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Voice Actors Masakazu Morita and Noriaki Sugiyama Celebrate 20 Years of BLEACH
The voices of Ichigo and Uryu reminisce about their decades of memories among a cast that "improves together while supporting one another."
― JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles with VIZ Media hosted a panel with Masakazu Morita (Ichigo Kurosaki) and Noriaki Sugiyama (Uryu Ishida) of BLEACH. In promoting the third season of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 - The Conflict, the two were invited for a Q&A and...
This Life-Size Ainz Ooal Gown Statue is Only One of the Cool Things at the Overlord Exhibition in Tokyo
There's also original animation materials, photo spots, and tons of figures!
― To coincide with the release of the new movie, Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom, a limited-time Overlord gallery is now open to the public in Tokyo. Aptly named “Overlord Exhibition,” this art exhibition is filled with everything from animation keyframes and original light novel artwork to photo spots and life-size recreations...
Bringing Ghibli's Animated Worlds into Our Own: The Ghibli Park and Ghibli Exhibition
The Ghibli Park & Ghibli Exhibition opened in Tokyo to give fans a backstage look at the creation of Ghibli Park, the Ghibli Museum, and the works of Goro Miyazaki.
― Designed by Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki and the director of several Ghibli films, Ghibli Park is not your ordinary theme park. Rather than rides, the park has full-on recreations of important places in various Studio Ghibli ani...
HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT's Tomoyasu Miyazaki Talks Bringing Fan-Favorite Series into Gaming Arena
Creators were given near 'total freedom' to bring anime's story to life in NEN×IMPACT.
― Hunter × Hunter is a massively popular series, with passionate – and patient – fans. The series has continued in fits and starts, as its creator Yoshihiro Togashi has been plagued with health issues. But the quality has proven to be worth the wait for millions in Japan and internationally. When Bushiroad announc...
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...
This Week in Anime - It's Anime Convention Hunting Season
Some of the biggest anime conventions are just around the corner, but things are looking a little off. Chris and Steve discuss the changing landscape and smaller cons folding across the U.S.
― Some of the biggest anime conventions are just around the corner, but things are looking a little off. Chris and Steve discuss the changing convention landscape and smaller cons folding across the U.S. Disclai...
We Ranked the Official KONOSUBA Cocktails
From Aqua to Yunyun, we tried all the KONOSUBA drinks at The Hub to find the most delicious!
― If there's one thing many adults worldwide enjoy doing, it's getting an alcoholic beverage with some friends. Be they beers, ales, spirits, wines, cocktails, among other beverages, adults have their drinks of choice. And one of the best places to enjoy your drink is your local pub or bar. In Japan, though, ...
Ghibli Park's Newest Area Brings Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service to Life
Inside this massive new area are locations pulled straight out of Ghibli films.
― Late last year, we went down to Ghibli Park in Aichi prefecture to explore its recently opened Princess Mononoke area. This year, we see the addition of a new area to the experience-driven theme park: The Valley of Witches. Inside this massive new area are locations pulled straight out of Ghibli films Howl's Moving Cast...
Demon Slayer Stage Play Cast Descend on NYC
The cast of the Demon Slayer stage play gave a memorable performance during the Japan Day Parade.
― The Demon Slayer franchise continues to prove itself as an absolute powerhouse for fans worldwide. The hit manga by Koyoharu Gotouge has been adapted into multiple mediums, including anime, light novels, video games, and a stage play that has been running since 2020. Cast members of the stage play app...
At 25:00 in Akasaka BL Drama Cast Discuss Kiss Scene, Personal Hobbies at Live Event
Kiita Komagine and Taisuke Niihara show how they perfected the right angle for their on-screen kiss.
― The cast members of the new BL drama At 25:00, in Akasaka showed off what they do at 25 o'clock (1:00 am) at night. And it's nothing like what happens in the drama. While somewhat underrepresented in the anime industry, boys' love (BL) has a strong presence in the manga and TV drama world. With at l...
Fans Say Farewell to Yokohama's Life-Size Moving Gundam
Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, singer T.M. Revolution, and LUNA SEA's Sugizo appeared for the spectacular send-off.
― The Gundam Factory Yokohama held its “Grand Finale ～To the Next Stage～” event on March 31. And to be honest, grand is an understatement. It was epic. Since December 2020, Gundam fans from around the world have visited the Yamashita Pier area in Yokohama to see the 18-meter-tall RX-7...
Gundam SEED FREEDOM's Rie Tanaka, Sōichiro Hoshi Share Memories at Los Angeles Premiere
― This past week has been busy for the two leads of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM as they've been promoting the U.S. premiere of the movie on the West Coast. Immediately after they attended the festivities in Seattle, they joined Michael Sinterniklaas (Gundam SEED dub producer) and Stephanie Sheh (English voice of Lacus Clyne) at the Los Angeles film premiere. As attendees eagerly awaited the scr...
Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki Sees His Anime Come to Life at Ghibli Park
Suzuki shared that famed director Hayao Miyazaki is currently making something for the theme park—in secret.
― At a press event last month, ANN, along with other members of the press, was able to talk with Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki about the new "Valley of Witches" area at Ghibli Park, his recent Academy Award win, and legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. Ghibli Park, located in Aichi Prefe...
Ojamajo Doremi Cast Reunite for 25th Anniversary Special Show at AnimeJapan
The cast performed arguably the greatest magical schoolgirl anime opening theme song.
― In the pantheon of magical schoolgirl anime, it's almost inarguable that Sailor Moon reigns supreme. While there are contenders to the throne, such as Pretty Cure or Puella Magica Madoka, when it comes to theme songs, you almost can't go wrong with Ojamajo Doremi's opening theme song, "Ojamajo Carnival." The song ...
Suicide Squad Isekai Cast Gathers for an AnimeJapan Mission
VTuber Mori Calliope joined the cast members at AnimeJapan 2024 for a fun quiz about the anime series.
― It's AnimeJapan time, which means a slew of new announcements, swag to collect, and, for some voice actors, missions to go on during their stage events. This was the case for the cast of Suicide Squad Isekai as they embarked on a “mission” during their show at AnimeJapan 2024. Before the “mission...
Mononoke, Kurayukaba, My Oni Girl Directors Discuss Favorite Scenes From Each Other's Movies
3 Twin Engine directors discuss their next films at AnimeJapan, and boy, did they have some words for each other.
― AnimeJapan is already known for its fun stage events featuring the cast of upcoming and some classic anime series. However, AnimeJapan 2024 added a brand new stage area: the Creation Stage. Unlike the three main stages at AnimeJapan, the Creation Stage is for the people behind the anime...
Frieren's Cast Lists the Top 3 Moments for Their Characters
At AnimeJapan 2024's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End stage show, the voice actors for Frieren, Himmel, Fern, and Stark told an audience of hundreds their favorite scenes for the characters they portray.
― At Anime Japan 2024's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End stage show, Atsumi Tanezaki (Frieren), Nobuhiko Okamoto (Himmel), Kana Ichinose (Fern), and Chiaki Kobayashi (Stark) told an audience of hundreds th...
AnimeJapan's Thunderbolt Fantasy Panel Gives Behind-the-Scenes Look at Puppets in Action
Ever wondered what Thunderbolt Fantasy's puppeteering looks like without the clever camerawork & sets?
― At Anime Japan 2024 on Saturday, psychological horror extraordinaire Gen Urobuchi took to the stage to talk about the two newest additions to his long-running show, Thunderbolt Fantasy: a fourth season and a movie. But while that news was great for fans, what stood out at the panel were the three ...
Exploring the Delicious in Dungeon Pop-Up Café In Shibuya
How would the monstorous dishes look and taste in real life? Thankfully, we can find that answer at the four-day-long Shibuya Delicious in Dungeon Store.
― Delicious in Dungeon makes its real-life appearance in Shibuya with a café. But it's no ordinary café.
The new anime Delicious in Dungeon takes us into a fantastical world where adventurers explore dungeons, fight monsters, and loot treasure. Howe...
Volunteers, Former Senior Staff Boycott Ohayocon Convention
At least 91 individuals, including former senior leadership members and year-round volunteers, are boycotting Ohayocon following the termination of the convention's former con chair.
― Dating back to 2001, the cleverly named Ohayocon is Ohio's oldest and longest-running anime convention. Attracting an estimated 13,000 attendees in 2023, it's without question one of the larger anime conventions in Ohi...
Rainbow Gala 30 and the End of an Era: Hong Kong's Biggest Doujinshi Convention Set to Shutter
Future of Hong Kong's creative scene “pathetic,” says organizers, as venue shuts down.
― Sounds of indistinct chatter, cluttered by crowds so packed you could only go with the flow, snaking through the people and obstacles alike among the photography stages in the corridors. This is the reality of Hong Kong's biggest doujinshi convention for community-made products, the 30th Rainbow Gala (RG) held o...
Princess Mononoke Comes to Life in Ghibli Park's New Area
Check out the life-size Demon Spirit and Lord Okkoto statues!
― On November 1 of this year, Japan's Ghibli Park opened a new area, one based on Hayao Miyazaki's award-winning classic Princess Mononoke. Anime News Network was able to drop by and check it out firsthand. The attraction, aptly named "Mononoke Village," is one of several located at Ghibli Park. But rather than being a typical theme park, ...
Studio Trigger's Shigeto Koyama Design Work on Display in Manhattan
Promare, Heroman, more work on display at the NowHere gallery
― Anime-themed art exhibits tend to pop up in Manhattan around the time of Anime NYC. This year, the NowHere gallery is displaying an exhibit centered around the work of Shigeto Koyama. Half of the gallery showcases Koyama's design work for animated projects such as Heroman, Promare, and Disney's Big Hero 6 (these pieces are off-limits fo...
