The opening theme song of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”, “Gurenge” has obtained first place in “Let’s Review 2020 in Spotify Most-streamed Songs by Japanese Artist in Overseas”. Also, the artist for the song, LiSA has taken first place in “Most-streamed Japanese Artists Overseas”.
“Spotify” is an audio streaming music service that is being used by more than 320 million users.
The Japanese music ranking that is streamed overseas “Let’s Review 2020 on Spotify” (Eligible Period: January 1, 2020 – November 27, 2020) was announced.
“Gurenge” has taken first place in the “Most-streamed Songs by Japanese Artist Overseas”. This is a result that shows that “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is popular worldwide.
The opening of “Tokyo Ghoul”, “unravel” and the opening of “Naruto Shippuuden”, “Silhouette” also appeared in the upper ranking, and 8 songs in the TOP 10 are anime-related songs.
Next, LiSA has taken first place in the “Most-streamed Japanese Artist Overseas”, and she has ranked up from 4th place last year.
Several anime-related artists, such as RADWIMPS, Yonezu Kenshi, Hisaishi Joe, Hayashi Yuuki, Aimer, Ikimonogakari, TK from Ling Tosite Sigure, and FLOW have appeared in the TOP 10 of the same ranking.
On November 16, 2020, the contestants of "71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" have been announced, and singer LiSA, who is known for "Gurenge", the theme song of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and "Flame" from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Train the Movie", will appear on the show for the second consecutive year. On the same day, LiSA shared her enthusiasm on Twitter.
The 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen will feature LiSA and other artists who have sung theme songs for 2020 animes.
Suzuki Masayuki from "Kaguya-sama Love is War" ("DADDY! DADDY ! DO ! feat. Airi Suzuki), Sixtones from "Fugou Keiji Balance:UNLIMITED" ("NAVIGATOR"), "Hanyou no Yashahime" ("NEW ERA"), Snow Man from "Black Clover" ("Stories"), and milet from "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Monster Sen Sen Babylonia" ("Prover/Tell me") and other singers have joined the list.
On November 16, when the contestants for the" 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" were announced, LiSA wrote on Twitter: "I'm going to participate in the 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. I'm so happy to be able to be on the Kohaku Uta Gassen stage for the second year in a row."
She continued: "With gratitude to everyone who keeps improving with me to make it the best future with me... I'm going to burn my heart out in red, just like you think LiSA would, and deliver the live performance on the Kohaku Utah stage again. We look forward to seeing you," she wrote with enthusiasm.
Upon receiving LiSA's report, on Twitter the following was posted, "Congratulations~! It's been a raging year since your first Kohaku! The joy of being on that stage for the second year in a row: ... It's a pleasure for me too! I'm happy to spend another last day of the year listening to LiSA's songs! I can't wait to see what you'll be performing this year! Thank you for always creating the best possible future.
"THE FIRST TAKE" is a YouTube channel that shows the performances of singers and artists, which are taken in "one-shot" and even a single mistake is not allowed.
This article will introduce the anisong artist that had shown their tremendous singing voice on "THE FIRST TAKE".
5th Video LiSA "Gurenge" (Released on December 6, 2019)
This is LiSA's first appearance, who not only is involved with anisong but also participated in numerous rock fest, and she had appeared for the first time in "Kohaku Uta Gassen" in 2019.
This was the first time the piano arrangement of "Gurenge", a popular song which is the representative song of 2010s and the opening theme of the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", was revealed.
20th Video Ziyoou-vachi "Kaen" (Released on February 7, 2020)
Along with the creative and tremendous live's stage and presence, Avu-chan from Ziyoou-vachi, who is also active in various activities, has appeared.
The opening theme of the TV anime "Dororo", called "Kaen" which had caused a storm, was performed in an acoustic arrangement along with the Hibari-kun, the guitarist of Ziyoou-vachi.
34th Video SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet) "BELONG"（Released on March 27, 2020）
The composer Sawano Hiroyuki, who had handled the background music of numerous anime and had welcomed his 15th anniversary in 2020, has appeared as "SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]", a project that focuses on vocal music.
