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The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' held the number one spot at the Japanese box office for the third consecutive week, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha's June 26-28 rankings. Three new films entered the top five: 'Supergirl' at second, a new 'Keroro Gunsō' theatrical feature at fourth, and the latest 'Anpanman' film at fifth.
Sony Interactive Entertainment and Arc System Works revealed three new playable characters for the upcoming fighting game MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls at the EVO 2026 tournament. Blade, Loki, and Deadpool will join Ghost Rider as members of the team called Samurai Outriders. The announcement came with a new trailer showing battle scenes for each character, including Deadpool's Jack O'Poses move. The game also adds a new stage, Asgard, which features five areas: the Observatory, the Rainbow Bridge, the King's Hall, the Treasure Vault, and the World Tree. An open beta test will run from July 24 to July 27 on PS5 and PC, with cross-platform play support. Blade will be the first playable character in that beta. The game uses a 4v4 tag system and offers both traditional fighting game controls and simplified inputs. Producer Takeshi Yamanaka, previously producer for Guilty Gear -Strive-, is leading the project. MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is scheduled for release on August 6 or August 7 depending on region, for PS5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Dengeki Hobby Web published the Amazon Hobby New Arrival Ranking top 10 for the Figure & Collector Doll category as of June 29, 2026. The top spot is the GUNDAM UNIVERSE Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam, followed by Good Smile Company's POP UP PARADE Aura from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End at 2nd place, and the Blue Archive figma Shiroko*Terror at 3rd.
The 2nd cour of the TV anime Daiya no A actII -Second Season- will air from October on TV Tokyo's 6-station network, AT-X, and others. A teaser visual shows Kazuya Miyuki and Narumiya Mei facing off as Seido High School clashes with Inashiro Industrial High School in the finals. GLAY performs the opening theme, OxT the ending.
The TV anime "Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga ~Hinagiku Chōso Torikae Den~" released its pre-broadcast PV, showing the schemes and negotiations in the harem and deepening the relationship between Huang Linglin and Zhu Huiyue. The ending theme is "Hōkiboshi" by Rokudenashi, with lyrics and composition by Eve. Streaming begins July 13, and the anime airs on TV Tokyo from July 12.
French indie developer Mystik'art posted on June 13, 2026, that his game Mesoké, developed over three years, had sold only 77 copies at launch despite 2,800 pre-release wishlists. The post went viral, viewed over 1.7 million times, and sparked discussion about discoverability and the gap between wishlists and sales. The game is a non-combat flight adventure with minimal guidance, influenced by Journey and ABZÛ.
Kotobukiya's OSHI WORKS brand is now accepting pre-orders for an Eren Yeager figure based on Attack on Titan: The Final Season. Priced at 8,800 yen, the figure captures Eren's determined expression and his back as he resolves to carry out the Rumbling. Shipping is scheduled for December 2026.
Developer Hologryph, TowerHaus, and publisher tinyBuild announced that SAND: Raiders of Sophie has surpassed 100,000 total players since its early access launch on June 23. The game, which features giant walking machines called Tramplers, has received mixed reviews on Steam. An update addressing early issues and a roadmap for future content have also been released.
Bushiroad Creative has opened pre-orders for PalVerse Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, a set of palm-sized deformed figures. The lineup includes six characters: Frieren, Fern, Stark, Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen. Pre-ordering by August 4 guarantees delivery. The figures release November 27.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie fell to #5 in its ninth weekend, earning 94 million yen. Kiki's Delivery Service's 4K remaster opened at #6 with 173 million yen in three days. Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway dropped to #7, while the live-action Mr. Osomatsu sequel fell to #9.
Bandai Spirits will release an HG series plastic model of the newly designed New Keroro Robot on June 26, 2026, the same day as the new Keroro Gunso movie opens in Japan. The kit includes color-coded parts, stickers, weapons, effect parts, and a self-standing stand.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles runs at 4K resolution in TV mode, full HD in handheld mode, and 60 frames per second with smoother cutscenes. The review calls the original game a labor of love from Monolith Soft and says the graphical improvements remove the performance barriers that filtered potential players on the original hardware.
