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'Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again' Anime Warns Against Phone Scams in New Video
The scourge of the 'ore ore' scam persists
― For about the past 20 years, elderly folk in Japan have been the targets of the “ore ore” (literally, "It's me") phone scam. The scam involves a person calling an elderly person claiming to be their son and asking for money. Over the years the scams have become a bit more intricate, with cases where scammers pose as police officers or staff from the target...
Full Metal Panic's Shoji Gatoh Is Unnerved to Be the Rare Light Novelist With Short Titles
Gone are the days when names of Japanese novels were short
― Since about the mid-2000s, the length of Japanese light novel titles (referring to the actual name of the work) has slowly become longer and longer. Back then, there used to be titles like Slayers, Record of the Lodoss War, or Maria Watches Over Us. Today, there's a deluge of longer titles like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Campf...
Phantom Thief Jeanne Transformation Items Get Collection for Grown-Up Fans
Harness Joan of Arc's to seal away demons
― As almost a response to the ending of Sailor Moon, Arina Tanemura's series Phantom Thief Jeanne ( Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne) began. While not as well-known as its predecessor, Phantom Thief Jeanne has its fans. For the series' 25th anniversary, fans will have a chance to relive the series with the new Special Memorize Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne Rosario La Pucelle Co...
Sharknado Meets its Japanese Rival With Onsen Shark
Nowhere is safe from the scourge of sharks
― In 1975, Steven Spielberg introduced the world to a whole new genre of film with Jaws: the shark movie. Since then, countless shark movies have been made, to the point that James Rolfe, better known as the Angry Video Game Nerd, released a video about the 50 worst shark movies in July 2017. There's no limit to the number of shark movies out there, and now ...
LEGO Unveils Great Deku Tree Set from Legend of Zelda Series
Saving Hyrule one brick at a time
― LEGOs are great toys that allow those with spatial awareness and creativity to build to their hearts content. They also have premade buildable sets for those who enjoy following instructions, The company is currently known for the collaboration sets it produces. From Star Wars to Harry Potter, some of the biggest franchises have had LEGO sets created for them. One ...
Twins Arrested for Selling Kamen Rider Helmet Replicas
Toei does not appreciate people using their copyrighted material without permission
― While each of the 34 Kamen Rider entries since 1971 have their fans, the original Kamen Rider is still an icon. It's no wonder fans would want life-size replica helmets of the hero. Unfortunately, very few official replicas exist.
So fans have resorted to unofficial replicas — and those unauthorized helmets have lan...
NY Times Recounts How Twitter 'Threadnought' Spawned by Vic Mignogna's Lawsuit Led to Lawyer Team-Up
Legal team formed after Twitter dustup in 2019 defamation case is now taking Elon Musk to court
― Between the trolls, random arguments, and so many other negative aspects of the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter) can be an unwelcoming space. However, a person's experience on the platform depends the community. Apparently the law analysis side of Twitter was at one point a truly intriguing pl...
Voice Actor Yoshino Aoyama Appears as Bocchi The Rock's Bocchilla in Shimokitazawa
Aoyama disguised as monster Bocchilla got likes, handed out flyers
― One of the greatest anime monsters in the last decade is arguably Bocchilla from Bocchi the Rock! While the monster only appeared briefly in one episode of the series as a hallucination of main character Hitori Goto, it still left an impression on fans. That very monster was in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo on May 24 handing out flyers for t...
Voice Actress Mai Fuchigami Announces Marriage on Her Birthday
Voice of Girls & Panzer's Miho Nishizumi makes announcement in heartfelt message
― Mai Fuchigami, voice of Miho Nishizumi from the Girls und Panzer franchise, announced her marriage on May 28 — which is also her birthday. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Fuchigami gave a heartfelt message to her fans:
ご報告です。 pic.twitter.com/o02DZBOC9K— 渕上舞(声優) (@fuchigami_mai) May 28, 2024 I have an announcement...
Uma Musume Sprints Into Crossover With Godzilla x Kong
See who's stronger, an Uma Musume or the King of Monsters and King Kong
― In late April, the film Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire crossed over with the Detective Conan franchise in a collaboration poster and commercial. However, this wasn't the end of Godzilla and King Kong's collaborations, as they now have even greater rivals: the racers from Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era. But wil...
JoJo's Hirohiko Araki Paints His 1st Public Art Mural for Osaka
Don't worry, it doesn't involve Pillar-men
― There are very few manga creators whose art transcends the medium and becomes a form of art unto itself. One such creator is Hirohiko Araki of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. While the art in his series started off rather mundane, Araki has pushed the limits of what a manga creator can do over the course of 35 years of experimentation. And now Araki is taking hi...
Detective Conan Expands UK's National Gallery Collaboration With Monet, Renoir
Conan and the gang are popping up in more famous paintings
― Earlier this year, the National Gallery in London announced that it is partnering with the Detective Conan manga by inserting Conan characters into famous paintings. Now more collaboration paintings and merchandise are on their way, plus some pop-up stores in Japan. The Shonen Sunday Premium Shop's X (formerly Twitter) account announced the...
