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Actors’ House is one of Biff’s signature programs, featuring contemporary actors with outstanding acting prowess and star power, who share honest and in-depth stories about their craft and works. This year, the program welcomes Lee Byung Hun, Son Yejin, Ninomiya Kazunari, and Kim Youjung, distinguished Asian actors who will reflect on their artistic journeys and share intimate stories rarely heard before.

@Bh Ent @MSteam En @Office nino Co., Ltd @awesome.ent

First, this year’s opening film, No Other Choice, brings its two leading actors to Actors’ House. Having demonstrated remarkable versatility across film and television with his commanding presence, Lee Byung Hun, who has solidified his position as...

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle added 1.154 billion yen (7.84 million Usd) on 76,4000 admissions in its sixth weekend of August 22-24 according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . Although it was down 38.5% from last weekend , the film still beat out all other competitors at Japanese box office again and maintained its number one spot for the sixth consecutive weekend. The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise's official X (formerly Twitter) reported that Infinity Castle had earned 28,087,694,600 yen (191 million Usd) on 19,825,555 admission in 38 days since its release on July 18. The six-week gross was 108.1% of that of the franchise's previous film, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train , which earned 25.9 billion yen (176 million...

On Thursday August 21 2025, Racer broadcasts 2025 Gt World Challenge Asia Highlights!

2025 Gt World Challenge Asia Highlights – Fuji Speedway, Japan Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “2025 Gt World Challenge Asia Highlights” promises to be an exciting showcase of high-speed racing at the iconic Fuji Speedway in Japan. This episode, titled “2025 Gt World Challenge Asia Highlights – Fuji Speedway, Japan,” will air on Racer and is set to capture the thrilling action of one of Asia’s most popular Gt championships.

Viewers can expect to see a diverse field of cars, featuring both GT3 and GT4 platforms. These vehicles are known for their impressive performance and sleek designs, making them a favorite among racing fans.

The extremely well-received anime metal song ‘Hunting Soul‘, featured in Dandadan Season 2 Episode 6, has likely run into copyright issues and has been taken down from multiple Japanese music streaming platforms. This may be because X Japan’s Yoshiki and his lawyers raised concerns about it.

Fans may have even seen X in some other anime as references. But to clear everyone’s doubts, Yoshiki even posted on his X account, stating that whenever his band’s music was featured in an anime before, it had always been cleared with them.

The other ones, as far as I know, they contacted management / record label beforehand about clearance.#Yoshiki @DandadanTV @animeDANDADANen@netflix @hulu @XJapanOfficial @Yoshiki_Staff#dandadan #紅 #Kurenai #Xjapan https://t.co/potUZwtxac

— Yoshiki (@YoshikiOfficial) August 8, 2025

This suggests that the Dandadan creators didn’t bother to do the same. Yoshiki then tagged the anime’s streaming platforms, signaling major actions could soon be taken.

On Friday August 15 2025, History broadcasts The Proof Is Out There!

Aliens on the Sun, Megalodon in Japan, and the Extraterrestrial Cave Season 5 Episode 9 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Proof Is Out There,” titled “Aliens on the Sun, Megalodon in Japan, and the Extraterrestrial Cave,” promises to dive into some intriguing mysteries. It will explore whether a retired Army aviation officer has found signs of intelligent life in old NASA solar satellite photos. This investigation could reveal new insights about what lies beyond Earth.

In this episode, the focus will shift to a giant shark that was recently caught on camera. This footage has sparked discussions about the possibility of megalodons still swimming in the oceans. Experts will weigh in on the evidence and theories surrounding these massive creatures, which many thought were extinct.

Additionally, the episode will touch on the concept of extraterrestrial caves. This segment will look...

The Naked Gun Reboot Outperforms 1994 Sequel With $56M (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Liam Neeson’s return to slapstick comedy in The Naked Gun reboot is proving to be a solid performer at the box office. The film, teaming up with Pamela Anderson, wrapped up its second weekend in fifth place domestically, bringing in more than $8 million in the US alone.

Liam Neeson’s The Naked Gun Reboot Passes a Box Office Milestone

The lift has pushed The Naked Gun’s worldwide earnings to $56.3 million, overtaking the 1994 sequel Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult ($51.1m) by around $5 million, though without adjusting for inflation, per Box Office Mojo.

The Naked Gun Box Office Summary North America- $32.9 million International – $23.4 million Worldwide – $56.3 million Trending Jurassic World Rebirth Worldwide Box Office: Crosses This Major Milestone After Strong Japan Debut

Spider-Man: Brand New Day BTS Video Drops, Unmasking a Major Spoiler!

Weapons Leads the Weekend Box...

Superman North America Box Office: Beats Oppenheimer(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Superman has been surpassing the box office collections of multiple movies. This weekend, the Dcu film surpassed two more blockbusters at the North American box office, Oppenheimer, and another Tom Hanks-led classic film. The movie is pushing its limit, maintaining a stronghold, and doing much better than the MCU movie. Keep scrolling for the deets.

