Headline news for July 3, 2026

The promotional anime video 'Unanswered//butterfly' for the home console game 'Sword Art Online Echoes of Aincrad,' scheduled for release on July 9th, 2026 (Thursday), will be specially released on YouTube and ABEMA. The YouTube broadcast will start at 8 PM on July 5th, 2026 (Sunday), and the ABEMA broadcast will start at 8 PM on July 9th, 2026 (Thursday).
🦋┈┈┈┈
— Sword Art Online Game Official Information (@sao_gameinfo) July 1, 2026
'Unanswered//butterfly'
YouTube Premiere Streaming Confirmed
┈┈┈┈🦋
#SAOEoA 's feature-length promotional anime #Ambata is being specially released before its launch 🎉
Please be sure to watch it in real time! 🎬
⏰ July 5th (Sun) 8 PM ~
▼Waiting area is here https://t.co/bjYvACLpHK
'Unanswered//butterfly' ('Echoes of Aincrad' promotional anime video) - YouTube
✨Information Released✨
— ABEMA Anime (@Anime_ABEMA) July 2, 2026
To commemorate the release of the latest game from 'Sword Art Online,' 'Echoes of Aincrad,' a special program and a one-night-only feature-length promotional anime video, 'Unanswered//butterfly,' will be streamed for free on ABEMA on the release date, July 9th (Thursday) 👏
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (voice of Kirito ) and Shiori Izawa (voice of Argo ) will be appearing on the special program... pic.twitter.com/Y16PjkW4NC
'Unanswered//butterfly' is a promotional anime video produced for 'Echoes of Aincrad.' It tells the story of Emilun and Rex, who knew each other in the real world, and how they coincidentally reunite in the death game 'SAO,' and how their encounters with the 'Black Swordsman' and meeting 'Asuna' lead them towards a new beginning.
Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad is an action RPG set in the world of Aincrad's first and second floors. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are scheduled for release on July 9th, 2026 (Thursday), and the Steam version on July 10th (Friday). The uncut version of Unanswered//butterfly will be included in the game's Ultimate Edition and Premium Edition.
Incidentally, on the same day of the same month in the past, we published the following article.
What's needed when using AI is 'context engineering' rather than prompt engineering - GIGAZINE
Reports indicate that someone successfully hacked AI-powered earphones, ran DOOM, and stole OpenAI API keys and chat history - GIGAZINE
Greece to end its five-day work week in an effort to improve productivity; a new system to be implemented from July 2024 - GIGAZINE
How do whales and dolphins sleep without drowning? - GIGAZINE
Footage of the discovery of 13 missing boys in a Thai cave is now available on Facebook and has been viewed over 10 million times - GIGAZINE
An 'automated response AI bot' has been created that engages in pointless conversations with phone scammers, causing them distress - GIGAZINE
Why do optimists live longer? How can you become an optimist? - GIGAZINE
Man's penis remains erect due to the effects of the coronavirus - GIGAZINE
A one-of-a-kind 'One Ring' card from Magic: The Gathering has been discovered, and it's being offered for a staggering 300 million yen - GIGAZINE
◆ Ideas (notes, miscellaneous things)
There's a spot in our office where everyone trips for no apparent reason, even though there are no steps or anything. We all thought it might be a zashiki-warashi (a type of house spirit), but recently someone from another branch who claims to be very sensitive to spirits came and discovered that it's actually the ghost of a man who bumps into people. As a result, a spot has been created in our office where employees yell things like 'Go to hell!' and 'You scum!' into thin air.
— Peanut Opera (@rakkasei_umai) July 3, 2026
Child: 'Why do I have to dry myself after a bath?'
— Ura🍼✨ (@kogaoninareruyo) July 3, 2026
Father: 'That's called evaporative cooling. When water returns to the sky, it takes away your body heat.'
Child: 'Hmm.'
(Three days later)
Child: 'I have a story to tell you about Kikanetsu.'
Father: 'Yes.'
Child: 'Isn't it awful to just silently take away my fever?'
