iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 03/10/2026

Each month Patrick from Make Believe Melodies rounds up a selection of the month's best new albums & EPs for us to share with our readers. This month features the first full-length from Sayonara Ponytail, a new release from Spangle Call Lilli Line, kiki vivi lily's latest EP, and more!

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 03/10/2026

New Jump/Manga Plus manga Slap Shot Girls delivers a fresh spin on sports stories. Following a heartbroken teen who gets displaced to Hokkaido and stumbles into ice hockey, Alpa’s series cleverly blends athletic action with romantic comedy.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 03/10/2026

Takeo Paper has spent over a century elevating Japanese paper through innovative craft and design. Celebrating its rich history of collaboration with top creators, the 50th Takeo Paper Show opens at Kanda Square Hall this October.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 02/10/2026

In time for Bandcamp Friday we've curated a list of albums that deserve your listen! Check out releases from Flying Daimyo, smany¥, Stones Taro, House Of Tapes, Kimi Shin Ryaku ♡ Kiyuuketsu Shoujo, Hayato Murakami, and tomc!

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 02/10/2026

tofubeats will hold his biggest solo concert on November 29 at Tokyo's Kanadevia Hall. The special multi-part show features dynamic BEAMTWISTER performance alongside a jam-packed live set with guest artists like STUTS and Satoko Shibata.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 02/10/2026

To celebrate 80 years, Magazine House dropped special English editions of iconic lifestyle magazines Popeye and Brutus. Popeye shines as a vibrant visual guide to Tokyo fashion, while Brutus provides structured, narrative recommendations from local creatives.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 02/10/2026

Family Mart's iconic Famichiki is celebrating its 20th anniversary with new special flavors. Kicking off with smoky barbecue, this limited release delivers a savory taste reminiscent of a great barbecue chip with chicken inside.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 02/10/2026

While the Sega Saturn struggled against PlayStation in the West, it became a haven for anime fans in Japan. Its library featured exclusive, canon-expanding visual novels and JRPGs for fan-favorite series like Evangelion and Utena.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 01/10/2026

Continuous anime broadcasts are fading away as the industry pivots to shorter seasonal releases. By eliminating “filler” episodes and trimming story padding, modern studios rely on split-cour formats that fit today's viewing habits.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 01/10/2026

Rokudenashi Blues created the modern delinquent template through iconic character fashion and expressively detailed artwork. The series elevated the entire subgenre by pairing authentic high school comedy with dramatic, long-form storytelling.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 01/10/2026

Nakano-based fashion brand THUNDERBOX is releasing a new high-quality, made-to-order stadium jacket designed in collaboration with iconic Japanese resale store chain HARD-OFF. The slick new piece is adorned with the store's famous blue “junk” boxes and declares REUSE GOES HARD.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 01/10/2026

The situation surrounding Shihei Lin and Jump Plus has only grown more muddled as contracts are broken and remade. Has the superstar editor finally pushed his luck too far?

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 30/09/2026

Sonic the Hedgehog is taking over Ikebukuro's PARCO FACTORY from October 9 to November 1 for a 35th anniversary exhibition. Visitors are invited to look through game development archives and check out original tribute pieces created by 16 featured artists.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 28/09/2026

Monday means new music! This week we chose a selection of tracks across a broad range of genres including must hear new songs from Bitek Matsuki, Ikizulive!, Kid Fresino, PSYQUI, RAY, and Tive!

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 28/09/2026

In Godzilla Minus Zero, Takashi Yamazaki escalates the kaiju threat with both Godzilla and Ghidorah taking center stage. The story navigates the terror of recurring disaster by emphasizing bigger action setpieces and scale.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 28/09/2026

Despera has been a white whale for anime fans for many years, but could there now be light at the end of the tunnel? A manga version, described as "episode zero", begins serialization as soon as next year.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 26/09/2026

Lawson's viral single-ingredient bento line sparked internet doomposting, but the actual food tells a different story. Pairing simplicity with quality white rice turns a gimmicky promotional stunt into a genuinely filling option.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 25/09/2026

Glitch Witch sees Masamune Shirow expanding his Ghost in the Shell universe with Naoki Azuma taking over on art. Taking place during the original timeline, the new spin-off replaces dense, chaotic layouts with a clean, modern visual approach to mixed effect.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 25/09/2026

Ryu Fujisaki's classic manga Hoshin Engi is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an expansive art exhibition next spring and a sequential digital release of the series on multiple manga reading apps in Japan starting tomorrow.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 25/09/2026

Located in Koganei Park, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum preserves historic structures spanning three zones. Its retro streetscapes and scenery straight from a ghibli film make it a must-visit destination in West Tokyo.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 24/09/2026

Steppers' Stop released the unique and engaging non-field RPG Snow Road in 2005. The brutally simple PC title turns combat into pure resource management as players navigate a cold journey, managing stats and random encounters to survive each stage.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 24/09/2026

Starbucks Japan is launching a Pokémon collaboration on September 30, 2026. The lineup features the new Pikachu Honey Cream Latte created by a championship barista, along with exclusive collectible tumblers and seasonal merchandise.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 23/09/2026

Urusei Yatsura remains a landmark achievement, but modern reading habits pose a new challenge. Designed as self-contained magazine installments, Takahashi's episodic formula shows that some series work best in small doses rather than non-stop binge sessions.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 22/09/2026

From casual streams to a sold-out arena, Shigure Ui achieved unprecedented indie success. However, the dark comedy that fueled her viral rise now draws scrutiny, forcing her to navigate a tricky path to wider appeal.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 21/09/2026

It may be a holiday week here in Japan, but we're still coming through with the new tunes! This week we picked must hear new tracks from aus, It's US!!!!, Kaede, Luby Sparks, MANON, and ShowyRENZO!

