Pachinko Maker Fuji Shoji's Animeblast Project Turns Two
The anniversary profile details how a pachinko manufacturer has built a media presence through interviews, sponsorships, and a VTuber agency.
Reporting from 1 source: Anime Anime.
Fuji Shoji's animeblast project, launched in July 2024, celebrates its second anniversary. The project runs the YouTube talk show animeblast Johokyoku, sponsors events, and established the VTuber agency Blast V, whose first generation debuted in August 2026.
The project dates to July 2024, when Fuji Shoji, known for pachinko machines tied to anime such as A Certain Magical Index, started animeblast to find new ways to enjoy anime. Its YouTube program, animeblast Johokyoku, is hosted by comedian Tenryu Tandai and has featured guests like Kaito Ishikawa, Yuichiro Umehara, and Yui Ogura across 19 episodes as of September 2026.
Beyond the talk show, the project sponsors events including Animelo Summer Live and the Seiyu Awards, and runs social media campaigns such as character birthday celebrations and giveaways. In a separate move, animeblast parented the VTuber agency Blast V, whose first generation, Ryune Nagiri, Suzume Akabane, and Hana Yomori, was introduced on August 26, 2026.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Anime Anime アニメを深掘り！ここでしか聞けない情報や企画が満載！「animeblast」の魅力