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Happy New Year 2016 — Anime Style! Part IV
For generations, people in Japan have celebrated New Year's Day by sending specially designed cards — nengajō — to each other. As part of the tradition, postal workers store all the nengajō that are mailed in the final weeks of the old year, and then deliver every single one on New Year's Day. Many nengajō mark the Chinese Zodiac by depicting the animal of the year. (In 2016, that animal is the m...
Happy New Year 2016 — Anime Style! Part III
For generations, people in Japan have celebrated New Year's Day by sending specially designed cards — nengajō — to each other. As part of the tradition, postal workers store all the nengajō that are mailed in the final weeks of the old year, and then deliver every single one on New Year's Day. Many nengajō mark the Chinese Zodiac by depicting the animal of the year. (In 2016, that animal is the m...
Happy New Year 2016 — Anime Style! Part II
For generations, people in Japan have celebrated New Year's Day by sending specially designed cards — nengajō — to each other. As part of the tradition, postal workers store all the nengajō that are mailed in the final weeks of the old year, and then deliver every single one on New Year's Day. Many nengajō mark the Chinese Zodiac by depicting the animal of the year. (In 2016, that animal is the m...
Happy New Year 2016 — Anime Style! Part I
For generations, people in Japan have celebrated New Year's Day by sending specially designed cards — nengajō — to each other. As part of the tradition, postal workers store all the nengajō that are mailed in the final weeks of the old year, and then deliver every single one on New Year's Day. Many nengajō mark the Chinese Zodiac by depicting the animal of the year. (In 2016, that animal is the m...
Eiichiro Oda Reveals Which Manga He's Most Jealous Of
And it's not an action/adventure story
― The Fuji TV program Ichiryū ga Shitto Shita Sugoi Hito ("Great People Whom the Elite are Jealous Of"), which aired on December 29, queried a number of people identified as "the elite" in their fields as to whom they might be jealous of. Among these high-profile talents was Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, who admitted that the manga he is most jealous o...
CLAMP Selects Best Cardcaptor Sakura Artwork for 20th Anniversary Book
The Cardcaptor Sakura manga's 20th anniversary has seen new merchandise and figures. What originally drew fans to the series, though, wasn't the goods but CLAMP's detailed artwork. The manga creator group sat down and looked over the three previously released Cardcaptor Sakura Memorial Artbook and the three Cardcaptor Sakura Illustration Collection Artbooks to select their favorite art pieces. Th...
Universal Studios Japan's Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Attraction Teased in Video
Universal Studios Japan's upcoming Universal Cool Japan campaign rides are rolling out in January with a new ride attraction inspired by fashion model and singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Crayon Shin-chan). Fan anticipating the launch of "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu XR Ride" got a sneak peek of the experience in a new ad. The ride will feature strange creatures and monsters with original music by producer Yasutaka...
Bandai Introducing Lego-Like Dragon Ball Z Figmes
Candy Toy Bandai revealed it will release a series of eight mini Dragon Ball Z character figures. Unlike other desktop or pocket-size toys, the "Figme" line closely resembles Lego's own Minifigs. Despite the similar appearance, there's no indication that the toys are actually compatible with Lego pieces. Slated for release in February, the line-up includes Goku, Super Saiyan Goku, Vegeta, Super S...
Shibuya Gallery Holds Retrospective for Late Godzilla, Star Wars Illustrator Noriyoshi Ōrai
Starting on December 30, the PARCO GALLERY X in Shibuya will hold a retrospective on the career of late illustrator Noriyoshi Ōrai. Ōrai, who passed in October, created acclaimed movie poster artwork for Star Wars, Godzilla, Japan Sinks and other films and video games over the course of his 50-year career. The exhibit will include both finished work and sketches by Ōrai. Godzilla special effects a...
Tōken Ranbu, Arpeggio of Blue Steel More Cosplayers Show Their Stuff at Comiket 89
Comic Market 89 drew throngs of fans on its first day. While plenty were happy to be there and snatch up their favorite merchandise and fan works, others also showed off their favorite characters in elaborate costumes. Tōken Ranbu Sound! Euphonium Saber from Fate/Stay Night Nico and Eli from Love Live! Iona Arpeggio of Blue Steel One particular Gundam Barbatos cosplay from Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron...
Akira Toriyama's Dr. Slump Series Get Desktop Figures
Gachapon machines across Japan are getting six Dr. Slump desktop figures. The character figures can sit at a desk, perch on a glass, or comically interact with office supplies. Arale is shown poking Poop-Boy with a stick. Obotchaman hides next to a book. Gatchan (green and blonde hair versions) pose cutely on a cup rim. King Nikochan can hold your business card. Suppaman strains to lift any objec...
Adult Japanese Fans Pick Top Anime That Made Them Cry
My Navi Student held a poll for grown-up fans to pick which tragic anime series had them reaching for the tissues. While most fans immediately recall Grave of the Fireflies or One Piece's Going Merry special, neither show up on the list. Here what the participants chose. #1: Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 This 11-episode series about two children attempting to survive a national disaster pulls at viewers hea...
