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KAZ

KAZ is a roguelike action game released on July 14, 2026 for PC via Steam, with very positive reviews and widespread player reports of hand pain and keyboard breakage.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated Jul 15

Independent developer HAKURO released the roguelike action game KAZ on July 14, 2026, for PC via Steam. Priced at 905 yen with Japanese text support, the game is controlled entirely with movement keys on a tile-based field. Players must eliminate all enemies within tens of seconds per round, then proceed to the next. The structure includes 25 themes with unique power-ups, six starting weapons, over 110 obtainable items, and five reflex-testing modes plus weekly and monthly challenges and an endless mode with online leaderboards.

As of July 15, 59 user reviews on Steam were 96% positive, earning a Very Positive rating. A Metacritic aggregate of seven reviews gives a score of 81. Reviewers praise the simple controls, high tempo, and dopamine-inducing exhilaration. However, user reviews are also filled with complaints of hand cramps, keyboard breakage, and warnings that people with tendonitis should not play. Some players reported breaking two keyboards while playing. The developer's store page describes the game as 'the ultimate psychedelic dopamine rush.' A release sale offers 15% off until July 28, bringing the price to 769 yen.

Key facts

Release date
July 14, 2026
Platform
PC via Steam
Developer
HAKURO
Steam user rating
96% positive (Very Positive) from 59 reviews
Metacritic score
81 from 7 reviews
Base price
905 yen
Sale price
769 yen (15% off) until July 28
Player health warnings
Reports of hand cramps, keyboard breakage, and warnings against play for people with tendonitis

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

All coverage

10h ago

BL Manga Ao to Ao Gets Live-Action Drama With Double Lead

The BL manga Ao to Ao by Roji is being adapted into a live-action drama starring Naoya Kusakawa (ONE N' ONLY) and Hidekazu Chinen in double lead roles. It airs on BS Asahi and other channels from October 5, with early streaming on Lemino starting at 10:00 the same day. The story follows two high school friends who become adults with mutual unrequited love over eight years.

11h ago

Kazuki Kawamura Joins Runvox Q&A App as Respondent

Regit One announced that Kazuki Kawamura, the men's 1500m Japanese record holder, has joined the marathon and track and field Q&A app Runvox as a respondent. Kawamura will answer questions from runners on training, speed, race management, conditioning, and form. He set the Japanese record in 2021 and won the 2023 Japan Championships.

20h ago

Ninomiya Kazunari Says Nokoru Has More Screen Time in VIVANT Season 2

Ninomiya Kazunari, who plays Nokoru in VIVANT Season 2, spoke at the Sunday Theater VIVANT PREMIUM SUMMER PARTY event on August 23 at the National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium before 11,000 fans. Asked whether his screen time was reduced from Season 1, he asked producer Iida Kazutaka directly, who confirmed Nokoru appears more in Season 2. Iida added that based on Ninomiya's social media posts and the number of times he has eaten Midoriyama's tantanmen, there is still more to come.

22h ago

The Last Blossom Hits U.S. Theaters for Two Nights

The Last Blossom, the first original feature-length anime from Odd Taxi director Baku Kinoshita, opens in select U.S. theaters this weekend. GKIDS, the film's North American distributor, is releasing it for two nights only, August 30 and 31, in Japanese with English subtitles. The film premiered in competition at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival before opening in Japan last October under the title Housenka. The story follows Akutsu, a former yakuza serving a life sentence, who recounts his life to a sarcastic talking flower growing from a tin can. Kinoshita directed and designed the characters, reuniting with Odd Taxi writer Kazuya Konomoto, who wrote the original story and screenplay. Animation was handled by Studio CLAP, known for Pompo the Cinephile. In an interview with Anime Herald, Kinoshita discussed his interest in criminals as people who live in the moment, the Balsam flower as a wiser-than-human philosopher, and why the song Stand By Me appears in the film. He also noted that he currently leans toward television work because it offers more room to develop stories.

1d ago

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Director Talks Season 2 Themes

Director Kazumi Akio spoke with Anime Expo about the second season of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman. He said the season's theme is that people can always develop and move forward even as they age. He also discussed the relaxed recording environment, his path into anime via CG work, and his study of Western swordsmanship.

