News

The official website for Fushigi no Kuni de Alice to -Dive in Wonderland- ("With Alice in Wonderland -Dive in Wonderland-"), an upcoming theatrical anime movie inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland , revealed a teaser trailer, visual and nine additional voice cast members today. Fushigi no Kuni de Alice to -Dive in Wonderland- Teaser Trailer Teaser Visual In addition to the previously announced Nanoka Hara (Suzume Iwato in Suzume ) as the protagonist Rise and Maika Pugh (Platelet in the Cells at Work! live-action film) as Alice, the new voice actors announced include: Ko Urai (the butler) voiced by Shotaro Mamiya Fumiko Azumino (Rise's grandmother) voiced by Keiko Toda Queen of Hearts voiced by Mayu Matsuoka Mad Hatter voiced by Koji Yamamoto March Hare voiced by Norito Yashima Humpty Dumpty voiced by Ryuichi Kosugi (comedy duo Black Mayonnaise member) White Hare voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi Cheshire...

Anne Shirley is about to make her third anime outing in the spring season. Today, a new trailer showcases more of the classic heroine's adventures. Check out the new Anne Shirley trailer, showing memorable moments from Lucy Maud Montgomery's original series. Keep an ear out for the opening theme, "Yokan" ("Premonition") by tota: Anne Shirley Trailer Related: Anne Shirley TV Anime Reveals Premiere Date, Key Visual, Teaser Trailer Related: Anne Shirley TV Anime Reveals Main Voice Cast Members, Staff Anne of Green Gables was previously adapted into a TV anime series twice in Japan; The first one directed by Isao Takahata ( Grave of the Fireflies ) in 1979 and the second one directed by Katsuyoshi Watabe ( Brave Exkaiser ) in 2009. Both were animated by Nippon Animation as part of its World Masterpiece Theater series. The Answer Studio , which was involved in such films as Your Name . and Suzume , works on animation production...

Crunchyroll is known for bringing some of the best anime to overseas fans. From popular anime like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer, Crunchyroll has been one of the best anime streaming services for anime fans to go to if they want to watch their favorite anime.

Crunchyroll not only has a wide selection of anime series, but they also have plenty of notable movies that fans will want to dive into. It's the perfect way to change up the pace as they offer newer movies like Suzume, and classic movies like Akira. Crunchyroll also houses hidden gems that anime fans might not have found on their own, and its diverse selection has something in store for every fan.

Related10 Best Anime For Space Lovers Streaming on Crunchyroll Right Now, Ranked

From titles such as Cowboy Bebop to Gundam, there is an abundance of anime set in space streaming on Crunchyroll.

The article contains the following trigger warnings: child s*xual assault, abuse of power, and unlawful distribution of child p*rnography. Please proceed with caution.

Suzume was a definite hit in the anime and film industry, thanks to Makoto Shinkai’s vision and artistry. Along with Your Name. and Weathering with You, the unofficial trilogy gained a lot of fame worldwide for its gorgeous visuals, unique storytelling, and emotional soundtrack.

A still from Suzume. [Credit: Toho]

The producer of the three films, Kouichirou Itou, has been a long-time collaborator of Makoto Shinkai before even Your Name. Unfortunately, last year, Itou was arrested for violation of child pr*stitution, r*pe, and child s*xual abuse images laws in Japan.

This soured the reputation of Makoto Shinkai’s films for many fans. Even the director posted a statement about his arrest, though he did not directly name Itou, condemning the actions and...

Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King debuted a completely original storyline along with an original antagonist. Conrad Leto, the shiny new villain of the franchise, took fans by surprise. Even more intriguing is the fact that Leto is actually the 27th Wizard King, prior to Julius.

Creating a new villain is no joke, but Yuki Tabata has once again bowled fans over with Conrad Leto. In the film, Leto has a unique power unlike anything seen in Black Clover, but turns out the character was initially supposed to have a completely different magical ability.

Conrad Leto’s power in the Black Clover movie could have been completely different Conrad Leto’s Key Magic in Black Clover movie | Credits: Pierrot

Yuki Tabata participated in a question and answer session that was published in volume 23.5 of the Black Clover manga. In this interview, Tabata talked about the movie and the creative...

Makoto Shinkai, the creator of hit anime movies such as Suzume (2022), Your Name (2016) and Weathering With You (2019), is one of the most well-known animation directors of the modern era. Recently, the critically acclaimed filmmaker took a trip down memory lane to revisit the birthplace of one of his first original works.

As detailed on Oricon, Shinkai recently showcased a nighttime scene of a railroad crossing on his official X (formerly Twitter). "It's been a while since I passed through here!" the director wrote. The photo is a nostalgic callback to the location that inspired the conclusion of his 2007 film, 5 Centimeters Per Second, which revolves around two young lovers who are drawn apart by life's circumstances. The post has since received many emotional responses from those who recognize its significance in relation to the film. "...thank you for the heartbreaking night photo," one person wrote. "It'll be just awhile until the cherry blossoms bloom.

