UTA is an actor and model who made his acting debut as the lead in the Netflix series 'Gas Man,' a reboot of Toho's 1960 special effects film. He kept the role secret for three years and has received praise from his parents, actors Masahiro Motoki and Yayako Uchida.
UTA, the son of actors Masahiro Motoki and Yayako Uchida, made his acting debut in the Netflix series 'Gas Man,' a reboot of Toho's 1960 special effects film 'The Gas Man First Number.' He played the titular inhuman Gas Man, a role he kept secret for three years. The series, written by Yeon Sang-ho and directed by Shinzo Katayama, began streaming on July 2, 2026, with all eight episodes available on Netflix.
UTA attended the Kabukicho event for the series and revealed he binge-watched it with his parents, who expressed relief and praised the work. Character design supervisor Isao Tsuge, who has known UTA since childhood through his father, praised UTA for delivering emotionless lines with precise timing while also showing natural warmth in scenes with a young girl. Tsuge noted he worked with Motoki on 'Departures' and 'Gemini.'
At the Tokyo Midtown premiere event on June 29, UTA said he was so nervous he could not breathe but walked the venue like a fashion show. He aims for international recognition as an actor. The series also stars Shun Oguri and Yu Aoi.
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The official website for the Jujutsu Kaisen stage plays announced a new production titled Butai Jujutsu Kaisen -Shibuya Jihen Zenpen-, adapting the Shibuya Incident arc. The play runs November 14-23 in Tokyo and November 28-29 in Osaka. Cast and staff details were revealed, including returning and new performers.
Atlus announced on July 27 that the stage play "PERSONA3 the Weird Masquerade ~Blue Awakening~" will stream for free on YouTube for a limited time. The production is the seventh installment of the company's End-of-Month Fun Project, timed to the 20th anniversary of Persona 3 and the 30th anniversary of the Persona series. Two versions exist: one starring Kana Asumi as the female protagonist Kotone Shiomi, and one starring Shouta Aoi as the male protagonist Sakuya Shiomi. The female protagonist version goes live on July 31 at 18:00 JST and runs through August 13 at 17:59 JST. The male protagonist version starts August 1 at 18:00 JST and ends August 14 at 17:59 JST. Both are hosted on the official ATLUS GAME MUSIC YouTube channel. Separately, a Persona 3 20th anniversary sale discounts Persona 3 Reload up to 60 percent on the PlayStation Store until July 29 and 40 percent on the Nintendo eShop until August 10.
Isao Tsuge, the character design supervisor for the Netflix series "Gas Man," has explained the three concepts embedded in the blue-gray coat worn by the titular character. In an interview with Cinema Today, Tsuge said the coat's color first represents the gas-like nature of the character, second conveys a sense of otherness, and third shows respect for the 1960 original film, which also featured blue and gray tones. Tsuge, who has worked on films including "Departures" and "Shin Godzilla," designed the Gas Man after receiving the role two months before filming began. He praised actor UTA, who plays the Gas Man, for delivering emotionless lines with precise timing while also showing natural warmth in scenes with a young girl. Tsuge noted he has known UTA since childhood through his father, actor Masahiro Motoki, with whom Tsuge worked on "Departures" and "Gemini." The series, a reboot of Toho's 1960 special effects film "The Gas Man First Number," is directed by Shinzo Katayama and stars Shun Oguri and Yu Aoi alongside UTA. All eight episodes are now streaming on Netflix.
Virtual singer Shiraku Utano, under the UniVIRTUAL label, will release her first full album "LINK!!" on November 11, 2026. On November 22, she will hold a 3D one-man live in Taiwan. The album features contributions from prominent anime and game music creators such as ZAQ, e-ZUKA (GRANRODEO), angela, TAKE (FLOW), Kanda John (PENGUIN RESEARCH), Kuribayashi Minami, Yuki Aira, and Kawada Mami.
