Japanese anime is popular worldwide, and one part of the watching-experience that makes a series so memorable is its opening and ending themes.
This is part two of our list of bands and artists providing music for ongoing series and soon-to-air series. Click here for part one.
Q-MHz & SKY-HI x Run with the Wind
Japanese music group Q-MHz which is composed of Aki Hata, Tomokazu Tashiro, Katsuhiko Kurosu and Tomoya Tabuchi (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN) are teaming up with AAA member Mitsuhiro Hidaka―who is also active as a solo rapper under the bane SKY-HI―to release a new digital single called Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Atsuku on January 23. The song will be used as the second opening song for the ongoing anime series Run with the Wind. It features a running-like melody coupled with SKY-HI’s vocals and rapping.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/155436
Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Astsuku.
Release Date: January 23, 2019
To be released on iTunes Store, Recochoku and other digital platforms.
Q-MHz Official Website: http://q-mhz.com
SKY-HI Official Website: https://avex.jp/skyhi/
Run with the Wind Official Website: kazetsuyo-anime.com
©Shiwon Miura・Shinchosha / 寛政大学陸上競技部後援会
Taichi Mukai x Run with the Wind
Japanese singer-songwriter Taichi Mukai released his second album PURE last month. The song Reset on his new album is used as the current ending theme for the ongoing anime series Run with the Wind and it has been announced that he is set to perform the second ending theme with his new song Michi. The series, currently on its 11th episode, is set to begin airing again on January 8, 2019.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/155274
■Information
Michi (Run with the Wind Ending Theme)
*Release Details TBA.
Taichi Mukai Official Website: http://taichimukai.com/
Run with the Wind Official Website: kazetsuyo-anime.com
©Shiwon Miura・Shinchosha / 寛政大学陸上競技部後援会
Miku Itō x Ueno-san wa Bukiyou
Singer and voice actress Miku Itō’s 5th single Hirameki Heartbeat will be used as the opening theme for the TV anime series Ueno-san wa Bukiyou which is set to begin airing in January 2019. The music video was shot in Kyoto where we get to see the city’s beautiful streets. The theme of the video is “manufacturing” which we see as Itō challenges herself to a range of different activities.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/154889
■Information
Hirameki Heartbeat
Release Date: January 16, 2019
Limited Edition (CD+DVD): ¥1,800 (+Tax) [COZC-1497/8]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥1,200 (+Tax) [COCC-17542]
Miku Itō Official Website: http://columbia.jp/itomiku/
Ueno-san wa Bukiyou will air in January 2019 on TOKYO MX, BS11 and J:COM.
Official Website: http://www.miss-ueno.com
© tugeneko・Hakusensha / Ueno-san wa Bukiyou Production Committee
Maneki Kecak x Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
Japanese idol group Maneki Kecak will release their long-awaited new single Itsuka Dokoka de / One Chance on March 20, 2019. The track Itsuka Dokoka de will be used as the new ending theme for the anime series Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan which follows the adventures of the cute penguin Chitose-chan in Kyoto. It is described as a cute song that talks about the sights Chitose-chan sees while in Kyoto.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/153841
■Information
Itsuka Dokoka de / One Chance
Release Date: March 20, 2019
Type-A First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD): ¥2,000 (+Tax)
Type-B Miyuu Nakagawa Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-C Rin Miyauchi Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-D Reona Matsushita Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-E Mio Fukase Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-F Aoi Shinohara Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-G Regular Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Maneki Kecak Official Website: www.maneki-kecak.com/
Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan Official Website: http://vap.co.jp/chitosechan/
©Yukiko Natsume・Kodansha / VAP
RELATED ENTRIES
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TV Anime Series ‘Run with the Wind’ to Hold Orchestral Concert in Tokyo
28.November.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
The concert featuring the TV anime series Run with the Wind based on the novel Run with the Wind by Shion Miura, will be held on December 29, 2021 at Ebisu The Garden Hall.
For this concert, Production I.G, the animation company that produced the anime series Run with the Wind, will be involved in the video production. Based on scenes selected by composer Yuki Hayashi, the video has been re-edited for the concert and will be delivered with a live performance by the gorgeous musicians.
The day will surely be a special one, where you can enjoy the music of the special band orchestra alongside a number of masterly scenes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the world of the film before the Hakone Ekiden, the university relay race in January that the characters are striving for!
