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Anime “Kagurabachi” Takes Anime Expo by Storm!~ Taihi Kimura; “I’m so happy to absorb everyone’s passion!” Moved by the World Premiere!

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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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Zelus Automation Platform and Woodforest National Bank Sign Agreement for SNAP Platform

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July 14, 2026

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Partnership brings Zelus’s SNAP automation platform to one of the nation’s largest community banks.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zelus Automation Platform and Woodforest National Bank® today announced an agreement for Zelus’s SNAP platform. The partnership will deliver next-generation automation capabilities across Woodforest’s retail banking operations, supporting the bank’s nearly 740 branches in 17 states nationwide.

“At Woodforest, it’s always been about customers first, community always, and this venture with Zelus brings that commitment to life in new and powerful ways,” said Julie Mayrant, President and Chief Community Bank Officer Woodforest National Bank. “Our upcoming move to Jack Henry’s SilverLake System™ sets the stage for exactly this kind of decision. Zelus’ SNAP solution integrates seamlessly with SilverLake, so we’re able to automate processes without adding complexity to our tech stack. It was a natural fit — one that lets us build on our core investment rather than work around it.”

The agreement reflects both organizations’ commitment to a long-term partnership built on shared goals of operational excellence and customer service. SNAP will be deployed across Woodforest’s retail banking network, which spans Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“We are honored to partner with Woodforest National Bank, one of the nation’s most respected community banking institutions,” said Russell Bond, Chief Executive Officer of Zelus Automation Platform. “This agreement is a testament to the power of SNAP and our shared vision of transforming the way community banks operate and serve their customers.”

The implementation of SNAP across Woodforest’s operations is expected to begin in the coming months.

About Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank has successfully stood among the strongest community banks in the nation, proudly offering outstanding customer service since 1980. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Woodforest operates nearly 740 branches in 17 states and employs approximately 4,300 associates. As an employee-owned institution, Woodforest understands the importance of investing in its people and the communities it serves. Woodforest is an Outstanding CRA-rated institution. For more information, visit www.woodforest.com.

About Zelus Automation Platform

Zelus Automation Platform is a leading provider of intelligent automation solutions for the financial services industry. The company’s flagship SNAP platform enables banks and financial institutions to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience through advanced automation technology. For more information, visit www.zap-llc.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zelus-automation-platform-and-woodforest-national-bank-sign-agreement-for-snap-platform-302825450.html

SOURCE Woodforest National Bank

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High Rye Seeding Rates Prove Effective for Weed Suppression

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29 minutes ago

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July 14, 2026

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A new Weed Science Society of America research article shows a generously seeded cereal rye cover crop helps reduce weed pressure for organic no-till soybean production

WESTMINSTER, Colo., July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) journal, Weed Science, recently published a research article showing that a cereal rye cover crop helps reduce weed pressure for organic no-till soybean production, particularly when seeded at higher rates. The two-year research study reviewed field experiments conducted during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons near Rock Springs, Pennsylvania, at the Pennsylvania State University Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center.

“The aim of this study was to compare the magnitude of weed control and soybean yield under different cereal rye densities within the soybean phase of cover-crop based organic rotational no-till production,” states Laurel Wellman, a Ph.D. student in plant sciences at Pennsylvania State University, and the study’s corresponding author. “Our results indicated that all cereal rye seeding rates reduced weed biomass compared to the unseeded cereal rye control plots, and that the higher cereal rye seeding rates reduced weed biomass significantly more than the lower seeding rates.” 

In two experiments, the researchers evaluated rye cultural management strategies for rye biomass, weed suppression, and soybean yield. They tested: 

four rye seeding rates (0.5-3 bu. acre) and two sowing arrangements (grid vs. row sowing)fall-applied poultry litter (0, 1.5, 3 tons acre) with two soybean planting dates (planting green or standard planting). 

“Increasing cereal rye seeding rate did not lead to increased rye biomass but did increase weed suppression,” points out Wellman. “Soybean yield was unaffected by rye seeding rates, and sowing arrangement did not affect any response.” 

Interestingly, “while fall poultry litter significantly increased rye biomass, weed suppression was unaffected,” she adds.

During one of the two cropping seasons studied, planting green reduced soybean establishment and yield, note the researchers. However, they also state that “these results highlight the limitations of organic no-till soybean production within grain crop rotations in the Northeastern U.S. when using cereal rye as a stand-alone weed suppression method. Increasing cereal rye seeding rates or applying fall fertility could be effective cultural practices when integrated with other weed control tactics to supplement weed suppression by rye surface mulch.” 

Overall, and perhaps most importantly, notes Wellman, the study “indicates that higher cereal rye seeding rates improved weed suppression independently of cereal rye biomass.” 

More information about the study is available online in the article: “Cultural management of cereal rye for weed suppression in cover crop-based organic rotational no-till soybean.” The research article is among others recently featured in Weed Science, a Weed Science Society of America journal, published by Cambridge University Press. Wellman can be contacted about the study at lew5444@psu.edu.

About Weed Science 
Weed Science is a journal of the Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society focused on weeds and their impact on the environment. The publication presents peer-reviewed, original research related to all aspects of weed science, including biology, ecology, physiology, management, and control of weeds. To learn more, visit www.wssa.net. 

Media Contact: 
Jo Skelton 
Cambridge University Press 
Senior Brand and Partner Communications Manager 
cupacademic@cambridge.org 
01223326165 

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SOURCE Weed Science Society of America

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Technology

ICW Holdings Provides Update on Its Flagship Strategic Equities Investment Strategy

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July 14, 2026

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BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ICW Holdings, LLC (“ICW”), an investment management firm, today announced the formation and launch of its flagship fund, a private investment vehicle pursuing a global, long-biased equity strategy by combining bottom-up company research with macroeconomic regime analysis and portfolio risk management.

Managed by Mark Dinner, formerly with Bridgewater Associates, the strategy is designed to create a diversified, risk-balanced portfolio of high-quality businesses. With a focus on managing concentration risk and navigating a wide range of inflationary, deflationary, and policy-drive environments, the strategy’s multi-layered investment process integrates macro risk analysis, systematic portfolio construction, and selective tail-risk mitigation.

“ICW was founded on the belief that companies are the most fundamental drivers of long-term value creation and our investment approach combines rigorous bottom-up equity selection with a deep understanding of macroeconomic regimes,” said Dinner. “We believe the current environment continues to reward an active, differentiated investment approach that can adapt across cycles. The strategy is designed with that flexibility at its core and formalizes an investment approach we have been actively executing since our founding in 2021.”

ICW’s leadership team combines macro investing expertise, systematic portfolio construction experience, and institutional operational oversight. Collectively, the team brings over 100 years of cumulative experience across leading investment organizations.

About ICW Holdings, LLC

ICW is an investment management firm founded in 2020 by Mark Dinner, a former senior investor at Bridgewater Associates, to apply a disciplined understanding of macroeconomic regimes and portfolio balance to equity investing. The firm serves eligible investors seeking risk-aware equity exposure across market cycles. All statements regarding personnel background, firm history, and strategy should be reviewed for accuracy and substantiation before dissemination.

Important Notice: This press release is for general informational purposes only. It is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities or other investment interests, and it is not intended to condition the market for any securities offering. ICW is not using this announcement to market any securities. Any private offering, if made, would be conducted only through confidential offering materials and only in accordance with applicable law.

Media Contact

Matthew Della Croce
Clario Group
1-646-319-7487
matthew.dellacroce@clariogroup.com

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SOURCE ICW Holdings

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