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Actors Masaki Okada & Mitsuki Takahata Announce Marriage
The live-action 1122: For a Happy Marriage co-stars tie the knot in real life
― Masaki Okada and Mitsuki Takahata, who co-starred as the couple Otoya and Ichiko Aihara in the live-action 1122: For a Happy Marriage series this past summer, announced their real-life marriage on their respective Instagram accounts on November 19. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 岡田将生/Masaki Okada (@masaki_o...
NHK Announces 2024 Kōhaku Song Contest Lineup
No Starto Entertainment (formerly Johnny & Associates) idols for 2nd straight year
― The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) announced the lineup for the 75th Kōhaku Uta Gassen ("Red and White Song Contest"), Japan's most-watched music television program, on Tuesday. The show will feature 20 primarily female musical acts in the Red Team and 21 primarily male musical acts in the White Team. ╭━━━━━━━━...
My Hero Academia Character Best Jeanist Wins Real-Life 'Best Jeanist' Award
Voice actor Hikaru Midorikawa accepts award in person for his character
― Fans of Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia are likely familiar with the pro hero Best Jeanist, a character who wears denim jeans from his pants all the way up to his nose. What fans may not know is that "Best Jeanist" is an actual real-life award given by the Japan Jeans Council every year since 1984. Within the series' canon, ...
Bandai to Raise Plastic Model Kit Prices Next April
Some Gundam models affected despite attempts to maintain prices for over 4 decades
― Bandai Spirits announced on November 13 that it is increasing the prices of several plastic model kits and other items next April. The Bandai Hobby Site detailed the price changes and which products would be affected, such as the High Grade 1/144 RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Version) above. Bandai Spirits noted...
New Nissin Udon Ad Reimagines When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace Scene
Saori Hayami & Nobuhiko Okamoto reprise their roles for a comedic reinterpretation
― The 2014 anime When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace has found new light as a tongue-in-cheek commercial for Nissin Foods Donbei brand of instant noodles: Donbei released the latest in its collaboration commercial series on November 15. The ad spoofs the argument When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace ch...
Singer Kaori Oda Announces Son's Birth
Oda plans on holding solo events & concerts in 2025
― Singer Kaori Oda announced on her X (formerly Twitter) account that she has given birth to her son on November 14. いつも応援してくださる皆様、関係者の皆様へ#織田かおり pic.twitter.com/iZLBj6G4Q7— 織田かおり@11/22 Kaori's Christmas (@odakaori_0511) November 14, 2024 To everyone who always support me and involved with my work.
This is a personal matter, but I recently gave birt...
Voice Actor Ibuki Kido Announces Marriage
Voice of Aikatsu's Mio Minato celebrates her birthday with the news
― Ibuki Kido, voice of Mio Minato from the Aikatsu! franchise, announced she has married someone outside the entertainment industry on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, November 14 (which happens to be her birthday): ご報告です。 pic.twitter.com/3PIzGxMdPr— 木戸衣吹/4.25写真集発売💛🏝 (@ibuking_1114) November 14, 2024 Announcement To all...
Transformers Inducted Into Toy Hall of Fame
The robots in disguise join fellow 1980s toy line My Little Pony & card game Phase 10
― The Strong National Museum of Play announced this year's inductees for the National Toy Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Among the class of 2024 are the popular Transformers toys: The Transformers Facebook page announced the news: “Honored to share that the Transformers brand has been inducted into the National Toy Hall...
28 Years Later, Escaflowne Is Suddenly Trending in Japan
And nobody, not even the animators or cast, seems to know why
― Oricon's X (formerly Twitter) account noted that the 1996 anime series The Vision of Escaflowne was inexplicably trending #1 in Japan on the social media platform on Wednesday. Oricon stated (roughly translated), “Escaflowne is trending, and fans are excited as they reminisce about their memories.” 『天空のエスカフローネ』トレンド入り中思い出語るファンの声盛り上がる▼今年で放...
Voice Actress Suzuko Mimori Welcomes 2nd Baby Boy
Voice of Love Live! School Idol Project's Umi Sonoda is happy to have given birth in both Japan/U.S.
― Suzuko Mimori, voice of Umi Sonoda from the Love Live! School Idol Project franchise, announced that she has given birth to her second child in a now deleted Instagram Story on November 12. In her post, Mimori wrote: I gave birth to my second baby boy!
Since I am not used to being pregnant and givin...
Gundam Designer Creates Robot-Transforming Mickey Mouse
VOTOMS/Brave series mechanical designer Kunio Okawara gives the mouse the Chogokin treatment
― The Tamashii Nation 2024 event for Bandai Spirits' Tamashii Nations brand of high-end figures is showing off a figure of Mickey Mouse, with a twist: it transforms into a mecha! Kunio Okawara, the designer of VOTOMS, the Brave series, and many a mobile suit in Gundam (including the RX-78-2 and Zaku II from t...
Sanrio Collaborates With Zoff for New Eyeglasses Line
Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, My Melody also inspire sunglasses, cases, accessories
― Japanese eyeglass seller Zoff teased on November 6 that it is collaborating with Sanrio for its latest lineup. Zoff then unveiled the eyeglasses, sunglasses, cases, cleaner keychains, and cleaning cloths featuring Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody on Tuesday: この度サンリオキャラクターズとのコラボが決定しました〜👏コラボするのは、クロミ、シナモロール、マイメロディの3キャラクターです！1...