Ne Zha 2 North America Box Office: Hits $10M(Photo Credit – Instagram)

Ne Zha 2 is performing well at the North American box office and has achieved two new remarkable achievements. To achieve one of these feats, the Chinese film had to surpass the Japanese movie Suzume’s US haul. The movie is a cultural phenomenon signifying China’s rising influence in global films. Every leading media house is in awe of the Chinese animated feature and is consistently reporting its achievements. Scroll below for the deets.

The movie challenges the notion that international success is essential for box office records. Its performance may prompt studios worldwide to reconsider distribution strategies, focusing more on local markets. China is undoubtedly one of the biggest markets, contributing considerably to a film’s box office collection, and the sequel has collected more than $1.5 billion from a single market, changing people’s perception that...

Pokémon has revealed its official debut trailer for the upcoming anime special "Dragonite and the Postman" ("Kairyuu to Yuubinya-san") ahead of its impending release on Pokémon Day 2025.

Pokémon's "Dragonite and the Postman" anime received its first trailer ahead of the anime's release on Feb. 27, 2025. Via Cinema Today's YouTube channel, the anime special features the main character Hana, recently revealed to be voiced by Riko Fukumoto, as she goes on a journey to deliver an unmarked letter. The trailer features stunning visuals by CoMix Wave Films, known for Makoto Shinkai's Your Name, Suzume, Weathering With You and more. Readers can check out the anime trailer below.

RelatedToday Is the Perfect Day for Pokémon (& Pikachu) Fans

Today, Pokémon unveils the first two episodes of Monpoké, a lighthearted slice-of-life anime perfect for those with young children or relatives.

Pokémon Releases Debut Trailer for New 'Dragonite and the Postman' Anime

"Dragonite...

Ahead of this year's Pokémon Day on February 27, the first trailer for a new anime titled Kairyu to Yubinya-san ("Dragonite and the Postman"), which will be expressly delivered to fans via YouTube on the aforementioned date, was shared by Japanese news channels. Riko Fukumoto (Natsume in Dragon Pilot: Hisone & Masotan ) stars as protagonist Hana. Theme song "Kami Hiroki" ("Paper Plane"), composed by Evan Call and performed by yorushika vocalist suis, is also previewed. Related: CoMix Wave Films to Deliver New Pokémon Anime About Dragonite CoMix Wave Films, best known for producing Makoto Shinkai's Your Name. , Weathering With You and Suzume , is producing the animation. Taku Kimura ( Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction ) is in charge of direction and storyboards and Tasuku Watanabe serves as art director, while Kentaro Nana provides the script, Evan Call ( Frieren: Beyond Journey's End ) provides the music and Maho Aoki ( Astro Note ) adapts Asuka Dokai's character designs for animation.

Last month, the Pokémon franchise announced Monpoké, an adorable new web series starring Pikachu, Dedenne and many other iconic characters. Today, the series' first two episodes are scheduled to premiere worldwide.

Monpoké, the first official anime based on Pokémon's baby-focused toy and apparel brand, will chronicle Pikachu's adventures on Monpoké Island -- a colorful tropical paradise populated by many other friendly monsters. As detailed on Gamer, a Japan-based media news site, Episodes 1 and 2 of Monpoké will be released on the Pokémon Kids Japan TV YouTube Channel on Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. (Jst). Additionally, the site unveiled a fresh round of preview images featuring Pikachu and several of his companions, such as the water/grass type, Ludicolo the psychic type baby Pokémon Mime Jr. and more.

RelatedPokémon Returns to McDonald's This Winter With Double the Happy Meal Toys

Pokémon icons such as Pikachu, Piplup, Rayquaza and more take center stage...

It’s no secret that 2025 is a big year. With some highly anticipated Marvel movies, the return of one of the most iconic rom-com movie series, Bridget Jones, or even controversial projects such as Disney’s Snow White, this year is nothing short of a cinematic rollercoaster. The excitement for something new is here, but who doesn’t sometimes just long for a childhood classic? Even better, a childhood classic with a modern take?

The Answer Studio, which is known for beloved anime productions such as Suzume and Your Name, is delivering just that. The announcement by the Japanese production company that dear Anne will return to the screens in the TV anime Anne Shirley has already brought back the spark. It would be very Anne-coded to leave any information regarding the surrounding news up to the imagination, but instead, let’s take a look at everything we know about...

Pokémon anime fans have a special treat in store on Feb. 27, 2025, with Pokémon Day being the release date for a new special episode titled "Dragonite and the Postman." An official behind-the-scenes look for the upcoming anime has now been released, showcasing its lead voice actor Riko Fukumoto.

As previously reported, the upcoming "Dragonite and the Postman" anime will be released on Feb. 27 at 12 a.m. (Jst) via Pokémon’s official YouTube channel. The special is a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and CoMix Wave Films -- the studio behind Makoto Shinkai's Your Name, Weathering with You and Suzume. The story will follow Hana, a 12-year-old girl living in the Paldea region, as she works to track down the sender of an unmarked letter and eventually deliver it to its proper destination. As the story unfolds, she discovers she is working against a deadline and must cooperate with the Dragonite...