My husband took our son to school this morning. Thank you! I'll follow him! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! pic.twitter.com/jaPf9o6OZ2
— ҉や҉じ҉る҉し҉ (@arrow01525238) July 2, 2026
Yaburakouji is just too much like Yaburakouji https://t.co/eQkvvGrU6e
— Tabe (@00LV_) July 2, 2026
When they said, 'These are very healthy remains, so we'll need to apply a little force to place them in the urn,' and then brought out a hammer, I felt that it was the epitome of 'it all depends on how you say it.' https://t.co/Zu41QMXESs
— Ritsuhi Misaki (@i_kaseki) July 2, 2026
I remember at a group blind date last year, a Korean woman suddenly said, 'My parents are an odd number,' and the atmosphere froze.
— Hanesuraimu (@kkhanesuraimu) July 2, 2026
The atmosphere was really tense, so I tried to comfort them by saying, 'That sounds tough. Are you alone? Or are there three of you?' but I still can't understand why I was treated like a weirdo too.
There are three quotes that say 'I'm hungry,' right? pic.twitter.com/2ZTKwyxHEo
— Satoshi Mizukami (@nekogaeru) July 2, 2026
Wait, is this feeling what 'Kimigayo' (the Japanese national anthem) is supposed to feel?! https://t.co/NSzHlRP0vr
— Shigetako-chan (@shigekotoba) July 2, 2026
I saw a wild Kurapika for the first time. https://t.co/dFNceceiAc pic.twitter.com/2fDUUyXYoG
— Ka-kun (@ecoleaf1) July 2, 2026
My child suddenly asked, 'What era do you like?'
— Some kind of bacteria Aquarium books and goods (@washoking) July 2, 2026
My inner history buff kicked in, and I blurted out, 'Well, I used to like the Bakumatsu and Sengoku periods, there was a time like that,' to which he replied, 'I like the Reiwa era, because my younger brother was born.'
I've never been interested in Hero Wars (the game with the guy in this picture in those infamous ads), but I looked it up today and found out it's a Russian company whose stock trading was suspended when Russia was hit with economic sanctions over the Russia-Ukraine issue. It's hilarious... pic.twitter.com/6mthsKGAKR
— Hameln's Lucied Taro (@HamelnFilgaia) July 2, 2026
Specializes in emotional abuse . pic.twitter.com/uFOmOPc0vc
— Passionate love (@Sociable_dog) July 2, 2026
◆Science (Science, Academics, Technology)
Observatory in Chile, South America, equipped with a 3.2-megapixel camera, said to be the 'world's largest digital camera,' officially begins operations | NHK News | Space, Science, Chile
Most snake venom antivenom is produced by the Japan Snake Research Institute, but it seems they are facing severe financial difficulties... If they run out of antivenom, they will have to import it from overseas, which will likely make it expensive in Japan as well - Togetter
◆Society, Politics, and Economy (Events, World News, Business)
<Group Assault and Robbery by Trainspotters> 'Give us your camera and 500,000 yen!' Junior high school student and his friends are lured to a photography spot and assaulted... Passersby are treated as 'garbage, nuisances,' raising questions about the manners of 'young trainspotters' | Shueisha Online
Five people arrested for assault after allegedly becoming angry over a 'good job' comment, and then attempting to steal money and valuables (Published July 2, 2026) | NTV NEWS NNN
How much does a pizza cost? ...The real effective exchange rate, which measures 'the power to buy,' shows the yen's value falling to about half: Yomiuri Shimbun
[Breaking News] Speaker urges ruling party to make efforts in intensive deliberation with Prime Minister in attendance | 47NEWS
Dentsu Group to take Dentsu Research Institute private; Fujitsu and others considering investment of approximately 200 billion yen - Nikkei
LDP prioritizes revision of Imperial House Law; opposition demands abandonment of 'Ishin's two bills': Jiji.com
'It's no solution whatsoever': The fate of the problematic proposed amendment to the Imperial House Law | Mainichi Shimbun
Cabinet decision to revise the Imperial House Law comes as a 'complete surprise,' raising concerns about the 'distorted system' | 47NEWS
Belarus: 'Don't drag us into the war' as Russia presses for intervention amid worsening war situation - Nikkei
A massive explosion in Kyiv occurred hours after Zelensky warned of a 'large-scale' Russian attack - CNN.co.jp
Many Peruvians promised high salaries in Russia ended up on the Ukrainian front (1/3) - CNN.co.jp
Chancellor Merz lavishes praise on Germany's early World Cup exit after defeat to a lower-ranked team, but they become the target of ridicule. (3 photos) International News: AFPBB News
Iranian state television interrupts interview with top negotiator with US; suspected 'censorship' by hardliners. (Photo 1) International News: AFPBB News
China pushes through 'Ethnic Unity Law' despite criticism, raising concerns about assimilation of ethnic minorities. (Photo 1) International News: AFPBB News
[Breaking News] Former Hong Kong bookstore owner who dealt in banned books dies in Taiwan | 47NEWS
◆Lifestyle (Life, Living, Health)
On Friday, I went to a butcher shop in the Netherlands and asked in English, 'Will this aged meat last until Monday?' before buying it... and as I was leaving the shop, I clearly heard the shopkeeper say in Dutch, 'It expires in two days.' - Togetter
Lightweight and compact Chinese cleavers are easy to use - Black China BLOG
Static electricity removal sheets found at self-service gas stations,
— Dead Section (@ACDCSection) July 2, 2026
'I haven't touched it because I don't feel any effect.'
