← all stories
D K
1h ago
KADOKAWA is streaming the 2001 live-action horror film 'Otogirisou' for free on its YouTube channel Kadokawa Cinema Collection from August 21 at 8:00 PM to September 4 at 7:59 PM. The film adapts Chunsoft's classic sound novel of the same name, a Super Famicom title released in March 1992 that established the sound novel genre. Directed by Ten Shimoyama, known for the Netflix live-action 'ERASED' and 'SHINOBI,' with scripts by Goro Nakajima and Takenori Sento, the film stars Megumi Okina as Nami. In the story, Nami learns of her biological father's death and visits his mansion deep in the mountains with her former lover, game creator Kohei, to uncover the secret of her birth. There she confronts shocking truths, including her father's true identity and the existence of her twin sister. Actress Kae Okunuki plays the dual roles of Nami and Naomi, a character deeply connected to her birth. The original game, released by Chunsoft in 1992, was the first publishing title from the company and the first entry in its sound novel series, with a scenario by Hideyoshi Nagasaka, a writer who won the Edogawa Rampo Prize. The film version inherits the game's setting and motifs while reconstructing the story with original elements.
1h ago
Hamee Co., Ltd. announced on August 24 that its gaming accessory brand Pixio will begin accepting orders for a collaborative gaming monitor commemorating the 15th anniversary of Square Enix's NieR series. The Pixio Gaming Monitor NieR 15th Anniversary Model is priced at 49,800 yen including tax, with an order period running from August 27 to September 30. The product is made to order, with shipping scheduled within 2026, and no additional production or sales are planned after the order period ends. The monitor features a white chassis with a newly drawn illustration of 2B from NieR:Automata and Kainé from NieR Replicant on the back, created by D.K, the character designer for NieR Replicant/Gestalt. The NieR series 15th anniversary logo appears on both the back and front. Specifications include a 27-inch WQHD (2560x1440) Fast IPS panel with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GTG) response time, designed to handle e-sports and creative work. A purchaser bonus of an acrylic mouse stand using the same D.K illustration is included. The monitor is scheduled to be exhibited at the Pixio (Hamee) and Aulin Co., Ltd. booths at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held from September 17 to 21.
8h ago
tinyBuild announced on August 27 that Graveyard Keeper 2, the sequel to Lazy Bear Games' cemetery management sim, will launch on September 22. The game is a follow-up to the 2018 original, which recovered from initial criticism about slow pacing to earn a 'Very Positive' rating in Steam user reviews. Players take on the role of an inquisitor managing a graveyard, reviving corpses as zombies to automate farming and crafting, and defending the town from undead invaders. The sequel adds a town restoration system, an evolved zombie labor system, and base defense elements. It will be available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, as well as PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2, with Japanese display support. Japanese pricing varies by platform: 2,800 yen on PC, 3,800 yen on Switch 2 and Switch, 3,190 yen on PS5, and 2,900 yen on Xbox Series X|S, all including tax. Due to the time difference, the Japanese release is expected to land on September 23. Pre-orders are open with a 20 percent discount running until September 23. New gameplay footage shown at the Future Games Show during gamescom 2026 depicts leading zombies into battle and using their tireless labor for cemetery development.
6d ago
CONVERSE TOKYO and Puella Magi Madoka Magica release their collaboration items on August 21, 2026. The lineup includes T-shirts, acrylic stands, glass necklaces, and original art. Artist Samehoshi drew new artwork of the six magical girls for the project. Sales run at CONVERSE TOKYO stores and the official online store.
6d ago
Seven Seas announced eight new manga licenses during its Anime NYC panel on Friday, including Boys' Love, Girls' Love, and fantasy titles. The slate includes My Lips are Being Targeted, Scarlet Thirst, Synchronicity Obsession, I Wish it Had Just Been Love, The Duke's Daughter Must Seduce the Demon King... But the Demon King's a Girl?!, Enslaved By My Cats, Goetia Shock, and Witch and Mercenary. Release dates span from June to July 2027.
6d ago
Kakao Games announced it will launch Supercat's The World of Dokkaebi, an MMORPG based on the web novel Chronicles of the Demon-Slaying Cultivator, in October. The game blends 2D pixel-art characters with 3D environments, draws on Korean folklore, and is set 300 years before the novel. It features class-free combat and guild content, and launches on PC and mobile with cross-platform support.
