Anime and dessert fans rejoice! Beard Papa’s, the legendary Japanese bakery known for its fresh and natural cream puffs, has announced a magical partnership with the hit anime Mashle: Magic and Muscles. This exclusive collaboration features limited-edition cream puffs and merchandise inspired by the series, bringing together the enchanting world of Mashle and the irresistible flavors of Beard Papa’s. The best part about this; IT’S NOW AVAILABLE!
Mashle Puff: Classic vanilla custard-filled puff topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar.
Lance Puff: Blue-colored white chocolate éclair filled with rich chocolate cream.
Finn Puff: Yellow-lined chocolate éclair filled with chocolate cream.
Lemon Puff: Lemon crumble puff filled with strawberry cheesecake cream.
Dot Puff: Strawberry crumble puff filled with strawberry cheesecake cream.
Fans can indulge in the Mashle magic by purchasing the exclusive Mashle Box Set, which includes one of each character-inspired puff.
Exclusive Merchandise for Collectors
Beyond the sweet treats, the collaboration offers exclusive Mashle x Beard Papa’s merchandise, perfect for fans looking to commemorate the partnership:
Mashle x Beard Papa’s T-Shirt: A limited-edition shirt combining Mashle designs with Beard Papa’s branding. Available throughout the promotion.These shirts are available at a local Beard Papa’s near you. Available 1/15/25. Want one but not near a store? >>Online ordering here.
Mashle x Beard Papa’s Acrylic Standee: Featuring Mashle character designs, these standees are a free gift with the purchase of a 6-pack box set (while supplies last). Available during January. Starts 1/15/25! First come first served. Limited time offer. In Store Only!
Mashle x Beard Papa’s Tote Bag: A durable and magical tote bag, available as a free gift with the purchase of a 12-pack box set (while supplies last). STARTS 2/22/25!
Official Statement from Beard Papa’s
Mark Nathan, Marketing Director at Beard Papa’s, shared his excitement about the collaboration,
“This partnership merges the magic of Mashle with the joy of our cream puffs. We’re thrilled to offer fans an immersive experience that celebrates anime and dessert in the sweetest way possible.”
– via press release
How to Join the Magic
The Mashle: Magic and Muscles collaboration is available at participating Beard Papa’s locations across the USA. Don’t miss the chance to savor these exclusive treats and collect the limited-edition merchandise.
For more information, visit www.beardpapas.com and follow Beard Papa’s on social media!
About Beard Papa’s
Since its founding in Osaka, Japan, in 1999, Beard Papa’s has become a global sensation with over 485 stores worldwide. Known for its commitment to freshness and quality, the bakery specializes in baking cream puffs daily and filling them with a variety of custards made from the finest ingredients.
Whether you’re an anime enthusiast or a dessert lover, this collaboration promises a magical, one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t miss out!
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The highly anticipated anime adaptation of The Mononoke Lecture Logs of Chuzenji-sensei: He Just Solves All the Mysteries is officially set to air in April 2025! This supernatural school mystery, based on a spin-off manga by Aki Shimizu, serves as a prequel to the acclaimed Hyakki Yako novel series by Natsuhiko Kyogoku, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Set in post-war Tokyo in 1948, the story follows Kanna Kusakabe, a high school girl, and Akihiko Chuzenji, a surly new literature teacher, as they tackle a series of mysterious supernatural incidents at school. The anime blends youthful drama, eerie mysteries, and a sprinkle of humor in an intriguing narrative.
New Cast Members Announced
Adding to the excitement, three additional cast members have been confirmed:
Shinnosuke Tachibana as Reijiro Enokizu, a dashing young man with an eyepatch and a complicated past with Chuzenji.
Shuya Nishiji as Takumi Sekiguchi, a socially anxious researcher with a passion for myxomycetes.
Takanori Hoshino as Shutaro Kiba, a dependable police officer and childhood friend of Enokizu.
When I knew the audition results that I would get to play Reijiro Enokizu, I was genuinely thrilled! And… I’m really looking forward to seeing how the humor and fear of the original story will be brought to life in the anime.
Every character in the story is full of quirks and quite a handful, but during the recording sessions, hearing the performances of the cast brought these “troublesome” characters to life in a way that made them seem so endearing and lovable. Everyone is truly charming. I’m excited to watch the broadcast!
