Voice Actress Akari Kito Cast as Original Character for the Game, Sagan Shinomiya!
LOS ANGELES, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on Naoya Matsumoto's hit manga series, Kaiju No. 8, currently serialized on Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ and with over 18 million copies printed and distributed in Japan (including digital editions) across 15 published volumes, the anime Kaiju No. 8 has garnered immense popularity not only in Japan but also overseas, particularly in North America. Building on this global success, Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME, a new title for smartphones and PC, is being developed by the powerhouse team of Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G.
• Original Story Details Finally Unveiled!
Today, during the Kaiju No. 8: Defense Force Boot Camp in Yokohama event, brand-new information regarding the original story of Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME was officially announced.
Mysterious gates known as the Kaiju Dimensional Gates have suddenly appeared due to the actions of a certain Kaiju. In this new Kaiju No. 8 world, where Kaiju with unknown powers appear not only in Japan but across the globe, Identified Kaiju that were once thought to be defeated now confront the Defense Force by passing through these Kaiju Dimensional Gates.
On top of that, unknown Kaiju possessing special abilities—and seemingly responsible for the creation of these Kaiju Dimensional Gates—continue to cross over the boundary between dimensions to launch their attacks. Their appearance has led to a series of battles against colossal Kaiju.
• Special Dimensional Gate Response Unit "CLOZER" and Original Character "Sagan Shinomiya" Revealed!
In addition, the Closing Order with Zero Restrictions (CLOZER), a newly formed special unit established to investigate the mysteries surrounding the Kaiju Dimensional Gates, has been officially unveiled, along with original character Sagan Shinomiya.
Sagan Shinomiya, the leader of CLOZER, is the adoptive older sister (not related by blood) of Kikoru Shinomiya. This original game character moved to the United States and enlisted in the American Defense Force after being adopted into the Shinomiya family. Although details about Sagan Shinomiya's weaponry and the battles she will face remain under wraps, players can look forward to her key role in the action-packed story ahead.
• Akari Kito Cast as Sagan Shinomiya! Greetings Video Also Released
Finally, it has been officially announced that Japanese voice actress Akari Kito will be voicing the newly revealed original character Sagan Shinomiya!
A special greetings video from Akari Kito has also been released in which she shared her thoughts on joining the project: "I'll be joining as an original character for the game. I'm thrilled about it! I think Sagan has this tough look to her and just comes across as so cool. I think she's pretty serious, but she's also a great and honest person. I've been so excited to play this character and record her lines."
• Watch Akari Kito's Voice Actor Greetings Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGzkqDvAcMI
• About KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME
- Title: KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME
- Planning & Production: Akatsuki Games Inc., TOHO CO., LTD., Production I.G, Inc.
- Development & Operation: Akatsuki Games Inc.
- Publicity Cooperation: TOHO CO., LTD., Production I.G, Inc.
- Distribution: Akatsuki Games Inc.
- Available Platforms: App Store,Google Play, Steam
- Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French
- Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)
- Copyright Notice:
© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
© Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G
• About Anime Kaiju No. 8
Based on the popular manga series by Naoya Matsumoto, currently serialized on Shonen Jump+ (Shueisha) since 2020, the anime Kaiju No. 8 portrays intense battles between the Japan Defense Force, tasked with eliminating Kaiju, the monstrous creatures that routinely threaten human lives. The original manga has surpassed 18 million copies in circulation (including digital editions), and the series has accumulated over 700 million views on Shonen Jump+ as of April 2025.
The anime aired from April to June 2024 and quickly gained massive popularity, reaching No. 1 on domestic daily rankings across major streaming platforms in Japan. A theatrical compilation of Season 1, along with the side story "Hoshina's Day Off," was released on March 28, 2025. The anime's Season 2 is officially scheduled to air in July 2025.
• Company Overview: Akatsuki Games Inc.
It is our mission to connect the emotions of people around the world by putting our beliefs and "why" into games. We challenge ourselves to create global hits as a world-class game company with the highest standards of development and operation in Japan.
In addition to the experience of operating games such as Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle (published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.) and Romancing SaGa Re; Universe (published by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.), we are taking on the challenges of using high-end 3D graphics display and development on multiple devices. We will deliver the highest quality games for everyone around the world to enjoy.
- Official Website: https://games.aktsk.jp/en/
- Founded: December 2021
- Representative: CEO Yuki Totsuka
- Headquarters: 8F oak meguro, 2-13-30 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Business Activities: Game Development & Operations
Please be sure to include the following copyright notice when publishing articles or images related to this release:
© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
© Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G
Additional Assets: HERE
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2700613/Akatsuki_Games_Inc.jpg?p=medium600
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Crush Colossal Kaiju with a Game-Changing Blow: KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME Unveils Details for Original Story!