The song "BELONG", which Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet) was invited as a guest vocalist as well as the CM song for the light novel and manga "Fate/strange Fake" was performed in a special arrangement as only the piano and singing voice can be heard.
37th Video SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki "aLIEz"（Released on April 8, 2020）
The composer Sawano Hiroyuki has once again appeared as "SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]", a project that focuses on vocal music.
The ending theme of the TV anime "Aldnoah.Zero", which welcomed mizuki (UNIDOTS) as a guest vocalist, and it was also performed in a special arrangement as only the piano and singing voice can be heard.
38th Video TK from Ling Tosite Sigure "unravel" (Released on April 10, 2020)
The solo project "TK from Ling Tosite Sigure" of TK, the vocalist and guitarist of Ling Tosite Sigure, has appeared.
"unravel", a song written for the opening theme of TV anime "Tokyo Ghoul" which is also popular in and outside of Japan, was performed in a piano, violin, and cello arrangement for the first time.
47th Video Suzuki Masayuki "DADDY! DADDY! DO! feat. Suzuki Airi" (Released on Revealed in August 21, 2020)
Suzuki Masayuki, the "King of Love Song" and "The popular newcomer of Anisong" has appeared for the first time to perform "DADDY! DADDY! DO! feat. Suzuki Airi", the opening theme of the TV anime "Kaguya-sama: Love is War Season 2".
The musicians, including the guest vocalist Suzuki Airi, that were involved in the recording had gathered once again to deliver the special arrangement in one-shot while enjoying it.
55th Video CHiCO with HoneyWorks "Sekai ha Koi ni Ochiteiru" (Released on September 18, 2020)
This is the first appearance of "ChicoHani" short for CHiCO with HoneyWorks after welcoming her 6th anniversary in 2020.
CHiCO with HoneyWork only shows her face during the live and will only perform with her voice in other forms of media, but this is the first time the vocalist CHiCO (Vo.) showed off her singing appearance.
Her debut song, "Sekai ha Koi ni Ochiteiru" which recorded 5.9 million views on YouTube as well as the opening theme for the TV anime "Aoharu Ride" was performed in a simple piano arrangement.
60th Video ReoNa "ANIMA" (Released on October 9, 2020)
This is the first appearance of ReoNa, who had become the center of attention after 2 years since her solo debut.
"ANIMA", the opening theme of the TV anime "Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld" Final Chapter as well as the song that had taken the 1st place in the various major streaming website, was performed in a piano and guitar acoustic version.
62th Video LiSA "Homura" (Released on October 16, 2020)
This is the second appearance of LiSA after her performance of "Gurenge" in the 5th video becomes a hot topic and achieves the highest number of views in "THE FIRST TAKE".
The piano arrangement of the theme song of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" and her new song "Homura" can only be heard here.
65th Video LiSA "Catch the Moment" (Revealed in October 28, 2020)
This is LiSA 3rd appearance after the 62th video "Homura" exceeded 1 million views.
This time, she performed the acoustic version of her representative song "Catch the Moment", the theme song of "Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale".
From "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" comes Rengoku Kyoujurou's "Nichirin Blade" in roughly 1/1 scale. Pre-orders are accepted on "Tamashii Web Store" of "Premium Bandai" from 4:00 p.m. on January 15, 2021.
The product is a roughly 1/1 scale recreation of the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyoujurou's "Nichirin Blade" made for adults to enjoy pretending to be the character.
The blade has an impressive length of roughly 950mm, calculated from the height of Rengoku. The engravings, habaki (a piece of metal encircling the base of the blade), and the texture of the handle are realistically recreated, and the letters "惡鬼滅殺" (Akki Messatsu) are designed as if they're really engraved on the blade.
The unique handguard's coloring and even the bumps were recreated under official supervision.
Moreover, it has recordings of lines from the scenes in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train", such as "Yomoya Yomoyada" and "Umai!", along with all the techniques of the "Flame Breathing". The theme song of the film, "Homura", is also included, and can be played in the back while playing each of the lines.
