Saturday, 19 September 2026
Anime, manga, and games, with a take · A Yukimedia publication

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mono

The mono manga is on hiatus with no return date, as creator Afro cited physical limits from serializing it alongside Laid-Back Camp. The series has five volumes released as of June 2025 and an anime adaptation.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated Aug 29

Afro's four-panel manga mono has been put on hiatus. Houbunsha's editorial departments announced that Afro consulted them about physical limits while serializing mono and Laid-Back Camp in parallel. The hiatus affects both series, with mono pausing for an extended period and no return date announced, while Laid-Back Camp resumes after a short rest. Afro's official X account clarified that Laid-Back Camp will take a short break starting after chapter 110 part 2, while mono will be on hiatus for an extended period.

The mono manga began in Manga Time Kirara Miracle! in May 2017 before moving to Manga Time Kirara Carat later that year. Five volumes had been released by June 2025. The series has an anime adaptation, though the stories do not specify its format or airing details.

The hiatus stems from Afro's health issues caused by the stress of serializing two manga at once. The editorial department apologized to fans awaiting new chapters. Return dates for both series will be announced later by their respective editors.

Key facts

Hiatus status
mono is on hiatus with no return date announced. ↗
Reason for hiatus
Afro cited physical limits from serializing mono and Laid-Back Camp in parallel. ↗
Serialization start
mono began in Manga Time Kirara Miracle! in May 2017. ↗
Magazine move
mono moved to Manga Time Kirara Carat later in 2017. ↗
Volumes released
Five volumes released by June 2025. ↗
Anime adaptation
mono has an anime adaptation. ↗

Timeline

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

Facts

Release
manga · May 2017 · 2026-08-04
Noted
wrapped Yamanashi Kotsu bus tied to the TV anime 'mono' · 2026-08-29
Noted
The 'mono' wrapped bus and the Tetsu Collection Pocket Vol. 4 prototypes give model train fans their first look · 2026-08-29
Announced
hiatus · 2026-08-07

Connections

Writes of
afro

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/mono. CC BY 4.0.

All coverage

6m ago

Hitsujibungaku and Quruli Co-Write Themes for Kaze wo Tsugu Mono

Hitsujibungaku and Quruli co-wrote the opening and ending themes for the TV anime Kaze wo Tsugu Mono, set to air in January 2027, and also handle the theme for the theatrical advance version Kaze wo Tsugu Mono -Hajimari-, which screens from November 13, 2026. The opening is "Kaze wo Tsugu Mono" under the name Quruli + Hitsujibungaku; the ending, "Namida no Kawa," is credited to Hitsujibungaku + Quruli, with vocals by Moeka Shiotsuka. Quruli's Shigeru Kishida writes the soundtrack.

2h ago

Dendrobium's MONOPHOBIA Playable At Tokyo Game Show 2026

Dendrobium is showing MONOPHOBIA in playable form at Tokyo Game Show 2026, which runs from September 17 to September 21. The urban legend suspense adventure follows two high school protagonists: Shino Nakano, who can read fragments of memories by touching belongings, and Konoka Kirihara, who saves Shino from a shadow-like attacker. Players explore a modern city in side-scrolling format and gather clues.

1d ago

MONOWAVE Launches On Steam And Switch With Emotion-Switching Puzzle Action

Phoenixx released MONOWAVE, a 2D puzzle action game by South Korea's Studio BBB, for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch. Players control Mono, a guardian spirit, and switch between four emotions: happiness gives a high jump, sadness shrinks the body to pass narrow paths, anger enables wall kicks, and anxiety allows cautious movement to avoid traps. A 10 percent launch discount applies on each store, and the game is playable at Tokyo Game Show 2026.

1d ago

Magic Story 2 Sets October 14 Release For PC At 2,000 Yen

The circle Furiken Mojure~shon will release the 3D dungeon RPG Magic Story 2 on October 14 for PC via DLsite and BOOTH at 2,000 yen. The sequel to Magic Story, which ran on the 3DS and Wii U's Petit Com 3 and Petit Com BIG, drops numeric character stats and damage in favor of word-based readings such as "considerable damage," and lets players switch between two parties mid-dungeon. A demo is on the official site and both storefronts.

