Konshuu Volume 63, Issue 2

KONSHUU

Cal Animage Alpha Mascots Art By Jamie Kim

vol. 63 #2

Special Summer Issue

Cal & Annie May

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

BRINGING JAPANS BIGGEST HOBBY SHOP BACK TO ANIME EXPO Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

One more figure couldnt hurt

Anime Expo 2026 has arrived with record-breaking attendance, and with some of the biggest names in anime and gaming coming together at this event, there were a few booths that I saw as consistently packed as the Ami Ami booth. Located in the convention’s South exhibit hall, this famous Japanese retailer made their 5th appearance at Anime Expo with a huge booth filled with figures, plushies, some exclusive merchandise for those attending the convention I had the opportunity to speak with a representative of Ami Ami about the ever growing international audience they have gathered and just what makes Ami Ami’s presence at the convention so special. Ami Ami is one of the most trusted places collectors and casual consumers visit in order to purchase their anime goods. Based in Japan, Ami Ami sells officially licensed figures, plushies, model kits, and hobby goods that come directly from Japan to customers all over the globe! “authentic Japanese merchandise straight from Japan…We only sell authentic items. No bootleg, and more cheaper, and more safety.” explained the Ami Ami representative This commitment to only sell authentic merchandise has helped build a huge, loyal global customer base. As with the rise of popularity, we have seen with anime, also comes the rise of counterfeit merchandise across online and physical markets. People are searching for trusted retailers, especially when looking to purchase those expensive scale figures or limited collectibles. AmiAmi makes international shopping more accessible by allowing customers to convert the original prices that are in yen to their local currency on its website.

The booth itself had an impressive lineup of merchandise for sale from popular franchises like Attack on Titan, Blue Archive, Chaos Zero Nightmare, Hyperdimension Neptunia, and Elf Village. They also featured items from KOEI TECMO franchises like Atelier, Dead or Alive, Nioh, and NINJA GAIDEN. While attendees were looking at newly released figures, the new Gift Plush FumoFumo series was also grabbing their attention By the time I had spoken to the representative, several of the display shelves were noticeably bare “I think it’s a good sign when shelves are empty,” I exclaimed while looking over the booth, which the representative agreed with The sold-out products reflect the overwhelming support from the convention, but apart from just shopping, AmiAmi

Limited AmiAmi shopping bag had another reason for attendees to stop by. As an official sponsor of Hololive English 4th Concert -Serendipity-, the Company featured lots of official merchandise and a huge Hololive wishing wall, which was a wall where attendees could write or draw anything for their favorite talents to be able to see. The wall was quickly filling up, and it was easily one of the booth’s most eye-catching displays Attendees also had an opportunity to get some conventionexclusive goodies! Every purchase came with a limited edition AmiAmi shopping bag that featured Doro alongside a new illustration of AmiAmi’s mascot, Amico, and Lilco, by artist Reia, and a thank you card was also included. If you stopped by the booth attendees could also grab an Attack on Titan fan and some AmiAmi stickers as freebies available only during Anime Expo 2026 Amico herself was in the spotlight at this year’s booth. Ami Ami’s original mascot has only become more and more popular, especially with all the collaborations with popular illustrators, and life-size displays welcoming fans into the Booth. The mascot has garnered many fans, which shows how AmiAmi has developed an identity beyond just a store.

Although AmiAmi only has physical stores in Japan, its most popular location is in Tokyo’s Akihabara, with the representative noting that many customers travel to Japan to visit the AmiAmi store. Events like Anime Expo give fans the incredible opportunity to shop from their fav retailers in person With such big crowds, sold-out merchandise, and interactive activities, I think AmiAmi has proven once more just why it has become a must-visit for anyone attending Anime Expo. the booth has something for every anime fan. If you want to watch the complete interview along with a full booth tour, check out the AnimeArchive YouTube channel! The representative had some final words to share with you today “We love all of American fans. So we hope American fans loves AmiAmi”

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

MIRESEI BRINGS AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE TO ANIME EXPO Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

I play it for the plot I swear!

MIRESI Industry Panel

South Korean publisher SmileGate is jumping onto the scene at Anime Expo 2026 with MIRESEI: Invisible Futures’ North American debut. This brand new anime-inspired RPG mixes fantasy, mystery, and character-driven storytelling together, while many of the exhibitors at the convention focused on just playable demos, Smilegate decided to turn their booth into an immersive experience meant to pull attendees directly into the world of MIRESI Located in the Anime Expo’s west exhibit hall, the MIRESI booth offered attendees a first-ever playable demo of the game in North America. Players were allowed to experience about 20 minutes of gameplay The gameplay consisted of story sequences, combat, a town to explore, and many characters to interact with, including being able to take one of the main heroines on a date. When it came to what experiences SMILEGATE had to offer, attendees could begin with the stamp rally that encouraged people to visit everything MIRESI had to offer at the convention. The stamp rally earned attendees exclusive convention rewards like badges, bags, photocards, and even a

Interactive tower MIRESEI booth

MIRESI happi coat What stood out the most at the booth was definitely the giant four-sided LED tower that showed visuals of the game’s characters to the attendees and even allowed them to interact with the characters inside the tower for an immersive experience.

Access to this was given to those who had completed the game’s demo; the booth also had a 360-degree photo booth for attendees to take pictures in Attendees who wanted to stay a bit more active could also take part in the MIRESI Challenge, where challengers would be tasked with mimicking character movements shown on a Giant LED display, and they could earn chibi hairpins by doing so, a similar attraction was the keep walking challenge, which would have challengers walking on a treadmill trying to keep in sync with the game’s characters its safe to say this was one of the most immersive interactive and generous booths at anime expo this year.

The fun didn’t stop there; the booth hosted a full live schedule programming throughout all of Anime Expo. Daily activities included events like cosplay photo sessions, live illustrations, autograph sessions, and appearances from MIRESI Art director Hyung Sup Kim, who is known by fans as Hyulla, who previously worked on things like Goddess of Victory: NIKKE. The fun even extended past the booth at a special industry panel Smilegate hosted on Saturday, July 4th. This panel included a live drawing session with Hyulla and REIQ, as well as audience interactions, behind-the-scenes discussions, and attendees received a special water reveal postcard With such an ambitious booth, hands-on gameplay, exclusive merch, and a plethora of live appearances from game developers and artists, it’s safe to say Smilegate has put MIRESI in the spotlight at Anime Expo 2026. MIRESI offered one of the convention’s most complete interactive experiences and more.