Realistic Gundam Barbatos Cosplay Spotted at Comiket 89
Comiket 89 kicked off today and cosplayers are already taking over the outside of Tokyo Big Sight. One Mobile Suit immediately turned heads. With Orga and Mika in tow, a realistic, highly-detailed Gundam Barbados was seen at the event. コミケに現れたガンダムバルバトスのコスプレがハイクオリティ過ぎる!! https://t.co/JmhSX3zFfm pic.twitter.com/TdRo7E9dIT— ふぁぼる (@rt_favoru) December 29, 2015 準備完了バルバトス登場! pic.twitter.com/py1iLm5F7X— ...
Mobile Suit Gundam Animation Director Says Series' Pro-War Message is a Mix-Up
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko starting working on the Gundam franchise at square one: he was the character designer and animation director for Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979 and would continue leaving his touch on the franchise in later installments. He is both the artist and writer of the Mobile Suit Gundam: Origin manga and is chief director of its anime adaptation. Critics have reflected on Mobile Suit Gundam...
Good Smile Racing Returns in 2016 with Art Director Shigeto Koyama
Good Smile Racing, the subsidiary company of Good Smile Company that sponsors the Team UYKO Super GT 300 race team, unveiled the design for Racing Miku 2016, the Hatsune Miku design that will grace their vehicles and promo materials for the next year. Shigeto Koyama (Gundam Reconguista in G, Evangelion: 3.0) is overseeing the art direction. The design was illustrated by Mai Yoneyama (Kiznaiver cha...
Rei Ayanami Gets Sword-Wielding Kimono Doll
Takara Tomy opened pre-orders on Thursday for an articulated Rei Ayanami doll. Wearing a white kimono printed with chrysanthemums and wielding a short Japanese sword, Rei is the third in a series based on the Evangelion and Japanese Swords Exhibit that toured Japan and Europe. Takara Tomy will ship the Rei doll in June. The doll measures 33cm (13in) high and comes with an undershirt, kimono, obi ...
Pokkén Tournament Fighting Game Gets Official Controller in N. America, Japan
An official controller for Bandai Namco's Pokkén Tournament Wii U fighting game is heading to North America. The controller is made by HORI and is a replica of the one used in the Japanese arcade machines. Amazon is currently listing the controller for US$24.99 with a tentative March 18 release date. Details state that the controller is only functional with Pokkén Tournament. The game debuted in ...
Power Up Your Lunch with One-Punch Man Bento
A balanced lunch is an important part of hero's day. You can power yours up with ketchup rice, eggs, cheese, ham, and a few other ingredients to create an edible One-Punch Man. The recipe calls for: Ketchup Rice 1.5 cups of rice 2.5 tablespoons of ketchup Salt and pepper to taste Usuyaki Eggs 2 Eggs Salt and pepper to taste Ketchup Jelly 3 tablespoons of ketchup 3 1/3oz of water 1/2 tsp Gelatin Sa...
Dōjin Circle Numbers Reveal Top Series at Comiket 89
KanColle, Tōken Ranbu top; Comiket 90 predictions include Mr. Osomatsu
― Fans are gearing up for this winter's Comic Market 89 next weekend. While lines may be longer, one thing remains consistent: Kantai Collection is still the most popular franchise for dōjin circles. A total of 2,747 circles dedicated to ship girls were registered, an increase of almost a 1,000 compared to this year's summer Comik...
14-Year-Old Manga Artist Wins Shogakukan's Newcomer Artist Award
Idol Kyūkō follows struggles of idol singer
― Watch out, Nozaki-kun — there's a new shōjo manga artist even younger than you. Ran Tokiwa won the Shogakukan Newcomer Comic Grand Prize for her debut manga Idol Kyūkō ("Idol Bustle"), about the member of an idol group, which runs in the magazine Ciao. Tokiwa is only 14 years old and is a third-year middle school student in Aichi Prefecture (the Nago...
New, Improved D-3 Digivice Makes 15th Anniversary Comeback
More Digimon, more stages, backwards compatibility
― With the 15th anniversary of Digimon Adventure 02 this year, Digimon fans are reveling in nostalgia. For those who loved playing with Digivices, an upgraded version of the D-3 associated with that show is here: D-3 ver. 15th. Although they come in two colors — white and blue, modeled after Davis's (Daisuke's), and black, modeled after Ken's &...
Relive the Early Days of the Pokemon Card Game with Original Starter Pack
Also: original card shields, play mat
― Next year, the Pokemon trading card game reaches its 20th anniversary — the cards first went on sale in Japan in October 1996. To help bring back some memories, the original starter pack will be re-released on February 27 for 1,300 yen ($10.80). The starter pack was designed to introduce budding Pokemon fans to the game, and it can still serve this purpos...
FFXIII's Lightning Models Louis Vuitton Video Game-Themed Collection
Louis Vuitton's Spring 2016 ready-to-wear show in Paris turned heads in October when the French fashion house debuted a collection that pulled inspiration from the likes of Sailor Moon, Ghost in the Shell, and even Akira. Designer Nicolas Ghesquière credited the show's inspiration to the digital world, like Tron and Minecraft. The motif continues on the back of their latest model; Final Fantasy XI...
Gakuen Handsome's Sakuya Mitsurugi Gyrates Through 1st Music Video
The infamous and weirdly designed boy's love visual novel Gakuen Handsome got an equally strange original video anime earlier this year. Starring a cast of boys with needle-sharp chins, the anime's cast is now moving into character song CD territory. Sakuya Mitsurugi, the purple-haired bishōnen-type, is singing the first single, "Legend of Sexy." Like the anime, the song's music video is flash ani...
