TV anime Game Center Girls and Cross-Cultural Exchange starts on July 6, 2024

The new anime series Game Center Girls and Cross-Cultural Exchange (jap. Gēsen Shōjo to Ibunka Kōryū) by Hirokazu Yasuhara will premiere on July 6, 2024, on TOKYO MX, BS Asahi, AT-X, and other channels. A colorful key visual and a main trailer offer glimpses into the vibrant world of the series, which combines gaming culture and intercultural exchange.

Protagonist Renji Kusakabe (voice: Shōya Chiba) works part-time at a Japanese game center when he meets British student Lily Baker (voice: Sari Amagi). Their encounter sparks a series of humorous and heartwarming moments, where cultural differences and shared passions for video games take center stage. The series follows the unusual group of friends in their daily lives between arcade machines, school stress, and intercultural misunderstandings.

- Lily Baker: A high-energy Brit, played by Sari Amagi.

- Aoi Kusakabe (voice: Riona Osanai): Renji's younger sister and Lily's classmate, who charms with her endearing naivety.

- Karin Kaga (voice: Asaki Yugawa): An ambitious pro gamer.

- Hotaru Katsuragi (voice: Kaori Ishihara): The dutiful class representative.

- Momo Mochizuki (voice: Ai Kayano): A classmate secretly crushing on Renji.

Musical Highlights

- Opening Theme: Futari no Start Button – a duet by Lily (Sari Amagi) and Aoi (Riona Osanai).

- Ending Theme: Amusing Flavor – sung by Lily, with excerpts in the trailer.

The series combines slapstick comedy with culturally sensitive moments while capturing the diversity of gaming life. The focus lies on the dynamic between Lily and the Japanese characters, who come together despite language barriers through their shared love of games.