Latest news with #TheBeginningAftertheEnd
Kyodo News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Anime "The Beginning After the End": Kana Ichinose Reveals the Secret to Tessia's Charm
By Tomoya Kashiwamura, Animate Times - 30 minutes ago - 17:00 | All Animate Times brings you interviews with staff, cast members, and artists involved in the anime "The Beginning After the End." In this installment, we spoke with Kana Ichinose-san, who plays the role of Tessia Eralith, an elven girl saved by Arthur and the princess of the Elenoir Kingdom. She shares her thoughts on portraying Tessia, her experience working with Natsumi Fujiwara (who plays Arthur), and her favorite scenes so far. TV anime "The Beginning After the End" is based on the hugely popular reincarnation adventure fantasy in North America, China, and Korea. It has been airing since April 2025. The story follows Grey, once a ruthless and powerful king, who is reincarnated as a baby named Arthur. Raised with love by his parents and those around him, Arthur develops a desire to become strong to protect his family. This reincarnation adventure fantasy showcases his growth as he utilizes the knowledge and abilities from his past life. After spending three years training alongside Princess Tessia in the Elven Kingdom of Elenoir, Arthur's day of departure has finally arrived. What awaits Arthur on his journey, and what are the feelings of Tessia and others who have spent time with him? The story has begun to unfold as we move into the latter half of the series. Tessia's Childhood: Straightforward and Innocent, Her Growth Brings Endearing Tsundere Moments with Arthur ──Please share your thoughts on "The Beginning After the End." Ichinose: It's a story about someone who retains their memories from when they were a king and starts life anew, walking a fresh path with family and companions. I found it to be a work that skillfully intertwines elements of battle, family love, and fantasy. ──Could you tell us what you think about Tessia, the character you're playing, and what aspects of her you find appealing? Ichinose: Tessia is a bright, energetic, and adorable girl. It's cute how she can't honestly say she's scared when she's frightened, instead just silently gripping Arthur's sleeve. Her inner monologues revealing her panic in those moments are also endearing. She's free-spirited, which makes her very child-like, and I feel she's a character with many charming qualities. ──What are the aspects you focus on when portraying Tessia? Were there any direction or advice you received before or during recording? Ichinose:Like Arthur, Tessia also grows and develops gradually, so during the audition, we had lines for different ages. When Tessia first meets Arthur, she's quite young, so I focused on expressing her innocence, straightforwardness, and carefree nature in my performance. As she grows older, her tsundere (hot-and-cold) side becomes more prominent. There are scenes where she gets angry at Arthur, but I believe this is actually a form of affection stemming from how close they've become. Their interactions become even more endearing because of this. Arthur's Caring Nature and Voice Actor Natsumi Fujiwara's Performance Create a Sense of Comfort and Reassurance ──What do you think about Arthur? How do you feel interacting with him? Ichinose: Arthur is quite caring. Even after being separated from his parents, he stayed with Tessia to escort her home. Despite his own difficult situation, he adjusted to Tessia's pace and remained with her until the end. I think that's why Tessia has grown so attached to him. While interacting with Natsumi Fujiwara, who plays Arthur, I felt a sense of reassurance and comfort. It was as if I could sense the inherent warmth at Arthur's core. ──Are there any behind-the-scenes stories or anecdotes from the recording sessions? Ichinose: I heard that TurtleMe, the original author, lives in America and participated remotely in the voice recording sessions despite the time difference. The staff and cast members were all excited, saying things like, "We'd love to have an event someday in the author's region!" ──Could you share your thoughts after watching the anime? Ichinose: At first, Arthur was just incredibly cute and healing to watch. His big, round eyes and chubby little hands were adorable. It was heartwarming to see Arthur grow up surrounded by his parents' love. Then there's Grey, who had never known parents or love before. Watching him struggle with his own feelings as he gradually accepts this affection and discovers what's truly important in life was really touching. ──Looking back on the first seven episodes, what are your impressions? Are there any episodes or scenes that particularly stand out to you? Ichinose: I love how Tessia sometimes acts tough with her grandfather and father. It really shows that they're family, regardless of their royal status. And the way her grandfather dotes on Tessia is just so sweet. These moments really highlight their family bond beyond their royal duties. As Arthur's Adventure Reaches Its Midpoint, Stay Tuned to See How Their Journey Unfolds! ── Besides Tessia, who is your favorite character? Please tell us why as well. Ichinose: I'm quite fond of Grandpa Virion. I admire how he trusts what he sees with his own eyes rather than relying on preconceptions. He has a strong core and a sense of composure that I find admirable. I think it's because Tessia was raised by such a warm-hearted person that she's able to live so freely and