3-2-1 Let's Jam at the Cowboy Bebop 25th Anniversary Exhibition
Check out the giant Swordfish II replica and more at the exhibition celebrating the iconic anime series.
― On April 3, 1998, the legendary anime series Cowboy Bebop first aired on the Japanese TV station TV Tokyo. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Bandai Namco is hosting a 25th-anniversary exhibition at the Seibu Shibuya Movida-kan 6th-floor special event space. While Cowboy Bebop first aired in ...
The Attack on Titan Online After Party is an Interesting Experiment
The after-party is a half-virtual museum, half-video streaming platform with unique audio dramas and staff interviews.
― This past Saturday marked the end of the Attack on Titan anime. To celebrate the airing of the final episode, fans were invited to participate in “The Attack on Titan Worldwide AfterParty”—an online virtual event. Running from November 4 to November 8 (and requiring a $22 ticket t...
Exploring the Fist of the North Star 40th Anniversary Exhibition
What awaits fans beyond the bunker doors is the desolate world of 199X. A world where might makes right and gangs of musclebound men roam the wastelands.
― I am shock(!) that it's the 40th anniversary of Tetsuo Hara and Buronson's legendary series Fist of the North Star. As part of the celebration, the Mori Arts Center Gallery is holding an exhibition featuring over 400 pieces of the original manuscr...
See the Best Anime and Video Game Costumes at Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fes.
Happy Halloween! Check out our cosplay gallery of some of the best anime and video game costumes from Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fes.!
― It's Halloween time in Tokyo. And that means everywhere you look, you'll find people dressed up as their favorite anime and manga characters. While Shibuya Ward is always the life of the party around Halloween, the mayor of Shibuya Ward is trying to keep the party ...
Animal Crossing Comes to the Seattle Aquarium
Take a relaxing stroll through the aquarium and learn about the creatures with Animal Crossing characters!
― From October 7 through December 31, the Seattle Aquarium is collaborating with Nintendo to bring the iconic creatures of Animal Crossing to their exhibits. As a Seattle resident and a longtime lover of the aquarium, I decided to go check it out. Once past the admission line, the first addition...
This Week in Anime - Navigating Anime Conventions
Anime conventions like Anime Expo and FanimeCon are the perfect place for anime enthusiasts from all walks of life to mingle and gather. Join Chris and Nicky this week as they share their adventures and experiences at these conventions.
― Anime conventions like Anime Expo and FanimeCon are the perfect place for anime enthusiasts from all walks of life to mingle and gather. Join Chris and Nicky this ...
The Nippon Gallery Presents Japan's Anime Sweeping the World
A new art exhibit in New York City, on display through July 26, showcases the works of eight artists inspired by anime and manga.
― A new art exhibit in New York City, on display through July 26, showcases the works of eight artists inspired by anime and manga. The Nippon Club hosted a reception to celebrate the exhibition's launch where the artists discussed their work. Azuki co-founder/ANN contribu...
Japan's Newest My Hero Academia Exhibition is Full of Awesome Photo Spots
See the most impactful moments from the hit anime's sixth season!
― The currently-running My Hero Academia ANIMATION Exhibition -All-Out War- in Tokyo is an art exhibition centered around the most impactful moments of the first arc of the hit anime's sixth season. It's full of statues, pop-out wall art, and various pieces that use both dynamic lighting and sound to enhance the experience. Or to put i...
LA's Gallery Nucleus Hosts 1st U.S. Exhibition for SSS Artist Group
Anime alums Taiki (Infinite Dendrogram), Mai Yoneyama (Promare), and BUNBUN (Sword Art Online) brought a new incarnation of their art to Los Angeles.
― The Gallery Nucleus art gallery in Los Angeles currently features exclusive pieces from nine artists at the “SSS Re\arise” exhibition. Previously held in Tokyo and Kyoto, the exhibit drew thousands of visitors in Japan. Original artworks from Taiki, ...
MAPPA STAGE 2023: Cast and Staff Comments from Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan, More
According to co-star Romi Park, Eren voice actor Yuuki Kaji "walk[ed] around the recording studio crying the whole time after the recording of The Final Chapter Part 1."
― The MAPPA STAGE 2023 event was held on May 21, 2023, at the Tokyo Garden Theater. Many fans gathered at the venue for the event, which featured performances of popular MAPPA titles such as Hell's Paradise, Campfire Cooking in Anoth...
The Real Wall Maria: Surveying Hajime Isayama's Hometown for the 'Attack on Hita' Tourism Project
We went to Hita City to see how Attack on Titan has revitalized its creator's hometown.
― Years ago, when Attack on Titan manga creator Hajime Isayama was visiting his hometown of Hita City in Japan's Oita prefecture, he noticed many businesses had been shuttered and realized his hometown wasn't doing so well. He decided he "wanted to give something back to this town in which [he] came up with the i...
AnimeJapan 2023 Cosplay Gallery
Characters new and old turned out for the big convention last weekend!
