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Yuki Kajiura, LiSA, Fiction Junction Perform Tiny Desk Concert
Set to stream globally with Demon Slayer, Gundam Seed, SAO, Garden of Sinners songs
― Japanese musician Yuki Kajiura announced on Wednesday that she is making her debut on tiny desk concerts JAPAN, NHK's Japanese version of National Public Radio's hit program where musicians perform intimate sets at the broadcaster's cramped offices. The half-hour concert will premiere on the NHK World-Japan service ...
Assemble Your Final Fantasy Party to Explore the Wonders of Fukushima
Japan Railways East airs new ad to bring travelers to northeastern Japan
― JR East released a new commercial for its Final Fantasy and Fukushima Prefecture collaboration, Fukushima Fantasy, last week. The commercial features a four-person party dressed as a Black Mage, Red Mage, White Mage, and Thief from the Final Fantasy franchise exploring the weeping cherry blossoms in Kitakat City, Hanamiyama P...
KPop Demon Hunters Makes McDonald's Debut
Also: Kpop Demon Hunters creators reportedly sign US$10 million deal with Netflix
― The KPop Demon Hunters franchise and fast-food chain McDonald's announced on Tuesday that they are collaborating for a set of “dueling adult meals” based on the Oscar-winning film. Fans can choose between the HUNTR/X Meal or Saja Boys Breakfast Meal starting on March 31. McDonald's streamed a 30-second commercial for ...
AnimeJapan 2026 Announces Emerging Creator Award Finalists
13 works chosen from 50 different schools across Japan
― AnimeJapan announced the finalists for this year's Emerging Creator Award for anime shorts on Monday. The event will announce the winners from among the 13 works nominated on March 28. The 13 finalists (including their creators and schools) are: "Ao ga Kieta Umi ni" (Ayano Sawada, Kyoto Saga University of Arts) "Ura Kissa" (Ryusei Dozono, HAL ...
Stroll Down Memory Lane With Frieren at Universal Studios Japan
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End marks its USJ debut with immersive, interactive attractions & restaurant
― The Universal Studios Japan (USJ) theme park confirmed on Monday that it is collaborating with the Frieren: Beyond Journey's End series for the first time. The collaboration will feature new "Story Walk" and "Story Ride" attractions plus themed dishes between May 1, 2026 and January 11, 2027. The ...
Voice Actor Yoshiki Nakajima Announces Marriage
Voice of Idolm@ster SideM's Jiro Yamashita, Ensemble Stars' Tetora Nagumo
― Voice actor Yoshiki Nakajima announced on Sunday that he had gotten married. In his statement, Nakajima added that his partner is a non-celebrity. As of press time, Kamiki's announcement has received 117,000 likes and 1,200 replies, most of which are congratulations from his fans and colleagues. Nakajima has appeared in The ...
Universal Studios' Fan Fest Nights Offer Details on 'One Piece Grand Pirate Show'
Straw Hats battle Marines, Buggy in pyrotechnic-filled, live stunt show in April/May
― On Thursday, Universal Studios Hollywood offered details about its upcoming "One Piece Grand Pirate Show" for its Fan Fest Nights event. The performance will see Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates battle Buggy in a "pyrotechnic-filled, live stunt show." The show will take place at the existing WaterWorld show venue, n...
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Wins 12th Anime Trending Awards' Top Prize
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray wins 7 other awards; The Apothecary Diaries season 2 wins 6 awards
― The 12th annual Anime Trending Awards announced its winners on Saturday, and Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray won Anime of the Year, as well as seven other awards, including Best in Animation, Sports Anime of the Year, and Girl of the Year for Oguri Cap. The second season of The Apothecary Diaries won six awar...
Hayao Miyazaki Personally Draws New Art of Nausicäa, Kiki, Totoro, Spirited Away
Panoramas go on display at Ghibli Park from July 8
― Renowned animation studio Ghibli announced on Tuesday that Hayao Miyazaki personally drew new art pieces that will go on display at the Ghibli Park's Grand Warehouse. The art pieces are the centerpieces of 31 “panorama boxes” highlighting titles from across Studio Ghibli's library (and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which strictly speaking, p...
One Piece's Chopper Supports Doctors Without Borders
“A small doctor with a big heart embarks on a humanitarian journey”
― The One Piece franchise and humanitarian medical care charity Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) announced on Friday that One Piece character Tony Tony Chopper is joining the organization as an official supporter. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda personally drew an original illustration of Chopper sporting the ...
Ado, Yoasobi Perform at Lollapalooza 2026
Ado makes debut at Chicago's annual music festival
― Japanese singer Ado and musical duo Yoasobi announced on Wednesday that they will be performing at Lollapalooza 2026. The music festival will take place in Chicago's Grant Park between July 30 and August 2, but neither have revealed on which day they will perform. Yoasobi state this is their second appearance at the annual event. The duo made their...
Street Fighter 6 Collaborates with Mega Man Franchise
“Kick off 25 years of Mega Man Battle Network & the upcoming release of Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection"
―
Capcom announced on Monday that its Mega Man Star Force and Mega Man Battle Network games will collaborate within the Street Fighter 6 game. The collaboration began on Tuesday, and players who log into Street Fighter 6 during the event period will receive collaboration items. Capcom added...
