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!

Bancho the Chef DEV DIVE Trailer Released

By
Saras Rajpal
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Bancho the Chef DEV DIVE Trailer Released

MINTROCKET recently released a new DEV DIVE video, which supplies new details on its next game, Bancho the Chef. The game will serve as a prequel to the critically acclaimed Dave the Diver.

Alongside further elaborating on the upcoming Dave the Diver movie and DLC, head of MINTROCKET Jaeho Hwang reveals new details for Bancho the Chef, initially announced during the recent PlayStation State of Play. He states that “the story takes place 19 years before Dave the Diver” and focuses on a mix of cooking simulation and adventure. You will take control of Bancho as he journeys across Asia and learns more about the art of cooking seafood cuisine.

To cook the best dishes, he’ll need to gather and study different ingredients from each region, which will include Japan, Korea, China, and other parts of the continent. The game will feature PlayStation 5 haptic feedback via the DualSense controller. While he states that PlayStation 5 and Steam are the main platforms Bancho the Chef will release on, a press release notes that those are the two consoles confirmed “so far,” which could indicate a future release for Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. 

Check out the DEV DIVE for Bancho the Chef below:

The Steam page describes Bancho the Chef as follows:

Bancho the Chef is a cooking simulation + adventure game that follows Bancho from Dave the Diver during his younger days on the road to becoming a sushi master. Travel through cities across Asia and experience the joy of cooking firsthand as you follow Bancho’s journey and learn unique local cuisines!

Hands-on from cooking to serving
In each area, you’ll find master chefs. Work in their restaurants and cook to serve the customers rushing in. Plan the order of cooking carefully to serve all dish in time.
Help locals with their troubles
Every region is filled with locals with unique stories. Help solve their problems and build your reputation to attract more customers.
Gather ingredients through mini-games

Collect new ingredients in each region through a variety of mini-games and events. The ingredients you gather open up opportunities to create new dishes.

Everbloom Announced, Releases in Spring 2027

By
Saras Rajpal
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Everbloom Announced, Releases in Spring 2027

During the recent Nintendo Direct, Torbie and Fictions announced a new farming sim titled Everbloom, releasing in spring 2027. Afterwards, an extended trailer further showcasing the game released. 

Check out the trailer showcasing the cute, cozy, and whimsical Everbloom below:

The Steam page describes Everbloom as follows:

Escape to the whimsical world of Everbloom, a cozy open-world farming and social sim. Dive into a heartwarming adventure – either solo or cooperatively with up to 4 players – to bring magic and taste back to a community of quirky townsfolk.

Build your Homestead

Dream big, create a home. Transform your farm into whatever you desire. Design, craft, and customize your own homestead from the ground up. Whether you’re constructing buildings, laying out gardens, or designing cozy corners, your homestead reflects your personal style and creativity. In Everbloom, using your imagination can unlock whimsical results. Sometimes you need to set your peppers on fire to make them spicy.

Tend and Befriend

From the ordinary to the extraordinary, nurture a diverse menagerie. Each animal has its own personality that can be passed down between parents and child. Explore your world to find wild animals with unique traits to collect. Can you raise the perfect Strawberry Cow?

1-4 Player Co-op

Bring your friends into your world with cooperative multiplayer. Work together to farm, build, decorate, and explore. Share resources, collaborate on projects, and enjoy community events together in a truly interconnected experience.

Explore Your World

Explore a handcrafted intimate open world, where every path leads to a new discovery. From a bustling town to lush forests, hidden groves, and deep mysterious caves – discover each area’s secrets and stories.

Become a Part of a Community

In the world of Everbloom, flavorful foods have been lost to time. New in town, you must track down and rediscover the lost heirlooms to bring flavor back into the world. Get to know a cast of colorful characters who bring the world of Everbloom to life. Forge friendships, help your neighbors, and ask townsfolk on dates to become an integral part of a community that grows and thrives with your participation.

Features:

    • Craft and Build: Construct everything from furniture, buildings, equipment, and tools.

    • Fishing: Explore the world and catch a variety of fish.

    • Cooking: Mix and match ingredients until you get the perfect result.

    • Flower Breeding: Blend seed colors to grow unique flower colors.

    • Townsfolk: Befriend the townsfolk who breathe life into your adventure. Each character offers unique stories and secrets.

    • Romance: Go on dates and forge connections that could last a lifetime.

    • Customization: Choose from various animal types, colors, and clothing options to reflect your personal style.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK Adds Rock Howard

By
Saras Rajpal
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THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK Adds Rock Howard

SNK and Netmarble has announced that Rock Howard is now available as a new fighter in THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK. The most recent update to the game also adds the Summer Festival Eve event, expanded content, and various limited-time events.