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 18/09/2026

The new series Ange the Good Agent uses dark humor to explore foreign political infiltration. By disarming severe espionage threats through popular culture and gourmet meals, veteran creator Yoshiie Gouda delivers a premise that rides a very fine line.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 18/09/2026

A collaboration between the children's fashion brand mezzo piano and independent virtual YouTuber Shigure Ui has been cancelled following widespread online criticism.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 18/09/2026

Seven-Eleven Japan's Kebab Chicken Sandwich elevates the convenience store sandwich game. This grab-and-go option delivers authentic kebab flavor with a zesty sauce, proving that store shelves still have plenty of room for innovation.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 17/09/2026

You, Fireworks and Our Promise attempts to connect World War II memory with modern teen romance through the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. Unfortunately, thin character development and unearned emotional beats leave its rich themes unfulfilled.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 16/09/2026

Stereotype is celebrating 30 years of defining anime and gaming visual design with a free exhibition at Kaikai Kiki Gallery from October 2 to October 24. The showcase features iconic series assets alongside rare archival work by founder Daisuke Yamada.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 16/09/2026

beatmania IIDX 34 ZINRAI launches in arcades today with its sleek Digital Miyabi aesthetic. In addition to an updated songlist, players can access new BPM tools, track real-time clear stats, and utilize chart retry tickets on LIGHTNING MODEL cabinets.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 16/09/2026

Ever wondered why some series succeed and others fail on Jump Plus? Some of the platform's biggest creators recently offered insights into why.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 16/09/2026

Till We Meet Again on The Starry Hill doubles-down on the nationalist undertones of its predecessor while delivering a weak romance. Between unconvincing characters and wishy-washy messaging, the sequel fails to justify its existence.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 15/09/2026

Riichi Ueshiba frames romance like a mecha anime in Mysterious Girlfriend X. Despite narrative dead ends and surreal drool rituals, the series crafts a dreamlike reflection on first love that lingers long after the final chapter.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 15/09/2026

Mercari is banning sales of Pokémon Card Game 30th CELEBRATION packs and sets starting September 16. The marketplace will remove unauthorized listings and restrict repeat offenders to curb scalping and ensure safe trading for collectors.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 15/09/2026

ANNA SUI is releasing an official Madoka Magica collection featuring jewelry, leather bags, and daily accessories. Pre-orders kick off online via Marui Web Channel on September 19, with physical samples touring select OIOI stores.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 15/09/2026

Illustrator Shunpei Kamiya is hosting his debut solo exhibition at L'illustre Galerie Le Monde in Harajuku from October 6 to October 11. The show features a year's worth of artwork reflecting on modern society and the current state of the world.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 15/09/2026

Waymo, GO, and Nihon Kotsu are teaming up to bring Japan's first driverless taxis to Tokyo by 2027. The initial 100-car fleet aims to address local driver shortages while improving overall road safety across the capital.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 15/09/2026

Not one, not two, but three new series are on the way from Uoto! The Orb creator will also get his first exhibition in December to celebrate ten years since his debut.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 14/09/2026

Time again for new tunes to start your week off right! This week's selection covers a range of styles, with must-listen new songs from fedress, Fuki Kitamura, jjean, LAUSBUB, Natsu Summer, and Yuta Orisaka!

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 14/09/2026

More details about Game Freak's newly announced mobile game Ame Nochi Hare Onna have been revealed. Core features include gameplay centered on real-time weather in Japan, and laundry mechanics that tie in to maintaining your character's gear following battles.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 14/09/2026

The CEO of Level 5, has defended the use of generative AI in a recent presentation, claiming that the technology has helped to cut development time in half.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 14/09/2026

Game Freak just came out of nowhere and surprise announced a new mobile game, Ame Nochi Hare Onna, complete with a nearly 2 minute PV. The title is being developed by Chronogate, and more information is slated to be revealed during a livestream later tonight.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 12/09/2026

Natsuki Hokami returns to Weekly Shonen Jump with Graykeith: Translator Daemonica. The series blends modern supernatural tropes with language scholarship, though its action-heavy premiere feels like a self-contained one-shot.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 11/09/2026

ARIH introduced its BTS-inspired wellness snacks and drinks to Japan, complete with some eye-roll inducing marketing. The core of the offering is a selection of probiotic and postbiotic drinks with various flavors that don't always stick the landing.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 11/09/2026

Cult-classic 90s sci-fi manga EAT-MAN is returning with a brand-new TV anime titled EAT-MAN The Over Order. Masashi Ebara reprises his role as legendary explorer Bolt Crank along side a teaser video and visual.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 11/09/2026

Speedy Cerviche is back in action. A new video for the upcoming Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past! game from Blast Zero teases a long-awaited battle against Bad Bird and reveals a hands-on demo to be playable at Tokyo Game Show 2026.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 11/09/2026

Japan's tourism board is teaming up with martial arts manga Baki to teach tourists smart travel habits. The new guide uses iconic characters to cover hot spring etiquette, luggage services, transit rules, and regional sightseeing.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 11/09/2026

Tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript office building in Tama New Town, the KDDI Museum is a hidden spot housing over 500 Japanese flip-phones. It offers a rare look at the wild design history of Gara-Kei technology.

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scrmbl @scrmbl.com · 10/09/2026

Magical Mirai 2026 demonstrates how Hatsune Miku evolved from music software into a global movement. More than just a concert, the event serves as a community hub celebrating the dedicated fans who shaped Vocaloid culture.

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