Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Anime, manga, and games, with a take · A Yukimedia publication

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KEI

Kei Mochizuki, the illustrator behind Hatsune Miku's original design, is currently active in the franchise through new figure releases and a Magic: The Gathering collaboration deck, with artwork appearing in products scheduled through 2026 and 2027.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated Aug 17

Kei Mochizuki, the original designer of Hatsune Miku, remains a central figure in the character's ongoing merchandise and crossover projects. The most recent story confirms that Furyu will release a prize figure of Racing Miku 2025 Sepang Ver., based on an illustration by Kei Mochizuki. The figure, part of the Muchutto Figure line, depicts Miku in a summer racing style with a water gun, and is set to arrive as a prize in the 4th week of August 2026.

Kei Mochizuki's involvement extends to the Magic: The Gathering collaboration. The Secret Lair Commander Deck: Hatsune Miku, announced by Wizards of the Coast, includes 14 borderless cards illustrated by Kei Mochizuki, Naoki Saito, and Hachi. Orders for the deck opened on August 11, with delivery planned within 2027. This marks another instance of Kei Mochizuki's artwork being used in a major crossover product, following the earlier Racing Miku figure announcement.

Across the stories, Kei Mochizuki's role is consistently tied to Hatsune Miku's visual identity, from the annual Racing Miku series to the trading card game collaboration. The coverage shows a steady stream of products featuring his illustrations, with no indication of a departure from this role. The stories do not mention any other projects or personal details about Kei Mochizuki, focusing solely on the products that carry his artwork.

Key facts

Illustrator of Racing Miku 2025 Sepang Ver. figure
Kei Mochizuki illustrated the Racing Miku 2025 Sepang Ver. design for a Furyu prize figure. ↗
Illustrator for Magic: The Gathering Hatsune Miku deck
Kei Mochizuki is one of three illustrators for the Secret Lair Commander Deck: Hatsune Miku, contributing 14 borderless cards. ↗
Racing Miku figure release window
The Racing Miku 2025 Sepang Ver. prize figure is available starting in the 4th week of August 2026. ↗
Magic: The Gathering deck order window
Orders for the Secret Lair Commander Deck: Hatsune Miku opened on August 11, with delivery planned within 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
illustrator for the deck · 2026-08-11

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

All coverage

9h ago

Keighley and Cerny Co-Found Nova Games Foundation to Fund Young Creators

Geoff Keighley, the host and producer of The Game Awards and Summer Game Fest, and Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PS4 and PS5, have co-founded Nova Games Foundation, a nonprofit that funds young game creators. The foundation runs a fellowship program for university graduates who want to move directly into original game development after finishing school. It partners with 13 universities worldwide and targets games with artistic, literary, or social value. Each year Nova selects 20 fellows and gives each $100,000, with up to $500,000 in additional support for especially promising projects. Fellows receive mentoring and promotion from industry leaders. Developers keep ownership of their work, choose their own publisher and platform, and Nova takes no equity and requires no repayment. The foundation is independent of Keighley's events and of PlayStation. Per Game File, both men donated several million dollars at the founding and plan to keep funding it. Keighley said he has avoided commercial investment in games because of his industry position and seeks no financial return. Cerny, aware of his late career, said he wants to give back to the next generation. Applications open in December 2026, with details due mid-September.

1d ago

Shinkalion Doctor Yellow Joins SGX Series With E5 Hayabusa Cross Set

Takara Tomy's Plarail SGX line adds Shinkalion Doctor Yellow, a five-car train that transforms into a robot. Its laser weapon shifts between two forms, and included cross attachments allow a seven-car combination with other SGX products. A special set bundles Doctor Yellow with SGX01 Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa for immediate cross combination. Both items release October 24, 2026, at 7,286 yen and 10,890 yen, and are open for pre-order on Amazon.co.jp.

