A new key visual and trailer have been released ahead of the premiere of the Dark Gathering anime series next summer. The main cast has also been announced, with Yu Sasahara playing Yayoi Hozuki, Nobunaga Shimazaki playing Keitaro Gentoga, and Kana Hanazawa playing Eiko Hozuki. The cast has also provided comments, which you can read below!

The Dark Gathering manga was launched in Shueisha’s Jump SQ in March 2019. Created by Kenichi Kondo, the series follow Keitaro Gentoga, a boy with the ability to see spirits. A shut-in for over two years, he slowly reintroduces himself to society as a private tutor, where he meets an incredibly smart girl named Yayoi Hozuki. She’s instantly able to see Keitaro’s mysterious skill and quicking invites him to go with her to a haunted place. From there, the two begin capturing evil spirits.

The anime is being directed at OLM by Hiroshi Ikehata, known for his work on FLCL Progressive. Shigeru Murakoshi is in charge of series composition while Shinya Segawa provided character designs.

The key visual shows the three main characters in front of a spooky Torii gate, each holding candles to add to the mysterious atmosphere.

The trailer also shows the three characters in action and is filled with traditional horror elements. Fans certainly have their hopes up for this one!

Keep an eye out for more details about Dark Gathering ahead of its broadcast in the summer of 2023!

Cast Comments

Yu Sasahara (Yayoi Hozuki)

“I’m Yu Sasahara, and I’m happy to announce that I’ll be playing the role of Yayoi Hozuki! I’ve always loved spooky occult stories, so when I asked to audition for Dark Gathering, I quickly read the original manga and was overwhelmed by its incredible world. It was so fascinating! I felt like I was meant to play Yayoi! I’ll do my best to make sure that everyone enjoys both the horror and the fighting elements, so let’s go!!”

Nobunaga Shimazaki (Keitaro Gentoga)

“Keitaro is a boy who’s attracted to the occult and who is constantly being pushed around by ghosts and his occult-loving childhood friends. Something I love about him is that no matter how many times he finds himself in a bad situation, he always manages to react in a different way and never gets accustomed to it. Even people who don’t typically like horror might like this series just for Keitaro’s reactions! (laugh)

The staff and cast have worked incredibly hard to bring this series to life. Ghost-centric horror anime is pretty rare these days, so I hope that you’ll love it as much as the original manga!”

Kana Hanazawa (Eiko Hozuki)

“To be honest, I’m not good with horror. Dark Gathering is seriously scary, but putting myself into Eiko’s shoes made things easier! She’s so excited by psychic phenomena that she’s strangely okay with the terrifying things happening around her. Sure, she’s a little weird, but that’s okay! Eiko, thank you! Both fans who have read the manga and those totally new to the story will have a great time–it’s scary, but it’s super compelling too.”

Ⓒ近藤憲一／集英社・ダークギャザリング製作委員会

In March 2022, the cover song project CrosSing was launched. Amassing instant popularity, tracks featured as part of the project have pulled in hundreds of millions of views. The project has featured popular voice actors Maaya Uchida, Kana Hanazawa, and Akari Kito. 

Ahead of the release of CrosSing Collection Vol. 1 on September 21, a clip of Kana Hanazawa’s cover of Rain has been uploaded to YouTube. The song will be included as a bonus track on the album. 

The track was used as the ending theme for Makoto Shinkai’s short anime film The Garden of Words, in which Hanazawa played the lead role. 

Rain – Kana Hanazawa (Sample Video)

Preorders for CrosSing Collection Vol. 1 are now open at the Canime shop.

Kakehiki wa Poker Face, the newest song from Kana Hanazawa, will serve as the opening theme for the romantic comedy anime series When Will Ayumu Make His Move? The song will be released on July 20, 2022, and a new photo of the artist has been released ahead of the single.

Hanazawa transferred to the Pony Canyon label in 2021, releasing the song Moonlight Magic in September. Her second single SHINOBI-NAI was released on November 3, and her first album via Pony Canyon, BLOSSOM, dropped on February 23, 2022.

The opening for the new anime series When Will Ayumu Make His Move?, Kakehiki wa Poker Face is an upbeat electro dance-pop number that might inspire those who are having trouble taking the next step forward. 

Hanazawa herself will provide the voice of Maki in the series, which is set to premiere in July.