- The iconic Yas Marina Circuit included in Gran Turismo 7, for PlayStation 4 and 5, offering global players the chance to explore and race the emirate's flagship track
- Announcement made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals in Fukuoka, Japan
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, scheduled for 28th of March 2026 at the Space42 Arena. The landmark event will bring together the world's top Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship, engaging fans in the emirate and highlighting Abu Dhabi's esports capabilities to millions worldwide.
The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan, where H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), took the stage to share the news.
The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event is organised by Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, the developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series, and Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi that coordinates efforts to transform the emirate into a global gaming hub.
H.E. Al Fazari said: "Hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination where possibilities are limitless. It marks a significant milestone for our esports and motorsport sectors, bringing elite global competition to the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi's proven capability to deliver world-leading esports and motorsport experiences. Abu Dhabi continues to offer a secure, future-ready environment for businesses, investors and talent, supporting our vision to become a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming and motorsport."
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition to determine the world's best Gran Turismo player, comprising online qualifiers open to all players and live World Series events in which top racers travel to iconic destinations worldwide to compete.
Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer., said: "We are thrilled to see Abu Dhabi host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener in March 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East. This is a historic milestone for our championship and a testament to the region's growing presence in global motorsport and esports. Additionally, we are delighted that Yas Marina Circuit, one of the world's most distinctive motorsport venues, is now available in Gran Turismo 7. Our aim has always been to connect players with the thrill and heritage of racing, and Yas Marina offers a unique experience that will resonate with motorsport fans and the gaming community worldwide."
The Yas Marina Circuit's inclusion in Gran Turismo 7 further extends Abu Dhabi's motorsport legacy into the digital arena, creating new opportunities for global audiences to connect with the emirate's culture of competitive excellence.
"This announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans in this region and the world, and positions Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the global sim racing conversation, reflecting our role as a connector of world-class partners and opportunities," said Marcos Muller‑Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming. "As we continue to drive the emirate's vision to become a premier global destination and a leading hub for the gaming and esports industries, events like the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 become catalysts for growth and a key milestone in our journey to build an ecosystem that empowers talent, attracts partnerships and accelerates business development."
Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is regarded as one of the most visually and dynamically accurate driving simulators available, recently surpassing 100 million sales of the series.
For more information about Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opener in Abu Dhabi and tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815.
For more information about Abu Dhabi Gaming, follow Abu Dhabi Gaming on Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, scheduled for 28th of March 2026 at the Space42 Arena. The landmark event will bring together the world's top Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship, engaging fans in the emirate and highlighting Abu Dhabi's esports capabilities to millions worldwide.
The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan, where H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), took the stage to share the news.
The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event is organised by Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, the developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series, and Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi that coordinates efforts to transform the emirate into a global gaming hub.
H.E. Al Fazari said: "Hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination where possibilities are limitless. It marks a significant milestone for our esports and motorsport sectors, bringing elite global competition to the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi's proven capability to deliver world-leading esports and motorsport experiences. Abu Dhabi continues to offer a secure, future-ready environment for businesses, investors and talent, supporting our vision to become a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming and motorsport."
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition to determine the world's best Gran Turismo player, comprising online qualifiers open to all players and live World Series events in which top racers travel to iconic destinations worldwide to compete.
Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer., said: "We are thrilled to see Abu Dhabi host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener in March 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East. This is a historic milestone for our championship and a testament to the region's growing presence in global motorsport and esports. Additionally, we are delighted that Yas Marina Circuit, one of the world's most distinctive motorsport venues, is now available in Gran Turismo 7. Our aim has always been to connect players with the thrill and heritage of racing, and Yas Marina offers a unique experience that will resonate with motorsport fans and the gaming community worldwide."
The Yas Marina Circuit's inclusion in Gran Turismo 7 further extends Abu Dhabi's motorsport legacy into the digital arena, creating new opportunities for global audiences to connect with the emirate's culture of competitive excellence.
"This announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans in this region and the world, and positions Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the global sim racing conversation, reflecting our role as a connector of world-class partners and opportunities," said Marcos Muller‑Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming. "As we continue to drive the emirate's vision to become a premier global destination and a leading hub for the gaming and esports industries, events like the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 become catalysts for growth and a key milestone in our journey to build an ecosystem that empowers talent, attracts partnerships and accelerates business development."
Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is regarded as one of the most visually and dynamically accurate driving simulators available, recently surpassing 100 million sales of the series.
For more information about Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opener in Abu Dhabi and tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815.
For more information about Abu Dhabi Gaming, follow Abu Dhabi Gaming on Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Abu Dhabi to Host 2026 Gran Turismo World Series Opener for the First Time in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi to Host 2026 Gran Turismo World Series Opener for the First Time in the Middle East