2d ago

Mayoi Hachikuji Joins Sega's XStellar Prize Figure Line This Winter

Sega Plaza's official X account announced that Mayoi Hachikuji from the Monogatari Series will join Sega's prize figure line XStellar this winter. Item images were published alongside the announcement, which carried the tag 2027 Sega Prize New Product News and stated the figure is confirmed to appear in UFO catchers this winter. The same account, on the same day, announced two Uma Musume: Pretty Derby prize items: XStellar -Almond Eye- / -Curren Bouquetd'or- STARTING FUTURE and Fuwapuchi Plush Vol.9. Those Uma Musume items are also slated to appear in Sega Prize around this winter, with development images released. Both announcements came from Sega Plaza's account on September 16, 2026. Prize figures are arcade crane game awards rather than retail releases.

4d ago

Witch Love Potion Anime Adds Hiro Shimono, Akira Sekine, Sets October 5 Debut

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6d ago

Kaze Wo Tsugu Mono Unveils Second Cast Reveal Pv With Five Shinsengumi Voices

The second cast reveal PV for the original TV anime Kaze wo Tsugu Mono has been released, debuting character voices for five newly announced cast members: Ryohei Kimura as Shinshichi Nagakura, Ayumu Murase as Heisuke Todo, Shinba Tsuchiya as Sanosuke Harada, Takeo Otsuka as Keisuke Yamanami, and Yasuyuki Kase as Kamo Serizawa. The series, directed by Tomohiro Kawamura with scripts by Yutaka Nari and music by Shigeru Kishida, is produced by Aniplex, Live2D, and Drive.

6d ago

Aniplex Releases Second Cast PV For Kaze Wo Tsugu Mono

Aniplex released the second cast-reveal PV for the original TV anime Kaze wo Tsugu Mono on September 12. The video carries the first character voices for Ryohei Kimura as Shinpachi Nagakura, Ayumu Murase as Heisuke Todo, Shinba Tsuchiya as Sanosuke Harada, Takeo Otsuka as Keisuke Yamanami, and Yasuyuki Kase as Kamo Serizawa. Comments from the five actors were also released.

Sep 10

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Switch 2 Edition Adds Shimmer And Heroes' Vault Mode

Nintendo announced during a Nintendo Direct livestream on Wednesday that the Switch 2 edition of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will add a new character, Shimmer, and a Heroes' Vault mode with roguelite gameplay where players unlock upgrades by defeating enemies. The Switch 2 edition launches December 3 physically and digitally, and owners of the original Switch game can buy an upgrade pack.

Sep 9

Oni RPG Series All 7 Titles Return on Switch in January 2027

D3 Publisher will bring all seven titles in the Oni: Demon Exorcism Record series to the Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2027. The lineup covers five Game Boy and two Super Famicom games. Each keeps original graphics and gameplay while adding quick save, load, and rewind. Physical packs and individual downloads will be available.

Sep 9

Kemono Friends Teams With NHK Nature Show Darwin Comes!

Kemono Friends and NHK nature documentary Darwin Comes! announced a collaboration, the first since 2019. Original goods, including acrylic keychains featuring a Friends-ified Higejii, will sell early from September 12, 2026 at the Ikimono Super World Exhibition in Tokyo.

Sep 8

MONOPHOBIA Story Demo to Debut at Tokyo Game Show 2026

Shochiku Games announced on September 8, 2026 that MONOPHOBIA, the 2.5D urban legend adventure it publishes, will be playable at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe. The exhibition marks the first public showing of the game's story demo. The game follows two contrasting high school girls, the always mysterious Kirihara Konoka and the gal classmate Nakano Shino, who form a buddy pair to investigate eerie supernatural phenomena in a modern city rendered in nostalgic 2.5D pixel art inspired by 32-bit era adventure games. Light novel author Mikami Teren wrote the scenario, and illustrator Wata handled character design and the main visual. Developer Dendrobium, an indie team established in 2022, calls MONOPHOBIA its first independent development project. Japanese voice support is planned. The game is slated for PC via Steam with the price undecided.

