In 2013, Shinichi Ishizuka’s Blue Giant manga series hit the scene. Serialized in Big Comic, the series has sold over 8.8 million copies to date, and readers seem to have fallen in love with the author’s depiction of emotion. Ishizuka has even influenced the real-world jazz scene with his creation.
Blue Giant will be turned into an anime film in February 2023, directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, known for his work on Mob Psycho 100 and Death Parade. The script is being written by NUMBER 8, the editor of the original manga and the story director for the Blue Giant Supreme spin-off. Studio NUT is handling the animation.
As the manga series largely focuses on the world of jazz, the film’s soundtrack is already being highly anticipated by fans. World-renowned pianist Hiromi Uehara is composing the original music that the film’s jazz trio JASS performs. He’ll also play the piano for the character Yukinori Sawabe.
Saxophonist Tomoaki Baba will play the saxophone for the character Dai. Auditions were held in cooperation with Universal Music, featuring leading players from Japan and abroad. Baba was an easy choice, wowing judges with his large sax and powerful performance.
Shun Ishiwaka, the drummer of the band Millennium Parade, will play the drums for Dai’s classmate Shunji Tamada. One of the most sought-after drummers on the scene, Ishiwaka is active in a number of genres.
Hiromi Uehara’s piano performance is sure to wow audiences. His incredible technique and emotionally-charged performances have wowed the world for years.
“I never thought the day would come that I’d be able to truly recreate the music I had heard only in my head,” Uehara said. “I’ll put all my passion into it.” The pianist is a fan of the work and has continuously expressed his excitement about the project.
“As I performed the saxophone as Dai, I could feel his passion and his obsession for music,” said Tomoaki Baba. Ishiwaka also expressed excitement. “We had a lot of fun going through the trial and error process,” he said. Baba and Ishiwaka, both from Hokkaido, were in the same big band when they were in elementary school, and oddly enough, the members feel a connection like that of their respective characters.
Original manga author Shinichi Ishizuka expressed his excitement about the project. “I’m so glad that Uehara is on board. I want to thank all of the musicians for their awesome sounds!”
Be sure to check the film out when it releases next February!
©2023 映画「BLUE GIANT」製作委員会 ©2013 石塚真一／小学館
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On December 25, Klang Ruler will release the Unbelievable EP, including the new song Unbelievable, used as the ending theme for the TBS anime series Trillion Game. The series began on October 3.
The EP will be inspired by Trillion Game and include new songs like Honey Money, Gimme Gimme, Placeless Boy, and Tired.
A teaser video for Unbelievable with narration from Trillion Game has also been released.
October 2, 2024
The music video for Unbelievable has been released.
The video, directed by the alternative collective GROUPN, retains the vibes of the anime series, with the members of Klang Ruler dressed as salarymen as they attempt to overcome their colleagues to become the best.Information
Unbelievable EP (Trillion Game-Inspired EP)
Release Date: December 25, 2024Unbelievable (Pre-distribution)
Streaming Date: October 2, 2024
Streaming URL: https://klang-ruler.lnk.to/Unbelievable_EP -
On February 22, known as Ninja Day in Japan, a teaser visual and website for the anime adaptation of the manga series Under Ninjawere unveiled. The series will premiere on TBS and other networks in October 2023.
Under Ninja is written and illustrated by Kengo Hanazawa, known for his series I Am a Hero and Boys on the Run. The manga series is currently serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine and tells the story of a secret society of ninjas. While the underground warriors were thought to have disappeared after WWII, Kuro Kumogakure is one of them, though he’s also a NEET.
A TV anime adaptation has been announced for 2023, a teaser trailer has been released, and a new teaser visual and teaser website have also been unveiled.
Teaser Trailer
The new visual released on February 22 depicts the main character Kuro lurking in the shadows. The staff lineup has also been revealed, with the series being directed by Satoshi Kuwabara with character designs by Nobuteru Yuki.
Check out the teaser site and get ready for battle in October!
©花沢健吾・講談社／アンダーニンジャ製作委員会
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The 31st Character Song CD from Cygames’ popular smartphone anime RPG Princess Connect! Re:Dive was released on January 25, 2023.
This new release includes the song Knight’s Soul sung by Matsuri (Asami Shimoda) and Christina (Chiaki Takahashi), as well as Hatsuyuki Twin Approach by Yori (Sayuri Hara) and Akari (Azumi Asakura). Original karaoke and solo remixes of each song are also included.
