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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...
Throngs Pay Respects at Closing of GiGO Akihabara #1 (Formerly Sega's Flagship Arcade)
Fans assemble as its shutters closed for one final time
― The GiGO Akihabara #1 arcade, formerly Sega flagship arcade, closed for the last time on Sunday. In what appears to be the arcade's final X (formerly Twitter) post, the staff thanked fans after it had shut down operations. The staff added, “Thank you for your love over the past 33 years!” and included a photo of fans gathered around the arcade...
Sekiro: No Defeat's Anime Studio Denies Using Generative AI
Qzil.la: “To best convey the unique appeal of the original game, we are producing it entirely with hand-drawn 2D animation, with no use of generative AI whatsoever”
― The production commitee for the Sekiro: No Defeat anime series and its production studio Qzil.la issued a statement about generative AI on August 22. The statement said that the series is entirely hand-drawn "to best convey the unique ...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Takaya Hashi's Passing, Part II
Fans join creators in offering their condolences
― August 27 was a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Takaya Hashi's passing. The works featuring his characters are beloved around the world, and fans have taken to social media to express their tributes: Fire Force TVアニメ『炎炎ノ消防隊』シリーズにて、グスタフ本田を演じていただいた土師孝也さんがご逝去されました。謹んでお悔やみ申し上げますとともに、ご冥福を心よりお祈り申し上げます。— TVアニメ『...
Lookism, Viral Hit Creator Taejun Pak Confirms Divorce
Pak denies rumors of lawsuit over property division
― Taejun Pak, the webtoon creator best known for Lookism, has confirmed that he divorced his former spouse, Soo-jung Choi, while firmly denying rumors of a property division lawsuit. In an interview with Korean entertainment media outlet OSEN published on Friday, Pak explained, “It is true that we divorced. Discussions began early last year, and th...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Takaya Hashi's Passing, Part I (Updated)
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells
― The anime world lost a renowned voice actor with the announcement of Takaya Hashi's passing on August 27. He is best known for his roles as Toki from the Fist of the North Star franchise, Gerry Strydum from the Baki Hanma series, Kyohei Mizoguchi from the Fafner franchise, Gustav Honda from Fire Force, and Duke Inuarashi from One Piece. H...
One Piece Wins 'Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time' at Anime & Manga International Awards
Runner-ups were Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Naruto
― The Anime & Manga International Awards (The AMI Awards) honored the long-running One Piece anime with the fan-voted "Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time" award last Saturday at Anime NYC. Runner-ups for the award included: Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Naruto. IMG j7403416.jpg
...
Naruto's Masashi Kishimoto Draws How to Train Your Dragon Crossover Art
Hiccup tames Toothless while Naruto tames Gamakichi
― The Naruto franchise and Universal Pictures Japan announced on Friday that Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto drew an original crossover illustration of Naruto and the live-action How to Train Your Dragon film. Kishimoto also commented on the new film saying, “The animated How to Train Your Dragon was so entertaining, that among my fellow manga crea...
Minami Hamabe, Haruka Fukuhara Star in Anime Ads Based on Their Experiences
Godzilla Minus One, Kaguya-sama actresses star in National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives campaign
― The National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives announced Tasukeai Story (Stories of Helping Each Other), a new anime commercial project starring actresses Minami Hamabe and Haruka Fukuhara, on Friday. The first episode is already available. The anime te...
VTuber Ironmouse Makes Rolling Stone's Top 25 Most Influential Creators of 2025
Announcement comes weeks after VTuber publicly announced departure from VShojo
― VTuber Ironmouse revealed on Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter) that she has made Rolling Stone magazine's Top 25 Most Influential Creators of 2025. Ironmouse said, "Thank you so much @RollingStone for including me on the 25 most influential creators of 2025 list. I still can't believe [I'm] on the list!" Ironmous's inclu...
Cat's Eye Creator Tsukasa Hōjō Releases Statement Before New Anime's Release
Tsukasa Hojo: "Since it was my first serialized work and I was feeling my way through it, it feels a bit embarrassing now."