If you want to watch the complete demo gameplay, check out the AnimeArchive YouTube channel!

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

BEACH EPISODES IN ANIME Zeyang Zhu

Writer

3rd Year, Japanese Language

夏色えがおで1,2,Jump!

Picture this: A group of friends leaves their daily routine, packs swimsuits, and heads to the seaside (or a sunny pool). Splashing water, silly games, warm talks under the sun, and maybe a little fan service… That’s the essence of the beach episode—a beloved trope that’s been delivering summer vibes in anime for decades.

Beach episodes are not just for pure slice-of-life (SOL) shows.

Even darker or more serious series occasionally feature them for contrast. For example, Higurashi has a pool episode out of nowhere. Often placed around episodes 7-8, they tend to provide space for characters to get to know each other better or to ease tension, letting characters and viewers breathe before the serious stuff happens. Just notice that random battles on the beach (like in Summertime Render), or stories that happen right next to the sea (like most episodes of The Aquatope on White Sand) don’t really count as beach episodes. In this article, we’ll explore why these episodes exist, and wonder about their future in today’s shifting anime landscape.

At its core, a beach episode is an outing in which characters leave their usual setting for a seaside or poolside vacation.

Swimsuits are the mandatory uniform of the day—even though some characters might refuse to wear them. Group activities like swimming, beach volleyball, watermelon splitting, or just lying under the umbrella become the main events. In SOL anime, it feels natural during summer vacation arcs, especially in band or idol shows where members are still getting to know

each other and decide to head to the beach for “practice.” We see this in both Love Live! and K-On!, where the supposed training camp at Maki’s and Tsumugi’s villa quickly turns into a day of swimming and bonding. There are often humorous moments in SOL beach episodes that beautifully reveal character design and personality. For example, in Non Non Biyori’s beach episode, middle schooler Komari gets mistaken for a lost child at the vending machine because she can’t reach the button— leading to a hilarious search that ends with her shouting over the loudspeaker that she’s not a child. It’s one of her cutest moments in the whole series. Similarly, Yuru Yuri’s beach trip lets everyone’s personalities shine through seaside activities and interactions, even highlighting yuri tendencies in their reactions (such as between Kyoko and Ayano or Himawari and Sakurako). Beach episodes don’t need high stakes, especially in SOL. The “plot” is often just relationships, small discoveries about each other, and the main theme: enjoying the moment.

Love comedies take the same setup and crank up the tension.

The relaxed atmosphere, swimsuits, and forced proximity create perfect conditions for confessions, misunderstandings, and heart-fluttering moments. A standout recent example is Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, where the beach episode arrives very early—in episode 3. Thanks to the series’ unique “losing heroines” premise, the beach becomes a welcome moment of relaxation for Anna and Lemon after their romantic setback even before any real chance of confession. For protagonist Nukumizu, it’s a space to enjoy his youth, make friends, and build connections with the literature club. But most importantly, it serves as the perfect stage for the introduction of another losing heroine: Komari (not the one from Non Non Biyori, though they share some cute traits) bravely expresses her hidden feelings toward her senpai, the club president—only to lose out when the vice president (his childhood friend) confesses that same night. The result is an awkward, chaotic atmosphere where Nukumizu truly shines later.

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2 Whether in SOL or love comedy, beach episodes strip away daily masks and let hidden sides emerge. For creators— especially those who sometimes need a break to figure out where the story goes next—it’s a welcome breather. Fan service certainly plays a part sometimes (a good example is most Girls und Panzer OVAs), but the best beach episodes balance it with memorable moments that people still remember and quote years later.

Yet as anime evolves, classic beach episodes feel a bit rarer.

The boom of school-based stories has cooled, replaced by isekai that skip Earth summers entirely, tighter serialized storytelling, and shifting tastes that favor constant momentum over episodic breathers. Even many modern SOL have moved away from the trope. Take my favorite, Yuru Camp—despite swimsuit merch and games that scream “beach episode,” it never happens in the anime or manga. The timeline simply hasn’t reached full summer yet (the whole story so far spans only about half a year, from early winter to May). The same mangaka’s anime Mono also skips it, even though it’s set in summer; the characters live in landlocked Yamanashi Prefecture with no easy beach access. Instead, both works use rich storytelling and focus on other details to develop relationships. This can be celebrated as creative growth—we don’t need beach episodes to capture summer vibes—but sometimes it makes me wonder if something warm and nostalgic is missing.

To me, the beach episode is more than a symbol of nostalgia for summer escape. It’s a reminder of why I love anime: sometimes the best stories happen when nothing serious is on the line—just waves, laughter, and the simple joy of being together. As someone born and raised right next to the sea, these episodes revive my childhood memories and that longing for carefree summer passion. No matter the season or where I am, watching them makes me want to go outside, express a different side of myself, and create shining memories of the season.

They even bring me back to my original love of anime—my earliest SOL memory was Gabriel Dropout, which has a wonderful beach episode. Every time I watch one, I feel it: ahh, the soul of SOL is still there.

This summer, I hope everyone can share the characters’ joy and do the same—forget everything, dive into the sea or jump onto the sand, and enjoy the sun. The Japanese I wrote down in the short fact section is actually the title of a Love Live!song I play on repeat all year round, one that always brings back different summer memories. I hope every reader feels that same vibe and enjoys it too.

