Anime Buzz

Shun Matsuena has officially announced a sequel manga to his long-running martial arts series Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple. Titled Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi 2: Tatsujin-hen (Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple 2: Masters Arc), the new installment will begin serialization on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry platform on March 25. The reveal has energized fans of the franchise, promising a return to the high-octane battles and character-driven growth that made the original manga beloved. Image via Shun Matsuena's X/Twitter © Shun Matsuena, Shogakukan Announcement details: What we know so far The sequel's official Japanese title is Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi 2: Tatsujin-hen , which translates to Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple 2: Masters Arc. Creator Shun Matsuena announced the new series on his X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming a March 25 launch on Sunday Webry. Though plot specifics remain under wraps, the "Tatsujin-hen" subtitle suggests a focu...

Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc.: Upcoming Changes and What to Expect The world of anime is always buzzing with news and updates, and the recent announcement regarding Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. adds another layer of excitement. With a change in voice casting and new personnel for the anime adaptation, fans are eager to know what lies ahead. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s happening in the enchanting world of Magilumiere. Major Casting Changes for the Anime Yumiri Hanamori Steps Down as Hitomi Koshigaya In a significant development, voice actress Yumiri Hanamori will be stepping down from the role of Hitomi Koshigaya . This decision, disclosed on the official website of Magilumiere, follows extensive discussions between Hanamori's agency, Tomorrow Jam, and the anime’s production team. The anime staff are currently on the lookout for a new voice actress to fill this role. Fans eagerly await the announcement of the new cast member and how they will bring Hitomi Koshi...

Celebrating 15 Years of Cardfight!! Vanguard: A New Animated Tribute Bushiroad's Cardfight!! Vanguard franchise marks a significant milestone, celebrating its 15th anniversary with the release of an exciting new anime video. This special video showcases the rich legacy and enduring popularity of this beloved card game and anime series, drawing fans both old and new into its dynamic universe. A Visual Spectacle: New Anniversary Anime Video Centered on a new anniversary anime video, this celebration elevates the Cardfight!! Vanguard experience. The video features the enthralling theme song "XV" performed by Roselia, capturing the spirit and vibrancy of the series. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfYuzwlcvcw" style="display: block; width: 640px; max-width: 100%;[/embed] Watch the 15th Anniversary Video Creative Team Behind the Video The animation for the video was crafted by the renowned studio MAPPA, known for its work on major hits like A...

Episode 5 of Tamon’s B-Side doubles down on the series’ most effective strengths: visual gags, an affectionate parody of idol culture, and a protagonist whose fandom feels sincere rather than mockable. This installment gives Utage several standout moments that highlight both her devotion to Tamon and the show’s willingness to lean into silly, self-aware humor. Below I break down the episode’s key beats, what they mean for the characters and F/ACE, and why the series continues to shine when it embraces its playful tone. © 師走ゆき・白泉社／多聞くん今どっち！？製作委員会 Episode overview: quick laughs and character beats This episode wastes no time landing memorable visual jokes while moving the F/ACE competition forward. Right out of the gate we get a moment where Ouri’s question about whether Utage and Tamon are “going out” is immediately interrupted by Utage’s imagination—complete with a mental image pairing her with Hottiehara. It’s a succinct bit that shows how Utage interprets Tam...

BanG Dream! Ave Mujica: A New Dawn in Anime Entertainment The world of anime continues to expand with exciting projects, and the BanG Dream! franchise is no exception. The eagerly anticipated BanG Dream! Ave Mujica anime film project recently unveiled its title, BanG Dream! Ave Mujica -prima aurora-, alongside a teaser visual and a fall premiere. This announcement has ignited excitement among fans and promises a fresh adventure within this beloved universe. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWlLg8jRnUY[/embed] BanG Dream! Ave Mujica Film: What We Know So Far The official website for the BanG Dream! Ave Mujica film project opened its doors, providing a glimpse into what fans can expect. Set to premiere in fall 2025, this film promises to captivate audiences with its vibrant music and storytelling. A Look Back: BanG Dream! Ave Mujica TV Anime The television anime version of BanG Dream! Ave Mujica premiered in Japan in January 2025, gaining a significant following. Crunchyro...

Episode 4 of Roll Over and Die tries to juggle body-horror, slapstick, and sapphic romance — and comes away feeling uneven. The installment starts with a muddled descent into an underground lab that often feels visually and narratively disjointed, then pivots into stronger character work late in the episode. For fans of queer-driven character dynamics, the payoff in the back half redeems much of the rough first act, but the adaptation’s tonal whiplash is hard to ignore. ©kiki, kinta, kodamazon/MICRO MAGAZINE/Omagoto Project Visuals and World-Building: A Lab That Doesn't Hold Together The episode’s opening environment work is a rare misstep. The lab sequences hop between contrasting aesthetics — a spooky cave, vats of neon goo, a corpse disposal pit, and a sterile white room — without any sense of cohesion. When background design feels like a collage of unrelated sets, it pulls viewers out of the moment. Disparate textures and tones can be used intentionally ...

