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

On February 3, popular music duo GARNiDELiA held a live YouTube broadcast to announce the release of GARNiDELiA COVER COLLECTION on March 22, 2023.

Vocalist MARiA and composer TOKU have been dabbling in cover tracks for some time. The new album will include GARNiDELiA’s spin on popular songs like Haru yo Koi, Friends, DEPARTURES, Kaikai Kitan, and CITRUS. The new album will include 12 songs, including a mix of newly recorded and previously released tracks.

The Deluxe Edition will also include the Blu-ray recording of the Tokyo performance of GARNiDELiA stellacage 2022 -stella ship- OSAKA and TOKYO held in 2022. Fans won’t want to miss out on this incredible concert!

In addition, both the Deluxe Edition and Standard Edition will include tickets to enter to win a spot in an upcoming special event. More details will be announced soon, so check the official website!

GARNiDELiA has also announced a world tour in 2023! GARNiDELiA stellacage 2023 -stella ship- Re:CoNNeCT will commence in May 2023 and more details are expected to be revealed in a YouTube Live on February 17.

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.

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

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

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!

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

New merchandise has been revealed to coincide with the release of the SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film on January 20, 2023. The film, along with the subsequent SSSS.DYNAZENON compilation film, will prepare fans for the original Gridman Universe film coming to theaters on March 24, 2023.

The SSSS.GRIDMAN film pamphlet features a summary of events seen in the film and includes new interviews with director Yoshiyuki Kaneko and singer Masayoshi Oishi.

SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Original Reproduction Image Set/SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film T-Shirt/GRIDMAN & DYNAZENON Acrylic Keychain (11 varieties, random)/SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Pin (12 varieties, random)

The SSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Original Reproduction Image Set is a must-have item for fans, featuring 16 carefully-selected reproductions from the film in a special bag.

Plenty of other items are available for purchase including a commemorative T-shirt, keychains, and pins.

The SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film is being directed by Yoshiyuki Kaneko, who served as assistant director on the anime series. The film will show a somewhat new interpretation of the story under this new direction.

Be sure to grab some of this exclusive merch before seeing the highly-anticipated original film Gridman Universe on March 24!

©円谷プロ ©2023 TRIGGER・雨宮哲／「劇場版グリッドマンユニバース」製作委員会

Based on the Tsuburaya Productions Gridman live-action tokusatsu series from 1993, the
SSSS.GRIDMAN anime series aired in October 2018. A sequel, SSSS.DYNAZENON, followed in April 2021.

Ahead of the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE, an all-new anime film coming in March, both SSSS.GRIDMAN and SSSS.DYNAZENON will be getting compilation films. Each will only be
in theaters for two weeks.

劇場総集編『SSSS.GRIDMAN』

The SSSS.GRIDMAN film will be in theaters starting January 20. Those buying tickets will
receive a special illustration card with a voice drama created by Akira Amemiya, the director of the SSSS series, while supplies last. The title of the drama is Hinekuremono Demo (Even if You’re Cynical) starring Soma Saito (Sho Utsumi) and Hass (Akari Kito).

The newly-revealed illustration card’s design features Yuta Hibiki, Sho Utsumi, Rikka
Takarada, and Akane Shinjo happily snapping photos.

SSSS.DYNAZENON will be released for two weeks starting March 10, and those buying
tickets will also get an illustration card and a special voice drama written by Akira Amemiya.

The SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film is being directed by Yoshiyuki Kaneko, who served as assistant director on the anime series. The film will show a somewhat new interpretation of the story under his new direction. Both compilation films will include extra footage leading
up to the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE on March 24, 2023.

©円谷プロ ©2023 TRIGGER・雨宮哲／「劇場版グリッドマンユニバース」製作委員会

Music composer Shunryu recently began the musical project Sizuk, creating numerous tracks for idol groups and anime series. Sizuk’s first digital single Dystopia, released on January 6, serves as the opening theme song for the anime series The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World. The music video, using plenty of footage from the anime, has also been posted to the official Sizuk YouTube channel.

Dystopia – Sizuk (Music Video)
The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World Opening Theme Song

A Dystopia gift campaign is now underway on numerous streaming sites. Benefits vary, with one of the more impressive presents being an original voice drama by the stars of the anime series from mora. Physical goods are also available, including an A3-size poster and acrylic keychain designed by popular illustrator SOLANI. 

©御子柴奈々・講談社／「冰剣の魔術師が世界を統べる」 製作委員会

More information about the upcoming anime series Insomniacs After School has been revealed. The series is set to premiere on TV Tokyo in April 2023.

Makoto Ojiro’s coming-of-age manga series is set in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It follows Ganta Nakami, a high school boy suffering from insomnia, and Isaki Magari, a girl with the same issue. Insomniacs After School is serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits.

The second key visual and trailer have been released, giving audiences a better glimpse at this bittersweet tale. The new image shows Ganta and Isaki in different rooms with headphones on. The text reads “what are you doing right now?”

The trailer shows off the beautiful scenery around Nanao City. An event was recently held in the real-life city to celebrate the popular series.

Insomniacs After School Trailer #2

New characters and their voices are revealed for the first time in this exclusive trailer!

The cast includes Haruka Tomatsu, Seiichiro Yamashita, Lynn, Natsumi Fujiwara, Sumire Morohoshi, Mamiko Noto, Sho Karino, Gen Sato, and Konomi Tamura.

Insomniacs After School is only three months away. Will you be tuning in?

