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Ana
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- Bunny Girl Pia is being made into a 1/6 scale painted finished figure · 2026-06-02
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1h ago
Three members of the idol group AVAM-Nanami Saeki, Hana Kikyo, and Yuka Himemiya-have been cast in the anime film "Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to." They will voice classmates of the protagonist Makoto Natsume, played by Shori Sato of timelesz. The film is based on the novel by Matoka, published under Shogakukan's Gagaga Bunko. Directed by Kei Suzuki, the animation is produced by SynergySP and Answer Studio, with planning and production by Shin-Ei Animation. The story is a love drama set against the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display in Niigata. It follows Makoto, who is approached by classmate Aki Hayama, who says her great-grandmother told her he would draw a picture for her. The film is scheduled for nationwide release on July 17, 2026. Saeki commented that voicing a theatrical anime was a goal of hers. Kikyo noted she lived in Niigata as a child and would watch the Nagaoka fireworks annually. Himemiya expressed hope the film becomes everyone's "unforgettable summer."
1h ago
Illustrator ana's original character Bunny Girl Pia is being made into a 1/6 scale painted finished figure. Pre-orders are open now at Rakuten Books for 14,785 yen. The figure reproduces the character's bunny ear headband and fluffy lingerie from the original illustration published in Melonbooks' Underwears8 -UTOPIA- collection.
2h ago
The anime film adaptation of Kaori Mado's novel series You, Fireworks, and Our Promise announced three new cast members on Tuesday. AVAM group members Nanami Saiki, Hanaka Kikyō, and Yuka Himemiya will voice classmates of protagonist Makoto Natsume. The film opens in Japanese theaters on July 17.
14h ago
The main trailer and additional cast for 'Trophy', the feature directorial debut of Son Myeong-a, have been released. The film follows a 14-year-old Zainichi Korean girl named Sohi, played by newcomer Hanna, and her daily life at a Korean school. New cast members include YOU, Kitaro, Takashi Yamanaka, Kazuko Shirakawa, Daisuke Kuroda, and Soji Arai. The film opens in Japan on July 10.
17h ago
Discotek announced four new Blu-ray releases, including upscaled HD versions of Digimon Tamers and the Hana Yori Dango anime with English dubs and subtitles, plus an HD remaster of Journey to Japan: The Kyoto Connection and the first HD disc release of Kamen Rider: Skyrider.
21h ago
The first anime film adaptation of Nagano's Chiikawa manga, Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu, has a new trailer that reveals additional cast members and the opening theme song. Makoto Tanaka, who voices Hachiware, performs the opening theme 'Kutsuzure,' with lyrics by series creator Nagano. The film opens in Japan on July 24.
22h ago
A new clip from the sixth episode of Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- season 4 shows Julius Euclius being hit with chopsticks. The scene is part of the Loss Arc, the first of two arcs that make up the 19-episode season. The Loss Arc began broadcast and streaming on April 8, 2026, and runs for 11 episodes. The Recapture Arc will follow with 8 episodes starting August 12, 2026. The season is directed by Masaharu Watanabe, with series composition by Masahiro Yokotani and character designs by Kyuta Sakai. Production is handled by White Fox. The opening theme is "Recollect" by Konomi Suzuki and Ashnikko, and the ending theme is "Ender Ember" by MYTH & ROID feat. TK (Ling tosite sigure). The clip was released by Crunchyroll, which streams the series. The season adapts the ongoing novels by Tappei Nagatsuki, which began in 2012.
1d ago
Episode 9 of Akane-banashi highlights Hikaru's theatrical voice-acting style during the Karaku Cup, but the episode only gives her about half to 60 percent of the runtime before shifting to Akane's performance, which the review argues lessens Hikaru's impact as a competitor.
1d ago
Kadokawa's Dengeki Daioh G magazine announced on May 27 that Rakuda's light novel series Shujinkō no Osananajimi ga, Wakiyaku no Ore ni Guiguikuru will begin a manga adaptation in volume 154 on June 29. The story follows a high school student given a second chance after being killed by a romantic comedy protagonist, only for the protagonist's childhood friend to propose to him. The series ranked #7 in the New Bunkobon category of the 2026 Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! guidebook.