Sep 8

"Nothing Strange Here" Launches on Steam with Town-Shaping Journalism Game

Dandelion Developers released Nothing Strange Here on Steam on September 8. Players take the role of an investigative journalist in the town of Larsenest Gap, photographing scenes, writing articles, and handling resident requests. Completing quests lets players pick one of three article styles, and the published article's nature changes the town's look, mood, and responses. The game supports Japanese and costs 1700 yen, with a 10 percent launch discount to 1530 yen until September 15.

Sep 7

Momonosuke's First Photobook Ichitoushi Arrives October 20

Momonosuke, a voice actress and gravure idol who made her voice acting debut in 2025 as Ichinohashi Miyu in the D4DJ project's EGOEGG unit, will release her first photobook "Ichitoushi" on October 20, 2026. Published by Wani Books, the 96-page A4 softcover was shot in Okinawa and includes her most revealing shots to date. A handover event is set for October 18 in Tokyo.

Sep 2

Japari Talk Zoo Mode Web Version Launches at Morioka ZOOMO

The web version of Japari Talk Zoo Mode, the Kemono Friends official AI chat service, launched September 1 at Morioka City Zoological Park ZOOMO. Trippy handles production, migration, and operation in partnership with Hakuhodo. The chat is free with no registration, accessed by scanning QR codes posted in the park. A 300 yen Adventure Pass unlocks a stamp rally and card collection. Trippy plans nationwide expansion to zoos and aquariums.

Sep 1

Pluto TV Adds Mononoke, Terror in Resonance, Kabaneri, More Anime

Pluto TV will add two anime channels in September: It's Anime, for English-dubbed content, and Big A Anime, a curated lineup. The service is adding Vampire Knight, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Terror in Resonance, Mononoke, and Hikaru no Go with dubs and subtitles, expanding dub access to Naruto, Sailor Moon, InuYasha, Zom 100, and Captain Tsubasa, and adding English-dubbed and subbed versions of Inuyashiki Last Hero, One-Punch Man, and KenIchi the Mightiest Disciple.

Aug 29

Happinet Reveals TGS2026 Lineup With Tokyo Stories and Mononoke no Kuni

Happinet announced its Tokyo Game Show 2026 lineup, featuring six titles at the main booth, including the released Brigandine Abyss and Beast of Reincarnation, the unreleased Tokyo Stories and Mononoke no Kuni, plus two unannounced titles to be revealed in September. The indie corner adds playable stations for Artis Impact and Stray, among others.

Aug 29

Oshino Shinobu Figure Adapts VOFAN's Owarimonogatari Cover

Good Smile Company opens reservations for a 1/7 scale figure of Oshino Shinobu based on the cover illustration of Owarimonogatari. The figure, priced at 25,998 yen including tax, is available at Rakuten Books and features a vignette base with mannequins, rock surfaces, and flowing water.

Aug 29

Tomytec Shows 'mono' Wrapped Bus and Tetsu Collection Pocket Vol. 4 at JAM2026

At the 25th International Model Train Convention (JAM2026) in Tokyo, Tomytec's Geocolle booth displayed a wrapped Yamanashi Kotsu bus tied to the TV anime 'mono', shown at the venue for the first time. The booth also presented prototypes including the painted Towada Kanko Railway 7200 series and Tetsu Collection Pocket Vol. 4 with Hokkaido railcars.

Aug 28

SYNXRO Project's Second Work 'Heroic Mistake' Releases Opening 'Monologue'

KUROGO Co., Ltd. released the opening 'Monologue' for 'Heroic Mistake,' the second work of the SYNXRO PROJECT, on August 26, 2026. The project creates new IPs from fictional anime openings, with original creation support from Kodansha Creators' Lab. The song features music by Namiguru, vocals by Muo, and animation by Onoko.