The soundtrack for the anime adaptation of Among Us, currently streaming on Paramount+, has been released on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes Store, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, and TIDAL. A full list of platforms is available on the official website. Episode 1 of the series is streaming free on Paramount+'s YouTube channel.
Celsys Inc. and Ibis Inc. launched the 36th Digital Coloring Contest 'Nurimasu!' on June 26, 2026, featuring line art from 16 characters of Persona 5 Royal and Persona 5: The Phantom X. Entrants color the line art on any device and post it on X with a hashtag. Prizes include pen tablets, PCs, Persona 5 goods, and an acrylic panel of the entry. The contest runs through July 19, 2026.
Sales have begun for an online lottery tied to the TV anime The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior Season 2, which airs from April 2026. The lottery, offered via the KujiPLA platform, features a star-themed lineup of prizes including acrylic stands, trays, towels, clear cards, and badges, all using newly drawn illustrations.
Sandy Petersen, co-designer of Quake, posted a thread titled 'How Quake destroyed id Software,' detailing how grueling development led to the departure of key staff. John Carmack and John Romero quoted the post and reflected on the past, drawing attention to the game's 30th anniversary.
Atlus's Persona 5 Royal is 70% off on Steam, dropping from 7,678 yen to 2,303 yen. The sale runs through July 10. The RPG, a 2019 expanded version of the 2016 original, holds an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from over 86,000 reviews on the platform.
Atlus's 'Persona 3 Reload' is available on Steam at its lowest price ever: 65% off the standard edition, bringing it to 2,687 yen. The sale runs until July 10 and also applies to the Digital Deluxe and Digital Premium editions. The remake has an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating from over 39,000 reviews.
The globally popular IP Skater JOHN, created by Shiba-Chan, is collaborating with the Japanese music festival SUMMER SONIC 2026. The first step is a specially drawn flyer released on June 25, 2026, with two versions for the Tokyo and Osaka venues. The collaboration will also include official goods, venue decorations, and performances.
FIVECROSS Co., Ltd. has launched a limited-time event in Saint Seiya Galaxy Soldiers featuring the new SSR character Hades Shun, alongside a 1st anniversary celebration. The update includes a special new server where players can obtain 40 SSR Saints for free, a pick-up gacha with a 30% SSR rate, login bonuses, and cumulative top-up rewards. The anniversary event will run in three parts.
ROUND1 will host a Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration campaign from July 10 to October 12, 2026, at stores nationwide. The campaign includes collaboration menus with exclusive novelties, collaboration packs, crane game prizes, a themed room at the Machida store, bowling score monitor effects, a score registration campaign, and a special frame for the Rism print machine.
The August issue of Melody, released June 26, begins a new chapter of Reiko Shimizu's Secret Season 0 titled the One-in-a-Lifetime Arc. The arc opens with nursery school children attacking nursing home residents during a charity event. Volume 13, containing the BLACK RAIN Arc, ships July 3. Kumiko Saiki's Kageki Shojo!! is on hiatus due to Saiki's health, expected to resume next issue with a color opening page.
A play report of Copa City, a management sim from Triple Espresso and Shochiku Games for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, describes a game focused on hosting football matches by managing city infrastructure, fan zones, and stadium upkeep rather than coaching or playing.
Sega is offering over 40 titles at discounted rates during the Steam Summer Sale starting June 26, 2026. The sale includes major series such as Yakuza and Sonic the Hedgehog, with discounts reaching up to 75% on some titles. The promotion is aimed at both longtime fans and newcomers to Sega's classic franchises.
Kairosoft released Game Dev Story++ Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on June 25, 2026, for 2,000 yen. The Switch 2 version supports 4K resolution in TV mode and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. An upgrade pass for Switch owners costs 500 yen. The game is also available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android.
