Saturday, 24 October 2026
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ZUN

ZUN's Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic, the remake he led for Shanghai Alice Reprise and Alliance Arts, is out on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, and holds an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam. On October 10 he narrated a bonus text video of the original 2002 setting notes that the remake does not include.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated Oct 16

ZUN's most recent activity centers on Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic, the remake of the 2002 bullet hell shooter Touhou Koumakyou. Alliance Arts released it on September 10, 2026 for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. ZUN led the project through Shanghai Alice Reprise; the release includes a Classic version reproducing the original game and a New Classic version with high-resolution graphics and all background music rearranged by ZUN. The original source code was lost, and a programmer from the doujin circle AQUA STYLE independently analyzed the game to build a Switch version that started the project. A DVD backup found at ZUN's home helped recreate character portraits.

The remake drew 1,732 Steam reviews within half a day, 98 percent positive, for an Overwhelmingly Positive rating, with 41.58 percent of reviews in English and 28.73 percent in Simplified Chinese. On October 10, Shanghai Alice Reprise posted a bonus text video on YouTube in which ZUN reads back the setting notes from the 2002 release. That material is not bundled in the remake, and ZUN said the extra story and character introductions appear only in the video.

Before the launch, Team Shanghai Alice reminded fans on September 4 that publicly releasing the endings of the original games is prohibited under its derivative works guidelines. The reminder came days before the remake's release and applied to the existing rules rather than a change for this release. A separate pricing change arrived on August 13: Shanghai Alice Fantasy Band said event sales would move to 1,500 yen for games and 1,000 yen for music CDs, with retail prices rising from September 1. ZUN said on X that prices had been kept unchanged until then but production costs had reached their limit.

Key facts

Remake release date
Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic was released on September 10, 2026. ↗
Remake platforms
PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. ↗
New Classic features
High-resolution graphics, all background music rearranged by ZUN, a Spell Practice mode, and an unlimited lives mode. ↗
Classic version detail
A Classic version reproduces the 2002 game and can inherit replays and save data from the original ver1.02h. ↗
Development origin
The original source code was lost, so a programmer from the doujin circle AQUA STYLE independently analyzed the game and built a Switch version, which became the project's starting point. ↗
Steam reception
The remake drew 1,732 Steam reviews within half a day, 98 percent positive, for an Overwhelmingly Positive rating. ↗
Review language split
Steam Scout data shows 41.58 percent of reviews in English and 28.73 percent in Simplified Chinese, with positive rates of 99 percent and 98 percent. ↗
Bonus text video
Shanghai Alice Reprise released a video on October 10 in which ZUN looks back on the 2002 setting notes, which are not bundled in the remake. ↗
Streaming ending restriction
Team Shanghai Alice reminded fans on September 4 that publicly releasing the endings of the original games is prohibited under its derivative works guidelines. ↗
Price revision
Shanghai Alice Fantasy Band announced on August 13 that event sales would be 1,500 yen for all game titles and 1,000 yen for all music CDs, with retail prices changing from September 1. ↗

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

Announced
prices had been kept unchanged until now, but production costs have reached their limit, and asked for understanding · 2026-08-14
Noted
founder of the circle · 2026-08-14

Connections

Produces
touhou koumakyou the embodiment of scarlet devil
Writes
touhou koumakyou new classic

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

Claim activity

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

  • Debunked ZUN produces Embodiment of Scarlet Devil Aug 31 · source

All coverage

9h ago

ESPERA AdHoc Live Festival 2026 Sets Full VRChat Lineup

RIOT MUSIC and Culture Entertainment have announced the full performer list for ESPERA -AdHoc Live Festival 2026-, a virtual music festival on VRChat running November 20 to 22, 2026. The first two days are free, and the November 22 final day is ticketed. Performers include Kiwa Suu, VESPERBELL, Yomi, Kizuna AI, Harusaruhi, Tsukishiro Rui, Shirakawa Shirase, Shikibu Meguri, and Doo/Sakujaku kaza. Tickets went on sale October 24 on ZAIKO, with S tickets at 15,000 yen, on-site tickets at 4,000 yen, and streaming tickets at 3,000 yen.