― To change the opening line of Edgar Allan Poe's poem The Raven a bit, "Once upon a midday dreary" anime fans from across the world gathered at the Tokyo Big Site to enjoy the offerings of AnimeJapan 2023. Many come for the booth, stage shows, and merch. But there are those who come for the cosplay. Here are some of the cosplay w...
Everything You Need to Know Before Going to Super Nintendo World
Let's-a-go to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios! The lines might have you saying "Mamma Mia!" but we've got the cheat codes you need to make the most of it.
― Let's-a-go to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios! Regrettably, though, the lines will surely have you screaming "Mamma Mia!", but don't you worry, we made you a walkthrough, breaking down everything you need to know and how to g...
Hands-on With NARUTO×BORUTO VR
Ever wanted to run around the Hidden Leaf Village to team up with Naruto and friends to fight ninjas? Then have I got the game for you.
― Ever wanted to run around the Hidden Leaf Village to team up with Naruto and friends to fight ninjas? Then have I got the game for you. From March 21 to May 28, NARUTO×BORUTO VR will be playable on the fourth floor of DiverCity in Odaiba, Tokyo. ANN was able to try...
Fan Meetup Celebrates Digimon's 25th Anniversary
Check out the exhibit of over 140 artworks from the world of Digimon!
― Bandai Namco is hosting a free fan event at the L.A. Convention Center from February 23rd to 26th. The exhibition celebrates Digimon's 25-year legacy from its start as a virtual pet toy and provides fans with an update on the franchise in the present day. The event features a small art exhibit of over 140 artworks split into fou...
Wonder Festival 2023 [Winter] Cosplay Gallery
Check out all the cosplayers from this year's event, featuring characters from current series and some classic throwbacks!
― After a snowy and dreary Friday and a national holiday on Saturday, cosplayers were ready for the beautiful weather for Wonder Festival 2023 [Winter]. There were certainly a lot of cosplay of older works at the event, but if you looked around, there were plenty of newer franchi...
See Ghibli Park's Grand Opening
Catch a glimpse of the Catbus for grown-ups, Laputa's robot soldier, more
― Welcome to Totoroland! Well, not exactly … First things first: The Ghibli Park opened on November 1 as the only theme park dedicated to Studio Ghibli's movies, but don't expect it to be Ghibliland or the Magic Kingdom at Hayao Miyazaki World. Ghibli Park's head Goro Miyazaki — the son of studio founder Hayao Miyazaki and an a...
Shichiro Kobayashi: Drama of Light and Shadow
The masterful background art by the late Shichiro Kobayashi were on display in NYC and included examples from Utena, Simoun, and one of his wife's personal favorites, The Adventures of Gamba.
― The excitement of Anime NYC 2022 extends beyond the Javits Convention Center. The otaku festivities spread throughout Manhattan, from multiple afterparties to an Attack on Titan takeover. One of Anime NYC's m...
Event Report: Behind-the-Scenes of My Neighbour Totoro
Could we get an American run of the play? Depends if the organizers can find a large enough venue.
― The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of My Neighbour Totoro is completely sold out. Still, on November 10 at the Japan Society in New York City, a small crowd got to enjoy a talk with the show's puppet designer Basil Twist and some exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the production. The RSC has...
Fate/Grand Order Fes. 2022 in Pictures
Beat the heat (and crowds) and check out everything from life-size weapon replicas to recreated game environments from the massively popular mobile game Fate/Grand Order!
― Fate/Grand Order's convention was back in Japan this weekend after a two year COVID-related absence to celebrate the 7th Anniversary of the wildly successful mobile game and the Fate series in general. And just in case you weren't...
The ANN Aftershow - The Anime Expo Debriefing!
We're discussing the major anime, game, and manga news that's come out of Anime Expo, how the con went overall, and what needs to change moving forward.
― Is The Anime Expo Debriefing! We're discussing the major anime, game, and manga news that's come out of Anime Expo, how the con went overall, and what needs to change moving forward. The ANN After Show streams live on Mondays at 6pm PDT/9pm EDT. Y...
Exploring the Wonderful “Junk” of the Anime Boston Swap Meet
Need a rare Danganronpa Monomi plushie from Comiket or some '90s Gundam fanzines from Denver Anime International? You can find it at the Anime Boston Swap Meet — and it can be yours if you have something worth trading in turn.
― Need a rare Danganronpa Monomi plushie from Comiket or a custom-made extra large kimono?
How about some '90s Gundam fanzines from Denver Anime International or a copy of Mari...
Anime Boston Cosplay Gallery
Check out the costumes from Anime Boston for everything from Pokémon to the internet's current favorite anime girl, Yor from SPY x FAMILY!
― Freelancer Reuben Baron (AndalusianDoge) headed to Anime Boston on May 27-29 and snapped photos of all the amazing cosplay. Check out the costumes below for everything from Pokemon to the internet's current favorite anime girl, Yor from Spy x Family! IMG animebo...
