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Individual developer ARAKI published the Steam store page for Super Excite Ball on September 16. The competitive action game puts four goals on the four sides of a stadium and has players use flippers to shoot balls into an opponent's goal. It supports online multiplayer for up to four players, single-player battles against CPU, and special balls and stadium gimmicks such as bumpers, spinners, and a black hole.
Sep 2
Shinchosha announced on September 1 that it will publish Murakami Haruki WORKS, a 16-volume complete works collection covering nearly half a century of the author's writing, as part of its 130th anniversary program. The set opens with volume 8, the complete 1Q84 in one book, on January 27, 2027, followed by one volume every two months. Recommendation comments come from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure creator Hirohiko Araki and poet Machi Tawara.
Aug 17
A new web manga label called MANGABU! launched on August 17, 2026, operated by FaMH Entertainment. The label is headed by Masahiko Ibaraki, former editor-in-chief of Weekly Shonen Jump and the first editor-in-chief of Jump Square, and Hideki Egami, former editor-in-chief of Monthly IKKI. The label's catchphrase is "After school isn't over yet," and it aims to publish a wide range of genres without restrictions. At launch, 15 series began serialization simultaneously, including "Bakudanhan no Musume," a comic adaptation of Aki Kajiwara's nonfiction novel by Matsu Karasume; "Times Tetepamu" by Mai Inoue; "Kome to Hana to, Awai to." by Daisuke Higuchi; and "IRUKA" by Kizu. The lineup spans suspense, romance, human drama, and comedy. The label positions itself as a place where creators, readers, and editors can enjoy manga like a club activity. FaMH Entertainment was established in May 2025 as a subsidiary of Fam Group, with Hiroyuki Kondo of Mash Group serving as chairman.
Aug 17
The August 15 broadcast of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War episode 44, titled "THE PERFECT CRIMSON," brought two long-awaited bankai reveals. Kenpachi Zaraki unleashed his bankai for the first time, cutting down Gerald Valkyrie in a single strike after a vision of Yachiru Kusajishi urged him to use her power. Toshiro Hitsugaya reached his complete bankai, Daiguren Hyorinmaru, and his body aged into an adult form. The adult Hitsugaya is voiced by Yuki Kaji, replacing Romi Park, who has voiced the character since the original series. Kaji said in a comment that he auditioned multiple times under Tite Kubo's supervision, prepared by rereading the manga and listening to Park's performance, and recorded alongside Park, who told him his performance felt right. Fans on social media praised the visual and vocal shift, with reactions calling the casting luxurious and the transition from Park to Kaji a highlight. Episode 45 airs August 22.
Aug 8
Wit Studio opened pre-orders for a 1/6 scale Nameless figure to mark the 10th anniversary of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress. The figure is based on a new illustration by Haruhiko Mikimoto and the commemorative animation Nameless Ranman, directed by Tetsuro Araki, with both supervising the project.
Aug 5
Netflix unveiled a new trailer and key art for the live-action series of Kisei Tada's manga S and X: Confession of Therapist. The trailer revealed more cast and set the August 20 premiere date. Kento Nakajima stars as protagonist Ichito Shimotori. Newly announced cast members include Yuko Araki as Yumi Ichinose, Ryota Miura, Sawako Fujima, Aoi Nakamura, Rinka Kumada, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Yusuke Santamaria, and Shiro Sano.
Jul 5
Twin Engine announced a new Mononoke project on July 5, revealing the third Medicine Seller Ken no Tsurugi, voiced by Hironori Araki, in a new PV. Three new novels featuring each of the three Medicine Sellers-Ri no Tsurugi, Kon no Tsurugi, and Ken no Tsurugi-will be published by Kadokawa Bunko.
Jun 18
The manga "Magi-Roshi Gentlemen B.T.," based on an original concept by Hirohiko Araki, written by Nisio Isin, and illustrated by Posuka Demizu, was released in book form on June 18. The volume collects four episodes, including the title story about the elderly B.T. and Koichi, plus stories set in their youth and high school, and an extra round. The Ultra Jump July issue includes a different version of the book cover.
May 29
Yuu Watase drew the three-sided case illustration for the Fushigi Yugi Blu-ray BOX, releasing August 26. The image shows Miaka, Tamahome, and the Suzaku Seven Stars. Voice actors Kii Arakawa and Hikaru Midorikawa shared anniversary messages.