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18h ago

78cm Godzilla (2001) Figure Marks 25th Anniversary of Giant Monsters All-Out Attack

Premium Bandai has opened reservations for the "Gigantic Series Godzilla (2001) 25th Anniversary Ver.," a large-scale figure commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 2001 film "Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack." The figure measures approximately 78cm in total length and 40cm in total height. It features cloudy white eyes, a full-body sculpt, and added dirt paint and battle scars inspired by the film's fight scenes. The price is 78,100 yen (tax included). Reservations are open until 23:00 on August 16, 2026, or until the preparation quantity is reached. Shipping is scheduled for October 2026. Separately, Bandai Spirits revealed the full lineup for "Ichiban Kuji Godzilla: The Most Terrifying Monster King Chronicles," which includes a Godzilla (2001) Owakudani Appearance ver. figure as the A prize, sculpted by Yuji Sakai. The lottery also features Battra (Larva) and Godzilla Junior figures, plus a Last One prize of a Godzilla (2001) Night Battle SOFVICS Heat Ray Emission ver. The Ichiban Kuji launches from July 25, 2026, at Ministop, Daily Yamazaki, and other outlets, at 900 yen per draw.

1d ago

Wonder Festival 2026 Summer Debuts Gamera Head Model, JoJo Nendoroid, and More

Wonder Festival 2026 Summer (WF2026 Summer) opened on July 26, 2026, with multiple booths showcasing new figures and prototypes. At the CCPJAPAN booth, the "Phantom Ultimate Sculpt CCPJAPAN × Otaka Workshop Gamera (1996) Head Model" was displayed for the first time, alongside other monster figures including the AMC Gamera (2023), Big Retro Sofubi Series SpaceGodzilla, Godzilla (2016), and Hedorah. Prototypes from the MSS Godzilla EX line were also shown, featuring Godzilla (2023) Heat Ray, Godzilla (1998), SpaceGodzilla Flying Form, Godzilla (1967), Godzilla (2016) Second Form, and Gigan (2004). At the Medicos Entertainment booth, a Nendoroid of Diego Brando from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run and a Chozo Kado figure of THE WORLD were revealed. Medicos also displayed figures from Fist of the North Star and Attack on Titan, as well as items scheduled for sale at Wonder Festival 2027 Winter. The CAMELOT*18+ booth featured adult-oriented figures, including original character designs by artists Karutamo, Hiiragi, and Jobujun, and a new "Dosukebe Stripper Figure."

3d ago

Hatsune Miku Joins Good Smile Company's PLAMATEA Plastic Model Line

Good Smile Company has opened pre-orders for a Hatsune Miku plastic model kit in its PLAMATEA series. The non-scale model stands approximately 150mm tall and features articulated joints for posing. It includes a pre-painted "smile" face, plus three additional expression faces (smile, open mouth, and chibi face) that require decal application. Accessories include an action tie, a microphone, and multiple interchangeable wrist parts. Color separation is achieved through molded colors, pre-colored parts, and some stickers. Markings can be applied using either stickers or decals. The kit also comes with a base that has an articulated support rod. The prototype was created by Takenouchi Kenkyusei, with production cooperation from TEAM NAVEL (Unitec). The price is 6,300 yen (tax included). Pre-orders are open until September 2, 2026, and the kit is scheduled for release in January 2027.

4d ago

1047 Games Hit by Third Round of Layoffs in a Year

1047 Games, the developer behind Splitgate and EMPULSE, has conducted a third round of layoffs within a year, according to multiple LinkedIn posts from former employees. The studio previously laid off staff in June and July 2025. The number of affected employees in the latest round is unknown.

4d ago

Pierre Nakano's First Wireless Speaker WS-Q1PNK Launches July 31

AVIOT and Pierre Nakano's PNK brand release their first wireless speaker, the WS-Q1PNK, on July 31, 2026. Pre-orders begin July 22. The compact speaker features Nakano's sound tuning, an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, 20-hour battery life, and has already won the VGP2026 SUMMER Planning Prize.

