“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is trending worldwide! LiSA & Gurenge has obtained first place in “Most-streamed Japanese Artists & Songs Overseas”

From "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", smartphone grips featuring 15 characters, including Kamado Tanjirou and Uzui Tengen, will be released. The items were available for pre-orders on the anime/manga specialty e-commerce website "Animo" for a limited period until July 23. The lineup for Smartphone Grip "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" consists of a total of 15 characters, Kamado Tanjirou, Kamado Nezuko, Agatsuma Zenitsu, Hashibira Inosuke, Rengoku Kyoujro, Enmu, Akaza, Tomioka Giyuu, Kocho Shinobu, Uzui Tengen, Tokito Muichirou, Kanroji Mitsuri, Iguro Obanai, Shinazugawa Sanemi, and Himejima Gyomei. This item is expandable with the size of 44W×10-28D×44H (mm). The price is 2,200 JPY (incl. tax). Pre-orders are currently available on "Animo" until July 23, and the shipping is scheduled for late September. (C)Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable

From "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," comes the "Demon Slayer DX Nichirin Katana ~Rengoku Kyoujurou~," a voice-activated impersonator toy that recreates Kyoujuro's Nichirin Katana. It is currently available for pre-order at Premium Bandai. The “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba DX Nichirin Katana: Rengoku Kyoujurou” is the fourth in the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba DX Nichirin Katana” series of voice-activated impersonators that recreate the weapons that appear in “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”. It features a flame breathing pattern and a voice that says, "This brilliant flame sword of Rengoku will burn you to the bone! "and 36 other sounds from Rengoku Kyoujurou are included. In addition, for the first time in the DX Nirin Katana series, it also includes the lines "Be a demon, Kyoujurou" by the upper-string demon Akaza, and " Rengoku Brother!” The main part of the body is approximately 58cm in length, with a "flame" design on the blade to represent Rengoku Kyoujuro's flame breathing style, and when the button is pressed, the blade "glows" red as if lit by flames. In the "Flame Breathing Mode," each time you press the button on the main body, the sword body will glow while the dialogues and sound effects of the six Flame Breathing patterns, such as "Flame Breathing First Form: Unbreathing Fire," are played in sequence. In the "Impersonation Mode", every time you press a button, the sword blade will light up and the dialogues and sound effects of Rengoku and Akaza will be played in sequence. You can recreate 7 scenes of fierce battles with the demons in the Mugen Train, "Become a demon, Kyoujuro", "I refuse. I won't become a demon" and other scenes of fierce battle with Akaza. In "Anime Mode", each time you press a button, 12 of Rengoku's unique and manly dialogues will be played in turn. Some of the dialogues include "Big bro Rengoku! "and other dialogues with Tanjiro and his friends are also included. The price of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba DX Nichirin Katana: Rengoku Kyoujurou” is 5,995 JPY (tax included). It is currently available for pre-order at “Premium Bandai”, and will be released on September 18, 2021. (C) Gotouge Koyoharu/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable

From "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", iPhone cases, featuring Kamado Tanjirou, Kamado Nezuko, and other characters, will be released for "6, 7, 8, X, and XS". Pre-orders are available on "Animo" from July 19 to 22, 2021. The lineup for "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba TPU Bumper iPhone Case" consists of a total of 5 characters, Kamado Tanjirou, Kamado Nezuko, Agatsuma Zenitsu, Hashibira Inosuke, and the Demon Slayer Corps. Each item is available in two types, "for 6/7/8" and "for X/XS". The design for the Demon Slayer Corps version features a white letter "滅 (slay)" on a black case. "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba TPU Bumper iPhone Case" is priced at 3,300 JPY each (incl. tax). Pre-orders are available on "Animo" from July 19 to 22, and the release date will be in late September. (C)Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable

It has been announced that the art & crafts toy "Whipple Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Haikara Yogashi Set" (Lit. Whipple Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Stylish Western Sweets Set) of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" will be released on September 25. This is a toy that you can enjoy making authentic pastries that are inspired by the characters and world setting. "Whipple" is a toy series by Epoch, where you can create authentic pastries with special creams that was developed for the practice of pastry chefs. After drying the creation, it can be stored and displayed at the room or be used as accessories. This time, it was announced that "Whipple" will be collaborating with the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" for the first time. "Whipple Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Haikara Yogashi Set" is a product that will allow you to create 9 types of pastries that are inspired by Tanjirou, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Shinobu, and Giyuu. So, let's challenge the pastries decoration with the 5 different creams and 3 types of sockets, where the colors and designs are inspired by the characters. It will come with the "Rainbow Cream Holder", a new tool that allows you to squeeze out 4 colorful cream together. The pastry chef’s book with detailed information on the cream and the sweets with a guide on the amount of cream to use will also be attached. Using this, anyone will be able to create high-quality pastries. "Whipple Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Haikara Yogashi Set" will be available at nationwide toy specialize stores, department stores, and online stores on September 25. The price is 6,050 JPY (tax included) (C) Gotouge Koyoharu/ Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable (C) Epoch

It was announced that LiSA, Miyano Mamoru, and Aoi Shouta will appear on the music program "CDTV Live! Live!" with the one night limited live performance. They will performing the theme song of the current trending drama and anime for the first time on TV, at 9:00 PM, on July 26, on TBS. "CDTV Live! Live!" is a live performance program with the concept of "The full live broadcast of the stage that is created by the performers". The broadcast on July 26, will feature the performers that handled the theme song of the current trending drama and anime. LiSA will be performing the full version of "HADASHi NO STEP", the theme song of the Tuesday drama "Promise Cinderella" starring Nikaidou Fumi as the main lead. Do check out LiSA's performance of this new song that was created just for this drama and perfect for summer, along with her dance. Miyano Mamoru will be performing his latest song "Dream on" that was used as the ending theme of TV anime "Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan". For Aoi Shouta, who is welcoming his 8th anniversary as a singer, he will be performing his latest song "Garasu no Kutsu (lit. Shoes of Glass)", the ending theme of the drama "REAL⇔FAKE 2nd Stage" for the first time. The other performances include "Dekkai Ai", on the theme song of the Friday drama "#Kazoku Boshuushimasu", by Johnny's West, and Sexy Zone performance on the latest song by Hata Motohiro, "Natsu no Hydrangea". Both of these songs will be performed in their full version. Don't miss out on SEKAI NO OWARI's "Birdman" and MY FIRST STORY's "Kokuhaku" as well. The July 26 broadcast of "CDTV Live! Live!" is at 9:00 PM, on TBS.

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

“Ani-PASS #14”, featuring Nakamura Shuugo on the front cover and first page special feature, and Ueda Rena on the back cover and ending special feature, will be available at bookstores nationwide from July 28, 2021. "Ani-PASS #14” features Nakamura Shuugo on the cover and in the first page special feature. Nakamura-san will be releasing his 1st album "NATURAL" and 4th single "Kowareta Sekai no Byoushin wa (Broken World's Second Hand)" simultaneously on July 28, his birthday, and will be featured in a 30-page feature with photos full of summer atmosphere. The back cover and ending special feature will be on Ueda Rena, whose new album "Nebula", to be released on August 18, was carefully conceived and produced by her herself. The special feature includes a long interview that delves into the thoughts behind the songs. Also included in the book is a "bound-in artist card" of Nakamura Shuugo and Ueda Rena. "Ani-PASS #14”, priced at 1,430 JPY (including tax), will be available at bookstores nationwide from July 28, 2021. （C）SHINKO MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.

It was announced that LiSA, Miyano Mamoru, and Aoi Shouta will appear on the music program "CDTV Live! Live!" with the one night limited live performance. They will performing the theme song of the current trending drama and anime for the first time on TV, at 9:00 PM, on July 26, on TBS. "CDTV Live! Live!" is a live performance program with the concept of "The full live broadcast of the stage that is created by the performers". The broadcast on July 26, will feature the performers that handled the theme song of the current trending drama and anime. LiSA will be performing the full version of "HADASHi NO STEP", the theme song of the Tuesday drama "Promise Cinderella" starring Nikaidou Fumi as the main lead. Do check out LiSA's performance of this new song that was created just for this drama and perfect for summer, along with her dance. Miyano Mamoru will be performing his latest song "Dream on" that was used as the ending theme of TV anime "Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan". For Aoi Shouta, who is welcoming his 8th anniversary as a singer, he will be performing his latest song "Garasu no Kutsu (lit. Shoes of Glass)", the ending theme of the drama "REAL⇔FAKE 2nd Stage" for the first time. The other performances include "Dekkai Ai", on the theme song of the Friday drama "#Kazoku Boshuushimasu", by Johnny's West, and Sexy Zone performance on the latest song by Hata Motohiro, "Natsu no Hydrangea". Both of these songs will be performed in their full version. Don't miss out on SEKAI NO OWARI's "Birdman" and MY FIRST STORY's "Kokuhaku" as well. The July 26 broadcast of "CDTV Live! Live!" is at 9:00 PM, on TBS.