Japan Gets Original Pokémon Commemorative 2DS Consoles
Nintendo launched its 2DS a console, a spin on the 3DS without the 3D viewing capability, in North America in 2013. Strangely, the portable console has yet to be released in Japan but Nintendo recently revealed that not only will the 2DS make it's Japan debut, but it'll get four special versions. On February 27, 2016, Nintendo will release four Pokemon 2DS color variants to celebrate the popular ...
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Actors Interested in Japanese Pop Culture
Also: director J.J. Abrams impressed with AKB48
― Star Wars has widely acknowledged influences from Japanese culture, from the original film's plot's resemblance to the 1958 film The Hidden Fortress to samurai overtones in the depiction of the Jedi and Darth Vader. In an interview with Rocket News 24 on a promotional tour of Japan, the actors Daisy Ridley (Rey) and John Boyega (Finn) opened up about ...
Zaku, Gundam Battle In Front of New Gundam Store in Osaka
Tokyo has several must-see destinations for the Mobile Suit Gundam enthusiast, like the Gundam Cafe in Akihabara and the Gundam Front Tokyo in Odaiba, complete with a life-size Gundam statue outside. But Tokyo's eternal rival Osaka has long lacked these sorts of Gundam shrines and settled for general anime and hobby stores. Beginning last November, these has been rectified with Gundam Square, the ...
Holiday Greetings from the Anime World!
Get yourself in the holiday spirit by checking out these holiday greetings from artists and companies within the anime and manga industry, and anime and manga properties! Series are listed alphabetically, while artists are listed by their surname. Click on each image for larger versions; they'll open in a new window automatically. Anime Festival Asia/SOZO [Link] Moyoco Anno (Sugar Sugar Rune) 【ショ...
Star Wars, Disney Acts to Appear in New Year's Song Contest
On December 23, the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, or Red & White Song Contest, announced that the male idol group Arashi will perform a tribute to Star Wars at this year's show. They will appear on stage with C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, and other icons of the film series — including BB-8 from the new Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. And that's not all: There will also be a Disney...
Fashion Model Recreates Detective Conan Heroine Ran's Gravity-Defying Hair
Heroine Ran Mōri from Detective Conan has ranked highly in a crazy hair poll for her nonsensical hair spike. In a recent collaboration, Detective Conan, the mobile role-playing quiz/card-battle game Kuroneko no Wiz, and model Rui Kumae have attempted to recreate Ran's hairstyle in real life. With the trusted hands of hairstylist Misa Fujikawa, the (ridiculous) concept became a reality. And no, the...
Thailand, Indonesia Take Top Prizes in 2015 Gunpla Builders World Cup
The winners of this year's GunPla Builders World Cup were announced at Gundam Front Tokyo on December 20. A total of 13 countries were represented in the 24 finalist entries. The 3rd place winners for the Open Course (ages 15+) and Junior Course (under 15) were Ho Yick Yin from Malaysia with the entry "The Angel" and Natcha Waiphimai from Thailand with "Operation Desert Storm." The 2nd place winne...
U.K. Live-Action 'Death Note' Film Borrows Plot Elements, Title of Popular Manga
Small studio movies, especially horror films, have managed to skirt copyright of popular properties, whether its inspiration or questionable cameos. Titles are usually changed just enough with a few plot details switched around in the hopes of maybe a confused grandma will accidentally buy Transmorphers instead of Transformers. One particular U.K. film is going beyond that. The British-Irish horro...
84% of Japanese College Students Have Never Read Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball manga and subsequent anime series is considered a major cornerstone of shōnen entertainment. The series' later debut on Toonami in 1998 was a gateway for a whole generation of anime fans. Apparently that is no longer the case in Japan, where while Dragon Ball Super is currently airing, the manga ended over 20 years ago. My Navi Student polled 403 college students, both...
Protect Your PSVita with Official Gundam Cases
Choose your allegiance to either the Earth Federation Space Force or the Zeon Empire with these official PlayStation Vita cases. Each one is part of a three-piece set that includes the hard cover, a soft zipper case, and a cleaning cloth. The Earth Federation Space Force version is a white case with its respective logo, a blue zipper case with the silhouette of Amuro Ray and the RX-78 Gundam, and...
Eugeo Isn't the Only Character on the Back of abec's Sword Art Online Artbook
Last week the front cover of abec's Sword Art Online artbook was revealed. The book received coverage before because the design was put up to vote. The poll was quickly taken advantage of by pranksters who stuffed the ballot with votes for Kibaō. Staff adjusted the numbers, and in the end Asuna (SAO version) Yūki, Sinon (GGO version), Kirito (SAO version) and Eugeo claimed the top spots. The resu...
Relive Some of the Best One-Punch Man Moments with Viz's Digest Trailer
One-Punch Man was far and away Anime News Network readers' favorite series this year and contained some of anime's best animation sequences. The show's final episode wrapped up last Sunday. If you have any friends left that have yet to sit down and enjoy the action comedy in all its glory, Viz has a mostly spoiler-free trailer that serves as a great introduction. What were some of your favorite ba...