"Proplica Nichirin Blade (Rengoku Kyoujurou)" is priced at 11,000 JPY (tax included). Pre-orders are accepted on "Tamashii Web Store" of "Premium Bandai" from 4:00 p.m. on January 15, 2021.
(C) Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
The glass hairbands with the design of Kamado Tanjirou, Rengoku Kyoujurou, Asaga, and other characters from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" have been announced. Pre-orders are currently available on "Character Depart".
This is a re-released of the "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" glass hairband that was released in 2020. The lineup is consists of 30 types with the design of the characters, including Tanjirou as well as the motif of the Hashiras' haori.
Not only can it be used as a hairband, but it can also be used as a belt for your notes as well as to hold the small accessories.
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Glass Hairband (30 types)" is priced at 650 JPY (tax excluded) each. Pre-orders are currently available on "Character Depart" for a limited period until January 24, 2021.
(C) Gotouge Koyoharu/ Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
The glass earrings inspired by the haori and kimono of Tanjirou, Nezuko, and others from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" have been announced. Pre-orders are available on "Character Depart".
Each earring has a different design and pattern. So, it will give a different impression on both sides when your rest your hair on your ear or when you turn around.
The lineup consists of 13 types, which are Kamado Tanjirou, Kamado Nezuko, Agatsuma Zenitsu, Hashibira Inosuke, Tomioka Giyuu, Kochou Shinobu, Rengoku Kyoujurou, Uzui Tengen, Kanrouji Mitsuri, Tokito Muichirou, Himejima Gyoumei, Iguro Obanai, and Shinazugawa Sanemi.
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Glass Earring" is priced at 1,000 JPY (tax excluded) each. Pre-orders are available on "Character Depart" for a limited time until January 24, 2021.
（C）Gotouge Koyoharu／Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
From "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" comes mascots you can decorate your cup with. Pre-orders are currently available on "Premium Bandai".
The product was released from the "Ochatomo Series", which features decoration mascots for cups
You can enjoy cute situations of Tanjirou climbing your cup or Nezuko looking into your drink. They come with miniature stands that let you decorate them without cups.
The series features 6 characters: Tanjirou, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Giyuu, and Shinobu.
"Ochatomo Series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" is a set of 6 figures priced at 5,148 JPY (tax included). Pre-orders are currently available on "Premium Bandai".
(c) Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
LiSA's "Gurenge," the theme song of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", has won 1st place overall in the "2020 JOYSOUND Karaoke Annual Ranking". It is also the first song to dominate the top spot among all age groups from teens to 50s.
The song "Gurenge," which won first place overall in the "2020 JOYSOUND Karaoke Annual Ranking," is the theme song for the anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," which has now become a social phenomenon, and has gained strong support from people of all ages.
In the annual karaoke ranking by age group, which has been announced since 2014, Yonezu Kenshi's "Lemon" took the top spot among those in their 20s to 50s in 2019, but this is the first time that it has dominated the top spot among those in their teens to 50s.
Although the song features female vocals, it dominated the top spot for both men and women in their 20s and 30s, and was in the top 3 for men in all age groups except for those in their 60s, making it a big hit sung by all genders and generations.
Looking at other anime songs, 7 out of the top 20 songs were ranked in the top 20, including Takahashi Yokoshi's "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" at No. 8 and Suzumiya Haruhi Suzumiya's "God knows..." (C.V. Hirano Aya) at No. 10. Among those in their 30s, "Lion" by May /Ai Nakajima is also a characteristic anime song that has been loved for a long time. Among those in their 40s, Takahashi Yoko Takahashi's "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" has been in the Top 20 for seven years in a row, securing its position as a standard song for those in their 40s. For those in their 40s, Takahashi Yoko Takahashi's "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" has been in the top 20 for seven years in a row.
For more information on "2020 JOYSOUND Karaoke Annual Ranking", please visit the special page.
On November 16, 2020, the contestants of "71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" have been announced, and singer LiSA, who is known for "Gurenge", the theme song of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and "Flame" from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Train the Movie", will appear on the show for the second consecutive year. On the same day, LiSA shared her enthusiasm on Twitter.
The 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen will feature LiSA and other artists who have sung theme songs for 2020 animes.
