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Join Our Anime Social Member Drive!

Hey Anime Social family,
We are excited to announce our Anime Social Member Drive, and we've got some fantastic prizes up for grabs! Whether you're a long-time member or new to our community, this is your chance to win a Crunchyroll subscription and enjoy all the anime you love!
How to Participate:
Invite Your Friends: Spread the word about Anime Social and invite your friends to join our amazing community. The more friends you invite, the better your chances of winning!
Engage and Interact: Participate in forum discussions, post in the gallery, write reviews, and contribute to our blogs. Show us your passion for anime and help make our community even more vibrant.
Rules:
Be an Active Member: To be eligible for the prizes, you must be an active participant in the community. This means regularly engaging in discussions, posting content, and interacting with other members.
No Padding your chances: New members must actively participate in the community during the event. Those who do not will reduce your chances of winning.
Quality Over Quantity: While we encourage active participation, ensure that your contributions are meaningful and add value to the community.
Respect Community Guidelines: Follow all forum rules and guidelines. Positive and respectful interactions are essential for creating a supportive community.
Stay Honest: All activities and contributions must be genuine. Any form of cheating or manipulation will result in disqualification. There is a Referral link that is in your account settings Use this when inviting new members, this keeps it fair and fun! New members that do not use your referral link will not count towards your count.
Prizes:
1st Place: 3-month Crunchyroll subscription
2nd Place: 2-month Crunchyroll subscription
3rd Place: 1-month Crunchyroll subscription
Timeline: The Member Drive will run from January 1st to February 28th. Winners will be announced on March 1st.
Why Join?
Expand Our Community: The more members we have, the more fun and engaging our community becomes.
Enjoy Exclusive Content: With a Crunchyroll subscription, you'll have access to the latest and greatest anime series and movies.
Connect with Fellow Fans: Make new friends, share your passion for anime, and be part of a supportive and creative community.
Let's come together and make Anime Social the ultimate hub for all anime enthusiasts. Start inviting, engaging, and climbing the leaderboard today! We can't wait to see the amazing contributions you'll bring to our community.
Happy animating!
Best, Sinistra Sensei Anime Social Team
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Jujutsu Kaisen Issues Warning After Ending Scene Leaks of Hidden Inventory / Premature Death Movie Surface Online

Unauthorized footage from the final scenes of JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie has surfaced on social media, leading to a public warning from the franchise’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. Fans are reminded that the movie includes a brand-new Juju Stroll episode. The announcement emphasizes that recording inside theaters is a criminal offense under Japan’s Law for Prevention of Unauthorized Recording of Films, and sharing such content also breaches the Copyright Act.
The official post outlines possible legal consequences, which could involve up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to 10 million yen, or both, depending on the seriousness and extent of the violation. This marks the latest development in a rising wave of piracy-related measures aimed at major anime franchises, as studios and distributors ramp up legal efforts and collaborate internationally. The full statement says:

Related Crackdowns
On May 11, the official Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba account issued a warning after an exclusive trailer for the upcoming Infinity Castle film, shown during revival screenings of Mugen Train, was recorded and leaked online. The statement, similar to today’s JUJUTSU KAISEN warning, emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on theater piracy across the anime industry. The film is set to premiere in Japan on July 18, with a global release beginning August 14. It will be distributed internationally by Crunchyroll in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Revival screenings featuring the trailer began in Japan on May 9, followed by North American showings on May 14.
Piracy isn’t limited to theater recordings. On May 25, the European Commission listed HiAnime, reportedly the world’s largest anime piracy website, on its Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List. This site, thought to be a rebranding of Aniwatch.to and Zoro.to, drew over 339 million global visits in February 2025, rivaling legitimate services like Crunchyroll.imeHeaven, another major unauthorized streaming site, was shut down in May after aggressive DMCA takedown actions, reportedly spearheaded by Crunchyroll. Site moderators confirmed the removal of all episodes, with many suggesting the content will not return. The crackdown on piracy has clearly intensified.
On May 21, a Japanese corporation operating a “spoiler site” was referred to prosecutors for sharing detailed plot summaries and images from films like Godzilla Minus One, Shin Kamen Rider, and Overlord III. The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) described the site’s actions as “malicious,” highlighting how such content diminishes the value of legitimate viewership and ticket sales, potentially discouraging fans from later watching the product. CODA also pointed out that this case is unusual, as an entire corporation, rather than just individuals, was referred to the Sendai District Public Prosecutors Office, possibly indicating a new phase of enforcement measures.
Industry Response and Warnings to Viewers
The anime industry, with backing from organizations like CODA and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), is stepping up its fight against piracy in all forms, including theater leaks, online streaming, and spoiler-filled content. Recent measures include DMCA takedowns, criminal charges and penalties, international partnerships, and public awareness initiatives. Studios are asking fans to avoid sharing content without permission in any way, as highlighted in the JUJUTSU KAISEN warning.
About JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death Movie
The film, which premiered in Japan on May 30, 2025, is a remastered theatrical version of the Hidden Inventory / Premature Death arc, originally featured as the first five episodes of JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 2. It follows young Gojo and Suguru Geto on their mission to protect Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel. This theatrical edition boasts enhanced visuals, an improved audio mix, and includes the Juju Stroll episode. Studio MAPPA once again takes charge of the animation production, featuring the original voice cast.


North American release and upcoming installments.
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death is set to premiere in North American theaters on July 16, 2025, distributed by GKIDS with both English subtitles and dubbing. This marks GKIDS’ first involvement in the JUJUTSU KAISEN franchise, following its acquisition by Toho International. The next big anime installment, the Culling Game arc, is currently in development and will pick up where Season 2 left off. A teaser visual has already been revealed, with more details and the format to be announced later. The JUJUTSU KAISEN manga officially wrapped up in September 2024 after six and a half years of serialization. The series concluded with 30 volumes, with the final two released simultaneously in December 2024, including a special epilogue in Volume 30.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Private Tutor to the Duke's Daughter Reveals Special New Lynne Leinster Visual

The anime Private Tutor to the Duke’s Daughter has unveiled its fourth special visual, featuring Lynne Leinster. Studio Blanc is handling the animation, with the premiere scheduled for July 2025. Earlier, her older sister Lydia Leinster also received a visual.
Tina Howard was the first character to get a visual, followed by Ellie.
Miho Okasaki was previously announced as the voice of Lynne, and her new character visual has now been revealed.