My Hero Academia Creator to Show Face for First Time on Manga TV Show
Won 2015 Mandō Kobayashi Award
― Kōhei Horikoshi is the winner of this year's Mandō Kobayashi Manga Grand Prize for his manga My Hero Academia. The prize is the creation of comedian and manga enthusiast Kendō Kobayashi, who discusses manga on his Fuji TV One show Mandō Kobayashi. He chooses the prize each year based on his personal taste. 2013's winner was Yasuhisa Hara (Kingdom), while Shohei Manabe...
Megumi Ogata in Hot Water Over Recent Tweets
Misunderstanding arises over praise of fan dedication
― Social media offers celebrities an unprecedented opportunity to engage with their fanbase and promote their personal brands. But if they're not careful, seemingly offhanded remarks can be seized on by certain fans and interpreted in ways the celebrity didn't intend. Casual remarks can be circulated and read much more widely than ever before, whi...
Pose K: Return of King's Saruhiko & Misaki Figures For Duel
HOMRA member Misaki Yata and Scepter 4 member Saruhiko Fushimi used to be best friends, until the latter's betrayal. Union Creative's Menshdge Technical statue line captured the duo's animosity in two new figures. The figures can be posed together to create an impressive battle scene. Misaki is posed on his skateboard, high on a swirling column of Red Aura. The figure costs 9,500 yen (US$78.50) a...
Travel in Style With Sailor Guardian Luggage
Traveling, whether by airplane or train, is usually not at the top of anyone's favorite activities list. Mail-order company SuperGroupies is looking to brighten the experience, or at the very least make finding your suitcase at the turnstile a lot easier. The company is offering a series of rolling luggage, carry on totes, and passport cases to match each of the inner Sailor Guardians. Each desig...
Tokyo Ghoul Inspires Charm Watch, Frilly Umbrella
SuperGroupies previously adapted the horror anime Tokyo Ghoul into a a cute handbag and striped booties. Now the mail-order merchandise company is revisiting the series for a new watch and umbrella. The Ken Kaneki watch is is on a chain band with clasps that can be switched out for a red and black beaded version or both can be linked together to wrap around the wrist multiple times. The chain ban...
Finalists Announced in "Japan's Cutest High School Girl" Contest
Also: Japanese variety show pits cuteness against prettiness
― Miss Con, a competition to crown Japan's cutest high school girl held by Model Press, announced its finalists on December 19. The contest is held throughout Japan, and one finalist and one semi-finalist were chosen for each of six Japanese regions (Hokkaidō/Tōhoku, Kantō, Chūbu, Kinki (Kansai), Chūgoku/Shikoku, and Kyūshū/Okinawa). Hokka...
Eiichiro Oda: Sanji Will Return in 2016
Despite his status as one of the main crew members of the Straw Hat Pirates, Sanji up and disappeared in the One Piece manga for almost two years. He first left in chapter 730 on December 9, 2013 and didn't return until chapter 795 on August 3, 2015. An announcement came at the annual One Piece Super Stage Event last weekend that promised to change all that. The staff and Eiichiro Oda assured fans...
Tsume's 1/40-Scale UFO Robo Grendizer Statue Is Stunning
Go Nagai's UFO Robo Grendizer is credited with opening the door to anime in Europe in the late 1970s. It aired on TV and cultivated a whole new fanbase of giant robots. The manga is celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Luxembourg-based Tsume is creating a truly spectacular, 80cm (31.5in) resin statue. The base displays Vega's crashed MiniFO ship with Grendizer posed victorious on top. The robot ...
Krillin and Gohan's Great Wish is for a 2016 Ford Focus
In a strange tie-in, the English dub cast of Dragon Ball Z teamed up with Ford for a web-exclusive commercial. In the ad, Krillin and Gohan summon up Porunga, the wish-granting dragon on Planet Namek. When he asks what they want for their three wishes, Krillin and Gohan describe three cars with three different features. A frustrated Porunga attempts to tell them that these are all standard in the ...
Asuna Wake-Up App Now Available Internationally
English-speaking fans of Sword Art Online will now be able to start off their day with the voice of Haruka Tomatsu, who plays Asuna. Sony Music Communications Inc. is releasing the smartphone app Wake Me Up Asuna, which consists of a selection of voice samples from the swordswoman. The English version of the app includes translated menus, subtitles, and English-voice compatibility so the app now ...
Drink Your Way to Love with Cocktail Prince Game
We've had sword boys, sushi boys, and pigeon boys (actually, just pigeons), but none of those anthropomorphizations have the same elegant appeal as cocktail boys. Geechs is filling that much needed niche with a new game slated for Fall 2016. Scarce details are available for Cocktail Ōji (Cocktail Prince) thus far. More should be announced in February. What we do know is the character's names, each...
Evangelion Films' Increasing Postponement Laid Out
Production delays have plagued khara and Hideaki Anno's Evangelion film's release schedules. Initially announced as a trilogy in 2006, the "Rebuild of Evangelion" were tenatively planned for early summer 2007, followed by the next film in spring 2008, and the last in early summer 2008. Fast-forward a year and the films get their titles and a first round of scheduling adjustments. Evangelion: 1.0 ...