1d ago
An experiential exhibition for the TV anime "Kiriwo Fan Club" will run from June 26 to July 6, 2026, at GALLERY X BY PARCO in Shibuya PARCO, Tokyo. Titled "Kiriwo Fan Club no Fan Club Kiriwo Fan Club Exhibition," the event lets visitors experience the youth group drama of characters Aimi, Nami, and their friends from a fan's perspective. The space recreates the classroom of Ekoma High School, with installations featuring notable lines from the work. Limited-edition goods available only at the event include an "Oshi-dedicated Gaze Snap," a "Toute Bromide Case," and an "Ema with Things You Want to Do with Kirio-kun" capsule toy. Original collaboration products with creators connected to author Chikyū no Osakana Ponchan will also be sold. Three admission ticket tiers are offered: a basic ticket with a "ticket card," one adding a "serial number membership card," and a 3,000 yen limited ticket (100 available) that includes a "Daifuku Yaro Mascot" in addition to both cards. The exhibition is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing; the final day closes at 18:00.
1d ago
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the anime, the non-credit opening videos for seasons one and two of The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. have been released for free on the ShoPro Channel YouTube channel. The four opening songs are now available to stream. Non-credit ending videos are scheduled for June 8.
1d ago
Fanfare / Ponent Mon will reprint several manga by the late Jiro Taniguchi, including The Summit of the Gods, as well as Hideo Azuma's Disappearance Diary and Kiriko Nananan's Blue. The Summit of the Gods reprint arrives in July 2026 to mark the Everest ascent anniversary; other reprints follow later this year.
2d ago
VTuber NewsDrop has published a roundup of original VTuber music released during the first quarter of 2026. The list, updated as of April 10, 2026, includes songs from January through March, presented in no particular order. Notable entries include Nerissa Ravencroft's "Shape the Future" (English Version), Bao the Whale's "Gonna Be Ok" and "Kablooey," and multiple releases from hololive English -Advent- such as "Breakout" and "Unchained." The roundup also features albums like hololive 3rd Generation's "#OperationHeartfulCuties ~You've Got No Choice but to Love the Strongest Idols~" and Ninomae Ina'nis's "re:VISION." VTuber NewsDrop notes that the list is not exhaustive and invites VTubers to submit unlisted songs via X/Twitter. The compilation covers over 80 original tracks and albums, spanning a wide range of VTuber talents and groups.
2d ago
Anime Feminist published a review of the first episode of Mistress Kanan is Devilishly Easy, a new anime adaptation of the ongoing manga. The review describes the premise: the thousand-year-old Gourmet Devil Kanan comes to Earth to devour souls, targeting high school student Youji Kyougi, but he misunderstands her intentions and declares them boyfriend and girlfriend. The reviewer finds the high school setting uncomfortable given the heavy focus on fan service and teenage sexuality, noting that Kanan looks sixteen despite her age. The review compares the dynamic unfavorably to Kakegurui, calling the execution rote. It also notes that the manga is twelve volumes and counting, localized by Seven Seas, but predicts the anime will not get a second season. The reviewer expresses disinterest rather than hatred, saying the joke grows stale quickly.
2d ago
Anime Feminist reviewed the first episode of the Akane-banashi anime, calling it one of the most anticipated anime of the year. The premiere focuses on the relationship between Akane and her father Shinta, a journeyman rakugo performer whose career struggles lead to expulsion from the rakugo hierarchy. The review praises the show's girl-led narrative and its challenge to gendered norms, noting that Akane's mother is the breadwinner supporting her husband's artistic ambitions. However, the review criticizes the episode's visual style as overly busy, with constant flashy animation and layered storytelling that makes it difficult to parse Shinta's rakugo performance. The reviewer compares it unfavorably to Rakugo Shinju, which allowed performances to breathe. The patriarchal nature of rakugo is set up as a central critique, with the master who expels Shinta positioned as the villain. The review expresses hope that future episodes will slow down and focus on character development rather than visual spectacle.
2d ago
The upcoming "New Theatrical Version ☆ Keroro Gunsō: Revival and Immediate Crisis of Earth's Destruction!" has announced seven new guest voice actors, including Keigo Sato (JO1), Yusei Yagi (FANTASTICS), Suzanne, Rina Watanabe (Hinatazaka46), Tomokazu Seki, Natsuki Hanae, and Koichi Yamadera. The film commemorates the anime's 20th anniversary and is the first new movie in 16 years, directed by Yuichi Fukuda. It opens nationwide on June 26.