Private Tutor to the Duke’s Daughter – Special Visual Featuring Lynne Leinster
The voice cast for the anime Private Tutor to the Duke’s Daughter includes:
Yuto Uemura as Allen
Hime Sawada as Tina Howard
Kyoka Moriya as Ellie Walker
Ikumi Hasegawa as Lydia Leinster
Inori Minase as Stella Howard
Ami Maeshima as Caren
Miho Okasaki as Lynne Leinster
Kana Hanazawa as Felicia Fosse
The main staff for the anime includes:
Director: Nobuyoshi Nagayama
Script, Series Composition: Megumi Shimizu
Character Design: Akiko Toyota
Music: Kei Haneoka
Animation Production: Studio Blanc
After failing the court sorcerer exam, Allen was left to face a harsh reality: he couldn’t even afford to return to his hometown. While searching for work, he received an intriguing offer—a position as a tutor for the duke’s daughter, a young princess. Though it seemed suspicious, he figured that no matter how difficult she might be to teach, she couldn’t be worse than the “albatross around his neck.”
However, his assumptions were quickly challenged when he discovered that the girl couldn’t even perform the most basic spells. Could Allen uncover the mystery behind her magical block? His unconventional teaching methods might hold the key to lighting her path to a brighter future.

Riku Nanano is the author of the light novel series Private Tutor to the Duke’s Daughter. It debuted on the Kakuyomu website in October 2017 and was later picked up by Kadokawa, published under the Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint starting in December 2018, featuring illustrations by Cura.
The series also has a manga adaptation, illustrated by Tamura Muto, which has been serialized on Shonen Ace Plus since September 2019. Both the light novel and manga have been licensed in English by J-Novel Club.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

One Piece Night Set for July 3 at Dodger Stadium in New Los Angeles Dodgers x Toei Animation Collaboration

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toei Animation are joining forces for a one-day event celebrating the global anime hit ONE PIECE. Dubbed ONE PIECE Night, the event will take place on Thursday, July 3, during the Dodgers’ home game against the Chicago White Sox at 7:10 p.m.
This partnership is the latest in a string of collaborations between professional sports and ONE PIECE. Created by Toei Animation and based on Eiichiro Oda's manga, ONE PIECE has been a cultural phenomenon since its TV debut in 1999, featuring 15 movies, a trading card game, numerous video games, and a wide range of merchandise.

ONE PIECE x Los Angeles Dodgers – July 3 ONE PIECE Night Collaboration Visual

For the July 3 promotion, the Dodgers will hand out co-branded ONE PIECE straw hats to the first 40,000 ticketed fans upon entry, while supplies last. After the game, a drone show featuring ONE PIECE characters will add a visual spectacle to the evening’s entertainment.

“This exciting partnership between the Dodgers and Toei Animation will bring a fun-filled event to Dodger Stadium,” said Lon Rosen, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for the Dodgers. “It’s great to showcase ONE PIECE, one of the most popular franchises in the world, to the best fan base in the world.”

Lisa Yamatoya, Senior Director and Head of Marketing at Toei Animation Inc., added, “We’re thrilled to partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers to bring the global hit series ONE PIECE to Dodger Stadium on July 3 for a very special one-day promotion. We invite fans to join us for ONE PIECE Night, which will offer a truly memorable, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, complete with a not-to-be-missed ONE PIECE drone show after the game.”

This Dodgers partnership follows several recent ONE PIECE crossover promotions in sports. Past events include a themed night with the Boston Red Sox on May 3, where a costumed Monkey D. Luffy mascot threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park, a Game Night event with the Los Angeles Lakers, a collaboration with Germany’s Borussia Dortmund soccer club, and a themed night with the Seattle Mariners. Beyond sports, the franchise has also recently launched co-branded products with LEGO, POP MART, and Baskin Robbins.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

The Stunned Hero and the Assassin Princesses Introduces Goa With Character Visual & Trailer

The anime "The Stunned Hero and the Assassin Princesses" has revealed a new visual and trailer for Goa, the eldest assassin princess. This is the third weekly reveal, following her younger sisters, Ciel and Anemone. The series is scheduled to premiere in July.
Studio CONNECT is producing the animation, directed by Noriaki Akitaya. The main staff features Michiko Yokote as the series composer, Takao Sano as the character designer, and Shun Narita as the music composer. Haruka Shiraishi voices Goa, and her trailer is now out.
Also check out her heroine visual below.

The Stunned Hero and the Assassin Princesses – Goa Character Visual
The main voice cast includes:
Shunsuke ‌Takeuchi as Toto
Iori ‌Saeki as Ciel
Hitomi ‌Ueda as Anemone
Haruka ‌Shiraishi as Goa
Check out the teaser trailer for the anime, showcasing each of the three sisters, right below:
The story unfolds with Toto, a skilled but extremely shy hero who has been stuck in the Starting Town, unable to form a party. One day, his luck seems to change when three stunning women—Ciel, Anemone, and Goa—invite him to join their group. Overjoyed, Toto eagerly sets off on his long-awaited adventure, unaware that these women have sinister plans to kill him!
An introvert who faints at the slightest hint of romance, paired with three women harboring their own deadly motives—thus begins this hilariously dark harem romantic comedy! You can check out the two key visuals featuring the main characters below.

Norishiro-chan creates the manga Kizetsu Yusha to Ansatsu Hime (The Stunned Hero and the Assassin Princesses), featuring artwork by Yukiji Setsuda. The series has been serialized in Akita Shoten's Weekly Shonen Champion magazine since October 2022.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Übel and Land Hang Out in New Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Mini-Anime Episode

A new episode of the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End mini-anime series, titled The Magic That Cuts Just About Anything, has been released on the anime’s official YouTube channel. This marks Übel and Land's debut in the mini-anime format. Season 2 of the main anime is scheduled to premiere in January 2026.
The mini-anime series typically features short, original stories separate from the main series. It uses chibi-style character designs by illustrator Mebachi and focuses on characters experimenting with various types of magic during their journey.
Episode 14 highlights Übel and Land, who were first introduced in the anime during the First-Class Mage Exam arc in Season 1’s second half. In this episode, the two visit a restaurant where Übel showcases her unique spell Reilzaiden, capable of cutting through nearly anything. Ikumi Hasegawa voices Übel, while Shohei Komatsu lends his voice to Land.
The first season of the anime, animated by MADHOUSE, consisted of 28 episodes and began airing on September 29, 2024. Keiichiro Saito directed the series, with Tomohiro Suzuki handling the series composition. Reiko Nagasawa designed the characters, while Yuri Fujinaka, Reiko Nagasawa, and Maru Takase served as chief animation directors. The music was composed by Evan Call, and the main voice cast included:
Atsumi Tanezaki as Frieren
Kana Ichinose as Fern
Chiaki Kobayashi as Stark
Nobuhiko Okamoto as Himmel
Yoji Ueda as Eisen
Atsuko Tanaka as Flamme
Hiroki Tochi as Heiter
Ayana Taketatsu as Aura
The anime was crowned Best Anime of Fall 2023, also winning Best Boy (Stark), Best Girl (Fern), Best Adaptation, Best Drama, and Best Opening (“Yuusha” by YOASOBI). In the 2023 Anime of the Year Awards, Frieren took home Best New Anime, Best Adaptation, Best Fantasy, and Best Adventure, while placing 2nd in Best Drama and 3rd in Best Animation.
In the Winter 2024 anime rankings, the second cour of the anime earned five awards and was runner-up in many categories, trailing behind Bokuyaba, which dominated the weekly rankings that season. At the 2024 Anime of the Year Awards, Frieren placed as runner-up for Best Anime but secured wins for Best Adaptation, Best Adventure, Best Fantasy, Best Voice Cast, and Best World Building.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is written by Kanehito Yamada, with artwork by Tsukasa Abe. Serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday since April 2020, the manga is available on Sunday Webry, Viz Media, and the Shogakukan Comic website, while the anime can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Season 2 Teaser Visual | January 2026 Release Date
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Dr. Stone Season 4 Reveals Main Cour 2 Trailer, Opening Song, July 10 Premiere 