5d ago

Tora Tsugumi Anime Casts Masaaki Mizunaka, Misaki Watada, Haruki Ishiya

The TV anime adaptation of ippatu's manga Tora Tsugumi -TSUGUMI PROJECT- announced its first cast on October 19. Masaaki Mizunaka plays Leone, a former soldier and death-row prisoner; Misaki Watada plays Tsugumi, a bizarre creature with a lovely appearance and abnormal strength; Haruki Ishiya plays Dudu, a former underground fighting champion who travels with Leone. The announcement came with the first voice comic video, which shows Leone and Dudu meeting aboard a plane bound for the ruined "old Japan," a land of high radiation where monstrous creatures roam and no people live. More voice comic videos are planned. The original manga ran in Kodansha's Young Magazine, and the Japanese collected edition is complete at seven volumes; the French edition is published by Ki-oon, where the series was a hit before Japan. A giveaway on X offers a signed acrylic panel featuring all three voice actors. The anime adaptation was announced in July.

5d ago

Tsugumi Project Anime Names Masaaki Mizunaka, Haruki Ishiya, Misaki Watada

The television anime of ippatu's Tsugumi Project manga announced its first three cast members on Monday: Masaaki Mizunaka as Leon, Haruki Ishiya as Dudu, and Misaki Watada as Tsugumi. Two of the three appear in a newly released voice comic video for the manga. The manga ended in September 2023, and Kodansha USA Publishing released the final volume in September 2025.

Oct 16

Kazuya Kamenashi Joins THE FIRST TAKE With One-Take Rendition Of Kizuna

Kazuya Kamenashi will appear as a solo artist on THE FIRST TAKE, performing "Kizuna," the insert song for the 2005 Nippon TV drama "Gokusen." He wrote the lyrics, Koji Makaino composed the music, and the song was released that year as the coupling track to "Seishun Amigo" under the unit name Shuuji to Akira. The video premieres Friday, October 16 at 22:00. He is now 40.

Oct 13

Rakuen Tsuiho: Kokoro no Resonance Theme Song Set for TeddyLoid, Ayane Sakura, Nagi Inoue

The theme song for Rakuen Tsuiho: Kokoro no Resonance is "Beyond the Night," performed by TeddyLoid featuring Ayane Sakura, who voices Gabriel, and Nogizaka46 member Nagi Inoue. TeddyLoid wrote the lyrics, music, and arrangement. A new key visual by character designer Masatsugu Saito and a main trailer were released on October 13. The song gets a digital release on November 11 and a CD release on November 18. The film opens nationwide on November 13.

Oct 11

ZUN Reads Back The Scarlet Devil Bonus Text On Video

Shanghai Alice Reprise released a bonus text video on YouTube on October 10 in which original creator ZUN looks back on the setting notes from Touhou Koumakyou. The text data, viewable from the PC install in 2002, is not bundled in the remake Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic, which is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam. ZUN says the extra story and character introductions appear only in the video.

Oct 9

Pixiv Opens FANBOX Print Fanworks Program For Zundamon And Tohoku Zunko

Pixiv launched FANBOX Print official fanworks "Zunzun PJ" on October 9, letting creators register and sell fan illustrations and manga of Tohoku Zunko, Tohoku Itako, Tohoku Kiritan and Zundamon as printed products at convenience stores in Japan and Taiwan. Registration is open now, and printed sales begin October 23, with an illustration event running to November 16.

Oct 9

NHK Taps Mana Ashida, Masato Sakai, Kazunari Ninomiya to Host 77th Kohaku

NHK announced on Friday, October 9, the hosts of the 77th Kohaku Uta Gassen: Mana Ashida, Masato Sakai, Kazunari Ninomiya, and announcer Nahoko Suzuki. The 2026 theme is "Koe te ikou, uta to tomo ni." Sakai and Ninomiya play sworn brothers in the TBS drama VIVANT, whose sequel airs from July for two consecutive cours. The show airs live December 31, 7:20 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.