Date Masamune Cocorobo Will Take Down Armies of Dust Bunnies
Move over imōto, fighting dirt is a job for experienced warlords. Sharp's series of COCOROBO premium robot vacuum is enlisting the help of Sengoku Basara's Date Masamune. The character (voiced by Kazuya Nakai) is shown on the top of the circle robot as it takes down armies of paper soldiers. The COCOROBO Date Masamune version was revealed at Jump Festa. Pre-orders opened on Saturday and will be a...
Kanna Hashimoto Reminds Us Not to Pack Heat in Movie Theaters
Promotion for upcoming Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Graduation
― Kanna Hashimoto, an actress (Ritsu in the live-action Assassination Classroom) and member of the J-pop group Rev. from DVL, is here to remind us of proper theater etiquette... and promote her upcoming film, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Graduation. The video introduces us to Izumi Hoshi, teenage head of the Medaka-gumi, and her fellow ch...
Watch One-Punch Man Fight Monsters on Three Coffee Cups
Anime characters on coffee cups is nothing new, but how often have you seen them like this? @ONE_rakugaki アニメが次で最終回ですね…>_<… 余りの紙コップに落書きして3つ重ねて作ってみました。 pic.twitter.com/BEKHovCMyJ— しんらしんげ (@shin___geki) December 15, 2015 The coffee cup artwork shows One-Punch Man's eponymous character doing what he does best — punching out monsters — while Mumen Rider cycles below. The coffee cup artwork i...
Final Fantasy XIV Gets Into the Holiday Spirit
The virtual world of Eorzea holds a winter-themed in-game holiday event every year called the Starlight Celebration. Christmas trees, garland, snowmen, and sparkling lights abound. Players can also acquire themed accessories to dress up their characters and show off their holiday spirit. Items include reindeer hooves, gloves, and antlers. Santa hats and beards. Decorative ornaments. A special even...
Dōjin Circle Releases Gourmet Guide to Voice Actresses' Shampoo
Find out which brands go down the smoothest
― Gourmands have long relied on guides to explain the different characteristics of food and drink, especially those with very subtle variations like wine. A dōjin circle is now about to sell a guidebook on voice actresses' preferences in something most wouldn't consider a beverage: shampoo. Seiyū In-Sham-Bon: Hajimete Wakaru Oishii Shampoo ("Voice Actors' S...
Movie-Loving Office Lady Webcomic Takes on Star Wars Episode VII
Heroine struggles to insulate herself from spoilers
― With the onslaught of hype, speculation, rumor, and (now) actual information about the long-awaited Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, it can be hard for some fans to shut it out and just enjoy the experience when the premiere finally comes. Machiko Kine, the protagonist of Asai's web manga Kine-san no Hitori de Cinema ("Kine's One-Woman Ci...
Attack on Titan Anthology, One-Punch Man, My Hero Academia Offered on Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day 2016 is 140 days away but next year's line-up is already planned with some manga series to keep an eye out for on May 7, 2016. Viz Media will offer Santa Harukaze's Pokemon: Pocket Comics -Legendary Pokemon- and a preview issue of ONE and Yuusuke Murata's One-Punch Man coupled with Kouhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia. Kodansha Comics will have a preview of its English-language ...
Naruto's Six Paths Sage Mode Captured in New GEM Figure
Naruto Uzumaki's Six Paths Sage Mode is captured in a new figure. The GEM line of high-quality figures is producing this impressive addition for 12,528 yen (US$103). The 1/8-scale figure comes with one face replacement part if you want to make Naruto hold a sai in his mouth. The sculptors have created the form in loving detail from his cross-like pupils to the Gudōtama floating behind him. Premiu...
Facial Recognition Software Turns You Into a High School Anime Girl
Holotech Studios' FaceRig avatar software can transform you, your friends, your dad, and your coworkers into anime high school girls. The program uses Skype and works similarly to the software that made SnapChat's filters popular, but more intricately. FaceRig maps the user's face and follows it, so the anime counterpart moves as the user moves and emotes the same expressions. The beta first debut...
Mr. Osomatsu Bros. Will Get Miniature Trading Figures
Good Smile Company's Orange Rouge line dedicated to male characters is will soon have fans clamoring to collect their favorite Matsuno brother. The line is planning miniature trading figures based on the popular characters. The anime's official account shared an image of a prototype on Twitter. 【グッズ情報】グッドスマイルカンパニーより「おそ松さん」が ミニサイズのトレーディングフィギュアで商品化決定!絶賛制作 進行中。続報にご期待ください。 #orangeruge pic.twitter.com...
Anime Characters to Feature in This Year's Red & White Song Contest
Maruko-chan, Whisper to host teams
― This year's Kōhaku Uta Gassen, or Red & White Song Contest, an annual song contest that pits male and female teams against each other on New Year's Eve, will feature an anime song segment for the first time. The category will honor anime characters who have "enchanted and moved children from the postwar period to the Heisei Era [modern times]." This includes chara...