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

MEIKO x Megurine Luka Vocaloid Art By Jamie Kim

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

JUNJI ITO’S HORROR COMES ALIVE Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

My pants were wet when I got here

Fans of horror manga were in for a big treat when they were given the chance to get a first look at Strange: Junji Ito’s Tales for Sleepless Nights, A brand new live-action anthology adaptation of some of accomplished horror mangaka Junji Ito’s best works. This series made its international premiere at this year’s Anime Expo, giving attendees the rare opportunity of enjoying this unsettling world before its Japanese debut Premiering in Japan on July 3, 2026, as well, these episodes are directed by up and coming J-horror filmmakers. in these 13 standalone stories, people keep finding themselves in more and more disturbing situations that turn reality into being uncanny, grotesque, and terrifying. Anime Expo attendees gathered around on July 3rd for a special screening of the first episode, “The Mansion of Phantom Pain,” which was followed up by the world premiere of “Lovesickness.” Afterwards, the panel featured the production team and industry guests, where they talked about the challenges of adapting Ito’s signature style into live action while trying to preserve what made his manga so famous worldwide In a statement, Junji Ito expressed how excited he is about the adaptation. He was pleasantly surprised with just how faithfully the scripts had managed to capture the spirit of his work while bringing in some new ideas that even he was impressed by. He praised the talented cast and team of new directors for their work on bringing his stories to life The series features performances by Nijiro Murakami, Kanata Hosoda, Yoko Maki, Wan Marui, Manato Sakamoto, Yoshizumi

Junji Ito Premiere

Ishihara, Rairu Sugita, Riho Nakamura, Hina Higuchi, Nanami Yamazaki, Nagisa Saito, Jun Saito, and Yuri Tsunematsu. Written by Daisuke Hosaka and Tatsuro Inamoto and directed by Atsuhiro Yamada, Yuta Shimotsu, and Ryota Kondo.

The opening theme for the series “JIGSAW” was performed by the K-pop group IVE, which Junji himself has described as a fantastic song. By adapting these stories into live action, the directors hope to bring in new audiences to one of Japan’s most influential horror mangakas while also giving his longterm fans something new to experience With exclusive screenings and behind-the-scenes insights, Anime Expo 2026 made the perfect stage for Strange: Junji Ito’s Tales for Sleepless Nights’ international debut.

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

DAN DA DAN AND WILLIAMS F1 DEBUT UNPRECEDENTED COLLAB Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

I got my money on Turbo granny winning

Anime Expo has always been a hotspot for some cool collaborations, but this year hosted one of the most surprising yet. For the first time ever, F1 showed up at Anime Expo with a collaboration between Atlassian Williams F1 Team and DAN DA DAN, being powered by UNDONE, creating one of the convention’s most unique attractions

folks is like, well, we also love F1. It was like, whoa, what happened here? So we decided let’s do something together that could be fun, not only to show the anime crowd, but also to show the F1 crowd.”

This project has been in development for almost a year, and earlier this year, it debuted during the Japanese Grand Prix.

Pictures were quickly spread online, and in online F1 forums, all the overwhelming support and positive response that followed drove the nail in the coffin to convince the teams to expand this project into something bigger.

The car that was put on display at Anime Expo wasn’t just any race car. The show car was wrapped in an Anime Expo exclusive livery that attendees were told would never show up again after the convention ended. While the car that was shown at the convention was more of a show car instead of an active race car, we were told a DAN DA DAN F1 car would show up on the track with a brand new graphic. Rumors point towards the new car being unveiled in Japan

Located at the DAN DA DAN booth in the west hall, the booth hosted an impressive full-size Williams Formula 1 show car wrapped in an exclusive DAN DA DAN-themed livery. This is the first time an official Formula 1 team has partnered with an anime for a stage activation at the convention. You might be thinking that this collaboration seems a bit out of nowhere, but as a representative explained to me in an interview “The F1 group, some of the key people love Dan Dan Dan, and then they were working with us internally, and the Dan Dan Dan

The car wasn’t the only thing the booth had to offer. They really wanted to create an experience at the convention rather than just try to sell the attendees something. Attendees could explore photo ops as well as look at some of the new exclusive collectibles that would be released soon, and learn about Sector Zero, a members-only fan platform created by UNDONE. Their goal is to build a long-term community with Formula 1 and anime fans. They also had on display collectable box sets, themed fidget toys, and a commemorative pin, these being exclusive to Sector Zero members, and the pin was a freebie for those who visited the booth. Representatives shared that more merchandise was on the way! Including blind boxes, all being developed based on fan feedback Maybe the most exciting part about all this is that the rep

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2 incredible experience for all the fans, so please look forward to what’s to come!”

Anime Expo is a convention where anything can happen, and creativity can flourish. I think this collaboration really shows us just how big anime has become, and if the excitement shown at the booth is any indicator, that this surprising collaboration might just be the first lab of a whole new world opening between anime and motorsports. If you want to watch the complete interview along with a full booth tour, check out the AnimeArchive YouTube channel!

Fidget click toys resentatives describe all of this as “Chapter One” of a much larger project that will only continue throughout next year with much more to come! While they couldn’t tell us specifics, they did reveal that this collaboration has opened the door to more anime collaborations and that some are even already under development. They also teased brand new artwork created with science SARU, the studio behind DAN DA DAN that has not appeared in seasons 1 or 2, and won’t even be seen in the upcoming season 3 The booth was the first time Williams Racing showed up to Anime Expo, and this achievement wasn’t easy, taking months of planning, with the task of just transporting the car to Los Angeles taking 6 months. Representatives were very thrilled by all the positive reception from attendees and the energy they brought, and expressed hope in returning with an even more interactive experience the following year!

Luke Timmins, licensing Director for Atlassaian Williams F1 team, summarized the collaboration by saying, “It is fantastic to bring together the worlds of anime and F1 for this first-ofits-kind activation here in LA. Together with MBS and UNDONE, we’re proud to be pushing the boundaries of culture and sport, giving our fans a new way to connect their interests and celebrate F1 beyond the track.”

Hiroshi Kamei, Producer of TV Anime DAN DA DAN, shared, “We are absolutely thrilled to showcase our collaboration with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team at the DAN DA DAN booth during Anime Expo. Starting with the reveal of this concept car and our special giveaways, we have a variety of exciting projects lined up for the future. We are confident that this will be an

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

CHAOS COMES TO ANIME EXPO Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

I just need one more card who wants to trade?

For this being their first time at Anime Expo, Smile Gate was definteley they ended up making their Chaos Zero Nightmare booth into one of the most immersive interactive experiences at Anime Expo that encouraged attendees who visited the booth to play, collect, and interact with one another Located in the south hall lobby of it all, the Chaos Zero Nightmare booth stood out with its impressive setup that was inspired by the game’s dark sci-fi world. Instead of just showing gameplay, they decided to let attendees join in on a series of fun activities that centered around the game’s core mechanics! Collectible combat cards Each booth visitor got free card packs when they entered and could earn more packs as they participated in each activity the booth had to offer. Collecting all 15 unique cards would allow you access to an exclusive Anime Expo reward card and entered into a raffle for a genuine 24k karat gold card.