CLAMP Designs New Cardcaptor Sakura Dress for Hello Kitty's 50th Birthday Bash
Everyone's favorite kitty gets some new dresses
― It's surreal knowing Sanrio's Kitty White — a.k.a. Hello Kitty — is celebrating her 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, she is partnering with manga creators for some new looks, and the latest one comes from legendary creator quartet CLAMP. ClAMP revealed their design for Kitty on their X (formerly Twitter) account on May 23. In the post, the grou...
Studios MAPPA, Contrail Collaborate on Pokémon Music Video
Nulbarich & Sunny (feat. UMI) perform song 'Lucky' based on Pokémon Center theme
― Need a pick-me-up? The official Japanese YouTube channel for the Pokémon franchise posted a new music video on Friday. The video features the song "Lucky" by Nulbarich and Sunny (feat. UMI), based on the game series' iconic Pokémon Center theme. Anime studios MAPPA and Contrail collaborated on the music video. The musi...
Key/Visual Arts Donates 14 Million Yen to Quake-Hit Noto Peninsula
Legendary game maker brings another tear to our eyes
― Key is arguably one of the greatest Japanese visual novel game makers of the late 1990s and early 2000s. With games like Kanon, Air, Clannad, and a plethora of others, the studio is known for blending the erotic with sad stories. In a new teary-eyed story, Key, with the help of its parent company, Visual Arts, is donating a massive sum of money f...
Kiratto Pri☆Chan Spawns Virtual Musical for 5th Anniversary
Kiratto Pri☆Chan characters come together for special performance
― Although the first idol anime series was arguably 1983's Magical Angel Creamy Mami, it wasn't until the 2010s when the genre really took off with series and franchises like Love Live!, Pretty Rhythm, and Tsukiuta., among many others. With modern idol anime comes a lot of multi-media projects. One of those projects was the recent Kira...
Demon Slayer Anime Gets Live Concert Tour in NY/CA in September
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba In Concert" opens in Brooklyn on September 21, San Francisco on September 28
― The music of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is coming to the U.S. in a concert tour! Aniplex of America, GEA Live, RoadCo Entertainment, and Crunchyroll announced on Tuesday that they are producing a live concert for the Demon Slayer anime. "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba In Concert" will pr...
New Player Cosmetics Revealed for Gundam x Call of Duty Crossover
To quote Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, “IT'S A GUNDAM!”
― The Gundam and Call of Duty (COD) franchises announced
on May 20 that they would be collaborating for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Season 4. Their respective X (formerly Twitter) accounts and websites gave a few more details the next day, and taking center stage are the Mobile Suits. The collaboration will include three new player cosmetics bas...
One Piece Captures Las Vegas Sphere for 1 Week
The one piece was at Las Vegas all along
― Very few anime and manga series can say they've ran for over 25 years. In fact, only about a dozen anime have ever reached that milestone. And one of those series is Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece One Piece. While the manga celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, the anime is celebrating its 25th this year (not counting the "Defeat The Pirate Ganzak!" event spe...
Live-Action Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe Stars Issei Takahashi, Marie Iitoyo Get Married
Fictional manga author/editor pair tie the knot
― The actors for Rohan Kishibe and Kyoka Izumi from the live-action Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe series, Issei Takahashi and Marie Iitoyo, respectively, announced their marriage on May 16. Iitoyo posted their joint message on her Instagram page. In the announcement, the two actors gave a heartfelt message to their fans and those they work with. View this po...
Gundam Suits Up for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Federation's 'White One' comes to world's favorite shooter franchise in Season 4
― One of, if not the most, popular first-person shooter game franchises is Call of Duty (COD). Starting off in World War II, the franchise has seen war through the lens of a soldier in World War II, modern times, and even the speculative future. The franchise's newest entry, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III takes us back...
Bocchi the Rock's 'Bocchilla' Takes on Godzilla Above Tokyo Theater
The King of Monsters might finally meet its equal
― Having appeared in 30 live-action Japanese films, five Hollywood films, and three anime films, it's no wonder Godzilla has earned the moniker King of Monsters — and countless parodies. One recent parody is "Bocchila," the Shōnin Yokkyū Monster (Attention-Whore Monster) from the 2022 anime series Bocchi the Rock And now Bocchila is taking on Godzilla...
Wonderful Precure! Girls, Crayon Shin-chan Cross Over Into Each Others' Anime
It's not the first time Crayon Shin-chan has invaded a magical girl anime
― Crayon Shin-chan is among the most iconic — and longest-running — family anime in Japan, having been on the air since April 1992. And in those three decades, the series has had a handful of crossovers with other anime. Wonderful Precure! joins that list this weekend. The preview for the May 18 episode of Crayon Shin-chan and ...
McDonald's Uses Polymerization on Yu-Gi-Oh!/Hello Kitty for Happy Meals
Franchises get 10 Happy Meal toys in U.S. this summer
― Yu-Gi-Oh! and Hello Kitty — name a more iconic duo. Okay, the two franchises aren't really recognized as an obvious pair. To their credit, though, they are no strangers to crossovers with other anime. Hello Kitty, in particular, has had numerous crossovers with various series such as Naruto, My Hero Academia, Sailor Moon, and Jujutsu Kaisen. Yu-...