Sailor Moon Exports Original CG Short to Universal Studios Hollywood
In the name of the Moon, she will punish you if you don't go!
― The Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and the Sailor Moon franchise announced on Thursday that they are uniting for the park's Fan Fest Nights this spring. The event will play "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Place Chapter Deluxe," an original manga and CG anime short, with subtitles at the DreamWorks Theatre. Universa...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Masako Ikeda's Death, Part II
Colleagues honor one of their own
― March 3 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Masako Ikeda's death. Her works are beloved around the world, and professionals and fans alike have taken to social media to express their tributes to the late Ikeda. Shinobu Adachi 息子がアパレルの仕事をしていた時 お店に入って来られて道をお尋ねになった美しい女性がいらした 珍しく息子が私に電話をして来て「綾鷹のお声の方が道を尋ねられた！すぐにわかったよ！素...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Masako Ikeda's Death, Part I
Creators, artists, fans come together for their farewells
― The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with the announcement of Masako Ikeda 's death on March 3. She is best known for her roles as Maetel in the Galaxy Express 999 franchise; Fuyuka Liqueur in Silent Möbius; Reika "Ochōfujin" Ryūzaki in Aim for the Ace!; Sharon in Space Brothers; Hi no Tori/Phoenix in The Phoenix -Space-, The Phoenix: ...
KPop Demon Hunters Wins Oscars for Best Animated Feature, Song
Film's "Golden" song won Original Song category
― The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' KPop Demon Hunters for Best Animated Feature Film in the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday. The film competed against Zootopia 2, Arco, Elio, and Little Amélie or the Character of Rain.The film's "Golden" song also won the Best Music (Original Song) category....
Happy White Day 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part III
Featuring My Hero Academia, Like a Dragon, Project Sekai, Atelier, Baki-dou, Do You Like Big Girls, & more!
― For many people, March 14 marks Pi Day; a day celebrating the mathematical principle of the ratio of a circle's circumference to diameter. However, since the 1970s, March 14 is also widely celebrated in Japan as White Day. On this day, people around Japan return the favor for gifts they recei...
Happy White Day 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part II
Featuring Dragon Quest, Love Live! Nijigasaki, Samurai Troopers, Hana-Kimi, Okami, Yumeiro Cast, Klutzy Witch, & more!
― While it is not as popular as Valentine's Day, White Day is a staple holiday in Japan. Less about professing love and more about returning the favor for Valentine's Day sweets, it's the perfect holiday for the ever-considerate Japanese people. That includes all the anime and manga ...
Happy White Day 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring Demon Slayer, One Piece, Precure, Chibi Maruko-chan, Square Enix, Sega, & more!
― On March 14, Japanese people celebrate White Day — a holiday like Valentine's Day, except traditionally boys and men would give marshmallows to girls and women (especially those who gave them Valentine's chocolates). Over the years, it has slowly shifted closer in spirit to Valentine's Day, with anyone giving ...
JoJo's, Slam Dunk, Blood, Gundam Artists (& You) Draw Kingdom Manga Panels
One Piece's Eiichiro Oda & Naruto's Masashi Kishimoto will not take part this time around
― The Kingdom manga franchise announced the second “Social Kingdom” campaign to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Yasuhisa Hara's manga on Thursday. The “Social Kingdom Saien” (Reignited) project will begin on March 19 at midnight Japan Time (March 18 at 11:00 a.m. EDT). Fans will be able to choose and redraw th...
Evangelion Creator, Gackt, Tezuka's Son, 2channel & Niconico Founders Tease New Social Media Service
Billed as “last social media service made by humans before the AI era”
― The company Popopo announced on Thursday that Niconico founder Nobuo Kawakami, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno, musician Gackt, 2channel founder Hiroyuki Nishimura, and filmmaker (and Osamu Tezuka's son) Makoto Tezuka will help unveil Popopo's new service on March 18 at noon Japan time (March 17 at 11:00 p.m. EDT). As of press ...
KPop Demon Hunters Directors Confirmed to Return for Sequel
Sequel is Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans' "1st project" in Netflix partnership
― Now that we know that KPop Demon Hunters is officially getting a sequel — albeit one that may not come until 2029 at the earliest — we can also rest assured that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are returning to direct. Netflix confirmed on Thursday that the sequel is the "first project" out of an exclusive multiy...
Shield Yourself with New Gundam Sleeping Bag
Fend off chill and absorb beams (*Not guaranteed against beams)
― The online Premium Bandai store announced pre-orders for Mobile Suit Gundam's RX-78-2 Gundam Shield Sleeping Bag from Strict-G (the Gundam fashion brand) and outdoors gear maker Nanga on Tuesday. The sleeping bag features a zipper with snag-reducing components to minimize damage to the fabric. The bag's inner and outer fabric will be 1...
World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto Meets Super Mario's Yoshi
Fans at March 31 Dodgers game can receive Yoshi bobblehead as Yamamoto
― The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team released on Saturday a video of World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto meeting Super Mario Bros. character Yoshi. The post shows Yamamoto doing a handstand while being bothered by Yoshi. The video's caption reads "Yoshinobu meets Yoshi" and announces that the Dodgers will collaborate with The S...