The Dcu movie has entered the all-time top 90 highest-grossing films list in North America. It has also surpassed Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as the domestically highest-grossing DC film featuring the Man of Steel. It is less than $5 million away from beating Alice in Wonderland and Guardians of the Galaxy’s domestic hauls.

Superman at the North American box office

Based on Box Office Mojo‘s data, Superman’s weekend actuals came in slightly higher than previously reported. It collected a solid $8 million...

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Gamepromotion has ended days early due to high demand and additional issues. The McDonald's Japan-exclusive cards were the first Pokémon card giveaway in 10 years for the country. The promo was scheduled to last through the weekend, but ended the same day it began.

According to a statement from McDonald's Japan, the company ended its latest Pokémon Trading Card Game promotion after barely 24 hours due to overwhelming demand and issued an apology. There have been reports of long lines, scalping, and food waste at several McDonald's Japan locations.

McDonald's Japan Abruptly Ends Pokémon Card Promo The First One In 10 Years Was A Disaster

Originally, the promo was scheduled to last from August 9 to August 11, and a new McDonald's exclusive Pikachu card that depicts the creature eating a burger had fans in a frenzy as they rushed to the stores and purchased Happy Meals in bulk,...

The upcoming episode of “The Proof Is Out There,” titled “Aliens on the Sun, Megalodon in Japan, and the Extraterrestrial Cave,” promises to be a thrilling exploration of some intriguing mysteries. Airing at 10:03 Pm on Friday, August 15, 2025, on the History channel, this episode dives into the fascinating world of anomalies and the unknown.

In this episode, a retired Army aviation officer claims to have found evidence of intelligent anomalies in NASA’s archived solar satellite photos. The investigation will focus on these technosignatures, raising questions about what might be lurking in the depths of space. Viewers can expect to see compelling visuals and expert opinions as the team seeks to uncover the truth behind these potential discoveries.

The episode will also tackle a recent debate sparked by a giant shark caught on camera off the coast of Japan. This footage has led to discussions about the possibility of megalodons...

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle earned 2.457 billion yen (16.75 million Usd) on 1,739,600 admissions in its third weekend of August 1-3, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . The third weekend gross was down 21% from the second weekend , but was still enough to keep the film in first place in the Japan box office ranking for three consecutive weekends. The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba's official X (formerly Twitter) announced on August 4 that the film's cumulative total gross had reached 17,639,557,600 yen (120 million Usd) on 12,558,582 admissions in 17 days since its release in Japan on July 18, which was 112 % of the three-week gross of the franchise's previous film in 2020, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train . As previously reported , Infinity Castle already broke the record for the fastest Japanese film to reach the 10 billion mark. Demon Slayer: Kimetsi no Yaiba Infinity Castle now stands at tenth place in the all-time box office ranking...

Despite high hopes for Gachiakuta, one of the most highly anticipated series of the Summer 2025 anime season has struggled to match its reputation, even with an entire "world takeover" in celebration of the new release. Gachiakuta is streaming on Crunchyroll in North America, as well as being accessible on Prime Video via Crunchyroll and via Netflix in some regions of Asia.

Although the anime feels incredibly easy to watch, the streaming charts have not reflected this accessibility, nor its reputation as one of the best anime of the new season. Per FlixPatrol, while series such as Squid Game and The Sandman on Netflix and We Were Liars and Ballard on Prime Video have dominated the streaming charts this week for worldwide viewers, Gachiakuta has so far failed to rank at all on either streaming service. Its lack of appearance follows more than one anime title consistently making it into the...

Line Manga, the Japanese-language platform operated by Naver Webtoon, has emerged as the highest-grossing application in Japan during the first half of 2025, according to newly released data.

Mobile analytics firm Data.ai reported that Line Manga ranked No. 1 in consumer spending across Japan’s app market, including both iOS and Android platforms, for the January to June 2025 period.

Kakao’s Piccoma app, which had long held the top spot, dropped to second place, followed by the mobile game Pokémon Tcg Pocket. Game titles such as Monster Strike and Last War: Survival Game also made it to the list.

Line Manga also retained its no. 1 ranking in the manga and novel app category for two consecutive periods, the latter half of 2024 and the first half of 2025.

Related:

Japan Overtakes Korea As Webtoon Entertainment’s Top Market Amid $153M Loss In 2024

Naver Webtoon has been ramping up its expansion efforts in Japan.

For the second consecutive year, the two best Asian film festivals in America are inexplicably happening in the same city at the same time.

Back in the day, and for more than a decade, the New York Asian Film Festival took place just before Japan Cuts, and the two festivals would occasionally join forces to throw their combined weight behind particularly special or challenging pieces of work. For reasons that remain unclear, the events now overlap. That might be great news for anyone who travels to Manhattan for the sole purpose of binging the best new movies from around the world (which isn’t an oxymoron so much a testament to the festivals’ growing interest in diasporic cinema). Still, it’s a massive headache for people who live here and appreciate how the programming at the New York Asian Film Festival and Japan Cuts has always offered different but complementary experiences,...

