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The Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- anime film touted as Japan's first theatrical "interactive movie", where audience members will decide the outcome of rap battles through a smartphone app in real time, today celebrated its "big hit" status with a brand-new visual. The film opened on February 21 and debuted in eighth place at the Japanese box office for its opening weekend. Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Anime "Big Hit" Visual Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Unveils New Trailer Adding to the multimedia franchise developed by King Records and Idea Factory since 2017, Takanori Tsujimoto ( Resident Evil: Vendetta ) directed the Hypnosismic -Divison Rap Battle- anime film at studio Polygon Pictures ( Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ), with a script by Yuichiro Momose ( The Witch and the Beast ) and character designs by Kazui. Katsumi Ono directed the first anime season, which premiered in October 2020, at studio A-1 Pictures. Crunchyroll streams the series and its 2023 sequel,...

The debut of the interactive Hypnosismic anime film is less than a week away, and the hype isn't dying down anytime soon. Today, we get our first look at the first battle stage: three new songs, the battlefield itself and the screen that will be displayed while voting. The first battle kicks off with a message from the Party of Words, announcing the rap battle to end all rap battles. The six groups will square off in three new songs: Buster Bros!!! vs. Bad Ass Temple in "Last Man Standing," Mad Trigger Crew vs. Dotsuitare Hompo in "Out of Harmony" and Fling Posse vs. Matenrou in "I Stick to My Mic." The new video also shows the footage that will play while the audience votes: Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Teams up with Creepy Nuts for New "Second Stage" Track Adding to the multimedia franchise developed by...

The official YouTube channel for the three-piece Japanese rock band Sokoninaru has started streaming a music video for their upcoming 10th CD single song "miss-dystopia." The rock tune is now featured as the ending theme for the winter 2025 TV anime Farmagia . Sokoninaru "miss-dystopia" Music Video Farmagia Creditless Ending Video Sokoninaru was originally formed by guitarist/vocalist Juko Suzuki and bassist Misaki Fujiwara in 2011, then drummer Syouto Saito joined in 2021. Their official website introduces them — Sokoninaru are a highly skilled three-piece Japanese band with a progressive heavy-rock sound. Mixing male & female vocals, they are a dynamic and powerful rock band, with a unique sound that will delight heavier rock fans. Their unique & incredible performances are highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad. "miss-dystopia" is their second anime theme song work following their previous ninth single song "Soumonka," which was used as the opening theme for the winter 2024 TV anime The Witch and the Beast...

Nagoya Division is reporting in! The upcoming interactive film installment of Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- has been releasing trailers for the six new "Second Stage" songs viewers will hear as the rap battle progresses. Today, we wrap things up with the boys from Bad Ass Temple. The new song, titled "Shinjiru Chikara," was composed by Micro, Kuro and DJ U-ichi—better known collectively as Japanese hip-hop group Home Made Kazoku. The trio has performed theme songs for Naruto , Bleach and Eureka Seven . Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Teams up with Creepy Nuts for New "Second Stage" Track Only three of the "second stage" tracks will be heard at any given screening of the interactive film, and will be shown based on who clears the first round of rap battles according to a live audience vote. Other second stage tracks previewed so far include: Buster Bros!!!:...

The trailers for the upcoming Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- interactive anime film continue. Today, we get a taste of the new track from Osaka's Dotsuitare Hompo. And the beat comes from a name that anime fans may already know! The new track, "Shomon Raifuku," takes its title from a Japanese proverb that roughly translates to "fortune comes through the gates of laughter." The track was written and composed by R-Shitei and DJ Matsunaga—better known collectively as Creepy Nuts, the duo behind the hit openings to Mashle: Magic And Muscles and Dan Da Dan . Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Blesses Us with "Second Stage" Trailer for Matenrou Only three of the "second stage" tracks will be heard at any given screening of the interactive film, and will be shown based on who clears the first round of rap battles according to a live audience vote. Other...

The Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- interactive anime film continues to tease its new "Second Stage" songs—one every other day—leading up to the release of the movie. Today, Matenrou takes the stage with their new track "Bless You." The soulful new track is composed and arranged by Salu and Jigg, two big names in the Japanese hip-hop scene who have collaborated together on prior projects. Check out out: Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Drops "Second Stage" Trailer for Fling Posse Only three of the "second stage" tracks will be heard at any given screening of the interactive film, and will be shown based on who clears the first round of rap battles according to a live audience vote. Other second stage tracks previewed so far include: Buster Bros!!!: "Three Kings" Mad Trigger Crew: "Choice Is Yours" Fling Posse: "Bara no Taba" Adding to the multimedia...