Momoiro Clover Z Idol Ayaka Sasaki Announces Marriage
MCZ members Kanako Momota, Shiori Tamai, Reni Takagi congratulate Sasaki on news
― Momoiro Clover Z idol group member Ayaka Sasaki announced on March 5 that she had gotten married. In her statement, she thanked her fans for helping her achieve the milestone. The other Momoiro Clover Z members released congratulatory statements after Sasaki posted the news. Kanako Momota said, “May the many years ahe...
Cowboy Bebop Helmer Shinichiro Watanabe Shares 'Closet Picks' from Criterion Films
From The Killing of a Chinese Bookie & Branded to Kill, to Jacques Tati & of course, Bruce Lee
― Legendary anime director Shinichiro Watanabe shared his “Closet Picks” from the library of over 1,500 titles in The Criterion Collection, an American home entertainment distributor, on Tuesday: In the four-and-a-half-minute video, Watanabe waxes poetic about the films The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, Bra...
The Pokémon Company Issues Statement on White House Use of Pokémon-Inspired Images
Also: Yu-Gi-Oh! voice actor Dan Green criticizes White House's videos using clips to promote war with Iran
―
The Pokémon Company issued a statement last Friday regarding the White House's X (formerly Twitter) account using a modified version of the Pokémon Pokepia game's box art to read the current administration's slogan "Make America Great Again." According to American news outlets The Hill and Ti...
New Evangelion Anime Short Amasses Over 2.7 Million Views in 1st 24 Hours
Asuka-centered “Evangelion 30th Anniversary Special Screening” streams after debuting at February festival
― Studio Khara officially streamed the “Evangelion 30th Anniversary Special Screening” anime short to celebrate the Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time film's fifth anniversary on Sunday. 24 hours later, the short has amassed 2,750,058 views (and counting). The short also received nearly 13,...
Kodansha Celebrates Its Biggest Manga in Papercraft Crossover Anime Short
Featuring Akira, Attack on Titan, Ghost in the Shell, Cardcaptor Sakura, Initial D, Fairy Tail, Cells at Work, & more
― Kodansha debuted a little short, lovingly animated with stop-motion papercraft, on Saturday. Kodansha asked fans, “We've all seen the legendary Akira bike slide before - but have you ever seen it animated entirely out of paper?” At just over a minute and a half, the video celebrate...
Mobile Suit Gundam Announces Collaboration with Apex Legends
Both in the game and with plastic model kits
― The Gundam franchise announced on Wednesday that it is collaborating with the popular battle royal-hero shooter Apex Legends. The "Apex Legends x Gundam Event" is set to start on March 11 Japan Time. Apex Legends teased the collaboration with the tagline, “Big mechs. Bigger Fights. Gundam x Apex is coming.” Broken Moon will become a Gundam-inspired batt...
'The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen' Manga Tops AnimeJapan's 'Manga We Want to See Animated' Poll
Strikeout Pitch, Ketsu Battler were close behind
― The AnimeJapan event announced on Wednesday the results for this year's “Manga We Want to See Animated” poll with 222,758 votes cast. The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen by mmk took the top spot. Kyu Sumiyoshi's Strikeout Pitch and Naotaka Takade's Ketsu Battler placed second and third, respectively. The creators of the top 10 manga gave messages to...
One Piece's Luffy Teaches Sesame Street's Elmo a New Japanese Word
Luffy & Elmo are now NAKAMAAAAA!
― Popular streaming service Netflix released a collaboration short video between the American children's program Sesame Street and the live-action One Piece series on Tuesday. The short features Sesame Street character Elmo dressed as One Piece character Monkey D. Luffy. Iñaki Godoy (Monkey D. Luffy) joins Elmo to teach the Muppet a very special Japanese word: none o...
Happy Hina Matsuri 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part III
Featuring Dan Da Dan, My Dress-up Darling, Animal Crossing, Capcom, Charisma, & more!
― It's time to break out the dolls of the Emperor and Empress for Girls' Day in Japan! Animal Crossing みなさ～ん！今日は、ひなまつりですね♪みなさんの島では、どのようなひなまつりが行われているでしょうか？思い思いに、桃の節句をお過ごしくださいね！ pic.twitter.com/uBZBJmNBzZ— どうぶつの森 (@doubutsuno_mori) March 3, 2026 Everyone~! Today is Hina Matsuri♪ How do you celebrate Hina Matsuri on y...
Happy Hina Matsuri 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part II
Featuring Sqare Enix, Doraemon, Chibi Maruko-chan, Chibi Godzilla Raids Again, Jun Inoue, & more!
― It's Hina Matsuri, or Girls' Day, in Japan. However, the holiday also goes by the name "Momo no Sekku" (Peach Festival) — a name used when Japan was on a lunar calender system, since March 3 used to land just after peach trees blossomed. The anime and manga industries are showing off their flowers for ...
Happy Hina Matsuri 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring Girls Band Cry, MAPPA, Tezuka Productions, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Dragon Quest, more!
― March 3 marks the Japanese cultural holiday of Hina Matsuri, or Girls' Day. Families celebrate by displaying dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians. They enjoy the displays while eating snacks and singing the traditional song “Ureshi Hina Matsuri." The anime and manga world...
Images: Pokemon Day 2026 at Forbidden Planet Stores
Branches of the SF/fantasy retailer announced some of their highest footfall for a Pokemon event to date
― In a press release, the SF/fantasy store chain Forbidden Planet announced that the recent Pokemon Day 2026 on Friday February 27 had some of its branches announcing "some of their highest single-day footfall figures for a Pokemon event to date." Also according to the press release, "plans are al...
