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Bringing Übel Blatt to the Screen - An Interview with Director Takashi Naoya
Director Naoya shares the reasoning behind some of the anime's story changes and how the team brought Köinzell's vengeance to life.
― Etorouji Shiono's Ubel Blatt manga may seem like an odd choice for a contemporary anime adaptation at first blush - the series was serialized between 2004 and 2019, and it definitely retains the feel of its era of dark fantasy with its grimdark qualities and moments of...
Creating Realism in a Sports-Romance Anime: An Interview with Blue Box Director Yuichiro Yano and Series Composition Writer Yuko Kakihara
When the two began working together, they found they shared a bit of a problem when it came to making a high school sports anime: neither of them played sports in high school.
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Currently airing anime Blue Box is a love story about a pair of sports-playing high school kids. The way it mixes the romance and sports genres to create a grounded story has made it a hit with audiences both inside Japan an...
Director Kenji Kamiyama Calls The War of the Rohirrim an 'Unprecedented Opportunity' for Anime
Kamiyama shares how The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime film is important to him as a unique chance to feature animators' work on a global scale.
― Director Kenji Kamiyama has been in the business of making anime for over 30 years and has since garnered acclaim for his work on Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Eden of the East. His latest project offers an unprecedented opp...
Brian Cox and Gaia Wise Share Their Voice-Acting Stories from LotR: The War of the Rohirrim Anime Film
The War of the Rohirrim film's leads, Wise and Cox, share their personal connections with the franchise, the difference between voice acting and live-action, and their characters' interiority.
― Actors Brian Cox and Gaia Wise lead the cast as Helm Hammerhand and Hera in the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime film. The War of the Rohirrim expands on a scant few pages from J....
Interview: BE:FIRST Vocal Group Returns to the High Seas of One Piece
We spoke with the seven-member dance and vocal group recently to learn more about the project, their creative process, their experience with One Piece, and more.
― The band BE:FIRST is collaborating with Toei Studios to perform the new ending song for the new version of the One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga anime arc. First formed via the reality program The First, Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Ju...
Shinichiro Watanabe on How the John Wick Director Joined the Lazarus Anime Team
― Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Carole & Tuesday – the legendary director behind all those blockbuster anime – Shinichiro Watanabe – is dropping a new anime, Lazarus, premiering on Adult Swim's Toonami in 2025. Watanabe did a ton of promotion at New York Comic-Con, and Anime News Network was able to speak with him about Lazarus, past projects, music, and more. WATANABE MULTIVERSE How ...
From Music Videos to Feature Film: An Interview with A Few Moments of Cheers Director POPREQ
Why don't I try [the art path] just once and see what I can do? And, if in the end, I find out that I don't have any talent, I will just give up. That's how I got started."
― Recently at the Tokyo International Film Festival, I sat down with POPREQ, the director of the recent film A Few Moments of Cheers. Throughout our conversation, we talked about the film's production and how much of its story com...
Directors Takahito Sakazume and Shun Enokido on Adapting Fate/strange Fake to the Small Screen
Learn more about their philosophy when it comes to adapting the novels into animation and the involvement of the original author, Ryohgo Narita.
― As the Fate series celebrates its 20th anniversary, Anime News Network was able to speak with Shun Enokido and Takahito Sakazume, the directors of the upcoming anime Fate/strange Fake. Together we talked about their history with the series, their philosoph...
The Complicated Process of Color Design in Anime - An Interview with Nokotan's Arisa Komatsu
Many unsung heroes have a vital part in getting your favorite anime made. Let's take a look at the art of color design with Wit Studio's Arisa Komatsu.
― When you think of anime production, you probably think of the directors, animators, and writers. But of course, there are many unsung heroes who have a vital part in getting your favorite anime made. Once such overlooked position is that of color d...
What Exactly Does an Animation Director Do? - An Interview with Nokotan's Karin Omura
To shine a spotlight on this job and what it entails, Richard Eisenbeis recently sat down with My Deer Friend Nokotan's animation director Karin Ōmura at Wit Studio's main office in Tokyo.
― While most people have an idea what directors, animators, or scenario writers do, these are only a few of the jobs involved in the creation of anime. Many jobs in the industry are relatively obscure at best to ou...
Making The Colors Within: An Interview With Director Naoko Yamada and Composer Kensuke Ushio
Yamada and Ushio discuss their latest film, that Trainspotting music reference, and designing different character body types.
― Naoko Yamada's newest feature film The Colors Within is due to open in the U.S. on January 24 next year, but some viewers will be able to see it sooner. The film is screening in Glasgow on November 2 (including a live Q&A with Yamada and composer kensuke ushio), Edinburgh on...
New Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi is Risking it Big on KILLTUBE Anime Film
The team raised US$6.68 million for the first-ever film, described as an "experiment" that will blend 2D and 3D elements and audience participation.
― On April 8, a one-minute clip circulating on social media caught anime fans' attention worldwide. It's actually the pilot film of the newly-announced anime film titled KILLTUBE. The film is scheduled to be released sometime in 2026, but it's safe to s...
Look Back: Director Oshiyama's Inherent Need to Draw
Oshiyama spent the last week of the film's production drawing “1,000 key animations.”
