News

There are great achievements, and then there’s the feeling of knowing exactly who voiced a particular character just by hearing them for the first time. As great as that feeling is, you probably won’t experience it if you watch Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. For instance, it’s hard to believe that Himmel and Bakugou are voiced by the same actor.

The voice actors have done such a phenomenal job that they’re unrecognizable. Their versatility and talent shine through in their performance, so here are some of the voice actors from Frieren and their most popular roles.

1. Stark – Chiaki Kobayashi Stark during a fight sequence | Credits: Studio Madhouse

Stark is a part of the central trio in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and he’s voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi. The voice actor has also played Mash Burndead from Mashle, Louis James Moriarty from Moriarty the Patriot, and Gabimaru from Hell’s Paradise.

The “Snowfall” spinoff pilot at FX has added three series regulars, Variety has learned exclusively.

Asante Blackk, Peyton Alex Smith, and Simmie Sims III have all joined the pilot alongside previously announced leads and original series alums Gail Bean and Isaiah John. Variety exclusively reported on the pilot order in March. While Bean and John will be reprising their roles from “Snowfall,” exact character details for the other three are being kept under wraps.

The official logline for the pilot states, “Set in 90s Los Angeles soon after the end of the original series, a recovering addict (Bean) strives to take West Coast rap mainstream despite potential infighting from a harrowing gang war.”

Blackk is best known for his role in the critically-acclaimed Ava DuVernay limited series “When They See Us” at Netflix, for which he earned an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a limited series or movie.

Netflix has released the trailer for The Summer Hikaru Died, based on Mokumokuren‘s hit manga of the same name.

The Japanese coming-of-age horror anime series premieres July 5.

Yoshiki and Hikaru live in a rural village and have been close friends since they were young. On a perfectly ordinary summer day, as they laugh over trivial things, Yoshiki turns to Hikaru and says, “…You’re not Hikaru, are you?”

Six months earlier, Hikaru went missing in the mountains and returned unexpectedly a week later. The new Hikaru looks and sounds just like the original, but something else is stirring within him.

Yoshiki continues spending his days with the “something” imitating Hikaru, while pretending as if nothing has changed. Meanwhile, strange incidents begin to plague the village.

Directed by Ryohei Takeshita (“Jujutsu Kaisen”), the animation is produced by CygamesPictures (Blade Runner: Black Out 2022).

“Reading the original work was exciting, and I...

A brand-new trailer released for The Summer Hikaru Died anime today announced a July 5 at 24:55 Jst (effectively July 6 at 0:55) premiere date for Japanese television and previewed the supernatural horror series' opening song, "Saikai" by Vaundy. Additionally, an advance screening of the first episode will be held at Toho Cinemas Shinjuku in Tokyo on June 29, with cast members Chiaki Kobayashi (Yoshiki), Shuichiro Umeda (Hikaru) and Chikahiro Kobayashi (Tanaka) and director Ryohei Takeshita in attendance. The Summer Hikaru Died Main Trailer 2 Two additional cast members were also confirmed today, as follows: Yuta Maki voiced by Yoshiki Nakajima Yuki Tadokoro voiced by Shion Wakayama Related: The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Reveals Summer 2025 Release, Cast and Staff in First Trailer Mokumokuren's The Summer Hikaru Died manga is serialized on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up web imprint since August 2021 and currently spans six collected volumes. The series topped Kono Manga ga Sugoi!

Jasrac announced the winners of the 2025 Jasrac Awards on May 16. The highest Gold Award went to the two-member unit Yoasobi 's single "Idol," now for two consecutive years . The award means the song had the highest distribution of copyright royalties from Jasrac in 2024. Yoasobi released "Idol" in April 2023 as the opening theme song for the Oshi no Ko TV anime. The song quickly gained worldwide support, winning numerous music awards and surpassing 900 million cumulative streams in March 2025. The song won the Gold Award for the second year in a row for its wide range of uses, including games and karaoke, in addition to being ranked second in distribution for interactive distribution. "I am very pleased to have received this award again following last year," said the song's lyrics writer and composer, Ayase. "I am very happy just to have the opportunity to release our music to the world and have...

In a magical display of song, dance, and the power of love, the cast of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live! brought to life the Sailor Scouts and the story of Sailor Moon . Just over the last year, there has been a surge of one of my favorite Japanese exports: 2.5D musicals. A 2.5D musical is the closest a fan can get to seeing their favorite characters in-person. Having the privilege to see two 2.5D musicals, I can say with confidence that it's one of the most exciting ways to enjoy a series. My first experience with an anime musical was at the 2024 Japan Parade in New York City with the cast of the Demon Slayer: The Stage . I was captivated then by the actor’s skills in song, dance, and fighting. This holds true for Sailor Moon: The Super Live! Joining the live performance in Philadelphia, I was...

During its run "Bones" was beloved by fans for its off-kilter mix of humor, crime, and horror. Typically, leads Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz would engage in some witty banter immediately before the show unleashed some sort of upsettingly realistic cadaver, which made "Bones" a truly unique experience. The show's graphic corpses were the work of fake body specialists and brothers Kevin and Chris Yagher, who provided bodies, body parts, and all manner of viscera across 12 seasons of "Bones," and at times, they simply went too far.