3d ago

Keigo Atobe From New Prince of Tennis Covers anan Magazine

Keigo Atobe, the Hyotei captain and student council president from The New Prince of Tennis, appears on the cover of the special edition of anan issue 2514, set for release on October 7, 2026. The visual shows the middle school third-year in a black suit on a red sofa. Social media praise followed, with comments calling him "too cool" and questioning whether a middle schooler should look so mature.

5d ago

Rokuhan Z Gauge Sets Reproduce 500 Series Shinkansen Retirement Logo

Rokuhan is releasing two Z gauge sets that reproduce the 500 Series Shinkansen's retirement commemorative logo, ahead of the train's full retirement in July 2027. The 8-car set (T013-8) forms the full V8 formation and includes stickers for the logo on cars 1 and 7. A 5-car add-on set (T013-9) holds only middle cars and combines with separately sold sets. Both ship October 31, 2026, and are available for preorder on Amazon.

5d ago

The Tenth Mosaic Festival Lines Up Kodaka, Mizuguchi, Toyama Talks

Archipel will hold The Tenth Mosaic, a two-day game culture festival, on September 22-23 at Tokyo Nichi-Futsu Gakuen. The lineup includes talks with Kazutaka Kodaka and Masafumi Takada, a Rez 25th anniversary session with Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Ken Ishii, a horror panel with Keiichiro Toyama and Frederic Raynal, and a Persona 30th anniversary talk. Shuhei Yoshida curates an indie legacy showcase with 15-plus titles, and music sets include Yuzo Koshiro and Saori Kobayashi. Several talk sessions have already sold out.

6d ago

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 2

RESONANCE OF ORIGIN HATSUNE MIKU Collection by Keigo Inoue Launches August 31

The RESONANCE OF ORIGIN HATSUNE MIKU collection by illustrator Keigo Inoue goes on sale August 31 at 11:00 at the GRAPHT official store. The lineup spans wired earphones, a cable-type DAC, apparel, and interior goods. The centerpiece, THE STANDARD Hatsune Miku Edition earphones, sells for 8,800 yen with three earpiece sizes, a carrying case, and a magnet cable clip. Other items include an LED art board, an acrylic stand, a clear file, T-shirts, a parka, and a tote bag.

Aug 29

Haikyu!! Block Ren!! Lottery Opens September 26 With New Practice Visual

The Haikyu!! real lottery 'Kuji Rack Haikyu!! ~Block Ren!!~' starts September 26, 2026, themed around blocking practice. A new visual shows eight characters, including Shoyo Hinata and Kei Tsukishima, stretching and leaping. Prizes run from A to T plus a Last Prize, with 790 yen draws and no losing tickets.

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 29

Tsunku Drama Visuals Recreate Sharam Q CD Jackets

New visuals for the Nippon TV drama "Shiawase wa Aru" show Mitsuomi Takahashi as Tsunku♂ fully recreating five Sharam Q CD jackets, including "Single Bed" and "Zurui Onna," down to facial expressions and poses. The drama airs August 29 and stars Keiko Kitagawa as Tsunku's wife Kanako.

Aug 28

NHK Plans Memorial Programs for Actress Keiko Kishi

NHK will air memorial programs for actress Keiko Kishi, who died on August 7. Scheduled broadcasts include the drama 'Under the Mango Tree' on August 30, an encore of 'Sunday Museum: Nibi 50 Special Encore' on September 5, and the 1960 film 'Ototo Restored Version' on September 29. An interview program will air on NHK AM on August 30.

Aug 28

Live-Action Wandance Film Names Dance Supervisors, Music Artists

The official website for the live-action Wandance film revealed dance supervisors for each main character and the full list of music artists and song titles used in the film. Runa Miura, KANU, akihic☆彡, KEIN, and SEIYA supervise dance for individual characters, with origami PRODUCTIONS and GuruConnect handling the music. The film opens in Japan on November 27.

