Anime News

The Great Betrayal: Yuru’s World Crumbles in Daemons of the Shadow Realm Episode 14 If you thought the drama in Higashi Village had peaked, Episode 14 of Daemons of the Shadow Realm is here to prove you wrong. Titled "Family and Friends," this installment serves up a heavy dose of emotional whiplash, as Yuru finally uncovers the truth about the people he thought he could trust. Secrets, Hotpot, and Modern Realities The episode kicks off with a classic domestic vibe that feels almost out of place. While Hana is busy playing house and worrying about the ominous message left on poor Yama’s body, Yuru is struggling with a serious culture shock. Trying to navigate modern society, Yuru is baffled by the rules of the city. He can’t just hunt local wildlife or take justice into his own hands when things get dicey—turns out, the police frown on that sort of thing. It’s a hilarious, grounded moment that reminds us just how disconnected Yuru really is from the urban world. An Une...

Finding Beauty in the Bin: A Conversation with the Minds Behind Gachiakuta If you haven't jumped on the Gachiakuta hype train yet, you’re missing out on one of the most unique stories in modern anime. At its heart, it’s a gritty, beautiful subversion of the old saying, "One man’s trash is another man’s treasure." Following the journey of Rudo—a boy literally thrown away like garbage—the series explores how we define value in a world that’s quick to discard people and objects alike. At Anime Expo 2026, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with director Fumihiko Suganuma and Aoi Ishikawa, the voice of Rudo, to chat about the show’s massive success and the deeper, often bittersweet themes hiding beneath the surface. Reflecting on the Win After sweeping categories like “Best New Series” and “Best Character Design” at this year’s Anime Awards, the mood is one of humble surprise. Suganuma-san was quick to deflect the praise, crediting his hardworking team and th...

The World’s Strongest Rearguard: Check Out the Epic New Openings and Endings! The summer 2026 anime season is officially in full swing, and if you’ve caught the premiere of The World’s Strongest Rearguard , you’ve likely been jamming out to its catchy new tracks. Since the show hit screens in Japan on July 5, fans have been buzzing about the music. Luckily, the official music videos for both the opening and ending themes are now live on YouTube! A High-Energy Debut Kicking things off is the opening theme, “license,” performed by the Kyoto-based rock band Redhair Rosy. This marks the group's first-ever foray into the world of anime soundtracks, and they’ve certainly made an impression. Their lead vocalist, Ryosei, shared that writing the track was all about finding strength in companionship. He drew inspiration from the idea of navigating a labyrinthine city, mirroring how Arihito and his party tackle impossible battles by leaning on one another. You can find the song as part of...

A Legendary Voice Returns: Dodge Danko Brings Back a Classic Icon If you grew up watching the original Dodge Danpei , your ears are in for a serious treat. The new Hono no Tokyujo: Dodge Danko anime is hitting us right in the nostalgia with its latest casting announcement. By the time the second episode rolls around, the series isn't just delivering high-stakes dodgeball action—it’s bringing a massive piece of anime history along for the ride. A Full-Circle Moment for Noriko Hidaka The biggest news is the return of Noriko Hidaka. Longtime fans will remember her as the iconic voice of Danpei Ichigeki in the 1991 classic. She’s officially joined the cast of the new sequel to voice Danko’s mother, Misato Ichigeki. But she isn't stopping there. Hidaka is also stepping back into her original role to voice Danpei during flashback sequences, and she’s even lending her talents as the narrator for this new generation. It’s rare to see a voice actor so deeply connected to a franch...

The Classic Shojo Hit From Far Away Finally Gets Its Anime Premiere Date! If you have been waiting for a blast from the past, get ready—the iconic shojo manga From Far Away is officially hitting our screens this fall. The production team just dropped a brand-new teaser trailer and a stunning visual to confirm that the anime adaptation will debut on Japanese television this October 4. A Powerhouse Team Behind the Scenes Studio DEEN is taking the lead on this project, and they’ve brought in a serious heavy hitter to direct: Noriyuki Abe, known for his work on The Heroic Legend of Arslan . The rest of the staff is looking just as promising, with Rika Takasugi handling series composition, Eiji Abiko in charge of character designs, and Takeshi Hama creating the soundtrack. The casting announcement is equally exciting. We’ll be hearing Tomoyo Kurosawa as the displaced Noriko, while Kentaro Kumagai steps into the role of the mysterious Izark. They’re joined by Yuichiro Umehara as Rache...