Suzuki Masayuki from "Kaguya-sama Love is War" ("DADDY! DADDY ! DO ! feat. Airi Suzuki), Sixtones from "Fugou Keiji Balance:UNLIMITED" ("NAVIGATOR"), "Hanyou no Yashahime" ("NEW ERA"), Snow Man from "Black Clover" ("Stories"), and milet from "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Monster Sen Sen Babylonia" ("Prover/Tell me") and other singers have joined the list.
On November 16, when the contestants for the" 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" were announced, LiSA wrote on Twitter: "I'm going to participate in the 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. I'm so happy to be able to be on the Kohaku Uta Gassen stage for the second year in a row."
She continued: "With gratitude to everyone who keeps improving with me to make it the best future with me... I'm going to burn my heart out in red, just like you think LiSA would, and deliver the live performance on the Kohaku Utah stage again. We look forward to seeing you," she wrote with enthusiasm.
Upon receiving LiSA's report, on Twitter the following was posted, "Congratulations~! It's been a raging year since your first Kohaku! The joy of being on that stage for the second year in a row: ... It's a pleasure for me too! I'm happy to spend another last day of the year listening to LiSA's songs! I can't wait to see what you'll be performing this year! Thank you for always creating the best possible future.
"Gurenge", the theme song of TV anime "Demon Slayer： Kimetsu no Yaiba" sung by LiSA, has started to be distributed on karaoke 'JOYSOUND', in the anime video version (TV size).
"Gurenge" has been No.1 on the 'JOYSOUND' karaoke weekly ranking in the 4th week of May 2020 and has been No.1 for 7 weeks in a row; it has always been in the top rank as a popular song.
In the first half of this year's ranking, she was No. 2 overall following "Pretender" by Official HIGE DANdism, and No. 1 in the anime song category instead of the song " A Cruel Angel's Thesis".
On "JOYSOUND", the "Gurenge" anime video version (TV size), in which you can sing in the background of anime videos, was released on November 9. In addition, the full-size version of "Gurenge", and anime video version of ending theme 'from the edge' and insert song "Kamado Tanjirou no uta" will be distributed in December.
(C) Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, and ufotable
"THE FIRST TAKE" is a YouTube channel that shows the performances of singers and artists, which are taken in "one-shot" and even a single mistake is not allowed.
This article will introduce the anisong artist that had shown their tremendous singing voice on "THE FIRST TAKE".
5th Video LiSA "Gurenge" (Released on December 6, 2019)
This is LiSA's first appearance, who not only is involved with anisong but also participated in numerous rock fest, and she had appeared for the first time in "Kohaku Uta Gassen" in 2019.
This was the first time the piano arrangement of "Gurenge", a popular song which is the representative song of 2010s and the opening theme of the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", was revealed.
20th Video Ziyoou-vachi "Kaen" (Released on February 7, 2020)
Along with the creative and tremendous live's stage and presence, Avu-chan from Ziyoou-vachi, who is also active in various activities, has appeared.
The opening theme of the TV anime "Dororo", called "Kaen" which had caused a storm, was performed in an acoustic arrangement along with the Hibari-kun, the guitarist of Ziyoou-vachi.
34th Video SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet) "BELONG"（Released on March 27, 2020）
The composer Sawano Hiroyuki, who had handled the background music of numerous anime and had welcomed his 15th anniversary in 2020, has appeared as "SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]", a project that focuses on vocal music.
The song "BELONG", which Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet) was invited as a guest vocalist as well as the CM song for the light novel and manga "Fate/strange Fake" was performed in a special arrangement as only the piano and singing voice can be heard.
37th Video SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki "aLIEz"（Released on April 8, 2020）
The composer Sawano Hiroyuki has once again appeared as "SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]", a project that focuses on vocal music.
The ending theme of the TV anime "Aldnoah.Zero", which welcomed mizuki (UNIDOTS) as a guest vocalist, and it was also performed in a special arrangement as only the piano and singing voice can be heard.
38th Video TK from Ling Tosite Sigure "unravel" (Released on April 10, 2020)
The solo project "TK from Ling Tosite Sigure" of TK, the vocalist and guitarist of Ling Tosite Sigure, has appeared.
