Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan Anime Premieres July 4

By
Soul Kiwami
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Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan

Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, and Psyde Kick Studio have confirmed that the new original anime project Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan (Grow Up Show: The Sunflower Circus Troupe) will premiere on July 4. Two new commercials were released, confirming that NOMELON NOLEMON will perform the opening theme song “Yurari Yureru,” and the Aooo unit will perform the ending theme song “DAYS!”

The cast and staff of the anime includes:

  • Tomoka Noda as Mizuka Tsurumaki
  • Shiori Kurosaki as Oka Kawasumi
  • Reo Osanai as Imari Agano
  • Nanako Ando as Isuzu Ikazuchi
  • Tomori Kusunoki as Aoi Yura
  • Yuko Natsuyoshi as Akane Yura
  • Yuna Kamakura as Shizuku Sakawa
  • Yuka Iwahashi as Svetlana
  • Ai Kayano as Rin Mamiya
  • Rie Kugimiya as Maria

Kanta Kamei, known for his work on Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, is directing the Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan anime. Kurehito Misaki is handling the character design, while Takeshi Kikuchi is writing and overseeing the series scripts. A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio are producing the anime.

Additional staff members include:

  • Character Designer/Chief Animation Director: Kazutoshi Makino
  • Assistant Director: Satsuki Takahashi
  • Action Supervisor: Masateru Inada
  • Line Drawing/Effect Design: Ayane Matsumoto
  • Historical Research: Junko Yamada
  • Concept Art: Munashichi
  • Art Director: Takumi Hashimoto
  • Art Setting: Eiko Tsunadō
  • Art Layout: Kiya Hirayoshi
  • Color Key Artist: Kanako Hokari
  • CG Director: Mizuho Kanda
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Toshiaki Aoshima
  • Editing: Kentarō Tsubone
  • Sound Director: Akiko Fujita
  • Music: Yūgo Kanno

A-1 Pictures created the Psyde Kick Studio label on July 1, 2025. Using A-1 Pictures’ know-how, the new label aims at pursuing greater freedom of creative expression than has been possible until now. It also aims to challenge new and young creators with innovative planning and production workflows.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the series via MyAnimeList:

In Japan during the height of its economic boom in the mid-1950s, the circus was a form of entertainment that became a central part of many people’s lives. The best troupes are permitted to participate in the world-renowned “Circus Collection” festival, and many come from all over Japan to compete daily.

The story centers on the struggling “Sunflower Circus” troupe, led by ringmaster Maria, and a new prodigy that joins their ranks for unknown reasons: Mizuka Tsurumaki. Is her encounter with the highly individual members of the Sunflower Circus troupe a coincidence or destiny? This one-of-a-kind circus show depicting young girls chasing their dreams begins!

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered for Switch 2 Gets ESRB Rating

By
Soul Kiwami
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The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered Switch 2 rating

The Deluxe Edition of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has received an ESRB rating for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version, which is planned to release this year. The ESRB rating is a good indicator that Xbox and Bethesda are preparing for the imminent release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered for Switch 2, so an update is expected soon. 

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Steam. Over 9 million players have played The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the remaster, via Steam:

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay. Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPGs ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.

Rediscover Cyrodiil

Journey through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe-inspiring.

Navigate Your Own Story

From the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.

Experience an Epic Adventure

Step inside a universe bursting with captivating stories and encounter an unforgettable cast of characters. Master swordcraft and wield powerful magic as you fight to save Tamriel from the Daedric invasion.

The Complete Story

Experience everything Oblivion has to offer with previously released story expansions Shivering Isles, Knights of the Nine, and additional downloadable content included in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

KILLTUBE Anime Film Reveal Presenters for Annecy Work in Progress Session

By
Soul Kiwami
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KILLTUBE

The staff of KILLTUBE, the theatrical anime film directed by Kazuaki Kuribayashi (CHOCOLATE Inc.), has revealed its presenters for the Work in Progress (WIP) session of the 50th Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which takes place June 21 to 27, 2026 in Annecy, France. During the Annecy festival, KILLTUBE director Kazuaki Kuribayashi, concept art director Fujihiko Sawai (WACHAJACK), scriptwriter Ryo Takebayashi (CHOCOLATE Inc.) and producer Kayane Fujimura (CHOCOLATE Inc.) will give a presentation at the WIP session to share more insight about the anime.

