Ani-PASS #35 features Nao Toyama and Miku Ito
Ani-PASS #35 gives Nao Toyama a 34-page cover feature and puts Miku Ito on the back cover when the Japanese music magazine launches on 30 October.
Ani-PASS #35 will put voice actor and singer Nao Toyama on its cover and lead feature when the new issue goes on sale in Japan on 30 October. Miku Ito appears on the back cover and in the closing feature, giving the issue two major artist interviews rather than a single promotional spotlight. 1
The 112-page Shinko Music Mook is built around Toyama’s tenth anniversary as a singer. The cover feature runs for 34 pages and discusses her fourth full album, OVER THE RAINBOW, which arrived in October. The publisher says the interview also covers Toyama’s decision to mark the anniversary by bringing her singing career to a stopping point, along with all 12 tracks on the album. 1
Toyama’s feature includes new photography and an eight-question Q&A. The official cover supplied with the announcement presents her as the issue’s clear lead, while also listing Ito and the other artists included elsewhere in the magazine. 1
Ito’s back-cover feature runs for 24 pages and focuses on the making of her original album 39rpm and first best album swirl. The issue also includes a bound special photo card featuring Toyama and Ito. 1
The wider line-up
Ani-PASS #35 also carries interviews, features or reports involving Oishi Masayoshi, Soma Saito, Hiromitsu Kitayama, ASCA, Mao Asaoka of 22/7 and MADKID. The publisher’s announcement says the issue covers everything from live-event reports and new releases to an upcoming graduation photo book. 1
The release is also being sold with retailer-specific bonuses. Animate and Tower Records are offering a Toyama postcard, while Gamers and HMV are offering an Ito postcard, subject to availability. 1
Anime! Anime! independently reported the same 30 October release date and the magazine’s two main features, including its Japanese retail price of ¥1,760. 2
Our opinion
This is a straightforward magazine launch, but the pairing gives Ani-PASS #35 a useful anniversary hook: Toyama’s career milestone supplies the main story, while Ito’s dual-album feature makes the back-cover package feel substantial rather than decorative. The issue is most relevant to readers following Japanese voice actors’ music careers, especially those interested in how anniversary releases are being framed alongside longer-form interviews. The retailer bonuses are a nice extra, but the main value is the breadth of the editorial package and the two substantial features.
Ani-PASS #35 launches in Japan on 30 October, priced at ¥1,760. Availability and retailer bonuses may vary.