is an incredible source of creative fuel. I also make a conscious effort to absorb input—whether it’s watching all kinds of videos or listening to music—especially because when work gets busy, output tends to take over.
Krystal:
You’ve achieved so many collaborations across music, gaming, and even fashion – Looking to the future, is there a dream project or medium you haven’t tackled yet that you’d love to try next? Overall, what new goals or aspirations are you excited to pursue as you continue to evolve your artistic journey?
Acky:
My next goal is to build a studio in the U.S., where I can take on even larger projects as a producer, working with other artists from around the world. I want to go beyond just anime and games—live-action, too. My ultimate dream is to recreate the energy and excitement of 1990s shonen manga magazines, but on a global scale. I already have a concrete idea that might make it possible, so this may very well be my “dream project.”
Krystal:
As an artist who has overcome your own artistic challenges, What advice or messages would you have for those who want to pursue an artistic career?
Acky:
That’s why I want to encourage people to free themselves from comparing their work to others or measuring their value by the number of likes on social media. If you keep going, you’ll come to understand: once you choose the path of art, “creating” becomes a lifelong journey. So don’t get caught up in momentary praise, fleeting trends, or surface-level recognition. They don’t matter in the long run.
Acky Bright’s career is a testament to how art can transcend borders, industries, and mediums without losing its soul. From redefining global branding campaigns to reimagining gallery spaces a interactive canvas, he continues to push the boundaries of what manga-inspired art can achieve. As Bright himself reminds us, true artistry isn’t about likes or fleeting trends, but about the lifelong journey of creation. With October’s mysterious new project on the horizon, fans around the globe have every reason to stay excited: Acky Bright is just getting started.
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Nyaight of the Living Cat takes the apocalypse in a cuter—but no less terrifying—direction. Based on the manga by Hawkman and Mecha-Roots, the 2025 anime follows survivors in a world where touching a cat transforms humans into cute, cuddly felines.
Produced by OLM with legendary filmmaker Takashi Miike serving as chief director, the series blends horror and comedy with tongue-in-cheek style. It premiered in Japan on July 7, 2025, and began streaming worldwide on Crunchyroll the same week.
English Dub Cast
Crunchyroll’s English dub debuted July 19, 2025, as part of its Summer SimulDub lineup, featuring:
Jason Douglas as Kunagi (Dragon Ball Super, Chainsaw Man)
Maria Delilah as Kaoru (WIND BREAKER Season 2)
Lew Temple as Tanishi (The Walking Dead)
Sara Ragsdale as Tanishi (Cat)
Ben Bryant as Gaku
Paul T. Taylor as the Narrator
The ensemble is rounded out by Aaron Campbell, Aaron Roberts, Brian Mathis, Madeleine Norton, Barry Yandell, and more—voicing survivors and cats alike.
Interview at the CatCafe Lounge
We sat down with Jason Douglas, Maria Delilah, and Lew Temple at Los Angeles’ CatCafe Lounge to talk about stepping into this hilarious-yet-harrowing world. Their insights on balancing horror and humor bring fresh perspective to this one-of-a-kind series.
With a stellar English cast and a premise equal parts adorable and horrifying, Nyaight of the Living Cat is a must-watch this summer. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Crunchyroll.
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Get ready, Trainers—Pokémon just dropped an info bomb, and we’re still catching our breath (and plushies). In a globally streamed Pokémon Presents, The Pokémon Company unveiled major updates, game launches, and jaw-dropping collabs sure to keep fans buzzing through 2026 and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest announcements from today’s showcase:
Welcome Back to Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Launching October 16, 2025 on Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes players back to a beautifully reimagined Lumiose City—but this isn’t your average Kalos stroll.
Daytime Exploration: Wander through city zones and wild areas, where you’ll run into massive, glowing Alpha Pokémon that are tough to catch and tougher to beat. Z-A Royale Battles (at night!): Battle your way up the ranks and take on high-tier Trainers—including Corbeau, leader of the shady Rust Syndicate.
Meet the Locals: Help detective Emma solve mysteries or support scientist Mable in Pokémon research to earn sweet rewards like TMs. Rogue Mega Evolution Alert: Wild Pokémon are Mega Evolving without warning! Battle them with the help of Team MZ and earn Mega Stones.
New Mega Forms Revealed: Say hello to Mega Dragonite, now rocking sleek Dragonair-inspired wings and serious flight speed boosts.
