Top 10 Manga Series From the Summer 2020 Anime List Ranked

03.July.2020 | ANIME&GAME

Japanese “hybrid” bookshop honto, which is co-managed by Junkudo and 2Dfacto, has used its online and physical book sales data to rank the top 10 manga series of the current 2020 summer anime roster. Their ranking was released on July 2.

 

Ito (PR, honto) | Comment

“The 2020 summer anime roster is about to start. With people staying at home right now, there is more opportunity to watch anime, so there must be a lot of people looking forward to the new series coming. So we are releasing our own ranking of manga and light novels from the anime series that are airing this summer. Let’s peruse series that are in the spotlight right now by dividing the ranking and the differences in age of people buying the books.”

*Data is based on the sales taken from the first half of 2020

 

The Top 3 Series

The slapstick love comedy Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! (Volume 4) by Take clocks in at number one. The series has sold over 1 million copies in Japan. The data shows that the series is most popular with people in their 30’s, who rate at 41.2% of the sales. Will they be watching the anime adaptation too?

In 2nd place is Fire Force (Volume 22) which is serialised in Weekly Shonen Magazine. This series is most popular with those in their 20’s. Season two of the anime series will premiere on July 5.

And in 3rd place is Sword Art Online (Volume 24), a series loved by fans the world over. This hugely popular series has sold over 20 million light novels, and is popular in all age groups, with the biggest percentage of sales going to those in their 40’s at 28.2%. The first season of the anime adaptation aired back in 2012. The second half of the War of Underworld will begin on July 11.

 

Full Top 10 List

1st Place: Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! (Volume 4)
2nd Place: Fire Force (Volume 22)
3rd Place: Sword Art Online (Volume 24)
4th Place: Kanojo, Okarishimasu (Volume 14)
5th Place: Baki Dou (Volume 5)
6th Place: Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (Volume 22)
7th Place: Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater (Volume 6)
8th Place: My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (Volume 14)
9th Place: Super HxEros (Volume 9)
10th Place: A Certain Scientific Railgun (Volume 15)

*According to honto

RELATED ENTRIES

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    11.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE

    Reki Kawahara’s web novel Sword Art Online began in 2002, later becoming a popular light novel series. The anime series debuted in 2012, followed by a second season in 2014 and a third in 2018. Following the characters Kirito and Asuna as they traverse a virtual reality MMORPG, the series has seen major success, with the light novels selling over 30 million copies worldwide. 

     

     

     

    During Sword Art Online’s anniversary event on November 6, it was revealed that a new film project is in the works. A brief teaser was also revealed, though concrete information is hard to come by at this point in time. 

     

    Be sure to check back soon for new information about the film!

     

    【STORY】

    “This may be a game, but it’s not something to take lightly.”

    The world’s first VRMMORPG, Sword Art Online, has turned into a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped in the game world.

    Asuna, who conquered the first level of the floating castle of steel Aincrad, continues her journey to the top floor along with Kirito.

    With the help of the female informant Argo, the attack seemed to be going well. However…

    The top player groups leading the attack are the ALS (Aincrad Liberation Force) and the DKB (Dragon Knights Brigade).Although they should be working towards the same goal, war breaks out.
    Behind the scenes, a mysterious figure lurks…

     

    What awaits Kirito and Asuna as they continue their journey?

     

    ©2020 川原 礫/KADOKAWA/SAO-P Project

  • Marvel’s Eternals and Sword Art Online Collaborate in New Promotion

    09.November.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE

    Over the past few years, Marvel movies have absolutely shattered box office records. The story of the Avengers is now continuing in an entirely new way, as Marvel’s Eternals recently released in theaters around the world. Telling the story of a race of immortal beings, the film was directed by Chloe Zhao, the first Asian-American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director for her film Nomadland.

     

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    Collaborative Trailer

     

    The narrators in the trailer are Ayumi Tsunematsu, who plays Cerci in the Japanese version of Eternals, as well as Haruka Tomatsu, the voice of Asuna in Sword Art Online.

     

    What do you think of this unlikely team?

     

    ©Marvel Studios 2021

  • Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward and au 5G are coming together to promote this year’s Halloween events online through Virtual Shibuya, a digital space accessible from smartphones, PCs, and VR devices. A number of events will be held from October 16 until October 30, incorporating popular artists, companies, and popular anime series. The concept for the event is ‘FUN FOR GOOD,’ aiming to inspire people to contribute to their community while also enjoying the holidays. 

     

    Sadly, this year’s Halloween celebration in Shibuya will be canceled again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ease any congestion on the streets, the ward is promoting the Virtual Shibuya au 5G Halloween Festival 2021, which will be available to anyone, anywhere. That’s right: you won’t need to be in Tokyo to participate!