These tracks were used as the ending themes for the limited-time Tribal Spirits: Raising Sword and Pride Bridge event, which began last October, and the Happy Happening Happy Twin Angels and Christmas Eve Gift event, which began last November.
The songs are also available to stream on all major music streaming services!
In addition, a music campaign will begin on February 14 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Princess Connect! Exclusive A3-size posters (2 varieties) will be given to those who purchase the new CD at participating stores while supplies last.
© Cygames, Inc.
Information
Princess Connect! Re:Dive – PRICONNE CHARACTER SONG 31
Release Date: January 25, 2023
Buy CD: https://priconne.lnk.to/CD-ReDive31
Streaming Links:
https://priconne.lnk.to/ReDive-31 -
In 2013, Shinichi Ishizuka’s BLUE GIANT manga series hit the scene. Serialized in Big Comic, the series has sold over 9 million copies to date. Readers have fallen in love with the author’s depiction of emotion and Ishizuka has even influenced the real-world jazz scene with his creation. BLUE GIANT will be adapted into an anime film coming to theaters on February 17, and the staff’s dream of bringing real jazz at max volume to the masses will finally come true.
The world-renowned pianist Hiromi Uehara oversaw the film’s music. The authentic jazz heard in the film’s trailer has already become a hot topic, and the original soundtrack will be released on February 17, the same day as the film’s release.
Hiromi Uehara has been a close friend of Shinichi Ishizuka for years, and even before the film adaptation was announced, she had privately composed an original song for JASS, the trio formed by the main character Dai Miyamoto. Uehara wrote, performed, and produced the entire soundtrack including the songs FIRST NOTE, N.E.W., and WE WILL.
Saxophonist Tomoaki Baba will play the saxophone for the character Dai, who aspires to be the best sax player on Earth. Auditions were held in cooperation with Universal Music, featuring leading players from Japan and abroad. Baba was an easy choice, wowing judges with his large sax and powerful performance. Shun Ishiwaka, the drummer of the band Millennium Parade, will play the drums for Dai’s classmate Shunji Tamada.
More than 30 top-class classical and jazz musicians participated in the soundtrack’s production, including a string section conducted by Miho Hazama and led by members of Hiromi Uehara’s Piano Quintet.
Hiromi Uehara also wrote the original track BLUE GIANT, used as the film’s end-roll song. “When I was doing the recording for this film, this melody suddenly popped into my head. I became obsessed and immediately wrote it down,” Uehara said. “I was so inspired by the BLUE GIANT film that I created this song that same day. Of course, I had to title it the same thing!”
The soundtrack contains 29 songs and is perfect for listening to while you enjoy a quiet winter night at home. Don’t miss it!
Information
BLUE GIANT Original Soundtrack
Release Date: February 17, 2023
Preorder: https://BLUE-GIANT.lnk.to/OSTPR -
An album featuring both the opening and ending themes of the anime series TRIGUN STAMPEDE will be released on a single album on February 22, 2023 from TOY’S STORE. The opening, TOMBI, is performed by Kvi Baba, while the ending, Hoshi no Kuzu α, is performed by both Salyu and Haruka Nakamura.
Preorders are now available and those snagging a copy will also be gifted an original sticker featuring the album’s artwork.
The record is only available in limited quantities and sales will conclude once the item is sold out.
TRIGUN STAMPEDE Non-Credit Ending
TOMBI, performed by Kvi Baba, was released on January 6 and has seen a surge in popularity, appearing on a number of popular playlists and reaching the top spot on the iTunes Rap and Hip-Hop chart.
The ending theme song, Hoshi no Kuzu α by Salyu and Haruka Nakamura, was released on January 13, 2023.
The jacket features an original design featuring the main character, Vash the Stampede, from the Trigun anime series.
The jacket was designed by Takahiro Yasuda, an art director and graphic designer belonging to the creative association CEKAI.
The non-credit ending video featuring the ending theme song is now available on the YouTube TOHO animation channel.
Be sure to tune into the long-awaited series TRIGUN STAMPEDE!
© 2023 内藤泰弘・少年画報社／「TRIGUN STAMPEDE」製作委員会
Information
Record / V.A. Tombi / Hoshi no Kuzu α
Release Date: February 22, 2023*TOY’S STORE limited item (Quantities are limited and sales will end when stock runs out.)
