- All
- •
- News
- Interest
- Reviews
- Columns
- •
- Anime
- Manga
- Novels
- Games
- Music
- Merch
- Events
- Industry
- People
- Live-Action
Text-only Compact View
Text-only List View
Text-only Grid View
List View with Images
Grid View with Images
Lucky Star Blu-Ray
Lucky Star took the otaku world by storm and became a sensation nearly a decade ago - now that the entire series is out on bluray, how does it hold up? Nick Creamer takes it on.
― It's difficult to conceive of a show that better exemplifies “a product of its time” than Lucky Star. Airing just one year after the mega-hit The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, it was the first dedicated slice-of-life serie...
Wandering Island GN 1
From its sweeping scenes of a biplane's flight to its mystical adventure plot, Wandering Island's first volume is the kind of book you can get lost in. Rebecca Silverman explores its depths.
― Whether you call it Brigadoon, Shangri-La, or Electric Island, legends and dreams of a mystical place just slightly removed from reality abound in both fiction and folklore. This fabled paradise is the backbone...
When They Cry: Rei Blu-Ray
These five bonus episodes in the Higurashi franchise may not be must-see, but they're a neat treat for fans looking to spend a little more time in Hinamizawa.
― Spoiler Warning for the ending of When They Cry: Kai Based on a fan disc released in late 2006, this 2009 OVA is the third of five When They Cry anime – the remaining two are When They Cry: Kira (licensed by Sentai but with no release date ye...
Black Clover GN 1 & 2
Despite its reputation, Black Clover isn't the worst manga ever, but it sure is clumsy! Rebecca Silverman breaks down where this shonen adventure stumbles.
― How picky should we be when a new series feels like a compilation of series we've read before? To a degree, it really depends on how well the new one melds its influences together; after all, prevailing wisdom says that there are only six plots ...
Wednesday, August 10
Ao Oni Horror Game Gets Fall TV Anime Shorts, 2017 Anime Film
SD comedy TV anime shorts followed by traditional mystery horror anime film
― The horror game franchise Ao Oni is inspiring both a series of television anime shorts this fall and an anime film next year. Ao Oni ~The Animation~ series of anime shorts will premiere on the TV Tokyo and BS Japan channels this October. The film Ao Oni The Animation will then open in 2017. Ao Oni is a horror game that make...
'Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?' OVA Slated for December 7
The official Twitter account of Fujino Ōmori's Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru no Darō ka?) light novel series announced on Wednesday that the franchise's new original video anime (OVA) is slated for December 7. The OVA will have both a Blu-ray Disc and DVD release, and will include one episode, a CD with the ending theme song sung ...
BBK/BRNK Sequel Anime's Promo Video Shows Azuma's Sister
Main staff, cast return for Hoshi no Kyojin sequel debuting in October
― The official website for the BBK/BRNK television anime began streaming a promotional video on Wednesday for the BBK/BRNK Hoshi no Kyojin (Giants of the Star) sequel anime. The video reveals Kaoruko, the protagonist Azuma's sister who appeared only briefly in the previous anime. (Hisako Kanemoto played a younger version of the ch...
Pokémon Go Launches Campaign to Attract Tourists to Quake-Hit Japanese Prefectures
PokéStops, gyms to be added at tourist spots with event planned between 4 prefectures
― The local governments of Iwate, Miyage, Fukushima, and Kumamoto prefectures, as well as game developer Niantic Labs, announced at a Wednesday press conference that they will launch a collaboration project with Niantic's Pokémon Go game to promote more tourism. These prefectures were the ones hardest hit by the Tōh...
Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions Film's Video Reveals September 4DX Screenings
4DX/MX4D screenings will give out 50,000 Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon cards
― The official website of the Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions anime film began streaming a new trailer on Wednesday for the film's 4DX and MX4D screenings. The video reveals that the screenings will begin on September 24. In addition, the trailer reveals that participating theaters will give out 50,000 copies of ...
Teekyū Anime Renewed for Season 8 in October
Cast members return, with Shin Itagaki once again directing, writing, designing
― The official website for the television anime of Piyo and Roots' Teekyū manga revealed on Wednesday that an eighth anime season has been green-lit. The new season will premiere in October on the Tokyo MX and Sun TV stations. The returning cast members include (clockwise from upper left in image above): Kana Hanazawa as ...
Makoto Shinkai's your name. Anime Film Promotes Suntory Water in Tie-Up Ads
1st ad unveiled on Wednesday, 2nd on August 19
― Suntory began streaming a tie-up commercial with Makoto Shinkai's new your name. (Kimi no Na wa.) anime film on Wednesday. The "Mitsuha no Omoi" (Mitsuha's Thoughts) commercial shows the character Mitsuha Miyamizu drinking Suntory Minami Alps Tennensui Yogurina, which is yogurt-flavored mineral water. Shinkai himself directed the commercial. A second c...
Sword Art Online Novels Enter New Arc in 2017
18th novel volume shipped on Wednesday with end of "Alicization Arc"
― Sword Art Online: Alicization Lasting, the 18th volume of Reki Kawahara's Sword Art Online light novel series, revealed on Wednesday that a new story arc will begin for the series in 2017. The announcement teases the new arc with the text "Kirito will return." The 18th volume is the last volume of the novel's "Alicization Arc," wh...
Tuesday, August 9
Magical Girl Raising Project TV Anime's Promo Video Previews Opening Song, October 1 Premiere
Manami Numakura performs "Sakebe" opening theme
― The official website for the television anime of Asari Endō's Mahō Shōjo Ikusei Keikaku (Magical Girl Raising Project) "survival action" light novel series began streaming a new promotional video on Wednesday. The video shows protagonist Snow White playing the titular social game and winning magical candy in a battle, before it announces that she has ...
Classicaloid Anime Casts Taiten Kusunoki, Aya Endo, M.A.O
Musical anime premieres on NHK's E-TV station in October
― The official website for Sunrise's Classicaloid musical action-comedy television anime revealed on Tuesday three additional cast members for the show's premiere on NHK's E-TV station in October. The additional cast includes: Taiten Kusunoki as Bach, the "father of music" Aya Endo as Tchaikovsky, a member of the idol group "Classici Classici" ...
40th Anniversary "Kochikame Jump" Includes Artwork by Creators of Naruto, One Piece
Weekly Shonen Jump is releasing a special "Kochikame Jump" issue celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Kochikame manga on August 16, and in it the creator of Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto, and the original artist of To Love-Ru -Trouble-, Kentaro Yabuki, will be drawing their takes on the manga. The issue will also include a collaborative Kochikame poster featuring artwork by Hirohiko Araki of Jojo's...
Servamp TV Anime Casts Hikaru Midorikawa, Shunsuke Takeuchi
Licht's manager, Lawless' subclass vampire in whale costume have been cast
― The official website for the currently airing television anime of Strike Tanaka's Servamp manga revealed two additional cast members on Tuesday. The new cast members include: Hikaru Midorikawa as Rosen Kranz, Licht's manager Shunsuke Takeuchi as Guildenstern, Lawless' subclass vampire who is always in a whale costume The ani...
2016 Death Note Film Gets 3-Episode Prequel on Hulu Japan
Tsukuru Mishimi, Ryūzaki, Yūki Shien characters star in September mini-series
― The official website for Death Note Light up the NEW world, this year's live-action Death Note sequel film, announced on Tuesday that the film will get a three-episode prequel mini-series titled Death Note NEW GENERATION. The mini-series will launch on Hulu Japan on September 16, with a new episode every week. Masahiro Hi...
