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Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Yoko Kawanami's Passing
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells
― The anime world lost another prolific voice actor with the announcement of Yoko Kawanami's passing on March 27. She is best known for her roles as Coconna Vartia in Armored Trooper Votoms, Midori Norimaki (née Yamabuki) in Dr. Slump, Bulma's Mother in Dragon Ball, and Rumi Kishikawa in Marmalade Boy. Her work has touched the lives and hear...
Transformers, Star Wars Voice Actor Clive Revill Dies at 94
Actor was also veteran of Broadway, Royal Shakespeare Company
― The Hollywood Reporter reported on Wednesday that actor and voice actor Clive Revill died on March 11 after a battle with dementia. He was 94. Revill was born in Wellington, New Zealand in April 1930, and was recruited to be an actor by Laurence Olivier. He is perhaps most famous for his role as the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in...
Votoms, God Mars Voice Actress Yōko Kawanami Dies
Dr. Slump & Arale-chan, Marmalade Boy voice actress was 67
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Thursday that voice actress Yōko Kawanami died on March 18 of peritoneal metastasis. She was 67. Due to the wishes of her family, her wake and funeral were held for close relatives only. Kawanami was born in Kanagawa Prefecture on April 22, 1957. Kawanami is perhaps best known as voicing Coconna Va...
Risa Kubota Returns to Voice Acting Under New Stage Name Risa Hoshina
Hoshina to have business partnership with Wave Master sound production company
― Sound production company Wave Master announced on Tuesday that voice actor Risa Kubota has returned to voice acting under the stage name Risa Hoshina, and will have a business partnership with Wave Master. (Compared to her previous name, the "Risa" in her new stage name has the same pronunciation, but a different first k...
Live-Action One Piece Series' Showrunner Matt Owens Exits Show
Owens leaves after production of 2nd season to work on his mental health
― Showrunner of the live-action series of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga Matt Owens announced on his Instagram account on Saturday that he is leaving the show after finishing production on the second season to work on his mental health. He stated that he will "come back refreshed for the new adventures that await." View this pos...
Singer/Actor Isao Sasaki Hospitalized for Acute Exacerbation of Interstitial Pneumonia
Sasaki to not return to work until end of April
― Singer and voice actor Isao Sasaki revealed on Monday that he had been hospitalized for acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. After returning from Thailand in mid-January, Sasaki was not feeling well so he went to the doctor. The doctor called an ambulance and had him admitted to the hospital, since his blood oxygen level was very low. He has ...
Hayao Miyazaki Shaves Off Iconic Beard
And shows it off with protégé Hideaki Anno.
― Anime studio Khara shared a photo of Hideaki Anno and legendary Studio Ghibli animator Hayao Miyazaki on its second X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday. The two men appear happy in the photo, but something is amiss about Miyazaki — he's missing his iconic beard. According to Anno, Miyazaki shaved the beard because, “it was too much hassle to take c...
Evangelion Director Hideaki Anno Is Working on 5 Different Scripts Now
And he wants to work on a 6th for another Shin Kamen Rider
― Anime studio Khara reported on Tuesday that renowned animator, director, and screenwriter Hideaki Anno is currently writing screenplays for no less than five different works. Plus, if a new Shin Kamen Rider project is green-lit, Khara's co-founder and president would be working on six different scripts. 53年前の今日18日は『仮面ライダー対ショッカー』の公開日。そして2年前...
Voice Actor Shiki Aoki Goes on Hiatus Due to Health
The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls cast member sees a doctor after feeling unwell, advised to rest for a while
― Talent agency Kawadon Entertainment announced on Monday that voice actor Shiki Aoki has gone on hiatus due to health reasons. The company's X/Twitter post explained that Aoki has been seeing a doctor because he was feeling unwell, and he has been advised to rest for the time being. The compan...
BTS Singer Jin Hosts Variety Show With Webtoon Artist Kian, Comedian Ye-eun Ji
Series following 3 people as they operate B&B on Ulleungdo island debuts on Netflix on April 8
― On March 12, Netflix released a minute-long teaser for Kian's Bizarre B&B, an unscripted variety show featuring webtoon artist/entertainer Kian, BTS member Jin, and SNL Korea comedian Ye-eun Ji. The series follows the three as they operate a bed-and-breakfast on Ulleungdo island, navigating the challenge...
Voice Actor Showtaro Morikubo Also Steps Down from Arknights Game Role
Voice actor stepped down from Genshin Impact game earlier this week
― The official Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account of Chinese developer Hypergryph's Arknights mobile game announced on Friday that voice actor Showtaro Morikubo will step down from the role of Elysium in the game due to "various circumstances." Hypergryph apologized to fans and stated that it will announce a replacement of the exi...
Voice Actor Dave Mallow Dies at 76
Mallow voiced Digimon's Angemon, Power Rangers' Baboo/intro announcer
― Voice actress Dorothy Fahn posted on X/Twitter on Tuesday that her fellow voice actor Dave Mallow has died. TMZ reported that Mallow died on Tuesday after being in hospice care at the MonteCedro Senior Living Community in Altadena, California. He was 76. Mallow has played numerous characters in the Digimon series, including Angem...