Kazuaki Kuribayashi
Fujihiko Sawai
Ryo Takebayashi
Kayane Fujimura
KILLTUBE key visual
©CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE

The main cast of the KILLTUBE anime film includes:

  • Yui Tsukada as Musashi
  • Kengo Kawanishi as Kikuchiyo
  • Ayane Sakura as Leonardo

The staff of KILLTUBE includes: 

  • Director: Kazuaki Kuribayashi
  • Assistant Director: Yutaka Uemura
  • Screenplay: Saeri Natsuo, Ryo Takebayashi, and Takenori Tokuyama
  • Character Design: Nike Shimaguchi
  • Storyboard & Direction: Takumi Shiga, Nike Shimaguchi, Masato Goto, Ryoji Yamada, and Bivi
  • Worldbuilding Supervisor: Yusuke Ujita
  • Character Development & Dialogue Support: ARuFa
  • Concept Art Director: Fujihiko Sawai
  • CG Supervisor: Yuki Mizoguchi
  • CG Animation Supervisor: Satoshi Takeno
  • CG Animation Associate Director: Daisuke Kaneko
  • Technical Director: Hiroyuki Okada
  • Character Modeling Supervisor: Shuhei Kitano
  • Rig Supervisor: Masashi Mukai
  • Background Modeling Supervisor: Jun Kazuse
  • Lead Background Modeler: Koki Sekino
  • CG Effects Supervisor: Tai Komatsu
  • Shot Supervisor: Mamoru Takahashi
  • VFX Supervisor: Takahiro Ota
  • Graphic Designer: Masataka Yoshida
  • Editor: Jo Kobayashi
  • Production Editor: Yuto Suda
  • Music Supervisor: Takumi Matsuzaka
  • Music: Takao Ogi
  • Music Producer: Sayoko Narukawa
  • Sound Director: Kisuke Koizumi
  • Sound Production: dugout
  • Animation Producers: Fuko Noda, Kenichi Shimada, Taiyo Sato. Nao Nakatsuka, and Ai
    Kamiyama
  • Line Producer: Juria Akagawa and Shugo Uramatsu
  • Production Managers: Ryudai Tsunoda, Ryo Arai, Hikaru Sato, Tetsuya
    Wadabori, and Haruko Kitakura
  • Producers: Yasushi Miwa, Naoki Koyama, Chiharu Nagai, Kayane Fujimura, and Ryoichiro
    Taketomi
  • Promotion Producer: Kayane Fujimura
  • Promotion / Official SNS: Minori Kuragami
  • Promotion: Shiori Tanaka
  • Promotion Planner: Issei Ishikura and Kei Tominaga
  • Art Director: Takuya Sekikawa
  • PR Global Marketing Nanami Yamada
  • Production: STUDIO DOTOU

CHOCOLATE is also in charge of planning and production.

Final Fantasy Resonance Doesn’t Have a Switch to Switch 2 Upgrade Path

By
Soul Kiwami
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Final Fantasy Resonance

Final Fantasy Resonance is the latest of many games from Square Enix that will not have a upgrade path from the Nintendo Switch version to Nintendo Switch 2, as spotted by RPG Site. In addition to no upgrade path, save data from the Switch version of Final Fantasy Resonance is not transferrable to the Switch 2 version or vice versa. 

Final Fantasy Resonance launches October 22 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store for $49.99. A Digital Deluxe Edition will be available for $59.99 with bonus in-game items, and a Collector’s Edition will be available for $209.99 featuring the game, Digital Deluxe Edition bonuses, an artbook, soundtrack and unique FINAL FANTASY TRADING CARD GAME promotional card.

Lastly, Square Enix describes the game:

The first HD-2D game in the FINAL FANTASY series, FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE is a celebration of classic and modern FINAL FANTASY that evokes the beloved titles of yesteryear.

This tale of Crystals features a strategic turn-based battle system with a modern twist, the return of chocobos, espers and airships, in addition to appearances from beloved FINAL FANTASY characters such as Cloud, Tidus and the Warrior of Light – all presented in stunning, retro-inspired HD-2D graphics that push the limits of pixel art.

FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE is based on the first story arc of the mobile game FINAL FANTASY Brave Exvius. Far from just a direct port, it has been refined and extensively rebuilt as a full-fledged console-quality RPG experience.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Reveals Switch 2 Resolution and Frame Rate

By
Soul Kiwami
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Onimusha Way of the Sword Switch 2

Capcom has revealed the resolution and frame rate specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2 version Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The official product page for Onimusha: Way of the Sword confirms that the Switch 2 version runs at an upscaled 1080p 30 FPS in docked mode and an upscaled 900p 30 FPS in handheld mode.

The Switch 2 version also has a variable 30 to 40 FPS frame rate, allowing players to take advantage of the VRR-supported display. Players will be able to try this mode out when the Switch 2 demo launches at a later date. 

Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches September 25 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). The Nintendo Switch 2 version includes exclusive motion controls via the Joy-Con 2 controllers for aiming with the bow and performing sword swings. 

Final Weapon had the chance to preview the game during Summer Game Fest 2025, stating that “Onimusha: Way of the Sword looks absolutely incredible.” A free demo for Onimusha: Way of the Sword is available on all other platforms.

Previously, Director Nihei of the Onimusha: Way of the Sword development team confirmed that the new action game entered its final stages of development.

Lastly, the Steam page describes Onimusha: Way of the Sword as follows:

Fight through bloodstained battlefields of intense swordplay action. Explore the historic Japanese capital of Edo-era Kyoto, twisted by malevolent clouds of Malice. With every stage cloaked in mystery, danger and intrigue. Battle against monstrosities from the underworld known as Genma in a tale of dark fantasy.

Follow the tale of a samurai who wields the Oni Gauntlet, a mystical artifact that grants its bearer the power to slay Genma.
Through gritty, blood-soaked brawls, he searches for his reason to fight. What fate awaits at the end of his path?

Tomb Raider King Anime Reveals Ending Theme Song by QWER

By
Soul Kiwami
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Tomb Raider King

Kadokawa has announced that Korean girl group QWER will perform the ending theme song “To Be Continued” for Korean-animated adaptation of SAN.G’s Tomb Raider King webtoon. QWER also performs the opening theme song “Show Down.”

Tomb Raider King will premiere on July 8.

The main cast and staff of the anime include:

Cast

  • Yoshimasa Hosoya as Ryōga Gōriki (Japanese localized name for Jooheon Suh)
  • Saori Hayami as Irene Holton
  • Junichi Suwabe as Taisei Ōgawara (Japanese localized name of Tae Joon Kwon)
  • Miyu Irino as Kōtarō Yanagi
  • Nobuhiko Okamoto as Noboru Kureha
  • Miyu Irino as Kōtarō Yanagi
  • Saori Hayami as Irene Holton

Staff

  • Director: Seung Wook Woo
  • Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Hyun Joung Lee
  • Chief Animation Director: Hyung Jun Heo
  • Color Design: Jee Sun Hwang
  • Art Director: Seung Chan Kang
  • Background Art:, Ha Gwon Bong, Ju Hyeon Jang, Seung Heui Kim
  • Director of Photography: Joo Ri Jung, Kwan Hyeong Lee, Mi Youn Song
  • Sound Director: Gun Yoon, Kisuke Koizumi
  • Music: Ju Young Kim
  • Animation Studio: STUDIO EEK

Ize Press publishes the webtoon in print. Tapas is responsible for releasing the webtoon in English digitally describes the series as follows:

Mysterious tombs appeared all over the world one day, each containing a relic which grants its owner supernatural abilities. Jooheon Suh is a tomb explorer, excavator, and raider. Betrayed by his employer, he’s about to die at the hands of a powerful new relic when he suddenly finds himself 15 years in the past, before any relics or tombs made their debut. Driven by feelings of revenge, how will Jooheon use his knowledge of the future to become the Tomb Raider King?

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun Season 4 Reveals New Promo Video, Key Visual and Cast Members

By
Soul Kiwami
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Welcome to Demon School Iruma-kun Season 4

The staff of Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun Season 4 has revealed a new promotional video, key visual, and cast members for the ongoing anime. 

Welcome to Demon School Iruma-kun Season 4 new key visual
© 西修 (秋田書店) ／魔入りました！入間くん製作委員会

The new cast members include:

  • Yūma Uchida as Leviathan Leiji
  • Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Belial-Berry Razberry
  • Misato Matsuoka as Gyari

The cast also includes Takehito Koyasu as Amduscias Poro.

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun Season 4 is streaming on Crunchyroll in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS and India.