― Studio Durian's movie adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-shot, Look Back, has been the talk of the town. Following critical acclaim from some of the most influential Japanese moviegoers, US fans had the chance to see the movie with Director Oshiyama. GKIDS hosted three public screenings, which included a live Q&...
Performing in the 2.5 Dimension: Producer Shimpei Yamashita on Oshi no Ko Season 2
Ahead of its final episode, Shimpei Yamashita discusses the challenges of following up Oshi no Ko's first season with one equally as good.
― Oshi no Ko, based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, may not have surprised readers of the series by being a hit. The story is by turns intense and humorous, balancing detailed examinations of what it means to project a perky, lighthearted image to ...
The Staff of My Deer Friend Nokotan Were Shocked by Its Worldwide Popularity
With its horned protagonist, disturbingly realistic deer, and off-the-wall absurdist humor, My Deer Friend Nokotan has been one of the most popular shows—inside of Japan and out.
― With its horned protagonist, disturbingly realistic deer, and off-the-wall absurdist humor, My Deer Friend Nokotan has been one of the most popular shows of the Summer 2024 anime season—both inside of Japan and out. To fin...
Director Hiroshi Nagahama, From Wicked City to Uzumaki
We sat down with the Uzumaki anime director to see what hints he could give us about the horror series before it premieres this weekend.
― On the screen in front of a crowded Otakon panel room, Director Hiroshi Nagahama shows a slide featuring the cover art for the 1987 film Wicked City, directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri of Studio Madhouse on the screen in front of a crowded Otakon panel room. Several a...
Shangri-La Frontier Cheat Codes: How Its Creators Built Its Video Game World
Before Sunraku returns in season two, ANN spoke with light novel author Katarina and manga creator Ryōsuke Fuji on fleshing out its VR world.
― Shangri-La Frontier is an exciting action anime showcasing the fun exploits of our main character Sunraku. With a shoebill bird mask and an assortment of daggers by his side, Sunraku seeks to overcome challenges and learn more about the god-tier game Shangri...
ODDTAXI's Baku Kinoshita On His New Film, Housenka
The director sheds light on his in-progress Showa-era film starring an aging yakuza and how it differs from his critically-acclaimed ODDTAXI anime series.
― Three years after ODDTAXI, Baku Kinoshita is back with a feature film, Housenka. This movie will be focused on an old yakuza, agonizing in his cell and remembering his past life while chatting with his talking flower. The director was present at...
TOUGEN ANKI's Main Cast Talks About Their Roles in the Upcoming Anime
Recently, Anime News Network was able to sit down with voice actors Kazuki Ura, Koutaro Nishiyama, and Hiroshi Kamiya to talk about their roles in TOUGEN ANKI.
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to sit down with voice actors Kazuki Ura, Koutaro Nishiyama, and Hiroshi Kamiya to talk about their roles in the upcoming anime TOUGEN ANKI—as well as the tricks of the trade that help them get into char...
The Rise of Terminator Zero with Writer Mattson Tomlin & Director Masashi Kudo
Ahead of it's Netflix premiere, we spoke with the Terminator Zero director-writer team about the AI apocalypse and exploring James Cameron's sci-fi world.
― Leading into the Terminator Zero premiere panel at Anime NYC Saturday night, a bit of the show's soundtrack started playing with that iconic Terminator "du-dum du-du-dum" beat. Just a couple of "du-dum du-du-dum" in, one audience member started ...
From Page to Screen: DAN DA DAN Director Fūga Yamashiro and Voice Actor Shion Wakayama
Director Yamashiro shared the methods behind the series "god-tier" animation, its tokusatsu visual connection, and whether he believes in ghosts (or aliens).
― Creator Yukinobu Tatsu's DAN DA DAN manga has been a fan-favorite, deftly blending a smorgasbord of supernatural elements with comedy, romance, and intense fight scenes. Director Fūga Yamashiro and studio SCIENCE SARU had the unenviable task o...
How A Small Team Created a Huge Hit: Look Back Anime Film Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Having topped 1 billion yen at the Japanese box office, Oshiyama and his Flip Flappers anime alumni look to have a big, emotional hit.
― Kiyotaka Oshiyama and Studio Durian might not be immediately familiar to average anime fans, but the team's latest outing is worthy of attention. The small studio team's previous work centers mostly on designs for series like Deca-Dence and FLCL: Shoegaze, although...
VTuber Mori Calliope Shares Her Favorite Suicide Squad Isekai Characters
Hololive's Mori Calliope, long known for her rapping and a game-streaming grim reaper, was brought on board to perform "Go-Getters," the Suicide Squad ISEKAI's ending.
― Hololive's Mori Calliope, long known for her rapping as well as being a game-streaming grim reaper, was recently brought onboard by Warner Bros. to perform "Go-Getters," the new song featured in Suicide Squad Isekai's ending. We caug...
From Pilot to Full-Series: Creating Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms
Originally a pilot supported by crowdfunding efforts, we sat down with director Okamoto and producer Tetsuya Kinoshita to discuss how the series has evolved ahead of its premiere.
― After garnering impressive support from fans in 2019, Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms is well on its way to its full-fledged premiere. Originally a pilot supported by crowdfunding efforts, we sat down with director Okamoto and...
