Tag Archives: 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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Running Girl Phase 2 Debuts Harajuku-Themed MV With BEAMS MANGART and tofubeats

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The global music × anime project Running Girl premiered its second music video Thursday, expanding its cross-media universe through a fashion-driven collaboration with BEAMS MANGART, the newly rebranded cultural initiative from Japanese apparel company BEAMS.

©︎Running Girl

Titled “Michiko – RUN / tofubeats – Supported by BEAMS MANGART,” the video debuted on YouTube at 12 p.m. JST and introduces a new protagonist whose story unfolds in Tokyo’s Harajuku district .

Phase 2 shifts focus from the first installment’s character, Ran, to Michiko, whose aesthetic reflects Harajuku’s contemporary street culture. The video follows her run toward BEAMS WOMEN HARAJUKU, capturing the district’s vibrant atmosphere while reinforcing the project’s central motif of motion as both physical expression and emotional momentum .

BEAMS MANGART Rebrand Signals Expanded Cultural Vision

Originally launched in 2022 as MANGART BEAMS, the initiative has been revamped under the name BEAMS MANGART, accompanied by a new logo and refined creative direction.

Building on its established collaborations, BEAMS MANGART aims to fuse fashion with Japanese pop culture, including manga, anime and games. The project seeks to compile the artistry embedded within these works and amplify the passion of their creators through branding initiatives, product development and cross-industry collaborations.

A newly launched BEAMS MANGART brand website will provide updates on current activities, archive past projects and preview upcoming initiatives, positioning the label as a long-term cultural platform bridging fashion and entertainment.

Music × Anime With Global Ambitions

The Phase 2 music video features “RUN” by tofubeats, pairing electronic rhythms with fluid animation that mirrors Harajuku’s urban pulse .

Originally launched on YouTube, Running Girl is a short-form anime project built around the theme of “girls running around the world.” By combining high-quality visuals with music tailored to each scene, the series presents a stylized format designed to function as both narrative storytelling and immersive, everyday background viewing.

As BEAMS MANGART formalizes its cultural rebrand and Running Girl continues to evolve its global footprint, the collaboration highlights the growing intersection of fashion, music and anime-driven storytelling.

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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 Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Global Special Video and Music by Hans Zimmer

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Dragon Ball, one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the worldwide release of a special animated video unveiled Sunday during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event at Makuhari Messe in Japan.

DRAGON BALL:©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA

The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video was announced during the event’s opening stage and released simultaneously across the globe, marking a major milestone for the long-running franchise. The commemorative animation brings creator Akira Toriyama’s iconic color illustrations to life through a blend of modern animation techniques, designed to honor the original artwork while presenting it through a contemporary visual lens.

Produced by Toei Animation, the project is directed by Naoki Miyahara, a veteran of the series who previously served as general animation director on Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. The animation places a strong emphasis on faithfully translating the texture, color and expressive qualities of Toriyama’s illustrations into motion, resulting in a dynamic visual journey that reflects the growth and legacy of protagonist Son Goku.

A major highlight of the anniversary video is its original musical score, composed by Academy Award–winning film composer Hans Zimmer. Known for iconic works such as The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean, Zimmer composed a brand-new orchestral theme titled “Infinite Future” exclusively for the project, adding a cinematic scope to the celebration.

In a statement shared during the event, Zimmer expressed his appreciation for being part of the franchise’s milestone anniversary.

via Instagram

“It was truly a joy to be part of this special anniversary project,” Zimmer said. “Drawing inspiration from Akira Toriyama’s incredible illustrations and the stunning animation in this video, I thoroughly enjoyed composing the music. To Dragon Ball fans around the world, I sincerely hope you enjoy watching it”

via press release

The announcement took place at Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri, a free, reservation-based event dedicated to celebrating the franchise’s four decades of history. The event featured special exhibits, presentations and livestream programming for fans around the world.

Originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball quickly became one of Japan’s most successful manga series before expanding into television animation, theatrical films, video games and merchandise. The franchise has continued to evolve in recent years with releases such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the debut of Dragon Ball DAIMA in 2024, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the manga’s original publication.

Watch The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video,

© BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION © BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA
DRAGON BALL:©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA

For more content Subscribe to The Kitsune Network!

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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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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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Friendship Bonds Blur in “Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe” — New Manga Hits North America

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Manga fans searching for their next slice-of-life obsession can now dive into Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe, the latest work from author Keigo Hayasaka, now digitally available in North America through emaqi.

Originally released in Japan under the title Sabae to Yattara Owaru and later adapted into a hit 2024 live-action series, the story humorously unravels the fragile balance between friendship and desire.

The manga follows Uji, an easygoing college student, and Sabae, his tomboyish, rough-around-the-edges best friend. When an evening of casual drinks and dating advice turns unexpectedly intimate, their bond is thrown into question. Suddenly, Uji finds himself navigating uncharted waters of attraction, uncertainty, and college chaos.

Hayasaka injects comedy into these moments, turning classroom life into a stage for witty banter, awkward missteps, and playful confrontations. Fans of coming-of-age and romantic comedies will find themselves grinning at every scene that pushes the line between innocent mischief and something more.

From PAGE to SCREEN

©早坂啓吾・新潮社/ヤッたら終わる製作委員会

The manga’s quirky yet relatable storytelling already proved its universal appeal when it was adapted into a 2024 live-action series, introducing its characters and humor to an even wider audience. With this official English release, Hayasaka’s story is now poised to reach readers across North America for the first time.

Localization

The localization and international release are spearheaded by Orange Inc., a Tokyo-based startup founded in 2021 by CEO Shoko Ugaki. Through their digital platform emaqi, Orange aims to reduce piracy, expand official manga accessibility, and ensure fair compensation for creators worldwide.

Is this manga worth reading?

If you’ve ever had a college friendship that felt “a little more than just friends,” or simple love quirky drama this manga might hit close to home. With humor, heart, and just the right dose of awkward tension, Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe is a fresh addition to the slice-of-life genre worth adding to your digital library today. Now available!

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CRUNCHYROLL & NOAH LYLES UNVEIL GOLD MEDAL ANIME CAPSULE WITH ADIDAS

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The race for anime-inspired fashion heats up today as Crunchyroll unveils its first-ever capsule collaboration with Olympic champion Noah Lyles, powered by adidas.

Designed by Lyles in collaboration with Crunchyroll, the capsule reflects his identity as both the world’s fastest sprinter and the world’s fastest anime fan. Lyles channels the determination of Dragon Ball’s heroes, the grit of Tokyo Ghoul, and the resilience of Fullmetal Alchemist into a collection that captures the essence of his journey.

When I’m on the track, I channel the same energy as the heroes I grew up watching,” Lyles says. “Their determination, their style, their fight to push beyond limits; this collab is my way of sharing that love with fans everywhere

– via press release

The lineup includes bold essentials with anime-flair:

Speedline Saga Tee ($40)

The Poster Tee ($40)

Crunch Mode Hoodie ($70)

Speedline Saga Hat ($35)

Each piece incorporates anime-inspired visuals, Lyles’ love of manga aesthetics, and his signature red — built for both trackside energy and everyday fandom.

Crunchyroll describes the partnership as a cultural milestone, further bridging anime with sports and lifestyle. Following past activations with athletes and entertainers, the Crunchyroll x Noah Lyles x adidas capsule marks a new stride into the global sportswear scene.

The exclusive collection is now available only through the Crunchyroll Store in the U.S.

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