Friday, 11 September 2026
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AnimA

AnimA's original character Naophilia is being produced as a 1/6 scale figure by SSR FIGURE, with pre-orders open and a February 2027 release scheduled.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated Jul 17

Illustrator AnimA's white-haired elf girl Naophilia is now available for pre-order as a 1/6 scale painted figure from SSR FIGURE. The figure is offered in two editions: a Standard Edition at 13,850 yen and a Deluxe Edition at 19,430 yen. Both editions include a lenticular postcard bonus, while the Deluxe edition adds interchangeable body parts and a second figure body. The figure is scheduled for release in February 2027.

This figure release represents the most recent public activity involving AnimA as an illustrator. No other projects or announcements have been reported since this pre-order opened.

Key facts

Character
Naophilia, a white-haired elf girl ↗
Scale
1/6 ↗
Manufacturer
SSR FIGURE ↗
Standard Edition price
13,850 yen ↗
Deluxe Edition price
19,430 yen ↗
Release date
February 2027 ↗

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

Noted
AnimA is the illustrator of the character Naophilia · 2026-07-16

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

All coverage

1d ago

Marvelous RPG 'ETERNAL ANIMA' Set for March 4, 2027 Release

Marvelous announced a new RPG, ETERNAL ANIMA, during the Nintendo Direct streamed on September 9, 2026. The game is set for release on March 4, 2027, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, with the Steam version following on March 5. Set in a world where civilization and wisdom have been lost, the protagonist uses a Mind-Reading Art to evoke the memories of heroes and inherit their powers, and must sense enemy hostility to anticipate actions in battle. Other sources describe the setting as one where hoping for a better future is a felony, with the protagonist pursued as a heretic traveling between the past and present of four lost continents. The game is described as a completely new JRPG centered on the theme of inheritance across eras. Marvelous has opened the official website for the title.

2d ago

Lionsgate Partners With Toei Animation for U.S. Distribution of Anime Projects

Lionsgate is partnering with Toei Animation as its new U.S. distribution partner for anime projects, beginning with the Monkey Quest film in 2027. The company will be considered for future co-productions with Toei. The film, a 2D-3D hybrid loosely based on Journey to the West, is in post-production and aiming for a 2027 release. Charades will distribute the film worldwide outside the U.S.

2d ago

GRAPHT Announces First Persona Collaboration with 30th Anniversary Collection

MSY's audio and gaming accessories brand GRAPHT announced its first collaboration with the Persona series, timed to the franchise's 30th anniversary. The collection, sold under the ASOBI GRAPHT line that develops products with game IPs, centers on 'THE SPECIAL - EARPHONES PERSONA 30th Anniversary Edition,' a 9,900 yen earphone based on GRAPHT's THE STANDARD model. The Atlus Sound Team listened to and selected the tuning. Pre-orders opened September 7 on the GRAPHT OFFICIAL STORE. The earphones will not be sold at the venue, but will be on display and available for listening at the GRAPHT exhibition booth (Hall10-C08) at Tokyo Game Show 2026, running September 17-21 at Makuhari Messe, alongside a playable demo of Persona 4 Revival. All other items, including eight T-shirt designs, desk mats, a stainless steel thermal tumbler, acrylic art blocks, embroidered stickers, arcade controller buttons, and trading can badges, get early sales at the GRAPHT merchandise booth (Hall10-W30). Those items are scheduled for online sale around early October.

3d ago

Dark Machine the Animation Adds Three Cast Members, Sets October 13 Debut

Dark Machine the Animation revealed three additional cast members and an October 13 debut on Fuji TV. Nao Tōyama, Nonoka Ōbuchi, and Rei Nakashima join as members of team Stellatus, an idol unit and rival to Kairi's Carbuncle team. The staff also showed mecha designs for three of Kairi's machines.

6d ago

Toei Animation Confirms No License for French Dragon Ball Theme Park

Toei Animation issued a statement confirming it has not granted a license for a planned Dragon Ball theme park in France. The studio said concept art and videos used in reports on the French project were originally made for a Saudi Arabia park announced in March 2024 and are unrelated. Rights holders Bird Studio and Shueisha have not commented.