What to Expect in the Loner Life in Another World Anime Series
We spoke with series director Akio Kazumi and Pony Canyon producer Takanori Matsuoka about the series' unique appeal and misconceptions about what a "loner life" is.
― Loner Life in Another World is set to premiere in October, but what sets it apart from other isekai series? We spoke with series director Akio Kazumi and Pony Canyon producer Takanori Matsuoka about the series' unique appeal, misconcep...
Creating a New World with Familiar Characters in Suicide Squad ISEKAI
How did seasoned anime creators take comic book villains and give them a unique twist? We spoke with director Eri Osada and scriptwritersTappei Nagatsuki and Eiji Umehara to find out.
― Wit Studio's original Suicide Squad ISEKAI anime kicked off summer with a high-action romp as fan-favorite DC characters found themselves trying to survive in a fantasy world unlike anything they'd ever seen in Gotha...
How Blue Lock Anime Brings the Action to Life
In which ANN learns that the anime staff has a database of highly-detailed feet.
― Blue Lock was everywhere at Anime Expo 2024. Multiple panels, a strong presence at the Kodansha booth in the Exhibit Hall, and countless cosplayers donning Blue Lock's instantly recognizable training outfits, all underpinned by a wildly popular shonen anime and manga on the rise. I was lucky enough to sit down with th...
MAHO FILM's President Junji Murata on Creating a Better Anime Studio
“We've been trying to improve things by providing good wages to all the staff, providing a stable working environment, and holding various [internal company] events.”
― Founded in 2018, MAHO FILM is one of the younger anime studios around. That said, they've already produced 10 anime, including I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss and Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp. Recently, ...
Bocchi the Rock! Staff Reflect on Growth and Change
Director Keiichirō Saitō and voice actor Yoshino Aoyama from Bocchi the Rock! sat down with Anime News Network to discuss the behind-the-scenes details of adapting the show-stopping anime.
― The anime adaptation of Aki Hamaji's four-panel manga was a sleeper hit in late 2022. Viewers related to Bocchi's awkwardness and social anxiety, while entertained by the off-the-cuff animation. In addition, Kes...
My Hero Academia's Mamoru Miyano, Daiki Yamashita Discuss Manga's Imminent Conclusion
'I'm sure Horikoshi-sensei is burning his soul, like One For All, and he's going to deplete his soul like All Might after he finishes drawing the final episode.'
― While discourse around My Hero Academia has focused on the manga's imminent ending as of late, you wouldn't have thought the franchise was running out of gas based on the MY HERO ACADEMIA SPECIAL EVENT at this year's Anime Expo. Filling t...
Interview: Director Kumiko Habara & Scenario Writer Kenta Ihara on Bringing History to Life in Blue Miburo
Hot off its world premiere at Anime Expo, we sat down with Blue Miburo's director and screenwriter about bringing the Shinsen-gumi to life.
― Blue Miburo, a historical fiction manga centered around the legendary group of swordsmen known as the “Shinsengumi,” is getting an anime adaptation this fall. Recently, I was able to sit down with director Kumiko Habara and scenario writer Kenta Ihara to talk n...
Cheering for Gunma: Narenare -Cheer for you!- Anime Producer Hayato Kanno
We spoke with producer Hayato Kanno about the upcoming cheerleader-focused series and why Gunma prefecture was the perfect setting for the show.
― While there aren't many anime in the cheerleading genre, a handful have been made over the years. Some of the more notable series include 2018's Hugtto! Precure or 2019's Cheer Boys!!. In 2024, we're getting another cheerleading-related anime series, Naren...
New Projects Bring New Opportunities for Kinema Citrus Anime Studio
The Made in Abyss anime studio is celebrating its 16th anniversary with two new anime projects, so we sat down with founder Muneki Ogasawara to discuss the studio's next moves.
― Founded in March 2008, Kinema Citrus is known as a pillar in the anime industry for producing high-quality, compelling series. The studio has carved a niche in the competitive anime industry with popular works like Made in A...
Heavenly Delusion Director Discusses Keeping the Story Straight
Mori also explained the creative process from inception to realization, shedding light on the collaborative efforts and artistic endeavors that brought Heavenly Delusion to life.
― In 2023, Heavenly Delusion captivated audiences with its suspenseful and intricately woven storytelling. The series was highly praised for blending psychological horror and science fiction. Director Hirotaka Mori was at t...
My Oni Girl Director Asks Viewers To Be True to Themselves
Now streaming on Netflix, Tomotaka Shibayama's first feature animation mixes the magical with reality to share a simple but important message.
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Director Tomotaka Shibayama's latest film, My Oni Girl, is an action-adventure drama with elements of a buddy comedy and a relatable coming-of-age story. The film, produced by Studio Colorido, was released in theaters in Japan and on Netflix on May 24, foll...
Bringing Anime to Southeast Asia: Interview with Medialink, Ani-One Co-Founder Lovinia Chiu
Chiu shares how she brought the SEA simulcast service to the forefront after founding it at 17 years old.
― Over the past six years, many streaming and simulcast services have catered to otaku in Asia, offering simulcasts of seasonal anime and theatrical anime screenings. One such service is Ani-One Asia, a Hong Kong-based Medialink Group brand that offers a competitive lineup of simulcasts every se...