The upcoming interactive anime film based on the Hypnosismic rap battle franchise continues to offer tastes of its new "second stage" songs. Every other day, a new trailer is released for one of the new tracks appearing in the film. Today, we lighten things up a bit with a new offering from Shibuya's Fling Posse. The track is titled "Bara no Taba" ("Bunch of Roses") and is paired with retro video game imagery and classic city pop vibes. The three members of hip-hop group Kick the Can Crew—Kreva, MCU and Little—composed the new rap. Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Explains Its Flow in New Video Only three of the "second stage" tracks will be heard at any given screening of the interactive film, and will be shown based on who clears the first round of rap battles according to a live audience vote. Other...

This past Thursday, the upcoming Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- interactive anime film started giving fans a taste of the new music coming to its second stage. Every other day, a new video will be released, teasing one of the new tracks performed in the latter part of the movie's real-time rap battle. Today, we hear from Mad Trigger Crew with their new song, "Choice Is Yours." The new track is composed by YamaArashi and Han-kun and arranged by YamaArashi. Kojima, KAI_SHiNE and Han-kun provide the lyrics. Check it out (warning for flashing lights): Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Releases First "Second Stage" Music Trailer Adding to the multimedia franchise developed by King Records and Idea Factory since 2017, Takanori Tsujimoto ( Resident Evil: Vendetta ) directs the Hypnosismic -Divison Rap Battle- anime film at studio Polygon Pictures ( Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ), with a script by...

Later this month, Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- leaps to the big screen in its highly-anticipated interactive anime film. Can't wait to hear the songs? You don't have to! Starting today, trailers for new songs from the film will be released every other day on the official Hypnosismic YouTube Channel . The new releases will tease "Second Stage" songs: tracks audiences will only get to hear once the first round of voting is done. Only three of the six divisions can make it to the second stage, meaning only three of these tracks will appear in each showing of the film. Today's track is "Three Kings," performed by the Ikebukuro Division group Buster Bros!!!. The track is composed by K Dub Shine, Zeebra, and DJ Oasis. Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Explains Its Flow in New Video It's also been announced that Creepy Nuts, the hip-hop duo behind the...

By now, we all know the main conceit of the upcoming Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- anime film : Moviegoers can vote on the outcome in real time, making each viewing a unique experience. But how does that actually look in practice? Series star Subaru Kimura is here to explain! A new video released today breaks down the flow of the interactive film, complete with a map of the film's rap battles and the path to each screening's unique ending. Kimura, who voices Ichiro Yamada (a.k.a. Mc.B.B of Buster Bros!!!), explains each phase. Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Anime Film Unveils New Trailer As previously announced, the interactive film boasts 48 different story patterns and seven endings — one for each of the major Divisions. Voting will be done in real-time using the Ctrl Movie app. A Qr code will be shown at the beginning of each screening,...

Ahead of a January 10, 2025 broadcast and subsequent simulcast on Crunchyroll , a brand-new trailer released for the Farmagia anime, which features original character designs by Fairy Tail creator Hiro Mashima, today previewed the fantasy series' ending song, "miss-dystopia" by sokoninaru ( The Witch and the Beast Op). Farmagia Trailer The Farmagia anime's confirmed cast is as follows: Ten voiced by Kohei Amasaki Lookie-Loo voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki Leii voiced by Reio Tsuchida Arche voiced by Ayane Sakura Chica voiced by Inori Minase Emero voiced by Hiro Shimono Anzar voiced by Takuya Sato Nares voiced by Mikako Komatsu Dentro voiced by Shigeru Chiba Glaza voiced by Ryusei Nakao Manas voiced by Koki Uchiyama Corpus voiced by Tetsu Inada L'Oreill voiced by Sayaka Ohara Lisan voiced by Yoko Hikasa Diluculum voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda Eeda voiced by Hiromichi Tezuka Beeza voiced by Yuki Ishikari Related: Farmagia and Fairy Tail 100 Years Quest TV Anime Team...

The recently announced Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- anime film touted as Japan's first theatrical "interactive movie", where audience members will decide the outcome of rap battles through a smartphone app in realtime, today unveiled a brand-new trailer boasting 48 different route patterns, 16 new songs and seven endings. The film is slated to release in Japanese theaters on February 21, 2025 . Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Anime Film Trailer Related: Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Franchise Gets 'Interactive' Anime Film Adding to the multimedia franchise developed by King Records and Idea Factory since 2017, Takanori Tsujimoto ( Resident Evil: Vendetta ) directs the Hypnosismic -Divison Rap Battle- anime film at studio Polygon Pictures ( Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ), with a script by Yuichiro Momose ( The Witch and the Beast ) and character designs by Kazui. The first anime season, which premiered in October 2020 with a simulcast on Funimation, was directed by Katsumi Ono at studio A-1 Pictures.