Pokémon Inc. announced today that actor Riko Fukumoto will voice the protagonist, Hana, in the upcoming Pokémon Day 2025 memorial anime episode, Kairyu to Yubinya-san ("Dragonite and the Postman"). The memorial anime was first announced on February 5. Fukumoto won the grand prize at the 8th “Toho Cinderella” audition held in 2016 and began her performing career the following year. She starred in the live-action film adaptation of Io Sakisaka's romance shojo manga Love Me, Love Me Not in 2020. Fukumoto also voiced Towa, a guest character in the 2022 anime feature film That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond . When asked how she felt when she was cast as Hana, Fukumoto replied, “I felt like, 'You've got to be kidding me!' I was very happy. I used to watch the Pokémon anime when I was little, and I also played the video games, so I am very...

Pokémon is one of those few anime franchises that has always stayed evergreen in the hearts of fans. The central characters, Ash and Pikachu, might have retired, but the series continues with new additions. The latest update from the franchise includes a new anime.

The last anime produced by the franchise was Pokémon Horizons: The Series, the 26th installment featuring Liko and Roy’s adventures. Ash and his trusted electricity-producing Pokemon might no longer be in the picture, but the upcoming anime is getting some major updates nonetheless.

New Pokémon anime will be produced by the same studio as Your Name and Weathering With You Latest Pokémon anime, Dragonite and the Postman | Credits: CoMix Wave Films

An upcoming Pokémon anime has been officially announced, and it is titled Dragonite and the Postman. The movie is all set to be released on February 27, 2025, on the official YouTube channel of Pokémon. Given...

Pokémon fans the world over have long since been marking Feb. 27 in their calendars as Pokémon Day -- the anniversary of the original 1996 Pokémon Red & Green, and a day officially recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association. This year will be a special one for Dragonite fans in particular, as a new anime titled "Dragonite and the Mail Courier" is set to debut.

Via Oricon, the new anime is the result of a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and CoMix Wave Films -- the latter well-known as the animation studio behind renowned director Makoto Shinkai's films. Scheduled to be released on Feb. 27 at 12 a.m. (Jst) via Pokémon’s official YouTube channel, "Dragonite and the Mail Courier" will likely be just one of the special releases slated for the biggest day of the year for Pokémon fans worldwide. The anime's first artwork release and further information can be seen below.

Ahead of this year's Pokémon Day on February 27, the series' official accounts announced that a new anime titled Kairyu to Yubinya-san ("Dragonite and the Postman") will be expressly delivered to fans via YouTube on the aforementioned date. CoMix Wave Films, best known for producing Makoto Shinkai's Your Name. , Weathering With You and Suzume , is producing the animation. Taku Kimura ( Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction ) is in charge of direction and storyboards and Tasuku Watanabe serves as art director, while Kentaro Nana provides the script, Evan Call ( Frieren: Beyond Journey's End ) provides the music and Maho Aoki ( Astro Note ) adapts Asuka Dokai's character designs for animation. "Kami Hiroki" ("Paper Plane"), composed by Evan Call and performed by yorushika vocalist suis, will be the theme song. Related: Mamoru Hosoda's Next Anime Film Releases in Winter 2025 The story of Kamiryu to Yubinya-san follows Hana, a young girl who admires a Dragonite postman.

Exciting news for Pokémon fans! A brand-new animated project titled Dragonite and the Postman has been officially announced. The special animation will premiere on February 27 and will be available to watch for free on YouTube.

The animation is being created by CoMix Wave Films, the same renowned studio behind stunning films like Your Name and Suzume. This means fans can expect beautiful animation and heartfelt storytelling. This animation will be directed by Taku Kimura from Studio Lemon.

The details of the plot are still under wraps but fans will be able to catch it on Pokémon official YouTube Channel.

The story follows Hana, a young girl who dreams of being a mail carrier, as she embarks on an adventure with her partner Fuecoco to deliver an unaddressed letter sent by a boy named Rio for his father’s birthday. The theme song, “Paper Airplane,” is performed by suis from Yorushika,...

The official website for Anne Shirley , an upcoming new TV anime adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables , announced today that the 24-episode series is set to premiere on Nhk Educational TV on April 5, 2025, at 18:25 (Jst). The official website and X (formerly Twitter) have also revealed a key visual and teaser trailer. Key Visual Anne Shirley Teaser Trailer Related : Anne Shirley TV Anime Reveals Main Voice Cast Members, Staff Anne of Green Gables was previously adapted into a TV anime series twice in Japan; The first one directed by Isao Takahata ( Grave of the Fireflies ) in 1979 and the second one directed by Katsuyoshi Watabe ( Brave Exkaiser ) in 2009. Both were animated by Nippon Animation as part of its World Masterpiece Theater series. The Answer Studio , which has high production quality and was involved in such films as Your Name. and Suzume , works on anime...

