Crunchyroll Reports Possible Simulcast Delays

Japanese studios still dealing with rolling blackouts, other earthquake aftereffects

The media distributor Crunchyroll has announced via its forums that some of its upcoming spring simulcast series' first episodes may be delayed as a result of the March 11's Great Eastern Japan Earthquake (Higashi Nihon Daishinsai) disaster and its aftereffects. However, the note does not specify which series may be affected.

When asked for comment, a Crunchyroll representative stated that the company is still working out which simulcasts will or will not be delayed, as it depends on "how the studios in Japan are able to manage with damaged conditions and the constant rolling blackouts." At this point, the company's hope is that only premiere episodes will be delayed, with schedules returning to regularity thereafter. The representative also noted the company's launch calendar page is updated automatically, making it the most up-to-date resource for new episode information.

At press time, only a few new spring shows were listed on the calendar: My Ordinary Life (Nichijou, scheduled for premium members on April 2 and for free members on April 9), Hanasaku Iroha (April 3/April 10), an unspecified "episode 1" on April 4/April 11, Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi (April 8/15), and Astarotte's Toy (April 9/April 16). The simulcasts of ongoing titles may also be delayed.

Crunchyroll's forum post also notes that it has more announcements to make, but does not specify how many. The site's simulcast lineup page indicates that there is two remaining unannounced series.

The following is a list of Crunchyroll's announced simulcasts for spring, including ongoing series from previous seasons. Series which are not continuations from the previous winter season are marked with an asterisk (*).

• Astarotte's Toy (Lotte no Omocha!)*
• Battle Girls - Time Paradox*
• Beelzebub
• Bleach
• Cardfight!! Vanguard
• Deadman Wonderland*
• Fairy Tail
• Gintama'*
• Gosick
• Hanasaku Iroha*
• Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi - A Bridge to the Starry Skies*
• Kaasan - Mom's Life
• My Ordinary Life (Nichijou)*
• Naruto Shippūden
• Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai Without Wings -Under the Innocent Sky-*
• Saint seiya the lost canvas
• Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi*
• Sket Dance*
• The World God Only Knows II*
• Tono to Issho Second Season*

Update: Crunchyroll added a second unannounced title. Thanks, EmbraceMe.