Aug 28

Kemono Jihen Manga Takes Hiatus After Creator Shō Aimoto's Brother Dies

Shō Aimoto announced on X/Twitter that her Kemono Jihen manga is going on hiatus after her brother died peacefully on August 15. The manga will not appear in the October issue of Shueisha's Jump SQ. magazine on September 4, but is scheduled to return in the November issue on October 2. The 25th compiled volume, shipped August 4, revealed the series will end in the next volume.

Aug 28

Shiro Yoshida Launches New Kemonogari Horror Manga

Shiro Yoshida launched the manga Kemonogari (Hunting Animals) on DeNA's Manga Box app on Sunday. The horror story, set in a village with a strange custom, follows Akira Sasaki, who plans to leave with his crush while his brother becomes village chief. A strange creature appears during the ceremony.

Aug 28

Gakken Plus Kindle 99 Yen Sale Offers 11 Manga Science Volumes

Gakken Plus is running a 99 yen campaign on Amazon Kindle for a selection of its books, with the promotion active until September 3. Among the discounted titles is the educational manga series Manga Science, where 11 of its 14 volumes are available at the reduced price. Volumes 5, 8, and 11 are excluded from the offer. The sale spans a broad catalog beyond Manga Science, including the Girls & Panzer Storyboard Collection, Venus Wars, and Kilarity. Gakken's historical manga line is also included, with titles such as World History, History of Japan, Three Kingdoms, NEW Biographies of Japan, and NEW World Biographies, though the Japanese Historical Figures volume covering Takasugi Shinsaku is not part of the discount. The campaign extends to nonfiction and practical guides as well, including Japan's Poisonous Plants, Moving Creature Picture Book, Fun Muscle Training: Muscles Rejoice! Shortest Path to a Cool Body, and Table Manners and Tips: A Picture Book of Daily Life. The full list of eligible titles is presented in the announcement, and the campaign is limited to the Kindle storefront.

Aug 28

Racing Miku 2023 Ver. POP UP PARADE Figure Returns in February 2027

Good Smile Racing is bringing back the "POP UP PARADE Racing Miku 2023 Ver." figure, scheduled for release in February 2027. The figure recreates the 2023 edition design of Racing Miku from the "Hatsune Miku GT Project," dressed in a race queen outfit with wide-open sides. Illustrator Toridamono, known for the "Atelier Ryza" series, designed the character, and the figure emphasizes plump thighs, a feature described as fresh for a Hatsune Miku figure. The product is part of the POP UP PARADE line, which targets collectors with an affordable price and an easy-to-display size of roughly 17 to 18 cm in total height. Pre-orders open August 25 at 12:00 PM at the official Good Smile Company shop and run through September 23. The figure is priced at 6,500 yen including tax. The prototype was handled by CKB, with coloring by namoji. A dedicated base is included. The re-release responds to the figure's popularity, according to the announcement.

Aug 21

Monochrome Echoes W Pack Switch Package Dated for January 21, 2027

Mebius announced that the Switch package "Monochrome Echoes White & Black W Pack," bundling both White Edition and Black Edition, launches January 21, 2027. The regular edition costs 5,500 yen, the limited edition 11,000 yen, with pre-orders open at game shops, mass retailers, and EC sites. A limited edition bundles the Monochrome Echoes TRPG rulebook.

Aug 21

Madoka Magica, Monogatari Series Reveal 12 Crossover Shorts

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 21

Shinobu Oshino Figure From Shinobu Story Joins G.S.Collection

Good Smile Company's G.S.Collection brand announced a 1/7 scale figure of Shinobu Oshino from Nisio Isin's Monogatari Series, based on VOFAN's cover illustration for Shinobu Story. The figure is scheduled for release in October 2027 at 26,000 yen.