There was the fresh body on "Bones" that grossed out producer Stephen Nathan, who removed a shot of a detached skull and spine from the season 7 episode "The Crack in the Code," for being "too horrible." Evidently, this particular body was a tad too fresh to be showcased extensively, and if you're not all that familiar with "Bones," that should tell you a lot about the show.

One Piece is a magnificent story with unforgettable characters, amazing battles, and epic moments. The story is made even more amazing by the cast of voice actors who breathe life into our beloved characters. These voice actors are iconic, and they are perfect for their roles.

One Piece’s voice actors are so amazing that we don’t consider that perhaps a few of them auditioned for one role and ended up landing an entirely different role. This was the case with Kappei Yamaguchi, the voice actor for Usopp, who originally auditioned for the role of Monkey D. Luffy.

From aspiring Captain to master Sniper Usopp is the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates | Credits: Toei Animation

Before becoming the voice of the bravest warrior of the sea (Go D. Usopp is the greatest), Kappei Yamaguchi-san had auditioned to play a completely different Straw Hat pirate. At Mumbai Comic Con...

There are many aspects to Luffy, but his voice is one of the most recognizable parts of him. Mayumi Tanaka’s unmatched talent to make him sound youthful and mischievous, and yet hit us so hard emotionally proves that no one can voice Luffy better. The anime adaptation of One Piece wouldn’t be the same.

Her voice has become synonymous with Luffy. Whenever Tanaka voices anyone else, our minds immediately go to the young protagonist. She has nailed embodying every side of him, especially the rare moments when his spirit is broken.

Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Tanaka also has a natural chemistry with her fellow voice actors, but apparently, she developed a genuine sibling-like bond with Toshio Furukawa, the voice actor for Portgas D. Ace. One Piece made sure to flesh out the brotherly bond between him and Luffy, which made the voice actors form a similar kinship.

Japan Society and Metrograph have teamed up to co-present “Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us,” a rare 30-film retrospective devoted to the “fourth great” master of Japanese cinema. Co-organized with the Japan Foundation, New York, the two-part series, running May 9 to June 29, will offer the first major New York survey of the landmark filmmaker’s work in 20 years, presented in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of his birth and screened entirely on rare prints imported from collections and archives in Japan. Notable series highlights include all six of Naruse’s adaptations of celebrated feminist author Fumiko Hayashi’s work (Floating Clouds, Repast, Lightning, Wife, Late Chrysanthemums, A Wanderer’s Notebook), as well as some of Naruse’s rarest films, including the New York premieres of three pre-war gems unscreened in previous retrospectives: Morning’s Tree-Lined Street, A Woman’s Sorrows, and Sincerity.

With an oeuvre spanning nearly four decades and...

Gojira came to be only as a consequence of one of history’s worst moments. Nine years after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1954, producer Tomoyuki Tanaka had a vision for a monster movie. He wanted to bring those horrors of nuclear destruction to life. Inspired by America’s The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Tanaka conceived his creature as a walking nuclear bomb, a tummy-churning reminder of the bombing, saying, “Mankind created the bomb, and now nature was going to take revenge.”

Under US occupation still, the horrors of radiation were fresh in the memory of Japanese people. Survivors, quite vividly, described the ant-walking alligators – people who were burned so badly their skin was blackened and leathery, with red holes where their mouths should be. They could not scream and could only make an insect-like murmur.

A still from Godzilla (1954) | Credit: Toho

Tanaka’s monster needed a name for the big screens.

Earlier this month, Sailor Moon's official stage show began its run in North America, bringing the magic of Naoko Takeuchi's beloved series to new audiences. Given the mass international appeal of the popular franchise, Sailor Moon stage star Riko Tanaka is admittedly bewildered that she managed to land the iconic role.

Tanaka stars as Usagi Tsukino in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live -- a 2.5D Musical.According to lead producer Makoto Matsuda, the show is an ambitious combination of "songs, music, dance, technology, visuals and projections" designed to faithfully recreate Sailor Moon's 2D comic and anime universe. The first half is an acted-out narrative, while the second is a lively concert featuring hit songs from the Sailor Moon anime series. The show's recent debut in Pittsburgh, Pa marked the beginning of a 21-week U.S. tour that's scheduled to run through April 26. In a recent interview with Cinapse,...

Time is a tricky thing. As it passes, things change, and sometimes what that means is that a piece of pop culture doesn't hold up quite as well as one might hope. According to one of the original stars of Hart Hansen's hit procedural series "Bones," some elements of the show haven't really held up over the years.

The comments came on the rewatch podcast "Boneheads," hosted by Carla Gallo (who played Jeffersonian intern Daisy Wick in "Bones") and Emily Deschanel (who played the lead role of author and forensic anthropologist Temperance "Bones" Brennan). On an episode that released back in September 2024, Deschanel said that she has some misgivings rewatching the show. "I would say it makes you reflect on how it was a different time," Deschanel mused. "There were some not-cool representations and some stereotypes, things to apologize for. But otherwise it is a total trip down memory lane.