The Summer 2025 anime season is just around the corner. So it's no surprise that this week's anime news is dominated by new information about the upcoming season. The Bam Smack Pow team has got you covered for everything you need to know about anime this summer!

With that, let's dive into this week's biggest reveals.

Crunchyroll reveals Summer 2025 schedule In this photo illustration a Crunchyroll Inc. logo seen... | Sopa Images/GettyImages

Crunchyroll has announced a comprehensive list of the anime to coming to the streaming service this summer, showcasing the both new and returning series coming when the new anime reason begins.

Crunchyroll's Summer 2025 line-up includes:

• Clevatess

• My Dress-Up Darling season 2

• Kaiju No. 8 season 2

• Arknights: Rise From Ember

• Dr. Stone Science Future cour 2 (i.e. the second part of the season that already aired)

Elsewhere, Crunchyroll has confirmed its slate of English dubbed series for the Summer 2025 season. The exact...

The 27th edition of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (Ssff & Asia), an Academy Award®-accredited festival and one of Asia’s largest international short film festivals, was held in 2025.

Under the theme “creative active generative,” the festival aimed to bring together filmmakers from around the world to showcase their creativity, foster interactions between works, audiences, creators, and companies, and generate new synergies. The festival also embraced emerging technologies, including generative AI, to create new forms of creative expression and envisioned the future of Ssff & Asia.

At the Awards Ceremony — honors were presented across a wide range of categories, including a record-setting five films that qualified for nomination for the following year’s Academy Awards®. These included the three live-action categories, as well as the Non-Fiction and Animation categories.

In addition, awards were also presented for the U-25 Project, the Shibuya Diversity Award, the Hoppy Happy Award, the Global Spotlight Award,...

In 2023, the multi-hyphenate musician Yoshiki made his directorial debut with the documentary Yoshiki: Under the Sky, and became the first Japanese artist to have his handprints immortalized in cement at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre. Now, a chance encounter on the small screen has led to him creating J-pop girl group Bi-ray, and they’re taking on Hollywood with “Butterfly,” the theme song for Rebel Wilson’s action comedy Bride Hard.

“I’m extremely busy. I’m doing a million projects,” chuckles Yoshiki, a 2025 TIME100 honoree who has his own wine,...

The countdown is on for Kaiju No. 8 fans. On June 19, the anime's production team will drop the highly anticipated main trailer for season 2, giving fans their first extended look at what is next. The official release date for the season is July 19, but this trailer promises to reveal much more about the story's new direction, especially with Gen Narumi, “Japan’s Strongest Anti-Kaiju Combatant,” taking the spotlight.

This trailer is not just another teaser, it marks a major turning point, according to Anime Corner. While the brief teaser released back in March gave a taste of the action to come, this full trailer will likely showcase new visuals, deeper character dynamics, and a more intense tone. The recently released key visual already hinted at a darker, more epic season ahead, and fans have high expectations now that Gen is confirmed to play a central role in the narrative.

Gen Narumi...

Mercy For None Becomes Netflix’s Breakout K-Drama(Photo Credit –Netflix)

Korean thriller dramas have been delivering quality dramas with their engaging narratives, rounded characters, and brilliant cinematography. There is a new thriller drama in town that has ranked #2 on Netflix’s global top 10 non-English shows within a few days of its release. The drama is So Ji-sub starrer Mercy for None. It is adapted from the web novel Plaza Wars, written by Oh Se Hyung and illustrated by Kim Kyun Tae. This drama premiered on Netflix on June 6 with all seven episodes released at once. Mercy for None is directed by Choi Seung-eun and written by Yoo Ki-seong. If you have not picked the drama yet, let us convince you to watch Mercy for None on Netflix.

What is the plot of Netflix’s Mercy for None?

Nam Gi-jun (So Ji-sub) is a retired hitman who was once an...

Squid Game’s Journey So Far: Major Reveals, Deaths & That Brutal Season 2(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Netflix’s Squid Game took the world by storm with its unexpected twists, deadly challenges, and deeply relatable characters. As we eagerly await Season 3, fans can’t help but buzz with anticipation. But before diving into the new season, let’s take a moment to revisit the thrilling events of Seasons 1 and 2.

What Happened In Squid Game Season 1?

It all started when a desperate Gi-hun crossed paths with a mysterious and charming salesman (Gong Yoo) in a Seoul subway. He was invited to play a childhood game called ddakji for some quick cash. That one game brought him directly into a life-and-death battle, with 456 players, all drowning in debt, fighting for a cash prize of out-of-this-world proportions.

What appeared to be just children’s games turned out to be a nightmare. With masked guards known...