Dr. Stone: Science Future (Season 4) has unveiled the main trailer for Cour 2, featuring the theme song “SUPERNOVA” by KANA-BOON and announcing a July 10 premiere date. Animated by Studio TMS Entertainment, this final season of the anime will consist of 3 split cours.
The theme song, released under the Ki/oon Music label, sets the tone for the upcoming episodes. The cast includes new additions Megumi Han as Chelsea Childe and Reigo Yamaguchi as Leonhard. Fans can catch the new Cour 2 trailer now.

Otoha will perform the ending song “no man’s world,” and the anime has also announced an advance screening for Cour 2, along with a theatrical version of the first cour. Crunchyroll is streaming the anime globally, while Netflix handles streaming in Asia.

The voice cast for the anime includes:
Yusuke Kobayashi as Senku Ishigami
Makoto Furukawa as Taiju Oki
Kengo Kawanishi as Gen Asagiri
Kana Ichinose as Yuzuriha Ogawa
Gen Sato as Chrome
Karin Takahashi as Suika
Ryota Suzuki as Ryusui Nanami
Yuichi Nakamura as Tsukasa Shishio
Manami Numakura as Kohaku
Mugihito as Kaseki
Kenji Nojima as Dr. Xeno Houston Wingfield
Koji Yusa as Stanley Snyde

Riichiro Inagaki wrote the Dr. STONE manga, illustrated by Boichi. The series concluded after five years of serialization on March 7, 2022, with a total of 232 chapters.
The story follows Senku Ishigami, a genius scientist, as he works to revive humanity after a mysterious petrification event. After making remarkable progress, their sights are set on space, but new challenges arise in the form of Dr. Xeno and Stanley Snyder.
The first season of the Dr. Stone anime premiered in the Summer 2019 season with 24 episodes. The second season, Dr. Stone: Stone Wars, aired in January 2021 with 11 episodes. A special episode focusing on Ryusui was released in July 2022. The third season, Stone: New World, aired in 2023 with 23 episodes across two split cours. The fourth and final season was announced right after the Season 3 finale.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra Anime Reveals New Key Visual, Takuto Ira Character Trailer, July 6 Premiere

Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Starts with the Civilization of Ruin anime has unveiled a new key visual, a character trailer, and its premiere date set for July 6. Studio MAHO FILM is handling the animation.
The opening theme, “Majestic Catastrophe,” is performed by Rico Sasaki, while the ending theme, “more than W,” is sung by Takuma Terashima. Both songs can be heard in the previously released main trailer, and the new visual is also available for viewing.

Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra – New Key Visual | July 6 Premiere Date
The anime adaptation of the light novel was announced in June 2024, featuring a voice cast that includes:
Toshiki Kumagai as Takuto Ira
Tomori Kusunoki as Sludge Atou
Kikuko Inoue as Isla, Queen of Bugs
Riko Sasaki as Emul
Kaori Maeda as Maria Elfuur
Kanon Takao as Caria Elfuur
Shinji Kawada as Gia
Tomomichi Nishimura as Moltar
The first character trailer highlights Takuto Ira, and it's available for viewing below.
The main staff consists of the following members:
Director: Yuji Yanase
Series Composition: Yuka Yamada, Kunihiko Okada
Main Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kaho Deguchi
Sub Character Design: Eri Kojima, Manami Inose
Color Design: Yuki Mamizu
Art Director: Yuki Sakai
Director of Photography: Yukina Nomura
Sound Director: Masanori Tsuchiya
Music: Yumemi Kujira, 成清翠
Music Production: Lantis
Animation Production: MAHO FILM
Fefu Kazuno launched the novel on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website in November 2017, and Micro Magazine started publishing it in print with Jun's illustrations in November 2019. Cross Infinite World is bringing it to English readers, describing the story as follows:
I Reincarnated As The Evil God Of My Favorite Civilization.

Takuto Ira, who passed away from illness at a young age, finds himself reincarnated into a world resembling the fantasy turn-based strategy game Eternal Nations. Not only does he return as part of his favorite game, but as the god leading the evil civilization Mynoghra. With the stunning hero unit, Sludge Witch Atou, by his side, even the game's notoriously tough race traits won't hinder their effort to rebuild their civilization!
“Lord Takuto…won’t you start over with me?”
Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate! A tactical fantasy world awaits heroes like you! Join Eternal Nations today!
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Let's Play Anime Gets New Visual and Trailer, Coming to Crunchyroll in 2025

Crunchyroll has revealed that it will stream the anime adaptation of "Let’s Play" in 2025, along with a new visual and trailer. Studio OLM is in charge of the animation, and the anime is set to premiere at Anime Expo 2025 in July. The project was originally announced in October 2023.
Let’s Play is a romantic comedy comic series by Leeanne M. Krecic, known as Mongie. Released digitally on WEBTOON from 2016 to 2022 and published by Rocketship Entertainment, the story revolves around Sam Young, a young game developer. WEBTOON describes it as the tale of a young, single woman chasing her dream of creating amazing video games. Her life takes a twist when a popular streamer harshly reviews her first game and, to make matters worse, turns out to be her new neighbor! This funny, relatable story delves into gaming, memes, and social anxiety. Plus, there’s an adorable dog to enjoy.



Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Leviathan Anime by Studio Orange Reveals New Visual, July 10 Netflix Premiere

Leviathan, the latest anime from CGI studio ORANGE, has unveiled a new visual and announced its Netflix premiere on July 10. With Joe Hisaishi composing the music, the anime released its first teaser trailer back in September 2024.

