Manga Editor & Anime Producer Also on Stage, Revealed Behind-the-Scenes Stories of the Voice Recording and Anime Adaptation

TOKYO, July 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Anime “Kagurabachi”, based on a next-generation flagship title from Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha), hosted a special panel at Anime Expo—one of North America’s largest anime conventions that is currently being held in Los Angeles—on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Kicking off the “Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour Part 1, which features advance screenings worldwide, the event welcomed voice actor Taihi Kimura (as Chihiro Rokuhira), Takuro Imamura (Editor of “Kagurabachi” Manga), and Koichi Yasuda (Producer of “Kagurabachi” Anime) to the stage. A talk session followed the screening, where they discussed the series’ immense appeal and behind-the-scenes production stories.

“Kagurabachi” (Original Author: Takeru Hokazono), currently serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, has surpassed a cumulative circulation of 4 million copies (including digital editions).
A stellar team of creators has been assembled for the project. Production will be handled by CyberAgent group company animation studio, Cypic (Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, The Summer Hikaru Died), the anime boasts an all-star staff, including Director Tetsuya Takeuchi (Action Animation Director on Sword Art Online II, Battle Scene Storyboards/Episode Director/Animation Director on Heavenly Delusion) and Character Designer Keigo Sasaki (Blue Exorcist, The Seven Deadly Sins). The protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, is voiced by Taihi Kimura, winner of the Best New Actor award at the 2025 Seiyu Awards.

World Premiere of the First 20 Minutes of Episode 1! Taihi Kimura Deeply Moved by Global Fans’ Enthusiasm!

Packed with fans, the venue was filled with immense energy even before the event started. Observing the crowd, Taihi Kimura remarked, “I can feel your heat! Let’s have fun!” bringing great excitement to the room.
Following this, the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 of the anime made its world premiere.
As the screening ended, massive cheers and applause erupted from the audience, truly demonstrating the immense passion of the fans.

Taihi Kimura Shares His Thoughts on Protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira:”I go into recording feeling as though I’ve left something precious to my heart behind.”

Next, Takuro Imamura (Editor of “Kagurabachi” Manga) and Koichi Yasuda (Producer of “Kagurabachi” Anime) joined the stage for a talk session.

First, Kimura reflected on his first recording session for “Kagurabachi” anime, stating, “The very first voice in Episode 1 is the father (Kunishige / as Tomokazu Seki), and since he led the way from the first episode, it was very easy to get started.”

Regarding the recording process, he revealed, “Chihiro is difficult; if I slowly feel it in my heart, too much emotion comes out. Balancing it so that not too much comes out, while remembering that he is still an 18-year-old, is tricky. But I go into recording feeling as though I’ve left something precious to my heart behind.”

Manga Editor & Anime Producer Reveal the Behind-the-Scenes of the “Kagurabachi” Anime Adaptation

Manga Editor Imamura and Anime Producer Yasuda also shared about the behind-the-scenes production of the “Kagurabachi” anime.

Imamura shared an anecdote about the original author, Takeru Hokazono, when the anime was decided: “Hokazono-sensei was also very happy. Ever since the anime adaptation was announced, we’ve received huge expectations from everyone, and sensei is also highly motivated to make the manga “Kagurabachi” even more interesting.”
When asked if Hokazono-sensei had any specific requests for the anime, Imamura answered, “His strong feeling was simply that he wanted it to be a very cool anime,” and continued, “As everyone who watched it today could feel, I think it has turned out to be a very cool anime,” exciting the crowd.

Next, when asked about how the decision to adapt “Kagurabachi” came about, Yasuda passionately commented, “First and foremost, I was drawn to the “katana” and the action. On top of that, I wanted to face the earnest dedication of the animation studio Cypic.”

He also discussed the production concept, stating, “Our core production concept is to fully bring out the absolute best of the original work.” He continued to expand on the topic, saying, “As a producer, I also want to infuse the studio’s passion to the absolute maximum, so I am highly conscious of maintaining that perfect balance during production.”

Q&A Session

Furthermore, Q&A session’s questions were gathered from fans on official social media.

When asked about his favorite scene in Episode 1, Kimura instantly replied, “Enten”. This drew a massive cheer of agreement from the fans.

Also, when asked about behind-the-scenes production stories with Hokazono-sensei, Imamura shared an anecdote about the first time he met sensei. The venue was filled with excitement over this exclusive talk.

Next, when asked about the struggles in anime production, Yasuda prefaced with, “I think it’s exactly what you’re all expecting,” and shared, “It’s the action. The animation work is extremely difficult, so Cypic is giving it more than their all to produce this.”

Taihi Kimura Concludes with a Message to “Kagurabachi” Fans: “As a fan myself, I want to continue enjoying “Kagurabachi” more and more together with all of you from here on out.”
At the end of the event, the speakers delivered messages to the fans.