I’m Takanori Hoshino, and I’ll be playing the role of Shutaro Kiba! Kiba is a dependable adult, a warm-hearted friend, and a character who I think will resonate with viewers, sharing in their surprises and reactions throughout the story. He appears quite frequently, too! Please look forward to it!
– via press release
Key Visuals and Teaser Trailer Released
A teaser trailer has also been released, offering a glimpse into the suspenseful and atmospheric world of Chuzenji-sensei.
Music: Keichi Hirokawa and Ryuichi Takada (MONACA)
Studio: 100studio
The Mononoke Lecture Logs of Chuzenji-sensei will air in Japan beginning April 2025. For more information, visit the official website or follow the anime on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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In an exciting announcement, The Pokémon Company International revealed that the globally beloved Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) will soon be available in Latin American Spanish. Starting with the upcoming Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together expansion, set to release on March 28, 2025, Trainers across Latin America will be able to experience the TCG in their native language.
This marks another significant milestone following the introduction of Latin American Spanish to Pokémon GO in May 2024, furthering the franchise’s commitment to its dedicated Latin American audience. Since its debut in 1996, the Pokémon TCG has become a global sensation, praised for its innovative expansions, competitive play opportunities, and digital platforms like the Pokémon TCG Live app.
“Our Latin American fans have always been a vibrant and important part of the passionate Pokémon community,” [said Tomas Cortijo, regional director for Latin America at The Pokémon Company International.] “Incorporating Latin American Spanish into the Pokémon TCG allows us to provide them with a new way to engage with the brand, starting with the exciting adventure of Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together.”
-via press release
Return of Trainer’s Pokémon
The Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together expansion will reintroduce Trainer’s Pokémon cards, a fan-favorite mechanic last seen in Gym Heroes. These cards highlight the unique bond between Trainers and their Pokémon, featuring the Trainer’s name alongside stunning artwork. Fans can look forward to new additions like N’s Zoroark ex, Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Iono’s Bellibolt ex, and Hop’s Zacian ex.
The set includes:
4 Trainer’s Pokémon ex
16 Pokémon ex
11 illustration rare Pokémon
6 special illustration rare Pokémon
3 hyper rare gold-etched cards
Launch Details and Early Play Opportunities
Fans can purchase Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and other collections at participating retailers worldwide, including Pokémon Center, the official hub for Pokémon merchandise. Preorders for select products, such as the Elite Trainer Box and Enhanced Booster Display Box, are now available at Pokémon Center in the U.S.,Canada, and the U.K.
Players eager to get their hands on the new cards can participate in Prerelease tournaments starting March 15, 2025, as part of the Play! Pokémon program. For digital enthusiasts, the expansion will be playable on the Pokémon TCG Live app beginning March 27, 2025, a day before the physical release.
Experience the Journey Together
With the expansion introducing new game mechanics and making the TCG more accessible, Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together is shaping up to be a landmark moment for Pokémon fans worldwide. For more information, visit Pokemon.com/TCG.
Pokémon Trainers, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey? Let us know which cards you’re most excited to collect!
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Anime Los Angeles 2025 (ALA 20) concluded on January 12, 2025, leaving attendees with cherished memories from one of the West Coast’s first anime conventions of the year. Held at the Long Beach Convention Center, this year’s event not only showcased the best of anime culture but also brought the community together to explore the convention’s nostalgic theme: History.
This year’s theme, History, set the stage for celebrating Robotech’s 40th anniversary while highlighting anime’s evolution into a global phenomenon. Robotech (1985) introduced Western audiences to anime with its blend of mecha battles, love, and survival across generations. Created by combining three Japanese series, Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada— its mature storytelling and rich lore made it a cornerstone of anime’s global popularity.
Attendees enjoyed a range of insightful panels, including Anime Mecha to Real-Life Toys, featuring guest of honor Keiichiro Maeno. Maeno shared his expertise on 3D sculpting, articulation, and the recreation of iconic mechanical anime designs.
The panel The Making of Robotech offered a nostalgic look at anime production in the 1980s, a time when the medium was far from mainstream. Meanwhile, fans also got a glimpse of anime’s future with the special premiere of Lazarus, an upcoming series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, celebrated for classics like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.
