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During their 2025 anime lineup live stream, Kyoto Animation revealed that Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid franchise will be getting a new movie.

The movie is titled Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants To Be Lovedand will hit theatres in Japan in 2025.

A new key visual, featuring Kanna Kamui, and a new teaser were released along with the announcement. Check them out below.

The teaser essentially animates the key visual itself. However, the teaser ends with Kanna saying “Bye, bye Kobayashi.”

The upcoming film will be directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, who previously worked on the anime’s second season. The voice cast from the anime too will be reprising their roles in the movie.

Mutsumi Tamura will return as Kobayashi, Yuki Kuwahara will voice Tohru, and Maria Naganawa will once again voice Kanna.

Ishihara described the new movie as action-packed and emotional.

“Kanna, along with Kobayashi and Tohru, will jump from TV to the big screen in this epic, action-packed, and emotional film. We are working hard to deliver something exciting, so please look forward to it!,” Ishihara said.

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is based on the manga by Coolkyousinnjya, which is currently serialized in Manga Action magazine.

Source: Oricon

Kyoto Animation announced on Sep 21, 2024, that Keiichi Arawi’s manga CITY will be adapted into anime, titled CITY THE ANIMATIONset to air in 2025. This marks Kyoto Animation’s first new project in six years.

The anime adaptation announcement was accompanied by a PV and teaser visual.

Taichi Ishidate, known for works like Beyond The Boundary and Violet Evergardenwill helm the project.

Voice actors include:

• Mikako Komatsu as Midori Nagumo

• Yui Ishikawa as Wako Izumi

CITY is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Keiichi Arawi. It was serialized from September 2016 to February 2021 in Kodansha’s Seinen manga magazine Morning. It was published in 13 tankobon volumes.

In North America, the series is licensed by Vertical.

MAL describes the plot of CITY as:

From the creator of Nichijou, this surreal-slapstick series revolves around a penniless college student, Midori Nagumo, who lives in an ordinary city filled with not-quite-ordinary people. And as this reckless girl runs about, she sets the city in motion.

Midori is in a bit of a bind. She is in debt, and her landlady is trying to shake her down for unpaid rent. Her best friend refuses to loan her cash since she’s wised up to her tricks. Maybe some bullying would help. Or a bit of petty theft? Neither is sustainable. Maybe getting a job would settle things… But working means less time for fun adventures in the big city…

Source: Kyoto Animation YouTube

MAPPA’s official YouTube channel has released a new trailer for the upcoming Ranma 1/2 anime remake.

The trailer, which focuses on the dynamics between Ranma and Akane, features the opening song “許婚っきゅん” (Iinazukkyun) performed by ano. The J-pop artist is known for performing the theme song of Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.

The Ranma 1/2 anime remake is set to begin airing on Oct 5, 2024. Check out the trailer below.

The trailer also introduced additional cast members who will be joining the series.

• Koichi Yamadera as Ryooga Hibiki
• Tomokazu Sugita as Tatewaki Kuno
• Ayane Sakura as Kodachi Kuno
• Mamoru Miyano as Tatewaki Michinoin
• Aoi Yuki as Azusa Shiratori
• Toshiyuki Morikawa as Tofu Ono

Ranma and Akane’s voice actors were announced previously. They will be voiced by Ryo Horikawa and Megumi Hayashibara respectively.

Originally created by Rumiko Takahashi, Ranma 1/2 first aired as a TV anime from 1989 to 1992. The manga was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday. Before Ranma 1/2Takahashi's Urusei Yatsura anime also got a remake.

The story falls into the gender bender sphere, and follows Ranma Saotome, a high school martial artist who transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water. His daily life, along with his fiancée Akane Tendo, is filled with martial arts, love triangles, and comical misunderstandings.

Over the years, Ranma 1/2 has been adapted into films, OVAs, and even a live-action drama in 2011, starring Aragaki Yui as Akane.

Source: YouTube

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of NarutoShueisha has released a special promotional video (PV) highlighting the characters and key moments that shaped Naruto Uzumaki’s life throughout the series.

The video revisits pivotal moments from the beginning of the manga to its conclusion, shedding light on Naruto’s struggles and also his triumphs. Check out the video below.

In addition to the video, Shueisha has launched a celebratory gift campaign for Naruto fans. Information about the campaign and instructions to participate can be found by clicking this link.

Fans can also share their favorite memories surrounding Naruto on social media platforms using the hashtag #NARUTO25TH. These posts stand a chance to be displayed in the ‘Message to Naruto’ section on the special website of manga’s 25th anniversary.

The Naruto manga, created by Masashi Kishimoto, began serializing in Weekly Shonen Jump on Sep 21, 1999. Spanning 72 volumes, the series concluded in November 2014.

Naruto quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, with its manga surpassing 250 million copies in circulation across 47 countries.