The 30th volume of Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen manga ranked #1 on Circana BookScan's Top 20 adult graphic novels list for June. The chart featured 17 manga volumes, including multiple Jujutsu Kaisen entries, Chainsaw Man volume 21 at #2, Gachiakuta volume 1 at #6, and The Summer Hikaru Died volume 1 at #8. Other titles include Witch Hat Atelier, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Dandadan, Blue Lock, and The Apothecary Diaries.
Konami is running a sale on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Store, Steam, and Xbox Store. The 13-title retro compilation is priced at 1,320 yen, the lowest ever, working out to about 100 yen per game. The bundle includes arcade, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, and Game Boy entries from the 1980s and 1990s.
Ryuta Amazume's manga Sefure will end in the next issue of Young King magazine on July 27. The series, which launched in March 2019, follows a 'sex and romance' story about two sex friends. The 11th compiled volume shipped on May 2. Amazume has recently ended several other series, including Omae no Kao wo Tashikametai and Jofū.
NCT member Yuta (Nakamoto Yuta) has been cast in the film Kamen Rider Zetts: Sayonara no Mission as a mysterious biker who appears before character Natsuka Nagumo. Yuta also performs the theme song "Dreams Never Sleep." Voice actress Ayana Taketatsu joins as an announcer. The final trailer, featuring the villain Kamen Rider Mugen and a new form, has been released. The film opens July 24.
The final trailer for the double feature film "Kamen Rider Zetts: Sayonara no Mission" and "Super Space Sheriff Gaban Infinity: The Day the Sun Wept" has been released. NCT127 member YUTA joins the cast of Kamen Rider Zetts as a mysterious biker and also performs the theme song "Dreams Never Sleep." Voice actress Ayana Taketatsu plays a news announcer. The film opens in Japan on July 24, 2026.
The first period of the Tales of series 30th anniversary collaboration cafe, produced by ufotable and Production I.G, will run from July 28 to August 23, 2026. The cafe will be held at three venues: Machi★Asobi CAFE TOKYO, ufotable Cafe / Machi★Asobi CAFE Kitakyushu, and ufotable Cafe TOKUSHIMA. A total of 188 newly drawn illustrations covering all mothership titles were created for the project, with Akira Matsushima and Tokuyuki Matsutake serving as main key animators. The illustrations were first announced in April 2026. Newly revealed artwork for Tales of Phantasia, Tales of Destiny, Tales of Eternia, and Tales of Xillia has been posted on the special website, with additional illustrations scheduled to be added each month. The cafe will offer menus and goods themed around the illustrations, with details for the first period to be announced later. An online instant-win lottery using the illustrations, called ufotableWEBSHOP lottery, will also be held, with further information to follow.
The New York Times' July Graphic Books and Manga bestseller list includes five manga volumes: Jujutsu Kaisen volume 30 at #3, Chainsaw Man volume 21 at #4, Jujutsu Kaisen volume 1 at #10, Gachiakuta volume 1 at #12, and The Summer Hikaru Died volume 1 at #15. The KPop Demon Hunters: The Movie comic adaptation also appears at #11.
The TV Tokyo karaoke battle show's YouTube original series VSinger UTAMATSURI will hold its first live event on August 22 at Toyosu PIT. Singers from RK Music and KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO will compete in a 5-on-5 karaoke match with AI scoring. Performers include HACHI, KMNZ, VESPERBELL, Rime, Harusarubi, and others. Comedian duo Nishikigoi will serve as MCs. Tickets go on presale July 13.
Legendary jockey Yutaka Take achieved his 5,000th career win on July 12, 2026, at Hakodate Racecourse. Riding Hitomi Etoile in the 7th race, he won by a neck. The total includes wins from JRA, local, and overseas races, marking a milestone in his 40th year as a jockey.
The spin-off mini-drama 'Kamen Rider Zetts SERIES OF SISTER'S SUBSTORY Agent Minami' concludes with 'Last Mission' streaming on Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club from July 19. An audio commentary for the TV series episode and a new 'Zetts Anime' episode are available now for members.
AKROS has opened limited quantity reservations for a reversible sukajan collaboration between the TV anime Call of the Night Season 2 and Harajuku brand PSYCHONATION. The jacket features embroidery of Nazuna on the front and back, and a full-color print of the season 2 main visual on the reverse side. Priced at 21,780 yen, it is available in sizes M, L, and XL, with release scheduled for late September 2026.
