Rock band Survive Said the Prophet will perform the opening theme song for the upcoming anime series Tokyo 24th Ward. The track is titled Paper Sky. 

The series will be written by Nitroplus’s Vio Shimokura and will be his first time working on an anime series. Character designs were done by FiFS, a popular illustrator among women. CloverWorks will handle the animation, popular for other franchises such as Horimiya, Wonder Egg Priority, and the upcoming Spy x Family adaptation. Naokatsu Tsuda will serve as director, known for his work on JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. 

Paper Sky was written exclusively for the series and is an emotional and fast-paced track with the message of taking the future into your hands. Part of the track can be heard in the first preview for the series, which is scheduled to release in January 2022. 

Tokyo 24th Ward – First Preview

Comment from Yosh (Vo)

We were given the opportunity to write the opening theme for Tokyo 24th Ward and subsequently created Paper Sky. 

I imagined the near-future as I sang this track, somewhere within this mysterious 24th Ward. I wanted to express the idea of looking upward and moving forward despite the pain that comes with growing up. 

I hope that you enjoy this series and this new track.

Yosh / Survive Said The Prophet

©Team24東京24区プロジェクト

Seven years after release, Mizuki Tsujimura’s popular novel about struggles in the anime industry Haken Anime! is getting a live-action film in May 2022. Along with the big news, a teaser visual and cast comments have been released, along with a teaser trailer.

The story focuses on Hitomi Saito, who has entered the anime industry and is making her directorial debut. She is competing for the title of Haken (supremacy) with the star direction she previously idolized, Chiharu Ouji. Together with a peculiar producer and a unique group of friends and colleagues, the novel shows the more difficult parts of creating a successful anime series. As anime has become more popular around the world, this film is sure to attract plenty of international attention. 

The film’s talented cast includes Riho Yoshioka, Tomoya Nakamura, Tasuku Emoto, and Machiko Ono. Yoshika plays the lead role of Hitomi Saito, a rookie director who believes in the incredible power of animation. While she’s dedicated to her goals, she’s clumsy and seems to hit a new wall each and every day. Even still, the character is loveable and inspiring, as she tries to overcome each and every struggle. 

Nakamura passionately plays Chiharu Ouji, a genius director known for producing plenty of smash hits. Emoto plays Satoru Yukishiro, a talented producer, while Ono plays Kayako Arishina, a famous producer who puts her job on the line for the best possible work. 

The film will be directed by Kohei Yoshino, who also participated as a CG creator in Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 hit anime film Your Name. He has also worked on many music videos and commercials. Toei Animation will supervise the film. The animated teaser trailers were created by popular studio Production I.G, and both are actually the anime being created in the film. They were released prior to the announcement of the live-action film and caused quite a stir online with over 100,000 views on YouTube in a week. 

“Soundback -Kanade no Ishi” Teaser Trailer: 

“Unmei Sensen Liddell-Light” Teaser Trailer: 

“Soundback -Kanade no Ishi” is the first film directed by Hitomi Saito in Haken Anime!, and “Unmei Sensen Liddell-Light” is Chiharu Ouji’s new film. A teaser trailer was also released, showing the main character with a serious expression, claiming that ‘animation can grant power stronger than any magic.’ 

Teaser Trailer

https://youtu.be/oKbiGKBjibQ

The new teaser visual shows the four main characters with the taglines ‘Surpass yourself’ and ‘Grab the Supremacy!’ Will you be watching this film when it releases in your region?

Comment from Riho Yoshioka

I play the role of Hitomi Saito, originally a government worker who decides to become an anime director. The film shows the steps involved in making an anime series come to life, and the incredible struggle of the animators. Anime is one of Japan’s treasures, but behind the scenes, there is so much hard work that goes into making each series–more than you can ever imagine.

Animators work day and night, making storyboards, drawings, videos…Their talent is unbelievable. Every day while filming, I had these realizations. I had never thought so deeply about anime creators, and now, each time I see an anime series I am so incredibly moved. 

I hope you enjoy the film!

Comment from Tomoya Nakamura

I’m Tomoya Nakamura, and I play the role of Chiharu Ouji. As I read the script, I found myself continuously nodding my head in agreement as I saw how much my character has that creative fever that’s so unique to this kind of profession. I’m truly blessed to play the role of Ouji, a man who has so many worries, but still holds his head high. I want those seeing the film to be inspired to do their best in their everyday life after seeing these characters put their heart and souls into anime. Please look forward to this incredible film by Kohei Yoshino!

Comment from Tasuku Emoto

I went into this thinking that Yukishiro was a man with a strong personality, but also someone capable of showing kindness. The director has a small voice and strange idiosyncrasies, but also a stubbornness and incredible masculinity that you’d never guess from his appearance. I was inspired by that for my character. Haken Anime! is both light-hearted and incredibly deep, so please look forward to it!