Oct 9

BADBOYS -THE MOVIE- Lands On Four Japanese Streaming Services

The live-action film adaptation of Hiroshi Tanaka's manga BADBOYS is available for unlimited streaming on DMM TV, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, and TELASA. DMM TV carries the lowest monthly fee at 550 yen and offers a 14-day trial. Lemino, Hulu, FOD, and YouTube list it as a rental, while TSUTAYA DISCAS handles DVD mail rental. Disney Plus and ABEMA do not carry it.

Oct 6

Ninomiya's Blackface Look in VIVANT Draws Cat Comparisons

Season 2 of VIVANT has resumed broadcast, and the official X account for the Sunday Theater slot posted visuals of the group preparing to rescue a captured Beppan member. Kazunari Ninomiya's character Nokor paints his face black with two lines on his cheeks, and viewers compared the look to cat whiskers and a calico cat. Episode 20 covers the infiltration of Shaki Castle.

Oct 5

Ryusei Ryo Joins Office Nino, Co-Starring With Kazunari Ninomiya In VIVANT

Ryusei Ryo will join Kazunari Ninomiya's personal agency Office Nino, the company announced on the 1st. The two currently co-star in the TBS Sunday drama VIVANT, where Ryusei plays Koutaro Shinjo, a former public security officer acting as a monitor for the terrorist organization Tent, opposite Ninomiya as Nokor.

Oct 5

Prime Video Lists October 2026 Additions, Led by a Live-Action Exit 8 and Made in Abyss

Prime Video announced its October 2026 lineup on September 30. The additions include the live-action Exit 8 film starring Kazunari Ninomiya and directed by Genki Kawamura, arriving October 2, and the Made in Abyss anime seasons plus its theatrical releases on October 1. The service also adds 26 James Bond films, A Minecraft Movie, and The Apothecary Diaries season 3, among other titles.

Oct 4

Where Is the Elf Teacher's Toilet? Manga Gets TV Anime

Kadokawa announced on Friday that Chizuna Nakajima's manga Where Is the Elf Teacher's Toilet? is getting a television anime adaptation. Nakajima drew a commemorative illustration. The story follows Eruru, an elf teaching trainee from another world who can only relieve herself in the lush forest. The manga launched in Comic Cune in January 2024 and resumes serialization on Saturday. The first compiled volume shipped in July 2024 and the second in February 2025.

Oct 4

holo Indie Releases Star Sora Iro Fantasy DLC Adding AZKi

CCMC began selling the High-Difficulty Added MAP & AZKi Joins Pack for Star Sora Iro Fantasy ~Magic Reaching the Sky~ on Steam on September 25, 2026. The DLC costs 550 yen including tax and adds maps that open after the main story is cleared, along with new enemy characters and gimmicks. hololive VTuber AZKi joins as a support character, and she can be added to the party before the main game is finished. The main game, a side-scrolling action title in the Metroidvania style that mixes 2D and 3D, stars Tokino Sora and has been on Steam since May 30, 2025, priced at 1,100 yen including tax. Developer Altoseal and Hoshikuzunoyoru built it, and it ships under CCMC's holo Indie brand, which publishes derivative games made with fans and creators. The DLC and the base game both support Japanese and English. Playing the DLC requires the base game.

Oct 1

Takara Tomy Arts Sets Two Godzilla Gashapon Lines For October And November 2026

Takara Tomy Arts will release two Godzilla capsule toy lines in consecutive months. Katazun Fig. Godzilla ships mid-October 2026 with four figures: Godzilla (1984), Mechagodzilla (1974), Gigan (1972), and Hedorah (1971). Mugyutto! Godzilla follows in early November 2026 with Godzilla (1974), Gigan (1972), Hedorah (1971), and Mothra Larva (1961). Each play costs 400 yen including tax.

Sep 21

Kizuna AI And Tokoroba Hold VRChat Collab After Tokyo Game Show Cancellation

Kizuna AI and VRChat creator Tokoroba streamed a collab in VRChat on Monday, September 21. The two had been set to appear in a stage program at the VRChat booth at Tokyo Game Show 2026 that day, but the real-world event was cancelled as Typhoon No. 25 approached, and the program was called off. They visited a makeup world, the Hatsune Miku Yozora Program 2026 venue, and a purikura world.