There are some crazy people who say things like that,
'Never go to a self-service gas station again.'
That's what I want to say.
You'll only truly experience its effects when you refuel your car without touching it, and the static electricity ignites your car's gas tank, causing it to burst into flames.
The doorbell rang, and when I opened the door, it was the little boy from across the street, a first-grader. His face was bright red, and he was standing there because his mother wasn't home and he couldn't get into his house.
— Meme (@meme2momo) July 2, 2026
I sat and waited for a while in the heat (the temperature was really high after the rain), but it was taking too long, so I came to ask for help.
I managed to tell her my mom's cell phone number (good job! 👏), so I called her.
The doorbell rang, and when I opened the door, I saw the first-grade boy from across the street standing there with a bright red face, saying, 'My mom isn't home, so I can't get into my house.' → A story that illustrates the importance of 'neighborly lottery' for families with children - Togetter
'Naomi's Textbook': The explanation given by the operating company regarding the closure of a certain beauty clinic contained candid details that even medical enthusiasts are calling 'coveted'... 'It encapsulates the risks of the hired clinic director business' - Togetter
Considering what you did to your dumpling restaurant, this is not right.
— Takashi Kiso (@takashikiso) July 2, 2026
>Horie angrily stated, 'The innocent staff of WAGYUMAFIA are having a really hard time dealing with the situation because of Ryuji's provocations, which have caused their followers to get worked up and call the police, fire department, and health department. Does Ryuji know this and still continue to provoke them?' https://t.co/fjCffeKU7k
A new discovery while hospitalized: This hairstyle is so easy! pic.twitter.com/Nl8JR01h1X
— Inuyama Amu 🐄 (@kore_inu) July 2, 2026
It's really important, isn't it?
— forestthree/Biotope staff (@forestthree) July 2, 2026
A wetland that was redeveloped after a certain tsunami was completely covered by cattails in just four years. https://t.co/cfUJ7nKdMe pic.twitter.com/eK0jmNPw6f
Your son asked me to repair his mother's car...
— Rock @Car Shop (@tensaaaaai) July 2, 2026
The repair cost was 40,000 yen.
The son said, 'I don't want to burden my mother too much, so I'll pay 20,000 yen upfront. Could you tell her the repair cost is 20,000 yen?'
Understood 🫡
◆IT & Gadgets (Internet, Software, Hardware, Mobile)
Unable to log in to the iDeCo page, I contacted the call center and was told, 'We've revised the system so passwords are limited to 15 characters. Please shorten your password to 15 characters and log in.' → This sparked a flurry of comments like, 'Isn't that a really creepy story once you understand what it means?' - Togetter
Three things you should 'deliberately' do in future product development, learned from the rapid launch of an AI agent business | michiru_da | LayerX
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications conducts nationwide USB survey following Self-Defense Forces use of virus-infected products - Nikkei
Information from PayPay regarding how to continue using other credit cards.
The video got lost - Nico Nico Douga
Studio Code's /annotate command streamlines the process of requesting corrections.
A multimodal recommendation system that captures 'visual preferences' — Improving CTR, CVR, and sales with image features - ZOZO TECH BLOG
The Japan Self-Defense Forces' LUUP did not mask location information.