Kyoto Animation Warns of Website Using Its Name
Studio's URL is still https://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp
― Kyoto Animation — the studio behind K-On!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Sound! Euphonium, and other anime — issued a statement on November 4 to warn that at least one website was using its name, despite having no ties to it. The studio asked fans to be careful. 【重要なお知らせ】最近、当社名を使用した当社とは全く関係のないホームページの存在が確認されています。ご注意ください。https://t.co/oBKDpF1...
Get Senshi's Cookware From Delicious in Dungeon
You can buy them outright, or donate to the city where they're made
― The Mura no Kajiya X (formerly Twitter) account announced on October 29 that the two-handed pot and frying pan used by Delicious in Dungeon character Senshi will be available through Japan's furusato nōzei (hometown tax donation) program. The two-handed pot and frying pan will be available to those who direct part of their income t...
Original Tamagotchi Revived — Inside a UFO-Transforming Robot
Giving the transforming Rubik's Cube a run for its money
― In November 1996, Bandai gave birth to the massively popular digital pet Tamagotchi. While not as popular now as it was back then, Tamagotchi still attracts a following. With its 30th anniversary fast approaching, the franchise has partnered with Bandai's Tamashii and Chogokin brands to bring a transformable Tamagotchi toy. Tamashii Nations a...
Ghibli Donates Animator's Desk, Original Ponyo Art to Oscars' Academy Museum
Museum also adds maquettes from Pinocchio, Fantasia, The Lion King
― The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (from the folks who hand out the Oscars) announced on October 31 that it is adding a trove of new artifacts to its collection. They include 80 pieces of animation art by Hayao Miyazaki and Noboru Yoshida from the Studio Ghibli film Ponyo, the studio's Japanese movie posters — and a complete anim...
Milky Holmes Voice Actress Izumi Kitta Welcomes Baby Girl
Voice of Cordelia Glauca is happy her daughter was born during Japanese dumpling festival
― Izumi Kitta, voice of Cordelia Glauca from the Tantei Opera Milky Holmes franchise, announced on November 2 that she has given birth to a daughter in a now deleted Instagram story. In her post, Kitta wrote (roughly translated): Why I couldn't go to the Gyōza [Japanese Dumpling] Festival this year.
My daughter...
Godzilla Gets a Digimon Collab & New Bushiroad Card Game
The King of Monsters is having a fruitful 70th anniversary
― In 1954, the now iconic movie monster Godzilla made his presence known. While it has not always had movies in theaters, Godzilla has stayed in the public eye through merchandise, namely figures and apparel. Now on the tail end of the monster's 70th anniversary year, we'll see it in a new light with the introduction of a Godzilla and Digimon...
Toei Animation Produces Games for Hypergalactic CG Animated Film on Roblox
Animation studio partners with Spaceport, Twin Atlas for Hypergalactic: Monkey Quest
― Watch out Roblox, because it's about to get Hypergalactic. Toei Animation announced on Thursday a new game for Hypergalactic, its upcoming CGI animated film by original Sonic the Hedgehog character designer Naoto Oshima. Toei Animation is parterning with Spaceport Technologies and Twin Atlas for the game titled Hyp...
Get Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino's Wallet
Wallet, made to order to Tomino's exacting specifications, returns after a decade
― After a decade, Japanese accessory maker Jam Home Made is bringing back "Yoshiyuki Tomino's Wallet," made to order for the Gundam creator's exacting specifications. The Jam Home Made brand's X (formerly Twitter) account announced the return of Yoshiyuki Tomino's wallet on November 5. The brand began offering the updat...
On This Day in Sword Art Online History, Kirito Clears the Game
Get the latest news hot off the press at Animate Ikebukuro
― November 7, 2024 marks a seminal day in the (fictional) history of anime. It's the day the protagonist of Sword Art Online (SAO), Kirito, cleared the titular in-universe virtual MMORPG. Sword Art Online's social media and the Animate Ikebukuro store are celebrating the history-making moment: Several SAO-related X (formerly Twitter) accounts...
1,630 Copper Roof Plates Stolen From Shrine Visited By Demon Slayer Fans
Shrine known for its split rock reminiscent to one Tanjiro Kamado split
― One hobby that many anime fans have is visiting the locations that appear in their favorite anime — the iconic steps to the Suga Shrine Otokozaka in Your Name., the locations from Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day in Chichibu City, the areas around Omiya station from Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki, and more. Unfortunately, on...
Manga World Offers Condolences After Kazuo Umezu's Passing, Part II
November 5 marked a sad day for manga fans around the world with the news of horror manga icon Kazuo Umezu's passing. Fans have taken to social media to express their tributes: Haruo Chikada 楳図さんに最後にお会いしたのは六本木ヒルズで開かれていた「楳図かずお大美術展」の会場でした。その前には音楽の話やらなにやらで、楽しいひとときを過ごした日もありました。お元気だとばかり思っていたので、まだ気持ちの整理がつきません。寂しいです。どうか安らかにおやすみください。 pic.twitter.com/NhYczwhoIw— 近田春夫 (@ChikadaHaruo) November 5, 2024 The la...
Manga World Offers Condolences After Kazuo Umezu's Passing, Part I
On October 28, the manga industry lost a pioneer in horror manga with the passing of Kazuo Umezu. During his four-decade career, the creator has influenced and entertained readers of all ages. Many of those same readers who later found themselves in the manga industry are sending their tributes to the late Umezu. It's only appropriate that Kazuo Umezu's manager has the first word: Yuu-chan 漫画家・芸術家...