The Summer Hikaru Died , an upcoming anime based on the horror manga by Mokumokuren, released a main trailer, announced new cast members and the ending theme song performer following the stage event at AnimeJapan 2025 . The series will broadcast in Japan on Nippon Television beginning in summer 2025, and it will also stream on Netflix. The Summer Hikaru Died Anime 1st Main Trailer Tooboe will perform the ending theme song for the series, titled “you are my monster”. The new cast members also include: Asako Yamagishi voiced by Yumiri Hanamori Rie Kurebayashi voiced by Wakana Kowaka Tanaka voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi Asako Yamagishi Rie Kurebayashi Tanaka The Summer Hikaru Died key art Related: The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Reveals Key, Character Visuals Mokumokuren's The Summer Hikaru Died manga is serialized on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up web imprint since August 2021, releasing six volumes in Japan to date. Ryohei Takeshita ( Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night...

Fans of the mind-bending thriller Severance know Britt Lower as Helly R, a character whose struggle against the dystopian Lumon Industries has made her one of television's most riveting leads. Yet before she got severed, Lower approached another style of surrealism in one of the best romantic comedy shows of the 2010s, if not ever: Man Seeking Woman.

Playing overachieving attorney Liz, sister to main character Josh Greenberg (Jay Baruchel), Lower demonstrated her on-the-nose comedic timing and range that would later make her a standout in Severance. She described the show to TV Insider this way: "This show is kind of like waking up inside of a dream, and you’re not sure if it’s going to be a fantasy dream or if it’s going to be a total nightmare, and oftentimes, it’s both." She also detailed her character in the show:

She’s like the flipside of Jay’s character,...

Following the excellent “Melancholic”, Seiji Tanaka opted for a rather different perspective on killers of hire, this time adapting “Oni Goroshi”, a manga series by Masamichi Kawabe, in Netflix-style, violence-sensualizing ways. Let us see how he fares.

Click the image below to follow our Tribute to Netflix

As the movie begins, we witness Sakata, aka the deadliest assassin in Shinjo City, cutting through a number of opponents with his rather bulky meat cleaver (knife if you prefer), before he goes back to his family (wife and daughter), after what was supposed to be his last job as a killer for hire. Expectedly, things do not go as planned, and a group of masked ruffians are waiting for him at home, eventually killing his family and leaving him with a gunshot to his head, which does not kill him, but puts him into a kind of a vegetative state. If that was not enough,...

Solo Leveling is back with Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- ! Based on the Korean webtoon by Dubu (Redice Studio), Chugong and h-goon, Solo Leveling is the story of hunter Sung Jinwoo and his allies as they fight monsters from another world. Once a weak low-rank hunter, everything changed for Jinwoo in the depths of a deadly dungeon. Now he’s the only hunter in the world who can level up, secretly gaining strength and abilities, but others are taking notice… Related: Solo Leveling Episode 21, “It Was All Worth It” Let’s talk about everything that happened in Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- Episode 22 ! And stay tuned to Crunchyroll for the next incredible episode. Warning: Full details for the latest episode of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- follow. S-Rank level spoilers ahead for Solo Leveling Episode 22 ! Round One It’s time for a friendly sparring...

Netflix's Sakamoto Days is a shonen anime that introduces countless unique and entertaining foes for Taro Sakamoto and Shin Asakura to overcome. Fans of Yuto Suzuki's comedy series will find the strongest antagonists yet as the anime dives deeper into the "Lab Arc," where Sakamoto's weirdest enemy takes the form of Kashima, the deer-head-wearing villain who made his unsettling debut in Sakamoto Days Episode 7.

Sakamoto Days's most recent episodereveals more about Kashima's disturbing nature and offers viewers a glimpse into what makes him such a formidable foe—he's literally a walking, talking armory full of weapons. Given what was witnessed of him in episode 8, fans have been wondering one thing: is Kashima a man, machine or both?

Sakamoto Days Introduces Kashima as the Shonen Anime's First Major Villain The Lab Arc is Sakamoto Days’ Most Unsettling Antagonist Yet Image via Tms Entertainment

Kashima is a man...

Sakamoto Days has entered the next phase of epic showdowns with the anime’s newest episode, “Sakamoto vs. The Lab,” and fans couldn’t be more excited to see how the great Taro Sakamoto and his friends make it out of the pickle they've found themselves in. The major villains of the anime’s current arc, “The Lab,” are the scariest and most skilled fighters that watchers have seen yet.

The newest antagonists of Sakamoto Days seem to be of a different breed this time around, so Team Sakamoto may be in store for a rude awakening. However, with the recurring deus ex machina that is Sakamoto’s insanely overpowered nature, will these villains stand a chance of being an actual threat, or will they find themselves squashed under the legendary hitman’s fist?

Okutabi Lab was Shin Asakura’s Childhood Home in Sakamoto Days Shin’s Past was Violated...

After major action movie successes Rebel Ridge, The Shadow Strays, and more, Netflix presents Demon City, a John Wick-esque revenge thriller and adaptation of the manga "Oni Goroshi" by Masamichi Kawabe, which tells the violent and visceral tale of a legendary hitman who, after his wife and daughter are killed, resurrects his particular set of skills on a bloody path of vengeance. The first reactions to Demon City, which offers gritty action with a supernatural twist, are now in. So, does Demon City continue the streamer’s action movie hot streak? Or this action thriller a disappointing imitation of Keanu Reeves’ dog-loving hitman?

