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Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash Novel 3
Grimgar's story continues where the anime adaptation left off, becoming far more brutal as our heroes lay siege to an orc fortress. Rebecca Silverman gets into the details.
― Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash's third novel is the first to go beyond what the anime covered, and it brings with it more answers about the past and an increased brutality to the combat aspect of the series. It sees Haruhiro and his...
Tokyo Ghoul GNs 11-13
Kaneki must find the balance between monster and man within himself if he wants to succeed in his quest to protect his friends. Rebecca Silverman follows this antihero's darkening path through these three intense volumes.
― A work doesn't need to be subtle to be good, neither in its symbolism nor its references to earlier literature. That's a good thing in the case of Tokyo Ghoul, which is being more...
your name. [Hardcover] Novel
The movie may be a phenomenon, but how does Shinkai's novelization of his film hold up? Theron Martin finds out.
― In 2002 Makoto Shinkai effectively shouted his name to the anime industry and fandom with the release of Voices of a Distant Star, an OVA that caught attention both for nearly one-man production team and its simple, potent story about teenage lovers trying to stay in contact even as the ...
Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions BD+DVD
This unusual take on isekai stories sees its adventurers struggling to take down even one goblin in exchange for a decent meal. Theron Martin takes a look at the special edition release.
― This 12-episode series from the Winter 2016 season debuted just three days before fellow isekai light novel adaptation Konosuba. These two series were diametrically opposed in their differing approaches to the same...
Monday, June 19
Irregular at magic high school Anime Film Earns 163 Million Yen in Opening Weekend
Film sells 107,000 tickets to rank at #5, Detective Conan film drops to #10
― The irregular at magic high school The Movie: The Girl Who Summons the Stars (Gekijōban Mahōka Kōkō no Rettōsei: Hoshi o Yobu Shōjo) anime film debuted at #5 at the Japanese box office during its opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday, earning about 163 million yen (about US$1.47 million) and selling approximately 107,000 t...
2nd New Haikyu!! Compilation Film Also Gets New Scenes
Visual also revealed for September 29 film
― This year's 29th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed a new key visual for Haikyu!! Concept no Tatakai (Haikyu!! Battle of Concepts), the second of the two upcoming Haikyu!! compilation films, on Monday. The magazine also revealed that the second film, like the first, will have new scenes. In one new scene, Ushijima gives a message to t...
Bungo Stray Dogs Anime Film Reveals Title, Teaser Video, Visual, Early Spring 2018 Debut
Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple film features returning cast, staff
― The official website for the Bungo Stray Dogs anime franchise revealed the title, visual, and teaser video on Monday for the upcoming anime film project in the franchise. The film, titled Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple, will open in Japan in early spring 2018. The film lists the following four returning cast members: Yūto Uemura as Atsu...
Yumina Narrates 1st Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Reflection Film's 3 New Ads
1st film opens on July 22
― The official website for the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Reflection anime film project began streaming a commercial for the film on June 5, and two more on Monday. The character Yumina narrates all three commercials so far, with guest narrators in each new commercial, including Fūka and Rinne for the first commercial, Einhard and Sieglinde for the second commercial, and Vi...
Ikemen Sengoku Anime's Promo Video Outlines Story
5-minute anime shorts based on mobile game will premiere on July 12
― The official website for Ikemen Sengoku: Toki o Kakeru ga Koi wa Hajimaranai (Ikemen Sengoku: Love Won't Start By Crossing Through Time), the television anime adaptation of Cybird's Ikemen Sengoku: Romances Across Time (Ikemen Sengoku: Toki o Kakeru Koi) romance mobile app, began streaming a promotional video for the series on Frid...
3 Former SMAP Members Leave Johnny & Associates Agency
Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Shingo Katori end contracts on September 8, 2 other members stay
― Talent agency Johnny & Associates announced on Sunday evening via fax that it will end its management contract with three former members of the popular idol group SMAP — Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori — on September 8. The three former members will then leave the talent agency. The ...
7O3X: Fastest Finger First Anime Casts Tatsuhisa Suzuki as Takumi Niina
Anime based on Iqura Sugimoto's quiz club manga premieres on July 4
― Toei began streaming a quiz video on Thursday for 7O3X Fastest Finger First, the television anime adaptation of Iqura Sugimoto's Nana Maru San Batsu (literally, "7 O 3 X" or "7 Right, 3 Wrong") manga. The video reveals the character Takumi Niina, and the voice actor for the character asks if viewers can guess his identity. A separa...
Dudok de Wit, Studio Ghibli's The Red Turtle Film Wins Animafest Zagreb Award
Sunao Katabuchi's In This Corner of the World also nominated
― The Animafest Zagreb animation film festival in Croatia revealed on June 10 that Michael Dudok de Wit and Studio Ghibli's The Red Turtle film won its Grand Prix – Feature Film category for the festival. Sunao Katabuchi and MAPPA's In This Corner of the World was also nominated for the category. Sawako Kabuki's "Natsu no Gero wa Natsu no S...
Hidamari ga Kikoeru Live-Action Film's 4-Minute Clip Streamed
Film based on Yuki Fumino's boys-love manga opens on June 24
― Media news website Natalie began streaming four minutes of footage from the live-action film adaptation of Yuki Fumino's Hidamari ga Kikoeru (I Hear the Sunspot) boys-love manga on Saturday. The clip shows how the main characters Kōhei Sugihara and Taiichi Sagawa. The film opens in Japan on June 24. The film will star Hideya Tawada as Kōh...
Cup Noodle Anime Ad Imagines Kiki's Delivery Service's Kiki, Tombo as 17-year-olds
Manga creator Eisaku Kubonouchi, BUMP OF CHICKEN band participate in new "Hungry Days" ad campaign
― Nissin Foods revealed a new anime ad for its Cup Noodles on Monday based on Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's Kiki's Delivery Service film. While the original film follows 13-year-old protagonist Kiki, the new ad imagines Kiki and Tombo as 17-year-old high schoolers in the city. They share some arche...
Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Manga's OAD Reveals Visual, Cast
Takahiro Sakurai, Mai Nakahara, Kaori Mizuhashi star in original anime DVD
― The official website of the television anime adaptations of Hirohiko Araki's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga revealed the cast and visual of the original anime DVD (OAD) adaptation of the Kishibe Rohan wa Ugokanai (Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan) manga on Monday. The cast includes: Takahiro Sakurai as Rohan Kishibe Mai Nakahara as ...