K-Pop Icons Iu, BoA & Jang Wonyoung Are Suing Trolls For Defamation Amid Escalating Online Hate ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Being famous isn’t always rainbows and sunshine; it often brings a lot of problems. Staying under the spotlight often follows a constant scrutiny from people, and whatever you do gets measured by the public. It can be appreciated or it can be brutally hated, and that might affect your mental peace. That’s what’s been happening to the Korean celebrities recently.

Many K-pop artists like Iu (idol-turned-actress), BoA, and Ive’s Jang Wonyoung have been facing the same thing. And this growing public rage and backlash are happening because of the social media platforms. It’s getting easier to attack the top entertainers nowadays. So, they have taken legal action against malicious defamation and character assassinations. Scroll ahead to find out what has happened with these female K-pop celebs.

BoA...

Jungkook Lands In Controversy Over Japan ‘Maga’ Hat(Photo Credit –Instagram)

On June 11, 2025, Jimin and Jungkook were discharged from the military, and their pictures went viral on social media platforms. The Army (BTS fandom) has gone crazy, and it’s the K-pop band that has been trending on X (previously known as Twitter), Instagram, and other social media platforms for the last couple of days. Soon after the discharge, Jungkook made a special appearance at J-Hope’s concert in Seoul, leaving the fans in a frenzy.

However, what could have been a great experience turned into a nightmare as the K-pop artist got into a controversy over a clothing piece that he wore to the concert. Now, he has apologized to his fans as well. But here’s what had happened and why people were against it. Scroll ahead.

Jungkook’s Hat Sparks Controversy After Military Discharge

On June 13, J-Hope...

The official youTube channel for voice actor Kiyono Yasuno (Megumi Kato in Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend ) has started streaming a music video for "Yannaruwa" ("I get tired of it"), the lead track of her upcoming fourth mini-album "Ame ga Yamu made." ("Until the rain stops"). According to her official website , before shooting the music video, Yasuno was asked about her impression of the song and her enthusiasm for the shoot: "One word to describe this song is 'anger.' The song expresses the feelings of a strong woman," and "For the music video shooting, I watched a lot of live videos of X Japan and Akina Nakamori, and absorbed a lot of their cool performances for the shooting." Kiyono Yasuno "Yannaruwa" Music Video Yasuno made her solo artist debut with her first mini-album "Namida" in July 2017, releasing four singles, one full album, and three mini-albums to date.

The upcoming 18th edition of Japan Cuts, North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema, will kick off with a special screening of ChaO, the hotly anticipated animated feature debut from director Yasuhiro Aoki.

Produced by Studio 4ºC, the avant-garde animation house behind Mind Game and Tekkonkinkreet, ChaO reimagines a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale through a cyberpunk lens, transporting audiences to a near-future Shanghai where humans and mermen coexist. The story follows an ordinary salaryman who is unexpectedly thrust into a diplomatic marriage with a mermaid princess, triggering a whirlwind of political absurdity and emotional discovery. With over 100,000 hand-drawn frames created over the course of seven years, Aoki’s film is described as a visually extravagant and emotionally idiosyncratic passion project. Japan Cuts is hosting the special screening ahead of the film’s theatrical release in Japan in August. Gkids has acquired domestic theatrical rights.

Running July 10–20 at...

After a somewhat lackluster Season 22, it looks like Top Chef is all set for a much-needed reset. And host Kristen Kish might have just revealed the perfect way forward. That’s right – in a recent interview, she shared her top three locations for the next season: Korea, Japan, and Australia. While all three sound exciting, it’s her mention of Japan that has fans buzzing.

Japan is widely popular for its deep culinary traditions and unique flavors, which could perfectly bring in the spark Top Chef desperately needs right now. Let’s dive deeper!

Kristen Kish’s dream Season in Japan could save Top Chef Kristen Kish (right) in a still from Top Chef | Credits: Bravo

If Kristen Kish gets her way, Top Chef could be heading to Japan – and honestly, it’s exactly what the show needs right now. The Emmy-nominated host recently revealed in an interview with Gold...

The Apothecary Diaries takes place in the Inner Palace of a historical kingdom, which means there’s plenty of drama on a daily basis. Fans have come to love the unique setting and the politics between the concubines, as well as Maomao, the protagonist.

This curious little apothecary began as a servant in the Inner Palace but soon rose to an important position, solving mysteries left and right. However, Natsu Hyuuga didn’t always plan for her to be a palace servant. Instead, she was supposed to be a mother of three!

Natsu Hyuga’s original plan for Maomao is shocking

Maomao wasn’t always supposed to be this flippant girl who is obsessed with medicinal herbs. In a recent episode featured on Nhk World-Japan, author Natsu Hyuuga revealed that she had first planned for Maomao to be a mother with three children. The protagonist was supposed to work...

Japan Society has announced the full lineup for the 18th edition of Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Film at the organization’s New York headquarters.

The festival, now powered by title sponsor Gu, will showcase 30 films across 11 days, featuring two world premieres, nine North American premieres, and 10 New York premieres.