Star Guests and Memorable Moments
ALA 20’s lineup featured an impressive roster of Guests of Honor:
Shinji Aramaki (Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045), who shared insights into the future of animation.
Tomonori Kogawa (Space Runaway Ideon, Aura Battler Dunbine), offering a rare retrospective of his career in character design.
Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo), who packed the main hall during his signing sessions and Q&A session about directing timeless classics.
SHIHORI, whose musical performances captivated fans during the live entertainment on Friday night.
This year’s ALA featured an impressive lineup of talent, including voice actors Rebecca Forstadt, Melanie MacQueen, Wendy Lee, Suzie Yeung, Richard Epcar, and his wife, Ellyn Stern along with popular influencerKaho Shibuya.
Exclusive Premieres and Screenings
Attendees were treated to exclusive previews of upcoming anime projects, including the premiere of Shinichiro Wantabe’s highly anticipated anime series Lazarus. The series is set in 2052 and follows Axel, a master criminal, on a mission to find the missing creator of Hapna—a drug that brought global peace but hides deadly consequences. The series features action design by Chad Stahelski (John Wick) and a soundtrack by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo, promising thrilling visuals and a rich auditory experience. Lazarus is set to premiere on Adult Swim in 2025, joining the year’s most anticipated anime releases.
Attendees also enjoy concert night on Friday and Saturday, featuring local talent and musical guests such as hard rock band, Against The Sun and Jpop artist, SHIHORI.
What con without an exhibit hall? ALA’s Vendor Hall and Artist Alley were a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise and one-of-a-kind artwork. From collectible figures to fan art prints, attendees had plenty of opportunities to support creators and take home unique souvenirs.
Anime Los Angeles continues to be a cornerstone of anime fandom on the West Coast, blending community-driven programming with industry innovation. With ALA 21 already announced for January 2026, fans are eager to see what next year will bring.
Stay tuned for our interviews from Anime Los Angeles 2025.For more information and updates, visit the official Anime Los Angeles website or follow their social media channels.
What was your favorite part of ALA 20? Let us know in the comments!
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The beloved isekai series Noble Reincarnation ~Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power~ by Nazuna Miki has officially announced its anime adaptation. Followers of the series can look forward to a high-energy adventure following Noa, the thirteenth prince of the emperor, whose reincarnation gifts him with an infinite level cap and an unparalleled cheat skill that absorbs the abilities of others.
Thanks to all of you！ The anime adaptation of “Noble Reincarnation ~Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power~” has been decided! One of the concepts of this work is to “thoroughly pursue the ideal image of nobility in another world,” and I have always been anxious about whether this would be accepted. However, to all of you who read it on “Shousetsuka ni Narou”, to those who read the original novel, and to those who read the manga adaptation— It is thanks to your strong support that we have reached the point of an anime adaptation. With the best staff coming together for the anime, I am confident that it will be a wonderful work. I ask for your continued support for the anime “Noble Reincarnation.”
– via press release
Comment from the Character Designer, kyo
Congratulations on the anime adaptation of “Noble Reincarnation ~Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power~”! When the first volume of “Noble Reincarnation” was released, I had great conversations with Nazuna Miki-sensei and the fans about what it would be like if it were adapted into an anime, but I never imagined it would actually happen…! I’ve enjoyed the manga adaptation every time, and now that the anime is coming, it’s just the best! I am filled with gratitude to everyone who has read it. I’ll be looking forward to it and will continue to support it as well.
– via press release
About the Story
Noa, reincarnated into the prestigious imperial family, uses his exceptional abilities to navigate the complexities of aristocratic life. With over 1.5 million copies sold, this thrilling blend of action, strategy, and character-driven drama has captivated fans worldwide.
Stay tuned for more details about the anime, including airing dates and production updates, on the official website kizoku-tensei.com and social media platforms. Follow the adventure of the ultimate isekai prince as he redefines power and nobility!
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BanG Deam fans can descend into the dark rhapsody of “KiLLKiSS”, the powerful opening theme for the highly anticipated gothic thriller anime BanG Dream! Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast –. Performed by Ave Mujica, the track combines their signature symphonic metal style with a dark and immersive narrative, setting the perfect tone for the series.