Sunday, June 18
Kemono Friends Stage Play to Return in 2018
Play ran from June 14-18
― The staff of the stage play adaptation of Nexon and Mine Yoshizaki's Kemono Friends franchise announced on Sunday that the stage play will have a second run at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo on January 13-21, 2018. The play ran at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Club eX in Tokyo last week from Wednesday to Sunday. Hiroki Murakami directed the play and penned the script. The play had...
NTR: Netsuzou Trap Yuri Anime's Promo Video Previews Opening Theme Song (Updated)
Haruka Tōjo performs "Blue Bud Blue" opening song for anime shorts premiering on July 5
― The official Twitter account for the television anime of Naoko Kodama's yuri manga NTR: Netsuzou Trap began streaming the second promotional video for the anime on Monday. The video previews the anime's opening theme song "Blue Bud Blue" by Haruka Tōjo. Regarding the song, Tōjō commented, "I took the feeling of ...
Shiori Teshirogi Draws Justice League Origin: Wonder Woman Manga
Artist launches Batman and The Justice League manga on Monday
― The August issue of Akita Shoten's Champion RED magazine revealed on Monday that Shiori Teshirogi will publish the Justice League Origin: Wonder Woman manga in the magazine's September issue on July 19. The magazine didn't specify if the manga would be a one-shot or a longer series, but it did list the manga as a "special project." As th...
Sailor Moon, My Melody Collaboration Reveals Bag, Plush, Table, More Goods
The Sailor Moon franchise revealed the latest installment in its line of My Melody collaboration merchandise on Monday. The project is part of a celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sailor Moon anime. The newly revealed lineup of 22 items includes: Luna plush: 2,500 yen (about US$23) My Melody plush: 2,800 yen (US$25) Mascot Luna: 1,600 yen (US$14) Mascot My Melody: 1,800 yen (US$16) C...
Shoji Gatoh, Shikidouji, Seiji Kishi, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, More Listed as Attending Anime Expo
Also: Yoshihiko Umakoshi, Atsuko Ishizuka, Jukki Hanada, Yoshimi Itazu, more
― Anime Expo 2017 has published it panel schedule, and the schedule lists the following guests who will attend the convention: Full Metal Panic novelist Shoji Gatoh and illustrator Shikidouji. They will attend the "Full Metal Panic 15th Anniversary Panel" on June 30. Anime producers Tetsuya Kinoshita, Yasushi Ōshima, and Tak...
Humans Are Off the Menu at Attack on Titan Cafe Collaboration
With an unending supply of tempting treats in sight, pesky Titans may soon decide to put something besides humans on the menu. The buffet-style restaurant chain Sweets Paradise is collaborating with the second season of the Attack on Titan television anime to host a special cafe. Although there is no apparent explanation, the collaboration is featuring Attack on Titan's main characters as sailors....
Crunchyroll Adds Red Data Girl, Eccentric Family, Sky Wizards Academy, Gantz, Aquarion Logos, Devil May Cry Anime
All 6 series available now
― Crunchyroll announced on Friday that it has added the following anime to its catalog. All the anime are available to watch now for paid and free members. The Eccentric Family (season one, available in the U.S. and Canada) Red Data Girl (available in the U.S. and Canada) Sky Wizards Academy (available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., South Africa, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, De...
Tokyo Neighbors Web Series Gives Frank Look at Being Gay in Tokyo
If you recently read the English release of My Brother's Husband by Gengoroh Tagame or are following along with the Queer Japan documentary interviewing Tagame, Rokudenashiko, and others and want to know more about what it's like to be queer in Japan, a 12-part YouTube series is bringing more light on the subject. Tokyo Neighbors is currently being released as a labor of love and focuses on living...
Eromanga Sensei ‒ Episode 11
"For all its frustrating faults, at least I can't say Eromanga Sensei wasn't interesting to watch this week."
Bushiroad Reveals Granadia Saga Smartphone Game, Manga
Takumi Miyajima writes fantasy game's scenario, Shinnosuke Hino designs characters
― The July issue of Bushiroad's Monthly Bushiroad magazine revealed the Granadia Saga smartphone game and launched a manga adaptation on June 8. Shinnosuke Hino (character designer for Spectral Force, Dragon Force, character illustrator for Guilty Gear XX) is the main character designer for the game. Takumi Miyajima (T...
Granblue Fantasy the Animation ‒ Episode 12
"As Gran and his crew sail off into the distance, it's made clear that this is just the start of their adventure."
Rest Your Head on Gundam's Acguy, Z'Gok Pillows
The Premium Bandai online shop unveiled a new set of Gundam-inspired "rest head cushions" on Friday. The shop is offering MSM-04 Acguy, MSM-07 Z'Gok, and MSM-07S Z'Gok designs. The pillows feature cute, super-deformed versions of Gundam's amphibious mobile suits. The pillows show only the robots' heads, as if they are lying in wait in the ocean to prepare for an attack. The pillow line released Z...
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 25
"I guess I'll have to wait and see where else this arc is going to fit into the broader story, because I'm pretty surprised at how self-contained it feels right now."
Sayori Ochiai's Gingitsune Manga Goes Back on Hiatus
Manga returned for 1 chapter after last hiatus
― This year's July issue of Shueisha's Ultra Jump magazine announced on Monday that Sayori Ochiai's Gingitsune manga will be on hiatus for the benefit of the author. The magazine will make an announcement regarding the manga's return at a later date. The manga previously went on hiatus in the March issue, returned for one chapter in the May issue, and wa...
Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul ‒ Episode 11
"Charioce's prison seriously needs a better chain of command."
Idolish 7 Anime Project Includes Both TV Anime & Spinoff Series
Visual teases TV anime with game's cast, Shangri-La's Makoto Bessho directing at Troyca
― The official website for the anime of Idolish 7, Bandai Namco's fictional male idol group multimedia project, announced on Saturday that the project will have both a television series and a spinoff series. The website also presented a teaser visual for the television anime: The previously announced cast includes...
Sword Oratoria ‒ Episode 10
"Sword Oratoria is winding down in terms of episode count, so I'm not sure how much of the Floor 59 story we'll get."
A Closer Look the Problem of Low-Paid Animators and its Suggested Solutions
Last week, Japanese TV ran a special tackling the issue of underpaid workers in the animation industry. So let's take a deeper look at the problem.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash Novel 3
Grimgar's story continues where the anime adaptation left off, becoming far more brutal as our heroes lay siege to an orc fortress. Rebecca Silverman gets into the details.
― Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash's third novel is the first to go beyond what the anime covered, and it brings with it more answers about the past and an increased brutality to the combat aspect of the series. It sees Haruhiro and his...
Berserk ‒ Episode 23
"After the events of the Eclipse left Casca broken beyond the capacity to process her pain, Guts is the only one of the Golden Age trio still holding on to his suffering."
Saiyuki Reload Blast Anime Casts Yuuki Kaji, Haruhi Nanao
12-episode series premieres on July 5
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Kazuya Minekura's Saiyuki Reload Blast manga revealed two more cast members and character designs on Saturday. The new "guest" cast members include: (Name romanizations not confirmed) Yuuki Kaji as Tamuro, a young man who lives in a western village. Haruhi Nanao as Rei, a villager who's husband was kil...
Chronos Ruler Anime Reveals 2nd Key Visual, July 7 Premiere
The official website for the television anime of Taiwanese creator PONJEA's Chronos Ruler (Jikan no Shihaisha) manga revealed the show's July 7 premiere date on Sunday. The website also revealed a new key visual. The anime will premiere on Tokyo MX, BS11, Sun TV, and KBS Kyoto on July 7 at 24:30 (effectively July 8 at 12:30 a.m.). The series will also stream on dAnime Store, Amazon Video, Amazon P...
Anime Expo Schedule Lists Trailer Screening at 'FLCL 2 & 3 Panel' on July 2
The schedule for the Anime Expo 2017 event is currently listing a "FLCL 2 & 3 Panel" on July 2 at 3:00 p.m. that has the description "Showing trailer, poster giveaway, production announcements, etc." Adult Swim's Toonami block announced in March 2016 that it will co-produce 12 new episodes of FLCL with Production I.G. The 12 episodes will be a sequel to the 2000-2001 original video anime, and will...
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Game's Switch Version Launches in Japan on September 7
The August issue of Shueisha's V Jump magazine is revealing on Wednesday that Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the Nintendo Switch port of the Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game in Japan on September 7. The game is slated for a release in North America and Europe this fall. The release will include three new systems. The new ad-hoc co-op feature will let players connect and play with up to six pl...
Funimation Streams Season 3 Preview Video For Attack on Titan Anime
Spoiler video previews images from covers of manga volumes
― NOTE: The below video shows images from the volume covers of Hajime Isayama's original Attack on Titan manga series, and contains spoilers for the manga. Funimation began streaming a 15-second preview video on Saturday for the third season of the Attack on Titan anime. The final episode of the anime's second season revealed on Saturday that...
LiSA Performs New Ending Theme For My Hero Academia Anime's 2nd Season
New ending to debut in episode premiering on July 8
― The official website for the My Hero Academia television anime series announced on Saturday that LiSA will perform the second season's new ending theme song "Datte Atashi no Hero" (Still My Hero). The new ending theme will debut with the second cour of the anime, which will debut on July 8. LiSA has previously performed theme songs for Nisekoi:, T...
Lu over the wall, In This Corner of the World Anime Films Win Awards at Annecy (Updated)
Lu over the wall takes top award, Sawako Kabuki wins graduation film award
― The Annecy International Film Festival announced the winners of this year's awards on Saturday. Masaaki Yuasa and Science SARU's Lu over the wall anime film earned the top "Cristal for a Feature Film" award. The Eiga.com entertainment news website reported on Sunday that the last time a Japanese film won the award was 22 yea...
Saturday, June 17
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls Manga Ends in July
Manga adaptation of Spike Chunsoft's spinoff game launched in January 2015
― The 18th and latest chapter of Hajime Tōya's Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls (Zettai Zetsubō Shōjo: Danganronpa Another Episode) manga revealed on June 9 that the manga will end in its next chapter. The manga runs on Kadokawa's "Comic Clear" website, and the site will publish the final chapter on July 14. Tō...
The irregular at magic high school Film Marks Premiere With Rice Balls
After unveiling bean dogs, pickles, and nippers, The irregular at magic high school film is continuing its series of unique promotional campaigns with rice balls. The film's newest promotion will release real rice balls on Saturday, the same day that Gekijōban Mahōka Kōkō no Rettōsei: Hoshi o Yobu Shōjo opens in Japan. The film is collaborating with the Onigiri Society to offer the "strongest rice...
Reiko the Zombie Shop's Mikamoto Launches Iron Ghost no Shōjo Manga
"Spiritual battle action" manga launches in Comic Beam magazine on July 12
― This year's July issue of Kadokawa's Comic Beam magazine revealed on Monday that Reiko the Zombie Shop manga creator Rei Mikamoto is launching the Iron Ghost no Shōjo (Iron Ghost Girl) manga in the next issue, which ships on July 12. The July issue described the series as a "spiritual battle action" manga. While the July iss...
Takara Tomy is Not OK With Twitter's Profile Pic Change
The person in charge Japanese toy company Takara Tomy's Twitter account woke up to a harsh reality after the service launched an update on Thursday. One part of the update was the change in Twitter users' profile picture shape from square to round. Here is the reaction to the update that Takara Tomy's account posted on Twitter: な、な、な…なんじゃこりゃぁああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああ!!!!!!!!!!!!!な...
Bandai Namco's VR Experience Opens in Tokyo on July 14, Overseas Expansion Planned
London is 1st overseas location to debut this summer
― Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on Thursday that its planned VR Zone Shinjuku center will open in Tokyo on July 14. When the facility opens, it will have 15 activities, including: Dragon Ball VR "Master the Kamehameha" Evangelion VR "The Throne of Souls" Ghost in the Shell Arise: Stealth Hounds Mario Kart Arcade GP VR (See gallery below for ...
Iced Cup Noodle Will Keep You Cool in the Summer Heat
Cup Noodle is always attempting to reinvent consumers' notions of its microwavable noodles. Whether invoking nostalgia, gamers, or chocolate. Its latest is a refreshingly cold meal of noodles on ice. Cup Noodle Somen is meant to be enjoyed ice cold and has a light citrus flavor. Cup Noodle Somen Yuzu flavor is a blend of wheat noodles and sea bream broth flavored with chicken, kombu, and of course...
Saitama Man Arrested for Obscenity Claims He Was Imitating Dōjin Manga
Suspect allegedly pretended to be radiation inspector to gain entry into homes, sexually assault minors
― Saitama prefectural police arrested 35-year-old Yūya Yazaki on Monday on charges of obscenity. In his deposition, the suspect wrote that he was "imitating an adult dōjin manga." Police then appealed to the author of the dōjin manga to use consideration in drawing works that might be imitated in c...