― Cat's Eye creator Tsukasa Hojo released a statement on Tuesday prior to the new anime adaptation's release. Hojo stated he was grateful to the fans of his series, and it was thanks to them that Cat's Eye was receiving a new anime series. Hojo's full statement reads:
"We are on...
KPop Demon Hunters Is 1st Netflix Film to Top U.S. Weekend Box Office
And it's now Netflix's most watched movie ever
― American entertainment news outlet Deadline reported on Monday that KPop Demon Hunters reached #1 on the U.S. weekend box office with US$19.2 million. The film made US$10.1 million on Saturday and US$9.1 million on Sunday. Deadline added that the KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Event played in 1,700 theaters and beat out Warner's summer mystery horror fi...
VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi Makes Cover of Forbes Japan 30 Under 30
3D animator Nashi and animator Kerorira also made Forbes Japan's 30 Under 30 list
― VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi revealed on Monday that she has made the cover of this year's October issue of Forbes Japan for the magazine's "30 Under 30" edition. ANN Japan based staff confirmed the magazine cover. The magazine also features an interview with the VTuber highlighting her career and what led her to become a...
Unlikeliest Gundam Turned into Gunpla Model
The Mandor Gundam makes its Gunpla debut
― Gundam.info revealed last Thursday that the Mandor Gundam from Mobile Fighter G Gundam is getting the Gunpla model treatment. The model features the Gundam's iconic bell body. Pre-orders for the Mandor Gundam began at noon on August 21. According to the Gundam.info portal website, the Mandor Gundam is slated for release in the HG 1/144 scale for 2,915 yen (a...
Catalyst Game Labs Plans Kickstarter for My Hero Academia Miniature Game
Plus Ultra goes plus miniature
― Tabletop game producer Catalyst Game Labs announced on Wednesday that it will be running a Kickstarter campaign for a My Hero Academia miniature game. The announcement previews two miniature figures of My Hero Academia characters Izuku “Deku” Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki charging at each other. Players can “select your heroes (or villains) and take the fight to the ...
Rumiko Takahashi Marks Doraemon's 55th Anniversary With Crossover Art
Lum brought Doraemon a giant dorayaki birthday cake
― Renowned manga creator Rumiko Takahashi posted a congratulatory birthday message to the massively popular anime and manga character Doraemon on Thursday. Her illustration features Urusei Yatsura heroine Lum celebrating the 55th anniversary of Doraemon with a giant dorayaki birthday cake. The posts caption notes the Doraemon franchise is releasing ...
Yoshiki, Dan Da Dan Staff Apologize Over Concerns on X Japan Parody
Yoshiki was concerned in-story band HAYASii's likeness and musical stylings were similar to X Japan
― It took two weeks, but the public flap over the X Japan parody in episode 18 of the Dan Da Dan anime series is now over. Here's how it went down: Japanese musician and X Japan band member Yoshiki initially raised concerns about Dan Da Dan using the likeness of and musical stylings of X Japan followi...
The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy At All, The Apothecary Diaries Win 2nd American Manga Awards
Tamaki & Amane, Ashita no Joe, minami, Evan Hayden, Riley VanDyke, Carl Gustav Horn also honored
― Japan Society and Anime NYC announced the winners for the second American Manga Awards at a ceremony at Japan Society, New York City on Thursday (the night before this year's Anime NYC event begins). The American Manga Awards celebrate manga creators and publishers who have made significant contribution...
McDonald's Japan Cancels One Piece Game Card Giveaway
Announcement comes days after Pokémon Happy Meal debacle
― The staff for the One Piece Card Game announced on Thursday that its planned campaign at McDonald's in Japan has been canceled. McDonald's website noted the decision came following a review of the initiatives tied to the fast food chain's Happy Meals (known as Happy Sets in Japan). Instead, restaurants will start distributing toys from previo...
Babymetal Is 1st Japanese Act to Rank on Billboard's U.S. Weekly Top 10 Albums
The metal idol group did what Sukiyaki, Hikaru Utada couldn't
― Japanese metal idol group Babymetal confirmed on Tuesday that their latest album, Metal Fourth. had reached the top 10 in several charts globally after its August 8 debut. Metal Fourth reached #3 in Japan (Oricon), #5 in Germany (Offizielle Charts), #9 in the United States (Billboard), and #17 in the United Kingdom (Official Charts). Bi...