Yo-Kai Watch Pairs With Scentco for Perfumed Merch
Scented stationary and toy company Scentco is collaborating with the Yo-Kai Watch video game and anime franchise to create ghostly goods for fans' noses. The collection is slated for next year and will hit markets in the U.S. and Canada. Yo-Kai Watch will join Scentco's line of Squeezables and Learning Kits, plus Smencils, Smens, Sketch & Sniff Gel Crayons, Smarkers, Smencil Buddies, Sniff Its (p...
Special Shin Godzilla Screening Allows Shouting, Cosplay, Light Sticks
The official website for the current Shin Godzilla movie announced a special "shouting-is-allowed screening" at the Shinjuku Wald 9 cinema on August 15. In this screening, attendees are allowed to shout, come in cosplay, and even bring their own light sticks. Tickets went on sale starting midnight on August 8 at Shinjuku Wald 9's website and sold out in minutes. There have also been other eccentri...
North American Anime, Manga Releases, August 7-13
Absolute Duo, Barakamon, Wake Up Girls! anime; Ten Count, Otherworld Barbara manga ship
― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Absolute Duo BD/DVDPlease Funimation Entertainment US$64.98 August 9 Barakamon BD/DVDCite Funimation Entertainment US$64.98 August 9 Garo The Animation Season 1 Part 2 BD/DVDAnimeNewsNetwork Funimation Entertainment US$64.98 August 9 Gotta Fuck 'em All! ...
Indonesia Takes 1st Place at World Cosplay Summit 2016
The World Cosplay Summit 2016 competition crowned Indonesia representatives Ryan Cyd and Frea Mai as the Grand Champions at the award ceremony on Saturday. The duo's presentation was based on Trinity Blood with Cyd dressed as Cain Knightlord and Mai dressed as Seth Nightlord. Both costumes employ some impressive technical tricks, where at one moment Mai appears to be split in half and Cyd flies on...
KochiKame TV Anime Is 1-Hour Special Premiering September 18
Guest cast includes lead actors from other Shonen Jump anime
― The official website of Osamu Akimoto's Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo ("Kochikame") police comedy manga revealed on Monday that the new 40th anniversary television anime will be a one-hour television special that will run on Fuji TV on September 18 at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The anime special's story will center on Sab...
Pokémon Go Developers Begin Removal of Controversial PokéStops, Add PokéStops at Toho Cinemas
Game disabled at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
― The Associate Press reported on Tuesday that developer Niantic has disabled Pokémon Go from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Niantic removed the PokéStops and gyms from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park by Thursday, August 4. Niantic then responded to the c...
America's 1st Pokémon Go Master Interviewed in Japan
Nick Johnson, America's first Pokémon Go master, is currently in Japan or a media tour. Johnson was the first to catch the 142 available in the United States in late July, mere weeks after the game launched. After his success stateside, Marriott Rewards and Expedia sponsored his trip to catch the remaining region-specific Pokémon in France, Australia, and Hong Kong. When asked how it feels to capt...
Girl Friend Note Rhythm Game Gets Web Anime in October
Original Girl Friend BETA game received TV anime adaptation in 2014
― The official Girl Friend website announced on Tuesday that a web anime based on the 3D rhythm game Girl Friend Note (Girl Friend (♪), read as "onpu") will premiere in October. In the anime's story, the group "nonet" ends up working on a play with the group "Ōtori" from the Ōtori Song Academy. The play is Cinderella, but with a spec...
One Piece ‒ Episode 752
"It's been a solid 90 episodes since the whole crew has been together, so we're inclined to make haste."
Joshua Seth, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, More Return for Digimon Adventure tri. Film's English Dub
Tai, Sora, Birdramon, Agumon voice actors returning; new cast members for Biyomon, Greymon
― Film distribution company Eleven Arts announced a final round of voice actors for the English dub of the Digimon Adventure tri. – Chapter 1: Reunion anime film on Wednesday. The cast members are: Joshua Seth as Tai (returning) Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Sora (returning) Cherami Leigh as Biyomon Melodee M. Spev...
Trillion: God of Destruction, MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombie Games Head to PC This Fall
Steam releases will include 1080p resolution graphics
― Idea Factory International announced on Monday that it will release Compile Heart's Trillion: God of Destruction (Makai Shin Trillion) and MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies (Gekijigen Tag Blanc + Neptunia VS Zombie Gundan) games on the PC via Steam this fall. The PC versions will feature 1080p resolution graphics. Idea Factory Internatio...
Sweetness & Lightning ‒ Episode 6
"This week, Sweetness & Lightning changes things up by allowing its supporting players to join in the culinary fun."
Lucky Star Blu-Ray
Lucky Star took the otaku world by storm and became a sensation nearly a decade ago - now that the entire series is out on bluray, how does it hold up? Nick Creamer takes it on.
― It's difficult to conceive of a show that better exemplifies “a product of its time” than Lucky Star. Airing just one year after the mega-hit The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, it was the first dedicated slice-of-life serie...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, August 1-7
Mr. Osomatsu sells 3,727 more, followed by Kamen Rider #1, last Persona 3 film, Ace of Diamond, 2nd Yo-kai Watch film
― Ace of Diamond The Live II landed at #9 with 2,507 copies on the overall DVD chart. Kamen Rider #1 sold 1,788 copies to rank #15, and the Collector's Pack version was #17 with 1,419 copies. The live-action film of Kei Sanbe's Boku Dake ga Inai Machi (Erased) manga sold 1,373 Standar...
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, August 1-7
Last Persona 3 film sells 16,600, followed by Kamen Rider #1, Mr. Osomatsu, Kizumonogatari, Ace of Diamond
― Kamen Rider #1 Collector's Pack sold 3,386 copies to rank #5 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. The Blu-ray + DVD combo version was #12 with 1,947 copies. Kamen Rider The First & The Next Blu-ray was #22 with 1,206 copies. Ace of Diamond The Live II landed at #9 with 2,507 copies. The limited ...
Shin Godzilla Stays at #1 in 2nd Weekend, Earns 2.1 Billion Yen Total
One Piece Film Gold stays at #3, Kamen Rider/Super Sentai films at #4, Himitsu - The Top Secret at #6, Pokémon drops to #7
― The Shin Godzilla film has earned a total of 2.1 billion yen (about US$20.51 million) as of its second weekend, topping the Japanese box office for the second week in a row. The film is projected to earn upwards of 4 billion yen (about US$39 million). The film has surpassed the...
Berserk Musou's New Gameplay Video Highlights Guts
Game to ship for PS3/PS4/Vita in Japan on October 27 & adds PC release in the west
― Koei Tecmo posted a new gameplay video from its Berserk Musou game on Sunday. The video introduces the action gameplay of the main protagonist Guts: KOEI Tecmo Games and Omega Force's game will ship on October 27, after a delay for the original relese date of September 21. KOEI Tecmo Games previously streamed the gam...
Hulu Ends Free Streaming as Yahoo Launches Own Service With Anime
New Yahoo View streams anime, Korean dramas, movies, show episodes for free with ads
― The Hulu streaming service announced on Monday that it will end its free streaming service and shift entirely to a paid subscription model. At the same time, it is moving its ad-supported free streaming to a new service by Yahoo called Yahoo View. Yahoo View will carry anime, Korean dramas, and movies, as well as t...