3d ago
Anime Hack columnist Q declares "The Story of a Clumsy Disciplinary Committee Member and an Inappropriately Skirted JK" (Ponsuka) the dark horse hit of the current season. The piece praises the series' fast-paced comedic depiction of opposites-attracting leads Togo Sakuraomon and Poem Kohinata, its strong supporting cast with their own romantic subplots, and the anime's pop visual style that retains the manga's thick lines while adding fluid animation.
3d ago
A new anime short titled 'Narumi's Week at Work' will premiere this fall. The story, conceived by Kizuku Watanabe, follows Gen Narumi during his work week. Returning staff includes director Shigeyuki Miya, Production I.G, and voice actor Kōki Uchiyama as Narumi.
3d ago
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 has taken the top spot in the Spring 2026 weekly anime rankings for the fifth time, according to the Week 8 poll from Anime Corner. The series received 20.08% of over 5,000 votes, the highest vote share any anime has achieved this season. Daemons of the Shadow Realm placed second with 5.15%, and Classroom of the Elite IV earned its first top-three finish of the season in third place with 4.65%. Witch Hat Atelier and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 4 rounded out the top five. Re:ZERO Season 4 has now won five of the first eight weekly polls, extending its lead as the season enters its final weeks. The series began on April 8 and previously ranked first in Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 6. The season consists of 19 episodes split into two arcs: the 11-episode Loss Arc starting April 8 and the 8-episode Recapture Arc beginning August 12, with a two-month break in between. Anime News Network also noted that Dorohedoro and One Piece kept Witch Hat Atelier just shy of first place in their own rankings.
3d ago
The One Piece anime released a new trailer for its ongoing Elbaph arc on May 29, introducing the voice cast for the Knights of God, the elite guards serving the World Government. Kenjiro Tsuda had previously been announced as Saint Figarland Shamrock in November 2025. The new trailer adds Sumire Uesaka as Saint Gunko, Hiroki Yasumoto as Saint Sommers, and Shinnosuke Tachibana as Saint Killingham. Episode 1164, which will feature the Knights of God, is set to air on May 31. The Elbaph arc began airing in Japan on April 5, 2026, after a three-month production hiatus from January to March. The anime has adopted a new schedule of 26 episodes per year starting in 2026, a reduction from its historical weekly output. Crunchyroll streams the arc. The trailer also showcases the arc's theme songs: opening "Luminous" by Aina The End and ending "Sono Mirai" by 36km/h.
3d ago
Bandai Namco revealed Yujiro Hanma from Baki the Grappler as a playable character in Tekken 8, arriving in early 2027. Square Enix also announced new Mana series ports and remasters, though specific titles and release dates were not detailed in the column.
4d ago
The live-action drama adaptation of Aku no Hana aired its eighth episode on May 29, 2026, concluding the middle school arc with the climactic scene of Takao Kasuga and Sawa Nakagawa doused in kerosene and screaming before a crowd. The same episode immediately jumped three years into the high school arc, introducing Aruno Nakanishi as Aya Tokiwa. Viewers reacted strongly to the rapid transition and the new character's debut.
5d ago
Ai Yazawa's manga "NANA" is collaborating with eye makeup brand Love Liner for a limited edition cosmetics line. The collection includes two types of liquid eyeliner and a mascara, all priced at 1,760 yen including tax. The packaging is designed so that placing two boxes side by side forms a single heart, referencing the relationship between protagonists Nana Osaki and Hachi (Nana Komatsu). The liquid eyeliners come in black for Nana and dark brown for Hachi, while the mascara features both characters together. Details from the story, such as the strawberry glass and key from Room 707 where the two lived, appear as accents on the packaging. Advance sales begin June 9 at the official online store of msh, the company behind Love Liner. From June 16, the products will also be available at msh's official Rakuten and Qoo10 stores. Limited quantities will arrive at variety shops and drugstores nationwide starting in mid-June, though release dates vary by store.
5d ago
TV Tokyo revealed the cast for Strange -Junji Ito's Strange Stories for Sleepless Nights-, a live-action omnibus series adapting 13 Junji Ito manga stories. The series premieres July 3 on TV Tokyo's Drama 24 block. The cast includes Nijirō Murakami, Kanata Hosoda, Yōko Maki, and others. IVE performs the opening theme.