Anime & Manga International Awards Launch Next July With Countdown Event at Anime NYC on Saturday
Attendees at Anime NYC can vote for "Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time"
― Digital Cinema Collective announced on Wednesday The Anime & Manga International Awards (The AMI Awards), a new ceremony coming to Los Angeles during the same week as Anime Expo from July 2-6. While that may seem like a long time from now, The AMI Awards will actually officially kick off with a countdown event at this year's Anime ...
Uniqlo Confirms Pokémon T-Shirts' New Hidden Bonus for Card Collectors
Uniqlo added a little something extra to this year's lineup
― Japanese casual wear designer and retailer Uniqlo confirmed on Sunday that the tags on their latest Pokémon UT collaboration T-shirts have a hidden bonus feature. Uniqlo responded to photos of one such tag and a card deck box, which were posted online with the caption, “The Uniqlo collaboration tag is a divider! It has a stub on top, so i...
Demon Slayer Returns to Kura Revolving Sushi Restaurants
Campaign begins on August 22 with merch launching in August-October, just in time for Infinity Castle film
― Another Demon Slayer film is upon us! To commemorate Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle - Akaza Sairai, the first film in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise is teaming up with the Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar r...
Nike Offers New Yu-Gi-Oh! Shoes
Walk in style like Joey Wheeler (or Katsuya Jōnouchi)
― American athletic footwear and apparel corporation Nike announced on August 12 that its new Yu-Gi-Oh! collaboration Nike Air Max 95 QS YGO shoes with launch on September 12. The announcement features a short video with voiceover by Yu-Gi-Oh! character Katsuya Jōnouchi (Joey Wheeler in the English dub). The voiceover appears to have new dialogue...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Tomo Sakurai's Death
Creators, artists, fans came together for their farewells
― The anime world lost a renowned voice actor and singer with the announcement of Tomo Sakurai's death on August 13. She was known for her roles as Mylene Flare Jenius from the Macross franchise, Misao Makimachi from Rurouni Kenshin, Shayla-Shayla from El Hazard The Magnificent World, Meimi Haneoka from Saint Tail, and Hinowa from Gintama. She...
Solo Leveling Joins Global Charity Marathon Event
Those who finish 6K run will receive exclusive Solo Leveling–themed rewards
― Kakao Entertainment announced on August 11 that the webtoon Solo Leveling will partner with NGO World Vision's upcoming charity project, the Global 6K Virtual Run, taking place from September 5 to 30. Unlike traditional marathons held in one location at a set time, the Global 6K Virtual Run allows participants to choose th...
Saiki K. Creator Overhears Women Talking About His Manga at Bookstore
Shuichi Aso was happy folks still recall his work — till he realized why they were talking about it
― The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. creator Shuichi Aso recounted on August 3 a chance encounter (sort of) he had at a bookstore. Aso said he overheard two women exclaim, “Oh! The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” while he was at the undisclosed store. Aso noted he felt happy people were still reading his se...
One Piece's Jolly Roger Flag Flies in Protest in Indonesia
Citizens protest against legislative changes, inequality ahead of country's 80th Independence Day
― Indonesia celebrates its 80th Independence Day this Sunday, August 17. The country's president Prabowo Subianto has called on Indonesians to display the country's flag ahead of the day itself, but many Indonesians have instead chosen to raise a flag familiar to any otaku: the Jolly Roger flag of the St...
Spy x Family Takes Over Yokohama's Waterfront Minatomirai District
Take part in Spy x Family events at Yokohama's Landmark Plaza & Mark Is mall
― The SPY×FAMILY franchise revealed the key art for its upcoming collaboration event at the waterfront Minatomirai district in central Yokohama City. The collaboration will feature several activities between August 23 and October 13. The key visual feature SPY×FAMILY characters Anya Forger, Becky Blackbell, Damian Desmond, E...
