Jump Festa 2024 wasn’t just your average anime convention. It was a supernova of announcements, a tectonic shift in the anime landscape, and a heartwarming reunion for Shonen Jump fans across the globe. Held on December 16th and 17th in Tokyo, this annual celebration was not for the faint of heart, leaving everyone reeling with excitement and eager for more. Let’s dissect the most explosive moments from each day:
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Day 1: Titans, Demons, and Chainsaws Take Center Stage
Jujutsu Kaisen unleashed its fury, showcasing a live reading from an upcoming, manga-exclusive scene that sent shivers down spines. Junya Enoki, Yuichi Nakamura, Yuma Uchida, and Junichi Suwabe, the voice cast, provided a taste of the chaos to come in the ongoing Shibuya Incident arc. Akutami Gege, the manga’s creator, added fuel to the fire by hinting that this might be the last Jump Festa with the manga still in serialization, making the event even more special.
Demon Slayer wasn’t to be outdone. While no release date was announced, a stunning new visual for the upcoming arc featuring Tanjiro and Nezuko battling the menacing Upper Moon demons was unveiled. The sheer intensity of the artwork promised an epic showdown that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Haikyuu!!, the volleyball titan, served up a delicious double whammy. A new movie trailer showcasing Hinata and Kageyama’s fiery rivalry ignited the hype, followed by the announcement of the theme song “Orange” by SPYAIR, a guaranteed earworm for any Haikyuu!! fan. And to top it all off, a limited edition manga volume 33.5, exclusive for moviegoers in Japan, was revealed, offering a bonus chapter and further fueling the excitement.
Chainsaw Man revved up the hype train with a surprise announcement – a dedicated movie focusing on the electrifying Reze Arc. Fans of the chainsaw-wielding Denji rejoiced, eager to see the intricate dynamics of the arc come to life on the big screen.
Day 2: Remakes, Revivals, and Rising Stars Take Over
The second day continued the explosive trend, starting with a bombshell from the king of pirates himself. One Piece, the titan of the manga world, surprised everyone with the announcement of a full-fledged remake by the acclaimed WIT Studio. Whether it’s a complete retelling or a focus on specific arcs, this news alone guarantees to keep One Piece fans buzzing for years to come.
But it wasn’t all about established powerhouses. Rising stars like Blue Box and Red Cat Ramen debuted their first teaser trailers, showcasing their unique stories and promising to carve their own niches in the Shonen Jump universe. Blue Box, a heartwarming sports romance about aspiring boxers, captured hearts with its tender animation and earnest voice acting, while Red Cat Ramen, a culinary comedy infused with supernatural elements, tickled funny bones with its quirky visuals and zany premise.
MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES, the muscle-bound magic user, announced its January premiere, promising a humorous ride full of explosive spells and over-the-top action. Dandadan, the genre-bending duo of Aokashi and Momo, set its sights on October 2024, leaving fans eager to see how their paranormal investigations unfold.
2.5 Dimensional Seduction, a series shrouded in mystery, finally revealed the voice actor for the enigmatic 753, adding another layer of intrigue to its already captivating premise.
Heartfelt Moments and Fond Farewells
Jump Festa wasn’t just about announcements and reveals. It was also a time for reunions and farewells. Oshi no Ko, while keeping fans hungry for anime updates, treated them to Rie Takahashi’s soulful rendition of the opening theme song “Idol” by YOASOBI, promising an emotional rollercoaster when the anime finally arrives. Additionally, the announcement of Piyeon’s upcoming YouTube channel further cemented the series’ bond with its fans.
In a bittersweet moment, Akutami Gege‘s message acknowledging this potentially being the last Jump Festa with Jujutsu Kaisen still ongoing tugged at heartstrings, highlighting the series’ incredible journey and reminding everyone of the fleeting nature of time.
Jump Festa 2024: A Glimpse into the Future
From mind-blowing remakes to heartwarming reunions, Jump Festa 2024 delivered a masterclass in fan service and a dazzling preview of the future of Shonen Jump. With epic battles promised, new worlds waiting to be explored, and familiar faces returning for even more adventures, one thing is for certain: the future of anime is bright