Live-Action One Piece Cast to Help Toss 1st Pitch at World Baseball Classic
Main cast to appear at March 6 Japan vs. Chinese Taipei matchup
― The live-action One Piece series announced on February 24 that the members of the Straw Hat Pirates will appear during the World Baseball Classic's Japan vs. Chinese Taipei game on March 6. Iñaki Godoy (Monkey D. Luffy), Emily Rudd (Nami), Mackenyu (Roronoa Zoro), Jacob Gibson (Usopp), and Taz Skylar (Sanji) will take part in the game'...
Gundam Franchise Teases Collaboration with Hololive Productions
Will the VTuber's become mobile suits or Gundam pilots?
― The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise teased on Monday that a "Special Collaboration Project" is launching with Hololive Productions. The franchise will appear at the hololive SUPER EXPO 2026 event with a booth, where it will distribute "logo stickers." The account shared a five-second teaser. ◤◢◤◢◤◢特報◤◢◤◢◤◢ 《ガンダムシリーズ》 ✖ 《ホロライブプロダクション》スペシャルコ...
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Filmstrip Bookmark Sells for US$740
Theaters gave away bookmarks made from strips of celluloid film from movie's 2010 release
― A bookmark made from a filmstrip of The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya movie sold on the Japanese reselling site Mercari for 114,514 yen (about US$740) in February. The bookmark features a close-up of titular character Haruhi Suzumiya during her meeting with the series' point-of-view character Kyon at a fami...
Ado's Newest Music Video Is Live-Action
Will we finally see the singer's face?
― Japanese singer Ado released a new music video for her song “Vivarium” on Saturday. This is her first live-action music video and features several shots highlighting her facial features. In a livestream before the music video's release, Ado spoke about its lead-up: “Of course, I was the one who said that I wanted to make the 'Vivarium' music video live-action...
Original Pokémon Star Rica Matsumoto Marks 30th Anniversary With Her 1st-Ever Game Stream
Voice actor has returned to Satoshi/Ash's origins
― For those who celebrate, Happy Pokémon Day! Voice actor Rica Matsumoto released her first ever "Let's Play" stream of her playing the original Pokémon games, all to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary. The video features Matsumoto playing Pokémon Red up to the first battle with her in-game rival and leaving Pallet Town. The video is currentl...
Hang Your Clothes on Yujiro Hanma's Epic Split
Hanma would make Van Damme proud
― Japanese toy brand Banpresto revealed on Wednesday a new prize for crane games: a clothes hanger based on Baki character Yujiro Hanma's iconic split. Banpresto teased the clothes hanger with the caption, “If you want to become stronger, hang me!!” The 50-centimeter (20-inch) Yujiro Hanma splits hanger is set to appear in crane game machines this fall. Sources: Banpr...
Play Tetris on Kyoto Station's 9-Story-High LED Grand Staircase
Thankfully, clearing lines won't remove floors from the station
― JR West announced on Wednesday that Kyoto Station will let travelers play Tetris — using the station's Daikaidan grand staircase as a giant, nine-story LED screen. Dubbed "Kyoto Daikaidan Tetris," up to two people can play Tetris per session. Players can select between Easy, Normal, or Hard difficulty levels. Player ranking and scores ...
Kyoto University Team Made an AI Buddharoid
Institute for the Future of Human Society also has a “Catechism Bot"
― The Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported on Tuesday that a team at the Kyoto University Institute for the Future of Human Society developed a humanoid "Buddharoid" robot. Dr. Seiji Kumagai's team trained the walking robot using Buddhist scriptures on the project's generative AI program Buddhabot Plus. Researchers hope the ...
Evangelion Voice Actor Fumihiko Tachiki Assumes Gendō's Final Form
Tachiki: "Execute Human Instrumentality Project: Pen Light"
― Evangelion's Gendō Ikari voice actor Fumihiko Tachiki entertained fans during the "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival on Sunday by recreating Gendō's iconic final form from Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time … with a little help of the festival's official pen light: After Yoko Takahashi (the performer of the orig...
Pokémon Unveils Special 30th Anniversary Logos … All 1,025 of Them
One for each Pokémon from each game
― On Monday, the Pokémon franchise unveiled its 30th anniversary logos — a whopping 1,025 of them, one for each Pokémon released during the games' 30-year history. Fans who click the image embedded in Monday's social media post can post one random logo to their account with the tagline, “Which Pokémon will you meet?” The franchise's staff also announced that the lo...
Evangelion's Hideaki Anno: Creators Reach Their Peak Around Age 30
Anno quotes Yamato/Macross director Noboru Ishiguro, cites Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki & Gundam's Yoshiyuki Tomino
― During the "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival on Saturday, franchise creator Hideaki Anno stated that creators reach their peak around 30 years old. Anno was in a Q&A session with Rebuild of Evangelion director Kazuya Tsurumaki and animator Mahiro Maeda, and voice ac...
Watch All Evangelion Episodes in Just 25 Minutes on Period-Correct CRT TVs
But only at the "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival
― Eva fans were greeted with a surprise during the "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival this past weekend: all 26 episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion playing nonstop, simultaneously on 26 TVs — each of them blocky and cathode ray tube, as ('90s) Sony intended. The display was part of the festival's retrospe...