Aug 27

The Ribbon Hero Theatrical Run Adds Bromide and Sticker Merch

Twin Engine announced on August 27 that the Netflix animated film The Ribbon Hero, based on Osamu Tezuka's Princess Knight, will screen in select theaters for a limited two-week run starting September 4. The film has been streaming worldwide on Netflix since August 8. The first-week visitor gift is a CD with the theme song Reborn, featuring a jacket illustration by character designer Kei Mochizuki. The second-week gift will be announced later. Separately, IID began selling character bromides and stickers from the film on August 26 through its Entertainment Print service, available at multi-copy machines in FamilyMart, Lawson, and Ministop stores. The full-body bromides come in 8 types in L and 2L sizes, priced at 300 and 400 yen, while the stickers are a single 2L type at 500 yen. Sales run through March 31, 2027. The film is directed by Yuki Igarashi, his first feature-length directorial work, with animation production by studio OUTLINE.

Aug 27

TOYRISE Reveals Shoji Kawamori Items for Tokyo Toy Show 2026

T-SPARK has previewed TOYRISE items to be announced at Tokyo Toy Show 2026, held from August 27 to August 30 at Tokyo Big Sight. The previews cover four franchises: Mashin Hero Wataru, Mado King Granzort, Absolute无敌 Raijin-Oh, and Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion. A Shinkalion with design concept by Shoji Kawamori was teased via silhouette on August 25 and appears as a gray prototype at the show. The T-SPARK official X account revealed image visuals for all four lines on August 26, with Wataru and Granzort shown together at the T-SPARK booth. The event's business days, August 27 and 28, are for trade visitors only; the general public can attend on August 29 and 30 with advance tickets at 2,000 yen or same-day tickets at 2,200 yen. Dengeki Hobby Web's breaking reports from the Takara Tomy booth confirmed the Kawamori Shinkalion prototype, plus items from Raijin-Oh, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Wataru, and Granzort. Other Takara Tomy displays included a Captain Tsubasa: Tatakae Dream Team and ZOIDS collaboration, SYNEGENEX Evangelion Prime Unit-02, and Transformers-related items such as Adamas Machina Magna Regulus.

Aug 21

Pig Pearl Short Animation Released After TTFF 2024 Grand Prix Win

The Grand Prix winning commemorative work "Pig Pearl" by director Issun Saki wa Oji has been released on the official TikTok of "TikTok TOHO Film Festival" and the official YouTube of "TikTok Japan". The vertical short animation stars actress Kyoko Saito as Chika, a girl navigating life with her mother and her idealized future. The work was produced under Toho's talent support project "GEMSTONE Creative Label".

Aug 21

Yani Neko Support Art by Shinsuke Kondo and Kei Keizan Draws Fan Buzz

Support illustrations for episodes 7 and 8 of the anime Yani Neko were released, drawn by manga artists Shinsuke Kondo and Kei Keizan. Fans on X reacted with jokes and delight, praising the crossover of styles. The comedy series, based on the manga by Nyan Nyan Factory, airs on TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X.

Aug 20

Baki's Hanma Baki Joins Banpresto's Grandista Line Under Itagaki Supervision

Banpresto is releasing "Baki Grandista!! -HANMA BAKI-" as a prize figure at amusement facilities nationwide starting August 25. The figure reproduces the Baki 30th anniversary illustration and is the first Grandista-series figure of Hanma Baki, created under the full supervision of Keisuke Itagaki.

Aug 18

2026 Summer Anime ED Theme Poll: Sequels and Second Cours Lead

Anime! Anime! reader poll for 2026 summer anime ending themes ran July 16-23, with sequels and second cours drawing the most votes. The ED for "Bungo Stray Dogs Wan! 2" took first place, followed by "Yomi no Tsugai" second cour and "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 4" second cour.