Overview of January 2024 TV Ratings for Japanese Anime and Shows The Japanese television landscape is dynamic, filled with beloved franchises and fresh narratives that captivate audiences. In January 2024, several shows stood out, receiving remarkable ratings from viewers across the country. This blog delves into the latest statistics and insights, showcasing the most popular programs from the Kanto region of Japan. Key TV Ratings Highlights Understanding the popularity of shows is crucial for fans and creators alike. Below, we highlight various programs along with their respective ratings. Top Rated Shows Sazae-san Station: Fuji TV Date: January 25 (Sun) Time: 18:30 Length: 30 min. Average Household Rating: 8.0 Sazae-san continues to be a titan of Japanese television, holding the top spot with an impressive 8.0% average household rating. Its endearing characters and relatable family dynamics resonate well across generations. The Disappearance of Conan Edogawa:...

When one of the web’s biggest manga aggregators suddenly goes dark, the ripple effects are immediate — for readers, creators, and the legitimate digital storefronts that compete with piracy-driven ad revenue. In early 2025, Japan’s Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced it played a central role in the investigation that led to the detention of a man alleged to be the operator of Bato.to (and roughly 60 related domains). The takedown highlights how coordinated international anti-piracy efforts, platform pressure, and legal action can disrupt even large piracy operations that span multiple languages and territories. Screenshot of Bato.to (xbato.com) website as of November 2025, partially edited Image via CODA's website What happened to Bato.to and its network? CODA describes Bato.to as one of the world’s largest manga piracy sites; the network reportedly included about 60 domains such as xbato.com and mangapark.io. These sites allegedl...

Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Dōkōkai Trilogy Concludes with Exciting Finale The stage is set for the grand finale of the Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Dōkōkai Kanketsu-hen trilogy. The official website for the beloved series has announced that the third and final film, Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Dōkōkai Kanketsu-hen Saishūshō, will premiere next winter. Fans eagerly anticipate the climactic chapter, which promises to bring the series to a thrilling conclusion. An Exciting Visual Tease Image via Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Dōkōkai Kanketsu-hen's website © 2024 プロジェクトラブライブ！虹ヶ咲学園スクールアイドル同好会ムービー The newly released visual offers a glimpse into the upcoming cinematic spectacle. Set against the backdrop of dazzling lights and infectious energy, the image captures the essence of what makes the Love Live! series an idol phenomenon. A Journey Through the Trilogy The First Film - Okinawa Adventures The trilogy began its journey in...

Crunchyroll Brings "Whoever Steals This Book" to North America: A Must-Watch Anime Film Anime enthusiasts have something to look forward to as Crunchyroll recently announced its acquisition of the North American theatrical rights for Nowaki Fukamidori's captivating fantasy novel, Whoever Steals This Book (Kono Hon o Nusumu Mono wa). The film adaptation promises to take viewers on an enchanting journey, as it will be screened in Japanese with English subtitles. Fans will also have an opportunity to catch its international premiere at this year's New York International Children's Film Festival, taking place from February 28 to March 15. Image via Whoever Steals This Book film's official website © 2025 深緑野分／KADOKAWA／「この本を盗む者は」製作委員会 A Look at the Film's Plot The story unfolds with Mifuyu Mikura, a high school student with a unique predicament: she lives in a vast library left by her great-grandfather known as Mikura Hall. Though her family h...

Masahiro Totsuka and Yui Suga have teamed up for a fresh sports manga titled Aqua Puella -Shikinomori Kōkō Suieibu- (Aqua Puella -Shikinomori High School Swim Team-). The new series pairs Totsuka's experience in crafting character-driven, sports-focused narratives with Suga's polished linework to explore life inside a high school swim club. The manga debuted on a popular web manga platform and was announced via the creators' official social channels, drawing attention from fans of slice-of-life and sports stories alike. What is Aqua Puella? Aqua Puella centers on the Shikinomori High School swim team, following the daily routines, training, friendships, and competitions that define the lives of its members. The title suggests an emphasis on both the athletic and interpersonal elements of swim-club life—teamwork, personal growth, and the quiet drama that emerges between meets and practice sessions. With a balanced blend of sports action and character moments, the series...