The Ancient Magus' Bride Anime's 1st 3 Minutes Streamed
1st part of 3-part anime project screens in 8 theaters in Japan on Saturday
― The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper's MAiDiGiTV YouTube channel began streaming the first three minutes of Mahō Tsukai no Yome: Hoshi Matsu Hito (The Ancient Magus' Bride - The Man Who Waits for Stars), the three-part anime project based on Kore Yamazaki's manga The Ancient Magus' Bride (Mahō Tsukai no Yome). The clip features w...
Kouta Hirano's Drifters TV Anime Premieres October 7
The official Twitter account for the television anime of Kouta Hirano's Drifters manga posted on Tuesday that the anime will premiere on Tokyo MX on October 7. In addition, the anime's official website revealed that the anime will have a stage event during the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair on September 17-18. Takahiro Sakurai and Shiho Kokido will appear in the stage event. The story of the...
The Seven Deadly Sins -Signs of Holy War- TV Special's Ad Previews Opening Theme Song
MUCC performs theme song "CLASSIC" for television special premiering August 28
― The official website for the television anime of Nakaba Suzuki's The Seven Deadly Sins manga began streaming a 15-second television commercial for Nanatsu no Taizai -Seisen no Shirushi- (The Seven Deadly Sins -Signs of Holy War-), the four-episode television anime special. The video previews the anime's opening theme son...
Monday, August 8
New Strike the Blood Video Anime Will Be 4-Volume Series Based on 9th Novel
1st volume slated for November, 2nd in December, 3rd in March, 4th in April
― The 51st volume of Kadokawa's Dengeki Bunko Magazine revealed on Tuesday that the new original video anime (OVA) series adaptation of Gakuto Mikumo's Strike the Blood light novels will have four two-episode volumes, with the first volume slated for DVD and Blu-ray Disc release on November 23. The OVA will start by depicting...
D.Gray-man Hallow ‒ Episode 6
"Its mixture of drama and brief (often intentionally awkward) moments of comedy sets this episode just a notch above previous ones."
Renai Bōkun/The very lovely tyrant of love Anime Slated to Air in 2017
Story of 2 high schoolers & angel with item that turns 2 people who kiss into a couple
― The wraparound jacket band on Megane Mihoshi's ninth Renai Bōkun (The very lovely tyrant of love) manga volume, as well as the manga's official Comic Meteor site, reported on Tuesday that the previously announced anime adaptation will be a television anime slated for 2017. The romantic comedy begins when Guri, an...
New Game! ‒ Episode 6
"New Game is able to distinguish itself from the slice of life crowd when the characters talk shop at the office, but it loses some of that spark when it sends everyone out for a normal day on the town."
Itasha Taxi Will Drive Comiket Goers Around in Style
A taxi company is targeting a very specific clientele at one of the largest fan gatherings the world over. The Gojo Transport service announced on Monday that it will deploy its Itasha Taxi on August 12, just in time for the Comiket 90 dōjinshi convention. The Itasha Taxi will ferry customers around the Tokyo International Exhibition Center for rates comparable to a regular taxi service. The taxi ...
'Road to Boruto,' 'Narutimate Storm Trilogy' Trademarks Filed Under Bandai Namco
Trademark for a "Road to Boruto" and "Narutimate Storm Trilogy" titles were filed under game developer Bandai Namco Entertainment's name on July 19, and made public on August 2. Other trademarks filed and made public on the same dates under Bandai Namco Entertainment's name include "Break Edition," "Break Pass," "Build Absolute," "Build Beginning," "Build Evolution," "Build Kingdom," and "Build Ri...
Taboo Tattoo ‒ Episode 6
"The series keeps adding new characters without bothering to flesh out the old ones, and the general conflict is getting murkier and less interesting every week."
IDOLiSH 7 Project Gets 2nd Manga by Arina Tanemura
IDOLiSH 7, Bandai Namco's fictional male idol group multimedia project, is getting a second manga but the project's original character designer Arina Tanemura. The manga is titled IDOLiSH 7 MEZZO: Murasaki Ao no Hekireki (IDOLiSH 7 MEZZO: The Purple-Blue Thunderclap. The story follows the MEZZO idol group introduced in the game and chronicled in the novel IDOLiSH 7 Ryūsei ni Inoru (IDOLiSH 7: Pray...
Limited Edition Lupin the Third Ukiyo-e Prints Available Internationally
The limited edition Lupin the Third ukiyo-e prints shown at Isetan Shinjuku Store's Fashion Museum earlier this year are now available for sale internationally. Tokyo Otaku Mode is offering a limited number of the prints created by the Takezasado woodblock printing company. Each print is made to order and ranges in price from US$697.99 to US$1,744.99. There are individual framed prints of Lupin, ...
Idol Memories Anime Debuts Promo Video, Reveals Additional Cast
Anime/live-action hybrid show will premiere on October 2
― The official website for smartphone game company Happy Elements' original television anime Idol Memories revealed a promotional video and additional cast members on Monday. The website also announced that the anime will premiere on October 2 on Tokyo MX. The promotional video features the opening and ending theme songs. The first song is "Mai...
Mob Psycho 100 ‒ Episode 5
"Mob Psycho has topped itself yet again."
Intelligence Firm Estimate: Pokémon Go Has Earned More Than US$200 Million
Game surpassed 100 million downloads on Android
― Mobile app data analysis organization Sensor Tower reported on Friday that it estimates the Pokémon Go app earned more than US$200 million worldwide on the App Store and Google Play during its first month. Sensor Tower posted a chart (pictured below) comparing the Pokémon Go's estimated revenue for its first 32 days with that of Supercell's Clash Roya...
The Morose Mononokean ‒ Episode 6
"This episode begins and ends strong but loses its way somewhere in the middle."
Pikachu Parade Splashes Through Yokohama Despite Summer Heat
Crowds gathered in Yokohama on Sunday to kickoff the annual "Pikachū Tairyō Hassei-chū" in the Yokohama Minato Mirai mall area on Sunday. Lines of fans withstood 90-degree heat to catch a glimpse of the dancing Pikachus, stilt-walkers, and parade floats. Each year, hundreds of giant Pikachu gather in the district to dance their tails off. This year the theme is “This Time We'll Be Getting Wet???” ...
Flip Flappers TV Anime Reveals Additional Cast in 2nd Promo Video
Ayaka Ohashi, Kenjiro Tsuda, Yōko Hikasa, Jun Fukushima, more join cast
― The official website for the Flip Flappers television anime series unveiled a second promotional video and the supporting cast on Monday. The newly announced cast members are (romanizations not official): (from left in the image above) Ayaka Ohashi as Yayako, Cocona's childhood friend and classmate. Cocona relies on her for her...
Makoto Shinkai's your name. Film's TV Ads Streamed
Film premiered at Anime Expo in July, will open in Japanese theaters on August 26
― Toho began streaming three television commercials for for Makoto Shinkai's new your name. (Kimi no Na wa.) anime film on Tuesday. All three videos feature the theme song "Zen Zen Zense" by RADWIMPS. Anime Expo hosted the film's world premiere on July 3 in Los Angeles. Shinkai attended the screening. The film opens in ...
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 19
"The degree to which Subaru takes advantage of what he learned – especially in the last loop – is pretty impressive."