Comment from Machiko Ono

While filming, I found myself in an incredible story filled with hopes, dreams, and a path to follow. I fell in love with it instantly. It was such an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to see how the story connects with the audience. 

Comment from Director Kohei Yoshino

I was very fortunate to be offered the chance to direct this film, as it was a project I had loved for a long time prior. My memories of being a new director are still fresh in my mind, so this was a chance to put those thoughts and feelings on screen. I’m also lucky to have worked with such a wonderful cast and crew. I hope everyone enjoys this unique work that includes several distinct genres, and I hope that those wanting a career in the industry learn from this film and are inspired to take a shot. May this film be the dream come true to many as it was for me. 

Comment from Original Writer Mizuki Tsujimura

Out of all the novels I’ve written, I thought Haken Anime! would be the most difficult to put on the big screen, as two different anime series appear in the work. I had given up the idea of it ever being adapted, given how long it takes to create anime of good quality. But this time, with the help of this wonderful staff and cast, it’s really happening. My characters Hitomi, Chiharu, Satoru, and Kayako have come to life, and their anime is real. I can’t wait to see them on the big screen!

©️2022 映画「ハケンアニメ！」製作委員会

Toshiki Masuda will release his first single Midnight Dancer on January 26, 2022.

The title track was created as the opening theme for the upcoming anime series ‘Love of Kill’ scheduled to air in January 2022 and features lyrics by Tomokazu Tashiro and an arrangement by Tsubasa Ito. A danceable song with jazz flavor, it sets the stage for what might be one of the best anime series of the season. Check out a snippet of it in the first preview for ‘Love of Kill.’ 

Love of Kill – First Trailer

The single will be available in three versions: a Limited First Edition, Standard Edition, and Limited Production Edition. The Limited First Edition comes with a Blu-ray disc featuring the making of the Midnight Dancer music video. The Limited Production Edition will be available until March 2022 and features an illustration by Fe, the original author of ‘Love of Kill.’

Those who preorder the single will receive bonuses based on which store they purchase from, with Animate, Tower Records, Rakuten Books, Gamers, HMV, TSUTAYA RECORDS, Neowing, Bunkyodo, and Animeka offering original bromides. Those buying from Amazon will get a mega jacket with a design that can be specified at purchase. For more information, check out the official website. 

©2022 Fe/KADOKAWA/殺し愛製作委員会 

A new trailer and two key visuals have been released ahead of the January 7, 2022 premiere of CUE! The series will follow a team of up-and-coming voice actors as they try to get ahead in the industry.

A live reading was held at Takashiba New Pier Hall on November 21, and the new trailer and visuals were announced at its conclusion. 

The key visual ‘Wind’ features the characters Miharu Yomine, Aya Kamuro, Mahoro Miyaji, and Riko Hinakura in a radio studio. The jacket design of the upcoming CD featuring the show’s theme song was also unveiled, with a release date set for January 26, 2022. An online autograph and talk session with the cast will also take place when the CD releases, so stay tuned for more information regarding how to participate!

Another key visual ‘Moon’ features Rie Maruyama, Satori Utsugi, Rinne Myojin, and Mei Tomi. With the release of these two visuals, all of the show’s teams have been introduced. Which is your favorite: Flower, Bird, Wind, or Moon?

CUE! Second Trailer  Team Moon Version

©CUE! Animation Project　

Premiering in Shonen Jump+ in January 2019, Mato Seihei no Slave (Slave of the Magic Capital’s Elite Troops), written by Takahiro and illustrated by Youhei Takemura, has been a certified hit, selling over 1 million copies. An anime adaptation has just been announced, with Seven Arcs taking the helm. 

The ongoing Mato Seihei no Slave manga series is set in a world where a demonic gate has unleashed monsters called Shuki. A special peach tree can grant special powers to those in need, but only if they are women. A boy named Yuki Wakura meets Uzen Kyoka, a girl who has gained the power of the peach, and the captain of the 7th Anti-Demon squad. 

Along with the announcement and teaser website, a teaser visual and trailer have also been unveiled. 

Mato Seihei no Slave Teaser Trailer

Yuki Wakura will be played by Yuya Hirose, known for his work as Yuta Hibiki in SSSS.Gridman. Akari Kito will play the role of Kyoka Uzen. Keep an eye out for more information!

Ⓒタカヒロ・竹村洋平／集英社・魔防隊広報部

Manga series Mononogatari is finally getting an anime adaptation. The series began in Shueisha’s Miracle Jump in April 2014, switching to Ultra Jump in January 2016. Onigunso, the manga’s creator, drew an original illustration to celebrate the announcement and posted it to Twitter along with a comment. 