One of the booth’s activities was the “chaos zone dice battle,” where players rolled a giant die in order to determine their reward, with higher rolls earning you more card packs or exclusive freebies. The booth had also set up some scheduled trading events so players could interact and trade any duplicate cards they may have had in order to complete the full collection; alongside this, they could also visit a themed photo zone and meet professional cosplayers, along with browse exclusive merchandise made with partners including AmiAmi, Animate, and Youtooz During anime expo I was able to speak with members of the Smilegate team about the games north american debut. They

Chaos Zero Nightmare Booth

Chaos Zero Nightmare Panel explained that Chaos Zero Nightmares officially launched globally on October 22nd, 2025. This makes Anime Expo one of the company’s biggest international showcases since release, and they have seen overwhelming support!

“So far so good,” a representative told me while discussing the event. “We’re getting a lot of good positive feedback from the visitors” When asked whether or not Smilegate would return to future anime expos, the representative said that while the decisions weren’t theirs to say, everything they had experienced at the convention would suggest they would love to come back Smilegate also had opportunities for attendees to meet the developers responsible for the game. Game director Hyung-suk Kim and art director Su-been So hosted autograph sessions and photo opportunities, and on Friday they held an industry panel showing off behind the scenes at the development of Chaos Zero Nightmare. During the panel, the team revealed details about the game’s upcoming season, “shattered light and claw,” for the first time What has impressed me the most about Smilegate this year is how they approached exhibiting at Anime Expo, when a lot of booths focus on merchandise; Chaos Zero Nightmare gave attendees reasons to stay and to interact with the game and other attendees which is such a wonderful thing to see and if they make an appearance next year I hope they keep this same style of super fun interactive booths.

As Smilegate continues expanding outside of Asia, Anime Expo has helped give Chaos Zero Nightmare a strong introduction.

Between its immersive booths, appearances from developers, and a strong focus on the community, the company gave a memorable convention experience that I’m sure many fans will not soon forget. If you want to watch the complete interview along with a full booth tour, check out the AnimeArchive YouTube channel!

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

YukixFuukoYuri

My Girlfriend’s Not Here Today Art By Josiah Lee

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

MARVEL’S NEXT FIGHTER Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

Button mashing my way to victory

Arc System Works’ upcoming Marvel fighter was consistently packed with long lines throughout the convention, giving attendees their first look and gameplay of this brand new, fast-paced 4v4 tag fighter before its official release date. While each player walked away experiencing something new and each with their own thoughts, it’s clear Marvel Tokon left a lasting impression. A few friends and I had a chance to try out this new game thanks to Arc System Works “At Anime Expo 2026, I had the privilege of playing Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls for the first time at the Arc System Works booth. They had a large cast of characters to play, such as Wolverine, Doctor Doom, Storm, and Ms. Marvel. For my allotted time, I played Captain America, Black Panther, Iron Man, and Spider-Man. The characters’ movesets felt unique, and the speed of the game reminded me of Guilty Gear. The heroes I played were complex, and I feel as if I had just scratched the surface of bringing out all the greatness of these characters.

From a bird’s-eye view, many will see Marvel Tokon as another tag fighter such as 2XKO or Dragon Ball FightersZ. In some ways they are correct; however, this game doesn’t exactly incentivise tagging out of your lead character, as your entire team shares a health bar and meter. On top of that, swapping in and out of characters moves around the essential assists for your team, messing up the order of them. As I continued to play round after round, I leaned into only playing one character and viewing the other 3 as purely assists, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I was having.

As the beta has just ended, many have found Marvel Tokon to be way better than anticipated, and the dev team has been outstanding at communicating with the community. The devs have already let the player base know that they are working on fixing bugs and certain CPU issues that were prevalent in the beta. As finalizations for the game are being completed, I am excited to see this game’s full release on August 6th and will definitely be playing again!” - Alex Wambux “Marvel Tokon does a lot of things right. The basic controls don’t vary much from other fighting games but, rather than making it feel unoriginal, the game feels familiar. Every character feels unique to play without being difficult to adjust to making it easy for players to swap around and find what they like without having a learning period to just get the basics of a new

Playing Marvel Tokon at Anime Expo character. Onto the match format,I am a big fan of the shared health bar. Unlike other team fighters like Marvel vs Capcom or dragon ball fighterz, all of your selected characters play under the same hp. It makes rounds feel faster, getting hit more punishing_and, prevents a losing slope. With Fighterz and MvC losing a character is punishing, now you have less supers to combo, one less character to swap in to heal another and, you lose it’s assist. The shared health bar prevents all of this and leads to another thing Tokon does right, When you lose a round in Marvel Tokon you are rewarded with access to another character on your roster. This gives an edge to the losing player in the match and during my testing lead to a lot closer matches then they would have been otherwise. While it can be unfair I see it as exciting and, by the final round you both are back on equal footing, therefore, may the best player win. While not groundbreaking,Marvel Tokon still feels refreshing to play and is a blast. If you’re a fighting game fanatic or a Marvel fan it is definitely worth checking out.” - Andrew Hussein “This year at Anime Expo 2026 I had the chance to play Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and I had a blast. The game felt incredibly fast and fluid, and although this might have been my first time playing, I was finding myself getting the hang of the game’s combo system. It was really easy to pick up, but I could tell I still had so much more to learn. I really like the 4v4 system. Penny Parker ended up as my favorite character because of her super fun playstyle, while on the other hand I ended up with Captain America as my least favorite since I could never seem to dodge his shield attacks. The shared health bar was definitely something that felt weird to manage at first, especially with so many characters, but after a few matches I got the hang of it. Overall, there were a few small things the game could improve on before release, but nothing stood out to me as a major issue. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls has left a great first impression, and I’m excited to see what’s to come when it releases!” - Dante Atilano

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

BEYBLADE X SPINS INTO ANIME EXPO Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

Let it rip!

Beyblade is back at Anime Expo for its fourth year at this convention! And they had just one simple goal in mind: bring fans together through some friendly competition! Located in the convention’s west exhibit hall, Beyblade offered an experience to newcomers, longtime players, and families alike to let it rip with tournaments and free play stations “We have primarily two amazing things happening,” one representative explained “The first thing is free play. So anyone can come and experience the magic of Beyblade and experience all the latest toys. The second thing that’s happening are the tournaments. …people are able to come battle with each other, really get the feeling of competition and friendly competition amongst the community.”

