Toho and AlphaBoat have announced the second run of their video audition project “GEMSTONE” which is open to creators around the world, from animators to illustrators, composers, singers, actors and actresses, and beyond.
The first round was held in Japan only and asked for illustrations and videos themed on “Godzilla.” Of the 1,000 people who participated, 11 were chosen as winners, all of whom are now undertaking work alongside the production team at Toho. The key visual for the new second round was illustrated by YELLOW JUNKIE/kyo→ko, one of the winners of the first audition.
For the second round, Toho and Alphaboat are collaborating with Japanese pop culture news website Tokyo Otaku Mode to bring the contest to international creators. The new theme is “With Japan!” and participants are asked to create an original character based on this.
Participants must create a 3-minute explanation video of their character. There are no boundaries to how videos can be created―it can be in the form of a presentation by the creators themselves, a short animation, and so on. All submissions that successfully pass the first round will be posted onto the official GEMSTONE YouTube channel. Finalists will have the opportunity to participate in the official ceremony held at Anime NYC. They will receive a cash prize of 1 million yen and get to develop a project alongside Toho, AlphaBoat and Tokyo Otaku Mode.
Applications open on July 1 and will run until September 2 on the official website.
A third and fourth round are in the works for the near future. Get involved!
Information
GEMSTONE Creators Audition Vol. 2
Vol. 2 Theme: “With Japan!”
Application Period: July 1, 2019 – September 2, 2019 at 18:00 (JST)
*Winning submissions to roll out on GEMSTONE’s YouTube channel in September
Prize: 1 million yen and chance to develop a project with Toho, AlphaBoat and Tokyo Otaku Mode
Official Website: https://gemstoneaudition.com/
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On February 22, known as Ninja Day in Japan, a teaser visual and website for the anime adaptation of the manga series Under Ninjawere unveiled. The series will premiere on TBS and other networks in October 2023.
Under Ninja is written and illustrated by Kengo Hanazawa, known for his series I Am a Hero and Boys on the Run. The manga series is currently serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine and tells the story of a secret society of ninjas. While the underground warriors were thought to have disappeared after WWII, Kuro Kumogakure is one of them, though he’s also a NEET.
A TV anime adaptation has been announced for 2023, a teaser trailer has been released, and a new teaser visual and teaser website have also been unveiled.
Teaser Trailer
The new visual released on February 22 depicts the main character Kuro lurking in the shadows. The staff lineup has also been revealed, with the series being directed by Satoshi Kuwabara with character designs by Nobuteru Yuki.
Check out the teaser site and get ready for battle in October!
©花沢健吾・講談社／アンダーニンジャ製作委員会
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The 31st Character Song CD from Cygames’ popular smartphone anime RPG Princess Connect! Re:Dive was released on January 25, 2023.
This new release includes the song Knight’s Soul sung by Matsuri (Asami Shimoda) and Christina (Chiaki Takahashi), as well as Hatsuyuki Twin Approach by Yori (Sayuri Hara) and Akari (Azumi Asakura). Original karaoke and solo remixes of each song are also included.
These tracks were used as the ending themes for the limited-time Tribal Spirits: Raising Sword and Pride Bridge event, which began last October, and the Happy Happening Happy Twin Angels and Christmas Eve Gift event, which began last November.
The songs are also available to stream on all major music streaming services!
In addition, a music campaign will begin on February 14 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Princess Connect! Exclusive A3-size posters (2 varieties) will be given to those who purchase the new CD at participating stores while supplies last.
© Cygames, Inc.Information
Princess Connect! Re:Dive – PRICONNE CHARACTER SONG 31
Release Date: January 25, 2023
Buy CD: https://priconne.lnk.to/CD-ReDive31
Streaming Links:
https://priconne.lnk.to/ReDive-31 -
An album featuring both the opening and ending themes of the anime series TRIGUN STAMPEDE will be released on a single album on February 22, 2023 from TOY’S STORE. The opening, TOMBI, is performed by Kvi Baba, while the ending, Hoshi no Kuzu α, is performed by both Salyu and Haruka Nakamura. Preorders are now available and those snagging a copy will also be gifted an original sticker featuring the album’s artwork. The record is only available in limited quantities and sales will conclude once the item is sold out. TRIGUN STAMPEDE Non-Credit Ending
TOMBI, performed by Kvi Baba, was released on January 6 and has seen a surge in popularity, appearing on a number of popular playlists and reaching the top spot on the iTunes Rap and Hip-Hop chart. The ending theme song, Hoshi no Kuzu α by Salyu and Haruka Nakamura, was released on January 13, 2023. The jacket features an original design featuring the main character, Vash the Stampede, from the Trigun anime series. The jacket was designed by Takahiro Yasuda, an art director and graphic designer belonging to the creative association CEKAI. The non-credit ending video featuring the ending theme song is now available on the YouTube TOHO animation channel. Be sure to tune into the long-awaited series TRIGUN STAMPEDE! © 2023 内藤泰弘・少年画報社／「TRIGUN STAMPEDE」製作委員会 Information
Record / V.A. Tombi / Hoshi no Kuzu α
Release Date: February 22, 2023*TOY’S STORE limited item (Quantities are limited and sales will end when stock runs out.)