Fragrance Company Releasing Sumo-Scented Perfume
What does one of Japan's top athletes smell like? Is it the spring fall of cherry blossoms or the distinct scent of horses and hay? According to fragrance company J-Scent, the smell is more akin to eucalyptus and anise. The company is releasing its third line of fragrances on July 3 and while yuzu citrus is par for the course, and ramune is only slightly head-turning, a fragrance imitating a sumo ...
Trinity Seven: Levi Ninden Artist Launches New Series
New series launches on July 7
― The July issue of Fujimi Shobo's Monthly Dragon Age magazine announced on June 9 that artist Sutarō Hanao (Trinity Seven: Levi Ninden) is drawing a new manga series with author Shinichi Okada. The manga, titled Weapon Geek, will launch in the August issue on July 7. The Hanao shared a preview image (pictured below) on June 9. The manga's tagline reads: "Collection x ri...
Wixoss, Bang Dream! Franchises Get New Manga in Coro Coro Aniki Magazine
Also: Maximum the Hormone band get manga series
― This year's summer issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Aniki magazine launched two new manga on Thursday for the Wixoss and Bang Dream! franchises. The official Twitter account for the magazine posted a preview image for the two manga on Thursday. Nyaromeron is drawing the Banban Doridori manga. The series is a "surreal expansion four-panel manga" followi...
Fan-Made Kemono Friends Fighting Game is Complete
Dōjin circle StudioS' Kemono Friends fighting game released a promotional video on Friday. The group finished the game and it is now available for order via Toranoana and DLsite. The game is slated for release on July 16. Kemono Friends is a popular dōjin topic. Director and animator TATSUKI helmed this anime season's unexpected hit and spawned another surprise when his circle's booth at the Comit...
Daimidaler's Asaki Nakama Resumes Kanimega Dai Sessen! Manga After 10 Years
4-panel manga introduced Penguin Empire that would later appear in Daimidaler
― The 45th issue of Kadokawa's harta magazine announced on Thursday that Asaki Nakama will resume his Kanimega Dai Sessen! (Kanimega Big Close Combat!) manga in the next issue on July 15. The manga will run for a short time and head toward its finale. The manga first launched in Futabasha's Moe Yon magazine, but switched to...
Fate/Apocrypha TV Anime Unveils Masters' Cast, Latest Videos
Kenji Nomura, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Chinatsu Akasaki, Yūsuke Kobayashi, more join cast
― The official website for the television anime of TYPE-MOON and Yuichiro Higashide's Fate/Apocrypha novels unveiled more of the cast members for the Masters, as well as the latest promotional video and a new themed commercial on Sunday. The "Black Faction/Red Faction" video is the second of three themed commercials for...
2nd Space Battleship Yamato 2202 Film's 1st 10 Minutes Streamed
Project's new opening footage shown before theaters debut film next Saturday
― The official website for the Uchū Senkan Yamato 2202: Ai no Senshi-tachi (Space Battleship Yamato 2202: Warriors of Love or Star Blazers 2202: Warriors of Love) anime sequel project began streaming the first 10 minutes from the project's second film, Hasshin-hen (Departure Chapter), on Saturday. The video features the proj...
The Silver Guardian Anime Gets Season 2 in January
Announced after season 1 finale on Saturday
― Production on a second season of The Silver Guardian (Gin no Guardian), Haoliners Emon's anime of the Chinese web comic Yín Zhī Shǒu Mù Rén, has been green-lit for a January 2018 premiere. The 12th and final episode of the first season aired on Saturday, and the anime's official website will provide more information on the new season in the future. The an...
Attack on Titan Anime Season 3 to Air in 2018
Announced in season 2 finale on Saturday
― The second anime season based on Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan manga ended on Saturday, and the season finale announced that the third season will premiere in 2018. The second season premiered in Japan on 21 networks, including Tokyo MX and MBS, on April 1. Funimation began streaming a simulcast version on the same day, and Crunchyroll is also streaming t...
We Saw the New Short Film by AKIRA's Animation Director
Takashi Nakamura of AKIRA fame recently showed off his new anime, Ylion & Callysia, at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2017.
Tokyo Ghoul GNs 11-13
Kaneki must find the balance between monster and man within himself if he wants to succeed in his quest to protect his friends. Rebecca Silverman follows this antihero's darkening path through these three intense volumes.
― A work doesn't need to be subtle to be good, neither in its symbolism nor its references to earlier literature. That's a good thing in the case of Tokyo Ghoul, which is being more...
KADO - The Right Answer ‒ Episode 10
"Kado The Right Answer came into this episode with a lot of explaining to do, which means it's time for a flashback."
K: Missing Kings Stage Play Reveals 3 More Cast Members
4th play in franchise runs in Kyoto, Tokyo in October
― The official website for the stage play adaptation of the K: Missing Kings anime film revealed three more of the play's cast members on Friday. The cast now includes: Kento Ono as Reisi Munakata Kaoru Marimura as Seri Awashima Yūya Kido as Saruhiko Fushimi Yoshihiko Aramaki as Kuroh Yatogami Karin Isobe as Anna Kushina Juri as Izumo Kusanagi Kei...
The Oral Cigarettes Perform Live-Action Ajin Film's Theme Song
New poster visuals also revealed for film opening on September 30
― The official website for the upcoming Ajin live-action film based on Gamon Sakurai's Ajin - Demi-Human manga revealed on Saturday that the rock band The Oral Cigarettes will perform the theme song for the film. The band previously performed theme songs for Noragami Aragoto and Sagrada Reset. The website also revealed two new poster v...
5th Black Butler Musical Reveals Main Visual, Cast Visuals
Yūta Furukawa, Reo Uchikawa reprise roles for musical running from December-February
― The official website for Musical Kuroshitsuji - Tango on the Campania, the fifth stage musical adaptation of Yana Toboso's Black Butler manga, revealed the musical's main visual and two character visuals on Saturday. The musical stars: Yūta Furukawa as Sebastian Michaelis Reo Uchikawa as Ciel Phantomhive Both actor...
GKids, Annecy, Variety to Launch Yearly 'Animation is Film' Festival in Los Angeles
Companies aim to "establish world class animation festival" in U.S.
― Animation distribution company GKIDS, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and entertainment trade magazine Variety announced in Annecy on Friday that they are working together to launch "Animation is Film," an annual animation film festival in Los Angeles. The first festival will run from October 20-22 at the TCL Chin...