vibrantly. ──If you were to be reincarnated as a baby with your current knowledge and memories intact, like Arthur, what would you want to do? Ichinose: Being a child opens up more opportunities for challenges, so I'd like to try things I haven't done before. There are so many new experiences you can have when you start over as a child with adult knowledge. ──Please share a message for all the viewers who have been watching up to this point. Ichinose: We've reached the halfway point so quickly, but I hope you'll enjoy the series until the very end. Please continue to follow Arthur and the other characters on their journey! It's been an amazing ride so far, and there's still so much more to come. I'm excited for you all to see how the story unfolds! [Article by Kazuyuki Nagai] About "The Beginning After the End" Synopsis The story follows the strongest king in history, Gray. Although he possesses unparalleled power, wealth, and fame, there is no one who stands by his side…and he trusts no one. One day, Gray suddenly meets his death and is reincarnated as a powerless infant named Arthur in a world of magic. Surrounded by a loving family and companions, Arthur starts to experience joys in this new life that he never knew in his previous one. However, during a journey, his family is attacked by bandits... Thus begins his second life, filled with love and adventure! Cast Arthur Leywin: Natsumi Fujiwara Grey: Makoto Furukawa Tessia Eralith: Kana Ichinose Jasmine Flamesworth: Chiaki Omigawa Reynolds: Yamato Kinjo Alice: Rena Maeda Durden: Shinya Takahashi Adam: Taihi Kimura Helen: Miyu Ogura Angela: Riko Akechi Sylvia: Shiori Izawa (C)「最強の王様」製作委員会 ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Upcoming Webtoon originals getting Anime adaptations in 2025–26
Credits: Anime Corner Digital comics ('webtoons') have exploded in popularity worldwide, and studios are racing to tap their fanbases by turning top titles into anime. Platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix are now investing heavily because webtoons come with built‑in audiences. In 2024, for example, Naver's hit romance Yumi's Cells was made into an animated feature film that hit theaters in Korea – the first time a Korean webtoon spun directly into animation. LINE Webtoon's CEO has even said that 'at least 20 more anime series based on webtoons will be announced this year' . Global streaming giants (Apple, Amazon) are also entering the webtoon business, reflecting how anime's international boom is pulling webcomics into animation. In short, proven storylines, huge online readerships and cross‐cultural appeal are driving a surge of webtoon‑to‑anime projects. Confirmed adaptations in 2025–26 Several high‑profile webtoon series are already locked in for anime adaptation. For instance, Kakao/Tapas' fantasy epic The Beginning After the End will debut as a Crunchyroll series in 2025. Likewise, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint – originally a Korean web novel and webtoon – was announced at Anime Expo 2024 for an anime on Crunchyroll (produced with Aniplex). Other confirmed projects include Clevatess (a Japanese/Korean collaboration launching in July 2025), and gritty fantasy thrillers Dark Moon and Red Ice, all slated to hit screens in 2025–26. Even horror‑romance titles are in the mix: the popular webtoon Red Fox (about a demon's love affair) is scheduled to premiere as an anime on May 19, 2025. Beyond blockbusters, webtoons of all genres boast massive followings, which explains why studios are exploring diverse stories. For example, romantic comedy and fantasy webtoons like I Married a Monster on a Hill (whose logo is pictured) enjoy strong global readerships, just as action series do. Producers see this wide appeal as a low‑risk way to expand content libraries – tapping a built‑in fanbase eager for animated versions of their favorite stories. Rumors and industry momentum In addition to those confirmed, a few big names are stirring buzz among fans. The hit action‑comedy Eleceed (from the creators of Noblesse ) quietly launched an 'anime' website, hinting an official adaptation might be imminent. LINE and Naver's chiefs have also teased partnerships with Japanese studios on webtoon projects, and mentioned even branching into TV dramas and films beyond anime. Notably, Tomb Raider King (a Korean supernaturals web novel/manhwa) was announced at Anime Expo 2024 for a 2026 anime by Korea's Studio EEK. All of this suggests a steady pipeline: Crunchyroll, Netflix and Japanese producers are working closely with Korean companies to co-produce these series for global audiences. Studios are betting big because the numbers add up. The global revenue of some webtoon IPs is enormous: The Beginning After the End alone generates roughly $500,000 per month from its web novels and manhwa worldwide. Adaptations like these not only attract existing fans, but also draw new viewers to the franchises. As a result, investors see webtoon‑based anime as a way to reliably tap youth markets across Asia, North America and beyond. With anime's worldwide popularity only growing, the coming years promise a flood of animated titles born from Webtoon Originals – ensuring that comic readers have plenty of animated adventures to look forward to in 2025 and 2026. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Kyodo News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
"The Beginning After the End" Episode 7: "The King Says Goodbye" - Preview Images, Synopsis, and Trailer Released!