Aug 17

Racing Miku 2025 Sepang Ver. Prize Figure Announced by Furyu

Furyu will release a prize figure of Hatsune Miku in the Racing Miku 2025 Sepang Ver. design, based on an illustration by Kei Mochizuki. The figure, part of Furyu's Muchutto Figure prize brand, depicts Miku in a summer racing style, holding a water gun and posed as if dashing forward. The approximately 20cm tall sculpt captures an energetic expression with a wink and detailed clothing. It will be available as a prize starting in the 4th week of August 2026. The figure is part of the Hatsune Miku GT Project, which features Miku as a racing mascot. The announcement was covered by Dengeki Hobby Web and Inside, both noting the figure's dynamic pose and appeal. The prize will be distributed through Furyu's prize lineup, with details available on the official product page. Fans of the Racing Miku series and collectors of prize figures can expect this summer-themed addition to arrive later this month.

Aug 14

Medicom Toy's VCD Line Adds Andy Warhol and Keith Haring Figures

Medicom Toy is releasing VCD figures of pop artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, designed by Eric So. Previously limited editions, they now return as general releases with mini art in dedicated frames. Each figure is about 20 cm tall and priced at 16,280 yen, with a November 2026 release.

Aug 14

The Villainess Speaks Not Light Novels Get Manga Adaptation

Kei Yose's The Villainess Speaks Not light novels are getting a manga adaptation. Artist Ryū Miduki launched the manga on Overlap's Comic Gardo website on Wednesday. J-Novel Club releases the novel series in English digitally. The story follows Liliana, a mute villainess who uses silent spellcasting to escape her otome game fate.

Aug 11

Initial D Teams With Seiko for Keisuke's RX-7 FD3S Watch

Initial D and Seiko have collaborated on a chronograph watch inspired by Takahashi Keisuke's RX-7 FD3S from the Akagi RedSuns. The watch features a yellow dial, black bezel, rotary engine rotor motif, and a RedSuns logo. It is limited to 1,995 pieces, priced at 65,780 yen, and on sale from August 3, 2026, at PREMICO's online shop.

Aug 11

Seishun wa Sankakukei no Loop Manga Ends in October

Kei Hozumi and Mito's manga Seishun wa Sankakukei no Loop will end with its next chapter in the November issue of Kadokawa's Dragon Age magazine, releasing in October. The series, which follows a love triangle among three childhood friends, launched in March 2025. Its first compiled volume shipped on September 9.

Aug 11

MTG Hatsune Miku Commander Deck Order Sales Open on Rakuten Books

Magic: The Gathering opened order sales for the Hatsune Miku collaboration deck, Secret Lair Commander Deck: Hatsune Miku, on Rakuten Books on August 11. The 24-hour order window runs until August 12 at 12:29. The deck costs 25,300 yen including tax, with delivery planned within 2027.

Aug 10

Live-Action Blue Lock Film Adds Yusei Yagi, Keisuke Watanabe, Omi Natsuki

The staff for the live-action film based on Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura's Blue Lock soccer manga confirmed three more cast members on Monday, August 10. FANTASTICS member Yusei Yagi will play Rin Itoshi, Keisuke Watanabe will play Jyubei Aryu, and Omi Natsuki will play Aoshi Tokimitsu. Character visuals showing the actors in costume were released alongside the announcement. The film opened in Japan on August 7 and recorded 188,212 admissions and 277,648,800 yen (about $1.7 million USD) at the box office from August 7 to 9. Starting on August 21, the film will screen in MX4D, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema formats. Cheering screenings, where audiences are allowed to shout and interact with the film, will be held at five theaters in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka. The film is directed by Yusuke Taki, with a screenplay by Tetsuo Kamata. CREDEUS is producing, and TOHO is distributing. The cast includes Fumiya Takahashi as Yoichi Isagi, Kaito Sakurai as Meguru Bachira, and Masataka Kubota as Jinpachi Ego, among others.

Aug 9

Baki Creator Keisuke Itagaki Draws Kaido Card for One Piece Card Game

The One Piece Card Game booster pack "World's Strongest Warrior," releasing August 22, 2026, will include a Kaido illustration card drawn by Baki the Grappler creator Keisuke Itagaki. The crossover art has drawn enthusiastic fan responses. The pack also introduces Rocks and a new rarity featuring Luffy and Rocks.