Pokémon Sun & Moon Games Get Manga in September
Manga about boy and his Rockruff launches ahead of games' November 23 release date
― The Pokemon Company Japan announced on Monday that a new Pokemon Sun Moon manga will begin in the October issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comics on September 15. Tenya Yabuno (Inazuma Eleven, Digimon V-Tamer) is drawing the series. A preview of the manga will run in the September issue of the magazine on Friday. The ...
Orange ‒ Episode 6
"As an intimate portrayal of believable human feelings, many of this episode's scenes were clear winners."
Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Film's Teaser Video Reveals January Premiere
New key visual by character designer Minako Shiba unveiled
― Aniplex began streaming the first promotional video on Monday for the upcoming Black Butler film, Kuroshitsuji Book of the Atlantic (Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic). The video features original manga creator's Yana Toboso's first visual for the film, and reveals that the film will open in Japanese theaters on January 21, 2017. The offic...
Answerman - Why Don't Anime DVDs Have Other Languages?
One reader wants to know why anime DVDs have languages other than Japanese and English. Justin's ready for this one.
― Joel asks: I have been wondering why most anime titles released in the United States only include two language options, the original Japanese version and English Dub. Except for Disney's Studio Ghibli releases and Batman: Gotham Knight, I have not seen any other anime films or TV sh...
Tales of Zestiria the X ‒ Episode 6
"Sorey and Mikleo did warn us that it would happen – this week's episode is not about any of the characters we have met thus far."
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance ‒ Episode 6
"This week, several major players from the previous season—Guiscard, Etoile, and important new faces like Irina—take center stage once again."
Wandering Island GN 1
From its sweeping scenes of a biplane's flight to its mystical adventure plot, Wandering Island's first volume is the kind of book you can get lost in. Rebecca Silverman explores its depths.
― Whether you call it Brigadoon, Shangri-La, or Electric Island, legends and dreams of a mystical place just slightly removed from reality abound in both fiction and folklore. This fabled paradise is the backbone...
San Francisco College Student Fatally Shot While Playing Pokémon Go
Also: Car accident in Pennsylvania, life-saving incident in the Philippines involving game
― A college student was fatally shot in San Francisco on Saturday while playing the Pokémon Go augmented reality game. Police stated that 20-year old Calvin Riley, a San Mateo high school graduate and Delta College baseball player, was playing the game before being shot just before 10:00 p.m. on Saturday near A...
Sword Art Online Film to Play in About 1,000 Theaters Worldwide
Trailer screened at Nagoya event with Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Thai subtitles
― The staff of the Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale anime film announced during the World Cosplay Summit event in Nagoya on Sunday that the film will play in about 1,000 theaters worldwide. The staff then screened a trailer on multiple screens with Japanese, English, Fre...
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. 3DS Game's Video Shows Game's Mechanics
Game is slated for release this year
― The official website of Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan: Shijō Psi Dai no Psi Nan!?, Bandai Namco Entertainment's Nintendo 3DS game based on Shūichi Asō's Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan manga, began streaming the first promotional video for the game on Monday. The video shows the characters speculating what genre the game will be, with suggestions resembling Taiko no Tatsujin, T...
ILCA Animates Sengoku Chōjū Giga Original TV Anime Series Premiering in October
Series depicts Sengoku-era warlords as animals with sumi-e motif
― The ILCA anime studio (Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories, Kowabon) opened a website on Monday to reveal a new original television anime series titled Sengoku Chōjū Giga (Sengoku Wildlife Caricatures) that will premiere in October. The series will air on KBC TV, tvk, TV Saitama, Chiba TV, and Sun TV. The anime will use a sumi-e (tradi...
Square Enix Graphics Designer Manabu Daishima Passes Away
Designer worked on Romancing SaGa, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy XII
― Square Enix graphics designer Manabu Daishima passed away on July 30. He was 45. Daishima was found unconscious 30 meters offshore from the Izo Kaiyū Kōen Diving Center in Ito, Shizuoka prefecture. He was diving with two other people, and lost consciousness four meters below the sea surface. The two people who we...
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled Gets U.S. Premiere Screening at Otakon
5-episode video anime's last episode debuted in February; Funimation licensed series
― Maryland anime convention Otakon announced last Friday that Funimation will screen the United States premiere of the Code Geass: Akito the Exiled video anime series at the convention on Sunday, August 14 at 10:15 a.m. EDT. Director Kazuki Akane and producer Yoshitaka Kawaguchi will attend the screening and will hol...
Laughing Under the Clouds Live-Action Film Casts Yūma Nakayama, Kirato Wakayama
New visual for 2017 film shows Sōta Fukushi, Wakayama in costume
― The official website of the live-action film adaptation of Kemuri Karakara's Laughing Under the Clouds (Donten ni Warau) manga announced on Monday that Yūma Nakayama will play Soramaru Kumō, while Kirato Wakayama will play Chūtarō Kumō. The staff unveiled a photograph of Wakayama (right in picture below) with Sōta Fukushi (left), who ...
Shin-chan/Danganronpa 3 Voice Actor Keiji Fujiwara Takes Leave For Medical Treatment
Voice actor slated to reprise roles in Attack on Titan, Blue Exorcist sequels next year
― Voice actor Keiji Fujiwara's agency Air Agency announced on Monday that Fujiwara is taking a break "for a while" from his voice acting activities to undergo medical treatment for an unspecified illness. TV Asahi also confirmed on Monday that Fujiwara is taking a break from his role as Hiroshi Nohara in the long-...
Nanbaka Anime Casts Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Yoshimasa Hosoya, More
Yuuki Fujiwara, Yu Kobayashi, Genki Okawa, Yūto Adachi, Takao Mitsutomi, Eishin Fudemura join fall anime
― The official website of the television anime of Shō Futamata's Nanbaka manga revealed additional cast and a new visual for the anime on Monday. The additional cast includes: Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Tsukumo, Prisoner Number 99 Yoshimasa Hosoya as Musashi, Prisoner Number 634 Yuuki Fujiwara as Liang...
Yuri!!! on Ice TV Anime Casts Jun Fukuyama
Event on August 21 will reveal more cast, new promotional video
― The official website for the Yuri!!! on Ice television anime series revealed on Monday that Jun Fukuyama will play the character Takeshi Nishigōri, a childhood friend and rink mate of Yūri. TV Asahi's "Roppongi Hills Natsu Matsuri Summer Station" event on August 21 will include a talk event for Yuri!!! on Ice, where all the previously ...
Sunday, August 7
BBK/BRNK TV Anime Sequel's October Premiere, Title Revealed
Main staff, cast return for BBK/BRNK Hoshi no Kyojin
― The September issue of Kadokawa's Newtype magazine is revealing on Tuesday that the sequel to the BBK/BRNK television anime series will be a television anime titled BBK/BRNK Hoshi no Kyojin (Giants of the Star), and will premiere in October. ("Hoshi no Kyojin" is the inverse of the popular classic baseball manga and anime Kyojin no Hoshi or Star ...
Otakon to Host X Japan Leader Yoshiki
Musician promises "big announcement"
― Maryland anime convention Otakon announced on Wednesday that Yoshiki, leader of rock band X Japan, will be a guest at this year's event. He will host a panel where he plans to preview the documentary film "We Are X," which tells the history of his band, and make a "big announcement." Yoshiki also promised to high-five everyone at the panel. YOSHIKI has appeared ...
