Month: January 2026

With Amethyst, REIRIE Make a Daring Leap Into the Major-Label Spotlight

REIRIE make their major-label debut with Amethyst, a five-track EP blending guitar rock, emotion, and R&B, out January 28, 2026, alongside a nationwide tour.

REIRIE AmethystREIRIE, the duo formed by Rei Kuromiya and Rie Kaneko, will make their major-label debut with their first EP, Amethyst, on January 28, 2026. The release arrives via MoooD Records, a label under Bandai Namco Music Live. Ahead of the EP’s launch, the music video  “Aishiteyo” is available to view online and see how these two artists want to present themselves. It’s a mix of art nouveau and glam. In between the layers of stage presence and glam is a look that suggets more than leather and lace, but also stillness and motion. Their sound is a mix of J-pop meets Speed Metal, and although their style is hard to pin down, I’d say they are borrowing from not only the  Rococo but also historical Gothic.

Amethyst will be released in three version: the Rei, Rie, and a Standard Edition. The Rei release includes a Blu-ray featuring footage from the free live show held last year in Sept at Kabukicho Tower Stage. The Rie set includes a Blu-ray of the Tokyo performance from Reirie Live Tour 2025 – BaD＝DoLL –, held October 26. As a first-press bonus, each of them will include one randomly selected trading card from a set of six.

Musically, The advance digital single “BaD＝DoLL,” composed by Yuki Tsujimura and MEGMETAL, delivers a charged, dramatic rock sound.

 

“Aishiteyo,” created by the same team, leans further into raw emotion and heightened intensity, brought to life in the newly released music video.

Additional tracks include “Holy Brighters,” which portrays heroism that pushes forward despite doubt and anxiety, “Not Philosophy,” a song about strength and love expressed through feeling rather than words, and “Contact,” a soulful R&B-based track that embraces pain and inner conflict as part of personal growth.

In support of the release, REIRIE will launch Reirie Live Tour 2026 – Amethyst – in February 2026 around Japan. Locations are as follows:

Feb 1, 2026 – Chiba LOOK [Chiba]
Feb 7, 2026 – Hiroshima CAVE-BE [Hiroshima]
Feb 8, 2026 – music zoo KOBE Taiyo to Tora [Hyogo]
Feb 15, 2026 – HEAVEN’S ROCK Saitama Shintoshin VJ-3 [Saitama]
Feb 23, 2026 – F.A.D. YOKOHAMA [Kanagawa]
Feb 28, 2026 – KYOTO MUSE [Kyoto]
Mar 1, 2026 – OSAKA MUSE [Osaka]
Mar 8, 2026 – LIVE HOUSE enn 2nd [Miyagi]
Mar 13, 2026 – ell.FITS ALL [Aichi]
Mar 15, 2026 – HEAVEN’S ROCK Utsunomiya VJ-2 [Tochigi]
Mar 21, 2026 – Fukuoka DRUM SON [Fukuoka]
Mar 31, 2026 – Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO [Tokyo]

Tickets

REIRIEPremium Ticket: ¥18,000 (incl. tax)

(Premium tickets include guaranteed access to the front area, one cheki photo, and exclusive merchandise)
A Ticket: ¥6,600 (incl. tax)

*A separate drink fee is required for all ticket types.

 

Tracklist (all editions)

  1. BaD＝DoLL
  2. Holy Brighters
  3. Not Philosophy
  4. Contact
  5. AISHITEYO

About REIRIE

Formed in January 2023, REIRIE brings together Rei Kuromiya and Rie Kaneko, who previously performed in separate units before reuniting after several years apart. Their distinctive artistic vision has resonated strongly with fans, particularly women, and their striking visuals and powerful live performances have seen them appear at festivals in Japan and overseas. Their solo concerts continue to grow their nationwide audience.

What’s Exciting at CES 2026? The Rise of LEGO Smart Play, AI Toys, and Nerd Bait

CES 2026 is a wrap, but a handful of reveals still feel aimed straight at geek culture. From LEGO’s Smart Play tech and its Star Wars debut to AI “character” pedestals and retro-friendly gaming gear, here’s what looked most tempting, and what still needs a healthy dose of skepticism.

CES 2026 and Pop CultureNot every tech event needs reporting on, and with the CES 2026 show being debated on, it’s time to decide! Not everything is worth needing and the big talk is certainly on one thing: LEGO’s new Smart Play tech is shaping up to be a dream come true for TRON enthusiasts, especially when you think about how some past interactive concepts could be resurrected. That said, with Star Wars carrying far more mainstream momentum, it’s no surprise the first sets using this technology will land there before anywhere else.