Interview: Sword Art Online: Alicization Singer ASCA
Now in her fifth year performing, ASCA spoke with Anime News Network about her career, working with T.M. Revolution, and who she'd like to collaborate with next.
― ASCA, also known as Asuka Okura, has performed songs from anime including Fate/Apocrypha, Sword Art Online: Alicization, and The Irregular at Magic High School. She's been waiting over two years to bring her high-energy live performance in...
Head in the Clouds: A Look Inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' Miyazaki Exhibition
A sense of childlike wonder is central to the experience within the very first exhibition of the newly opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
― Through the pastel orange doors of the Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery lies the retrospective exhibition dedicated to Hayao Miyazaki's cinematic work. Once inside, visitors step into the shoes of Mei Kusakabe from My Neighbor Totoro. As you stroll t...
Otakon 2021: Convention in the Time of COVID
Otakon 2021, subtitled "The Con at the End of the Rainbow," occurred under circumstances unseen since the first American anime convention welcomed fans in the early 1980s.
― Otakon 2021, subtitled "The Con at the End of the Rainbow," occurred under circumstances unseen since the first American anime convention welcomed fans in the early 1980s. America, Washington DC included, is still in the midst of...
Everything You Need to Know About AnimeJapan 2021
AnimeJapan 2021 is being run as an online event this year on March 27-28, including a livestream aimed at overseas viewers. AnimeJapan general producers Hiroshi Terada (Avex Pictures) and Shunsuke Nakajima (Tatsunoko Production) explain the overview of the event, as well as the limitations that overseas viewers should keep in mind such as the content and region restrictions.
― AnimeJapan 2021 is bein...
Pokémon GO Fest: Home Edition
COVID-19 might have put a halt on the annual Pokémon GO Fest gathering, but Niantic still found a way to bring Trainers together virtually.
― In a normal year, Pokémon GO Fest would have returned to Chicago in July to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Niantic's most popular game. Responding to the pandemic, we instead participated from our own parks, backyards, and couches. No gatherings of thousan...
A Growing Anime Fandom in Zambia
The expansion of streaming services has helped ignite fandoms all over the world. In Zambia, original animation and comics, cosplay, and conventions are beginning to flourish.
― Artwork by Rhymeswithfate Anime is a globally revered medium, it's huge in Europe with countries like France even co-producing some anime and hosting the world's second biggest anime convention. It's obviously massive in Nort...
Report: Annecy's Pitch Relay Presents Works to Make the World Brighter
The Annecy Pitch Relay introduced six new and upcoming works that hope to bring a little more happiness to audiences worldwide.
― Japan's Visual Industry Promotion Organization hosted a “Pitch Relay” at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's MIFA program on June 16, for the purpose of “introducing Japanese animation projects that are fun or heart-warming, to show some light and make peopl...
Annecy 2020: An Inside Look at Masaaki Yuasa's Inu-Oh Film
Masaaki Yuasa and Science SARU gave a behind-the-scenes look at next year's historical musical Inu-Oh.
― A 13-minute preview video for Masaaki Yuasa's upcoming film Inu-Oh is streaming as part of the online Annecy International Animated Film Festival's “Work In Progress” selection, featuring behind-the-scenes insights into the film (Yuasa's last before a temporary retirement) and the first ever look ...
Why Hasn't Anime Expo 2020 Been Canceled Yet?
Anime Expo 2020 is still - somehow - scheduled for July 2-5 in Los Angeles. Why is this gigantic show still scheduled to go on? Chris Macdonald gets into the potential reasons why.
― Editor's Note: Hours after this piece was originally published, the SPJA formally announced the official cancellation of Anime Expo 2020, with a handful of notes about what to expect when it comes to refunds and rollover...
Answerman - How Do Japanese Guests Get Invited To Conventions?
Justin breaks down the many hoops event staff have to jump through to get your favorite artist stateside.
― Joey asked:
Anime fans in America tend to complain that there are not enough Japanese guests being invited to conventions. I understand that it is very costly to bring Japanese guests to American conventions, so I was wondering what other barriers are considered before a convention can decide ...
Answerman - How Have Anime Conventions Changed Over Time?
How do conventions of yesteryear compare to modern shows like Anime Expo or Otakon? Justin looks back on old video rooms and industry panels to find out.
― Fred asked:
I've only been going to conventions for the past year or so, and I'm curious how they've evolved over time. You'd actually be surprised by how little has changed for anime conventions over the years. The crowds are bigger, the shows p...
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live Comes To America
Go backstage with some of the creative team behind the lavish, sparkling Sailor Moon stage musical, which recently premiered for the first time in America!
― For eager American otaku with a penchant for stage productions, anime and manga fans interested in experiencing more visceral, live adaptations of their favorite characters in person --- so close they could almost (and in some cases, can literal...
Fate/Grand Order THE STAGE Babylonia: The Absolute Frontline in the War Against the Demonic Beasts
Our inside look at this Gilgamesh-centered musical extravaganza gives you the best and worst of what this elaborate stage production has to offer for Fate/GO fans!