Sep 3

Toei Animation Denies Reports of Dragon Ball Theme Park in France

Toei Animation issued an official statement on August 31 denying media reports that a Dragon Ball theme park is planned for construction in France. The company said that neither Toei Animation nor the relevant rights holders have granted any licenses for such a project, and that the company is not aware of any facts supporting the reports. Toei Animation also addressed concept images and footage circulated alongside the claims, stating that all of the material originated from the Dragon Ball theme park project announced with Qiddiya Investment Company on March 22, 2024. Those visuals are for the planned Dragon Ball theme park at Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia and have no connection to the reports concerning France. The reports began circulating after French President Emmanuel Macron announced on August 24 that three manga-related theme parks were planned for Cergy-Pontoise, France, involving EUR 6 billion in investment and the creation of 22,000 jobs. Macron did not name Dragon Ball or any other specific franchise in his announcement. Valérie Pécresse, president of the Paris regional council, later posted a video claiming the property was coming to the area.

Sep 3

Fungus and Iron Anime Names Director, Studio

The television anime adaptation of Ayaka Katayama's Fungus and Iron manga has revealed its director and animation studio. Keitaro Motonaga will direct at Yokohama Animation Lab. The announcement accompanied a second teaser visual. The manga is set to end serialization on September 9, with its 10th and final volume due October 8.

Sep 3

REANIMAL Wins Swedish Design Award From Prince Carl Philip

THQ Nordic announced that the cooperative horror adventure REANIMAL has received the Swedish design award Utmarkt Svensk Form. The award ceremony took place in Sweden on August 27, 2026, with Prince Carl Philip of the Swedish Royal Family presenting the prize. REANIMAL is developed by Tarsier Studios, the team behind the Little Nightmares series. Utmarkt Svensk Form is presented by Svensk Form, a Swedish design promotion organization established in 1845, and is positioned as the organization's most prestigious award, selecting outstanding designs from a wide range of fields. The jury's selection reason praised the game for expanding the unique potential of video games as a medium of artistic expression through deep craftsmanship in environmental storytelling, atmosphere, and interactive design, noting that players are guided to explore, interpret, and construct meaning for themselves. Oliver Melrov, CEO of Tarsier Studios, said being recognized by Svensk Form holds great significance for the studio and its work, adding that the team is honored to help showcase Sweden's cultural presence to the world. REANIMAL released on February 13, 2026, and is available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Chapter 1 of the additional content The Expanded World is currently available.

Sep 1

Animal Crossing Tomodachi Doll Selection Launches September 28

Bandai will release the Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori Tomodachi Doll SELECTION on September 28 at candy sections of mass retailers across Japan. The line is a re-release of the earlier Tomodachi Doll series, which turns Animal Crossing: New Horizons characters into flocked dolls. Ten characters appear in the set: Shizue, Tanukichi, Tsubukichi, Mamekichi, Totakeke, Misuzu, Chachamaru, Jun, Jack, and Yukimi. Each doll comes with a display stand, and every package includes one soda-flavored gum. The price is 550 yen including tax. The SELECTION is a compilation of the existing Tomodachi Doll lineup rather than a new character set, so the ten figures carry the same designs as the original series. Bandai sells the dolls individually, and the full run covers all ten characters. The product page on the Bandai Candy site carries further details on the lineup and release.

Aug 29

Nukitashi The Animation Streaming Lands on DMM TV With All 11 Episodes

Anime Anime reports that Nukitashi The Animation is available for unlimited streaming in full on DMM TV, with all 11 episodes included. The official site states the series is exclusively distributed on DMM TV and Anime Festa. The TV anime, based on Qruppo's game and produced by Passione, aired in July 2025.