5d ago
The South Korean animated adaptation of SAN.G's web novel "Tomb Raider King" released a character trailer introducing Kotaro Yanagi, a specialist who can repair broken relics. The Japanese-language dub of the series is scheduled to premiere in July 2026. The trailer also confirmed the voice cast for the Japanese dub. Miyu Irino voices Kotaro Yanagi, also known as Jaeha Yoo. Other cast members include Yoshimasa Hosoya as Goriki Ryoga and Jooheon Suh, Saori Hayami as Irene Holton, Junichi Suwabe as Taisei Ogawara and Taejoon Kwon, and Nobuhiko Okamoto as Sho Kureha and Seungwoo Oh. Seung Wook Woo, who directed episodes of "Hunter x Hunter," is directing and writing the series at STUDIO EEK. Hyun Joung Lee is the character designer and one of the chief animation directors. The original web novel ran on KakaoPage from November 2016 to May 2018. A manhwa adaptation by Yuns and 3B2S ran from June 2019 to March 2023, totaling 16 volumes. Yen Press publishes the English print edition of the manhwa.
5d ago
Paneguma has launched a manga adaptation of Daken's light novel The Castle of Canaan on Overlap's Comic Gardo platform. The story follows three thieves who accidentally kidnap a princess in a world where an empire's guns and artillery have conquered magic and sword. Daken's web novel began in May 2024, and the light novel shipped in July 2025.
6d ago
Sega released a large update for Football Manager 26 on May 26, adding an International Management mode under the official FIFA World Cup 2026 license. Players can manage a national team through the tournament, with 47 of 48 participating countries playable at launch. Japan is excluded due to licensing restrictions.
6d ago
Luminara Legacy LLC, the production company behind VTuber events and talent management, has collapsed overnight. Most of its talents have already left or not renewed contracts. Industry figures have publicly detailed negative experiences with CEO Camana, including using other agencies' names without consent. Several partner organizations had already severed ties in recent weeks.
May 26
The official website for the Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. anime released the first promotional video for its second season on May 26, 2026, announcing a July 4 premiere on NTV in Japan. The video previews the ending theme song "BooooM!!!" performed by VTuber Marine Houshou. Two new cast members were revealed: Sayumi Watanabe joins as Iroha Akasaka, and Mariko Higashiuchi takes over the role of Hitomi Koshigaya, replacing Yumiri Hanamori, who stepped down. The season introduces several new staff members, including assistant director Hiroyasu Oda, sound director Yoshikazu Iwanami, and art director Shun Yoshii. Toshinori Fukushima directs the season at J.C.Staff, replacing first-season director Masahiro Hiraoka. Michiko Yokote handles series composition and scripts, while Masahiro Fujii returns as character designer and Makoto Miyazaki returns as composer. The first season aired from October to December 2024, and the manga by Sekka Iwata and Yu Aoki concluded in July 2025 with 160 chapters.
May 26
The official website for the new Sgt. Frog 20th anniversary anime film, Shin Gekijōban ☆ Keroro Gunsō Fukkatsu Shite Sokkō Chikyū Metsubō no Kiki de Arimasu!, announced seven additional guest voice cast members on Tuesday. The film opens in Japan on June 26. The new guest cast includes Tomokazu Seki as Warrior #7, Natsuki Hanae as an alien, Kōichi Yamadera as the Space Police Chief, JO1 member Keigo Satō and FANTASTICS member Yūsei Yagi as men in Shibuya, Suzanne as a Kumamoto announcer, and Hinatazaka46 member Rina Watanabe as a woman in Shibuya. Watanabe's role marks her first voice acting work. Jesse of the idol group SixTONES voices brothers Aruru and Deruru from planet Keron. Singer ano and comedian Soshina, who perform the opening theme song "Mata Kaettekita KERO! to MARCH," also appear as guest cast: ano plays a researcher robot, and Soshina plays a man in Shibuya. Yūichi Fukuda is supervising director and scriptwriter, with Fumitoshi Oizaki directing at Bandai Namco Pictures. A new Sgt. Frog television anime with a brand-new cast will debut in fall 2026.