     

     

    Event Lineup

     

    Special Anime Talks

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    Also, to commemorate the release of the 100th volume of Detective Conan, the Conan Edogawa x Furuya Rei Special Talk in Virtual Shibuya event will take place on October 30th, featuring voice actors Minami Takayama and Tohru Furuya. 

     

    Virtual Concerts

    Three artists are scheduled to perform live in Virtual Shibuya during the Halloween event!

    ・October 24 – povo Presents Creepy Nuts
    ・October 26 – au 5G Presents MY FIRST STORY
    ・October 31 – au 5G Presents Atarashii Gakko!

     

    Attraction Lineup

    A number of attractions will be available during the two-week event period. Check the website for complete details! 

    https://vcity.au5g.jp/shibuya/halloween2021

     

    Official Shop

    Starting October 16, an official store selling original event merchandise will be accessible in Virtual Shibuya and on the special event website. These goods will feature characters from select anime series and artists who have supported the project, with all proceeds being reinvested into Shibuya ward. The above items aren’t the only things that will on sale, so be sure to check the website for more details!

     

     

    Limited-Time Only! Make a Collaboration Anime Avatar During Halloween!

    In collaboration with avatar platform AVATARIUM, visitors will be able to generate custom avatars wearing costumes from Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night and Detective Conan! Choose from characters Asuna (SAO), Kirito (SAO), Conan Edogawa (Detective Conan), Ran Mori (Detective Conan), Furuya Rei (Detective Conan), and The Criminal (Detective Conan). 

     

    Even if you’re not in Japan, be sure to check out the event while you can!

  • Merch Inspired by Third Sword Art Online Film Available at 13 Tokyu Hands Stores

    20.October.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE

    Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night, the third film in the series, is hitting theaters in Japan on October 30, 2021. To commemorate its release, 13 Tokyu Hands stores throughout the country will open a Sword Art Online fair, selling special limited-edition goods! The fair will run from October 29 until November 30, 2021. 

     

    Mechanic Costume Series

    Acrylic Stand (7 varieties): ¥1,650 each (Tax Included) 

    Pin (7 varieties): ¥385 each (Tax Included) 

    *Pins are random. 

    B2 Tapestry: ¥3,300 (Tax Included) 

    Canvas Tote Bag: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) 

    Clear Folder (7 varieties): ¥385 each (Tax Included) 

    T-shirt: ¥3,850 (Tax Included) 

    Mug: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) 

    Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties): ¥715 each

    *Keychains are random.

    Acrylic Diorama Stand: ¥2,750 (Tax Included) 

    Clear Folder: ¥385 (Tax Included) 

    Sticker (7 varieties): ¥495 each (Tax Included) 

    Mug: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) 

    Tokyu Hands Limited Purchase Bonus

    Tokyu Hands Limited Film Bonus

     

     

    The Sword Art Online anime series has been an international hit, spanning four seasons and 97 episodes since 2012. A number of video games inspired by the series have also been released. 

     

    This event features the characters drawn in mechanic gear, both in normal and chibi versions. If you’re able to make it to one of the participating 13 stores, don’t miss out on these rare items!

    (C)2020 川原 礫/KADOKAWA/SAO-P Project

     

  • Japan’s Highest Rated Anime and Drama Series of Autumn 2020

    08.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME

    Japan’s largest movie, drama, and anime review service Filmarks has posted its list of the country’s Top 10 Drama and Anime Series for Autumn 2020. The ranking is taken from series broadcast and available for stream between September 1 and November 30 in 2020 and is based on Filmarks own 5★ score system and user reviews.

     

    Top 10 Drama Series for Autumn 2020

    1st Place: The Mandalorian Season 2 | ★4.67

    ©2020 Lucasfilm Ltd.

     

    2nd Place: Julie and the Phantoms | ★4.43

     

    3rd Place: The Queen’s Gambit | ★4.34

     

    4th Place: 2gether | ★4.31

    5th Place: The Crown Season 4 | ★4.27

    6th Place: Start-Up | ★4.26

    7th Place: Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! | ★4.24

    8th Place: The Boys Season 2 | ★4.20

    9th Place: Baby Season 3 | ★4.16

    10th Place: Satsui no Michinori | ★4.14

     

    Top 10 Anime Series for Autumn 2020

    1st Place: Golden Kamuy Season 3 | ★4.21

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    2th Place: Jujutsu Kaisen | ★4.19

    ©Gege Akutami / Shueisha・Jujutsu Kaisen Production Committee

     

    3rd Place: Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club | ★4.07

    ©2020 Project Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club

     

    4th Place: Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle | ★3.93
    5th Place: Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai | ★3.89
    6th Place: Is the Order a Rabbit? BLOOM | ★3.874
    7th Place: With a Dog AND a Cat, Every Day is Fun★3.87
    8th Place: Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou | ★3.84
    9th Place: Moriarty the Patriot | ★3.809
    10th Place: Munou na Nana | ★3.808

     

    Are there any series on this list you have yet to see?