Aug 29

Anitsuku 2026 Sets October Date in Akihabara With Toei, MAPPA, Orange Sessions

The anime production technology event Anitsuku 2026 will take place October 3 at UDX GALLERY NEXT and UDX GALLERY in Akihabara, Tokyo. Admission is free with prior registration, and web applications open the same day. The 12th edition carries the theme 'Passing the Power of Creation to the Next Generation' and plans 14 sessions from studios including Toei Animation, MAPPA, Orange, and Sanzigen.

Aug 29

Arcanadea TV Anime Sets January 2027 Debut, Adds Cast

The television anime of Kotobukiya's Arcanadea plastic model series will debut in January 2027, airing on TV Asahi and 24 stations across Japan in the NUMAnimation block, plus BS Asahi. Keiichirō Kawaguchi directs at Yokohama Animation Lab, with Atsuhiro Tomioka overseeing scripts. New cast includes Nobunaga Shimazaki, Konomi Inagaki, Mai Kanno, and Moka Kanzaki.

Aug 27

HoYoverse Shows Off Nodusfall Co-op Myth Action at gamescom

At gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live, HoYoverse announced Nodusfall, a new multiplayer action game with realistic graphics and a dark fantasy setting. The next day, a preview event let media and influencers try the game. Nodusfall is a four-player co-op action game where players hunt giant mythological monsters. The demo featured a warrior, an archer, and a spellcaster, with roles like damage dealer, tank, and support. Combat uses an Xbox controller with standard attacks, dodges, and lock-on, plus Divine Skills that charge a gauge and deliver powerful effects. The first boss was Qiongqi, a beast from Chinese classics, who fled mid-fight, leading to a second boss, the dragon Maldrake. The developers said characters are not obtained through gacha but unlocked by playing. Monetization will focus on cosmetic items. The game is free-to-play on PC, with other platforms and the release date undecided. Pre-registration has begun on the official website. The developers aim for a "wide entrance" with low barriers for new players and a high skill ceiling for veterans. They also plan a large RPG-style story map and small-scale PvP content.

Aug 21

A Returner's Magic Should Be Special Season 2 Trailer Sets October Premiere

The staff of A Returner's Magic Should Be Special Season 2 released the first promotional video on Friday, August 21, 2026. The trailer confirms the sequel will premiere in Fuji TV's +Ultra programming block in October 2026, airing Wednesdays at 24:45, effectively Thursdays at 12:45 a.m. Crunchyroll will stream the new season. The anime's website also announced an advance screening at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo on October 3. The first season began re-airing on Fuji TV and Kansai TV in July 2026. Rock band FLOW returns to perform the opening theme "Sorrow," following their Season 1 song "GET BACK." krage will perform the ending theme "Everlasting." Taishi Kawaguchi returns to direct at Arvo Animation, with Takamitsu Kouno composing and writing scripts. Main cast members include Takuma Terashima as Desir Herman, Sayumi Suzushiro as Romantica Eru, Natsumi Fujiwara as Pram Schnaizer, and Asami Seto as Azrest Kingscrown. Yen Press describes the story: Desir Herman returns thirteen years to the past to prevent humanity's downfall.

Aug 19

ANIMAX MUSIX 2026 Adds Mori Calliope, Utahime Dream All Stars, and More

ANIMAX MUSIX 2026 announced its third batch of artists for the two-day Yokohama Arena event on November 20 and 21. Day 1 adds Taisei Miyagawa and Mori Calliope. Day 2 adds Utahime Dream All Stars and Yoshino Nanjo. Ticket sales for early bird and lottery advance begin August 19.

Aug 19

Dark Machine The Animation Video Reveals More Cast, Opening Song, October TV Debut

The staff for Dark Machine the Animation unveiled the second promotional video on Wednesday. The video reveals four new cast members playing players from rival e-sports teams, previews the opening theme song "Sonzai Riyū Kai" by BUCK-TICK, and announces the anime's October television premiere. The series will be available for TV and streaming via Fuji TV.