May 25
The television anime adaptation of Satsuki Nakamura's light novel series "Though I Am an Inept Villainess" will premiere on July 12 at 11:45 p.m. JST on TV Tokyo and its affiliates, the staff announced on Monday. A new key visual was also released. The series was originally scheduled for an April debut but was delayed due to production delays. Studio Dōga Kōbō is producing the anime, with Mitsue Yamazaki directing. Manaka Iwami voices the protagonist Kou Reirin, and Natsumi Kawaida voices Shu Keigetsu. Crunchyroll will stream the series in multiple regions including North America, Europe, and Oceania. The light novel series, which began in December 2020 under Ichijinsha's imprint, has 12 volumes as of March 2026. A manga adaptation by Ei Ohitsuji runs concurrently in Monthly Comic Zero-Sum. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes both the novels and manga in English under the full title "Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court." The story follows Kou Reirin, a frail imperial consort candidate who is body-swapped by a rival and must navigate court intrigue in a new, stronger body.
May 25
The official website for the television anime adaptation of Tanba and Yuunagi's light novel series The Insipid Prince's Furtive Grab for The Throne announced two new cast members on Monday. Yuki Kuwahara, known for voicing Tohru in Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, will play Christa Lakes Adler. Masahiko Tanaka, who voiced Kyoichi Sudo in Initial D, will play Sebastian. The anime is set to premiere in Japan in July 2026. Yuji Yanase is directing the series at Maho Film, with Kazuyuki Fudeyasu handling series scripts and Kazuko Tadano designing the characters. The previously announced cast includes Yuma Uchida as Arnold Lakes Adler, Kikunosuke Toya as Leonard Lakes Adler, Manaka Iwami as Fine von Kleinert, Maaya Uchida as Elna von Amsberg, Kaede Hondo as Lynfia, Atsushi Tamaru as Eric Lakes Adler, Ryota Takeuchi as Gordon Lakes Adler, Mitsuki Saiga as Zandora Lakes Adler, and Kazuhiko Inoue as Johannes Lakes Adler. The light novel series began on Shosetsuka ni Narou in February 2019, and Kadokawa published the 16th volume in April 2026.
May 25
The staff for the Uso Tantei Tomanto short anime announced that Natsuki Hanae will voice the ace detective Lemonade in the updated version of the series. Mariya Ise, who voices Mamango, will also voice a new character named Ichigo Berryry. The updated version began airing weekly on NTV's ZIP! program on March 30.
May 23
The second season of the Hana-Kimi anime will premiere on July 1, 2026, at 24:30 JST on Tokyo MX, Tochigi TV, Gunma TV, and BS11. The date and theme songs were revealed in a promotional video released during a special program on May 23. The trio Omoinotake performs both the opening theme "Flashbulb" and the ending theme "Hanataba." The season will stream on Amazon Prime Video in Japan, with the first episode available one week ahead of the terrestrial broadcast. The first season of the anime, based on the late Hisaya Nakajo's manga, aired in January 2026. Crunchyroll streamed the first season with English subtitles and a same-day dub in multiple regions. The manga ran in Hakusensha's Hana to Yume from 1996 to 2004 and previously inspired live-action series in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Signal.MD returns for animation production, with Natsuki Takemura directing. The cast includes Aki Yamane as Mizuki Ashiya and Taku Yashiro as Izumi Sano.
May 22
The Akane-Banashi anime has released a preview for its 8th episode ahead of its May 23, 2026 debut. The series premiered on April 4, 2026, and streams on YouTube and Netflix worldwide. The anime adapts the manga by writer Yuki Suenaga and illustrator Takamasa Moue, which began in 2022 and has 17 volumes. Viz Media publishes the English version. The anime is directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with scripts overseen by Michihiro Tsuchiya. Yu Harima is assistant director, and Kii Tanaka handles character designs and chief animation direction. Production is by ZEXCS. The Japanese cast includes Anna Nagase as Akane Osaki, Takuya Eguchi as Karashi Nerimaya, Rie Takahashi as Hikaru Koragi, and others. Netflix also recently revealed additional English dub cast members for the third episode. The story follows Akane Osaki, a high school student who secretly takes rakugo lessons from her father's former teacher, Shiguma Arakawa, and begins her climb from opening act to headliner.
May 20
The Sailor Moon collaboration with fashion brand tanakadaisuke launches May 22, 2026, with 13 items including T-shirts, ribbons, and accessories. Designer Daisuke Tanaka created the line based on childhood admiration for the series. Limited reservation items are available through May 31, with delivery from mid-July.
