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Universal Studio Japan Issues Warning After Risqué Halloween Cosplay Photos
USJ: “To ensure the safety & security of our guests, we ask that you cooperate with our rules & etiquette”
― Universal Studios Japan (USJ) issued a statement for guests attending its Halloween Horror Nights event last Friday. The park's management said it welcomes guests dressed in a variety of costumes but asked those participating in Halloween Horror Nights to “cooperate with our rules and etiquet...
Happy Halloween From Around the Anime World, Part V
Featuring Macross, more Oshi no Ko, Silent Hill f, Granblue Fantasy, Chiikawa, Ojamajo Doremi, Paru Itagaki, Yuki Midorikawa, Kumiko Watanabe, & more!
― As Halloween comes to an end and people finish their trick-or-treating for the year, the spirt of the holiday still surrounds us. Anime and manga creators have a few more greetings to share: The Apothecary Diaries Chiikawa Damedol and the Only Fan in...
Happy Halloween From Around the Anime World, Part IV
Featuring Dragon Ball, Kingdom Hearts, Yona of the Dawn, more Pokémon, Street Fighter 6, Quintessential Quintuplets, Ai Fairouz, Kodansha, Mechanical Marie, Square Enix, & more!
― It's time to curl up in a blanket, turn off all the lights, and put on some scarry Halloween themed movies. Or, better yet, watch some spooky anime while viewing Halloween greetings from across the anime and manga worlds: A...
Happy Halloween From Around the Anime World, Part III
Featuring Oshi no Ko, Final Fantasy, My Dress-up Darling, Boys Over Flowers, Tezuka Productions, BONES, Doraemon, & more!
― It's time to get a bucket and go trick or and treating around our neighborhoods for Halloween. The anime and manga world is also out for the night, but are the characters getting treats or giving tricks? Check out some of the sweet Halloween tricks and treats from the anime and ...
Happy Halloween From Around the Anime World, Part II
Featuring 3 Gundam witches, Pokémon, Isekai Quartet, Digimon, Mappa, Dragon Quest, Atelier, Date A Live, Guilty Gear Strive, & more!
― It's that time of year when everyone dresses up as their favorite ghoul, ghost, monster, or anime and manga character and ask for candy. The anime and manga world is abuzz with all characters asking for candy! Riu Akane (Hanamaru Gesen Meshi!!) Atelier Resleriana: For...
Happy Halloween From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring My Hero Academia, Twisted-Wonderland, Apothecary Diaries, Frieren, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Godzilla, & more!
― Spooky season is here, and that means Halloween, trick or treating, and dressing up in costumes. The anime and manga worlds are filled with characters dressing up and getting candy for the holiday: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Kaza Ana (Nano Ha...
Shaft 50th Anniversary Exhibition's Finalized Visual Now Boasts 20 Different Characters
Can you name them all?
― Japanese animation studio SHAFT revealed last Friday the finalized visual for its 50th Anniversary Exhibition. The new visual now boasts 20 characters across several Shaft-produced anime series. Akio Watanabe, the character designer for the Bakemonogatari series, created the illustration. Exhibited works include: Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden (2003) Popotan (2003) Moonphase ...
Dress Your Street Fighter 6 Characters in McDonald's Collaboration Outfits
They're no longer “Street Fighters” — they're “Street Burgers”
― McDonald's Japan and the Street Fighter 6 franchise announced last week that Street Fighter 6 character M. Bison (known as Vega in Japan) is receiving a custom McDonald's inspired outfit in Japan. This variant of M. Bison's Outfit 2 will be available for download until December 12 at 4:59 p.m. as a login bonus. Ryu, Chun Li, and Ken Mas...
Detective Conan's Gōshō Aoyama, Major's Takuya Mitsuda Illustrate Pro Baseball Player Shohei Ohtani
Just in time for the MLB World Series
― Home security company Secom's X (formerly Twitter) account revealed on Tuesday illustrations of Japanese Major League Baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani, of the Los Angeles Dodgers, by manga creators Gosho Aoyama (Detective Conan) and Takuya Mitsuda (Major baseball series) to commemorate Ohtani playing in the World Series. The post states that those who particip...
Dancing Star Precure Boys Guest-Star on You and Idol Precure Anime
1st all-boys Precure team finally gets its anime debut
― This Sunday's episode of You and Idol Precure♪ is set to see another franchise first with Dancing☆Star Precure's guest appearance. The preview for Dancing☆Star Precure's 39th episode teases a brief cut of the first all-boys Precure team showing off their signature pose. The episode comes weeks after Ami Ishii, Akane Kumada, and Chihaya Yoshitak...
Exit 8's Walking Man Actor Yamato Kochi's Life Changes Overnight After Film's Hit Run
Yamato Kochi: "If I don't wear a hat, fans swarm around me, and if I do, no one notices me (lol)."
― Actor Yamato Kochi, who played the Walking Man from the hit live-action film Exit 8 (8-Ban Deguchi), revealed to Japanese women's magazine Josei Jishin on Sunday changes in his life following his appearance in the film. Kochi stated that he has been recognized as the Walking Man while in public. “If I...