6d ago
The Madoka Magica and Monogatari Series franchises have revealed a 12-episode crossover short project, Mahou Doujo Yotsugi Peace. Monogatari creator NisiOisin wrote the shorts, which stream in batches from August 20 to 23. The project celebrates the Madoka Magica film Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising, which opens August 28. The first three episodes are already streaming on the Aniplex YouTube channel.
Aug 20
KADOKAWA announced on August 20, 2026 that the PC version of the new KonoSuba game, KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! - Prosperity in This Beloved City! (abbreviated Machisuba), will be distributed on DMM GAMES. The game is a smartphone and PC title based on the KonoSuba anime and original light novel, retaining the series' worldview and characters while offering an original story. Natsume Akatsuki, the original author, supervises production, and Kurone Mishima, the original illustrator, provides production cooperation. The genre is described as an "another world trouble life RPG." The smartphone version is available for pre-registration on the App Store and Google Play, with a 2026 release planned. To mark the platform decision, a special stage program, "Machisuba Special Stage in TGS2026," will be held at the DMM GAMES booth at Tokyo Game Show 2026 on September 20, starting at 15:00. The stage will feature Jun Fukushima, the voice actor for protagonist Kazuma, and KADOKAWA game producer Taiki Fujii, who will share the latest information and highlights. The event will be viewable on-site and via a YouTube live stream.
Aug 19
The Puella Magi Madoka Magica franchise staff released a statement asking fans to refrain from posting spoilers for the upcoming film Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising on social media, streaming services, and other venues until September 12. The film opens August 28 in Japan with IMAX and regular screenings.
Aug 18
Anime! Anime! reader poll for 2026 summer anime ending themes ran July 16-23, with sequels and second cours drawing the most votes. The ED for "Bungo Stray Dogs Wan! 2" took first place, followed by "Yomi no Tsugai" second cour and "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 4" second cour.
Aug 18
FREEing is re-releasing its 1/4 scale Madoka Kaname Bunny Ear Ver. figure from Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion. Reservations are open on Amazon.co.jp at 33,000 yen, with a scheduled release date of December 31, 2026. The figure stands approximately 410mm tall and includes an exclusive base.
Aug 18
A US federal court ruled that three YouTube channels that clip KADOKAWA anime and add Korean narration and commentary are not protected by fair use. The court ordered YouTube to disclose the channel operators' personal information. The operators have appealed to the Ninth Circuit.
Aug 17
Frontier Works announced on August 15 that a new game based on the anime "Zombie no Afureta Sekai de Ore Dake ga Osowarenai" is in development. Titled "Zombie no Afureta Sekai de Ore Dake ga Osowarenai: Rakuen e no Michi," the RTS tower defense game will launch on Steam in 2027. Players control protagonist Yusuke Takemura, who has the special ability to not be attacked by zombies, as they gather weapons and defend their base.
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
Yanako RPGs opened the Steam page for Dokimon: The Living Soil on August 17. The farming and monster-raising game follows a retired Ranger from Doki Monsters: Quest settling in a Gunma-inspired countryside town. Players farm, cook, fish, and battle in caves with roguelike elements. Release timing remains undecided.
Aug 17
Yanako RPGs announced Dokimon Quest: II on August 16 for PC via Steam, with a 2027 release planned. The monster-collecting RPG continues the story as the player time-travels 200 years to the Edo-period Zeros region to save Maiko. New Dokimon, a rebuilt battle system, and a partner mechanic are introduced.
Aug 15
KADOKAWA and EXING will run the online streaming event #CSP歌枠バトル Powered by カラオケJOYSOUND for STREAMER from August 12 to August 25, 2026. A total of 84 creators using the CSP program will compete in daily live streams using the JOYSOUND karaoke service's scoring function for the highest score, the Best Singing Award, and a commercial slot at JOYSOUND locations nationwide.
Aug 15
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising will collaborate with ROUND1 starting August 28, 2026, the film's release date. The campaign runs through November 29 across ROUND1 locations, offering themed menu items, collaboration rooms, bowling score displays, original goods, capsule toys, and social media giveaways.