5d ago

Dragon Sword: Awakening Delayed One Hour Before Steam Launch

HOUND13's open-world action RPG "Dragon Sword: Awakening" was delayed on July 23, 2026, just one hour before its scheduled 7:00 AM JST Steam release. The developer announced the postponement at 6:00 AM JST, citing incomplete Steam application review. HOUND13 stated that review feedback had been addressed and the game was awaiting final approval, with a new release date to be announced once confirmed. The delay follows a legal dispute between HOUND13 and former publisher Webzen over unpaid royalties and contract termination, which led to the game being rebuilt as a buy-to-play title without gacha. The Seoul Central District Court rejected Webzen's injunction to block the release on July 22. The game is priced at 3,480 yen for the Standard Edition and features 19 playable heroes, a party combo action system, and exploration with collectible familiars inspired by "Breath of the Wild." HOUND13 plans post-launch content including four new heroes and a Sky Island region. The game currently has Korean voice acting with Japanese subtitles; the developer expressed interest in adding Japanese dubbing but cited cost and time constraints.

6d ago

Isao Tsuge Details the Three Meanings Behind Gas Man's Coat

Isao Tsuge, the character design supervisor for the Netflix series "Gas Man," has explained the three concepts embedded in the blue-gray coat worn by the titular character. In an interview with Cinema Today, Tsuge said the coat's color first represents the gas-like nature of the character, second conveys a sense of otherness, and third shows respect for the 1960 original film, which also featured blue and gray tones. Tsuge, who has worked on films including "Departures" and "Shin Godzilla," designed the Gas Man after receiving the role two months before filming began. He praised actor UTA, who plays the Gas Man, for delivering emotionless lines with precise timing while also showing natural warmth in scenes with a young girl. Tsuge noted he has known UTA since childhood through his father, actor Masahiro Motoki, with whom Tsuge worked on "Departures" and "Gemini." The series, a reboot of Toho's 1960 special effects film "The Gas Man First Number," is directed by Shinzo Katayama and stars Shun Oguri and Yu Aoi alongside UTA. All eight episodes are now streaming on Netflix.

6d ago

Evangelion Unit-13 Joins ModeroiD Plastic Model Series

Good Smile Company announced on July 15, 2026, that Evangelion Unit-13 from 'Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time' will be released as a plastic model kit in the MODEROID series. Pre-orders opened on July 16, 2026, at 12:00 JST via Amazon.co.jp and other channels. The kit stands approximately 175mm tall, features articulated joints, and includes interchangeable hand parts, a Lance of Longinus, and interchangeable chest parts that allow reproduction of the sub-arms crossed state. It uses molded colors, pre-colored parts, and stickers to achieve a film-accurate color scheme upon assembly. The prototype is by Dyson Max. The kit is priced at 4,800 yen (tax included) on Amazon.co.jp, with a scheduled release date of January 31, 2027. The announcement was made on the official Mechasmile X account (@gsc_mechasmile).

6d ago

Shirota Yuu Cast as Romeo Fernandez in New Prince of Tennis Anime

The new season of The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Final Member Selection premieres in fall 2026. The announcement includes the third key visual, the opening theme Walls And Bridges by the unit Aozu, and the ending theme Kinkan Shoku phenomenal by Keigo Atobe and Yushi Oshitari. Actor Shirota Yuu, who previously played Kunimitsu Tezuka in the stage musicals, voices Spanish team member Romeo Fernandez.

6d ago

100 Girlfriends Season 3 Welcomes Naddy-Sensei in Episode 27

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 3 episode 27 introduces the character Naddy-sensei (Yamato Nadeshiko), voiced by Ayana Taketatsu. The reviewer praises the episode's humor and Taketatsu's vocal performance, noting that the English dub by Maganda Marie also delivers the jokes effectively. The episode follows a temporal trick from the season premiere that gave viewers an early glimpse of the character.

6d ago

18 Words Puts a 30-Second Timer on Daily Word Puzzles

18 Words is a free browser game that presents 18 daily word puzzles where players rearrange letters to form simple English words. Each puzzle has a 30-second limit, and the number of letters increases from 4 to 8. The game uses words around middle school level, making it accessible. An archive of past puzzles is available, and players can share scores. The review recommends it as a brain exercise for quick thinking.