Solo Leveling: ARISE Brings Jin-woo Sung to Fortnite
Jin-woo Sung, Hea-in Cha, and Igris are available in Fortnite
― Netmarble, a Korean gaming publisher, has officially launched a global crossover between its hit action RPG Solo Leveling: ARISE and Epic Games' Fortnite, bringing characters from the Solo Leveling universe into one of the world's biggest battle royale platforms. The collaboration runs through March 2 and introduces playable skins based...
Happy Cat Day 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part II
Featuring Monster Hunter, Cat and the Dragon, Sega, Sony, Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, & more!
― It's not the dog days of summer in Japan, but rather the cat days of winter on February 22. The anime and manga world send its greetings to all the cat lovers around the world: Atlus 2月22日は #ねこの日アトラス作品で好きな「ねこキャラ」をぜひリプライで教えてください！#猫の日 #にゃんにゃんにゃんの日 pic.twitter.com/WFUM8hSDuo— アトラス公式アカウント (@Atlus_jp) February 21,...
Happy Cat Day 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring Dragon Quest, Doraemon, Palworld, Google Japan, Tama & Friends, & more!
― February 22 marks Cat Day in Japan! As a Japanese wordplay on the number two (ni) sounding like a cat's meow (nyan), 2/22 is a celebration all things feline. The anime and manga world does its part for all the cat lovers the world over: Doraemon From Doraemon Volume 12 “Yurei no Hoshimono” Panel: Doraemon: Meow meow ...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Masaru Ikeda's Death, Part II
Colleagues honor one of their own
― February 16 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Masaru Ikeda's death. His works are beloved around the world, and professionals and fans alike have taken to social media to express their tributes to the late Ikeda. FieldWorks 池田勝さんには、2024年発売の『デルタ・フォース 日本語吹替完声版ブルーレイ』の追加録音にて、36年ぶりに同じアブドル・ラファイ（演：ロバート・フォスター）役を務めていただきま...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Masaru Ikeda's Death, Part I
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells
― The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with the announcement of Masaru Ikeda 's death on January 31. He is best known for his roles as Jamitov Hyman in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Gelsadora in Gatchaman II, Master Nekomamushi in One Piece, Jean Carne and Mysterious Old Taoist in Souten no Ken, Yatter-Wan in Yatterman, General Commander I...
The Apparent Origin Story of Olympic Gold Skater Alysa Liu's Pochita Plush
Japanese fan reported gifting Liu the Chainsaw Man plush after her Grand Prix Final win
― American figure skater Alysa Liu is arguably the most televised anime fan this month, with her twin gold medals (and Pochita plush tissue case from Chainsaw Man) at the 2026 Winter Olympics. But where did her Pochita come from? Japanese social media offers a likely origin story: On February 7, Japanese X (former...
Pokémon Card Auctioned for Record US$16.5 Million
Controversy ensues over how Logan Paul once sold "shares" in card before buying shares back
― American auction house Goldin announced on Monday that Internet personality and professional wrestler Logan Paul sold his rare Pikachu Illustrator card from the Pokémon Trading Card Game at auction for US$16.492 million. According to Goldin, “[Paul] passes the torch of the [Professional Sports Authenticator...
Manga Hacks, Japan Shopping Secrets, and More Fandom Culture at Anime India's Specialty Fan Panels
"Fan panels" pass the mic to fans as well industry professionals, micro-influencers, and even media scholars who go in-depth into topics about anime, video games, and fandom
― Anime India began its second iteration in Kolkata on Saturday and the highlights of the event were, as usual, their fan panels. Anime India isn't just a convention for the fans, but it brings in some of its most in-depth insigh...
Turn Your Favorite Manga Pages Into Official T-Shirts
Pick pages from over 270 titles on Manga Plus to put on a shirt
― Japanese publisher Shueisha announced on Monday that the new T-Shirt Maker feature is now available in the Manga Plus service. With this feature, manga fans can “choose from over 270 titles and create your official manga tee!” Manga Plus users can “select a manga page directly on the platform from any language and create a custom T-shi...
Haikyu!! Director Susumu Mitsunaka Takes Indian Fans Inside His Studio at Anime India Kolkata
Mitsunaka hosted a workshop and particpated in a panel where fans got to see the inside of his studio, the details of the animation process for Haikyu!!, and learn about his career journey
― The Anime India convention welcomed its Guest of Honor Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!! director, Weathering With You key animator) for a workshop on Saturday where he demonstrated his process in-studio, and for a pane...
Latest Love Live! Idols Offer 1st Music Video
Video debuted at Ikizu Live! Love Live! Bluebird's 1st-ever concerts
― Ikizu Live! Love Live! Bluebird, the latest project from the popular idol franchise Love Live!, debuted its first music video over Valentine's Day weekend. The music video for the song “Dou-Da? Doing” premiered during the Ikizu Live! idols' first-ever concerts at the Makuhari Event Hall in Chiba Prefecture, and is now streaming o...
Happy Valentine's Day From Around the Anime World, Part III
Featuring Though I Am an Inept Villainess, Natsuki Hanae, Atelier, You Can't Be in a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends, Sega, Pole Princess!!, Space Brothers, & more!
