The Vi∀ song, a collaboration between Hololive VTuber Shiranui Flare and the rhythm game pop'n music High☆Cheers!!, released in-game on June 4, 2026, as part of a larger BEMANI collaboration that began April 23.
The song Vi∀ is a collaboration between Hololive VTuber Shiranui Flare and the rhythm game pop'n music High☆Cheers!!. It was released in-game on June 4, 2026. The collaboration is part of a larger event spanning three BEMANI titles that began on April 23. LIGHT and NORMAL charts were available immediately upon release, while HYPER and EX charts require event progression to unlock.
The collaboration formalized a long-running fan wish. Shiranui Flare has publicly identified as a dedicated pop'n music player for years. The collaboration was teased at her April 2026 birthday 3D live. The song title Vi∀ uses a stylized A with a universal quantifier symbol, matching the visual identity of the pop'n music series.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.
Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/vi.
CC BY 4.0.
Viewfinder, the spatial puzzle game where photos become 3D objects, is 65% off on Steam until July 27, priced at 980 yen. Developed by Sad Owl Studios and published by Thunderful Publishing, the game won the Game Designers Award at the Japan Game Awards 2024, selected by eight creators including Masahiro Sakurai and Toby Fox for its creativity and novelty.
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.
A new feature on Game Spark revisits Blue Stinger, a 1999 Dreamcast sci-fi action adventure from Climax Graphics. The article highlights how the game broke from the Resident Evil horror formula by using the Dreamcast's power for a Hollywood-style, B-movie experience, and notes character designs by Basilisk's Masaki Segawa.
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.
The spin-off drama "Drum: VIVANT THE ORIGIN STORY" has announced Rei Maruyama, Kumi Goshiro, and Takuro Nagata join the cast. Maruyama plays teacher Marsha, Goshiro plays mother Amira, and Nagata plays servant Nabil. The four-episode series is distributed on U-NEXT starting July 12, with Season 2 of the main series beginning July 26.
On July 12, 2026, at the Esports World Cup in Paris, France, Japanese esports team UNLIMIT won the Apex Legends Global Series Year 6 Split 1 Playoffs. The roster of players Yurariman, Xtsuvi, and Peace defeated fellow Japanese team ZETA DIVISION in the final match of the Match Point Finals, securing the championship in the 10th match. This is the first time a team composed entirely of Japanese players has won an international Apex Legends tournament. Peace was named tournament MVP. UNLIMIT advanced directly from the group stage to the finals, struggled early in the finals, then won three consecutive matches starting with Match 7, where they eliminated Sentinels, who had match point. The tournament gathered 40 teams from regional pro leagues across Americas, EMEA, APAC North, and APAC South. Nine Japanese teams participated, including ZETA DIVISION, REJECT, and ENTER FORCE.36. With this win, UNLIMIT made progress toward qualifying for the ALGS Year 6 Championship in Sapporo in January 2027.
Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle- will hold its 12th live, MIC AS ONE, on October 3-4, 2026 at Pia Arena MM, featuring all seven divisions. Ticket lottery for HYPSTER fan club members starts July 10. The 11th live Blu-ray volumes will be released on September 30, with advance screenings and talk events in September.
Game Spark's roundup of its most-read survival game articles for the first half of June 2026 spotlights three titles: 7 Days to Die's V3.0 experimental update, Survival Machine's full release, and Grounded 2's PS5 version and cross-platform update. The list reflects the games drawing the most reader interest on the site.
TBS drama VIVANT has launched a collaboration with Sanrio characters, featuring plush figures of Hello Kitty, Hangyodon, and others dressed as VIVANT characters. The merchandise is available now on TBS Shopping and at a pop-up shop in Tokyo Station. VIVANT's second season begins July 26.
Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes has identified scam websites offering VIP early access to Grand Theft Auto VI, which is set for release on November 19, 2026. The sites use official logos and fake partnerships with MrBeast and Lego to lure victims, demanding cryptocurrency payments of around $250. Malwarebytes warns that no early access exists and that cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible.
Anime Feminist's review of GROW UP SHOW -Sunflower Circus- episode 1 notes contradictions between its 1950s setting and modern character designs, a lack of acrobatic spectacle, and a solid but unremarkable dub. The premiere introduces Mizuka Tsurumaki, a girl sold into a circus for orphaned girls, and features a unique visual representation of face-blindness anxiety.