*Purchase bonus: Original sticker (Same design as the record jacket)TOY’S STORE:
Kvi Baba
https://store.toysfactory.co.jp/shop.asp?cd=67
Salyu
https://store.toysfactory.co.jp/pc/shop.asp?cd=19TOMBI – Kvi Baba (1st Major Single)
Streaming Sites: https://tf.lnk.to/kvibaba_tombiHoshi no Kuzu α – Salyu × Haruka Nakamura
Streaming Sites: https://TF.lnk.to/hoshinokuzu_alpha -
Hoshi no Kuzu α, the new song by Salyu × Haruka Nakamura, was released on streaming services on January 13, 2023.
The track will be used as the ending theme for the TRIGUN STAMPEDE anime series. It will be featured starting in the second episode which airs on January 14 at 23:00.
A six-song EP titled March of the Saints has also been announced, scheduled to release on March 8, 2023. Hoshi no Kuzu α will be included and the cover art has been released. Preorders are open now!
TRIGUN STAMPEDE
Information
Hoshi no Kuzu α – Salyu × Haruka Nakamura
Release Date: January 13, 2023
*Streaming Links: https://TF.lnk.to/hoshinokuzu_alphaMarch of the Saints EP
Release Date: March 8, 2023
*Purchase: https://tf.lnk.to/Seijanokoushin_EP -
TrySail is a popular girl group consisting of three popular voice actresses: Momo Asakura, Sora Amamiya, and Shiina Natsukawa. Since their debut in 2015, the girls have performed incredible live concerts, managing to hold successful events at Yokohama Arena and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. TrySail’s latest album, Re Bon Voyage, was released in September 2021, reaching the #5 spot on the Oricon Weekly Ranking. The group’s newest song, Karei One Turn, will be used as the theme song for the 2023 anime series My One-Hit Kill Sister. The happy-go-lucky track can be heard in the second teaser trailer for the show.
Along with this exciting anime tie-up, TrySail has announced the song flower. The song will be used to commemorate the group’s upcoming event ‘LAWSON presents TrySail Arena Live 2023 ~Ai ni Yuku yacht! Minna de Aso-boat!~’ Be sure to watch out for what else TrySail has in store for fans in 2023! Information
My One-Hit Kill Sister
TrySail Official Site: https://trysail.jp/ -
‘Chillin’ in My 30s After Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army’ Anime Theme Gets Streaming Release, Music Video
Hinano has released the lead song from her third single CHANGEMAKER on all major streaming services. The 16-year-old singer is known for her 4-octave high-tone vocals.
The song has been chosen to serve as the opening song for the anime series Chillin’ in My 30s After Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army which began airing on TOKYO MX on January 7. The series has been adapted from the popular manga series by Rurekuchie currently serialized in Monthly Young Magazine.
Hinano’s debut song nocturne was produced by Yuki Kajiura and served as the theme song for the anime film Deemo: Memorial Keys. Her next song Virginia was chosen as the ending theme for My Master Has No Tail.
The new song CHANGEMAKER shows Hinano trying her hand at creating a rock track for the first time. “When I first listened to the tentative track, I wondered if I could do it justice. It seemed so difficult, I didn’t know if I could sing it,” Hinano said. “By really feeling the song with both my mind and body, I channeled my will and was able to sing it properly.” The music video for CHANGEMAKER was also released on January 7.
Hinano「CHANGEMAKER」The up-tempo rock sound combined with Hinano’s incredible singing ability makes this track unforgettable. Inspired by the desire to light up a dark world, this song is sure to make even the most gloomy day bearable.
© 岡沢六十四・るれくちぇ・講談社／解雇された暗黒兵士製作委員会
Information
CHANGEMAKER – Hinano
Streaming Release: January 7, 2023
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/CHANGEMAKER
Music Video: https://youtu.be/hLjbY1ZCqI8Chillin’ in My 30s After Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army
Airing January 7 at 22:00 on TOKYO MX
Official Website: http://ankokuheishi-anime.com/