FIREBUG studio and animation planning and production company Enishiya have teamed up for a new short anime, Massara. The animation itself was inspired by the song of the same name by Kiyoe Yoshioka, the lead singer of the popular pop duo Ikinonogakari. This was her first original solo song. 

The animation is a cross between a music video and a brief anime. The story follows a singer-songwriter, Nazuna (Voiced by Yoshioka), who is about to stop chasing her dream, along with a shy girl, Yuna. As they meet, they influence each other to keep running towards their respective dreams. Yuna is voiced by Kana Hanazawa, known for voicing Mitsuri Kanroji in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Both the music video and short anime are available to watch on the official Ikimonogakari YouTube channel, so check it out!

Comments from Performers and Staff

Kiyoe Yoshioka (Nazuna) 

“I tried as hard as I could, and when I realized how much I was putting into the role, it was over in an instant. The animation was so beautiful that I was drawn in and was able to enjoy working on it. I was very moved by the scene where Nazuna and Yuna, the two main characters’ thoughts and inner struggle for the songs are depicted, and their feelings really connected with each other. One of the highlights of the film is the faithful reproduction of the scenery of the station where I used to perform on the street when I made my debut. I think this is a kind of work that you can feel ‘real.’ I hope you will all enjoy it.” 

Kana Hanazawa (Yuna)

“The animation was so delicate and captivating that I wanted it to be released in theaters as it was, and I felt that it was a work that was created with great care. I’ve listened to a lot of Yoshioka-san’s singing voice, so I was very happy to be able to participate in such a wonderful project. She was very friendly and talked to me a lot during the recording process. I became more and more a fan of her personality, which is refreshing and gentle, and makes me feel comfortable being in the same space with her. I think the anime has a joy of being able to enjoy Yoshioka-san’s voice to the fullest, and also has the depth of flavor of the songs you listen to while feeling the story!” 

Keita Nagahara (Director)

“Before the actual post-recording session, we had a practice session as a test, where I explained the nuances of the dialogue and the character’s emotions, but Yoshioka already seemed completely capable of capturing Nazuka with very little prep. Her voice is charming, and although she doesn’t have a ton of voice acting experience, I was amazed by her natural talent. The song scene at the beginning was recorded right in front of me, and I was so moved by the power of her voice. This work is beautiful, and I was able to work with an amazing staff to create a short film that really emphasizes the atmosphere in which these characters live. Just as Yuna, who was unable to sing in front of others, was able to take a step forward with Nazuna, I hope that this film inspires someone else to take another step.”

Popular voice actress Hanazawa Kana has released a short music video for her upcoming single Moonlight Magic, releasing on September 29.

 「Moonlight Magic」Music Video short ver. 

The music video conveys a story almost entirely in CG, with a world-view reflecting the music. The chorus features an adorable dance with movements you’ll find yourself wanting to copy. 

It has also been announced that the full music video for Moonlight Magic will be premiering on YouTube on September 15 at 20:00.

We have high expectations for the full MV!

i☆Ris have announced that their new single Summer Dude will be released on August 18. This will be the group’s first release under their new five-member formation.

i☆Ris is a Japanese seiyu voice actress and all-female idol music group who made their debut in 2012. In 2019, the group held their first ever overseas concert in Shanghai. They embarked on their 5th live tour “FEVER” in 2019 and are currently in the midst of their 6th live tour “Carnival” in Japan with all tickets sold out.

In March of this year, Azuki Shibuya graduated from the group, bringing the number of members down from six to five. Summer Dude will be the group’s 20th single and their first since Shibuya left the group. It’s described as a summery, happy, and uplifting track.

In promotion of the release, i☆Ris also posted a new photo with all five members looking grown-up and flashy in summery outfits. It gives us a hint that the group may be heading in a new direction, and we look forward to seeing where exactly they go with their new formation.

Saki Yamakita (i☆Ris Leader) | Comment

“This is our first single to be released with five members. We’ve changed things up completely and are serving woman energy. For the first time ever, the colours of of our outfits are different from our member image colours. There’s also another song on the single written by me and performed by everyone. It’s safe to say that we’ve done things a lot differently this time around, so it feels fresh! The single has three songs: one summery, one exciting, and one inherently i☆Ris, and all are different from each other. I’ve made it clear a bunch of times now, but this is our first single with five members, so I think now is the opportunity for us to be able to say we’ve been in service a while! <laughs>”

Human Lost is an upcoming animated film adaptation of Japanese novelist Osamu Dazai’s 1948 novel Ningen Shikkaku (No Longer Human). It is set for worldwide release in 2019, which would mark Dazai’s 110th birthday were he alive today.