Aug 14
The official Madoka Magica X account asked fans on August 13 to avoid posting spoilers for the August 28 film Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie - Walpurgis no Kaiten until September 12 at 0:00. The request covers social media and video sharing services, with exceptions for spoiler-hiding features.
Aug 14
KADOKAWA released Q1 FY2027 results on August 13. Net sales rose 5.3% year-on-year while operating profit fell 45.5%. The game segment declined against last year, when ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN contributed significantly. Publishing and IP creation grew on titles like Super Kaguya-hime!. FromSoftware has ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition and The Duskbloods scheduled from Q2 onward.
Aug 14
Solo developer Yano announced that Dokimon Quest, his monster collection RPG, will be free on Steam for 48 hours starting at 2:00 AM Japan Time on August 25. The game, inspired by Game Boy Color titles, features over 140 Dokimon and 15 locations. Yano seeks feedback for his upcoming sequel, Yami Kids.
Aug 14
BS-TBS revealed the third season of the live-action Tengu no Daidokoro series will premiere October 1 in the Mokuyō Drama 23 slot. New cast members include Hinata Hiiragi, Shūji Okui, and Yuno Nagao, while Robin Furuya, Akihiro Kakuta, Makiko Watanabe, and Taizō Harada reprise roles. Returning staff include director Kakeru Nagashima and composer VaVa.
Aug 14
Kei Yose's The Villainess Speaks Not light novels are getting a manga adaptation. Artist Ryū Miduki launched the manga on Overlap's Comic Gardo website on Wednesday. J-Novel Club releases the novel series in English digitally. The story follows Liliana, a mute villainess who uses silent spellcasting to escape her otome game fate.
Aug 14
The September issue of LEED Publishing's Comic Ran Twins magazine announced that Hideki Mori's Queen of Bijah manga will end in three chapters. The series, set in 1258 A.D. during a Mongol siege, launched in 2021. The 10th compiled volume ships October 13.
Aug 13
STRTL Games announced its new title .curator on August 13, 2026, for PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with release date and price undecided. The game is an episodic cinematic SF adventure RPG written by Richard K. Morgan, known as the original author of the Netflix drama Altered Carbon. The setting is a post-Victorian world shaped by political corruption, dangerous technology, and relics of an ancient alien civilization. Players take on the role of the Curator, who, with the AI assistant C.R.I.S.S.I., uses the future-predicting technology Quantum Sleet to glimpse possible futures and intervene in the present to rewrite events. The game emphasizes player choice, with multiple approaches such as fighting, hiding, distracting, or charming, and irreversible life-or-death decisions that determine who lives and who dies. The script for Season 1 is fully written, and Episode 1 will be playable at launch, with subsequent episodes planned as individual DLC. The game is planned to support 31 languages, including Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Korean, and wishlisting is available on Steam.
Aug 12
A Puella Magi Madoka Magica x ANGEL BLUE pop-up shop runs August 26 to September 6, 2026, at three Tower Records locations and online. The event debuts newly drawn full-body and chibi illustrations of Madoka, Homura, Mami, Sayaka, and Kyoko wearing ANGEL BLUE clothing. Fifteen items go on advance sale, including trading can badges, bromides, acrylic cards, stands, and tapestries.
Aug 12
Premium Bandai is accepting preorders for the Gigantic Series Godzilla (2001) 25th Anniversary Ver., a large figure measuring about 78 cm in length and 40 cm in height. It commemorates the 25th anniversary of the film Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. The figure features battle damage paint and is priced at 78,100 yen. Preorders close on August 16 at 23:00, with shipping planned for October 2026.
Aug 11
d Anime Store's 14th anniversary campaign, themed "14 years old. That conflict becomes heat," puts 14-year-old anime characters on outdoor ads across six areas in four cities. The lineup includes Madoka Kaname, Tsunayoshi Sawada, and others, plus a new special movie connecting iconic scenes from the featured works.
Aug 11
KADOKAWA and mikai announced that VTubers from Re:AcT and Re:AcT Gaming will use KADOKAWA's YouTube MCN, the Creator Support Program (CSP). The program allows secondary use of copyrighted works such as games, anime, and karaoke audio, enabling broader activities for the members.