The first episode of The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Road Trip in Another World follows Rin Takanashi, a twenty-something camper who is summoned to another world, rejected as a saintess, and decides to use her skills to camp and cook. The premiere offers a cozy, female-led take on the slow-life isekai trend, similar to Campfire Cooking in Another World but with an organic skill set. Animation is cute but uneven, with occasional errors like missing facial features.
The 2013 theatrical crossover film Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie airs uncut on BS12 TwellV's Sunday Anime Theater today, July 12, at 7:30 PM. The film brings together Lupin III and Detective Conan in a story involving Phantom Thief Kid, a stolen gem, and a global conspiracy.
ABEMA is broadcasting two Pokémon films today, July 12, as part of a free sequential run of all 24 theatrical Pokémon films over four weekends. The 2019 3DCG remake 'Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back-Evolution' and the 2020 'Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle' air starting at 10:15 a.m. on the Anime 'Pokémon' Channel 2.
The live-action adaptation of Honobu Yonezawa's The Samurai and the Prisoner dropped to #4 in its third weekend at the Japanese box office. The 37th Anpanman film held at #5 in its second weekend. The 4K restoration of Kiki's Delivery Service ranked #8 in its third weekend. The new Sgt. Frog film opened at #10.
Game Spark's Yoshida Terukazu played the Nintendo Switch version of Schrödinger's Call, a novel ADV from Acrobatic Chirimenjako and Shueisha Games. The game is set in a world that ended when the moon fell. The protagonist Mary becomes the world's last conversation partner, talking on the phone with souls who have unfinished regrets, helping them resolve their lingering feelings.
GIGAZINE's review of the Steam Machine, Valve's official gaming PC launched June 23, 2026, found that 256 of the editor's 343 Steam games were compatible with Steam OS. The device woke from sleep in about 7 seconds. Playing NieR:Automata at full HD maintained a constant 60fps, while Elden Ring at maximum graphics settings ran at 55-60fps. The review also noted the performance overlay and simple setup.
Anime Feminist reviews the premiere of I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day, set at an academy where orphans are trained as weapons and emotion is suppressed. The episode introduces Sheena, who struggles with grief after her roommate's death, and Mimi, a cheerful but deadly student. The review highlights the brutal worldbuilding and complex yuri dynamic.
A hands-on preview of the Indian-developed Souls-like action RPG Unleash The Avatar at Bilibili World 2026 finds a game with a strong Bollywood-inspired concept and no stamina management, but the demo's combat against strong enemies felt monotonous and unbalanced. The game, first shown in 2025 as Project 11A, is still in development.
A hands-on preview of Guns of Escaton at Bilibili World 2026 reveals a soulslike FPS set in an occult Western apocalypse. Designed by Viktor Antonov, the game features parry mechanics, stamina management, manual reload, and attack order weak points. The preview included a boss fight against the Widow and a death system that triggers a duel with a revenge ghost. No release date has been announced.
Pocketpair released the version 1.0 update for Palworld on July 10, 2026, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The early access survival game, now in its full release, adds new areas, over 200 new partner skills, a level cap increase to 80, an awakening system, and quality-of-life improvements detailed in a 27-page patch note. The game has been in early access for about two and a half years.
Anime Feminist's review of The World's Strongest Rearguard's first episode calls the isekai mediocre and forgettable. The show follows an overworked office worker reincarnated as a Rearguard class. The review criticizes slavery as a plot device, bland characters, and uninspired animation, calling it a typical genre entry that fails to stand out.
Taito has opened pre-orders for the friendship-building simulation remake Eternal Fantasy 2nd Album Revival, releasing March 18, 2027 on Nintendo Switch. Physical editions purchased during Amazon Prime Day (July 10-13) include a download code for the original 1998 Sega Saturn port. The company notes the bonus may be sold separately later.
A new Ghost in the Shell anime by Science Saru adapts the original manga closely for the first time. The first episode preserves the comic sensibility and political density of the source material, presenting Major Kusanagi as an ambivalent hero within a corrupt state. The review praises the adaptation's faithfulness and its cutting geopolitical commentary on imperialism and the slave trade.
The long-awaited anime adaptation of the 1995 manga Red River premiered its first episode. The show is a faithful shot-for-shot recreation with some cuts, but the animation is serviceable at best. The art direction relies on repeated black-and-white still shots. The story rushes through its setup, and the male lead's behavior (forcible kissing, buying the heroine for cows) feels dated. The premiere raises questions about how the series will handle its source material's problematic elements.
The Villains Are Destined to Die webtoon concluded its main story in Korea with Chapter 214, ending a nearly five-year run. A spin-off is planned after a break. The English version is on Tapas, and print editions are coming from Ize Press.