It has just been announced that Japanese voice actress Kana Hanazawa is joining the cast to perform the role of the mysterious heroine Yoshiki Hiiragi. Yoshiki is part of Hirame, a secret government organisation set up to fight the “Human Lost” phenomenon.

Hanazawa is a veteran voice actress who has provided her voice to countless famous roles and series including Nadeko Sengoku in the Monogatari series, Kuroneko in Oreimo and Mayuri Shiina in Steins;Gate. She is also a singer and  performed overseas for the first time last month.

Hear her speak in the new Human Lost trailer below.

Kana Hanazawa answered several questions related to the role which you can read below.

Q. Please tell us your impressions of Yoshiki Hiiragi as a character.

Kana Hanazawa: “She has cute looks like that of an idol and a gentle personality with consideration for others. She’s a strong-willed girl who puts much thought in how she should live and what she can do for others.”

Q. Please give a few words to all the fans looking forward to seeing Human Lost.

“I am overjoyed to be involved with this film, together with all of the staff whose names could get me excited simply by reading them, and who have come together to remake No Longer Human. Don’t miss seeing how [the characters] live their frantic ways of life as you become immerse in the profound world that has been delicately spun.”

The film’s story is set in 2036. A breakthrough in medical science has led to the creation of nanomachines, and the S.H.E.L.L. system that controls them, which ensures humans are free from disease and injury and extends their lifespan to 120. But this ultimate social system has warped the Japanese nation in a number of ways, whether it be economical disparities, serious environmental pollution, or the “Human Lost” phenomenon that malforms people disconnected from the S.H.E.L.L. network.

©2019 HUMAN LOST Project

With March almost at an end, the number of Japanese artists announcing performances overseas continues to rise. This is a list of 7 Japanese artists performing outside Japan in the first half of 2019.

・TK from Ling Tosite Sigure

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure has received huge international attention for his collaborations with Tokyo Ghoul which have been enjoyed by countless non-Japanese fans on music streaming services. This includes unravel which was used as Tokyo Ghoul’s first opening theme, and katharsis, the second opening theme for season two of Tokyo Ghoul:re. The singer is set to take his ‘katharsis Tour’ to Asia this April.

More Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/183546

・Kana Hanazawa

Kana Hanazawa is lauded for her immense work in voice acting. She is also hugely successful as an artist and singer.

Hanazawa is set to become the first Japanese female solo artist to perform at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on April 14, 2019. She boasts overwhelming popularity in China for her work in anime as well as her hit songs. Her Chinese fans’ dreams are about to be realised as she performs for them a long-awaited show.

・Radwimps

RADWIMPS dropped their recent album ANTI ANTI GENERATION in December last year and recently announced a live tour which includes their first ever solo stadium show. The band are also set to perform two dates at the 2019 Strawberry Music Festival in China.

・ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK has become one of the most popular Japanese rock bands overseas. They recently released their first album in nearly two years Eye of the Storm on February 13, 2019 and have announced a 10-date UK & European tour set to take place throughout May.

More Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/171983

・Aimer

Aimer recently announced that she will head to Asia in June on a 5-date tour entitled Aimer “soleil et pluie” Asia Tour. She previously performed in Asia last year alongside amazarashi, but this marks her first ever solo tour thhere. The theme of the tour is “sun and rain” which ties in with the concepts behind her forthcoming albums Sun Dance and Penny Rain.

More Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/185602

・suchmos

Suchmos will release their 3^rd studio album THE ANYMAL on March 27, 2019. The rock group are currently knee deep in their 2019 arena tour and are set to perform alongside HYUKOH in Seoul, South Korea in June. Tickets go on sale on April 2 at 12:00 (South Korea time).

・Wednesday Campanella

It has been announced that Wednesday Campanella will perform at the Second Sky Music Festival at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland, California on June 15. This marks Wednesday Campanella’s second time performing at a festival in the US following her appearance at Camp Flog Gnaw in October 2017.

More Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/184064

After making her debut as a voice actress, Suzuko Mimori began to rapidly develop and build strength in her career. It was refreshing to hear “μ’s” performance last year on NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, the female idol unit from the anime “Love Live!”