Leviathan – New Anime Visual | July 10 Premiere on Netflix
Qubic Pictures is producing a new project with Christophe Ferreira as the director, while Justin Leach and Daiki Sakurai serve as executive producers. All three were previously involved in Eden. The music includes original songs by Joe Hisaishi, with Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnouchi handling the score. The story unfolds in 1914, on the brink of war, where a fugitive prince and a girl in disguise meet aboard the bioengineered airship HMS Leviathan, altering history. Prince Aleksander, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run, while Deryn Sharp, a commoner disguised as a boy in the British Air Service, crosses his path. As World War I ignites, their unexpected encounter sparks a thrilling, globe-trotting adventure that changes their lives forever.


Leviathan, a 2009 novel by Scott Westerfeld with illustrations by Keith Thompson, is the first book in the Leviathan trilogy, followed by Behemoth and Goliath. It won the Aurealis Award for Best Young Adult Novel in 2009.
Studio ORANGE is renowned for its 3DCG work on Land of the Lustrous, BEASTARS, and TRIGUN: STAMPEDE. Joe Hisaishi is celebrated for his compositions in Hayao Miyazaki’s films and his work on Ni no Kuni.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

To Your Eternity Manga Officially Ends After Over Eight Years

The manga "To Your Eternity" (Fumetsu no Anata e) concludes today with its final chapter published in the June 4 issue of Weekly Shonen Magazine. Created by Yoshitoki Oima, the series has been serialized for over eight years since its debut in November 2016.
To celebrate the conclusion, a special giveaway is featured in the magazine, offering prizes like a replica of the final chapter’s color page and a signed shikishi board by the author. Participation requires a ticket found in the print edition of the magazine in Japan.

To Your Eternity – Final Chapter Color Page | Series Ends Today
Brain’s Base produced the first season of the anime, which debuted in April 2021 under the direction of Masahiko Murata. Studio Drive took over for Season 2, airing from October 2022 to March 2023, with Kiyoko Sayama as the director. Season 3 is currently in production and scheduled to premiere in October. Crunchyroll is streaming the series and describes the story as follows:
An “orb” is cast to Earth with the ability to transform into anything that stimulates it and to revive after death. Initially, it changes from an orb to a rock, then a wolf, and finally a boy who knows nothing of the world. As a boy, it becomes Fushi, who learns survival skills and grows as a “person” through encounters with human kindness. However, his journey is shadowed by the destructive enemy Nokker and heartbreaking farewells with loved ones.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Kaiju No. 8 Game Surpasses 300,000 Global Pre-Registrations, 4-Star Mina Ashiro Unlocked

Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G have revealed that pre-registrations for Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME have surpassed 300,000 globally. This milestone comes after the previous announcement on May 15, when the game hit 200,000 pre-registrations worldwide.
As part of the pre-registration campaign, the developers have promised that players will receive 10 THE GAME Gacha Tickets at launch for reaching this milestone. These tickets can be used for drawing characters and items in the game. Moreover, if the campaign reaches 500,000 pre-registrations, all players will be rewarded with the ★4 character [Aiming for Greater Heights] Mina Ashiro, along with additional in-game bonuses to be announced later.

Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME – 300,000 Global Pre-Registrations Reached
You can also watch the game’s trailer below:
The main voice cast for Kaiju No. 8 includes:
Masaya Fukunishi as Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8
Wataru Kato as Reno Ichikawa
Asami Seto as Mina Ashiro
Fairouz Ai as Kikoru Shinomiya
Kengo Kawanishi as Soshiro Hoshina
Yuki Shin as Iharu Furuhashi
Keisuke Komoto as Haruichi Izumo
Shunsuke Takeuchi as Aoi Kaguragi
Hiroyuki Yoshin as Kaiju No. 9
Kenta Miyake as Kaiju No. 10
At last year’s Anime Expo, we had the chance to chat with Masaya Fukunishi, who shared his experience of voicing Kafka.
Kaiju No. 8, a manga by Naoya Matsumoto, started serialization in July 2020 on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ and has been compiled into 15 volumes as of this March. Viz Media has licensed it for English release.
The first season of the TV anime adaptation, created by Production I.G, aired 12 episodes from April to June 2024. It was also screened in theaters with the bonus episode "Hoshina’s Day Off" on March 28, 2025. Season 2 is currently in production and is scheduled to premiere on July 19.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Whoever Steals This Book Gets Anime

Nowaki Fukamidori’s novel, Whoever Steals This Book, is being adapted into an anime film. A teaser trailer, visual, staff details, and a 2026 release date have been revealed, but the voice cast remains unannounced.

Whoever Steals This Book – Anime Teaser Visual
The staff consists of:
Director: Daiki Fukuoka
Screenplay: Yasuhiro Nakanishi
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Keiko Kurosawa
Music: Michiru Oshima
Animation Producer: Yuji Higa Animation
Studio: Kagokan
Distributor: Kadokawa Animation

Kadokawa Shoten released the novel in October 2020, followed by a paperback edition under the Kadokawa Bunko imprint in June 2023. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Kakeru Sora, was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine from December 2021 to March 2023. Yen Press has licensed the title in English and describes the story like this: Mifuyu, a high schooler from a family of book collectors, is surrounded by books everywhere in her life. Her great-grandfather founded Mikura Hall, a renowned library in town, and even the locals are passionate readers. However, Mifuyu hates books! When a thief at Mikura Hall sets off an ancient curse, she must retrieve the stolen books by diving into the very stories she detests. With the enigmatic Mashiro by her side, can she restore her great-grandfather’s collection and protect her town from magical peril?
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Shonen Jump+ New "Bad Guy Manga Award" Aims to Find Stories With Attractive Villains

Shonen Jump+ has introduced a new manga competition called the “Bad Guy Manga Award,” aimed at discovering stories featuring captivating and compelling villains.
The competition runs from June 3 to September 15, and submissions can be made via the Jump Rookie! platform, a web submission form, or postal mail. Winners will receive either the “Grand Bad Guy Award” or the “Outstanding Bad Guy Award,” with their works published on the Shonen Jump+ platform.
This contest highlights characters described as 魅力的な悪いキャラクター, referring to villains who are ruthless or dangerous yet possess qualities that make them memorable and appealing.
To mark the launch of the award, Jump Rookie! has also released interviews with five manga creators:
Naoya Matsumoto (Kaiju No. 8) revealed that Kaiju No. 9 was inspired by the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 virus, aiming to make him feel more like a natural disaster than a typical villain.
Yuji Kaku (Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku) emphasized that compelling villains need a consistent internal logic or belief system, rather than being simply “evil.”

Takahiro (Chained Soldier) explained that the Shikoku was influenced by mythology and designed with distinct traits like cruelty and charm to stand out among other visually striking characters.

Tohru Kuramori (Centuria) aimed to make his antagonist Arcos strategic and intelligent, enhancing the protagonist’s growth through his presence.

Kuraku Ichikawa (Drama Queen) deliberately exaggerated Nomamoto’s flaws to make them oddly satisfying and memorable.