Pramit Chatterjee of Digital Mafia Talkies found it to be very much the former, awarding Demon City a near-perfect score of 4/5 and praising the action on display.

“What Demon City lacks in terms of emotional depth or narrative complexity, it more than makes up for with its balls-to-the-walls,...

A new face is joining magical girl anime You and Idol Precure♪ —not another Cure, but a manager! Junichi Suwabe joins the cast as Tanaka, a mysterious figure who knows the identities of Cure Idol and Cure Wink. As it happens, he's been sent from Kirakiland to support Idol Precure. Suwabe's other roles include Dandy in Space Dandy , Eraser Head in My Hero Academia and Undertaker in Black Butler . When asked about his role, he expressed joking surprise that he wasn't playing a member of the magical girl group itself—adding that he's all set to play Cure Gentle or Cure Dandy if the situation presents itself. Related: You and Idol Precure♪ Anime Shares Creditless Opening, Ending Videos You and Idol Precure♪ , the 22nd instalment of Toei Animation's long-running Precure anime franchise, premiered in Japan on February 2, 2025. Crunchyroll is streaming the latest series for members in North America,...

Have you ever watched a “John Wick” movie and thought to yourself, “I wonder if this would be even better if it were a little more lurid, a hell of a lot dumber, and its soundtrack had roughly 9,000 times as much flash-microwaved cheese rock?” Let’s just assume you have. Well, good news! Netflix — whose original content often feels like a response to a rhetorical question no human being has ever thought to ask — has you covered and then some with “Demon City,” a fun Japanese action film that adds exactly nothing to the “retired hitman seeks revenge” sub-genre and has a decent time doing it.

Aggressively pared down from Masamichi Kawabe’s sprawling manga series “Onigoroshi” (which spans more than 150 chapters and counting), Seiji Tanaka’s adaptation ditches the supernatural overtones of its source material in order to pursue a lean — and very mean — tale of yakuza requital. “Honey & Clover...

Ever since the release of John Wick, every story about an individual with a violent past resuming their old ways in order to do some good has been labeled as a rip-off of the Keanu Reeves-led action film. But the fact of the matter is that this particular plotline is as old as movies themselves. Akira Kurosawa used this trope in Seven Samurai all the way back in 1954. Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name is a recognizable figure in this action subgenre, and that character began his journey on the silver screen in 1964. In the ‘90s, we got The Long Kiss Goodnight. David Cronenberg gave us his own take on this kind of story with A History of Violence in 2005. If you dip your toes into Tamil and Telugu films and their Bollywood remakes, almost every project with an aging star has that same old narrative. I don...

The old adage is that you can’t make a good film out of a bad script. Well, 1967’s “You Only Live Twice,” is one of the only films ever made to disprove that theory. Kind of. By his own admission, author Roald Dahl’s script is a regurgitation of the basic framework of the first Bond screenplay, “Dr No” with the toppling of American spacecraft being replaced with a spaceship eating another spaceship in an effort to kick start Wwiii – and written in mind with set parameters by the producers at EoN production – more beautiful girls, a blonde henchman, and that it be bigger and zanier than the previous four Bond films combined.

The success of “You Only Live Twice” rests almost solely on its filmmaking. The sets by Ken Adam, the direction by Lewis Gilbert, and the stylish and epic scope of the cinematography by “Lawrence of Arabia...

Exclusive: Kelly Rowland (Mea Culpa) and Cliff “Method Man” Smith (Power Book II: Ghost) are set to lead the new Amazon MGM Studios rom-com Relationship Goals, based on Michael Todd’s New York Times bestseller Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex. Robin Thede (A Black Lady Sketch Show) and Annie Gonzalez (Flamin’ Hot) will also star.

Relationship Goals is a funny and inspiring romantic comedy on finding lasting love and sustaining a healthy relationship at every stage of courtship. The book, based on Todd’s viral sermon series about dating, marriage, and sex, spent 13 straight weeks on the NY Times bestsellers list and debuted at No. 1 on Amazon, according to the streamer.

The script was written by Laura Lekkos (Somewhere Only We Know), with prior drafts by Michael Elliot (R&b) and Cory Tynan (R&b). Rowland and Bart Lipton will executive produce while DeVon Franklin will produce. Linda Mendoza is set to direct.

Rowland recently starred in Netflix’s Tyler Perry film Mea Culpa. She has also guest starred on several series including Girlfriends, Empire, American Soul, Being Mary Jane, and L.A.’s Finest. On the film side, Rowland appeared in Kevin Hart’s Think Like A Man, New Line Cinema’s Freddy vs. Jason, Netflix’s The Curse of Bridge Hollow, and produced and starred in Merry Liddle Christmas Baby. Additionally, she executive produced her docuseries Chasing Destiny and co-produced a digital series called Milk + Honey alongside Idris Elba and Issa Rae. She is repped by UTA, Sb Projects, and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka.

Smith starred in all four seasons of the hit Starz series Power Book II: Ghost, which recently wrapped up after four seasons last year. For his portrayal of Davis MacLean, he received three NAACP Image Awards for “Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.” He can currently be seen in Carnegie Hill Entertainment’s feature Bad Shabbos, and the Paramount+’s feature film On the Come Up for which he received an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture”. Smith will next be seen in Maude Apatow’s directorial debut Poetic License and as a guest star in Peacock’s Emmy Award-winning original series Poker Face for Season 2. He is represented by Shauna Garr, CAA, and Frankfurt Kernit Klein & Selz.