― In their ongoing time-traveling adventures to prevent the extinction of mankind, the shield-wielding Mash Kyrielight and her partner mage Ritsuka Fujimaru are transported to Mesopotamia at the dawn of human civilization. But this time, i...
Passport to Iron City with Battle Angel Alita Mangaka Yukito Kishiro
Prepare yourself for Alita: Battle Angel by stepping inside iam8bit's elaborate Iron City experience, with commentary from none other than Battle Angel mangaka Yukito Kishiro!
― First announced all the way back in 2003, James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez' Alita: Battle Angel finally – finally – hits theaters the evening of February 14th after spending most of the 21st century as vaporware. While it s...
New York Comic-Con 2018 News Roundup
Miss anything from the big show in New York last weekend? We've got all the headlines, panel reports, three cosplay galleries and much more right here in one place!
― October 5th-8th 2017, New York City Convention Reports
Report: Anime Fest @ NYCC 2018
Interest: NYCC's Inaugural Anime Fest Draws Mixed Reception From Fans, Vendors Cosplay Galleries
Anime Fest @ NYCC Cosplay Gallery One
Anime Fest @ N...
New York Comic-Con 2018 News Roundup: Day One, Two
New York Comic-Con is here, and we've got a one-stop shop with all of the day's announcements and headlines.
― October 5th-8th 2017, New York City Convention Reports
Report: Anime Fest @ NYCC 2018
Interest: NYCC's Inaugural Anime Fest Draws Mixed Reception From Fans, Vendors Cosplay Galleries
Anime Fest @ NYCC Cosplay Gallery One
Anime Fest @ NYCC Cosplay Gallery Two
Anime Fest @ NYCC Cosplay Galler...
Tokyo Game Show 2018 Part Two: Kingdom Hearts III, Devil May Cry 5, and More
Kim Morrissy swings Keyblades with Sora, catches up with Dante, and battles some huge bugs in some of the most anticipated video game titles at Tokyo Game Show!
― There were plenty of cool new games to check out at this year's Tokyo Game Show. After years of wait, plenty of fan favorite game series returned this year, not least Kingdom Hearts and Devil May Cry. Here's the lowdown of the major demos a...
Premiere Report: Sword Art Online: Alicization
The third season of Sword Art Online is right around the corner, and Aniplex of America hosted a premiere last night in Hollywood. Get all the details, photos and a full report on the first episode inside!
― On September 15th, fans lined up around the corner at the Montalban Theater in Hollywood for a glimpse of this fall's hotly-anticipated Sword Art Online: Alicization, which covers the wild fourth...
Interview: IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
Six of the very talented performers from IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS chat us up right before their big performance as part of the Super Kawaii Live event at Anime Expo in Los Angeles this year.
― Returning with new members, THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS gave fans a night to remember before the clock hit midnight. Featuring a new set of six talented performers (Yui Makino, Ruriko Aoki, Rei Matsuzaki...
Interview: Persona 5 The Animation at Anime Expo 2018
The director and producer of Persona 5 The Animation stormed Anime Expo 2018 this year - we've got an interview with the guys behind the anime, and a full panel report from the show.
― At this year's Anime Expo, Persona 5 the Animation's director Masashi Ishihama and producer Kazuki Adachi were kind enough to agree to a one-on-one interview with Anime News Network regarding their newest project. One ...
Answerman - Is Cosplay Copyright Infringement?
Is your anime cosplay in violation of copyright law? Would that even be enforceable? Justin digs into it.
― Chris asked:
Following up on your column from earlier this week, you said most fan works are copyright violations. What about cosplay? I've heard that some creators don't like their characters being cosplayed. Is it possible that they can sue the fans that dress up as their characters? Legally...
Answerman - Why Do Anime Conventions Have Raves?
"Raves" largely went out of style in the 1990s, but anime conventions all over the country feature one as a major programming draw. What's the story behind this phenomenon? Justin gets into it.
― Jacob asked:
I have been attending conventions for a wile and one thing I have never really understood was the Saturday and sometimes Friday night dance/rave that almost every convention holds now. Honestly...
Live Photos from AnimeJapan 2018
We're live with photos from the AnimeJapan 2018 show floor at Big Sight in Tokyo!
YURI!!! On Ice, Nagoya, and the Winter Olympics
Has your love for Yuri!!! on ICE ignited a passion for real-life figure skating? You're not alone! Cosplay guru Yaya Han visits a competition in Nagoya before the Olympics, and finds lots of love for Viktor and Yuri.
― The austere exterior of the Nippon Gaishi Hall towered against a grey sky. At midday, the air was chilly enough for me to shiver, but that could have also been attributed to the ridicu...
Event Report: Sound! Euphonium Live Concert
Kyoto Animation held a spectacular event in Japan with a full concert from the incredible orchestra behind Sound! Euphonium - here's a full report!
