Reki Kawahara’s web novel Sword Art Online began in 2002, later becoming a popular light novel series. The anime series debuted in 2012, followed by a second season in 2014 and a third in 2018. Following the characters Kirito and Asuna as they traverse a virtual reality MMORPG, the series has seen major success, with the light novels selling over 30 million copies worldwide. 

During Sword Art Online’s anniversary event on November 6, it was revealed that a new film project is in the works. A brief teaser was also revealed, though concrete information is hard to come by at this point in time. 

Be sure to check back soon for new information about the film!

【STORY】

“This may be a game, but it’s not something to take lightly.”

The world’s first VRMMORPG, Sword Art Online, has turned into a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped in the game world.

Asuna, who conquered the first level of the floating castle of steel Aincrad, continues her journey to the top floor along with Kirito.

With the help of the female informant Argo, the attack seemed to be going well. However…

The top player groups leading the attack are the ALS (Aincrad Liberation Force) and the DKB (Dragon Knights Brigade).Although they should be working towards the same goal, war breaks out.
Behind the scenes, a mysterious figure lurks…

What awaits Kirito and Asuna as they continue their journey?

©2020 川原 礫/KADOKAWA/SAO-P Project

Over the past few years, Marvel movies have absolutely shattered box office records. The story of the Avengers is now continuing in an entirely new way, as Marvel’s Eternals recently released in theaters around the world. Telling the story of a race of immortal beings, the film was directed by Chloe Zhao, the first Asian-American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director for her film Nomadland.

While there has been no shortage of promotion for the film, the way Japan is highlighting the film is a little different. Recently, Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night was released, and fans of the popular anime series have been singing its praises across social media. The franchise has sold incredibly well around the world, with multiple anime series, video games, and comics selling over 26 million copies globally. The first film, released in 2017, grossed more than 2.5 billion yen at the box office. 

Eternals tells the origin story hinted at in the Avengers films, while Aria of a Starless Night tells the origin story of Sword Art Online. They both tell stories of unbreakable friendship, and both feature characters attempting to stop evil and save the world. Now, the two have come together for an unforgettable collaboration. 

The creator of Sword Art Online, Reiki Kawahara, is a huge fan of Marvel and was more than happy to make this collab a reality. A collaborative trailer has just been released, along with a side-by-side poster. 

Collaborative Trailer

The narrators in the trailer are Ayumi Tsunematsu, who plays Cerci in the Japanese version of Eternals, as well as Haruka Tomatsu, the voice of Asuna in Sword Art Online.

What do you think of this unlikely team?

©Marvel Studios 2021

Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward and au 5G are coming together to promote this year’s Halloween events online through Virtual Shibuya, a digital space accessible from smartphones, PCs, and VR devices. A number of events will be held from October 16 until October 30, incorporating popular artists, companies, and popular anime series. The concept for the event is ‘FUN FOR GOOD,’ aiming to inspire people to contribute to their community while also enjoying the holidays. 

Sadly, this year’s Halloween celebration in Shibuya will be canceled again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ease any congestion on the streets, the ward is promoting the Virtual Shibuya au 5G Halloween Festival 2021, which will be available to anyone, anywhere. That’s right: you won’t need to be in Tokyo to participate!

Event Lineup

Special Anime Talks

A simultaneous global virtual fan meetup for Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night will be held on October 16! Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, who plays Kirito, and Haruka Tomatsu, who plays Asuna, will appear in Virtual Shibuya in avatar form to discuss some highlights of the upcoming film. 

Also, to commemorate the release of the 100th volume of Detective Conan, the Conan Edogawa x Furuya Rei Special Talk in Virtual Shibuya event will take place on October 30th, featuring voice actors Minami Takayama and Tohru Furuya. 

Virtual Concerts

Three artists are scheduled to perform live in Virtual Shibuya during the Halloween event!

・October 24 – povo Presents Creepy Nuts
・October 26 – au 5G Presents MY FIRST STORY
・October 31 – au 5G Presents Atarashii Gakko!

Attraction Lineup

A number of attractions will be available during the two-week event period. Check the website for complete details! 

https://vcity.au5g.jp/shibuya/halloween2021

Official Shop

Starting October 16, an official store selling original event merchandise will be accessible in Virtual Shibuya and on the special event website. These goods will feature characters from select anime series and artists who have supported the project, with all proceeds being reinvested into Shibuya ward. The above items aren’t the only things that will on sale, so be sure to check the website for more details!