Aug 19

Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 3, The Serpent God Gets Netflix Worldwide Exclusive Streaming

The anime film Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 3, The Serpent God, which opened in Japanese theaters in May 2026, will be exclusively streamed worldwide on Netflix starting Tuesday, September 29. This installment is the concluding chapter of a new theatrical trilogy based on the 2007 TV anime Mononoke, which itself originated from the Bakeneko arc of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales. The trilogy is set in the Ooku, the inner chambers of the shogun's palace, and follows the Medicine Seller, voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya, as he exorcises vengeful spirits. Each chapter shifts perspective to a woman of higher status: a new maid in Chapter 1, The Phantom Rain; an elite senior maid in Chapter 2, The Fire Rat; and the Midaidokoro, the highest-ranking woman, in Chapter 3. The third film centers on Sachiko, voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki, whose newborn son dies, triggering a conspiracy tied to the Ooku's founding 150 years earlier. The theme song is No Epilogue by Aina The End. Chapters 1 and 2 are already streaming on Netflix, so the full trilogy will be available at once.

Aug 19

Netflix to Stream 3rd Mononoke Film Globally on September 29

Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that it will stream Mononoke The Movie: Chapter III - The Curse of the Serpent, the third installment in the Mononoke franchise's film trilogy, on September 29. The film opened in Japan on May 29. The first film, Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain, premiered in Japan in July 2024, and the second, Mononoke the Movie Trilogy: Chapter 2: The Ashes of Rage, opened in March 2025. Netflix is already streaming the first two films. The trilogy follows the Medicine Seller, a wandering exorcist who confronts supernatural entities born from human emotions. The final chapter centers on Yukiko, the emperor's lawful wife, as her grief over her newborn son's death draws her into a conspiracy involving a massive serpent Mononoke. The film is directed by Tomoaki Koshida with Kenji Nakamura as chief director, and the screenplay is by Yasumi Atarashi. Studio Kafka and EOTA handled animation production, while Twin Engine produced and distributed the film. Before its Netflix premiere, the film will compete at the 50th Ottawa International Animation Festival, one of seven titles selected for the feature competition.

Aug 13

MONOWAVE Sets September 17 Release for Steam and Switch

Phoenixx announced on August 13, 2026 that MONOWAVE, a 2D puzzle action game developed by South Korea's Studio BBB, will launch for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch on September 17, 2026. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are scheduled to follow within 2026. The game casts players as Mono, a guardian spirit of four emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, and anxiety. Mono uses these emotions as abilities to navigate stages, such as jumping high with happiness, shrinking to pass narrow paths with sadness, performing wall kicks with anger, and avoiding traps with anxiety. Mono's song spreads emotions to companions, who then assist with unique traits like melting ice with fire or tossing Mono into the air. A free demo on Steam lets players experience up to the boss of Stage 1. A new trailer featuring the latest gameplay footage was released alongside the announcement.

Aug 11

Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 3 - Snake God Blu-ray and DVD Set for October 21 Release

The Blu-ray and DVD of Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 3 - Snake God will release on October 21, 2026. The home video includes revival screenings of Karasu Tengu and Hi no Nezumi, a special Snake God screening, stage greetings, and a promotional video collection. Enclosed bonuses feature a booklet with three newly written epilogues by screenwriter Shinpachi, a washi-style tack sticker, and a visual card by Yuichi Takahashi. A first-come art board is also planned.

Aug 8

CHILLfigg Adds Bakemonogatari as 6th Entry With 6-Figure Lineup

VISION's trading figure brand CHILLfigg announced Bakemonogatari as its 6th entry. The lineup includes six characters: Koyomi Araragi, Hitagi Senjougahara, Tsubasa Hanekawa, Shinobu Oshino, Nadeko Sengoku, and Mayoi Hachikuji. Figures are blind-box individual sales at 3,000 yen each, with a complete BOX at 18,000 yen guaranteeing all six. Reservations open August 7, 2026, with release scheduled for January 2027.

Aug 8

KMNZ Announces KMNPARTY vol.8 Lineup With Rim, P*Light, DJ Noriken

KMNZ announced the performers for KMNPARTY vol.8, a club event at WOMB in Shibuya on September 13. The lineup includes KMNZ, Rim, Getty, P*Light, DJ Noriken, NUROJUNK, DJ TAKUYA the bringer, Capchii, Synthion, Ren, Nemonoika, and LAKU. Tickets go on sale August 8 at noon.