My Happy Marriage Director Takehiro Kubota and Creating a New Fairytale
Ahead of the romance anime's second season, director Takehiro Kubota discusses the choices, the challenges, and balancing the story between the everyday and the supernatural.
― My Happy Marriage began its life as a series of novels written by Akumi Agitogi, and it has since been adapted both as manga and, as of July 2023, an anime series simulcast by Netflix. Agitogi's tale, set in a nebulous time t...
Pop Star Crystal Kay on Singing Anime Songs and Growing Up Mixed-Race in Japan
Crystal Kay previously sang themes for 2004's Fullmetal Alchemist and Nodame Cantabile
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to sit down with singer-songwriter Crystal Kay and talk about not only her involvement with anime over the years but also what it was like to grow up in Japan as the child of a Korean-Japanese mother and an African-American father. Anime fans likely know of Crystal Kay throug...
Producer Masakazu Kubo on Making an Anime for Hardcore Golf Fans
Producer Masakazu Kubo shares the animation team's dedication to realism, including bringing in a pro golfer to produce the anime's sound effects.
― 64-year-old Masakazu Kubo has been planning and producing anime for decades. He's had a major hand in everything from Pokémon and Detective Conan to Teasing Master Takagi-san and Dorohedoro. Recently, he sat down with us to talk about Tonbo!, his attemp...
The Beauty of Stop-Motion Animation with Bottle George Director Daisuke 'Dice' Tsutsumi
Daisuke 'Dice' Tsutsumi shares what it was like to leave Pixar and how his studio will never shy away from honesty in their work, even when honesty isn't pretty.
― Director Daisuke "Dice" Tsutsumi contributed to films like Toy Story 3 and Monsters University while simultaneously crafting what became his Academy Award-nominated animated short film, The Dam Keeper. His latest short film, Bottle George,...
Interview: Author Akihiro Nishino on Bottle George, His New Stop-Motion Animated Film
Following Poupelle of Chimney Town, Nishino tackles addiction in his new stop-motion anime short film.
― In advance of the U.S. premiere of the new stop-motion animated short film Bottle George, Anime News Network sat down with writer Akihiro Nishino and chatted not only about the film and its creation but also its deeper message and how it connects to Nishino's past. While now well-known as a childr...
Interview: Voice Actors Rika Hayashi and Hiroki Tōchi Talk About Their New Golf Anime, Tonbo!
Hayashi and Tōchi play mentee/mentor in heart-warming golf anime series.
― Golf anime Tonbo! is one of the new anime premiering in the Spring 2024 season. At Anime Japan 2024, we sat down with lead voice actors Rika Hayashi and Hiroki Tōchi to talk about their characters, their experiences with golf, and the positives of country life in Japan. In her first voice acting role as a main character, Hayas...
Chained Soldier Producer, Voice Actor Discuss Bringing Sexy Anime Series to Screen
We sat down with producer Yuki Watanabe and leading actor Yūya Hirose (Yuuki), to discuss bringing this unique combination of epic action and sexy comedy to the screen.
― Ever since author Takahiro and artist Yōhei Takamura first began publishing Chained Soldier on Shonen Jump+ in 2019, their manga has been a smash hit. The story tells of how humanity has been enlisting soldiers who use the magical ...
Interview: JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa Talks About Composing Songs for Junji Ito and Banished From the Hero's Party
Daijirō Nakagawa talks about his band, their evolution, and what it's like to compose anime theme songs.
― If you've seen either of the Junji Ito anthology anime or either season of Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, you've heard the music of JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa. Recently, Anime News Network sat down with him to talk about his band, their evolutio...
Chatting About Food and Adventures with Delicious in Dungeon's Director and Voice Actors
We were able to chat with Delicious in Dungeon's director, Yoshihiro Miyajima, as well as two of its main leads, Kentarō Kumagai (Laios) and Sayaka Senbongi (Marcille).
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to chat with Delicious in Dungeon's director, Yoshihiro Miyajima, as well as two of its main leads, Kentaro Kumagai (Voice of Laios) and Sayaka Senbongi (Marcille). They talked about how they b...
The Eminence in Shadow Anime Producer Had His Own Cid Phase
ANN spoke with The Eminence in Shadow director Kazuya Nakanishi and producer Kazufumi Kikushima about the series' unique protagonist.
― Whether it's the dark comedy or its distinct main character, Cid, something about The Eminence in Shadow resonates with many anime fans. The series is one of the highest-rated shows on HIDIVE. Anime News Network was able to sit down and talk with the series' directo...
Gundam: The Witch From Mercury's Lynn and Kana Ichinose Discuss Difficult Parents and Friendships
"It got me thinking that as long as there are humans, conflict will never disappear and there is no correct answer."
― At Anime NYC 2023, the official Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury panel hosted voice actors Kana Ichinose (Suletta Mercury) and Lynn (Miorine Rembran) to discuss their work on the hit mecha series. Members of the press had further questions answered via a joint email interv...
How the Shield Hero Director and Producer Pushed to Do the Series Justice
"One of the things that's important to me is to capture the world as it is with the wave of calamity; the trouble, the hunger, the sadness of the world that exists so that the heroes can shine. It's because the people are suffering that a hero is needed."