Voice Actor Yoshimasa Hosoya Announces Marriage
Voice of Attack on Titan's Yuta Reiner Braun made announcement as plum trees are in full bloom
― Voice actor Yoshimasa Hosoya announced on Monday that he had gotten married. The voice actor offered a message to his fans and supporters: いつも応援してくださる皆様へ。 pic.twitter.com/KjBv8D9G95— 細谷佳正 YOSHIMASA HOSOYA (@hosoya_info) March 9, 2025 To everyone who always supports me. Announcement
I apologize for the pe...
CODA Works with China to Arrest Chinese Piracy Website Owner
Suspect had run anime piracy website since 2022
― Japan's Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced on Friday that the Shijiazhuang Public Security Bureau arrested a man from the Liaoning Province in China on suspicion of running the Zzzfun piracy website. The website violates copyright law by illegally distributing anime and other content to users in China through its website and ap...
Naver Webtoon Continues Sponsoring 'Hyun-se Lee Cartoon Creation Camp' for Aspiring Creators
Outstanding works may be serialized via Naver Webtoon
― Naver Webtoon announced on March 4 that it will once again officially sponsor the "Hyun-se Lee Cartoon Creation Camp" this year, continuing its support for aspiring webtoon creators. The camp was first launched in 2001 by Doo-ho Lee, a professor at Sejong University at the time, as a so-called "hell camp" designed to immerse students completely...
Anime NYC Hosts Rooster Fighter Manga Creator Shu Sakuratani, Anime Adaptation's Screenwriter Hiroshi Seko
Sakuratani, Seko attend 4-day event on August 21-24
― The staff of Anime NYC announced on Saturday that it will host Rooster Fighter (Niwatori Fighter) manga author Shu Sakuratani, and the upcoming anime adaptation's screenwriter Hiroshi Seko at this year's event. 🗽GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT🗽Shu Sakuratani is a talented and innovative Japanese manga artist and creator, best known for his acclaimed series "Ro...
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Wins 11th Anime Trending Awards
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End wins 5 other awards; DAN DA DAN, The Dangers in My Heart 2nd season win 4 awards each
― The 11th annual Anime Trending Awards announced its winners on Saturday and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End won Anime of the Year, as well as five other awards including Action or Adventure Anime of the Year and Fantasy Anime of the Year. DAN dA DAN and the second season of The Dangers ...
Actor Yuki Yamada Requests 3-Day Vacation For Future Monster Hunter Releases
Actor begrudgingly worked on Monster Hunter Wilds release day
― Japanese news outlet Oricon reported on February 18 that actor Yuki Yamada has asked his agency for three days off for future Monster Hunter releases. The actor's comments came during the press scrum after Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds media launch event. 山田裕貴、事務所にモンハン休暇を直訴!? 『モンスターハンターワイルズ』メディア発表会に登場し思いのたけを語った。 pic.twitter.com/Si1MJblOQ...
Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs Honors Gōshō Aoyama, Masahiro Sakurai, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, Katsura Hashino
Detective Conan creator, Super Smash Bros. director win Art Encouragement Prizes
― The Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs awarded Detective Conan manga creator Gōshō Aoyama and Super Smash Bros. game series director and game design videos creator Masahiro Sakurai with the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for the 75th annual awards...
Anime Producer Kouichirou Itou Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison
your name., Weathering With You, Suzume producer charged with obscene acts against 3 minors
― The below article contains references to child sexual assault. The Wakayama District Court has sentenced on Friday 53-year-old anime producer Kouichirou Itou to four years in prison for committing nonconsensual sexual intercourse with three minor girls, and knowingly exchanging money with a 15-year-old girl ...
Junji Ito Nominated for Eisner Hall of Fame
Late manga creator Shigeru Mizuki pre-selected to enter Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame this year
― The organizers of the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced on Friday that they have nominated horror manga creator Junji Ito for the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame. Voters will select which six of this year's 18 nominees will be the latest to join the Hall of Fame. The organizers al...
D4DJ Voice Actress Himari Hazuki to Retire From Entertainment Industry
Cast member in Rebirth, Teppen, Tōgane! Omatsuri-Bu decides on new path in life
― The talent agency Ace Crew Entertainment announced on Saturday that voice actress Himari Hazuki will retire from the entertainment industry on March 31. The agency explained that she decided to take a step towards a new life. The company added that it will notify fans on what will happen with her official fan club "Hima...
Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective Voice Actor Ayane Sakura Gets Health Screening
Sakura: “I got a mammography from a fan.”
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective anime revealed that the February 15 episode of the anime's special program Ameku Takao no Kyushinbi features Ameku's voice actor Ayane Sakura receiving a medical screening. The episode is available on Aniplex's YouTube channel. 📺YouTubeにて配信開始‼￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣🥼天久鷹央の休診日💉佐倉綾音、人間ドックに行く▽...
Former Gainax Member, Dragon Quest Sword Designer Jun Tamatani Dies
Worked at Gainax predecessor General Products, continued working with Gainax on Princess Maker
― Science fiction writer Hiroe Suga reported on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday that designer and illustrator Jun Tamatani has died. Tamatani was one of the first employees at General Products, the store founded by Toshio Okada and Yasuhiro Takeda to sell merchandise, create garage kits, and lice...
Transformers Films' Writer, Producer Roberto Orci Dies at 51
Orci co-wrote 2007 Transformers, 2009 sequel, 2009 Star Trek reboot, Transformers Prime
― Screenwriter and producer Roberto Orci died on Tuesday, February 25 due to a kidney disease. He was 51. Orci co-wrote the 2007 Transformers film with Alex Kurtzman and John Rogers, and also co-wrote the 2009 sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with Ehren Kruger and Alex Kurtzman. He co-created the Transfo...
