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SDCC 2026: Gundam Enters a New Era Under Kenji Kamiyama with “Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO” Anime and “RG Project” Vision

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At San Diego Comic-Con, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. unveiled the RG Project, a next-generation Gundam initiative that expands the franchise into a new universe across anime, video game, and various other media built around a new world envisioned by acclaimed science-fiction filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, with worldbuilding developed together with Toh EnJoe. Anchoring the initiative is the upcoming anime Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, directed by Kamiyama and animated by SOLA ANIMATION, launching in 2027.

The RG Project is a bold new vision for Gundam: A multi-media universe crafted by Kamiyama, in which entries share a narrative spanning generations within one continuous world. The initiative brings together the anime Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO and the upcoming, high-mobility action game, GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT, each depicting the shared universe from a different perspective.

Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO opens this new saga, set roughly 100 years before the events of GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT, telling the beginning of the story and how this world came to be. GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT, picks up generations later in a future shaped by accumulated events depicted in the anime. The anime and game come together for an experience that invites Gundam fans to immerse themselves into this new world and make new choices of  their own.

Stay tuned for the RG Project as it challenges the Gundam franchise with a bold new vision for the future.

Check out the images teased as well as more information about the project below:

The Story of Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO Begins

The three revelations delivered by the Autonomous Interstellar Object from another galaxy ushered in an age of unprecedented prosperity, allowing humanity to expand across the entire solar system.

Gravity Control. FTL Communication. Cognitive Materialization. Yet less than ten years after its discovery, the Object that had delivered these three revelations suddenly ran rampant, spawning an aggressive, self-proliferating ecosystem.

Humanity came to see this unknown ecosystem as the Apocalypse.

For three months, humanity fought the Apocalypse to a standstill in orbit above Earth. Forced to abandon the planet, humanity marked that year as A.A. 1—the first year After Apocalypse.

By A.A. 45, children born on the Moon and in space colonies have never known life without the Apocalypse.

And on the lunar surface, a boy named Ray Azumi awakens—

Protagonist: Ray Azumi

A war orphan who lost his parents in an Apocalypse attack, he serves as the designated pilot of Gundam ZERO. He is voiced by Takeo Otsuka.

Xarx-Zero

Rogue Orbit

Soara and the House of Monsters” TV anime adaptation confirmed for 2027!

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Currently serializing in Shogakukan’s Sunday Web Every, Soara and the House of Monsters has confirmed its TV anime adaptation! In addition to the release of the ultra-teaser visual and promotional video, the main animation staff and voices of the main character, Soara, and Kirik have also been announced. A special project to commemorate the TV anime adaptation has been revealed too!

Soara (VA: Ikumi Hasegawa)

A girl raised with the sole purpose of fighting monsters, with high combat ability and a deep understanding of monsters.

Having a serious personality, she sometimes finds it hard to keep up with Kirik and his team’s antics.

Voice of Soara; Ikumi Hasegawa’s comment

I’m the voice of Soara, Ikumi Hasegawa.

The first time I read the manga, I was encaptivated by the heartwarming story and intricately drawn world. While watching Kirik and his team build houses, I felt as though I was a child reading a picture book, filled with excitement. I’m extremely happy to be able to live in this world as Soara. It is a privilege to play this role, and I place great importance on portraying the emotional shifts my character goes through as she spends time with Kirik and the others. Please look forward to it!

Kirik (VA: Ayumu Murase)

A dwarf boy who claims to be an “architect of the monster world”.

A highly skilled craftsman with remarkable ability in architecture.

Though he is a big brother figure, his scaredy-cat side sometimes slips out. He travels across the monster world building houses for homeless monsters.

Voice of Kirik; Ayumu Murase’s comment

I’m honored to play the voice of Kirik.

When I read the manga, I was blown away by not just the originality of the content, but also by Yamaji-sensei’s breathtaking art style, the uniqueness of all the monsters, and most of all – Kirik’s way of life and charisma!

Each episode’s recording session features a unique lineup of guests, where we have fun while pouring our hearts into our characters. Whether you have or haven’t read the manga, I hope that you’ll look forward to the anime’s airing!

Anime Expo 2026: VIZ Media unveils its New Anime Slate

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VIZ Media closed out Anime Expo 2026 with a packed anime showcase featuring major announcements across its growing slate, including the English dub premiere date for MAO, confirmation that RWBY Volume 10 is officially in production, and a behind-the-scenes conversation with the English cast of Black Torch.

MAO Coming to Hulu on Disney+

From legendary manga creator Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha, Ranma ½, Urusei Yatsura), the supernatural mystery series MAO will premiere dubbed on Hulu on Disney+ beginning August 24, bringing one of Takahashi’s newest hit manga to English-speaking audiences.