Pokémon Champions (2026): Competitive Battling Goes Global
Ready to build your dream team and rise through the ranks? Pokémon Champions hits Switch, Switch 2, iOS, and Android in 2026, bringing an intense new format focused on strategy and customization.
Trial & Permanent Recruitment: Try Pokémon before committing, then use Victory Points (VP) to permanently recruit and train your favorites.
Battle Modes: Choose from Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, or invite friends to Private Battles—play solo or in doubles!
Plushie Chaos in Pokémon Friends — Available Now!
Need a mental cooldown? Pokémon Friends is a new puzzle game now live on Switch, Switch 2, and mobile platforms. Solve puzzles to earn yarn and craft Pokémon plushies using the adorable Plush-O-Matic. Decorate your own plushie room and help the residents of Think Town through “friend quests.”
Over 1,200 puzzles
150+ plushies to collect
Daily stamps, calendar goals, and up to 5 save files for family fun
Created with Wonderfy Inc., this one’s perfect for cozy gamers and collectors.
Aardman x Pokémon = Stop-Motion Gold
Yes, you read that right. The team behind Wallace & Gromit is teaming up with Pokémon for a new stop-motion series, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu.
Coming 2027, the series promises all the wit, charm, and visual magic Aardman is known for. The teaser already has fans swooning. Watch it now on the official Pokémon YouTube channel,
Mega Evolution Returns to the Pokémon TCG
Revealed ahead of the Mega Evolution Expansion launching September 26, 2025, new cards features, Mega Lucario ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, and A stunning Bulbasaur–Ivysaur–Mega Venusaur ex panorama set.
This expansion is a must-have for collectors and competitive TCG players alike.
2025 Pokémon World Championships – Anaheim, CA
From August 15–17, Trainers will gather in Anaheim for this year’s World Championships. A newly revealed Paradise Resort promo card joins the previously announced Celebration Pikachu—available to participants (while supplies last).
Get ready, anime fans and baseball lovers—two passionate fandoms are colliding under the lights of Dodger Stadium! On Friday, August 15, the Los Angeles Dodgers will transform their home field into a Demon Slayer-themed celebration, complete with exclusive giveaways, themed entertainment, and a stunning drone show inspired by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the highly anticipated film debuting this September.
As part of this epic crossover event, every fan in attendance for the Dodgers vs. Padres game at 7:10 p.m. will receive a co-branded Dodgers × Demon Slayer hat—a collectible that’s sure to ignite both team spirit and anime hype.
But the night doesn’t stop at free merch.
Fans can expect pregame and in-game promotions, a Demon Slayer activation area in Centerfield Plaza, and even a ceremonial first pitch—all leading up to a spectacular postgame drone show themed around the Infinity Castle arc. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Demon Slayer Corps soar above a baseball diamond, this is your chance.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba enjoys a following with the same kind of passion that Dodger fans bring to the ballpark,” said Lon Rosen, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer for the Dodgers. “There’s a real overlap between these two fanbases, and we’re excited to bring them together for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night.
This special event marks the latest in a growing wave of anime collaborations in mainstream sports—and it’s perfectly timed. The upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle film, the first chapter of a three-part cinematic finale, hits North American theaters September 12, 2025, courtesy of Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The film plunges viewers into an all-out war within Muzan Kibutsuji’s domain, as Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the elite Hashira face their most perilous mission yet. Expect jaw-dropping animation from ufotable, intense battles, and the emotional stakes that made Demon Slayer a global phenomenon.
Whether you’re shouting “Let’s go Dodgers!” or “Breath of the Sun, First Form!”—this is a night you won’t want to miss.
For tickets and more info visit, dodgers.com. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle premieres September 12, 2025 – in theaters, IMAX®, and premium formats. Visit demonslayer-anime.com for more information.
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STARTING TODAY, Burger King is leveling up its kids’ meals with a shinobi twist! This summer, the fast food giant is teaming up with one of anime’s most iconic franchises—Naruto—for a limited-edition King Jr. Meal toy drop that’s sure to stir up nostalgia and excite new fans alike.
Participating Burger King locations across the U.S. will serve up more than just fries and Whoppers—they’ll be dishing out exclusive Naruto toys with every King Jr. Meal. The lineup includes eight collectible figures featuring beloved characters from the Hidden Leaf Village, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake.