Aug 14

Toei Animation Marks 70th Anniversary With Retrospective Video

Toei Animation turned 70 on July 31 and released a special video celebrating its history, decade by decade. The studio also opened a 70th anniversary website with a production history and a message from president Katsuhiro Takagi, who thanked fans and staff and framed the milestone as a step toward the studio's 100th anniversary.

Aug 13

Animal Crossing Fruit Keychain Capsule Toys Launch at Nintendo Stores in September

Nintendo announced a new capsule toy line, "Fruit Keychain Collection Animal Crossing," for the Animal Crossing series. The keychains will be sold at the official directly managed stores Nintendo TOKYO, OSAKA, KYOTO, and FUKUOKA starting in September. The product features keychains of fruits that appear in the Animal Crossing series. The product image also shows keychains of a "Bell Bag" and a "Beehive," with the beehive appearing to come with a "Medicine" attachment. Before the general release, advance sales are planned starting August 14 at two locations: the "Animal Crossing: Hokkaido Airpo Island Pop-Up Event in New Chitose Airport" and the Nintendo POP-UP STORE in SAPPORO "Animal Crossing: Daimaru Depa Island." Nintendo made the announcement on August 13 via its official store account on social media, which included a product image showing the keychain designs. The capsule toy format means customers receive a random fruit keychain from the collection.

Aug 10

REANIMAL DLC The Prisoner Launches to Very Positive Steam Reviews

THQ Nordic released REANIMAL - The Prisoner on August 8, the first of three planned DLC chapters for Tarsier Studios' co-op horror game. The expansion introduces new protagonists, the Soldier and the Prisoner, in a war-torn city. It holds a Very Positive rating on Steam with 84% positive reviews from 177 user reviews at the time of writing.

Aug 9

Yes! Pretty Cure 5 Movie Airs on TOKYO MX With Miracle Light Debut

TOKYO MX will broadcast 'Eiga Yes! Pretty Cure 5: Kagami no Kuni no Miracle Daibouken!' on August 9 at 19:00. The 2007 film introduced the Miracle Light support item and the dark warrior team Dark Pretty Cure 5, whose members were voiced by actors later cast in other Pretty Cure series.

Aug 8

Precure Films From Hugtto, Star Twinkle, Healin' Good Start Free TVer Run

TVer began a limited free streaming run of three Precure films on August 2: Hugtto! Precure, Star Twinkle PreCure, and Healin' Good PreCure. The end date is not yet announced. The lineup includes the 15th anniversary crossover film featuring 55 Precure characters with original voice casts.

Aug 7

Toei Launches Eterna Animation With Original Short Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki

Toei Animation established Eterna Animation in 2025 as an in-house production brand for original IP development. Its first production, the short film Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki, premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal. Director Takeru Shinozuka, a veteran animator, makes his directorial debut with the film.

Aug 4

Dokagui Daisuki Mochizuki-san Comedy Gourmet Manga Gets TV Anime by Passione

TOHO animation announced on Tuesday that Kamome Maruyono's comedy gourmet manga Dokagui Daisuki! Mochizuki-san is receiving a television anime adaptation. Animation studio Passione is producing the anime. TOHO revealed the adaptation at the end of a one-hour cooking video loop that began streaming on Tuesday, and Maruyono drew an illustration to celebrate the announcement. The manga centers on Mikoto Mochizuki, a woman with intense enthusiasm for eating enormous quantities of food. The ongoing series launched simultaneously in Hakusensha's Young Animal Zero magazine and the Young Animal Web manga site in May 2024. Hakusensha published the first compiled book volume in October 2024, and will publish the fourth volume on September 29. The manga was nominated in the 18th Manga Taisho awards in 2025, and was included on the list of top 20 manga for male readers in the 2026 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook. It also ranked #8 in the top 10 series in the Web Manga category of the Next Manga Awards 2024, and was the inaugural winner of that year's new Nichirei Prize.