Aug 8

Getter Robo MODEROID Mini Combine Model Opens Second Preorder Run

Good Smile Company is taking preorders for the MODEROID Mini Combine Transform Getter 1 model kit, a second reissue of the February 2025 release. The kit combines Eagle, Jaguar, and Bear machines into Getter 1 without leftover parts or swaps. It costs 3,900 yen, ships December 2026, and orders close August 26.

Aug 8

Obakeidoro Team Asks Dead by Daylight Devs How to Balance Data and Passion

Free Style and Behaviour Interactive held a roundtable on asymmetric multiplayer design. The Obakeidoro team asked how to weigh player data against creative instinct, whether Japanese players need special balance treatment, and how to protect a game's core identity while adding features. Behaviour advised measuring time-to-match and iterating through player tests.

Aug 8

Dead by Daylight and Obakeidoro 2 Developers Hold Roundtable on Asymmetric Design

Behaviour Interactive and Freestyle developers met for a roundtable interview published by Automaton. The discussion covered how Dead by Daylight influenced Obakeidoro! and the design philosophy of asymmetric battle games. Participants included DbD Executive Producer Jose Ramos and Senior Creative Director Dave Richard, plus three Freestyle staff. The first part of the interview is now available.

Aug 8

Hatsune Miku Returns to Magic: The Gathering in Secret Lair Commander Deck

Wizards of the Coast announced the pre-constructed Commander deck 'Secret Lair Commander Deck: Hatsune Miku' on August 5. Orders placed on Secret Lair between 1:00 AM and 11:59 PM on August 11 will be made-to-order, with delivery expected within 2027. The $149.99 deck includes 14 borderless cards illustrated by KEI, Naoki Saito, and Hachi.

Aug 7

Hana no Keiji Teams With FUFUTIETIE for Myo-o Series Art Figures

FUFUTIETIE JAPAN announced a collaboration between its Myo-o series art figures and the manga Hana no Keiji. The special collection launches August 7, Hana Kei Day, with reservations opening the same day. Fighter and entertainer Nobuo Kakuta has been named official ambassador for the Myo-o series.

Aug 6

Obakeidoro 2 Nintendo Switch Version Launches Today With Custom Rules Update

Free Style Inc. announced on August 6 that the Nintendo Switch version of the asymmetric tag battle game Obakeidoro 2 will begin distribution today at 10 PM JST. The price is 1,980 yen including tax. Alongside the release, a large update adding Custom Rules and a new DLC pack will also be distributed, including for the previously released Nintendo Switch 2 version. Obakeidoro 2 is an asymmetric competitive game where players split into Humans and Ghosts to play Keidoro, a tag game. It supports local and online multiplayer for up to 8 players, and the Nintendo Switch 2 version also supports local wireless play. A solo play mode against CPUs is included. Matches have a 3-minute time limit. The Human side wins if at least one player escapes the Ghosts. Caught players go to jail but can be rescued by teammates. Lanterns can be used once to scare off Ghosts. The Ghost side aims to catch all Humans, with characters having unique traits such as speed or wall-passing. The game is a sequel to Obakeidoro!, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version released in October 2025. Save data from the Switch version can transfer to Switch 2, but not the other way. The Custom Rules update allows players to set rules like the number of Ghosts and Humans and movement speed in Room Match and Minna de Keidoro modes. The DLC Additional Character Pack 1, priced at 980 yen, includes the Human character Ponkichi (Ninja), the new Ghost Gasha, and the Substitute Lantern. The roadmap reveals a limited-time event from August 13 to August 30, and September and October events.

Aug 5

Keishi Ayasato and Ko-dai Launch Noblesse Gambit Manga in August

Keishi Ayasato and Ko-dai will launch a new manga titled Noblesse Gambit: Fukushū Reijō wa Odoru, Hanzaikyō to no Danzai Yūgi in Kadokawa's Comic Alive magazine on August 27. Ayasato writes the story and Ko-dai draws the art. The announcement appeared in the magazine's September issue.