Jul 20

The Prince of Tennis II U-17 World Cup Finals Anime Reveals Theme Songs, Casts Yū Shirota

The staff for The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Kesshō Member Ketteisen revealed the third teaser visual, a new cast member, and theme songs on Sunday. The four-member unit Aosu performs the opening theme "Walls And Bridges." Keigo Atobe and Yūshi Oshitari perform the ending theme "Kinkanshoku phenomenal." Yū Shirota voices Romeo Fernandez from Spain. The anime premieres this fall.

Jul 19

Premium Bandai Lottery Sale Opens for HG Gouf Ignited (Heine Custom) Gunpla

Premium Bandai is holding a lottery sale for the HG 1/144 Gouf Ignited (Heine Westenfluss Custom) Gunpla, which released at general retail on July 11. The application period runs until July 21, with winners announced July 23. The kit features a fully renewed HGCE mold with the SEED Action System, beam sword gimmicks, and Slayer Whip parts. Price is 2,860 yen, shipping in August 2026.

Jul 19

Crunchyroll Announces English Dub Casts for Three Anime Sequels

Crunchyroll will begin streaming English dubs for three anime sequels on Sunday: Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation III, the third season of The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You, and the second season of You and I Are Polar Opposites. The service announced the full English dub casts and production staff for each season.

Jul 18

Former Vanillaware Designer's 'Verita Tales' Debuts to Very Positive Steam Reviews

The adventure game 'Verita Tales: The Witch of the Dark Castle' launched on Steam on July 9. As of July 17, it holds a Very Positive rating with 87% of 148 reviews positive. The gamebook-style title features art by Yoshio Nishimura, a former Vanillaware designer, who spent six years on the hand-drawn illustrations. Players choose between two characters and navigate a branching story with a wizard game master.

Jul 17

MG Ex-S Gundam/S Gundam Leads Premium Bandai Gunpla General Election 2026 Interim Results

Bandai Spirits released the interim results for the Premium Bandai Gunpla General Election 2026 on July 15. The MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam/S Gundam (Task Force α Ver.) took first place, followed by the MG 1/100 Gundam Heavy Arms Custom EW and MG 1/100 ν Gundam HWS Ver.Ka. The top kit also won last year's election and saw a re-release pre-order on the same day that sold out immediately. Voting continues until July 23, with final results on July 30.

Jul 17

Premium Bandai Re-releases MG Stark Jegan and Jegan D-Type Gunpla Kits

Premium Bandai will start accepting re-release reservations for two MG 1/100 Gunpla kits on July 17: the Stark Jegan and the Jegan D-Type. The Stark Jegan is priced at 7,920 yen and ships in November 2026, while the Jegan D-Type costs 5,170 yen and ships in December. Production quantities are limited, and orders may close once the allocated number is reached.

Jul 17

Hard SF Adventure 'Mayak' Demo Launches on Steam

Nikita Nplus1 released a demo of hand-drawn SF adventure 'Mayak' on Steam on July 17, with a full release planned for 2027. The game is a linear 2D adventure with visual novel elements, depicting first contact between humanity and extraterrestrial intelligence. It is a hard SF work based on modern science, created by a real researcher.

Jul 17

Kindle Manga Releases for July 17: One Punch Man 37, 100 Girlfriends 26, and More

Dengeki Hobby Web highlighted Shueisha Kindle manga releasing on July 17, 2026. The roundup includes One Punch Man Vol. 37, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Vol. 26, Junket Bank Vol. 22, and additional titles such as Noa-senpai wa Tomodachi. Vol. 11, Mokkori Hanbei 13, Diamond no Kōzai 10, and Shadow House 22.

Jul 16

Banpresto Brings Monomi and Monokuma to Crane Games as Prize Figures

Banpresto is releasing prize figures of Monomi and Monokuma from Danganronpa 1・2 Reload as crane game prizes. The Monomi figure is scheduled to arrive at amusement facilities in November, with the Monokuma figure following in December. Both figures feature a cute finish.

Jul 16

Gundam MOBILE SUIT ENSEMBLE 16 Gashapon Figures Get Reprint

Bandai is reprinting the Mobile Suit Gundam MOBILE SUIT ENSEMBLE 16 gashapon set, originally released in December 2020. The lineup centers on the Hi-ν Gundam and includes Kyrios, Over Flag, and GN Flag, plus a weapon set. Sales begin July 17, 2026 on the Gashapon Online store, with delivery around late December 2026. Each figure costs 500 yen.