— Mystery Water 💦 Dark Communications Group Lithium Combatant C108 Nichinan 16b (@genmeisui) July 2, 2026
The LUUP app makes port usage completely visible. I think this shows a lack of awareness of the risks. pic.twitter.com/gnyXtQ0N8m
◆Anime, Games, and Manga (Subculture)
Hong Kong resident: 'What do you call this type of character? I'm curious because every time I see a character like this lately, my heart feels like it's going to explode.' - Togetter
A cyberpunk ninja action game that was inexplicably never released in Japan! [The Cyber Shinobi / Master System] [Retro Game Commentary] - Nico Nico Douga
'Wistoria of the Wand and Sword' - taigaai
Akane Shimizu, author of 'Cells at Work!', has reported that after she expressed her desire to sever ties with the editorial department, the credit 'Original Author: Akane Shimizu' was unilaterally changed to something else in a spin-off work... Her name was also completely removed from the illustrated encyclopedia - Togetter
I apologize for causing you concern.
— Akane Shimizu | Yellow Flame (@yellow_flame_) July 2, 2026
Regarding past matters, we are currently in discussions with Kodansha.
Furthermore, all ongoing spin-offs, tie-ins, other licensed works, and new projects are being reviewed by me, and production is proceeding only after I have given my approval and consent.
A note to our readers: The 'Cells at Work!' series is a work of fiction. Due to the nature of the story, there may be depictions that differ from academic facts, but all content is produced under the supervision of doctors and specialists. Medical knowledge and information that is not based on the supervision of specialists can be extremely dangerous. (1/2)
— Sirius Editorial Department (@shonen_sirius) June 9, 2021
Traveling Manga Editorial Department! | STUDIO Yonago | Digital Hollywood's Professional School
This time, we had Hiroyuki Shibao, editor of 'Cells at Work!' which is serialized in Monthly Sirius, as our guest. He shared some fascinating insights, such as the difference between a professional and an amateur, and how to create an interesting manga!
I used to be disgusted whenever I saw comments from readers saying things like, 'Kandansha is kind to its authors, a far cry from other shady publishers,' because one of my favorite authors drew for Kodansha during the early days of web comics and was treated terribly. But now, seeing other popular authors quietly expressing their agreement in this incident, I'm not surprised.
— Directions (@michibara_mgd) July 1, 2026
While it's unavoidable that bad editors will inevitably appear, the problem with the editorial system itself is significant: 'The only point of contact between the manga artist and the publisher is the assigned editor, and if the artist gets a bad one, all they can do is expose them online.'
— Enokoro (@enokor0) July 2, 2026
You can't do things like, 'My boss is terrible, so I'm going to report him to HR.' https://t.co/RtXfdwDAJ6
Self-liner notes for Ado's 'Love me forever!' (a song included in the Nintendo Switch game 'Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars') | Tsunku♂
This article discusses Doraemon movies again, starting with the common story of 'a new movie's production team adding elements they thought would be good, but which don't resonate with fans and end up being a flop.' - Anonymous Tribal
'Even though it's set in the ancient Near East, it's probably just Egypt...but it's surprisingly set in the Hittite Empire, a complete turnaround!' Four anime series set in 'minor historical periods' this summer! History buffs are sure to be excited - Togetter
3DO revival plan ends abruptly after one week; launched prematurely with virtually no rights (Kiyoshi Tane) - Expert - Yahoo! News
[Feature] Surpassing Steam Machine at almost the same price! Building a gaming PC with SteamOS - PC Watch
The anime 'Yani Neko,' which delivered the best animation as expected and was full of crude gags that crossed the line, is trending on Twitter. Will this anime be broadcast to the end? - Togetter
'Kiki's Delivery Service' 4K Digital Remaster [Nationwide Limited 2-Week Screening Starting July 3rd (Fri)] - YouTube
[Opening Video] TV Anime 'World Is Dancing' | Macaroni Enpitsu 'Shuushou' - YouTube
Trailer for 'The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret Treasure of the Deceased' (Theatrical Version) | Release Date: December 11, 2026 (Friday) - YouTube