It has since spawned a global franchise that includes an anime adaptation, films, games, and merchandise, solidifying its status as one of the most influential series in anime and manga history.

Naruto‘s anime also recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. A new anime comprising of 6 episodes was announced as part of the 20th anniversary. While the initial release was delayed, it is expected to release this fiscal year.

As part of Geeked Week 2024, Netflix released a new announcement video for the highly anticipated anime Sakamoto Days on Sep 19, 2024.

However, the latest video has left fans underwhelmed as it doesn’t feature any new footage. Instead, it simply reuses content from the first teaser, which was initially released on July 31, 2024.

With only three months remaining until the anime’s scheduled release, fans had hoped to see more updated visuals or story details in this new clip.

The lack of fresh content has sparked disappointment, with many taking to social media to express their frustrations.

not a single new cut… pic.twitter.com/LQkYxMLNr6

— d0nut2x (@d0nut2x) September 20, 2024

Ain’t no way they just re-released the same 4 month old trailer

— Kelski (@kelskiYT) September 20, 2024

The absence of new footage has also sowed seeds of doubt about possible production delays or issues.

lol same exact scenes from the first pv prod must be ass

— ℛ𝒶𝒾𝓃🌦️ (@HoodieeTy) September 20, 2024

However, Sakamoto Days is a part of Jump Festa 2025’s Blue Stage. So, hopeful fans can look forward to seeing new information released during the event. There is nothing stopping the studio and production staff from releasing new anime related information before that either.

Sakamoto Days will be streamed on Netflix worldwide starting January 2025. Unlike the platform’s typical batch release format, the anime will be released on a weekly basis.

Tomokazu Sugita, who is known for portraying Gintoki Sakata, will voice the titular character Taro Sakamoto.

Other cast members include:

• Nobunaga Shimazaki as Shin Asakura
• Ayane Sakura as Lu Shaotang
• Nao Toyama as Aoi Sakamoto
• Hina Kino as Hana Sakamoto
• Ryota Suzuki as Heisuke Mashimo
• Miyari Nemoto as Piisuke

TMS Entertainment, the studio behind Detective Conan, Fruits Basket (2019), and Dr. Stoneis set to handle the animation production for Sakamoto Days anime.

Masaki Watanabe will serve as the director, with Taku Kishimoto in charge of series composition, and Yo Moriyama will handle the character designs.

Sakamoto Days is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s shonen manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump since November 2020, with its chapters collected in 16 tankobon volumes as of April 2024.

It is simultaneously published in English by Viz Media and the Manga Plus online platform.

Netflix released a new ‘Inside Look’ video for the second season of the One Piece Live-Action series on Sep 20, 2024.

The video features Iñaki Godoy, who takes us around offering behind-the-scenes look at the cast of the Straw Hat Pirates, along with new members joining the show in Season 2, gathering for a table read of the script.

However, the real highlight comes at the end, when Chopper makes a brief appearance.

The camera shows a shot of Chopper from behind, sitting in a chair and curiously looking around. Checkout the video below:

One Piece Live-Action Season 2 will air in 2025, and will cover arcs from Loguetown to Drum Island.

Cast members who have joined season 2 till now include:

• David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3
• Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine
• Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5
• Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9
• Clive Russel as Crocus
• Werner Coetser as Dorry
• Brendan Murray as Brogy
• Callum Kerr as Smoker
• Julia Rehwald as Tashigi
• Rob Colletti as Wapol
• Ty Keogh as Dalton
• Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha
• Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk
• Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra
• Charithra Chandran as Nefertari Vivi
• Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0, also known as Crocodile
• Lera Abova and Nico Robin

Additionally, Joe Tracz has also joined the team as the new writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Matt Owens.

Season 1 of One Piece live-action adaptation premiered in Netflix on Aug 31, 2023.

Netflix is exclusively streaming the series, produced by Tomorrow Studios, a partnership between producer Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios.

The first season of the series was the most watched title on Netflix in the second half of 2023.

Source: YouTube

In a landmark initiative to promote anime and manga culture in India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), has officially launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!).

This innovative contest is part of the “Create in India Challenge”, aiming to nurture local talent and tap into the growing interest in Japanese manga and anime among Indian audiences.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, lnformation and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India unveiled the Create in India Challenge—Season One at New Delhi on Aug 22, 2024.

This challenge serves as a precursor to the upcoming WAVES summit, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Design in India, Design for the World,” articulated during the 78th Independence Day address.

About WAM!

WAM! revolves around harnessing the burgeoning interest and consumption of Manga and Anime in India by creating localized versions for global audiences.

This initiative aims to cultivate and showcase Indian talent through a series of competitions, offering substantial marketing support and the potential for publishing and distribution deals.

By organizing state-level competitions that culminate in a grand national event in Delhi, the initiative seeks to establish a robust platform for creative expression and international recognition.