Persona 5 Videos Show More Characters' All-Out Attacks
Group special attacks previewed for protagonist, Makoto, Yusuke, more
― Atlus began streaming three new commercials showing for its upcoming Persona 5 game on Sunday. The commercials each show an All-Out Attack for a different character Protagonist: Makoto: Yusuke: Atlus previously streamed All-Out Attack commercials for Ryuji and Anne: Ryuji: Anne: The latest entry in the Persona role-playing game s...
Fate/Extella Game's 1st Full Promo Video Posted
Debuts in Japan on November 10, in N. America this winter
― Sony began streaming the first full promotional video for the Fate/Extella action game for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 on Friday. The game will ship in Japan on November 10. XSEED Games will release the game in North America on the PS4 and PS Vita this winter under the title Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star. The company describes the gam...
Fans Can Decide Which Oreimo Character Gets Life-Size Figure
The Dengeki Bunko imprint announced that characters from Tsukasa Fushimi's light novel series Oreimo (Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai) will get full-size figures courtesy of Figure X. Which character, their pose, and their costume design will be left up to fans to decide. Fans will be able to give input during the Tsukasa Fushimi 10th anniversary streaming event on Nico Nico Douga on Au...
Toei Reveals Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Series Premiering in October
New series will feature video game themes, protagonist fighting game virus infecting people
― Toei officially announced on Tuesday that the next installment in its Kamen Rider live-action special effects franchise is titled Kamen Rider Ex-Aid. Toei initially filed for the trademark for the series in May. The series will celebrate the franchise's 45th anniversary. The protagonist's key items include a...
Pikachu Continues His Campaign for Ketchup in Short Song
The Pokémon XY & Z character song project added Pikachu's first-ever solo song and it's all about ketchup. This isn't the first time Pikachu has shared its love for the tomato condiment. The electric mouse Pokémon is the current face of Japanese food company Kagome's “Ketchup Daze! Pokémon Campaign.” It's Pikachu's third stint representing the company's ketchup, a match chosen thanks to the easy p...
Sengoku Musou ~Sanada Maru~ Game's 1st Promo Reveals November 23 Release
1st printings of PS4/PS3/PS Vita game to offer costume based on Sanada Maru drama
― Koei Tecmo began streaming the first promotional video for its Sengoku Musou ~Sanada Maru~ (Samurai Warriors: Sanada Maru) game on Thursday, revealing that the game will ship on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita in Japan on November 23. The game will be available for retail and download for 7,800 yen ...
Haikyu's Nekoma High Characters 'Beckon' as Cat Statues
Haikyu!! fans, bring yourself a little extra luck with Maneki-neko (Beckoning Cat) figures of Nekoma High's Kenma Kozume and Tetsurō Kuroo. The set comes with the two 90 × 50 × 50 mm (3.5 × 2 × 2 inches) character cats for 2,500 yen (US$24.50). Animate Limited's website is accepting pre-orders now, with shipping scheduled for November. Ensky Hobby tweeted that there are currently sample displays ...
Summer Lesson VR Game Previewed in New Video
VR technology demo slated for October 13 as launch title for PlayStation VR headset
― Sony live-streamed a presentation on Niconico featuring Bandai Namco Entertainment's upcoming PlayStation VR game Summer Lesson on Wednesday. In the video, a female player wearing a PlayStation VR headset interacts with a Japanese high school girl in the game. Through virtual reality technology, the player answers q...
DAYS ‒ Episode 6
"Maybe it was the kinetic energy of the game, but this episode showed real movement, both in engaging animation and progression toward another stage in the plot."
Pokémon Go Banned in Iran Due to 'Security Concerns'
Iranian authorities reportedly had conditions for game's launch
― BBC News reported on Friday that Iran's official body overseeing online activity, the High Council of Virtual Spaces, has banned the smartphone app Pokémon Go due to "security concerns." The game has not officially launched in Iran, though Iranians on social media have discussed playing Pokémon Go. According to a report written by the ...
Bandai Creates Cup Noodles That Transform Into Ultraman Characters
Bandai has announced a new, edible line of Ultraman merchandise: cup noodles that transform into Ultraman characters. These "Ultranoodles" launched on August 6 and are individually priced at 850 yen, or about US$8.44. Six different characters will be featured: the original Ultraman, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman X, Ultraman Belial, Baltan, and Demaaga. After their three-second transformations, the char...
Love Live! Sunshine!! ‒ Episode 6
"Week after week, Love Live Sunshine is more about what it could be than what it actually is."
'MyJump' Customizable Manga Subscription App Launches, Video Previews Streamed
Users can read a selection from 200+ titles from Shonen Jump's history
― Shueisha launched its MyJump smartphone app in Japan on Monday, and streamed introduction videos. The first video explains that the app allows readers to select which manga they would like to read from the history of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump. The app has two different modes: "Weekly MyJump" and "MyJump Best." In "Weekly MyJ...
Rewrite ‒ Episode 6
"After focusing on specific girls for the last two episodes, Rewrite takes a broader approach with episode 6."
New Age 12 Manga Launches in Ciao Magazine
Chitose Yagami, Shio Ebina also launch new series
― Nao Maita launched a new Age 12 (12-Sai) manga titled Age 12 ~Kataomoi~ (Unrequited Love) in the September issue of Shogakukan's Ciao magazine on Wednesday. The manga centers around shy girl Kako Aihara, who secretly harbors feelings for her classmate Kohinata-kun. The issue's cover features the manga. Maita is also currently serializing her main Ag...
Food Wars! The Second Plate ‒ Episode 6
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's the match you've all been waiting for: Soma versus Mimasaka, concluded!"
When They Cry: Rei Blu-Ray
These five bonus episodes in the Higurashi franchise may not be must-see, but they're a neat treat for fans looking to spend a little more time in Hinamizawa.
― Spoiler Warning for the ending of When They Cry: Kai Based on a fan disc released in late 2006, this 2009 OVA is the third of five When They Cry anime – the remaining two are When They Cry: Kira (licensed by Sentai but with no release date ye...
Geass Director Taniguchi's World Cosplay Summit Anime Revealed as ID-0 With Range Murata
Yousuke Kuroda pens original anime with mecha designs by Fumihiro Katagai, Takeshi Takakura, Takayuki Yanase
― World Cosplay Summit presented a teaser trailer for ID-0, its original anime directed by Goro Taniguchi (Scryed, Code Geass, Active Raid) at Sanzigen "for cosplayers." Yousuke Kuroda (My Hero Academia, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Gundam Build Fighters) is supervising and writing the series script...
Rensuke Oshikiri Launches Gyanprin Manga About Gambling Girls
Oshikiri recently resumed Hi Score Girl manga after 2-year hiatus due to controversy
― This year's 16th issue of Futabasha's Manga Action magazine published the first chapter of Gyanprin, a new manga series by Rensuke Oshikiri (Hi Score Girl, Pupipo!), on Tuesday. The manga portrays the everyday lives of four young women who love gambling and a self-indulgent lifestyle. The manga's first chapter depi...
Show By Rock Season 2 Introduces New Band Arcareafact's Cast
Yūsuke Kobayashi, Taku Yashiro, Eishin Fudemura, Chiharu Sawashiro join cast
― An event streamed on the Niconico Live service announced the cast for the new male band Arcareafact that appears in Show by Rock!!#, the second Show by Rock!! anime season. (From left to right) Yūsuke Kobayashi as Chitan, the main vocalist and pianist whose parents are both famous musicians. "With my piano, I spin the worl...