Fist of the North Star's Tetsuo Hara Draws Furiosa to Promote Next Mad Max Saga
Hara & director George Miller hold 1st ever joint interview
― Tetsuo Hara's seminal Fist of the North Star is one of those manga and anime one doesn't forget easily. From the ultra-violence and all the stories of love (be it brotherly between master and pupil, or man and woman), the series has captured readers around the world. But we can't forget that one of the manga's inspirations was the Mad Max ...
MMA Fighter Itsuki 'Android 18' Hirata Promotes Upcoming Fight
Hirata is set to fight on June 7, but she's not fighting Cell or Vegeta
― In the world of professional prize fighting, some of the top tier athletes get some rather interesting nicknames. Most of the time, this has to do with a trait the prize fighter is known for, but once in a blue moon you'll see one named after a character. One such prize fighter is female MMA fighter Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata. ...
Happy Mother's Day From the Anime World! Part II
To quote Prince John from Disney's Robin Hood, “Mommy. I got a dirty thumb”
― It's a bit past Mother's Day, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate the one's who raised us. And the anime and manga worlds are filled with mothers who raised our favorite characters. So, here's a little look at all the greetings to our mothers from the anime and manga world: Chibi Maruko-chan Dragon Ball 今日は #母の日 ですね！ p...
Happy Mother's Day From the Anime World! Part I
Here's to all the mothers out there
― Mother's Day, the day people apparently make the most long-distance calls. And why wouldn't we? For many of us, our mothers birthed us, raised us, and generally loved us. Even in the anime and manga world, mothers are important characters. So, what sorts of messages were there to our mothers across the anime and manga world? Here's a small sample. Doraemon Futago...
Armored Trooper Votoms Gets Limted 40th Anniversary Whiskey
Votoms up
― An oft seen but not fully remembered robot anime is Armored Trooper Votoms. While the series has its fans, it's nowhere near as popular as the Mobile Suit Gundam or Macross franchise. Even so, the series lives on in collaborations such as the Super Robot Wars games or in the numerous model kits released by Bandai Namco and Kotobukiya. In celebration of the series 40th anniversary, the X (...
Ninja Sentai Kakuranger Cast Reunite for New 30th Anniversary Episode
The first ninja Super Sentai return from the shadows to cut down the forces of evil
― The history of the Super Sentai (popularly known as Power Rangers in Western countries) franchise is full of firsts. From the first series, Himitsu Sentai Goranger, in 1977 to the first appearance of a sixth ranger in 1987's Hikari Sentai Maskman, then the first regular sixth ranger in 1992's Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger...
1st Run of Shōhei Ohtani's Picture Book Jump in Price After His Disgraced Interpreter Is Airbrushed Out
And it wasn't the Ministry of Truth that spirited him away
― Shōhei Ohtani will undoubtedly go down as one of the most well-known, if not one of the greatest, baseball players due to his skills as a pitcher and batter. His current 10-year, 700-million-dollar contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers reflects this. Unfortunately, Ohtani was recently caught up in a scandal involving his (now former) interp...
New Documentary Series Follows Manga Editors at Shogakukan
Go behind the scenes of manga editors' jobs
― Manga editing is not usually thought about all that much, as the profession is elusive to outsiders. The job isn't just about going through a draft and marking mistakes, but rather helping authors formulate and shape their stories. While there are snippets into manga editing with interviews from time to time, there haven't been many documentary about the ...
The Rubik's Cube Now Transforms Into a Robot, Thanks to Bandai Spirits
The toy that everyone wants to solve takes on a new form
― One of the greatest and long-lived toys is arguably the Rubik's Cube. From the standard six-sided 3x3x3 toy to wild variations like the color-changing models, people can't get enough of the cube. And now the iconic Rubik's Cube takes on a whole new life as a Chogokin transformable robot by Bandai Spirits. The Tamashii Nations Store Tokyo bran...
New Unoffical Laputa: Castle in the Sky CGI Short Streamed
Relive the magic of seeing the castle in the sky for the first time
― Studio Ghibli is known for its supreme quality of hand-drawn animation. With it comes beautiful and iconic imagery, from the forests in both Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke, the interior and exterior of the bathhouse in Spirited Away, to the ever so memorable introduction of the Cat Bus in My Neighbor Totor...
Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game Sets 2 Guinness World Records
Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon Trading Card Game, eat your hearts out
― The Guinness World Records is by far one of the greatest trivia books out there. From the serious to the absurd, you'll find just about any record in the book. Of course, some of the records can be seen as publicity stunts, such as the recent crowning of Animate Ikebukuro as the largest anime shop/store. And even if some record...
Live-Action Short Celebrates Brotherhood & 10 Years of My Hero Academia
Relive a decade of My Hero Academia vicariously through 2 brothers' story
― It's momentous when a manga reaches its 10th anniversary of serialization. Although it's true that weekly shonen magazines like Jump, Magazine, and Sunday are rife with titles that have reached that seminal mark, only a small fraction in the industry as a whole ever sees 10 years of publication. One series that is hitting its...