*Purchase bonus: Original sticker (Same design as the record jacket)TOY’S STORE:
Kvi Baba
https://store.toysfactory.co.jp/shop.asp?cd=67
Salyu
https://store.toysfactory.co.jp/pc/shop.asp?cd=19TOMBI – Kvi Baba (1st Major Single)
Streaming Sites: https://tf.lnk.to/kvibaba_tombiHoshi no Kuzu α – Salyu × Haruka Nakamura
Streaming Sites: https://TF.lnk.to/hoshinokuzu_alpha -
Hoshi no Kuzu α, the new song by Salyu × Haruka Nakamura, was released on streaming services on January 13, 2023.
The track will be used as the ending theme for the TRIGUN STAMPEDE anime series. It will be featured starting in the second episode which airs on January 14 at 23:00.
A six-song EP titled March of the Saints has also been announced, scheduled to release on March 8, 2023. Hoshi no Kuzu α will be included and the cover art has been released. Preorders are open now!
TRIGUN STAMPEDE
Information
Hoshi no Kuzu α – Salyu × Haruka Nakamura
Release Date: January 13, 2023
*Streaming Links: https://TF.lnk.to/hoshinokuzu_alphaMarch of the Saints EP
Release Date: March 8, 2023
*Purchase: https://tf.lnk.to/Seijanokoushin_EP -
The film Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia will be released on March 3, 2023. The 42nd Doraemon movie follows Doraemon, Nobita, and his friends as they venture off to find Utopia, a perfect land in the sky where everyone lines in joy and happiness. They do so using an airship with a time warp function on their adventure, and to commemorate the film’s release, the Flying Doraemon Project began on January 14. A real-life 17-meter-long Doraemon blimp will soon appear in the sky, and fans are being asked to decide on a name for the craft.
The blimp, inspired by the Doraemon movie, will feature popular characters including Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo, and Gian. The blimp is the largest unmanned airship in Japan.
The message of the Flying Doraemon Project is to convey the feeling that in this day and age, children and adults alike can once again look upward and move forward toward their hopes and dreams.
Fans are asked to contribute ideas for the blimps name during the application period. Check the website for more details!
Information
Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Official Site: https://doraeiga.com/2023/Won’t You Think With Us? Secret Blimp Naming Conference
Application Period: January 14 – February 15, 2023 (Until 23:59)
How to Enter: Please apply using the online application form or by postcard.
Application Form: https://ssl.toho-movie.com/senden/23dora_cp01/
Official Site: https://doraeiga.com/2023/airship/ -
TrySail is a popular girl group consisting of three popular voice actresses: Momo Asakura,
Sora Amamiya, and Shiina Natsukawa. Since their debut in 2015, the girls have performed
incredible live concerts, managing to hold successful events at Yokohama Arena and the
Yoyogi National Gymnasium. TrySail’s latest album, Re Bon Voyage, was released in
September 2021, reaching the #5 spot on the Oricon Weekly Ranking.The group’s newest song, Karei One Turn, will be used as the theme song for the 2023
anime series My One-Hit Kill Sister. The happy-go-lucky track can be heard in the second
teaser trailer for the show.Along with this exciting anime tie-up, TrySail has announced the song flower. The song will be used to commemorate the group’s upcoming event ‘LAWSON presents TrySail Arena
Live 2023 ~Ai ni Yuku yacht! Minna de Aso-boat!~’ Be sure to watch out for what else
TrySail has in store for fans in 2023!Information
My One-Hit Kill Sister
TrySail Official Site: https://trysail.jp/ -
‘Chillin’ in My 30s After Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army’ Anime Theme Gets Streaming Release, Music Video
Hinano has released the lead song from her third single CHANGEMAKER on all major streaming services. The 16-year-old singer is known for her 4-octave high-tone vocals.
The song has been chosen to serve as the opening song for the anime series Chillin’ in My 30s After Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army which began airing on TOKYO MX on January 7. The series has been adapted from the popular manga series by Rurekuchie currently serialized in Monthly Young Magazine.
Hinano’s debut song nocturne was produced by Yuki Kajiura and served as the theme song for the anime film Deemo: Memorial Keys. Her next song Virginia was chosen as the ending theme for My Master Has No Tail.
The new song CHANGEMAKER shows Hinano trying her hand at creating a rock track for the first time. “When I first listened to the tentative track, I wondered if I could do it justice. It seemed so difficult, I didn’t know if I could sing it,” Hinano said. “By really feeling the song with both my mind and body, I channeled my will and was able to sing it properly.” The music video for CHANGEMAKER was also released on January 7.
Hinano「CHANGEMAKER」
The up-tempo rock sound combined with Hinano’s incredible singing ability makes this track unforgettable. Inspired by the desire to light up a dark world, this song is sure to make even the most gloomy day bearable.
