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Ai

Facts

Release
game · 2026-05-18 · Japan · 2026-05-29
Noted
acquired its first paid users roughly two weeks after launching a closed beta · 2026-05-29
Announced
development of AI Suntori Nomu, an AI version of Suntory's official VTuber Suntori Nomu · 2026-05-27

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

Claim activity

When a claim about ai was confirmed, debunked, or disputed against open-web sources. The record stays even after a claim drops off the facts list.

  • Debunked game 2026-05-18 Japan May 30 · source
  • Confirmed development of AI Suntori Nomu, an AI version of Suntory's official VTuber Suntori Nomu May 28 · source

All coverage

1h ago

Goodbye Lara Opening Video Uses Rare Cel Animation, Handwritten Credits

The non-credit opening video for the original TV anime Goodbye Lara, Kinema Citrus's 15th anniversary project, has been released. The opening uses cel animation, a traditional hand-drawn technique, and features handwritten staff credits. The series is based on The Little Mermaid and follows mermaid princess Lara reviving in Lake Biwa 200 years after her original story.

2h ago

Mob Psycho 100 10th Anniversary Short Released

A new original anime short for Mob Psycho 100 was released on July 12, 2026, to celebrate the franchise's 10th anniversary. The short debuted at the "Mob Psycho 100 Anime 10th Anniversary Event: Reunion" held at Fukagawa Mirai Hall in Kawaguchi City, Saitama. It is now streaming online with English subtitles. The story is set at the Spirits and Such Consultation Office and features Reigen Arataka, Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama, Dimple, and Tome Kurata. Yuzuru Tachikawa directed, wrote, storyboarded, and served as technical director for the short. Yoshimichi Kameda, the original anime's character designer, worked as animation director and also drew a commemorative illustration. Kameda noted that nearly all of the original production team reunited to produce the short. The first season of the Mob Psycho 100 anime premiered in July 2016, and the franchise has been marking its 10th anniversary throughout the year, starting with projects on Mob's birthday, May 12. The series is based on the manga by ONE and was produced by Studio Bones.

2h ago

Animelo Summer Live To Hold First Western Japan Edition In Fukuoka In 2027

Dwango and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks announced on July 12 that Animelo Summer Live, commonly called Anisama, will hold its first event in western Japan. Titled ANISAMA FUKUOKA 2027, the two-day anime song festival is scheduled for March 13 and 14, 2027, at Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka. The event is a new expansion for the annual summer concert series, which has been held in the Kanto region since 2005. The 20th edition in 2025 drew a record 87,000 attendees over three days. Organizers said the Fukuoka event aims to make the venue a new "anime song holy land" in western Japan. The usual summer Kanto edition will continue as normal, with Animelo Summer Live 2027 planned for August 27-29, 2027, at GMO Saitama Super Arena. Additional details, including performing artists and ticket information, are expected to be announced around autumn 2026. The event is co-organized by Dwango and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, the professional baseball team whose home stadium is Mizuho PayPay Dome.

2h ago

Darkroom Streaming Service Adds Crusher Joe, Simoun, More Anime

Darkroom, a streaming service specializing in independent and cult classic content, has added several classic anime titles to its library, including the 1983 film Crusher Joe and its OVAs, Simoun, and Haré+Guu Deluxe. The additions expand the platform's catalog of older, less mainstream anime.

3h ago

Re:AcT Announces Four Consecutive Weekly EPs and September Live

Virtual talent agency Re:AcT will release new EPs from Kanau Yumekawa, Kumori Anya, Lisa Makou, and Anna Kannagi on four consecutive Sundays starting August 23, 2026. The EPs include original songs, self-covers, covers of labelmates, and remastered tracks. A live event, Re:AcT LIVE "BRIGHT NOTES," will follow on September 20 at GRIT Shibuya, split into two performances with two talents each. Tickets go on sale July 25.