The "Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- in AGF2024" event held in Ikebukuro today revealed that the multimedia franchise has an anime film in production for a planned February 21, 2025 release in Japan. The announcement trailer describes the feature as the country's first theatrical "interactive movie", where audience members will decide the outcome of rap battles through a smartphone app in realtime. Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Anime Film Reveal Trailer Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Anime Film Poster Related: Enter the Hip-Hop World of Hypnosismic -Division Rap Battle- Rhyme Anima Adding to the multimedia franchise developed by King Records and Idea Factory since 2017, Takanori Tsujimoto ( Resident Evil: Vendetta ) directs the Hypnosismic -Divison Rap Battle- anime film at studio Polygon Pictures ( Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ), with a script by Yuichiro Momose ( The Witch and the Beast ) and character designs by Kazui. The first anime season, which premiered in October 2020 with a simulcast on Funimation,...

Ahead of a January 2025 debut, the official website and accounts for the I Have a Crush at Work anime today soft-launched Masugu and Yui's not-so-subtle relationship in the office romance series' first key visual. I Have a Crush at Work Key Visual The anime's announced cast is as follows: Masugu Tateishi voiced by Seiichiro Yamashita (Cid in The Eminence in Shadow ) Yui Mitsuya voiced by Yume Miyamoto (Rouge in Metallic Rouge ) Shizuno Hayakawa voiced by Shizuka Ito (Miku in The Way of the Househusband ) Keisuke Somei voiced by Reio Tsuchida (Sota in My Senpai is Annoying ) Maria Morizono voiced by Yo Taichi (Guideau in The Witch and the Beast ) Related: I Have a Crush at Work Anime Reveals January 2025 Premiere in 1st Trailer Based on the manga by Akamaru Enomoto, Naoko Takeichi ( Cooking with Valkyries ) directs I Have a Crush at Work at studio Blade, with series composition by...

Update 10/26/2024: Added crew The future of the demon lord subgenre is now! Enter a brave new world with the English dub of sci-fi fantasy anime Demon Lord 2099 , which begins streaming on Crunchyroll on Saturday, October 26 with the below cast and crew for Episode 1. Demon Lord 2099 English Dub Cast Veltol voiced by Ian Sinclair Machina voiced by Sarah Wiedenheft Marcus voiced by Rob McCollum Takahashi voiced by Nia Celeste Gram voiced by Dio Garner Kinohara voiced by Lydia Mackay Demon Lord 2099 English Dub Crew Voice Director: Lee George Producer: Zach Bolton Adaptation: Macy Anne Johnson Mixer: William Dewell Engineer: Ian Emerson Related: Mf Ghost Season 2 English Dub Reveals Cast & Crew, Release Date Key Art Related: Crunchyroll Fall 2024 Dubs Include Blue Lock 2nd Season and More Based on the light novels by Daigo Murasaki and Kureta, Ryo Ando ( Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury assistant director) directs Demon Lord 2099 at studio J.C.Staff,...

Ahead of an October 12 broadcast debut in Japan , the upcoming Demon Lord 2099 anime adaptation today unveiled a brand-new trailer during Aniplex Online Fest 2024, which promises an exciting future for science-fiction fans and previews the series' opening song, "Hollow" by Shiyui ( Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead ending theme song). Related: Demon Lord 2099 Anime Reveals New Key Visual, Theme Song Details Based on the light novels by Daigo Murasaki and Kureta, Ryo Ando ( Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury assistant director) directs Demon Lord 2099 at studio J.C.Staff, with series composition by Yuichiro Momose ( The Witch and the Beast ), character designs by Ryosuke Tanigawa ( Reign of the Seven Spellblades chief animation director) and music by Tatsuya Kato ( Dr. Stone ). Crunchyroll will stream the anime as it airs in Japan. Yen Press publishes an official English version of the original light novels and describes the story:...

Ahead of an October 2024 broadcast, the official website and accounts for the Demon Lord 2099 anime unveiled a brand-new key visual and announced theme song details. Shiyui ( Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Ed) will perform "Hollow" for the opening song, while sekai will perform "Spira" for the ending song. Key Visual Related: Demon Lord 2099 TV Anime Reveals Three New Cast Members Based on the light novels by Daigo Murasaki and Kureta, Ryo Ando ( Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury assistant director) directs Demon Lord 2099 at studio J.C.Staff, with series composition by Yuichiro Momose ( The Witch and the Beast ), character designs by Ryosuke Tanigawa ( Reign of the Seven Spellblades chief animation director) and music by Tatsuya Kato ( Dr. Stone ). Crunchyroll will stream the anime as it airs in Japan. Yen Press publishes an official English version of the original light novels and describes the story: The...

