Crunchyroll
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Crunchyroll.
This surprise shadowdropped anime gets the first-ever perfect rating on CrunchyrollThe anime series Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You has achieved the first-ever perfect five-star rating on Crunchyroll. The series, produced by Asahi Production, dropped its initial six episodes on June 3rd and revolves around the interactions between a worker named Sasaki and a supermarket employee. The manga, written by Jinushi, has been ongoing since 2022.
Cozy Life Sim Vivarium Hides A Mystery Beneath Its Beautiful WorldVivarium, a hand-drawn life simulation game from Studio Meadowflower and Serenity Forge, was revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026. Set to launch on Xbox and PC in 2027, the game features beautiful anime-inspired visuals and a narrative mystery beneath its cozy exterior. Players will engage in typical life-sim activities like gardening and decorating, but choices will impact the evolving story and town residents.
XBOX Games Showcase 2026 Recap: The Return of Exclusives, World Premieres, and Anniversary HardwareThe XBOX Games Showcase 2026 highlighted numerous upcoming titles, including Gears of War: E-Day, Clockwork Revolution, and Senua, with many confirmed as XBOX console exclusives. The event also celebrated XBOX's 25th anniversary with the announcement of limited edition hardware and revealed new trailers and gameplay for games like Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Persona 6.
5 of the best soccer anime shows to help kick off the World Cup in styleThis article lists five of the best soccer anime shows to watch, including Captain Tsubasa, Blue Lock, Giant Killing, Inazuma Eleven, and Aoashi. These series cover various aspects of the sport, from inspirational journeys to intense rivalries and even supernatural abilities, catering to fans looking for football-themed animation.
Crunchyroll unveils special mini-episodes of 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' — MP3s & NPCsCrunchyroll has released 12 ten-minute mini-episodes of the forthcoming anime series 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You'. These episodes cover the first six installments of the show chronologically. The anime is based on Jinushi's manga of the same name, with an official July release date to be announced soon.
Crunchyroll Anime Nights SNEAK PEEK lineup announced — MP3s & NPCsCrunchyroll announced the lineup for its upcoming theatrical event, Crunchyroll Anime Nights SNEAK PEEK, featuring select episodes of Skeleton Knight In Another World - Season 2, Clevatess - Season 2, and the new title Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games. These screenings will take place in movie theaters across North America on Monday, June 15. Tickets are currently on sale to the public.
Crunchyroll announces anime retail pop-up in Los Angeles — MP3s & NPCsCrunchyroll is launching a retail pop-up experience called The Loop at Westfield Topanga Mall in Los Angeles, featuring exclusive merchandise and immersive activations for anime series like Solo Leveling. The event will offer free general admission, with Crunchyroll subscribers receiving early access and a special pin pack available for purchase that also acts as a skip-the-line pass.
Inside Crunchyroll's 10th Anime Awards – and why it's only the beginningCrunchyroll's 10th Anime Awards celebrated the growing mainstream popularity of anime, with over 70 million votes cast. Despite criticisms about its focus and location, the event highlighted creators and fostered community. The awards have evolved significantly since their humble beginnings, mirroring anime's own global expansion and appeal across diverse demographics.
Solo Leveling season 3 is "actively" being worked on, Crunchyroll president says, and its creators will…Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini confirmed that "Solo Leveling" season 3 is actively being worked on, though no official announcement has been made. The hit anime, based on a South Korean web novel, is currently Crunchyroll's most-streamed show of all time and won multiple awards at the 2025 Anime Awards. Fans anticipate a potential reveal at Anime Expo 2026.
Crunchyroll boss says it's "not that difficult" to avoid using AI in animeCrunchyroll president Rahul Purini stated that it is not difficult for the company to avoid using artificial intelligence in its creative processes, emphasizing creator authenticity. While Crunchyroll is not using AI for subtitling or dubbing, Purini indicated that AI could be employed for enhancing user recommendations and personalization on the platform. The article also touches upon past controversies involving AI in anime, such as Amazon's AI dub for Banana Fish and Wit Studio's use of AI in Ascendance of a Bookworm.
Frieren and Fern Dress as Witches in Halloween FiguresSega announced two new Frieren figures featuring the characters Frieren and Fern dressed as Halloween witches, set for release worldwide in Fall 2026. These figures will be part of Sega's Luminasta line and will be available separately. This follows previous seasonal merchandise releases for the popular anime series.
BLUE PROTOCOL: STAR RESONANCE SEASON 3 LAUNCHES WITH FAIRY TAIL COLLABORATIONBlue Protocol: Star Resonance has launched its third season, featuring a limited-time collaboration with the anime series Fairy Tail. The update also introduces a new Twin Striker class, new maps and dungeons, and a Musician System for social gameplay. The Fairy Tail collaboration runs from May 28 to June 30.
Winners of the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime AwardsThe 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards ceremony, held in Tokyo, celebrated the best of the anime industry. My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON won Anime of the Year, while Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle secured multiple awards, including Film of the Year. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 also received four accolades, including Best Drama and Best Director.
30 years on, anime voice actor Sally Amaki praises the enduring legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion theme A Cruel…Anime voice actor Sally Amaki praised the enduring legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion's theme song, 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis,' and its singer Yoko Takahashi. Amaki believes Takahashi and other '90s anime legends paved the way for the genre's current popularity in Japan and overseas. The discussion took place around the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Afro Samurai maestro and hip-hop legend RZA thinks anime is the antidote to "formulaic" and "cookie cutter" HollywoodHip-hop artist RZA believes anime offers a refreshing alternative to what he describes as formulaic and "cookie cutter" Hollywood productions. He contrasts the creative passion found in Japanese anime studios with the business-focused environment of Western entertainment, highlighting anime's ability to stimulate the mind.
Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 winners announced — MP3s & NPCsThe winners of the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards have been announced, with My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON taking home Anime of the Year. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle received the most awards with seven, including Film of the Year. Other notable wins include The Apothecary Diaries for Best Drama and Best Main Character.
All the Winners of the 10th Crunchyroll Anime AwardsThe 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards were held in Tokyo, celebrating the best in anime with over 30 categories and more than 73 million votes cast globally. My Hero Academia Final Season took home Anime of the Year, while Demon Slayer Infinity Castle won Film of the Year. The event featured performances by notable artists and recognized industry veterans, including a special posthumous award for director Tatsuya Nagamine.
Anime Awards 2026 winners: Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia reign supremeCrunchyroll's 2026 Anime Awards celebrated the best in anime, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba taking home Film of the Year and My Hero Academia winning Anime of the Year. The event also recognized winners across various genres and voice performance categories, highlighting popular series like The Apothecary Diaries and Dan Da Dan.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 WinnersThe Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 ceremony, held in Tokyo, celebrated the best in anime with over 73 million votes cast. My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON took home the coveted Anime of the Year award, among its three wins. The event also featured performances and tributes, including a 30th-anniversary celebration of Neon Genesis Evangelion's theme song.
Crunchyroll's CEO admits the competition from Netflix and Amazon is "aggressive" but remains "confident" in attracting anime viewers: "This is not just one genre for us, this is the entire thing"Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini acknowledges aggressive competition from Netflix and Amazon but remains confident in the platform's ability to attract anime viewers. He highlights Crunchyroll's extensive library, 30-year history in the anime space, and sole focus on anime as key differentiators against competitors.