Aug 7

Laid-Back Camp and Mono Manga Go on Hiatus as Afro Cites Physical Limits

Manga artist Afro is putting his simultaneously serialized works 'mono' and 'Laid-Back Camp' on hiatus. Houbunsha's editorial departments announced that Afro consulted them about physical limits while serializing both works in parallel. 'mono' will pause for the time being, while 'Laid-Back Camp' resumes after a short rest.

Aug 6

Kemono Jihen Manga to End in 26th Volume After 10 Years

The 25th volume of Shō Aimoto's Kemono Jihen manga announced on Tuesday that the series will end in the next volume. Aimoto launched the manga in Jump SQ. in December 2016, and Shueisha published the 25th compiled book volume on Tuesday. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the manga in English.

Aug 4

Laid-Back Camp and mono Manga Go on Hiatus as Afro's Health Worsens

Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara magazine and Comic Fuz website announced on Monday that creator Afro will pause both Laid-Back Camp and mono due to health issues from the stress of serializing two manga at once. The hiatus affects both series, with return dates to be announced later by their respective editors. Afro's official X account clarified that Laid-Back Camp will take a short break starting after chapter 110 part 2, which is set to be added next week on Comic Fuz, while mono will be on hiatus for an extended period. The editorial department apologized to fans awaiting new chapters. Afro launched Laid-Back Camp in Manga Time Kirara Forward in 2015, moving it to Comic Fuz in 2019, with 18 volumes published as of November 2025. The mono four-panel manga began in Manga Time Kirara Miracle! in May 2017 before moving to Manga Time Kirara Carat later that year, with five volumes released by June 2025. Both series have anime adaptations, with Laid-Back Camp's fourth season slated for 2027.

Jul 27

Demon Slayer and Witch on the Holy Night Join 2026 Awa Odori With ufotable Posters

The anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and the theatrical film Witch on the Holy Night will participate in the 2026 Awa Odori festival in Tokushima Prefecture, running from August 11 to 15. Animation studio ufotable, which produces both works, released newly drawn commemorative posters for the event. During the festival, a stamp rally will feature illustrations from ufotable's past collaborations with TYPE-MOON, including The Garden of Sinners, alongside Demon Slayer art. Collectors who gather all stamps will receive a card with the 2026 illustration. On August 14, the Demon Slayer Corps dance performance returns for a second year. Voice actors Hiro Shimono, who voices Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, who voices Inosuke Hashibira, will join mini corps members in the dance at the Kon'ya-cho stage. The festival also includes sales of themed drinks with novelties and goods featuring the new illustrations. Witch on the Holy Night, based on TYPE-MOON's 2012 visual novel, is scheduled for theatrical release on November 20. Demon Slayer is currently rebroadcasting its TV series, and the Blu-ray and DVD for Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza's Return releases on July 29.

Jul 26

Kimonowa VRChat Event Yukata de Nouryoukai Draws 5,000 Visitors

TeraDox, the operator of the 3D Japanese clothing brand Kimonowa, published a report on its VRChat event "Yukata de Nouryoukai" held on July 11, 2026. The event, produced by V Inc., commemorated the release of the new yukata sets "MyYukata 2026" and "MyYukata 2026 for Men." Seventeen events and communities collaborated to open approximately 30 instances across the platform. The three official Kimonowa instances had a total waiting queue of about 100 people. Peak concurrent connections reached 942, and total visitors surpassed 5,000. Participants wore yukata or other Japanese clothing while touring instances, taking photos, and interacting with cast members. The event aimed to lower the barriers to enjoying Japanese clothing in virtual space, where dressing and moving are easier than in real life. Following this success, Kimonowa announced a follow-up VRChat event, "Yukata de Hanabi Taikai," scheduled for August 2, 2026, starting at 22:00. That event will feature virtual fireworks viewing and interaction across instances hosted by 16 sponsoring organizations. Participation does not require wearing Kimonowa products.

Jul 21

Kemono Friends Seasons 1 and 2 Get Free All-Episode Broadcast on ABEMA

ABEMA will air all 12 episodes of Kemono Friends and all 12 episodes of Kemono Friends 2 for free starting July 21, 2026. Season 1 begins at 1:15 PM and 1:15 AM on July 21, while Season 2 starts at 7:15 PM that day, with additional slots on July 22. Archives remain available for one week after broadcast.