Jul 16

Premium Bandai Re-releases RE/100 1/100 Zaku II Kai Gunpla

Premium Bandai has opened orders for a re-release of the RE/100 1/100 Zaku II Kai Gunpla from Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket. The kit, priced at 4,290 yen (tax included), is available starting July 16, 2026. It includes the standard head plus two additional head parts: a Commander Type and a Fritz Helm. Armaments consist of an MMP-80 machine gun, a heat hawk, and hand grenades. The model features an expanded range of motion, with a chest armor section that can be pulled diagonally forward and a cockpit block that slides forward to reduce interference when the torso bends. Weapon attachment racks on the suit are reproduced in their deployed state. The kit is manufactured by BANDAI SPIRITS and uses PS and TPE materials. The product page notes that photos show a painted prototype and the final product may differ. This re-release makes the kit available again through Premium Bandai's online store.

Jul 16

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X Switch 2 Version Launches August 13 With Platinum Update

Astrolabe Games and 91Act announced on July 16 that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of BLAZBLUE ENTROPY EFFECT X will be released on August 13, 2026, priced at 2,970 yen. The Switch 2 version improves graphics resolution and frame rate, running at up to 1440p/60fps in TV mode and up to 1080p/60fps in handheld mode, with reduced load times and support for local wireless multiplayer. Existing Nintendo Switch owners can upgrade via a 320 yen pass. On the same day, a free major update will be delivered across all platforms including PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Microsoft Store and Steam). The update adds the new playable character Platinum, a magical girl from the BlazBlue series who houses two souls, Luna and Sena. It also includes a training space function upgrade and new stage branch selections. The Switch 2 version comes with exclusive bonuses: a Platinum additional color palette and a chibi avatar. Pre-orders are now available on the Nintendo eShop.

Jul 16

ASIA DIVE EXPO Japan 2026 to Feature '2126' Exhibition on Ocean Waste and Future

A special exhibition called '2126' will be held at ASIA DIVE EXPO JAPAN 2026, running September 25-27 at Tokyo Big Sight with an expected 45,000 attendees. The exhibition uses real ocean waste, photos, art, and video to explore what the future could look like 100 years from now. A crowdfunding campaign begins July 19, 2026, to fund the exhibition and recruit partners.

Jul 16

MG Ex-S Gundam/S Gundam Leads Pre-Ban Gunpla Election Interim Results Again

Bandai Spirits released the interim results for the Pre-Ban Gunpla General Election 2026, with the MG 1/100 Ex-S Gundam/S Gundam (Task Force α Ver.) taking first place for the second consecutive year. The kit was re-released on Premium Bandai the same day and sold out instantly. Voting runs until July 23, with final results on July 30.

Jul 15

Aretha Collection Brings 1990s Super Famicom RPG Trilogy to Modern Consoles

Edye will release Aretha COLLECTION 1993-1995 for PS5, PS4, and Switch on July 30, 2026. The set includes three Super Famicom titles from Yanoman's Aretha series, with speed options, save-anywhere, and bonus materials. A crowdfunding campaign for Game Boy reissues and a new game also launched July 15.

Jul 15

Fujimi Model Launches 1/150 Train-NEXT Series With Enoden 1000 and 1100 Kits

Fujimi Model announced the 1/150 Train-NEXT Series, a new N scale plastic kit line with snap-fit assembly requiring no glue or paint. The first two releases are 2-car sets of the Enoden 1000 Series and Enoden 1100 Series, each using pre-colored molded parts and stickers for color separation. Bonus parts and compatibility with TOMYTEC railway model parts are included. Both kits are priced at 4,400 yen and release on October 28, 2026.

Jul 15

Japan Finalizes 25 E-Sports Athletes for 20th Asian Games

The Japan eSports Association has officially confirmed 25 athletes as Japanese representatives for the e-sports events at the 20th Asian Games in September. The team includes fighting game players Higuchi (Street Fighter 6), NOBI (Tekken 8), and SCORE (The King of Fighters XV), along with representatives from eFootball, Gran Turismo 7, Puyo Puyo eSports, Identity V, Pokémon UNITE, and PUBG MOBILE. Four coaches will also accompany the team.