This initiative is part of a series of 10th anniversary projects by Shonen Jump+, including an anime adaptation project for one-shot manga in collaboration with WIT Studio, Production I.G, and CONTRAIL, spearheaded by production company JOEN. The platform has prioritized one-shots, publishing over 2,000 titles to date and releasing more than 200 annually.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Rent a Girlfriend Season 4 Reveals Sumi Date Visual, Theme Song Artists, July 4 Premiere

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4 announced a Sumi Sakurasawa date visual on Friday, alongside the reveal of the opening and ending theme song artists and its premiere date set for July 4, 2025. ClariS will perform the opening theme song “Umitsuki,” while Regal Lily will handle the ending theme song “Boku no Vega.” A date visual for the main cast—Chizuru, Mami, and Ruka—had also been unveiled earlier.


Kazuomi Koga takes over as director for the new season, replacing Shin’ya Une. Studio TMS Entertainment is back to animate Season 4, with the main cast set to reprise their roles.
Shun Horie as Kazuya Kinoshita
Sora Amamiya as Chizuru
Aoi Yuki as Mami
Nao Toyama as Ruka
Rie Takahashi as Sumi
Yu Serizawa as Mini Yaemori
The story is adapted from a manga by Reiji Miyajima, serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine since July 2017. Kodansha USA handles the English publication, while Crunchyroll streams the anime. The plot follows Kinoshita Kazuya, a 20-year-old college student who struggles after being dumped by his girlfriend just a month into their relationship. Frustrated, he turns to an unconventional dating method and meets Mizuhara Chizuru, a stunning girl with long black hair and a charming smile. What starts as a rental encounter quickly blossoms into something real. This chaotic rom-com promises plenty of love and excitement!
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

April Showers Bring May Flowers Unveils New Trailer, Additional Cast, Theme Song Artist

The April Showers Bring May Flowers anime has revealed a new trailer, two additional cast members, and the ending theme song. Tasuku Hatanaka and Makoto Koichi are joining the cast as Tsutomu Shinbashi and Keisuke Ueno. The Japanese rock band Glasgow will perform the ending theme song “Souvenir.” The series is scheduled to premiere this July.


Silver Link is producing the series, with Mirai Minato (Mission: Yozakura Family) serving as the director and script supervisor. Miwa Oshima (Anne-Happy) is handling character design, while Yuki Hayashi (Haikyu!!) and Shogo Yamashiro (My Hero Academia: Vigilantes) are composing the music. The cast includes:
Saori Hayami as Hana Tabata
Shimba Tsuchiya as Yosuke Ueno
Yoshino Aoyama as Sumire Uguisudani
Yoshimasa Hosoya as Tetsuo Gotanda
The anime is based on a manga series by Roku Sakura, which was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace seinen magazine from April 2016 to September 2022, spanning 12 volumes.
Yen Press has licensed the English version of the manga and describes the first volume as: Hana Tabata, who sees herself as the plain side character in others' stories, doesn’t feel like her name, which means “flower,” suits her. Still, she loves romance manga and sometimes imagines herself as the heroine. When the most popular guy in class catches her daydreaming, she fears humiliation but is surprised when he keeps her secret and starts chatting with her. Ever doubtful, Hana wonders if his kindness could truly be sincere.

Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Jujutsu Kaisen Compilation Movie Teases Premiere With New Suguru Geto Visual & VA Comment

With only one day left until the release of JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death in Japanese theaters, a new character visual of Suguru Geto has been unveiled, accompanied by a comment from his voice actor, Takahiro Sakurai.
The visual showcases Geto as one of the key characters in the Hidden Inventory / Premature Death arc, following Toji Fushiguro, who was previously featured.

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – New Suguru Geto Visual
You can read Geto’s voice actor, Takahiro Sakurai’s, comment below:

The film, set to premiere in Japan on May 30, 2025, is a re-edited theatrical version of the Hidden Inventory / Premature Death arc, originally featured in the first five episodes of JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 2. This arc follows young Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto as they embark on a mission to protect Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel.
The movie will include enhanced visuals, a new audio mix, and a new Juju Stroll short anime, a comedic slice-of-life mini-anime typically paired with TV episodes.
Additionally, an acoustic version of “Where Our Blue Is” by Tatsuya Kitani, a rendition of the Season 2 opening theme, will be featured, as highlighted in the latest trailer.
Studio MAPPA is once again handling the animation, with the original cast reprising their roles.
North American Release and Anime Sequel
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death will hit North American theaters on July 16, 2025, distributed by GKIDS in both subtitled and English-dubbed versions. This marks GKIDS' first collaboration with the franchise after acquiring distribution rights through Toho International.
The film sets the stage for the anime’s next arc, the Culling Game sequel, which is currently in production. This continuation will pick up after Season 2, with only a teaser visual released so far. Further details remain under wraps.

The JUJUTSU KAISEN manga concluded in September 2024 after six and a half years of serialization. It ended with a total of 30 volumes, the final two of which were released simultaneously in December 2024, with Volume 30 featuring a special epilogue.
Source (Anime Corner)
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Kaiju No. 8 Reveals Trailer for Recap Movie and Hoshina's Day Off Special

A new trailer for the Kaiju No. 8 compilation movie was revealed during the series’ stage at Jump Festa ’25. The movie will feature new content, in the form of Hoshina’s Day Off special episode. The trailer revealed that One Republic is returning to the franchise with a new ending theme song, titled “Invincible”:
The movie premieres on March 28 in Japan and it will have an international release, although it was not revealed when. Check out the key visual for the movie below:

Kaiju No. 8 Anime
Shigeyuki Miya & Tomomi Kamiya directed the first season while Ichiro Okouchi handled the script and series composition. Tetsuya Nishio worked as the character designer and chief animation director. Mahiro Maeda handled the kaiju designs and Yuta Bandoh composed the music.
The first season aired for 12 episodes from April to June and ranked second in the “Best Animation”, “Best Sci-Fi”, and “Best Soundtrack” categories for the Spring 2024 season.
Crunchyroll describes the plot of the series as:
In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno’s determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka’s promise to join Mina and protect humanity.

The anime adapts a manga by Naoya Matsumoto.


Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Takopi's Original Sin Anime Reveals Trailer, 2025 Premiere

The previously announced anime adaptation of Takopi’s Original Sin is to premiere in 2025, as revealed during the Jump Festa '25 stage. teaser trailer featuring Reina Ueda as Shizuka and Kurumiamiyaopi been released.
Studio ENISHIYA is producing the animation with Shinya Iino as the director I is also for the series composition.ita Nagahara is overseeing the character designs.

Takopi’s Original Sin is based on a manga written and illustrated by Taizan 5 (Hero Complex, The Ichinose’s Deadly Sins). The manga was serialized on the Sh Jump platform from 2021 to 2022, comprising a total of 16 chapters compiled into 2 volumes. Despite only having two volumes, the manga has exceeded 1.4 million copies in circulation.