Magic: The Gathering Card Game Gets Hatsune Miku Collab
No one's gonna want to hard counter Miku
― In the past few years, the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has partnered with different intellectual properties for some interesting collaborations. Some collabs are within parent company Wizards of the Coast's brand, such as Dungeons & Dragons. Others include properties such as Doctor Who, Warhammer: 40,000, or recently, Cowboy Bebop. T...
Ghibli's Composer Joe Hisaishi Warns Against Unauthorized Use of His Music
Hisaishi's company Wonder City Inc. requests those without permission cease arranging his scores
― Among all anime music composers, only a few have left a mark on the anime industry. One of those composers is Joe Hisaishi, the composer for many of the songs featured in Studio Ghibli movies such as Spirited Away, Nausicaa, My Neighbor Totoro. His memorable scores have shaped music heard in anime. Howe...
Gundam Seed Freedom Cast Make Joke Redub of Scene to Promote Film's Final Run
Kira and the gang really want you to see the movie one more time
― Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom is just now getting an international release, but in Japan it's wrapping up its theatrical run. To say it had a good run is an understatement as Gundam Seed fans patiently waited 20 years for the movie to drop. However, it's time for Japanese fans to say goodbye to the movie as its last day in theaters ...
Iñaki Godoy Celebrates Luffy's Birthday with a Special Video
Birthday video hides possible teaser for season 2 of live-action show
― Netflix is celebrating the birthday of One Piece's Monkey D. Luffy in a big way this year. His 3D counterpart, Iñaki Godoy, wished him a happy birthday on May 5 with a special video. The star of Netflix's live-action One Piece adaptation thanked the aspiring pirate king for all the joy he brings to the world, especially on Childr...
Happy Children's Day From the Anime World! Part II
The kids. They're alright.
― It's Children's Day in Japan, and while not all of us are children, it's important to keep that spirit of a child inside us. And the anime and manga industry is full of those fully grown children celebrating the holiday. Here's a small sample of how they did. Arata Aki (A Destructive God Sits Next to Me) Futago Kamikita Mitsuru Miura (The Kabocha Wine) Naruto Noshi Nekoha...
Happy Children's Day From the Anime World! Part I
Won't someone please think of the children
― Late April and early May is a wonderful time for everyone living in Japan because of the Golden Week holidays: Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day. Kids celebrate Children's Day by flying carp-shaped koinobori flags, displaying samurai helmets, eating kusamochi rice sweets, and generally having fun — and so are creators all around...
Yuki Kaji, Maaya Uchida Star as 'Energy Farmers' in Osaka Gas Anime Short
Even voice actors farm energy every now and then
― For many homeowners and renters, utility bills are a great concern. We want our indoor climates comfortable, our water hot, and our lights working. But sometimes we forgo understanding what goes into keeping our utility bills down. One method is the implementation of residential fuel cells, or converting gas energy into electrical energy while still ...
Re:Zero, The Dangers in My Heart Cross Over in Short YouTube Anime
See their adventure in Ikebukuro
― Seeing anime collaborations and crossovers is an odd thing. Sure, it works when it's a series by the same creator or the shows are in the same genre. But when the series are from radically different creators or genres, the crossover can be a real crapshoot. When we find those crossovers that work, though, it's a real treat. One of those treats was the recent crossov...
Baki Series' Yūjirō Hanma Voice Actor Akio Ōtsuka Shows Off 'Kawaii' Side with Filtered Photo Booth Image
The man with a voice that can strike fear to many, and a (kawaii) face that can set 3.5 million views
― When you hear the name of Japanese voice actor Akio Ōtsuka, the first thing you'll probably think is how his voice can easily strike fear, especially when you remember his villainous All For One character in My Hero Academia or as Yūjirō Hanma in the Baki series. There's also his portrayal of the c...
One Piece Gets 1st Official U.S. Café in Las Vegas
Café with One Piece-themed foods opens on May 11
― Japan has numerous cafés themed after anime series, games, and other related fandoms. Some of them are temporary pop-ups, though some have become established eateries. One Piece, one of the most popular anime in Japan, has had its share of venues for fans to enjoy delicacies inspired by the series. Some are no longer available like the Mugiwara Cafe ...
MAPPA Animates Music Video for Eve, PEOPLE 1's Deu
"Like the Flatwoods Monster" began streaming on Friday
― The stage is set for a collaboration between MAPPA, Eve, and Deu of PEOPLE 1! Studio MAPPA has animated the music video for "Like the Flatwoods Monster" ("Flatwoods Monster Mitai ni"), a new song by Eve (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, My Hero Academia) and vocalist/bass guitarist Deu of PEOPLE 1 (Chainsaw Man, Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Ches...
X/Twitter's Grok AI Incorrectly Says Chris Beveridge Directs Laid-Back Camp Anime's Dub
A generative AI chatbot getting information wrong? Never would have guessed...
― Generative AI is all the rage right now, from Chat GPT and Copilot's for written material and Stable Diffusion and DALL-E for artwork. While these tools can create a template to work off, they are by no means reliable, especially when it comes to written material. X's (formerly Twitter) generative AI program, Grok, shows...