Capcom announced the CAPCOM SUMMER SALE on July 10, offering discounts on a wide range of titles across PlayStation Store and Steam. The sale includes Monster Hunter Wilds at 58% off, Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak at 84% off, Resident Evil Requiem at 20% off, and many classic collections. PlayStation Store discounts run until July 14 for PS Plus members, while Steam discounts run until July 24.
Southern Cross released the first-person psychological horror game 'ELEVATOR: AVICI' on Steam on July 10, 2026. The game is set in a corner of modern Hong Kong, where the player, a delivery worker, becomes trapped in an old elevator late at night. A voice claiming to be a repairman comes through the emergency contact and tells the player to follow instructions to escape. The player must decide whether to trust the voice or find their own way out. The game is priced at 265 yen, with a 20% launch discount bringing it to 212 yen until July 17. Both 4Gamer and Game Spark report that the game features a retro-style presentation and supports Japanese. Screenshots show a grotesque presence inside the elevator. The game is available now on Steam.
The first episode of the Firefly Wedding anime adaptation premiered at Anime Expo 2026 to a packed venue. David Production's adaptation of Oreco Tachibana's Meiji-era romance features violent content and a yandere lead. Voice actors Lynn and Koki Uchiyama star. The series debuts in October 2026.
A review of Mebius Dust on Beneath the Tangles praises the anime's fast-paced opening, comparing it to Claremont's X-Men with parkour and a found-family dynamic. Set in a post-meteor Tokyo district where teens gain superpowers from Mebius Dust, the story follows young gangs competing in a capture-the-flag game while evading authorities. The reviewer declares it a personal favorite of the season so far.
Leon returns as an NPC in the otome game, now assigned to guard a Saint who is also a reincarnated person. The season two premiere keeps the series' sharp humor, but the reviewer notes that the light novel arc that ruined the source material is approaching, and hopes the anime handles it better. The season streams on Crunchyroll.
Season two of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman begins with a peaceful storyline focused on Beryl teaching a class. The first episode highlights improved animation, a memorable new character named Cindy, and a warm tone that the reviewer calls a strong start. The season is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Bandai Spirits has revealed the full lineup for Ichiban Kuji Vincent van Gogh, a no-loser lottery based on the Dutch painter. The A prize is a diorama figure of The Starry Night that also functions as a pen holder. The last one prize is a phosphorescent version that glows in the dark. The lottery launches July 25 at convenience stores and other outlets, with online sales starting July 28. Each draw costs 800 yen.
In episodes 13-14 of Ramparts of Ice, Koyuki finally acknowledges her feelings for Minato, while Yota confesses his long-held love to Miki, who panics and avoids him. The cheer squad episode provides a moment of camaraderie, but the love triangle with Momoka continues to complicate matters. Both main couples stand on the verge of change.
Sony Interactive Entertainment published the June 2026 PS Store download rankings on July 9. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth leads the PS5 category, followed by Adventurer Elliot's Millennium Story and EA Sports FC 26. On PS4, Powerful Pro Baseball 2026-2027 takes first, with Dragon Quest XI S and Monster Hunter: World in second and third. Beat Saber tops PS VR2, and eFootball leads free-to-play.
Game Spark tested the Alienware 34 280Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor (AW3426DW) with Forza Horizon 6, Overwatch, League of Legends, and Starfield. The ultra-wide curved display delivers high immersion, especially for racing games. An e-sports mode limits screen size for competitive play. The monitor is priced at 130,980 yen.
Filmarks, the Japanese review service, published its 2026 summer drama expectation ranking based on Clip! (want-to-watch) counts. VIVANT Season 2 took first place with 9,912 Clip!, far ahead of second-place Kokuhaku: 25-nenme no Himitsu (2,195 Clip!). The top 10 includes dramas starring Aoi Yu and Hokuto Matsumura, as well as multiple medical-themed works.
Zebra, a long-established pen maker, will release the Stylus Two-Way on July 31. Developed with Elecom, the pen uses a ballpoint mechanism that writes on paper but not on the iPad's smooth glass, allowing the same tip to work on both surfaces. It charges via USB-C, lasts about seven hours, and costs around 15,000 yen. The special ink refills are initially limited to 0.5mm black.
A review of the indie game "Look Outside" examines its core mechanic-looking out a window leads to death-and draws parallels to the biblical idea that seeing God is fatal. The reviewer connects the game's title to the sun, the most interesting thing humans cannot look at directly, and argues the game functions as a meditation on curiosity and the divine.