Sep 18

Hololive Reveals Asobi Mawari-tai Unit With Four Members

Cover announced the members of Asobi★Mawari-tai!, a new Hololive VTuber unit of four: Hyakuto Kyoko, Achichi Mela, Suzuna Tsuzuri, and Sorashina Sopia. Their YouTube channels and X accounts opened on September 18. Debut streams run in relay on September 24 and 25, starting at 19:00 each night, with a first collab stream on the unit's official channel at 21:00 on September 25.

Sep 10

SNK Arcade Sound Digital Collection Vol.37 To Bundle NINJA MASTER'S And Kamiouken

City Connection will release SNK ARCADE SOUND DIGITAL COLLECTION Vol.37 on October 28, priced at 3,850 yen including tax. The two-CD set carries the background music of NINJA MASTER'S ~Haou Ninpouchou~ and Kamiouken, the ADK and SNK fighting games from 1996. Reservations opened September 10 at City Connection's Clarice Shop and other retailers. The booklet includes a column by music digger Tahmano Risiko.

Sep 10

Touhou Koumakyou Remake Reaches Overwhelmingly Positive On Steam

Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic, developed by Shanghai Alice Reprise and released by Alliance Arts on September 10, 2026, drew 1,732 Steam reviews within half a day, 98 percent of them positive, for an Overwhelmingly Positive rating. Steam Scout data shows 41.58 percent of reviews in English and 28.73 percent in Simplified Chinese, with positive rates of 99 percent and 98 percent.

Sep 9

Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic Launches on PC and Consoles

Alliance Arts released Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic ~ the Embodiment of Scarlet Devil. on September 10 for PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The game is a modern remake of the 2002 bullet hell shooter Touhou Koumakyou, led by original creator ZUN, and marks the first official Touhou Project shooting game on console platforms. It includes a New Classic version with high-resolution graphics and all BGM rearranged by ZUN, plus a Classic version that reproduces the 2002 game as faithfully as possible. The Classic version can inherit replays and save data from the original ver1.02h. New features include a Spell Practice mode and an unlimited lives mode for newcomers. The standard edition costs 1,990 yen, and a deluxe edition with a digital sound player app is 2,966 yen. The original source code was lost, so a programmer from the doujin circle AQUA STYLE independently analyzed the game and built a Switch version, which became the project's starting point. A DVD backup found at ZUN's home helped recreate character portraits. The New Classic version also supports 4K resolution.

Sep 8

Nanase Suzuna Hosts Yoshida Town Recipe Live with Delish Kitchen

Yoshida Town in Shizuoka Prefecture will hold a collaboration with Nijisanji virtual liver Nanase Suzuna and recipe media Delish Kitchen. On September 9 at 20:00, a YouTube live on Suzuna's channel will present original recipes using the town's three specialty products: eel, shirasu, and negitoro. A Delish Kitchen nutritionist devised the recipes, and the stream runs from introduction to tasting. The products are also offered as furusato nozei return gifts.

Sep 4

Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Sets October 11 Debut

The television anime of Isle Osaki's Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers light novel will debut October 11 on BS Asahi, with simultaneous streaming on d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and Anime Hōdai. Artist 310 performs the opening theme "Mirai no Ashiato" and Suupeas performs the ending theme "Fall in Dream." Seven new cast members join the roster, including Yukina Shutō as Lucy and Kenshō Ono as Ryōsuke Sakurai. Riki Fukushima directs at HORNETS.

Sep 4

Touhou Project Streaming Rules Ban Original Game Endings Ahead of New Classic Release

Team Shanghai Alice, the circle behind the Touhou Project, reminded fans on September 4 that publicly releasing the endings of the original games is prohibited under its derivative works guidelines, just days before the September 10 launch of the remake Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic. The reminder came via the official Shanghai Alice Reprise X account, which posted links to the Guidelines for Posting to Video Distribution Services and the Touhou Project Derivative Works Guidelines. These guidelines were not changed for this release, but they explicitly list acts of publicly releasing original game endings as prohibited. Under the video distribution guidelines, streaming by individual players is generally treated as fan activity and faces no major restrictions, yet the ending restriction still applies. Players who plan to stream or post Let's Play videos are advised to keep ending segments out of their broadcasts or cut them through editing. The remake updates the 2002 Windows Touhou Koumakyou with high-resolution graphics, fully rearranged music by series creator ZUN, a new Life Infinite Mode for less experienced players, and a Classic Version that reproduces the original game. The game launches September 10 on PC via Steam, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Aug 28