4h ago

Reject Euriece on World Championship Experience and Team Evolution

In an interview published on July 12, 2026, REJECT's Euriece reflected on the team's 11th-place finish at the Apex Legends Global Series: 2026 Split 1 Playoffs at the Esports World Cup in Paris. The tournament marked the first time a Japanese-majority team, UNLIMIT, won an international Apex Legends tournament. Euriece discussed the gap between ranked play and ALGS competition, noting that gunfight strength differs vastly. He described REJECT as being in a "growth phase" where the team has moved past basic requirements and can now focus on continuous improvement. Euriece set a personal goal to "play beyond my role," aiming to add extra value beyond assigned tasks. He plans to test his limits in scrims by making mistakes and learning from them. He acknowledged room for improvement in consistency and decision-making under pressure. The interview also touched on language barriers, mental and physical management during overseas tournaments, and team cohesion with coach Wabu.

4h ago

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Is a Competent but Predictable Action RPG

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, a new HD-2D action RPG from the creators of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default, has been released for Nintendo Switch 2. The game follows hero Elliot and his fairy sidekick Faie across four ages. The review praises the superb English performances and theatrical tone but notes the cast is archetypal and chatty, with puzzles that are often too easy and backloaded character depth.

4h ago

Gundam Exvs.2 Ib Adds Integral Extreme Gundam in Summer 2026 Update

Bandai Namco announced a summer 2026 update for Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Infinite Boost, including the new unit ∫ (Integral) Extreme Gundam, a 15th anniversary campaign for Gundam EXA, balance changes for 12 units, and the series' first shuffle online tournament.

5h ago

Photo Exhibition Explores the Liminal World of Indie Game 'nophenia'

Game Spark published a photo tour of the indie game 'nophenia,' a liminal space exploration game inspired by 'Yume Nikki.' The game features a wolf girl wandering through empty, nostalgic environments with no set objective. The article highlights several stages, including train_station, snowy_residence, depths, and astral_frequency, noting the game's mix of unsettling atmosphere, internet meme sampling, and mild horror elements. 'nophenia' is available on PC via Steam.

6h ago

Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Golden Kiseru Established the Series' Weird Edo Period

An Inside article highlights how the 1990 RPG Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Golden Kiseru, included in the July 2 Ganbare Goemon Daishūgō! collection, established the series' signature blend of Edo period settings with modern technology. The game features phone booths, a "Linear Basket" railway, and fast food shops, making the historical world accessible to 1990s children. It also avoids color-variant monsters, giving each enemy unique animations.

7h ago

Shika Returns With 8th DVD 'Reincarnation' After Brief Hiatus

Shika, known for her figure and photo session popularity, released her 8th DVD 'Reincarnation' on July 4 at a Sofmap event in Akiba. She had graduated from image DVDs with her February 2024 work 'There's a Limit to Being Scandalous' but restarted after the director's persuasion. The 134-minute disc includes a school uniform scene and a competitive swimsuit she tears.

7h ago

Gamer Wins Lawsuit Against Microsoft Over Hacked Xbox Account

A gamer whose Microsoft account was hacked in April 2026 was told by customer support the account could not be recovered and they would need to repurchase all their digital games. The gamer sued Microsoft in a Brazilian court and won, with the court ordering Microsoft to restore the account within 15 days and pay approximately $400 in moral damages.

7h ago

UNIQLO to Release YOASOBI Collaboration UT on July 17

UNIQLO will release a collaboration UT collection with music unit YOASOBI on July 17, 2026. The lineup includes four graphic T-shirt designs created by four artists who have built YOASOBI's visual world. Each shirt costs 1,990 yen and is available in sizes XS to 4XL. The collaboration is the first between YOASOBI and UNIQLO's UT line in about five years.

7h ago

Echoes of Aincrad Gets 18-Minute Anime Promo That Vanishes After July 6

Bandai Namco and Game Studio released an 18-minute original anime promo made solely for the action RPG Echoes of Aincrad, set in the Sword Art Online universe. The promo will be removed from the internet on July 6, after which it will be unviewable. The game launches globally July 9/10 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.