"unravel", a song written for the opening theme of TV anime "Tokyo Ghoul" which is also popular in and outside of Japan, was performed in a piano, violin, and cello arrangement for the first time.
47th Video Suzuki Masayuki "DADDY! DADDY! DO! feat. Suzuki Airi" (Released on Revealed in August 21, 2020)
Suzuki Masayuki, the "King of Love Song" and "The popular newcomer of Anisong" has appeared for the first time to perform "DADDY! DADDY! DO! feat. Suzuki Airi", the opening theme of the TV anime "Kaguya-sama: Love is War Season 2".
The musicians, including the guest vocalist Suzuki Airi, that were involved in the recording had gathered once again to deliver the special arrangement in one-shot while enjoying it.
55th Video CHiCO with HoneyWorks "Sekai ha Koi ni Ochiteiru" (Released on September 18, 2020)
This is the first appearance of "ChicoHani" short for CHiCO with HoneyWorks after welcoming her 6th anniversary in 2020.
CHiCO with HoneyWork only shows her face during the live and will only perform with her voice in other forms of media, but this is the first time the vocalist CHiCO (Vo.) showed off her singing appearance.
Her debut song, "Sekai ha Koi ni Ochiteiru" which recorded 5.9 million views on YouTube as well as the opening theme for the TV anime "Aoharu Ride" was performed in a simple piano arrangement.
60th Video ReoNa "ANIMA" (Released on October 9, 2020)
This is the first appearance of ReoNa, who had become the center of attention after 2 years since her solo debut.
"ANIMA", the opening theme of the TV anime "Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld" Final Chapter as well as the song that had taken the 1st place in the various major streaming website, was performed in a piano and guitar acoustic version.
62th Video LiSA "Homura" (Released on October 16, 2020)
This is the second appearance of LiSA after her performance of "Gurenge" in the 5th video becomes a hot topic and achieves the highest number of views in "THE FIRST TAKE".
The piano arrangement of the theme song of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" and her new song "Homura" can only be heard here.
65th Video LiSA "Catch the Moment" (Revealed in October 28, 2020)
This is LiSA 3rd appearance after the 62th video "Homura" exceeded 1 million views.
This time, she performed the acoustic version of her representative song "Catch the Moment", the theme song of "Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale".
'Photograph', the 16th single of Poppin' Party, a girls band from "BanG Dream!" produced by Bushiroad, has won 1st place on 'Oricon Weekly Ranking', which was announced on January 18, 2021. 'Saichou-Ten Peaky&Peaky!', the 1st single of Peaky P-key, a unit of "D4DJ ", has also won 3rd place on the ranking.
'Photograph', the 16th single of Poppin' Party, released on January 6, has won 1st place following 'Initial / Ume Wo Uchinuku Shunkan Ni!' on January 20, 2021. It is the first-ever achievement of the project that two consecutive works win 1st place (according to Bushiroad Music).
Peaky P-key's 1st single 'Saichou-Ten Peaky&Peaky!' was released on January 6 as well.
It is the 1st work that is released in 2021, and it won the highest rank since the "D4DJ" project was launched (according to Bushiroad Music).
（C）BanG Dream! Project（C）Craft Egg Inc.（C）bushiroad All Rights Reserved.
It has been 40 years since the last broadcast of "Space Battleship Yamato" on Nippon Broadcast "All Night-NIPPON". The broadcast date is on January 15, 2021, with the title of "All Night-NIPPON GOLD ~The Generation of 'Space Battleship Yamato' Special~".
"All Night-NIPPON GOLD ~The Generation of 'Space Battleship Yamato' Special~" is the first special program of the Friday "All Night-NIPPON GOLD" in 2021 featuring different MC every week, and it was held due to the release of the music CD "Symphonic Suite Space Battleship Yamato 2202" on January 15, 2021.
The MC of this program is the ex-Nippon Broadcast announcer as well as the same generation as "Yamato", Ueyanagi Masahiko, and the voice actor of Kiryu Mikage, Nakamura Eriko.