Cutie Honey x Cyborg 009 April Fool's Joke Is Now a Real Figure
Cutie Honey + Cyborg 009 = Cyborg 0082
― Japanese soft vinyl toy manufacturer Artisan Toy announced on Wednesday that the April Fool's joke Cyborg 0082, based on Go Nagai's Cutie Honey manga and Shotaro Ishinomori's Cyborg 009 manga, has been turned into a real soft vinyl figure. According to the Artisan Toy, “Ishimori Productions and Dynamic Production simultaneously posted this fictional April Fool...
Koupen-chan Collaborates With Super Sentai's 1st-Ever Team
By far the cutest version of Himitsu Sentai Gorenger
― Rurutea, the creator of the baby emperor penguin character Koupen-chan, announced on August 8 that Koupen-chan is collaborating with the Super Sentai franchise's first-ever team, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger. Rurutea stated the special collaboration had started with a pop-up store between August 8 to 24 at the Ikebukuro Parco, featuring a poster of t...
Fairy Tail Manga Creator Hiro Mashima Lists His Top 5 Games of 2025
Surprisingly, the latest Monster Hunter game is not on the list
― Manga creator Hiro Mashima (Rave Master, Fairy Tail, Edens Zero, Dead Rock) posted his top five games of 2025 (so far) on August 9. Taking the top spot is Death Stranding 2 followed by Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 in second and Donkey Kong Bananza in third. The fourth and fifth place spots were taken by The Hundred Line: Last Defense A...
Tokyo's Rinkai Line Collaborates with Kozame-chan
Kozame-chan befriends Rinkai Line Mascot Rinkaru before his big screen debut.
― The Odekake Kozame series announced on Tuesday that it is collaborating with Tokyo's third-sector railway company Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit's (TWR) Rinkai Line. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Odekake Kozame series shared the collaboration's key visual with titular character Kozame-chan and Rin...
Manga Creator Ken Akamatsu Will Not Appear at Comiket While He Is Vice Minister
His booth application was accepted, but he cites regulations for not going
― Manga creator-turned-politician Ken Akamatsu confirmed on Tuesday that he will not be appearing at the second day of the Comic Market (Comiket) 106 convention this Sunday. He noted that the world's largest event for self-published dōjin works accepted his circle's application for a booth, but due to his positions as Parliame...
McDonald's Japan Apologizes After Pokémon Card Offer Runs Into Trouble
McDonald's asks people not to buy Happy Meals just to resell cards
― Fast-food restaurant chain McDonald's Japan announced on Saturday that several of its locations have ended distribution of limited-edition Pokémon Trading Card Game cards with its Happy Meals (known as Happy Sets in Japan) early. McDonald's Japan apologized for "not being able to meet the expectations of our customers who were looki...
Eiichiro Oda Plays With One Piece Lego Sets for the 1st Time
And “breaks” the Battle at Arlong Park set
― On August 8, the One Piece franchise posted a video of One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda encountering the newly released One Piece Lego sets with the following captions: “A surprise for Odacchi!” “What was Odacchi's reaction when he got the real thing in his hands?” “Join us as Oda-sensei takes a look at the One Piece Lego sets that bring our East Blue adven...
Gundam W Voice Quintet Reunite for Dinner Show With Newly Written Script
Gundam franchise's 1st-ever dinner show will also have live dubbing of well-known scenes
― The cast members of the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing series confirmed during the anime's August 9 "Operation Fukuoka" stage event that they will be holding the 30th Anniversary Dinner Show -Operation Reunion- on December 27. The dinner show — the first-ever in the entire Gundam franchise — will feature voice actors...
Nyaight of the Living Cat Anime Cross-Promotes With 28 Years Later Film
Can you resist the allure of cats & zombies?
― The Nyaight of the Living Cat anime staff announced on Friday that it is collaborating with the 2025 post-apocalyptic zombie film 28 Years Later. The anime's staff noted the series is entering the “Nyanpocalypse Arc” and posted an image of the Nyaight of the Living Cat and 28 Years Later collaboration movie poster: Sony Pictures Japan then posted a colla...