8h ago

Tamashii Nations Live Action Figure Expo 2026 Debuts First Exhibits

From July 10 to October 26, 2026, Tamashii Nations Store Tokyo in Akihabara is hosting the Tamashii Nations Live Action Figure Expo 2026, a store event focused on action figures of live-action characters. Dengeki Hobby Web is publishing a series of breaking news reports covering the event, with the first installment dedicated to Kamen Rider figures. The Kamen Rider edition reports the first exhibition of several items: the Henshin Sober Kamen Rider Kuuga Mighty Form and the S.H.Figuarts (Shinkocchou Seihou) Kamen Rider Kuuga Mighty Form Henshin Sober Color; the Popy-nica Cyclone (Kamen Rider 1) and Popy-nica Cyclone (Kamen Rider 2); and the S.H.Figuarts Manzumo from Kamen Rider Zetts. Subsequent reports cover the Ultraman edition, with first displays of S.H.Figuarts Ultraman Victory Knight and S.H.Figuarts Ultraman (A-Type) - Birth of Ultraman -, as well as a "COMING SOON" box. The Godzilla edition features first displays of S.H.MonsterArts Kaiser Ghidorah from Godzilla: Final Wars, Godzilla (2003) and MFS-3 Kiryu from Godzilla X Mothra X Mechagodzilla: Tokyo SOS, plus reference displays of Evangelion Unit-01 'G' Awakened Form and Biollante Wakasa Bay Battle Ver.

8h ago

DanMachi V Hestia Divine Power Release Figure Opens Pre-Orders

Pre-orders have opened for a 1/7 scale figure of Hestia from the fifth season of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? The figure reproduces the secret ritual scene from Episode 9, stands 24 cm tall, and is priced at 28,050 yen. Release is scheduled for May 2027.

8h ago

One Piece Characters Become Cat Figures in Nyampiece Nyan Diner Line

Mega Cat Project has released cat versions of One Piece characters as diner staff figures. The six-figure set includes Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Sanji, Chopper, and Trafalgar Law, each with food accessories. Pre-orders are open now for a late December 2026 release at 6,600 yen per box.

8h ago

Aegis-Link Introduces COALESCE, a New VTuber Generation

Aegis-Link's new VTuber generation COALESCE debuts this weekend with four members: Veilyn, Kyuru Rin, Kumisa Umare, and Eru Erudite. The group is on the hunt for a mischievous group called REM:NANT in the Aegis-Link universe. Each member shared their self-descriptions and challenges ahead of debut.

8h ago

Sekiro: No Defeat Trailer Launches With Ticket Presales in Japan

Kadokawa, Crunchyroll, Qzil.la, and ARCH released a new trailer for the Sekiro: No Defeat anime adaptation and began ticket presales in Japan. The series premieres in Japanese theaters on September 4 for a three-week run, with a worldwide Crunchyroll stream planned later in 2026.

8h ago

FouRTe Project to Release 7th Single 'Melo Sapiens' on July 10

The 7-member virtual idol group FouRTe Project will digitally release their 7th single 'Melo Sapiens' on July 10, 2026, under JOI MUSIC. The hyper pop eurobeat track was produced by ☆Taku Takahashi of m-flo and Kanata Okajima. A campaign for member voice lines runs through July 26. The group's first offline live, 'ALL IN,' is set for August 14 at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo.

8h ago

Ran Mouri Tops Anime! Anime! Yukata Poll for 2026

Anime! Anime!'s annual reader survey asked which female character looks best in a yukata. Ran Mouri from Detective Conan took first place with about 20% support, followed by Hinata Hyuga from Naruto at about 13% and Mahiru Shiina from The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten at about 4%. The poll ran from June 9 to June 17 and received 434 responses.

8h ago

ZEROTOKYO Flagship Event Gold Disc Sets September Date With IA and RIM

ZEROTOKYO, a night entertainment facility in Shinjuku Kabukicho, will host its flagship roaming club event Gold Disc on September 18, 2026. The first lineup announcement includes virtual artist IA and virtual singer RIM. The event uses all six floors of the venue, each decorated with a different worldview.

8h ago

Mushoku Tensei III Episode 3 Brings Roxy Into Rudeus's Household

The synopsis and preview cuts for Episode 3 of Mushoku Tensei III: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu have been released. The episode, titled The Return of Everyday Life, shows Rudeus settling into domestic life with his second wife Roxy, first wife Sylphiette, and their family, and returning to Ranoa Magic University. Cliff reacts negatively to Rudeus introducing Roxy as his wife due to religious beliefs. The episode airs July 12.

