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Kyodo News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Double Screening of "Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-" and "Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX" at Anime Expo 2025! [Official Report]
We bring you the official report for the double screening of movies "Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-" and "Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX," which took place at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 5, 2025! The event was a massive success, with local fans flawlessly executing Japanese call-and-response chants, generating an electrifying atmosphere. Official Report: Double Screening of "Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-" and "Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX" at Anime Expo 2025 "Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-" Movie I arrived at the cinema fifteen minutes early, securing a front-row seat on the second floor. The crowd seemed sparse, but a glance downstairs revealed groups of cosplaying fans, light sticks in hand. My attention then shifted to the screen, displaying a QR code for an app to vote for battle winners during the film. This wasn't just a movie; it was an interactive experience where the audience would decide the outcome of the rap battles. The film, "Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-" or "HypMic," depicts a world where physical violence is outlawed. Conflicts are settled through rap battles using "Hypnosis Mics," which influence the mind, with winning teams gaining territory. These battles are organized by the "Party of Words," a female-led group, featuring teams from various divisions. The battles are fought in teams of three, with six representative teams: ● Buster Bros!!!: Representing Ikebukuro Division ● MAD TRIGGER CREW: Representing Yokohama Division ● Fling Posse: Representing Shibuya Division ● Matenrou: Representing Shinjuku Division ● Bad Ass Temple: Representing Nagoya Division ● Dotsuitare Hompo: Representing Osaka Division Teams advance from the first stage of the tournament and emerge victorious from the second stage's round-robin battles to earn the right to challenge the "Party of Words" in the final battle. While the movie itself covers the entire final stage, this special Anime Expo edition concludes after the second stage. A key feature of this film is an innovative movie experience powered by the CtrlMovie app. After each battle sequence, a 10-second voting countdown begins, during which viewers tap the logo of the team they believe performed better. Within seconds, the winner is displayed on screen, and the story progresses. As the outcome for each team hinges on the audience's earnest votes, tension builds during the countdown, even for those unfamiliar with the series. When results are revealed, the venue fills with cheers of joy and cries of disappointment, fostering a powerful sense of unity among attendees. The team members' reactions and comments vary based on the results, offering a unique story with each viewing. With an astonishing 48 different possibilities, fans will undoubtedly be eager to experience every permutation. Anticipation surged as I observed the venue filling up, with seats completely taken and standing room only at the rear and throughout the ground floor. The MC began to hype up the crowd, and finally, the screening commenced. The event began with thunderous applause, as each team showcased their performance in their respective divisions. The atmosphere was electric with excited cheers and fans waving color-coded glowsticks, a detail whose purpose—color coordination—now became clear. The video presentation effectively highlighted each character's unique traits and team dynamics. This was followed by an opening movie featuring all participants, allowing their individual voices to be heard, and setting the stage for the upcoming competitions. The crowd's equally intense enthusiasm for all teams made the outcome entirely unpredictable. And now, it's time for the rap battles! Battle 1: Buster Bros!!! vs. Bad Ass Temple This highly anticipated face-off pitted former teammates Ichiro (Buster Bros!!!) against Kuko (Bad Ass Temple). As the voting results were revealed, the Buster Bros!!! logo appeared, eliciting a dramatic mix of cheers and gasps. A touching moment of mutual respect between Ichiro and Kuko on screen was met with warm applause from the audience. Battle 2: MAD TRIGGER CREW vs. Dotsuitare Hompo Samatoki (MAD TRIGGER CREW) and Sasara (Dotsuitare Hompo), once partners, knew each other's every strength and weakness. However, this was a team battle, demanding maximum collective power for victory. Dotsuitare Hompo's logo appeared during the decisive voting, sparking a massive cheer. Samatoki's gracious acceptance of defeat garnered encouraging shouts, leaving a lasting impression. Battle 3: Fling Posse vs. Matenrou The relationship between Ramuda (Fling Posse) and Jakurai (Matenrou) was marked by an apparent mutual discomfort, adding intrigue to their battle. Their close proximity during the performance ignited shrill