Six-time Emmy nominee Robin Thede is the creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer, and star of HBO’s Emmy-winning sketch comedy series, A Black Lady Sketch Show. She recently starred alongside Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross in the Amazon MGM Studios holiday feature, Candy Cane Lane. Previously, she was the creator, executive producer, writer and host of The Rundown with Robin Thede on BET becoming one of the only Black women to host a late-night talk show. She is represented by WME and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole Llp.

Gonzalez can be seen in films such as East of the Mountains directed by S.J. Chiro, Flamin’ Hot from Searchlight Pictures and Franklin Entertainment, Drive-Away Dolls directed by Ethan Coen, and Jenni, which Gonzalez stars in and produced. On the TV side, credits include Netflix’s Gentefied, Showtime’s Shameless, FX’s American Horror Story, Netflix’s Good Girls, Starz’s Vida, and most recently, NBC’s Lopez vs Lopez. She is represented by Innovative, Neon Kite, and Granderson Des Rochers.

Franklin serves as President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment, a production company dedicated to uplifting the human spirit through inspirational content. He just wrapped production on R & B, a modern version of the Biblical love story of Ruth & Boaz. Franklin has also produced the inspirational hit films Flamin’ Hot directed by Eva Longoria, Breakthrough starring Chrissy Metz for Disney/Fox, Sony’s The Star and Miracles From Heaven starring Jennifer Garner. Franklin has a first-look deal with Tyler Perry Studios and Netflix and with CBS Studios.

Elliot and Tynan are represented by Evoke Entertainment. Lekkos is represented by Gersh and Felker Toczek. Mendoza is represented by Independent Artist Group, Atlas Literary, and Del, Shaw, Bobb et al.

Netflix has revealed fresh details of its upcoming slate from Japan, including a three features and an epic samurai period drama.

At an event in Tokyo today (February 12), the streaming giant said it would release manga adaptation Demon City this month, action remake Bullet Train Explosion in April and “boys love” (Bl) drama 10Dance in December. All have previously been announced.

Demon City, based on the manga Oni Goroshi and written and directed by Seiji Tanaka (Melancholic), is about a hitman played by Toma Ikuta who awakens from a long coma and embarks on a bloody, revenge-inspired killing spree. The...

The official website of AnimeJapan 2025 revealed the line-ups for its main stages on Jan 17, 2025.

This year’s event will feature four main stages—Red, Green, Blue, and the newly introduced White stage, hosting a total of 52 programs over two days.

An overview of the stages can be viewed below:

Red Stage & Green Stage: These are closed stages with designated seating. Attendees will need both an admission ticket and a stage viewing ticket to watch programs on these stages. Blue Stage & White Stage: These are open stages. The front-row seats for viewing will be designated seating, requiring both an admission ticket and a stage viewing ticket. However, free viewing areas are available at the back, though space is limited.

It was also revealed that some stage programs will be streamed online. Further details about the streaming schedule and availability will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Related:

Your Favorite Manga Might...

The official YouTube channel for voice actor Yuki Tanaka (Rinrin Takahashi in Trillion Game ) is now streaming a music video for her first solo CD single song, "Treasure Chest." The lyrical pop tune is featured as the ending theme for the winter 2025 TV anime I Left my A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths! Yuki Tanaka "Treasure Chest" Music Video I Left my A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths! Creditless Ending Video Related: Voice Actor Yuki Tanaka Releases Music Video "Mirai Sketch" from Solo Singer Debut Album Yuki Takaka started her professional activities as a member of voice actor unit Now On Air in 2016. After the unit ceased their activities in July 2021, Tanaka released her solo debut album "Crier" from Lantis on October 2, 2024. One of the songs in the album, "Familiar" was used as the ending theme for the second season...

Shohei Ohtani and Wife Mamiko Tanaka sent a heartwarming announcement that sent shockwaves through the sports world, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani revealed on Saturday, December 28th, that he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child.

The two-way phenom shared the exciting news on Instagram with a heartwarming photo. A pair of tiny gray shoes, a pink onesie, and an ultrasound image were carefully arranged alongside the couple’s beloved dog, Decoy, who seemed to be sharing in the excitement. “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” Ohtani wrote alongside the image, expressing his anticipation for the arrival of their little one.

Los Angeles Dogers Star Shohei Ohtani and Wife Mamiko Tanaka’s Joyful Announcement, Couple Expecting First Child

This joyous news comes just months after Ohtani publicly revealed his marriage to Tanaka in February 2024. Tanaka, a former professional basketball player...

While 007 often steals the show, it’s the unsung heroes and underrated supporting characters who have elevated the James Bond franchise. Making Bond’s success possible, the saga' supporting characters consistently prove that Bond's adventures are far more than just one man against the world. Over the years, the Bond universe has introduced an eclectic mix of companions, from the best supporting characters in the Sean Connery movies to Daniel Craig's closest allies. Most have stayed in the shadows but still played pivotal roles in Bond’s quests.