Queen Bee Perform 1.5 Anniversary Song for Goddess of Victory: Nikke Game
They've surpassed being queens and are now goddesses
― In the annals of video games, the music is part of what separated the good from the greats. I mean, what is Super Mario Bros., Chrono Trigger, or Halo without the music, especially the main theme song? While mobile games are incredibly popular, the music hasn't really broken into the collective conscience of gamers around the world. However, ther...
Live-Size Kaiju No. 8 Statue (Temporarily) Erected at Tokyo's Tachikawa Station
Come for the statue, stay for the event
― Japan famously operates some of the world's most punctual train lines, which stop at some gorgeous train stations. What often goes under the radar are the events at those stations. Most of the time it's a stamp rally where you get a reward upon completion, or a market featuring cuisine and items from a local region of Japan. But on rare occasions we get a col...
Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix Manga Marks 70th Anniversary With 1st Picture Book
Osamu Tezuka's memory rises from the ashes.
― Osamu Tezuka is heralded as the god of manga in Japan, a patron to the medium. It's almost no wonder why, as throughout his life and career he created countless manga. Among one of his life works is his unfinished Phoenix. The series has gone through many iterations starting in 1954 and ending one year later at Gakudosha, 1956 to 1957 at Kodansha, and on ...
Fans Unnerved When Quakes Hit Places Suzume Visits After Film's TV Premiere
Maybe The Simpsons isn't the only animation to predict the future
― To say Japan is hit with earthquakes regularly is an understatement. They're so common, there's a joke among Japanese people: “Stop, duck, and Twitter." Yet, when an anime seemingly predicts where an earthquake is going to happen, what are you to do? Well, the recent broadcast premiere of Makoto Shinkai's 2022 movie Suzume showed us ...
Looney Tunes' Foghorn Voice Actor Eric Bauza Takes Part in Anime Memes
I say, I say, bōya
― One of the memorable Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters is Foghorn Leghorn. The often bombastic prankster and sometimes mentor is known for his rivalry with Barnyard Dawg and generally causing some trouble on the farm he lives on. But what would happen if Foghorn were to interact with someone outside his farm? There haven't been many instances in the cartoons, most well-...
Magic: The Gathering Pays Homage to Cowboy Bebop
It resolves
― The ever-popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has transported players to different magical worlds with over 60 card decks, letting them engage in battles by summoning monsters and casting spells. The game recently wrapped up a large story with the set called "March of the Machine: The Aftermath" in May 2023. Since then, the game has been revisiting the different worlds i...
Shueisha Runs AI-Translated Global Manga Community Site for 1 Month Only
Service allows Shonen Jump fans from around the world to connect via machine translation
― There is no doubt manga's popularity has grown over the past several decades. With that growth have come fandoms around the world. While online forums exist for these fans to interact, fans may have to create their little islands due to the language barrier. However, Japanese manga publisher Shueisha is trying ...
JoJo's Araki Draws Napoleon for New Educational Manga Edition Featuring Major Artists
See what Stand Napoleon used, plus art by creators of My Hero Academia, Spy x Family, Ao Haru Ride, Kingdom, Promised Neverland, & more!
― While manga is generally seen as entertainment, most major Japanese publishers have understood the medium's value for education, particularly history. One of the most well-known educational manga series is Shueisha's Gakushu Manga: Sekai no Rekishi (Educational Ma...
Japanese TV Special Ranks Top Anime Songs, as Chosen by Foreign Fans
What are non-Japanese anime fans' top choices?
― Fans have been debating the greatest anime songs as long as anime has been around. Japanese TV regularly raises the topic for domestic fans, but every so often, Japan also presents the international perspective. On April 21, TV Asahi hosted a nearly three-hour special ranking favorite anime songs by non-Japanese and non-domestic anime fans. In a March ...
Kiyosu City Uses Late Akira Toriyama's Design for 20th Anniversary Logo
See one of the final pieces of art by the legendary manga author
― The anime and manga world was stricken with sad news in early March with the passing of legendary manga author Akira Toriyama. His works influenced many anime and manga fans, illustrators, and authors around the world. While his legacy still lives on in Dragon Ball Daima, Sand Land, and the Dragon Ball Super manga, among a few other p...
A Few Moments of Cheers Film to Donate Part of Earnings to Ishikawa's Post-Quake Reconstruction
Writer Jukki Hanada, music video production group Hurray!, 100Studio's original film opens on June 14
― Nothing shows appreciation to one's hometown more than lending a helping hand to the place you call home, especially after it is struck by disaster. This is exactly what the upcoming original anime film A Few Moments of Cheers (Sūfunkan no Yell o) decided to do: the film's staff announced on Februa...
Fist of the North Star Gets a Kitchen Knife Kickstarter Campaign
“Ata-ta-ta-tah” your vegetables and other food items while you cook
― When you think of quintessential 80s manga, one of the first that comes to mind is Fist of the North Star. From its ultra-violence, memorable quotes, and themes of love, the series is nothing but iconic. And the series is also no stranger to merchandise. While mainly figures, we've also seen video games, T-shirts, and some beautifu...
Yamaha Music, Bocchi the Rock! Launch Program to Help Students Start Bands
Recruit new band members in real life with Bocchi the Rock! poster
― Youth is the best time to discover oneself and new pastimes. And there's no perfect time to start something new than spring. That's why Yamaha Music and the Bocchi the Rock! compilation films are giving their support to high school students starting bands, or just starting to find interest in music and playing instruments, with the ...