This initiative not only aims to tap into the existing interest in Manga and Anime but also to cultivate and amplify Indian talent, creating opportunities for global recognition and growth in the industry.

The popularity of manga and anime in India has been steadily growing over the past decade, driven by increased accessibility, dedicated fan communities and cultural exchange.

India is the second-largest anime market in the world after China. There are an estimated 180 million anime fans, who are expected to contribute 60% of global anime growth.

Indian anime market size was valued at USD 1,642.5 million in 2023. The market is anticipated to grow from USD 1,855.4 million in 2024 to USD 5,036.0 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.3% during the forecast period.2

WAM! features three categories, each offering a unique platform for creative expression:

1. Participation Verticals
   1. Manga (Japanese style comics)- Individual Participation for Student and Professional Category
   2. Webtoons (Vertical comics for digital mediums) – Individual Participation for Student and Professional Category
   3. Anime (Japanese style animation) – Team (of upto 4 people) Participation for Student and Professional Category
2. Format & Delivery – script provided on the spot. Participants to generate:
   • Manga (Student, Individual) – 2 pages manga with at least 4 panels each, ink and color (physical / digital)
   • Manga (Professional, Individual) – 2 pages manga with at least 4 panels each,ink and color (physical / digital)
   • Webtoons (Student, Individual): 7 panels with ink and color
   • Webtoons (Professional, Individual): 10 panels with ink and color.
   • Anime (Student, Teams) – 10 seconds of anime as per the provided script
   • Anime (Professional, Teams) – 15 seconds of anime as per the provided script

Competition Structure and Schedule

Participants can compete individually or in teams (of upto 4 people), with separate categories for students and professionals. The event is structured in two levels: state-level competitions across eleven cities and a national-level finale.

Each state-level event begins with registration at 9:00 a.m., followed by a welcome and briefing session at 9:30 a.m. The competition runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring a bustling expo and job fair that connects participants with industry opportunities.

The day concludes with a wrap-up and celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with activities such as cosplay competitions, musical performances, voice acting sessions and exciting giveaways.

Key Dates and Locations for WAM!

• WAM! Bangalore: Oct 27, 2024
• WAM! Chennai: Nov 10, 2024
• WAM! Kohima: Nov 22, 2024
• WAM! Kolkata: Nov 24, 2024
• WAM! Bhubaneswar: Nov 26, 2024
• YOU! Varanasi: Nov 28, 2024
• WAM! Delhi: Nov 30, 2024
• WAM! Mumbai: Dec 15, 2024
• WAM! Ahmedabad: Dec 17, 2024
• WAM! Nagpur: Dec 19, 2024
• WAM! Hyderabad: Dec 21, 2024

The WAM! Finale will take place as part of the WAVES summit from Feb 5-9, 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.

Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Anime Japan and similar international events, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

NOTE: Registration is open on WAM! Website www.meai.in/wam and participation is free of charge for all categories.

Talking about the immense potential of Webtoons, Anime & Manga  in India and the world, the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju said “With its rich storytelling, creative styles and vibrant artistry, WAM! has the capability of elevating Indian talent on a global stage, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly and connect deeply with the global tapestry of creativity. The potential also lies in catering to the high demand among Indian consumers for such creatively weaved stories, enriching our creative landscape”.

Talking about the WAM! contest verticals across 10 States, Mr. Jaju added “This will cultivate healthy competition among students and professionals, encouraging innovation and skill development. By providing platforms for showcasing their talent, we can inspire excellence and effectively identify emerging talent within the industry.”

Secretary of Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), ankur bhasin noted that WAM! was a significant step in bringing the anime and manga culture in India to the forefront. According to him, this platform will allow creators to showcase their work and also strengthen the Create in India vision.

“The launch of WAM! marks a significant step in bringing the vibrant culture of anime and manga to the forefront in India. By providing a platform for talented creators to showcase their work and reach global audiences, we are not only fostering creativity but also strengthening the ‘Create in India’ vision. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing local talent and building a thriving ecosystem for the AVGC-XR and media sectors in the country.”

About MEAI

The Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) is a national-level organization dedicated to advancing the media and entertainment industry.

Representing over 3,300 members, including media conglomerates, animation studios, VFX firms, VOD and OTT platforms, gaming companies, journalistic outlets, and educational institutions, MEAI plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future.

The association organizes a variety of B2B and B2C events and delegations, often in partnership with governmental and non-governmental entities. Additionally, MEAI offers consultative services to state and central government bodies, using its expertise to influence policies and strategies that drive industry growth.

Jujutsu Kaisen fans are awaiting a major reveal set for next week in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #44, where series creator Gege Akutami is expected to make a “great announcement” alongside the manga’s final chapter.