It’s not just Bond’s charming enemies and exotic locations. His closest allies and unexpected characters have helped shape the series’ legacy in more ways than one, with James Bond’s closest allies always there to support the spy in moments of peril, providing the backup and expertise to differentiate between life and death. Surprisingly, many of these standout figures...

The age of battles is upon us, and one Roboco is making their dreams come true! At the Me & Roboco special stage at Jump Festa 2025 today, the series announced that One Piece ’s Luffy will inspire a new character for the upcoming Me & Roboco anime film. Mayumi Tanaka, Luffy’s voice actor, will also take the reigns to voice this Roboco version. Tanaka joined the stage event dressed as a farmer with a proper straw hat. Can’t think of a reason why! Me & Roboco Anime Film Mayumi Tanaka Announcement Related: Me & Roboco Anime FIlm Unveils New Trailer, Teaser Visual Akitaro Daichi ( Fruits Basket ) continues to direct the Me & Roboco film at Studio Gallop. The film is set to release in Japan on April 18, 2025. Daichi also directed the 2022 TV anime series, alongside scripts by Sayuri Oba, character designs by Yuko Ebara and music by Jun Abe and Seiji Muto. Crunchyroll...

The live-action film Demon City will premiere on Netflix on February 27. Based on the comic Oni Goroshi, which ran from 2020 to November 2024, the story follows a hitman in the city of Shinjo seeking revenge for the tragic loss of his wife and daughter.

Known for its intense and graphic violence, the comic earned a devoted fanbase and is now being brought to life on screen.

The movie is written and directed by Seiji Tanaka, whose debut film Melancholic won multiple awards, including Best Director at the 31st Tokyo International Film Festival. Tanaka’s ability to blend drama, suspense, comedy, and horror has made him a standout filmmaker.

Toma Ikuta stars as Shuhei Sakata, the hitman determined to take down a masked criminal group ruling Shinjo. Ikuta, known for his emotional performance in Netflix’s Beyond Goodbye, takes on a grittier, action-packed role in this film.

The cast also features Matsuya Onoe,...

The live-action movie adaptation of Demon City is set to premiere on Netflix on February 27. It’s based on the comic Oni Goroshi, which ran from 2020 to November 2024. The story takes place in the city of Shinjo and follows a hitman seeking revenge after losing his wife and daughter.

The comic, known for its raw and intense violence, gained a loyal following and is now being adapted for the screen.

The film is written and directed by Seiji Tanaka, whose debut feature, Melancholic, won several awards, including Best Director at the 31st Tokyo International Film Festival. Melancholic mixed drama, suspense, comedy, and horror, showcasing Tanaka’s unique style as a filmmaker.

Toma Ikuta takes the lead role as Shuhei Sakata, a hitman bent on revenge against a group of masked criminals controlling Shinjo. Ikuta, who gave a heartfelt performance in Netflix’s Beyond Goodbye, now brings a darker, action-packed character to life.

Netflix Japan's official X (formerly Twitter) announced today that a live-action movie adaptation of Masamichi Kawabe's manga Onigoroshi will stream worldwide on February 27, 2025, under the title Demon City Onigoroshi . "Onigoroshi" literally means Demon Killer in Japanese. Kawabe's original manga ran in Nihon Bungeisha's Weekly Manga Goraku magazine from 2020 to 2024, with the final 16th volume set to release in Japan on February 28, 2025 — one day after the film's worldwide stream begins. The story is set in the provincial city of Shinjo and follows Shuhei Sakata, a professional killer who vows to avenge his beloved wife and daughter. Actor Toma Ikuta (Reiji Kikukawa in the Mogura no Uta live-action film series) plays the protagonist, Shuhei Sakata. "I will be starring in the Netflix movie 'Demon City Onigoroshi,' with almost no dialogue," said Ikuta. "I was given a difficult role that required me to express all my emotions in action. It's aggressive, Netflix!

Shonen anime has many recognizable traits. Its stories focus on teamwork and friendship. There's plenty of action to keep the story going. They're fun-filled and have plenty of humor to keep young readers intersted. However, another common trait is that their usually male protagonists don't act their age.

These immature protagonists pick fights too easily, eat way more than their body weight, and are filled with boundless energy. Some pick their noses. Others throw a fit when they're told to do something they don't want to do. Though these shonen protagonists are beloved, they're also way too immature for their own good.

Hinata Is A Bundle of Energy in Haikyuu!! He Lives His Life to the Fullest

Haikyuu!!'s protagonist, Shoyo Hinata, is filled with a boundless energy that can get him into trouble from time to time. While this energy is useful while playing volleyball, he is over-energetic outside the game too.

In Chapter 6 of Season 1, Godzilla, the King of Monsters, arrives on the Fortnite Battle Royale island. Players can actually acquire a miniature version of the kaiju to place in their lockers so they can run around Battle Royale as their very own Godzilla, even though this enormous titan is anticipated to roam the Battle Royale map at some point in the future.

The Chapter 6 Season 1 Battle Pass of Fortnite has been released on December 1, 2024. | Credit: Epic Games.

The 1,000 V-Buck Battle Pass allows users to unlock Godzilla as a skin to use in the Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 1 experience. Players must wait patiently to claim Godzilla, though, as he is a waiting game, similar to the majority of the Battle Pass’s secret skins. This epic collaboration has been longed for by many, but the creator of this character would have never wanted it to surface in this battle royale title.