Japanese YouTubers Reenact Famous One Piece Scene Off Osaka Bridge
Don't try this at home
― For children, Halloween is when for dressing up and trick-or-treating to get as much candy as possible. For adults, the holiday is about partying and having spooky fun. Fun was certainly had in Osaka when the Japanese YouTube group Nanatan reenacted the climax of One Piece anime episode #278 in Osaka's famous Dotonbori district. In the scene, protagonist Monkey D. Luffy tells...
You Can Call Oshi no Ko Characters' Phone Numbers to Hear Their Messages
Why shake your favorite idols' hands when you can call them?
― November 4 has unofficially been christened as Iii Oshi no Hi or "Favorite Idol Day," since 11/04 can be pronounced in Japanese as "ii oshi" or "良い推し". To celebrate, Oshi no Ko fans can call their favorite idols Aqua, Ruby, Kana, Akange, and Mem-cho to hear a unique and original message from November 4 to November 10. (Charges may apply.)...
Voice Actor Yuu Hayashi Announces Marriage
Voice of Haikyu!!'s Ryūnosuke Tanaka will continue to be grateful & to work hard to make his acting & singing enjoyable for everyone
― Yuu Hayashi, voice of Ryūnosuke Tanaka from the Haikyu!! franchise, announced he married someone outside the entertainment industry on his X (formerly Twitter) account on October 29. ご報告 pic.twitter.com/G5NozbPbo2— 林勇☆SCREEN mode .Vo YouTubeやってます！！ (@voice_singing) O...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World: The Final(?) Part
Featuring Delico's Nursery, Gudetama, Kowloon Generic Romance, My Happy Marriage, Natsume's Book of Friends, and more!
― Halloween may be over, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the holiday still. So, let's take one last look at the Halloween artwork from the anime and manga world before the snowy season begins: Delico's Nursery 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧🎃#デリコズ pic.twitter.com/0xqkYkHoxI— TVアニメ『デリコズ・ナーサリー』公式...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World, Part VII
Featuring Granblue Fantasy, Mononoke, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter 6, and 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 (part 2) 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭!👻︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ 🐈⬛『#薬屋のひとりごと』 Halloween Art Final🎃 ˖ ⁺ . +⁺ . ✧ミニボイスド...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World, Part VI
Featuring Dragon Quest, Katamari Damacy, Lycoris Recoil, Nights With a Cat, Pac-Man, High Card, and more!
― Halloween is a time for anime and manga to release a themed story or two surrounding the holiday. While most are happy-go-lucky, there is the Shibuya Incident from Jujutsu Kaisen or Bloody Halloween from Tokyo Revengers. What better way is there to celebrate Halloween than with all the themed a...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World, Part V
Featuring Golden Kamuy, The Healer Who Was Banished From His Party, is, In Fact, the Strongest, Naruto, Square Enix, and more!
― All the creepy-crawlies are out on Halloween and that makes it thriller night. But we ain't afraid of no ghosts, and neither is the anime and manga world. Akira Himekawa Golden Kamuy 本日10月31日はハロウィン!!TVアニメ『#ゴールデンカムイ』にて渾身の仮装(!?)を披露する江渡貝くんと怪人オベンチョをご紹介ッ！2018年と2022年に制作されたハロウィンスペ...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World, Part IV
Featuring Pokémon, Re:Zero, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, Dragon Ball, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, FFVII Remake, and more!
― Halloween is a time to let creativity flow and become something different for a day. While some dress up as favorite anime and manga characters, sometimes a simple witch, ghost, vampire, or a princess is the way to go. The anime and manga world is full of those witches, ghosts, vamp...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World, Part III
Ticks and treats aren't just for children. They're also for the anime and manga fans, so check out some of the sweet Halloween tricks and treats from the anime and manga world. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian 「お菓子がいい？それとも悪戯されたいかしら？」#ハロウィン #ロシデレ pic.twitter.com/Ac9pSvZXQ9— 『時々ボソッとロシア語でデレる隣のアーリャさん』公式 (@roshidere) October 31, 2024 "Do you want some treats? Or do you want to be tricked?" ...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World, Part II
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. And the anime and manga world is abuzz with all the Halloween greetings. Atelier ＼🎃Happy Halloween🧛／お菓子をくれないと、ドラキュラユミアがイタズラしちゃうぞ🦇#ユミア #HappyHalloween #ハロウィン pic.twitter.com/kiRL6gVN5P— 「アトリエ」シリーズ公式＠ユミア3/21発売！紅白レスレリ発売決定！ (@GustAtelierPR) October 31, 2024 Treat us ...
Happy Halloween 2024 From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring The Apothecary Diaries, Fairouz Ai, Frieren, Oshi no Ko, Touken Ranbu, Twisted Wonderland, & more!
― It's Halloween, which means pumpkin everything — pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, pumpkin patches, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, jack-o-lanterns, and pumpkin costumes. And the anime and manga world isn't above having fun showing off their takes on pumpkins and other assorted costumes. Th...
Kinnikuman Creator Disappointed by New Anime's Lack of Overseas Popularity (Updated)
Yudetamago's Takashi Shimada confused about anime's 47th place ranking on MyAnimeList
― One of the most popular manga and anime series in the 1980s was undoubtedly Yudetamago's Kinnikuman. While the franchise has waned in popularity over the past 40 years, it has maintained a dedicated following to the point that a new anime Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc (Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Hen, or literally...