In the past few decades, anime movies have gained worldwide recognition and the only name that is responsible for this is Hayao Miyazaki. The Japanese animator and filmmaker is a legend in the industry and has inspired many other prominent directors. He is one of the few creators who paved the way for the anime industry and helped it form a global image.

Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Oscars YouTube Channel

However, aside from Miyazaki, there is one other filmmaker who has helped in setting the foundation for anime movies. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that his impact on the industry is much different and significant than what Miyazaki did. The individual in discussion is Makoto Shinkai, who is globally known for his movies like Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume.

Shinkai’s work helped others understand that the Japanese anime industry has other prominent projects that...

Hayao Miyazaki has been at the epicenter of controversies for time immemorial. Be it AI or technology, the legendary filmmaker has stirred the pot on several occasions. This also extends to his viewpoint on anime and violent shows.

His beliefs and ideologies have garnered an array of reactions from viewers. While he is lauded for his staunch belief, there are exceptions to this as well. This may very well be one such case that would shock fans entirely.

Nausicaä in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind | Credit: Toei Company

The 2011 earthquake was quite jarring and it affected Japan in the worst way possible. With many lives lost and people reported missing, it was truly devastating. Following this, Ghibli’s staff decided to halt the production.

What came off as a shocker was the Director’s response to this. His attitude toward his staff and their concerns was labelled as...

The official website for Anne Shirley , an upcoming new TV anime adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables , announced the main voice cast members and staff today. Honoka Inoue , known as Xiaomei in Edens Zero and Kotone Kazairo in RPG Real Estate , is cast as the title character, Anne Shirley. "I've loved the world of 'Anne of Green Gables' since I was a child, so I thought, 'I definitely wanted to play Anne!' from the audition," said Inoue. "But I never thought it would happen! I thought, 'Is this a dream?' This is a joy that cannot be expressed in words. At the same time, I felt a lot of anxiety and pressure because it was a great title with a long history. In Anne's phrase, 'Isn't it nice to have so much to discover?' How supportive these words are for me.

The official website for the upcoming live-action film adaptation of Tomoki Izumi's horror manga series Mieruko-chan released a teaser trailer and visual today . The clip officially announced that the film is set to release in Japan on June 6, 2025. In the teaser trailer, the protagonist Miko Yotsuya played by Nanoka Hara (Suzume Iwato in Suzume ) encounters spirits everywhere and tries to pass them off by “pretending not to see them” in her daily life. Sora Amamiya , who voiced Miko in the TV anime series , serves as the narrator. Mieruko-chan Live-Action Movie Teaser Trailer Teaser visual Yoshihiro Nakamura ( Shinobi no Kuni ) serves as director and writes the screenplay. The main cast members include: Miko Yotsuya played by Nanoka Hara Hana Yurikawa played by Rinka Kumada Yuria Niguredo played by Naenano Akio Gondo played by Koki Yamashita Related: Mieruko-chan Horror Manga Gets Live-Action Movie in Early Summer 2025 The original Mieruko-chan manga is serialized...

Makoto Shinkai, the renowned director of beloved anime films such as Your Name and Weathering With You, also captured audiences with his 2022 film Suzume. However, beneath the breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling lies an intriguing story. Shinkai faced significant pressure from his producer who wanted the main character to embody a problematic dynamic that would have tainted the narrative.

Suzume and Souta | Credit: CoMix Wave Films

Remarkably, Shinkai found a way to preserve the film’s integrity by pivoting the story in an unexpected and creative direction. For many fans, the Talking Chair in Suzume felt extremely outlandish, but many might not know that this element was Shinkai’s deliberate attempt to avoid a controversial trope that is very prevalent in anime.

Makoto Shinkai’s creative pivot: Turning the male lead into a chair in Suzume

Suzume‘s lead characters, 17-year-old Suzume and 21-year-old Souta, show a notable age difference.

When talking about the legends in the Japanese animation industry, two names often rise to prominence: Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai. Known for his masterpieces like Your Name, Suzume, and Weathering With You, Shinkai is often regarded as the “next Miyazaki” for his immense contribution to Japanese animation. However, it’s not only his contribution that makes him Miyazaki’s perfect successor.

Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume no Tojimari (2022) | Credit: CoMix Wave Films

Though their approaches and styles diverge significantly, comparisons between the two are inevitable. Hayao Miyazaki’s movies are often imbued with timeless, universal themes of environmentalism and human connection, while Makoto Shinkai’s works explore deeply personal and contemporary issues, often tied to Japan’s socio-political landscape.

The healing journey of Suzume

In an interview via Crunchyroll in 2023, Makoto Shinkai acknowledged the transformative impact of Japan’s 2011 Great Tohoku Earthquake on his storytelling. He revealed how this catastrophic...