Restaurant to Another World Anime Reveals Promo Video, 5 More Cast Members
Shizuka Itou, Tomokazu Sugita, Houchu Ohtsuka, more join cast for series premiering on July 3
― The official website of the television anime of Junpei Inuzuka's Isekai Shokudō (Restaurant to Another World) light novel series began streaming the anime's full promotional video on Saturday. The video previews Wake Up, Mayn!'s opening theme song "One in a Billion" and Kiyono Yasuno's ending theme song "C...
Friday, June 16
One Piece Anime Casts Hideyuki Hori as Judge
Hori previously played Bartholomew Kuma in anime series
― The official website for the One Piece franchise announced on Saturday that it has cast Hideyuki Hori as the character Vinsmoke Judge. Judge is the leader of Germa 66, and is Sanji's father. Hori previously played the character Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece. Other roles include Pheonix Ikki in Saint Seiya, Shūji Ikutsuki in the Persona 3 anime...
Seven Deadly Sins Spinoff Manga King no Manga Michi Ends With 3rd Volume
Manga about King drawing manga launched in February 2016
― The 45th chapter of Masataka Ono's Nanatsu no Taizai King no Manga Michi (The Seven Deadly Sins - King's Road to Manga) comedy spinoff manga announced last week that the manga will end with the third compiled volume. The volume is slated for July 14. The four-panel manga is a spinoff of Nakaba Suzuki's The Seven Deadly Sins (Nanatsu no Taizai...
Trinity Seven Manga Has More Than 3 Million Copies in Print
The July issue of Fujimi Shobo's Dragon Age manga magazine revealed last Friday that the Trinity Seven manga has more than 3 million copies in print. Kenji Saito and Akinari Nao launched the manga in Kadokawa's (Fujimi Shobo's) Monthly Dragon Age magazine in 2011, and Kadokawa released the 16th compiled volume (pictured right) on February 9. The manga has inspired spinoff manga, including Trinity ...
Sankarea's Mitsuru Hattori Launches New Manga
Manga follows cheerful girl who runs a laundry service
― This year's 13th issue of Square Enix's Young Gangan magazine announced on Friday that Mitsuru Hattori will launch a new manga series titled Kirei ni Shitemoraemasuka. (Will You Clean This For Me?) in the 14th issue on July 7. The manga takes place at a seaside town laundry shop called "Kinme Cleaning," where the proprietress Takana Kinme is a ...
City Criticizes Junior High for Ordering 'Obscene' Light Novels for Students
The city council of Kadoma, Osaka criticized a municipal junior high school on Wednesday for purchasing light novels for its student library collection that "have obscene and lascivious depictions." The city council questioned the decision to purchase the novels with public funds. After students at the school requested light novels, the female teacher in charge of the library searched online for l...
Usamaru Furuya's Shōnen-tachi no Iru Tokoro Manga Ends '1st Year' Arc
Short series launched in October
― This 17th issue of Shinchosha's Go Go Bunch magazine published the final chapter of the "First Year in High School Arc" of Usamaru Furuya's Shōnen-tachi no Iru Tokoro (Where the Boys Are) manga last Friday. The compiled volume will ship on July 7. While the magazine did not confirm that the series would continue, the final chapter is labelled "The End...?" and has a...
Lord Marksman and Vanadis Light Novels to End in 2017
18th volume will be the last
― Light novel author Tsukasa Kawaguchi announced on Tuesday that the Lord Marksman and Vanadis light novel series will end with the 18th volume, which is slated for this year. Kawaguchi originally planned to end the series with the 17th volume. Kawaguchi launched the light novel series in 2011 with art by Yoshi☆wo. Media Factory published the 16th volume (pictured right)...
A.I. Program Creates Practically Perfect In-Between Animation
The ongoing plight of underpaid labor in Japan's animation industry has stirred up different suggestions, including utilizing computers to take the place of low wage animators. Yuichi Yagi is developing once such program that creates in-between animation using its artificial intelligence. The program uses Dwango's deep learning neural network to fill in the gaps between key frames from Mages' Idol...
Final Fantasy Creator, Composer to Announce Next Work by Terra Battle's Mistwalker
Kadokawa's video game news source Famitsu will host a Niconico livestream on Wednesday with Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and composer Nobuo Uematsu. The livestream will announce a new title from Sakaguchi's Mistwalker game company. Sakaguchi shared concept art for a new, untitled project in January 2016. Mistwalker and Silicon Studio (Bravely Default) announced in February 2016 that th...
Unbreakable Machine Doll Light Novel Series Ends
Reiji Kaitō's series launched in 2009, inspired manga, anime
― Kadokawa began streaming a television commercial for the 16th compiled book volume of Reiji Kaitō's Unbreakable Machine-Doll light novel series on Friday. The video reveals that the 16th volume will be the series' last. Media Factory's MF Bunko J imprint will release the volume in two parts on July 25. Kaito launched the light novel serie...
Relive 20 Years of the Gust's Atelier Video Game Series
Game developer Gust's Atelier game series is celebrating 20 years of weapon creating, monster fighting, fantasy goodness with Atelier Liddy & Sule: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Painting and Atelier Online: The Alchemist of Blasel games. Before you gear up to play the latest installments, let's take a look back at the previous games. The Atelier series launched in 1997 with Atelier Marie: The Al...
Otakon to Host Director Ei Aoki
Re:Creators, Fate/Zero director to appear at D.C. convention
― The staff of the Otakon convention announced on Wednesday that it will host anime director Ei Aoki at this year's event. Aoki debuted as a director in 2004, and has since directed anime such as Fate/Zero, Ga-Rei-Zero, Girls Bravo, and Wandering Son. In 2013, he co-founded the anime production studio called TROYCA, where he directed Aldnoa...
Genocidal Organ Film's English-Subtitled Trailer Streamed
U.S. theaters listed for 2-night, subtitled screening
― Funimation Entertainment began streaming an English-subtitled trailer for its theatrical release of the anime film based on Project Itoh's Genocidal Organ novel. The company also posted a list of U.S. theaters that will screen the film, and confirmed that the screenings will be in Japanese with English subtitles. The film will open for two night...
Kemono Friends Bus Tour Heads to Safari Park in July
If going to see the upcoming Kemono Friends stage play or orchestral concert isn't enough, fans of the anime will soon be able to participate in a themed bus tour. Sankei Tours is holding "Japari Bus Tour Gunma Chihō Yuki" on July 29. After departing from Tokyo, participants will visit Gunma Safari Park. They will explore the park and go on a safari walk. Voice actresses Yuka Ozaki (voice of Serva...