TV Anime 'Ten Years After I Said 'Leave This to Me and Go On Ahead,' I'd Become a Legend.' Episode 1 'When I Returned, I'd Become a Hero' Web Preview | Broadcast Starts July 6th, 2026 (Monday)! - YouTube
Special preview of the opening scene from the TV anime 'Saga of Tanya the Evil II' | Broadcasting begins July 8th, 2026 (Wednesday)! - YouTube
TV anime 'Dr.STONE' final episode special ending video - YouTube
TV Anime 'Reiwa no Darasan' Non-Credit Opening Video | Airing every Thursday at 10:30 PM! - YouTube
'The Banished Reincarnated Heavy Knight Unleashes His Unrivaled Power Through Game Knowledge' Non-Credit Opening Video - YouTube
'The Banished Reincarnated Heavy Knight Unleashes His Unrivaled Power Through Game Knowledge' Non-Credit Ending Video - YouTube
'The Banished Reincarnated Heavy Knight Unleashes His Unrivaled Power Through Game Knowledge' 15-second spot video - YouTube
[Third Season Teaser PV] TV Anime 'Mashle -MASHLE- The Three Demons vs. the Divine Awakened Ones Final Exam Arc' to air in January 2027! - YouTube
'Yamato Forever REBEL3199 Chapter Six: The Blue Labyrinth' Opening Scene - YouTube
I want to be a gal who's kind to otaku. pic.twitter.com/pKnHQ1eS0L
— Minase Mahoro (@maboroshi_mochi) July 2, 2026
'GOBBLE' Main Promotional Video - YouTube
Persona 4 Revival protagonist (CV: Daisuke Namikawa) - YouTube
Panzer Knights: Commander Edition | Gameplay Trailer - YouTube
Normu Exhibition 'Bigunna Hypothesis' | Zenless Zone Zero - YouTube
Crymelight - Introduction Trailer - YouTube
◆Sports, Entertainment, Music, and Film (Entertainment)
Shiina Ringo and Narita Yusuke: 'Intimate Date & Secret Meeting' Caught on Camera | FRIDAY
'What is this? Is this an opportunity?' Pulgori, who played for the Keio American football team, then Dentsu, and became the youngest sales office manager at Prudential Life Insurance, has filed for bankruptcy with debts of approximately 260 million yen - Togetter
An article summarizing who was at fault in the Sato Jiro and Hashimoto Ai incident has become a hot topic...categorized into 'the moment he allegedly touched her chin,' 'the conversation in the dressing room,' 'what happened afterward,' 'Bunshun,' 'Sato's post,' and 'netizens' - Togetter
I am an expert on harassment issues.
— Ryu Nitta (@nittaryo) July 2, 2026
Regarding the harassment allegations against Jiro Sato, I will point out the 'clear problems' that can be definitively identified based on the information released by those involved and Fuji Television. ...
[Full Article] Jiro Sato to be dropped from spin-off drama for the fall movie 'Odoru Daisousasen' - Fuji TV notified him on the 1st, and the first day of filming on the 2nd was canceled the day before - Sponichi Annex Entertainment
'Stop lying.' Jiro Sato further refutes harassment allegations, and his agency also releases a statement: 'One-sided reports are being published, which is extremely regrettable.' - Togetter
Fuji TV
— NobunagA (@NobunagA_A) July 3, 2026
'I apologize for not being able to mediate properly and causing trouble for both Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto.'
That's supposed to be their position,
'Sato Jiro? I gave him a stern warning!'
A spin-off of 'Odoru'?
Get off the show!
That's incredible, and it's even more incredible that they actually think public opinion will support them.
Of course, I suspected the article was biased, but I didn't expect it to be this bad. It completely fabricates stereotypical images of a 'fragile young woman' and a 'typical Showa-era power-harassing old man.' As someone who keenly felt the need for the utmost caution and vigilance, there was no way I could take such an attitude. Not even to protect myself.
— Jiro Sato (@actor_satojiro) July 3, 2026
Stop lying.
'NO MORE Movie Piracy' x Movie 'Kamen Rider Zets & Super Gavan' Special Collaboration Video - YouTube
◆New products (clothing, food, shelter)
News Release: 'Jagarico Genovese Pizza Flavor, Large Size' | Calbee Co., Ltd.
#SnowMiku 's new sweet and sour dessert 🍓
— Snow Miku Official (Hatsune Miku) (@cfm_snowmiku) July 3, 2026
'Hokkaido Yuki Miku Chocolate Cookies PREMIUM Rich Strawberry Flavor,' made with 100% Hokkaido-grown strawberries, will be released on Wednesday, July 15th at New Chitose Airport, Sapporo Station, and other locations!
A newly drawn clear card is also included! ✨ #MagicalMirai2026 pop-up sale also confirmed!
Details here ↓…
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in Headline, Posted by log1d_ts







