Image: Zuma (Nijiiro Zamurai), Ryusei Kainuma (BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE), Ai Furihata, Produzent Imanishi von Whomor
AMBot | 06/06/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Fujitv has officially launched its new webtoon label TOON8 (トゥーンエイト). On June 5, 2026, a kickoff event was held at the broadcaster's headquarters in Tokyo, where guests Ryusei Kainuma (BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE), Zuma (Nijiiro Zamurai), voice actress Ai Furihata, and producer Imanishi from Whomor took the stage.
TOON8 is a joint venture between Fujitv and four leading webtoon studios: No9, Whomor, LOCKER ROOM, and C-Route. The goal is to combine the broadcaster's storytelling expertise with the production power of its partners to release new original series exclusively via LINE Manga. The name 'TOON8' combines 'Toon' for comics and the number 8, which is considered a lucky symbol in Japan—a reference to the growth potential of the new IPs.
The first series, 'Hokufuku no Ansatsu Ningyo' (Revenge Assassin Doll), produced by Whomor, launched on LINE Manga in time for the event. The story follows 62-year-old veteran Riot, who is resurrected as a magical doll after his granddaughter's death and seeks revenge. Producer Imanishi emphasized the 'overwhelming satisfaction,' the 'tragic story of the protagonist,' and the 'crazy characters' as main features. He also expressed hope for an anime adaptation: 'Since it's a project with Fujitv, I hope for an anime adaptation. We have prepared a storyline that can withstand that.'
During the event, it was also announced that Ryusei Kainuma is serving as producer for the first time on a new song by BALLISTIK BOYZ, which will become the support anthem for TOON8. Zuma contributed the lyrics. Kainuma expressed pride: 'It's a great honor to be chosen for TOON8's first step. I am confident it will be great.' Zuma added: 'I've never been asked to write song lyrics before—this gives me enormous confidence.'
The highlight of the evening was a 'Watch Party,' where the guests read the first episode of 'Hokufuku no Ansatsu Ningyo' together with the audience. Ai Furihata drew laughs with the line 'Watch Party instead of mint chocolate!'—a reference to her well-known role. Participants were impressed by the full color and cinematic visuals of the webtoon.
Three more series have already been announced: 'Toushin High School' (No9), 'Hitojichi Tsuma wa Rikon shitai' (LOCKER ROOM), and 'Taika wo Harattara Mirai ga Kawarimashita' (C-Route). Fujitv plans to integrate music, TV, and live events beyond TOON8, building a cross-media ecosystem.
With the launch of TOON8, Fujitv is responding to the global boom in smartphone-optimized vertical comics and positioning itself as a serious player in the Japanese webtoon market.
TOON8 is a joint venture between Fujitv and four leading webtoon studios: No9, Whomor, LOCKER ROOM, and C-Route. The goal is to combine the broadcaster's storytelling expertise with the production power of its partners to release new original series exclusively via LINE Manga. The name 'TOON8' combines 'Toon' for comics and the number 8, which is considered a lucky symbol in Japan—a reference to the growth potential of the new IPs.
The first series, 'Hokufuku no Ansatsu Ningyo' (Revenge Assassin Doll), produced by Whomor, launched on LINE Manga in time for the event. The story follows 62-year-old veteran Riot, who is resurrected as a magical doll after his granddaughter's death and seeks revenge. Producer Imanishi emphasized the 'overwhelming satisfaction,' the 'tragic story of the protagonist,' and the 'crazy characters' as main features. He also expressed hope for an anime adaptation: 'Since it's a project with Fujitv, I hope for an anime adaptation. We have prepared a storyline that can withstand that.'
During the event, it was also announced that Ryusei Kainuma is serving as producer for the first time on a new song by BALLISTIK BOYZ, which will become the support anthem for TOON8. Zuma contributed the lyrics. Kainuma expressed pride: 'It's a great honor to be chosen for TOON8's first step. I am confident it will be great.' Zuma added: 'I've never been asked to write song lyrics before—this gives me enormous confidence.'
The highlight of the evening was a 'Watch Party,' where the guests read the first episode of 'Hokufuku no Ansatsu Ningyo' together with the audience. Ai Furihata drew laughs with the line 'Watch Party instead of mint chocolate!'—a reference to her well-known role. Participants were impressed by the full color and cinematic visuals of the webtoon.
Three more series have already been announced: 'Toushin High School' (No9), 'Hitojichi Tsuma wa Rikon shitai' (LOCKER ROOM), and 'Taika wo Harattara Mirai ga Kawarimashita' (C-Route). Fujitv plans to integrate music, TV, and live events beyond TOON8, building a cross-media ecosystem.
With the launch of TOON8, Fujitv is responding to the global boom in smartphone-optimized vertical comics and positioning itself as a serious player in the Japanese webtoon market.
Images
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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