Jul 15

1666: Amsterdam Dev Diary Details Art Style Across Three Eras

Panache Digital Games released the second developer video diary for its dark fantasy action game 1666: Amsterdam. Art director Nicolas Cantin explains the visual design, which uses three distinct art styles for the game's three eras: 17th-century Dutch Golden Age oil painting, 1999 cinematic nostalgia, and modern cold realism. The game enters early access on PC in the latter half of 2026, with a free prologue demo available now.

Jul 15

Trails in the Sky the 1st Sale Offers Record Low Prices as the 2nd Nears Release

Nihon Falcom's Trails in the Sky the 1st, a full remake of the 2004 RPG Trails in the Sky FC, is currently on sale at 50% off on both the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store, marking the game's lowest prices to date. The sale runs on the eShop until July 19, 2026, and on the PS Store until July 29, 2026, with the Nintendo Switch version priced at 4,400 yen (down from 8,800 yen) and the PS5 version also at 4,400 yen. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is listed at 4,475 yen. The promotion coincides with the upcoming release of the direct sequel, Trails in the Sky the 2nd, a full remake of Trails in the Sky SC, which launches on September 17, 2026, for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. The 2nd is priced at 8,800 yen for the standard edition and 8,950 yen for the Switch 2 Edition, with a limited edition Ouroboros Box at 13,860 yen. Pre-orders for the 2nd include a download code for the original Trails in the Sky FC. The articles also detail new features in the 2nd, including the Break Rush quick battle mechanic and the Legion Boost enemy enhancement, as well as new characters Anelace and Kevin.

Jul 14

Gundam Side-F Exclusive Geara Doga Heavy Armed Type Gets Premium Bandai Release

The HG 1/144 Geara Doga (Heavy Armed Type), previously sold only at Gundam Side-F in Fukuoka, will be available on Premium Bandai. Orders open July 14, 2026, for December 2026 shipment. The kit features a newly sculpted backpack for the heavy armed specification and a special finish on the Lange Bruno gun barrel. Price is 3,850 yen. Quantities are limited.

Jul 14

Mob Psycho 100 Complete Series on Kindle for 100 Yen Per Volume

All 16 volumes of ONE's Mob Psycho 100 are available on Kindle for 100 yen each, totaling 1,600 yen, as part of a limited-time sale. The series follows middle school psychic Shigeo Kageyama as he navigates ordinary youth while dealing with supernatural threats.

Jul 14

Salon de Zentis Vol. 19 to Honor Jazz Legends on Miles Davis's Death Anniversary

Zentis Osaka will host 'Salon de Zentis' Vol. 19 'Jazz Legends' on September 28, 2026, the anniversary of Miles Davis's death. The evening includes a dinner course inspired by jazz legends' music, a talk session by producer Naoki Tachikawa, and high-quality sound from Technics. The event is part of the hotel's ongoing series blending curated music and dining.

Jul 13

Hasegawa Launches No-Glue, No-Paint Car Model Series e moke with Celica Kit

Hasegawa announced a new 1/32 scale car model series called e moke that requires no glue or paint. The kits use snap-fit assembly and color-coded parts with stickers, making them ideal for beginners. The first release is a Toyota Celica LB 1600GT, available in four colors: Civilian Purple, Casual Turquoise, Social Silver, and White Spirit. Each kit is priced at 2,420 yen and releases on August 1, 2026.

Jul 13

Kamen Rider Super-1 and Kiva BE@RBRICK Figures Announced

Medicom Toy will release BE@RBRICK sets for Kamen Rider Super-1 and Kamen Rider Kiva Kiva Form in July 2026. Each set includes a 100% size figure and a 400% size figure, priced at 16,500 yen. The figures will be sold at the MEDICOM TOY TOKYO store.