Nobuo Yamada Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Performance Cancellations
Saint Seiya singer known as NoB was diagnosed 7 years ago with kidney cancer
― Singer Nobuo Yamada (also known as NoB) revealed on Tuesday that he was diagnosed with kidney cancer seven years ago. Yamada has been continuing his activities despite his diagnosis. However, due to health reasons, he has decided to cancel his "Saint Seiya 'Pegasus Fantasy' Grand Finale' performance in Mexico on March 29-3...
Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, Actress/Singer Chieko Baisho Invited to Join Japan Art Academy
Tomino, Baisho among 15 new Japan Art Academy members to be appointed on March 1
― The Japan Art Academy revealed its 15 new members on February 20, which includes Mobile Suit Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino and singer/actress Chieko Baisho. The new members will be appointed by Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology on March 1. The Japan Art Academy is a national inst...
Blackpink's LISA to Release Comic Project
56-page limited-edition comic features artwork by Japanese artist MINOMIYABI
― LISA of BLACKPINK is preparing for her solo debut with the release of her album ALTER-EGO on February 28. Earlier this month, she rereleased the single "Born Again," featuring Doja Cat and RAYE, signaling the start of her solo career. Alongside the album, LISA is launching ALTER-EGO: THE OFFICIAL COMIC in collaboration wi...
Sae-ron Kim's Final Film Based on Webtoon to Release Later This Year
Live-action project based on Every Day We webtoon to include both theatrical film, series
― The late actress Sae-ron Kim's final film, Every Day We, is set for a theatrical release as early as this fall. Director Min-jae Kim confirmed in an interview with Yonhap News Agency (YNA) on Thursday that the film is currently in the editing process and is expected to be released either in the fall or winter...
Travel Writer, Tetsuko no Tabi Manga Writer Hirohiko Yokomi Dies at 63
"Ultimate railway otaku" visited every train station in Japan
― Shogakukan announced on Friday that travel writer and Tetsuko no Tabi manga storywriter Hirohiko Yokomi died of acute heart failure on Wednesday. He was 63. A funeral was held for close relatives only. Yokomi is perhaps best known as the person who visited every train station in Japan. He had previously visited all of the JR stations in ...
Slow Loop Manga Goes on Hiatus While Creator Maiko Uchino Undergoes Breast Cancer Treatment
Manga will move from Manga Time Kirara Forward to Comic Fuz service when it returns
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara magazine revealed on Friday that Maiko Uchino's Slow Loop manga is going on hiatus. When the manga resumes, it will move from Manga Time Kirara Forward to the Comic Fuz app and website. Houbunsha will reveal the manga's resumption date in Ma...
Dance Dance Danseur Manga Goes on Hiatus After Author's 2nd Surgery
George Asakura confirms she was safely discharged from hospital after 2nd craniotomy surgery
― Manga creator George Asakura stated on X (formerly Twitter) on February 14 that she was recently safely discharged from the hospital after a second craniotomy. She added due to that her Dance Dance Danseur manga will go back on hiatus for a while. Asakura joked that she "looks cool like Frankenstein." Asaku...
Hakusensha Founding Member, Manga Magazine Editor Nobumasa Konagai Dies at 94
Bessatsu Margaret editor-in-chief died of old age on February 2
― Publisher Hakusensha's founding member and manga magazine editor Nobumasa Konagai died of old age on February 2. There was a funeral for close relatives. He was 94. Konagai was born in 1930 in Shizuoka prefecture. He joined Shueisha and worked as an editor before becoming one of the founding members of Hakusensha in 1973. He served as ...
Actress Sae-ron Kim Found Dead, Investigation Underway
Police reported on Monday they believe her death was a suicide
― Warning: this article contains statements about a possible suicide. If you or anyone you know is suicidal or having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a suicide prevention organization in your country. In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available by calling 988. In Korea, the suicide prevention help li...
Voice Actors Tomoaki Maeno & Mikako Komatsu Announce Birth of Their 2nd Child
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai costars announce birth of their 2nd child
― Voice acting couple Tomoaki Maeno and Mikako Komatsu announced the birth of their second child on social media on February 14. Komatsu noted that this was her first Instagram post of 2025 and both she and her child are healthy. In turn, Maeno stated, “This experience has given me a renewed sense of the preciousness of life...
Anime Figure Manufacturer Kaiyodo's Founder Osamu Miyawaki Dies at 96
Miyawaki died of old age on February 16
― Osamu Miyawaki, founder of anime figure manufacturer Kaiyodo, died of old age while undergoing medical treatment at a facility in Osaka on February 16 at 9:31 p.m. JST. He was 96. There will be a farewell ceremony for Miyawaki for close relatives at a later date. Miyawaki was born in Kochi Prefecture on May 20, 1928. In 1964, he founded Kaiyodo as a plastic m...
Voice Actor Atomu Shimojo Dies
Shimojo died on January 29 due to health issues from acute subdural hematoma
― Talent agency Tom Project announced last Thursday that actor Atomu Shimojo died on January 29 at a hospital in Tokyo.. He had been diagnosed with acute subdural hematoma in September 2023, and his health had worsened before his passing. He was 78. There was a funeral for close relatives. Shimojo was born on November 26, 19...