Rock Howard, the son of Geese Howard and student of Terry Bogard, wields his skills “Deadly Rave Neo EX” and “Raging Storm.” As part of an arrival event that will last until June 24, he features the [Fury] synergy that adds new strategic options for team building. Ahead of the upcoming Summer Festival update, the game is holding a commemorative rerun event featuring Halloween-style fighters. Halloween-style Iori Yagami once again be available from June 11 through June 24, while Halloween-style Mature will return between June 25 through July 8.

Through the seasonal check-in event and weekly coupons, players can obtain 15,000 Seasonal Fighter Tokens, which can be used to summon Halloween-style fighters. Additionally, a [Fury] Synergy Pick-Up event is now available through June 24, increasing the acquisition rates of fighters with the [Fury] synergy. The latest update also expands multiple content areas, including Stage, Void Sanctuary Dungeon, City of Vengeance, Paradox Research Lab, Infinity Challenge, and Influence. Further, it offers The Lucky Elpy event, which will be available from June 15 through June 19 and gives players a chance to obtain the Legendary Supporter Gai Tendo, and The Ready Action! event, which will take place from June 18 through July 1, and features the Legendary pets Goldie and Trunkie.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK is available now for Android via Google Play and iOS via App Store. Final Weapon previously interviewed Netmarble Neo CTO and project director Myeong-hyeon Kim about THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK. In our interview, Myeong-hyeon Kim discusses his role as project director of THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK, the team’s outlook on the game, and even possible collaborations and a PC version. 

EVO 2026 Reveals Arena Finals and Showcase Stage Schedule

By
Saras Rajpal
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EVO 2026 Reveals Arena Finals Schedule

EVO has revealed the full schedule for its 2026 Arena Finals and Showcase Stage events, which will take place from June 26-28. The games with the most registered competitors will be present at Arena Finals, while the rest will be highlighted at the Showcase Stage. 

The Arena Finals schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

  • 10 AM PDT – 2XKO (making its first appearance at an EVO event). 
  • 2:00 PM PDT – TEKKEN 8 
  • 6:00 PM PDT – Special Announcements
  • 6:30 PM PDT – Street Fighter 6 

Further, the Showcase Stage schedule includes:

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

In a press release, Rick Thiher, GM for EVO, stated that “EVO 2026 is shaping up to be our most expansive event experience yet, and our growing team is excited to welcome the FGC back to our bellwether festival in Las Vegas. It’s our first time hosting EVO in June, so we’re looking forward to kicking summer into high gear with a weekend of fighting game competition for fans from around the world.” 

Recently, Capcom revealed Fighter Pass 4 for Street Fighter 6. The new additions include original characters Yasmine, Arjun, and Bosch, as well as Tifa from Final Fantasy VII. Yasmine will release on August 3, 2026, Arjun will be available in fall 2026, Tifa will release in early 2027 (likely to coincide with the release of Final Fantasy VII Revelation), and Bosch will launch in spring 2027. A first look at Yasmine will likely be revealed during EVO 2026. 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Begins October 23

By
Soul Kiwami
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Activision and Infinity Ward have announced that the Campaign Early Access period for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will begin on October 23, giving players access to the game’s campaign before the full global launch. Players receive Campaign Early Access by pre-ordering the Standard or Vault Editions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which also includes access to the upcoming beta. 

Pre-orders for the Standard Edition ($69.99) and Vault Edition ($99.99) are now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 version will open at a later date with more details to come in summer 2026.

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Vault Edition includes:

  • ​Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
  • ​Beta Early Access
  • Campaign Early Access, Starting October 16
  • ​Hunter Killer Operator Skin
  • ​Hostile Alliance Operator Pack
  • ​Special Forces Operator Pack
  • ​Signature Weapon Collection
  • ​BlackCell (1 Season)
  • ​DMZ Deployment Bonus

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on October 23 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Battle.net, and Microsoft Store. Infinity Ward is working with Digital Legends to develop Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch 2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will support cross-play across all platforms, and the Switch 2 version supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation PlayStation Store Page is Now Live

By
Soul Kiwami
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Square Enix has opened its official PlayStation Store page for Final Fantasy VII Revelation, with store pages on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S expected to open soon. Fans can wishlist Final Fantasy VII Revelation in the PlayStation Store and get notified when pre-orders go live.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation will launch in spring 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. players with save data from Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will get bonuses in the game, including Summoning Materia: Chocobo & Moogle and Summoning Materia: Phoenix.

Here’s an overview of the game, via the Steam page:

As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, the final battle against Sephiroth begins.
A meteor mars the sky, monstrous planetary guardians wreak havoc across the globe, and the fires of war rage. Now, Cloud and his companions must stand against this chaos to not only decide the planet’s fate, but bring a legendary conflict to its conclusion.

