Latest news with #Shogakukan
Kyodo News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Rumiko Takahashi's "MAO" to be Adapted into Anime, Set to Air in Spring 2026!
"MAO," the manga series by Rumiko Takahashi serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) since 2019, is confirmed for an anime adaptation! It has been announced that the series will start airing in spring 2026. The animation production will be handled by Sunrise, marking their first collaboration on a Rumiko Takahashi original work since the Inuyasha series. Along with this announcement, a teaser visual, teaser PV, handwritten comment from original creator Rumiko Takahashi, character and cast information, synopsis, and main staff details have all been released at once. Comments from the cast members Yuki Kaji-san, Natsumi Kawaida-san, Hiro Shimono-san, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga-san have also arrived. ▲The teaser visual Teaser PV Released! Introduction In the Taisho era lives Mao, a mysterious exorcist cursed to live for 900 years. Centuries later, in the Reiwa era, we meet Nanoka Kiba, a middle school girl and the sole survivor of a tragic family accident. One fateful day, as Nanoka revisits the site of the accident—a gate within a shopping district—she is inexplicably transported to the Taisho era. This is a time where supernatural entities known as ayakashi freely roam. There, she encounters Mao, who utters a chilling revelation: "You're an ayakashi, aren't you?" With Mao's words, Nanoka begins to understand the unsettling truth of her own condition. It seems both Mao and Nanoka are linked by the very same "curse." Together, they must confront this shared burden. Now, Rumiko Takahashi's latest creation, "MAO," is finally being adapted into an anime! Prepare for an immersive dark fantasy, intertwined with a captivating time-travel mystery, as a "curse" that devours time itself begins to unfold. Staff & Cast ■ Original Work "MAO" by Rumiko Takahashi (Serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday", Licensed by Viz) ■ STAFF Director: Teruo Sato Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma Art Directors: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki Color Design: Masumi Otsuka CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara Editor: Kazuhiro Arai Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta Music: Shu Kanematsu Animation Production: Sunrise Production: "MAO" Production Committee ■ CAST Mao: Yuki Kaji Nanoka Kiba: Natsumi Kawaida Hyakka: Hiro Shimono Kamon: Toshiyuki Toyonaga Original Author Rumiko Takahashi Sends Handwritten Congratulatory Message for "MAO" Anime Adaptation! Thank you so much for the anime adaptation! It has turned out just as we hoped, with outstanding performances from the voice actors. I'm confident that everyone will thoroughly enjoy it. Please be sure to check it out! Character Information and Comment from Cast Published! Mao (CV: Yuki Kaji) An exorcist who has been alive for 900 years. He's pursuing a cat demon that can manipulate lifespans. Mao confronts various mysterious incidents related to curses. ■ Comment from Yuki Kaji I'm Yuki Kaji, and I'm overjoyed to finally announce that I'll be voicing Mao in the anime adaptation of "MAO"! It's been a long journey: five and a half years since my first interview about this project, four years since I first voiced the character, and a year and a half since recording began. I'm incredibly grateful to be involved in a work by the esteemed Rumiko Takahashi-sensei. I've poured my heart into portraying Mao in every episode, and I can confidently say that under Director Teruo Sato, this series has been crafted with immense love and passion. The final product is exceptional! Please look forward to it and stay tuned for the broadcast! Nanoka Kiba (CV: Natsumi Kawaida) A third-year middle school student living in the modern Reiwa era. She lost her parents in a sinkhole accident at the shopping district. When she passes through the gate of the accident-stricken shopping district, she somehow finds herself in the Taisho era. There, Mao tells her, "You're an ayakashi, aren't you?" ■ Comment from Natsumi Kawaida Hello! I'm Natsumi Kawaida, and I'm thrilled to be voicing Nanaka Kibasaki. Auditioning for this role was a dream come true, but being chosen to play Nanoka? I was trembling with excitement when I found out I got the part! I'm truly happy to embark on this journey with Nanoka in the world of "MAO." There's something about her that feels so familiar, not like a stranger at all. I'll be pouring all my energy and talent into this role, so please look forward to the broadcast! Hyakka (CV: Hiro Shimono) An exorcist who manipulates fire techniques. He was once Mao's senior disciple. ■ Comment from Hiro Shimono When I voiced the promotional video for the original "MAO" manga, I recall saying, "If this gets an anime adaptation, I'd love to continue playing this role!" I honestly never imagined I'd get to keep voicing Hyakka, so I was genuinely surprised and delighted! I'm also thrilled that our original cast is staying together for this project, and I'm looking forward to working alongside Kaji-kun as Mao and Toyonaga-kun as Kamon, just like we did in the manga PV. It's truly exciting! Kamon (CV: Toshiyuki Toyonaga) A handsome man from a wealthy family who takes on dirty work. He's an exorcist who manipulates wood techniques. ■ Comment from Toshiyuki Toyonaga I'm truly overjoyed to continue voicing the character in the anime, a role I first undertook for the original manga's promotional video and the manga's streaming program. It was a huge relief to learn I'd be returning! I eagerly anticipate reuniting with Kamon-sama and delving back into the world of "MAO." As an actor, I'm excited by the challenges this role presents! Thank you for your support, and please look forward to the show! About Anime "MAO" Set to air in Spring 2026 About Anime "MAO" "MAO" is the latest work by Rumiko Takahashi, the creator of numerous hit series such as "Urusei Yatsura," "Maison Ikkoku," "Ranma 1/2," "Inuyasha," and "RIN-NE." The manga has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday (published by Shogakukan) since 2019, and licensed by Viz. Set in the Taisho era (1912-1926), this dark fantasy and time-travel mystery follows the story of Mao, a young exorcist, who encounters Nanoka Kiba, a girl who has accidentally slipped through time from the present-day Reiwa era. Together, they unravel a 900-year-old curse in a tale filled with love and hatred. Now, the highly anticipated anime adaptation is being produced by Sunrise, the studio behind the Inuyasha series! Introduction In the Taisho era lives Mao, a mysterious exorcist cursed to live for 900 years. Centuries later, in the Reiwa era, we meet Nanoka Kiba, a middle school girl and the sole survivor of a tragic family accident. One fateful day, as Nanoka revisits the site of the accident—a gate within a shopping district—she is inexplicably transported to the Taisho era. This is a time where supernatural entities known as ayakashi freely roam. There, she encounters Mao, who utters a chilling revelation: "You're an ayakashi, aren't you?" With Mao's words, Nanoka begins to understand the unsettling truth of her own condition. It seems both Mao and Nanoka are linked by the very same "curse." Together, they must confront this shared burden. Now, Rumiko Takahashi's latest creation, "MAO," is finally being adapted into an anime! Prepare for an immersive dark fantasy, intertwined with a captivating time-travel mystery, as a "curse" that devours time itself begins to unfold. Original Work "MAO" by Rumiko Takahashi (Serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday", Licensed by Viz) STAFF Director: Teruo Sato Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma Art Directors: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki Color Design: Masumi Otsuka CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara Editor: Kazuhiro Arai Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta Music: Shu Kanematsu Animation Production: Sunrise Production: "MAO" Production Committee CAST Mao: Yuki Kaji Nanoka Kiba: Natsumi Kawaida Hyakka: Hiro Shimono Kamon: Toshiyuki Toyonaga TV Anime "MAO" Official Website TV Anime "MAO" Official X Account (@MAOanimation) "Weekly Shonen Sunday" Official Website Manga Website and App "Sunday Webry" Weekly Shonen Sunday Official X Account (@shonen_sunday) Rumiko Takahashi Information X Account (@rumicworld1010) ©Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/"MAO" Production Committee ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
17-06-2025
- Business
Japan FTC Gives 1st Warning over Freelance Law Breaches
News from Japan Society Jun 17, 2025 18:22 (JST) Tokyo, June 17 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Fair Trade Commission issued its first warning under the freelance law Tuesday to two major publishers, alleging that they failed to specify transaction conditions to writers and photographers. Shogakukan Inc. and Kobunsha Co., both based in Tokyo, were urged to take preventive measures under the law, which came into effect in November 2024. The law requires companies that outsource work to freelancers to clearly indicate terms and conditions, including pay amounts. According to the FTC, Shogakukan failed to notify such terms as remuneration amounts and payment dates to 191 people, including writers and photographers, in December 2024. They were entrusted mainly with magazine manuscripts and photos as well as hair and makeup for models. If no payment date is specified, companies have to pay the fees on the day they receive the manuscripts and other materials, but Shogakukan did not. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Asahi Shimbun
17-06-2025
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
FTC punishes publishers for violating freelance law
Shogakukan Inc. and Kobunsha Co. (The Asahi Shimbun) In the first recommendation issued under the new freelance law, the Fair Trade Commission on June 17 cited major Tokyo-based publishers Shogakukan Inc. and Kobunsha Co. for their mistreatment of freelancers. The two publishers were reprimanded for failing to pay freelance magazine writers and photographers on time and failing to specify the terms and conditions of transactions. The FTC issued a recommendation and demanded that they prevent a recurrence of violating the freelance law, which protects freelance workers. According to the FTC, Shogakukan did not specify the terms and conditions of transactions, such as payment dates, when it outsourced work to 191 freelance writers, photographers, illustrators, and hair and makeup artists for the production of monthly and weekly magazines from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024. The company also failed to pay their compensation by the due date. Kobunsha committed similar violations in transactions with 31 freelancers between Nov. 1, 2024, and Feb. 27 of this year. Freelancers are workers who are not employed by a company or other organization, and work alone to receive orders for work. According to a 2020 survey by the Cabinet Secretariat, there were an estimated 4.62 million freelancers in Japan. The freelance law was enacted in November 2024. Under the law, before placing an order for work, the client is required to clearly state the nature of the work, the amount of compensation, and the payment date in writing or via email. The FTC said that in Shogakukan's cases, more than half of the transactions in which there were violations were commissioned orally, and, in some cases, the amount of compensation was not clearly indicated. In principle, the due date of compensation must be set to 'the earliest possible date within 60 days' from the date of receipt of the deliverables, and if not set, the due date is the date of receipt of the contracted work. The two companies did not set a due date and did not pay any compensation even after receiving the work. Kobunsha also had a violation where it was approximately 90 days late from the due date. Some freelancers asked for clarification of business terms and demanded payment of compensation, but the situation did not improve, the FTC said. The law also stipulates seven prohibited acts for those who place orders for work lasting more than one month, such as refusing to accept the final product, reducing compensation, returning the product, abuse of buying power, and asking for an unfair do-over.