Yasuda commented, “Thank you for gathering today and watching the first episode. We are currently hard at work producing it for next year’s broadcast. This project involves not just the production studio, but many other members. It’s a work that everyone is pouring their all into, so we would be thrilled if you could continue to support us with high passion.”

Imamura added, “Thank you very much for today. Just like all of you, the original manga team and Hokazono-sensei are really looking forward to the anime broadcast. We believe it will be a supreme anime with unprecedented, amazing quality, and we are eagerly waiting for it. We look forward to the day we can all watch the broadcast together.”

Finally, Kimura said, “Thank you very much. I was so, so happy to see all of your faces and absorb your passion into my body. As a fan myself, I want to continue enjoying “Kagurabachi” more and more together with all of you from here on out, so please continue to support us!” The event concluded with a commemorative photo with the fans in the venue, striking the “Bachi Pose”.

Loud cheers and applause rang out, and “Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour at “Anime Expo 2026” concluded as a massive success.

“Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour Part 1 Now Underway!

Kicking off at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, the anime “Kagurabachi” is currently hosting Part 1 of its World Tour across major anime conventions. Advance preview screenings of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 will be held at “Japan Expo” in Paris on Thursday, July 9, at “AnimagiC” in Mannheim on Saturday, August 1, at “Otakon” in Washington D.C. on Sunday, August 2, and at “Anime NYC” in New York on Saturday, August 22. Furthermore, select events will host special panel sessions featuring guest appearances.

The anime “Kagurabachi” is scheduled to begin broadcasting and streaming in April 2027 on Crunchyroll, MUSE, and SMG HOLDINGS, among others.

We invite fans worldwide to witness the dawn of a new era as the first “stroke” of this epic saga is set into motion.

“Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour Part 1 Overview

“Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour Special Site
https://anime.kagurabachi.jp/en/worldtour/

[Anime Expo] “Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour – World Premiere Screening at Anime Expo

Location: Los Angeles
Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 2026
                       4:45 – 6:05 PM PDT
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center (Room: JW Marriott Diamond)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1 
・Special appearance by anime cast and staff 
Panel Session Guests:
Taihi Kimura (as Chihiro Rokuhira), Takuro Imamura (Editor of “Kagurabachi” Manga), Koichi Yasuda (Producer of “Kagurabachi” Anime) *Honorifics omitted
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://www.anime-expo.org

[Japan Expo] “Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at Japan Expo

Location: Paris
Date & Time: Thursday, July 9, 2026
                       3:30 – 4:30 PM CEST
Venue: Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte (Room: Yuzu Stage)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
・Special appearance by anime staff
Panel Session Guests:
Riki Azuma (Cross-Media Producer of “Kagurabachi” Manga), Koichi Yasuda (Producer of “Kagurabachi” Anime) *Honorifics omitted
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://www.japan-expo-france.jp/

[AnimagiC] “Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at AnimagiC

Location: Mannheim
Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026
                       10:30 – 11:00 PM CEST
Venue: Rosengarten Mannheim (Room: Mozart Hall)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://animagic.de/

[Otakon] “Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at Otakon

Location: Washington, DC
Date & Time: Sunday, August 2, 2026 *Time TBA
Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://otakon.com/

[Anime NYC 2026] “Kagurabachi” Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at Anime NYC

Location: New York
Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026
                       3:30 – 4:15 PM EDT
Venue: Javits Convention Center (Room: Main Stage)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
・Special appearance by anime staff
Panel Session Guests:
Koichi Yasuda (Producer of “Kagurabachi” Anime), Kenta Suzuki (Producer of “Kagurabachi” Anime) *Honorifics omitted
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://animenyc.com/

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LOS ANGELES, July 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At Anime Expo 2026, Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. opened Closed Beta Test applications for BLEACH Mirrors High, the new mobile action game that depicts the story following the Thousand-Year Blood War arc of the animated TV series BLEACH, and revealed new characters designed by series creator Tite Kubo: Shirin Migishima and Shirane Sanari. A new trailer premiered alongside the announcement.

Set after the events of the Thousand-Year Blood War, BLEACH Mirrors High delivers an original story packed with immersive 13 Court Guard Squads action.

Get into the action with the new trailer that premiered at Anime Expo 2026 here: https://youtu.be/lW1Wj-KfGhA

Closed Beta Test applications now open
Your first chance to step into “BLEACH Mirrors High” starts now! Applications for the Closed Beta Test open today until July 13 2:59 A.M. UTC (July 12 at 7:59 P.M. PDT). Sign up on the official website: https://survey.bandainamcoent.co.jp/jfe/form/SV_8BVEwkIcK5IKdpQ?route=ax

Closed Beta Test Overview
Schedule: July 22, 11:00 P.M. – July 29, 10:59 P.M. (PDT)
Languages: Japanese / English / French / German / Traditional Chinese / Korean
Platforms:
iOS 17.0+ (minimum 4 GB RAM)
Android 12.0+ (minimum 6 GB RAM)
*Tablets are not supported. iOS requires the TestFlight app.