Fortnite...

Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell is an anime classic and one that caters to both anime enthusiasts and cinema lovers. Whether it’s the visual appeal or excelling as a pioneer of cyberpunk, the movie passes the test of time with flying colors. At the center of everything great about Ghost in the Shell, there’s Motoko Kusanagi.

Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell | Credits: Studio Production I.G.

The voice actor who brought a great character like Motoko to life was Atsuko Tanaka. Motoko embodies perfection while being leagues ahead of the stereotypical representation of female anime characters. Even though she doesn’t have any flaws outright, her character is full of depth and she exhibits many admirable qualities.

For those who are familiar with the movie, it’s hard to not like her as a character. And that wouldn’t have been possible if it...

International Sailor Moon fans have an exciting release to look forward to this winter, as a fan-favorite show is heading overseas in February 2025 for its first UK reveal. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon The Super Live is officially headed to London in 2025.

Per the official Sailor Moon website, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon The Super Live -- a hit musical based on the original manga series by franchise creator Naoko Takeuchi -- is set to arrive in London for an extended run beginning in February. This marks the latest major city to serve as a home to the stage production, which has already enjoyed runs in Paris, Washington, D.C., New York City and Taipei.

Related Sailor Moon Fans Finally Get First Official Look at "Unprecedented" New 'Wonder Statue' Release

After a 1-year delay, Sailor Moon gives fans get a long-awaited first look at an upcoming statue based on 2023's Sailor Moon Cosmos anime movie.

Even those whove only been anime fans for a short while know about Haikyuu. One of the most popular sports anime, Haikyuu is also one that has had the largest impact in the sports anime genre. Fans have enjoyed watching the exciting wins and devastating losses of Karasuno, the team that the show follows most closely. On a more individualistic level, fans have also enjoyed cheering on their favorite characters, like Hinata and Kageyama.

However, Haikyuu's interesting characters aren't limited to the ones on Karasuno. From Shiratorizawa to Aoba Johsai, each team that Karasuno faces have a medley of well-developed characters. Clearly, Haikyuu's popularity is in large part due to the intriguing characters that are encountered at every turn. Naturally, some have risen to the top in popularity, whether its because of their impressive determination, snarky attitude or joyful demeanor.

Updated on November 18, 2024, by Natasha Elder: Fans of Haikyuu are...

The six-month hiatus of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece anime has come as a big shock to the fans of the series. The series has been growing continuously for almost thirty years without any major break, and now that it has entered the final saga of the narrative, the hiatus felt like a heartbreak. However, there is still some hope for fans in the form of Dandadan.

One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan has been on the rise for quite some time now, and the anime series has become a fan favorite in a very short period of time. But the one thing that has attracted all the One Piece fans towards Dandadan is the unique connection it shares with One Piece. This connection is the inclusion of Luffy’s voice actor, Mayumi Tanaka, as the Va for one of the most important roles in the Dandadan.

November 3 was “Culture Day,” a national holiday in Japan. To mark the day, the official X (formerly Twitter) for the Murai in Love manga and TV anime posted two parody arts newly drawn by the original manga's author, Junta Shima. The titles are not directly mentioned, but it is assumed that both were inspired by famous movie's poster visuals. The first one , described as “a musical entertainment about two dreamers who fall in love,” is supposedly based on La La Land . La La Land Japanese poster visual And the original of the second one , which is described as “a success story of a protagonist who gives her all in love and work, set in the fashion industry," is thought to be The Devil Wears Prada . The Devil Wears Prada Japanese poster visual Related: Murai in Love Anime Previews Opening Song in New Trailer The TV anime adaptation of Junta Shima's...

With news of One Piece's hiatus, anime fans quickly scrambled for a different series to occupy themselves until April 2025, with Dan Da Dan being an easy candidate. After having screened the premiere and met with numerous key individuals involved in its production, I grew increasingly hyped for the future of Yukinobu Tatsu's hit Shnen Jump+ manga adaptation. But as I sat down to show the anime to my friend\e, a key One Piece connection was pointed out to me, with Monkey D. Luffy's voice actor, Mayumi Tanaka, featuring as Turbo Granny in Dan Da Dan.

I'd fallen off of One Piece and was intimidated by its length when trying to resume it in my adult years. However, slowly reintroducing myself to the anime with its most gorgeous new episodes reignited my appreciation for the franchise. As I'm always looking for future media to enjoy, Dan Da Dan...

Move over South Korea, there’s a new player in the international arena. Japan’s famously risk-averse broadcasters and studios have woken up to the world outside Japan and are making a bold move on the U.S. and other international markets.

In part inspired by the global success of Korean content, but also aware that their huge domestic market is shrinking as Japan’s population declines, major players such as Toho, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and Fuji Television realize they need to find a source of revenue elsewhere in order to grow. And with deep libraries of anime, manga, movies, formats and games, they’ve also realized that they’re sitting on huge reservoirs of valuable IP.

Toho was among the first Japanese studios to make international moves, under forward-thinking president and CEO Hiro Matsuoka, taking back some rights to its Godzilla franchise and getting involved in merchandising in the U.

Each of the three films included in Radiance’s Daiei Gothic: Japanese Ghost Stories is based on a classic Japanese tale that’s been adapted to film various times over the past century. This speaks to the remarkably timeless and universal nature of the stories, evoking real-life experiences and themes that are common to humans across time and culture.