Vatican Introduces New Mascot 'Luce' Designed by tokidoki Founder
She's no Buddy Christ, though
― In what almost feels like a parody of the Kevin Smith film Dogma, the Catholic Church recently revealed a new mascot character for the upcoming Jubilee 2025 event at Vatican City and Expo 2025 at Osaka. Archbishop Rino Fisichella unveiled “Luce” (“light” in Italian) as the official mascot for the Holy See pavilion at Expo 2025 at the end of an October 28 press conferen...
Mexican Archdiocese Asks Brides & Grooms to 'Dress with Diginity' After Saint Seiya-Themed Wedding
Time to break out the formal Saiyan clothes for the next Dragon Ball Z wedding
― On October 5, a bride and groom held a Saint Seiya-themed wedding at the Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in León, Mexico. While anime-themed weddings aren't uncommon, the Archdiocese of León and the Archbishop Jaime Calderón Calderón were none too happy with the whole affair. Archbishop Jaime Calderón Cald...
Sony Offers Monster Hunter PS5 Cover & Controllers
It's a monster of a gaming console cover
― Sony's PlayStation brand is gearing up for the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds with a new Monster Hunter themed PS5 game console cover and DualSense controller. This is the latest Monster Hunter themed PlayStation console after the Monster Hunter World themed PS4 Pro in 2018. The Japanese PlayStation X (formerly Twitter) account announced the items on October ...
Voice Actress Ayaka Suwa Announces Daughter's Birth
Voice of SSSS.Dynazenon's Mujina celebrates baby with Smile Down the Runway creator Kotoba Inoya
― Ayaka Suwa, voice of Mujina from SSSS.Dynazenon and A2 from NieR:Automata, announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday that she has given birth to a baby girl. 皆さまへ。私事ではありますが、先日、元気な女の子を出産しました🌸産前よりご協力、お心遣い頂いた関係各所の皆さまには、心より感謝致します🙇♀️✨そして、いつもあたたかく見守り応援してくださっている皆さま、本当にありがとうございます🌸… pic.twitter.com/agDzJi0qGs...
Voice Actors Tsubasa Yonaga & Yuka Nishigaki Celebrate Birth of 2nd Child
Beyblade Burst co-stars welcome newest addition to their family
― Voice actors Tsubasa Yonaga and Yuka Nishigaki announced the birth of their second child on their respective X (formerly Twitter) accounts on October 9. The parents shared the same heartfelt message to their fans with a photo of their newborn. 公私共により一層精進し、笑顔と幸せが溢れる家族を目指して参りますので、今後ともご指導ご鞭撻の程、宜しくお願い申し上げます。代永翼 pic.twitter.com/jH9iQp86pq—...
Million Doll Creator Receives Apology After 6 Years of Back Pay From Anime Is Paid
Creator had considered withdrawing permission for anime, other derivative works until issue was resolved
― Manga creators expect royalty payments from anime adaptations, but sometimes they take longer than they should. The creator of Million Doll, Ai, found out after receiving six years of royalties and an apology. Ai revealed she had not received royalty payments for sales related to the Million Dol...
Magic: The Gathering Teases Final Fantasy Set
2 of the biggest names in the collectible card game & video game worlds collide in June
― Wizards of the Coast's Magic: The Gathering (MtG) collectible card game has collaborated with all sorts of franchises for about a decade. Most have resulted in small batches offered under the game's limited Secret Lair sub-brand, but there have been a few full-fledged sets. Wizards of the Coast announced in 2022...
Venom Collaborates Again With Birth of Kitaro, Brave Bang Bravern!
The odd couple collaborations are back
― The Brave robot anime franchise saw a return to form this year with Brave Bang Bravern! The series modernized the boy-with-giant-robot trope for late-night anime by changing it to a man with his giant robot. It was only fitting that Bravern! collaborates with another franchise about a man and his companion: Venom with Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote. The of...
Gundam SEED Director Mitsuo Fukuda Confirms Cyber Formula, Dendoh Anime Were Cut Short
Such is the fate of some anime series based on toy lines
― When anime series face the chopping block, fans don't always find out why. Creators often don't go on the record to even confirm the anime was cut short, at least not right away. The topic came up this past weekend, when a discussion on whether the After War Gundam X anime was cancelled started trending in Japan on X (formerly Twitter). Mobi...
GoFundMe Campaign Launches After Singer Matthew Sweet Suffers Stroke
'Girlfriend' singer cancels his remaining shows with Hanson on doctors' advice
― The management team behind musician Matthew Sweet announced a GoFundMe campaign on his Facebook page on October 23, after revealing he had suffered a stroke. Sweet first canceled a planned tour date in Toronto due to then-unspecified illness on October 13, then canceled all remaining tour stops through November 13 on th...
Precure Stage Event Asks Grown-Up Fans Not to Cosplay or Talk With Kids
Parents or guardians can still talk with their children
― One of the big Precure events each year is the stage show tour. Fans of all ages go to see that year's magical girl team in person, in cities all over Japan. But, with the shows open to both adult and children, certain precautions are set in place to ensure kids have a great time. And for the Wonderful Precure! Dream Stage this year, adult fan...