Whether you’re a longtime fan who grew up watching Naruto chase his dream of becoming Hokage, or you’re just getting into the series (which, by the way, has been the most streamed anime on Hulu and Netflix for three years running), this collab is the perfect way to bring some ninja flair to your next meal.
But wait, there’s a special perk for California-based fans: From July 14 through early October, select locations in the Golden State will be offering King Jr. Meals for just $3.99. Yep—you can grab food and get one step closer to completing your Naruto toy collection without breaking the bank.
So, whether you’re collecting them all or just snagging your favorite shinobi, this is one fast food collab that deserves a dattebayo!
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Hololive’s presence in the global pop culture landscape has grown from niche phenomenon to household name, with fans cheering on their favorite VTuber talents across continents. But in July 2025, that evolution took a historic leap—straight onto the field of Dodger Stadium..
During the second-ever Hololive Night at Dodger Stadium, VTubers Ninomae Ina’nis, IRyS, and Koseki Bijou took over the jumbotron along side a first-of-its-kind live stream from a major U.S. sports venue. The night also featured themed merch, interactive fan activities, and a first pitch thrown by COVER Corporation CEO, Motoaki Tanigo himself.
Motoaki Tanigo takes to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch | Image via linkedin
We caught up with COVER Corp CEO Motoaki Tanigo following the wildly successful Hololive × Dodgers Night 2025. From ceremonial first pitches to real-time VTuber livestreams in a stadium, Tanigo shared his thoughts on Hololive’s explosive growth and future plans.
Interview with COVER Corporation CEO Motoaki Tanigo
Krystal:
You threw the ceremonial first pitch at the second Hololive Night at Dodger Stadium—how did it feel stepping onto that mound with thousands of fans cheering? Did you prepare/practice before the game?
Tanigo-san:
I’ve thrown the first pitch in Japan before, but doing it at Dodger Stadium was a special experience. I didn’t practice beforehand, but I did get a chance to warm up on the field right before.
This was the first time Hololive VTubers livestreamed from a major U.S. sports stadium. What did it mean for you to witness Hololive talents on the stadium screen?
Tanigo-san:
One of the biggest appeals of VTubers is their interactive engagement with fans. By having them appear on the stadium screen in real time, I believe fans enjoyed it even more than the first collaboration.
Krystal:
Did you get to meet any of the Dodgers players backstage? Any fans of VTubers among them?
Tanigo-san:
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to meet any of the Dodgers players.
Krystal:
The fan response at the stadium was electric—did anything from that night surprise or deeply move you?
Tanigo-san:
After the game, seeing fans run around the field together, having so much fun, made me truly glad we did this collaboration.
Now that Hololive has reached Dodger Stadium, are there any other unexpected venues or collaborations you’re aiming for? Maybe the Super Bowl halftime show or The Olympics next?
Tanigo-san:
First, I’d like to deepen collaborations with gaming events. But eventually, I’d also love to partner with other major sports leagues like the NBA or NFL.
Krystal:
What’s something you still want Hololive to explore that hasn’t been done yet?
Tanigo-san:
I’d love to have our talents appear on American TV shows, music programs, or talk shows. We’ve already done this in Japan, but I want to make it happen in the U.S. too.
With more in-person VTuber events growing popular, anime cafes have also seen an increase outside Japan. Can we expect a Hololive Cafe in the near future?
Tanigo-san:
I’d love to bring the kind of collaboration cafes we’ve done in Japan and Asia to the U.S. And not just cafes—I want to expand partnerships with restaurants and other venues too.
Krystal:
If you were to debut as a Hololive VTuber tomorrow, what would your name, concept, and catchphrase be?
Tanigo-san:
Unfortunately, I don’t have the talent to be an entertainer, so debuting in Hololive would be tough. I’d rather leave those opportunities to younger, more talented people.
Krystal:
Finally, any message you’d like to send to Hololive fans around the world?
Tanigo-san:
I believe VTubers are an incredible tool for young, talented individuals to shine as entertainers. Moving forward, we’ll keep debuting amazing talents that fans will love to support, and we’ll explore new ventures—like TCGs—that bring everyone joy. Thank you for your continued support!