― Every Valentine's Day, I'm reminded of the greatest love poem of all time: Roses are red. Violets are blue. Omae wa Mo Shindeiru. Such a powerful verse can only be matched by the Valentine's Day greetings from around the anime and m...
Happy Valentine's Day From Around the Anime World, Part II
Featuring Demon Slayer, Final Fantasy, Oshi no Ko, Samurai Troopers, Doraemon, Square Enix, Mega Man, & more!
― Many Western countries mark Valentine's Day with children giving cards to friends and couples sharing a date night. In Japan, though, women also hand out chocolates to their friends and colleagues. They're known as giri chocolates (chocolates given out of obligation), but quality-wise, they...
Happy Valentine's Day From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring Pokémon, Naruto, Persona, Always a Catch!, ufotable, PlayStation, & more!
― Love is in the air, and the anime and manga world wants to share some of that love! Let's take a look at this year's Valentine's Day greetings: Always a Catch! Cogimyun (Sanrio) みゅ･･ チョコレートのケーキ、しっぱいしちゃったみゅん･･ちいさくなっちゃったけど、うけとってくれるみゅん･･？#こぎみゅん #バレンタインデー pic.twitter.com/w6u9xgS6Q2— こぎみゅん【公式】 (@cogimyun_sanrio) February...
Crunchyroll Launches New Indian Ad Campaign Featuring Rashmika Mandanna and Shubman Gill
Company launches 1st ad film in 'Ready to Anime?' campaign
― Crunchyroll announced on Thursday that it has launched a new Indian advertising campaign featuring Bollywood actress Rashmika Mandanna and cricketer Shubman Gill. The campaign titled "Ready to Anime?" will comprise two ad films, the first of which is debuting during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and will also air during Shark Tank India Seaso...
Hatsune Miku Promotes Thailand's Spicy Nissin Noodles
Nissin Foods Thailand: “When flavour meets fun”
― Nissin Foods Thailand announced on Tuesday that it is collaborating with the popular Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku to promote its Premium Bag Series of instant noodles. Nissin Foods Thailand said fans should get ready for spiciness with the upgraded Extreme Hot Chili Chicken and the new Hot Chili Chicken Carbonara. Nissin Foods Thailand also posted a vid...
Singer Hikaru Utada's Son Makes Dragon Ball Discovery, 36 Years Later
Utada's son: "Goku said 'Ore'" once — before he went Super Saiyan
― Acclaimed Japanese singer Hikaru Utada took to social media on Tuesday to report her son made a "discovery" in Akira Toriyama's hit manga series Dragon Ball. Utada said she and her son were reading out loud Dragon Ball volume 21 (the tail end of Goku's battle with Vegeta) together, when her son (while playing the role of Goku) excla...
Ghost in the Shell Director Mamoru Oshii Logs Over 8,000 Hours in Fallout 4
Oshii also recalls his hours playing Death Stranding, PUBG, Virtua Fighter
― Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii revealed his favorite game as part of the "30 Questions with Director Mamoru Oshii" video streamed on the Ghost in the Shell franchise's official YouTube channel on Sunday. Oshii said, "That's an easy answer. A game called Fallout 4. I've played it for over eight years." Oshii added t...
Sgt. Frog Creator Draws Gundam Hathaway Parody Poster
Both Keroro & Hathaway do have daddy issues …
― The Sgt. Frog and Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway franchises revealed a new Sgt. Frog parody illustration of the Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe movie poster on Friday. Sgt. Frog's creator himself, Mine Yoshizaki, drew the parody to celebrate the theatrical release of the second Gundam Hathaway film. The poster features Sgt. Frog ch...
Godzilla Minus One Actor Ryunosuke Kamiki Announces Marriage
Star of your name, Summer Wars married non-celebrity
― Actor Ryunosuke Kamiki, Godzilla Minus One's Kōichi Shikishima, announced on Tuesday that he had gotten married. Kamiki's agency Co-LaVo released a statement revealing that Kamiki's partner is a non-celebrity. As of press time, Kamiki's announcement has received over 36,000 likes and over 700 replies through his X (formerly Twitter) account, most...
Hasbro to Make Street Fighter, Voltron Toys
Team them up with the Hasbro KPop Demon Hunters toys
― American toy maker Hasbro announced last week it is creating toys for both the Street Fighter and Voltron franchises. The Street Fighter line is set to feature action figures, other toys, and collectibles based on this year's live-action Street Fighter film. The Voltron toy line will also feature action figures and other toys but will add “rolepl...
Boston Red Sox Celebrate 3rd Annual One Piece Event on May 12
Get an exclusive Straw Hat Crew Red Sox bomber jacket
― Toei Animation announced on Friday that legendary anime series One Piece is returning to Fenway Park in collaboration with the Boston Red Sox baseball team for the third annual One Piece Theme Night on May 12. Fans who attend the event will receive a commemorative One Piece Boston Red Sox bomber jacket. The bomber jacket features the Straw Hat P...
Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, Blackpink's Jisoo Name Their Favorite Pokémon
Charles Leclerc, Lamine Yamal, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Young Miko also star in Super Bowl ad
― Sunday's National Football League championship game, Super Bowl LX, saw Pokémon kick off its 30th anniversary with a commercial that asks, “What's Your Favorite?” The commercial stars musicians Lady Gaga, Jisoo, and Young Miko, along with comedian Trevor Noah, F1 Driver Charles Leclerc, association football...
Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii's Life Story Turned Into New Educational Manga
How a manga-loving child from Awaji Island grew up to design iconic JRPGs
― Japanese publisher Shogakukan announced on Tuesday it is publishing an educational manga based on Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii's life. Titled Shin Gakushū Manga Jinbutsukan: Dragon Quest no Umi no Oya Horii Yuji (lNew Educational Manga Biography: Yuji Horii, the Father of Dragon Quest), the volume explores Horii's life fro...
Better Late Than Never: KPop Demon Hunters Lego Sets, Nerf Swords, Squishmallows, … & Furbies
Yes, a Derpy Furby
― The global animated phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters and building block maker Lego announced on Wednesday that the brands are partnering for a line of toys. Lego will unveil the first product for pre-order this spring, "with additional sets to come in 2027." KPop Demon Hunters also revealed a collaboration with Jazwares' Squishmallow plush toys on Tuesday. KPop Demon Hunters charac...
Seattle Mariners Baseball Team Holds 2nd One Piece Night on March 31
This time, fans get One Piece/Mariners jerseys
― Toei Animation announced on Wednesday that the legendary anime series One Piece is returning to T-Mobile Park in collaboration with the Seattle Mariners baseball team for One Piece Night on March 31. Attendees will receive a commemorative One Piece Seattle Mariners baseball jersey. Along with the jersey, ticket holders can also participate in a One Pie...
Princess Mononoke/Spirited Away Art Director Yōji Takeshige to Teach Drawing at Ghibli Park
Park to also host classes on traditional pottery, broom-making, tie-dying, more
― Ghibli Park announced on Tuesday that Yōji Takeshige (the art director of Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and many other Ghibli films) and watercolor painter Shigeari Nomura will hold lessons on drawing for the first time in the theme park's annual “Haru no Dondoko Matsuri” (Spring Dondoko Festiv...
Medalist's Life-Size Earthworm Plush Returns to Arcades
Cuddle up with your very own earthworm
― Bandai Namco Amusement announced on Monday that the life-sized mimizu earthworm plush from Medalist will return to Bandai Namco Amusement arcades on Friday. Bandai Namco Amusement linked to a list of arcades where fans can find crane games with the plush. Sega Plaza initially offered the plush in March 2024 — a full nine months before the anime made the franch...
Happy Setsubun 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part II
Featuring Pokémon, Doraemon, Haruhi Suzumiya, SNK, Chiikawa, & more!
― The Japanese cultural holiday Setsubun is punctuated with driving oni (demons) out of homes and welcoming good fortune into them by tossing roasted soybeans or mamemaki. The tradition is marked with shouts of "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" or "Cast demons out! Bring fortune in!" While the practice is slowly disappearing, it lives on...
Happy Setsubun 2026 From Around the Anime World, Part I
Featuring Demon Slayer, Square Enix, Chibi Maruko-chan, Miffy, Sega, Hiromi Morishita, & more!
― Early February in Japan marks the cultural holiday of Setsubun, or the transition from winter to spring. For prosperity and happiness, people eat ehōmaki (unsliced sushi rolls with seven lucky ingredients) while facing the latest direction of auspicious fortune (ehō). (This year, it's south-southeast.) Th...
Vote on Mega Man's Next Robot Master
Help Dr. Wily create a new Robot Master for Mega Man: Dual Override
― Capcom announced on Friday that voting for the Mega Man: Dual Override Design A Robot Master contest has begun. Fans can vote on 20 Robot Master designs to determine the winner and six Excellence Award winners for the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override game. Those who vote will receive a free Mega Man icon they can use on social med...
KPop Demon Hunters Adds a Grammy to Its Awards Collection
KPop Demon Hunters came up “Golden” for Best Song Written for Visual Media
― Massively popular 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters took home the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media for its hit song "Golden" at the 68th Grammy Awards on Sunday. "Golden" beat out "As Alive as You Need Me to Be" from Tron: Ares, "Never Too Late" from Elton John: Never Too Late, and "I Lied to You," "Pale, Pa...
My Hero Academia, Detective Conan Creators Draw Each Others' Characters
Illustrations celebrate their anime's 30th & 10th anniversaries
― Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama and My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi drew illustrations of each others' characters and posted them on Saturday to celebrate twin anniversaries this year: the Detective Conan anime's 30th anniversary and the My Hero Academia anime's 10th anniversary. YTV Animation also aired a collaboration p...
KPop Demon Hunters Wins London Film Critics Circle Award for Best Animated Film
The film won "Animated Film of the Year" at ceremony on Sunday
― Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' animated film KPop Demon Hunters won Animated Film of the Year at the London Film Critics' Circle Awards on Sunday. The award has been announced on the same day that the film's song "Golden" has won the best song for visual media at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. It is the first K-Pop sing to have ev...
London Animate Pop-Up Store Will Return On Friday
Store in The Sidings area under Waterloo station had closed on January 7
― Animate Ltd's store in London, which operated in The Sidings area beneath Waterloo station, will reopen on Friday February 6 at the same site, according to a message on the door. The pop-up store had been open from October 31 2025 to January 7 2026. Since then, the site has been a branch of JP Books. The pop-up was the first A...