The Hunt for the Ultimate Weapon: Tsugumi Project is Getting an Anime! If you have been craving a gritty, high-stakes survival story with that classic sci-fi edge, I have some massive news for you. The fan-favorite manga Tsugumi Project is officially jumping from the page to the screen with a newly announced TV anime adaptation. An official website and X (formerly Twitter) account went live today, dropping a slick teaser trailer and a key visual that perfectly capture the bleak, irradiated world of the story. While we are still waiting on specifics regarding the animation studio, voice cast, and the all-important premiere date, the initial reveal alone is enough to get the hype train moving. What is Tsugumi Project all about? For those who haven't picked up the manga, here is the setup: two centuries after a nuclear apocalypse left Japan as a desolate, quarantined wasteland, the world has moved on. However, rumors of a legendary, world-ending weapon hidden within the island...

SPYAIR Drops High-Octane "Awake" Music Video for The Exiled Heavy Knight Anime If you've been keeping up with the summer 2026 anime season, there is a good chance you’ve already had the opening theme for The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System stuck in your head. The rock icons over at SPYAIR just dropped the official music video for their latest single, "Awake," and it is every bit as energetic as you would expect from the band behind legendary tracks for Haikyu!! and Gintama . A Fresh Era for SPYAIR SPYAIR has been a staple in the anime music scene for years, but the group is currently firing on all cylinders with their new lineup. Since vocalist YOSUKE joined the crew in 2023 alongside UZ, MOMIKEN, and KENTA, the band has kept their signature high-energy rock sound while bringing a fresh perspective to their music. Whether you know them from their work on Bleach or their more recent contributions like Blue Miburo , it is clear that they st...

Masayoshi Oishi Just Dropped the Ultimate Summer Banger for 'Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life' If you have been keeping up with the summer 2026 anime season, you’ve likely already caught the infectious energy of the new opening theme for Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life . The wait is finally over—Masayoshi Oishi has officially released the full music video for the track, "High Maintenance Girl," and it is every bit as high-energy as you would expect from the anime music legend. Oishi-san is a total powerhouse in the industry. Whether he is rocking out with his band, Sound Schedule, or dropping solo hits that climb the charts, he never misses. You probably recognize his signature style from bangers like Kemono Friends’ iconic theme or the sweet, melodic vibes of The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten . For "High Maintenance Girl," he handled everything himself—writing, composing, arranging, and even the technical programmin...

Kiki’s Delivery Service Still Flying High: Mid-July Box Office Update Is there ever a bad time to watch a Studio Ghibli masterpiece? Apparently, the answer is a hard no. Hayao Miyazaki’s 1989 classic, Kiki’s Delivery Service , is proving that nostalgia is a powerful engine. Even in its fourth weekend of wide release, the 4K remastered version actually climbed a spot, landing at number seven on the charts for the July 10-12 frame. The film’s jump is particularly impressive given its unique release strategy. After kicking off in IMAX theaters back in June, the 4K edition expanded to 116 locations across all 47 Japanese prefectures early this month. It even hit the world’s very first Dolby Cinema screenings for the title, giving fans a fresh way to experience Jiji’s sass and Kiki’s magical journey. The Rest of the Weekend Breakdown While Kiki is busy climbing the ranks, other heavy hitters are shuffling around. Soreike! Anpanman: Pantan and the Promised Star , the latest chapter in...

Back to Osaka Private: The Hana-Kimi Season 2 English Dub is Finally Dropping! Pack your bags and sharpen your pencils, because we are officially heading back to the chaotic halls of Osaka Private High School. If you’ve been waiting to hear the English dub of Hana-Kimi Season 2, your wait is almost over. Crunchyroll just dropped the news that the first two episodes are scheduled to hit the platform on Wednesday, July 15. For those who need a quick refresher, the show follows the wild journey of Mizuki Ashiya. She goes to extreme lengths to meet her idol, high jump champion Izumi Sano—even going so far as to disguise herself as a boy to enroll in his all-boys boarding school. The only problem? Once she gets there, she realizes Sano has already hung up his track spikes. Now, she’s stuck dodging unwanted attention and maintaining a massive secret while trying to navigate the hilarious, high-stakes drama of dormitory life. Meet the Voice Cast The English cast is looking stacked for ...

Get Ready to Cozy Up: The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten Finally Hits English Dub If you have been waiting to jump back into the world of Amane and Mahiru, we have some fantastic news for you. The super wholesome rom-com The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is finally getting the English dub treatment, and you won’t have to wait long to binge the whole thing. Starting Wednesday, July 15, all 12 episodes of this sweet series will be ready to stream over on Crunchyroll. For those who need a refresher on the plot, the story kicks off with a simple umbrella. Amane is a bit of a slob, and Mahiru is the literal "angel" of their school. After he helps her out during a rainy day, Mahiru decides to return the favor by tidying up his apartment and cooking him meals. It is a slow-burn, sugary-sweet dynamic that is honestly the perfect comfort watch. Meet the English Cast Crunchyroll has tapped some great talent to bring these characters to life in English. Leading the show as t...