Godzilla Takes Over Haneda Airport
The King of Monsters will be the first and last thing Japan's visitors see
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Godzilla franchise announced on Friday that the King of Monsters will take over Haneda Airport's international Terminal 3. The post teased that the "massive new monument dedicated to the King of the Monsters" will be erected as part of the Haneda Godzilla Global Project, and ...
New Mario Float to Debut in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
Goku, Luffy, and Pikachu & Eevee floats return
― Nintendo of America announced on Friday that the Super Mario Bros. title character Mario will appear at the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®. Mario's appearance at the annual event celebrates the franchise's 40th anniversary. (Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong in 1981, four years before the first Super Mario Bros. game.) Along with Nintendo's ico...
Giant Game Boy Demo Station Sells for 2.2 Million Yen
Sold less than 2 weeks after Hard-Off Seki store's grand opening
― ANN's Japan-based staff confirmed the secondhand store Hard Off in Seki, Gifu Prefecture sold the legendary Japanese Game Boy demo station this past month. The demo station went for 2.2 million yen (about US$14,400). Unlike the demo stations in many other countries, the Japanese one (nicknamed the "Big Game Boy") is shaped like a gian...
We're Getting KPop Demon Hunters Toys by Both Mattel and Hasbro
Rivals join forces to show how it's done, done, done
― Top American toy companies (and longtime rivals) Mattel and Hasbro announced partnerships with Netflix to become global co-master toy licensees for the massively popular 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters on Tuesday. A joint press release by both companies stated the partnership will “introduce a full portfolio of toys, collectibles, games, role-play ...
Hatsune Miku x SpongeBob Squarepants Cross Over for Limited-Time Plushies
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Hatsune Miku Squarepants!
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Canadian figure and plush manufacturer Youtooz announced on Monday that it is is releasing a set of limited-time Hatsune Miku x SpongeBob Squarepants collaboration plushies. The plush dolls will launch on October 24 at 3:00 p.m. EDT and will be available for four weeks. Youtooz noted that...
King Gnu Partner with A-1 Pictures, OSRIN for Latest Music Video
See the band in animated glory
― Japanese band King Gnu revealed their music video for their latest song "So Bad," created in partnership with animation studio A-1 Pictures and directed by OSRIN. The band stated that this was their "first-ever fully animated video." It features the animated versions of the band members. King Gnu guitarist and vocalist Daiki Tsuneta commented in a press release, "I've...
Hiroko Moriguchi Performs New Answer Song for 1991 Gundam F91 Anime Film
Moriguchi debuted song on October 17 for 40th anniversary album
― In 1991, frequent Gundam contributor Hiroko Moriguchi performed the theme song "Eternal Wind ~ Hohoemi wa Hikaru Kaze no Naka (Smile in the Shining Wind)," for the 1991 anime film Mobile Suit Gundam F91. About 34 years later, Moriguchi provides an "answer song" titled "Eternal Days ~Anata ni Ite Yokatta~" (I'm Glad You're Here). The n...
10 Manga Legends & Artists Celebrate 40th Back to the Future Day With Art
From the Video Girl Ai, Bastard!!, Xenoblade, Pokémon TCG, A3!, Fate/Grand Order artists
― Great Scott! The Back to the Future film franchise welcomes its 40th anniversary with a special set of illustrations from "legendary manga creators and popular illustrators" for Back to the Future Day 2025. Tokyo Comic Con announced the illustrations on Tuesday, October 21 (the date the second film's future sto...
Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Fest Hosts Goku's Voice Masako Nozawa
Hironobu Kageyama to perform in special stage event
― The Dragon Ball franchise announced “Dragon Ball Genkidama Matsuri” (Dragon Ball Spirit Bomb Festival), a 40th anniversary festival at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba Prefecture on January 25, 2026. Masako Nozawa, the voice of Son Goku, will appear for two stage events. Entry to the festival is free, but fans must enter a drawing for...
One Piece's Jolly Roger Spotted in Protests in United States, Madagascar
Madagascar president removed after protests, impeachment, military overthrow
― Protestors are hoisting One Piece colors in more countries, including the United States and Madagascar, this past month. The Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger flag appeared in several "No Kings" protests against President Donald Trump's administration over the October 18-19 weekend in the United States. A Main St Daily News a...
Makeine, Bocchi the Rock! Anime Win Top Newtype Anime Awards (Updated)
Bocchi the Rock! takes home 4 awards while GQuuuuuuX wins for director, scripts, 2 more awards
― Kadokawa's Monthly Newtype magazine announced the results of the Newtype Anime Awards 2024-2025 at the Machi Asobi Vol. 29 event on Sunday. Best Work (TV Broadcast & Streaming)Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
The Apothecary Diaries (Season 2)
Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise fr...
Ado's “Aishite Ashite Ashite” Music Video Pulled Due to Unauthorized Use of Visuals
Universal Music Japan: “We deeply apologize for causing trouble for Sashitama, all parties involved, & all fans"
― Universal Music Japan and the music talent agency Cloud Nine issued a statement on Tuesday about the removal of Ado's “Aishite Aishite Aishite” music video. The companies determined after an internal investigation that the music video used some creative material by the duo Sashitama (vid...
Video Game World Offers Condolences After Developer Tomonobu Itagaki's Passing
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells
― On October 16, the video game world learned that we had lost Tomonobu Itagaki. Best known for creating the Dead or Alive fighting game series, reviving the Ninja Ryukenden series as Ninja Gaiden, and heading Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja, Itagaki brought joy to thousands of game enthusiasts around the world. People within the game industry have...