Jul 12

Mob Psycho 100 10th Anniversary Short Released

A new original anime short for Mob Psycho 100 was released on July 12, 2026, to celebrate the franchise's 10th anniversary. The short debuted at the "Mob Psycho 100 Anime 10th Anniversary Event: Reunion" held at Fukagawa Mirai Hall in Kawaguchi City, Saitama. It is now streaming online with English subtitles. The story is set at the Spirits and Such Consultation Office and features Reigen Arataka, Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama, Dimple, and Tome Kurata. Yuzuru Tachikawa directed, wrote, storyboarded, and served as technical director for the short. Yoshimichi Kameda, the original anime's character designer, worked as animation director and also drew a commemorative illustration. Kameda noted that nearly all of the original production team reunited to produce the short. The first season of the Mob Psycho 100 anime premiered in July 2016, and the franchise has been marking its 10th anniversary throughout the year, starting with projects on Mob's birthday, May 12. The series is based on the manga by ONE and was produced by Studio Bones.

Jul 12

Danganronpa 1・2 Reload x Thank You Mart Collaboration Pre-Orders Open July 10

Pre-orders for the Danganronpa 1・2 Reload and Thank You Mart collaboration merchandise open July 10 at the official online shop. The 17-item lineup, all priced at 390 yen, includes tote bags, eco bags, keytop keychains, and other daily-use goods featuring Monokuma designs. Store sales begin in late October 2026.

Jul 12

Bandai Spirits Releases Five Plano-Saurus Kits With Historical and Environment Variants

Bandai Spirits released five new Plano-saurus model kits from the Gachikoseibutsu-bu line on July 11, 2026. The lineup includes Tyrannosaurus 1915 and Spinosaurus 1915, which recreate outdated scientific reconstructions, plus a Pachyrhinosaurus with optional horn parts. Two Tyrannosaurus variants feature tropical rainforest and snowy region color schemes, the latter using a new Mineral Injection technology to simulate snow. All kits are snap-fit, no-tool, and include a display base.

Jul 11

IRyS 1st Concert 'HOPE ||: Beyond the Stars' Set for October 6 at SGC Hall Ariake

Cover Corporation announced on July 11 that IRyS, a member of hololive English, will hold her first solo concert on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at SGC Hall Ariake in Tokyo. The concert is titled "IRyS 1st Concert 'HOPE ||: Beyond the Stars'." Venue tickets are available in three tiers: SS seats for 12,000 yen, S seats for 9,800 yen, and A seats for 8,200 yen, all tax included. A first round of advance lottery applications opened on July 11 and runs through July 20. A second lottery round runs from August 5 to August 11, and general sales begin on September 6. Streaming tickets are priced at 6,800 yen and are available on SPWN and ZAIKO, with archive viewing available until November 6. Concert goods also went on sale on July 11, with orders accepted through August 17. The event is organized by Cover Corporation, the operator of the hololive Production VTuber agency.

Jul 11

The Guild - Europa 1410 Early Access Delayed to September

THQ Nordic and Ashborne Games have postponed the early access release of medieval city management sim The Guild - Europa 1410 from July 16 to September 2026. The delay allows the team to incorporate demo feedback and bundle content originally planned for the September update, including a new tutorial city, UI improvements, and multi-language support. The roadmap remains unchanged.

Jul 11

PlayStation Store Summer Sale Kicks Off With Up to 80% Off as July Bargain Sale Ends

Sony Interactive Entertainment launched the PlayStation Store SUMMER SALE on July 15, 2026, immediately following the end of the July Bargain Sale. The new sale runs through August 12 and offers discounts of up to 80% on select PS5 and PS4 titles. The event is split into two phases: the first runs from July 15 to July 29, and the second from July 27 to August 12, with some titles changing between phases. Featured discounts include Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at 50% off (4,180 yen), Hogwarts Legacy at 85% off (1,481 yen for PS5), and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon at 50% off (4,345 yen). The Nintendo eShop is also running concurrent sales, with titles like Triangle Strategy at 60% off (3,072 yen) and the Nier bundle (Nier: Automata and Nier Replicant) at 60% off (4,840 yen) available until July 15. Several titles, including Metaphor: ReFantazio and the Caligula series, have reached their lowest recorded prices on the PlayStation Store during this promotion.