Original work: Run with the Wind by Shion Miura (Shincho Bunko)
©三浦しをん・新潮社/寛政大学陸上競技部後援会Information
TV Anime ‘Run with the Wind’ Orchestral Concert
When: December 29, 2021 from 18:00(Gates open at 17:30)
Where:Yebisu the Garden HallTicktes:
Kyodo Tokyo https://tickets.kyodotokyo.com/kazetsuyoconcert
E plus https://eplus.jp/kazetsuyoconcert
Ticket Pia https://w.pia.jp/t/kazetsuyoconcert
Lawson Ticket https://l-tike.com/kazetsuyoconcert
Rakuten Ticket http://r-t.jp/kazetsuyoconcertOfficial Site: https://kazetsuyo-anime.com
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Ren Koseki’s Top 5 Recommended 2019 Winter Anime
11.February.2019 | ANIME&GAME / FEATURES
I think we can agree when it’s this cold out, there’s nothing better than sitting at home inside your warm room binging anime!
Hi everyone, I’m Ren Koseki, and these are my top 5 picks from the 2019 winter season anime list!
Kakegurui ××
The story of this series takes place in Hyakkaou Private Academy where the student hierarchy is determined by money sent to the student council. These contributions come from gambling carried out by the council in the school. The students become crazy and chaotic when it comes to gambling which leads to some very over-the-top scenes.
In the new season the gambling is taken to an extreme level by the student council who has overwhelming authority in the school. The cheating and mind games too continue as students bet their money. The first season aired in 2017 so I recommend watching that first. The new season introduces new characters crazed with unique personalities. You might think I’m talking about how crazy it is too much, but you have to see it to believe it!
Streaming
Netflix
©Homura Kawamoto・Tōru Naomura / SQUARE ENIX・”Kakegurui ××” Production Committee
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kaguya Shinomiya is the vice president of Shuchiin Academy’s student council while Miyuki Shirogane is the president. The two of them have feelings for each other but are too prideful to confess their love for one another, leading to a battle of romantic mind games to make the one another confess their love first. Since both of them are so smart this leads to some intellectual mind games, but their offence and defence and main goal being to make the one say they like the other is so pure. In any case there are lots of parts where the desperate two are so cute it’s like medicine to the soul. It gets right into the story too and is really easy to watch.
Streaming
Netflix / Amazon Video / Hulu / Nico Nico Channel / Bandai Channel / GYAO!
©Aka Akasaka / Shueisha・Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Production committee
TOKYO MXにてご覧いただきありがとうございました✨
なんて幸せな一コマなんでしょう……。ちょっと懐かしい気持ちになった方も多いはず🎵#wataten pic.twitter.com/fay7gls8P8
— TVアニメ「私に天使が舞い降りた!」公式 (@watatentv) 2019年2月5日
Wataten!: An Angel Flew Down to Me
Miyako is a college student and otaku who meets the “angel” Hana, an elementary school student and friend of her younger sister’s. She becomes captivated by Hana’s cuteness the moment she sees her.
It’s an anime that will warm your heart. All of the girls in it are cute! All of their personalities are different, so it’s wonderful to get to take in different types of cuteness all at once. There are funny scenes too where she tries hard to close the distance between her and Hana despite being a shy otaku only for it to fail. This is probably something shy people can relate to. In any case, this anime with its cute girls is sure to make you feel warm and fluffy.
Streaming
Amazon Video / Hulu / Nico Nico Channel / GYAO!
©Nanatsu Mukunoki・Ichijinsha / Wataten Production Committee
Ueno-san wa Bukiyō
The romance-comedy series is set in the science classroom of junior high school. Ueno-san is the Science Club leader and in love with her fellow underclassman Tanaka, but he has no interest in her whatsoever soo get him to notice her, Ueno-san makes full use of her bizarre inventions. She tries and tries but it just irritates Tanaka more but it only makes her want to try even harder. Seeing her like that makes you cheer her on! Each episode is short so I think it’s easy to get into.
Streaming
Nico Nico / AbemaTV / Docomo Anime Store
Official Website: http://www.miss-ueno.com
© tugeneko・Hakusensha / Ueno-san wa Bukiyō Production Committee
Dororo
The manga for this series is a shonen written by Osamu Tezuka The story is about a rōnin named Hyakkimaru whose father bartered away 48 of his body parts to 48 demons. Now with fake body parts, his goal is to defeat the 48 demons to retrieve his real parts together with the young thief Dororo. You can’t help but be invested in seeing what happens as Hyakkimaru defeats the demons and becomes a little more human each time. The new series is also a remake of an older anime. Contrary to what you’d expect, it doesn’t look old fashioned but modern, and the action and scenes are beautiful. The original work is unfinished so nobody knows how it’s going to end. I can’t wait!