Recent developments in the manga have fueled speculation that a continuation of the story might be in the works as fans feel that it was impossible to wrap up the story in one chapter with the way it was going.

Naturally, this led to JJK part 2 trending on social media platforms.

RELATED:
Is Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Really Getting a Part 2?

However, not all fans are on board with the idea of an extended narrative. They feel that the story is ending on a perfect note and shouldn’t be drawn out any further.

Going by what happened with My Hero Academia‘s secret project, Jujutsu Kaisen too might be getting some special projects to commemorate the end of the series.

Jujutsu Kaisen will come to an end in Issue #44 of Weekly Shonen Jump which will release on Sep 30, 2024.

While hopeful fans had been assuming that JJK will get a part 2, there is no confirmation whatsoever about the same.

Fans have speculated about the future of the series ever since Akutami had commented at last year’s Jump Festa that Jujutsu Kaisen manga will end in 2024

And recently in a Q&A snippet at the Jujutsu Kaisen exhibition, Akutami confirmed that the ongoing Shinjuku Showdown Arc was indeed the final arc/part of the manga.

Jujutsu Kaisen manga began serializing in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 2018.

As of July 2024, the chapters of the manga have been collected into 27 tankobon volumes, with over 90 million copies in circulation.

The official X account of The Apothecary Diaries announced on Sep 18, 2024, that the series has reached a major milestone, with its total circulation now surpassing 38 million copies.

This figure includes the light novel and the two manga adaptations.

The boost in sales is largely attributed to the success of the anime adaptation.

Ahead of the first season’s broadcast, which began in September 2023, the total circulation was reported at 24 million copies. Following the anime’s debut, the series saw a swift increase, reaching 27 million copies just one month later. By the end of the first season, the circulation had climbed to over 33 million copies.

The momentum has continued, with total circulation now reaching 38 million copies as of September 2024.

Season 1 of the anime adaptation produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM aired from October 2023 to March 2024. A second season is set to premiere in 2025.

RELATED:
The Apothecary Diaries Illustrator Nekokurage Confirms She Will Continue Working On The Manga

The Apothecary Diaries is a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino. Since 2011, it has been serialized online on the user-generated novel publishing website Shosetsuka ni Naro.

In the following year, it was acquired by Shufunotomo, who initially published the series as a novel with a single volume in 2012 and then as a light novel series in 2014.

It has been adapted into two manga series in 2017, with one published by Square Enix in Monthly Big Gangan, and another one published by Shogakukan in Monthly Sunday Gene-X.

Source: Oricon

Netflix’s TUDUM website accidentally revealed on Sep 19, 2024, that Joe Manganiello will be playing the notorious Mr. 0, also known as Crocodile, and Lera Abova has been cast as Miss All Sunday, better known as Nico Robin, in the upcoming second season of One Piece Live-action series.

The casting slip-up was noticed when Netflix TUDUM republished its season 2 preview alongside a newly released set tour conducted by Jeff Ward.

The update included an additional photo in their cast slideshow and the names of Manganiello and Abova in the article’s excerpt.

While the announcement likely wasn’t meant to go live until Netflix’s Geeked Week event, fans quickly caught on and the news has been making rounds on social media.

Crocodile, also known as Sir Crocodile, is one of the most iconic villains in the One Piece universe. He is the leader of the criminal organization Baroque Works, going by the codename Mr. 0. A Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile wields the power of the Suna Suna no Mi (Sand-Sand Fruit), allowing him to manipulate sand and dehydrate anything he touches.

Meanwhile, Nico Robin, introduced as Miss All Sunday, is an archaeologist and former vice president of Baroque Works.

Rumors about Manganiello’s involvement in season 2 had been swirling for months. When Manganiello was announced as the main host for Netflix’s Geeked Week, it only fueled fan theories about his role as the infamous Crocodile.

Since Alabasta arc won’t be covered in Season 2 of OPLAfans will have to wait another year to see the fight between Luffy and Crocodile.

One Piece Live-Action Season 2 will air in 2025, and will cover arcs from Loguetown to Drum Island.

Cast members who have joined season 2 till now include:

• David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3
• Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine
• Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5
• Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9
• Clive Russel as Crocus
• Werner Coetser as Dorry
• Brendan Murray as Brogy
• Callum Kerr as Smoker
• Julia Rehwald as Tashigi
• Rob Colletti as Wapol
• Ty Keogh as Dalton
• Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha
• Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk
• Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra
• Charithra Chandran as Nefertari Vivi

Additionally, Joe Tracz has also joined the team as the new writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Matt Owens.

Season 1 of One Piece live-action adaptation premiered in Netflix on Aug 31, 2023.

Netflix is exclusively streaming the series, produced by Tomorrow Studios, a partnership between producer Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios.

The first season of the series was the most watched title on Netflix in the second half of 2023.

Source: What’s On Netflix