Aug 11
Kei Hozumi and Mito's manga Seishun wa Sankakukei no Loop will end with its next chapter in the November issue of Kadokawa's Dragon Age magazine, releasing in October. The series, which follows a love triangle among three childhood friends, launched in March 2025. Its first compiled volume shipped on September 9.
Aug 10
Illustrator VTuber Nijipuka Nuhu, affiliated with MillionProduction, will release her first book, "Character ga Ugokidasu Illustration no Kyokasho: Zero kara Hajimete Umaku Naru Mahou no Hint," on October 5, 2026, through KADOKAWA. The 128-page B5-size textbook covers her methods for drawing character illustrations, including basic steps, her personal points of focus, designing original characters, drawing deformed mini characters, and creating animations, which are her signature work. The book also includes reading sections such as a one-question-one-answer segment and a Q&A corner, plus a special conversation with illustrator and VTuber Shigure Ui. Nuhu, who describes herself as a fully self-embodied VTuber handling her own character design and Live2D modeling, has over 380,000 YouTube subscribers as of July 2026. She became an official CLIP STUDIO PAINT ambassador in March 2026. The standard edition is priced at 2,090 yen including tax, while a Kadokawa Store special edition with an acrylic stand is available for 4,070 yen.
Aug 10
Eiko Kano's commentary version of Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion began streaming exclusively on TVer on August 10 at 7 PM. The four-episode release commemorates the August 28 premiere of Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising. Kano's earlier commentary on the TV edition drew roughly 3.62 million total views.
Aug 10
BeXide, the Tokyo game developer behind the Doko Demo Issho series, has entered the VRChat avatar market. The company released two avatars through its BOOTH shop: Kokoro, a fox shrine maiden from its game Kitsune no Kaerimichi, and Nuit, an original character. Both cost 5,000 yen, discounted to 4,000 yen until August 16. A VRChat trial world, BeXide Avatar Trial World, is also live.
Aug 10
Super Danganronpa 2×2 was delayed from 2026 to early 2027. At Anime Expo 2026, producer Shohei Sakakibara and creator Kazutaka Kodaka discussed the delay with Crunchyroll. Kodaka joked that playing GTA 6 leaves no time for making games, a quip he repeated on X. The new Kyoki Mode adds about 20 percent more content.
Aug 9
Team Salvato revealed that Natsuki's birthday in Doki Doki Literature Club! is July 30. The announcement came one day late in Japan due to the overseas schedule. With Monika and Sayori already known, three of the club members' birthdays are now confirmed, leaving Yuri's birthday still unannounced.
Aug 8
Good Smile Company announced a figma of Albedo, the Guardian Overseer of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, based on the theatrical film Overlord: Holy Kingdom Arc. The posable figure stands about 160mm tall, includes three expression parts and optional hands and legs, and is scheduled for release in June 2027.
Aug 8
Takara Tomy is taking pre-orders for two Transformers Wild King W Energy Beast figures on Amazon Japan. Hydrophant Lightning ver. is an elephant-type Transformer with Lightning Energy, while Gaianuckle is a pachycephalosaurus-type with Ground Energy. Both transform from robot to beast and can combine with separately sold Energy Masters. Each is priced at 2,750 yen and releases on September 26, 2026.
Aug 8
Anime News Network reviews episodes 16 and 17 of Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke, calling episode 16 a workaday recap of Rosemyne's to-do list. The review notes the episode's highlights, including the spin-off of the bookmaking business and the reveal of the working printing press, but criticizes tangentially connected subplots like Hugo's potential role as chef.
Aug 7
The official website for Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising announced on Friday that the film will receive IMAX screenings in Japan on August 28, the same day it opens in theaters. A new visual for the screenings was unveiled. The film is directed by Yukihiro Miyamoto and features returning cast and staff.
Aug 7
Amazon Prime Video announced its August 2026 streaming lineup on July 31. New additions include the film Ready Player One, four Odoru Daisousasen theatrical films, the Puella Magi Madoka Magica series and movies, and both Naruto anime series. The full list spans Japanese and international films, dramas, anime, and variety content.
