Madhouse is producing Shingo Natsume's original theatrical film Ghost / Yoru No Hate, set for a February 11, 2027 release in Japan, and is also at work on Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 3. The studio recently saw the departure of long-time animator Kunihiko Hamada after 35 years.
Madhouse's recent output spans a new theatrical project, a returning TV series, and a catalog release. The studio is producing Ghost / Yoru No Hate, the first original feature film directed by Shingo Natsume, who also writes the script. The film is set in a near future where labor is unnecessary and follows Neekei, a 15-year-old girl, and Masu, a man marked by tattoos. Mayu Hotta and Issei Takahashi voice the leads. The project reunites Natsume with several staff from ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept., including Natsume Ono on original character designs and Norifumi Kugai on animation character designs. Bandai Namco Filmworks distributes. The film opens in Japan on February 11, 2027, with music by hitsujibungaku and Ohkuma Wataru.
On television, Madhouse producer Yuichiro Fukushi appeared at an Anime Expo 2026 panel for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, where the team confirmed that Season 3 production is underway and aims to surpass Season 2's quality. The panel included director Tomoya Kitagawa, chief director Keiichiro Saito, and character designer Keisuke Kojima. The studio also saw a catalog title reach new audiences: the 1993 OVA X² - Double X, co-produced by Madhouse, received its first digital release on Crunchyroll in June 2026.
In personnel news, animator and character designer Kunihiko Hamada left Madhouse at the end of March after 35 years. He confirmed the departure on May 31, noting he is now at a different company and did not receive severance pay. His credits include chief animation director on Monster, NANA, and Chihayafuru, and character design on Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card. Separately, the studio's 2009 film Mai Mai Miracle aired on NHK Educational in June 2026, drawing a 0.6% household rating in the Kanto region.
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A review of Madhouse's Liar Game examines episode 9, in which protagonist Nao Kanzaki finally deceives an opponent. Stranded alone in the Losers' Revival round, her trusting nature nearly costs her the game. The piece frames the lie not as a fall from grace but as a form of shrewdness.
Beneath the Tangles argues that Madhouse's Liar Game, which it says is flying under the radar this season, carries a gospel message in its story of deception. The piece examines protagonist Nao Kanzaki, an eighteen-year-old whose trusting nature leads her into the Liar Game, where she is manipulated out of 100 million yen. She turns to Shinichi Akiyama, a strategist recently released from prison, for help. The analysis tracks her growth across the first three episodes as she learns to trust her savior.
The official website for ghost - end of night, the new theatrical anime project from director Shingo Natsume and studio Madhouse, unveiled a teaser trailer on Friday that introduces the film's two lead cast members. Mayu Hotta plays Neekei, a 15-year-old girl who has already been selected in a society where people are judged at age 18 on whether the world needs them. Issei Takahashi voices Masu, a man burdened by the loss of his family who wanders while covering his body with tattoos before crossing paths with Neekei. The teaser includes the pair's first voiced scenes and features the insert song "Sugar" by alternative rock band hitsujibungaku, who also perform the film's theme song. The film is set in a near future where labor is no longer necessary, and follows Neekei as she seeks what is real while resisting the order of a content society. Natsume directs and writes the script, marking his first time directing an original anime film. Natsume Ono provides original character designs, Norifumi Kugai handles animation character designs, and Bandai Namco Filmworks distributes. The film opens in Japan on February 11, 2027.
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.
Sunao Katabuchi and Madhouse's Mai Mai Miracle anime film aired on NHK Educational on June 20 and earned a 0.6% household rating in Japan's Kanto region. The rating is based on Video Research data and does not include later recordings.
Shingo Ntsume's first original feature-length theatrical anime, now officially titled Ghost / Yoru No Hate, will release nationwide in Japan on February 11, 2027. Madhouse handles animation production. The theme song and five other new songs, including the insert song "Sugar," come from alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku. Ohkuma Wataru composes the background music. A key visual and a super teaser video were also released.
Crunchyroll will stream a remastered version of the X² - Double X OVA, a 28-minute music video compilation featuring four X Japan songs and CLAMP artwork, starting June 10. The OVA, co-produced by Madhouse, was originally released in 1993. X Japan leader Yoshiki discussed the project's significance in an interview with ANN.
Animator and character designer Kunihiko Hamada confirmed on May 31 that he left Madhouse at the end of March after 35 years with the studio. He is now working at a different company and said he did not receive severance pay. Hamada's credits include chief animation director on Monster, NANA, and Chihayafuru, and character design on Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card.