screams of excitement from the crowd. Matenrou's logo emerged victorious at the crucial voting moment, leading to a mix of cheers and screams. The tension between the two seemed to dissipate, with Jakurai considering Ramuda a friend, though Ramuda's amusement and irritation at Jakurai's unintentionally condescending remarks were a highlight. The Second Round: Round-Robin Battle The three victors from the first round—Buster Bros!!!, Dotsuitare Hompo, and Matenrou—faced off in a round-robin format. During the decisive voting, with cheers echoing for each team, Dotsuitare Hompo emerged triumphant. The arena erupted in the loudest cheers and screams of the day, bringing the event to a thrilling conclusion. The "Hypnosis Mic" screening concluded just as we were anticipating the final face-off with "Party of Words." Despite the outcome not favoring my preferred team, I'm eager to witness how the battle unfolds between the Kansai-based "Dotsuitare Hompo" and the all-female "Party of Words." You can find the voting results for this screening at: For those interested, all voting results from screenings held in Japan are available here: I highly recommend checking them out! "Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX" Movie Following a brief shift in the audience from "HypMic" to "UtaPri" fans (though in small numbers), the MC's introduction of "UtaPri" ignited immense excitement. This marks the third theatrical release in the "Uta no Prince-sama Maji LOVE" series, a multimedia franchise rooted in an otome game (a dating simulation for female players). This particular film features full live animation and centers on QUARTET NIGHT, a group of four senior idols, in an entirely new story. The members are: ● Reiji Kotobuki ● Ranmaru Kurosaki ● Ai Mikaze ● Camus Setlist: ● Jewelful XXXX ○ Seize me if you can (Reiji) ○ Force & Faith (Ranmaru) ○ Wandering in a maze (Ai) ○ Do you know who I'm (Camus) ● Ice Pierrot (Camus) ● Rei-Zero- (Reiji) ● Black Panther (Ranmaru) ● Am I a fairy or...? (Ai) ● The RUN to the RAY (Reiji & Ranmaru) ● God Love Keihou Hatsurei (Ai & Camus) ● TABOO NIGHT XXXX (All) ● JINN-Ω-RAY (All) The audience changed their light sticks to match each idol's image color, cheering enthusiastically and perfectly executing the call-and-response chants - all in Japanese, of course. Th scene was reminiscent of an idol live concert in Japan, brought to life right here in the theater. Event Overview Anime Expo 2025 'HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Movie / Utano☆Prince Sama TABOO NIGHT XXXX' Screening July 5, 12:30–2:30 PM | The Novo About "HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Movie" Introduction "HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle-" is Japan's first theatrical film to be an interactive movie. The outcome of the rap battle that unfolds on the screen is decided by the audience's votes in the theater. Voting takes place in real time via a smartphone app, and the story progresses according to the choice that receives the most votes. The development and ending (= the winning division) of each screening will change depending on the choices made by each audience member... This is Japan's first participatory video experience. Cast Buster Bros!!! Ichiro Yamada: Subaru Kimura Jiro Yamada: Haruki Ishiya Saburo Yamada: Kohei Amasaki MAD TRIGGER CREW Samatoki Aohitsugi: Shintaro Asanuma Jyuto Iruma: Wataru Komada Rio Mason Busujima: Shinichiro Kamio Fling Posse Ramuda Amemura: Yusuke Shirai Gentaro Yumeno: Souma Saito Dice Arisugawa: Yukihiro Nozuyama Matenrou Jinguji Jakurai: Show Hayami Hifumi Izanami: Ryuichi Kijima Doppo Kannonzaka: Kent Ito Dotsuitare Hompo Sasara Nurude: Ryota Iwasaki Rosho Tsutsujimori: Kengo Kawanishi Rei Amayado: Takaya Kuroda Bad Ass Temple Kuko Harai: Shota Hayama Jyushi Aimono: Yuki Sakakihara Hitoya Amaguni: Eiji Takeuchi Party of Words Otome Tohoten: Yu Kobayashi Ichijiku Kadenokoji: Chiaki Takahashi Nemu Aohitsugi: Nozomi Yamamoto ©HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Movie About "Utano☆Prince Sama TABOO NIGHT XXXX" Synopsis Witness QUARTET NIGHT's New Pinnacle: Utopia! Cast Reiji Kotobuki: Showtaro Morikubo Ranmaru Kurosaki: Tatsuhisa Suzuki Ai Mikaze: Shouta Aoi Camus: Tomoaki Maeno ©UTA☆PRI-MOVIE TN PROJECT


Business Upturn
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on July 24, 2025, 18:20 IST Last updated July 24, 2025, 18:20 IST If you're still reeling from the jaw-dropping finale of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, you're not alone. The announcement of Season 3 dropped like a bombshell right after the final episode aired on July 4, 2025, and fans are already theorizing about what's next for Maomao and Jinshi. This anime, born from Natsu Hyūga's light novel series, has hooked us with its clever mysteries, lush visuals, and that slow-burn chemistry we can't get enough of. So, what's the latest on The Apothecary Diaries Season 3? From release date guesses to cast info and plot hints, here's the full scoop! The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Potential Release Date The million-dollar question: when will The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 