Aug 3

One Piece Day '26 Adds X and LINE Livestreams, World Top 100 Prediction Campaign

Bandai Namco Entertainment, Shueisha, and Toei Animation announced on Sunday that the One Piece Day '26 event will stream worldwide on YouTube, with X and LINE added as free livestream platforms this year. The two-day event takes place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on August 22-23. The August 22 stream runs from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. JST, and the August 23 stream runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. JST. The livestream will be archived for a limited time. The event includes the final results of the second WORLD TOP 100 character popularity poll, with rankings 100 through 31 announced on August 22 and the top 30 on August 23. A prediction campaign called WORLD TOP 100 The King of Guesses launched August 3 on the ONE PIECE BASE app, letting fans predict the final top 30 characters for digital rewards and a chance at prizes. The August 23 program features three One Piece News segments, a One Piece Card Game special panel, the finals of the 8th One Piece Knowledge King competition, an Elbaf Arc voice cast panel, and a live concert with Hiroshi Kitadani, Maki Otsuki, Aina The End, and 36km/h.

Jul 23

Kenji Kamiyama Directs New Gundam Series RG XARX-ZERO for 2027

Bandai Namco Filmworks announced a new Gundam television series, Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, at San Diego Comic-Con on July 23, 2026. The series is directed by Kenji Kamiyama, known for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, who also handles series composition. Animation production is by SOLA ANIMATION. The series is part of the RG Project, a multimedia initiative that also includes the action game GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT. The anime is set in a new timeline separate from the Universal Century and Common Era, beginning in A.A. (After Apocalypse) 45. Humanity abandoned Earth after an alien ecosystem called the Apocalypse overran the planet. The protagonist, Ray Azumi, a war orphan, pilots the Gundam Zero. Takeo Otsuka voices Ray Azumi. The series is scheduled to launch in 2027. The anime takes place roughly 100 years before the events of the game. Kamiyama stated the project allowed him to create a Gundam from scratch in a new timeline.

Jul 22

Animal Crossing Mocchi-Mocchi GameStyle Plush Series Launches August 8

Takara Tomy Arts will release the Animal Crossing Mocchi-Mocchi GameStyle plush series on August 8, 2026, at Nintendo TOKYO, OSAKA, KYOTO, and FUKUOKA stores. The line includes eight character and item motifs in plush L and ball chain mascot types. Early sales begin July 25 at a pop-up event in New Chitose Airport.

Jul 22

Reanimal Original Soundtrack Now Streaming

The original soundtrack for the horror adventure game Reanimal has been released on digital streaming services. The album contains 33 tracks by composers Christian Vasselbring, Jacob Carlsson, and Stefan Almqvist. The soundtrack is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

Jul 22

Kyoto Animation's Minoru Ota and Satori Senami Discuss Sparks of Tomorrow at Anime Expo

At Anime Expo 2026, Kyoto Animation director Minoru Ota and producer Satori Senami gave interviews about their new series Sparks of Tomorrow. Ota described his informal mentorship at the studio, while Senami explained the producer's role in forming committees and budgets. The show premiered July 5 after a long silence since its 2018 announcement.

Jul 17

Kitaro Film Lottery Vol.2 Features New Beach Art by Yokatabe

The second online lottery for 'The Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe' opened July 17, 2026, with a summer beach theme. Character designer Yokatabe Tōko drew new illustrations of Kitaro's father and Mizuki relaxing on the beach. Prizes include foil-stamped acrylic art boards, acrylic stands, keychains, clear file sets, and hologram badges. The lottery runs through August 16, 2026, at 880 yen per play.

Jul 17

Baskin-Robbins Schedules Additional Animal Crossing Set Sales

Baskin-Robbins will hold additional sales of the Animal Crossing Special Set starting July 23 via the 31Club app. The set, which includes eight ice creams and a Bell Bag lunch bag, sold out at many stores during the ongoing campaign. Purchases are limited to one per app ID, and sales continue until July 31 or while supplies last.