Voice Actor Yuichi Nakamura Completes Entire 1,400-Game Super Famicom Collection (in Box)
Nakamura: “I think I'll start a new hobby"
― Besides his prolific voice acting career, Yuichi Nakamura is the quintessential otaku. He has several “nerdy” hobbies — including but not limited to gunpla (Gundam plastic models) and video games. He recently completed a major gaming milestone: collecting every commercially released Super Famicom game in-box. Nakamura announced the feat in a live YouTube s...
Koichi Yamadera, Toshihiko Seki, Ryūsei Nakao, Other Voice Actors Discuss 'No More Unauthorized Generative AI' Effort
Voice actors bring up interesting points about ethical use of generative AI
― In a bid to prevent the unauthorized use of voices in generative AI, a number of Japanese voice actors announced on October 15 that they had founded the No More Mudan Seisei AI (No More Unauthorized Generative AI) group. After a short preview video featuring Ryusei Nakao, the group has launched a series of videos with voice...
Professional Cosplayer Enako Tells Fans: Saying 'You Look Like AI' Is Not a Compliment
Especially when generative AI uses images of cosplayers
― On October 16, professional cosplayer Enako took to her X (formerly Twitter) account with a musing regarding generative AI. Her message was not about the ethical use of AI nor even how people use the technology, but rather about an emerging trend of "complimenting" her photos as looking like AI. The professional cosplayer stated, "I feel uncom...
You Can Be an Extra on ON-GAKU: Our Sound Director's Next Film Hyakuemu
Go wild for Kenji Iwaisawa's climactic festival scene
― In 2019, director Kenji Iwaisawa debuted his film On-Gaku: Our Sound at the Ottawa Film Festival. A story following three high school delinquents who start a band, the film eschewed conventional animation and used rotoscope animation instead. As such, a set was built, and extras were cast for the climactic music festival. Now, for the director's...
AirAsia Introduces Sonic the Hedgehog Airplane
Gotta go fast
― In 1991, Sega debuted its iconic mascot Sonic in the Sonic the Hedgehog game for Sega Genesis, and he has since appeared in over 20 mainline games, many spinoffs, a handful of crossover games, numerous animated series, and most recently live-action films. In a historic moment for the franchise, Sega announced on September 25 that Sonic characters are appearing on AirAsia flights betwe...
Eiichiro Oda Wished One Piece App Could Turn 'Erotic' Photos Into His Art Style
But what exactly is erotic to the renowned manga creator?
― Shueisha and Bandai Namco Entertainment released the new One Piece Base app in Japan last week. Designed as a one-stop shop for all your One Piece needs, the app lets you read the manga and enjoy One Piece video content. One key feature converts any photo into the style of the manga's creator Eiichiro Oda for your profile picture. Of course,...
Hideaki Anno Reflects on Space Battleship Yamato Before Launching New Anime
'For me, Yamato is a work in which multiple worlds existed simultaneously'
― Hideaki Anno, co-creator and director of Neon Genesis Evangelion, announced on October 5 that he and his Khara studio would make a new Space Battleship Yamato anime film project. Anno said he could not reveal details on the project yet, but emphasized that it takes a different path from the ongoing remake projects launched b...
Newtype Magazine Returns in English — as a Free Giveaway at New York Comic Con
Overlord panel to also offer 1 copy signed by director Naoyuki Ito
― Crunchyroll brings back the Newtype magazine in English for one special edition at this year's New York Comic Con. The special issue features a cover with brand-new art of OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom, while the back cover features custom art from The Apothecary Diaries. Inside the covers, the issue includes an exclusive interview w...
STEINS;GATE 15th Anniversary Movie Teases It 'Will Continue'
But will it be an anime, game, or something else?
― Over the past 15 years, the Steins;Gate franchise has maintained its popularity through video games, anime, and manga. While the most recent projects include the Steins;Gate 0 game's promised Elite remake and tie-ins, there hasn't been much new in the last few years. However, fans needn't worry as a 15th anniversary video teases more to come. The Sc...
Transformers Crosses Over With Naruto, Monster Hunter
It's time to transform and roll out! Believe it!
― On August 26, Takara Tomy announced that the Transformers toy line is collaborating with some surprising franchises in Japan. The announcement teased Capcom's Monster Hunter games with few details. On September 27, Takara Tomy finally revealed the new Rathalos Prime (Liolaeus Prime in Japanese). And if that wasn't enough, Hasbro, the distributor of T...
Pikmin Blooms at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar Restaurant with Special Food/Collectibles
Collaboration runs from October 3-December 2
― In 2001, Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto turned a love of gardening into a game called Pikmin. The series has since gotten several sequels, such as Pikmin 4 in July 2023 and spinoffs such as Niantic's free-to-play AR (augmented reality) walking app Pikmin Bloom in 2021. Nintendo's franchise has continued to bloom as it ...
Hatsune Miku to Headline Gundam Metaverse Concert
Unfortunately, the Vocaloid star doesn't seem to turn into a version of G Gundam's Nobel Gundam
― In February 2022, Bandai Namco Holdings announced its 15 billion yen (around US$130 million at the time) investment into the Gundam Metaverse Project. While the project has yielded two limited time experiences, it appears far from seeing an official full-fledged launch. This doesn't mean the project is o...