1d ago

New Fairy Princess Minky Momo OVA Adds Four Cast Members

The official website for the new Fairy Princess Minky Momo OVA announced four more cast members on Friday: Show Hayami as the King of Diginarsa, Kikuko Inoue as the Queen, Kazuyuki Okitsu as Momo's father, and Mie Sonozaki as her worrywart mother. The OVA opens in Japanese theaters on November 13.

1d ago

Mika Pikazo Talks RE:BEL ROBOTICA and Character Design at Anime Expo

At Anime Expo 2026, illustrator Mika Pikazo discussed her creative evolution, from focusing on visual appeal to understanding characters from the inside. She also touched on her mixed media project RE:BEL ROBOTICA, which began as a doujin and now includes a serialized online story, two novels, and an upcoming TV anime from Amute Creative Studio.

1d ago

Kazuki Takahashi Yu-Gi-Oh! Art Exhibition Opens December 12

The official account for the 'Kazuki Takahashi Original Art Exhibition YU-GI-OH! ART WORKS' announced on August 28 that the exhibition will run from December 12, 2026, to February 21, 2027, at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO. The event presents more than 370 original manuscripts and color illustrations by Kazuki Takahashi, spanning his roles as manga artist, illustrator, designer, and game creator. The display is organized into five chapters: CHARACTER DESIGNER, GAME CREATOR, MONSTER DESIGNER, STORYTELLER, and Journey's End. Each chapter highlights different aspects of Takahashi's work, from iconic characters and weekly game concepts to monster designs from the Duelist Kingdom and Battle City arcs, and materials from the 2016 film 'Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions,' for which he served as original author, scriptwriter, character designer, and executive producer. Some works will be shown for the first time. The venue will also sell merchandise, including relief plates of Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Dark Magician, and cushions featuring the Stone Tablet of the Lost King's Memories. Admission is by reserved time slot with a cap per session, and tickets go on sale via E-Plus on September 14, 2026. General admission costs 2,200 yen, with reduced prices for students. A special ticket with the bonus item 'Proof of the Duel King' is available for 3,900 yen.

4d ago

MARVEL Tokon Devs Detail 4v4 Design and PC Fixes

Arc System Works producer Takeshi Yamaguchi and director and lead battle designer Kazutoshi Sekine gave interviews about MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls, the Marvel fighting game published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and released in August 2026 on PS5 and PC. The game uses a 4v4 tag battle system, and Sekine said the format was chosen to express the Marvel team-up world and to deepen team tactics through many character combinations. The game supports both traditional command inputs and simple one-button controls such as Quick Skills and Link Attacks, so players can start with a single character. The team confirmed Phoenix Cyclops as the first Year 1 DLC character, currently in development. The interview also covered Deadpool's parody easter eggs, which Sekine said are not all discovered yet, and PC performance. Yamaguchi said two emergency patches were released on August 10 and August 21 to reduce CPU load and frame drops, and the team considers the CPU load now comparable to or lighter than other Arc System Works fighting games.

6d ago

KAZÉ US Manga Imprint Sets Fall 2027 Launch With 3-5 Titles

HarperCollins' KAZÉ US manga imprint announced at Anime NYC that it will launch in fall 2027 with 3-5 titles, then release 5-8 titles in 2027, 20-25 in 2028, and 25-30 in 2029. The imprint also plans to expand to Brazil and Spain in 2027, and will publish HarperCollins Japan originals, manhwa, manhua, and original English manga.

Aug 22

Rizz Dungeon Delayed to 2027 as Snoozy Kazoo Restores Cut Content

Snoozy Kazoo announced on August 22 that Rizz Dungeon: Skeleton Key to My Heart is delayed from September 17 to 2027. The studio said the September date was set out of necessity, to release before its funds ran out, and it had been cutting characters and features to make that deadline. Turnip Boy series sales performed better than expected, so the studio no longer needs to rush and plans to restore cut content.

Aug 21

Hibagon Town-Promotion Film Sets Spring 2027 Release, Mu Editor to Appear

The film 'Hibagon☆Project,' a town-promotion movie based on the UMA Hibagon, is in production with a planned spring 2027 release. Filming is underway in Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where the 1970 sightings occurred. The cast includes Chika Hiraoka, Sakurako Suei, Robert Scott, Megumi Mori, and Ryuji Harada. Takeharu Mikami, editor-in-chief of 'Mu,' will appear as himself.