Necromancy in the world of the Witch and the Beast has severe consequences on the undead soul's fate. Different stages of necromancy impact the autonomy and control the necromancer has over the undead person. Witches are more powerful than mages in the practice of necromancy and have fewer limitations.

The story of the Witch and the Beast anime works carefully to balance world building with plot progression. Through the use of separate story arcs, different areas and types of magic are explored. Necromancy is not one of the forms of magic relevant to Guideau and Ashaf's journey. When it comes up as the focus for a story, Ashaf immediately cedes the investigation to his coworkers at the Order of Magical Resonance. For one arc, Phanora Kristoffel and her assistant, Johan, take center stage.

Necromancy has a long history in the world. With magic working alongside modern conventions, laws regarding all...

Announced way back in October 2023 , Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii – an upcoming TV anime based on the romantic crime drama manga by Asuka Konishi – has revealed a score of new information, including key cast members, the main staff, and a new piece of key art (below). The series will begin broadcasting in Japan in October 2024. The main cast includes: Somei Yoshino voiced by Hitomi Ueda (Amila in The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic ) Somei Yoshino character art Miyama Kirishima voiced by Akira Ishida (Matt Cougar in The Witch and the Beast ) Miyami Kirishima character art Kodansha publishes the original Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii manga in their Monthly Afternoon seinen manga magazine. Seven Seas Entertainment also publishes an English language version. Toshifumi Kawase directs the TV anime at Studio Deen. Rika Takasugi provides the series composition and scripts, Itsuko Takeda provides the character designs, and Masato Suzuki provides the music.

The Most Underrated Anime of 2024 So Far - Main Image

2024's already looking like another great year for anime. However, with so many new shows coming out every season, it's unsurprising that some seriously underrated anime have slipped through the cracks.

Sure, everyone loves blockbusters like Kaiju No. 8 and Solo Leveling. However, behind every major release are a handful of technically and creatively excellent anime that didn't get the love their creators deserved.

Well, we're putting that right! The Epicstream anime team has come together to make an alternate 2024 anime watchlist. If you love, anime, make sure you take a look at these series.

Ishura

Recommended by Kc Mendoza

For me, the anime from this year that should've gotten more attention and gained massive mainstream popularity is none other than the dark fantasy series Ishura.

While it attracted some attention last winter, I think the series could've had the...

Sword of the Demon Hunter Anime to Release this June with 1-Hour Premiere - Main Image

Sword of the Demon Hunter finally confirmed its June release date recently. What’s more, the anime is also confirmed to have an hour-long premiere, continuing the recent trend of nearly feature-length first episodes.

Even though the anime has yet to get another trailer, a new one should be released in the coming weeks. Hopefully, it will finally show off more clips that give fans a better idea of what to expect.

Yokohama Animation Laboratory Is Sword of the Demon Hunter’s Studio

The show’s previous trailer was released back in February, and it features short clips of the new anime that show off the animation by studio Yokohama Animation Laboratory.

While it may not be the most talked-about studio out there, it does have a strong lineup of shows released over the past years.

Warning: Spoilers for The Witch and the Beast episode #5!!

The use of necromancy magic in The Witch and the Beast introduces a dark twist when exploring the idea of reincarnation. While the series is far from an isekai, the unique portrayal of necromancy used in the series could be used to make the fantasy sub-genre more interesting. The anime delves deeply into the selfishness and tragedy of resurrecting loved ones using necromancy, adding weight to the concept of tampering with the balance of life and death.

The Witch and the Beast on Crunchyroll incorporates an aspect of reincarnation into its already highly complex rendition of necromancy, even if the series is in no way an isekai, but a dark fantasy thriller. Although an incredibly morbid spin on its own, this development proves how prevalent isekai is in the anime industry, since series that have nothing to do with the genre...

Warning: Spoilers for The Witch and the Beast episode 4

Episode 4 of The Witch and the Beast demonstrates effective execution of promising formulas that could work well in the series' favor going forward. The series' initial focus on witch hunting is overshadowed by narration in the first 3 episodes. Not relying solely on mystery in episode 4 has allowed for more impactful storytelling.