Makoto Moriwaki is the chief director of the fourth season alongside director Ayaka Tsujihashi. Kazuyuki Fudeyasu handles the series composition, Yumiko Hara is the character designer, and Akimitsu Honma is the composer. Bandai Namco Pictures handles animation production.

Penthouse performs the opening theme song “Ichi Ni no San.”

The first season of Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun premiered in October 2019 on NHK Educational, followed by the second season in April 2021 and the third season in October 2022. Crunchyroll is streaming the entire series with English subs and dubs. 

Here’s an overview of the series, via Crunchyroll:

Suzuki Iruma, human, 14, one day finds himself taken against his will into the world of demons. To add to his predicament, his doting owner and self-appointed “Grandpa” is the chair-demon at his new school. In order to survive, Iruma must deal with a haughty student who challenges him to a duel, a girl with adjustment issues, and so many more scary beings! Can this ultimate pacifist dodge the slings and arrows that are flung his way? As he struggles frantically, Iruma’s innate kindness begins to win over enemies.

Lastly, Osamu Nishi launched the manga in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine in March 2017, and the series is still ongoing.

KILL BLUE Anime Casts Ikumi Hasegawa and Reveals New Key Visual

By
Soul Kiwami
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KILL BLUE anime episode

DMM.com has revealed that Ikumi Hasegawa is joining the cast of the TV anime adaptation of Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s KILL BLUE manga series. Hasegawa will be playing the role of Mermaid Queen Mai Otohime in KILL BLUE, and a new key visual was released.

©Tadatoshi Fujimaki/SHUEISHA, “Kill Blue.” Production Committee

Hasegawa commented on her role: “She’s a marine sports prodigy. I grew up in a landlocked prefecture and have never tried marine sports myself, but earlier this year I felt strangely drawn to go see the ocean by myself one day. Maybe Otohime was calling out to me… or maybe I was just exhausted. Otohime is a girl with two different sides to her: “Chibi-hime” and “Gyaru-hime.” It was so much fun getting to play two completely different personalities! Please look forward to seeing how Otohime gets tangled up with Juzo and the others!”

What’s more, the “Shonen Jump anime ‘KILL BLUE’ – Special Homeroom -” panel will be held on Friday, July 3 at 12:00 p.m. PT during Anime Expo 2026 in the Platinum Ballroom at the JW Marriott L.A. Live.

New KILL BLUE episodes release on Crunchyroll, the It’s Anime YouTube Channel, Amazon Prime Video, and several other streaming services (access will vary per region).

aespa performs the opening theme song “ATTITUDE,” and RIIZE performs the ending theme song “KILL SHOT.” 

The cast of the anime includes:

  • Shinsuke Takeuchi as protagonist Juzo Ogami in his adult form
  • Yūko Sanpei as Juzo Ogami in his kid form
  • Fūka Izumi as Noren Mitsuoka
  • Shūichirō Umeda as Kotatsu Nekota
  • Takeo Ōtsuka as Tenma Tendo
  • Atsumi Tanezaki as Chisato Shiraishi
  • Yumi Uchiyama as Eri Wanibuchi
  • Daisuke Sakuma as Shin Kohazame
  • Shoya Chiba as Kazuma Rindou
  • Yoshiki Nakajima as Eiji Rindou

Hiro Kaburagi is the director of the KILL BLUE anime. What’s more, Miho Daidōji is the character designer, and CUE is producing the animation.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the manga and anime series, via Shueisha:

A legendary assassin at 39. Starting over… as a middle schooler. 

Jūzō Ōgami is a legendary hitman who has never failed an assignment, no matter how  impossible. One day, after wiping out a powerful organization, he is stung by a mysterious wasp and collapses. When he wakes up, the fearsome 39-year-old assassin has been transformed into a 13-year-old boy! Before he can even process what happened, his boss delivers a new order: “In that body, infiltrate a middle school.” What awaits him is an unexpected school life filled with colorful classmates, youthful chaos, and looming danger. Can Jūzō ever return to his original form? Or will the assassins closing in on him end his second life before it even begins!? 

Toho International Reveals Anime Expo 2026 Schedule and Lineup

By
Soul Kiwami
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TOHO subsidiary Toho International has revealed its schedule and featured anime lineup for Anime Expo 2026, which runs from July 2 to 5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The TOHO animation booth will be located in SH – 3106, encouraging fans to step through the iconic arch inspired by the TOHO animation circle logo that anime watchers come to recognize. 