KanColle Film's November 26 Date Unveiled With New Visual
Revealed at "3rd KanColle Naval Review" event on Sunday
― The "Third KanColle Naval Review" event unveiled the November 26 opening date and a new visual for the KanColle anime film on Sunday. The August 2015 event that announced the Gekijō-ban KanColle (Kan Colle Movie Edition or Fleet Girls Collection Movie Sequence) film had already screened footage that featured the Kan-musume characters Fubuki, M...
Mahou Shoujo Nante Mouiidesukara Magical Girl Anime Gets 2nd Season
Director, studio, main cast return for new season in October
― A second television anime season based on Sui Futami's Mahou Shoujo Nante Mouiidesukara (I've Had Enough of Being a Magical Girl) manga has been green-lit. The announcement was made at the event for the first season's Blu-ray Disc release on Sunday. Mahou Shoujo Nante Mouiidesukara Second Season will premiere this October on the Tokyo MX ...
Tales of Berseria RPG's Ad Shows Velvet's Revenge
PS4/PS3 game slated for August 18 in Japan, early 2017 in N. America/Europe
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a commercial for its upcoming Tales of Berseria role-playing game on Friday. The commercial focuses on main character Velvet Crowe (Rina Satou), and her motivation for revenge. The video features the game's theme song "BURN" by FLOW. The game's main cast includes: Rina Satou as Vel...
New WIXOSS TV Anime's Teaser Video Reveals Staff, Cast, Story
2 new girls at the center of new selector battle in October premiere
― The staff for the WIXOSS trading card game franchise debuted a teaser promotional video and new visual for this fall's Lostorage incited WIXOSS television anime on Sunday. The tagline in the visual reads, "The price this time is ... memories." The video notes that "in 2016 ... the curtains rise on a new selector battle" that will ...
Blood Lad Vampire Comedy Manga Ends in September
Manga inspired TV anime in 2013; Yen Press publishes manga in N. America
― The September issue of Kadokawa's Young Ace magazine is revealing on Thursday that Yūki Kodama will end his Blood Lad manga in the magazine's next issue, which Kadokawa will publish on September 4. Yen Press publishes the manga in North America, and it describes the manga's story: The vampire Staz is one of the most powerful d...
Saturday, August 6
Dynasty Warriors: Eiketsuden Strategy RPG's Opening Video Streamed
1st strategy RPG in Dynasty Warriors franchise debuted on Wednesday
― Koei Tecmo began streaming the opening cinematic on Wednesday for Shin Sangoku Musou: Eiketsuden (Dynasty Warriors: Legend of Great Heroes), the first strategy role-playing game inspired by KOEI Tecmo Games' Dynasty Warriors (Sangoku Musou/Shin Sangoku Musou) action game franchise. The game launched in Japan on Wednesday. The game ...
Gantz Black Sphere Makes Appearance at Gantz: O Event
Manga creator Hiroya Oku, director Yasushi Kawamura discuss film
― FabCafe Tokyo held an event on August 3 called "GANTZ: O NIGHT ~ @hiroya_oku SHIBUYA Mission ~" for the 3DCG anime film GANTZ: O. Director Yasushi Kawamura and actress Asami Katsura, the motion capture performer for the film's heroine Anzu Yamasaki, attended the event. Hiroya Oku, original author of GANTZ, also joined via a digital br...
Capcom Reveals Imprisoned Palm Smartphone Game
Yuichiro Umehara voices Haruto, Chisato Mita designs characters, release scheduled "soon"
― Capcom announced a new smartphone game titled Toraware no Palma (Imprisoned Palm) on Wednesday. The game will be available for iOS and Android devices "soon." The game's official website is streaming a promotional video for the game, which outlines the game's plot and mechanics. In the game, players attempt to...
Latest Attack on Titan Real Escape Game Story Traps Players in a Castle
With only a few comrades left alive, hiding in an old castle quickly crumbling beneath a horde of titans' strength, do you have what it takes to escape? The Attack on Titan Real Escape Game saga continues with "Escape from the Castle Surrounded by Titans." To celebrate its opening, Nico Nico held a special live broadcast "Real Escape Game x Attack on Titan: Escape from Nico-ni Castle Surrounded by...
9-year-old Girl Wins Voice Acting Competition, Was Inspired by Himōto! Umaru-chan Actress
Voice talent company 81 Produce recently held the final round of its 10th annual "Next Generation Seiyū Discovery Auditions" on August 1. This was the first time that the competition was held without an age restriction, and one talented 9-year old girl, Hikari Torio from Osaka, wowed the judges, winning several prizes. In the acting portion of the audition, Torio's recitation of her lines was pre...
Crows Burning Edge Game's PS Vita Version Cancelled, Trailer Streamed
PS4 version with original story by Hiroshi Takahashi slated for October
― The official website of Bandai Namco Entertainment's upcoming Crows Burning Edge action game announced on Wednesday that the game's PlayStation Vita version has been cancelled due to "various circumstances." The game will now only ship for the PlayStation 4. The site is also streaming a new promotional video for the game, which...
ClariS, GARNiDELiA Collaborate on 3rd Qualidea Code Anime Ending Theme
ClariS performed 1st ending, GARNiDELiA performed 2nd ending
― The official website for the Qualidea Code anime announced on Sunday that ClariS (Madoka Magica, Oreimo) and GARNiDELiA (Kill la Kill, The irregular at magic high school) will collaborate on the anime's third ending theme song "clever." The single CD will ship on September 14 in Japan. ClariS performed the first ending theme song "Gravity...
Thunderbolt Fantasy ‒ Episode 5
"Thunderbolt Fantasy is starting to juggle a surprising amount of plot for how tight and propulsive the show feels."
Free Gundam Model Building Lessons Offered for Japanese Children
Hobby shops all across Japan will be offering free Gundam model building lessons to children in middle school or younger beginning on August 6 as part of a new promotional event. Participating children will learn how to build their own RX-78-2 Gundam and will be able to take their completed model home free of charge. The RX-78-2 is the robot piloted by Amuro Ray in Yoshiyuki Tomino's original Mob...
Amazon Brings Kindle Unlimited E-Book Service to Japan
Service offers 120,000 Japanese titles
― Amazon's Japan branch launched its Kindle Unlimited e-book service on Wednesday, opening up avenues for unlimited reading with a monthly subscription fee. Subscribers get access to 120,000 Japanese titles that include manga, magazines, and books and read on their smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Subscribers pay 980 yen ($9.69) a month to read offerings...
Berserk ‒ Episode 6
"Berserk is all kinds of messed-up and disgusting, but the horror continues to be far more than skin-deep, and I'm eager to see what will happen when all these tragic forces finally clash."
Dynasty Warriors Gets Stage Play in February 2017
Stage play to run in Zenrosai Hall Space Zero, Tokyo
― Koei Tecmo Games announced during a Shin Sangoku Musou: Eiketsuden livestream on Monday that a stage play based on its Dynasty Warriors (Shin Sangoku Musou) game series has been green-lit for February 2017 at Zenrosai Hall Space Zero in Tokyo. Daisuke Nishida is directing and ADK Arts is producing the play. The stage play's story will be based on...
91 Days ‒ Episode 5
"Despite all the switcheroos, this episode wasn't too eventful, mostly set up for dramatic reversals that will go off next episode."
