RIKU is an AI-powered novel writing support service jointly developed by KADOKAWA and Hatena, currently in closed beta application phase. The service is designed to support authors through dialogue rather than generate the work itself, and user works will not be used for AI training.
KADOKAWA and Hatena announced RIKU, an AI-powered novel writing support service, and opened applications for a closed beta test. The application period runs until 23:59 on Monday, August 17, and is open to people aged 18 and over who are writing novels or want to write in the future. The service is designed not to have generative AI write the work itself, but to support the author through dialogue, helping with character and worldview construction, idea organization, and proofreading and editing.
RIKU operates under the theme "You write the story. A partner by your side," positioning the AI as a companion that listens and helps organize thoughts, while the user remains the main entity writing the story and text. Works created or input by users on the service will not be used for AI learning, addressing concerns about training data. The development combines KADOKAWA's editorial expertise, gained through dialogue with authors, with Hatena's experience in user-generated content services like Hatena Blog.
The two companies previously collaborated on the web novel site Kakuyomu since 2016. The closed beta test will be available on Windows, Mac, smartphones, and tablets, and a free Google account is required to apply.
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Cinema Today reports an interview video with lead actor Yuya Yagira and making-of footage for 'RYUJI Ryuji,' the remake of the 1983 yakuza film 'Ryuji' that opens October 30. Yagira discusses building the role with director Nobuo Mizuta and acting alongside Riku Hagiwara and BE:FIRST's JUNON. An official manga adaptation by Kosuke Tokimune begins serialization September 27 on 'Manga BANG Comics.'
France's Ankama opened a website on Wednesday for Aoki Densho Welsh & Shedar, an original television anime set to premiere October 2 on Tokyo MX at 9:25 p.m. JST. The site named Rikuya Yasuda as Welsh, a 16-year-old from Broccoli village, and Yuki Kaji as Shedar, the 16-year-old prince of Bonta. Naoki Horiuchi directs at Studio Massket.
The four voice actors behind QUARTET NIGHT, Shouta Aoi, Shoutarou Morikubo, Tatsuya Suzuki, and Tomoaki Maeno, posted a photo together on X on September 4. The shot shows them in costumes from the June 2026 live event QUARTET NIGHT LIVE ENDLESS JEWELS, with a bracelet from the event merchandise visible. The reason for the gathering is unconfirmed, and fans are speculating about a new project or bonus footage.
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The staff for Baki THE GRAPPLER STAGE announced on Tuesday that the spinoff manga Baki Gaiden: Retsu Kaioh wa Isekai Tensei Shitemo Ikkō ni Kamawan is getting a stage play adaptation. The show runs March 19-22, 2027 at Owl Spot in Tokyo, with Riku Noma reprising his role as Retsu Kaioh.
KADOKAWA and Hatena announced the joint development of RIKU, an AI-powered novel writing support service, and opened applications for a closed beta test. The application period runs until 23:59 on Monday, August 17, and is open to people aged 18 and over who are writing novels or want to write in the future. RIKU is designed not to have generative AI write the work itself, but to support the author through dialogue, helping with character and worldview construction, idea organization, and proofreading and editing. The service operates under the theme "You write the story. A partner by your side," positioning the AI as a companion that listens and helps organize thoughts, while the user remains the main entity writing the story and text. Works created or input by users on the service will not be used for AI learning, addressing concerns about training data. The development combines KADOKAWA's editorial expertise, gained through dialogue with authors, with Hatena's experience in user-generated content services like Hatena Blog. The two companies previously collaborated on the web novel site Kakuyomu since 2016. The closed beta test will be available on Windows, Mac, smartphones, and tablets, and a free Google account is required to apply.
Shōnengahōsha announced on July 27 that Sho Kasugai's manga Millennium Family is getting a television anime adaptation. The anime will air on TBS and other stations, though a debut date has not been revealed. Masato Jinbo, known for directing Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei! and The Rising of The Shield Hero Season 2, is directing the series at studio PartsCraft and also supervising the scripts. Hiroshi Yoneda, who worked on Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Vow in the Snow, is handling character design and serving as chief animation director. Rikuya Yasuda voices the protagonist Theo. The manga launched in Young King Ours magazine in March 2021 and has eight compiled volumes released so far, with the ninth volume set for July 30, 2026. The story follows seven immortal siblings born in England who possess eternal life, making them targets for criminals, hospitals, and military organizations. AI localization company Orange Inc. licenses the manga in English through its e-bookstore service emaqi.
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