A new anime feature film titled Fushigi no Kuni de Alice to -Dive in Wonderland- will open in Japan on August 29, 2025, with P.A. Works will handle the anime production. This is the first theatrical anime movie in Japan inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland , originally published in 1865. The film's official website and X (formerly Twitter) opened today, releasing a super teaser trailer and visual. Fushigi no Kuni de Alice to -Dive in Wonderland- Super Teaser Trailer Super teaser visual The main character of the film is Rise, a girl living in the present day. The story begins when Rise wanders into Wonderland and meets Alice. Actor Nanoka Hara (Suzume Iwato in Suzume ) is cast as Rise, while Maika Pugh (Platelet in the Cells at Work! live-action film) voices Alice. Toshiya Shinohara ( The aquatope on white sand ) serves as director on a screenplay by Yuko Kakihara...

This story contains discussion about sexual assault.

Your Name producer Koichiro Ito is asking for a light sentence after admitting guilt in a child prosecution trial. As reported by Japanese publication Nhk News, representatives for Ito claim that the disgraced producer has reached a settlement with two out of the three victims and that he will participate in counseling to reduce the risk of him repeating his crimes. The defense is asking for a suspended sentence.

The verdict for the trial is set to be decided on February 28th, and if Ito's pleas are denied, he could face up to six years in prison. It is unclear at this time how likely or unlikely Ito's request for leniency will be, though the prosecution seems set on fighting it. During the trial, the prosecution said "It is cunning and vicious to take advantage of a victim's immaturity and seduce them with money to commit a crime.

The lawyers representing Koichiro Ito, 53, have requested a suspended sentence in his trial for child prostitution, citing settlements were reached with the victims.

Ito is accused of committing indecent acts with minors, with the prosecution describing his actions as “cunning and malicious”.

The accused was involved in the production of acclaimed anime films including Your Name. & Suzume.

Related:

‘Frustrated & Saddened’: Makoto Shinkai On Arrest Of ‘Your Name’ Producer Over Child Pornography Charges

Charges and Trial Proceedings

The defense’s argument, presented during a court session held on Jan 7, 2025, at the Wakayama District Court, centered on the fact that settlements have been reached with two of the three victims involved in the case.

They also emphasized that Ito is currently undergoing counseling at a medical institution aimed at preventing reoffending.

According to the defense, these factors warranted a suspended sentence rather than imprisonment.

The prosecution on the other hand argued...

2025 promises to thrill both anime fans and theater lovers with an iconic lineup, setting the stage for unforgettable moments! Amid all the excitement, Makoto Shinkai, director of the hit 2016 film Your Name, has confirmed plans to announce his next big film soon.

Shinkai is globally recognized for his cinematic movies, such as Your Name and Suzume, which are also widely praised and loved by fans worldwide. Your Name is arguably one of the most successful anime movies of all time, and it introduced many Western fans to the little-known world of anime.

Mitsuha witnessing the comet. [Credit: Toho]

The fantasy drama film is a masterpiece of its director that celebrates love, determination, and kindness. After the buzz surrounding Shinkai’s 2025 film announcement, it’s hard to imagine that the legendary director, who created such iconic and widely celebrated titles over the years, had to leave his home at a young age to pursue his passion.

Makoto Shinkai gave anime fans one hit movie after another. From Your Name, and Weathering with You to his latest release, Suzume, every film had a groundbreaking debut. But somewhere along the way, the themes of his creations have become repetitive.

Of course, fans have realized it, too. In the highly competitive anime industry, Shinkai needs to come up with refreshing ideas to keep the audience engaged. With a whole new film on its way, it’s the best time for the director to rethink what he wants to portray next.

Makoto Shinkai needs to move away from traditional romance stories Makoto Shinkai has not strayed from the romances since Your Name | Credit: CoMix Wave Films

A look at the last few movies of Makoto Shinkai will tell you everything you need to know about the director’s repetitive themes. From A Garden of Words, Your Name, Weathering with You to Suzume,...

In a major upset, Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis’ “Flow” won the Golden Globe for best animated feature on Sunday evening. A co-production between Latvia, Belgium, and France with a modest $3.7 million budget, “Flow” made waves simply by earning a nomination in a category traditionally dominated by big-budget studio films.

While it’s handled by Sideshow and Janus Films whose track record includes the Oscar-winning “Drive My Car,” “Flow” faced an uphill battle in the Golden Globe race, competing against two Disney/Pixar blockbusters (“Inside Out 2” and “Moana 2”), a DreamWorks feature by animation legend Chris Sanders (“The Wild Robot”), a big-budget Netflix production from Oscar-winning Aardman Animations (“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”) and Oscar-winning director Adam Elliot’s “Memoirs of a Snail.”

In the film, a biblical flood has submerged everything in its path, including Cat’s home. There are no humans to be found anywhere, although their material legacy remains.

Makoto Shinkai is the visionary director behind Your Name, Weathering With You, and many more phenomenon titles. He has announced his next movie will hit theaters in 2025. Known for his breathtaking visuals and heartfelt storytelling that seems to get more and more magical each time, Shinkai has captivated audiences worldwide with tales of love, loss, and fate.