Limited-Time Only! Make a Collaboration Anime Avatar During Halloween!

In collaboration with avatar platform AVATARIUM, visitors will be able to generate custom avatars wearing costumes from Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night and Detective Conan! Choose from characters Asuna (SAO), Kirito (SAO), Conan Edogawa (Detective Conan), Ran Mori (Detective Conan), Furuya Rei (Detective Conan), and The Criminal (Detective Conan). 

Even if you’re not in Japan, be sure to check out the event while you can!

Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night, the third film in the series, is hitting theaters in Japan on October 30, 2021. To commemorate its release, 13 Tokyu Hands stores throughout the country will open a Sword Art Online fair, selling special limited-edition goods! The fair will run from October 29 until November 30, 2021. 

Mechanic Costume Series

Acrylic Stand (7 varieties): ¥1,650 each (Tax Included) 

Pin (7 varieties): ¥385 each (Tax Included) 

*Pins are random. 

B2 Tapestry: ¥3,300 (Tax Included) 

Canvas Tote Bag: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) 

Clear Folder (7 varieties): ¥385 each (Tax Included) 

T-shirt: ¥3,850 (Tax Included) 

Mug: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) 

Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties): ¥715 each

*Keychains are random.

Acrylic Diorama Stand: ¥2,750 (Tax Included) 

Clear Folder: ¥385 (Tax Included) 

Sticker (7 varieties): ¥495 each (Tax Included) 

Mug: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) 

Tokyu Hands Limited Purchase Bonus

Tokyu Hands Limited Film Bonus

The Sword Art Online anime series has been an international hit, spanning four seasons and 97 episodes since 2012. A number of video games inspired by the series have also been released. 

This event features the characters drawn in mechanic gear, both in normal and chibi versions. If you’re able to make it to one of the participating 13 stores, don’t miss out on these rare items!

(C)2020 川原 礫/KADOKAWA/SAO-P Project

LiSA has been announced as the campaign model for NARS JAPAN’s AW21 lip collection. The new Power Matte Lip Pigment will be released in 3 new shades, each available to preorder on the NARS Cosmetics Official Website from September 3 2021. In the initial release, LiSA shows off the charming new shades from NARS, who are extremely popular for their Future Classic items. 

The new Power Matte Lip Pigment shades will be released on September 17, 

The AW21 lineup, releasing on September 17, is formed of the new Power Matte Lip Pigment shades, the NARS lipstick, which has been a bestseller since the brands formation, and the Audacious Lipstick, which was initially released to celebrate the brands 20th anniversary.  

LiSA empties NARS’ image of “Strength:” Flexible, dignified, powerful, and self-confident. The lipstick colors are strong, with a comfortable texture to allow a wide variety of people to wear them as the brand aims to encourage more people to feel self-confidence in their daily life.

LiSA commented, saying “NARS has the power to be enjoyed by anybody, regardless of how old they are. I love how the elegant finish and pigmented shades transcend age.”

NARS started in 1994 with only 12 lipsticks and grew into a proud brand with lipstick you can wear with pride this Autumn! 

In promotion of their new Ver.2.0.0 energy drink, which hit shelves in Japan last Tuesday, ZONe released a TV commercial featuring Japanese artists LiSA and yama. The new beverage, which is advertised as putting people in the zone of invincibility, contains the highest amount of caffeine put in a ZONe drink yet: 150mg of the stuff, which is sure to keep people buzzing throughout the day. The packaging has also been updated to feature the new ‘ZONe EYE’ which symbolises that you’re in the zone and nothing will stand in your way.

LiSA in the ZONe
　　　　　

Dive into the zone with LiSA who knocks back her drink and immediately takes on the ZONe EYE. She grabs her mic and belts out a hardcore performance, showing off her incredible voice, before winking at the camera.

yama in the ZONe

When yama chugs her can she says the words ‘Into the ZONe’ along with the futuristic-sounding voice. She is surrounded by a whirlpool of the energy drink which flows along to the sound of her gorgeous high-tone vocals. The track itself is titled Ketsuryu (‘Blood Flow’) and was written for this commercial.

Interview

LiSA

・What did you think of the commercial and your appearance?