― In season three of The Rising of The Shield Hero, Naofumi and the gang must learn to put aside some of their differences with the other Cardinal...
Bringing His Ego to the Role: BLUE LOCK Voice Actor Kazuki Ura
Ura explains, “As a voice actor, I have the ego that I don't want to lose to anybody. I want to be the best at everything, especially when it comes to the character of Isagi.”
― At Anime NYC 2023, Anime News Network had the opportunity to sit down with the voice actor Kazuki Ura, the voice of BLUELOCK's main protagonist Isagi, and Ryoya Arisawa, the producer of the hit sports anime BLUELOCK. One of ...
Bringing Imagination to the Sengoku Youko Supernatural Action Anime
The director and producer discussed the challenges working on the Sengoku Youko anime, from finding just the right voice for a 200-year-old yōkai to tapping into their imaginations to bring Jinka's attacks to life.
― Manga creator Satoshi Mizukami is already preparing his next manga series, but it's his supernatural action story Sengoku Youko that brought director Kagetsu Aizawa and producer Allian ...
Anime Director Masaaki Yuasa Reflects on His 20 Year Career
With time to reflect on his past work and an upcoming five-film box set from GKIDS, we talked with Yuasa about staying true to his artistic outlook and how the industry has changed.
― 2023 was an eventful year for Science Saru studio founder and film director Masaaki Yuasa. Since stepping down as president of his animation studio, Yuasa's part rock opera, part supportive treatise to artistic outcast...
Making Things That Others Wouldn't: An Interview with Studio TRIGGER President Masahiko Otsuka
Coop Bicknell talks shop with TRIGGER president Masahiko Otsuka about returning to the world of Panty & Stocking over a decade later.
― At this year's Anime Expo, Studio TRIGGER gave the world a taste of their projects coming down the pipeline. Whether it was the premiere of Delicious in Dungeon ahead of the series' January release on Netflix or details on the 15th-anniversary screenings of GURREN L...
Bringing Jazz to the Big Screen with Blue Giant Director Yuzuru Tachikawa
We spoke with director Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100, Deca-Dence) about crafting the film's music, working with virtuoso Hiromi Uehara on the film's soundtrack, and the importance of talent and hard work.
― Readers may be surprised to learn that jazz music has a long, storied history in Japan. The music broke into the mainstream in the 1920s, in part due to visits from American and Filipino perfo...
Getting Into Character with Ragna Crimson's Chiaki Kobayashi
Kobayashi discussed the evolution of Ragna and the vocal challenges of bringing those subtle shifts to life.
― At Anime Expo 2023, Anime News Network was able to sit down and talk with voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi about his role as the titular Ragna in upcoming anime Ragna Crimson. They're keeping you busy at Anime Expo this year! Have you been able to have fun in Los Angeles in your
spare time? Chi...
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Voicing Cid in The Eminence in Shadow
Cid's voice actor Seiichirō Yamashita discusses voicing a character with two different sides and what makes The Eminence in Shadow anime so unique.
― The Eminence in Shadow follows a young man named Cid who would much rather train to be the ultimate background character and use his strong powers to change the scene from the shadows instead of being in the spotlight himself. After dying and being rei...
Talking Fate/Samurai Remnant with the Game's Director, Ryota Matsushita
We spoke to Matsushita about the game's Keian period setting, new servants, and more.
― Last month, I was able to spend eight hours with upcoming Fate series game Fate/Samurai Remnant. After doing so, I was granted a chance to talk with the game's director, Ryota Matsushita of Koei Tecmo Games, about the title. Here is what he had to say about making the game, the involvement of the various franchise...
What Happens Next? Four Knights of the Apocalypse Anime Interview at Otakon 2023
Can The Seven Deadly Sins newbies watch Four Knights of the Apocalypse? We asked manga editor Yuya Matsuda, anime producer Takuma Kishida, and lead voice actors Shou Komura and Kanna Nakamura.
― Nakaba Suzuki's Four Knights of the Apocalypse is a sequel to his popular manga, The Seven Deadly Sins. The series focuses on the young boy Percival, who discovers he is destined to be part of a group of four...
Bringing One Piece to the Screen with Yasunori Koyama, Kenji Yokoyama, and Tetsushi Akahori
We spoke to One Piece's series director, production manager, and animation director about building on Eiichiro Oda's hit manga for TV.
― One Piece has become one of the largest multimedia franchises in the world, with a top-selling manga, long-running anime, various video games, and a live-action Netflix series on the horizon. The anime, in particular, has gained worldwide acclaim, currently in the ...
Behind the Scenes of Action-Comedy Anime Undead Unluck
We spoke to voice actress Moe Kahara (Fuuko Izumo), Shonen Jump editor Takumi Hashimoto, and series producer Ryōta Hasegawa about balancing the series' unique brand of chaos.
― Fans who attended the Undead Unluck panel at Anime Expo last month were decidedly very lucky when animation studio TMS Entertainment brought out a slate of special guests—voice actress Moe Kahara, who plays Fuuko Izumo; actor...
Crafting the Story of Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout with Yashichiro Takahashi
We sat down with Yashichiro Takahashi, who wrote the first and third Ryza games and produced and wrote the Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout anime, on his experience contributing to Ryza and her world.
― The Atelier series has always had a cadre of loyal fans, but the Secret trilogy starring Reisalin Stout truly thrust the entire series into the spotlight. The trilogy might have ended with the rele...
Three Generations of Love Live Idols on Overcoming Challenges and Finding Yourself
Aika Kobayashi (Yoshiko/Yohane), Mayu Sagara (Kasumi Nakasu), and Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya) shared how they overcame challenges in their career and found inspiration from their own characters.
― Fans of the Love Live! Series received a rare treat at this year's Anime Expo with special guests representing three different generations from the long-running franchise. In attendance was Aika Kobayashi,...
Resident Evil: Death Island Cast Jokes About Getting Weird in the Recording Booth
"I want to feel that character. It matters to me what happens with that. If something's happening, I need to get my body into that state so that, emotion-wise, it's going to come out in a certain way."
― After the 2017 release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island presents the latest animated film of the franchise. Assembling the five main characters for the first time in any univer...
Resident Evil: Death Island Creatives Share Thoughts on Assembling the Team
Director Eiichirō Hasumi pairs up with returning writer Makoto Fukami, and longtime Resident Evil producer Masachika Kawata to build an exciting mission for the five characters on San Francisco's Alcatraz Island.
The three filmmakers spoke to ANN on July 12th prior to the screening. ― Nearly six years after the release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island continues the animated arm...
The three filmmakers spoke to ANN on July 12th prior to the screening. ― Nearly six years after the release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island continues the animated arm...
Anime Expo 2023 - Bringing The Suicide Squad Into the Anime World
One of the biggest surprises out of Anime Expo is Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio's Suicide Squad ISEKAI, an anime looking to bring together DC comic book and anime fans for one wild ride.
― One of the biggest surprises out of Anime Expo is Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio's Suicide Squad ISEKAI, an anime looking to bring together DC comic book and anime fans for one wild ride. We spoke with seri...
Anime Expo 2023 - Ryuta Koike and Making The First Slam Dunk
After nearly two decades, Slam Dunk is back and scoring big at the box office. Now screening in U.S. and Canadian theaters, we talked to producer Ryuta Koike about bringing this fan-favorite series to life.
― After dominating the box office in Japan, THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, the new anime film of Takehiko Inoue's Slam Dunk basketball manga, made its North American debut at Anime Expo this year. As the f...
Anime Expo 2023 - Gearing-Up With the Mecha-Ude Anime Creator Okamoto
We spoke with Okamoto about her upcoming anime, the crowdfunding campaign, and the female animation team at TriF Studios.
― Mecha-Ude, which first came to life in 2019 as a crowdfunded pilot episode that smashed its fundraising goals, is set to dazzle fans once more as a full anime series by TriF Studio. The project is spearheaded by original creator Okamoto and is set to debut in 2024. Fans eager f...
'Everything is a Lie' — Yoko Taro, Hiroyuki Seshita, JIN, & Atsushi Ōkubo Discuss KamiErabi GOD.app Anime
Little is known about the KamiErabi GOD.app anime, but its staff line-up is full of heavy hitters. Find out more about the series, the formation of Seshita's 3DCG studio, and Yoko Taro's drunken agreement to join the project.
― Little is known about the KamiErabi GOD.app anime, but its staff line-up is full of heavy hitters. The production boasts character designer Atsushi Ōkubo, the manga creator b...
Anime Expo 2023 - Friendship is Key to Making The Ancient Magus' Bride
"What I want to portray is a message; it's not blood or what you look like that is the important connection; it's the mental connection that's critical. That's the important aspect you can see in the partnership between Elias and Chise."
― The ethereal fantasy series The Ancient Magus' Bride returned to TV with slow-burn intrigue set in the College. Chise had lived a somewhat reclusive life with Eli...
Anime Expo 2023 - Studio Bones Looks Back on 25 Years of Anime
BONES president Masahiko Minami and co-founder and animator Toshihiro Kawamoto reflect on the studio's biggest hits and their upcoming anniversary project, Metallic Rouge.
― In the 25 years since its inception, Studio Bones has become synonymous with quality. The studio has an incomparable amount of hits under its belt that appeal to a broad audience. Cowboy Bebop has earned its status as a certifie...
Anime Expo 2023 - Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Discusses Next Big Projects
The acclaimed artist is working on his next anime work, ZAN, described as "Ocean's Eleven meets Dante's Inferno."
― Yoshitaka Amano is a man with a seemingly endless drive. He is in high demand, so there's no shortage of ambitious projects to take on. Such a packed slate takes hard work and focus, so you'd be forgiven for thinking such hardened resolve would be paired with a serious, no-nonsense att...
Lonely Castle in the Mirror Director Keiichi Hara on Bullying and Other Social Issues Facing Children in Japan
“Statistically, it's gotten to the point where you have one or two kids out of school per class per day. […] So I ended up asking myself, 'What can I do to help?'”
― Earlier this month, Anime News Network was able to sit down with Director Keiichi Hara and talk a bit about his newest anime film, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, prior to its US premiere. In the process we talked about the social issues fa...
How the SPY×FAMILY Creative Team Brought the Manga to Life
Animation producer Kazuki Yamanaka and chief animation director Kyoji Asano share their insight from working on smash-hit anime series.