By Shuntaro Nishizawa, Animate Times - 13 minutes ago - 12:33 | All Preview images, a synopsis, and a promotional video for the 7th episode of "The Beginning After the End," titled "The King Says Goodbye," have been released! "The Beginning After the End" anime series has been airing in Japan since April 2nd and is available for global streaming on Crunchyroll. #07: "The King Says Goodbye" Synopsis Three years have passed since Arthur began his training in the Kingdom of Elenoir. Having diligently honed his skills alongside Tessia, Arthur has grown significantly stronger. With Virion's guidance, he succeeds in awakening the will of the powerful beast dwelling within his mana core. Then one night, the stone entrusted to him by Sylvia begins to shine...! Episode 7 Trailer
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Beginning After the End full release schedule: When do the remaining anime episodes drop?
The Beginning After the End full release schedule: People eagerly await each new episode of the anime The Beginning After the End, which has been airing for a long time. The story centers on Gray, the most powerful monarch in history. The best-selling book The Beginning After the End was adapted into a comic on the digital platform Tapas in 2018. It quickly rose to the top of the Tapas Originals list in North America. For those who have been following the anime and are eagerly awaiting new episodes, here is the complete release schedule for The Beginning After the End. What is The Beginning After the End anime about? The narrative centers on Gray, the most powerful monarch in history. Despite having unmatched fame, fortune, and power, no one supports he has no faith in anyone. Gray dies unexpectedly one day and is reborn in a magical world as a helpless baby named Arthur. Encircled by a devoted family and friends, Arthur begins to discover pleasures in this new life that he was unaware of in his old one. The Beginning After the End full release schedule Episode 1 (released): April 2, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 2 (released): April 9, 202 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 3 (released): April 16, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 4 (released): April 23, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 5 (released): April 30, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 6 (released): May 7, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 7: (released) May 14, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 8: May 21, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 9: May 28, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 10: June 4, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 11: June 11, 2025 - 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Episode 12: June 18, 2025- 10:25 AM (PT) / 1:25 PM (EST) / 6:25 PM (BST) / 10:55 PM (IST) Where to watch The Beginning After the End? The Beginning After the End anime is available to Japanese anime fans on a number of networks, including Fuji Television, Tokai TV, Hokkaido TV, AT-X, Kansai TV, Cultural Broadcasting, Ishikawa TV, and others. Fans from around the world can view it on Crunchyroll.
Forbes
08-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Crunchyroll's Latest Plans To Expand The Anime Universe
Image from "The Beginning After the End," an anime series debuting on Crunchyroll, April 2025. Back in the late teens when many streamers were consolidating their niche brands and channels to reach the widest possible audience, Sony took the opposite path, combining their existing Funimation service with new acquisition Crunchyroll in a bid to dominate the large but narrow international market for Japanese anime. Now, after a pandemic boom-and-bust that has shaken up the streaming landscape, Crunchyroll's strategy of sinking deep roots is paying off. The company announced it had topped 15 million subscribers worldwide in July, 2024, up 50% from December, 2022, and a 5x increase since July 2020. Those seem like big numbers and crazy growth for a service that focuses exclusively on a single offering, but that conclusion underestimates both the range of anime content and the broad lifestyle appeal to its audience. 'We know this audience is very passionate,' explains Rahul Purini, CEO of Crunchyroll in an exclusive interview last week. 'Even though it is considered niche, it is a gigantic niche. And anime is a medium, not a genre. It contains dozens of genres; there is something there for every fan.' Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini, 2025 Purini, who came out of a tech and engineering background before assuming leadership over the company, helped lead Crunchyroll's transformation from a traditional media entertainment business to a direct-to-consumer model. He says the company is now expanding beyond streaming its vast library of video content to provide a one-stop shop for fans of Japanese pop culture in multiple dimensions including gaming, merchandise and publishing. He says Crunchyroll's focus on serving the needs of anime fans beyond just streaming content has been crucial in maintaining its growth trajectory. 'It is a lifestyle for this audience, especially the younger audience,' says Purini. 