Hunter x Hunter is set to make a notable appearance at this year’s Anime Expo in Los Angeles, United States, accompanied by one of Japan’s top girl groups, Sakurazaka46.
While details about the collaboration remain under wraps, the announcement has sparked excitement among fans of both the series and the musical group. The connection between Hunter x Hunter and Sakurazaka46 runs deep, adding a sentimental touch to this highly anticipated event.
Hunter x Hunter to feature at Anime Expo 2025 with Sakurazaka46
Kurapika, Gon, Killua, and Leorio (Credits: MadHouse)
The official website of Sakurazaka46 recently confirmed that the group will be performing at Anime Expo 2025, marking their first-ever live performance in the United States.
Their participation will be part of the J-POP SOUND CAPSULE @AX2025 Anisong World Matsuri Returns! music festival, where top Japanese artists like FLOW, GRANRODEO, TOGENASHI TOGEARI, Hiroshi Kitadani, and ASTERISM will also perform. The event will take place from July 4 to July 7, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
🚨 Togashi fez uma ilustração para presentear a idol Yumiko Seki, integrante do grupo Sakurazaka46! pic.twitter.com/EDiw6bmrIc — Portal Hunter x Hunter (@portalhxh) November 14, 2023
The collaboration between Sakurazaka46 and Hunter x Hunter remains a mystery, but it is expected to be a special highlight of the festival. While it’s unlikely to be an announcement about the return of the Hunter x Hunter anime, fans are hopeful for exciting news related to the manga or a special project tied to the series.
Long-standing bond between Sakurazaka46 and Hunter x Hunter
Yoshihiro Togashi (Credits: MadHouse)
Sakurazaka46 has a deep connection with Hunter x Hunter, especially through former member Yumiko Seki, a devoted fan of the series. Seki’s admiration for Hunter x Hunter was recognized by series creator Yoshihiro Togashi, who personally signed a Killua illustration for her and answered 11 of her questions during a talk show. Togashi shared insights about the series’ potential endings and the inspiration behind pivotal moments such as Meruem and Komugi’s final scene.
Sakurazaka46 will be collaborating with Hunter x Hunter at Anime Expo 2025 for the welcoming ceremony. pic.twitter.com/bYfyxEitlc — Hunter x Hunter (@TheHxHSource) March 24, 2025
Moreover, Sakurazaka46’s song Start over! was featured in a Hunter x Hunter manga animation on Shonen Jump’s official YouTube channel, further cementing the connection between the group and the franchise. Togashi’s admiration for the group was also reflected in Hunter x Hunter chapter 393, where he recreated a scene from one of their shows.
Given this mutual appreciation, the upcoming collaboration at Anime Expo is rooted in genuine respect and creative synergy between Sakurazaka46 and Togashi. Whether the collaboration involves a new theme song, a tribute performance, or a special manga-related announcement, fans have every reason to anticipate something remarkable.
It has been years since Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Black Clover were put on hiatus, leaving fans eager for updates. Anime Japan 2025 provided a small but promising development regarding the future of these beloved series. While no major announcements were made, the news confirmed that both anime are still in the works, providing hope that they will return with improved quality and production.
Anime Japan 2025 update on Boruto and Black Clover
Boruto and Black Clover (Credits: Studio Pierrot)
Anime Japan 2025 featured several major announcements, but the business day that followed the weekend event generated particular interest. TV Tokyo, the producer behind Boruto, Black Clover, and other major franchises like Naruto and Gintama, confirmed that these series will be part of their upcoming broadcast lineup for 2025 or later. This update came from TV Tokyo’s official listing on the Anime Japan website, where they revealed that Boruto and Black Clover are being prepared for future releases.
Unfortunately, that was the only concrete information provided. Despite the event being a perfect platform for Studio Pierrot to reveal future projects, no further updates on production timelines or content details were shared. The lack of additional information left fans feeling a bit underwhelmed, though the confirmation that both series remain active projects is encouraging.
Hiatus history and future prospects
TV Tokyo Update
Black Clover was placed on hiatus in March 2021, followed by Boruto: Naruto Next Generations nearly two years later. Both series were put on hold primarily because the anime adaptations had caught up to the source material. Scheduling issues and production challenges also played a role, leading Studio Pierrot to restructure their approach toward a more seasonal release format.
Given that both series are among the most popular anime globally, it is widely believed that a major platform like Jump Festa at the end of the year will serve as the venue for a more substantial announcement. Jump Festa has a history of being the stage for high-profile news, including the reveal of Chainsaw Man’s movie and One Piece’s remake. If Boruto and Black Clover are indeed set to return in 2025, Jump Festa would be the ideal time to make that announcement.
What to expect when Boruto and Black Clover return
V-Jump cover featuring Boruto and Kawaki (Credits: V-Jump)
Although Anime Japan 2025 didn’t deliver the news fans hoped for, the fact that TV Tokyo is actively presenting Boruto and Black Clover to other businesses indicates progress behind the scenes. The extended break may allow Studio Pierrot to enhance production quality and carefully adapt some of the best story arcs from the manga. When these series return, they are expected to be visually and narratively stronger than before, reflecting Pierrot’s shift to a more carefully managed production schedule.
For now, fans will have to remain patient, but the confirmation that both Boruto and Black Clover are still part of TV Tokyo’s future plans suggests that the long wait will be worth it.