RWBY Volume 10 Officially Greenlit

VIZ officially confirmed that RWBY Volume 10 has been greenlit, marking the next chapter in the globally beloved franchise.

Since its inception, the RWBY franchise has captivated audiences worldwide, accumulating over 350 million global views across platforms, with episodes averaging more than 7 million views. Fans have followed Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang since the series debut in 2013. Since then, the world of “RWBY” has expanded its IP into print media, video games, merchandise, and multiple spinoffs, including “RWBY: Ice Queendom,” and two crossover “Justice League x RWBY” films.

Black Torch Cast Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Following the successful Anime Expo premiere of Black Torch, English voice actors AJ Beckles (Jiro) and Keith Silverstein (Rago) joined fans for an inside look at bringing the supernatural action series to life, sharing stories from the recording booth and discussing the adaptation of Tsuyoshi Takaki’s acclaimed manga.

Now streaming on Crunchyroll.

Anime Expo 2026: Crunchyroll delivers major announcements spanning theatrical films, highly anticipated new series, and expanded fan experiences

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Crunchyroll took the stage at Anime Expo 2026 with a slate of major announcements spanning theatrical films, highly anticipated new series, and expanded fan experiences. Highlights from the annual Crunchyroll Showcase at the Peacock Theater included the reveal of Solo Leveling: Beyond the System, a character first-look at the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima Legends anime, and multiple world premiere debuts.

Hosted by Tim Lyu and Lauren Moore, the showcase delivered new trailers, surprise appearances, and first-look reveals for fans in attendance and around the world. 

  • Solo Leveling: Beyond the System – In a moment that drew one of the panel’s biggest reactions, Aleks Le, the English voice of Sung Jinwoo, took the stage to make a special announcement to reveal that the story is far from over. Fans at Anime Expo were the first in the world to learn that Solo Leveling: Beyond the System is now in production. The all-new anime theatrical feature film will be a direct continuation of the series, picking up following the events of Season 2. Fans were also treated to a teaser key visual and a new promotional concept video. Solo Leveling: Beyond the System is animated by acclaimed A-1 Pictures (Sword Art Online). The film is produced by Aniplex, Netmarble, D&C MEDIA, Kakao Piccoma, and Crunchyroll. More details to be announced at a later date.
  • Ghost of Tsushima Legends – Crunchyroll debuted a first-look at the characters for the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima Legends anime, offering fans another early glimpse at the highly anticipated series. Last year, Crunchyroll, in partnership with Aniplex, Sony Music, and PlayStation Productions, announced the anime adaptation of the beloved action-adventure game. The series follows one of the last remaining samurai as he defends his homeland of Tsushima against the Mongol Empire. Director Takanobu Mizuno will lead the adaptation, with HAYATE Inc. overseeing production, Satoshi Maejima (NITRO PLUS) and Gen Urobuchi (NITRO PLUS) writing the script, with Gen Urobuchi also handling story composition, Takashi Okazaki providing character designs, and KAMIKAZE DOUGA producing the animation. The series aims to translate the game’s signature samurai aesthetic into a visually compelling, cinematic experience. Additional production details and a premiere date will be announced at a later time. 
  • The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy At All – In one of the showcase’s biggest surprises, Crunchyroll aired a special video message to audiences at Anime Expo from Dave Grohl, who revealed that Nirvana’s “Breed” will serve as the opening theme for the upcoming anime adaptation of The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy At All set to launch in early 2027. The series follows fashionable and upbeat high schooler, Aya, who loves listening to rock, but no one else seems to share her interest…until she meets a cool, stylish employee at a CD shop. Dressed in black from head to toe, he has this air of mystery about him, and his taste in music is impeccable. Aya falls hard for him, not knowing her crush is actually her female classmate Mitsuki! Additional details on the series will be announced at a later time. 
  • Kagurabachi – Following the recent announcement that the highly- anticipated anime adaptation, Kagurabachi, is coming to Crunchyroll next year, fans attending the Showcase were treated to an exclusive Q&A with Chihiro Rokuhira’s Japanese voice actor, Taihi Kimura, and Kyle Cardine, Editor-in-Chief of Crunchyroll News. Unveiled exclusively for the panel audience, attendees received a special first look at Chihiro’s provisional character design sheet.