8h ago

Limited Edition Initial D Zippo Lighter Launches With 50 Units

A limited edition Zippo lighter inspired by the manga "Initial D" has been released through the goods brand CAMSHOP.JP. Only 50 units are available at 27,500 yen each. The lighter features a black nickel finish with laser-engraved mountain pass battle scenes and a serial number.

8h ago

Jockey Yutaka Take Reaches 5,000 Career Wins

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.

8h ago

Independent VTuber Satou Sugu Joins Realize Production on 5th Anniversary

Independent VTuber Satou Sugu announced she will join the newly formed agency Realize Production as its 26th member, effective June 1. The announcement came during a stream commemorating her fifth debut anniversary on July 10. Satou Sugu debuted independently in 2021 and has built a following through game streams and role-playing content.

8h ago

Ishiyowa-Chan Teams With Maison De FLEUR for First Collaboration

San-X character Ishiyowa-chan has announced its first collaboration with fashion brand Maison de FLEUR. Six limited-edition items featuring the character dressed in blue flowers will launch July 18, 2026, including bags, charms, a plush toy, and a towel handkerchief. Purchasers receive an original postcard as a gift.

8h ago

Office THC Opens Auditions for 2nd Generation VTubers

Office THC announced auditions for its 2nd generation VTubers on July 11, seeking new members for official YouTube and Nico Nico paid channel projects, collaborations, and program appearances. Applications run July 18 to August 2, with a public online interview event where 1st generation members act as interviewers. The agency will not collect revenue from applicants' own channels.

8h ago

Weekly Treasure Hunt: July 5-11, 2026 Highlights

Game Spark's weekly roundup for July 5-11, 2026 covers a dozen game announcements and updates, including Elite MMA Manager, The Exorcist's Apprentice, Fright Train's release date, GERONIMO early access, Former Dawn development, Quake Champions' limbo, Tempest Rising DLC, Unturned source code release, Citizen Vigilante PS5 game, and Dwarf Fortress 20th anniversary collector's edition pre-orders.

8h ago

Ichiban Kuji Tamagotchi Paradise Kuji Launches July 25 With Alarm Clock And Big Cushion

The Ichiban Kuji "Tamagotchi ~Guruguru Discovery! Tamagotchi Paradise!~" will be released sequentially from July 25, 2026 at Lawson and other stores. The kuji features 10 prize grades from A to Last One, with each draw costing 750 yen. Prizes include a Tamagotchi Paradise-shaped alarm clock, a Deka Babymarutchi blanket-in-cushion, a UFO light, and other decorative and practical items.

8h ago

Nanoha EXGV Episode 2 Synopsis Reveals Hayate's World-Saving Pitch

The synopsis and advance cuts for Episode 2 of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha EXCEEDS Gun Blaze Vengeance have been released. The episode, titled "United Nations Investigation Organization EXCEEDS / Demon Hunter," shows Shina Kuse being scouted by Nanoha Takamachi and hearing from EXCEEDS Governor-General Hayate Yagami about "the way to save the world." Meanwhile, a dangerous group called "Demon Hunter" is active in the underworld. The episode airs July 11 on TOKYO MX and BS11.

8h ago

One Piece Heroines Nami Sandals Reproduced in Diana Collaboration

The anime "One Piece Heroines" collaborated with shoe brand Diana to reproduce Nami's "battle-ready shoes" as wearable sandals. The sandals feature ocean-blue satin, a heel silhouette, and stones. They are available from July 6, 2026, for 25,300 yen at Diana stores and the web shop. A newly drawn Nami illustration is the collaboration visual.

8h ago

Danganronpa 1・2 Reload x Thank You Mart Collaboration Pre-Orders Open July 10

Pre-orders for the Danganronpa 1・2 Reload and Thank You Mart collaboration merchandise open July 10 at the official online shop. The 17-item lineup, all priced at 390 yen, includes tote bags, eco bags, keytop keychains, and other daily-use goods featuring Monokuma designs. Store sales begin in late October 2026.