Tsukigakirei ‒ Episode 10
"This episode conveyed both the highs and lows of Akane and Kotarou's relationship with sensitivity and grace, firmly establishing this as a relationship worth fighting for."
Love Tyrant ‒ Episode 11
"This is probably Love Tyrant at its most ambitious, but ambition doesn't always equal execution."
In This Corner of the World Anime Film Sells 2 Million Tickets in Japan
Film has earned 2.5 billion yen at 300 theaters
― Sunao Katabuchi's In This Corner of the World anime film has sold more than 2 million tickets at theaters in Japan as of Thursday. The film opened at 63 theaters in Japan in November, and the film's staff expanded its release to more than 300 theaters due to audience support. Katabuchi (Black Lagoon, Mai Mai Miracle) wrote and directed the film, which...
Answerman - Will China or Korea Ever Compete With Anime?
You might expect China and Korea to have their own robust slate of anime for Japan and the world to contend with - but why hasn't that happened?
― Marlon asks: It seems that the Chinese and South Koreas want to have their own equivalent of the anime/manga market. With their webtoons and such, Chinese investors seem to be putting a lot into forming their own market like Japan, even licensing or creat...
Saint Tail Holds Contest to Create Manga's 'Next Generation'
Kodansha is holding a contest through Pixiv for fans of Megumi Tachikawa's Saint Tail to become the artist for the "next generation" version of the manga. The contest asks fans to create the story of a new phantom thief who appears in Seika City. Applicants must follow three guidelines to ensure their new Saint Tail characters share their most important qualities with Tachikawa's original characte...
Revolutionary Girl Utena ‒ Episodes 11-12
"While I wouldn't call it the highest watermark for this series, the Student Council arc finale is still some of the most cathartic and satisfying stuff in any anime ever."
Kaori Hanzawa's Comic Girls Manga Gets TV Anime
Series about 15-year-old manga creator launched in 2014
― Japanese retailer Rakuen is listing the cover of the August issue of Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Max magazine, which reveals that a television anime adaptation of Kaori Hanzawa's Comic Girls four-panel manga has been green-lit. The manga features on the issue's cover. The issue will ship on Monday. The manga's story centers on the 15-year-ol...
Clockwork Planet ‒ Episode 11
"Our heroes finally come to the same conclusion everyone else in the world came to in the show's first episode: a planet made of clockwork should not work."
Altair: A Record of Battles Anime's TV Ad Previews SID's Opening Song
Historical fantasy anime premieres July 7
― The official website for this summer's television anime of Kotono Katō's historical fantasy manga Altair: A Record of Battles (Shōkoku no Altair) began streaming 15- and 30-second versions of a new television commercial for the series on Friday. The videos preview SID's opening theme song "Rasen no Yume" (Spiral Dream). (Note: The videos linked above are re...
Hands-on With the New VR Mario Kart Game
Earlier this week I got to try out Mario Kart in VR and got a sneak preview for the upcoming Evangelion, Dragon Ball, and Ghost in the Shell VR games as well.
your name. [Hardcover] Novel
The movie may be a phenomenon, but how does Shinkai's novelization of his film hold up? Theron Martin finds out.
― In 2002 Makoto Shinkai effectively shouted his name to the anime industry and fandom with the release of Voices of a Distant Star, an OVA that caught attention both for nearly one-man production team and its simple, potent story about teenage lovers trying to stay in contact even as the ...
Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Flat ‒ Episode 10
"The writing in the last couple of episodes has been particularly sharp, and this one is no exception."
Sony Ships 60.4 Million PS4 Consoles Worldwide
Company also reports 70 million active PSN users, 26.40 million PS Plus users
― Sony revealed on Tuesday that the company has shipped a total of 60.4 million PlayStation 4 units worldwide as of June 11. Sony has also sold over 487.80 million units of software items for PS4 in physical stores and on its online PlayStation Store as of June 11. Sony reported that there are over 70 million active users o...
Wit Studio to Show Live-Action Film Summer Blooms at Moscow Film Festival
Ryūtarō Nakagawa film screens in June 22-29 film festival
― Animation studio Wit Studio (Attack on Titan, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress) revealed on June 10 that it is the producer for Ryūtarō Nakagawa's Summer Blooms (Shigatsu no Nagai Yume) live-action film. The film will screen at the upcoming Moscow International Film Festival, which takes place from June 22 to 29. The festival describes the film...
Katsugeki! Touken Ranbu TV Anime's 3rd Promo Video Previews Kalafina's Theme
Anime by ufotable premieres on July 1
― The official website of the Katsugeki! Tōken Ranbu (Action Picture! Touken Ranbu) television anime series began streaming the show's third promotional video on Friday. (Note: The video at the link above is region-locked to Japan.) The series will premiere in Japan on Tokyo MX, BS11, Gunma TV, and Tochigi TV on July 1 at 24:30 (effectively July 2 at 12:30 a.m.) ...
Final Fantasy XV Game Previews 'Episode Prompto' DLC in Gameplay Video
2nd new story episode arrives worldwide on June 27
― Square Enix began streaming a gameplay video on Friday for the "Episode Prompto" DLC for the Final Fantasy XV game. The DLC will be available worldwide on June 27. Naoshi Mizuta is serving as guest composer for the DLC. The new story episode is the second in a series of story episodes focusing on each of the main characters of Final Fantasy XV, wit...
Teekyū Anime's 9th Season Premieres on July 12
The official website for the television anime of Piyo and Roots' Teekyū manga revealed the ninth anime season's July 12 premiere date on Friday. The anime will premiere on July 12 on Tokyo MX at 10:40 p.m. before airing later that evening on Sun TV. The anime will then air on AT-X on July 13 at 9:25 p.m. Yui Watanabe will perform the opening theme song "Dream First Sensation!" as her character Yur...
Hitorijime My Hero TV Anime's Long Promo Video Previews Wataru Hatano's Theme Song
New key visual revealed for anime premiering on July 8
― The official website for the television anime of Memeco Arii's Hitorijime My Hero manga began streaming the show's long promotional video on Friday. The video previews Wataru Hatano's opening theme song "Heart Signal." The website also revealed a new key visual. The anime will premiere on AT-X on July 8 at 11:30 p.m. and will then air later tha...