Leading this year’s guest roster, legendary filmmaker Kurosawa Kiyoshi will be honored with the 2025 Cut Above Award for outstanding achievement in film. Widely regarded as one of Japan’s most influential living directors, Kurosawa is known for modern classics including “Tokyo Sonata,” “Cure” and “Pulse.” The festival will present premieres of his latest works — psychological thriller “Cloud” and “Serpent’s Path,” a reimagining of his own 1998 original.

The festival will also welcome acclaimed actress Yuumi Kawai, this year’s best actress winner at the Japan Academy Film Prize for her performance in “A Girl Named Ann.” Kawai will attend...

Pokémonfans who have been browsing through the Pokédex for baby names will need to start over, at least if they're living in Japan. A new law going into effect soon will require parents to submit the pronunciation of their child's name to a committee for approval.

In Japan in recent years, there has been an uptick in what are called "Kira Kira" names, or names designed to be flashy or eyecatching. These names are often derived from pop culture, such as the name Pikachu, while others are simply taken from English words or names from other cultures, such as the apparently popular "Shiizaa", an approximation of the name Caesar, which was written using an alternate reading for the Kanji for Emperor. While these names are certainly strange, they can actually be much worse than merely just "strange," at least for the children who bear these Kira Kira names.

Japan's...

Clint Eastwood has reportedly bid his goodbye to Hollywood with last year’s directorial Juror #2. The nonagenarian filmmaker and actor has been one of the prolific creatives in Hollywood, with over forty credits as a director. He has explored a wide variety of genres, despite being known for his Westerns and war dramas.

Eastwood’s penultimate acting role came in The Mule, the 2018 crime drama based on the real-life World War II veteran, Leo Sharp. The film was a huge hit upon release, and Eastwood also served as the director for the film. Now, The Mule is reportedly on the top 10 list of popular movies on Netflix.

Clint Eastwood’s penultimate acting role tops Netflix charts seven years after release A still from The Mule | Credits: Warner Bros.

Some filmmakers are just timeless. Clint Eastwood rode into the scene with the Western TV drama Rawhide and became a global star...

Fans of FX’s Shogun are still reeling from the epic first season, in which Hiroyuki Sanada’s Lord Yoshii Toranaga stole the show with his cunning and quiet strength. Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, the series brought 17th-century Japan to life, earning 25 Emmy nominations, 18 wins, and a massive global following.

Season 2, heading for production, looms with a confirmed “10-year time skip,” sparking speculation about Toranaga’s fate. At 65, Sanada, who follows the beat of his real-life counterpart, Tokugawa Ieyasu (even the age), is not getting younger, and historical clues align with a logical yet heartbreaking possibility: an honorable ending for Toranaga rather than stretching his story into a potential Season 3.

What does Shogun Season 2 hold for Lord Yoshii Toranaga’s fate? Shogun Season 1 | Credit: FX

Shogun Season 1, set around 1600, left Toranaga right before he became the newly minted shogun, outwitting his rivals. The announced 10-year time skip for...

Disney must be doing really well with the Disney Store Japan merchandise because they are releasing even more pastel collection plush to the United States next week!  I have been saying that if they brought the asian park merchandise here people would love it, and that seems to be the case.

The new wave will include plush and very popular keychains!

Fans can purchase the new plush on Monday, April 14, starting at 8 Am Pst, 11 Am Est.

Included in the collection are,

Chip, Dale, Thumper, Miss Bunny (yay), Marie, Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, and Dumbo!

I am incredibly excited to be getting access to the keychains along with the plush! I already have some of the Duffy and Friends keychains that a fan sent me.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

The post More Disney Store Japan Plush Coming To The U.S.A! appeared first on Pnp News.

Silambarasan Maanaadu Japan Release ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Silambarasan Tr’s game-changing sci-fi thriller Maanaadu is now poised to make waves on the international stage. Producer Suresh Kamatchi has officially confirmed that Venkat Prabhu’s directorial will release in Japan. This makes Maanaadu one of the few Tamil sci-fi thrillers to receive a theatrical release in the Japanese market, giving Kollywood yet another reason to celebrate its growing global reach.

Taking to social media, Kamatchi wrote in Tamil, which roughly translates to,

“A good film is like a beautiful bird. It is loved across continents. #Manadu is currently set to release in Japan in May. We are confident that this loophole screenplay will capture the hearts of the Japanese.”

Trending Daveed Ott Release Date Update: When & Where To Watch Antony Varghese Pepe’s Sports Drama Online?

Peddi (Hindi) First Shot Review: If This Is Ram Charan’s Bhojpuri-sh Accent Resonating “Zindagi Jhand Baa…...

On Sunday April 6 2025, National Geographic broadcasts David Blaine Do Not Attempt!