― Few series manage to capture the imagination and thrill quite like SPY×FAMILY. The exhilarating espionage tale interwoven with family dynamics has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Behind this remarkab...
The Brilliant Minds Behind VINLAND SAGA Season 2
The creative team talks about taking up the mantle for season two and how a "battle of emotions" takes center stage.
― VINLAND SAGA, the critically acclaimed historical anime, has taken audiences on a breathtaking journey through the Viking Age, combining thrilling battles, complex characters, and a gripping narrative. As fans eagerly watch VINLAND SAGA Season 2 each week, we had the privilege of si...
Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress Staff Discuss Bringing the Hobby Anime Alive
Character designer and chief animation director Tomokatsu Nagasaku and line producer Eiichi Koshiishi discuss their artistic endeavors, exploring the craft that goes into the latest iteration of the franchise.
― Anime Central welcomed Illinois anime fans last weekend. Among the creatives present were character designer and chief animation director Tomokatsu Nagasaku and line producer Eiichi Koshiish...
How the Record of Ragnarok Director and Series Composition Writer Created a Faithful Adaptation
Following the announcement that Record of Ragnarok II's second part will premiere in July, we have an interview with director Masao Ōkubo and series writer Yuka Yamada about sticking to the manga's roots.
― The Record of Ragnarok anime is an incredibly faithful adaptation of artist Azychika, original creator Shinya Umemura, and narrative composer Takumi Fukui's manga. The series has intense fight seq...
Makoto Shinkai Talks Suzume and the Earthquake that Inspired It
The acclaimed anime director discusses the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on his latest work and what sort of stories he's considering for the future.
―
Director Makoto Shinkai made a public appearance at the BFI Southbank on March 1, appearing in a Q&A after a screening of his newest film, Suzume. His films have grown funnier over the years, and so has he. Speaking to the BFI's lead prog...
Tonari Animation's CEO on Which Innovations Will Help the Anime Industry
As the labor shortage in the anime industry deepens, global animation studios like Tonari Animation might be the answer.
― If there's one thing Tonari Animation CEO Jarrett Martin wants anime fans to know about the Japanese animation industry, it's how long it takes to make anime. “For one episode of anime, it takes about six months with a team of people, and they're all working from sun up to sun do...
How Ballmastrz: Rubicon Became an Anime with Creator Christy Karacas
Ballmastrz: 9009 and Superjail! creator Christy Karacas is no stranger to Japanese animation. Find out how his show is getting the anime treatment through a series of fortunate events.
― Ballmastrz: 9009 and Superjail! creator Christy Karacas is no stranger to Japanese animation, and it's through a series of fortunate events that his show is getting the anime treatment. The Ballmastrz: Rubicon specia...
How High Card's Staff Came Up With The Crazy Action
Filled with high-stakes thrills and supernatural battles, we spoke to the staff, including the Kakegurui manga duo, about developing the original project.
―
“Are you ready? Itʼs Showdown!!” The High Card anime begins with a literal bang. Filled with high-stakes thrills and supernatural battles, what makes High Card unique is how the powers are centered around the 52 X-Playing Cards. This allows for ...
Inside Polygon Pictures with Kaina of the Great Snow Sea Executive Producer Hideki Moriya
Andrew Osmond tours the remote-work-friendly studio and gets the lowdown on Polygon Picture's latest work, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea.
― In December 2022, I had the fortune to visit Polygon Pictures, the digital studio whose latest series, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea, recently began on Crunchyroll. Polygon's previous titles include Knights of Sidonia, based on a manga by Tsutomu Nihei, who also orig...
Interview: The Staff of the 2022 BASTARD!! Anime
Hot on the heels of its season two announcement, we have an interview with the BASTARD!! anime staff. Find out why the director says, "I think [Dark Schneider] possesses a strength that doesn't really exist in today's isekai fantasy."
― The new BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- anime debuted on Netflix earlier this year with a second season in the works. The remake breathes new life into Kazushi ...
Interview: Mob Psycho 100 Lead Voice Actor Setsuo Ito
"My work takes place before the broadcast, so I can't see the live reaction as I'm performing, but there are many times when I think, 'This will blow everyone's mind!'"
― Voice actor Setsuo Ito has done a stunning job bringing the character of Mob to life in the Mob Psycho 100 anime. We asked him about his journey as a voice actor, what he's looking forward to in season 3, and his thoughts on a certa...
INTERVIEW: Studio Trigger's Hiromi Wakabayashi and Shigeto Koyama
"Other studios [are] trying to make the finest foods in a restaurant, whereas at Trigger, we're okay with just continuing to make a decent burger."
― The breakout success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has doubtlessly brought about unprecedented interest in both Studio Trigger's past works and where they will bring their creativity next. At Kumoricon, ANN was fortunate enough to have a talk with Trigger's...
Anime NYC 2022 - Mob Psycho 100 III Panel and Interview with Voice Actor Setsuo Ito
Setsuo Ito shared his feelings about Mob's growth as a character, his fanart, and bittersweet feelings about finishing the series.
― Setsuo Ito, the voice of Shigeo Kageyama (aka “Mob”) from Mob Psycho 100 III, first came to Anime NYC to promote the anime's second season. With the third and final season of Mob Psycho 100 currently airing, Crunchyroll and Warner Bros. Japan brought Ito back to the con...