McDonald's Japan previewed new commercials for its annual summer Big Mac campaign, using scenes from Mamoru Hosoda's The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, and Wolf Children. Figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara and Sakurazaka46 member Hikaru Morita appear in live-action segments. The ads revive the 1980s Coca-Cola jingle "I feel Coke" and begin airing June 30.
The anime adaptation of Kazami Sawatari and Aitiki's light novel series The Salty Koharu Has a Soft Spot for Me will premiere in October 2026. A promotional video and key visual were released, along with six new cast members including Miyu Tomita and Chiaki Kobayashi. The series is directed by Fumihiro Yoshimura at Tezuka Productions.
Intelligent Animation, a new Los Angeles-based studio founded by former Syfy and ABC executives, announced its first two productions: animated adaptations of Tapas webtoons The Dragon Prince's Bride and The Prince's Personal Physician. Both series will premiere later this year on the short-form streaming platform aTwist. The studio combines traditional animation with AI-assisted tools but does not use AI for scripts, artwork, or voice performances.
Manga creator Akiko Higashimura is directing and scripting her first live-action series, "Vacance no Hōsoku," for streaming service ABEMA. The series stars Kanna Hashimoto and Chae Jong Hyeop, and will premiere on July 27 with 18 episodes released free on a weekly schedule.
Inori, author of I'm in Love with the Villainess, is writing a new yuri light novel series titled Poison for the Moon, Medicine for the Night-An Assassin Who Longs for Death and a Vampire Marked for Death. German publisher Dokico announced the series under its Yurico project, with the first volume releasing digitally worldwide in December in German, Japanese, and English. Komizuki provides illustrations, with guest art by Fly and Aroa.
Patent Result has released its Deterrence Power Ranking 2025 for the game and entertainment industry, tallying how often each company's patents were cited as reasons for rejection in other companies' patent examinations during 2025. Bandai Namco Entertainment leads the ranking with 328 patents cited, followed by Konami Digital Entertainment with 285 and Sony Interactive Entertainment with 228. Sega ranks fourth with 198, Nintendo fifth with 161, and Colopl sixth with 148. GREE Holdings, Capcom, Square Enix Holdings, and DeNA round out the top ten. The ranking consolidates company groups and reflects patent holders as of May 2026. Bandai Namco's most cited patent covers an event presentation control system for virtual three-dimensional spaces, cited in examinations of four applications including one from MIXI. Konami's top patent grants benefits according to object selection in a game, affecting Capcom, Colopl, and Bandai Namco. SIE's most cited patent assigns virtual reality spectators to venue seats and transmits to head-mounted displays, used in four rejections including one from NTT Communications.
The main visual for the first cour of the TV anime "Ao Ashi Season 2" was released on June 26, 2026. The opening theme will be performed by the band 10-FEET, and the ending theme by singer Higuchi Ai. The visual centers on protagonist Aoi Ashito, surrounded by eight members of the Tokyo City Esperion Youth A team: Nagisa Akutsu, Haruhisa Kuribayashi, Yuma Motoki, Taira Nakamura, Yoichi Kirigi, Eita Takasugi, and Enshin Akiyama. Handwritten comments from three voice actors were also published. Kosuke Ōsuzu, who voices Ashito, wrote "Soccer at a more 'professional' level!!" Shunsuke Takeuchi (Nagisa Akutsu) wrote "Check out the cool buzz cut!!" and Yūichirō Umehara (Haruhisa Kuribayashi) wrote "Anguish." The second season adapts the arc following Ashito's promotion to the A team. The original manga by Yūgo Kobayashi ran in Weekly Big Comic Spirits from 2015 to 2025 and has sold over 25 million copies. The first season aired from April to September 2022. The first cour of season two is scheduled to premiere on NHK E-TV on October 4, 2026, airing Sundays at 17:00. Animation production is handled by TMS Entertainment, with Kazuki Yokoyama directing.