  • Sword Art Online: Progressive Anime Series Announced

    24.September.2020 | ANIME&GAME

    The next chapter of the Sword Art Online anime series has been green-lit. With the completion of season two of Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld, the anime’s official Twitter page and website has confirmed the adaptation of the Sword Art Online: Progressive light novels. Check out the official announcement video below.

     

    Sword Art Online: Progressive – Anime Project Video Announcement


    The six-volume Sword Art Online: Progressive is a retelling of the events from the original Aincrad arc of Sword Art Online. Further details surrounding the project have yet to be announced, so stay tuned.

     

    © 2020 Reki Kawahara / KADOKAWA/SAO-P Project

  • Tripadvisor Reveals its Top 20 Most Popular Japanese Castles For Japanese People

    17.August.2020 | SPOT

    The Japanese branch of the world’s largest travel platform Tripadvisor® has posted its 2020 list of the Top 20 most popular castles in Japan amongst Japanese people.

     

    This year marks the 8th run of the most popular Japanese castles ranking. Crowning the number one spot for the fourth year in a row in the list is Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture. Kanazawa Castle and Iwakuni Castle have appeared for the first time ever on the list, while Shurijo Castle—which saw the main courtyard structures destroyed last year in a fire—and Kumamoto Castle—which was damaged as a result of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake—both placed in the Top 10. This shows the greatness of these last two castles, Shurijo Castle and Kumamoto Castle, that despite their damage people still revere them, and their visiting them calls for a quick repairs and rebuilding.

     

    User posts for all the castles in this year’s list commended each site’s incorporation of measures against the spreading of COVID-19, such as making it mandatory to wear masks, and providing alcohol gel everywhere.

     

    Top 20 Most Popular Japanese Castles Amongst Japanese People | 2020 Edition

    1st Place: Himeji Castle (Himeji, Hyogo)

    2nd Place: Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto, Nagano)

    3rd Place: Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyama, Ehime

    4th Place: Matsue Castle (Matsue, Shimane)

    5th Place: Nijo Castle (Kyoto, Kyoto)

    6th Place: Katsuren Castle (Uruma, Okinawa)

    7th Place: Kochi Castle (Koch, Kochi)

    8th Place: Shurijo Castle (Naha, Okinawa)

    9th Place: Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto, Kumamoto)

    10th Place: Nakagusuku Castle (Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa)

    Full Top 20 List (Japanese): https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Trips/99877580

     

    The Reviews

    1st Place: Himeji Castle | Himeji, Hyogo

    Himeji Castle has placed on this list four years in a row. The castle also gets the name Hakuro-jo, or “White Egret Castle,” due to the structure’s white exterior and resemblance to a bird taking flight. Many users on Tripadvisor commented on their multiple visits to the castle, with one saying they have visited over 10 times, and another having visited 10 years after the castle’s repair work. Another said that although you have to pay to get in, you can learn much and more about the castle if you just ask the guide. Himeji Castle also has its own app you can download which has videos on different spots around the castle grounds.

     

    16th Place: Kanazawa Castle | Kanazawa, Ishikawa

    Kanazawa Castle has a rich history that dates back to being the headquarters of the Kaga Domain, also known as the Kanazawa Domain. Many users praise the beauty of the castle’s appearance, often highlighting the bricks various that make it up. The castle is lit up at night, and the scenery during winter is a sight to behold. Numerous events are held there throughout the year.

     

    17th Place: Iwakuni Castle | Iwakuni, Yamaguchi


    From the castle keep visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Iwakuni, Kintai Bridge, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima, and more. This is one of the main highlights commended by users on Tripadvisor. One hiker recommended visiting the castle as a set together with a walk along Kintai Bridge.

     

    If you’re planning a trip to Japan, then be sure to use this list as reference so you know which castles are must-visits.

  • ReoNa’s Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld Song ‘ANIMA’ Breaks 2 Million YouTube Views

    28.July.2020 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    The music video for ReoNa’s newest song ANIMA, which is used as the opening theme for the TV anime series Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld, has surpassed 2 million views on YouTube. The video was released on her YouTube channel on July 12, 2020 and reached 1 million views in just five days. It broke 2 million on Sunday.

    ReoNa made her name known during the broadcast of Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online in April 2018 in which she performed the singing voice of the anime’s singer-songwriter character Elza Kanzaki. She also performed the Sword Art Online: Alicization ending theme song forget-me-not and the insert song Over the Rainbow in January 2019. Two years have already passed since her solo debut.

