Fans of the critically acclaimed Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice have reason to rejoice as evidence of an anime adaptation has surfaced. A web domain, sekiro-anime.jp, was registered on July 31, 2025, by the Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of the game’s developer, FromSoftware.

The WHOIS information for the domain, which you can verify here, clearly lists Kadokawa as the registrant. The domain is set to expire on July 31, 2026, and was last updated on August 5, 2025. This move strongly suggests that an official announcement about a Sekiro anime is imminent.

The news, first spotted by eagle-eyed fans, quickly spread across social media and gaming forums. A thread on the GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit and a discussion on Resetera have been buzzing with excitement. Notorious gaming news source Wario64 also shared the finding on X (formerly Twitter), further fueling the speculation.

This development aligns with long-standing rumors. A user on the Resetera forums, vestan, noted that a Sekiro anime has been rumored since 2023, alongside an adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima. While the Ghost of Tsushima anime has since been confirmed, news on the Sekiro front remained quiet until now. Vestan also mentioned that a newer studio, Qzil.la, known for their work on the opening of Jigokuraku, is rumored to be handling the animation.

Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many see this as a fantastic opportunity to expand on the world and lore of Sekiro. Comments across Reddit and X show a high level of anticipation, with many hoping that a successful anime could lead to what they desire most: a sequel to the game. While some wonder about the IP rights, given that Activision was the publisher, the registration by Kadokawa, who owns FromSoftware, seems to indicate that they are in control of this new project.

As of now, there has been no official announcement from Kadokawa or FromSoftware. However, the registration of the domain is a very strong indicator that we will be seeing Wolf’s journey animated in the near future. Fans will be eagerly awaiting an official reveal, which could happen at any of the upcoming major gaming or anime conventions.

The post Breaking: Sekiro Anime (Almost) Confirmed with Domain Registration appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Crunchyroll, in collaboration with Sony Pictures just announced that it will be bringing Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram, the latest film instalment in the fan-favourite Detective Conan franchise, to cinemas on August 29, 2024.

The film will be available in Japanese with English subtitles.

Detective Conan follows Shinichi Kudo, a talented high school detective who was forcibly turned into a child by the Black Organization. Now going by the identity of Conan Edogawa, he strives to hunt down the Black Organization while solving the most difficult of cases using his brilliant wits and power of reason.

In this new adventure, Detective Conan will join the hunt for the ‘Merchant of Death’, a Japanese-American Arms Dealer in order to unearth a mysterious treasure that could change the course of a war.

The film is directed by Chika Nagasoka (Detective Conan The Movie: The Scarlet Bullet) with animation production from TMS Entertainment and music by Yugo Kanno (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure). Original story is by Gosho Aoyama.

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Crunchyroll, the home for anime worldwide, has acquired Australian and New Zealand rights to Studio Ghibli’s long-awaited fantastical epic feature film The Boy and the Heron from Academy Award-winning visionary director Hayao Miyazaki.

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures International Releasing will bring the film to cinemas on December 7.th, 2023 The film will be shown both in Japanese with English subtitles and dubbed in English.

Produced by Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki, The Boy and the Heron is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film also features a musical score from Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi, and the theme song for the film “Spinning Globe” was written and performed by global J-pop superstar Kenshi Yonezu. The Japanese cast is led by Soma Santoki as Mahito Maki and Masaki Suda as The Gray Heron. Additional casting includes Ko Shibaski (Kiriko), AIMYON (Lady Himi), Yoshino Kimura (Natsuko), and Takuya Kimura (Shoichi Maki).

The English language dubbed version of the film will feature the voices of Christian Bale (Ford v Ferrari, Amsterdam, The Pale Blue Eye), Dave Bautista (Dune, Guardians of the Galaxy), Gemma Chan (The Creator, Eternals, Crazy Rich Asians), Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate, The Florida Project), Karen Fukuhara (The Boys, Suicide Squad), Mark Hamill (The Machine, House of Usher), Robert Pattinson (The Batman, Tenet, upcoming Mickey 17), and Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer, Black Widow, Little Women). Luca Padovan joins the cast as Mahito Maki, and Mamoudou Athie, Tony Revolori, and Dan Stevens are featured as the Parakeets. GKIDS handled casting and produced the English version in close consultation with Studio Ghibli, with ADR direction by Michael Sinterniklaas at NYAV Post, and English script adaptation by Stephanie Sheh. The English language dub was produced in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.

The Boy and the Heron debuted in Japan on July 14, 2023, where it surpassed Spirited Away’s opening four-day box office. The hand-drawn, original story animated feature — director Miyazaki’s first in 10 years — made its international premiere at the Opening Night Gala of the 48th Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. Tickets to all five TIFF screenings sold out in record time, and the film received glowing reviews and placed top three for the TIFF People’s Choice Awards. The film made its U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival, its European Premiere as the Opening Night of San Sebastian International Film Festival and made its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.