Good Smile Company is now accepting pre-orders for a POP UP PARADE figure of Aura, the demon antagonist from the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. The figure, priced at 6,500 yen including tax, is scheduled for release in December 2026. Aura, one of the Seven Sages of Destruction known as "Aura the Guillotine," is depicted holding the Scales of Obedience used for the magic of subordination, with a confident smile. The souls placed on the balance are rendered with clear materials. The figure is non-scale, approximately 170mm tall, and includes a dedicated base. Pre-orders are open until July 22, 2026. The sculptors are Amaguri and Sparrow, with coloring by Hiroto Tanimoto. The figure recreates a pose from one of the series' most popular episodes, where Aura confronts Frieren. POP UP PARADE is an affordable, pre-painted figure line from Good Smile Company, known for its 17-18cm size and quick release schedule.
Sega held a livestream on June 26 to mark Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary, announcing two game compilations, new content for *Sonic Racing: Crossworlds*, and a limited-edition cartridge set. The Classic Sonic Collection, releasing in October, bundles *Sonic Origins*, *Sonic Mania*, and *Sonic Superstars*. The Modern Sonic Collection, also out in October, compiles *Sonic Frontiers*, *Sonic Colors: Ultimate*, and *Sonic Forces*. A Definitive Edition of *Sonic Frontiers* for the Switch 2 was announced separately. For *Sonic Racing: Crossworlds*, Sega revealed that August from *Crazy Taxi* and Amigo from *Samba de Amigo* will join the roster, along with Classic Sonic. The game has not sold as well as Sega hoped, according to the company. Sega also announced a worldwide *Crossworlds* competition with qualifiers starting June 30. Two limited-edition Sega Genesis cartridges of the original *Sonic the Hedgehog* and its sequel will cost US$100 each, with a one-in-eight chance of receiving a "Chaos Emerald" variant. A new *Sonic Pico Park* update adds Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Pico Cat. A Sonic Live in Concert tour begins in September. The article notes that no new mainline Sonic game was announced.
The television anime adaptation of Jeho Son and ZHENA's webtoon Eleceed has received a new key visual and a delayed release window of early 2027, moving from its originally planned 2026 premiere. The announcement was made on June 26 by Amuse Creative Studio, which also opened the anime's official online store, Discord server, and English-language Instagram account. The anime is produced by DandeLion Animation Studio, known for The First Slam Dunk and Magic Candies. Hiroshi Nishikiori (Honey Lemon Soda) directs, Yousuke Kuroda (My Hero Academia) handles series composition, and Minami Sakura (Gridman Universe) designs the characters. DandeLion Animation Studio president Kazuhiro Nishikawa is scheduled to appear at an Anime Expo panel on July 6 to discuss the production. The webtoon, which debuted in 2018, has been serialized in over 10 languages and surpassed 1.42 billion views globally. Son's previous work Noblesse received a 2020 anime adaptation by Production I.G.
Konami released an update on June 26, 2026, for the psychological horror game Silent Hill f, adding a free collaboration costume named "Crimson Butterfly" based on Mio Amakura from Koei Tecmo's Fatal Frame: Crimson Butterfly Remake. The costume changes the appearance of protagonist Hinako Fukami to that of Mio Amakura, faithfully reproducing her outfit. The update is available at no cost to all owners of the main game and requires patch 1.20. The costume is purely cosmetic and does not include new scenarios, stages, or game modes. Alongside the update, a 50% off sale is running on Steam and the PlayStation Store for both Silent Hill f and Silent Hill 2. A bundle offering a discount on both Silent Hill f and Fatal Frame: Crimson Butterfly Remake is also available on Steam. Silent Hill f, set in a fictional 1960s Japanese town, has shipped over 2 million copies worldwide. Fatal Frame: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a full remake of the 2003 original, following twin sisters in a haunted village.
DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation announced three new animated projects during their first joint presentation at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on June 25. The slate is led by Joker: Laugh Riot, the studio's first anime series. Yasuhiro Aoki directs the series at Sola Entertainment. The story follows the Joker after Batman is killed, sending him on a violent search for the murderer. The series is set for a worldwide release. Also announced was Absolute Batman, an adult animated adaptation of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta's bestselling comic. Snyder will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Dragotta as a producer. The comic has sold over six million copies since its launch. The third project is Krypto, a family-oriented animated series from Chowder and Jellystone! creator C.H. Greenblatt. The series follows Superman's dog as he befriends a group of aspiring neighborhood criminals. The announcements were made during DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation's Annecy showcase.
NCSoft will host the first official Japanese live broadcast for its upcoming MMORPG AION2 on June 26, 2026 at 20:00 JST on the game's official YouTube channel. The stream, titled "AION2 Navi -Global Service Commemorative Live Broadcast-", will feature Japanese version gameplay showcasing the world view, graphics, character customization, and field exploration. In the latter half, AION2 Business Office Manager Seo In-seop and Development PD Kim Nam-joon will appear from South Korea for a Q&A session addressing pre-collected player questions. The game, a sequel to the PC MMORPG Tower of Aion, is slated for a September release on NC's cross-platform service PURPLE and Steam. Early hands-on coverage describes a world roughly 36 times larger than its predecessor, rendered in Unreal Engine 5, with near-unrestricted flight, a hybrid target/non-target combat system, eight classes, deep character customization including muscle definition and heterochromia options, and over 200 pet types acquired from monsters and daily dungeons. The design balances solo-friendly field content with challenging party dungeons that require traditional role distribution.
Amazon Kindle is running a sale on Champion series manga, with individual volumes priced at 99 yen each as of June 25, 2026. The promotion includes titles such as Chikyuu no Houkago, Ganso! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku, Seikon no Qwaser, trash, Niboshi-kun no Hentai, Hitomi-chan wa Hitomishiri, and Shijin no Koe o Kiku ga Yoi. For Sensou Meshi and Saint Seiya Next Dimension: The Myth of Hades, only volumes 1 through 8 are discounted at 99 yen. The sale also continues from last week for Jitsu wa Watashi wa, Franken Fran, and BM Nectar, which remain at the same price. Several series offer the first volume free for a limited time, and bundle deals are available for complete sets. The campaign is part of a broader Kindle promotion on Champion-related titles, with prices subject to change after the campaign ends.
D4 Enterprise released "EGG Console First Queen IV PC-9801" on Nintendo eShop as the 105th title in the retro game service. The real-time simulation, originally from Kure Software Koubou in 1994, features the series' Gocha Character System and new dual-unit controls, fatigue mechanics, and mercenary hiring. The scenario is the largest in the series.
Publisher Game Source Entertainment and developer Ratata Arts announced on June 25 that the full release of the rhythm roguelike action game Ratatan has been postponed from July 16 to October 15, 2026. The delay affects all planned platforms: PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S. According to the announcement, the development team is using the additional time to improve online play stability and fix bugs based on feedback from the Steam Early Access version, which launched in September 2024. Final adjustments are also being made for each console version to ensure stable quality. Ratatan is a spiritual successor to the Patapon series, created by Hiroyuki Kotani. As compensation for the delay, customers who pre-ordered the physical edition will receive a DLC code containing a Kobun Set, a Weapon & Accessory Set, and a Growth Material Set, matching the digital Deluxe edition bonuses. The DLC code is limited to initial pre-orders. The game is currently available in Early Access on Steam for 2,800 yen, with a potential price increase upon full release.