CLAMP Confirms 1st Ever Tie-In with Luxury Chocolate Brand Godiva
Godiva: "This collaboration will bring you a new chocolate experience, complete with special illustrations"
― Manga creative team CLAMP confirmed on Thursday its first-ever collaboration with luxury chocolate brand Godiva Chocolatier after teasing it on Tuesday. A Godiva chocolate collection with new illustrations will go on sale on October 1. CLAMP shared a collaboration illustration featuring sever...
My-Otome Anime Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Relive the adventures at Garderobe Academy with anniversary key art
― The My-Otome anime series announced its 20th anniversary celebration on August 2. The celebration begins with an anniversary key visual created by character designer Hirokazu Hisayuki. The Sunrise World website also posted a message from My-Otome director Masakazu Obara. Obara was a bit wry with his comments, joking about other ser...
Japanese Gamers List Top 100 Addictive Video Games
Taking the top spot is Minecraft
― The July 27 episode of Japanese TV program Ariyoshieeeee! polled 3,000 gamers for the top 100 addictive video games (among other categories). The top three games are 2011's Minecraft in the #1 spot, 1985's Super Mario Bros. in second, and 2020's Animal Crossing: New Horizons in third. The top 10 video games according to Ariyoshieeeee! are: 1. Minecraft (2011)
2. Su...
Complete Teekyū Blu-ray Set Comes With Underpants-Shaped Caps
Encase your Blu-ray Disc with underpants seen in the series
― Japanese media company Frontier Works announced the complete Blu-ray Disc release for the Teekyu anime on August 2. Frontier Works notes the disc will ship on October 29 with all nine seasons of the anime series — complete with underpants-shaped cap covers. The set will feature all 108 episodes of the Teekyu anime series and 14 unaired epi...
Hatsune Miku Zaku II Appears in Gashapon Form
As seen in the Gundam x Miku Collaboration Music Video
― Bandai Namco capsule toy brand Gashapon announced a set of Gundam x Hatsune Miku collaboration gashapon figures that are part of Mobile Suit Gundam's 45th anniversary celebration. The figures feature the virtual idol dressed as mobile suits that appeared in the collaboration music video of “Idol Senshi (feat. Hatsune Miku)” (Idol Warrior) by Mi...
Chocolate Brand Godiva Teases CLAMP Collaboration
Those silhouettes sure look like Mokona or Mokona Modoki
― Luxury chocolate brand Godiva teased an apparent collaboration with manga creative team CLAMP on Tuesday. Godiva Japan shared an image of a Godiva heart chocolate box with a silhouette of what appears to be CLAMP mascot characters Mokona and/or Mokona Modoki. The posts caption reads “Godiva x ??? Coming soon” with the shush emoji. As of press...
Honda Unveils the Pokémon Koraidon Motorcycle
Koraidon took to the circuit at Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race
― Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda debuted its Koraidon motorcycle from the Pokémon Scarlet game at the Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race on Sunday. The Koraidon motorcycle is built with the Honda Riding Assist system, allowing it to operate independently. Japanese sports satellite TV broadcaster J Sports was on sit...
The Idolm@ster SideM & King of Prism Cross Over With Voice Drama, Screenings, & More
2 current animated male idol groups come together
― The Idolm@ster SideM and King of Prism franchises announced on July 12 that they are collaborating. The announcement featured a 30-second promotional video and the tagline, “'Passion' and ‘sparkle’ come together!”: For two weeks, that was all fans knew about the collaboration. However, the franchises revealed their joint key visual and more on July...
Entertainer Shoko Nakagawa Is Expecting Twins
Multi-talent had announced her pregnancy on her birthday May 5
― Japanese multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa (popularly known as "Shokotan") announced on Saturday that she is expecting twin boys. Nakagawa made the announcement in an X (formerly Twitter) post fetauring an exclusive interview she had with Japanese fashion magazine Numéro Tokyo. In her interview, she spoke about her expected twins, fertility t...
This Is How Nukitashi The Animation Airs in Tokyo With Only the Audio
The credits sequence were spared the audio-only treatment
― ANN's Japan-based staff confirmed how the Tokyo MX1 channel premiered the audio-only broadcast of Nukitashi the Animation on July 22. The premiere ran the episode's entire audio track over the series logo with a beach backdrop. The ending animation sequence of the premiere episode was actually what would become the opening animation sequenc...