“KiLLKiSS” is the result of a stellar collaboration. The track features composition by Daisuke Hasegawa and lyrics by Diggy-MO.
A Dark Tale in the BanG Dream! Universe
BanG Dream! Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – is the latest addition to the BanG Dream! franchise, turning the spotlight on the mysterious band Ave Mujica. Premiering worldwide TODAY January 2, 2025, and available on Crunchyroll, this intriguing series delves into the complexities of the music industry, exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and hidden pasts through its gripping storyline and engaging sound.
For fans eager to revisit Ave Mujica’s captivating sound, “KiLLKiSS” will be available for streaming on Spotify starting January 8, 2025. The physical single, scheduled for release on January 15, 2025, will include both the opening and ending theme songs (Regular edition CD jacket). A limited-edition version will come with an exclusive Blu-ray featuring Ave Mujica’s 3rd LIVE “Veritas,” a concert that took place on October 13, 2024, at the scenic Kawaguchiko Stella Theater.
Regular edition CD jacket Limited edition CD jacket
Ave Mujica at “Ave Mujica 3rd LIVE ‘Veritas'” on October 13, 2024
Meet Ave Mujica
Band Visual Image
Ave Mujica stands out in the BanG Dream! universe for their gothic-themed aesthetic and enigmatic performances. The band’s lineup includes:
Uika Misumi (Doloris): Lead guitar and vocals
Mutsumi Wakaba (Felicitas): Rhythm guitar
Umiri Yahata (Beatrix): Bass
Nyamu Yūtenji (Amoris): Drums
Sakiko Togawa (Sicil): Keyboards
Their music blends symphonic elements with heavy metal, creating a hauntingly unique soundscape that perfectly complements their dark, theatrical persona.
For more information about BanG Dream! Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast –, including episode guides and character profiles, visit the official website. Be sure to follow Ave Mujica’s official social media channels to stay updated on their latest performances and releases.
Whether you’re a long-time BanG Dream! fan or new to the series, BanG Dream! Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – promises to lead you on a symphonic journey into the depths of gothic metal. Experience the thrill today!
The beloved manga series Solo Camping For Two by Yudai Debata has surpassed a remarkable milestone, with over 3 million copies in sold. Fans have even more to celebrate following the announcement of a live-action drama adaptation set to premiere on January 9th on TOKYO MX. Adding to the excitement, the series will also be adapted into a TV anime, scheduled to air in July 2025.
The narrative follows Gen Kinokura, an experienced solo camper who values his solitude above all else. His peaceful lifestyle takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Shizuku Kusano, a cheerful but inexperienced camper. This chance meeting evolves into an unconventional partnership, creating a dynamic the series dubs “solo camping for two.”
PONY CANYON INC. describes the series as follows,
Gen Kinokura, 34 years old. A solitary camper who cherishes his alone time in nature, Gen enjoys his usual solo camping trips. However, when he’s about to head home after one of his trips, he unexpectedly encounters Shizuku Kusano, a complete beginner in camping. Reluctantly, Gen ends up camping with Shizuku, despite it being the last thing he wanted to do. What will become of Gen’s peaceful camping life now that it’s turned upside down by this new companion?
– Gen Kinokura (Voiced by: Daiki Hamano) The main protagonist, 34 years old. A true solo camper who finds solace and joy in solitude. While immersed in the tranquility of nature, he unexpectedly meets Shizuku, a woman who turns out to be exactly the opposite of his ideal camping companion.
– Shizuku Kusano (Voiced by: Mizuki Niizaki) The heroine of the story, 20 years old. A beginner camper who after meeting Gen during her first camping experience, decides to apprentice under him. She proposes the idea of solo camping for two, much to Gen’s reluctance.
Daiki Hamano (Voice of Gen Kinokura)
Hello, this is Daiki Hamano, playing the role of Gen Kinokura. As his name suggests, Gen is a stubborn man. While he struggles with personal relationships, he’s incredibly passionate and deeply dedicated when it comes to camping. To portray him, I’ve tried to embody the essence of an “old-school Showaera man” while also capturing the charm of someone who lives for his hobbies and dreams. Personally, I really admire people who are passionate and straightforward, so playing Gen has been a truly enjoyable experience for me.