While the tournament held on july 4th was the main event, smaller tournaments were held throughout the rest of the convention, so attendees had multiple chances to jump into the net regardless of their skill level Anime Expo has become one of the franchise’s favorite stops “The crowd at AX is like no other,” the representative exclaimed “ we have those players that have been loving this brand for 25 plus years … The parents were fans in the 90s and early 2000.

They were kids and now they’re competing with their own. So we’re having a second generation of bladers” Beyblade has really become a generational franchise, and the booth really created an amazing atmosphere that brought in fans together over shared passions This year marked another first for the franchise Instead of hosting a panel this year, Beyblade hosted an event at the Funko Hollywood store. This event eatured voice actors

JaxonCross & Robin FunkPops

from the Beyblade X anime, a live Q&A session and the debut of the franchises first ever Funko pops!, with figures featuring multi, robin, and jaxon, According to the representatives, this event created a far more intimate environment where fans could spend time with the creators and one another after convention hours Looking in the near future beyblade is looking to expand this competitive scene once again with this summer introducing the BEYBLADE X Grand Prix, a series of tournaments across North America, The best players will eventually earn the chance to represent the region at the Grand Prix in thailand.

Planning a booth of this scale takes months of preparation.

The representatives revealed that the work on the anime expo booth begins as early as january, with staff from both japan and north american coming together to make sure that the experience feels as authentic as possible “Fans are the heart and soul of a brand,” the representative said. “Without their passion, we wouldn’t exist” This was a recurring philosophy throughout the convention, although they couldnt officially confirm that BeyBlade would return for next years Anime expo they expressed a strong desire to do so If you want to watch the complete interview along with a full booth tour, check out the AnimeArchive YouTube channel!

Until then, they left the fans with one final message: “Let it rip at home. Come out to your local tournaments and have fun.”

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

NIKKE ALWAYS COMES BACK Dante Atilano

Writer

3rd Year, Film

please get my fnaf referance

Just in time for the launch of its latest summer update, GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE returned to Anime Expo 2026 with one of the convention’s biggest booths! Located inside the south hall lobby, it combined merchandise, life-sized displays, professional cosplayers, and live performances into an unforgettable experience for what the Nikke team says matters the most: its community. attendees were greeted by a giant stage where professional cosplayers could be found, as well as a few music performances. Cinderella was the main focus at this year’s booth as she was the central figure in the most recent summer update. Attendees also saw another familiar face around: Doro, originally a fan-created artwork, has evolved into one of the game’s most recognizable memes. Doro has become quite the staple in the NIKKE community, and rather than just ignoring it, the NIKKE team has chosen to embrace it, making Doro a centerpiece of this year’s booth Ever since globally launching 3 and a half years ago and reaching over 45 million downloads worldwide, NIKKE has grown far beyond what the team originally expected. While they expected to have success within the anime gaming community, they never imagined the game would reach such a global audience, and they attribute every ounce of that success to its community, as a representative explains “You have to understand why people stay, and it’s not about the game content and also the, you know, the community environment like people support each other, that’s very important.”

This way of thinking about listening to the community shaped every pillar holding up this year’s booth Interactive displays were up from the game, including a themed changing room inspired by Cinderella’s new swimsuit animation. Attendees could also see promotional artwork featuring the counter squad, which are made up of the game’s three main heroines who accompany the player throughout their journey.

Little Mermaid was also displayed at the booth, as she is another major character for this seasonal event the game’s rhythm minigame was featured playable on a Pc provided by IBUYPOWER; players competed with one another and could see the rankings update in real time. Right next to it was the merch table; representatives noted they expected the brand new Statue of Liberty Doro to sell out first but were

surprised to see all the music albums sell out even faster. The popularity of NIKKE’s soundtrack even extended to a live performance by the game’s composer, Cosmograph.

Planning the booth itself is a year-round effort, with preparation for it beginning almost immediately after the previous year’s Anime Expo ends. Feedback is collected through surveys where they take note of what fans enjoyed, what could be improved, and what they want to see the next year. These responses help shape what will turn into next year’s booth before construction begins several months later.

There is a giant cosplay community within NIKKE and anime expo served as the perfect meeting place with unofficial cosplay gatherings reaching over 150 participants, these gatherings arnt just exclusive to the convention with similar groups being gathered across the U.S as well as other countries like the United kingdom, France, Italy, and Australia.

Representatives explained that they see NIKKE as more than just a game, and that many players connect deeply with its story and characters. They encourage newcomers to at least play the first chapter, as they believe it will show why so many players have fallen in love with the game They also shared a message to give out to its players: “Even if the world forgets you, you will never be forgotten by NIKKE” After spending time at the NIKKE booth, it became really clear to me that this wasn’t just an advertisement for they ames new update but a love letter from NIKKE to its fans, a celebration of its community, a thank you for supporting, full of fan art, cosplay, memes, and music, and the players who keep supporting the game around the world Anime Expo keeps proving itself more and more that it’s more than just a marketing stop but a place anime fans can come from all around the world to be surrounded by what they love.

If you want to watch the complete interview along with a full booth tour, check out the AnimeArchive YouTube channel!

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

Saeko x Miwa how do we relationship Art By Teresa Kuang

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

YURU YURI: GOATED GL ANIME THAT YOU SHOULDN’T MISS Zeyang Zhu

Writer

3rd Year, Japanese Language

\ｱｯｶﾘ〜ﾝ/ Yuru Yuri, hajimaruyo~

(Warning: some spoilers of Yuru Yuri; also, the third picture is specifically about Kyoko x Ayano) Yuru Yuri is undoubtedly one of the most influential GL anime in Japan. However, it has gradually been forgotten since the third season, which aired a decade ago. With two spin-off movies featuring one of the main characters, Sakurako, and her sisters’ relationships with friends released last year though, it has come back into the mainstream. In this article, I will briefly explain why everyone should watch Yuru Yuri because of its fluidity and multiplicity and the top 3 relationships from the anime from my point of view.