New Soul Reapers Make Their Debut
Characters designed by series creator Tite Kubo, two new Soul Reapers, Shirin Migishima and Shirane Sanari, stand at the heart of the story as BLEACH Mirrors High’s dual protagonists. A new Soul Reaper story unfolds!

Assets are available here.

Comment from Series Creator, Tite Kubo
Tite Kubo explains his deep involvement in the development of BLEACH Mirror’s High:
“For this project, I have been involved from the kickoff meeting and worked on the title, scenario, and character designs. As for character designs, I got so excited working on them and ended up doing more than what was requested.

For the logo design, I wanted to come up with something that resembles my style. I made it simple, yet something that will leave an impression the moment you see it.

I sat in on the audition and also took part in the recording sessions, so the characters turned out just as I imagined. The story is partly related to the main scenario of the comics, so I hope you look forward to that too.”

About BLEACH
BLEACH is a smash-hit, sword-battle action manga by Tite Kubo that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. Even after its conclusion, the series continues to enjoy enduring popularity worldwide, with over 130 million copies sold.
The animated TV series, which began airing in October 2004, has produced over 360 episodes to date, along with four feature films.
The final arc, Thousand-Year Blood War, premiered in October 2022 on TV TOKYO and other networks. The final part, BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity, is scheduled to be broadcast on July 25th 2026.

About BLEACH Mirror’s High
Title: BLEACH Mirrors High
Platforms: App Store, Google Play
Genre: Immersive 13 Court Guard Squads Action
Distributor: Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

Official Website URL: https://bleach-mh.bn-ent.net/en
Official Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/bleach.mirrorshigh/
Official X Account: https://x.com/BLEACH_mh
Official Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/bleach.mirrorshigh

Copyright Notice:
©Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV TOKYO, dentsu, pierrot
©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
*Only the new characters’ concept art carries the copyright notice shown below.
©TITE KUBO/SHUEISHA

Notice:
*Please check the Closed Beta Test sign-up page and the Terms and Conditions page for details on the test environment.
*Information is current as of the announcement date. Content may change without prior notice after the announcement.
*When publishing logos or images, please be sure to include the copyright notice.
*The user is responsible for any data charges incurred.

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SOURCE Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

CALGARY, AB, July 4, 2026 /CNW/ – Canada is a clean and conventional energy superpower, and we are building on that strength to power our future with reliable, affordable energy and technology for all Canadians. Investments in energy infrastructure will strengthen Canada’s energy security, create good jobs, attract investment and position our country as a reliable energy supplier for customers at home and abroad.

Today, on the margins of the Calgary Stampede, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced more than $26 million in funding for 17 projects across Alberta and Saskatchewan that will accelerate the deployment of clean technology; modernize energy systems and infrastructure; reduce emissions; and build the regulatory, industrial and workforce capacity needed for Canada’s long-term economic growth and energy security.

The projects include:

$14.9 million for 10 projects that will advance energy storage, solar and wind energy development, interprovincial electricity transmission planning, Indigenous-led clean energy projects and workforce development.$5.9 million for engineering and design work for two facilities that will convert waste biomass to renewable natural gas with carbon capture.$3.5 million for two projects that will reduce methane emissions from upstream oil and gas operations and advance low-emissions cement alternatives that permanently store carbon.$2.3 million for three projects that will support higher energy-efficiency building codes.

By advancing low-carbon energy, clean technology and energy efficiency, the Government of Canada is saving Canadians money, driving prosperity and building Canada into an energy superpower for today and tomorrow.

Quotes

“Energy is the backbone of our economy — so by growing and modernizing the systems that we have, we can catalyze investment, generate jobs and prosperity, and build the strongest economy in the G7. Through these investments, we will stabilize energy costs, reduce emissions and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Through investments in Indigenous-led clean energy projects, we are supporting First Nations as they strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create new opportunities for future generations. Projects like these reflect the leadership of communities as they explore and develop renewable energy solutions that advance economic growth, environmental stewardship and greater self-determination. By working together, we are helping build stronger, more resilient communities while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.”

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick Facts

Federal funding for most projects in this bundle is provided by the Government of Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs). This $4.5-billion program is designed to support grid modernization, energy storage and renewable energy technologies in every region of Canada, helping to grow Canada’s electricity grid in a sustainable, affordable and reliable manner.Indigenous Services Canada contributed $649,000 to electricity projects led by Indigenous groups that will advance the pre-development work required to launch solar energy projects.The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy.Canada’s National Electricity Strategy aims to double the capacity of our grid by 2050 and supply clean, reliable, affordable power across the country for decades to come.Today’s announcement builds on an announcement at the 2026 Energy and Mine Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) on June 26, committing support to intertie transmission projects linking Yukon and British Columbia, Alberta and British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Related Products

Backgrounder: Canada invests in clean energy in Alberta and Saskatchewan  

Associated Links

Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways ProgramClean Fuels Fund Energy Innovation Program Codes Acceleration FundCanada takes action to advance a stronger grid and increase reliable, affordable energyPowering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada