MBC Anime — a strategic initiative by Saudi Arabian media company MBC Group and U.S.-based Asian pop culture specialists Tokyopop, dedicated to the licensing, promotion and production of anime in MENA — has announced it is investing in two original productions slated to debut in Japan and worldwide this month: Kami.App (カミエラビ) and Protocol: Rain (僕らの雨いろプロトコル).
The shows, from Fuji TV and TV Asahi, will stream exclusively on Shahid, MBC GROUP’s Arabic streaming platform. MBC ANIME is also now part of the production committees of both Japanese broadcasters.
Streaming this week as a simulcast on Shahid, Kami.App is a battle-royale, twisted action story where high school student Goro is pitted against rivals in a bid to become the ultimate kami, wielding the power to manipulate the cause and effect of the world. Jaded by everyday life, Goro must confront his high school crush Honoka as part of the deadly competition, revealing the deepest secrets of each kami candidate.
Created by Yoko Taro (video game director of Nier), written by Jin (creator of Kagerou Daze) and directed by Hiroyuki Seshita (Knights of Sidonia, Ajin, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters), Kami.App also features character designs by Atsushi Ohkubo, the manga author behind Soul Eater and Fire Force. This original production brings together a remarkable creative dream team in the world of anime.
All 13 episodes of Season 1 are set to stream this year, with a second season planned for 2024.
Also streaming this week as a simulcast on Shahid, Protocol: Rain tells the story of Shun Tokinoya, a high school student working part-time at an esports café. He must participate in the “Xaxxerion Championship” to win prize money, which he needs to save the one passion that keeps him going after the loss of his father.
The series is directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto (Aharen-san wa Hakarenai, Nekopara) and written by Katsuhiko Takayama (The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat, ALDNOAH.ZERO). Original character designs are by booota (Penguin Highway) and Kanna Hirayama (Rent A Girlfriend,【OSHI NO KO】).
All 12 episodes will stream on Shahid this year.