This Christmas, Recreate Evangelion's Operation Yashima With Toy Trains
And you won't need to drain Japan's power grid
― Japanese toy maker Takara Tomy announced on Thursday that its Plarail and Shinkalion brands are collaborating again with popular anime franchise Evangelion. This time, the toy lines are recreating Operation Yashima from the 2007 film Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (and by extension, from the original 1995 television anime). The Plarail set feature...
McDonald's Hits the Streets with Street Fighter Tag-Team
Which is the world's strongest burger?
― McDonald's Japan and the Street Fighter franchise announced a collaboration on Thursday with a poster featuring characters Ryu, Chun Li, Ken Masters, and M. Bison. The collaboration begins on October 22 with three collaboration hamburgers: the Kogashi Ninniku Mayo Tamago Teriyaki (charred garlic mayonnaise egg teriyaki), Yóulínjī Mayo Chicken (Chinese deep-fri...
Kodansha Opens Manga Academy to Support Global Manga Creators
Kodansha: "Your story could be the next to inspire millions."
― Japanese publisher Kodansha announced the opening of its Kodansha Manga Academy website on Tuesday. The publisher designed the website as a guide to help global manga creators learn the process of publishing manga in Japan. The website currently hosts comments from manga creators Makoto Yukimura (Vinland Saga), Peach-Pit (Shugo Chara!), ...
Sponsors Remain for Fuji TV's Autumn Anime Season
Fuji TV sees gains in corporate sponsors after nearly 8 months
― ANN's Japan-based staff confirmed the return of sponsors to Fuji TV with the full-fledged start of the autumn season for anime, as of Tuesday. Fuji TV is airing eight regular animated series: Let's Play, the second season of Assassination Classroom (rerun), Shabake, Digimon Beatbreak, SI-VIS: The Sound of Heroes, Chibi Maruko-chan, Saz...
Haruhi Suzumiya's Real-Life School Opens to Public Before Merging With Another School
Aliens, time-travelers, espers: please go see Haruhi Suzumiya
― The staff for the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise reported on October 1 that Nishinomiya Kita High School, the alma mater of the novel series' author Nagaru Tanigawa and the model for the story's North High School, will hold an open campus event for locals and fans. The event will run on November 23 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with four pr...
Happy Sports Day From Around the Anime World, Part II
Featuring Haruhi Suzumiya, Square-Enix, Rilakkuma, Like a Dragon, Chibi Maruko-chan, more!
― It's time to break out the old ball and glove, toss the pigskin, shoot some hoops, go for a run, and even eat bread dangling on a string for Japan's Sports Day. Our favorite anime and manga characters are doing just that for the national holiday (formerly known as Physical Education Day) on Monday: Chibi Maru...
Happy Sports Day From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring Frieren, Naruto, Kaiju No. 8, Doraemon, Medalist, George Nakata, more!
― October 13 marks Sports Day in Japan. Originally known as Physical Education Day, the holiday was created to celebrate the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Today, people around Japan celebrate with sports activities and festivals. The anime and manga worlds are also engaging in their favorite sports. Doraemon...
Japan's Denny's Restaurants, Other Businesses Pull Hisashi Eguchi Art After Tracing Accusations
Perfect Blue/Sonny Boy designer said he received model's consent after ads debuted
― The Denny's restaurant chain in Japan, the Ogikubo location of the shopping complex chain Lumine, and the Saison Card credit card service announced earlier this week that they have stopped using advertising illustrations by manga creator Hisashi Eguchi (Eiji, Stop!! Hibari-kun!, character designs on Roujin Z, Perfect...
Gundam Franchise Hosts 1st Global, Multilingual Ranking Poll
Vote for your favorite Gundam mobile suit until December 25
― The official Gundam website celebrated its reopening on Thursday by announcing the franchise's first Global Gundam Poll the next day. The poll is open to Gundam fans worldwide and is offered in 10 different languages. Fans can vote on their favorite "Gundam-type mobile suits and other mobile suits bearing the 'Gundam' name" (with exception...
You and Idol Precure♪ Anime Holds Franchise's 1st In-Story Concert Tied to Real Concert
Sunday's episode airs just before actual concert with same singers at Yokohama
― This Sunday's episode of You and Idol Precure♪ is set to hold the franchise's first in-universe concert tied to an actual concert in the real world. The episode's preview shows the You and Idol Precure members planning a live concert at what appears to be the actual Pacifico Yokohama venue in Yokohama, Japan. The episod...
My Hero Academia Expands National Basketball Association Partnership
“Go beyond! Plus Ultra” with latest apparel & gear
― The My Hero Academia franchise announced on Wednesday it is expanding its partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA). A Crunchyroll press release proclaims the partnership will see “a unique mix of fan-favorite characters from the beloved anime paired with iconic NBA teams.” The featured My Hero Academia characters and NBA teams are...
Voice Actor Yūki Kaji's Agency Issues Statement on Online Posts
VIMS: “Yūki Kaji would normally not wish to discuss such topics, but we take seriously the negative impact this has had not only on him but also on his family…”
― Voice actor Yūki Kaji's agency VIMS issued a statement on Monday regarding allegedly slanderous and misleading statements made about Kaji online. The statement noted the agency is aware of “false and misleading information about Yuki Kaji ...