9h ago

Yoneyama Mai Brings Solo Exhibition Arc to Kyoto

Illustrator and animator Yoneyama Mai will hold her solo exhibition Arc at Kyoto Tsutaya Books from July 24 to August 18, 2026. The Kyoto edition of the show, which first ran in Ginza in 2025, adds new works including a piece titled Piéces and sells limited-edition silk-screen reproductions.

9h ago

Bun Completes Full Rewrite From Zig to Rust Using AI in 11 Days

The Bun development team has finished rewriting all 530,000 lines of Zig code into Rust using the AI coding assistant Claude Code. The rewrite took 11 days with one engineer, a task the team estimated would take a full year by hand. The move aims to reduce memory-related bugs and improve long-term maintainability.

9h ago

MyM and Magical Angel Creamy Mami Release Collaboration Song With Takako Ota

The music unit MyM, formed by Morisanchu's Oshima and Gambareluya members Yoshiko and Mahiru, will release a collaboration song with the classic magical girl anime Magical Angel Creamy Mami on July 29, 2026. The track, "Delicate ni Suki Shite ~Creamy Maimu Ver.," features guest vocals from Takako Ota, the original voice of Creamy Mami. Pop-up stores in Tokyo and Osaka are planned for August.

9h ago

Nonono Otono Leaves Universal Music, Moves to MiliPro's In-House Label

MiliPro talent Nonono Otono released her sixth single 'Princess Viral' under the agency's in-house label Million RECORDS on July 10-11, 2026. The move marks her departure from Universal Music. The song was produced by VOCALOID creator yowanecity, with animation by Ichimaru.

9h ago

Apple Sues OpenAI for Trade Secret Theft Over Hardware Designs

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, its hardware head Tang Tan, and employee Chang Liu, alleging theft of trade secrets related to hardware development. The suit claims OpenAI poached Apple employees and stole confidential files. Apple seeks damages and an order to stop OpenAI from using the secrets.

9h ago

QuizKnock Junior VTuber Tokito Hatena Guests at Kimi no Quiz Manga Event

Tokito Hatena, a VTuber from the group AlmaZarQ and a junior member of QuizKnock, appeared as a guest at a June 26, 2026 event celebrating the release of Volume 1 of the Kimi no Quiz manga adaptation. She joined manga artist Ayako Noda and writer Da Vinci Kyoyama for a three-part talk and quiz competition.

9h ago

VketReal 2026 Summer Akihabara Walking Event Doubles Participating Stores to 29

HIKKY announced the VketReal 2026 Summer Akihabara walking event, featuring a record 29 participating stores and projects, roughly double the previous event. The collaboration, called Town-wide JOIN Operation!, includes restaurants, karaoke, body care, live houses, and shisha bars offering limited menus, novelties, and benefits. A stamp rally is also planned.

9h ago

Premium Bandai Opens Orders for SDW Heroes Revival Kira Steel DX Set

Premium Bandai began accepting orders on July 10 for the SDW HEROES Revival Kira Steel DX Set, a special coating two-pack featuring the 78th Generation Musha Gundam and Stealth Gundam Aerial from SD Gundam World Heroes Kira Steel Story. The set costs 5,720 yen and ships in January 2027.

9h ago

Baki Hanma Gets a Luminasta Prize Figure From Sega

Sega announced a new Luminasta prize figure of Baki Hanma, set for sequential release starting July 17. The figure stands about 12×18 cm and reproduces the character's muscles and scars. The announcement follows the second cour of the Baki Hanma anime, which launched on Netflix on June 18.

9h ago

Bandai Releases MLB Capsule Torso Gashapon With Ohtani and Murakami

Bandai will release the gashapon set "MLB Capsule Torso Players Edition" from the third week of July 2026. The lineup includes six Japanese MLB players: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Munetaka Murakami, Kodai Senga, Seiya Suzuki, and Lars Nootbaar. Each capsule contains a faithfully reproduced uniform torso. The price is 500 yen per pull.