Japan Season 1 Episode 6 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “David Blaine Do Not Attempt,” titled “Japan,” promises to take viewers on a fascinating journey into the heart of Japanese culture. This episode will air on National Geographic and is set to showcase the incredible dedication of individuals who have devoted their lives to mastering a single skill.

In “Japan,” David Blaine travels to this beautiful country to meet various masters. These experts have spent years, even decades, honing their crafts. From traditional arts to unique trades, each master has a story to tell and a skill to demonstrate. David’s encounters will highlight the passion and commitment these individuals have for their art.

As David learns from these masters, viewers will see the intricate details and techniques that go into their work. The episode aims to capture the essence...

If Asia is a galaxy, contemporary Asia is the planet the Far East Film Festival (Feff) of Udine has observed since its first edition in 1999. Now in its 27th year, the festival remains focused on the evolving landscape of Asian cinema. This year’s lineup includes 75 titles from 11 countries: 7 world premieres, 15 international premieres, 20 European premieres, and 19 Italian premieres. The selection spans popular cinema, auteur films, and tributes to the past, offering a deep look at today’s Asia.

Graphic designer Roberto Rosolin captures this perspective in Feff’s official image, reinforcing the festival’s ever-curious gaze.

In 2024, legendary filmmaker Zhang Yimou received the Golden Mulberry for Lifetime Achievement Award at Feff. This year, the honor goes to a queen of Asian cinema: Sylvia Chang—actress, singer, director, screenwriter, producer, and radio DJ. “Icon” may be overused, but few words truly capture her impact. Audiences will be able to celebrate her...

On Tuesday 1 April 2025, ITV broadcasts Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad!

Japan (Tokyo) Season 6 Episode 1 Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of “Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad,” titled “Japan (Tokyo),” the adventure takes place in the bustling capital of Japan. Bradley and Barney are set to explore the vibrant culture and unique experiences that Tokyo has to offer.

The episode begins with the duo diving into Japan’s national sport, Sumo. Viewers can expect to see Bradley and Barney learn about this fascinating tradition, which is not just a sport but a significant part of Japanese culture. They will likely have some fun moments as they try their hand at Sumo, showcasing their personalities and humor along the way.

Another highlight of the episode is when Bradley faces his fear of heights. The pair will venture onto a hanging bridge that promises to be both thrilling and daunting. This...

In the upcoming episode of “David Blaine Do Not Attempt,” titled “Japan,” viewers can expect an intriguing journey into the heart of Japanese culture. Airing on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 9:53 Pm on National Geographic, this episode promises to showcase the extraordinary dedication of masters who have spent their lives perfecting a single skill.

David Blaine, known for his unique approach to magic and performance, will immerse himself in the rich traditions of Japan. The episode will explore the art of mastery as David meets individuals who have devoted years, even decades, to honing their crafts. From traditional arts to modern skills, the episode highlights the beauty and discipline involved in becoming a true master.

As David interacts with these skilled artisans, the episode will reveal not only their techniques but also the philosophy behind their relentless pursuit of perfection. This exploration of skill and dedication is sure to inspire and captivate,...

The Solo Leveling Season 2 finale fight was an absolute banger! A-1 Pictures truly went beyond its limits with its stunning animation in the fight between Jinwoo and Beru. No wonder it broke so many records and now has more likes on Crunchyroll than any other anime ever.

Sung Jinwoo Sitting on the Roof | Credit: A-1 Pictures

But amidst all the excitement, the anime kind of screwed up on one major aspect in this final arc of Season 2: they literally offscreened Goto Ryuji’s death! If you’re a fan of the Manhwa, you know why his character was super hyped, and the anime’s take on his finale was pretty underwhelming.

Fans had been building up to this moment for so long, and while the Manhwa did the Light Novel justice, the anime just didn’t quite hit the mark. So, what exactly did the anime miss?

The anime...

Right after the broadcast of the final 25th episode of the TV anime Orb: On the Movements of the Earth in Japan on March 16, Japanese rock band Sakanaction released a music video for the anime's opening theme song, “Kaiju” on their official YouTube channel . Yusuka Tanaka , who has worked on six previous music videos for the band, served as director again. It features the band's vocalist and guitarist Ichiro Yamaguchi wandering through a dimly lit passageway while carefully holding an object that appears to be an egg, depicting a world of unique visual beauty and alien tension. The video reached one million views within 16 hours since its release, and it has now over 1.7 million views as of this written. Sakanaction "Kaiju" Music Video Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Creditless Opening Video "Kaiju" released digitally on February 20, ranking number on Oricon's weekly digital single charts in its first week.

When the 51st issue of Weekly Shonen Jump was published in Japan in 1984, few could have predicted how historic it would become. Inside its pages was the very first chapter of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, a series that would go on to conquer the world and set a new standard for manga and anime storytelling from Japan. While the issue sold millions of copies—typical for Shonen Jump in the 1980s—very few copies of this historic issue have survived in good condition.

