Chief Director Junichi Sato Discusses the Unique Charm of the Anime "Princess Tutu"! "ShibuAni" #58

Next up was "Monthly Newtype," an anime information magazine launched in 1985 that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. The magazine's name at its inception was inspired by "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam's" “Newtype,” and there's a tale of asking Director Yoshiyuki Tomino directly for permission to use it. We heard from Kiyohito Kado, who became editor-in-chief in 2016 and has been leading the magazine since.

According to Kado, the appeal of "Monthly Newtype" lies in the power of its covers. From its inception, the magazine has consistently featured just the character or robot bust with only the minimum necessary text. All the covers are newly drawn illustrations. Kado said, "It's really tough to decide what will be on the cover. We have to decide three to four months in advance, so we have to predict which anime will be trending by then." He cited "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and "Your Name." as successful examples and shared his commitment: "Since an overwhelming number of people buy it for the cover, I want to offer them new discoveries inside, like 'Oh, there's this kind of work,' or 'There's this interesting way to see things.' I want to make a magazine where readers can gain something new."

Though "Monthly Newtype" is available only in print, the layout has hardly changed since its inception, and the logo and size remain the same. Kado listed his reasons as "the strength of a two-page spread, the freedom of the layout, and the joy of holding it in your hands—these are forms of expression unique to magazines." He continued, "It may be that our commitment to an easy-to-read and familiar 'Newtype-ness' is one of the reasons it's been read for so long."

What Kado wants to challenge next is to expand Newtype's reach even further overseas. "When I went to Anime Expo in America recently, I saw hundreds of thousands of anime fans gathered, and I realized how amazing Japanese anime is. There were people who even knew the name 'Newtype,' and I started to wonder if there isn't a way to deliver our content to more overseas fans. Since we have some information that isn't first-hand news, I'd love to find ways to share those kinds of insights with a broader audience," he said, expressing his hopes to share not just exclusives but also perspectives that allow fans to enjoy anime more deeply, as he looks ahead to new challenges.

In addition, the episode was packed with content, such as introducing Junichi Sato's favorite anime works from his life. "SHIBUYA ANIME BASE" #58 is currently available for free missed viewing on ABEMA.

There will be a break next week, and "SHIBUYA ANIME BASE" #59, airing at 9:00 PM on Friday, September 12, will feature guest voice actress Manaka Iwami. The episode will take a deep dive into "Yaiba: Samurai Legend" and "Animelo Summer Live 2025 'ThanXX!'" as well as going behind the scenes at animation studio Troyca.

Pop Culture Information Program "SHIBUYA ANIME BASE" #ShibuAni #58 Overview

Broadcast Date: Friday, August 30, 2025, 9:00 PM–10:00 PM
Cast (honorifics omitted):
Main MC: Yuki Iwai (Haraichi)
Monthly Assistant: Sora Tokui
Monthly Guest: Shugo Nakamura
*Free streaming available for a limited time.
Cool Ending Theme Song: Kiyono Yasuno – "Yannaruwa"

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