    The ANIMA music video is the first from ReoNa to feature a full backing band. The high speed video also makes use of projection mapping. The full version of the music video is included on the DVD featured on First Press Limited Edition copies of the ANIMA single.

     

    ReoNa – “ANIMA” Music Video

    The song ANIMA was released on music streaming and download services on July 13 ahead of the physical single release which dropped on July 22. When the digital version came out, it immediately peaked at No. 1 on iTunes Japan in the Anime Singles category. ANIMA (Special Edition) also reached No. 1 on digital album rankings in Japan.

    A special ReoNa character has also been added to the video game Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris for which the singer also performs its opening theme Scar/let. The game released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows on May 21, 2020. Her character design was conceived by abec who is also responsible for illustrations in the original Sword Art Online light novels.

     

    ReoNa | Comment

    “My heart is filled with joy at getting to sing for Sword Art Online again, a series which I cherish and became a turning point for me in my life. I hope this opening theme reaches your heart, along with the characters themselves—their trials and tribulations, the paths each of them walk, and their heart and spirit. I’ve also sung my first ever theme song for a video game: Scar/let, for Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris […]”

     

    ©2017 Reki Kawahara/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/SAO-A Project

    ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

  • Virtual Singer YuNi To Release ‘Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!’ Ending Song Digitally

    13.July.2020 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    Virtual singer YuNi first hit YouTube in June 2018, proclaiming herself to be the world’s first virtual singer. YuNi is now set to release her new song Kokoro Knock on digital music services from August 14, 2020. The song has also been appointed as the ending theme song to the anime Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! for the episodes airing from July 10, 2020.

    This bright and cheery song will fill you with the image of a kawaii yet slightly shy girl teasing you with her freestyle dancing. The beautiful strings melodies and feel-good rhythm are brought together with Yuni’s pure and gentle voice. The song lyrics, music and editing were done by music producer YUC’e, who works overseas and in Japan.

    It has been two years since YuNi started singing on YouTube and fans have been showering YuNi in love on social media.  Make sure to check out her channel for anime ending songs and further announcements.

     

    YuNi is going full steam ahead. She is also set for a solo live performance in autumn and fans are more excited than ever.

  • New Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld Final Season Trailer Released

    06.July.2020 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    The final season of the Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld anime series is set to begin airing on July 11, 2020. The Alicization arc began airing back in October 2018. The anime is an adaptation of the popular light novel series Sword Art Online by Reki Kawahara. A film, Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale, was released in 2017 and earned ¥4.3 billion in the Japanese box office.

    A new trailer for the final season was released on Aniplex US’s YouTube channel which features the ending theme I will… by Eir Aoi. Check it out below.
    ©2017 Reki Kawahara / KADOMAWA ASCII Media Works / SAO-A Project

  • Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld’s Second Ending Theme to be Performed by Eir Aoi

    08.April.2020 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    Japanese singer Eir Aoi’s song I will… will be used as the second ending theme for the ongoing TV anime series Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld starting from April 25, 2020.


    Eir Aoi’s last collaboration with the Sword Art Online anime series was almost a year and a half ago when she released her song Iris which was the first ending theme for Sword Art Online: Alicization.

     

    A new promotional video was also released for the continuation of Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld which is currently following the “Alicization Awakening” arc. The video features the debut hearing of ReoNa’s new song ANIMA which will serve as the opening theme. Check it out below.

     

    “Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld” – Final Chapter

    Eir Aoi | Comment

    “I was given the opportunity to sing the first ending theme ‘Iris,’ so I am so grateful to be on board again. The theme of this new song ‘I will…’ centres on being emotionally close to someone you hold dear and walking together with them. It’s a ballad that unfolds into something majestic. I hope it’s a song that holds close emotionally to SAO and those who watch it too.”

  • ReoNa to Perform SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization Lycoris Video Game Opening Theme

    24.March.2020 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    A new trailer has been released for SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization Lycoris, an upcoming video game that’s set to drop on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One on May 21, 2020 and Steam® on May 22, 2020 . It features the game’s opening theme Scar/Let by ReoNa.

    ReoNa has made her name known the world over in the anime community since her solo debut only one and a half years ago as the singing voice of Elsa Kanzaki in the anime series Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online.

     

    The new trailer gives us a peek into Medina’s past and where she is headed, as well as new story content, characters, and the “Underworld,” a mysterious virtual world set in the anime’s Alicization arc.

    Those who pre-order a copy of the digital “Deluxe Edition” of the game game will be able to play the game before its release date with “βeater’s Player.”

    Those who pre-order any edition of the game will receive 200 SAO prepaid points (in-game currency) and 4 design contest costumes.

     

    ©2017 Reki Kawahara/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/SAO-A Project

    ⒸBANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

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