Comment from Onigunso

“Thanks to the support of so many people, Mononogatari is becoming an anime series. Thank you to all of the readers, and thank you to everyone involved in this project! As a manga artist, I draw the character’s movements and words, but it can be hard to visualize exactly how it would look in motion. As the author, I’m looking forward to seeing how the characters appear on screen. I hope you’ll continue supporting both the manga and anime series in the future!”

Mononogatari Synopsis

As objects get older, they eventually get worn-out and rusty. When this happens, they develop a ‘soul,’ becoming a tsukumogami. Hyoma Kunato hates these creatures for stealing something important from him. Traveling to Kyoto, he meets Botan Nagatsuki, a girl who loves tsukumogami and lives with six of them as her family.

©オニグンソウ／集英社

The popular manga series Love of Kill is getting an anime adaptation in January 2022, and the first image and trailer have been released. The key visual shows the members of Ritzland Support, the organization to which the main character Chateau Dankworth belongs, and the people targeting Son Ryang-ha. In the first trailer, you can see a glimpse of the fierce battles between hitmen to expect in the series set to Toshiki Masuda’s theme song Midnight Dancer.

Key Visual

1st Trailer

More cast members have also been announced: Kenyu Horiuchi will play Ritzland Support owner Euripedes Ritzland, Kohei Amasaki will play Jim (named Indian in the manga), Tomoaki Maeno will play Hou, and Hochu Otsuka will play Donny. Each actor has also provided a comment about the upcoming series. 

To celebrate the release of the first trailer, a special campaign is taking place on Twitter now, with the winner snagging a script signed by the aforementioned actors as well as Saori Onishi (Chateau) and Hiro Shimono (Son Ryang-ha). Don’t miss it!

Cast Comments

Kenyu Horiuchi (Euripedes Ritzland) Comment
When I was chosen to perform in the Love of Kill anime adaptation, I quickly fell in love with the series. I expected it to be about this twisted love between killers, but it’s much deeper than that. So many characters are intertwined, and their pasts are continuously being unraveled. There’s a love between two incompatible people, and it is portrayed with such heartache. The story is so action-packed and full of content. I play the role of Euripedes Ritzland, who is unreliable but who gets things done when he has to. There is so much kindness in his heart. I just hope that everyone who sees the show enjoys it–it’s a wonderful work of art.

Kohei Amasaki (Jim) Comment

I’ve loved Jim as a character since I read the original manga, so I’m super excited to play him. There was a lot of trial and error while I tried to find the best way to express him, and I hope you’ll enjoy what I came up with! The story is addicting, the characters are fascinating, and Jim is a major player in the story…Please watch!

Tomoaki Maeno (Hou) Comment

This is a super impactful character. Ho has his own personal beliefs and objectives, and these drive his every action. My first impression of Ho was that he was a somewhat unlikeable character, but I grew to love his cunning. He knows that he could be killed if he isn’t careful at every moment. Please enjoy his story.

Donny (Hochu Otsuka) Comment

I am so excited to portray Donny in Love of Kill. Donny was born in noir and lives in noir. I absolutely love noir novels, so this is my dream role! It’s ruthless, it’s cruel, it’s filled with sorrow. I hope you’ll look forward to the first episode!

Toshiki Masuda (Opening Theme) Comment

This is the first time I’ve ever performed an anime theme, so I’ve really been feeling the pressure. While creating this song, I wanted it to express the world of Love of Kill without spoiling anything. Please enjoy the song as much as I do!

Aika Kobayashi (Ending Theme) Comment

I’m so proud to announce that I will be performing the ending theme, Makoto Period, for the Love of Kill anime series. I read the original manga before starting the project, and I ended up binging it in one go. While reading, I couldn’t help but wonder–what is true and what is false? It’s sad, it’s filled with love and pain. I created this song with those feelings in mind. Please enjoy the show!

The popular anime series Aggretsuko will return to Netflix for its fourth season on December 16, 2021, and a new trailer for the show has been released on YouTube. 

The season four announcement came during Netflix’s “Anime Day” on November 9 during Netflix Festival Japan 2021. The event brought together a number of talented creators from Japan and abroad, as well as a number of actors and voice actors representing Japan. Many more anime series were announced during the event, so check out the full video below!

Event Stream

Season 4 Trailer

Aggretsuko follows a 25-year-old red panda named Retsuko who hates her job and is easily stressed. She only feels true peace while singingn karaoke, where she transforms into a death metal star! The show is perfect for young people dealing with workplace troubles, so give it a watch if you haven’t yet. No wonder it’s so popular around the world!