Mitsuha and Taki meet for the first time in Your Name. [Credit: Toho]

However, with this new project on the horizon, fans are voicing a collective request for Shinkai— ‘Can we have an adult cast now?’ Shinkai’s previous works predominantly feature teenage protagonists navigating first love, separation, and self-discovery.

Makoto Shinkai is no doubt a genius and has cracked the secrets to success and has even challenged himself by making a chair a protagonist. While this formula has delivered many emotional masterpieces, the fans feel it’s time for a shift.

Fans want...

Makoto Shinkai has hinted at plans to reveal details of his latest anime film in 2025.

Shinkai made this announcement in his New Year’s message on his official X account, where he reflected on his creative journey over the past year, revealing that 2024 was dedicated to crafting a brand-new film.

“Happy New Year! 2024 was a year I spent working on a new movie. It’s a great joy to build a new world that no one has seen before from scratch with my colleagues. I’ll do my best to announce it in some way this year. I hope that 2025 will be a peaceful year for all of you.“

2025 will also see the release of the live-action adaptation of Shinkai’s 5 Centimeters Per Second anime.

Makoto Shinkai is a Japanese filmmaker and novelist.

Shinkai began his career as a video game animator with Nihon Falcom in 1996, and gained recognition...

The director of the hit 2016 film Your Name, Makoto Shinkai, officially has plans to announce his next big film to fans as soon as possible. Makoto Shinkai has become a huge name in anime over the past decade. While he's been making films since the 2000s, his landmark subversive sci-fi romance, Your Name, caught the attention of anime fans everywhere. His fame only grew with his follow-up projects, Weathering with You and Suzume. Now, his next film is on the horizon, and Shinkai wants to ensure that the fans know it!

Makoto Shinkai took to X on December 31, 2024 to write a major announcement for what he has planned for 2025. For fans of the director, it's a pretty exciting post since it discusses how close his next film is to hitting the big screen. Translated to English, it reads:

ã‚ã‘ã¾ã—ã¦ãŠã‚ã§ã¨ã†ã”ã–ã...

Makoto Shinkai loves including romance in his movies. Your Name, The Garden of Words, and Weathering with You focused primarily on love, and even his latest movie, Suzume has a romantic plot involved. But somewhere along the way, it has been getting repetitive.

Suzume was an incredible movie whose theme was inspired by the disastrous 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. It was a box-office hit, with critics praising its brilliant animation, plot, and emotional impact. Yet, fans wish that the director could get out of his bubble, even though it is not entirely his fault.

Suzume was originally supposed to break away from Makoto Shinkai’s typical romance movies Suzume by Makoto Shinkai | Credits: CoMix Wave Films

Suzume primarily focuses on the 17-year-old titular protagonist who teams up with a stranger, Souta, to prevent disasters from striking Japan. Within the first quarter of the movie, Souta is turned into a chair,...

The official accounts and website for the upcoming live-action movie adaptation of Hiromasa Okujima's Babanbabanban Vampire comedy manga series released a main trailer and visual today on December 12 . The trailer introduces the film's theme song " IIyu Dana 2025 imase x mabanua Mix" by singer-songwriter imase for the first time. Babanbabanban Vampire Live-Action Movie Main Trailer Main visual "Iiyu dana," literally meaning "This hot water is so good," was originally performed by Japanese chorus group Duke Aces in 1966. The song gained even wider recognition when a cover version by the comedy group The Drifters used it for decades as the ending to their own television shows. Imase covers the Showa-era classic with a relaxed and comfortable rhythmic arrangement. "When this song is played at the end roll of this film, I believe it will give you such a comfortable feeling as if you are in a really warm public bath while taking a breather,...

Anime is no longer a niche industry due to its increasing popularity over the past few decades. The global rise of anime has redefined the boundaries of storytelling and artistry, leading to an era where animated films hold equal weight as mainstream cinema. Among the contributors to the worldwide success of anime films, Hayao Miyazaki’s name first comes to mind.

Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

As his masterpiece Spirited Away secured an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, it marks a monumental achievement both for him and the industry in general. However, anime is far from a one-man show. The medium has a rich tapestry of directors whose unique visions could challenge the Oscars’ norms. Here are four anime directors who could, much like Hayao Miyazaki, carve entirely new paths in the global cinematic landscape.

4. Mamoru Hosoda

Mamoru Hosoda is no stranger to the Oscars, having earned a...

The official YouTube channel for the live-action adaptation project based on the Oshi no Ko manga series has started streaming a final version trailer for the upcoming movie, Oshi no Ko - The Final Act- . The trailer revealed that Kazunari Ninomiya , a 41-year-old member of the idol group Arashi, plays the role of Hikaru Kamiki. And the character's boyhood is also be played by 15-year-old Soya Kurokawa . Hikaru Kamiki is a mysterious figure who knows the truth behind Ai's death, and the trailer shows a tense scene where he finally appears before Aqua and confronts him directly. Additionally, an updated poster visual including Hikaru Kamiki is also revealed. Related: Oshi no Ko Live-Action Web Drama Releases 2nd Trailer The eight-episode web drama series has streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video worldwide since November 28, 2024. The feature film that then tells the drama's sequel story will release in Japan on December 20, 2024. Smith,...