The film was also presented in IMAX at Los Angeles’s TCL Chinese Theatre on October 18 as Opening Night of the Animation is Film Festival.

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The TV series ‘Kizuna no Allele’, the anime project of Kizuna Ai, has been renewed for a second series.

‘Kizuna no Allele’ first broadcast in April 2023 and completed its 12-episode run in June.

Following the formation of ‘PathTLive’, members Miracle, Quan, Noelle, Cris and Riz will finally compete in the heat of battle at the Virtual Grid Awards. In the second series BRT5、VICONIC, ３DM８ will also make an appearance, so you can look forward to seeing how the girls interact with each other.

It’s not just the anime that fans can enjoy, the ‘Alleles’Project’ is also active on video distribution services, with more that 100 videos uploaded to their YouTube channel.

This is a series that continues to maintain strong momentum and the second season will air in October 2023.

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Crunchyroll along with partner Aniplex of America, is bringing Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night to cinemas across Crunchyroll’s English-speaking territories in February 2023.

This may be a game, but it’s not something you play.

The world’s first VRMMORPG (Sword Art Online) became a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped inside the game world.

Asuna, who cleared the first floor of the floating iron castle of Aincrad, joined up with Kirito and continued her journey to reach the top floor. With the support of female Information Broker Argo, clearing the floors seemed to be progressing smoothly, but…Conflict erupts between two major guilds who should be working together – the top player groups ALS (the Aincrad Liberation Squad) and DKB (the Dragon Knights Brigade). And meanwhile, behind the scenes exists a mysterious figure pulling the strings…

In a dangerous battle of death, there is an assault that differs from the threat, and it will involve Asuna and Kirito.

The film follows protagonist Asuna as she continues her journey through the virtual reality death game, where “Game Over” means death in the real world.

The popular sci-fi action adventure arrives in theatres in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. In Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, February 2nd and in the United States and Canada on Friday, February 3rd.

Additional theatrical release dates for Europe and Latin America to be announced soon.

The film will be available in both Japanese with English subtitles as well as dubbed in English.

Scherzo of Deep Night is the anticipated sequel to Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night (2021), now available to stream on Crunchyroll.com.

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Crunchyroll has announced it will re-release the critically-acclaimed classic Princess Mononoke in New Zealand cinemas to celebrate the iconic film’s 25th anniversary.

The film, from celebrated animation studio Studio Ghibli, will be available in Original Japanese with English subtitles.

To celebrate the 25th landmark milestone, participating cinemas will also offer a FREE commemorative pin featuring San’s signature mask with ticket purchase. This collector’s item is strictly limited while stocks last. .

A beautifully realised tale of civilisation versus nature set in Japan’s wild past, Princess Mononoke is a true epic by Japan’s master animator Hayao Miyazaki, and remains to this day, one of  Studio Ghibli’s most popular and enduring films.

Set in the 14th century as the harmony that humans, animals and gods have enjoyed begins to crumble, Princess Mononoke tells the story of young warrior Ashitaka, who seeks a cure from the deer-like god Shishigami after being infected by an animal attack. In his travels, he sees humans ravaging the earth, bringing down the wrath of wolf god Moro and his human companion Princess Mononoke.

Princess Mononoke has received innumerable accolades, including the first animated film to win the Japan Academy Prize for Best Picture in 1998 and the highest-grossing Japanese film of 1997. The film is also universally recognised as bringing Studio Ghibli to the Western world.

Princess  Mononoke is in cinemas for a strictly limited time in New Zealand from 14 July 2022.

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Madman proudly presents one very epic CELEBRATE STUDIO GHIBLI, which is a month-long celebration of the complete theatrical works, and more, from the acclaimed animation house – in cinemas in Australia and New Zealand, from August 24th to September 20th, 2017.

From the wildly imaginative fantasy of HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE and the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY, to the high adventure of PORCO ROSSO and the raw emotion of WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE, the films of Studio Ghibli are renowned for their beautifully realised worlds and uniquely imaginative storytelling.

These are some of the most revered and beloved animated works to have ever graced the big screen, and for the first time ever, CELEBRATE STUDIO GHIBLI brings the complete 22 film Studio Ghibli catalogue to cinemas in Australia and New Zealand; including Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, SPIRITED AWAY and PRINCESS MONONOKE, alongside other classics such as POM POKO, MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS and OCEAN WAVES – the latter of which has never screened in cinemas before in either country.