VIZ Media the manga in English and describes the plot as follows:
A cute little alien named Takopi lands on Earth. What is his mission? To be taken to our leader? No. To spread happiness throughout the universe! The first person Takopi meets is a depressed fourth grader named Shizuka (Or is it…?) is determined to do whatever it takes to make Shizuka smile again. However, his misguided attempts to help her by using his advanced technology to back time only result in mayhem and death. What is the truth thatopi can’t remember? And what must the pink alien octopus with a heart of gold sacrifice to truly help Shizuka and her friends…?
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Blue Box Reveals Trailer, Key Visual for Cour 2

A trailer and key visual for Blue Box anime’s second cour were revealed during the series’ stage at Jump Festa ’25. Kana Ichinose will be joining the cast as Ayame Moriya. The trailer features the new opening theme “Saraba” by Macaroni Empitsu and the ending theme “Contrast” by TOMOO. Check out both below:
The series is currently on a one-week break for the holidays. Blue Box returns on January 2, 2025, with episode 13. Netflix is streaming the anime worldwide, one week in advance, as the first two episodes streamed together while the TV broadcasts and overseas audiences got a regular schedule.

The main cast for Blue Box includes the following members:
Shoya Chiba as Taiki Inomata
Reina Ueda as Chinatsu Kano
Akari Kito as Hina Chono
Chiaki Kobayashi as Kyo Kasahara
Yuma Uchida as Kengo Hanyu
Yuichiro Yano is the director of Blue Box while Yuki Kakihara is in charge of the series composition. Miho Tanino handles the character designs while Takashi Omama composes the music. Shinobu Isoko, Miho Tanino, Manabu Nii, and Aya Miyajima are all working as chief animation directors for the series.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Oshi no Ko to Hold Fan Appreciation Event in February 2025

oshi no Ko announced at Jump Festa ’25 that they’re holding a fan appreciation event on February 2, 2025. A visual for the event was also unveiled.


The main cast: Takeo Otsuka, Yurie Igoma, Megumi Han, and Manaka Iwami attended the stage panel, discussing the major developments that happened in the second season, B-Komachi’s new song “POP IN 2,” and the milestones of the series such as the Oshi no Ko YouTube channel surpassing a million subscribers.

Additionally, the cast also showed off merchandise including the two editions of the final volume’s cover. They also announced again that a third season is in production.

Oshi no Ko Season 3 – Visual
Studio Doga Kobo (Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie) animated the first two seasons of the anime with Daisuke Hiramaki (Selection Project) as director and Ciao Nekotomi (Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence) as assistant director. Kanna Hirayama (Rent-A-Girlfriend) designed the characters while Takuri Iga composed the music. The cast consists of:
Takeo Otsuka as Aquamarine Hoshino
Yurie Igoma as Ruby Hoshino
Megumi Han as Kana Arima
Manaka Iwami as Akane Kurokawa
Rumi Okubo as Mem-cho
Lynn as Miyako Saito
Rie Takahashi as Ai Hoshino
The TV anime adaptation is based on the manga series written by Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and illustrated by Mengo Yokari (Scum’s Wish). Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump has been serializing the series since April 2020. A live-action adaptation of the series is set to premiere this November.

HIDIVE is streaming the series and they describe it as follows:
Dr. Goro is reborn as the son of the young starlet Ai Hoshino after her delusional stalker murders him. Now, he wants to help his new mother rise to the top, but what can a child do about the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry?
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 Unveils April 2025 Release Date, Additional Cast

Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 unveiled an April 2025 release date and additional cast member at Jump Festa ’25. Nao Toyama joins the cast as Riku Tamahana. The character Riku also appeared in the last episode of the first season. Inori Minase and Takuma Terashima were present at the stage panel to deliver the announcements.

Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 cast announcement
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai is a manga series by Asato Mizu. The first season premiered in April 2022 with 12 episodes. Studio Felix Film animated the anime with Tomoe Makino and Yasutaka Yamamoto as directors. Takao Yoshitaka wrote the script and MONACA composed the music.
Voice actor unit Trysail performed the opening theme of the series while the musical duo HaKoniwalily sang the ending theme. The cast of the first season consisted of:
Inori Minase as Reina Aharen
Takuma Terashima as Raido Matsuboshi
M・A・O as Mitsuki Oshiro
Tetsuya Kakihara as Ishikawa
Tomori Kusunoki as Hanako Sato
Kana Hanazawa as Tobaru-sensei
Yurie Kozakai as Miyahira-sensei
The series is available to stream on Bilibili and Crunchyroll and the latter describes the plot of the series as follows:
Socially awkward Aharen-san has personal boundary issues, either getting too close or too far from her classmates. When fellow student Raido picks up an eraser she drops, Aharen-san decides they’re now best friends. Whether studying, playing the arcade, or just eating lunch—she’s along for the ride. What follows is an impromptu bonding that shows affection can blossom in the unlikeliest of places!
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Chainsaw Man: The Reze Arc Movie Reveals Teaser Trailer, 2025 Premiere Date

The previously announced Chainsaw Man: The Reze Arc movie revealed the second trailer and a 2025 premiere date in Japan. The information was announced during the Jump Festa ’25 stage, along with two “contrasting” visuals.
Reina Ueda was cast as Reze last year. Studio MAPPA is animating the movie and the staff includes:
Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara
Screenwriter: Hiroshi Seko
Character Designer: Kazutaka Sugiyama
Assistant Director: Masato Nakazono
Sub Character Designer: Souta Yamazaki, Shun
Main Animator: Shoichi
Action Animation Director: Sota Shigetsugu
Devil Designer: Riki Matsuura, Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Costume Designer: Aya Yamamoto
Art Director: Yusuke Takeda
Color Designer: Naomi Nakano
Color Script: Riku
3DCG Director: Daiki Watanabe, Masahiro Tamai
Compositing Director: Teppei Ito
Editor: Masato Yoshitake
Music: Kensuke Ushio
Distribution: TOHO


Studio MAPPA animated the first season of the Chainsaw Man adaptation under Ryu Nakayama’s direction. Nakayama has since started his own animation studio. Kazutaka Sugiyama is the character designer, with Kiyotaka Oshiyama, who is credited for creature designs. Kensuke Ushio is composing the music. The main cast includes:
Kikunosuke Toya as Denji
Tomori Kusunoki as Makima
Shogo Sakata as Aki Hayakawa
Fairouz Ai as Power
Mariya Ise as Himeno
Kenjiro Tsuda as Kishibe
Karin Takahashi as Kobeni Higashiyama
Taku Yashiro as Hirokazu Arai
Shiori Izawa as Pochita