Streaming
Amazon Prime Video
Official Website: https://dororo-anime.com/
Dororo ©Tezuka Production / Twin Engine
【キービジュアル公開】電撃祭ステージにて、「ブギーポップは笑わない」キービジュアルを公開しました!公式サイトもリニューアルしております!⇒https://t.co/N8SYWImRwU
“世界の敵”を斃すため浮かび上がる死神。その目に映るものは――。#boogiepop pic.twitter.com/BEZBV9sG2p— TVアニメ『ブギーポップは笑わない』公式 (@boogiepop_anime) 2018年10月7日
This isn’t part of my main list but I’m also currently checking out Boogiepop wa Warawanai! This is the type of series where you have to watch everything to understand the full story, so I omitted it from my line-up because it’s difficult to explain, but I watch it every week. It’s a really well made anime that makes you use your head!
Streaming
Netflix / Amazon / Huku / Nico Nico / Bandai Channel / PlayStation™ Video
©2018 Kouhei Kadono / KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works / Boogiepop wa Warawanai Production Committee
This ends my list of 2019 winter anime. I hope you enjoy!
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TV Anime Run with the Wind’s Opening Theme by Q-MHz & Mitsuhiro Hidaka Revealed in New Trailer
06.January.2019 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
A new promotional video has been released featuring the new opening theme of the upcoming TV anime series Run with the Wind. The song, titled Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Atsuku, was written by Q-MHz and Mitsuhiro Hidaka―also known as SKY-HI―and will be released as a digital single on January 23.
The song features a running-like melody coupled with SKY-HI’s vocals and rapping. Check out the video below which showcases the 10 members of the athletic club in Kansei University in their uniforms.
Run with the Wind will continue with episode 12 on January 8, 2019.Information
Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Astsuku.
Release Date: January 23, 2019
To be released on iTunes Store, Recochoku and other digital platforms.Q-MHz Official Website: http://q-mhz.com
SKY-HI Official Website: https://avex.jp/skyhi/
Run with the Wind Official Website: kazetsuyo-anime.com
©Shiwon Miura・Shinchosha / 寛政大学陸上競技部後援会
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TV Anime Run with the Wind Opening Theme to be Performed by Q-MHz
25.December.2018 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Japanese music group Q-MHz which is composed of Aki Hata, Tomokazu Tashiro, Katsuhiko Kurosu and Tomoya Tabuchi (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN) are teaming up with AAA member Mitsuhiro Hidaka―who is also active as a solo rapper under the bane SKY-HI―to release a new digital single called Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Atsuku on January 23.
The song will be used as the second opening song for the ongoing anime series Run with the Wind. It features a running-like melody coupled with SKY-HI’s vocals and rapping.
The sports anime is an adaptation of Shion Miura’s award-winning novel of the same name. It is being directed by Kazuya Nomura (Robotics;Notes, Ghost In The Shell: The New Movie) at Production I.G.
Comment: Q-MHz
“We are Q-MHz and we have been handed the baton from the first opening theme to perform the second one! It has a colourful rock sound that looks towards the climax of the story. Hidaka’s numbing rapping too makes it mega exciting. [People’s] emotions are sure to rise when the song doesn’t play for a second time at the end.”Comment: Mitsuhiro Hidaka a.k.a. SKY-HI
“Tabuchi was my upperclassman in high school. This is the first time we have worked together, so getting to sing for Q-MHz felt like going back to being a high school student. I also got to sing in a style different to what they usually do! In receiving a request as singer I feel that though the weight is fairly heavy that pressure is thrilling and ties in with the anime and the song. It’s an eternity of youth packed in an instant into 3 minutes!”Information
Kaze Tsuyoku, Kimi Astsuku.
Release Date: January 23, 2019
To be released on iTunes Store, Recochoku and other digital platforms.Q-MHz Official Website: http://q-mhz.com
SKY-HI Official Website: https://avex.jp/skyhi/
Run with the Wind Official Website: kazetsuyo-anime.com
©Shiwon Miura・Shinchosha / 寛政大学陸上競技部後援会
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TV Anime Run with the Wind New ED Theme to be Performed by Taichi Mukai
21.December.2018 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Japanese singer-songwriter Taichi Mukai is currently on a completely sold out 2018-2019 tour to promote his second album PURE. The first performance at Mynavi BLITZ Akasaka in Tokyo was a huge success.
The song Reset on his new album is used as the current ending theme for the ongoing anime series Run with the Wind and it has been announced that he is set to perform the second ending theme with his new song Michi. The series, currently on its 11th episode, is set to begin airing again on January 8, 2019.