Aug 14

Drifting Classroom Horror Event Adds Scariest Version With New Staging

NO MORE Inc. and Coamix Inc. will run 'UMEZZ HORROR HOUSE ~Drifting Classroom and Thought Experiment Exhibition~ Scariest ver.' from August 19 at GALLERY ZENON in Kichijoji. The limited-time version adds new cast horror performances and enhanced spatial staging to the immersive event based on Kazuo Umezz's manga. Tickets go on sale August 14 at 20:00.

Aug 14

SF Adventure Platonica Space Launches on Steam, Switch Version Set for August 27

KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO and Kazuhide Oka's ANMC project released the Steam version of Platonica Space on August 14, 2026, priced at 1,200 yen with a 17% discount until August 27. The Switch version launches August 27 at the same price, with a discount until September 9. The game follows five amnesiacs exploring an endless room-filled space, recovering fragmented memories through memory spots.

Aug 14

Live-Action High School Family Film Adds Seven Cast Members

The live-action film adaptation of Ryo Nakama's High School Family: Kokosei Kazoku manga has added seven cast members, including Yoshihiko Inohara as Tatsuya Aoyama and Naoto Takenaka as Tomohiro Kiryu. The film is directed by Toichiro Ruto from a script by Makoto Ueda and opens in Japan on January 8, delayed from fall 2026.

Aug 14

Takashi Okazaki Wins Emmy for Star Wars: Visions Short

The Television Academy announced the winners for juried categories in the 78th Annual Emmy Awards. Character designer Takashi Okazaki won for Outstanding Individual Achievement In Animation for his work on The Duel: Payback, an anime short in the Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 anthology. The award will be presented on September 6.

Aug 14

Nia Liston Anime Reveals Tsunomaki Watame Opening Song

The staff for the Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden television anime announced that VTuber Tsunomaki Watame will perform the opening theme song "Respawn!!". The anime debuts on October 6 on Tokyo MX, BS NTV, and MBS, with HIDIVE streaming as it airs. A new situation visual was also revealed.

Aug 11

Makoto-chan Pop Up Store Opens at Hakaba no Garou in August

A Makoto-chan pop up store will run at Hakaba no Garou in Nakano and online from August 20 to September 15, 2026. The event sells original apparel and goods, including T-shirts, a hoodie, jersey, cap, waist bag, handkerchief, pouch, tenugui, tumbler, plate, pin badge, stickers, and a poster. The store also features photo spots and a message board.

Aug 11

Blue Lock Live-Action Cast Takes Over Weekly Shonen Magazine Covers

The Weekly Shonen Magazine 36-37 combined issue will feature the live-action Blue Lock cast on both front and back covers, timed to the film's August 7 release. The movie's official YouTube channel also posted a special talk between Fumiya Takahashi and Ura Kazuki, who play and voice Yoichi Isagi respectively.

Aug 10

Socrates in Love Artist Kazumi Kazui Launches New Manga

The September issue of Shogakukan's Petit Comic magazine announced that Kazumi Kazui will launch the new manga Anata no Koto ga Ki ni Iranai in the next issue on September 8. The story follows a girl who wants a normal life but is chased by a suspicious journalist. The first chapter runs 54 pages with a color opening page.

Aug 10

Danganronpa Creator Jokes GTA 6 Delay Is His Fault

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 8

Pokemon Origins Streams Again on TVer

Pokemon Origins, the original anime based on Pokemon Red and Green, is now streaming on TVer. The broadcast from August 2 on BS12 TwellV is available to watch. The series follows Red's journey from receiving Charmander to battling rival Green and Team Rocket.

Aug 7

Zenless Zone Zero Male Cast Sings Moe Chaka Fire in Maid Outfits

HoYoverse released a male-cast version of the song Moe Chaka Fire for Zenless Zone Zero on July 25. Hugo, Komata Masato, Light, and Severian, voiced by Jun Fukuyama, Kazuyuki Okitsu, Hiroki Takahashi, and Toshiyuki Morikawa, perform the track. The song debuted at Dream Electro Fest, part of the second anniversary HoYoFair event. The video includes a dance segment with 3D models in maid outfits.