At Anime Expo 2026, representatives from TV Asahi, Dentsu, and SEGA described a shared strategy of lowering barriers for overseas audiences. TV Asahi's Akane-banashi anime released episodes on YouTube in three languages, while Dentsu's Gachiakuta campaign built a global community narrative. The panel argued that the content itself does not need to change; the key is improving access and engagement.
The digital manga volume 1 of the SNS-linked character song project Clock over ORQUESTA launched on July 10. Regular and deluxe editions are available. The deluxe edition includes an unpublished alternate route, new illustrations, a world guide, an interview with the artist, and unreleased voice clips from comipo. A 10% off campaign at comipo and a retweet giveaway for a signed illustration board are also running.
Model and actor UTA attended the Kabukicho event for Netflix series 'Gas Man' and revealed he binge-watched the show with his parents, actors Masahiro Motoki and Yayako Uchida. They expressed relief and praised the work. UTA kept his role a secret for three years and aims for international recognition as an actor. The series is based on a 1960 Toho special effects film, directed by Shinzo Katayama and written by Yeon Sang-ho.
Independent developer Renka announced the mystery visual novel 'Ren: Kujūshima Warabebuta Serial Murder Memorandum' for Steam on July 28, 2026. The game is set on an isolated island where a crime notice is given via a children's song and seven geniuses gather. It features classic locked room mysteries, astrology, and a puzzle of flesh and blood. Renka has released five games in 2026 so far.
The August issue of Shueisha's Ribon magazine announced on July 3 that manga authors Nana Haruta and maki will launch a new manga titled Sugarless Romance in the magazine's September issue on August 3. Haruta is credited for the original story, and maki is drawing the manga. Haruta previously ended her Tsubasa to Hotaru manga in 2017. The love comedy centers on first year high school student Aoi Nanase, who is determined to have a wonderful high school romance.
The Tetoba Museum in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, will host 'Yuta Fukuhara Solo Exhibition: My Landscapes' from July 18 to 28, 2026. The exhibition features paintings created during Fukuhara's stay on Fukue Island, based on everyday moments captured with his smartphone and layered with memory and sensation. The artist will be in residence during the show.
Toei Video announced the 2026 edition of its fan-vote-driven Blu-ray project, selecting 10 candidate tokusatsu works including Superhuman Barom-1, Inazuman, Metalder, and Kabutack. Fans vote in two rounds; one or more titles will receive a new 4K negative scan HD remaster and Blu-ray release. The first voting period runs July 8-16.
The second cour of the sequel series Yoroi Shinden Samurai Trooper has begun airing. Hina Naota joins the cast as Kaede Narumi, the new DST commander appearing in episode 13. The non-credit opening and ending videos for the second cour have also been released, and Blu-ray BOX volumes 3 and 4 are confirmed.
The Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers sequel anime has cast Hina Suguta as Kaede Narumi, the newly appointed DST commander, who appears in the second cour starting with episode 13. The second part of the series debuted on July 7, with new theme songs by Dannie May and karanoah. The anime streams on Crunchyroll.
Broccoli Co., Ltd. announced five major news items for the idol group HE★VENS from 'Uta no Prince-sama♪' on July 7, 2026. The announcements include a visual exhibition 'BLACK GARDEN' with merchandise and a Rockheart Castle collaboration, the second official blog book 'HE★VENS WEBLOG BOOK 2,' a temporary revival of the members' blog, a new mini album 'HE★VENS SENSATION' releasing October 14, and the eighth installment of the only shop 'HE★VENS GARDEN' in October.
Otakon announced it will host voice actress Ayaka Fukuhara and Production I.G. USA president Maki Terashima-Furuta at its 2026 event, running July 31-August 2 in Washington, D.C. The convention also revealed a long list of other guests including Ryotaro Okiayu, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and Yuka Iguchi, and confirmed a policy change banning fan art sales in the dealers room.