Aug 4

Gachiakuta Season 2 First Look Video Reveals New Footage

The official website for the television anime of Kei Urana's Gachiakuta manga streamed a new first look promotional video for the second season on Wednesday. The video, which was initially shown at Anime Expo 2026 and the 25th Taipei International Comics & Animation Festival earlier this month, is now available to audiences outside those events for the first time. It features new scenes from the upcoming season, including the first footage of new and returning characters, and teases the Information Broker arc from the manga. Alongside the trailer, the website released illustrations of Enjin and Zanka, which were distributed as limited-edition postcards at the two events. The first season, directed by Fumihiko Suganuma at BONES FILM, aired in 2025 and ran for 24 episodes. It won Best New Series at the 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards. A release window for the second season has not been confirmed. In addition to the second season, a survival action RPG titled Gachiakuta The Game (tentative) and a stage adaptation were also announced.

Jul 27

Keigo Higashino, Author of The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, Dies at 68

Keigo Higashino, the award-winning mystery novelist behind The Devotion of Suspect X, The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, and The Camphorwood Custodian, died on July 23 due to colon cancer. He was 68. His family held a private funeral. Higashino debuted in 1985 and his works inspired numerous film, stage, and anime adaptations.

Jul 20

Super Gavan Cast to Appear in Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn

At the finale event for Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity, held July 19 at Tokyo Dome City Theater G Rosso, main cast members Kohei Nagata, Ryuga Akabane, Kanna Sumi, and Kentaro Yasui announced that the Super Gavan team will appear in the new series Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn. A post-finale mini-drama, Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity Gaiden, will stream on YouTube and TTFC.

Jul 19

Super Space Sheriff Gabban Infinity Gaiden Mini-Drama to Stream from August 2

Toei announced a mini-drama series 'Super Space Sheriff Gabban Infinity Gaiden' set after the TV series finale. It will be distributed from August 2 on YouTube and the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club. The episode holds the key to a crossover between 'Super Space Sheriff Gabban Infinity' and 'Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn'. A mysterious red Arc Gaburion appears. The second PROJECT R.E.D. series 'Kakusei Hunter Omega Horn' begins July 26, with Kohei Nagata returning as Iron Wall Rage.

Jul 19

Keiichi Sigsawa Writes First Original Manga, Kemono-tachi no Peregrinatio

Keiichi Sigsawa, known for Kino's Journey and Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online, has written his first original manga. Titled Kemono-tachi no Peregrinatio, it is drawn by Hayato Asaki and launched on Shogakukan's Weekly CoroCoro Comic online magazine. The story follows a young man and a beast tamer traveling on a giant wolf in a world where giant beasts wiped out most of humanity.

Jul 17

Kei Sanbe Launches Aria's Adventures in Miracleland Manga

Kei Sanbe, creator of ERASED, launched a new manga titled Aria's Adventures in Miracleland on Friday. The story follows a girl who trusts only her father. After she is tasked as a lookout during a crime that turns into robbery and murder, she is taken away and wakes up on an uninhabited island. The first chapter is available on the KadoComi website.

Jul 17

Obakeidoro 2 Nintendo Switch Version Launches August 6, Major Update Adds Custom Rules

Freestyle announced on July 17 that the Nintendo Switch version of Obakeidoro 2 will launch on the Nintendo eShop on August 6 at 22:00 JST. The asymmetric tag game, in which up to eight players split into ghosts and humans, is already available on Nintendo Switch 2, and the Switch version supports cross-play with Switch 2 players. A large update releasing the same day adds custom rules to Room Match and Minna de Keidoro modes, allowing players to adjust the number of ghosts and humans, movement speed, and other parameters. Recommended settings are provided for common configurations. For a limited time, the character Guri from the original Obakeidoro! becomes selectable during local wireless play and shared play. Pre-orders are open now. The download version costs 1,980 yen (tax included). Owners of the Switch download version of Obakeidoro! can purchase Obakeidoro 2 at a 10 percent discount. The packaged version of the original game is not eligible for the discount.