Ninomiya Kazunari Says Nokoru Has More Screen Time in VIVANT Season 2

Ninomiya Kazunari, who plays Nokoru in VIVANT Season 2, spoke at the Sunday Theater VIVANT PREMIUM SUMMER PARTY event on August 23 at the National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium before 11,000 fans. Asked whether his screen time was reduced from Season 1, he asked producer Iida Kazutaka directly, who confirmed Nokoru appears more in Season 2. Iida added that based on Ninomiya's social media posts and the number of times he has eaten Midoriyama's tantanmen, there is still more to come.

Aug 20

Kizuna AI Marks 10 Years as VTuber Scene Turns a Decade

Kizuna AI celebrated her birthday on June 30, 2026, with a 3D live and collaboration stream featuring Sakura Miko, Mori Calliope, and others. The pioneer of the VTuber scene, active since November 29, 2016, is approaching her 10th year, prompting a two-part analysis of whether VTubers are idols.

Aug 20

Overgeared Anime Sets October 2 Premiere, Adds Cast and Theme Songs

The Overgeared anime will premiere on Tokyo MX and BS11 on October 2 at 11:30 p.m. JST. The second promotional video previews the opening theme "SATISFY" by Re:name and the ending theme "Ray of Emotion" by virtual singer TAO. New cast members include Riho Sugiyama as Jishuka, Masaaki Mizunaka as Toban, Kō Bonkobara as Regas, Masaya Fukunishi as Vantner, Kōhei Amasaki as Pon, and Shunichi Toki as Faker.

Aug 20

Ayano Yamane Withdraws From The Husky and His White Cat Shizun Manga

Manga artist Ayano Yamane announced she has withdrawn from the manga adaptation of Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou's The Husky and His White Cat Shizun novel series. Libre Publishing had announced minutes earlier that the project is suspended. Yamane apologized for previous social media posts that caused discomfort and concern.

Aug 14

Touhou Project Circle Shanghai Alice Fantasy Band Revises Prices Across Games and CDs

Shanghai Alice Fantasy Band, the doujin circle behind the Touhou Project series, announced on August 13 that it will revise the prices of its works. At event sales, all game titles will be sold for 1,500 yen and all music CDs for 1,000 yen. The summer new release "Reichou Shineki Kyou" will also be distributed for 1,000 yen. ZUN, the circle's founder, said on X that prices had been kept unchanged until now, but production costs have reached their limit, and asked for understanding. Starting September 1, retail prices will also change: games will cost 1,600 yen (excluding tax), music CDs 1,200 yen (excluding tax), and "Yougakudan no Rekishi 1" will be set at 1,400 yen (excluding tax). The announcement was made via ZUN's X account and a post on the Touhou Project news site. The price revision affects past works as well as new ones, marking a shift after a long period of stable pricing.

Aug 10

Seven Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom Anime Casts Seven Brothers, Premieres October 3

The television anime of Nao Iwamoto's Marronnier Okoku no Shichinin no Kishi manga revealed its first promotional video, main visual, cast, and October 3 premiere on NHK Educational. Kengo Takanashi, Makoto Tanikawa, Haruki Ishiya, Satoshi Inomata, Kiyoto Mizuno, Taishi Murata, and Reiji Kawashima voice the seven knight brothers. Kiyoko Sayama directs at J.C. Staff.

Aug 9

NIGHT HIKE 2026 Adds Kaf, Kizuna AI, and 8 More Acts

TRIBALCON. announced the second wave of performers for NIGHT HIKE 2026 in Makuhari on July 24. Ten acts join, including Kaf, Kizuna AI, Shinichi Osawa, and the Utsu-P meet siinamota tribute project with Sou on guest vocals. Combined with the first wave, 47 acts are confirmed for October 31 and November 1 at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 9 and 11. Sana Natori and KMNZ, announced earlier, also perform.