Naruto x Asian Kung-Fu Generation Unite for Rocking Music Video
Relive Shikamaru's story with Naruto Shippuden theme "Blood Circulator"
― While not synonymous with the Naruto franchise, the band Asian Kung-Fu Generation provided three iconic theme songs for Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime. On October 10, Asian Kung-Fu Generation partnered with Weekly Shonen Jump magazine for a new music video featuring original manga drawings s...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Nobuyo Oyama's Passing, Part III
Those who knew her came together for their goodbyes
― News of Nobuyo Oyama's passing struck the anime fandom on October 11. Best known for her lead role in Doraemon, Oyama brought joy to children around the world. So, with sadness in many people's hearts, they send their messages to the voice actor conveying their gratitude and memories of her. Satoko Yamano これからも大山さんを感じながらドラえもんのうたをうたいます。心から…ありがとうござい...
Rica Matsumoto Denies Reportedly Leaked Pokémon Document on End of Ash/Pikachu Era
Matsumoto: 'I've been friends with Iku-chan since we were rookies'
― On Thursday, the Pokémon games' developer Game Freak announced it had suffered a data breach in August. The company said the breach leaked 2,606 names and email addresses of current and former employees. Over the past weekend, posts on social media claimed to leak gigabytes of information from upcoming projects and assets from past ...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Nobuyo Oyama's Passing, Part II
There is nothing but love, respect, & fond memories
― Nobuyo Oyama, the voice of the titular robot cat from Doraemon, passed away on September 29. Fully embracing her most famous role, Oyama delighted fans as Doraemon whenever she made an appearance on television or in person. Those memories live on in every person who ever met her, so it's no wonder so many are sending their condolences: Kohei Ashiy...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Nobuyo Oyama's Passing, Part I
Voice actors pay respects to their celebrated colleague
― On September 29, the anime world lost an icon with the passing of Nobuyo Oyama. As the first voice of Doraemon, Oyama's voice raised Japanese children for nearly a quarter of a century. As a beloved voice actor with such a long and venerable career, she influenced people from all walks of life, who now pay their respects. It is only fitting th...
Secretlab Powers Up With New Dragon Ball Z Gaming Chair
Secretlab's new chair themed around Goku reaches its final form
― Dragon Ball erupted with a gigantic Ki blast on Friday The late Akira Toriyama's classic series has remained popular since the original manga debuted in 1984, but Friday marked the release of the brand new Dragon Ball Daima anime series as well as the highly anticipated Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero game. Secretlab is joining in on the h...
Play Rock-Paper-Scissors With Life-Size Gundam Hands at Museum Exhibit
The life-size moving Gundam from Yokohama lives on
― When the life-sized moving Gundam statue rose above Yokohama's Yamashita Pier in December 2020, one of the attractions was playing rock-paper-scissors with the mobile suit. Unfortunately, March 31 was the final day for Gundam fans to play the game with the RX-78F00 Gundam, or so they thought. The Science Museum in Tokyo's Kitanomaru Park announced ...
Detective Conan's Voice-Changing Bow Tie & Playing Card-Shooting Gun Are Now Real
Now you can sedate detectives & solve mysteries like Conan & Kaito Kid
― When we think of Detective Conan, its myriad of gadgets immediately come to mind. Two of the most recognizable are the titular character's voice-changing bow tie and the playing card gun used by the cat burglar Kaito Kid. Now, the Premium Bandai brand is making them in real life. The Bandai Toys X (formerly Twitter) account anno...
Goku Gets New Float for 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
They're Saiyan that Goku's gonna appear at this year's parade
― A staple of the holidays season in the United States, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade treats viewers with several high-profile acts and oversized balloons. In the past quarter century, anime and game characters such as Pikachu, Sonic, One Piece's Luffy and Dragon Ball's Goku have graced the parade route. Toei Animation announced on We...
Nintendo Releases New Sound Clock 'Alarmo'
Alarmo features alarm sounds from Mario, The Legend of Zelda, more games
― Open your eyes... to Nintendo's new sound clock "Alarmo." Nintendo is no stranger to making products outside of video games, having started as a playing card producer and then toymaker back in 1889. However, Alarmo is neither a game nor a toy. Announced on Wednesday, Nintendo's new alarm clock features sounds from several of i...
Kotono Mitsuishi, Tomokazu Seki Magically Transform in Coffee Ads
It's a new type of transformation for the Sailor Moon & Fruits Basket leads
― As seen in classical theater, modern tokusatsu shows, and anime, the tradition of transformation is ingrained in Japanese entertainment. Now that tradition continues in a series of commercials for the Japanese Mt. Rainier brand of coffee. Voicing the transforming soy and oat lattes are two performers forever tied to magical...
Blue Giant Author Shinichi Ishizuka Designs Poster for Montreux Jazz Festival Japan
Jazz manga creator draws art for festival headlined by Herbie Hancock, Yoko Kanno Seatbelts
― In 2013, Shinichi Ishizuka set his pen to making Blue Giant, his manga focusing on the world of jazz. The series garnered wide acclaim and received a film treatment in 2023. It's no surprise that when the Montreux Jazz Festival Japan was seeking someone to design its 2024 visuals, it turned to Ishizuka. The ...
Grand Blue Dreaming Creator Kenji Inoue: We Got a Sequel, But a Baka & Test One Isn't Happening
Inoue noted even the Grand Blue Dreaming sequel is a miracle
― In the early 2010s, anime fans were treated to the anime series Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts while the original novel series by Kenji Inoue was still in the middle of its run. The anime series and its sequel were received relatively well but haven't seen a third series in over a decade. Then, another story by the author, the Grand Blu...
