Minato Aqua’s Graduation Live Concert was held online, drawing in fans from around the world to bid farewell to the beloved Hololive VTuber. The live stream, titled “Dyed in Aqua's Color! Minato Aqua Graduation LIVE,” took place on YouTube and featured a blend of live and pre-recorded segments, highlighting Aqua’s journey and achievements over the years.

Watch her stream below:

The concert included a goodbye interview with Motoaki Tanigo, commonly known as YAGOO, the CEO of COVER Corporation and the parent company of Hololive Production. During the event, Minato Aqua shared a prepared speech, reflecting on her time with Hololive and expressing gratitude to her fans and fellow members. The concert also featured performances with other Hololive talents. Following the live stream, Minato Aqua took to Twitter to express her gratitude, thanking everyone for their support throughout her career. 

View her post below:

In related news, Entergram recently announced the cancellation of the planned sequel to Aquarium, the romantic visual novel created in collaboration with Minato Aqua. The decision to halt development was directly tied to Aqua’s graduation, which took place on August 28, 2024. The announcement, shared on Entergram’s official twitter account, expressed apologies to fans who were anticipating the new game but emphasized the necessity of the decision given Aqua’s departure.

As part of the graduation event, special anniversary merchandise and reprinted goods were made available, along with the release of her 14th original song, “Kimiiro Princess.”

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The results of the 2024 Next Manga Awards have been announced, with Kagurabachi securing first place in the Comics Division. This recognition highlights the growing popularity of Ken Sotozono's series, which is serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The manga explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and growth, resonating with readers and earning it a top position in the competition. [Thanks, ddnavi!]

You can view the official results below: 

Kagurabachi, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in September 2023, is both written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono. The action-fantasy manga follows Chihiro, a young protagonist on a quest to avenge his father’s death at the hands of a group of sorcerers. Armed with an enchanted sword forged by his father, a renowned blacksmith, Chihiro’s journey involves retrieving other stolen enchanted swords from the sorcerers.

In related news, the Weekly Shonen Jump YouTube channel released a voiced manga version of Kagurabachi in English, making it the first series to be adapted into a "manga animation" with English text. While the voices are in Japanese, the English text allows the series to reach a broader audience.

Next manga award winner, Kagurabachi continues its run in Weekly Shonen Jump, with English chapters available through Viz.

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Konami detailed the Japanese limited editions for the upcoming Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, set to release on March 6, 2025. The remaster, titled Gensou Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars, will be available on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, with three special Famitsu DX Packs offered for pre-order through Ebiten. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

The Famitsu DX Packs come in three versions. DX Pack I and DX Pack II include 3D crystal art of the main characters from Suikoden I and II, along with 108 acrylic stands representing the stars of destiny. These packs also feature new artwork by Junko Kono, the original character designer for Suikoden I, and a hero symbol engraved glass that pays homage to the protagonists.

The third version, the "Luka-sama Cheering Set," focuses on the villain Luka Blight from Suikoden II. This set includes a T-shirt with Luka's famous line, "Pigs must die!", a wine glass engraved with the Beast Rune, and a 3D crystal of Luka himself.

In related news, Konami has announced three digital pre-order bonuses for the remaster, including early access to the Fortune Orb and Prosperity Orb, which double experience and in-game currency gains, and a head start with 57,300 potch. These bonuses are available on all platforms where the game will be released.

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster and their limited editions will be available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, with the game set to launch on March 6, 2025.

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Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has announced an upcoming price increase for the PS5 and its accessories, controllers, and peripherals in Japan, which will take effect on September 2, 2024. The adjustment is attributed to global economic challenges affecting the company's operations. The standard PlayStation 5 will now be priced at ¥79,980 (approximately $545 USD), and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition will cost ¥72,980 (around $495 USD) after the change. 

Additionally, the price will increase for the PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless controllers, with models such as the Midnight Black and Cosmic Red now priced at ¥11,480 (approximately $78 USD) each, while special editions like Volcanic Red and Sterling Silver will retail for ¥11,980 (about $82 USD). Other accessories, including the PlayStation Portal Remote Player and the PlayStation VR2, are also affected. The PlayStation VR2 is now set to cost ¥89,980 (roughly $615 USD), and the bundle including Horizon: Call of the Mountain will be priced at ¥94,980 (around $650 USD).