The Witch and the Beast on Crunchyroll has so many promising formulas, but the dark fantasy thriller's first three episodes sadly don't execute them effectively enough in one way: delivery. It's the anime's fourth and latest episode that finally demonstrates how these formulas should have been executed. Ironically, episode 4 features a new set of characters who don't fully reflect the series' title when one of the original protagonists is the eponymous beast, and the other is the titular monster she and her partner hunt.

Adapted from the original manga by Kousuke Satake,...

"The Witch and the Beast" is a dark and intriguing anime series set in a gothic world filled with witches and magical creatures. The main characters, Guideau and Ashaf, form an odd yet entertaining duo who are responsible for dealing with magical creatures and witches. The anime explores themes of moral ambiguity and introduces a twist in the first episode that leaves the audience puzzled and wanting to know more.

Anime isn’t short of witches, magical creatures and associations that try to deal with all that – from the magical girls of Madoka Magica (2011) to the unhinged members of the Union in Undead Unluck (2023). Yet, it had been a while since an anime as dark and intriguing as The Witch and the Beast, the 2024 series produced by Yokohama Animation Lab, graced the screens of Japanese TV. Gothic in setting and tone, closer to the likes of Black Butler and Moriarty...

Polygon's massive new survey of anime-viewing audiences has revealed respondents' most popular anime streaming services in the U.S. -- with some definite surprises for Gen Z and Millennial fans.

A new Polygon study conducted by Edwin Wong and Sebastian Fernandez surveyed over 4,000 Americans over the age of 18 about how they consume anime. The study was carried out in collaboration with The Circus in August 2023, and it revealed that while Netflix is the leading destination for anime watchers among survey respondents, the rest of the list may come as a surprise. The ranking of the most popular U.S. anime streaming services can be found in the infographic below, created by Christine Lee.

Related Massive Chart Reveals the Exact Class Seat Positions of 200 Anime Main Characters A viral post on Reddit reveals precisely where in class main characters tend to sit in school-based anime, highlighting one very clear favorite.

If you're on the hunt for more English dubs this season, you won't want to miss the magic and mayhem of The Witch and the Beast when it takes flight on Crunchyroll from January 25! Check out the cast and crew for Episode 1 below! The Witch and the Beast English Dub Cast Ashaf voiced by Xan Cramer Guideau voiced by Rowan Gilvie Ione voiced by Lydia Mackay Marie voiced by Kelly Greenshield Narrator voiced by Kent Williams The Witch and the Beast English Dub Crew Voice Director: Jeremy Inman Producer: Samantha Herek Adaptation: James Cheek Mixer: Gino Palencia Engineer: Zachary Davis Related: The Witch and the Beast Anime Lets Loose in Creditless Opening Theme Video Key Visual Related: Crunchyroll Winter 2024 Dubs Include Solo Leveling, Classroom of the Elite Season 3 and More Based on the manga by Kosuke Satake, Takayuki Hamana ( Sorcerous Stabber Orphen ) directs The Witch and the Beast at studio Yokohama Animation Lab,...

Japanese rock band Sokoninaru has released a music video for the new CD single song "Soumonka" ( A Song for the Lover ) on their official YouTube channel . The song is now featured as the opening theme for the winter 2024 TV anime The Witch and the Beast . Sokoninaru was originallu formed by guitarist/vocalist Juko Suzuki and bassist Misaki Fujiwara in 2011, then drummer Syouto Saito joined in 2021. Their official website introduces them — Sokoninaru are a highly skilled three-piece Japanese band with a progressive heavy-rock sound. Mixing male & female vocals, they are a dynamic and powerful rock band, with a unique sound that will delight heavier rock fans. Their unique & incredible performances are highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad . "Soumonka" is their first anime theme song work. It was digitally released first on January 11, and its CD single will be available on February 14. Sokoninaru "Soumonka" music video Digital single jacket Sokoninaru profile...

Progressive rock band sokoninaru make their anime debut with opening theme song "Soumonka" in this season's The Witch and the Beast anime, for which the sequence's creditless version is now available to watch below. Related: Delicious in Dungeon Anime Parties Hard in Creditless Ending Theme Video Based on the manga by Kosuke Satake, Takayuki Hamana ( Sorcerous Stabber Orphen ) directs The Witch and the Beast at studio Yokohama Animation Lab, with series composition by Yuichiro Momose and character designs by Hiroya Iijima ( Special 7: Special Crime Investigation Unit ). Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime and describes the story: Guideau is a young woman who was cursed by a witch, forced to carry a dark secret. Ashaf is a tall, soft-spoken man with a coffin strapped to his back and secrets yet untold. Together they venture across the land on their quest for vengeance. Appearances can be deceiving, and each step could be their last.