As the title suggests, it’s about GL, with the word “Yuru”, which means “light”, ahead of “Yuri”. In fact, it lies at the perfect balance point between serious yuri anime like Citrus and typical CGDCT anime like Yuru Camp. There are some yuri elements in the first few episodes of season 1, especially a controversial scene between the main heroine, Akaza Akari, and her friend Yoshikawa Chinatsu in episode 5. However, the yuri relationship in this anime is not absolutely fixed (google “Yuru Yuri relationship chart” for a better understanding). It is precisely such fluidity that makes you feel comfortable about the interaction between different characters, as they could be just friends or actually have feelings towards the other in various moments. As the anime continues, your focus gradually shifts to peaceful everyday life inside the anime (if anyone wants to do an anime pilgrimage, the whole story happens in Takaoka, a beautiful city in Toyama Prefecture). You can’t stop smiling seeing the incidents inside and between The Amusement Club (ごらく部, a club where the four main heroines gather after school) and The Student Council (a place where the other four main heroines work). As the lyrics in one of the endings suggest, such happiness would last forever, which is indeed what happens in the manga: everyday life still continues after over 300 chapters in total, and these heroines will never graduate.

As viewers, you could never feel tired of seeing it if you actually love this kind of story. In that case, you will feel empty after finishing the whole series and desperately trying to read the latest manga to see if there are further developments in different relationships or each character’s growth. Enjoying the beau-

tiful youth is the key theme behind the yuri relationships, and this anime indeed triggers people from all age groups to think about their tired daily lives and longing for such a universe.

Even though it’s about everyday life, some episodes make you reconsider friendship, especially episode 11 in season 2 (super moving, no spoilers here).

Let’s get to what I desperately want to discuss: the top 3 yuri relationships in this work. Number 3 would be Akaza Akari x Yoshikawa Chinatsu. As you might have noticed, my profile picture is Akaza Akari. I love this character: kind, polite, the definition of a good child (いい子). She’s supposed to be the main heroine of this anime. Still, she sadly doesn’t have that

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2 much sense of existence, partly because of the characteristic design. However, she meets one of her best friends in junior high school, Chinatsu, and they gradually become close. There might not be much serious yuri between these two characters, as Chinatsu strongly appeals her love to Funami Yui senpai, and Akari loves everyone out of pure friendship. However, the interaction between these two is comfortable and lovable as friends, with slight chaos sometimes. I can easily imagine them still being great friends in high school or university, just like the relationship between their older sisters (best friend, although Chinatsu’s sister seems to have a secret feeling towards Akari’s sister).

Number 2 would be Toshino Kyoko x Sugiura Ayano. They begin as great rivals (in Ayano’s view) in anime. Still, Ayano has a special feeling (100% girl’s love) towards Kyoko. However, as a tsundere, she is too shy to directly express it to Kyoko and hence tries to act calm in front of her (always failing though).

On the other hand, Kyoko sometimes seems teasing to her and always lets Ayano get the wrong idea. But that’s mainly because of her optimistic and flamboyant personality, and she probably doesn’t have a specific special feeling towards Ayano. Because of the great balance between tsundere and flamboyant characters, and other ‘competitive’ relationships around these two characters (Chitose and Yui are their actual best friends respectively), many viewers tend to place themselves in Ayano’s position and wish the best between her and Kyoko. In fact, it’s probably the most popular yuri relationship among fans. That’s what I strongly feel, and I also hope that it will develop further in the manga.

Number 1 is going to be very simple. Omuro Sakurako x Furutani Himawari. Childhood friends. Both tsundere to each other. They were super close when young but became rivals after entering the student council. However, in desperate situations, they still rely on each other unconsciously. They probably have the most interactions thanks to the spin-off manga and movie that I mentioned at the beginning, including relationships between their families (sisters). SakuHima is the ideal Yuri relationship for me.

There are also tons of major and hilarious Yuri relationships waiting for the viewers to discover, and it could go on forever (KyoYui, KyoSaku, ChitoAya, ChinaYui, RiseNana, TomoAka, AyaYui…). It’s not like I randomly list them. If you read the manga, you can easily find specific chapters about interactions between them. If my article has inspired your interest in learning more about this masterpiece, my mission is complete.

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

FLORILYN: FIRE EMBLEM’S FIRST GL PAIRING Chris Chan

Writer

Hearts are on fire in the world of Fire Emblem

Spoilers for Fire Emblem: The Blazing Sword If you’ve ever played any Fire Emblem game released within the past decade or so, you’ve probably familiarized yourself with the support system, everyone’s favorite way to play matchmaking and unlock some interesting dialogue amongst the playable characters. It is one of, if not, the most defining staples in the series that allows you to explore the stories and personalities of your favorite anime chess pieces in further depth than what is typically shown in normal gameplay and story. Slap two characters who look like they might get along with one another and watch as friendships or even romance blossoms amidst the atrocities and havoc you’ve wrought across the battlefield.

Each game handles the support system differently; whether it be one character taking certain actions like attacking or healing within the vicinity of another, simply deploying compatible units on the same battle, or standing next to one another as you select “end turn” for over 100 turns waiting for an A support. If you have ever played any GBA Fire Emblem, you likely know how monotonous this can be.

Thankfully, the support pairing we’re looking at isn’t nearly as obnoxious to unlock. Typically, at least in older Fire Emblem games, most supports tend to be platonic as we see how two comrades-in-arms endure the process of breaking the ice, laughing or bickering with one another, and oftentimes ending the support chain with a heartfelt conversation and growing together as characters. Characters in your army who seem like they have no story presence can suddenly become hidden gems you’ve grown attached to! And they provide some useful stat bonuses in combat I guess, but who cares about gameplay? This is especially true for same-sex supports, as virtually all romantic support pairings are straight, though there are some notable exceptions.

In Fire Emblem: The Blazing Sword, the first game released outside of Japan and the seventh overall, we are introduced to one of the first iterations of the modern support system. In FE7, we meet one of the series’ most iconic lords Lyn, a stouthearted, kind, and lightning-fast green-haired sword lady who also can use bows upon promotion, though she ain’t the

first (*ahem* Alm). As a young girl living as an orphan in the plains, Lyn discovers that she is of royal heritage and goes on a quest to save her grandfather from her treacherous uncle, meeting new allies along the way. Short and sweet, Lyn’s campaign is the first thing all new players will encounter, giving you ample time to get attached to both her story and the characters in her army.

One of these characters is Florina, a timid but kind pegasus knight who is most notable for her friendship and devotion to Lyn. She is also an inexperienced knight whose most notable personality trait is her fear of men, which is another important aspect of this particular ship. Prior to the game’s events, the pair already have an established history, having spent time together after Lyn humorously saved Florina from falling out of a tree and becoming fast friends. At the conclu-

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2 sion of her story, Lyn becomes a princess taking care of her grandfather while Florina vows to serve as a knight in Lyn’s army, reinforcing their already tight-knit bond. Interestingly, though the two meet again in Lyn’s story, we don’t get to see their friendship flourish until the second part of FE7’s story.