Aug 6

Kizuna AI Strengthens Ties With ASOBISYSTEM as Activ8 Joins Group

Kizuna AI Inc. announced on August 6 that it will deepen its collaboration with ASOBISYSTEM, following parent company Activ8's decision to join the ASOBISYSTEM group. The strengthened partnership builds on an agency contract signed in March 2025, and is expected to expand Kizuna AI's overseas performances, music festival appearances, and global promotion efforts, including support for the upcoming "Kizuna AI WORLD TOUR GO TO 2027." The tour was announced at the 10th Birthday event "A.I.Party! 2026 ~My Love to u~" held on June 30, where the 10th Birthday Single "My Love" was performed for the first time and released digitally. Despite the expanded collaboration, Kizuna AI's production system and creative policies will remain with the Kizuna AI team, with ASOBISYSTEM taking a strengthened role in publicity and sales. The relationship between Kizuna AI and ASOBISYSTEM dates back to the 2019 song "AIAIAI (feat. Yasutaka Nakata)," which has recorded approximately 20 million views and remains Kizuna AI's biggest hit. Activ8's group participation is described as a step on the extension of this long-standing relationship of trust.

Jul 26

Night Hike 2026 in Makuhari Adds 10 Acts, Total Reaches 47

The music and art festival NIGHT HIKE 2026 in Makuhari announced its second wave of performers on July 24, adding 10 acts including Kaf, Kizuna AI, Shinichi Osawa, Sasuke Haraguchi, and Kento Kocchi. The total lineup now stands at 47 acts. The event will take place on October 31 and November 1, 2026, at Makuhari Messe Exhibition Halls 9 and 11 in Chiba. This marks the first time the festival, which started in 2023 at Shibuya WOMB, has expanded to a 10,000-person scale at Makuhari Messe. The second-wave lineup also includes Utsu-P meet siinamota, a tribute project commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of Vocaloid producer siinamota, with Utsu-P as bandmaster and singer Sou as guest vocalist. Other additions are JAMBORIDE (BANVOX & SEKITOVA), Melty & Mr. Napuru & Andromeda-ko, okadada, and KOTONOHOUSE. The daily lineup was also revealed: Day 1 (October 31) features DUSTCELL, muque, Kairiki Bear, and others; Day 2 (November 1) includes Kaf, Kizuna AI, Shinichi Osawa, PinocchioP, and Natori Sana. Limited early-bird tickets are on sale until July 29, with general tickets priced at 11,000 yen for a one-day pass and 20,000 yen for a two-day pass.

Jul 22

Kizuna AI Launches Real-Time VRChat Hide-and-Seek Event

VTuber Kizuna AI announced a live VRChat event called "Kizuna AI Escape" on July 21, giving active VTubers one hour to find her in the virtual space and collaborate on the spot. She moved locations multiple times during the event as participants found her.

Jul 4

Magical Buffs Anime Trailer Reveals Three New Cast Members

The official website for the television anime adaptation of Haka Tokura's Magical Buffs: The Support Caster is Stronger Than He Realized! light novel series released a new promotional video on July 4. The video and accompanying announcement revealed three additional cast members: Akeno Watanabe as Camilla, Masaaki Mizunaka as Chronos, and Wakana Kuramochi as Rita Heinkes. They join previously announced leads Reiji Kawashima as Wim Strauss and Hana Hishikawa as Heidemarie. Crunchyroll confirmed at its Anime Expo 2026 panel on July 3 that it will stream the series and also showed an English-subtitled version of the trailer. The anime is set to premiere in January 2027. It will air on Tokyo MX, MBS, BS11, and 17 other channels, and will also be available on Netflix. Hideki Okamoto is directing the series at J.C. Staff. Takao Yoshioka is handling series scripts, Yu Murakami is designing the characters, and Yuki Hayashi, Luke Standridge, and Asa Taylor are composing the music. Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the light novel and its manga adaptation for English release.