The Netflix drama 'Gas Man', a reboot of Toho's 1960 tokusatsu horror, has been streaming since July 2. Episode 4, 'Zone of Fear', sidelines main characters and focuses on new video streamer siblings played by Hirose Suzu and Hayashi Kento. Producer Feng Nian revealed behind-the-scenes details about the episode's unconventional structure, which director Yeon Sang-ho compared to a manga-like construction method.
Singers Nakuru Aitsuki and Itsuki Natsume, both from music production company 123, will hold their first two-man live and festival event at Toyosu PIT on November 3. The event splits into a festival portion and a two-man live, with guests nayuta and Hakoniwa Lily. Tickets go on sale via CD serial advance starting August 26.
Developer Utayo opened the Steam store page for 'REUNION' on June 29. The game is a simultaneous control puzzle action title where players guide red and blue souls through maze-like stages without touching walls. Characters move forward automatically; players only change direction but must control both at once. A 2025 video drew attention. The game is set for PC release on Steam.
Developer IceSitruuna announced the near-future sci-fi horror RPG Parasite Mutant is scheduled for release between September and October 2026 on PC and PS5. The game, influenced by 90s survival horror and Parasite Eve, is now in a polishing phase with a playable build from start to finish. New footage shows the NG+ area Sky Garden, an 81-floor tower.
Model UTA, son of actor Masahiro Motoki, appeared at the Tokyo Midtown premiere event for the Netflix series Gas Human on June 29. It is his first acting role. He played the inhuman Gas Human in the reboot of Toho's special effects film, written by Yeon Sang-ho and directed by Shinzo Katayama. UTA said he was so nervous he could not breathe, but walked the venue like a fashion show. The series releases July 2.
Cygames released a new "Umamusume Pretty Derby" commercial featuring jockeys Yutaka Take and Christophe Lemaire. The "Rich Flavor" edition is themed around ramen, tying into the new training scenario. Lemaire sings a homage to the 1992 Sharan Q song "Ramen Daisuki Koike-san no Uta" in the ad. A second CM with Uma Musume characters also launched.
The Uta no Prince-sama flagship store UTA☆PRI GRAND SHOP opens sequentially from July 18 at five locations nationwide. It features yukata and obi matching 11 idols, plus exclusive goods like drawstring bags, fans, tote bags, and bracelets. A bonus visual card is given with purchases of 3,000 yen or more.
A retrospective screening and talk event for Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 will be held on July 26, 2026, at United Cinemas Toyosu. Director Yutaka Izubuchi, screenwriter Kazunori Ito, and storyboard artist Shinji Higuchi will appear. Attendees receive a printed booklet of the 130-page Episode 3 storyboard.
The Kindle edition of Kenji Tsuruta's manga adaptation of Shinji Kajio's SF novel Emanon is on sale at Amazon Japan. Volume 1 is 77 yen, and the three subsequent volumes are 300 yen each. The series follows a girl who carries 3 billion years of evolutionary memory. A stage adaptation is also scheduled for February 2027.
Atsuko Hanaki's new serialization Garakuta Wonder House begins in the August issue of Monthly Flowers, released June 26. The story follows Niina, who inherits a junk-filled house from her estranged biological father and encounters a young man inside. The issue also features cover art by Iwamoto Nao and announces a new serialization by Nishikōji Keiko starting in October.
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.
Japan's first taxi-based film festival TAXIATER has announced its lineup of three short films, each sponsored by a different Kao household product. The films star Shiori Kubo, Yuta Hayashi, and Kazuna Osawa, and will screen in 100 taxis across Tokyo from August 3-9, followed by theatrical runs from August 15-29. Directors include Ryutaro Nakagawa, Nako Komiyama, and Sho Nagashima.
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.