What Makes Overlord A Great Adaptation? The Director and Screenwriter Discuss Season 4
Director Naoyuki Itou and screenwriter Yukie Sugawara discuss the challenges of adapting Overlord, and why it's a great anime to both newcomers and novel readers alike.
― The Overlord anime reached new heights in season 4, adapting a highly anticipated story from Kugane Maruyama's light novels. Anime News Network spoke to director Naoyuki Itou and screenwriter Yukie Sugawara about the challenges of a...
INTERVIEW: Garden of Remembrance Director Naoko Yamada
"The reason why I create anime is because I have a huge respect for human beings in general; what everyone thinks, what people are feeling, what they're going through emotionally."
― Naoko Yamada's visit to Britain in October wasn't the feted director's first trip to the island. Yamada came to Britain as a guest of honor for the Scotland Loves Anime festival back in 2012 where she participated in a s...
Interview: Summer Ghost Director loundraw
Artist, animator, and director loundraw discusses their short film and new freedom after founding Flat Studio.
― Artist, animator, and director loundraw founded the animation studio, Flat Studio, with writer Tetsuya Sano in January 2019. Known for his character designs on I want to eat your pancreas and Tsukigakirei, loundraw made his directorial debut with the studio's first short film, Summer Ghost...
Interview: One Piece Film Red English Dub Cast
Following the world premiere of One Piece Film Red's English dub at the Animation Is Film Festival, we spoke to the cast. Their excitement is contagious!
― Crunchyroll and Toei Animation hosted the world premiere of One Piece Film Red's English dub at the Animation Is Film Festival. Earlier this month, the Straw Hat Pirates took over New York City's Times Square, giving fans a chance to bask in the s...
Interview: Transformers: War for Cybertron Showrunner FJ DeSanto and Producer Mike Avila
It's a super-sized interview with Transformers: War for Cybertron's FJ DeSanto and Mark Avila to discuss the production of the anime and all the little things that keep these robots strong in our hearts.
― With a long history of producing works like the a Westernized adaptation of Cyborg 009 (and having a statue of Iggy the Fool behind him at all times), F.J. DeSanto is no stranger to the world of an...
Made In Abyss Director and Screenwriter Discuss the Horrors and Wonders of Season 2
We spoke to director Masayuki Kojima and scriptwriter Hideyuki Kurata about balancing the series' many elements and which Abyssian creature tastes the best.
― Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun is the latest installment in the animated masterpiece
Made in Abyss. We spoke to director Masayuki Kojima and scriptwriter Hideyuki Kurata about the horrors
and wonders of season 2, and their ...
Interview: Goodbye, Don Glees! Film Director Atsuko Ishizuka
We interviewed Ishizuka about the film's unique setting, cultural differences to look out for, and the likelihood of getting attacked by a bear in the Japanese countryside.
― Best known for the touching anime original TV series A Place Further than the Universe, Atsuko Ishizuka's newest film Goodbye, Don Glees! has recently hit U.S. theaters. We interviewed Ishizuka about the film's unique setting, c...
Drifting Home Director Hiroyasu Ishida and Producer Hibiki Saito
An apartment complex adrift at sea becomes the backdrop in this emotional story about two childhood friends. Director Hiroyasu Ishida and producer Hibiki Saito share what drew them to the concept.
― Studio Colorido is a studio to watch. The anime production studio has consistently put out impressive, emotional narratives whether its shorts like Paulette's Chair and Puzzle & Dragons commercials or co...
Kaguya-sama: Love is War Producer Tatsuya Ishikawa
Kaguya-sama: Love is War recently concluded its excellent third season. We checked in with Aniplex producer Tatsuya Ishikawa to discuss the standout episode 5 and his feelings on the show.
― Kaguya-sama: Love Is War recently concluded its excellent third season. We checked in with Aniplex producer Tatsuya Ishikawa to discuss the standout episode 5 and his feelings on the show generally. ANN: The epis...
Kaguya-sama: Love is War Voice Actress Aoi Koga
From her child-like excitement while waiting for a text to her devastating demeanor when she encounters a romantic challenger, voicing Kaguya requires vocal elasticity. ANN spoke with Aoi Koga about her character's multi-faceted personality.
― As the voice of the titular Kaguya Shinomiya, Aoi Koga uses her voice to embody every side of the character. From her child-like excitement while waiting for a...
The Journey Animation Manager Sara Oulddaddah
We talked with Oulddaddah about Manga Productions, working between Japan and Saudi Arabia on The Journey, and the team's hopes to share Saudi Arabian culture and stories internationally.
― Manga Productions and Toei Animation's anime film The Journey is now streaming on Crunchyroll, and ANN was able to meet with animation manager and character designer Sara Oulddaddah. Oulddaddah has worked in animat...
Interview with My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU's Wataru Watari, Masazumi Kato, Chado Horii
The light novel series' author shares insights on the series' international popularity, "We actually get fan letters from across the sea, too. What can I say? They're like a source of power for us!"
― Fans of My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU eagerly packed into a Otakon panel room to spend an hour with a few special guests—original light novel creator and script writer Wataru Watari, producer Masazumi K...
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