This comes after price increases for Sony's subscription services on the console worldwide. PlayStation Plus offers three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. The Extra tier provides access to a broad selection of games, and the Premium tier includes additional features like classic titles. Monthly subscription rates are now $9.99 for Essential, $14.99 for Extra, and $17.99 for Premium, following an increase in September 2023.

These new PS5, controller, and peripheral price increases will go into effect in Japan starting on September 2, 2024.

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Square Enix announced that Foamstars, currently available on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, will transition to a free-to-play model beginning on October 4, 2024. This price change marks a significant shift from the game’s previous regional pricing strategy and is designed to make the game accessible to a broader audience.

Notably, after the transition, players will no longer need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access the game. This means anyone will be able to download and play Foamstars for free.

For those who have already purchased and downloaded Foamstars before the switch, Square Enix is offering a "Legacy Gift." This package includes 12 exclusive color-variant Bubble Beastie skins, an exclusive Slide Board design, and a special title called "Legacy." 

Since its launch, Square Enix updated Foamstars with season passes and additional characters. For example, a new season will start on August 30, 2024. That will bring with it an additional playable character. Ahead of its launch, Square Enix shared a song that will show up alongside the update called “Golden Beats.” 

The price change is set to take effect on October 4, 2024. Square Enix advises players to confirm that the price has been updated before downloading the game, to ensure they receive it for free.

Foamstars is available for the PS4 and PS5.

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Disney+ Japan has unveiled its September 2024 distribution lineup, which includes two notable entries from the Sword Art Online franchise. These additions reflect Disney+ Japan’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings with both anime and global content.

Beginning September 13, 2024, subscribers to Disney+ will have access to Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria on a Starless Night and Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night. These films are part of the Sword Art Online Progressive series, which revisits and expands upon the early events of the popular Sword Art Online anime and light novels.

In addition to the Sword Art Online films, Disney+ will also be streaming the anime Murai no Koi starting September 4, 2024. The platform's September lineup further includes a variety of international dramas, such as The Father Who Came Back Season 2, Criminal Minds: FBI vs. Unusual Crimes Season 17, and the Korean drama The Demon Kanojo is a Judge. Marvel fans can also look forward to Agatha All Along, continuing the exploration of characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

For those looking to delve deeper into the Sword Art Online series, the Progressive films offer a retelling of the Aincrad arc, which is one of the earliest and most crucial parts of the Sword Art Online storyline.

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In a recent interview, the developers of Gundam Breaker 4 revealed specific restrictions for certain Gunpla models, notably "Super Fumina" and "Mobile Doll May." These models will have limitations in customization, particularly in paint options and how their parts behave during gameplay. 

According to producer Masanori Tanaka, while most Gunpla parts can be freely painted and detach when damaged in Gundam Breaker 4 , Fumina and Mobile Doll May models will have restrictions on paint options. Additionally, when these models are damaged, their parts will not fly off but will instead be represented by static noise. These restrictions are implemented to comply with ethical guidelines and game ratings.

The interview also touched on new gameplay elements, such as the introduction of the "whip" weapon and a "Survival" mode, where players face 50 waves of increasingly challenging enemies. The "Ability Cartridge" system was also discussed, offering enhanced customization options for players.

In related news, Bandai Namco recently confirmed the worldwide release date for Gundam Breaker 4, set for August 29, 2024. Players can choose between the standard physical edition and two Digital Deluxe Editions, which offer early unlocks, additional story missions, and exclusive Gundam suits. 

Pre-orders are now available for both physical and digital editions of Gundam Breaker 4, set for release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. 

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McDonald’s Japan has launched a new advertising campaign that parodies the popular Touhou Project song Marisa Stole The Precious Thing by IOSYS. The campaign promotes the Samurai Mac Triple Thick Beef Burger, with a reimagined version of the 2006 song, complete with new lyrics and visuals inspired by McDonald’s.