Square Enix announced the end of service for FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS on October 7, 2026. The producer letter cited difficulty in providing quality that satisfies as a title bearing the FF7 name, particularly balancing production workload and demand for character weapons and gear graphics. The game launched on smartphone in September 2023 and on Steam in December 2023.
Shinya Ohira and David Production's 'Black' short from Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 has been nominated for Outstanding Animated Program at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. It will compete against episodes of Bob's Burgers, Rick and Morty, The Simpsons, Smiling Friends, and South Park. The winners are announced September 14.
Anime Feminist's review of the first episode finds the series leaning heavily into a cozy, escapist tone, prioritizing Victoria's relationship with orphan Nonna over the spy thriller elements. The critic notes the backstory is told rather than shown, which undercuts the contrast needed for the escapism to land.
Anime Feminist reviews the premiere of A Livid Lady's Guide to Getting Even. The episode introduces Elizabeth Leiston, who after being betrayed by her fiancé the crown prince, vows to destroy her homeland using magical grimoires. The reviewer appreciates the protagonist's level-headed ambition and her bond with maid Mireille, but notes the familiar villainess setup and Elizabeth's misplaced anger toward commoners. The animation is decent, and the show offers an enjoyable time for genre fans.
The Anime Feminist review of the first episode of Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky criticizes the show for centering its narrative on a sighted male protagonist, Sorano, rather than the blind female lead, Koharu. The review argues that this perspective positions Koharu as a character to be observed and educated about, rather than a fully realized subject.
viviON, the company behind DLsite, announced indie game label viviON Lab and cloud gaming service viviON GAMES. In an interview, executives said the initiatives aim to help creators who fear their games will go undiscovered. The label will publish across multiple platforms including Steam, DLsite, and consoles. The cloud service provides an additional entry point for players. viviON has been preparing for two to three years and plans to focus on games in 2026.
A closed beta test of BanG Dream! Our Notes, the new mobile game focused on MyGO!!!!! and Ave Mujica, suggests the title is designed as an entry point for lapsed franchise fans. The game uses Live2D animation and music videos instead of 3D live performances, includes an assist mode for rhythm game difficulty, and presents story scenes in a cinematic format. The author, a former Garupa player who had drifted away, found the game a natural way to re-engage with the franchise.
Gravity Game Arise announced two compilations of classic Jaleco arcade games, totaling 32 titles. Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 will release on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PS5, with 20 games revealed so far. Features include DIP switch reproduction, CRT filter, rewind, and rapid-fire functions.
AmiAmi has opened pre-orders for a line of merchandise featuring Doro, the mysterious creature that originated as a fan meme from Goddess of Victory: NIKKE. The lineup includes trading figures, puppet hand plushies, desk mats, slippers, and a mood light that illuminates a room through Doro's glowing eyes. The items are a collaboration with KAKAO FRIENDS, incorporating the character Choonsik. Pre-orders run until August 31, 2026. AmiAmi notes these are tentative pre-orders because production quantities are limited and may not meet demand. The items are overseas products, which carries a risk of long-term delays or cancellation. Prices range from 3,240 yen for a tissue case to 16,270 yen for the KAKAO FRIENDS set. The mood light is priced at 9,300 yen. This release follows SHIFT UP's trademark filing for Doro, signaling a move to bring the internet-born character into official merchandise.
Inside participated in the Japanese closed beta test of Azur Promilia, a new fantasy open-world RPG from Manjuu Games and Yostar. The game features cute creatures called Kibo and expressive anime-style characters, but the story lacks impact, and voice acting is missing from much of Chapter 1. The battle system is a tag-based system with three team members and three Kibo, unchanged from last year's TGS demo.
Square Enix announced on July 8 that the free-to-play RPG Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis will end service on October 7, 2026 at 15:00 JST. The game, developed with Applibot, launched on iOS and Android in September 2023 and on PC via Steam in December 2023. It was billed as another possibility of the Final Fantasy VII remake and featured stories from across the compilation series, including original content like the Young Sephiroth arc. In a producer letter, Shoichi Ichikawa stated that it became difficult to balance production costs with player demand for character weapons and costumes, and that providing quality worthy of the Final Fantasy VII name was no longer feasible. Sales of the paid currency Red Crystals have stopped as of July 8 at 11:00. Refunds for unused paid currency will be issued later, with details to be announced in-game and on the official website. Players are advised not to delete the app or change devices until the refund process is complete. The game will have run for approximately three years. A roadmap for the remaining service period has been released, and a PV for a new chapter is scheduled for July 8 at 17:00.