Enjoy Figure of Hunter × Hunter's Hisoka At His Most Dazzling
Premium Bandai, Bandai's official shopping site, is taking preorders for a figure of Hisoka from Hunter × Hunter that's a little.... unorthodox. Hisoka's crotch is lit up by pressing a switch on the figure's base. According to the model sculptor, the order called for a "fast ball" and asked for a Hisoka "so cool it will entrance female fans." The sculptor is proud of the finished product, claimin...
abec's Sword Art Online Artbook Cover Revealed, Eugeo Suspiciously Absent
Last month, Dengeki Bunko revealed the results of the poll that would decide the characters that would appear on the cover of the Sword Art Online artbook. The poll had a hiccup when character Kibaō shot to the top of the character charts during the intermediary results due to fraudulent voting. In the end Asuna (SAO version) Yūki, Sinon (GGO version), Kirito (SAO version) and Eugeo claimed the t...
anohana Character Designer Masayoshi Tanaka Gets First Artbook at Comiket
Animator and character designer Masayoshi Tanaka is releasing his first artbook at this year's Comiket 89 at booth 931. The artbook collects key artwork from Tanaka's career with selections from Toradora, anohana, Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, My-HiME, Waiting in the Summer, High School of the Dead and most recently, The Anthem of the Heart film. The book itself is 300 pages. Other than official materi...
Shonen Jump+ International Contest Offers Chance at Manga Publication
You could get your manga published on Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ app if you're lucky enough to win the latest contest put on by the app and MediBang. Editors for the app will review entries and also translate entries submitted in English, Korean, and Chinese (traditional and simplified) into Japanese, so there's no worries if you're not fluent in Japanese. Entries will be accepted through MediBang's ...
Christian Charity Removes Pokémon, Harry Potter Toys from X-Mas Drive
The charity organization Samaritan's Purse sent out the last of its donated Christmas gifts on Thursday as part of its "Operation Christmas Child." The organization sent out more than 2.4 million shoeboxes of toys that passed through its processing center in Charlotte, North Carolina but not before weeding out some that were deemed "inappropriate" by the Christian organization. Samaritan's Purse r...
Life-Size Urusei Yatsura Figure Could Be Yours
... For 1 million yen
― If you've ever dreamed of having your very own magical girlfriend, Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions might help you make that dream come true. Lum, the Urusei Yatsura character who pioneered the "magical girlfriend" trope, is being sculpted in life size out of fiber-reinforced plastic and under the supervision of Rumiko Takahashi, the original manga artist, herself. Each statue...
Food Wars Stars Show Off Their Cooking Prowess (or Lack Thereof)
Promotion for upcoming voice actor event
― On February 28, fans will get a chance to see whether the stars of the hit cooking anime Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma can match their characters' skill at cooking. The Shokugeki! Maihama-sai ("Food Wars! Maihama Fest") will be held on that day at the Maihara Amphitheater in Urayasu, a suburb of Tokyo, from 1 to 2 PM and from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Yoshitsugu Matsu...
Sailor Chibi Moon's Compact Has A Secret Trinket Compartment
Bandai Premium is introducing the eighth entry in its Moonlight Memory line of compacts and pens from the Sailor Moon anime series. The Prism Heart Compact Mirror Case used by Sailor Chibi Moon has a mirror inside with an inlayed image of her mom, Neo-Queen Serenity. The false bottom can then be lifted up to store small items like earrings. Pre-orders opened today for 4,860 yen (US$39.50). The co...
NASA Looks to PlayStation VR to Train Space Robot Operators
Advances in robotics has opened doors to create AI musicians, teacher assistants, and hotel staff. The opportunities are endless. NASA is looking to send more advanced, humanoid robots into the final frontier and have them controlled remotely by operators back on Earth. The process, though, is easier said than done. NASA has turned to PlayStation's VR headset and a demo program called "Mighty Morp...
Watch Matsuno Brothers Get Moulded Out of Clay, Glass
... felt, rice flour...
― Thanks to the success of this fall's anime, Mr. Osomatsu — and doubtlessly the simplicity of its character designs — the anime's main characters, the Matsuno Brothers, have become favorite subjects for amateur artisans in Japan. Sūmaru, a Let's Player, also has a knack for working with clay, and has accordingly posted this video instructing fans of Mr. Osomatsu how...
Transform Yourself Into One-Punch Man's Saitama With Beanie
If you too feel somewhat ambivalent about the evil plots of super villains thanks to your remarkable superpowers, Ensky Hobby has a winter beanie for you. The peach colored hat can be pulled completely over the wearer's face to reveal One-Punch Man's Saitama making an ironic, smiling expression. The hat is not yet available for pre-order but will ship in February for 3,500 yen (US$28.50). Interne...
Dress Up Your Free! Boys Plushies With New Outfits
Sunrise is introducing a new series of Free! plush dolls. They look like the usual felt-type dolls that fill UFO catcher machines but these ones are customizable. Rin and Haruka are available so far in their respective school uniforms, however the uniforms are removable leaving the option to create your own clothes for them. The dolls come in two sizes. The larger version costs 1,296 yen (US$11) ...
Tiger & Bunny's Barnaby & Kotetsu Inspire Lip Balm, Perfume
The heroes of Tiger & Bunny are inspiring a softer side of merchandise, namely flavored lip balm and solid perfume. The perfume is similar to a gloss that is applied instead of a liquid that is sprayed on the body. Two "coffret" sets containing the perfume, balm, and a microfiber towel will ship in March for 3,672 yen (US$30). Kotetsu's set is green and both the lip balm and perfume are citrus he...