NEW SERIES AND RETURNING FAVORITES

  • Here U Are – The anime adaptation of the beloved manhwa will make its way to Crunchyroll. The series follows Yang Yu, a university upperclassman who’s loved by everyone, and Huan Li, a quiet, antisocial new student. The two of them get off on the wrong foot, but despite clashing and repelling one another at times, they are still drawn to each other.
  • Fate Rewinder – Launching on Crunchyroll April 2027 this new sci-fi mystery thriller follows heroes equipped with the “Retry Eye,” an ocular implanted device granting the power to rewind time. The series centers around new Rewinder, Chrono, who must master his ability to save those who have died tragically.
  • The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 5 – Naofumi’s journey continues into perilous new waves of danger where he and his companions face threats that may implicate the other Cardinal Heroes. The series will make its way to Crunchyroll next year. Get a sneak peek at the upcoming season and catch up on the previous seasons, now streaming on Crunchyroll.
  • Dengeki Daisy – Crunchyroll revealed the world-wide premiere trailer of Dengeki Daisy. This new romantic comedy tells the journey of an orphan whose encounter with a mysterious hacker embroils her in espionage! 
  • Aoashi Season 2 – Ashito’s journey continues October 2026 on Crunchyroll. Following his devastating junior high tournament loss and recruitment of J-League’s top managers, Ashito returns to pursue his dream of becoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Get ready for Season 2 by catching up on Season 1, streaming on Crunchyroll. 
  • Gacha Girls Corps – Coming to Crunchyroll January 2027, Gacha Girls Corps follows mobile game addict, Heihachi, who gets dragged into another world after making an unusual in-game pull. Attacked by monsters, he does what he knows best, roll gacha, summoning a powerful knight named Norl who may be his only hope.
  • Magical Buffs – The Support Caster is Stronger Than He Realized! – After being expelled from his guild for overshadowing its leader, skilled support mage, Wim Strauss, gets a second chance when his childhood friend invites him to join her A-rank guild, Nachtibelle. The new fantasy series comes to Crunchyroll January 2027.
  • The Vermilion Mask – Crunchyroll gives fans another look into The Vermilion Mask, coming to the platform October 2026. The series follows Peru, a pupil of the legendary mask maker Gaston Roux, becomes controlled by the “Mask of the Warrior God,” and unintentionally kills his friends, and even his own master. In order to prevent this type of tragedy from reoccurring, Peru swears to destroy all of Gaston’s masks that are spread around the world. Confronting the sins that he has committed, he embarks on his voyage. 
  • Overgeared – Coming this year to Crunchyroll, Overgeared follows Grid, an unlucky low-level player in the popular VR game, “Satisfy,” who can’t seem to catch a break, that is, until he gets an opportunity for the S-Rank Quest that changes his life. finds a powerful item that earns him a rare legendary class title: “Pagma’s Successor” and becomes a skilled blacksmith capable of forging unique weapons and equipping the game’s most powerful gear. He sets his sights on fame and fortune, but as his newfound abilities begin stirring up trouble in Satisfy, Grid learns that life as a legend may be more than he bargained for.

PLATFORM & FAN EXPERIENCES

AKIRA – The landmark 1989 cyberpunk anime classic is returning to theatres on September 4, 2026 in the United States and Canada, now in 4K and IMAX. 

Crunchyroll Manga – Launched in October 2025, Crunchyroll Manga features over 400 titles from Japanese publishers including Shueisha, Square Enix, VIZ Media, Yen Press, and more. Major additions now include Kodansha US Publishing titles such as Attack on Titan, Fire Force, and Fairy Tail. During the showcase, the Black Torch manga was announced that it will be available to read on July 13, giving fans the opportunity to seamlessly switch between the anime with one click on Crunchyroll as it begins streaming new episodes on July 4. 

  • More New Arrivals: Villainess Level 99; Red Cat Ramen; Ron Kamonohashi: Deranged Detective; Forget That Night, Your Majesty; Eko Eko Azarak Reborn; Grendizer U: The Inception; Three Exorcism Siblings; and Unemployed Killers Support Group. 
  • New Chapters This Month: Do Women Need Sex Entertainment?; Farewell, My Odin; Sanda; The Elegant Courtly; Life of the Tea Witch; The Raven Dark Hero; Toxic Super Beasts; Working for God in a Godless World; and Yan.

Anime Expo 2026: The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t A Guy At All gets Animated with Nirvana Theme Song

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Announced at Anime Expo 2026, The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy At All is becoming an anime series launching on Crunchyroll in 2027.

The manga features a story and art by Sumiko Arai, translated by Ajani Oloye, lettered by Brandon Bovia, and published by Yen Press. Masashi Ishihama will direct the anime.