Jul 15

Girls Revolution Project 2nd Live 'Revolutio' to Feature Shinseiki and Tsumi to Batsu

The Girls Revolution Project will hold its second live performance, 'Revolutio,' on August 8, 2026, at Spotify O-EAST in Tokyo. The show marks the two-year anniversary of the project's units Shinseiki and Tsumi to Batsu, both appearing in virtual form. Tickets go on sale via Tixplus, with official resale via Tixplus Trade from July 14 to July 26. The first live 'Kaizen' took place in 2025.

Jul 14

K Makes Film Debut in Live-Action Blue Lock and Asks to Be Called an Actor

K, a member of the group &TEAM, made his film debut as Nagi Seishiro in the live-action Blue Lock film at its world premiere in Tokyo on July 13. During the stage greeting, K expressed gratitude to the cast and staff and asked the audience if he could now call himself an actor, receiving applause. The film opens in Japan on August 7.

Jul 13

Tenkei Paradox to End Service on August 26 After Four Years

DMM GAMES has announced that the PC RPG Tenkei Paradox will end service on August 26, 2026, approximately four years after its launch. The game was one of the titles commemorating DMM GAMES' 10th anniversary. Paid diamond purchases are suspended from July 13, and refunds will be available from August 26 to November 26. A CG collection with unreleased data is in preparation.

Jul 10

Touken Ranbu Ice Show Debuts With Key Visual and Skater Cast

Axel Entermedia revealed the key visual for Touken Ranbu - ICE BLADE -, the first ice show based on the Touken Ranbu franchise. The event runs October 3-4 at Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo. Top skaters including Kaori Sakamoto, Takahito Mura, and Keiji Tanaka perform alongside voice actors. The story involves a five-headed dragon attacking a honmaru and an Ice Spirit awakening. Ticket sales begin July 3.

Jul 9

Kōnosuke Takeishi to Demo Generative AI Anime Opening at Oita Workshop

x3d representative Kōnosuke Takeishi will speak at the ODEN BUSINESS WORKSHOP 04 in Oita Prefecture on July 23, 2026. The talk, co-presented with ORSO CEO Yoshichika Sakamoto, will include a live demonstration of creating an anime opening sequence using only generative AI. The workshop is organized by the Oita Prefecture Digital Content Industry Promotion Council and focuses on how AI-driven talent can transform business and creative work, especially for regional companies with limited resources.

Jul 7

SUSHIBOYS Release 'Laundry' MV About Their Coin Laundry Studio

Hip-hop crew SUSHIBOYS released the single 'Coin Laundry' on July 7 and the MV for 'Laundry' on July 6. The song recalls composing at a coin laundry in their hometown of Ogose Town, Saitama. Guest performers kou-kei, Mc Mamagari, Takut, and Goneshow appear. The MV includes footage from a live the crew held at the same laundry on May 31, marking their 10th debut anniversary.

Jul 6

Frieren Season 3 Aims to Surpass Season 2 Quality, Director Says at Anime Expo

At an Anime Expo 2026 panel, the creators of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End revealed behind-the-scenes details of Season 2 and stated that Season 3 aims to surpass Season 2's quality. Director Tomoya Kitagawa, Chief Director Keiichiro Saito, Character Designer Keisuke Kojima, and Madhouse Producer Yuichiro Fukushi appeared before a packed audience.

Jul 3

Racing Miku 15th Anniversary Illustration Becomes 1/7 Scale Figure

Good Smile Racing announced a 1/7 scale figure of Racing Miku based on Kei Mochizuki's 15th anniversary illustration "Rhapsody." The figure features a pure white dress with colorful ribbons representing past designs. Pre-orders are open at 30,000 yen, with release scheduled for October 2027.