At noon on July 14, 2021, "YUAN", the new track by Johnny's group Snow Man was added to Bushiroad's smartphone rhythm game D4DJ Groovy Mix. The track is also the theme song of the film "White Snake". With the addition of "YUAN" to D4DJ Groovy Mix, the AMEZA area now features the promotional video of "White Snake", as well as the music video of Snow Man's "YUAN". The videos are only available until 11:59 pm on August 10 (Japan Standard Time), so make sure you don't miss out. Club items with special collaboration designs are also available. Please visit the official D4DJ Groovy Mix official website for more details. （C）bushiroad All Rights Reserved.（C）2020 DONUTS Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.（C）Light Chaser Animation Studios（C）Bushiroad Move.（C）TEAM JOY CO., LTD.

Sphere, a pop idol group formed by female voice actors, holds its first "virtual concert" on August 22, 2021. Minako Kotobuki, Ayahi Takagaki, Haruka Tomatsu, and Aki Toyosaki will turn into 3D models and perform on a virtual space. 'Sphere Virtual Live Vol.1 Future Streaming' is an event in which the four of the Sphere members turn into 3D models and hold a performance on a virtual space. The event takes advantage of a virtual event has all the members gathered on the same stage, including Kotobuki who currently lives in London. Also, this will be the first virtual concert by a voice actor group turned into 3D models. The event will allow the audience to experience "performances unique to a virtual concert", such as the members performing right before the audience and the audience's reaction affecting the stage performance. 'Sphere Virtual Live Vol.1 Future Streaming' will be held on the VR platform 'VARK' on August 22 at 19:00. Tickets are available at 5,980 JPY. Visit the event's special web page for further details. （C）2018-2021 VARK Inc.

Sega Corporation has announced that the family game "Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles" based on the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" will be released in Asia and Europe. "Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles" is an action game, where the manufacturer and distribution in Japan are handled by Aniplex Inc. while the development is by CyberConnect2. It was announced that Sega will be handling the distribution of this product in Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, and South East Asia), North America, and Europe (America, Canada, England, France, etc.). It will be available in Asia on October 14 (October 16 for Steam ver.) and October 15 in North America and Europe. Sega is aggressively pushing their IP and local contents that were developed in Japan to overseas, and this current arrangement was made as part of their effort to expand their sales network. They will be playing a part in handling the overseas distribution of the family game "Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles" based on the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" that is famous worldwide. （C）Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable （C）DEMON SLAYER KIMETSU NO YAIBA THE HINOKAMI CHRONICLES COMMITTEE

New company eStream Shanghai is built in China by eStream Co., Ltd., due to raise in demand of the scale figures in China. The business was started in June 2021. The Chinese figure market reached 61.9 billion JPY (3.6 billion Yuan) in 2020, and it is predicted that the market will reach 154.1 billion JPY (9.1 billion Yuan) in 2023, with the growth rate of 248% raise. China has been an important market for eStream Co., Ltd., and they played strongly in the market through the luxury figure brand that they own called “SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE FIGURE”. Chinese branch will hold a stronger system through creating new websites for Chinese market and marketing methods in addition to know-hows that they already have. Moreover, while the demand for Chinese overborder EC and trade routes is growing, the demand for business support toward China is also increasing, and they will be supporter for other companies in the same industry to expand business in China. The company will support other business, by selling other companies' products and helping with their marketing, and also enhance the sale of the figures and anime-related goods through creating their own websites and holding stores in several events. They will also start the Chinese marketing support by using Cyber Agent Group’s assets in addition to own goods.

“Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula", an anime film co-produced by Saudi Manga Production and Toei Animation, will be released in Japan on June 25, 2021. We have received an interview with Furuya Tooru, who plays the main character Aws. “Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula" is a story set on the ancient Arabian Peninsula, where the main character Aws and the people of Mecca stand up against the invader Abraha. It is an entertaining film full of human drama and action, depicting how they carve out their future with the power of faith in themselves and their friends. Furuya-san, who played the main character Aws, commented, "I was very surprised to learn that this film was a Saudi-Japanese co-production, and I thought it was proof that Japanese animation is loved all over the world. The fact that this film came to fruition was an emotional event for me”. When Furuya-san, who is also known for his roles as Amuro Rei in "Mobile Suit Gundam" and Amuro Tooru in "Detective Conan", was asked about the similarities between the heroes he has played and Aws, replied, "There are not many characters who are capable and overwhelmingly strong from the start. They face difficulties by summoning up the courage in their hearts, and by adding some power to it, they are able to defeat powerful enemies. In the end, it is the strength of the heart that matters. That's what Aws has in common with the heroes I have played," he said. Furuya-san also said that when he played Aws, he was conscious of "not being too strong and wanting to be like a normal human being”. He also mentioned "the scene where I apply the eye shadow that Hind gave me" was a memorable scene and said, "This movie has many moving scenes including the climax. “Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula" will open on June 25 at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo and Umeda Burg 7 in Osaka. [Furuya Tooru] --What was your impression when you found out that the film was a collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan? I was very surprised, and I thought it was a proof that Japanese animation is loved all over the world. The fact that this film came to fruition itself was a very moving event for me. Moreover, I was very honored to be able to play the main character of such a work that will remain in the history of anime. --What kind of character did you think Aws was? I thought that he was a character with a lot of depth, because he has a sinful past and has lived a turbulent life. --Is there anything in common between the heroes you've played and AWs? Many of the heroes I've played don't start out as highly capable and overwhelmingly strong. They face difficulties by summoning the courage in their hearts, and when some power is added to that, they are able to defeat powerful enemies. In the end, it is the strength of the heart that matters. That's what Aws has in common with the heroes I have played. --Is there anything you were conscious of when you were playing Aws? I wanted him to be a normal person, not too strong, but someone who can show his power because he has beliefs in his heart. I was conscious of the fact that no matter how many times he is defeated, he never gives up and gets back up. This is the scene that I thought was the coolest as a man, so I wanted to play it carefully. --Is there a scene that left a deep impression on you? The scene where he applies the eyeshadow that Hind gave him. When Aws shows his determination in this way, it inspires his allies to fight. It was very moving because I could feel the bond between him and Hind. This movie has many moving scenes, including the climax. --What kind of attitude do you have toward the character you are playing? First of all, it is important to truly understand the film and the role. After reading the script and understanding the world view, the character's position and feelings, I write them down in detail in the margins of the script and put them in my mind. The next step is to practice on my own while watching the video and try to move my body and voice a little like the character on the screen. The more I move, the more the nuances of the dialogue will change from when I say it standing up, and the more realistic it will become. After simulating my role in this way, I try to trust the sensitivity that arises in my heart and play the role on stage. “Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula” (C) 2021 Manga Productions

Director Yuasa Masaaki's "Japan Sinks: 2020" Episode 1 "The Beginning of the End" wins the Jury Award for a TV Series in the "2021 Annecy International Animation Film Festival". We received a comment from Director Yuasa Masaaki. The "Annecy International Animation Film Festival" was established in 1960 as an independent animation section for the Canes International Film Festival, and is the world's largest international animation film festival. Director Yuasa has been nominated four times in the past: once for short films, twice for feature films, and once for TV series. He won the Crystal Award (the grand prize) for feature films with "Lu over the Wall" in 2017. And this year, "Japan Sinks: 2020" was the only Japanese animation that received a Jury Award. All 12 episodes of "Japan Sinks: 2020" is now available worldwide exclusively on Netflix. Director Yuasa Masaaki The award-winning show was a Discover Japan-like road movie in which a natural disaster forces people to think about where they belong in the world, something people have taken for granted. Throughout the series, some of the images are weak, but considering the current state of the world, I'm glad I was able to create this show. (C) "JAPAN SINKS: 2020" Project Partners