Kura Sushi Partners with Hello Kitty & Friends
Stack up the plates with Avocado Dream Donut & Caramelized Tamago Tempura Roll, then win capsule prizes
― The Kura Revolving Sushi Bar restaurant chain announced on Thursday that it is partnering with Japanese lifestyle and character brand Sanrio for a limited-time "Hello Kitty and Friends Bikkura Pon dining experience." The collaboration will take place at all 84 Kura Revolving Sushi Bar locations i...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya's Death, Part II
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells.
― January 28 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Kōzō Shioya's death. His works are beloved around the world, and professionals and fans alike have taken to social media to express their tributes to the late Shioya. Gundam The Gundam official website offered condolences to Kozo Shioya and ...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya's Death, Part I
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells
― The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with the announcement of Kōzō Shioya's death on January 28. He is best known for his roles as Majin Buu and Gurd from Dragon Ball Z, Abura Sumashi and Konaki Jijii in the Gegege no Kitaro franchise, Dr. Sewashi in Mazinger Z: Infinity, and Genzo in the One Piece franchise, among many others. His ...
Super Mario Bros. Wonder's Talking Flower Is Now Real
The plant is ready to comment on your life
― Nintendo announced pre-orders for the Super Mario Bros. Wonder's Talking Flower figure began on January 22. An accompanying video notes the figure will speak twice an hour. However, fans can also tap a button on the Talking Flower's pot to have it speak. The figure can also be programmed to be silent, set a wake-up time, or go into night-time mode. A music...
Be Cool Like JoJo's Noriaki Kakyoin with These Sunglasses
Sunglasses do not come with cherries to "rero rero"
― The Jojo's Bizarre Adventure franchise and Premium Bandai announced that pre-orders for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders character Noriaki Kakyoin's sunglasses have begun on Monday. The sunglasses are slated for release in July. Kakyoin's sunglasses will come with a cleaning cloth and case. The cleaning cloth will have Kakyoin's name a...
Pokémon Teams with Hatsune Miku for Merchandise
See 18 Hatsune Miku trainer outfits & more
― The Pokémon franchise announced on January 23 that it is partnering with popular Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku for its “Pokémon feat. Hatsune Miku ProjectVOLTAGE” line of merchandise. The merchandise will go on sale on January 31 at Pokémon Centers and feature 18 different Hatsune Miku trainer and partner Pokémon variants. (The variants represent the 18 diff...
Take a 1st Look at PokéPark Kanto Before It Opens Next Week
1st permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction to feature over 600 Pokémon on February 5
― Several Japanese news outlets have posted photos and video from PokéPark Kanto, the first permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction, on Monday. The photos feature some of the Pokémon, attractions, and food items visitors will see at the park. A video by Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun offers a small glimpse of the over...
13 Ghibli Songs Inspire Live-Action Short Series
Story of 2 girls told via 8 mm film, songs covered by Kalafina, Aina The End, Satoshi Takebe, more
― Japanese music label Victor Entertainment announced on Monday a short live-action video series based on its upcoming Studio Ghibli tribute album Ghibli o Utau Sono 2 (Singing Ghibli 2). With 8 mm film reels as both the medium and a storytelling device, the 13 Ghibli o Utau Sono 2 – Fū to Nagi no Mono...
AnimeJapan Previews Current Leaders in 'Manga We Want to See Animated' Poll
Vote on which of 48 manga you want to see as an anime
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the AnimeJapan event announced the interim results for this year's "Manga We Want to See Animated" ranking poll on Monday. The event staff noted that in past polls, the Spy×Family and The Apothecary Diaries manga ranked in the top spots before actually becoming anime series (and popular ones, at that...
Dragon Ball's 1st Global Character Popularity Poll Winners Are …
The top 3 are who you'd expect
― The Dragon Ball franchise announce the results of its Dragon Ball The One worldwide character popularity poll on Saturday. Taking the top spot is Dragon Ball protagonist Son Goku. In second and third place are Goku's rival Vegeta and son Son Gohan, respectively. The top 20 characters are: 1. Son Goku 2. Vegeta 3. Son Gohan 4. Piccolo 5. Vegito 6. Trunks (teen) 7. Bar...
New Anti-Piracy Ad Blitzes Through Dozens of Anime & Manga Throughout the Years
Do you know them all?
― Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs released a new ad this week to combat piracy. In partnership with the STOP! Manga Piracy campaign, the ad celebrates heroes and heroines from across the decades-long history of manga and anime. The ad's premise asks viewers if manga and anime will save us in a century's time. Its highlighted heroes and heroines include Astro Boy from Astro ...
Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions Opens With 'Anime' Category
How many "answers" can you "question"?
― The massively popular American game show Jeopardy! opened its annual Tournament of Champions on Monday with the category “Anime” during its first round. The unique reverse format of Jeopardy! gives contestants clues in the form of "answers," and the contestants must give a correct response in the form of a question. The “answers” for the Anime category featur...
Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Ranking of Kings Creators Mark Cosmic Princess Kaguya's Debut with Art
Masashi Kishimoto, Gege Akutami, Tatsuki Fujimoto, Sosuke Toka offer congratulations to the new film
― On Thursday — the launch day of the Cosmic Princess Kaguya anime film — the film's staff presented four congratulatory illustrations and messages from prominent manga creators: Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto), Gege Akutami (Jujutsu Kaisen), Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man), and Sosuke Toka (Ranking of Kin...
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