The manga has been split into two parts: the second part has been ongoing since July 2023. MangaPLUS app is publishing it in English: all chapters are available to read for free while using the app. Viz Media is in charge of physical releases and describes the plot as:
Denji’s a poor young man who’ll do anything for money, even hunting down devils with his pet devil Pochita. He’s a simple man with simple dreams, drowning under a mountain of debt. But his sad life gets turned upside down one day when he’s betrayed by someone he trusts. Now with the power of a devil inside him, Denji’s become a whole new man—Chainsaw Man!
MAPPA channel describes the plot of The Reze Arc movie as:
Denji became “Chainsaw Man”, a boy with a devil’s heart, and is now part of Special Division 4’s devil hunters. After a date with Makima, the woman of his dreams, Denji takes shelter from the rain. There he meets Reze, a girl who works in a café.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Finale Gets First Preview Images and Synopsis

BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) revealed the first preview images and synopsis for the finale of Part 3, which will premiere as a double-episode next Saturday on December 28. It will continue after the conclusion of Bazz-B’s fight against Haschwalth. Haschwalth will now doubt Uryu, and you can see their confrontation at the end of the season’s look back video.
The final scene also revealed the preview images:



BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) Part 3 Finale Preview Images – Uryu and Haschwalth
Synopsis: Shinigami and Quincy. Ichigo and Uryu.

Resolve and pride— The story progresses beyond farewell, heading toward the conclusion of conflict. Uryu, who had shot Renji and returned to the Wahrwelt (Vaalweld), is approached by Jugram Haschwalth, who seems different than before.

Meanwhile, the Shinigami, placing their trust in the path opened by Kyoraku, rush toward the main hall of the Wahrwelt. Blocking their way is Gerard Valkyrie. Despite being put at a disadvantage against the relentless attacks from the captains of the Gotei 13, Gerard remains composed, declaring that miracles only awaken in moments of dire crisis.

At the same time, Ichigo, Orihime, and Chad are pushed to the brink of spiritual particle poisoning by the abilities of Askin Nakk Le Vaar. With Yoruichi Shihoin stepping in to battle Askin, Ichigo presses forward. Everything converges into one. At the end of the fierce, relentless battle, what will Ichigo’s eyes see?
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 -The Conflict- is the third of four parts of the new anime. It premiered on October 5, topping our weekly rankings 7/12 times. PIERROT FILMS, the new brand of Pierrot’s second studio, is animating. The new adaptation has had a lot of original content, with Tite Kubo saying that Part 4 will have even more.
The key staff for the anime includes Hikaru Murata as the director, Tomohisa Taguchi and Masaki Hiramatsu in charge of the series composition, Masashi Kudo as the character designer, and Shiro Sagisu as the music composer. Chief animation directors include Yukio Hasegawa, Sei Komatsubara, Masashi Kudo, and Kumiko Takayanagi.
BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls game is coming on March 21, 2025, with the latest trailer featuring Shigekuni Yamamoto.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess Season 2 Reveals Additional Cast

Tamura Mutsumi has joined the ‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess Season 2 voice cast as Sakura Heartlock. Together with Mutsumi, Haruka Shiraishi, who voices the main character Princess was also present at the panel to deliver the announcements.

Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess Season 2 cast Mutusmi Tamura as Sakura Heartlock
The first season premiered in January 2024 and it has a total of 12 episodes. Studio Pine Jam animated the first season with Yoko Kanamori as the director. Kazuyuki Fudeyazu is doing the series composition. Satoshi Furuhashi and Toshiya Kono are the character designers and Masaru Yokoyama is composing the music. The cast includes:
Haruka Shiraishi as Princess
Chikahiro Kobayashi as Excalibur
Shizuka Ito as Torture Tortura
Tessho Genda as Hell-Lord
‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess is based on a manga written by Robinson Haruhara and illustrated by Hirakei. It has been serialized on the Shonen Jump+ manga website since April 2019.
Crunchyroll is streaming the anime and they describe it as follows:
As the war between the Imperial Army and Hellhorde rages on, the Princess, despite being armed with her mythical sword Excalibur, is captured and imprisoned. What kind of torture does she face at the hands of the chief demon interrogator? Fluffy fresh-baked toast! Hot, steaming ramen! Oh, the humanity! Can the Princess withstand these tormenting treats and keep her kingdom’s secrets safe?
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

My Hero Academia Season 8 Set to Air During Fall 2025

My Hero Academia Season 8 will air during the Fall 2025 season. The announcement was made during the series’ stage at Jump Festa ’25. An anime adaption for the franchise’s spin-off series My Hero Academia: Vigilantes was also announced along with a trailer and key visual reveal. Vigilantes will air in April 2025.


The upcoming season will be the last one of the anime with studio BONES continuing to handle the animation production. Season 7 received positive reviews after it finished airing in early October.
The manga by Kohei Horikoshi concluded in August. Horikoshi later announced that he is currently working on a new manga based on recent My Hero Academia events. “I feel really lucky over the success of My Hero Academia,” said Horikoshi. “So I know there’s a lot of pressure around my next move. I’m planning to start a new manga as soon as I possibly can.”
The recent film My Hero Academia: You’re Next became the highest-grossing film of the series with over $32.1 million earned at the worldwide box office. The other three films include My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018), My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019), and My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021).
Crunchyroll is streaming My Hero Academia with English subtitles and dubbed and describes the plot as:
Izuku has dreamt of being a hero all his life—a lofty goal for anyone, but especially challenging for a kid with no superpowers. That’s right, in a world where eighty percent of the population has some kind of super-powered “quirk,” Izuku was unlucky enough to be born completely normal. But that’s not enough to stop him from enrolling in one of the world’s most prestigious hero academies.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Anime Announced, Trailer and Key Visual Revealed, Airs April 2025

An anime adaptation of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes was officially announced during Jump Festa ’25. The series will begin airing in April 2025. A new trailer and key visual were also revealed as part of the announcement. Check out both below:

Studio BONES will animate the series. The following is the main staff:
Director: Kenichi Suzuki
Series Composition: Yosuke Kuroda
Character Design: Takahiko Yoshida
Music: Yuki Hayashi, Shogo Yamashiro, Yuki Furuhashi
Art Director: Yukihiro Watanabe
Color Design: Haruko Nobori
Director of Photography: Yingying Zhang
3DCG Director: Mizuki Sasaki
Sound Director: Masafumi Mima
Editing: Kiyoshi Hirose
My Hero Academia Season 8‘s air date for Fall 2025 was also announced as part of the series’ stage event. Vigilantes is a spin-off series that also serves as the prequel to the original My Hero Academia story written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi.
The My Hero Academia: Vigilantes anime adaptation will mark the franchise’s sixth anime project following the main series and four original movies. My Hero Academia Season 8 is set to release in 2025 and will mark the final instalment in the main anime series.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is written by Hideyuki Furuhashi with illustrations by Betten Court and original concept by Horikoshi. The manga began serialization in Jump GIGA in 2018 until it was later transferred to Shonen Jump+ the same year. The series came to an end in July 2022 with chapter 126 (Volume 15). VIZ Media licensed the series in English and has published all 15 volumes as well.