HD-2D Magic Returns: Octopath Traveler Duo Headed to Switch 2 This Fall Big news for fans of gorgeous RPGs! To celebrate the eighth anniversary of the franchise, Square Enix just dropped a bombshell announcement: both Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II are making their way to the Nintendo Switch 2. Mark your calendars, because this dual-release is locked in for October 1, 2026. If you've been waiting for an excuse to revisit these titles, or if you're a newcomer curious about what the hype is about, this is your moment. Square Enix confirmed that fans will have plenty of options when it comes to picking these up. You’ll be able to grab physical copies of each game individually, or if you prefer keeping your library slim, there will be a digital-only bundle available on the eShop. What to Expect in Orsterra and Solistia For those who missed the original, Octopath Traveler is the game that basically pioneered that stunning HD-2D aesthetic we all love. You’ll exp...

Inside the Glitz and Glamour of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 If you weren’t at the TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO this past Saturday, June 13th, you missed out on what might just be the most important night in the J-music calendar. The second annual MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) went down, and honestly? The production value blew me away. For an event still in its early years, it felt like a massive, polished celebration of everything that makes Japanese music—and specifically, our favorite anime tracks—so incredibly special. I was lucky enough to be on the red carpet as one of the few North American press members in the room. The energy was electric. Seeing crowds of fans lining up just to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists reminded me why we all love this scene so much. It’s vibrant, it’s passionate, and it is absolutely ready for the global stage. A Night of Iconic Performances The ceremony kicked off with an opening act that felt like a love letter to the power of music. It featured a story ...

Monday Morning Brain Burner: Put Your Anime IQ to the Test with Volume 63 If your Monday morning feels a little sluggish, I’ve got the perfect fix to wake up those brain cells. Crunchyroll just dropped the 63rd volume of their weekly puzzle collection, and it’s time to see if your anime knowledge is as sharp as a Demon Slayer’s blade. Every Monday, these guys roll out a fresh batch of challenges meant to keep us on our toes. This week is no exception, packing in two different crosswords, a "guess the anime" round, and a handful of trivia questions that might actually stump even the biggest superfans. Whether you're a casual watcher or someone who keeps a meticulous watch list, there’s something here to challenge you. What’s on the Menu Today? If you aren’t sure where to start, the directory is laid out pretty clearly. You’ve got the quick-fire Mini Crossword if you’re short on time, or you can go for the full-sized puzzle if you really want to flex those mental musc...

Maaya Uchida Drops Catchy New Single for the Season’s Wildest Demon King Rom-Com If you have been keeping up with the summer 2026 anime season, you’ve probably already noticed that voice acting superstar Maaya Uchida is absolutely everywhere lately. Fresh off her performances for Chained Soldier and The Drops of God , she’s officially made it a triple threat by dropping the ending theme for Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life . The new track, titled "Very Good Encount," just hit digital platforms on July 12, and the music video is already up on her official YouTube channel for your viewing pleasure. Not only is she crushing it on the vocals, but Uchida is also stepping into the role of Meru Tsumugina for the series, making her influence on this show feel even more personal. A Wild Reunion After the Demon King’s Retirement For those who haven’t jumped into the first episode yet, Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life is shaping up to be a chao...

Noa-senpai is Coming to Your Screen: Hit Workplace Comedy Gets Official Anime Adaptation! Great news for fans of wholesome office comedies: Enma Akiyama’s beloved manga Noa-senpai wa Tomodachi. is officially making the jump to TV anime! Studio feel. is taking the helm for this adaptation, and they’ve already dropped a super charming teaser visual to celebrate. It shows Noa Saotome looking right at home while holding a chuhai, giving us a little toast that perfectly captures the vibe of the series. Who is Bringing This Story to Life? The production team behind this one is honestly stacked. We’ve got Shinsuke Yanagi—who did a fantastic job with Senpai is an Otokonoko —in the director's chair. The series composition is being handled by Keiichiro Ochi, a veteran known for his work on The Quintessential Quintuplets , while the character designs are being drawn by Yumiko Yamamoto (of YOHANE THE PARHELION fame). With talent like that, the show is in great hands. What’s the Hook? ...

Unlikely Duo: 'Kizuguchi to Hotai' Gets a January 2027 Anime Adaptation If you have been keeping an eye on the rising hits over on Kodansha’s Comic Days app, you probably already know about Kizuguchi to Hotai (Wound & Bandage). If you haven't checked it out yet, you’ve got plenty of time to catch up, because Umihoshi Nanai’s unique series is officially making the jump to the small screen! The anime is locked in for a January 2027 premiere, and the newly launched official website is already teasing what’s to come. A Solid Team Behind the Scenes J.C. Staff is taking the lead on this one, and the production team looks pretty promising. Miyuki Ishida, who you might know from I.CINNAMOROLL , is stepping into the director’s chair. The script is being handled by Susumu Yamakawa, the talent behind the hilarious The Way of the Househusband , while Natsuki Oyama—known for their work on Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive? —is bringing those character designs to life. It’s a g...