Fashionable and upbeat high schooler Aya loves listening to rock, but no one else seems to share her interest…until she meets a cool, stylish employee at a CD shop. Dressed in black from head to toe, he has this air of mystery about him, and his taste in music is impeccable. Aya falls hard for him—not knowing her crush is actually her female classmate Mitsuki! For her part, Mitsuki generally keeps to herself and avoids standing out at school. But given that she sits right next to Aya, Mitsuki’s all too aware of the other girl’s feelings, and she’s afraid to reveal the truth. So why does she find herself talking with Aya more and more…?

The series will feature Nirvana‘s Breed as its opening theme. The band is referenced often throughout the manga. Dave Grohl has gotten a look at the playlist for the series and seems to approve and thinks Kurt Cobain wouldn’t loved the mange/anime.

Anime Expo 2026:  AnimEIgo Announces New Licenses

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Anime distributor AnimEigo and parent company MediaOCD announced several newly licensed Blu-ray home media titles during its panel at Anime Expo 2026 that include Sakon The Ventriloquist, Drucker in the Dugout, House of Five Leaves, Baby & I, and the world’s first 4K restoration for AD Police Files.

An update was announced for the upcoming home media release of Vampire Princess Miyu that will deliver a pair of blank Blu-ray case inserts with every order. The groundbreaking horror anime OVA will be released on September 8th. Pre-orders are open now for a limited time exclusively from the MediaOCD web store. SRP is $24.95.

A new series of monthly columns and articles to be written by a variety of anime luminaries also was announced for the MediaOCD website blog. The first one will be penned by noted author and anime historian Jonathan Clements and will launch the new section later this summer.

Sakon The Ventriloquist is a 26-episode crime mystery anime series about an Edo-era puppeteer who travels Japan with his wisecracking puppet. He uses expert ventriloquism and theatrical skills to solve murders and expose clever killers. The series is based on a manga series, written by Sharakumaro and illustrated by Takeshi Obata (Death Note), which was originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump.

Sakon The Ventriloquist

Moshidora (aka Drucker in the Dugout) is a 10-episode anime series produced by Production I.G. It follows a high school student who manages her school’s baseball team using practices from a book by the famous management consultant Peter Drucker to rally her dispirited teammates. The series was inspired by a bestselling novel and subsequent manga series that also spawned a live-action film adaptation.

Moshidora (aka Drucker in the Dugout) 

AD Police Files is an acclaimed 3-episode OVA that served as the prequel to Bubblegum Crisis (also available on home media from AnimEigo). Chronologically set 5 years before the events of Bubblegum Crisis, it focuses on AD Police (Advanced Police) inspector Leon McNichol’s early days in the crimefighting law enforcement squad. The OVA receives a crisp 4K restoration by MediaOCD for the Blu-ray home media release.

AD Police Files

House of Five Leaves is a 12-episode series directed by Tomomi Mochizuki (Ocean Waves, Kimagure Orange Road) and based on the acclaimed manga by Natsume Ono. It depicts the adventures of a down on his luck samurai who becomes a bodyguard for the charismatic leader of a mysterious gang of bandits known as the Five Leaves. AnimEigo will debut the series on HD Blu-ray in early 2027. 

House of Five Leaves

aby & I is a 35-episode shojo classic directed by Takahiro Omori (Baccano!, Durarara!!, Natsume’s Book of Friends) and based on the manga, Baby & Me, created by Marimo Ragawa. It poignantly follows10-year-old Takuya, who is forced to grow up fast after his mother’s death, leaving him to juggle his childhood and help his father raise and care for his toddler brother. The series will debut on Blu-ray in 2027.

aby & I

Otakon to Be Spot on Kagurabachi World Tour

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The Kagurabachi Anime World Tour is adding another stop—in Washington, D.C. at Otakon. Head to the convention for a premiere screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 on Sunday, August 2

Kagurabachi is a popular Japanese manga (comic book) series by Takeru Hokazono. The series follows a young swordsman, Chihiro Rokuhira, on his quest to avenge his blacksmith father. An anime adaptation has been officially announced for April 2027. This will be the first chance for fans to get a glimpse of it.

Otakon 2026 takes place July 31 to August 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Kagurabachi Anime World Tour

Japanese Government Considering Subsidies to Boost the Overseas Marketing of Anime, Manga, and more

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Japanese yen

To help boost the marketing and anime, manga, and other forms of entertainment overseas, the Japanese government is considering subsidies totaling ¥11.5 billion (about $7.5 million US dollars). The subsidies would go to 15 companies and aim to triple overseas sales to ¥20 trillion by 2033.

