‘Frieren’ Anime Teams Up with Tokyo RPG Attraction

‘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.