Sony Store Japan Uses Unique Anti-Scalping Method for 30th Anniversary PS5 Pro
Only buyers with 30+ hours logged onto Japanese PS account before announcement can pre-order special edition console
― In December 1994, the unlikeliest of companies entered the video game market: Sony with its first PlayStation console. The system popularized the use of discs over cartridges and gained massive success. Now, 30 years later, Sony is releasing a special 30th anniversary PlayStation 5 P...
Sherlock Holmes Museum Promotes 1st Detective Conan Film to Open in UK Theaters
Visit the museum for one of the namesakes of Japan's most famous child detective
― If there's one detective which fans all around the world love, it's Conan Edogawa from the hit manga Detective Conan. The manga has over 100 volumes and has spawned an anime that has aired for nearly 30 years, over 20 feature films, and numerous games. But for the first time in the franchise, the latest film, Detective...
Voice Actress Azumi Waki Announces Pregnancy
Voice of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End's Kanne to continue working while taking care of her health
― Azumi Waki, voice of Kanne from the Frieren: Beyond Journey's End anime, announced she was expecting her first child on her X (formerly Twitter) account on October 5: ご報告です。 pic.twitter.com/RWlxIwz02C— 和氣あず未 (@azumi_waki) October 5, 2024 I have an announcement In her message, Waki wrote (roughly tran...
One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen Come to Universal Studios Hollywood's Fan Fest Nights
Separately ticketed, after-hours event begins on April 25 until May 18
― Universal Fan Fest Nights is a new separately ticketed, after-hours event that will kick off at Universal Studios Hollywood next spring. The event nights were first announced to cater to fans of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime. Universal Studios is holding true to its word for that last part as it has announced during L.A. Com...
Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu Puts AEW Wrestler Kenny Omega in Cobra Twist at Tokyo Game Show
The legendary video game musician has got the moves to win a world championship
― Over the final weekend of September, video game fans all over the world gathered at the Makuhari Messe convention center for the Tokyo Game Show 2024. Among those fans was All Elite Wrestling star and executive vice president Kenny Omega (Tyson Smith). There, the wrestling star had a chance meeting with legendary Final ...
Sushi Chain Lets You Order With Natsuki Hanae or Sho Hayami's Voice
Hear the Tokyo Ghoul co-stars order your sushi
― Hamazushi, a popular fast food sushi chains in Japan, announced on Wednesday a partnership with voice actors Natsuki Hanae and Sho Hayami — not as spokesmen for the brand per se, but as digital menu narrators. Starting on October 8, Hanae and Hayami will voice the touch panel menus that every diner uses to order dishes. While it's unclear which voice a...
Studio Trigger Releases Transformers One Collaboration Poster
See your favorite Transformers with that Trigger touch
― With a mix of toys and cartoons, the Transformers franchise has captured the imagination of multiple generations since the 1980s. After the new film Transformer One opened in Japan, the staff revealed last week a Gridman Universe-inspired Transformers One collaboration poster by Studio Trigger's Masaru Sakamoto. According to the official Japane...
Everyone's Favorite Shark Kozame Takes a Trip to Tokyo Tower
Collaboration with Odekake Kozame ran through September
― One of the dark horse anime of 2023 was Odekake Kozame. The cute adventures of the child shark Kozame captured the hearts of many viewers with shorts uploaded to YouTube weekly, and that popularity led to collaboration events all around Japan. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Red° Tokyo Tower amusement center announced on Augu...
Voice Actress Sora Tokui Announces Marriage
Voice of Love Live's Nico Yazawa, BanG Dream's Hinako Nijukki, Uma Musume's T.M. Opera O marries someone outside show biz
― Voice actress Sora Tokui, who voiced Nico Yazawa in Love Live! School idol project, announced on Tuesday that she married someone outside of the entertainment industry. みなさまへ徳井青空よりご報告です！！！ pic.twitter.com/n1SEJV4ebe— 徳井青空✌️the f00l (@tokui_sorangley) October 1, 2024 In her messa...
Lost Live-Action American Saint Seiya Pilot Episode Found
Ray Mona posted StarStorm, a year after uncovering the American-animated Guardians of the Cosmos
― Last year, lost media documentary YouTuber Ray Mona shared the full pilot episode for an American animated adaptation of the Saint Seiya manga and anime. This year, she uncovered the lost pilot episode from StarStorm, a proposed live-action adaptation of Saint Seiya. (This pilot was made three decades b...
Former VR Kanojo Team Launches Crowdfunding for New Virtual Girlfriend Game
Virtual romance never seemed so real
― The idea of a virtual romantic partner has been around for some time. While not the first instance, Ken Akamatsu's 1994 series A.I. Love You explored the concept during the rise of home personal computers. Then, the Japanese adult game brand Illusion released VR Kanojo, a virtual reality girlfriend simulator, in 2018. Illusion ended business operations last year...
Shoko Nakagawa Holds Free Concert Tour for New Single Release
Multi-talent to hit 14 events for Gundam: Silver Phantom single
― Multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa, oft referred to as Shoko-tan, is likely best known for her prolific music career with over 20 singles (many of which have been featured as anime or game theme songs), five albums, and countless collaborations with other artists over the years. Now joining her long repertoire is “Across the World” for the fe...