After 38 Years of Ranma 1/2, We Can Finally Buy Shampoo's Shampoo
Now we just need Mousse's mousse
― Japanese hair care company NatureLab Tokyo's Diane Perfect Beauty line of shampoo announced on September 19 that it is collaborating with Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma 1/2 series. The collaboration fittingly features the characters Shampoo and Ranma on the packaging. The collaboration is running between October 1 and November 30. According to the Diane Perfect Beauty's w...
Marlon Wayans Drops F-Bomb After Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Outgrosses His Film
Wayans: “F**k Anime!” — Co-star Tyriq Withers: “You can't disrespect anime.”
― American actor, comedian, writer, and producer Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie) let his feelings about anime known during an episode of the ShxtsnGigs Podcast on October 2. Wayans appeared on the podcast with Him film co-star Tyriq Withers to speak about their movie. At around the 20:40 mark Withers is asked about his interest ...
Kagurabachi Splash Page Ad Appears in New York Times Newspaper
…'s International edition.
― The Kagurabachi X (formerly Twitter) account announced on Sunday that the series would be featured in the October 6 edition of The New York Times newspaper … at least, in the International Edition. The full-page advertisement is part of Kagurabachi's second anniversary: Takeru Hokazono launched Kagurabachi in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in September 2023. This ...
Japanese Legislator Retracts Claim That Nintendo Lobbies on Generative AI
Satoshi Asano: "I have discovered my post contained incorrect information, so I would like to correct it"
― Japanese politician and House of Representative member Satoshi Asano retracted a statement on Sunday about Nintendo lobbying the Japanese government regarding generative AI on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Asano states "…there was no lobbying, and I have discovered my post contained incorre...
1st-Ever Solo Leveling Exhibition Opens in Seoul in November
Exhibition designed as immersive “level-up” experience
― The first-ever exhibition dedicated to the hit webtoon Solo Leveling will open in Seoul's Duex Hongdae venue on November 22 and will run until March 1, 2026. With more than 14.3 billion views worldwide, Solo Leveling is one of Korea's most successful webtoons. It follows the story of Jin-woo Sung, an E-rank hunter who awakens to become the wor...
Solo Leveling Exhibit Recreates Weapons, Elixir of Life Bottle in Steel
Items crafted with advanced POSCO technology unveiled at Pohang Steelers match
― POSCO, one of the biggest steel companies in the world, unveiled "real-life" versions of items from Solo Leveling on September 21. POSCO and the webtoon Solo Leveling have teamed up for the POSCOllection, a traveling exhibit showcasing three real-life recreations of iconic items from the series. POSCO crafted the items ...
Original Tiger Mask's 'Osaka Tiger' Mask Found & Verified
Mask valued at 3,000,000 yen (about US$20,397.30)
― Japanese variety and antiques appraisal program Kaiun! Nandemo Kanteidan featured on September 30 an original mask worn by professional wrestler and first real-life Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama. The mask's owner, an avid Tiger Mask fan, stated that the mask was the “Osaka Tiger” mask Sayama wore during a meet-and-greet event on August 9, 1984. Among Ti...
KPop Demon Hunters Is Now Longest-Running English Film in Netflix's Global Top 10
Film has been watched 325.1 million times over 15 weeks
― Netflix's original animated film KPop Demon Hunters adds another achievement under its belt. It clocks in its 15th consecutive week in Netflix's Global Top 10 Movies list, making it the longest-running English-language film ever on the list. The movie also never went lower than #2 during its entire tenure on the list, and it is now #1. The fil...
Burger King Japan Offers Flame-Smoked Kagurabachi Hamburgers
Burger sets come with Kagurabachi acrylic keychains
― Burger King Japan announced it is partnering with popular manga series Kagurabachi for the limited time “Flame Smoke” burger sets on Thursday. Each of the three hamburger sets comes with an original Kagurabachi acrylic keychain at Japanese Burger King locations starting on Friday. The keychains features Kagurabachi characters Chihiro Rokuhira, Hiy...
KPop Demon Hunters Comes to Fortnite Game's Annual Fortnitemares Event
Huntr/x take over Fortnite Island in the "Demon Rush"
― Epic Games' Fortnite game announced in a new trailer on Wednesday that it is collaborating with the massively popular Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters for its annual Fortnitemares event. The video features KPop Demon Hunters characters and Huntr/x members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey as new skins. The three singers wield Rumi's Empowered Sword S...
Pac-Man Marks Anniversaries with Maruchan Ramen … & Gundam
“Maruchan is powering up snack time”
― Instant ramen brand Maruchan and video game icon (in every sense of the term) Pac-Man announced on Tuesday that they have partnered in celebration of Pac-Man's 45th anniversary. Maruchan will release a limited-edition Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken flavor featuring Pac-Man packaging. The limited-edition packaging is set to replace that flavor's standard packagin...
Buy the Towel Char Dries His Hair With in Gundam
And “betray” your best friend while you're at it
― Bandai is offering the iconic towel that antagonist Char Aznable dries himself with in the sixth episode of the first Mobile Suit Gundam series. The towel is made using an especially fine untwisted yarn, with an original embroidery in gold thread. It even comes with a special door hanger sign — so people don't come knocking when you and Char are bath...
PlayStation Announces Reebok Collaboration Shoes
Shoes slated to launch between October 15-24
― The offiical webstie for PlayStation announced on Tuesday it has partnered with American footwear and clothing brand Reebok for a set of collaboration shoes that "celebrate 30 years of gaming and '90s culture" and will launch between October 15-24. The lineup will include the Reebok Workout Plus, Pump Omni Zone II, Instapump Fury 94, and PlayStation | Re...
Shoko Nakagawa Announces Birth of Twins
Nakagawa: “They both held my fingers tightly. So cute!”
― Multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa (popularly known as Shokotan) announced the birth of her twin sons on Tuesday. “I gave birth to healthy twins safely around 9:30! The babies and I are all doing well!” Nakagawa also included a photo of herself holding her twin boys. 9:30頃に無事、元気な双子を出産しました！母子共に健康です！2人とも2600g越え！産声もしっかりしてました小さな、力強い命たちを人生かけて守っていきたいと心から思い...
Voice Actors Kaito Ishikawa & Maaya Uchida Announce Marriage
Gate co-stars spread happy news in a joint message to their fans & colleagues
― Voice actors Kaito Ishikawa and Maaya Uchida, who happened to play Gate's Takeo Kurata and Shino Kuribayashi, respectively, announced on Tuesday that they have married each other on their respective social media accounts. The two voice actors released a joint statement thanking their supporters and colleagues. This is a ...
Kodansha Creators' Lab Develops Attack on Titan Game for Roblox to Counter Unauthorized Modes
Tokyo Game Show previewed Attack on Titan x Roblox on September 25-28
― Kodansha Creators' Lab previewed a demo for a forthcoming Attack on Titan game mode for the popular game Roblox at the Tokyo Game Show event between September 25-28. The mode was a Tokyo Game Show beta build by independent game development studio Twin Atlas. According to a Kodansha Creators' Lab representative at the Tokyo Game S...
Japan Aims to Boost Annual Entertainment Sales Overseas to 20 Trillion Yen
Ken Akamatsu pitches government's 5-year action plan at Tokyo Game Show
― Manga creator-turned-legislator Ken Akamatsu reported he had attended the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) on its first business day, Thursday, and he discussed how he presented the Japanese government's plans to support the entertainment industry, particularly video games. The current Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sp...
SHAFT Anime Studio Details 50th Anniversary Exhibition
Pieces from 19 SHAFT works will be on display
― The anime studio SHAFT announced in June that it will hold a SHAFT 50th Anniversary Exhibition at the Mixalive Tokyo venue in Ikebukuro. This month, SHAFT confirmed that the exhibition's first half will run from December 27, 2025 to January 6, 2026, and then the staff will update the displays for the second half from January 8 to January 18. Akio Watan...
Become a Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Card at Tokyo Game Show
Plus, ride a Fat Chocobo!
― The Square-Enix booth at Tokyo Game Show 2025 features a photo-taking spot for fans to become part of the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy set. The photo spot has a human-sized replica of the card “Cloud, Midgar Mercenary” where fans could pose for their very own card (sort of like FF14 director Naoki Yoshida). The booth provides a replica of FF7 lead Cloud Strife's Bus...
Kikuko Inoue Celebrates Her '17th' Birthday — in Turkey! Anime's Cosplay
Inoue: “17 isn't an age, it's a way of life”
― Voice actor Kikuko Inoue posted a photo celebrating her “17th” birthday on Thursday. Inoue stated, “17 isn't an age, it's a way of life” and noted she cosplayed as an Ikkokukan High School student from this year's anime series Turkey! Time to Strike. (While Inoue voiced Suguri from Turkey! Time to Strike, her character is not an Ikkokukan High School stu...
U.S. Homeland Security Posts Pokémon-Inspired Video, Card Images
Pokémon Company "was not involved" & "permission was not granted"
― The social media accounts of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a video of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detaining people, set to the tune of Pokémon's American theme song, on Tuesday. The posts' captions read, “Gotta Catch 'Em All,” in an caricature of Pokémon's slogan. Warning: The ...
Shoko Nakagawa Illustrates Her Experience Being Pregnant
Shokotan: “It's all because of hormones”
― Multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa (popularly known as Shokotan) released an illustration comic detailing her pregnancy experience on Tuesday. Nakagawa stated, “Today, I'm going to talk about some surprising things that happened due to hormonal changes during pregnancy” and asks men to read the comic. In the comic, Nakagawa noted her constant use of the restroom, s...
Yu-Gi-Oh! Partners with THE BEST PASTE for New Hair Products Line
Because of course it did
― American hair product brand THE BEST PASTE announced on Monday that it has partnered with popular anime franchise Yu-Gi-Oh! for a line of hair products debuting the next day. The partnership is a “first-of-its-kind collab fusing two forces to create something rare, powerful, and destined to become legend." A short video promotes the collaboration, set to the American Yu-Gi...
Professional Wrestler Kenny Omega Gets Revenge on Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu
Only took 1 year for Omega to put Uematsu into a cobra twist
― Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu posted images of his "rematch" with All Elite Wrestling star and executive vice president Kenny Omega (Tyson Smith) on X (formerly Twitter) last Saturday. The composer states, "A revenge match with Kenny Omega after a year! The cobra twist really hurts when you lock it in for real…" Uematsu shared two ...