Nostalgiacon in Anaheim, CA Hosts Romi Park as Guest
Fullmetal Alchemist, Naruto, Attack on Titan voice actress participates in signings at event taking place on June 6-8
― Nostalgiacon's Instagram account announced on Tuesday that voice actress Romi Park will attend the convention in Anaheim, CA from June 6 though June 8. The actress will be participating in signings and autograph tickets are available on the event's website for US$200 each. Park's ma...
Look Back Anime Film Director, Producers Win Fujimoto Award
Cells at Work, Let's Go Karaoke, Oshi no Ko, Golden Kamuy also honored
― The Japan Academy Film Prize Association announced the winners of the 48th annual Japan Academy Film Prizes in a ceremony at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo on Friday. Look Back won both the Best Animated Film award and the Creative Contribution award for its key and in-between animation staff. Look Back competed ag...
Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective Radio Show Plays Recordings of Main Lead Ayane Sakura Sleeping
Voice of title character is genuinely sleeping
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective anime teased that the February 11 episode of the anime's audio radio program Nikkan Sakura Ayane Tensai Ameku Takao ni Naru 100 nichi Kan features the sleeping sounds of voice actor Ayane Sakura. The episode is available on the Aniplex YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, and Sp...
Live-Action Street Fighter Actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo Dies
Tuiasosopo played E. Honda in 1994 live-action Street Fighter movie
― Actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo died on Monday in the early morning. His son Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo revealed the news on Facebook, and he told TMZ that his father had died of heart complications in Phoenix, AZ. He was 61. Tuiasopopo played E. Honda in the 1994 live-action Street Fighter movie. He was the Fuji Announcer in the 2008 liv...
NHK World Streams Documentary About Detective Conan Creator Gōshō Aoyama Worldwide
Go behind-the-scenes of Detective Conan
― NHK World began streaming a new documentary about Detective Conan manga creator Gōshō Aoyama, originally from the Professional Shigoto no Ryūgi (The Professionals, or literally, Style of Professional Work) series, with English subtitles worldwide on December 28. The Professional Shigoto no Ryūgi Mangaka Gosho Aoyama SP special first ran on NHK BS Premium 4K i...
Grave of the Fireflies Composer Michio Mamiya Dies at 95
Mamiya also composed score for other Isao Takahata works Gauche the Cellist, Horus - Prince of the Sun
― Asahi Shimbun reported on December 12 that composer Michio Mamiya died on December 11, 2024 due to pneumonia. He was 95. His family held a vigil on December 17, and a funeral on December 18. Born in Hokkaido, Mamiya studied at the Tokyo Music School (the modern-day Tokyo University of the Arts) un...
Shintaro Kago's Dementia 21, Kan Takahashi's Ōgishima Saijiki Manga Win Angoulême Awards
Dementia 21 wins Series Prize, Ōgishima Saijiki wins Konishi Award
― The 52nd Angoulême International Comics Festival announced its winners on February 2, and Shintaro Kago's Dementia 21 volume 2 won the Le Fauve de la Série (Series Prize) award. Huber publishes Dementia 21 in French, and Baptiste Neveux is the translator into French. Fantagraphics released the two-volume manga in English in 2018 and...
Totto-chan, Look Back Staff Win Awards at 3rd Niigata Int'l Animation Film Festival
Yuki Hayashi also wins award for My Hero Academia: You're Next film
― The third Niigata International Animation Film Festival announced winners for the Hiroshi Ōkawa Award and the Kōji Fukiya Award on Friday. Shin-ei Animation won the Hiroshi Ōkawa Award for its work on the Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window film. Director and animator Kiyotaka Oshiyama, animator Toshiyuki Inoue, and sound dir...
Kyoto Animation Arsonist's Lawyers Ask to Nullifiy Appeal Withdrawal
Defense asks for nullification 2 days after withdrawal of appeal last week
― The legal team of Shinji Aoba, who was convicted in the arson fire that killed 36 people and wounded 32 others at Kyoto Animation, asked the Osaka High Court to nullify Aoba's withdrawal of his appeal against his death sentence on January 30. Aoba himself withdrew the appeal two days earlier on January 28. When a suspect wit...
Gendai Production President/Producer Hisako Yamada Dies at 92
Yamada died on January 13 due to aspiration pneumonia
― Gendai Production announced on Wednesday that producer Hisako Yamada died on January 13 due to aspiration pneumonia. There will be a memorial service for her on March 25. She was 92. Yamada served as the president of Gendai Production, founded by her late husband and director Tengo Yamada. Yamada was a producer of multiple works, including the 1...
San Francisco Fine Arts Museum to Open 1st Major Manga Exhibit in U.S. in September
Featuring Fujio Akatsuka, Hirohiko Araki, Tetsuya Chiba, Eiichiro Oda, Gengoroh Tagame, Rumiko Takahashi, Keiichi Tanaami, Jiro Taniguchi, Kazumi Yamashita, Mari Yamazaki, and Fumi Yoshinaga
― The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco's de Young Museum announced on January 27 that it will hold "the first major manga exhibition in the United States." The "Art of Manga" exhibit will display works by Fuji...
