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 ConcertsThree 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  

The ongoing TV anime series Back Arrow, which has been airing since January, has released a new key visual and promotional video and confirmed that Eir Aoi and FLOW are performing the new opening and ending themes respectively.

Back Arrow 4th Key Visual

The series is licensed by Funimation outside Japan. Check out the new promotional video below.

 

Eir Aoi is perform the second opening theme Kodou

Eir Aoi | Comment "The lyrics of this song are about how the sadness you cannot bare alone can be half-bared if you're with another. How the choices you have made, the things you are lost on, and your continued worry aren't meaningless, and how we should be positive about our struggles as we live our lives. Let's overcome the time we have been unable to see one another and start a new chapter going into the future." *Comment translated from Japanese by MMN    

FLOW are performing the second ending theme United Sparrows

FLOW | Comment "We have tag-tamed with the directed, Taniguchi, since Code Geass, so we were naturally confident going into recording. Arrow and the gang are at the half point of the story so it's only going to get more exciting. For the ending song, we were given the themes of 'embraced kindness' and 'a song flowing with emotions,' so we took that and shared ideas amongst our band to transform it into sound. The result was a soundscape that FLOW hasn't explored before, and I believe it resonates with the show in a big way. We hope people enjoy our song together with the run up to the climax of the story." *Comment translated from Japanese by MMN   The anime series is holding a vote for fans to choose their favourite scene from the first 12 episodes. The vote is open to everyone and can be cast here. Please note that the website is in Japanese, but all you need to do is click on the scene and choose 'vote' at the bottom.

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