Aug 7

Kamen Rider Zetts Movie Director Reveals Daydream Theme and 8-Minute Chase

Director Kazuya Kamihoriuchi discussed the upcoming film Kamen Rider Zetts: Mission of Farewell, which caps off the TV series. The story centers on Mitsugu and Takanori Kokage, with a theme of daydreams encroaching on reality. Kamihoriuchi aimed for unprecedented motorcycle action, including an 8-minute chase scene.

Aug 6

Project Sekai Releases Full-Size 2DMV for Hana ni Kaze

Sega and Colorful Palette released the full-size 2DMV for Hana ni Kaze (SEKAI ver.) on the official Project Sekai YouTube channel on August 4, 2026. The track, written and composed by Balloon, is sung by Hatsune Miku and Vivid BAD SQUAD. It is available for the iOS and Android rhythm and adventure game Project Sekai: Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku.

Aug 6

Seven Seas Licenses 7 New Manga Series

Seven Seas Entertainment announced seven new manga licenses on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, spanning isekai adventures, supernatural horror, and a yuri romance. The slate includes The Berserker NPC Unknowingly Destroys the World, Influencer Hero: After Saving Another World, I Got Rich Streaming Dungeons!, Wandmaker of the Ruined World, The Kaiju Autopsy, The Moon Cries at the Final Wish, My House Cat Became the World's Strongest?!, and It's a Secret, Shirotae-sama. Each series will debut in English print between February and May 2027, with volume 1 priced at $13.99 USD / $18.99 CAD. Several titles are manga adaptations of existing light novels, including Wandmaker of the Ruined World, which is based on a novel by Hagane Kurodome with art by Nori Kazato and Kayahara. The Berserker NPC and Influencer Hero also originate from light novels, with the former's novel already available digitally from Seven Seas. The Kaiju Autopsy, a standalone work by Mado Saito, follows a scientist investigating a colossal kaiju corpse. The Moon Cries at the Final Wish, by Suu Minazuki, centers on a vampire angel and the Seven Luminaries. My House Cat Became the World's Strongest?! features a giant cat leading its owner through dungeons, while It's a Secret, Shirotae-sama is a vampire academy romance under the Seven Seas GL imprint.

Aug 6

Kazuma Kaneko's Tsukuyomi Launches on Steam With Second DLC

Colopl released KAZUMA KANEKO'S TSUKUYOMI on Steam for PC on July 24, 2026. The deck-building roguelike, designed by Kazuma Kaneko, is priced at 3,960 yen, with a 10 percent discount until August 8. The second DLC, Painter K's Divine Brush: Manifestation of Truth Set - Part 2, also launched today for PC and Switch.

Aug 6

My Happy Marriage Author Akumi Agitogi and Fiancée of the Wizard Artist Launch New Manga

Akumi Agitogi, author of My Happy Marriage, and Masaki Kazuka, artist of Fiancée of the Wizard, have launched a new manga titled Miko to Yashayome. Kadokawa's B's-LOG COMIC published Chapter 0 on July 24, and serialization began Wednesday. The story follows sorceress Miyabi Mori, who marries into the Koiwai family and tries to save her cursed husband Kuon.

Aug 4

Immersive Live Set 5 Years After 'Belle' Announced With TeddyLoid, Mika Pikazo

An immersive music live event titled "Animmersive Live: Belle," set five years after director Mamoru Hosoda's 2021 film "Belle," will run from October 10 to November 15, 2026, at the MoN Takanawa museum in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, Minato-ku, Tokyo. The production team includes music director TeddyLoid, known for Ado's "Dance" and "Show," character designers Mika Pikazo and Nike Shimaguchi, creative director Yuki Hiroya, scriptwriter Yuichiro Komikado, video director Toshitaka Shinoda, stage director Akira Yamazaki, and CG director Tatsuo Ogata. The story follows Hiro-chan, Suzu's best friend who produced the diva Bell, as he works to produce a new diva in the virtual world U. The artist playing the new diva will be announced sequentially. Ticket sales began July 28 with an official fastest advance lottery on Lawson Ticket, running until August 4. Regular ticket prices range from 5,500 yen for U25 seating to 11,000 yen for the standing cheering area, with goods-included options up to 14,300 yen. Hosoda commented, "I think a new diva born from BELLE will live in many people's hearts. I am very excited."