Voice Actor Mai Fuchigami Celebrates Birth of Her First Baby
Voice of Assassination Classroom's Nagisa announces birth of her daughter
― Voice actor Mai Fuchigami announced the birth of her daughter, her first child, on social media on February 1. The voice actor said she will be a “powerful mother and actress” going forward and included a photo of her daughter's feet. 【ご報告】先日、第一子となる女の子を出産いたしましたことをご報告させていただきます。これからは役者としても、そして母としてもパワフルに！一日一日を楽しんでいきたいと思います。今後とも...
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord Remake Game Wins Grammy Award
Game's composer Winifred Phillips won "Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media" award
― The winners of the 67th Grammy Awards were revealed on Sunday and composer Winifred Phillips won the "Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media" award for the 3D remake of the original Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord game. Other winners of the Grammy ...
Meteor Garden Star Barbie Hsu Dies at 48
Live-action Mars star reportedly died of pneumonia after contracting influenza on vacation trip to Japan
― The BBC reported on Monday that Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu — known for starring in the Meteor Garden live-action adaptation of Yoko Kamio's Boys Over Flowers (Hana Yori Dango) manga — has died of pneumonia. She was 48. Hsu's sister Dee Hsu said in a statement on Monday Hsu had contracted influ...
Look Back, Frieren Win TAAF's Top Awards
Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, Evan Call, more win individual awards
― The Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) announced the winners of its Animation of the Year awards for works and individuals on Friday. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End won the television category and Look Back won the animated film category. The winners of the individual awards are as follows: Original Work/Screenplay Category: H...
Manga Plus to Publish Exclusive Interviews With 8 Manga Creators in English
The interviews are in conjunction with the platform's 6th anniversary celebration.
― Shueisha's Manga Plus service announced on Tuesday the mobile manga reader app will release eight exclusive interviews with manga creators for its 6th anniversary. The first part of the interviews is currently available on the Manga Plus website. MANGA Plus is turning 6!🎂Thank you to all our fans for your continuous...
Kyoto Animation Arson Suspect Withdraws Appeal, Death Sentence Confirmed
Suspect Shinji Aoba sentenced to death penalty in January 2024
― The Osaka High Court announced that Shinji Aoba, the suspect of the arson murder case that killed 36 people and wounded 32 others at Kyoto Animation, has withdrawn the appeal to his death sentence on Monday. With the withdrawal of the appeal, the trial has ended, and Aoba's death sentence is finalized. The Kyoto District Court handed do...
Nippon Ichi Software President Tetsuhisa Seko Dies at 54 (Updated)
Seko also served as director of NIS America
― Nippon Ichi Software announced on Friday that president and CEO Tetsuhisa Seko died on Friday. He was 54. (Note: Nippon Ichi Software lists his age of death at 55, but states he was born on January 21, 1971, which would make him 54 at his age of death.) According to Nippon Ichi Software's website, Seko also served as the Director of NIS America. Seko bega...
Animator Yōichi Ōnishi Dies
Animator known for work on Jigoku Sensei Nube, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Kanon
― Animator Eisaku Inoue revealed on Facebook on January 8 that animator Yōichi Ōnishi has died. He was known for his work as a character designer on titles such as Jigoku Sensei Nube (pictured right), Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Kanon, and other titles. He also worked as an animation director on episodes of World Trigger, The Misfit of D...
Kohei Horikoshi and Yuki Kaji Saw the 'He Has a Birthmark Like Me' TikTok Video
Kaji: “Even if he has a tragic backstory, it has the potential to save someone…”
― Voice actor Yuki Kaji responded to a Tiktok video in which a girl gleefully remarks about a doll of My Hero Academia character Shoto Todoroki. In his post the voice actor states series creator Kohei Horikoshi told him about the video and commented, “'It's the same as me,' she said, hugging the doll with a cute smile.”...
Anime Producer Kouichirou Itou Pleads Guilty to Obscene Acts Against 3 Minors
Defense requests suspended sentence; final sentencing scheduled for February 28
― The below article contains references to child sexual assault. The prosecution in the case of 53-year-old anime producer Kouichirou Itou, who was arrested in late February 2024 for allegedly soliciting a 15-year-old high school girl for nude photos, recommended on January 7 that Itou serve six years in jail. The defense...
Several Voice Actors Lose Homes in L.A. Wildfires; Tokyopop Contributes to Matching Gift Pool for Book, Comics Industry
Tokyopop, other companies contribute US$55,000 to matching gift pool to benefit those in book, comics industry affected
― Voice actress Amanda Winn Lee revealed on social media on January 8 that she and her family had to evacuate their house in the middle of the night that day to the wildfires that are happening in the Los Angeles area of California. She stated a few hours later that she has lost her...
Composer, Arranger Hiroshi Shinkawa Dies
Shinkawa arranged songs for Cat's Eye, Kimagure Orange Road, Ninja Scroll
― The official X/Twitter account for composer and arranger Hiroshi Shinkawa posted a message from his wife on Friday revealing that Shinkawa died on January 8 of ischemic heart failure. He was 69. Shinkawa's funeral was limited to close relatives and was held on Friday. Shinkawa was born on July 26, 1955 in Tokyo. He was the mu...
Bleach Anime Used in New Zealand Murder Case Defense
Defense: Schizophrenic suspect was acting out Bleach scene when he assaulted, murdered victim
― The defense presented new evidence in a New Zealand murder case of 69-year-old Auckland resident Michael Mulholland by 36-year-old man Gabriel Hikari Yad-Elohim. In a December 13 report by the Law News website and January 13 report by The New Zealand Herald newspaper, the new evidence suggests Yad-Elohim w...