You can view the original announcement post below:

The song parody, shared on McDonald’s Japan’s official Twitter, credits IOSYS and Touhou Project’s ZUN for their collaboration. Miko, known for her work on Touhou Project songs, performs the parody. The commercial's style combines the original Marisa Stole The Precious Thing aesthetics with McDonald’s imagery, altering the lyrics to focus on the Samurai Mac Triple Thick Beef Burger. This mirrors previous campaigns and showcases a continued effort by McDonald’s Japan to draw inspiration from Japanese pop culture.

You can view the original music video below:

In related news, Touhou Project recently collaborated with Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage, introducing three tracks arranged by beatMARIO in May 2024. Additionally, McDonald’s Japan previously worked with Studio Pierrot on anime shorts to promote their Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce, showcasing their continued engagement with anime culture. Meanwhile, in the UK, McDonald’s recently released Yu-Gi-Oh-themed Hello Kitty Happy Meal plush toys.

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Good Smile Company announced the return of the popular Nendoroid figure of Pyramid Head, also known as Red Pyramid Thing, from Silent Hill 2. Pre-orders for the figure are now open and will remain available until September 25, 2024. The Nendoroid is priced at ¥6,900 in the Japanese and is expected to ship in January 2025, while the US store is selling it for $41.99 and targeting a Q2 2025 release window.

The Nendoroid Red Pyramid Thing is a fully articulated figure that stands approximately 100mm tall. It comes with several optional parts, including the iconic Great Knife, allowing for various poses. The figure is sculpted by artist Shichibee from Matsuda Model and produced in cooperation with Nendoron.

Customers can place orders directly through the Good Smile Company Online Store. Additionally, the figure will be available through Good Smile's international partner shops.

This rerelease of the Pyramid Head Nendoroid coincides with the upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake. Set to release on the PS5 and PC on October 8, 2024, that version of the game will also see the return of key creatives, including the original creature designer and composer. However, Bloober is the primary developer behind it this time, rather than Konami direct.

This Pyramid Head Nendoroid is available for preorder. The Silent Hill 2 Remake will appear on the PS5 and PC via Steam on October 8, 2024.

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A new manga trailer for Jujutsu Kaisen has been released, paying tribute to the series' characters as the story nears its conclusion. The video, available on the official Shonen Jump YouTube channel, features a mix of iconic scenes and heartwarming moments from the manga. 

You can view the official trailer video below:

The trailer, presented as an edited motion comic, culminates in a face-off between Sukuna and Itadori Yuuji, highlighting the dramatic stakes the series has taken on as it approaches it's final five chapters. In addition to the manga trailer, Shueisha announced they are offering 245 chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen for free on the Jump+ app and Zeblack platform. This initiative allows readers to relive key moments or catch up on the series as it heads towards its conclusion.

This trailer follows a similar style to a previous teaser released for the third season of the anime, which focused on the Culling Game arc. That teaser used stylized manga animation and video editing to give a preview of the upcoming anime adaptation of the arc.

With only five chapters left until the finale, the trailer serves as a poignant reminder of the journey the characters have been on and the challenges that still lie ahead.

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Nobuo Uematsu, the renowned composer behind iconic video game music such as the Final Fantasy series, will hold a special concert event titled "Nobuo Uematsu con TIKI SHOW" in Tokyo. The performances are scheduled for October 5-6, 2024, at Otemachi Mitsui Hall, and tickets are now on sale to the general public. Uematsu will be joined by his band "con TIKI".

View the announcement video below:

The concert will feature a mix of Uematsu's classic game compositions, including tracks from Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy X, as well as original works. Attendees can expect to hear pieces like "Melodies of Life" and "Isn't it wonderful," alongside newer compositions from his latest projects.

In addition to the musical performances, the event will offer special opportunities including a limited-edition commemorative sticker and a chance to meet con TIKI members including Nobuo Uematsu during a post-show handshake session. There will also be a lottery for photo opportunities with the band.

Uematsu previously appeared on The First Take alongside vocalist Loren Allred, where they performed the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth theme song, “No Promises to Keep.” Uematsu played the piano while Allred, performing in character as Aerith, provided the vocals.

Tickets are available through Lawson Ticket, Ticket Pia, and e-plus.