Ushio & Tora 1/1-Scale Beast Spear Heads to Ski Resorts
Ushio Aotsuki's trusty Beast Spear will head off to battle yokai at four of Japanese ski resorts in the Shirama-yama area. The resorts will also serve collaborative food and drinks. Visitors can see the spear in person at the Hakuba Iwatake "Sky Arc" snow field from February 1-8, at "Ski Base Camp 1" medium slopes at Kashimayari Ski Resort from February 9-15, at Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort "Yeti" f...
Watch 11,500 One Piece Fans Go for a Run
Okinawa is gearing up for its One Piece-themed 5.5km marathon in March. Prior to Okinawans making the dash, over 11,500 people in Taiwan participated in original run in May. The event featured set pieces modeled after the Fishman Island arc and Punk Hazard. Check out the adorable kids in straw hats running with all their might! Okinawa will hold the One Piece Run on March 30, 2016. Participants wi...
Trigger's Sushio Draws Eva Cast for Jigsaw Puzzle
Character designer and animator Sushio has a distinctive art style that became easily recognizable to fans after his work on Kill la Kill with Trigger. Since then he's continued to work on anime projects Japan Animator Expo, Ninja Slayer From Animation Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade, and even provided key animation for the opening of One-Punch Man. He worked on a music video for the ...
Japanese Fans Rank Most Attractive, Long-Haired Male Characters
The Charapedia website has focused on hair recently, from short-haired girls to wacky hairstyles. This week they took a look at the most attractive, long-haired guys and reaching back to designs that used to dominate shōjo love interests. Most Attractive, Long-Hair Male Anime Characters Kotarō Katsura (Gintama) Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin) Atsushi Murasakibara (Kuroko's Basketball) Edward Elri...
Increased Security Measures Could Bode Longer Lines at Comiket
Comiket 89 will take over Tokyo Big Sight in a matter of weeks, drawing half a million people eager to buy exclusive merchandise and support their favorite dōjin circles. The mass conglomeration of people in one area can mean one thing: lines. The Morinaga Candy company posted a video for this summer's event giving useful advice so visitors could avoid heat stroke while waiting to get in. Now thos...
One Piece Goes to See Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opened yesterday in Hollywood to much fanfare. The Straw Hat Pirates also showed support for the premiere in official artwork of the crew cosplaying as characters from the sci-fi franchise. The tie-in was due to a a special trailer for One Piece Film Gold that will screen prior to the Japanese premiere on Friday. Advanced tickets for One Piece Film Gold are also going ...
D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die's Swery65 Tours His Favorite Arcade, Gets Tipsy
Game director Hidetaka "Swery65" Suehiro (D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die, Deadly Premonition, Lord of Apocalypse, Ace Combat: Joint Assault) appeared on the French television program toco toco to introduce his favorite locations around Osaka. The video opens with Swery65 heading to Ko-hatsu, an arcade located in Tenjinbashi-suji where some of his early fighting games are still being played almost 20 ye...
Girls und Panzer Weaponry Hug Pillows Are Back
Hug pillows have gotten increasingly diverse recently. No longer satisfied with suggestive images of anime characters, manufacturers have created singular body parts, pillows that are 23-feet long, or if the show is Girls und Panzer, pillows that look a little dangerous. The Girls und Panzer film has brought in 500 million yen (over US$4 million) since it opened last month. Starting on December 2...
SuperGroupies Makes Sparkling Cardcaptor Sakura Bracelets, Pillows
The popular magical girl classic Cardcaptor Sakura is inspiring a new line of glittering jewelry from SuperGroupies and Ma chére Cosette. The Japanese fashion site opened pre-orders for five bracelets with glittering stones and unique character charms. Each bracelets stones are attached through elastic, allowing them to stretch. The Sakura Bracelet has pink stones, a Kero charm, and a Clow Card c...
Lounge Around Your Room in Lelouch's PJs
SuperGroupies will help Code Geass fans get cozy with a pajama set modeled after Lelouch Lamperouge's own wardrobe. The Ashford Academy loungewear is made of black satin with gold piping and embroidered with the school crest on the lapels and the Geass mark on the sleeve. Customers who order the pajama set also receive a bromide poster of Lelouch wearing the same outfit. The pajamas cost 9,800 ye...
Brush Up On Your Languages with Chibi Maruko-chan
The star of the upcoming Eiga Chibi Maruko-chan: Italia kara Kita Shōnen film is teaching fans how to say "Thank You" in other languages—and not just Italian. Maruko, with the help of her friends Julia, Shin'ni, and Nepu, teaches how to say "Thank You" in Portuguese, Mandarin, and Hawaiian. "Obrigada" is the feminine word for "thank you," men would typically use "Obrigado." "Xièxie" "Mahalo" The E...
Sapporo Gears up for Snow Miku with Itasha Train, 'Snow Miku Sky Town'
Every year, Sapporo throws the Snow Miku 2016 festival and rakes in over 100 million yen (about US$839,433) in revenue, with about 40 different companies participating in the promotion. This year's design is sporty, with Miku decked out in owl-themed gear and ready to take on the slopes. The virtual idol's new song "Yuki Ga Tokeru Mae Ni" ("Before the Snow Melts") by Doriko debuted last month with...