Voice Actor Satomi Akesaka Asks Where's the Beef
She has not received her Wagyū beef prize from her appearance on Say You to Yoasobi program
―
Voice actor Satomi Akesaka posted a set of messages on her X (formerly Twitter) account on July 30, joking about the Wagyū beef she has yet to receive from the Japanese net television program Say You to Yoasobi (A Night Out With Voice Actors). In her first post, Akesaka spelled “Beef” using a series of cow ...
Kadokawa Issues Guidelines for Sampling Clips From 4 Summer Anime
How to sample The Rising of the Shield Hero, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Detectives These Days Are Crazy!, See You Tomorrow at the Food Court
― Kadokawa announced guidelines for derivative use of video clips (such as in review and analysis videos) for four summer 2025 anime properties on Monday. The properties are The Rising of the Shield Hero season 4, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt...
Play With Brick Power With Lego Game Boy
Comes with Lego The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and Lego Super Mario Land. Batteries not included.
― Nintendo of America announced on July 24 on X (formerly Twitter) that pre-orders for the upcoming Lego Game Boy have begun. The company's post parodies the Game Boy's original tagline, "Now you're playing with power. Portable power," with the caption "Now you're playing with power. Brick power."...
One Piece Café Expands to Los Angeles' Little Tokyo
1st 100 guests in line at grand opening receive special One Piece gifts
― The One Piece franchise announced on Tuesday that the One Piece café is opening a second location in Los Angeles' Little Tokyo on August 2. According to the café's post on Facebook, the location will feature "some exclusive LA-only menu and merch items you won't find anywhere else." The post also includes a teaser video of the ...
Pokémon Collaborates With Shonen Jump on August 4
Collaboration covers include One Piece's Luffy with Pikachu
― Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine announced on Monday that it will collaborate with the massively popular multimedia franchise Pokémon for the combined 36th and 37th issue, which ships on August 4. The Shonen Jump Editorial Team previewed the three Weekly Shonen Jump and Pokémon collaboration illustrations, which include One Piece's L...
LA Dodgers to Host Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Night on August 15
Will Shohei Ohtani take up the mantle of Baseball Hashira?
― The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise announced last Wednesday that it will partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team during the team's home game on August 15. The event will begin at 7:10 p.m. According to a press release by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the partnership will see "a stadium-wide giveaway of co-branded hats celebr...
VShojo Releases Statement Following Talent Exodus
VShojo CEO Justin Ignacio: I am sharing the difficult news that VShojo is shutting down, and I take full responsibility for the decisions that led us to this point.
― VTuber agency VShojo's CEO Justin Ignacio released a statement on Friday following the mass exodus of VShojo talent. Ignacio stated that VShojo is shutting down and he takes full responsibility for “the decisions that led us to this poi...
Odekake Kozame to Take a Trip to Saitama Seibu Lions Baseball Team's Home Stadium
Titular character Kozame-chan, voice actor Kana Hanazawa appear for ceremonial 1st pitch
― The Odekake Kozame series announced on Tuesday that it will collaborate with Japan's Saitama Seibu Lions baseball team on August 14. Series protagonist Kozame-chan and voice actor Kana Hanazawa will appear at the collaboration event. The Seibu Lions' website noted that Kozame-chan and voice actor Kana Hanazawa ...
Nohara Family Finally Reunites in Latest Live-Action Crayon Shin-chan Ad
Only member missing onscreen is family dog Shiro
― Coca-Cola Japan's Yakan no Mugicha (Kettle Barley Tea) brand released the seventh installment in the live-action Crayon Shin-chan short series on Tuesday. The new short stars Fumiya Takahashi as a 25-year-old Shinosuke “Shin-chan” Nohara, Taizo Harada as Shin-chan's father Hiroshi Nohara, Kumiko Aso as Shin-chan's mother Misae Nohara, and Mei Hata as...