In the final chapter of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake project, the scale has never been larger and the stakes have never been higher. Take to the skies and explore a boundless world, fight alongside a fully assembled party, master strategic and dynamic combat, and prepare yourself for the climactic finale.

A vast planet awaits. Everything leads here.

Explore the World on a Planetary Scale

Soar the skies with your airship—the Highwind—and explore a vast, interconnected world. Choose where to drop and skydive down to areas of interest across a wide variety of biomes, cities, and remote frontiers.

An Iconic Ensemble, Fully United

Fight alongside a roster of unique companions, including newly playable party members Cid Highwind and Vincent Valentine. Each character brings distinct combat roles and abilities to the fray, greatly expanding your strategic options.

Refined Action and Strategy

Experience the series’ iconic hybrid of real‑time action and command‑based combat in its most polished form yet. Seamlessly switch between party members, issue commands in Tactical Mode, and unleash powerful abilities and synergies to overcome colossal threats.

Deep Customization and Builds

Prepare your team for the battles ahead with extensive customization options. Adjust your characters’ weapons, armor, skills, materia, and FITS—a new system which adds class-based abilities and special outfits. Refine your builds to suit your playstyle and adapt to each unique encounter.

Before Final Fantasy VII Revelation arrives, fans can catch up with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S. Final Weapon reviewed the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and gave it a 4.5/5 score, noting that this version is “a very impressive port that brings one of the generation’s best RPGs to Nintendo’s new console in great form.” A free demo is also available in the Nintendo eShop and Microsoft Store. The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo contains Chapters 1 and 2, the Streamlined Progression system, and save data transfers to the full game.

Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Anime Casts Sumo Wrestlers Tamawashi and Tamashoho

By
Soul Kiwami
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Jaadugar The Witch in Mongolia sumo

The official website for Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, the anime adaptation of Tomato Soup’s A Witch’s Life in Mongol manga series, revealed that sumo wrestlers Tamawashi and Tamashoho will be making their voice acting debuts in the anime’s cast. Tamawashi plays the role of Genghis Khan, while Tamashoho plays a resilient Mongol soldier.

Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will perform on July 4 with a 1-hour special premiere featuring two back-to-back episodes on the “IMAnimation” block on TV Asahi, BS Asahi, and more channels.

A special panel and screening for Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia episodes 1 and 2 will be held at Anime Expo 2026 on July 3 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. PDT at the JW Diamond. Special guests include Naoko Yamada (Executive Director), Abel Gongora (Director), Rie Misumi (Producer, Science SARU), and Kazuki Endo (Producer, TV Asahi).

SEKAI NO OWARI performs the opening theme song “Stella.”

The anime’s cast includes:

  • Miyu Irino as Shira
  • Jun Saitō as Muhammad
  • Akira Sekine as Shitara
  • Houko Kuwashima as Fatima
  • Ryōta Suzuki as Tolui
  • Kenji Nojima as Jochi
  • Ami Koshimizu as Töregen
  • Hiro Shimono as Ögedei
  • Daisuke Namikawa as Chagatai

Naoko Yamada is serving as chief director, and Abel Góngora is directing the anime at Science SARU. Kenichi Yoshida is designing the characters and serving as animation chief, and Kanichi Katō is overseeing the series scripts. Kōshirō Hino is composing the music.

Additional staff members include:

  • Technical Director Chief: Takuya Fujikura
  • Art Director: Yuri Kabasawa
  • Color Key Artist: Narumi Konno
  • Compositing Director of Photography: Naoki Takahashi
  • Editing: Kiyoshi Hirose
  • Sound Director: Noriyoshi Konuma
Jaadugar The Witch in Mongolia main key visual
©Tomato Soup(AKITASHOTEN)/Jaadugar Committee

Tomato Soup first released the manga on Akita Shoten’s Souffle website in September 2021. Akita Shoten will publish the manga’s sixth compiled book volume on July 15. Moreover, Yen Press publishes the series in English.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the anime, via TV Asahi:

There was once a young girl in the 13th century slave markets of Iran. This is the tale of a witch who toyed with a vast continent. After losing her mother and being torn far from her homeland, Sitara found herself utterly alone, with no ability to survive on her own, and no hope for the future. Taken in by a family of scholars, the power of “knowledge” is imparted on her within the calm of her new life.

Meanwhile, under the reign of Emperor Genghis Khan, the mighty Mongol Empire continues its unstoppable march, conquering nation after nation and expanding its influence across the world. When that boundless ambition finally reaches Sitaraʼs city, her quiet days come to an end, and the wheels of fate begin to turn.

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