5 Satoshi Kon Films to Be Screened Over Director's Birthday Month
Honor the late director's birthday by watching his films in theaters
― In the realm of anime films, there are a handful of auteurs: Hayao Miyazaki, Mamoru Hosoda, Makoto Shinkai, and a few more. However, due to his untimely passing in August 2010, many tend to overlook Satoshi Kon. While his original films performed modestly upon their release, their influence in the medium is undeniable. So, what be...
Thunderbolt Fantasy Puppeteers Celebrate Takanori Nishikawa's Birthday With Special 'Puppet'
It's got all the glam you'd expect from the legendary singer
― A dark horse series from 2016, Thunderbolt Fantasy used traditional Chinese and Taiwanese puppeteering to captivate the imaginations of anime fans around the world. One person integral to the production is Takanori Nishikawa. He not only provided the theme song for all three seasons, but also the voice for the young, red-haired pipa-playi...
Detective Conan Anime Celebrates Edogawa Rampo With 2-Part Story Set at Rampo's Home
Just in time for the 130th birthday of the father of modern Japanese mystery novels
― Among the pantheon of modern Japanese storytellers are Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Osamu Dazai, Natsume Sōseki, Haruki Murakami — and Edogawa Rampo (Rampo Edogawa), almost inarguably the father of modern Japanese mystery novels. Best known for his Kogoro Akechi detective stories, his stories have inspired generations of Ja...
Love Hina/Negima's Ken Akamatsu Draws Poster for Japan's Next Prime Minister
But not in his usual manga style
― In 2022, Love Hina and Negima manga creator Ken Akamatsu ran for the Japanese House of Councilors in the center-right Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Surprisingly, he became the first manga creator to win a seat, and has since been grappling with issues like Japan's controversial freelance invoice taxation and generative AI. Now, he has drawn a key visual for the LD...
Yoshitaka Amano Draws Batman Inspired by His Debut for 85th Anniversary
It's one page of action
― Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27's story “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate” in 1939. Since then, the caped crusader has appeared in several TV series, films, and video games. Now, on the iconic character's 85th anniversary, DC Comics asked seven artists to create original art pieces inspired by Batman's debut issue for the ...
Cristiano Ronaldo Teases Fatal Fury Appearance Ahead of Tokyo Game Show
Will he bring his soccer skills to the fighting game?
― One of the greatest soccer players playing today is Cristiano Ronaldo. But even the greatest soccer players need some hobbies, and what better hobby is there than appearing in the upcoming SNK game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves? The legendary soccer forward posted a short Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves teaser to his X (formerly Twitter) account...
Shueisha Honors Naruto's 25th Anniversary With Special Video
Relive Masashi Kishimoto's masterpiece
― The late 1990s ushered in a new age of generation-defining manga series at Weekly Shonen Jump with Kazuki Takahashi's Yu-Gi-Oh!, Eiichiro Oda's One Piece, and Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter x Hunter, among others. One of those series is undoubtedly Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto. Capturing the imagination of many readers with its dual protagonists and ninja action, th...
Sony Rolls Out Limited Edition PlayStation 5 Pro to Mark 30th Anniversary
PlayStation 5 Pro consoles with classic color schemes launch on November 21
― The original Sony PlayStation introduced a new future of gaming to Japan in December 1994 and to the West the following year. With its sleek gray disc-based console and iconic controller, the PlayStation made its mark into the video game industry, rivaling giants Nintendo and Sega. Now in its fifth iteration, the PlayStatio...
Jump TOON's Sci-Fi Manga Nuno Sanpo Inspires 'Opening Sequence-Like' Anime Promo Video
It's sooo good, you'd think/wish it's a real anime show
― Science-fiction writer Yuba Isukari and illustrator Ozu recently launched a new, full-color manga titled Nuno Sanpo on Shueisha's vertical-scrolling manga service Jump TOON on September 3. To celebrate the new manga, Toho Animation Studio released an "opening sequence-like" anime promotional video for the manga on Monday. Emphasis on the "-lik...
Tetsuya Nomura Doesn't Think Kingdom Hearts' Story Is Convoluted
He still watches Kingdom Hearts lore videos on YouTube, though
― If there is one thing fandoms tend to do it's overthinking the canon of their favorite stories, such as the Kingdom Hearts franchise. With three mainline games and far too many spinoffs and remakes, keeping track of everything can be a hassle. However, in a recent interview with Shueisha's Young Jump magazine, Kingdom Hearts creator Tet...
McDonald's x Hololive's Usada Pekora Collaborate for Moon Viewing Party
Just in time for the seasonal Tsukimi Burger in Japan
― It's autumn in Japan, and that means it's time for some moon viewing. Or viewing the moon vicariously with the McDonald's Japan's Tsukimi Burger — a seasonal burger that represents a full moon with an egg patty, along with a beef patty and bacon. It's a staple autumn fast-food item in Japan like pumpkin spice drinks are a staple autumn drink in ...
Bleach Anime Celebrates 20th Anniversary With Visual
See Ichigo Kurosaki & all his greatest adversaries
― It's hard to believe the anime of Tite Kubo's seminal manga Bleach is two decades old. Coming on the heels of other popular Weekly Shonen Jump adaptations, the Bleach anime made an almost instantaneous mark on the fandom and maintains a strong fanbase to this day. As a reward for the fans' dedication, the Bleach website renewed this week with a new...
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