Jul 16

SSR FIGURE Opens Pre-Orders for AnimA's Naophilia Fitness Wear Figure

Illustrator AnimA's white-haired elf girl Naophilia is now available for pre-order as a 1/6 scale painted figure from SSR FIGURE at AmiAmi. Two editions are offered: a Standard Edition at 13,850 yen and a Deluxe Edition at 19,430 yen. Both include a lenticular postcard bonus, with the Deluxe adding interchangeable body parts and a second figure body. Release is scheduled for February 2027.

Jul 14

Honkai: Nexus Anima Preview Reveals Creature Collection and Auto-Chess Battles

HoYoverse's closed beta test for Honkai: Nexus Anima, a new Honkai series game, features creature collection, exploration in Iatown, and auto-chess style battles. Players bond with Nexus Anima creatures, use their skills for traversal, and deploy them in strategic auto-battles. The branching main quest changes based on choices. Honkai series characters appear as Mirror Heart supports. The Evolution Test runs July 9-27.

Jul 14

Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle Airs on TOKYO MX July 19

The 1987 Dragon Ball theatrical film Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle will air on TOKYO MX on July 19, 2026 at 20:00. It is the second broadcast in a series following last year's airing of the first Dragon Ball film. The film features Goku and Krillin rescuing a sleeping princess from demons.

Jul 11

20001 An Earth Odyssey Short to Premiere at Fantasia on July 18

Salamander Pictures and Nippon Animation will premiere their nearly eight-minute anime short 20001 An Earth Odyssey in competition at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 18. The festival runs in Montreal from July 16 to August 2. The short is the first original project from Taiki Sakurai's Tokyo-based studio Salamander Pictures. Sakurai, who previously worked at Production I.G. and spent seven years building Netflix's anime business in Japan, left the streamer to focus on riskier original work. The sci-fi comedy follows three aliens who arrive on Earth 20,000 years after humanity vanishes and misinterpret every artifact they find, treating a playground as a sacred site and an umbrella as advanced technology. Sakurai describes the short as a family-friendly comedy with a meditation on history and archaeology. The production involved art director Jessie Liu from Los Angeles, animators from Korea and France, and Maru Animation. Sakurai plans to expand the concept into a series of five-minute episodes and is seeking partners after the festival premiere.

Jul 9

FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki Short Screens at Festival Circuit

Toei Animation's Eterna Animation brand short film FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki will screen at three festivals, including a competition slot at Fantasia IFF for the Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation. The film follows character designer Shinano as she encounters her discarded creations. Takeru Shinozuka makes his commercial directorial debut, writing and designing the characters. The short also screens at Indy Shorts Film Festival and RIFFA. Eterna Animation launched this year for Toei's 70th anniversary, focusing on original works.

Jul 8

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya 20th Anniversary Exhibition Set for August 2026

A 20th anniversary exhibition for the TV anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya will be held at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo from August 10 to 30, 2026. The event features a retrospective corner with setting materials and a replica of the SOS Brigade clubroom, and a corner on the series' cultural impact. Original goods, admission bonuses, and a limited "Brigade Chief Armband" item will be available.

Jul 8

Anime And Manga Worlds Share Tanabata 2026 Wishes

Anime News Network published a five-part roundup of Tanabata greetings from across the anime, manga, and video game industries on July 7, 2026. The collection includes wishes and illustrations from official accounts for series such as Bungo Stray Dogs, Detective Conan, My Hero Academia, Sakamoto Days, Doraemon, Chibi Maruko-chan, Hell's Paradise, and Dragon Quest. Video game franchises like Final Fantasy, Monster Hunter, and Like a Dragon also participated, alongside creators including Hideo Kojima, Yuki Kaji, and Shoko Nakagawa. Several series tied their posts to new releases: the second season of Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers premiered on July 7, My Happy Marriage released a special Tanabata illustration and announced a three-episode special for 2026, and My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren't Wicked began airing on July 8. The roundup also features greetings from manga titles like Chiikawa, MARRIAGETOXIN, and Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, as well as from studios Tatsunoko Production and Square Enix.