The earliest film in the set, Misumi Kenji’s Yotsuya Ghost Story, is based on perhaps the most popular kaidan, or ghost story, in Japan. It’s so popular, in fact, that it was also adapted in 1959 by another filmmaker, Nakagawa Nobuo. While that adaptation, The Ghost of Yotsuya, has been more widely available in the West until now, it’s Misumi’s film that veers more radically from the traditional beats of the kaidan, filling in a tale of good and evil with striking layers of ambiguity and feeling.

Where...

Haikyuu is one of the most celebrated and popular anime in the sports genre. Even a decade after its release, it continues to be relevant. This is especially true with the themes of team play and coordination.

The series stands as an inspiration for several sports anime. It is praised for its well-written and developed characters. So much so that even the Director will vouch for it.

Shoyo Hinata in a still from the anime | Credit: Production I.G

In a recent interview, Susumu Mitsunaka revealed his favorite character from the show. Unsurprisingly, it isn’t Shōyō Hinata or Yū Nishinoya but Ryūnosuke Tanaka.

His reasons for picking the character may seem absurd to most fans but it’d make sense. Especially when we think about how it ties well to the core themes of the series. By and by, the series has excelled in its portrayal of teamplay and coordination.

From its well-written characters to its slice-of-life trope, Skip and Loafer is an appealing series. Especially when it comes to the representation of teen relationships.

As a popular seinen series, the manga was awarded Shogakukan. The series’ success extends to the anime as well, especially with its popularity. However, there’s a controversial backstory behind the series’ production.

Mitsumi Iwakura in a still from the anime | Credit: P.A. Works, Inc.

The voice actress Tomoyo Kurosawa’s approach to the anime was a bit contentious. This is especially true with her methods and techniques. As revealed in an interview, the actress’ method resonates with Mayumi Tanaka’s approach to One Piece. Safe to say, it did work out well in the end considering Tanaka’s relationship with the series.

Skip and Loafer Va opens up about her controversial method

Skip and Loafer is a slice-of-life, rom-com series written by Misaki Takamatsu.

Some anime characters are simply ideal for cosplay, and Zero Two is the epitome of the concept. Darling in the Franxx is definitely a huge hit, but so is its iconic character, Zero Two. In fact, her popularity exceeds that of the anime at times.

Zero Two in Darling in the Franxx | Credits: A-1 Pictures, Trigger CloverWorks

In the plethora of pink-haired anime girls, Zero Two still manages to stand out. In an interview with Crunchyroll, the director, character designer, and producer of Darling in the Franxx sat down to have an in-depth conversation regarding the anime and its characters.

Zero Two’s Design was Created While Keeping Cosplayers in Mind Zero Two and Hiro in Darling in the Franxx | Credits: A-1 Pictures, Trigger CloverWorks

It is important for anime characters to have specific designs that help them stand out from any other characters, be it in the same or different series.

by Danica Pacardo

“Geeks” is a highly enjoyable slice-of-life women-led series with the perfect balance of comedy and crime/mystery. Produced by Fuji TV, it aired every Thursday at 10:00 pm during summer in Japan.

It follows the daily lives of the “energy-saving trio” Saijo-san (Mayu Matsuoka), Kira (Minami Tanaka), and Motoyama (Karen Takizawa), three single ladies who are working at the Takanashi Police Station. They are known to have a no-overtime policy, as they are efficient and they set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Each of them has a distinct geekiness which they are able to utilize as they help Serizawa (Aoi Nakamura), the police station’s detective, solve the series of cases in their area.

Check also this video

Matsuoka, Tanaka and Takizawa have great chemistry as they portray work buddies who unwind by dining out and drinking sake every Friday. Known as a versatile actress,...

The death of Portgas D. Ace in One Piece remains one of the most emotional and heartbreaking moments in anime history. The tragedy of Luffy’s older brother still haunts the fans of this series, but they are not the only ones who are grieving. Even the voices behind the characters were deeply affected by this tragic event, one of them being Mayumi Tanaka; the voice actress of Monkey D. Luffy.

Portgas D. Ace from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

A recent confession by Mayumi Tanaka has touched on a sentiment that many fans of One Piece share — Ace’s death wasn’t just a plot point; it was a moment that shaped Luffy’s character and impacted the emotional core of the entire story.

Mayumi Tanaka’s Candid Confession

Mayumi Tanaka, the renowned voice actress who voiced Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece, revealed in a recent interview that...

A wave of sadness spreads across the globe, as the beloved anime One Piece announces an unexpected six-month hiatus in the broadcast of its current Egghead Island arc. It’s remarkable that even with 1,100 episodes in, One Piece continues to push boundaries, promising fans an even better and more cinematic experience ahead.

For over 25 years, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has been enthralling fans without a single dull moment, and a break is essential for this remarkable anime to preserve its legacy. Sadly, fans will have to wait till April 2025 to see the return of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Luffy’s Gear 5 form in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

On the positive side, this break could lead to fewer fillers in the anime, allowing it to avoid catching up to the manga too quickly. However, the best aspect is that it will provide the production team with much-needed rest, especially for Luffy’s voice actor,...