Sega announced the Ver.4.4 update and 1st anniversary campaign for Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X) on June 24, 2026. The update adds a Hatsune Miku collaboration event titled "Miracle Concert," where players earn Miku Points through music games and boss battles. Hatsune Miku appears as a new ★5 character in a pickup contract. The anniversary campaign includes a free 5-star character selection ticket (Special Invitation Ticket Vol. 3) that lets players choose from seven characters including Sua Tropical, Tomoko Peach Summer, Masaki Ashiya, and Futaba Sakura. Players can receive free crystals equal to their login days multiplied by 10, up to a maximum of 3,650. Additional rewards include 1,000 crystals for reading the collaboration story, up to 1,500 crystals from the mini-game, and a login bonus of platinum tickets and miricoins. An arranged version of "Life Will Change" is added to the game. The update also adds Masaki Ashiya to the regular draw pool. Outside the game, a collaboration sake with the HINEMOS brand is available for pre-order, and an Animate fair is planned for August.
Mikase Hayashi's Soredemo Otōto wa Koishitagaru manga will receive a 47-page epilogue chapter in the next issue of Hakusensha's LaLa magazine on July 24. The chapter is set three years after the main story's ending, which concluded on May 22. The series, which launched in February 2022, follows step-siblings Nao and Rihito.
The live-action film "Kingdom: The Decisive Battle of Souls" will screen in MX4D, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, SCREENX, and ULTRA 4DX formats. MX4D and 4DX versions begin July 17, the release date, with the others following July 24. A new "Decisive Battle Visual" depicts Xin and Bankyoku clashing. The fifth film in the series adapts the Coalition War arc.
The August issue of Cheese! magazine, released June 24, includes a 4-piece reproduction original art set as a supplement for two consecutive issues. The set features art from Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta, Kanojo wa Uso o Ai Shisugiteru, Tsumi ni Nureta Futari, and 5-ji kara 9-ji made. The September issue will include a second set.
As part of the Persona series 30th anniversary, Atlus will premiere Episode 1 of Persona 4 on its official YouTube channel on June 26, followed by Persona 4 The Golden on July 3. All episodes of both series will also be streamed for free on ABEMA on June 27 and July 4, with free catch-up for one week.
Sega has unveiled a life-size Sonic the Hedgehog figure created in collaboration with art unit LOM BABY, using biotechnology to synthesize DNA representing Sonic's traits. The 100cm-tall figure, plated with silver and containing a Chaos Emerald, is on display at SEGA STORE TOKYO. The project is part of Sonic's 35th anniversary. LOM BABY, known for biotech art like edible 'dragon meat,' worked with Sega to encode characteristics such as blue body color and supersonic leg power into synthetic DNA.
Desolation Digital released the incremental game 'How To Grow a Black Hole' on PC today. Players feed a black hole to increase its mass, unlock upgrades, and automate growth, but must control instability to prevent collapse. A 15% launch discount brings the price to 450 yen until July 1. The developer describes the concept as raising 'the worst pet in the universe,' a deliberately absurd take on astrophysics.
Nippon Columbia Group released a music video for 'Futari Kiri de', an unreleased song recorded by Hibari Misora in 1956 when she was 18. The video uses AI technology, produced by Toshiki Aoki and AI creators neruko and Int.Lab. The song is also included as a bonus track on the 4-CD set 'Uta no Housekibako', released today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Misora's entertainment career.
Sega released Sonic Frontiers Super Deluxe for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 24, 2026, as a surprise launch. The download version is available now on the Nintendo eShop for 5,990 yen, with a physical version scheduled for September 17. This version of the 2022 action-adventure game is optimized for the Switch 2, offering players a choice between a graphics-focused mode and a frame rate-focused mode. It includes all three free major updates-"Spring Journey," "Summer Festival," and "Super Complete Final Battle"-along with free DLC and bonuses from the original Digital Deluxe Edition. Save data from the original Switch version can be transferred. Sega also revised prices for the game on other platforms: the standard edition dropped to 4,990 yen and the Digital Deluxe to 5,990 yen. The release follows the Sonic series' 35th anniversary on June 23.