Jul 8

Evangelion Anima Side Novel Gets Audiobook Adaptation

The official Evangelion side novel Evangelion ANIMA, written by mechanical designer Ikuto Yamashita, is being adapted into an audiobook. Volume 1 is available on Audible, with subsequent volumes releasing from around August 2026. Narrator Sasaki Aitani voices multiple characters.

Jul 6

Toei Streams All 49 Episodes of Hell Teacher Nube for Free on YouTube

Toei announced on July 6 that it will stream all 49 episodes of the 1996-1997 TV anime Hell Teacher Nube for free on its Toei Animation Museum Channel on YouTube, starting July 20 with 8 episodes released weekly. The free streaming celebrates the anime's 30th anniversary. A new anime adaptation aired in summer 2025.

Jul 5

Black Clover Season 2 Trailer Reveals WANIMA Opening Theme

The staff of the second season of the Black Clover anime revealed a new promotional video on Sunday, July 5, 2026, which previews the opening theme song by rock band WANIMA. The video debuted at Anime Expo 2026 on Saturday, July 4, where the first episode of the new season also had its world premiere. The opening song is titled "Kienai Riyuu" (The Reason That Won't Disappear). The second season will debut on TV Tokyo in October 2026. Ayataka Tanemura, who directed episodes 153-170 of the original Black Clover anime and the 2023 film Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, will direct the new season. Studio Pierrot returns to animate the season. Crunchyroll will stream the anime. The Black Clover anime originally aired 170 episodes from October 2017 to March 2021. The manga, created by Yuki Tabata, launched in Weekly Shonen Jump in February 2015 and concluded on May 1, 2024, after transferring to Jump GIGA in 2023.

Jul 5

Sparks of Tomorrow Premieres on Netflix as Kyoto Animation's New Frontier

Kyoto Animation's Sparks of Tomorrow, a project shelved after the 2019 arson attack, premieres on Netflix July 5. The first two episodes screened at Anime Expo 2026, followed by a Q&A with director Minoru Ota and producer Satori Senami. The series, set in an alternate-history Meiji-era Kyoto, follows a clumsy girl and an inventor as they navigate a steampunk world on the cusp of an electric age.

Jul 1

Danimaru Original Vampire Ruri Gets 1/6 Scale Figure From Oh-Ami

Oh-Ami is producing a 1/6 scale figure of Danimaru's original character J○ Vampire Ruri. The figure features a desk pose with removable clothing and interchangeable parts. A deluxe edition adds water splash effect parts and a bonus expression. Reservations are open on Amazon Japan for a September 2027 release.

Jun 28

Louis Clichy's 'Iron Boy' Wins Three Awards at Annecy 2026

Louis Clichy's debut feature 'Iron Boy' won the Jury Prize, Audience Award, and Gan Foundation Distribution Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2026. The film, which previously won a Special Jury Prize at Cannes, is set for a 2027 Japanese release. It follows a ten-year-old boy forced to wear an iron corset.

Jun 28

My Hero Academia Animal Beach Ball Pop-Up Shop 2nd Edition Brings Villain Goods

The second edition of the Animal Beach Ball pop-up shop for My Hero Academia runs June 27 to July 12 at Tokyo Anime Center in Shibuya. Newly drawn visuals feature Tomura Shigaraki, Dabi, and Himiko Toga holding animal beach balls. Goods include acrylic stands, concept necklaces, and mochocho collaboration items. Online sales begin June 29.

Jun 27

Toei Animation Details 2D-3D Hybrid Film Monkey Quest for 2027

Toei Animation presented its next film project, the 2D-3D hybrid animated film Monkey Quest, at the Annecy Festival. Studio SANZIGEN is handling the 3D animation. The film follows a girl and her brother who free a forgotten protector of Earth. The cast includes Adam Devine, Elsie Fisher, and J.K. Simmons. The film is in post-production and aiming for a 2027 release.

Jun 27

New Studio Intelligent Animation Adapts 2 Tapas Webtoons Into Animated Series

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.

Jun 26

DC Studios Announces Joker: Laugh Riot Anime, Absolute Batman, Krypto Series

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.