May 19
Voice actress Wakana Yamazaki, best known as the voice of Ran Mori in the long-running anime series Detective Conan, died on April 18 at age 61 following an illness. Her talent agency Aoni Production announced in February that she would pause activities for medical treatment. Yamazaki voiced the character since the series premiered in 1996, a role she held for nearly three decades. The Detective Conan production staff confirmed that Akemi Okamura, who had filled in since March 14, will permanently succeed her as the voice of Ran Mori. Creator Gosho Aoyama released a statement saying, "To think I'll never hear that gentle, comforting voice that was always there again... it's so sad." Yamazaki also voiced Meiko Akizuki in Marmalade Boy, Koan in Sailor Moon R, Nene in the Samurai Warriors game series, and Nojiko in One Piece. She received the Kei Tomiyama and Kazue Takahashi Award at the 19th Seiyuu Awards for her contributions to the profession. A funeral was held by close relatives. The cast and staff of Detective Conan, along with figures across the anime and game industries, posted public condolences on social media.
May 19
Episode 6 of Akane-banashi, now streaming on YouTube, introduces Koguma, a rival who challenges Akane in a way she has not faced before. Koguma's strength lies in his deep knowledge of the historical settings of rakugo stories. He understands that rakugo is a period art form, and he uses details like Edo-period dice made from bone rather than modern plastic to create verisimilitude. This approach gives his performances a sense of authenticity that Akane lacks. The episode frames this as a new kind of challenge for Akane: she must move beyond simply memorizing and performing stories-what Koguma calls "just words"-and instead learn the historical and cultural context behind them. The review notes that this requires a different kind of dedication from Akane, one that demands academic study and hard work. The episode received a community score of 4.3 on Anime News Network.
May 19
Episode 7 of Akane-banashi features Akane's first major competition, performing the classic rakugo tale Jugemu Jugemu. Voice actress Anna Nagase delivers a rapid-fire vocal performance that the review calls a tour de force, elevating the anime adaptation beyond the manga.
May 19
The official website for the anime film adaptation of Kaori Mado and Akamoku's light novel *Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to* revealed additional cast, staff, the theme song, a key visual, and the first trailer on Tuesday. The film is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on July 17. Rie Takahashi joins the cast as Haru, and Natsuko Yokosawa voices Yukari Natsume, the mother of protagonist Makoto Natsume. The idol group timelesz performs the theme song "Kienai Hanabi," which is previewed in the new trailer. Akira Suzuki directs the film at SynergySP and The Answer Studio, with a script by Kohei Mori and character designs by Yuuji Watanabe. The light novel was published in December 2025 under Shogakukan's Gagaga Bunko imprint. The story follows Makoto, who becomes involved with classmate Aki Hayama, who possesses a mysterious fireworks artwork and was told by her great-grandmother that she would meet someone named Makoto Natsume.
May 18
The Kirio Fan Club anime has added three new cast members: Yoko Hikasa as young Kirio, Yui Kanari as his childhood friend Nozomi, and Yu Serizawa as Yua. The characters debut in the eighth episode on May 21. The rom-com series premiered on April 2 and streams on HIDIVE.
May 17
Anime Expo announced it will host the first official North American screening of The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? on July 5. The convention also revealed guests including voice actors Masakazu Morita and Machico, and a Macross panel by BIGWEST on July 2.
May 17
The anime adaptation of the manga series Kamiina Botan Yoeru Sugata wa Yuri no Hana, localized as Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk, has released the clean version of its sixth episode ending theme sequence. The series, which premiered on April 10, 2026, is produced by Soigne with direction by Takashi Sakuma and scripts by Yoko Yonaiyama. The show follows college freshman Kamiina Botan, who becomes tipsy after a drink at a dorm welcome party and develops a relationship with her RA, Ibuki Tonami. The Japanese voice cast includes Sayumi Suzushiro as Botan, Yoshino Aoyama as Ibuki, Minako Kotobuki as Kanade Gujyo, Yurina Amami as Akane Yusa, and Maki Kawase as Chang Chin-lan. The series is streaming on Crunchyroll. The clean ending theme release follows similar clean versions for previous episodes, continuing a pattern of weekly post-episode uploads.
May 16
The June issue of Square Enix's Monthly Shonen Gangan reports that Looseboy and Iori Furuya's Talentless Nana manga will conclude in two more chapters, likely finishing in July. The series launched in May 2016 and has 14 compiled volumes. An anime adaptation aired in 2020.