VTuber Ironmouse Leaves VShojo, Triggering Exodus of Most of Agency's Talent (Updated)
Exodus follows allegations VShojo owes over US$500,000 to Immune Deficiency Foundation charity
― American virtual VTuber entertainer Ironmouse announced she left her agency VShojo on her YouTube channel on Monday, and most of VShojo's talent lineup have since announced their departures by the following day. Ironmouse's 11-minute announcement video opens with Ironmouse alleging VShojo owes the Immune ...
Cosplay as Gundam's Zaku II With New Hoodie
As Ramba Ral would say, “This is no Zaku, boy. No Zaku.”
― Gundam.info revealed a new hoodie inspired by the Mobile Suit Gundam anime's iconic mobile suit Zaku II on July 11. Japanese clothing and cosplay maker Cospa will release it in early November. In addition to the hood based on the Zaku II head, the hoodie's chest design draws inspiration from the upper body of the mobile suit. The Zaku II hood...
Voice Actor Hina Kino Announces Birth of Son
Voice of Apocalypse Hotel's Tamako shared photo of her family holding each other's hands
― Voice actor Hina Kino announced the birth of her son on July 18. Kino included a photo of her family holding each other's hands and a short message to her colleagues and fans. I recently gave birth to a baby boy.
Both my son and I are in good health.
I would like to thank all my colleagues for adjusting my sche...
Oshi no Ko Franchise Joins Campaign to Prevent Underage Smoking
Characters Ruby Hoshino, Kana Arima, & Memcho say, “Don't smoke in your dream teen years!”
― The Oshi no Ko franchise announced on July 4 that it partnered with the Tobacco Institute of Japan for a campaign to prevent underage smoking. The franchise released the key visual for the campaign and notes the institute runs such a campaign every July. The visual has the franchise's characters Ruby Hoshino,...
80 Years After WWII, Hiroshima Screens Grave of the Fireflies for Free to Anyone Under 25
The Ghibli film will also air on Japanese TV on the anniversary of the war's end
― The Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library announced on July 8 that it will screen Isao Takahata and Studio Ghibli's 1988 historical film Grave of the Fireflies. Tickets for the shows are 510 yen for adults and 250 yen for seniors (65 years old and older) (about US$3.50 and US$1.70, respectively), but ...
This Month's Unexpected Collaboration: Naruto x Hard Rock Cafe
Has Naruto betrayed ramen for burgers & fries?
― Hard Rock Café Japan announced a Naruto Shippuden collaboration on its website on June 23. The collaboration this month includes merchandise such as shirts, pin badges, keychains, magnets and tote bags. The merchandise went on sale on July 4 and is available at the restaurant chain's Tokyo, Ueno Station, Yokohama, Kyoto, and Universal Citywalk Osaka lo...
Creators Criticize Japanese Political Party's Plans for Manga, Anime, Games
Sanseitō: Authorize government to ensure manga, anime, games' "healthy development as culture"
― With the Japanese Upper House elections set for Sunday, a new policy platform involving manga, anime, and games from the ultra-conservative Sanseitō party came to light earlier this week. X (formerly Twitter) user @masanews3 posted a screenshot of a Sanseitō's policy measures for these fields and asked, ...
Wear Cardcaptor Sakura's Uniform — as a Tracksuit Jacket
Get Sakura Kinomoto's lace stocking as well
― Japanese anime apparel and merchandise brand Aniga-ter announced on July 4 that it is releasing a series of Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card merchandise. The apparel and merchandise include a tracksuit jacket, tights, t-shirt, acrylic frame stands, acrylic trading card cases, acrylic key chains, acrylic clips, and smartphone stickers. Pre-orders began that s...
Sponsors Return for Fuji TV's Summer Anime Season
Chibi Maruko-chan ends 3-month sponsorship drought
― ANN's Japan-based staff confirmed the return of sponsors with the full-fledged start of Fuji TV's summer season for anime, as of Thursday. Specifically, three long-running Fuji TV anime series are airing with full sponsorship: GeGeGe no Kitarō: Watashi no Ai Shita Rekidai GeGeGe (a rerun of selected GeGeGe no Kitarō episodes from the franchise's 6...
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