hit our screens? There's no official date yet, but let's break down the clues. Season 1 ran from October 2023 to March 2024, and Season 2 picked up from January to July 2025. That's about a year's gap between seasons, which gives us a rough idea of the production timeline. Given this pattern, some fans are crossing their fingers for a summer 2026 premiere, but others think early 2027 is more realistic. Why the wait? The team's known for pouring their hearts into every frame, from the intricate Tang Dynasty-inspired designs to the perfectly paced storytelling. Quality like that takes time. For now, keep your eyes glued to Crunchyroll's news updates or the anime's official X account for any release date reveals. The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Expected Cast No official cast list has dropped for Season 3, but it's hard to imagine the show without its core players. Based on the light novels and the characters' roles so far, here's who we're betting will return: Aoi Yūki as Maomao : Our favorite sharp-tongued apothecary who solves mysteries like nobody's business. as : Our favorite sharp-tongued apothecary who solves mysteries like nobody's business. Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi : The swoon-worthy palace official with secrets that keep us guessing. as : The swoon-worthy palace official with secrets that keep us guessing. Asami Seto as Shisaka: A fan-favorite who might get more screen time in the new arc. At Anime Expo 2025, Aoi Yūki and Asami Seto stole the show with a live dub performance, dropping hints about Season 3's direction. Their enthusiasm makes us confident they're sticking around. Plus, the new setting could bring fresh faces from the light novels—maybe even some intriguing allies or foes. We'll update you as soon as casting news breaks! The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Potential Plot If Season 2's finale, 'The Beginning,' left you speechless, brace yourself for Season 3. The teaser hinted at a bold shift: Maomao and Jinshi are leaving the imperial court behind for a new land. This change promises to shake things up, diving deeper into the world beyond the palace walls. Drawing from the light novels, Season 3 is likely to adapt Volumes 4 and 5, which take the story in exciting directions: Maomao's Big Trip : Our girl joins a diplomatic mission to Empress Gyokuyou's homeland, tackling threats like a plague tied to mysterious insects. It's classic Maomao—using her brain to unravel danger in a whole new setting. : Our girl joins a diplomatic mission to Empress Gyokuyou's homeland, tackling threats like a plague tied to mysterious insects. It's classic Maomao—using her brain to unravel danger in a whole new setting. Jinshi's Hidden Truths : The stakes get personal as Jinshi's past comes into focus, testing his connection with Maomao in ways we haven't seen before. : The stakes get personal as Jinshi's past comes into focus, testing his connection with Maomao in ways we haven't seen before. Drama and Secrets: Expect palace scandals, like one involving Consort Lishu, and deeper dives into Maomao's own family history. This arc blends high-stakes adventure with the medical mysteries and subtle romance we love. The teaser's tagline about a 'new era' has fans buzzing about how the story will evolve while keeping Maomao's wit and Jinshi's charm front and center. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at


Kyodo News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
"Kaiju No. 8" Official Report from Anime Expo 2025: Masaya Fukunishi, Nazeeh Tarsha, and English Dub Director Shawn Gann Take the Stage!
With the second season of "Kaiju No. 8" anime on the horizon, Masaya Fukunishi (voice of Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8), Nazeeh Tarsha (English dub voice of Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8), and English dub director Shawn Gann made an appearance at North America's largest anime convention, Anime Expo 2025! We've just received the official report from this event, where both the Japanese and English cast members of "Kaiju No. 8" expressed their gratitude to fans in America. Event Report "Anime Expo 2025," North America's largest anime convention, took place in Los Angeles, USA, from July 3rd to 6th. For their second consecutive year, Masaya Fukunishi, Nazeeh Tarsha, and Shawn Gann participated in the "Kaiju No. 8 Panel Powered by Crunchyroll." The event's scale surpassed the previous year, held in an impressive hall capable of accommodating approximately 7,000 attendees. The fans there, some even cosplaying in Defense Force suits, filled the venue. Even before the panel began, the hall vibrated with chants of "KAIJU." The screening of the "Kaiju No. 8" Season 2 main trailer, titled "Rising Threat," was met with an explosion of applause and cheers. Following the screening, Masaya Fukunishi made a striking entrance, introduced by the MC with makeup mimicking Kaiju No. 8's lightning bolt. Nazeeh Tarsha entered holding a Kaiju No. 8 mask. Dressed in coordinated outfits, Fukunishi carried a Kaiju No. 8 mascot and Nazeeh a Kafka mascot, both beaming and generating excitement among