Earlier this year, The Colors Within -- the latest film by A Silent Voice director Naoko Yamada -- premiered in Japan. North American distributor Gkids has revealed that the film will soon begin its first theatrical run in the U.S. and Canada.

Gkids recently unveiled the film's first official English-language dub trailer along with its official 2025 release date. As detailed on the company's official X (formerly Twitter) page, The Colors Within will arrive in theaters on Jan. 24. Audiences will have the opportunity to choose between the original Japanese version (with subtitles) and the brand-new English dub, which stars Libby Rue (Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island), Kylie McNeill (Belle) and Eddy Lee (Maguia - When the Promised Flower Blooms). The new trailer can be viewed below.

Related A Silent Voice Director Reveals Why She Doesn't Take Inspiration From Other Anime

A Silent Voice director Naoko Yamada explains how, despite being an anime fan,...

When one thinks of Makoto Shinkai, what comes to mind are poignantly beautiful love stories. Paired with great music and striking visuals, these stories have resonated with numerous fans across the globe. Natural disasters and romance are motifs commonly present in all Shinkai films.

Suzume | Credits: CoMix Wave Films

However, the director wanted to switch things around with the portrayal of romance in Suzume. If Shinkai had followed through with his initial idea, the relationship between Souta and Suzume would have been extremely different, or maybe it wouldn’t have been at all.

What changed his mind was some persuasion from the film’s producer. Hearing the initial idea would make many fans light up with excitement, and to our joy, we might see it coming to life in Shinkai’s future endeavors. As for Suzume, here’s what Shinkai’s initial idea was and why he changed his mind.

Makoto Shinkai, a renowned author and filmmaker, has a knack for weaving together captivating tales of love and fate. After the immense success of works like Your Name, Shinkai wanted something different. The traditional romance didn’t hold enough magic to attract Shinkai anymore.

Suzume and the Door [Credits: CoMix Wave Films Inc. and Story Inc.]

Makoto Shinkai then decided to take a bold step and step out of his comfort zone with Suzume no Tojimari. Instead of the ‘boy meets girl’ romance, Shinkai said he wanted to use his skills to tell a tale that ties together the themes of loss, hope, recovery, and human connection.

I did everything that I possibly could in terms of ‘boy meets girl’ and ‘will they, won’t they, will they meet.’

This bold step was a risk that eventually paid off; the much anticipated Suzume no Tojimari was received with enthusiasm and praise worldwide and grossed over 320 million dollars, becoming...

Japanese anime has taken over the globe with its creative and unique concepts in various projects. Over the years, several anime movies have shattered box office records, cementing their place as cinematic masterpieces. Your Name is arguably one of the most successful anime films, introducing many Western fans to the little-known world of anime.

Taki and Mitsuha write their names in Your Name. [Credit: Toho]

The fantasy drama film is a masterpiece of its director, Makoto Shinkai, that celebrates love, determination, and kindness. Owing to its immense popularity, Your Name became a box office smash hit and generated enormous revenue with its release in over 100 countries and regions. Unfortunately, the box-office hit Your Name met a disappointing fate when adapted into a live-action movie that no anime fan was prepared for.

Director Explains Why Your Name Live-Action Fell Short of the Anime’s Impact

Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name is a...

After Netflix suddenly canceled the Canadian series “Anne with an E” after the release of Season 3 in 2019, fans of the show and the original Anne of Green Gables books by Lisa Maud Montgomery were left disappointed and flocked to the internet to create change.org petitions and social media campaigns in order to renew Anne with an E for Season 4.

Anne Shirley in Anne with an E | Credits: Ken Woroner/Netflix

Given the show’s acclaim and loyal fanbase, the hashtag #renewannewithanE began trending on X (formerly Twitter). 5 years later, an animation studio by the name of “The Answer Studio” heard the overwhelming demand for a genuine adaptation of the classic novel series, Anne of Green Gables, and decided to announce something that made fans jump for joy.

Anne of Green Gables anime adaptation by the Answer Studio confirmed Anne Shirley | Credits: The Answer Studio

As reported by Crunchyroll, the...

Anne Shirley , a new TV anime adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables , is set to premiere on Nhk Educational TV in Japan in April 2025. The TV anime's official website and X (formerly Twitter) have been opened, releasing the title logo and scene visuals. Title logo The original Anne of Green Gables novel , published in 1908, tells the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan taken in by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in Prince Edward Island, a beautiful small island in Canada. Anne's overwhelming imagination and beautiful heart, which have supported her difficult circumstances up to the age of 11, gradually changes the hearts of those around her. Since its Japanese translation edition was published in Japan in 1952, the novel has been a timeless classic that has been loved for more than 70 years. Anne of Green Gables was previously adapted into a TV anime series twice in Japan...

Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume was released in November 2022 and immediately became the fourth-highest-grossing anime film of all time, earning around $318 million worldwide. Its theme was inspired by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which claimed thousands of lives.

Suzume with her younger self | Credits: CoMix Wave Films

Due to being inspired by such a tragedy, Suzume was an extremely controversial release in Japan. But it was Makoto Shinkai’s way of making amends with what had happened.

Makoto Shinkai Recounts His Experience of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Suzume with her mother (who died in the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami) | Credits: CoMix Wave Films

The 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, also known as the Great East Japan Earthquake, occurred on March 11, 2011, and was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan. It triggered 40ft tsunami waves, which traveled at 700kmph speed, along with snowfall and freezing temperatures. The outcome was terrible as...

From Dragon Ball Super: Broly to Suzume, Chikashi Kubota has worked on notable projects. He’s one of the finest animators in the industry with a career spanning over two decades.

Be it a key animator or character designer, Kubota has assisted several animation directors. This also includes the One Punch Man franchise that is gearing up for its third season. But here’s the catch.

Genos in a still from the anime | Credit: Madhouse

In a recent interview, Kubota opened up about the third season. His comments sent several fans into shock and disbelief. Regarding the nature of the production, the animator gave a vague answer. This also points to the production status of the season along with other concerns.

Fans on X respond to Chikashi Kubota’s comments about Season 3

One Punch Man is in a class by itself, especially through its take on the shonen genre. The...

In the realm of anime films, the name that shines the brightest is Hayao Miyazaki. The Japanese filmmaker has been an inspiration for many, and there are very few other creators who can be compared to him. One of them is Makoto Shinkai, who is mostly known for his works like Suzume, Weathering With You, and Your Name.

Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Oscars YouTube channel

The main reason behind Shinkai’s comparison with Miyazaki is the success that Shinkai’s films have achieved in such a short period of time. The anime filmmaker has released back-to-back hits that, just like Miyazaki’s collection, have created a huge impact on the anime film industry in general.

However, Shinkai himself feels that he cannot be “the next Miyazaki.” He once revealed that he feels awkward whenever he is compared with the legend, as his films lack a few things when compared with Miyazaki’s bangers like Princess Mononoke,...

The Wild Robot is approaching all-time hit status as it passes a major box office milestone. The new DreamWorks movie, which is adapted from the children's book of the same name, follows a robot named Roz (Lupita Nyong'o) raising an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor) after being stranded on a desert island. The Wild Robot release debuted with a middling $35.8 million, but it has slowly and steadily climbed over the course of nearly two months to become a major smash hit.

Per Deadline, as of Friday, The Wild Robot has grossed $300.5 million worldwide. This comes from $134.4 million in North America and $166.1 million internationally and makes it just the 14th release of 2024 to pass the $300 million global box office milestone. Additionally, it is now just $15.2 million away from outgrossing Makoto Shinkai's 2023 fantasy romance anime release Suzume to take its place as the 100th highest-grossing animated movie of all time.

The anime industry has seen a lot of creators, but there are very few who could reach the level of Hayao Miyazaki. Japanese filmmaker and the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki’s works have inspired generations and will continue to do so for many years. However, the only aspect that makes Miyazaki’s fans a little concerned is his outspoken personality.

Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Oscars YouTube channel

Miyazaki has never shied away from expressing his opinions, no matter how bold they are. His opinions have always landed him in different controversies, but he has never been afraid of them. He believes in his words and follows them no matter what. Except for one incident, where he had to go against his morals and accept giving in to something that he didn’t believe in because of his wife.

The legendary filmmaker once revealed how he hated the “Americanization” of Japan...

Makoto Shinkai is regarded as the legend of modern anime movies, the man behind films like Your Name, Weathering With You, and Garden of Words. And he once again captured the hearts of the whole world with his latest 2022 movie – Suzume no Tojimari. The huge success of this film is enough proof that sealed Makoto Shinkai’s status as a modern anime legend.

A still from Suzume no Tojimari | Credits: Comix Wave Films

However, one might find it quite interesting to know, that Suzume was initially going to have a very different storyline than any other Shinkai films. Although the movie became very successful around the world, this is not how the movie was supposed to be. He had a totally different idea!

Souta Wasn’t Even Supposed to Exist in Suzume! Souta turned into a chair | Credits: Comix Wave Films

According to certain sources, Suzume was initially meant to...

The master filmmaker behind films like Your Name, Weathering With You, and Garden of Words, Makoto Shinkai has once again caught the attention of the whole world with his latest movie, Suzume no Tojimari, released in 2022. The success of this film is enough proof that cemented Makoto Shinkai’s status as a modern anime legend.

Suzume from the Suzume no Tojimari film | Credits: Comix Wave Films

As a consequence of his popularity, Shinkai also receives comparisons to the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. Although this might sound like a great honor, it actually is. Aside from his respect for Miyazaki, Makoto Shinkai does not like being compared to him. Despite that, Shinkai unexpectedly paid homage to Miyazaki films in Suzume which only true Miyazaki fans would be able to notice.

Suzume Has a Wild Easter Egg, Connecting to One of The Most Popular Hayao Miyazaki Films Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service...