Get Traditional with Kuroko's Basketball Handicrafts
Includes Kuroko kiriko
― While fans of Kuroko's Basketball may be spoiled for choice in the merchandise department, a new selection of Kuroko merchandise will appeal more towards enthusiasts of traditional Japanese handwork. The connection to basketball and the show's characters might be subtle, but the craftsmanship and beauty of these pieces should intrigue anyone with an appreciation for Japanese...
Your Lie in April Triumphs in Japan's Classical Music Chart
Also: 2015's anime song chart
― The classical music-oriented Your Lie in April anime took the top spot in this year's Billboard Classical Music chart for Japan with the soundtrack album Boku to Kimi to no Ongakuchō ("Mine and Your Music Book"). Twinkle, Little Star, another Your Lie in April soundtrack album, ranked #6. Meanwhile, Billboard Japan also released its 2015 anime song chart, Hot Animatio...
Ohenro Girls Promote Internet Security in Public Awareness Campaign
The youth section of the Tokushima Prefecture Police Department is using the cast of Ohenro. to promote safety in online and smartphone interactions. The public awareness poster below shows Chiwa engaged in a text conversation with a stranger, and she's about to reveal her name. It asks its readers to follow the "four promises" of online and smartphone interactions: use software to filter out "har...
Chase Winter Blues Away with Steins;Gate Figures in Yukata
Unless you live in the tropics, you're probably dealing with the onset of cold weather, barren landscapes, and layers of clothing. But chase away those winter doldrums with these Steins;Gate figures from Good Smile Company wearing yukata, the light kimono mostly associated with summer festivals and hot springs resorts. Both figures are 10,000 yen (US$82) plus tax. Kurisu is 200 mm (7.9 inches) hi...
Nissin Gets Experimental with Its Cup Noodles
Shampoos, bowling pins, erasers and more
― The instant ramen maker Nissin has attracted attention lately with this unusual picture of these three shampoo bottles bearing the labels of its cup noodles. It's just artwork for fun, but it's attracted about 15,000 retweets since it was posted on Twitter on December 7. Nissin has posted other pop art-style photos related to instant noodles on its Twitter f...
Voice Actress Kikuko Inoue's Daughter Makes Live Singing Debut
Performs "Love Fantasy" for live-streamed Taiko no Tatsujin program
― Voice actress Kikuko Inoue reported on Wednesday that her daughter Honoka was making her live singing debut that evening. Honoka performed the song "Love Fantasy" on the "Taiko no Tatsujin: Taiko Team Kōshiki Nama Hōsō Da Don!" (Taiko: Drum Master: It's Taiko Team's Official Live Stream DON!) stream on the Niconico Live service. Ki...
Ditto Joins Pokémon Fuwa Cushions Line-Up
San-ei-Boeki added Pokémon's original amorphous pink blob to its line-up of Fuwa Cushions. The cushion bares a long, thin smile and has one limb raised almost like its waving. The cushion measures 36cm (14in) wide and 32cm (12.6in) high. It costs 3,000 yen (US$25) and will ship in February. The Ditto (Metamon in Japan) is in good company with the likes of Pikachu, Snorlax, Wailord, and Gulpin. He...
The Perfect Insider Author Reveals Details of Royalties in New Book
Hiroshi Mori, the successful writer of The Perfect Insider and The Sky Crawlers, delves deeper into the story behind his success in a new book, Sakka no Shūshi ("The Writer's [Bank] Accounts"). As he tells it, the secret largely has to do with royalties, which can be extensive if writers are savvy with promoting their material. Excluding e-books (the royalties for these are difficult to calculate)...
Love Live's Nico Ready for Training in New Nendoroid
Club founder Nico Yazawa is ready to get down to business in her training clothes Nendoroid. Nico from Love Live is joining the previously released training outfit Nendoroids today. The Nendoroid comes with two expressions: a cute expression with furrowed brows as well as a stern expression. She comes with sunglasses and a face mask so she can keep her identity on the down low when out in public....
Walking Gundam Plan Comes In for Criticism on Japanese Talk Show
Plan alleged to have government backing
― In anticipation of the Mobile Suit Gundam series' 40th anniversary in 2019, the Gundam Global Challenge aims to develop a full-sized Gundam that can actually walk. According to an economic journalist, the Gundam would be situated near Tokyo's Haneda Airport, reach 18 meters (60 feet) in height, and demonstrate to the world Japan's peerless technological prowe...
Black Butler Cafe Offers Tasty Treats, Tie-In Goods
The Tokyo-Q Plaza Harajuku AREA-Q will host a limited Black Butler-themed cafe starting on January 15. The "Black Butler Funtom Cafe" is a restaurant where Ciel Phantomhive serves as manager. The location will offer original drinks, food, and goods and will also screen a special video. Guests can attend buy purchasing tickets starting on December 18. Ticket costs include a food and souvenir fee. ...
Ojamajo Doremi Pollon Wands Turned Into Gashapon Toys
The magic wands from Ojamajo Doremi are getting toy revival, albeit on a small scale. Gashapon Can machines will stock three Pollon wands, each measuring approximately 160mm (about 6.3in). The Peperuto Pollon has a functioning turning orb that allows the marbles inside to be removed. Sweet Pollon The Jewelry Pollon's center piece can pop up and down. All three varieties come with a pedestal displ...
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