Jul 19

Keiichi Sigsawa Writes First Original Manga, Kemono-tachi no Peregrinatio

Keiichi Sigsawa, known for Kino's Journey and Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online, has written his first original manga. Titled Kemono-tachi no Peregrinatio, it is drawn by Hayato Asaki and launched on Shogakukan's Weekly CoroCoro Comic online magazine. The story follows a young man and a beast tamer traveling on a giant wolf in a world where giant beasts wiped out most of humanity.

Jul 17

F-Toys' ROCKMONO Series Gets 1/12 Scale Drums in September 2026

F-toys will release a 1/12 scale drum set for its ROCKMONO miniature instrument candy toy line on September 7, 2026. The drum set consists of two separate sets, A and B, each in five colors, with a total of 10 blind-box types. Complete sets combine A and B parts including a bass drum, snare, cymbals, and stool. A 10-pack box guarantees all variants. Each single item costs 825 yen.

Jul 16

AI Dot E Battle Launches August 21 With AI-Powered Drawing Battles

Independent developer MONO ENTERTAINMENT announced on July 16 that AI Dot E Battle, a drawing battle game where players create dot-pixel monsters and AI judges the outcome, will release on August 21 for PC via Steam. A demo is available. The game includes Normal Battle, Retroactive Battle, Team Battle, and a Monsterpedia. The developer previously released The Fable Manga Build Roguelike.

Jul 15

Mononoke the Movie Chapter 3 Gets MAYLA Skirt with Two Designs

Fashion brand MAYLA has released a skirt inspired by 'Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 3 - Snake God,' available in Medicine Seller and Shingi models. Each features custom textiles and an obi-like ribbon. Reservations are open until July 16, 2026 at 17:00, priced at 28,600 yen each.

Jul 15

Urumia and Ai Yazawa Release Five Heroine-Inspired Contact Lenses

The color contact lens brand Urumia has announced a collaboration with manga artist Ai Yazawa, releasing a line of five daily disposable lenses inspired by heroines from four of her classic manga series. The Urumia x Ai Yazawa Heroine Collection draws from NANA, Gokinjo Monogatari, Tenshi Nanka ja Nai, and Paradise Kiss. Each lens design corresponds to a specific character: Nana Osaki (Veil Black), Nana Komatsu (Drop Pink), Mikako Kouda (Dolly Brown), Midori Sajima (Glow Olive), and Yukari Hayasaka (Muse Blue). The lenses are priced at 1,870 yen per box of 10 and will be available for reservation on the Urumia official online shop starting July 29, 2026 at 20:00 JST, with shipping beginning in late August. Pop-up stores will be held at Laforet Harajuku in Tokyo from August 19 to 31 and at Shinsaibashi PARCO in Osaka from September 5 to 13. Purchase bonuses include a membership card with any purchase, a compact mirror for five boxes, and a jewelry bag for ten boxes.

Jul 15

MARGINE Releases 'The Story That Begins at the Akizuki Teahouse' Light ARG

MARGINE has begun sales of 'The Story That Begins at the Akizuki Teahouse,' a historical town exploration mystery ARG set in the real Edo-period castle town of Akizuki in Fukuoka Prefecture. The work contains no negative elements and is described as a 'light ARG.' Players solve story-driven puzzles tracing over 400 years of history, feelings, and memories. A VTuber guide, Akizuki Miihi (CV: Mashima Hiyori), accompanies the experience. The ARG is recommended by the current head of the Akizuki domain and supported by local tourism associations. It is priced at 2,500 yen.

Jul 15

Netflix's 'Monopoly' Reality Show Will Pay $2 Million to the Last Player Standing

Netflix has announced a reality competition show based on the board game Monopoly, with a $2 million prize for the winner. The show, produced by Studio Lambert of 'Squid Game: The Challenge' fame, will feature 12 players in a life-sized city setting. Players who go bankrupt are eliminated, and the last one standing wins. The series is set to stream in fall 2027, and applications are now open for US residents.