“For me, it was a live performance. Even I was surprised at the show of power that ZONe has [in the commercial] when it turns on your switch. I enjoyed it like a real live performance, since the part when I switch into that invincible zone was filmed just as I look in the video.”

・Tell us about the song RUNAWAY which features in your commercial.
“The song is about quitting while you’re ahead in life. It’s the start of a new era, heading into that invincible zone to laugh lots, sing, dance, and enjoy everything.”

yama

・Tell us about the song Ketsuryu which features in your commercial

“ESME MORI kindly wrote this song for me. It’s a song that brings up the topic of being bored in life, and feeling lonely, but that you can still find someone special or something you can immerse yourself in to light up your life. It’s about keeping your heart moving even if those things disappear. I hope it encourages people, even if just a little.”

It has been announced that the opening theme for the upcoming TV anime series Back Arrow will be performed by LiSA while the ending theme will be performed by Shuka Saitō. Set to air in January 2021, Back Arrow is an original anime series being produced by Studio VOLN, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, and written by Kazuki Nakashima.

The opening theme by LiSA is entitled dawn and was featured in the newest promotional video for the series which you can watch below. It introduces two new characters: Fine Forte (voiced by Ami Koshimizu) and Prax Conrad (Mikako Komatsu).

TV Anime “Back Arrow” 2nd PV

A special program about the series will air in Japan on ABEMA on December 11, 2020 where more details will be revealed.

LiSA | Comment

“The characters, as well as we ourselves, are heading towards a dazzling new dawn. I hope we can continue believing in ourselves as we advance, no matter what the future holds.”

Shuka Saitō | Comment

“I’m so happy to be the one to sing the ending theme for Black Arrow! Thank you! I hope this becomes a song of strength, not only for the characters in Back Arrow, but everyone who hears it too, so that we can carve a path to our goals and dreams together. That’s the kind of song ‘Sekai no Hate’ is. It’s a song about the delicate aspects of people and their strengths hidden away inside. I hope you enjoy it together with the Black Arrow story.”

©谷口悟朗・中島かずき・ANIPLEX／バック・アロウ製作委員会

The next chapter of the Sword Art Online anime series has been green-lit. With the completion of season two of Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld, the anime’s official Twitter page and website has confirmed the adaptation of the Sword Art Online: Progressive light novels. Check out the official announcement video below.

Sword Art Online: Progressive – Anime Project Video Announcement


The six-volume Sword Art Online: Progressive is a retelling of the events from the original Aincrad arc of Sword Art Online. Further details surrounding the project have yet to be announced, so stay tuned.

© 2020 Reki Kawahara / KADOKAWA/SAO-P Project

Japanese singer-songwriter LiSA’s third collaboration with the Japanese apparel company Candy Stripper launched on Friday. The new collection features three unisex items designed by LiSA herself.

CHECK SWITCHED HOODIE: ¥20,000 (Before Tax) | ＜Colours:  BLUE×BLUE×RED(BLACK OTHER) / BLACK×YELLOW×BLUE＞

A hoodie made to look upcycled by docking a hoodie with a flannel shirt. It has long sleeves as well as a zipper down the middle, giving it a punk look and enabling you to wear it open or closed. With its loose silhouette, the hoodie can be worn as a one piece.

CND YOUTH JACKET: Ladies – ¥26,000, Men – ¥27,000 (Before Tax) | ＜BLACK＞

A blouson with vintage graphics and logos that will leave an impact. It’s lined with thick satin, and since it’s light, can be worn in all seasons. Available in women’s and men’s sizes.

BREAK THROUGH L/S TEE: ¥12,000 (Before Tax) | ＜Colours: OFF WHITE / BLUE / BLACK＞

A thick cut and sewn long T-shirt with a unisex silhouette. The front and right sleeve and logos printed on them, while on the back is a cartoon cat munching on a record.

LiSA’s new collection is a must-grab for Autumn 2020.

A new poster and trailer have been released for the upcoming film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train which is set for release on October 16, 2020. The trailer gives us a snippet of the main theme Homura (Flame) performed by LiSA. The singer-songwriter previously performed the TV anime’s first opening theme Gurenge.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is a direct sequel to the 2019 anime series adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It is being animated by ufotable.

The showcases the protagonist Tanjiro Kamado battling it off against Enmu aboard the Infinity Train (Mugen Train). Tanjiro is clenching his teeth while Enmu smiles on, revealing what is sure to be a testing battle for our hero.

