The world of anime is buzzing with major announcements, from highly anticipated sequels to exciting new adaptations. This week brings fresh updates on Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the upcoming Demon Slayer movie trilogy, and the record-breaking Anime Street in Tokyo. Fans can also look forward to a new Godzilla manga, a surge in webtoon anime adaptations, and surprising industry developments. Whether you’re hyped for new releases or keeping an eye on the latest trends, here’s everything you need to know about the biggest anime news this week!
World’s Largest Anime Store in Tokyo
A new Guinness World Record has been set in Tokyo for the largest anime store in the world. The Animate Street shopping district now boasts an entire area dedicated to anime and manga, featuring countless stores stacked on top of one another. While specific size details are still scarce, the store’s sheer scale and immersive anime-themed environment have already caught global attention.
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Season 2 Confirmed
One of the most highly praised anime of recent years, ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’, has officially been renewed for a second season, set to air in January 2026. The critically acclaimed series, known for its emotional depth and post-heroic fantasy storytelling, follows the long-lived elf Frieren as she grapples with the passage of time and the loss of her companions. With the first season recently landing on Netflix, more fans will now have the chance to experience this touching adventure.
Demon Slayer Movie Trilogy Release Dates Announced
The Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc has been confirmed as a trilogy of films. The first movie is scheduled to premiere in Japan in July 2025, followed by an international release in September 2025 across the U.S. and Canada. Some regions, including Pakistan and Indonesia, will receive the film even earlier in August, leading to concerns about potential spoilers. With Demon Slayer’s massive fanbase, the staggered release schedule has already sparked debates over accessibility and piracy concerns.
Adding to the Demon Slayer hype, the series is collaborating with Major League Baseball (MLB) for a special event. A recent promo video featured Japanese baseball stars performing iconic breathing techniques in anime-style animation, hinting at a deeper collaboration yet to be revealed.
Godzilla Expands Into Manga
The legendary Godzilla franchise is set to receive a brand-new manga series, further cementing the King of the Monsters’ legacy in Japan. While details are scarce, the expansion into manga suggests new storytelling directions, likely diving into Godzilla’s origins, battles, or a fresh kaiju-focused narrative. Fans can look forward to its debut on May 27, 2025.
PlayStation 5 Beta Program for Early Game Testing
Sony has introduced a new PlayStation 5 beta program, allowing select users to test upcoming games, apps, and features before public release. While the program is invitation-based, those who register have a chance to gain early access to upcoming PS5 content and exclusive game betas.
Pokémon Horizons Part 2 Premieres in April
The post-Ash Pokémon Horizons anime is set to continue its journey, with Part 2 premiering on April 25, 2025. The series, which features new protagonists and legendary Pokémon like Shiny Rayquaza, aims to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers.
Massive Crackdown on Manhwa Piracy
The webtoon and manhwa industry has been facing significant piracy issues, with Keiko Entertainment reporting over 240 million piracy cases blocked in the second half of 2024 alone. As webtoons continue to grow in popularity, companies are ramping up enforcement to protect creators and combat illegal distribution.
Meanwhile, LINE Manga, a major distributor, announced ambitious plans to produce 20 new anime adaptations in 2025, a sharp increase from previous years. This surge in production reflects the growing mainstream appeal of manhwa-based anime like Solo Leveling and Tower of God.
New Anime Announcements
Several new anime adaptations were revealed, including:
- ‘You and I Are Polar Opposites’ – A romance anime about an energetic girl and a reserved boy, set to premiere in January 2026.
- ‘The Jack of All Trades Was Knocked Out of the Heroes Party’ – A fantasy series about an exiled adventurer who sets out to prove his worth after being cast aside by his team.
- ‘I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day’ – A dark fantasy Yuri anime centered around an orphanage training assassins, with a mysterious new student rumored to be immortal.
- ‘A Tale of the Secret Saint’ – A reincarnation-themed fantasy anime following a knight who discovers she was once a powerful saint.
Anime Producer Sentenced to Prison
The anime industry was also rocked by controversy as Shiro Ito, a producer behind hit films like Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume, was sentenced to four years in prison for serious criminal charges. This revelation has cast a shadow over his past works, leading to industry-wide discussions on accountability.
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