Evangelion Anime Marks 30th Anniversary With Weekly Radio Show
Program will also stream on Amazon Music as a podcast
― The Evangelion franchise's website announced on Monday that it will mark the anime's 30th anniversary with a new radio program airing between October 4, 2025, and March 2026 on Tokyo FM and 37 other FM stations in Japan. FM EVA 30.0 will air on Saturday nights at 10:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. EDT), and a podcast version of the program will exclusively s...
Sit Like the King of Pirates with New One Piece Secretlab Chairs
Select from Luffy, Zoro chairs, Gear 5 Luffy sleeve, Thousand Sunny pillow
― Gaming chair and desk maker Secretlab revealed on Tuesday a collaboration with massively popular anime series One Piece. Secretlab will release a Secretlab Titan Evo chairs for Luffy and Zoro. There will also be a Secretlab SKINS sleeve for use with existing Secretlab chairs based on Luffy's Gear 5 transformation, and a memo...
One Piece's Jolly Roger Flag Spreads to Protests in Nepal, Philippines, France
Gen Z protesters rally around flag to protest government corruption
― It started as a symbol for Indonesian protesters in August, and now the Jolly Roger flag of the One Piece manga and anime's Straw Hat Pirates has spread to protests in Nepal, the Philippines, and France. CNN reported on Saturday that Gen Z protesters in Nepal flew the Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger while protesting corruption in th...
Jeopardy! Quiz Show Answers, 'What Is Demon Slayer?'
Just in time for the latest film's U.S. release
― Popular America trivia show Jeopardy! featured an answer about the hit anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba on the U.S. opening date of its latest film, September 12. (The unique reverse format of Jeopardy! gives contestants clues in the form of "answers," and the contestants can win if they give a correct response in the form of a question.) The epis...
Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles & Crunchyroll Partner on Anime-Inspired Apparel
It all started with a custom piece of artwork
― Anime streaming service Crunchyroll announced on Thursday that it has partnered with Olympic track & field gold medalist Noah Lyles and sportswear company Adidas for a line of anime-inspired apparel. Following the announcement, Lyle created a short post thread about the collaboration, including a video with the caption, “The Worlds Fastest anime fan X @...
Ichi the Witch, Strikeout Pitch Win Next Manga Awards 2025
Hōkago Kitaku Biyori, Gokurakugai, The Witch and the Mercenary win special prizes
― Writer Osamu Nishi and artist Shiro Usazaki's manga Ichi the Witch and Kyu Sumiyoshi's Strikeout Pitch won the top prizes at this year's Next Manga Awards (Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Taishō). Ichi the Witch placed first in the Print Manga category, and Strikeout Pitch won in the Web Manga category. Nishi celebrated Ichi th...
KPop Demon Hunters Becomes 1st Netflix Title to Surpass 300 Million Views
Film had already claimed the global #1 spot 2 weeks ago, pulling ahead of Squid Game season 1
― Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' Sony Pictures Animation film KPop Demon Hunters has become the first title on the Netflix platform to surpass 300 million views, according to Netflix's official site Tudum. As of September 17, the movie recorded 314.2 million views (measured by dividing the 523.6 million to...
Kenshi Yonezu's 'Kick Back' Becomes 1st Japanese Song Certified Platinum in U.S.
Japanese singer-songwriter's Chainsaw Man opening makes music history once again
― The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced on Thursday that it has certified Japanese singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu's 2022 single “Kick Back” as Platinum. According to RIAA, Yonezu's single is the first Japanese-language song to receive Platinum certification in the United States. The RIAA certifi...
Bandai Warns Against AI-Generated Images Using its Trademarks
Bandai: “Depending on the generated image, posting it on social media may raise suspicions of copyright infringement or other illegal activities. Please exercise caution when posting.”
― Japanese multinational toy and hobby manufacturer Bandai issued a statement on Tuesday regarding generative AI images posted on social media using the likeness of its corporate symbols, brand logos, and other regist...
Exclusive: Monstrous Magazine: The Kaiju Edition Shares Preview of Goodman Yamada's Monstrous Art
Kaiju magazine has already surpassed goal on Kickstarter campaign
― Monstrous: The Kaiju Issue, a special issue of James Aquilone's Monstrous Books black-and-white comic book anthology magazine, is commemorating classic giant monsters for Godzilla's 70th anniversary. The issue's Kickstarter campaign launched on September 9, and it has already surpassed its US$1,954 goal. The magazine publisher has ex...
CLAMP x Godiva Chocolates Lineup Revealed
Get your original chocolates with famous CLAMP characters
― Luxury chocolate brand Godiva Chocolatier revealed the key visual for its forthcoming CLAMP collaboration on Wednesday. The visual is an original piece by CLAMP and features several CLAMP characters in costumes inspired by Godiva's uniform: Hikaru Shido from Magic Knight Rayearth, Yuko Ichihara and Kimihiro Watanuki from xxxHolic, Chii from ...
Creepy Nuts Announces Coachella Appearance
Japanese hip-hop duo will perform on April 10, 17
― Japanese hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday that they will perform at Coachella 2026. Their performances will be on April 10 and 17, 2026 at the Empire Polo Club. Coachella 2026 is also set to headline Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. Japanese singer-songwriter and pianist Fujii Kaze will also perform ...