Jul 11

20001 An Earth Odyssey Short to Premiere at Fantasia on July 18

Salamander Pictures and Nippon Animation will premiere their nearly eight-minute anime short 20001 An Earth Odyssey in competition at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 18. The festival runs in Montreal from July 16 to August 2. The short is the first original project from Taiki Sakurai's Tokyo-based studio Salamander Pictures. Sakurai, who previously worked at Production I.G. and spent seven years building Netflix's anime business in Japan, left the streamer to focus on riskier original work. The sci-fi comedy follows three aliens who arrive on Earth 20,000 years after humanity vanishes and misinterpret every artifact they find, treating a playground as a sacred site and an umbrella as advanced technology. Sakurai describes the short as a family-friendly comedy with a meditation on history and archaeology. The production involved art director Jessie Liu from Los Angeles, animators from Korea and France, and Maru Animation. Sakurai plans to expand the concept into a series of five-minute episodes and is seeking partners after the festival premiere.

Jul 10

Prime 1 Studio Reveals BRZRKR B 1/4 Scale Statue

Prime 1 Studio has announced a 1/4 scale statue of B, the protagonist of Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt's comic BRZRKR. Pre-orders open July 10, 2026, with a release window of December 2027 to March 2028. The statue is available in standard, DX, and DX Bonus versions, priced at 256,190 yen and 306,790 yen respectively.

Jul 10

Reverse:1999 and Atomic Heart Collaboration Launches July 23

BLUEPOCH announced that the Reverse:1999 and Atomic Heart collaboration will release on July 23. New characters Twins and Nora appear, along with the monthly pass Roar Festival, login events Polymerized Dream and Complex Daily Life, and a web event Polymer File. A follow-and-retweet campaign is also running.

Jul 10

Gothic 1 Remake PS5 Version Delayed Again to November 24 in Japan

THQ Nordic Japan announced on July 10 that the PS5 download version of Gothic 1 Remake will now release on November 24, 2026, delayed from July 16. This is the second delay for the Japanese PS5 version; the original simultaneous launch was postponed to July 16 for expression adjustments. The new delay is again to ensure thorough preparation including expression adjustments for the Japanese market. Alongside the delay, THQ Nordic Japan also announced a PS5 physical version, with details on pre-orders and release date to come later. The open-world action RPG, a full remake of the 2001 classic Gothic, launched on PC (Steam, GOG) and Xbox Series X|S on June 6, 2026. The game sold over 500,000 copies in its first week and holds a "Very Positive" rating on Steam with 88% positive reviews from approximately 22,000 user reviews. The domestic PS5 download version is priced at 7,700 yen. Developer Alkimia Interactive handled the remake.

Jul 10

1999 Exhibition Horror Experience to Tour Osaka After 100,000-Visitor Tokyo Run

The horror experience exhibition '1999 Exhibition: Memories of That Nonexistent Day' will be held in Osaka from July 11 to September 27. It is a touring version of the 2025 Tokyo exhibition that attracted 100,000 visitors. The exhibition is the first project from creative unit Bermuda 3, which includes SIREN scenario writer Naoko Sato, novelist Sujikin, and film director Masaki Nishiyama. Last Wonder is co-organizing.

Jul 10

Fantasia Int'l Film Fest Screens Grotesqqque, A New Dawn, cocoon Anime

The 30th Fantasia International Film Festival will screen multiple anime premieres including the world premiere of CloverWorks' three-part collection Grotesqqque, two episodes of the live-action Junji Ito series, and several short films, along with the North American premiere of A New Dawn and the Canadian premiere of cocoon. The festival runs July 16 to August 2 in Montreal.

Jul 9

Sony's RX10 V Brings AI Focus and 4K 120p to Long-Awaited Superzoom Update

Sony announced the RX10 V, the first update to its 1-inch superzoom compact in nine years. The camera adds a BIONZ XR processor and AI unit for improved autofocus, 4K 120p video, a 30fps burst rate, and a larger EVF, while keeping the same 20MP sensor and 25x optical zoom lens. It will ship July 31 at around 360,000 yen.

Jul 9

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 DVD/Blu-ray Gets Lawson-Exclusive Sticker Bonus

The standard edition DVD and Blu-ray for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns will be released at Lawson stores on July 29, 2026, with a Lawson-exclusive bonus set of three smartphone stickers featuring Tanjiro Kamado, Giyu Tomioka, and Akaza. The film was the only Japanese work nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. The animation is produced by ufotable.