Godzilla, King Kong, Detective Conan, & Kaito Kid Join Forces for Crossover Video
Get ready for an (unofficial) double header in Golden Week
― The week-long late spring holiday season is almost upon Japan. That means families and friends will be getting together for all sorts of activities, including catching up on the movies they've been meaning to watch. Toho Cinemas is bringing out the big guns with a new collaboration video featuring Case Closed: The Million-dollar Pentagram a...
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Series Gets Escape Room Set in Dream World
Teams have 1 hour to wake up Frieren
― SCRAP's Real Escape Game announced that it is creating an escape room for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, the hit series that recently dethroned Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as the top anime on ANN and MAL. The game is titled "Escape from the Millennium Dream." In the game, players enter a dream world and partner with Fern and Stark to wake up Frieren, which ...
Beckett Collectibles Now Grades Manga
Grading process takes 10-30 business days
― Beckett Collectibles announced on January 10 that the grading and authentication company will now expand its services into the world of manga. The official page for the company describes manga grading: Manga grading is the process of judging the condition and authenticity of manga publications, from Dragon Ball Z and One Piece to Demon Slayer and beyond. Th...
SPY×FAMILY Code: White Anime Film Gets Collectible Popcorn Bucket & Drink Cup in U.S. Screenings
Limited collectible artboard also up for grabs
― Spy×Family fans in the U.S., aside from watching the SPY×FAMILY Code: White anime film this weekend, you have another side mission to accomplish: get yourself a SPY×FAMILY Code: White collectible drink cup or popcorn bucket in select AMC Theatres. Save the world and bring home a #SpyXFamily Code: White collectible drink 🥤 or 🍿 vessel! On sale 4/18 in s...
Sesame Street Characters Get E-Sports Treatment with Evo Japan 2024 Merch (Updated)
No news on addition of Elmo to Tekken 8 roster
― Update: EVO Japan announced on April 24 that "Due to various reasons," the Sesame Street merchandise will no longer be sold "at the venue." The announcement did not specify if the merchandise will be sold in another way at a later date. Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster are becoming the Sesame Street fighters, at least on this year's EVO Japan merch. ...
Voice Actress Akari Uehara Announces Surprise Marriage & More
Voice of Peter Grill and the Philosopher's Time's Vegan Eldriel also announces pregnancy
― Akari Uehara, voice of Vegan Eldriel from Peter Grill and the Philosopher's Time, announced her marriage on X (formerly Twitter) on April 15. In the announcement, Tamura posted a surprise and heartfelt message to her fans and those she works with. 🌸ご報告です🌸 pic.twitter.com/YDdRMmLJ5r— 上原あかり (@akariuehara13) April...
Watch Kana Hanazawa Voice an Adorable Shark in Behind-the-Scenes Short
Odekake Kozame anime takes peek inside recording booth
― More and more anime fans are getting a look into the recording sessions of their favorite anime's voice actors. This is often delivered as bonus material on DVD/Blu-ray Discs or on television specials, and more recently, as behind-the-scenes videos online. One of the anime series showing off the recording sessions is none other than Odekake Koz...
Crunchyroll, Crypton Future Media Criticized After New Hatsune Miku Concerts Forgo Transparent Displays
Change.org petition with 6,200+ signatures asks for refunds
― Crunchyroll and Crypton Future Media have been facing criticism from Hatsune Miku fans after the "HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2024 North America tour powered by Crunchyroll" concert tour started in Vancouver, Canada on April 4. According to fans who have attended the concerts so far, the concerts seem to be using a LED screen instead of the trademar...
Tell Your Special Someone Your Love is Forever With Black Jack's Diamond Engagement & Wedding Rings
You don't have to be an unlicensed medical practitioner to buy one either
― One of the most common ways to express your intent to marry someone, at least in many Western cultures, is the exchange of an engagement ring. However, with so many brands and designs for engagement and wedding rings on the market, it's a daunting task to choose one. Now, anime and manga fans have one extra choice with the ne...
Taste Naruto's Ichiraku Ramen in Real Life in Silverlake Ramen Campaign (Updated)
Savor a bowl before the team-up ends on July 7
― Step inside the world of Naruto in the newest collaboration with the Los Angeles-based Silverlake Ramen restaurant franchise. From March 30 to July 7, many locations of the ramen joint across the United States have been decked out in interior and exterior décor straight out of the anime to bring the series' Ichiraku Ramen to real life. The collaboratio...
Delicious in Dungeon x Urakita Craft Studio Collab for Wooden Barrel Mugs
Raise your glasses high when enjoying your dungeon delicacies
― A staple in any fantasy story is definitely the wooden barrel mug. They're found in movies like Lord of the Rings, games like Dungeons & Dragons, and a myriad of fantasy anime and manga series. Now you can feel like you're exploring a dungeon with the new Delicious in Dungeon wood barrel jockey mug from Urakita Craft Studio. The Urakita ...
Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle Manga Creator Kōji Ōishi Gets Married
His wife? None other than the melon idol herself, Melon Yamaguchi
― Like any country, Japan loves its big-name weddings. From actors and musicians to idols, voice actors, and a myriad of other celebrities, Japanese people love celebrating these joyous occasions. But, what about when a manga creator gets married? The latest notable manga marriage is between the Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle creator Koji...
Creators of Inuyasha, Evangelion, Video Girl Ai, & More Draw Onmyōji 0 Tribute Art
Each added their own little touch to their illustrations of lead character
― It's not uncommon for novels to be adapted into films. The Japanese film industry is no different with one such movie series launching with 2001's Onmyoji. Now, nearly a quarter-century later, the newest film in the series, Onmyōji 0, is coming out. To celebrate the movie's release, eight artists from the manga and anime wor...
Nichijou - My Ordinary Life's Keiichi Arawi Illustrates Music Textbooks for Kids
Japanese parents used to say reading manga makes you stupid — now Japanese kids will enjoy manga art in music class
― Textbooks, the bane of every student in the world. But if there's one saving grace, it's the illustrations. Starting in April, students in Japanese elementary schools will find some new artwork in their music textbooks — drawn by the creator of Nichijou-My Ordinary Life, Keiichi Arawi...
BAFTA Reveals Its Game Awards Winners, Poll Results of Top 20 Iconic Video Game Characters
Winners include The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder
― The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) revealed the winners of its 20th BAFTA Game Awards on Thursday. It also released a list of "the top 20 iconic video game characters of all time" based on a poll of over 4,000 people from around the world last Thursday to commemorate the awards season. Larian St...
Official Naruto Post: Creator Masashi Kishimoto Doesn't Post on Social Media
Hard to believe it, but it's true
― Social media has changed how we interact with people, by allowing us unparalleled access to celebrities, politicians, and many others. But not every famous person posts on their social media accounts. Sometimes they leave it to a team, or the posts go through a publicist. While it's true many manga creators write their own social media posts, some do not. Among tho...
Detective Conan x McDonald's Collab in 2 New Commercials
The culprit is you!
― McDonald's Japan is well known for its collaborations with long-lived and popular anime properties such as Pokémon. This spring, Detective Conan has partnered for a set of new commercials featuring two limited-time menu items. Revealed on McDonald's Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the commercials feature speaking parts by the characters Conan Edogawa, Ai Haiba...
MyAnimeList Rolls Out List of Manga Recommendations for 2024
Almost 80 title recommendations including Witch Hat Atelier, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, Hirayasumi, more
― Want to explore more of the manga world but not exactly sure where to start? MyAnimeList could help you begin a fun manga journey with its second annual “You Should Read This Manga” list that it released on March 21, in collaboration with international booksellers and MyAnimeList u...
Real-Life K-ON School Emerges From Major Renovations
Get your castanets out & go 'Un-ta, un-ta … un-ta'
― It's not uncommon for anime series to use real-life locations as backgrounds or settings. And it's become a niche pastime for some anime fans to find and visit those locations. But sometimes those locations aren't accessible to the public or, even worse, no longer exist. Thankfully for K-on! fans, renovations of the real-life school that appeared i...
Hatsune Miku x Crayon Shin-chan Collaboration — It Exists
It's family friendly.
― In April 1992, Japanese airwaves were hit with an anime “unbecoming” of the culture. That series was none other than Crayon Shin-Chan. In its early years, it was seen as crass and lowbrow (akin to The Simpsons when it first aired). But over 30 years later, the series is going strong as a quintessential family anime. And now, Crayon Shin-chan is partnering with Japan's national...
Former Nogizaka46 Idol Nanase Nishino, Actor Yuki Yamada Announce Marriage
Couple shared their news with joint message
― If there's one thing Japanese mass media loves, it's idols and actors. And they love it even more when an idol and actor get married. The media was hit with a big idol and actor marriage announcement on March 31. The idol and actor, none other than former Nogizaka46 member Nanase Nishino and actor Yuki Yamada. 【ご報告】 pic.twitter.com/sC9itziTC2— 西野七瀬&STAFF...
Nearly Life-Size Touken Ranbu Statue Erected in Fukuyama Castle Park
See real-life anthropomorphized katana Kousetsu Samonji at Hiroshima Prefecture
― Japan is no stranger to named weapons with many historical swords still preserved in museums and collections around Japan and the world. In recent years, though, the popularity of the swords has expanded beyond students of history with the Touken Ranbu franchise. And with the popularity of the franchise near its apex, ...
Code Geass April Fool's Orange Juice Really Goes on Sale
Fction becomes reality — but only for a week
― April Fool's Day. It's the day everyone has to be careful if a product is real or not. Sometimes it's relatively obvious, like Coamix's manga training machine from April Fool's Day 2017. Sometimes it's a little harder to discern, as was the case with the Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion orange juice. And some of those April Fool's Day products do bec...
Digivices Updated With Color Screens for Digimon's 25th Anniversary
No promises you'll be transported to the digital world
― Premium Bandai is bringing back everyone's childhood in full color! For fans of the Digimon series who somehow missed their calling as a Digidestined, Bandai's online store is offering fans a chance to purchase a replica Digivice for the 25th anniversary of the series — this time, with color LCD screens. The Digivice 25th Color Revolution toy i...