Now, a rare copy of Weekly Shonen Jump featuring the first installment of Dragon Ball in near-mint condition has been sold at auction in Japan. While the issue originally retailed for a mere 170 yen (approximately $1.15) when first published, the final auction price reached a head-spinning 3.8 million yen. Could this sale signal a rise in Japan’s collectible manga market?

Japan’s Collectible Manga Market: A Growing Trend?...

This article discusses some sensitive issues. Reader discretion is advised.

There are over 1,000 episodes of the original Pokémon series anime, each perfectly tailored for a child or teen audience. But there are a few episodes, known as the "Banned Pokémon Episodes" that never saw the light of day. For many reasons, these episodes of the animated series were pulled from airing in a specific country.

Some banned episodes have little impact on a series' plot or characters, while others do. While certain episodes are banned internationally, including in the English and Japanese dubs, others face temporary postponements. This guide explores each case and the reasons behind their bans in different regions.

This Banned Pokémon Episode Coined The Term "Pokémon Shock" In Japan Pokémon Episode 38, "Electric Soldier Porygon" Was Banned Internationally

The most infamous banned episode is the 38th episode of the Pokemon animated series, which involved a large Porygon. This...

Wicked Box Office: Set To Release In Japan(Photo Credit – Instagram)

Oscar-winning musical fantasy Wicked is still running at the box office and is set to be released in Japan. The movie will potentially see a boost in box office performance after its Oscar wins, and it might even help the film earn record numbers in Japan. There is a chance it might surpass the worldwide haul of Keanu Reeves’s starrer The Matrix Reloaded. Scroll below for the deets.

The movie was released around Thanksgiving and registered several box office records. It was directed by Jon M Chu, adapting the first act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The film featured Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Made on a budget of $150 million, it is the fifth highest-grossing film of last year.

For the uninitiated,...

A popular magazine in Japan recently announced the results of the bi-annual "National Treasure Level-Handsome Men" survey. Takeo Otsuka, who voices Aquamarine from Oshi no Ko and Jinshi from The Apothecary Diaries, has officially earned the title of Japan's most handsome voice actor for the latter half of 2024.

Per Oricon, the aforementioned magazine is ViVi, a monthly fashion magazine with a target demographic of women aged 17-27. Sitting at the top of ViVi's Top 10 "most handsome men" rankings is Otsuka, who narrowly defeated Nobuhiko Okomoto, best known for his role as Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia. The third-place winner is Nobunaga Shimazaki, the star of CloverWorks' popular martial arts-focused drama, Wind Breaker. The full list of winners, ranked from most to least popular, are listed below.

Related "If She Were Still Alive": Oshi no Ko Creator Reveals Ai Hoshino's Would-Be Future Career

A major fashion magazine reveals a...

A new manga prequel story featuring Shadow the Hedgehog is expected to release just in time for Sonic the Hedgehog 3's long-awaited launch. With only a couple of weeks remaining in 2024, all eyes are fixed on Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Following the success of the two films that came before it, fans are gearing up for the ultimate confrontation between Sonic and Shadow, especially with Keanu Reeves set to voice the latter. Now, with only a few days left until its release, a new manga featuring the pair is preparing to release in select regions.

According to Manga Mogura Re (Anime & Manga News) on X, Paramount Pictures and Sega of America are giving out a brand-new manga starring Sonic and Shadow that serves as a prequel to the highly anticipated film. Titled Sonic x Shadow Tokyo Mission - Episode 0, the cover features the titular hedgehogs closing in on each...

Today, November 22 (in Japan), the opening day of the second chapter's theatrical screenings, the official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series released a teaser trailer for "Gunjou no Asteroid" (literally means "Asteroid of the Ultramarine Blue), the third chapter of its latest installment, Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 . The clip confirms that the third of the new seven-chapter series (consisting of 26 episodes) will start its theatrical screenings in Japan on April 11, 2025 . And the visual is newly-drawn by Kia Asamiya ( Silent Möbius ), who has served as the image drawing artist for the series. Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Chapter 3 Teaser Trailer Teaser visual Related : Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 Casts Megumi Han in Voice Actor Mother's Classic Role Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 is based on the feature film Be Forever Yamato ( Yamato yo Towa ni in Japan) in 1980, and also includes some elements from the third original...

Netflix is teaming with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment for an untitled series that will mark his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut. The series was unveiled at the streamer’s International Showcase on Monday.

“Set against the backdrop of the film industry, this multi-genre project promises an audacious, unabashed, entertaining ride through the adventures of a charming, ambitious outsider navigating the glitzy yet tricky world of Bollywood,” according to a description provided by Netflix. “The series blends a high-stakes narrative with self-aware humor, featuring blockbuster cameos and larger-than-life characters for an unforgettable, tongue-in-cheek take on Indian cinema.”

“We are excited to present this new series with Netflix that offers a refreshing look into the glamorous cinematic world and what it takes to succeed as an outsider,” said Shah Rukh Khan. “It’s a unique narrative brought to life by Aryan, many passionate minds and the team at Red Chillies Entertainment.