When it comes to my own camping memories, a few stand out. During middle school, I participated in a school trip to Mount Tsukuba, where we had a campfire and performed skits with the entire grade. In high school, while living in Sydney, I took part in a survival camp in the Blue Mountains. Although these weren’t solo camping trips, both experiences left a lasting impression on me. At Mount Tsukuba, we shared stories and laughter around the campfire, while the Blue Mountains trip involved a five-day survival adventure where we carried all our food, utensils, and camping gear ourselves, planning our route from start to finish. Both are unforgettable memories.
Recording sessions for this series often feature intimate scenes with just a few characters, which has fostered a close, almost familial atmosphere among the cast. Led by narrator Shimura-san and dialect coach Shiro-san, we’ve shared many lively conversations about things like “what kind of camping we’d love to try” or “what food we’d want to cook.” Despite all the fun, we approach the performances and the story with great seriousness, carefully considering every word and line delivery. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. To all Solo Camping For Two fans and camping enthusiasts, I truly hope you’ll enjoy this unique take on the challenges and joys of camping. Camping really is the best, isn’t it? I hope this series inspires you to cook, explore, and embrace the camping spirit. And if we ever meet at a campsite someday, let’s try a little solo camping for two together!
Mizuki Niizaki (Voice of Shizuku Kusano)
Hello, nice to meet you! I’m Mizuki Niizaki, and I’ll be voicing Shizuku Kusano. Didn’t you wonder, “What does Solo Camping For Two even mean?” I certainly did when I first heard the title. I discovered the series during the audition process, and I was immediately intrigued by the idea of enjoying both camping and cooking knowledge all at once! In reality, I’ve never gone camping myself, as I’m more of an indoor person, but I’m excited to learn about camping alongside Shizuku.
Shizuku can be a bit pushy at times, but she’s incredibly earnest and sincere. So, I’ve tried to bring out as much of my own sincerity as possible when voicing her. I hope you’ll enjoy watching Shizuku grow throughout the series. Also, her Nagasaki dialect, which appears frequently, adds to her charm, so I’ve made sure to study it carefully. I hope you’ll look forward to that as well! This is actually my first regular anime role, and I’ve been nervous but excited at every recording session. However, with the guidance and advice I’ve received from Daiki Hamano, just like Shizuku learning from Gen, I feel like I’m growing with each session. I really hope the atmosphere of Solo Camping For Two reaches you all. Let’s enjoy both the camping and gourmet aspects of this show together!
A Special Celebration
To mark this exciting milestone, creator Yudai Debata unveiled a commemorative illustration featuring Shizuku and Gen celebrating the anime adaptation.
As Gen and Shizuku tackle the challenges of camping together and discover the joys of nature in their unique ways, fans can look forward to a heartwarming and refreshing adventure. Don’t miss the premiere of Solo Camping For Two in July 2025!
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Spin dash into January 2025 with a speedy Sonic upgrade! Samsung has announced an exciting collaboration with SEGA® to launch a new line of Sonic the Hedgehog™ PRO Plus microSD cards. These special-edition memory cards celebrate the beloved Sonic the Hedgehog franchise with designs inspired by its iconic characters, Knuckles (128GB), Tails (256GB), Sonic (512GB), and Shadow (1TB).
SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.
MUST HAVES For Any Sonic Collection!
These cards are designed for gamers and fans alike and offer more than just cool designs. Featuring Sonic-fast performance with sequential read and write speeds of up to 180 MB/s and 130 MB/s, respectively. The capacity to store massive game files, 4K UHD videos, or high-resolution images.
Character-Inspired Designs:
Knuckles (Red, 128GB)
Tails (Yellow, 256GB)
Sonic (Blue, 512GB)
Shadow (Black, 1TB)
Knuckles (Red, 128GB)| SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.Tails (Yellow, 256GB) | SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.Sonic (Blue, 512GB)| SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.Shadow (Black, 1TB) | SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.
Powerful Specs:
A2 Application Performance for faster load times.
The 1TB Shadow card can store over 47 hours of 4K UHD video, 437,000 4K UHD images, or 45 AAA games (20GB each).
Just like Team Sonic, these cards are built to withstand the toughest conditions. Tested by smasung, these cards are water-resistant, temperature-proof, and even survive drops from over 16 feet. They also resist X-rays, magnetic fields, and wear from up to 10,000 swipes. Samsung is offering a 10-year limited warranty with your card purcahse, so you’re covered for the long run.