the crowd. Fukunishi energized the audience by asking, "Do you love KAIJU No. 8?" The fans' enthusiastic "YES!" was met with his heartfelt reply, "Me too. I love KAIJU No. 8! I love everyone!" and the panel officially commenced. The event then transitioned to a Q&A session. When questioned about securing the role of Kafka, Fukunishi revealed his deep connection to the character: "I had been reading the manga from the first chapter and always wanted to play Kafka. I even got down on my knees and begged my agency's president, saying, 'Please let me audition for Kafka!'" He animatedly re-enacted this passionate plea as he shared the story. Fukunishi also shared that his most memorable experience was last year's AX, his "first overseas job," which he found "amazing." He was delighted to see many fans return for a second year, stating, "I'm so happy to see so many people coming back to see us this year. I didn't expect such a turnout!" When asked if they would prefer to be a Defense Force member or a Monster Sweeper in the world of "Kaiju No. 8", Fukunishi chose the former. He expressed a desire to wield a spear and even demonstrated monster-slaying techniques using the host, Tim, as a mock kaiju. Nazeeh and Shawn, however, opted for Monster Sweeper, humorously citing the physical demands of the Defense Force, which amused the audience. Fukunishi and Nazeeh also enthusiastically spoke about connecting on social media prior to sharing the stage. Fukunishi then revealed a gift from Japan: a collaborative illustration of Godzilla vs. Kaiju No. 8 by monster designer Mahiro Maeda, displayed on screen. This "dream crossover" of two popular North American kaiju, powerfully depicted, thrilled the fans. The event culminated with a live dubbing of Episode 10, where Nazeeh and Fukunishi's portrayal of Kaiju No. 8 confronting the monster bomb at Tachikawa Base captivated the audience, building their excitement to a fever pitch. During the closing remarks, Fukunishi was visibly moved, tearfully expressing his joy: "I was on the verge of crying listening to Nazeeh and Shawn's passionate words. I'm so happy to be part of such a warm and welcoming stage." He further elaborated on the upcoming second season, stating, "Both my fellow cast members and I are putting our hearts into our voice acting. And we have all the people creating the animation and music. I pray that this becomes a precious work for you and everyone." His heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause. The highly successful event concluded with a spirited "Kaiju hachi~? Go~!" call-and-response and a commemorative group photo with the assembled fans. About "Kaiju No. 8" Season 2 Synopsis Thanks to Isao Shinomiya, Kafka Hibino avoids being turned into a weapon. As new recruits head to their posts, Kafka meets Gen Narumi, the strongest man in the Defense Force and leader of the First Division. Kafka embraces the power of Kaiju No. 8 to force Gen to recognize his strength. Meanwhile, Kaiju No. 9 lurks in the shadows as the greatest threat the Defense Force has faced awaits. Cast Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8: Masaya Fukunishi Mina Ashiro: Asami Seto Reno Ichikawa: Wataru Katoh Kikoru Shinomiya: Fairouz Ai Soshiro Hoshina: Kengo Kawanishi Iharu Furuhashi: Yuuki Shin Haruichi Izumo: Keisuke Komoto Aoi Kaguragi: Shunsuke Takeuchi Konomi Okonogi: Sayaka Senbongi Gen Narumi: Koki Uchiyama Eiji Hasegawa: Hiroki Yasumoto Rin Shinonome: Kana Hanazawa Isao Shinomiya: Tessho Genda Kaiju No. 10: Kenta Miyake Kaiju No. 9: Hiroyuki Yoshino ©JAKDF 3rd Division ©Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation


Business Upturn
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is Black Clover season 5 releasing in July 2025? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on July 11, 2025, 18:30 IST Last updated July 11, 2025, 11:24 IST Black Clover fans have been eagerly awaiting news about Season 5 since the anime went on hiatus in March 2021. With rumors swirling and excitement building, many are wondering: Is Black Clover Season 5 releasing in July 2025? Let's dive into the latest updates. The Buzz Around Black Clover Season 5 After a four-year break, the Black Clover anime is officially returning! Crunchyroll confirmed at Anime Expo 2025 on July 5, 2025, that a new season, often referred to as 'Season 2' but widely considered Season 5 by fans, is in production. This announcement came with a teaser trailer and a striking visual of Asta in his Devil Union form, reigniting the hype for this beloved shonen series. However, despite the excitement, no official release date has been confirmed for July 2025. While some early leaks and fan speculation hinted at a possible 2025 release, Crunchyroll later clarified that an initial mention of a 2026 release window was removed, leaving the timeline uncertain. Based on production patterns and industry insights, a late 2025 or early 2026 release seems more likely. What Will Black Clover Season 5 Be About? Season 5 is expected to pick up from the cliffhanger of Season 4, diving into the Spade Kingdom Raid Arc (roughly chapters 272–331 of the manga). This arc promises intense battles, with Asta and Liebe's bond being tested against powerful foes like the Dark Triad and devils Lilith and Nahamah. Fans can also look forward to major developments for Yuno, whose royal heritage and wind magic will take center stage. The returning cast is likely to include familiar voices like Gakuto Kajiwara (Asta), Nobunaga Shimazaki (Yuno), and Junichi Suwabe (Yami), with new actors potentially joining to voice the Zogratis siblings of the Dark Triad. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at


Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Byeon Woo-seok to lead Solo Leveling live-action adaptation as Sung Jin-woo in hit Korean Webtoon's global crossover
Netflix has officially announced a live-action adaptation of the hugely popular Korean webtoon Solo Leveling, sparking excitement among global fans. Revealed just after Anime Expo 2025, the news marks a significant milestone for Korean webtoon adaptations entering mainstream international media. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Adding to the anticipation, rising Korean star Byeon Woo-seok has been cast as the protagonist, Sung Jin-woo—a timid E-rank hunter who evolves into humanity's most powerful defender. Known for his roles in Lovely Runner and 20th Century Girl, Byeon's casting has been widely praised by fans who see him as a perfect match for the brooding and complex character. Byeon Woo-seok to lead Netflix's Solo Leveling live-action anime Netflix's casting of Byeon Woo-seok has been met with near-universal approval. Known for his roles in 20th Century Girl, Lovely Runner, and Strong Girl Nam Soon, Byeon brings both dramatic depth and a striking resemblance to the character of Jin-woo. Fans have long described the actor as a 'manhwa come to life,' and with his rising profile in Korean entertainment, he is poised to carry the emotional and physical weight of this highly anticipated adaptation. To ensure the adaptation meets global expectations, Netflix has enlisted acclaimed directors Lee Hae-jun (Like a Virgin, Castaway on the Moon) and Kim Byung-seo (Ashfall, Cold Eyes). Together, they bring a blend of visual storytelling and emotional resonance that is ideal for the dark, action-packed world of Solo Leveling. The series is being developed in collaboration with Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures, who are overseeing scriptwriting and creative direction to keep the show faithful to the original source material. Solo Leveling's rise: From web novel to global multimedia phenomenon Solo Leveling began as a web novel by Chugong and later became a visually stunning webtoon illustrated by the late DUBU (REDICE Studio). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It quickly gained traction among global readers for its gripping narrative, where a weak 'E-rank' hunter is suddenly granted the mysterious power to grow stronger without limits. Over time, the story transcended its original format and expanded into a multi-platform franchise that includes: A best-selling anime adaptation (streaming on Crunchyroll) A popular mobile game Multiple merchandise lines A massive international fanbase, with over 14 billion views on platforms like KakaoPage and WEBTOON Solo Leveling becomes a global hit with Webtoon anime and more The story of Solo Leveling centers on Sung Jin-woo, once known as the weakest hunter in a world overrun by magical portals and monsters. After barely surviving a deadly dungeon raid, Jin-woo discovers a unique ability: he can 'level up' like a video game character. This ability allows him to surpass his limits, evolve rapidly, and eventually assume the mantle of Shadow Monarch—humanity's final hope against powerful beings known as Monarchs. This 'zero to hero' arc has resonated with millions, creating a protagonist who is both emotionally complex and physically has had a rocky history with anime-to-live-action adaptations. Series like Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 received mixed-to-poor responses for lacking fidelity to the source material or failing to meet VFX standards. However, Solo Leveling could change that. Unlike One Piece—which faced criticism for cutting corners on visual effects—Netflix has promised to bring in a top-tier global production team to ensure cinematic quality in the fantasy-action scenes. Solo Leveling joins the ranks of Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead With this adaptation, Solo Leveling now sits among Korea's biggest pop-culture exports, alongside global hits like Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead. It also becomes the first major Korean-origin anime franchise to receive a full-scale live-action series, marking an important shift in how Korean IPs are treated in the global entertainment landscape. While Netflix has not yet confirmed an official release date, production is already underway, and insiders suggest that the series may be slated for late 2025 or early 2026. With the show's high production value, a compelling cast, and a creative team focused on authenticity, fans are hoping Solo Leveling will finally deliver a live-action adaptation that honors its anime roots. Also Read |