Doraemon Voice Actors Noriko Ohara, Nobuyo Ōyama Receive Japan Academy Special Awards
Late actors to receive Chairman's Special award
― The Japan Academy Film Prize Association announced the special award winners of the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize on Tuesday. Doraemon anime voice actors Noriko Ohara and Nobuyo Ōyama are awarded the Chairman's Special award. The award is given to deceased persons who have made significant contributions and have achieved outstanding results in the fil...
Crowdfunding Launched After Voice Actor Mike McFarland's Successful Brain Tumor Surgery
GoFundMe campaign for hiring live-in medical assistant after emergency operation
― Voice actors J. Michael Tatum and Brandon McInnis launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign on Sunday so fellow voice actor Mike McFarland can hire a live-in medical assistant, following a successful surgery to remove his brain tumor this past week. As of press time, the campaign has raised over US$51,000 towards its U...
When the Phone Rings Web Novel Author Reveals Personal Experience with Phishing
Author's experience inspired web novel that also has webtoon adaptation, live-action series adaptation on Netflix
― In an interview with South Korea's Yonhap News Agency published on January 6, the web novelist known as "Dried Seafood Lady" shared that her real-life experience of falling victim to a voice phishing scam inspired her story. "I was completely taken in by the phone call and felt myself ...
Voice Actor Dale Wilson Dies
Wilson voiced Cell in Ocean's dub of Dragon Ball Z, Smokescreen in Transformers Armada
― Voice actor Dale Wilson's wife Gail posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday sharing that he died on Monday evening. The specific cause of death not was not specified, but he had lived with metastasized prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease for many years. Wilson has provided voices to multiple characters from an...
Singer Kana Adachi Announces Marriage to Tokyo Giants Player Naoki Yoshikawa
Opening singer for The Seven Deadly Sins: Imperial Wrath of The Gods made announcement after Christmas
― Singer Kana Adachi announced on her Instagram account that she married baseball team Tokyo Yomiuri Giants' second baseman Naoki Yoshikawa on December 28. In her post, she included a photo of herself with Yoshikawa and a joint message with the baseball star. View this post on Instagram A post share...
After Ending MF Ghost, Shūichi Shigeno Wants to Make … a Farming Manga
Will there be drifting tractors, though?
― The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Mate posted an interview with legendary automotive racing manga creator Shuichi Shigeno on December 23. Shigeno spoke about “his work to date and relationship with cars.” 「MFゴースト」「頭文字D」「バリバリ伝説」…レジェンド漫画家・しげの秀一さんにインタビュー！MFゴーストの連載も佳境を迎えているというしげのさんに、これまでの作品、そしてクルマとの関係性について語ってもらいました。#JAFMate 公式アカウントのフォローを！https://t.co/6jRzTA2...
Azuki Shibuya Resumes Voice-Acting After 1-Year Hiatus
Shibuya went on indefinite hiatus in January 2024
― Talent agency 81 Produce announced on Monday that Azuki Shibuya is returning from her hiatus from voice-acting. On her Instagram post, Shibuya stated that during her hiatus, she was able to do many things that she always wanted to try and she will continue to take on challenges and will have fun while doing her best. Shibuya added that she is resumi...
In Memoriam
To those who left us in 2024
― Saki Aida
Novelist
Deadlock, S Yū Asai
Manga creator
Hoshi no Kazu dake Dakishimete, Kimagure Short Cut Erica Ash
Voice actress
Bloody Roar 4 Hinako Ashihara
Manga creator
Sexy Tanaka-san, Sand Chronicles, Piece - Kanojo no Kioku Pierre Christin
Writer
Valerian & Laureline José Delbo
Comic book artist
Transformers comics Nicholas Dupree
ANN Editorial Contributor Greg F...
Voice Actor Yuya Hirose Announces Marriage
Voice of SSSS.Gridman's Yuta Hibiki marries someone outside the industry
― Voice actor Yuya Hirose announced he had gotten married on his X (formerly Twitter) account just after midnight on January 1, New Year's Day: 皆様に大切なご報告があります。 pic.twitter.com/Wcka8kScPa— 広瀬裕也 (@yuhiro4949) December 31, 2024 I have an important announcement to make to everyone. To everyone,
Although this is a personal matter, I...
Voice Actor Hiroshi Kamiya, Actress Rina Aizawa Get Married
Super Sentai actress makes announcement as the new year rolls in
― Actress Rina Aizawa announced her marriage to voice actor Hiroshi Kamiya at 12:00 a.m. midnight on New Year's Day: ご報告です。 pic.twitter.com/xr0FCqCNxM— 逢沢りな (@Rinaaizawa0728) December 31, 2024 I have an announcement I apologize for raising a personal matter, but I would like to announce that I, Rina Aizawa, have married Hiroshi Kamiya....
Voice Actor Kanako Takatsuki Announces Marriage & Resignation From Current Agency
Voice of Love Live! Sunshine's Hanamaru Kunikida made announcements before New Year's Day
― Voice actor and singer Kanako Takatsuki announced she had gotten married on her X (formerly Twitter) account on December 28: いつも応援してくださる皆様へ支えてくださっている皆様へご報告です。 pic.twitter.com/DSVRhvGyb6— 高槻かなこ&STAFF (@Kanako_tktk) December 28, 2024 A message to everyone who always supports and encourages me. Thank you for you...