Broccoli and KLab announced release dates for two Uta no Prince-sama games on June 24, the 16th anniversary of the franchise's first game. The Nintendo Switch title Uta no Prince-sama Dolce Vita, a completely new game first announced in 2016, will launch in 2027. The game was originally planned for PlayStation Vita before being moved to Switch in 2019. Uta no Prince-sama Shining Live for Nintendo Switch, a port of KLab's smartphone rhythm game that ended service in 2023, will release on December 17, 2026. The announcements were part of an eight-item information drop on a special website, which also included details on a flagship store tour, a yukata collaboration with designer Keita Maruyama, new content for the Live Emotion app, a drama CD, a book series, and a 3D live event scheduled for March 2027. The first visual for Dolce Vita was also released, showing the 11 idols of Shining Agency.
The Nintendo Switch port of Uta no Prince-sama Shining Live launches December 17, 2026. Animate will offer exclusive bundles including a drama CD and merchandise of characters Otoya, Sho, Reiji, and Ai. The game packs over six years of content from the mobile app, with 76 songs base and 129 total via DLC.
The upcoming television anime adaptation of the light novel series The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power released its third promotional video, announcing additional staff members and the theme song performers. Kaya performs the opening theme "Windmaker," while Utahime Dream All Stars performs the ending theme "Unknown Me." The anime premieres on AT-X on June 30.
The TV anime "The Unaware Saint She Continues to Unconsciously Leak Power Today" released its third promotional video, revealing the opening theme "Windmaker" by Kaya and the ending theme "Unknown Me" by Utahime Dream All Stars. The anime begins broadcasting on June 30.
ABEMA will stream a free special program on July 4, 2026, featuring main cast members Takuya Sato, Seina Hoshiki, and Shinya Takahashi ahead of the terrestrial broadcast of the TV anime Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You. The special includes a talk segment with cocoa cigarettes and a signed poster giveaway.
Eiga Natalie's Heisei Drama Committee column, written by Terebi no Sukima, revisits the 2006 late-night drama Akihabara@Deep. The piece calls it a symbolic work of the era and a turning point for Gen Hoshino, who met his best friend Toma Ikuta and ally Bananaman through the production. The drama featured Shunsuke Kazama, Toma Ikuta, Gen Hoshino, and Yuki Himura before their major breakthroughs.
Circana BookScan's Top 20 adult graphic novels list for May 2026 features 15 manga volumes, with Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen volume 30 at #1. Other ranked titles include Witch Hat Atelier, Gachiakuta, Kagurabachi, One Piece, Steel Ball Run, The Summer Hikaru Died, and Demon Slayer.
To mark the fifth anniversary of the Jujutsu Kaisen TV anime, ZOZOTOWN will sell collaboration items starting July 3. The apparel and accessories use newly drawn illustrations in the style of the first season's ending animation, featuring 13 characters including Yuji Itadori, Satoru Gojo, and Yuta Okkotsu. A pop-up shop runs July 3-12 in Tokyo.
The teaser promotional video for TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4, covering the Culling Game Arc Part 2, has been released. The fourth season continues the battle royale among sorcerers orchestrated by Kenjaku. The teaser shows Kinji Hakari fighting Hajime Kashimo, Maki Zenin in combat, Yuki Tsukumo and Choso confronting Kenjaku, and Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro in distress. Takeshi Sato, who served as assistant director and episode director on Season 3, takes over as director for Season 4. Sato commented that he feels the weight of responsibility handling the work and that the staff is working with sincerity. The announcement was made alongside a special Juju Talk stream on MAPPA's YouTube channel featuring voice actors Junya Enoki and Megumi Ogata. The manga by Gege Akutami concluded in September 2025 after serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump since March 2018, with over 150 million copies in circulation worldwide. Season 3 aired from January to March 2026.
Actor Masahiro Motoki appears on TBS talk show A-Studio+ on June 19 for the first time in 14 years. The episode includes an interview with his eldest son UTA, who discusses Motoki's fatherly side, as well as segments on director Kiyoshi Kurosawa and photographer Kazuhiro Nakamura.
Sunborn revealed during the 1.5th anniversary program for Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium a large-scale collaboration with Ultraman and SSSS.Gridman. Specific content and timing are not yet disclosed. A limited-time Bee Robo Kabutack collaboration skin for Voimastina is also available until June 30, 2026.