Jul 27

Minato Namikaze in Kurama Link Mode Joins S.H.Figuarts Line

Bandai Spirits announced a new S.H.Figuarts action figure of Minato Namikaze in his Kurama Link Mode from the anime Naruto Shippuden. The figure recreates the Fourth Hokage's appearance during the Fourth Shinobi World War, when he channeled the Nine-Tails' power. It stands approximately 150mm tall and is made of PVC and ABS. The set includes the main body, seven interchangeable hand parts (four left, three right), three interchangeable expression parts, a kunai, and a Giant Rasengan. A bonus part is an interchangeable expression piece compatible with the separately sold S.H.Figuarts Uzumaki Naruto figure titled "Power That Connected Countless Feelings in His Heart." Pre-orders open on July 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM JST through the Premium Bandai Tamashii Web Store. The figure is priced at 11,000 yen (tax included) and is scheduled to ship in February 2027. The product is intended for ages 15 and up and is initially released in Japan.

Jul 27

Titan Manga Licenses LastBoss LoveDeath and The Rabbit Circle

Titan Manga announced it will publish two new manga series in 2027: LastBoss LoveDeath, a magical girl/idol hybrid by Yoshikazu Kuwajima and Takahiro Seguchi, and The Rabbit Circle, a supernatural horror story by Sanada Shiro. Both titles are set for release in April 2027.

Jul 27

Live-Action High School Family: Kokosei Kazoku Film Adds 12 Cast Members

The live-action film adaptation of Ryō Nakama's High School Family: Kokosei Kazoku manga has revealed 12 new cast members. The film will open in Japan on January 8, 2027, delayed from its originally planned fall 2026 release. The cast includes Masaya Kimura, Miyu Honda, Yūka Kageyama, and others.

Jul 26

Vertex Force Original Anime Sets October 3 Debut, Reveals Cast

The original television anime Vertex Force, directed by Strike Witches and Vividred Operation creator Kazuhiro Takamura, will premiere on October 3 at 11:30 p.m. on Tokyo MX, BS11, Gunma TV, and Tochigi TV, with streaming on U-NEXT and other services in Japan. The announcement came on July 24 via the anime's official website, which also released a main promotional video, key visual, and the full main cast. Makoto Koichi voices protagonist Akira Todo, a 13-year-old middle school student living in Okinawa who feels inferior for lacking the "Engine" power his older sister Haruka inherited from their father. Kaede Hondo plays Haruka Todo, a cheerful 16-year-old high school girl who hides her power. Ami Koshimizu voices Eleanor Northbrook, an 18-year-old from the United States; Megumi Han plays Lala Zudenstein, a 16-year-old from Switzerland; and Rie Takahashi voices Yoko Nishina, a 16-year-old from Hokkaido. The story follows Akira and his family as strange events begin occurring worldwide, with unidentified enemies approaching. Takamura is directing at SMDE, with Gorō Kuji as assistant director. Kanetake Ebikawa handles engine design, and JNTHED handles ENIA design.

Jul 24

Stray Children Treasure Box Edition Launches December 10 With Art Book, Lost RPG Music CD

Onion Games has announced a premium physical edition of its RPG "Stray Children" for Nintendo Switch, set for release on December 10, 2026, at 10,978 yen. The "Stray Children TREASURE BOX" is a limited first-print run produced only for pre-orders, with no additional manufacturing planned after the order period ends. The box includes the game cartridge with all updates applied, the "Stray Book" development archive spanning approximately 160 pages of sketches and setting art by character designer Kazuyuki Kurashima, background artist Satoshi Katsuta, and director Yoshiro Kimura. Also included is an experience music CD for the in-game fictional RPG "Mikazuki," described in the game as a title canceled in 1997, featuring chiptune music by the group Thelonious Monkeys. A cloth antique map titled "The Night Before the World's Collapse" and an acrylic keychain featuring the protagonist and his companion complete the set. Pre-orders opened on July 24. A talk show to commemorate the announcement is scheduled for July 25 at 20:30 JST on Kimura's X account, featuring Kimura, Kurashima, and Thelonious Monkeys members Masanori Adachi and Hiroshi Taniguchi, hosted by Yamaguchi Quest.

