‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Teams With Tokyo Live-Action Role-Playing Game Attraction – Global Bulletin

‘FRIEREN’ FRENZY

Sony Music Solutions has unveiled a collaboration between hit anime series “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” and “Dungeon ∞ Spiral,” the live-action role-playing game (RPG) attraction at Tokyo’s Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. Running July 18 through Sept. 23, the partnership allows players to select one of four series characters — Frieren, Fern, Stark, or Himmel — as “Buddy Characters” featuring over 140 new Japanese voice lines with English subtitles.

The physical game experience, which opened in March, challenges teams of 2-3 players to defeat monsters through rope-pulling, ball-kicking, and rhythm-based movement in an immersive dungeon setting. Unlike traditional video game RPGs played on screens, this attraction requires players to physically move their bodies to control their avatars, blending strategic gameplay with real-world physical activity and teamwork.

Players receive limited-edition “Buddy Crystal” acrylic blocks as proof of their character bonds, with premium sets including “Memory Crystal” keychains available to buy. The collaboration extends throughout the tower, with themed food and crane games launching Aug. 1.

The manga series has sold over 22 million copies, with Season 2 of the anime currently in production following the successful first season that aired September 2023 to March 2024.

ANIME ARRIVAL

India’s inaugural large-scale anime convention, Anime India, will run Aug. 22-24 at Mumbai’s NESCO Bombay Exhibition Centre, targeting the country’s 100 million Japanese anime enthusiasts. The event marks animation director Tetsuro Araki‘s first visit to India, with the “Attack on Titan” and “Death Note” helmer serving as keynote guest.

Also attending will be Hideo Katsumata, president of Avex Pictures, the company behind “Black Clover” and Crunchyroll Anime Awards winner “Look Back,” plus Pokémon Company corporate officer Susume Fukunaga at the concurrent Animation & More Summit.

The convention features exclusive panels and Q&A sessions with Araki, meet-and-greets with Japanese voice actor Tsunko, cosplay competitions, and an anime concert on Aug. 24. An expansive merchandising zone will offer official licensed merchandise from “Demon Slayer,” “Spy x Family,” “Tokyo Revengers,” and “Naruto.” Additional attractions include India’s first maid cafe experience, an anime film festival, and over 24 independent artists in the Artists Alley section.

‘MILLIONAIRE’ MOMENTUM

Stellify Media, the Sony Pictures Television joint venture, has secured an ITV commission across its “Millionaire” franchise. The Belfast-based indie will produce 18 30-minute episodes of “Millionaire Hot Seat,” the U.K. debut of the fast-paced Australian format, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, plus 19 60-minute episodes of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,” including seven celebrity specials.

“Hot Seat” features six contestants competing around a titular chair, with only the seated player answering questions on the Million Pound Money Ladder. Players face tactical decisions under time pressure, with incorrect answers eliminating contestants and reducing the top prize.

Filming begins November for a 2026 launch.

FACULTY FRONTRUNNERS

The Chanel X BIFF Asian Film Academy has appointed acclaimed Korean director Kim Jeewoon as dean for 2025, with Laotian filmmaker Mattie Do serving as directing mentor and cinematographer Park Junghun as cinematography mentor. Kim, known for “I Saw the Devil” and “A Tale of Two Sisters,” brings international festival experience including Cannes screenings.

The academy received a record 625 applications from 40 countries, marking the highest diversity since its 2005 inception. Alumni continue making global impacts, with 2010 editing graduate Nitin Baid‘s “Homebound” selected for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and multiple graduates featured at Berlinale.

The intensive 20-day program runs Sept. 7-26, culminating in eight short films premiering at the 30th Busan International Film Festival. Do (“The Long Walk”) notably became Laos’s first female feature filmmaker, while Park’s “The Villainess” played at Cannes.