© 岡沢六十四・るれくちぇ・講談社／解雇された暗黒兵士製作委員会
Information
CHANGEMAKER – Hinano
Streaming Release: January 7, 2023
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/CHANGEMAKER
Music Video: https://youtu.be/hLjbY1ZCqI8Chillin’ in My 30s After Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army
Airing January 7 at 22:00 on TOKYO MX
Official Website: http://ankokuheishi-anime.com/ -
New merchandise has been revealed to coincide with the release of the SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film on January 20, 2023. The film, along with the subsequent SSSS.DYNAZENON compilation film, will prepare fans for the original Gridman Universe film coming to theaters on March 24, 2023.
The SSSS.GRIDMAN film pamphlet features a summary of events seen in the film and includes new interviews with director Yoshiyuki Kaneko and singer Masayoshi Oishi.
SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Original Reproduction Image Set/SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film T-Shirt/GRIDMAN & DYNAZENON Acrylic Keychain (11 varieties, random)/SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Pin (12 varieties, random)
The SSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Original Reproduction Image Set is a must-have item for fans, featuring 16 carefully-selected reproductions from the film in a special bag.
Plenty of other items are available for purchase including a commemorative T-shirt, keychains, and pins.
The SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film is being directed by Yoshiyuki Kaneko, who served as assistant director on the anime series. The film will show a somewhat new interpretation of the story under this new direction.
Be sure to grab some of this exclusive merch before seeing the highly-anticipated original film Gridman Universe on March 24!
©円谷プロ ©2023 TRIGGER・雨宮哲／「劇場版グリッドマンユニバース」製作委員会
Information
SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film
Limited 2-week screening begins January 20, 2023
Participating Theaters: https://theater-ods.toho.co.jp/ssss-gridman/
Official Site: https://ssss-movie.net/ -
Based on the Tsuburaya Productions Gridman live-action tokusatsu series from 1993, the
SSSS.GRIDMAN anime series aired in October 2018. A sequel, SSSS.DYNAZENON, followed in April 2021.Ahead of the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE, an all-new anime film coming in March, both SSSS.GRIDMAN and SSSS.DYNAZENON will be getting compilation films. Each will only be
in theaters for two weeks.劇場総集編『SSSS.GRIDMAN』
The SSSS.GRIDMAN film will be in theaters starting January 20. Those buying tickets will
receive a special illustration card with a voice drama created by Akira Amemiya, the director of the SSSS series, while supplies last. The title of the drama is Hinekuremono Demo (Even if You’re Cynical) starring Soma Saito (Sho Utsumi) and Hass (Akari Kito).The newly-revealed illustration card’s design features Yuta Hibiki, Sho Utsumi, Rikka
Takarada, and Akane Shinjo happily snapping photos.SSSS.DYNAZENON will be released for two weeks starting March 10, and those buying
tickets will also get an illustration card and a special voice drama written by Akira Amemiya.The SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film is being directed by Yoshiyuki Kaneko, who served as assistant director on the anime series. The film will show a somewhat new interpretation of the story under his new direction. Both compilation films will include extra footage leading
up to the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE on March 24, 2023.©円谷プロ ©2023 TRIGGER・雨宮哲／「劇場版グリッドマンユニバース」製作委員会
Information
SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film
Limited 2-week screenings begin January 20, 2023
Admission Bonus: Illustrated Card with Voice Drama by Akira Amemiya
Official Website: https://ssss-movie.net/ -
Music Project Sizuk Performs Opening Theme for The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World, Anime Music Video Released
Music composer Shunryu recently began the musical project Sizuk, creating numerous tracks for idol groups and anime series. Sizuk’s first digital single Dystopia, released on January 6, serves as the opening theme song for the anime series The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World. The music video, using plenty of footage from the anime, has also been posted to the official Sizuk YouTube channel.
Dystopia – Sizuk (Music Video)
The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World Opening Theme SongA Dystopia gift campaign is now underway on numerous streaming sites. Benefits vary, with one of the more impressive presents being an original voice drama by the stars of the anime series from mora. Physical goods are also available, including an A3-size poster and acrylic keychain designed by popular illustrator SOLANI.
©御子柴奈々・講談社／「冰剣の魔術師が世界を統べる」 製作委員会
Information
Dystopia – Sizuk
(The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World Opening Theme)
Release Date: January 6, 2023
Stream ＆ Download: https://Sizuk.lnk.to/Dystopia
The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World
Official Site: https://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/hyouken