Season three was released in 2020 to positive reviews. Lots of new characters will be appearing this season including Himuro, the new president of Retsuko’s company. To celebrate the new season, a special collaboration between Aggretsuko and singer-songwriter Mewhan has been announced! More info is scheduled to be unveiled soon.

Releasing in January 2022 and created by Studio A-Cat, the anime adaptation of She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man has released a new visual and its third trailer. Based on a novel series by Hirotsugu Ryusen, the series has also spawned a light novel and manga series. 

She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man – Trailer 3

STORY

Arch Earth Online is a VRMMO-RPG, and a place where anything is possible.

Sakimori Kagami has been playing for a long time as the old sorcerer Dumbalf, one of the game’s nine great sages. One day, he discovers something strange in the virtual world. 

Suddenly, players in the game can taste and smell the imaginary world around them and can’t log out. NPCs also start reacting as if they were sentient. 

The game had become reality, and so far, 30 years have passed. 

On the day this shift happened, Sakimori had been adjusting his character, and now finds himself looking like a young woman!

He now must convince others that he is Dunbalf’s pupil as he sets out to discover what happened so long ago. 

Will you be watching the series this winter?

©2021 りゅうせんひろつぐ・藤ちょこ／マイクロマガジン社／わしかわいい製作委員会

The Platinum End anime series premiered in October and has managed to attract a legion of global fans. Based on the manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, the team behind Death Note and Bakuman, the story follows Mirai Kakehashi, a student who attempts suicide by is saved by a guardian angel. 

Yuu Miyashita’s ending track, Theory of Surrender, is available to stream now. The non-credit version of the ending has also been uploaded to YouTube, allowing viewers to see the gorgeous visuals in their full glory. 

The ending animation was storyboarded, directed, and drawn by Kazuchika Kise, the director of the second season. It depicts the story of the main character, Mirai Kakehashi (voiced by Miyu Irino), and the antagonist Kanade Uryu (voiced by Kaito Ishikawa). 

Non-Credit Ending

After Mirai is rescued by his guardian angel, Nasse, he is given special powers. As one of thirteen candidates chosen by different angels to take on the role of God, who is set to retire in 999 days, the normal student must find a way to ascend without killing any of his competitors. 

Have you been keeping up with Platinum End?

©︎大場つぐみ・小畑健／集英社・プラチナエンド製作委員会

A new key visual has been revealed for Kaitou Queen wa Circus Osuki (“The Phantom Thief Queen Loves the Circus”), also called Mirage Queen aime cirque. The main staff for the film has also been announced, and the OVA is scheduled to release in 2022. Mirage Queen is based on a series of children’s novels written by Kaoru Hayamine and illustrated by K2 Shoukai. 

Saori Den, who has previously worked as a storyboard artist and episode director for Pokemon and BNA, will make his directorial debut. The screenplay will be written by Mariko Kunisawa, known for her work on Ascendance of a Bookworm and The Case Files of Jeweler Richard.

Mirage Queen has been popular since its initial release in 2002, and the latest book in the series was released in July 2021. This will be its first leap into animation. 

Story

The story follows a mysterious phantom thief, whose age, gender, and nationality are unknown. This person travels the world on the airship “Troubadour” along with partners Joker and RD, stealing anything they like. This time, the Mirage Queen targets the “Linden’s Rose,” a legendary gemstone, only to find out that it has already been stolen! Who is the mysterious circus troupe that has made away with the treasure? The mysterious thief challenges the talented circus performers–including acrobats and hypnotists–in order to retrieve the precious gem.  

©はやみねかおる・K2商会・講談社／「怪盗クイーン」製作委員会

After the second season of the popular anime series The Quintessential Quintuplets finished, fans were excited to hear news regarding a possible season three. As it turns out, the continuation of the series isn’t coming in the form of a television series–it will be a film! The movie has been announced for summer 2022 in Japan, and a new visual has been released ahead of more information!

Negi Haruba’s Quintessential Quintuplets manga series ran from 2017 until 2020 in Weekly Shonen Magazine and has become popular worldwide. The series was the third best-selling manga series during the first half of 2020 in Japan. 

The series follows the daily life of Futaro Uesugi, a high school student hired as a private tutor for a group of identical quintuplets. At the beginning of the story, readers learn that Futaro will marry one of the five Nakano sisters–Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, or Itsuki–but the identity of the bride is unknown until the end of the story.

The new visual shows the five main female characters in swimsuits, and a brief teaser was also released on YouTube to promote the upcoming film.

The Quintessential Quintuplets Special Video

Are you excited to see how the story continues? 

©春場ねぎ・講談社／映画「五等分の花嫁」製作委員会