These bricks are getting embedded microchips designed to trigger sound effects and blinking lights when placed near one another. At the show, the company staged a massive Death Star trench run experience in front of The Sphere, where visitors could “fly” a LEGO X-Wing in an attempt to destroy it. One can only imagine the sound, and the chaos, if crashing into the structure had been allowed. The cleanup alone would have been legendary. But only time will tell which other licensed properties will get smarter.

It’s an exciting prospect, but it also raises the question: what other electronic releases are out there to whet a geek’s appetite?

Continue reading “What’s Exciting at CES 2026? The Rise of LEGO Smart Play, AI Toys, and Nerd Bait”

Titan Manga’s Ghostly Darkness of Kanata Certainly Knows How to Haunt!

A thoughtful and unsettling look at Ghostly Darkness of Kanata, exploring how its eerie artwork and thematic focus on lingering spirits set it apart from Titan Manga’s growing horror catalogue.

Ghostly Darkness of KanataAvailable to purchase on Amazon USA

Titan Manga is not resting as more horror themed works are scheduled for release this year. The editorial team are picky and to give new talents their due is appreciated, especially after reading past works, like Shadows of Kyoto, which is self contained. But with Ghostly Darkness of Kanata (幽闇のカナタ), what it sets up is perhaps more to come. What I adore most is how it looks into why some spirits choose to remain on Earth rather than move on.

I also love how they are depicted. I’m sure Noct Koike (writer) and Chika Ishikawa (artist) had to come to an agreement over respecting traditional depictions, like not having visible feet, and considering how spirits appear to others. The artist’s work mirrors what I’ve experienced when investigating the unknown. Some spirits look like projections pulled from dirty celluloid film.

Continue reading “Titan Manga’s Ghostly Darkness of Kanata Certainly Knows How to Haunt!”

Where are they now? 2026 Chinese Animation. Looking Back On Enlight’s and Lightchaser’s Schedule and What’s Ahead…

While some of China’s most hyped films from last year don’t have a huge international release, we have the latest observations regarding what’s in store for 2026 Chinese Animation. We’re looking at Ne Zha 2 and 3 along with White Snake Afloat and Curious Tales of a Temple (aka Strange Tales: Lan Ruo Temple)

Ne Zha 2 Poster - 2026 Chinese AnimationWhile looking for the latest word about when Ne Zha 2 will hit home video, and the next film, Ne Zha 3 will release, there are rumours suggesting it could arrive as early as this year. These expectations are far too optimistic. While the 2026 Chinese animation production schedule shows what’s being developed, not everything will be ready to screen until the following year, or much later.

What is confirmed regarding the former is the fact that the third film is actively in development. However, it’s moving forward on a timeline shaped more by precision than speed. Nailing the story and making it visually stunning is clearly the priority. As for the home video release of Ne Zha 2, I have been looking, and right now only bootlegs exist. I suspect it won’t appear until after its streaming run on HBO Max has ended. That, for now, is the definitive news.

As for the latter studio and what comes after Strange Tales, they have new films almost ready to release. The details of their take on Romance of the Three Kingdoms will be covered in a separate upcoming article.

Continue reading “Where are they now? 2026 Chinese Animation. Looking Back On Enlight’s and Lightchaser’s Schedule and What’s Ahead…”

A 2026 Fan Expo Brand Focus: From Portland to Vancouver…

In 2026, Fan Expo’s branding around the world show how guest lineups, venue scale, and programming choices is not very varied, but where it matters is in where they are and who’s on board. Updates on the upcoming Portland and Vancouver show.

2026 Fan Expo General LogoThis weekend will be the 2026 Fan Expo Portland show, and for the Canadian-side cousin, Vancouver, the tour is certainly focussed on Lord of the Rings and the Turtles. From An Evening with the Hobbits to original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with a splash of Goonies, both are slightly different from one another for good reason, availability. The State-side show is said to be roomier with room to navigate around, but that needs to be verified. Also, Gates McFadden and Walter Koenig will be appearing.

As with other Fan Expo events, some programming is placed behind additional ticketed access, a practical decision given how limited certain convention spaces can be. Even in Seattle, expansion required the construction of an entirely new building to accommodate demand. For attendees on the fence about premium panels, such as discussions with the Lord of the Rings cast reflecting on Peter Jackson’s epic productions, there is no waitlist alternative once those sessions sell out.

Continue reading “A 2026 Fan Expo Brand Focus: From Portland to Vancouver…”

Top Ten Animated Films You Must See in 2026

2026 is stacked with animated films from around the world, from high-concept sci-fi to nostalgic franchise returns. Here are ten releases to watch, sorted by date, and why each one might matter.

Animated Films 20262026 is shaping up to be a huge year for animated films. If it’s the ill-fated number three (Star Trek fans will get the reference), hopefully the Angry Birds and Minions can weather the storm. But as for other works, there’s plenty to choose from. For some studios, they are finally taking the risk, but we still don’t have a date for one particular film that I’ll address at the end.