Jul 23

Pokémon: The Origin Rebroadcast Announced on BS12

Free-to-air broadcaster BS12 Twelvi announced on July 23 that it will rebroadcast the 2013 original anime special Pokémon: The Origin. The four-episode series originally aired on TV Tokyo to commemorate the release of Pokémon X and Y for the Nintendo 3DS. It is the first anime to adapt the story of the original Pokémon Red and Green games, with protagonist Red voiced by Junko Takeuchi rather than the long-running Satoshi of the main anime series. The cast also includes Takuya Eguchi as Green, Katsuji Mori as Professor Oak, and Tomokazu Sugita as Brock, replacing Yuji Ueda from the Satoshi-era show. The rebroadcast begins August 2 at 19:00 on BS12. The special is notable for featuring the first animated appearance of Mega Charizard X, a form that did not exist in the original games and was kept secret until the episode aired. At the time, only Mega Charizard Y had been announced under the generic name Mega Charizard, making the reveal of the black-and-blue variant a surprise for fans.

Jul 21

Live-Action Kaiji Film Reveals Trailer, Cast, and January 29 Release Date

TOHO Movies has unveiled the first full trailer, teaser, cast, and character visuals for the new live-action Kaiji film, titled Kaiji: Jinsei Revenge Game. Tatsuya Fujiwara returns as Kaiji, with Kazuya Kamenashi, Mahiro Takasugi, Sara Minami, and Susumu Terajima joining the cast. The film opens in Japanese theaters on January 29.

Jul 20

Splatoon Raiders, DragonSword: Awakening Lead This Week's Game Releases

Game Spark and Inside published their weekly roundups of new game releases for the week of July 20-26, 2026, covering both Japan and North America. The most prominently highlighted titles include Splatoon Raiders for Nintendo Switch 2, DragonSword: Awakening for Windows PC, and KAZUMA KANEKO'S TSUKUYOMI for Windows PC. Splatoon Raiders and DragonSword: Awakening are both scheduled for July 23, while KAZUMA KANEKO'S TSUKUYOMI launches July 24. Other notable releases mentioned in the opening of the Inside article are FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster (Nintendo Switch 2, July 23), SD Gundam G Generation Eternal (Windows PC, July 22), and Vampire (Windows PC, July 22). The lists also include dozens of smaller indie titles across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Both outlets note that release dates are subject to change.

Jul 20

Otomate's Basketball Romance 'MIX DUNK' Launches November 26

Otomate announced that its new otome game 'MIX DUNK -KING OF BASKETBALL-' will release on November 26, 2026, for Nintendo Switch. The game is a romance adventure set in a mixed-gender pro basketball league, supervised by the Kawasaki Brave Thunders team and AKB48. The cast includes Chiharu Sawashiro, Tomokazu Sugita, Junya Enoki, Takuma Terashima, and Yoshiki Nakajima.

Jul 18

Double Heroines of 'Kaze, Kaoru' Appear on 'SPUR' Cover

Ai Mikami and Juri Kosaka, the double leads of the continuing TV novel 'Kaze, Kaoru,' appear on the cover of the September 2026 issue of fashion magazine 'SPUR.' The cover shows them in a modern, light blue coordination with jewelry and cool expressions, a contrast to their period drama roles. Fans have commented on the drastic transformation, calling the duo powerful and noting the change in atmosphere. The issue releases July 23.

Jul 17

Seven Seas Licenses Ultraman by Kazuo Umezz: The Classic Manga Collection

Seven Seas Entertainment announced on July 17, 2026, that it has acquired the license for Kazuo Umezz's Ultraman manga. The publisher will release the series as a large-trim hardcover edition titled Ultraman by Kazuo Umezz: The Classic Manga Collection in July 2027. The collection will be priced at $42.99 in the United States and $57.99 in Canada. This marks the first English-language release of the manga, which originally ran in Japan from 1966 to 1967 alongside the debut of the Ultraman tokusatsu television series. Umezz, best known for horror manga such as The Drifting Classroom and Reptilia, adapted the sci-fi hero's battles with kaiju for the page. Seven Seas described the release as timed to the franchise's 60th anniversary. A documentary film titled The Origin of Ultraman, produced by Tsuburaya Productions, opened in Japanese theaters on July 3, 2026, also celebrating the anniversary.