At the TOHO animation booth, Anime Expo 2026 attendees can celebrate some of the company’s most iconic anime adaptations, including the 10-year anniversary of My Hero Academia and the 5-year anniversary of Jujutsu Kaisen. The booth will also let fans explore the worlds of recent and upcoming series through displays and activations, including The Apothecary Diaries, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Though I Am an Inept Villainess. Fans can pick up complimentary TOHO animation series badge clip-ons and customize badges with their favorite anime titles. What’s more, the booth will feature an integrated retail area that gives fans access to exclusive merchandise and limited-edition collectibles inspired by TOHO animation’s celebrated anime catalog.

There will also be giveaways throughout the weekend, which include an exclusive blind bag with a mini clip-on shopper containing a reusable eco-bag. Inside each mini-tote is a larger bag featuring a chibi design inspired by one of four beloved series: My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and The Apothecary Diaries. These will be limited to one per guest, but fans are free to trade. TOHO animation social channels will host giveaways of exclusive Anime Expo merchandise + shikishi boards signed by voice actors. Entrants must be 18 or older and based in the US to enter, and attendance at Anime Expo is not required to enter.

Here’s the full schedule for Toho International at Anime Expo 2026

  • Friday, July 3, 2026
    • The Apothecary Diaries (Hosted by Crunchyroll & NTV)
      • 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
      • Peacock Theater
  • Saturday, July 4, 2026
    • Though I Am an Inept Villainess
      • 10:00 AM – 11:20 AM
      • Room 403AB
      • Hana Hishikawa (Japanese voice of Leelee)
      • Makoto Furukawa (Japanese voice of Ei Gyoumei)
    • My Hero Academia
      • 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
      • Crypto.com Arena
      • Daiki Yamashita (Japanese voice of Deku)
      • Koki Uchiyama (Japanese voice of Shigaraki)
    • Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
      • 6:00 PM – 6:50 PM
      • JW Platinum Ballroom
      • Tomoya Kitagawa (Director)
      • Keiichiro Saito (Supporting Director)
      • Keisuke Kojima (Character Designer)
      • Yuichiro Fukushi (Animation Producer)
  • Sunday, July 5, 2026
    • Jujutsu Kaisen
      • 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
      • Crypto.com Arena
      • Junya Enoki (Japanese voice of Yuji Itadori)
      • Adam McArthur (English voice of Yuji Itadori) and more.

Pikuniku 2 Announced, Releases in 2027

By
Saras Rajpal
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Pikuniku 2

During the recent Nintendo Direct, Devolver Digital announced Pikuniku 2, the sequel to the beloved puzzle platformer, which will release in 2027. After the event, Devolver released a full trailer that further showcases the upcoming game. 

Pikuniku 2 differs from its predecessor in that, rather than being a 2D platformer, it instead takes place in a full 3D world. The first game is available now at a discount on both Nintendo Switch and Steam. The sequel will release for Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam next year. Check out the trailer for Pikuniku 2 below:

The Steam page describes the game as follows:

Piku and his friends pack a picnic and set off once more to whimsically wander through the wonderfully weird.

Our story begins with an escaped sandwich and a boat wreck, and only gets odder from there. With the friends scattered across the archipelago, Piku sets off to find them and ultimately return home.

But as with all great adventures, it’s the journey that counts rather than the destination. Along the way Piku will meet many odd folk, each with a story to tell. Their tall tales include whisperings of giant fruit, malevolent robot frogs, and an all-powerful potato.

Deep State Conspiracies

To the casual observer, Piku’s world brims with delight, but the vivid exterior hides a sinister plot to squeeze the people for every drop of profit. Join the resistance!

Playful Puzzles
Use all of Piku’s surprising abilities to solve increasingly weird puzzles along the way. The challenge is never greater than the fun you’ll have solving them.
Strange Encounters

No one seems to quite know what they’re doing, least of all Piku. The sense of gentle bafflement permeates every encounter, but piecing them together brings ultimate understanding.

Eye-melting environments

Primary colors hold no fear for Piku. This is a vibrant world of bold contrasts, brazenly rendered in full 3D, multiplying the possibilities for navigation, exploration, and puzzle-ation.

Get your kicks in Pikuniku 2!

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