Voice Actors Yumi Uchiyama & Yūsuke Kobayashi Announce Marriage
The co-stars of Re:ZERO Starting Life in Another World tie the knot
― Voice Actors Yumi Uchiyama and Yūsuke Kobayashi announced their marriage to each other on their respective X (formerly Twitter) accounts on December 31, New Year's Eve: 本年も 沢山の素敵なご縁に恵まれ大変お世話になりました✨本当にありがとうございました☺️そして私事ではありますが、皆様にご報告です。 pic.twitter.com/hQkek73etN— 内山夕実 (@yuumin_uchiyama) December 31, 2024 This year, I have been ble...
Voice Actress Fairouz Ai to Limit Some Work Activities Due to PTSD
Fairouz to focus on recovering after developing post-traumatic stress disorder a few months ago
― Talent agency Raccoon Dog announced on Tuesday that voice actress Fairouz Ai will be limiting some of her activities after developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and will focus on recovering under the guidance of her doctors. Fairouz Ai also posted a statement on her X (formerly Twitter) accou...
Voice Actor Riho Iida Announces She Is Expecting a Baby
Iida also revealed she underwent infertility treatments
― Voice actor Riho Iida announced on her X (formerly Twitter) account on December 25, Christmas Day, that she is expecting a child. 皆様へ pic.twitter.com/QxMGcZgSfv— 飯田里穂 (@rippialoha) December 25, 2024 Dear Everyone I am pleased to announce I have been blessed with a new life.
After undergoing infertility treatments and gaining many experiences,...
Operator of Illegal Webtoon Platform Arrested
Inter-agency effort was successful in shutting down 3 domains
― The Copyright Crime Forensic Investigation Team under Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) conducted a full-scale investigation into Korea's largest copyright-infringing website, "Nunu TV," as well as its illegal sister websites "TVWiki" and "OKTOON," and revealed on December 20 the alleged operator of the websites was...
31st Dengeki Novel Prize's Grand Prize Winner Denji Yūtai Dies
Author won award in November, debut work was planned for release next year
― The official X/Twitter account for the Dengeki Novel Prize (Dengeki Shōsetsu Taishō) announced on Friday that the winner of the 31st award, Denji Yūtai (name romanization not confirmed), died suddenly of an unspecified illness on December 12. Denji Yūtai's work Yōsei no Butsirigaku: PHysics PHenomenon PHantom (Fairy Physics:...
Former Johnny's and Associates Members File Lawsuit in U.S. Against Talent Agency About Late Founder's Sexual Abuse
Junya Tanaka, Kyohei Iida claim Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused them as teens
― The below article contains references to sexual abuse and child abuse. Junya Tanaka and Kyohei Iida, former members of the talent agency previously known as Johnny's and Associates, have filed a lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada against Johnny's. Tanaka claimed that the agency's late founder Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused ...
Optimus Prime Actor Garry Chalk Diagnosed with Cancer
Actor takes himself off Cameo service following Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis
― Actor Garry Chalk revealed on Facebook on December 4 that he has been dealing with health issues over the last few months, which resulted in him taking himself off the Cameo service, dropping most social media, and canceling convention appearances for at least the next seven months. On a video posted on Friday on P...
Subaru Kimura to Take Over as Franky in One Piece
Yao announced he was graduating from role earlier this month
― The Jump Festa '25 event on Sunday revealed that Subaru Kimura (Jujutsu Kaisen's Aoi Tōdō, BEASTARS' Free, Assassination Classroom's Ryōma Terasaka, Doraemon's Gian) will take over for Kazuki Yao in the role of Franky in the One Piece franchise. Kimura voiced young Buggy in previous episodes of the anime. Yao said in the event he helped c...
Takanori Nishikawa Recreates Iconic T.M.Revolution-Era 'Hot Limit' Suit at Twice the Age
Parco department store also recreates “Hot Limit” music video 27 years later
― The Japanese department store chain Parco revealed their semi-annual sale ad campaign featuring singer Takanori Nishikawa on December 17. In a post by the Parco X (formerly Twitter) account, the department store announced it has partnered with Nishikawa for a “hot new commercial” for their Grand Bazaar sale. The post's vi...
Oni-Goroshi Revenge Manga Gets Live-Action Film on Netflix
Toma Ikuta stars in February 27 film about man taking revenge on group that killed his family
― Amuse and Digital Frontier announced on Thursday that they are producing Demon City Oni-Goroshi, a live-action film adaptation of Masamichi Kawabe's Oni-Goroshi manga that will debut on Netflix worldwide on February 27. The revenge manga centers on Shūhei Sakata, accused of killing his wife and child, and ...
Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Receives Commendation From Japan's Commissioner for Cultural Affairs
Honor presented for Horii's cultural contributions to Japan through games
― Dragon Quest series creator and game designer Yuji Horii reported on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday that the Commissioner for Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs has honored Horii for his cultural contributions to Japan through the Dragon Quest series and other titles. 名誉なことに文化庁長官から表彰していただきました。思えば40年ほど前、犯罪の原因にされた...