Companies eligible for the support would include five in the anime sector, six in music/gaming/live-action sectors, and 4 in manga. Companies mention include Crunchyroll, Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., Shueisha, Kodansha Ltd., Square Enix Co. and NTT Solmare Corp.

Overseas sales of manga and other forms of entertainment have reached ¥6.13 trillion (about $4 million US dollars) in 2024. That’s more than semiconductor exports which were ¥6.08 trillion.

The manga and anime industry have faced issues with piracy with estimates that 2025 losses were ¥5.7 trillion which was up from ¥2 trillion in 2022.

The subsidies would aim to boost the speed by which releases could make it to overseas markets by using generative artificial intelligence to translate the work. By increasing the translation speed and number of languages it might decrease piracy.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has names the “content industry” as one of 17 fields for investment as part of the government’s growth strategy.

REI AMI Partners with Crunchyroll to Bring Ani-May to Life

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Crunchyroll’s latest Ani-May campaign features K-pop artist REI AMI, known as the singing voice for Zoey in the Oscar-winning KPop Demon Hunters, as she joins our month-long celebration of all things anime, with a dedicated curation of her own anime-inspired playlist on Spotify.  

REI AMI’s Anime Favorites playlist is an extension of our ongoing partnership with Spotify to place anime content outside of traditional fandom channels, leveraging artists across genres to amplify the celebration to a crowd of diverse audiences. REI AMI’s unique blend of K-pop influence and authentic love for anime allows her to create her own dynamic playlist that sparks interest and conversation to provide a unique entry point for music and pop culture fans.

Additional anime fans joining Crunchyroll throughout the month include:

  • Amber Glenn – The Olympic figure skating gold medalist showed us what anime means to her and gave fans a look into her very own “My Anime Routine.” 
  • Big Sean – The multi Grammy-nominated artist will work with Crunchyroll and step into the recording booth to learn how voice over acting works and getting to dub some of his favorite anime characters.
  • Noah Lyles – The fastest man in the world and Olympic gold medalist will be cosplaying of one of his favorite characters in celebration of Ani-May.
  • Thea Trinidad  – The wrestling superstar will also be dressing up and showing off her cosplay skills of one of her favorite anime characters.

Young Miko, BamBam, TEN, and Ethan Bortnick Join the Crunchyroll Anime Awards

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CrunchyRoll Anime Awards

Crunchyroll has unveiled a new lineup of celebrity presenters who are headed to the tenth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo. Joining the star-studded event are Thai K-pop artist BamBam, contemporary musician Ethan Bortnick, Thai K-pop singer and dancer TEN, and GRAMMY-nominated recording artist from Puerto Rico Young Miko.

These global artists join a growing lineup of celebrity anime-fan presenters shaped by anime’s influence on culture and creativity worldwide, including: Asuka Saito, RZA, Rashmika Mandanna, The Weeknd, Winston Duke, and more.

The newly announced presenters are listed below:

  • BamBam—Thai-born rapper of K-pop’s leading boy idol group GOT7.  Since 2021, BamBam has been actively expanding his career as a solo artist, showcasing various sides of his artistry, including his cheerful vocals that were not fully highlighted during his activities as a rapper in GOT7.
  • Ethan Bortnick—Contemporary musician, pianist and songwriter blending classical roots with a modern sound. His breakout singles “cut my fingers off” and “engravings” have earned over 135 million Spotify streams. Currently, Ethan is honing an artistic vision aimed at bringing classical music to the mainstream in a bold new way.
  • TEN—Thai singer and dancer with one of K-pop’s most distinctive solo careers. A member of NCT and WayV, he debuted solo in 2024 with “Nightwalker,” then topped iTunes Albums in 19 countries with his 2025 EP “Stunner,” which Billboard named one of the year’s best K-pop songs. 
  • Young Miko—GRAMMY-nominated recording artist from Puerto Rico and one of the most influential voices shaping global music today. With over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 21 million followers across social media, she has built a massive global fanbase driven by her genre-defying sound and commanding presence.

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with the live ceremony hosted by popular entertainer Jon Kabira and renowned voice actress Sally Amaki. Beginning with the Orange Carpet Pre-Show at 5:00PM JST and main show ceremony  at 6:00PM JST, the livestream will be available for global tune-in on Crunchyroll’s Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube channels as well as the Global and Japanese Sony Group Corp YouTube Channels. The 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be available in 9 languages, including English, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Italian, and Latin Spanish. 

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards is the leading yearly awards program honoring the creators, musicians, and performances powering the global love of anime. Sony Music Solutions Inc., part of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Dempsey Productions will support Crunchyroll in the execution of the event. The event will be livestreamed for global audiences.

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