At his concert in Tokyo Taichi Mukai announced two special live shows to celebrate his birthday. They will take place at Billboard Live Tokyo and Billboard Live Osaka in March. Early-bird tickets for Billboard members are now on sale. General sale begins on December 27 at 11:00am (JST).
Following the Billboard shows Mukai will head on an Asia tour. He will also appear at Megaport Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in Taiwan. Ticket details will be announced at a later date.
Information
Michi (Run with the Wind Ending Theme)
*Release Details TBA.
Run with the Wind Official Website: kazetsuyo-anime.com
©Shiwon Miura・Shinchosha / 寛政大学陸上競技部後援会
ASIA TOUR 2019
2019/3/22 @ THE WALL TAIPEI, Taiwan
2019/3/24 @ Megaport Festival, Taiwan
2019/3/29 @ Jiangjinjiu, Beijing
2019/3/30 @ HOULIVE, Shenzen
2019/3/31/ @ Modern Sky Lab, Shanghai
2019/4/6 @ HANATOUR V-Hall, South Korea
Taichi Mukai Official Website: http://taichimukai.com/
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Miku Itō Releases Music Video for TV Anime ‘Ueno-san wa Bukiyou’ OP Theme
20.December.2018 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Miku Itō is a voice actress and singer who made her solo debut as an artist at 20-years-old in October 2016. Since then she has put out a constant string of albums and singles.
Her fifth single Hirameki Heartbeat will be used as the opening theme for the TV anime series Ueno-san wa Bukiyou which is set to begin airing in January 2019. A music video for the song was just released on December 19.
Fans of tugeneko’s manga series as well as newcomers who will watch the anime adaptation can also check out the new promotional video for the anime over on the official website.
The music video was shot in Kyoto where we get to see the city’s beautiful streets. The theme of the video is “manufacturing” which we see as Itō challenges herself to a range of different activities.
Q-TARO of Dengeki Qomolangma Tai choreographed the dance moves in the video, following his work on Itō’s previous release Koi wa Movie.
Miku Itō – “Hirameki Heartbeat” Music Video
Miku Itō will appear on FRESH LIVE at 9pm (JST) every other week for her new regular show Fresh Hajimemashita.
Information
Hirameki Heartbeat
Release Date: January 16, 2019
Limited Edition (CD+DVD): ¥1,800 (+Tax) [COZC-1497/8]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥1,200 (+Tax) [COCC-17542]
Miku Itō Official Website: http://columbia.jp/itomiku/
Ueno-san wa Bukiyou will air in January 2019 on TOKYO MX, BS11 and J:COM.
Official Website: http://www.miss-ueno.com
© tugeneko・Hakusensha / Ueno-san wa Bukiyou Production Committee
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Maneki Kecak Performs TV Anime Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan Ending Theme
18.December.2018 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Five-member Japanese idol group Maneki Kecak held a successful performance at the iconic Nippon Budokan in September and also just welcomed their new member Aoi Shinohara. Now it has been announced the group will perform the new ending theme for the ongoing anime series Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan.
Aoi Shinohara made her first appearance at the group’s solo concert in Osaka on December 15. She stood on stage and spoke enthusiastically about joining: “I still have much to learn with singing and dancing, but I want to grow as a member of Maneki Kecak so I kindly ask for your support.”
Maneki Kecak will release their long-awaited new single Itsuka Dokoka de / One Chance on March 20, 2019.
Itsuka Dokoka de will be used as the anime’s new ending theme. It is described as a cute song that talks about the sights Chitose-chan sees while in Kyoto.
Maneki Kecak will perform at Tokyo Dome City Hall for the second year in a row on January 5 for their “TDC de Maneki Kecak 2019!” show with their new five-member formation.
Information
Itsuka Dokoka de / One Chance
Release Date: March 20, 2019
Type-A First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD): ¥2,000 (+Tax)
Type-B Miyuu Nakagawa Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-C Rin Miyauchi Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-D Reona Matsushita Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-E Mio Fukase Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-F Aoi Shinohara Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)
Type-G Regular Edition (CD): ¥1,111 (+Tax)TDC de Maneki Kecak 2019!