Jul 3

All Former Arashi Members Now Have Individual Fan Clubs

Former Arashi members Ohno Satoshi, Aiba Masaki, and Sakurai Sho each announced personal fan clubs and salons on July 3. Matsumoto Jun is preparing his own membership, and Ninomiya Kazunari's club has been running since 2024. Ohno also opened official social media accounts for his salon, which launches July 15.

Jul 1

Kizuna AI Premieres 10th Birthday Single 'My Love' at Anniversary Live

Kizuna AI performed her new song 'My Love' at the June 30 birthday live 'A.I.Party! 2026 ~My Love to u~' and released it on streaming services July 1. The music video arrives July 20. The track, written by AI herself and produced by Nor, marks her first collaboration with Nor in eight years.

Jul 1

Shueisha and Marvel Manga Collaboration Titles To End Sales September 30

Shueisha announced on July 1 that its contract with Walt Disney Japan for Marvel character manga adaptations will end September 30. Affected titles include Deadpool: Samurai, Spider-Man: Bonds, Spider-Man: Octopus Girl, and two collections. Physical copies will sell only while stocks last; digital versions will be removed from e-book stores by September 30.

Jun 30

Kizuna AI Desktop Mate DLC Launches on Her Birthday

Infinite Loop Co., Ltd. released the Desktop Mate Kizuna AI DLC on June 30, 2026, which is also Kizuna AI's birthday. The paid DLC, priced at 2,200 yen, is available on Steam for Windows and macOS. It includes the largest number of motions of any Desktop Mate DLC to date, with all animations produced by Kizuna AI Inc. The DLC reproduces Kizuna AI's signature greeting "Hai Doumo!" and features different reactions for standing and sitting poses, along with emotional expressions for interactions like petting, poking, and the alarm function. The alarm notifies the user with a pop-up and a spoken time announcement in a casual format rather than a strict clock reading. The base Desktop Mate app is free, and the DLC requires it. The macOS version entered open beta on June 24, 2026, and supports Apple Silicon chips.

Jun 27

Patlabor EZY File 1 Retrospective Screening Set for July 26

A retrospective screening and talk event for Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 will be held on July 26, 2026, at United Cinemas Toyosu. Director Yutaka Izubuchi, screenwriter Kazunori Ito, and storyboard artist Shinji Higuchi will appear. Attendees receive a printed booklet of the 130-page Episode 3 storyboard.

Jun 26

Mobile Police Patlabor Novel 'Sushi-ya no Goto' Pop-Up Shop Opens in Shinjuku

Genco Inc. announced on June 24 that a pop-up shop commemorating the release of the novel 'Sushi-ya no Goto' will run from June 25 to July 5 at Calendarum on the second floor of Shinjuku Marui Annex in Tokyo. The novel, written by series composition and scriptwriter Kazunori Ito and published by Bungeishunju, depicts former Special Vehicles Section 2nd Division 2nd Platoon Captain Kiichi Goto running a small sushi restaurant in Atami 30 years after the events of the original series, with visits from former squad members. The pop-up shop sells goods featuring the cover illustration by manga author Masami Yuki, including clear files, tenugui hand towels, acrylic stands, and keychains. It also carries the novel itself, a special feature magazine, and some theatrical merchandise from the ongoing 'Mobile Police Patlabor EZY FILE1' project. No advance reservation is required, but numbered tickets may be distributed on weekends due to expected congestion. Weekday hours are 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with weekend hours starting earlier. The novel is priced at 1,980 yen for the print edition and 1,900 yen for the digital edition, spanning 272 pages.

Jun 24

TAXIATER Festival Announces Three Shorts with Household Product Sponsors

Japan's first taxi-based film festival TAXIATER has announced its lineup of three short films, each sponsored by a different Kao household product. The films star Shiori Kubo, Yuta Hayashi, and Kazuna Osawa, and will screen in 100 taxis across Tokyo from August 3-9, followed by theatrical runs from August 15-29. Directors include Ryutaro Nakagawa, Nako Komiyama, and Sho Nagashima.