Apocalypse Hotel Anime Offers Pop Team Epic Crossover Goods
Are Popuko & Pipimi the 1st humans to visit Gingarou Hotel in several hundred years?
― The Apocalypse Hotel anime revealed a collaboration with popular comedy series Pop Team Epic on August 26. Pop Team Epic creator Bkub Okawa drew original illustrations for the crossover. and merchandise is already available for pre-order. The merchandise includes acrylic stands, keychains, pin badges, stickers, t-s...
Haikyu!! Smartwatches Change Characters Depending on Numbers of Steps Taken
Are you a Shoyo Hinata, Tobio Kageyama, or Kenma Kozume?
― The offiical X (formerly Twitter) account for Japanese lifestyle brand Garrack announced on September 9 a set of two Haikyu!! smartwatches based on the anime's Karasuno and Nekoma High Schools. Each smartwatch features a pedometer that will display different Haikyu!! characters based on the number of steps taken. Pre-orders for the smartwatch...
Fuuto Pi Director Praises Student's Cyclone Joker Unicorn Gundam Model
Model was on display at Kaijō Junior & Senior High School culture festival
― FUUTO PI director Yousuke Kabashima complimented the Kaijō Junior & Senior High School's model club for a Unicorn Gundam model painted as Kamen Rider W's Cyclone Joker on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday. Kabashima noted that his son was touring the school during its culture festival and excitedly told the model's ...
Voice Actors Kensho Ono, Kana Hanazawa Divorce
Joint statement: “Due to differences in our lifestyles, it became difficult for us to find time to spend together as a couple, and as we continued to drift apart, we decided to respect each other and go our separate ways”
― Voice actors Kensho Ono and Kana Hanazawa released a joint statement on Sunday to announce they have divorced. The two voice actors released the statement on their X (formerly Tw...
Transformers Teases New Art for Evangelion Crossover Project
Well, that's just Prime
― Japanese toy company Takara Tomy teased more information on the upcoming Neon Genesis Evangelion and Transformers collaboration on Friday. The streamed T-Spark Live event on September 25 will unveil the full design for the project. Leading up to the event, the Takara Tomy website posted what appears to be concept art: Takara Tomy announced the latest Evangelion and Transform...
Production I.G, Naoki Urasawa Make Anime for Cartier's Panthère Luxury Brand
Based on Maison Cartier's iconic panther symbol.
― French luxury goods conglomerate Cartier announced on Thursday it has partnered with Production I.G for an anime based on its LA PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER brand. The anime will feature manga creator Naoki Urasawa (Yawara!, Monster, 20th Century Boys, Pluto) as a creative partner with music composed by Ayatake Ezaki (live-action 5 centimeters per second, mu...
Gundam's Char & Comrades Enjoy a Night Out in New Restaurant App Ad
The Red Comet enjoys the company of his men thanks to Hot Pepper Gourmet
― Japanese restaurant app Hot Pepper Gourmet released a new entry in its anime x live-action commercial series on Thursday. The new commercial features Mobile Suit Gundam character Char Aznable enjoying dinner with four men under his command, one of whom is Char's second-in-command, Dren. Also briefly seen in the commercial are...
Aniplex of America Marks 20th Anniversary With Art From Top Anime Figures
From the designers & directors of Aldnoah.Zero, Angel Beats, anohana, Blue Exorcist, Twisted-Wonderland, & Durarara
― In celebration of anime distributor Aniplex of America's 20th anniversary, leading figures in the anime industry have sent the company congratulatory messages and illustrations. Since Monday, Aniplex of America has posted art from Masako Matsumoto (Aldnoah.Zero character designer), N...
French President Emmanuel Macron Delivers Message at Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship
Macron: “I really wanted to say welcome to France, have a good game.”
― Japanese entertainment company Konami noted that French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a messaged during the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2025 Opening Ceremony on August 29. While the President was attending the France/Germany summit, Macron delivered a video message to the fans and players in attendance at the Yu-Gi-Oh! ev...
Seattle Mariners Announce Super Mario Day for September 14
Get a Seattle Mariners x Super Mario baseball cap!
― The Seattle Mariners baseball team announced on September 3 that it will host a Super Mario Day event on September 14. The first 15,000 fans in attendance will take home a Super Mario x Mariners cap. An X (formerly Twitter) post shows Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez and catcher Cal Raleigh sporting the limited-edition hat. The official ...
Current Berserk Writer Complains About New Kamen Rider's Similarities to D.Diver Manga
Kouji Mori: “D.Diver was the last manga I created with [Kentaro] Miura. It's like a keepsake to me, so it made me even more emotional.”
― Manga creator and current Berserk supervisor Kouji Mori released a statement outlining his frustration with the latest Kamen Rider television series, Kamen Rider Zeztz, on September 5. Mori said he provided help to a producer for a Kamen Rider film project and not...
Latest Ghibli Tribute Album Features Kalafina, Nogizaka46, Momoiro Clover Z Idols, More Performers
Ghibli wo Utau Sono 2 set for release on November 19
― Studio Ghibli announced a second Studio Ghibli tribute album Ghibli wo Utau Sono 2 on X (formerly Twitter) account on August 28. Japanese composer, director, and producer Satoshi Takebe will produce the album. The album will feature 13 different musical artists. The album will feature AiNA THE END, Yudai Ohno & Sōta Hanamura (Da-iCE), Sakurako Oh...