Looking ahead
As Hololive’s reach continues to expand—from streaming platforms to IRL locations—Tanigo’s vision remains rooted in uplifting young talent and reimagining what entertainment can be in the ever evolving, digital age. Whether it’s a late-night talk show debut or a slam dunk VTuber collab with the NBA, fans around the world will be watching—and cheering.
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TOKYOPOP and Kinokuniya USA have announced a special summer art exhibition to celebrate the ongoing success of Lullaby of the Dawn, the acclaimed BL fantasy manga by creator Ichika Yuno. Titled Scenes from Lullaby of the Dawn: Celebrating 1.7 Million Copies Sold, the activation will take place at eight Kinokuniya store locations across five U.S. states from July through August 2025.
The limited-run in-store exhibits will showcase official artwork from the series and offer fans a chance to purchase manga volumes and exclusive licensed merchandise, including art prints, postcards, and sticker sets. Each exhibit will run for 10 days, with select dates aligning with major anime conventions such as Anime Expo, Anime Matsuri, and Anime NYC.
Exhibit Schedule and Locations
July 3–13: Kinokuniya Katy (TX) – during Anime Matsuri
July 3–13: Kinokuniya Los Angeles (CA) – during Anime Expo
July 18–27: Kinokuniya Austin (TX) and Kinokuniya Santa Anita (CA)
August 1–10: Kinokuniya Atlanta (GA) and Kinokuniya San Francisco (CA)
August 21–31: Kinokuniya New York (NY) – during Anime NYC
August 21–31: Kinokuniya Seattle (WA)
The exhibit celebrates the growing global fanbase of Lullaby of the Dawn, which won first place in the 2022 Chill Chill BL Awards’ Best Comic category. The story follows Elva, a kannagi warrior priest corrupted by the power of the black sea, and Alto, a devoted young villager who vows to serve him and help free him from his curse. Set in a rich fantasy world, the series explores themes of fate, loneliness, devotion, and healing.
“We’re very proud to partner with Kinokuniya USA to present this special exhibit for manga fans,” said Owais Farooqui, Director of Marketing and Sales at TOKYOPOP. “Several dates also coincide with some of North America’s biggest summer anime conventions, and we invite fans to add it as a must-see highlight on their con schedules.”
Kinokuniya also emphasized the collaboration’s significance, with East Coast Regional Manager Shigekazu Watanabe stating, “We are excited to present Scenes from Lullaby of the Dawn with TOKYOPOP and mark an important sales milestone for the series.”
The English edition of Lullaby of the Dawn is published under TOKYOPOP’s LoveLove imprint. The original Japanese edition is released by ShuCream, Inc. Explore the titles here.
About Lullaby of the Dawn
Elva, an immortal shaman with snow-white hair and cursed blackened limbs, battles nightmarish sea creatures to protect his island. Feared and isolated, his world changes when he meets Alto, a brave and loyal boy who pledges to serve him. As the years pass, Alto matures into a skilled warrior whose presence begins to undo the corruption within Elva’s body—and perhaps his heart.
Japanese audio brand AVIOT, operated by Preseed Japan Corporation, has officially launched its 2025 Spring/Summer Promo Tour with appearances scheduled at five major anime conventions throughout North America. Known for combining cutting-edge technology with fan-favorite characters, AVIOT will showcase and sell its unique line of character voice earbuds and exclusive collaboration merchandise during this promotional run.
Following appearances at Sakura-Con and Anime Boston earlier this year, the tour will continue with stops at OffKai Expo (June 19–21), Anime Expo (July 3–6), and Anime NYC (August 23–25). Fans attending these events will have a chance to explore AVIOT’s character voice earbuds—high-performance wireless earbuds featuring custom voice recordings, thematic artwork, and immersive audio tuning inspired by popular anime, games, and VTubers.
Each earbud model offers voice prompts voiced by the featured characters, including exclusive lines only available through the “Random Voice” function. Some models come equipped with multiple voice modes that can be toggled through a companion app, enhancing replayability and personal customization. In addition to fan-centric features, AVIOT earbuds include high-end specs such as active noise cancellation, long battery life, and premium sound quality. Many collaboration models are based on AVIOT’s award-winning TE-V1R, praised for its performance and design.
At each convention stop, AVIOT will host interactive booth displays with product demos, limited-run merchandise, and previews of upcoming collaborations currently open for pre-order. Supplies are limited, and product availability may vary at each event.