It was announced this year that Suzuko Mimori is perform at “Anime Festival Asia Thailand”, the biggest J-POP culture event in South-East Asia. Let’s take a look at Suzuko’s charm, and how her musical activities are spreading not just within Japan, but around the globe.

Out from her discouragement and onto her favourite path
Suzuko made her voice actress debut by performing the role of Sherlock Shellinford in the anime “Tantei Opera Milky Holmes” back in 2009. Until that time she was an actress in musicals, but left that part of her on stage in order to follow the dream she had held close to her since her schooldays.

Suzuko began learning ballet in elementary school and so was already used to performing in stage. But her turning point came in middle school. She was yearning for a place in Takarazuka Revue and had even studied the music for it, but she was unaccepted. But she decided that Takarazuka Revue isn’t the only place for musical theatre, and so after reorganising her feelings, she turned it around and began aiming to become a musical actress.

She joined the Musical Club during her time at high school and absorbed herself in music, commuting to jazz dance and tap dance schools, as well as vocal lessons, and headed straight for the musical world after graduating. However, every day was a fight, and she was unable to attain the rank of a principal dancer.

What kept her going during those times was her willingness to continue persevering and working hard, and her personality who hated losing. But even more than that was her simple love of musicals.

The path of guidance taught to her by her fans
When the fruits of Suzuko’s efforts finally sprouted and she was able to acquire a lead role in a musical, she reached her second turning point. And that was an offer from the president of a production company who attended the performance, who asked her “Do you want to try out being a voice actress?” It was a kind of destined encounter.

Although confused and puzzled by the offer, Suzuko thought it might provide useful study to her acting. Although she boldly decided to try challenging herself, taking on roles within nothing but anime and games, she has re-experienced days of distress as a result of entering into a completely different new world.

The voice acting she performs for the unit “Milky Holmes” within the anime “Tantei Opera Milky Holmes” is something completely different from being an idol or a musical female actress. It’s an entirely different stage presence, like she has invited a situation where she is unable to follow her feelings from what she has cultivated in her career up to now.

However, because it’s Suzuko’s nature to keep fighting and persevering, the number of fans she has for the same unit has increased greatly, and she was able to make her CD debut. Since then, she has continued to perform at “Animelo Summer Live” every year, and even performed at the Nippon Budokan for the first time in 2012 with the rest of the unit. By accomplishing great achievement after great achievement, the charm from Suzuko’s heart has begun to be felt from her work in voice acting.

Herself as a new Suzuko Mimori
Suzuko had great success in April 2013 where she made her solo debut with her single “Aitai yo… Aitai yo!” In the same year she announced her second single “Yakusoku Shite yo? Issho da yo!” for July, made her first anime main theme song “Univer Page” in October, and then released her first album “Suki” the following year in April. In 2014, she successfully performed two consecutive days at Saitama Super Arena as Sonoda Umi from the unit “μ’s” in “Love Live” and even held her live tour “1st LIVE TOUR 2014 Daisuki”.

It’s clear to see that Suzuko’s powerful performances and singing ability she attained during her time in musicals has blossomed, and not just as a voice actress. Year after year Suzuko has borne fruit, and it’s something only she can do.

This year, in 2016, she is to embark on her first nationwide tour “Mimori Suzuko Live Tour 2016 Grand Revue”, which will end with a performance at the Nippon Budokan on the final day. Moreover, in addition to her 6th single “Xenotopia”, she will release her 3rd album “Toyful Basket” on September 7th.

Then comes “Anime Festival Asia Thailand 2016”, for which Suzuko has promised to demonstrate herself to the fullest as Japan’s representative artist. “Anime Festival Asia” began in 2008 in Singapore. Last year, an estimated 90,000 people attended the festival in Singapore, an event which has grown more and more to span out to other countries to deliver the culture of J-POP.

The event, which boasts its enormity throughout South-East Asia in name and reality, will see Suzuko attending for the second time as a solo artist, continuing on from her attendance last year. She does not intend to let her influential music stop there as she heads to the festival again for 2016. Suzuko Mimori has given rise to many roles in her career, within voice acting, as an actress and as a singer. Let’s keep watching her from afar to see what kind of girl she will become or what she will announce next – perhaps something we have yet to see.

Original Text: Naoko Sugita

Suzuko Mimori Official Website: http://mimorin.com/