Fukui Harutoshi, the composer, the supervisor as well as the scriptwriter and Miyagawa Akira, who handled the music, will make an appearance as they will reveal more about its allure from the scenario and music.
It will be a 2 hour that will attract you to the work's world setting even if you are a first-timer toward "Space Battleship Yamato".
"All Night-NIPPON GOLD ~The Generation of 'Space Battleship Yamato' Special~" will be broadcast from 10:00 PM, January 15, 2021 to 12:00 AM, January 16, 2021.
Moreover, the program is accepting messages from the listener with the theme of "Space Battleship Yamato and Me"
（C）Nishizaki Yoshinobu／Space Battleship Yamato 2202 Production Committee
The final movie of the anime "Gintama", "Gintama THE FINAL" has finally been released on January 8. So, a special video that is filled with the grateful "Thank You" comments from the extravagant members to the fans that had supported "Gintama" up until now.
The "Special 'Thank You' Video filled with 15 years of gratitude" feature the cast members of Yorozuya & Shinsengumi's characters, including Sugita Tomokazu (voice of the protagonist Gin-san), Sakaguchi Daisuke (voice of Shimura Shinpachi), Kugimiya Rie (voice of Kagura), Takahashi Minami (voice of Sadaharu), Chiba Susumu (voice of Kondou Isao), Nakai Kazuya (voice of Hijikata Toushirou), and Suzumura Kenichi (voice of Okita Sougo). Do check out their unique "Thank You", which reminds you of their role.
The members of SPYAIR and DOES, which had handled the opening and ending of the anime "Gintama" from times to times, have also made an appearance. The featured members are IKE and KENTA from SPYAIR, which handled the theme song "Wadachi" of the movie "Gintama THE FINAL", and Ujihara Wataru from DOES, which handled the insert song "Douraku Shinjo" and "Breakdown". The gorgeous gathering of the 3 "Gintama Singer" can only be seen here.
"Gintama" has continued for 15 years by breaking common sense, as well as destroying the common sense of the anime industry by doing whatever they want. The finale of the anime "Gintama", "Gintama THE FINAL", that contained the all-out of the author, voice actors, as well as the staff, has finally been released on January 8.
(C) Sorachi Hideaki/ Gintama the Movie Production Committee
Southeast Asia largest J-POP culture event "Anime Festival Asia（AFA）" was held online from December 5 to December 6 as "AFA SINGAPORE 2020 ～ONLINE～". The participating guests, such as Oohashi Ayaka, Toyonaga Toshiyuki, Aoi Eir, LiSA, May'n, Yanaginagi, and others, have been announced.
"Anime Festival Asia（AFA）" is an event organizer by SOZO, a group under Sony Music Entertainment (SME) that is based in Singapore. After it was held in 2008 for the first time, it became popular for its concert and various stage performances where Japanese artists are invited.
"AFA SINGAPORE 2020 ～ONLINE～" was held online from December 5 until December 6, at 2 PM of Singapore Time (3 PM of Japan Time). It's free to watch. Detailed information is available on a special website.
PG-TRADING Co., Ltd. (PG), a consolidated subsidiary of PIALA Co., Ltd., has set up an IP floor in "Shanghai Takashimaya" for the purpose of introducing Japanese culture in the Gubei area, where many wealthy people and foreigners live in Shanghai. As the first project, a cafe and goods sale of the Japanese anime "Inuyasha" have been held for a limited time until January 27, 2021.
The popularity of Japanese anime and manga has not declined around the world, and in May 2019, a cafe and retail store of "Detective Conan", which is very popular in China, opened for a limited time. The IP business using Japanese anime and manga is now attracting a lot of attention, such as making a long line waiting for 3 hours on weekends.
Currently, in China, not only local department stores and commercial malls, but also many Asian commercial malls from South Korea and Japan have been expanding, and competition has been intensifying more than ever. For this context, PG has planned an event that utilizes Japan's popular IP and proposed a floor construction to Shanghai Takashimaya, and will open a place to introduce Japanese culture by taking advantage of its strengths as a Japanese department store.