― To commemorate their thirtieth anniversary as a company, Kyoto Animation's producers were looking for a title set in their locale of Uji, just outside Kyoto, to adapt into a series. Producers Eiharu Oohashi and Riri Senami each found a little novel writ...
Final Fantasy's 30th Anniversary Event Lives In The Present
Projection-mapping and Amano artwork descend on Yokohama for the 30th anniversary of Final Fantasy, but the series' past is conspicuously absent.
― Full disclosure: I'm a retro Final Fantasy fan. I haven't played any Final Fantasy game past FFVI. So I've teamed up with Callum May, who hasn't played any Final Fantasy game before FFVII. Hopefully, we've covered all the bases between us. The Final Fanta...
Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale's Hollywood Premiere
Photos from the premiere of the hotly anticipated Sword Art Online movie in Hollywood, with impressions of the film and a Q&A with the creative team!
― An excited crowd of SAO fans piled into Grauman's Egyptian Theater in Hollywood this Wednesday to enjoy the premiere of the Ordinal Scale movie, alongside an impressive slate of guests from all aspects of the franchise for a night on the red carpet. ...
The Mike Toole Show - Comic Market Sweep
Mike braves the massive crowds of Comiket, Japan's gigantic doujinshi show, and lives to tell about it - with plenty of photos.
― My wife and I pushed through the crowded, unending streets of Tokyo, still hauling our luggage from the plane trip. The first major stop of our journey was a little café over in Takadanobaba, right on the outer edge of Shinjuku, and we'd skipped dropping our crap off in or...
Interview: Pop Idols Momoiro Clover Z
World-conquering idols Momoiro Clover Z sang theme songs for anime like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball, and they're bringing their incredible show to New York and LA this weekend!
― Where do idol groups come from? They don't burst out, fully-formed, upon the streets of Akiba, that's for sure. A look under the hood of the Japanese entertainment business reveals that the girls’ idol singing business is ta...
Inside the 2016 Barcelona Manga Fair
Spain's biggest anime and Japanese culture convention broke its attendance records once again this year with over 140,000 visitors! Manu G. has the inside scoop on this king-sized event.
― The 22nd Barcelona Manga Fair (also known as Salón del Manga de Barcelona) took place this last weekend, which has been the largest event related to Japanese culture in Spain from its very first year. Every new ed...
Interview: Aniplex of America President Hideki 'Henry' Goto
Aniplex of America is throwing a huge party in Los Angeles on the weekend of October 15th! We sat down with president Henry Goto to get the details - and get his take on the anime industry in 2016.
― Hideki “Henry” Goto needs very little introduction – the president of Aniplex of America, Goto has had a storied career in the Japanese animation industry, having been a familiar face to American fans si...
Comiket 90: Cosplay and More
Our Tokyo correspondent Ken shares both his experience attending the massive Comic Market 90 at Big Sight and a horde of new cosplay photos!
― The biannual Comiket (Comic Market) is the largest anime and manga related event in Japan. Every August and December, thousands of hobbyists flock to the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center in Odaiba, Tokyo for the three-day festival, where they can sell and pur...
Answerman - Are Anime Companies Cutting Back On Convention Appearances?
A recent interview with one manga company prompts a reader to ask if anime and manga companies are cutting back on costly convention appearances. Justin gets into it.
― Jake asks:
One of the things that I enjoy about going to conventions is meeting people from the industry and getting a more personal experience. But recently I was listening to an interview with Seven Seas and they stated that it was...
Interview: Ray Chiang, SPJA CEO, on Anime Expo 2016
With an enormous guest lineup, Anime Expo 2016 is bigger than ever and it's right around the corner. We spoke with the SPJA's brand-new CEO about what to expect this year, and all those controversial policy changes.
― 2016 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Anime Expo, the country's largest anime convention, hitting a new record attendance in 2015 with 90,500 fans – and they're hoping to crack six...
The SPJA Needs to Change This Policy
The new SPJA Youth Protection Policy might seem like a good idea, but it could well destroy Anime Expo.
― On Tuesday, at an SPJA board meeting, the SPJA board of directors will be making a very important decision that could have long reaching consequences for Anime Expo. During this meeting the board will decide how to address problems with their new Youth Protection Policy, problems that many AX par...
Photos from AnimeJapan 2016: Finale
Our last gigantic batch of photos from AnimeJapan 2016, including Hundreds, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, My Hero Academia and much more. PLUS: a visit to the Love Live shrine!
― Okay, so here's how Anime Japan was laid out – you'd enter the facility behind the cool sign above, go downstairs, and then dash across across two huge halls (hall ‘A’ and hall ‘J,’ natch) of Tokyo Big Sight to see everything. ...
Answerman - Why Is Sunday So Dead At Anime Conventions?
Sundays are usually a ghost town at any given convention, no matter how popular the show is. What's up with that?