Mysterious Joker, Pokémon Horizon, Puzzle & Dragons X Manga End
Hideyasu Takahashi's Mysterious Joker manga inspired 4 TV anime seasons
― The July issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comics revealed on Thursday that the Mysterious Joker (Kaito Joker) and Pokémon Horizon manga will both end in the magazine's next issue in July. The issue additionally published the final chapter of the Puzzle & Dragons X manga on Thursday. Mysterious Joker launched in Shogakukan's Bess...
Masaaki Yuasa's Devilman Crybaby Anime Reveals New Visual
The official website for Devilman crybaby — the new anime based on Go Nagai's Devilman manga — revealed the anime's new visual on Friday. The text on the visual reads, "Kill, as instinct." Click on image to see full-size version. The anime will premiere as a Netflix Original Series in early spring of 2018. The anime will be available in 190 countries or territories, with nine spoken languages and ...
Princess Resurrection's Mitsunaga Writes New Tama Kick Manga
Mitsunaga collaborates with illustrator Inomaru in series about female detective
― The August issue of Shonengahosha's Young King Ours GH magazine published the first chapter of a new manga titled Tama Kick (Kick to the Balls) by manga creators Yasunori Mitsunaga and Inomaru on Friday. The first chapter has a color opening page and is 52 pages long. Matsunaga is writing the story, and Inomaru is draw...
Compile Heart Collaborates With Tezuka Productions For New Smartphone Game
Sony's ForwardWorks also works on smartphone game slated for 2018
― Idea Factory announced on Friday that game developer Compile Heart, Sony's ForwardWorks company, and anime studio Tezuka Productions are collaborating to develop the Eshigami no Kizuna (The Bonds of Gods of Artists) smartphone game. Compile Heart illustrators Tsunako (Neptunia series), Katsuyuki Hirano (Record of Agarest War, Genkai ...
Voice Actor Keiji Fujiwara Plans Return to Work
Voice actor to slowly resume activities while taking physical condition into account
― Voice actor Keiji Fujiwara's agency Air Agency announced on Friday that Fujiwara is taking steps to slowly start resuming his work. The agency stated that it will continue to take Fujiwara's condition into account while he resumes his work. Air Agency had announced in August 2016 that Fujiwara was taking a break "f...
Nami Sano's New Manga Titled Migi to Dari, Story Revealed
New manga by Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto creator launches July 15
― The 45th issue of Kadokawa's harta magazine previewed the new manga series by Nami Sano (Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto) on Thursday, revealing its title as Migi to Dari. The manga will launch in the 46th issue of harta on July 15. The magazine describes the story: Under the table is the angel's secret. The boy's name was Hitori...
Sonic Mania Video Reveals August 15 Release Date
Gameplay video also shows "Chemical Plant Zone Act 2" level for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC game
― Sega began streaming an English and Japanese video for upcoming Sonic Mania game earlier this month. The videos reveal the game's release on August 15 in the West, and August 16 in Japan. Segan also streamed a gameplay video featuring the "Chemical Plant Zone Act 2" level. The game will launch for the PS4...
Okinawa Resident Launches Crowdfunding to Make Manga, Anime About Okinawan Culture
Project aims to raise 1 million yen to fund manga in 2018, anime in 2019
― Julia Aimi Olivares, an Okinawa resident, launched a crowdfunding campaign this month for a manga and anime project about traditional Okinawan culture. The project, named "Tedashiro no Kuniuta Project" ("The Song of the Sun Goddess Project") or "Tedauta Project," seeks to raise 1 million yen (about US$9,000) by August 1 to fun...
Nikkei: Konami Blacklists Former Employees in Japanese Game Industry
Report describes various instances of blacklisting, including Kojima Productions denied from health insurance
― Japanese financial newspaper Nikkei reported on Wednesday that game developer and publisher Konami is blacklisting its former employees in the Japanese video game industry. The Nikkei report cited a staffing agency employee as a source, saying that the employee alerts gaming companies if a ...
Thursday, June 15
Animation Project for Vivaldi's The Four Seasons to Also Open Crowdfunding on Kickstarter
The "Four Seasons Animation Concert Executive Committee" announced on Thursday that it will launch a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for its animation project based on Antonio Vivaldi's classical concerto series The Four Seasons. Ann Yamamoto, assistant professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and president of Pied Piper, Inc. (Skip Beat!, Time of Eve Kickstarter campaigns), is assisting with t...
Hatsune Miku Enters the World of Osamu Tezuka for New Exhibition
Hatsune Miku has traveled beyond her electronic musical roots to be a virtual girlfriend, a racing queen, and the mascot of Hokkaido's snowy winters. Manga god Osamu Tezuka has left his own indelible mark. On what would have been his 90th birthday his works like Astro Boy continue to inspire new takes from this season's Atom The Beginning and the fresh Pluto anime announcement. Starting on July 1,...
Sagrada Reset ‒ Episode 11
"This show has become ambitious in its capacity for dullness."
Hulu Streams The Asterisk War Anime's English Dub
Hulu announced on Thursday that it is now streaming the English dub of The Asterisk War: The Academy City on the Water anime. Both series (all 24 episodes) are available with the dub and in Japanese with English subtitles. Aniplex describes the series: Invertia (meteor storm)… an unprecedented disaster that struck the world during the 20th century. Because of this disaster, numerous cities around ...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure's Yoshikage Kira Real Escape Game Reveals Visuals
Scrap's Real Escape Game revealed a new visual for its JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable attraction on Thursday. The Real Escape Game, titled JoJo no Kimyō na Yūenchi kara no Dasshutsu (Escape From JoJo's Bizarre Amusement Park), will run at Tokyo Dome City Attractions from July 15 to September 24, at Hirakata Park in Osaka from July 21 to September 18, and at Greenland in Kumamoto ...
Anime Expo to Host Voice Actor Miyu Irino
Spirited Away, Mr. Osomatsu, A Silent Voice voice actor to appear at his 1st overseas convention
― The staff of Anime Expo announced on Thursday that the convention will host voice actor Miyu Irino as a guest of honor. He will participate in a panel and autograph sessions. This will be his first overseas convention appearance. Irino was born in 1988, and gained notice at a young age when he played th...
Granblue Fantasy's Muscle Men Show Off in Music Video
The muscular men of Cygame's Granblue Fantasy are starring in their own music video wearing little more than a fundoshi. The "Sanbagarasu Otoko Uta" (Male Trio Song) stars Soriz (Rikiya Koyama), Jin (Hiroki Yasumoto), and Eugen (Keiji Fujiwara). The song is from the character CD of the same name set for release on June 22. It includes the trio version and individual versions by each of the three c...