Cast Comments

Haruka Tomatsu (Yui Shiromaru)
Popular Works: Sword Art Online (Asuna), Yo-kai Watch (Keta)

“I absolutely love stars, so this role makes me super happy! Shiromaru is cool and doesn’t talk too much, but he is kindhearted and pure, and it was super fun to play him. Since he’s an older character, there are plenty of scenes where he gives helpful advice. This series is really heartwarming and I hope you’ll tune in!”

Seiichiro Yamashita (Tao Ukegawa)
Popular Works: The Eminence in Shadow (Cid Kagenou / Shadow), More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers (Jiro Yakuin)

“There are things that are incredibly difficult to say to others, but things that you feel you need to say. I could really feel the romance behind sharing secrets as I worked on this project. It carefully handles difficult issues and reminds us how hard it can be to truly understand other people. That’s why the human experience is so complex and dramatic. It’s a wonderful work filled with love. Enjoy it!”

Lynn (Motoko Kanikawa)
Popular Works: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (Miorine Rembran), Uma Musume: Pretty Derby (Maruzensky)

“I love the atmosphere of the original work. The glimpses of ordinary life seen in every scene are so precious. Kanikawa is funny and cute and it was a blast to play her. I had a blast ad-libbing with the other cast members! I hope that this series reaches a ton of new people now that it’s being adapted into an anime series!”

Natsumi Fujiwara (Kanami Anamizu)
Popular Works: SPYxFAMILY (Damian Desmond), Chuka Ichiban! (Mao)

“I was worried that Anamizu would be too difficult of a role for me, but thanks to everyone’s help, I was really able to enjoy working on this series. The main character suffers from insomnia which is a terrible thing, but I was thrilled the entire time. After all, I love the stars! Ah, the splendors of youth! I can’t wait to see how the final product turns out!”

Sumire Morohoshi (Mina Nono)
Popular Works: Aikatsu! (Ichigo Hoshimiya), The Promised Neverland (Ema)

“Nono is so adorable! I wanted to make sure her laid-back energy came through. She’s gentle and kind and I think it will be completely apparent to audiences what kind of person she is. The work itself is both fresh and nostalgic at the same time, and it was so fun to work with the cast. I felt like I was back in high school again!”

Mamiko Noto (Usako Kurashiki)
Popular Works: Kimi ni Todoke (Sawako Kuronuma), Hell Girl (Ai Enma)

“I’m Mamiko Noto and I play the role of Usako Kurashiki. As a native of Ishikawa, it’s such a pleasure to work on a series based in my home prefecture. Ms. Kurashiki is a charming teacher and one I wish I had when I was a student. The original work is so rich in content and character, both warm and sad…it’s so detailed that it can truly feel like you’re wrapped up in it. I’m sure the anime will be the same way. I hope you’re looking forward to it!”

Sho Karino (Rui Haida)
Popular Works: Tokyo Revengers (Chifuyu Matsuno), Idolmaster SideM (Yukihiro Kamiya)

“This wonderful story is so meaningful. I was happy to experience it with everyone, with this entire cast. The scenery and starry skies will stick in your mind and make you want to go out and explore the night. Working on Insomniacs After School made me feel like I could enjoy my high school life again! Thank you so much!”

©オジロマコト・小学館／アニメ「君ソム」製作委員会

Vocalist MARiA and composer TOKU make up the popular duo GARNiDELiA. At the two’s epic finale for 2022, ‘GARNiDELiA stellacage 2022 -stella ship- OSAKA and TOKYO’ at EX Theater Roppongi, the duo announced a world tour coming in 2023.

The world tour, titled ‘GARNiDELiA stellacage 2023 -stella ship- Re:CoNNeCT,’ will take place in over 20 cities around the world from May to September 2023, including Shanghai,  Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Shenzhen, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and a number of cities in Japan. A new visual was revealed alongside the announcement. 

The duo will also release a Cover Collection series album in the spring of 2023. GARNiDELiA has covered a number of popular J-pop tracks in the past, releasing them on YouTube and streaming services. Fans in the audience were instantly excited by the announcement of the long-awaited album. 

More details about the world tour and upcoming album will be announced in January 2023.

MARiA’s Comment on World Tour

“It’s been four years since our Asia tour. 

Finally…finally…I’ll be able to see all of you.*

It’s been a long road, but we survived. We persevered. We’ll show you our real strength. And to those of you who have been waiting and supporting us over the past four years, we’ll be back to sing for you soon and show our love. I’m excited about this tour, which will be filled with miraculous moments where we’ll finally be able to share our feelings and make up for lost time.”

toku‘s Comment on World Tour

“Although we performed overseas plenty of times following our debut, the last few years have kept us from doing so for the first time. We’re so excited to announce this long-awaited opportunity. We can’t wait to perform for our fans in Japan and abroad so we can make up for so much lost time.”

MARiA’s Comment on Cover Album

“The GARNiDELiA cover series began two years ago as a way to fill the void created by our tour being canceled. We had a lot of fun while working on it, aiming to pay homage to so many great songs and bringing our own unique twist and color to each of them. I think this was made possible by our diversity. We really played around with the sound for this album, and we’d be so happy if you could listen and enjoy!”

toku‘s Comment on Cover Album

“Everyone has heard so many hit songs during their life. We’ve been lucky to have so much inspiration and to be able to play and have fun with this music. I wonder what kind of chemical changes the two of us can make with these songs. At the start of production, I felt like I was really facing each song with a pure heart, encountering a different form of music than I had in the past, partly as a reaction to our tour being canceled. As singers and artists, we’d be so happy if you’d listen to our interpretation of these classic tracks.”

*Maria uses the word for ‘love’ instead of ‘meet.’ Both are pronounced the same way.