― Chris asks: I somehow made it to three major anime cons this year (Anime Central, Anime Weekend Atlanta, and Youmacon), and every time I was surprised and dismayed by the retrenchment from the dealer's room on Sunday. At each of these cons, a number of informational booths simply weren...
Answerman - Why Did Otakon's Attendance Shrink?
Otakon 2015's attendance was down nearly 20% this year, in the same year most other anime cons saw serious growth. Justin examines the potential causes.
― Chris asks: Anime Expo attendance was up 12% this year, to 90,500, and it's not the only one. Poking around the sites of other big North American cons that post attendance numbers, Anime Central was up 5% to 31,113, and Anime Boston was up 7% to 2...
Answerman - Has Convention Culture Affected The Anime Business?
Anime conventions are exploding in popularity and attendance - is that phenomenon impacting the anime industry at all?
― Kevin asks: Given the explosion of popularity of conventions over the last few years and the bleed over from similar interests(comics, ccgs, comic movies, etc), how has the industry changed as a result of the convention circuit being so popular now compared to 10 years ago. What's...
Five Things They Never Tell You About Attending Conventions
Every year you're inundated with convention survival tips; here are a few pointers those survival guides neglect to tell you about.
― It's summertime – or at least it's the part of late spring where the school schedules and movie marquees tell us it's summertime – and that means the yearly beast known as convention season has roared back to life once again, bringing a mountain of guests, concerts, ex...
Tales Of The Industry - The Mecha Saw Combat
A harrowing story of survival, police, danger, high speeds and car wrecks involving a giant mecha, playing out in real life the streets of Los Angeles!
― Welcome to “Tales of the Industry,” a column where we will share stories from real working professionals in the anime business. This week, we have another anonymous tale contributed by a current or former members of the industry, with details chang...
Tales Of The Industry - Trapped at a Convention
Justin finds himself at a failed convention with no work to do, back in his Central Park Media days. What else to do but make some new friends?
― Welcome to “Tales of the Industry,” a column where we will share stories from real working professionals in the anime business. Some weeks will have anonymous tales contributed by current and former members of the industry, with details changed/removed to ...
Let's Go To Tokyo: Days Five & Six
Bamboo spends her last couple days in Tokyo experiencing the fish market, a Love Live raffle, serene gardens, an enormous clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki, and more.
― My actual fifth day in Tokyo was spent at Anime Japan (you can see Part 1 and 2 for 600+ pictures from the event), but to be less confusing, I'm calling this post days five and six. I had a hankering for Daiwa Sushi while I was in Toky...
Let's Go To Tokyo: Day Four
Bamboo climbs Mt. Nokogiri and makes a few fuzzy feline friends in a day trip outside the city on day four.
― I've never been outside Tokyo's metropolitan areas before, so I was thrilled when Evan from PacSet told me he was taking a group to Mt. Nokogiri. Located in Chiba Prefecture, it's the site of the vast Nihon-ji temple area, known for its two large Daibutsu (large Buddha) sculptures. While the ...
AnimeJapan 2015 - Part 2
Our photo tour of AnimeJapan concludes with a trip through the West Hall, featuring displays by Toei, Good Smile Company, ufotable and much more!
― If the East Hall (part one of our coverage) of Anime Japan 2015 wasn't overwhelming enough, there was an entire second hall with things to gawk at. Some ads in the hall for mobile provider NTT Docomo's anime streaming service, d Anime. Love Live! and Yowa...
AnimeJapan 2015 - Part 1
Part I of our full report from AnimeJapan has over 500 photos from the show's East Hall, including Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, TMS and more! Merchandise, statues, professional cosplayers, prop replicas - this is it!
― Anime Japan is being held March 21 to 22 at Tokyo Big Sight, a convention center that anime fans are likely familiar with, even if they've never set foot in Tokyo. Home to trade shows like A...
Let's Go To Tokyo: Day Three
Bamboo visits Big Sight and Nakano Broadway... and takes a hard right to explore the sights, sounds and smells of Nakano itself, including the studio Golgo 13 built.
― The start of my third day wasn't exactly thrilling—I had to change hotels so that I could be closer to Tokyo Big Sight, where Anime Japan will be taking place this weekend. The upside is that it did give me the excuse to swing ove...
Let's Go To Tokyo: Day Two
Bamboo makes the contractually-obligated journey to Akihabara, which has, to her delight, turned into a Love Live thunderdome. Maid cafes, anime shrines and more!
― Akihabara! Nerd mecca! If you're a video game and anime nerd, there is no feeling that can adequately replace stepping out of the Akihabara Electric Town station exit and seeing giant billboards advertising all of your passions on every i...
Let's Go To Tokyo: Day One
Bamboo is in Tokyo covering this weekend's AnimeJapan expo, but for the first few days, she's seeing the sights. Today: Harajuku, Tokyo Tower, a Butler cafe and more!
― One of the best parts about my job is that I've been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit over the years. Mostly it's within the U.S., which is fantastic enough as is, but every now and again, it's Japan. When I was asked, "Hey, can...
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