Latest news with #BSFuji
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
‘Go! Go! Chuggington' Marks 15 Years on Terrestrial TV in Japan; Actor Navigates Children Through World of Chuggington
The Japanese version of the British CG-animated series 'Chuggington' is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Fuji TV. The series focusing on the adventures of anthropomorphic trains called Chuggers has been enjoyed in more than 170 countries and regions. The Yomiuri Shimbun recently interviewed actor Takeshi Tsuruno, who serves as the 'navigator' of Japanese program 'Go! Go! Chuggington,' and producer Mei Ando about its charms. Chugging along steadily The series was first broadcast in Japan on the BS Fuji satellite channel in 2009 but was moved to Fuji TV's terrestrial channel since 2010. Chuggington refers not to a character but the name of the town in which both the human and train characters live. The lead characters are a trio of young trains: Wilson, who is always full of energy but can be a bit careless; Brewster, who is powerful and whom everyone relies on; and Koko, who is very fast and loves adventure. Other train characters include Action Chugger, who always comes to the aid of those in trouble; Frostini, who makes ice cream and is beloved by all in Chuggington; and Jackman, who is brave and has a strong sense of episodes tell stories of friendship in which the three lead characters grow through adventures while being supported by senior trains, while occasionally experiencing failure. As navigator, Tsuruno introduces viewers to the Chuggington world at the beginning of each episode. He said that did not think too much about it when he first took on the role. 'I never imagined this series would continue for such a long time,' Tsuruno said. 'I feel that the 15 years have passed very gradually,' he said. 'I don't feel that I've done anything outstanding, more that I've chugged along for 15 years like a train that stops at every station. 'The starting time of 6:15 a.m. on Sundays is also perfect. It's like a reward for children who wake up early.' Tsuruno may have turned 50 this year, but he definitely looks sprightly dancing in his red and yellow costume on the program. 'I feel that my personality changes a little bit on the program. I get very motivated,' Tsuruno said. 'It makes me feel really alive. I think the persona [of navigator] has been really important for me.' Relatable characters 'For the Japanese broadcasts, scenes are prepared where Mr. Tsuruno teaches keywords and important information at the beginning, so there won't be anything preventing children joining in who are watching the program for the first time,' Ando said. The scenes are unique to each episode, rather than the same one reused time and time the end of many episodes, a song and dance are performed, and children are encouraged to join in. The key to the popularity of the series is the Chuggers themselves with their unique personalities. In the Japanese version, about 30 have appeared to date. 'Wilson and all the other characters have unique personalities,' said Ando. 'So, children who watch the series may find characters whose personalities are very similar to their own and empathize with them.' Ando has a 5-year-old child who she says is being positively influenced by the program. 'In the Chuggington stories, the characters repeatedly face difficult situations and receive help from others to overcome them, teaching children that they can move forward,' Ando said. Both Tsuruno and Ando chose Pete, a 150-year-old steam locomotive, as their favorite character. Pete often calls Wilson and his friends by the wrong names. 'He has built a reputation in which he is celebrated by others even after 150 years,' Tsuruno said. 'He says, 'I will work hard so that I will still be celebrated when I turn 200.' I think about what an energetic old man he is.' Even though the show just marked its 15th anniversary of being broadcast on the Fuji Television channel, Tsuruno said he already has a dream about the 20-year mark. 'I think it would be great if there were original Japanese Chuggington characters,' he said. 'For example, it would be cool if Enoden [a local train in Kanagawa Prefecture] could make an appearance. If it happens, there could be good opportunities for collaboration, such as the release of related merchandise or wrapping trains with a design featuring characters from the show.' Recently, the series also began streaming on Netflix and other platforms, leading to an increase in the number of viewers. 'It is important for us to continue in an earnest manner. If we do that, our dreams will also get bigger,' Tsuruno said. He said that he will make public appearances and encourage children to pursue their dreams. The series is broadcast on Fuji TV and elsewhere from 6:15 a.m. on Sundays. The series can also be streamed on platforms including FOD, TVer and Netflix.