May 16
Netflix has listed the English dub cast and staff for the first two episodes of the Akane-banashi anime, which adapts the manga by Yūki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue. The English dub cast includes Abby Trott as Akane Osaki, Xander Mobus as Shinta Arakawa, Rebecca Wang as Masaki Osaki, and Brook Chalmers as Shiguma Arakawa. Other cast members include Evan Michael Lee, Rich Brown, Kirk Thornton, Mona Marshall, Clifford Chapin, Dorah Fine, Matt Shipman, and Darius Marquis Johnson. Bang Zoom! Studios is handling production, with Eric P. Sherman as executive producer and Alex Von David as ADR director and writer. Netflix will debut the English dub for the first two episodes on May 17, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly. The anime began airing on TV Asahi's "IMAnimation" block on April 4. Netflix will begin streaming the series with the English dub on May 17. The anime also streams for free on the Akane-banashi Global YouTube channel in North America and Latin America after Japanese broadcast. The manga launched in February 2022 and has 21 compiled volumes as of April 3.
May 16
Kodansha named the winners of its 50th Manga Awards on May 11, 2026. Gachiakuta, written and drawn by Kei Urana with graffiti art by Hideyoshi Andou, took the Shonen category. The series beat fellow finalists Ichi the Witch, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, and Utsuranain desu. Urana posted on X that she never expected the honor and would keep working at full speed. The prize includes two million yen, a certificate, and a bronze statue. In the Shojo category, Gin Shirakawa's Re-Living My Life with a Boyfriend Who Doesn't Remember Me won. The manga adapts Eiko Mutsuhana's light novel Return from Death, with original illustrations by Yugiri Aika. Shun Umezawa's The Darwin Incident won the General category after being a finalist in two previous years. The series follows Charlie, a half-human half-chimpanzee raised by human parents, who is pulled into an eco-terrorist plot. Judges for the 50th awards included Hiro Mashima, Hikaru Nakamura, and Natsumi Ando.
May 16
Ufotable revealed on Saturday the returning voice cast and character visuals for the anime film adaptation of Type-Moon's visual novel Witch on the Holy Night. Haruka Tomatsu reprises her role as Aoko Aozaki, Kana Hanazawa returns as Alice Kuonji, and Yusuke Kobayashi voices Soujyuro Sizuki. The film is scheduled to open in 2026. The original visual novel, first released in Japan in 2012, is set in the late 1980s and follows Aoko, a high school student reluctantly apprenticed to the witch Alice, alongside the transfer student Soujyuro. A fully voiced HD remaster of the game launched on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in December 2022 and on Steam in December 2023. The PS4 and Switch versions have sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. The film was first announced in December 2021. Ufotable is handling animation production. A key visual was released in March 2026.
May 16
Seven Seas Entertainment announced six new licenses on Wednesday. The slate includes four manga and two light novels, all scheduled for release between January and April 2027. The manga titles are Pendulum: The Beastmen Omegaverse Saga by Hana Hasumi, Good Night, My Little Bird by RICO SAKURA, The Cat Who Didn't Believe in 'What-ifs' by Oki Eiko, and The Tomorrow I Want to See with Kako: A Time-Loop Romantic Comedy by KNOTS. The light novels are Goetia Shock by Dokuzu Kento with art by Nekosuke Ookuma, and Wandmaker of the Ruined World by Hagane Kurodome with art by Kayahara. Pendulum and Good Night, My Little Bird will appear under the publisher's mature-rated BL label. Pendulum is a companion story to Remnant: The Beastmen Omegaverse Saga, already available from Seven Seas. The Cat Who Didn't Believe in 'What-ifs' began as a popular webcomic and will receive its first English print edition. Goetia Shock will be a digital-only release on the Airship imprint. The Tomorrow I Want to See with Kako carries a release date of January 2027 in the press release and March 2027 on social media. Pricing for the print volumes ranges from $15.99 to $16.99 in the United States.
May 16
In a group interview at Anime Boston, The Apothecary Diaries author Hyūganatsu corrected the common description of the series as a story set in ancient China. She said the palace is based on Japanese imperial castles, not Chinese ones. She also discussed using children's homework as inspiration for mysteries, the historical grounding of medical details like alcohol for cleaning wounds, and the decision to base a character on Empress Wu Zetian while acknowledging possible bias in historical records.