Aug 7
On July 31, SNS creator Yuuhachi's works were announced for a first TV anime adaptation as 'Yusanchi! from Yuuhachi', airing from October 2026 within Fuji TV's 'Nonstop!' and Kansai TV's 'Shunkan LIVE Toretate!' programs. The omnibus short anime adapts three works: 'Dekai Hachi', 'Temban no Spis', and 'Aa, Tanuki wa Mou Damedesu'. A teaser visual and PV were released, and official website and social accounts launched.
Aug 7
The upcoming film 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising' will be released in IMAX theaters, marking the first IMAX release in the series' history. The announcement came on August 7, 2026, alongside a new IMAX poster visual featuring the witch Walpurgis Night, a key element of the story. The film opens in Japan on August 28, 2026. The story follows Akemi Homura, who became a demon after the events of 'Rebellion' and remade the world, with magical girls facing a new fate in a world without the Law of Cycles. The IMAX release was confirmed by Cinema Today, which noted that screening theaters will be listed on the official website. This release expands the theatrical experience for the franchise, which began as a TV series in 2011 and has since seen multiple theatrical films, including 'Rebellion Story' in 2013, which grossed over 2 billion yen at the box office. The new film is described as the long-awaited true sequel to the series.
Aug 6
Lazy Bear Games showed Graveyard Keeper 2 at ChinaJoy 2026. The sequel adds zombie army combat and town restoration to the cemetery management formula. A demo begins with the protagonist imprisoned, accused of destroying the world over eight years, then escaping to resume gravedigger work. Corpse examination replaces the previous game's dissection in early stages.
Aug 6
Kadokawa began streaming the opening sequence for the Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu-kun: Ukkari Detekita Uchūjin o Sagase! film on Thursday. The film opens in theaters on September 11 and centers on space pilot trainee Kotetsu, who hears about the possible existence of aliens and drives the whole academy to search for them. It combines anime footage with real footage of space, and the television anime cast reprises their roles.
Aug 6
Konami released two romance adventure games based on The Prince of Tennis on July 30, 2026, for PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch. The titles are remasters of earlier games, with some new illustrations and optimized UI. LINE stamps for both games also launched the same day.
Aug 6
Konami Digital Entertainment released remastered versions of two Prince of Tennis romance adventure games on July 30 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. GakuPuri and DokiSaba each cost 7,700 yen for standard editions and 15,400 yen for deluxe editions that include acrylic panels, sticker sets, and clear files.
Aug 6
The September issue of Kadokawa's Young Ace Magazine announced on Tuesday that ADELTA's Oe game will receive a manga adaptation by Medamayaki titled Oe: Ariake-hen, debuting in the October issue. The game follows a detective investigating an actress's island funeral. ADELTA released the complete edition in April 2025.
Aug 5
Kadokawa announced the FX Fighter Kurumi-chan TV anime will debut in October, with a key visual and promo video. New cast members include Asami Seto, Ayasa Ito, and Miho Okasaki. Aina Suzuki performs the ending theme and stars as Kurumi Fukuga.
Aug 5
Shueisha Games and developer iMel announced a video game adaptation of Honobu Yonezawa's mystery novel Seasons of Books and Keys for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, launching in winter 2026. The fully voiced game stars Kazuki Ura and Yūichirō Umehara, features an original episode by Yonezawa, and supports Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese subtitles.
Aug 4
Digital manga publisher Omoi announced at its Otakon 2026 industry panel on Friday that it will release Shinji Wada's Delinquent Detective: Sukeban Deka in English for the first time. The shojo crime thriller will be available exclusively on the Omoi: Manga Reader app this fall, with chapters accessible through the Omoi Premium subscription. The original manga ran in Hakusensha's Hana to Yume magazine from 1976 to 1982, and has inspired multiple live-action series and films, a 1991 video anime, and a 2006 live-action film. Omoi also revealed plans to add 54 Kodansha titles to its catalog, available for volume purchase, with early volumes from six titles available now, including After the Rain, Dororo, and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun. Omoi Premium members receive a 20% discount on all volume purchases. The announcement marks a significant addition to Omoi's library of classic shojo manga, following its earlier license of The Sword of Paros.