Jul 17

Mika Pikazo Designs All Costumes For X VORDER RUNWAY

The key visual for X VORDER RUNWAY has been released, featuring Mika Pikazo's designs for VTubers Akami Karubi, Kaf, Hoshimachi Suisei, real artists Nanawo Akari and KAWAII CLUB, and game characters like Chun-Li and Rise Kujikawa. The event, a fusion of fashion show and music live, will be held September 27 at Makuhari Messe, with exclusive costumes and collaborative performances.

Jul 17

Six More Cast Members Announced for NHK Zenigata Heiji

NHK has added six actors to the cast of its special period drama "Zenigata Heiji" starring Kazuya Kamenashi. The newcomers portray members of the traveling troupe Hanakage-sha and shogunate officials who hold the key to the story. The 89-minute special airs August 21 on NHK One and will be streamed on NHK Plus.

Jul 15

Roguelike Action Game 'KAZ' Launches to Very Positive Reviews, Hand Pain Complaints

Independent developer HAKURO released roguelike action game 'KAZ' on July 14 for PC via Steam. Priced at 905 yen and supporting Japanese text, the game is controlled entirely with movement keys-up, down, left, right-on a tile-based field. Players must eliminate all enemies within a time limit of tens of seconds per round, then proceed to the next. The structure includes 25 themes with unique power-ups, six starting weapons, over 110 obtainable items, and five reflex-testing modes plus weekly and monthly challenges and an endless mode with online leaderboards. As of July 15, 59 user reviews on Steam were 96% positive, earning a 'Very Positive' rating. A Metacritic aggregate of seven reviews gives a score of 81. Reviewers praise the simple controls, high tempo, and dopamine-inducing exhilaration. However, user reviews are also filled with complaints of hand cramps, keyboard breakage, and warnings that people with tendonitis should not play. Some players reported breaking two keyboards while playing. The developer's store page describes the game as 'the ultimate psychedelic dopamine rush.' A release sale offers 15% off until July 28, bringing the price to 769 yen.

Jul 14

Otakon to Host Background Art Director Kazuki Higashiji

Otakon announced it will host background art director Kazuki Higashiji at its 2026 event. Higashiji has worked on Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Maquia, Angel Beats!, Hanasaku Iroha, and Charlotte. The convention also announced a policy change banning fan art sales in the dealers room, directing dealers to the artist alley instead.

Jul 13

World Is Dancing Casts Yuusuke Kobayashi

The TV anime World Is Dancing has released advance cuts and the ending video for episode 3, and announced Yuusuke Kobayashi will join the cast as Shin'emon, a bodyguard. The episode, titled 'You Have Your Own Good Points,' sees the Kanze troupe perform at a historic festival. The ED theme 'Namae no Nai Hana' by hockrockb is also out. A collaboration event with the Kanze Noh Theater is scheduled for late July.

Jul 10

Kamen Rider Kabuto 20th Film Theme Song Performed by Original Cast Trio

The main poster visual, main trailer, and story for V Cinema Next 'Kamen Rider Kabuto: 20th - Heir to the Sky' have been unveiled. The theme song 'NEXT LEVEL Pass the tofu Version' is performed by Yuki Sato, Hidenori Tokuyama, and Kazuki Kato, their first vocal collaboration in 20 years. The film will screen in theaters from November 6, 2026, with a Blu-ray/DVD release on February 10, 2027. An experiential event 'Kamen Rider Kabuto World 20th CAST OFF' will be held starting September 19, 2026.

Jul 10

Kazuya Kamenashi's 'Zenigata Heiji' Gets NHK Terrestrial Broadcast in August

Kazuya Kamenashi stars in the period drama 'Zenigata Heiji,' which previously aired on BS8K in March. The drama will have its terrestrial premiere on NHK General TV on August 21. The cast includes Tomoya Oku, Erika Ikuta, Takenori Goto, and Katsumi Takahashi. The script is by Junpei Yamaoka, music by Akio Izutsu, and direction by Keisuke Toyoshima. Kamenashi expressed honor and pressure in taking on the role.