Episode 5 of Champignon Witch deepens the worldbuilding and emotional stakes of the series by revealing painful truths about how witches are classified, used, and persecuted. Through Luna’s past and the tragic death of the Cat Witch Dorothy, the episode explores themes of power, loyalty, and the moral cost of political control — all while hinting at a larger mystery surrounding the royal family and a boy named Lizel. This installment blends fairy-tale motifs with political intrigue, making it one of the most thematically rich episodes so far. Episode 5 Recap: The Cat Witch and a Crown Prince Revealed ©樋口橘・白泉社／「シャンピニオンの魔女」製作委員会 The episode opens with Luna’s memory of purifying the mushrooms in the town square — a site marked by the execution of a black witch known as the Cat Witch. That witch, Dorothy, was Luna's friend. The narrative leaves the precise timeline ambiguous, reflecting how witches experience time differently, but emotionally it feels close to the present...

Upcoming Anime and Manga Releases: What to Watch and Read This January As the new year kicks off, anime and manga enthusiasts have much to look forward to. A wealth of titles are set to be released this January across various formats—be it physical or digital. This guide will provide you with all the essential information regarding anime, manga, and novel releases to keep your collection up to date. Anime Releases Anime fans are in for a treat this January with an exciting lineup of releases. Below are some of the most anticipated titles hitting shelves soon. Notable Anime Titles Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Release Date Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2 BD Viz Media US$34.98 January 27 Naruto Shippūden Set 9 BD Viz Media US$39.95 January 27 One Piece Season 14 Voyage 8 BD/DVD Crunchyroll US$44.98 January 27 Oshi no Ko Season 1 Premium Box Set Sentai Filmworks US$199.98 January 27 Project A-ko 4K UHD Discotek US$39.95 January 27 T...

Unraveling the Mystery: An In-Depth Look at Episode 13 of Gnosia As fans eagerly awaited episode 13 of Gnosia , the anticipation was palpable. The series, known for its intricate narrative and intriguing blend of time-loop and time-travel elements, continues to captivate audiences. This week’s episode, humorously titled “Interlude,” hints at a significant transition. But where exactly are we in Yuri's enigmatic journey aboard the infinite recurrences of the D.Q.O? A Refreshing Twist in the Tale The notion of an "Interlude" suggests a break in the storyline, potentially signaling a major shift. However, with Gnosia’s unique narrative structure, it’s often difficult to pinpoint our exact location within the storyline. So far, we’ve gathered scattered pieces of lore and character development, but the bigger picture remains elusive. © Petit Depotto/Project D.Q.O. Rekindling Old Bonds In true Gnosia fashion, episode 13 revisits the relationship between Yuri and Se...

The beloved slice-of-life manga NakiNagi by Keigo Maki has reached its conclusion. The final chapter was published on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket service, bringing to a close a quietly enchanting story about a witch learning what it means to feel—and to love—on the surface world. For fans of gentle romance and character-driven storytelling, this ending offers both closure and plenty of heart. Image via Amazon Japan © Keigo Maki, Kodansha What is NakiNagi about? NakiNagi follows the gentle, character-first story of Nakika, a once-feared witch of the deep sea, who has chosen to live on land in order to study "human emotions." Her companion, Nagisa, is a hopeless romantic whose devotion and optimism anchor the pair’s relationship. As Nakika supports Nagisa's pursuit of love using her magical powers, she gradually learns the messy, beautiful complexity of human feeling—and discovers an unexpected depth of affection for her friend. Why the ser...

Embarking on a New Journey: "Firefly Wedding" Anime Adaptation Announced Anime enthusiasts are in for a treat as a new television anime adaptation of Oreko Tachibana's manga "Firefly Wedding" is set to premiere on the Fuji TV network this October. With a compelling storyline and a talented production team, this series is poised to capture hearts and imaginations. The Journey of "Firefly Wedding" "Firefly Wedding" is a captivating manga with a blend of romance, drama, and suspense that has already garnered a dedicated fanbase. The manga tells an intriguing story of love, desperation, and survival. On the surface, Satoko, the protagonist, appears to have it all – beauty, noble lineage, and societal prestige. However, her life is far from perfect as she battles a terminal illness. With limited time left, her family's expectations loom large, pushing her towards securing a marriage. Image: A Glimpse into "Firefly Wedding" Im...

Chained Soldier Season 2 Episode 4 leans hard into the series' trademark combination of smut-forward fanservice and monster-bashing spectacle, delivering a pivotal confrontation that finally gives Ren room to strut — and Yuuki a new, darker Slave form to complicate the already fraught master/slave triangle. The payoff lands in small, character-driven moments, but the episode's action sequences and visual choices make parts of the rampage feel muddled rather than thrilling. Episode 4 Recap: "Rampage" and the New Slave Form © Takahiro,Yohei Takemura /SHUEISHA, Chained Soldier Production Consortium The core of the episode revolves around Ren finally "borrowing" Yuuki from Kyouka, triggering a fresh Slave transformation: the shadowy, feral "Killer Fang." On paper, this should be an easy win — a visceral showcase of Yuuki's raw power that justifies why multiple women orbit him and fight over his loyalty. In practice, the sequ...