Date: January 5, 2019Venue: TOKYO DOME CITY HALL
Time: Doors 17:00/ Start 18:00“Itsuka Dokoka de / One Chance” Release Events
2019/1/13 @ Nico Nico Honsha (15:30~/18:30~)
2019/2/3 @ Nico Nico Honsha (15:30~/18:30~)
*Information regarding additional release events will be posted on the group’s official website.Maneki Kecak Official Website: www.maneki-kecak.com/
©Yukiko Natsume・Kodansha / VAP -
TV Anime Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan Stamp Rally Taking Place in Kyoto
09.December.2018 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Kyoto Tower is holding a stamp rally from December 25 to January 31 themed on the ongoing anime series Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan. The series follows the adventures of the cute emperor penguin Chitose-chan who strolls curiously around famous places in Kyoto. The stamp rally will have participants collection stamps from three places that appear in the anime series: the Kyoto Municipal Subway, Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Tower.
Each stamp rally location has been given its own name: “Ride Kyoto Municipal Subway,” “Enter Kyoto Aquarium” and “Climb Kyoto Tower.”
Each spot earns you a unique stamp based on that location. What’s more is that if you get involved, the first 1,000 people at each spot will receive an original Chitose-chan folder (pictured below).
Kyoto Tower will also be decorated with panels and boards displaying scenes from the anime.
Kyoto Aquarium appeared in episode 10 of the anime on December 7. Kyoto Tower will appear in episode 11 which airs on December 14. If you’re in Japan this month then follow Chitose-chan’s trip around Kyoto!
Information
Chitose-chan Stamp Rally
Locations: Tokyo Tower Observation Deck Floor 5F / Kyoto Municipal Subway (Higashiyama Station, Karasuma Oike Station and Kokusaikaikan Station) / Kyoto Aquarium
Price: Free (charges may apply to access each location)
*Stamp rally paper can be obtained at each location, underground stations (on racks at ticket gates), and bus stations
*1 folder given per person (first-come, first-served)
Anime Panel Exhibition
Location: Kyoto Tower Floor 2F
Time: 9:00-21:00
Entry: Free
*Times subject to change from January
Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan Official Website: http://vap.co.jp/chitosechan/
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TV Anime Series ‘Ueno-san wa Bukiyou’ OP Theme to be Performed by Miku Itō
23.November.2018 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Voice actress and singer Miku Itō has announced details for her upcoming fifth single.
The title song Hirameki Heartbeat is set to be used as the opening theme song for the forthcoming anime adaptation of tugeneko’s manga series Ueno-san wa Bukiyou which will air in January 2019.
The track is described as having a jaunty rhythm with lyrics that are both cute and a little melancholic.
Itō will also provide the voice for Yomogi Tanaka in the anime who is the younger sister of the main character Tanaka.
Information
Hirameki Heartbeat
Release Date: January 16, 2019
Limited Edition (CD+DVD): ¥1,800 (+Tax) [COZC-1497/8]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥1,200 (+Tax) [COCC-17542]
Miku Itō Official Website: http://columbia.jp/itomiku/
Ueno-san wa Bukiyou will air in January 2019 on TOKYO MX, BS11 and J:COM.
Official Website: http://www.miss-ueno.com
© tugeneko・Hakusensha / Ueno-san wa Bukiyou Production Committee
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Anime Series Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan Ending Theme Song to be Performed by Nyanzonu Deshi
17.September.2018 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan is an anime short set to begin on October 5.
The singer-songwriter’s name translates to “Nyanzonu’s Pupil” which comes from the respect she has for her cat, Nyanzou. She sees herself as his disciple.
Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan follows the adventures of the cute emperor penguin Chitose-chan who strolls curiously around famous places in Kyoto such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari-taisha. Nyanzonu Deshi wrote the song to express the same gentle world as in the series.
Nyanzonu Deshi’s Comments
“This is the first theme song I have done for an anime. I’m so happy to have been able to meet Chitose-chan who is so sweet. The moment I read the manga, it felt like me and Chitose-chan were old friends. She’s my best friend in my hear right now. I felt earnestly gentle and warm when I thought about the world that Chitose-chan sees and experiences, so I wrote this song.■Information
Mini Album – “Mahou ga Tsukaeta Mitai Datta”
Released: July 25 ,2018Price: ¥1,900 (Tax Included)
iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/1411402980?app=itunes&at=10l6Y8Tour Information
“Nyanzonu Deshi Nari ni Nyan Shiki One Man Live ~Kaijou wa Nyanzonu Land Desu~”
Venue: Shibuya Eggman, TokyoDate: January 14, 2019
Time: Open 18:00 / Start 18:30
Ticket Price: Advance – ¥2,800 / Students – ¥1,300 (+separate drink fee)
Lawson Tickets [L-Code: 74292]: Now On SaleE Plus: Now On Sale
Nyanzonu Deshi Official Website:http://nyanzonudeshi.com/
Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
Initial Broadcast: October 5, 2018
Official Website: http://vap.co.jp/chitosechan