Jun 23

Denonbu Shiro Hosts 9th Anniversary Stream With Kizuna AI, Tokino Sora

Denonbu Shiro will hold a 9th anniversary stream on June 28 featuring Kizuna AI, Hololive's Tokino Sora and Hakui Koyori, and independent VTuber Fuji Aoi. The stream, titled "Legend Emergency Summon! Future Summit," will discuss the future of VTubing as the scene approaches its 10-year milestone.

Jun 23

Kizuna AI Desktop Mate DLC Launches June 30

Infinite Loop announced on June 23 that it will release a Kizuna AI DLC for the PC desktop mascot platform Desktop Mate on June 30. The DLC costs 2,200 yen and is available on Steam. It includes the largest number of motions of any Desktop Mate DLC to date. All animations were produced by Kizuna AI Co., Ltd., faithfully reproducing the virtual talent's gestures and expressions. The DLC features her signature greeting "Hai doumo!" along with different reactions for standing and sitting, and emotional responses such as "happy," "flustered," and "proud" triggered by petting, poking, or alarm interactions. The release date coincides with Kizuna AI's birthday. Desktop Mate is a platform that lets users place 3D characters on their desktop, where they can sit on windows, interact with mouse movements, and tell the time. Previous DLC characters include Hatsune Miku, Zundamon, and Kotonoha Akane. The Kizuna AI DLC supports Windows 10 and 11, requires 8GB of RAM, and is available in Japanese and English.

Jun 22

Kizuna AI to Hold 10th Birthday Live and Game Tournament

Kizuna AI announced a birthday mini live on June 30, 2026, featuring new costumes and songs, plus a game tournament with 10 guests including Sakura Miko and Mori Calliope. The event marks her 10th anniversary since her debut in November 2016, following her return from a three-year hiatus in February 2025.

Jun 19

Yonino Channel Reaches 5 Million YouTube Subscribers

The YouTube channel "Yonino Channel," led by Kazunari Ninomiya and featuring Yuichi Nakamaru, Ryosuke Yamada, and Fuma Kikuchi, reached 5 million subscribers on June 19. The milestone came about 5 years and 2 months after the channel's launch in April 2021, making it the first STARTO ENTERTAINMENT-related YouTube channel to do so.

Jun 15

Kizuna AI Returns for Second Diana Sneaker Promotion Ahead of Birthday

Diana Co., Ltd. is holding a second in-store promotion featuring virtual talent Kizuna AI for 14 days leading up to her June 30 birthday. New visuals show Kizuna AI wearing +diana sneakers and a DIANA bag. Customers spending ¥10,000 or more receive a clear file or sticker, and a 3D model of the sneakers is available for free on BOOTH for VRChat use.

Jun 9

Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic Remake Announced, Releasing September 10

Shanghai Alice Reprise, a new circle formed by ZUN and AQUA STYLE representative JYUNYA, announced Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic during a Nintendo Direct broadcast on June 9. The bullet hell shooter is the first official remake of the 2002 Touhou Project entry Touhou Koumakyou. It launches September 10 on PC via Steam, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The standard edition costs 1,990 yen, and a deluxe edition with a digital soundtrack costs 2,966 yen. The remake upgrades the original to 1080p resolution with fully rearranged BGM by ZUN. It includes a Classic Mode that reproduces the 2002 game as faithfully as possible, plus a new mode with infinite lives and a Challenge Mode that tracks hits taken. New features include a player hitbox display and a boss position marker at the bottom of the screen. The original Touhou Koumakyou had become unplayable on modern Windows due to frame rate issues. A programmer from AQUA STYLE independently created a Switch-compatible version, which ZUN saw and called amazing, leading to the full remake project.

Jun 9

Shanghai Alice Reprise Forms to Remake Touhou Koumakyou for Modern Platforms

ZUN and other developers have formed a new doujin circle, Shanghai Alice Reprise, dedicated to making Touhou Project games playable on modern systems. Its first project is Touhou Koumakyou: New Classic, a remake of the 2002 bullet hell shooter, announced during a June 9 Nintendo Direct. The remake supports 1080p, adds new systems and BGM, and includes a Classic Edition reproducing the original. It launches September 10 on Switch, Switch 2, PS5, and Steam.