Pink Villa
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 10: Yotaka's Past Revealed—Recap, Release Date, Where To Stream And More
In ' The Night Flower Hairpin Part 2,' Jinya battles Somegorou Akitsu, who initially overwhelms him. However, Jinya's swordsmanship and demon powers allow him to corner Akitsu. Instead of killing him, Jinya demands answers about Natsu's condition. Akitsu explains the hairpin she bought contains a spirit, created alongside Sadanaga's kogai, making the two items spiritually linked. Natsu's altered behavior stemmed from this connection. Jinya reunites the items, breaking the spell. The episode ends with Jinya arriving at the Jinta Shrine in present-day Kadono. Expected plot in Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 10 Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 10 will focus on Yotaka and reveal more about her past. Set in May of 1855, it will begin with Naotsugu seeking shelter from the rain after drinking with Jinya. There, he will encounter a beautiful woman in a kimono who introduces herself as Yotaka. Naotsugu will initially be flustered by her appearance. Another person will then appear, who Naotsugu believes looks identical to his missing brother, Sadanaga. Yotaka will refer to the man as a former lover, hinting at a deeper tie to past events. Release date and where to stream Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 10, titled 'Yotaka in the Rain,' will premiere on June 3, 2025, at 12:00 am JST. The series spans two cours, covering both the Spring and Summer 2025 seasons. The episode will air on BS Fuji, Tokyo MX, and MBS. In Japan, Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 10 will also stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix. Internationally, the anime will be available on HIDIVE and bilibili, while those in South/Southeast Asia can stream it on Ani-One Asia's YouTube channel. For more updates on the Sword Of The Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentōshō anime, stay tuned to Pinkvilla. *The release dates and times provided are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change at the discretion of the creators.
Pink Villa
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 9: Jinya Vs Akitsu Continues—Recap, Release Date, Where To Stream And More
In 'The Night Flower Hairpin Part 1,' it begins with Jinya confronting a wounded woman begging to be bought for the night. He declines, but her anguish causes her to transform into a demon, which Jinya eliminates. Meanwhile, at a festival, Natsu and Ofuu meet a merchant sharing the name Somegorou Akitsu. Natsu purchases trinkets, receiving a genuine hair ornament as a gift. The ornament casts a trance over her, prompting Jinya to investigate. The merchant confronts him and identifies himself as 'Somegorou Akitsu the Third.' Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 9 will continue the battle between Jinya and the man claiming to be Somegorou Akitsu. During their clash, Jinya will be attacked by three inugami under Akitsu's control. He will end up using powers such as Concealment and Swift Step to counter them. Though wounded, Jinya will gain the upper hand and learn Akitsu's true nature—a tsukumogami user capable of transforming objects imbued with lingering emotions into demons. The episode will explore Akitsu's abilities and may reveal that the conflict stemmed from a misunderstanding. Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 9, titled The Night Flower Hairpin Part 2, will air in Japan on May 27, 2025, at 12:00 am JST, which means many international viewers can expect to watch it during the day on May 26, 2025. In Japan, Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 9 will be broadcast every Tuesday on MBS, BS Fuji, and Tokyo MX. Streaming options for Japanese audiences include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Internationally, fans can watch the episode on HIDIVE and BiliBili, while viewers in South and Southeast Asia can access it via the Ani-One Asia YouTube channel. For more updates from the Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentōshō anime, stay tuned to Pinkvilla. *The release dates and times provided are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change at the discretion of the creators.
Pink Villa
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Sword Of The Demon Hunter Episode 8: Jinya Meets Yotaka; Recap, Release Date, Where To Stream And More
The seventh episode of Sword of the Demon Hunter, titled 'The Cursed Night of Kudanzaka,' saw Juuzou, Jinya's estranged father, hire him to examine a rumored "demonic painting." Their strained relationship remains unresolved despite Juuzou's attempts at reconciliation. Jinya discovers one painting owner died mysteriously and the artist later fell ill, fueling rumors. The artist reveals Motoharu, Jinya's adoptive father, commissioned it, captivated by Yokaze. The painting's eerie aura was misunderstood. Remembering Motoharu's final words about embracing both change and hate, Jinya reconciles with Juuzou, ending the case and mending their broken bond. Set in the spring of 1854, Sword of the Demon Hunter Episode 8 will begin with disturbing rumors from Yoshiwara's red-light district about a grotesque female demon murdering men beneath night-blooming cherry blossoms. Jinya will accept the case from Yotaka, a local informant. He will encounter the scarred demon wailing in pain under the sakura tree and slay it using Yorai. The demon will then be revealed to be a discarded courtesan, destroyed in body and spirit. The informant Yotaka will eventually become one of Jinya's closest allies and most reliable sources of information. Titled 'The Night Flower Hairpin Part 1,' Sword of the Demon Hunter Episode 8 is set to air in Japan on May 6, 2025, at 12:00 am JST, with new episodes releasing weekly every Tuesday. It will be broadcast on BS Fuji, Tokyo MX, and MBS. Japanese viewers can stream Sword of the Demon Hunter Episode 8 on platforms such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Internationally, the episode will be accessible through HIDIVE, Ani-One Asia, and Bilibili, though availability may vary depending on regional licensing agreements and streaming rights. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates on the Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentōshō anime.