Studio Trigger Graffiti Shibuya PARCO Wall
The Shibuya PARCO store in the Udagawacho area is being redeveloped, including the sixth floor of PARCO Part1. Prior to closing the floor on Saturday, the staff of Studio Trigger hijacked one of the walls and decorated it with their own drawings. Every inch was doodled on with characters from Space Patrol Luluco, Kiznaiver, Kill la Kill, Ninja Slayer, and Little Witch Academia. The walls were draw...
Persona 5 Game's Ad Highlights Morgana
Ikue Otani voices character in PS4/PS3 game launching on September 15 in Japan, February 14 in Americas
― Atlus began streaming a television commercial for its upcoming Persona 5 PlayStation 4 game on Tuesday. The video centers on the character Morgana, voiced by Ikue Otani. Atlus also streamed short commercials featuring Ryuji and Anne's group attacks this week: Atlus previously streamed two short v...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 19
"JJBA continues to be a stylish monster-of-the-week show, but Diamond is Unbreakable seems to have a mission statement about who these monsters actually are."
Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare Film's Trailer Streamed With English Subtitles
Film opened in Japan in April, July in Southeast Asia
― Southeast Asian film distributor Odex began streaming an English-subtitled trailer for the Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare (Detective Conan: Junkoku no Nightmare) anime film on Friday. The film screened in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines in July. The film opened in Japan on April 16, topping the Japanese box office in ...
Handa-kun ‒ Episode 5
"A fun second half does a lot to make up for this episode's lackluster opening, but the overall balance falls a little short of Handa-kun's usual standard."
Amanchu! ‒ Episode 5
"In the wake of episode 4's emotionally charged second half, this week's Amanchu! takes a turn for the silly."
Black Clover GN 1 & 2
Despite its reputation, Black Clover isn't the worst manga ever, but it sure is clumsy! Rebecca Silverman breaks down where this shonen adventure stumbles.
― How picky should we be when a new series feels like a compilation of series we've read before? To a degree, it really depends on how well the new one melds its influences together; after all, prevailing wisdom says that there are only six plots ...
Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live Game May Get International Release
Sega submitted the Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live game to the German and Australian ratings boards. While Sega has announced no international release, these submissions suggest the company may be preparing the game for international release. The game will be a launch title for PlayStation VR, the renamed Project Morpheus virtual reality headset, when it launches in Japan on October 13. The game sets...
Girlish Number Anime Casts Eri Suzuki, Saori Ōnishi
Show about idol voice actresses premieres in October
― The official website for the television anime of Wataru Watari and QP:flapper's Girlish Number novel project announced in July two more cast members. Eri Suzuki (Flying Witch's Chinatsu) will play Momoka Sonō, and Saori Ōnishi (Food Wars! The Second Plate's Hisako) will play Kazuha Shibasaki. The show stars: Sayaka Senbongi (Chronicles of the Goi...
Friday, August 5
Digimon Universe Appli Monsters 3DS Game's 1st Promo Video Streamed
"Deck battle RPG's" advance version launches this fall
― The official website for the Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters Nintendo 3DS game began streaming its first promotional video on Friday. The video previews characters, basic gameplay, and the "Digimon Universe Cyber Arena" advance version of the game. An advance "Digimon Universe Cyber Arena" version of the game will launch this fall. As with the...
'To All The Corners Of The World' Film Opens in November
Film based on manga set in World War II originally slated for October
― The official website for In This Corner of the World announced on Friday that the anime film will open in Japan on November 12. The film based on Fumiyo Kono's To All The Corners Of The World (Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) manga will open in Tokyo's Theatre Shinjuku and Euro Space as well as theaters throughout Japan. The second wav...
Stage Your Own Tank Battles with Girls und Panzer Papercraft Book
Girls und Panzer fans can practice their folding skills with a new craft book. The Girls und Panzer Papercraft Book includes instructions to create six tanks out of paper from different schools in the series. The results are a 1/35-scale paper tank ready for display in a diorama or to decorate your work desk. The book includes patterns for the Panzer IV Ausf. D (Ōarai Girls High School), Churchil...
Usamaru Line Sticker Character Gets Net Anime on Friday
Anime will have 12 5-minute episodes
― The Line social networking and instant messaging app announced in June that its Usamaru character will feature in a net anime adaptation titled Usamaru. The anime will premiere on Friday at 6:00 p.m. JST through the LINELIVE streaming service. Line previously streamed the anime's opening theme song "Usamaru no Uta" by Aimi Yano and Usamaru Ongakutai. The anime w...
Behind-the-Scenes Videos Reveal Studio Ghibli's Meticulous Process
Ghibli producer Hirokatsu Kihara is giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at Studio Ghibli's detailed animation process in a new series of videos. In the videos, Kihara explains the studio's process, including things that would easily be missed by the untrained eye. The frames for the now retired Hayao Miyazaki's beloved films had to pass through three people before getting approval. In the intervi...
Alderamin on the Sky ‒ Episode 5
"This flashback confirms the lingering suspicion from episode 4 that the relationship between Yatori and Ikta is fully reciprocal."
America's 1st Pokémon Go Master Finishes Worldwide Pokédex
London's Ahmed Ali also one of the first to complete game's Pokédex
― Brooklyn's own Nick Johnson (seen far right in photo) finally caught 'em all in the Pokémon Go mobile game after traveling overseas. Johnson was the first to catch the 142 available in the United States in late July, mere weeks after the game launched. The game currently offers 145 first-generation Pokémon, three of which are regio...
Live-Action Tokyo Ghoul Film Casts Yuu Aoi, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Yo Oizumi
Cast members for Rize, Kōtarō Amon, Kureo Mado revealed
― The official website for the live-action film of Sui Ishida's Tokyo Ghoul manga announced three additional cast members on Saturday. The new cast members are, from left to right in the image below, Yuu Aoi (live-action Rurouni Kenshin's Megumi) as Rize Kamishiro, EXILE's Nobuyuki Suzuki as Kōtarō Amon, and Yo Oizumi (voice of Layton in the Pro...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, July 25-31
Godzilla, Umizaru films air
― Gareth Edwards' 2014 Godzilla film aired on NTV on Friday, July 29 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 10.4% rating. The The Last Message: Umizaru live-action film aired on Fuji TV on Saturday, July 30 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 8.7% rating. Title Station Date Time Length Average Household Rating Sazae-san Fuji TV July 31 (Sun) 18:30 30 min. 12.7 Crayon Shin-chan TV Asahi July 29 (...
New York Times Manga Best Seller List, July 24-30
3 Tokyo Ghoul volumes, One-Punch Man, Haikyu!!, Akame ga Kill!!, Prison School, My Hero Academia, Fairy Tail Zero, Monster Musume: I ♥ Monster Girls
― The New York Times newspaper listed the manga bestsellers in the United States for the week ending on July 30. Rank Prev. Rank Title Author Publisher Weeks on List Cover 1 3Tokyo Ghoul #1 Sui Ishida Viz Media 56 2 1One-Punch Man #1 Story: ONE / Art: Yu...
Watch Tamashii Nations' Toy Story Set Transform Into Woody Robo Sheriff Star Robot
Tamashii Nations' transforming Woody and Buzz Lightyear sets opened for preorder. Each set takes Pixar's characters and turns them into parts to create one of two giant robots. The sets themselves can then also be combined to create one larger robot, "Gangreat King." The first set is "Chōgattai Daisakusen Woody Robo Sheriff Star" and combines Woody, his steed Bullseye, Hamm, Slinky Dog and Rex. B...