Whether you’re gaming on a handheld console, filming with an action camera, or editing content on your tablet or smartphone, the Sonic PRO Plus microSD cards are ready to roll.
Availability and Pricing
The Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards hit shelves starting January 2025 and will be available on Samsung.com and select retailers. Pricing ranges from:
$23.99 (128GB – Knuckles)
$36.99 (256GB – Tails)
$68.99 (512GB – Sonic)
$125.99 (1TB – Shadow)
Don’t miss this exciting collaboration!
This collaboration fuses the speed and style of Sonic and his friends, with Samsung’s cutting-edge technology, giving gamers and Sonic fans a perfect way to rep the Sonic fandom while upgrading their storage. Sign up on the official Samsung website to be the first to know when Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD cards are available and get 30% off your first purchase (offered by Samsung).
What do you think of this Sonic x Samsung collab? Which character card are you grabbing? Let us know in the comments!
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The wait is over! Fans of the outrageous and genre-defying anime Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt can finally celebrate as the teaser PV for the highly anticipated sequel, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, has dropped! This bold and vibrant series, known for its distinctive cartoon-like animation style and raunchy humor, first aired in 2010 and became a global sensation. Now, Studio TRIGGER is bringing the series back with all the flair and chaos fans love.
The teaser PV not only showcases the series’ iconic visual style but also introduces the returning and new voice cast! Arisa Ogasawara is back as the ever-sassy Panty, alongside Mariya Ise, who reprises her role as the gothic and sweet-toothed Stocking. Joining them is Akeno Watanabe as Knee Socks and Yuko Natsuyoshi as the mischievous Fastener, along with many familiar voices returning from the original series.
In addition to the cast, the production team has unveiled more key staff members and details about the music. ☆Taku Takahashi of m-flo and TeddyLoid, the powerhouse duo behind the original series’ unforgettable soundtrack, are confirmed to return. With their dynamic soundscapes, fans can expect music that perfectly complements the chaos and charm of the returning series.
Japanese voice casts comments
Arisa Ogasawara / Panty,
This is Arisa Ogasawara, the voice of Panty. I couldn’t believe it when I first heard that “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” is coming back! I thought “Huh? No way! Is this a joke?!” But it’s true! And to top it off, it’s been 14 years… I’m super surprised! I’m really excited to meet the “bitches” again. Whether you’ve seen “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” before, never watched it, or watched it but couldn’t quite understand it, I hope you’re looking forward to it!
– via press release
Mariya Ise / Stocking,
No way… Is the legendary anime “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt”… coming back?!?! I’m definitely not the only one who has been eagerly waiting for a new series… It’s going to come back even stronger and cause chaos in Daten City!! Please look forward to it!!
– via press release
Koji Ishii / Garterbelt,
Ah, so it’s being renewed… I wonder who will act Garterbelt,” I thought, and then it turned out to be me. I was honestly surprised to be taking on that physically demanding role after 14 years, and I realized that I’d have to push myself and get in shape to handle it. After all, as you all know, it’s quite a serious role… So, I’m fully focused and deter to approach it with seriousness and dedication.
– via press release
Hiroyuki Yoshino / Brief,
Wow, are we really going to release this work into a world so full of restrictions…? To everyone who enjoyed the previous series, of course, and to those who are experiencing ”Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” for the first time with this new installment, I’d be so happy if you could enjoy this bold, no-holds-barred, unapologetic work—one that hides nothing and shies away from nothing!
– via press release
☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo),
I’m really happy to be able to participate again in such an experimental and bold work among the TRIGGER productions. Each episode has its own unique tone and I had a great time creating music in a variety of styles to match that. This time, we also worked on the production while having sessions with different track makers. Compared to the previous series, I was able to communicate even more closely with the TRIGGER staff, so I’d love for you to check out how the visuals and music synchronize this time!
– via press release
After its 14-year hiatus, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is shaping up to be an electrifying continuation of the cult classic. For updates the series, visit the official website (Japanese).
What are you most excited to see in the new series? Let us know in the comments below!