'So we bring in anime music videos because we know music is a big part of their lifestyle. We make games available through our game world we set up IRL. We go to and produce live events. We create collectibles, merchandise, apparel that they like to wear. We bring them to movies in theaters. Our strategy is to create these amazing experiences across the touch points in their lifestyle for anime and then continue to work with creators to tell these real and different stories, and do it globally.' At CES, Crunchyroll revealed a new collaboration with Anaplex, PlayStation Studios, and Sony Music Entertainment to adapt the popular game Ghost of Tsushima into an anime. Purini believes it will be a popular followup to the company's massive game-oriented hit Solo Leveling, which recently launched its second season. The company also announced the introduction of digital manga to its offerings, in addition to the popular print editions of manga sold in its online store. 'Our fans have said they would like manga to be available as part of their membership or as part of Crunchyroll's offering, and we announced that we would be bringing digital manga to fans this year,' says Purini. Manga has emerged to become a leading driver of growth in the comics market in North America over the past decade, according to the industry site ICv2. Crunchyroll's efforts to become the full spectrum destination for anime fans reflects its competitive strategy against other streamers like Netflix, Hulu and Max, which have also invested significantly in the acquisition and production of anime, but only as part of its broader streaming media business model. LiSA from Crunchyroll Concert Series at San Diego Comic Con 2024 Purini says Crunchyroll's singular focus on both content and lifestyle keeps it more closely connected to the tight-knit – and often vocal – anime fan community. "We spend a lot of time interacting with fans, listening to them, understanding what they're saying and taking that feedback not only back to our creators in Japan but also internally to determine how we can better serve them,' Purini says. This interaction fosters a strong relationship with fans and helps Crunchyroll adapt its offerings based on audience preferences. One thing the company is hearing, especially as it expands deeper into fast-growing emerging markets like India, Mexico and Brazil, is that fans want their own stories told in the anime style, employing the signature production values and aesthetics of Japanese studios. Purini says this approach has led to successful adaptations like Solo Leveling, which has gained popularity across multiple territories. "We set out to source stories that are Indian, for example, and take them to creators in Japan to see if there is interest in telling these stories. This enriches the stories that anime can tell, making them global narratives told by Japanese creators.' The company's recent debut, The Beginning After The End, is one example of this approach, adapting a story by a Korean-American creator, published on a South Korean platform, and produced by Japanese animators for global consumption. Image from Solo Leveling, the hit anime series running on Crunchyroll, 2025 Purini acknowledges competition with deep-pocketed mainstream services remains a challenge, and the global battle for anime fans will continue, which is why Crunchyroll remains committed to explore new markets and new models as they evolve. Crunchyroll rose to popularity as a subscription-based, ad free service, but now offers ad-supported tiers to attract new users. Purini believes that providing a free option helps introduce potential subscribers to anime, encouraging them to upgrade for full access. "We offer an ad-based video on demand offering which is free, but it is a limited portion of our content," Purini explains. This approach aims to expand the audience while maintaining a focus on quality content. Crunchyroll also offers FAST channels available on most mainstream systems like Pluto, offering real-time streaming programs with ads to cater to one of the fastest-growing segments of the over-the-top video delivery market. On the hot-button issue of AI, Purini said the company stands with creators in Japan and elsewhere striving to maintain authenticity in production. 'We are not considering AI in the creative process, including our voice actors. We consider them to be creators because they are contributing to the story and plot with their voice.' He added the company is looking at AI and machine learning in back-end systems to improve content discoverability, recommendations and personalization, but only as ways to improve the customer experience and not touching on the content itself. As to the prospects for an American-based company offering Japanese content to a global audience in an era of escalating international tensions and tariffs, Purini says the company is 'actively monitoring what's going on.' He observed that the company sells merchandise in its stores sourced from many countries worldwide, which could be impact by tariffs. Looking ahead, Purini says he is excited about upcoming content debuting later this spring, as well as partnerships with some of the bigger manga publishers. 'Our hope is that we would be able to work with most of the publishers in Japan,' he says. Crunchyroll is also hosting the Anime Awards in Tokyo May 25th, and looking to connect with fans at live events and conventions over the summer. Fans at the Demon Slayer Takeover in Times Square, NY, 2023