Guinness World Records Names Jujutsu Kaisen 'Most In-Demand Animated TV Show'
Jujutsu Kaisen overtakes Attack on Titan as "world's most popular anime"
― The Guinness World Records has certified Jujutsu Kaisen as the "most in-demand animated TV show," also calling it the "world's most popular anime." The series overtakes Attack on Titan, which has held the record since 2020. The company explains that it based this decision on information from data-science firm Parrot Analytics....
Chun-Li Statue Unveiled in Capcom Founder's Hometown
Also, local district offers official Guile & Chun-Li school lunches
― In 1987, Capcom graced arcades throughout the world with the fighting game Street Fighter. While achieving some success, it wasn't until the release of its sequel Street Fighter II in 1991 when the series really took off. Since then, the franchise has gone on to spawn four more sequels, countless spinoffs, crossover games, and almo...
Voice Actor Yukihiro Nozuyama Announces Birth of 1st Child
Voice of Record of Ragnarok's Heimdall announced birth with beautiful photo
― Yukihiro Nozuyama, voice of Heimdall from Record of Ragnarok, announced on April 2 on X (formerly Twitter) that his wife gave birth to their first child. Nozuyama gave a message to his fans with a photo of his child holding his brother-in-law's hand.
【ご報告】私事で大変恐縮ですが…。先日、我が家に第一子が産まれした！命懸けで産んでくれた妻と産まれてきてくれた我が子に感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです。今...
Voice Actress Mutsumi Tamura Announces Marriage
Voice of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean's Ermes Costello gives heartfelt message
― Mutsumi Tamura, voice of Ermes Costello from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, announced her marriage on April 1 on X (formerly Twitter). 皆様へ 私事ではありますが田村睦心、結婚いたしました。ずっと1人で生きていくものと思っておりましたが、ありがたいご縁があり一生を共にしてくれるパートナーができました。自分らしく過ごせそうで大変ありがたい気持ちです。 きっと色々な経験をするでしょう。…— 田村睦心 (@623tmr) April 1, 2024 In her heartfe...
Granblue Fantasy Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Music Video
Video features new song, animation
― Mobile phone technology has been around since the 1980s and has rapidly developed into the smartphone technology we know today. With implementation of internet use for mobile phone and smartphones in the 2000s, there has been a development of more universal mobile gaming experiences. As technology improved and mobile game experiences developed, there was a rise in...
Happy April Fool's Day from the Anime World Part III
April Fool's Day may be a time for joking, but,it's no joke when it's someone's birthday.
― Everyone loves a good practical joke on April 1, so long as it's harmless. But what do you do when it's also someone's birthday? You celebrate just as hard. The anime and manga world is full of April Fool's Day birthdays. Let's check out who's celebrating the jokers and the birthday boys and girls from the ani...
Happy April Fool's Day From the Anime World Part II
Are you smart enough to stay one step ahead of the fooler this April Fool's Day?
― It's April Fool's Day, and that means you're either the fooler or the fooled. And the anime industry is trying to fool you. But, can you see through their jokes this year? Chitose Yagami
こんにちはっESアイドル君達が出演する映画『恋する♡すくらんぶる」の原作者・八神千歳です♪この度は夢のような企画をありがとうございましたー！いつも楽しみにしている『あんスタ』さんのエイプリルフール！今年はまさかまさか…でした！！（「恋すく」は今回の企画のための作品だ...
Happy April Fool's Day from the Anime World Part I
To quote former U.S. President George W. Bush, “Fool me once, shame on…shame on you. You fool me, you can't get fooled again.”
― It's April Fool's, which means everyone wants to make a fool of everyone else. And so does the anime and manga industry. So, what sort of tricks do they have up their sleeves this year? Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction
#映画デデデデ スピンオフ映画公開決定⚡️ ＼ \ / ／『テットテットテーモンズ テテテテ...
New Permanent Monster Hunter Café Opens in Osaka
Dine like a hunter with the new "Hunters Bar WEST" that opened on March 1
― Following several pop-up cafés throughout the years, Capcom and Pasela's "Hunters Bar" (MonHun Sakaba) has finally opened a permanent café in Osaka titled "Hunters Bar WEST." The café opened on March 1 in Osaka's Namba district. In fact, it's in the same building as the Final Fantasy XIV Eorzea Café! So what does the new café...
Dandadan x Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Collaborate With New Visual
When anime & movies collide, it's ghostbusting time
― 1984 was a seminal year in movies. In anime, there were movies such as Nausicaa, Macross: Do You Remember Love?, and Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer. Hollywood went through a mini-golden era with hits like The Terminator, The Karate Kid, Gremlins, Beverly Hills Cop, Police Academy, and one of the most beloved comedies of all time with Ghostbu...
'Isekai' Transported Into the Oxford English Dictionary
Ain't ain't a word, but isekai is? What's the world coming to?
― The dictionary. It's the tool we use when we want to prove a word isn't real and when someone uses a word wrong. Literally. And I mean “literally” as literally and not hyperbolically. And now anime fans in the English-speaking world can argue isekai is now a word. But, it's a little more complicated than that. As announced on the Oxford...
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