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During GamesCom 2024, Netflix Games officially announced Squid Game: Unleashed, a new mobile multiplayer battle royale inspired by viral Korean show Squid Game. The title places players to a brutal competition, during which they must outlast their opponents in a series of deadly challenges both familiar from the original series and new. While a specific release date has not yet been announced, the game is expected to launch "soon."

You can watch the official announcement trailer from gamescom 2024 below:

Squid Game: Unleashed will feature ragdoll physics and cartoon violence, adding an exaggerated twist to the gameplay based on the deadly series. Players will compete in online multiplayer matches, navigating through various twisted contests based on the original show’s deadly games, as well as new games inspired by classic childhood activities.

This release comes as part of Netflix's broader push into gaming, which includes the formation of its first in-house game studio in Helsinki, Finland, led by former Zynga and EA executive Marko Lastikka. Netflix has been expanding its game library, which includes titles like Before Your Eyes and Into the Breach.

Squid Game: Unleashed is set to be released on mobile platforms through the Netflix Mobile App. The first season of Squid Game is on the service now, with season 2 debuting on December 26, 2024. The reality show based on the property is also on Netflix.

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A new chapter of Hunter x Hunter is set to be published in the upcoming issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, scheduled for release on October 7, 2024. This announcement was made via the official Shonen Jump Twitter account, exciting fans of the long-running series. The chapter will be featured in issue 45 of the magazine, continuing the story that has captivated readers for years.

View the official post below:

In addition to the new chapter, Hunter x Hunter Volume 38 will be released in Japan on September 4, 2024. This latest volume collects chapters 391 through 400 and continues the ongoing saga of Gon Freecss. The cover art for Volume 38 has also been revealed.

Creator Yoshihiro Togashi has faced health issues that have led to sporadic releases, making each new chapter a significant event for the fandom. Volume 37 of the Hunter x Hunter manga originally released in Japan on November 4, 2022, with its North American release happening nearly a year later on October 3rd, 2023.

Hunter x Hunter Volume 38 will come out in Japan on September 4, 2024. Hunter x Hunter is available in Weekly Shonen Jump, and Viz Media publishes the manga outside Japan. The 2011 version of the anime is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix. 

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Bandai Fashion has announced the release of a new line of sunglasses inspired by the character Toguro from the classic anime series Yu Yu Hakusho. The product is available for purchase through the Premium Bandai online store, with orders being accepted until October 14, 2024, at 11 PM JST. The sunglasses are priced at 9,900 yen (or around $67) and are expected to ship sometime in February 2025.

You can view the official post below:

These sunglasses are designed to replicate those worn by Toguro, a popular villain from the series, offering both functionality and authenticity to the original design.

In related news, a Yu Yu Hakusho commercial aired earlier this year on January 31, 2024, as part of a collaboration with Jaran. The ad featured the main characters, including Toguro, relaxing in a hot tub, with narration by Yusuke’s voice actor, Nozomu Sasaki. The commercial blended scenes from the original anime with a modern art style and was made available on Jaran’s YouTube channel and Japanese television.

The Yu Yu Hakusho Toguro sunglasses can be found on the Bandai website. The original anime series is also available to stream on Netflix in some regions and via Funimation, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video in North America. The live action adaption is available on Netflix.

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Square Enix shared that the FFVII characters in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, are more detailed than ever, due to the power of the PS5. This information appeared in a FFVII REMAKE DIGEST YouTube video.

You can watch the full FFVII REMAKE DIGEST on YouTube below:

According to an interview with the developers, the PS5's enhanced hardware capabilities and the Unreal Engine, allowed for more detailed polygon counts, smoother facial expressions, and more refined character animations for FFVII Remake.

The team also utilized machine learning-based lip-sync technology, dubbed "Lip-Sync ML," to improve the quality of character dialogue scenes, making them comparable to cutscenes.

Additionally, the developers emphasized that the game includes new motion and ability systems to create a sense of unity among the characters as they explore the world beyond Midgar.

Notably, the animations and motions for each character, including their unique riding styles on chocobos, were designed to reflect their personalities, adding the necessary visual depth for this lengthy gameplay experience.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was released on February 29, 2024, for the PS5. Those interested in the first part of the remake can also check out Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, which includes enhanced graphics and additional content.

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