In addition to this, CELEBRATE STUDIO GHIBLI will also offer insightful documentaries (THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS, ISAO TAKAHATA AND HIS TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA), as well as the seldom seen GHIBLIES EPISODE 2 (2002) short film, and ON YOUR MARK (1995) the animated music video for Japanese rock duo Chage & Aska – directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Finally, Studio Ghibli connoisseurs won’t want to miss the CELEBRATE STUDIO GHIBLI opening night events, where they will not only be treated to a screening of both GHIBLIES EPISODE 2 and ON YOUR MARK prior to MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, but each ticket holder will take home an exclusive, commemorative CELEBRATE STUDIO GHIBLI B1 print designed by multi-award-winning Australian artist, writer and filmmaker, Shaun Tan (THE LOST THING, THE ARRIVAL).

Tickets for CELEBRATE STUDIO GHIBLI will be available soon.

Check out the Official CELEBRATE STUDIO GHIBLI Here.

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Funimation Entertainment, the globally recognised ‘go-to’ destination for extraordinary anime, has today officially launched in the Australia market – just in time for the school holidays, and the commencement of new seasons of many popular anime series.

From today, approximately 225 anime series – more than 5,000 hours of content – from Funimation’s extensive library will be immediately available to subscribers with more titles to be continuously added. Subscribers will enjoy the best in English SimulDub episodes and exclusive titles including the new hit series “My Hero Academia.”

The service, FunimationNow, offers prospective subscribers a 30-day free trial to experience all the anime shows and movies available in ad-free and in HD quality – anytime and anywhere via computer, tablet, mobile device and gaming console. After the trial, the service cost is AUD $5.99 per month.

“Our entry into the Australian and New Zealand market, following our launch into U.K. and Ireland in 2016, is the next step in Funimation’s strategic global expansion,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. “After years of sub-licensing our shows into the Australia and New Zealand market, we are thrilled to now connect directly to the passionate anime fans there with the launch of FunimationNow as the new home for English SimulDub anime – offering exclusive access to such hit series like ‘My Hero Academia.’”

With a 22+ year history in the U.S. and Canada, Funimation spent 2016 developing its FunimationNow immersive streaming service including apps for all major mobile devices and consoles as well as an all-new advanced video delivery platform. The company is progressively targeting other English-speaking countries around the world. Funimation expanded its service to England and Ireland early last year.

Key to Funimation’s success in anime streaming has been its speed to market advantage in dubbing. With its integrated in-house studio, the company can produce new English SimulDubepisodes in as little as two weeks after the original Japanese broadcast. This is a capability that currently no other anime streaming providers can match. Many of Funimation’s English voice over artists, such as Christopher Sabat and Monica Rial, have become celebrities within with the world of anime, with substantial fan and social media followings.

“We believe that Funimation offers the most immersive anime experience available and we’re excited to bring this to Australia and New Zealand,” said Gen Fukunaga, Founder and CEO of Funimation. “With FunimationNow, subscribers can watch anime on every device, from TV and desktop to mobile and console. Fans can truly watch what they want, when they want and wherever they are.”

FunimationNow is part of Funimation’s omnichannel strategy, which includes home entertainment, theatrical distribution and broadcast television and direct to consumer. The company will be making additional announcements as it expands its omnichannel approach outside North America.

FunimationNow is available now in Australia on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox 360 and via Funimation.com. Mobile apps are compatible with Chromecast. Additional devices and gaming consoles will be added in the future.

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Madman Entertainment have confirmed to us at StG that there will be a New Zealand release of the highly anticipated, first ever SWORD ART ONLINE movie: SWORD ART ONLINE: ORDINAL SCALE.

The film will follow Kirito and Asuna in an all-new story that takes place after the Mother’s Rosario arc.

In 2022, the world of virtual reality was upended by the arrival of a new invention from a genius programmer, Akihiko Kayaba. Called NerveGear, it was the first full-dive system and with it, came endless possibilities to VRMMORPGs.

In 2026, a new machine called the Augma is developed to compete against the NerveGear and its successor, the Amusphere. A next-gen wearable device, the Augma doesn’t have a full-dive function like its predecessors.

Instead, it uses Augmented Reality (AR) to get players into the game. It is safe, user-friendly and lets users play while they are conscious, making it an instant hit on the market. The most popular game on the system is “Ordinal Scale” (aka: OS), an ARMMORPG developed exclusively for the Augma.

Asuna and the gang have already been playing OS for a while, and soon Kirito decides to join them. However, they’re about to find out that Ordinal Scale isn’t all fun and games…

SWORD ART ONLINE: ORDINAL SCALE will be releasing to New Zealand cinemas on the 9th of March, 2017.

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