VIZ Media describes the first volume of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes as such:
Koichi Haimawari couldn’t make the cut to become an official hero, so he uses his modest Quirk to do good deeds in his spare time. Then one day a fateful encounter with some local thugs leads him to team up with two other unlikely heroes. None of them really know what they’re doing, but they’ve got the courage—or foolishness—to try. But they soon discover fighting evil takes more than just being brave…
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Ranma 1/2 Announces Season 2 Anime

The new Ranma 1/2 anime officially has Season 2 in production, as announced after today’s episode. Studio MAPPA is animating, and an announcement trailer has been released for the sequel.
A special illustration by the anime’s character designer Hiromi Taniguchi was also released to commemorate the announcement.


Ranma 1/2 Season 2 Announcement Illustration by Hiromi Taniguchi
Most of the original voice cast from the original returned, with new additions including Akio Otsuka as Soun Tendo (replacing Ryusuke Obayashi, Cho as Genma Saotome (replacing Kenichi Ogata) and Kenichi Ogata as Narrator (replacing Tadashi Nakamura, who passed away in 2019). The Ranma 1/2 staff includes:
Director: Konosuke Uda
Series Composition: Kimiko Ueno
Character Designer: Hiromi Taniguchi
Chief Animation Director: Hiromi Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi Yoshioka, Yoshiko Saito, Nao Otsu
Lead Animators: Nao Naito, Rie Aoki
POP Artwork: Minami Kitamura
Art Director: Chihiro Okawa
Color Designer: Yukiko Kakita
Compositing Director: Atushi Kano
Editing: Keisuke Yanagi
Sound Director: Konosuke Uda
Sound Effects: Takuya Hasegawa
Music Selection: Makiko Chihara
Sound Production: dugout Inc.
Music: Kaoru Wada
Production Planning: Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.
Rumiko Takahashi began the Ranma 1/2 manga as her third major series (following URUSEI YATSURA and Maison Ikkoku) in August 1987. The manga was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine until March 1996. VIZ Media licensed it in English.
The manga was previously adapted into two anime series by Studio Deen: Ranma 1/2 and Ranma 1/2 Nettohen. The two anime together ran for a total of 161 episodes from 1989 to 1992. In addition, the series also got 12 OVAs and three films. A live-action TV special was released in 2011.
The story Ranma and Genma Saotome, a father-son duo who end up falling in a cursed lake and getting cursed. Ranma’s curse has him turning into a girl every time he is splashed with cold water (and reverting when splashed with warm water), while his father turns into a panda under the same conditions. The fact that Ranma is set to marry Akane complicates this further, as she is does not end up liking her fiance at their first meeting.


Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Blue Exorcist: Blue Night Saga Reveals Key Visual

Blue Exorcist: Blue Night Saga revealed a new visual ahead of the premiere on January 4. The anime will also have a stage at Jump Festa on Sunday.

Studio VOLN is animating the new installments of the Blue Exorcist franchise, including the Beyond the Snow saga. Daisuke Yoshida is directing the Beyond the Snow Saga with Yurie Ohigashi as the character designer and chief animation director. Toshiya Ono is in charge of the series composition. Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto are composing the music.
Blue Exorcist anime is based on a manga by Kazue Katou. It started serialization in the Jump Square magazine in 2009 and received an anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures that premiered in the Spring of 2011. The first season ended with an arc that was anime-original. Season 2 titled Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga aired in the Winter of 2017 season. It ignored the anime-only arc from the prequel and continued to adapt the manga’s storyline. A side-story titled Blue Exorcist: Kuro’s Trip Away From Home debuted as a DVD special in 2011. The second season also has a two-episode OVA. In 2011, the franchise also received a movie; another side-story animated by A-1 Pictures. The main cast for the anime series includes:
Nobuhiko Okamoto as Rin Okumura
Jun Fukuyama as Yukio Okumura
Kana Hanazawa as Shiemi Moriyama
Eri Kitamura as Izumo Kamiki
Kazuya Nakai as Ryuji Suguro
Hiroshi Kamiya as Memphisto Pheles
Kouji Yusa as Renzo Shima
Yuki Kaji as Konekomaru Miwa
Ono Daisuke as Arthur Auguste Angel
Crunchyroll is streaming the anime.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei

Jiji's Transformation Gets Over 2 Million Views Within Hours Through Dan Da Dan Season 2 Trailer

DAN DA DAN Season 2 revealed the first trailer showing off Jiji’s transformation earlier today, and the video has already exceeded 2 million views in just about 7 hours. The season ended with quite the cliffhanger after Evil Eye’s appearance, so it will be interesting to see what exactly will happen in the cursed house.

The trailer currently has over 1.2m views on X (formerly Twitter), 640k views on the Japanese YouTube upload, with another 310k over on the English one.
Studio Science SARU is animating the show, with Fuga Yamashiro as the director. Hiroshi Seko in charge of the series composition and Naoyuki Onda as the character designer. Both Crunchyroll and Netflix are streaming the first season of the anime, and they both confirmed that they will stream the sequel. The main Japanese voice cast consists of:
Natsuki Hanae as Jin ‘Jiji’ Enjoji
Shion Wakayama as Momo Ayase
Natsuki Hanae as Ken ‘Okarun’ Takakura
Nana Mizuki as Seiko Ayase
Mayumi Tanaka as Turbo-Granny
Kazuya Nakai as Serpoian Alien
Ayane Sakura as Aira Shiratori
The DAN DA DAN Season 2 key visual was revealed after the Episode 12 finale on Thursday, and you can check that out below as well.

Yukinobu Tatsu writes and draws the DAN DA DAN manga, which began serialization on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ service in 2021. The story follows a high school girl Momo and her classmate Ken Takakura. Momo comes from a family of spirit mediums, while Ken is a follower of the occult.

After their challenge went wrong, Ken (now known as Okarun) got cursed and ended up with yokai powers. They then met Aira who also ended up cursed, with Jiji being the latest addition to the gang (and it seems there’s a pattern there).
The anime topped has frequently ranked near the very top of our weekly rankings, topping them twice. We had to chance to interview both the Japanese and English voice cast members of DAN DA DAN. From the Japanese cast, we spoke with Shion Wakayama, the voice of Momo. Also present was the show’s director Fuga Yamashiro. As for the English members, we spoke to both Abby Trott and AJ Beckles, who voice Momo and Okarun, respectively.
Sinistra Sensei
Sinistra Sensei