And I’m not limiting myself to works coming out of the Los Angeles area. Also, maybe those movies I’ve been reporting on as still not getting a North American release may see movement. I’m not holding my breath for it, but you never know! This year, this list reflects not just what’s coming, but why it matters.

Meikyū no Shiori

Meikyū no Shiori Movie Poster Release: January 1, 2026 (Japan)

Directed by Shōji Kawamori from a screenplay by Taichi Hashimoto, this high-concept science fiction drama treats smartphones as literal gateways to alternate realities. After Shiori Maezawa breaks her phone, she finds herself trapped inside an alternate Yokohama, a world where another version of herself already exists, and is making a mess of things. It’s a quietly unsettling premise that bends identity, technology, and isolation into something intimate and strange.

Charlie the Wonderdog

Charlie the Wonderdog Movie Poster Release: January 16, 2026

When a boy’s best friend, who happens to be a cat, is abducted by aliens and returned profoundly altered, chaos follows. Charlie, the family dog, is suddenly forced into hero mode as the world tilts sideways around him. It’s goofy, loud, and oddly sincere, balancing superhero parody with the simple question of what loyalty actually looks like when everything changes. This is a movie that looks heavily inspired by Pixar, and yes, there are tacos.

Les Légendaires – Le Film

Les Légendaires – Le Film Movie Poster Release: January 28, 2026 (France)

Based on the popular French comic series, this fantasy adventure reunites the heroes of Alysia, once legendary warriors now trapped in the bodies of ten-year-olds after a magical catastrophe. When the sorcerer Darkhell threatens the world again through the mystical Gaméra tree, the group must come together, reputations in tatters, childhood awkwardness and all, to fix what they broke. As a beloved franchise that leans hard into classic European fantasy beats, what’s to lose?

Goat

Goat Movie Poster Release: February 13, 2026

Sony Pictures Animation delivers an all-animal sports comedy set in the brutal world of roarball, a full-contact league dominated by the biggest and fastest creatures around. Will, a small goat with oversized ambition, earns a spot on a pro team and promptly disrupts everything. It’s a familiar underdog story, but the setting and kinetic animation style suggest it could be sharper than expected.

Doraemon: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil

Doraemon: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil Movie Poster Release: February 27, 2026 (Japan)

The 22nd-century robot cat returns for the franchise’s 45th feature, reimagining one of Doraemon’s most beloved underwater adventures. When Nobita and friends set up camp on the ocean floor, they stumble into a hidden civilization and awaken the ominous Devil’s Rock Castle. Nostalgia meets modern animation tech in a story that leans heavily on friendship, curiosity, and the terror of things stirring beneath the waves.

Hoppers

Hoppers film poster Release: March 6, 2026

Pixar finally swings for something truly offbeat. Scientists develop technology that allows humans to “hop” their minds into robotic animals, and a nature-loving teenager uses it to protect a threatened habitat by becoming a mechanical beaver. It’s strange, playful, and philosophical in that very Pixar way, even if comparisons to horror games will inevitably sneak into the discourse.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie poster Release: April 3, 2026

Inspired by the Galaxy games, Mario, Luigi, and company head into space to face Bowser Jr. among the stars. Bright, energetic, and unapologetically colourful, this sequel expands the Mushroom Kingdom in every direction at once. Whether or not it dodges franchise fatigue, it’s hard not to be curious about how far Nintendo is willing to let this universe stretch.

Coyote vs. Acme

Coyote vs. Acme poster Release: August 28, 2026

Rescued from limbo by Ketchup Entertainment, this long-delayed Looney Tunes project finally sees the light of day. Wile E. Coyote sues Acme Corporation over decades of catastrophic product failures, resulting in a legal comedy built on slapstick logic and deep self-awareness. It’s an oddball entry in a crowded year, and one of the few mainstream animated films willing to get genuinely satirical.

Forgotten Island

Forgotten Island temporary poster Release: September 25, 2026

DreamWorks explores Filipino folklore in a story about memory, friendship, and identity. When two youths are stranded on the mysterious island of Nakali, they discover that returning home may require sacrificing the very memories that bind them together. Early materials suggest something quieter and more emotionally driven than the studio’s usual output, with real potential to surprise.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender poster Release: October 9, 2026

Set between The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, this long-gestating animated feature finally gives Aang his own post-series story. With a new global threat looming, the now more experienced Team Avatar must step back into action. After multiple delays and shifting release plans, there’s hope this one finally lands, and lands well.

The throughline here isn’t nostalgia or spectacle alone, it’s ambition. As for where Studio Laika’s Wildwood is, that’s because there’s no official distributor yet. Analysts are saying it will have to release soon. And when studios are clearly willing to experiment again, for this fan, all I can say is that it’s about bloody time!