James Cameron's Avatar has an uncanny resemblance to Edward Zwicks 2003 film, The Last Samurai. Although Avatar has elements that distinguish it from other movies, it's difficult to deny that it is thematically and narratively similar to The Last Samurai. The fact that Avatar is the highest-grossing movie of all time is a testament to how its world-building and visual effects make it a groundbreaking film. However, it's clear to see that Avatar utilizes several tropes that have been seen in other projects including The Last Samurai.

Given Avatar's similarities to The Last Samurai, it was only a matter of time before Cameron was accused of copying the film. Cameron has denied these accusations and claims to have had the idea for Avatar long before the release of the movies he is said to have copied (via Insider). It is worth noting that The Last Samurai isn't the only...

In Fukasaku Kinji’s Sympathy for the Underdog, Tsuruta Kôji’s Gunji walks out of prison after a long sentence and immediately sets out to reclaim turf for his yakuza clan. While Fukasaku’s Japan Organized Crime Boss, from 1969, starts off in similar fashion, with Tsurata’s Tsukamoto receiving a hero’s welcome following his stay in prison, the man looks to keep the peace amid an ever-expanding proxy war between yakuza gangs throughout Japan. He’s principled and, at least in relation to the traditional yakuza code, fiercely honorable, holding true to his word and remaining content for his clan, the Hamanaka Family, to hold on to their territory.

Of course, because the shifting tides of political and social forces in post-war Japan—due in large part to the nation’s wide-scale embracing of Western values and capitalism—are in full force, consolidation and expansion, by any means necessary,...

IShowSpeed was put on planet Earth to entertain and he does that perfectly. Being a through-and-through entertainer, what the high-energy YouTuber is doing with his content is something we haven’t seen before. From insane reactions to chaotic live streams, IShowSpeed has proven time and again that he’s taking the field of content creation to the next level.

IShowSpeed in Shake Mv | Credits: IShowSpeed / YouTube

Whether it’s jumping over cars or sprinting against the fastest man in the world, you never know what Speed will bring to the table next. Speaking of the latter, Speed lost a 50m race worth $100K against Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles. Still, fans praised the YouTuber, and commended him for delivering a neck-to-neck competition. However, there are others who believe that Noah Lyles was simply not giving his best.

IShowSpeed Almost Won a Race Against Noah Lyles Noah Lyles defeats IShowSpeed in...

On Wednesday 6 November 2024, Channel 5 broadcasts Reu & Harper’s Wonder World!

Japan Season 2 Episode 13 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Reu & Harper’s Wonder World” titled “Japan” promises an exciting adventure for the young hosts and their friends. Airing soon on Channel 5, this episode will take viewers on a colorful journey to explore the rich culture and traditions of Japan.

In this episode, Reika and Taiga invite Reu and Harper for a special playdate. The children will learn all about Japan, the home country of Reika and Taiga’s mummy. This episode offers a wonderful opportunity for everyone to discover the sights, sounds, and tastes of Japan.

Viewers can expect fun activities that showcase Japanese culture, including traditional games, art, and maybe even some delicious food. The excitement of learning about another country through play will surely engage young minds and spark curiosity about the world beyond their own.

“Japan...

The official website and accounts for the ongoing Blue Lock 2nd Season TV anime released a new key visual and promo videos for the upcoming Blue Lock Eleven versus U-20 Japan match, set to begin with Episode 30 on November 9. New voice cast members for the U-20 Japan team was also announced . Blue Lock 2nd Season Blue Lock Eleven Roster Video Blue Lock 2nd Season U-20 Japan Roster Video The new cast members for the U-20 Japan team announced include: Kento Chou voiced by Jun Kasama (Hisashi Mitsui in The First Slam Dunk ) Teru Kitsunezato voiced by Gakuto Kajiwara (Asta in Black Clover ) Itsuki Wakatsuki voiced by Taito Ban (Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling ) Haru Hayate voiced by Kensho Ono (Giorno Giovanna in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind ) Miroku Darai voiced by Yusuke Shirai (Shumei Sasaki in Sasaki and Miyano ) Kazuma Niou voiced by Takuya Sato (Toshiki Kai in Cardfight!! Vanguard...

Dragon Ball Daima's first three episodes have wowed fans and critics alike, with many people praising the series for taking Dragon Ball back to its roots by reintroducing the comedic and fantasy-influenced elements that vanished from the franchise in its later years. It has also shown that taking Goku and his friends out of their comfort zones and dropping them in a new location can have great results. Because of this, if the writers are stuck for ideas after Goku's Demon Realm adventure, they should take inspiration from an overlooked Dragon Ball TV special and send Goku back in time for his next major adventure.

In 1987, the Japanese television network Fuji TV ran a special extended broadcast to celebrate its 30th year on the air. This broadcast did so well that it would become a tradition, with the station producing a new special broadcast each year at around the same time.