Enmu threatens Tanjiro with the words, “To be able to die while dreaming… Just how lucky are you?” We also see Tanjiro reunite with his siblings, who are supposed to be dead, but he senses something amiss and encourages himself to wake up as he is being attacked. The Infinity Train will be an action-packed locale as Tanjiro and Enmu battle it out. We also see returning characters on the train with Tanjiro.

Fans also get to hear the main theme Homura by LiSA for the first time. The song was composed by Yuki Kajiura who also wrote the TV anime adaptation’s ending theme from the edge which is performed by FictionJunction feat. LiSA.

Natsuki Hanae (Voices: Tanjiro Kamado) | Comment

“When I read the Mugen Train arc, I saw so many scenes I wanted to hurry up and voice act for, so I’m so happy that I get to perform for this film. All the other voice actors during the recording sessions were on fire. When it was over, I was so burnt out, I really thought I was gonna die. ufotable’s gorgeous animation and the beautiful music both come together wonderfully. It’s a really amazing film. Like the fans, I wanna watch it in the cinema already. I hope you’re looking forward to it just as much as I am!” (Translated from Japanese by MMN)

Akari Kitō (Voices: Nezuko Kamado) | Comment

“It had been a while since we’d done voice work for Demon Slayer, but getting to work on the Mugen Train arc, which is a popular one in the manga series, I psyched myself up like the rest of the cast! Despite us not having any visuals to work with for the recording sessions, everyone really put their all into it. Seeing that actually brought tears to my eyes. I think what we achieved by the end of it exceeded our expectations! I hope you all enjoy watching it in the cinema!” (Translated from Japanese by MMN)

LiSA | Comment

“I previously performed for the TV anime series, now I’m doing them main theme for the Mugen Train film arc. It’s personally my favourite arc from the manga, so I was able to add another layer of strength to the song. While the characters face sadness, they still have a fire lit in their hearts. I hope that all of you who may be sad have the strength to move forward just like them.” (Translated from Japanese by MMN)

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

The music video for ReoNa’s newest song ANIMA, which is used as the opening theme for the TV anime series Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld, has surpassed 2 million views on YouTube. The video was released on her YouTube channel on July 12, 2020 and reached 1 million views in just five days. It broke 2 million on Sunday.

ReoNa made her name known during the broadcast of Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online in April 2018 in which she performed the singing voice of the anime’s singer-songwriter character Elza Kanzaki. She also performed the Sword Art Online: Alicization ending theme song forget-me-not and the insert song Over the Rainbow in January 2019. Two years have already passed since her solo debut.

The ANIMA music video is the first from ReoNa to feature a full backing band. The high speed video also makes use of projection mapping. The full version of the music video is included on the DVD featured on First Press Limited Edition copies of the ANIMA single.

ReoNa – “ANIMA” Music Video

The song ANIMA was released on music streaming and download services on July 13 ahead of the physical single release which dropped on July 22. When the digital version came out, it immediately peaked at No. 1 on iTunes Japan in the Anime Singles category. ANIMA (Special Edition) also reached No. 1 on digital album rankings in Japan.

A special ReoNa character has also been added to the video game Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris for which the singer also performs its opening theme Scar/let. The game released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows on May 21, 2020. Her character design was conceived by abec who is also responsible for illustrations in the original Sword Art Online light novels.

ReoNa | Comment

“My heart is filled with joy at getting to sing for Sword Art Online again, a series which I cherish and became a turning point for me in my life. I hope this opening theme reaches your heart, along with the characters themselves—their trials and tribulations, the paths each of them walk, and their heart and spirit. I’ve also sung my first ever theme song for a video game: Scar/let, for Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris […]”

©2017 Reki Kawahara/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/SAO-A Project

©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

The final season of the Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld anime series is set to begin airing on July 11, 2020. The Alicization arc began airing back in October 2018. The anime is an adaptation of the popular light novel series Sword Art Online by Reki Kawahara. A film, Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale, was released in 2017 and earned ¥4.3 billion in the Japanese box office.

A new trailer for the final season was released on Aniplex US’s YouTube channel which features the ending theme I will… by Eir Aoi. Check it out below.
©2017 Reki Kawahara / KADOMAWA ASCII Media Works / SAO-A Project