So, what’s so special about these two in particular?

Well, Lyn and Florina are the first (heavily implied) girls’ love pairing in Fire Emblem history which is arguably semi-canonical. In most FE games, unless explicitly stated, romantic support pairings typically have endings and are unofficial but FloriLyn is a special case that is heavily supported by both game mechanics and story progression. In FE7, each support pairing requires a point threshold to be met to unlock new conversations and they build at a certain rate depending on the characters, being indicative of whether a pair has any common ground and how well they each get along, respectively. Already being best friends, Florina and Lyn’s first support unlocks only after one turn, which is quite uncommon amongst supporters in the series, and won’t take much longer to grow. Going back to Florina’s fear of men, her only other paired ending support is with one of the other lords, Hector, which builds obnoxiously slow primarily because she spends the majority of it building up the nerve to even approach him. This is a nice touch of gameplay-story integration but it also shows how the dynamic between this pairing doesn’t really work. Anyways, the speed at which the FloriLyn support grows and the conversations themselves are vital aspects to the story and validity of this ship being potentially canon.

Analyzing their supports, we can observe a seemingly simple dynamic that reveals more than just between lord and knight or best friends. For their C support, Lyn primarily expresses concern for Florina’s safety and preparedness against any stray enemies and promises she’ll always protect her; in turn, Florina expresses her desire to protect Lyn both as her knight and her friend despite her meek nature but Lyn assures her this isn’t a big deal. Their B support is mostly reminisc-

ing about their time together on the plains, but it does reveal Lyn’s feelings of nostalgia, with her stating “Those were the days, though! You and me, riding on the plains, the wind blowing across the grass….”, with Florina expressing concern of whether she’s suppressing her feelings. One particularity is that throughout this support chain, the conservations between the two have an air of formality and thus come off as somewhat professional and detached. All of this comes to a head in their A support in which the two have an endearing conversation where Lyn confesses this to her friend: “I, too, thought it was the way we had to be with each other. But I was wrong--I can’t take it anymore. I’ve been so lonely all this time. Leaving the plains... And you, my best friend treating me like a noble stranger. …I’m still myself, and you’re still you!”. While this may seem like an apology after a quarrel, it is more akin to a cry for help and a moment of vulnerability that breaks down the brave face Lyn tries to put up for Florina’s sake. In the end, when Lyn declares her desire to someday return home and extends this invitation to her best friend, Florina reciprocates this stating: “Yes. That would be nice. Let’s stick together, no matter what happens. Now...and always”. How endearing!

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

BENEATH THE SAKURA: THE DUAL NATURE OF CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVALS IN JAPANESE ANIME Eric Joh

Writer

4th Year, Sociology & Media Studies Major

Shared warmth, fleeting petals, lasting memory.

In Japanese anime, cherry blossom festivals often mean much more than the arrival of spring. They are not simply seasonal backdrops or decorative moments meant to make a scene look beautiful. More often, they become emotional spaces where anime brings together two ideas that might seem separate at first but are deeply connected: communal warmth and impermanence. Under the cherry blossoms, people gather in public, but what unfolds there often feels ephemeral and fragile.

Friends laugh, families eat together, classmates walk side by side, and lovers hesitate before speaking. At the same time, the blossoms above them quietly remind us that none of these moments can stay as they are. The flowers bloom brilliantly, then scatter almost immediately. Because of that, cherry blossom festivals in anime often carry a distinct emotional power. They show people coming together in the very moment that time is already pulling that togetherness apart, turning fleeting gatherings into profound reflections on human connection.

One reason these festival scenes feel so meaningful is that they transform ordinary space into shared emotional space. A school courtyard, a shrine path, a riverside, or a neighborhood park becomes more than a physical setting once the blossoms appear. The space changes because people begin to gather for the same reason. They pause together, look upward together, and take part in the same seasonal ritual. Even when the characters are experiencing very different emotions, the setting places them within a larger social rhythm. The blossoms create an atmosphere where private life briefly overlaps with public life. Anime often emphasizes this through group scenes

filled with picnic blankets, festival food, soft conversation, and crowds moving beneath the trees. In this sense, the flowers do more than just decorate the scene - they are what make the gathering possible. They draw private lives into a collective experience, highlighting the beauty of momentary unity amid everyday life.

At the same time, cherry blossoms in anime are almost never symbols of happiness alone. Their beauty is inseparable from the fact that it cannot last. Sakura bloom for only a brief period, and anime repeatedly uses that cycle to reflect the passing of youth and relationships. For that reason, cherry blossom festivals in anime often create a distinctive emotional tension. They bring joy and sadness into the same visual space, allowing viewers to feel both the warmth of human connection and the quiet awareness that such connection cannot last forever. As the petals fall, they remind us that even the happiest communal moments are already beginning to slip away. In this way, anime uses the cherry blossom festival not simply as a beautiful setting, but as a way of thinking about time, memory, and human relationships. The crowd may suggest unity, but that unity is only temporary, formed for a brief season and a brief gathering. Friends walk together, families share food, and classmates enjoy the same evening, yet nothing in the scene promises permanence. The school year will end, people will drift apart, and the festival itself will vanish as quickly as it arrived. What gives these moments their emotional power is precisely this fragility.

Cherry blossom festivals therefore become symbols of communal life at its most delicate: a shared experience made more precious by the fact that it will soon pass. Their beauty is not separate from impermanence, but deeply bound to it. Under the blossoms, people do not escape change; they come together within it for a moment. That is why these scenes linger so strongly in memory. They capture the painful yet beautiful truth that some of life’s most meaningful moments matter not because they stay, but because they vanish.