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MAKE A GIRL had its world premiere at the Global Stage Hollywood 2024 Film Festival on November 3rd! The new and upcoming animated film is directed by Gensho Yasuda, an independent artist and rising star in the world of Japanese animation. The film began as a crowdfunding campaign where it met its goal of 10 million yen to bring this film to life. The film is set to premiere in Japan on January 2025. I had the opportunity to watch MAKE A GIRL , ahead of its Japanese premiere, a rarity in anime.
Dir.Yasuda Gensho, and lead actress Tanezaki Atsumi, (No. 0) at the Global Stage Hollywood 2024 Film Festival | Source
Prior to watching this movie, I only knew a few bits and pieces about it and had never heard of Gensho Yasuda. The first time I heard about him and his work, was through my colleague’s interview from this year’s Anime Expo. I approached the movie with no expectations, just hoping it would be enjoyable. I must say, the movie was unexpectedly amazing!
Amazing CGI Animation
What truly surprised me about MAKE A GIRL was its CGI animation. For me, CGI-animated movies can be hit or miss, but this one was absolutely stunning. The animation was crisp, clean, and packed with detail. From the subtle character movements to the dynamic action scenes, every moment felt alive and engaging. It’s clear that an incredible amount of time and effort went into bringing this film to life. It’s been a while since I’ve seen CGI animation this impressive, and MAKE A GIRL has definitely earned a spot on my list of outstanding examples of the craft.
MAKE A GIRL is both intriguing and enjoyable. In the aforementioned interview, director Gensho Yasuda shared that the plot was inspired by the phrase “make a girlfriend” and its various interpretations. While I’m not sure if this was his original intent, I saw the plot from a different perspective. To me, the film explores the many meanings of love and what it truly means to be alive. This theme is beautifully conveyed through the interactions between Akira, the main character, and Zero, the girlfriend he creates. Their unique relationship brings depth and emotion to the story.
The movie is full of unexpected twists, especially when it comes to Akira’s backstory and the ending. The final twist ties beautifully back to the film’s opening, creating a seamless connection. Without giving too much away, there’s a key moment where characters, Zero and Akira share an emotional conversation about their relationship. I highly recommend watching this film—it truly resonated with me and brought my interpretation to life.
MAKE A GIRL is an impressive film with breathtaking CGI animation and a captivating story. Coming in with no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by how well-thought-out the plot and characters were. The animation truly stood out—it was clean, smooth, and an absolute visual delight. As someone who doesn’t watch much CGI animation, it’s been a while since I’ve seen work this polished, making MAKE A GIRL a must-watch for anime fans.
The film set to release on January 31st of the incoming year, I highly recommend watching this movie when it gets its international debut.
This marks the first full-length theatrical project by animator Gensho Yasuda, who has amassed over 6 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms. Known for his 3D short animations, music videos, and corporate promos, Yasuda’s work has been praised both in Japan and abroad. MAKE A GIRL is a completely original story, brought to life with 100% 3DCG and described as “300% Gensho Yasuda purity.” Its success is already evident—the crowdfunding campaign exceeded its goal by 230%, showcasing Yasuda’s incredible popularity and the high anticipation for this film.
KADOKAWA describes the film as follows,
The story takes place in the near future: Akira Mizutamari, a scientific genius who succeeded in developing and commercializing SALT, a robot that supports people’s lives, finds himself stuck in a rut when all of his new inventions fail. After hearing from a friend that he can “power up” by creating a girlfriend, he does literally that and scientifically creates an “artificial” girlfriend named “No. Zero”. Torn between her programmed emotions and her growing feelings, No. Zero starts to waver. Is it “love” that buds between her and Akira, who is unaccustomed to communicating with others, or perhaps something else?
The fascinating characters for this story are played by Atsumi Tanezaki (No. Zero), who has shown her ability to transform from one character to another in roles such as Anya in “SPY x FAMILY” and Frieren in “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”, and Shun Horie (Akira Mizutamari), who has been selected for leading roles in various popular works, including Kyoutarou Ichikawa in “The Dangers in My Heart”. Gensho Yasuda’s unpredictable super-new cyber love suspense animation is now coming to the world ──!
Read our interview with Make A Girl director, Gensho Yasuda during Anime Expo 2024 here. For more updates and information visit the film’s official website (Japanese).
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