New Diabolik Lovers Stage Play Reveals Visual With Cast in Costume
Play to run August 24-28 in August
― The official website for Diabolik Lovers~re:requiem~, the new performance of the Diabolik Lovers stage play, revealed a new visual with the cast in costume on Friday. The new cast members are: Kaiki Ōhara as Kanato Sakamaki (Prince of Tennis musical's third season; replacing Shōhei Hashimoto) Wataru Shiokawa as Richter ("Watashi wa Host-chan" stage plays; replacin...
2nd Crane Game Girls Anime Season to Premiere in October
Cast adds Aya Uchida, Akari Kageyama, Mikoi Sasaki
― The Crane Game Girls (Bishōjo Yūgi Unit Crane Geeru) original television anime will get a second season that will premiere this fall. The anime's staff announced on Thursday that the second season's title, along with other information, will be revealed in a Nico Nico livestream on August 10. Aya Uchida, Akari Kageyama, and Mikoi Sasaki will join th...
Pikachu Statue Mysteriously Appears Overnight in New Orleans Park
In an act of guerilla art, a statue of the iconic electric-type Pokémon Pikachu was installed overnight in the Coliseum Square Park in New Orleans. Authorities are at a loss to explain it, especially since the statue looks quite heavy. The statue was placed on top of an old, unused fountain, and it appears to be made of fiberglass, with a cement base. Early photos of the statue also show a piece o...
Shonen Jump to Launch 'MyJump' Manga App With Customizable Serialization
App launches on Monday in Japan, 1st month is free
― This year's combined 36th and 37th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine will announce Shueisha's new "MyJump" iOS and Android app on Monday. The app, which is also launching on Monday, will let readers be the "editor-in-chief" by choosing which manga they would like to see in the app. The app has two different modes: "Weekly MyJump" and ...
Battery the Animation ‒ Episode 4
"In this episode, Takumi continues to learn that no one will play ball with his emotional immaturity."
Answerman - What Was Anime Like Before World War II Ended?
A question about the prewar history of anime in Japan sends Justin on a journey back through the rich and fascinating origin of the medium.
― James asks: A few books talk about how Anime started after the US occupied Japan and great storytellers, like Walt Disney, helped to inspire some of Japan's very own early great Anime makers. But I saw once that Anime was earlier than that, well before WW2. So...
Exclusive: Seven Seas Licenses The High School Life of a Fudanshi Manga
Anime adaptation currently airing in Japan, streaming on Crunchyroll
― Seven Seas announced during ANNCast on Friday that it has licensed Atami Michinoku's The High School Life of a Fudanshi (Fudanshi Kōkō Seikatsu) manga. The first volume is scheduled for May 30, 2017. The manga launched on Ichijinsha's web site Zero Sum Online on May 1, 2015, and Ichijinsha published the manga's second compiled vol...
This Art Club Has a Problem! ‒ Episode 5
"The real strength of this series as it goes on is in the increasingly firm base of character relationships."
Nobunaga's Ambition: Sphere of Influence – Ascension Game Heads West in October
Game gets PS4, PC release in the west
― Koei Tecmo America announced on Friday that it will release Nobunaga's Ambition: Sphere of Influence – Ascension for PlayStation 4 and digitally for PC via Steam on October 25. Koei Tecmo Europe will release the game on October 28. The game shipped in Japan as Nobunaga's Ambition: Sōzō Sengoku Risshiden on March 24 for the same systems, as well as for PlayStati...
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Nintendo 3DS Game's Trailer Shows Demon Negotiation
DLC options for September 20 game also revealed
― Atlus USA began streaming a trailer for its Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse (Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final) Nintendo 3DS game on Wednesday. The trailer shows the game's Demon management mechanics, where players can negotiate with demons to gain them as allies, fight alongside them to level them up, and fuse them to form new demons. In addition, Atlus...
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 470
"After a six-week trip to Filler Land, Naruto Shippūden unceremoniously plunks us back into the main story and the ongoing fight against Otsutsuki Kaguya."
Brave Witches Anime's New Visual Unveiled
Anime featuring different fighter wing from Strike Witches premieres this fall
― The official website for the Brave Witches spinoff television anime unveiled a new visual for the anime on Friday. The site also revealed the visuals for all the main characters: Hiromi Igarashi as Edytha Rossmann Rina Satou as Gundula Rall Yumi Hara as Aleksandra I. Pokryshkin Natsumi Takamori as Nikka Edvardine Katajai...
Marginal#4 Idol TV Anime's January Premiere, Staff, Cast, Video, Title, Visual Posted
J.C Staff animates Marginal #4 Kiss Kara Tsukuru Big Bang
― The official website for the television anime of Rejet and Idea Factory's Marginal#4 franchise updated with more details, a teaser promotional video, and a new visual on the anime. The anime will premiere this coming January under the title Marginal#4 Kiss Kara Tsukuru Big Bang. Kentarō Suzuki (episode director on The [email protected] franchise, L...
Puyo's The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan Spinoff Manga Ends
Manga's 10th volume slated for February, Yen Press publishing manga in North America
― The September issue of Kadokawa's Young Ace magazine published the final chapter of Puyo's The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan (Nagato Yuki-chan no Shōshitsu) spinoff manga on Thursday, August 4. The manga's 10th and final compiled book volume is slated for February 2017. The manga is Puyo's official spinoff base...
Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū Anime Season 2 Premieres in January
10th manga volume to include extra story, pamphlet with season 2 character designs on September 7
― The 33rd issue of Kodansha's Itan magazine announced on Friday that Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen (Sukeroku Anew Arc), the second television anime season based on Haruko Kumota's Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū manga will premiere in January. It will air in the Animeism programming blo...
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Ads Preview Gameplay & Cinematics
Game ships in Japan on October 27, in the West this Fall
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming 30- and 15-second commercials for its upcoming Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game on Friday. The ads show both gameplay footage and cinematics from the game. Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe previously streamed an English-subtitled version of the game's thir...
Pokémon Go Developer to Fix Bugs That Make Pokémon Harder to Catch
Game launches in Brazil just before Olympics
― The official Twitter account of the Pokémon Go augmented reality game announced on Thursday that the game's developer Niantic Labs is working on fixing bugs that affect the throwing accuracy and players' chances for capturing Pokémon. The bug began affecting players on Tuesday when Pokémon became harder to catch. Niantic Labs did not reveal when the bug ...
Tokyo Ghoul Creator Redraws Manga's 1st Chapter in September
Chapter will be 42 pages long with color
― The official website of Shueisha's Men's Non-no men's fashion magazine announced on Friday that Sui Ishida will publish a redrawn version of "Higeki" (Tragedy), the first chapter of his Tokyo Ghoul manga, in a pamphlet included with the magazine's October issue on September 10. The chapter will be 42 pages long, and will include color art. The above image sh...
GTA 5 Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4GTA 5 Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - Xbox OneGTA 5 Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PCGTA 5 Cheats, Codes, Cheat Codes & Walkthrough - Xbox 360GTA 5 Cheats, Codes, Cheat Codes & Walkthrough - PS3Fallout 4 Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4No Man's Sky Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4Battleborn Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4DOOM Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4Uncharted 4: A Thief's End Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4Dark Souls 3 Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4The Division Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4Lego Marvel's Avengers Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PS4Sims 4 Cheats, Codes & Walkthrough/Guide/FAQ - PC