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

Cheon Yo-hwa (Infinite Void) I’m an Infinite Regressor, But I Got Stories to Tell Art By Rachel Chen

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

UNDER THE SAKURA TREES: TRANSIENT BEAUTY AND ETERNAL BONDS Zeyang Zhu

Writer

3rd Year, Japanese Language

\ｱｯｶﾘ〜ﾝ/ Yuru Yuri, hajimaruyo~

Cherry blossoms have long symbolized impermanence in Japanese culture. Their beautiful bloom lasts only a week before the petals scatter like fleeting memories. In countless sliceof-life anime, hanami (flower-viewing) scenes often appear toward the end, where protagonists gather for a picnic under sakura trees to celebrate friendship and the season. Yet Yuru Camp△ (Laid-Back Camp) Season 3 reimagines this tradition through multiple lenses of outdoor life. Here, sakura isn’t limited to group gatherings. It weaves through Rin’s solo motorcycle journey, Nadeshiko and her sister Sakura’s road trip, and a full Outdoor Activities Club reunion. Season 3 gently explores how the flowers’ short-lived beauty can stir loneliness, much as the solitude of solo camping can. Still, the protagonist Rin Shima finds quiet joy in that solitude, while Nadeshiko Kagamihara gradually learns to cherish the moment without overwhelming sadness. Just as sakura will bloom again next spring, happy camping times may pause, but the friendships they build last forever.

The second half of Yuru Camp Season 3 unfolds during spring break, tracking cherry blossoms from first buds to full bloom and gentle fade. The animation also shifts from the chilly vibes of prior seasons’ autumn and winter to soft pink warmth. Real-world Yamanashi Prefecture locations, like camping sites, onsen spots, and temples, come alive with detailed background art: petals drifting onto tents, sunlight filtering through branches, and distant mountains framed in pink. The soundtrack, as usual, combines a lively opening theme with a breezy guitar melody for the ending theme, evoking the season’s gentle rhythm.

The season’s standout sakura episode is Episode 9, “Touring and Checking Out the Cherry Blossoms.” It splits between Rin’s solo ride and the Kagamihara sisters’ drive tour, capturing contrasting responses to the flowers’ impermanence. Rin, long overdue for a motorcycle outing after her recent group adventures around suspension bridges of the Igawa region with Ayano and Nadeshiko, heads to a secluded free campsite. She sets up her tent beneath the blooming sakura trees, brews coffee, and tidies litter left by previous visitors. A couple of car campers help her, and they chat warmly over coffee - Rin even

gets misidentified as a college student at first, lightening the mood. Even though her enjoyment of being alone gets a little disrupted, Rin still feels pretty happy connecting with others.

Yet in the peaceful solitude, her thoughts drift to an unfulfilled promise she made to Nadeshiko.

Here, the sakura’s fleeting nature mirrors solo camping’s solitude: the awareness that this perfect moment will end soon can feel lonely. But Rin embraces it. Her calm demeanor and subtle smiles show she finds peace in that transience - no crowds, no pressure, just her and the blossoms. It’s a beautiful portrayal of enjoying loneliness as a form of self-care. The beauty of being alone echoes in other members of the Outdoor Activities Club, too, as seen in late episodes featuring Chiaki’s solo camp. Still,

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2 even for Rin, the quiet moments make her reflect on the eternal bonds formed along the way. Behind the impermanent cherry blossoms, she begins to think more deeply about friendship, which later motivates her to join the Kagamihara sisters’ trip.

In parallel, Nadeshiko spots distant cherry blossoms from home and excitedly drags her older sister, Sakura, on a cherry-blossom road trip. As they cruise Yamanashi’s real sakura routes and pause for photos along flower-lined roads, climb stairs for panoramic views, and snap selfies beneath ancient trees, Nadeshiko’s bright energy shines. She shares every shot with distant Rin, creating a “together yet apart” bond that gently bridges their different ways of enjoying the season. For an outgoing girl like Nadeshiko, the fleeting beauty of the blossoms stirs thoughts of Rin’s solo travels. Through multiple camping events, solo or group, she has learned that happiness lies not only in the moment but also in looking forward to the next journey. Instead of sadness over something that inevitably ends, Nadeshiko cherishes the short-lived beauty right now—laughing under the trees, capturing the moment, and feeling grateful. The sisters’ vibrant laughter against the pink backdrop perfectly balances Rin’s solitude, showing that impermanence doesn’t have to mean loss, as much as solo traveling doesn’t have to mean loneliness.

The emotional peak arrives in Episode 12, “April 2nd, Cherry Blossom Camping.” The full Outdoor Activities Club, including the teacher and Aoi’s younger sister, finally gathers for a group hanami camp. Tents line beneath a sea of blossoms as they cook, share travel stories, and look forward to the new semester and next camping spots. This collective gathering resolves the season’s threads: Rin’s solitary enjoyment of transient beauty, Nadeshiko’s budding appreciation for fleeting moments without sadness, and everyone’s shared joy. The theme of impermanence peaks here not in melancholy but in reassurance. Yes, the blossoms will scatter, and the camping trip will end, yet no one stays in sadness. Sakura returns every year, just as future camping adventures await. What is more important, the friendships forged through these seasons are permanent - a steady anchor amid life’s changes. And indeed, as we already saw in the Yuru Camp movie, everyone still had a close relationship even after 10 years, as they began their ambitious new project to build a camping field.

At its heart, Season 3 elevates Yuru Camp’s philosophy by linking sakura’s impermanence to camping life itself. The flowers’ short bloom can evoke loneliness - Rin feels it on solo nights, yet she enjoys that quiet reflection. Nadeshiko matures by learning to cherish without clinging too tightly. These episodes modernize traditional hanami - no rigid picnic rules, just eco-friendly practices (Rin’s litter cleanup), respectful manners, and personal freedom. It speaks powerfully to modern viewers: in hectic lives, pause to notice transient beauty, embrace solo moments when they come, and hold tight to the people who make every season brighter.

In the end, Yuru Camp Season 3 transforms cherry blossoms into more than pretty scenery. They become a gentle lesson in impermanence: loneliness can be peaceful, short beauty is worth cherishing, and true friendships outlast any single bloom or trip. Whether you relate to Rin’s solo travel solitude or Nadeshiko’s joyful discovery with friends and families, the season invites you to pack your bag and step outside. Spring’s petals may fall, but next year’s blossoms, and next camping memory, will always return. Under the sakura trees, life feels beautifully, reassuringly yuru.

KONSHUU | Volume 63, Issue 2

Medea x Psyche Your Throne Art By Rachel Chen

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To our readers, I hope you’ve enjoyed this very special summer issue, and are very exicted for another year of Konshuu!

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Sanda Art By Kat Yi

VOLUME 63 ISSUE 2

Cal & Annie May Art By Jamie Kim

August 13, 2026