Used Car Magazine Car Sensor Hires City Hunter for New Commercials
Get wild and tough when looking for a used car
― Japanese used car magazine and seller Car Sensor debuted a series of City Hunter collaboration commercials on August 25. The commercials celebrate City Hunter's 40th anniversary and stars actress and model Nanao. A 30-second commercial features the City Hunter ending theme song “Get Wild” by TM Network and Nanao dressed as City Hunter protagonist Ryo ...
Detective Conan Pouch Lets You Shoot Your Favorite Idol/Character with Stun-Gun Wristwatch
Who would you stun?
― Shogakukan's official merchandise brand Shogakukan Collection revealed its Shokore 2025 collection on September 1. The new merchandise items are a series of clear pouches from Shogakukan manga series Doraemon, Detective Conan, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Don't Call It Mystery, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, The Apothecary Diaries, Blue Giant, Firefly Wedding, and Robo no...
Odekake Kozame Collaborates With Nights with a Cat & Racoon Rascal
Collaborations tie into Odekake Kozame's new film
― The Odekake Kozame franchise announced a collaboration with Nights with a Cat on August 15. The two franchises have come together for a manner short that runs before the new Eiga Odekake Kozame Tokai no Otomodachi film, to remind filmgoers about proper etiquette in theaters: The Odekake Kozame website describes the short: Anko-chan panics when the ...
11 Japanese College Clubs Rank Their Favorite Sci-Fi Picks
Gundam GQuuuuuuX made several lists
― Science fiction and literature clubs (kenkyū-kai) from 11 Japanese universities reported what they think are the current “best science fiction” during the 63rd Japan Science Fiction Convention (nicknamed “Kamakon” this year) on August 30. 20 students from 11 universities explored the “hottest science fiction stories of the moment across all genres.” Participatin...
Japan Mint to Release Dragon Ball Commemorative Coin Sets
See Son Goku in coin form
― The Japan Mint announced on Thursday that pre-orders for two Dragon Ball 40th anniversary coin sets would begin on Friday. The first set is a Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary coin set and includes six uncirculated coins (in denominations ranging from 1 to 500 yen) and a copper alloy commemorative medallion featuring Dragon Ball protagonist Son Goku and the Four-Star Dragon Ba...
Roblox Announces Official My Hero Academia Game Mode
Experience the world of My Hero Academia in the popular online game platform
― American video game company Gamefam Studios released the launch trailer for its new Roblox game mode My Hero Academia: Ultimate on Tuesday. The one-minute trailer features a voiceover by Justin Briner, English voice of My Hero Academia protagonist Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, and gameplay footage from the new game mode. The lau...
Eat Popcorn From Chainsaw Man's Head
Complete with articulated jaw
― Japanese multiplex movie theater operator T-Joy revealed the Chainsaw Man popcorn bucket for the upcoming Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc film on Monday. T-Joy notes the bucket is based on the titular character's head and will be available at all its movie theaters for 3,900 yen (about US$26). (It may be available at other movie theaters, and fans should check if it...
Nintendo Museum Opens Exhibit on Concept Art, Development Materials
Exhibit features materials from Super Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, more
― The Nintendo Museum announced on Wednesday a new art gallery on the second floor of the museum's Exhibition Building 1. The museum notes, "Visitors can explore a wide range of game artwork, including character illustrations and concept art.” Original character artwork and select development materials from a variety of Nintend...
GARNiDELiA Vocalist MARiA Reports Her Agency Has Not Paid Her Wages
MARiA: “I have come to the realization through a third party that my agency has not officially paid me for my activities over the past few years. I believe there are instances when payments were not made at all.”
― Following the September 2 announcement of Japanese pop rock duo Garnidelia's indefinite hiatus, GARNiDELiA vocalist Mai “MARiA” Mizuhashi reported that she had not been paid for her work ...
One-Punch Man Season 3 Director Shinpei Nagai Responds to Fan Concerns
Response comes amidst fans' worries over season 3's quality with relatively unknown director
― Shinpei Nagai released a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday regarding his appointment as the One Punch Man season 3 director and concerns over the quality of the new season of the anime series. Nagai starts with a brief overview of his career and anime series he has worked on: "I've ...
Spy x Family Makes Cover of Japanese Fashion Magazine Seventeen
SPY×FAMILY's Anya & Becky show off their high school girl look
― SPY×FAMILY characters Anya Forger and Becky Blackbell have made the cover of the Japanese quarterly fashion magazine Seventeen's Autumn 2025 issue. The cover shows off Anya and Becky's "girls' high school-style uniform" coordination in an original illustration (despite the two being about a decade shy of entering high school in the mang...
Shonen Jump Pop-Up Shop to Open in Southern California on Saturday
Get your favorite Jump merch in Torrance!
― Viz Media announced on Monday that a pop-up Shonen Jump Shop will open for a limited time at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California. The shop will be open between September 6 and October 6 and feature official imported and licensed products from several Weekly Shonen Jump manga series. Merchandise includes shirt, acrylics, and posters from serie...
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