Singer Ayumi Hamasaki Teases Sailor Moon Collaboration
In the name of the Moon, she has a special announcement
― Japanese pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki's X (formerly Twitter) account teased on Monday that she will be collaborating with Sailor Moon. Hamasaki said (roughly translated), “In the name of the Moon, I will have an extra super special announcement on December 20.” pic.twitter.com/uCZUxpdpxG— ayumi hamasaki (from staff) (@ayu_19980408) December 16, ...
Answerman - Is Overtourism in Japan Real and Why is Japan Mad at Tourists?
Have a couple of bad actors ruined it for everyone? Jerome gives some context on 'overtourism' and what to do when traveling abroad.
― Alex asks: In the last couple of years, Japan has implemented major restrictions on tourists in areas like Kyoto. My question is, what have tourists done to upset the Japanese to the point that such measures had to be taken? You are absolutely right. In March this ye...
Alleged Attempted Murder Suspect at Anime Song Festival Not Charged
Suspect underwent psychological evaluation for past 2 months
― The Nagano District Public Prosecutor's Office stated last Friday that it will not charge a 38-year-old suspect arrested for an alleged stabbing at the Nagano Aniera Festa 2024 anime song festival at Komaba Park in Nagano on September 22. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect underwent psychological evalua...
Anime Director, Manga Creator Yōji Kuri Dies
Kuri created Gokiburi-chan book that inspired TV anime, animated "Clap Vocalism," "Au Fou!"
―
The official Facebook page and website for director Yōji Kuri announced on Sunday that he died of natural causes on November 24. He was 96. His family held a private wake and funeral service. Kuri, whose real name was Hideo Kurihara, was known for his directorial work on whimsical, experinental animated sho...
Ore to Mamono no Isekai Restaurant Light Novel Illustrator Syroh Dies
Syroh also designed characters for Namaiki Delation, Yakimochi Stream, more visual novels
― Syroh, the illustrator of several light novels and visual novels, has died. Their family announced their death on their Twitter account last night. Syroh's family did not reveal the cause of death, and only stated that the artist died "the other day." Syroh's family also stated that they cannot update Syroh's ...
Shoko Nakagawa Reveals She Underwent Parotid Tumor Removal Surgery
The multi-talent considered retirement if treatment had led to facial paralysis
― Japanese multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa revealed she underwent parotid tumor removal surgery in a video she uploaded to her Nakagawa Shoko no “Wo” YouTube channel on December 7. In the video titled (roughly translated) “Actually, I had surgery. I even considered quitting showbiz…”, Nakagawa reported she developed a growth...
Timothée Chalamet's Red-Carpet Accessory Is a Tusk Mammoth Beyblade
Time for the actor to let it rip at the premiere of Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown
― The Beyblade Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts proudly noted on December 11 that actor Timothée Chalamet had a unique accessory at the premiere of the Bob Dylan biographical film A Complete Unknown: a Tusk Mammoth Beyblade. The Beyblade Instagram account included a short video featuring the Tusk Mammo...
Pop Team Epic Creator Draws JoJo's Bizarre Adventure's Jolyne
Author also drew Asuka Kazama from Tekken 8, Lin from Spirited Away
― Pop Team Epic creator Bkub Okawa shared fan art of Jolyne “JoJo” Cujoh, the titular character of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, on his X (formerly Twitter) account on December 3. The illustration is in the Pop Team Epic author's super-deformed art style and features Jolyne in what appears to be an original JoJo pose. Okawa ...
Kazuki Yao to Step Down From One Piece Franky Role
Jump Festa event on December 22 to hold "graduation ceremony," announce successor
― The official X/Twitter account for the One Piece franchise revealed on Sunday that voice actor Kazuki Yao will step down and "graduate" from the role of Franky in the franchise, and will be replaced. The announcement stated this decision was the result of a long discussion process. The stage presentation for One Piece...
2024 Saturn Awards Nominate Boy and the Heron, Spy×Family Code: White, Kaiju No. 8, More
Transformers One, Godzilla Minus One, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Monarch Legacy of Monsters also receive nominations
― The Saturn Awards — the awards that honor the best science fiction, horror, and fantasy movies and television programs of the year — announced the nominations for the 52nd annual awards on Thursday. The nominees for Best Animated Film include: The Boy and the Heron
Despicable M...
Actress/Singer Miho Nakayama Dies at 54 (Updated)
Be-Bop High School film actress was found dead at her home on Friday
― Actress and singer Miho Nakayama was found dead at her home in Tokyo on Friday. She was 54. Update: Nakayama's agency Big Apple revealed on Sunday the results of her autopsy. The autopsy concluded that a sudden accident occurred while Nakayama was bathing, which caused her death. The autopsy concluded there was no criminality invo...
Animator/Director Hiroki Ikeshita Dies
Shangri-La Frontier anime's assistant director died on November 6
― The official website for the Shangri-La Frontier television anime posted on Thursday that the anime's assistant director Hiroki Ikeshita died on November 6. Ikeshita served as assistant director for both seasons of Shangri-La Frontier. Ikeshita directed the Shachibato! President, It's Time for Battle! anime. He was also assistant dir...
Singer Ado Reveals She Has Been Living in U.S. Since November
Vocalist considers hosting live stream in English
― Japanese singer Ado revealed through her X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday that she has been residing in the United States since November. The singer said she still can't speak English and questioned “What on earth am I doing here?” However, in a followup post, Ado noted that her English listening skills have improved and she can shop alone. Bu...
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