This time, as the first step, a cafe and character goods sales event inspired by "Inuyasha", which is also popular in China will be held around the corner on the 7th floor of "Shanghai Takashimaya". It is expected to attract 5,500 to 6,000 customers a month.
There are more than 30 types of meals, sweets and drinks, including menus inspired by the characters, and you can also purchase original goods such as charms and clothing inspired by the characters.
Not only because of the cafe and products, but also because of the perfection of the atmosphere of the entire event area, Chinese influencers have come to the store and post on social media that they use, and it has become viral throughout China.
PG has been proceeding with such IP-related projects not only at Shanghai Takashimaya but also at other Japanese department stores and commercial malls.
PG says that they will contribute to the development of any company by establishing a place where Japanese culture can be introduced, setting the Japanese IP business in China as the new lynchpin in the future.
Two images from the TV CM of "The Legend of Hei", a Chinese animated film released on Nov. 7, 2020 have just been leaked. The two images each respectively capture the appeal of the original work with one depicting "a really cool action scene" and the other being an "absolutely adorable scene of Xiao Hei".
"The Legend of Hei" is an animated movie created by manga artist/anime director MTJJ and Hanmu Chunhua Animation Studios (HMCH). The story is set in a world where nature is desecrated by humans, displacing many demons from their homes. The story follows Xiao Hei, a black cat demon that has lost his home due to redevelopment of the forest and his adventures.
Within the two CM images released this time, the "really cool action scene" depicts a nonstop, breathtaking action scene between the strongest monk, Wuxian (CV: Miyano Mamoru), Xiaohei (CV: Hanazawa Kana) and Fengxi (CV: Sakurai Takahiro), who attempts to execute a "certain plan" that will cause despair to the future of demons.
The other "absolutely adorable scene of Xiao Hei" features Xiao Hei indignantly talking whilst eating some delicious food, capturing the appeal of his adorable side and is sure to make anyone break out into a smile.
There are even reviews pouring in with viewers commenting: "Its the best movie I've seen this year!", "An unconventionally interesting film!" and "I cried so much at the last scene". "The Legend of Hei" is currently in theaters.
(C) Beijing HMCH Anime Co.,Ltd
The main trailer of the China anime movie "The Legend of Hei: Boku ga Eranbu Mirai" (release date on November 7) that captures the tremendous action scene, has been revealed.
"The Legend of Hei: Boku ga Eranbu Mirai" is an animated movie that was produced by HMCH Studio under MTJJ, a China’s manga artist and anime director.
The story takes place in a world where the spirits have lost their habitat due to the destruction of nature by humans, and it revolves around the black cat’s spirit Xiao Hei, who had lost his habitat due to deforestation.
After losing his habitat due to human's destruction of nature, Xiao Hei (voiced by Kanazawa Hana) together with the spirit, Feng Xi (voiced by Sakurai Takahiro), was invited to an island that is far from the human village.
The trailer depicts the scene where Xiao Hei open his eye after noticing something odd, along with the scene of Feng Xi, Xu Huai (voiced by Saito Souma), Luo Zhu (voiced by Matsuoka Yoshitsugu), and Ten Fu (voiced by Sugita Tomokazu) using their powers while fighting against someone.
Xiao Hei rushed toward Feng Xi after that someone shown his overwhelming strength. Then, it was revealed that the one who attacked Feng Xi and others, was Mugen (voiced by Miyano Mamoru), the powerful executor who is also a human.
Toward Feng Xi's question "Why did the inn assist you despite being a human", Mugen answered "I came here to capture you. There is no need for questions." The trailer ended right away, leaving the viewer curious about future development.
There is one big highlight in the battle scene of this trailer, which is the speed of the free movement while the characters were using their powers, and also the lively battle animation is depicted carefully with the camerawork and the special effect.
After the screening with subtitle in 2019, there were numerous comments praising it quality from the anime fan and anime related personnel, such as, "I must fight with the staff that create this work from now on" and "It so freaking cool! Instead of being sentimental, it makes me felt jealous instead."
"The Legend of Hei: Boku ga Eranbu Mirai" will be released on November 7. Do enjoy the tremendous battle scene at the big screen and audio system of the theatre.
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