Pink Villa
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kengan Omega Chapter 312: Ohma Confronts Kiryu—Recap, Release Date, Where To Read And More
The last Kengan Omega chapter, titled 'How They Spent The Day,' began with Katahara Metsudo, Nogi Hideki, and Xia Yan discussing the Kengan match set for Ganryu Island. Metsudo emphasizes the island's defensibility, while Hideki warns Yan not to interfere. Yan internally worries about Shen Luo-han's moves. At Yamashita's house, Ryuki and Koga cook and discuss whether they want to face Shen Wulong. Wulong unexpectedly arrives, offers croquettes, and casually tells them they can fight if they wish to—Yan is loosening the rules. Later, Ohma visits Kiryu Setsuna in the hospital, with Kure Karura as his bodyguard. Ohma appears to have something to discuss with Setsuna. Expected plot in Kengan Omega Chapter 312 Kengan Omega Chapter 312 will likely center on the conversation between Tokita Ohma and Kiryu Setsuna. Setsuna may provide key intel about Shen Wulong, the Worm, and the Consecutors, possibly exposing hidden ties or past dealings. He might also explain his own current mental and physical condition. Meanwhile, more combatants may be revealed preparing for Ganryu Island's battle, including returning characters or new allies. With rules changing, Ryuki and Koga may begin discussing their own roles more seriously. The political tension among Metsudo, Hideki, and Xia Yan could also escalate. Kengan Omega Chapter 312: Release date and where to read Kengan Omega Chapter 312 is set to be released on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 pm JST, as confirmed by Comikey and following the manga's weekly release pattern. International fans can expect the chapter to be available around the same time, adjusted for their time zones. To read Kengan Omega Chapter 312, readers can make use of Shogakukan's Ura Sunday or the Comikey website, the official platform for Kengan Omega manga releases. While some platforms may require a subscription fee, they offer readers access to high-quality translations and regular updates on the latest chapters. For more updates from the Kengan Omega manga, stay tuned to Pinkvilla.
Pink Villa
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kengan Omega Chapter 311: Why Did Katahara Choose Ganryu Island? Recap, Release Date, Where To Read And More
The last Kengan Omega chapter explained how Wakatsuki Takeshi came up with a replacement for his old finisher, the Blast Core. Through training, he developed partial muscle control, focusing on his arms, which was enabled by his Superhuman Syndrome. In the present, Takeshi's jab hits Omori Masamichi with such speed that Katahara Metsudo and Yoshioka cannot follow. The technique, called Phantom Fist: Mirage, overwhelms Omori. Unable to defend against the rapid blows, Omori collapses from exhaustion. Katahara ends the match and reveals that the 'final battle' against the Connector would be held on Ganryu Island. Expected plot in Kengan Omega Chapter 311 Kengan Omega Chapter 311 will likely begin with Katahara Metsudo explaining why Ganryu Island was chosen again for the final battle. He may reference its symbolism to the Kengan Association. The timeline leading up to the match will likely be outlined, highlighting key preparations made by the association. The chapter's focus may then shift to Tokita Ohma, who may be making preparations based on what the Consecutors told him. Meanwhile, Gaoh Ryuki and Narushima Koga may regroup at Yamashita Trading Co. after their spars with Raian, having likely learnt about the planned confrontation with the Connector. Kengan Omega Chapter 311: Release date and where to stream Kengan Omega Chapter 311 will hit the shelves on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 12:00 pm JST, following the manga's weekly release schedule. This translates to an early morning release the same day for most international fans, with release times adjusted to individual time zones. To dive into Kengan Omega Chapter 311, fans can head over to Shogakukan's Ura Sunday or Comikey, the official platforms for the latest manga releases. While these platforms may require subscription fees, they offer top-notch translations and timely updates. For more updates from the Kengan Omega manga, stay tuned to Pinkvilla.