Vatican Miracle Examiner Anime Casts Yusa Koji, Hiroki Yasumoto, Tsubasa Yonaga
July 7 premiere revealed for mystery anime
― The official website for the anime adaptation of Rin Fujiki's Vatican Miracle Examiner (Vatican Kiseki Chōsakan) mystery novel series revealed three additional cast members on Thursday. The website also announced that the anime will premiere on July 7 at 10:30 p.m. in Japan on WOWOW, and will also air on Tokyo MX, KBS Kyoto, TV Aichi, Sun TV, and BS 11. Th...
Utena, Anthy Inspire Lingerie, Fragrance, Accessories
Otaku mail order site Super Groupies isn't revolutionizing intimates, but its Utena-theme lingerie is still pretty to look at. The site is offering both Utena and Anthy color coordinated bra and panty sets. The Utena version takes inspiration from the character's school uniform and the Anthy version is similar in design with bonus frills. Even more enticing is the pre-order bonus which includes a...
New Mazinger Z Film's Trailer Previews Animation
New visual also revealed
― The official website for the upcoming Mazinger Z anime film began streaming a 30-second trailer on Friday with footage that debuted the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. The staff also revealed a key visual. Toei Animation describes the completely original story: Humanity was once in danger of its downfall at the hands of the Underground Empire, which ...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, June 5-11
Pokémon Sun & Moon, Kirakira ☆ Precure a la Mode in top 10
― The live-action drama adaptation of Ryō Ikuemi's Anata no Koto wa Sorehodo manga aired on TBS on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:00 p.m and earned a 13.5% rating. Title Station Date Time Length Average Household Rating Sazae-san Fuji TV June 11 (Sun) 18:30 30 min. 11.1 Chibi Maruko-chan Fuji TV June 11 (Sun) 18:00 30 min. 7.6 Doraemon TV Asahi June 9...
Maiden Japan Licenses Hinako OVA Series
"Training With Hinako," "Sleeping With Hinako," "Bathing With Hinako" star self-aware anime character
― Maiden Japan announced on Thursday that it has licensed the Hinako original video anime (OVA) series: Isshoni Training: Training with Hinako, Isshoni Sleeping: Sleeping with Hinako, and Isshoni Training 026: Bathtime with Hinako & Hiyoko (Bathing With Hinako). Maiden Japan will release all three O...
Yen Press to Release Gesellschaft Blume, IM: The Great Priest Imhotep Manga Digitally
Manga follow hero who gets stronger with death of companions, Egyptian priest revived in modern era
― Yen Press announced on Thursday that it has licensed the GESELLSCHAFT BLUME (Yakushoku Distopiary) and IM: The Great Priest Imhotep manga for digital release. Both titles will be launch on June 27. GESELLSCHAFT BLUME is a remake of Fumitaka Senga's web manga, which launched in February 2013. Artist T...
7O3X: Fastest Finger First Anime's Quiz Videos Reveal Wataru Hatano as Yōsuke Ashiya
Anime based on Iqura Sugimoto's quiz club manga premieres on July 4
― Toei began streaming a quiz video on Wednesday for 7O3X Fastest Finger First, the television anime adaptation of Iqura Sugimoto's Nana Maru San Batsu (literally, "7 O 3 X" or "7 Right, 3 Wrong") manga. The video reveals the character Yōsuke Ashiya, and the voice actor for the character asks if viewers can guess his identity. A sepa...
Japanese Fans Pick the Most Anticipated Summer 2017 Anime in 2 Polls
Japanese readers at Charapedia and Kadokawa's eb-i Xpress weighed in on which summer anime series they are looking forward to this year. Both sites came up with different results; eb-i Xpress asked 18,664 readers and Charapedia asked 10,000 but each site's results share little in common. In fact, the top choice for eb-i Xpress was the last choice on Charapedia. Which best reflects your most antici...
DIVE!! Anime's Promo Video Previews Qyoto's Opening Theme Song
Anime based on Eto Mori's novel debuts on July 6
― Noitamina began streaming a 30-second promotional video for the television anime of Eto Mori's youth novel series DIVE!! on Friday. The video previews Kyoto-based band Qyoto's opening theme song "Taiyō mo Hitoribocchi" (The Sun Is Also Lonely), which is also the band's debut song. The cast includes: Yuuki Kaji as Tomoki Sakai, a young diver with hidd...
Anime Expo to Premiere English Dub of 3rd Digimon Adventure tri. Film
Dub actors to attend Q&A, 2nd film to be available on Blu-ray/DVD
― The staff of Anime Expo announced on Thursday that the English dub of Digimon Adventure tri.- Chapter 3: Confession will premiere at the event at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 1. Dub actors Joshua Seth (Tai), Colleen O'Shaughnessey (Sora), and Jeff Nimoy (Tentomon) will be in attendance for a Q&A session. The second film, Digimon Adve...
Toyota's Transforming Robot Van Promotes Traffic Safety
Toyota is giving the Turkish Letrons project a run for its money in the field of transforming cars. Nagoya Toyopet (NTP) unveiled a mecha version of the versatile and popular Hiace van as its official character. Actually, there is no confirmation that NTP has made a real transforming car, but the company is utilizing Sliger Robo for marketing purposes. The robot teams up with Super Sentai-style he...
Sakura Quest ‒ Episode 11
"Sakura Quest plays the audience like a fiddle this week, and I was happy to play along."
Citrus Yuri Anime Casts Ayana Taketatsu, Minami Tsuda, Yukiyo Fujii
Yurika Kubo, Shiori Izawa also reprise drama CD roles
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Saburouta's Citrus yuri manga revealed the five main cast members on Friday. They are all reprising their roles from the manga's drama CD. The anime stars: Ayana Taketatsu as Yuzuko Aihara Minami Tsuda as Mei Aihara Yukiyo Fujii as Harumi Taniguchi, Yuzuko's classmate Yurika Kubo as Him...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 11
"Since the main group has felt fragmented as of late, it was nice to see everyone come together and collaborate on a plan."
4th Yo-kai Watch Film Reveals Plot, Visual, Character Designs
Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu is set 30 after previous story
― The official website for the Yo-kai Watch films revealed the plot, a teaser visual, and character designs for the franchise's fourth film on Thursday. The new film, titled Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu (Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: The Return of the Oni King), will open in Japan on December 16. In the film's story, t...
The Royal Tutor ‒ Episode 11
"We've now entered anime original ending territory, and it fits well, for the most part."
Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions BD+DVD
This unusual take on isekai stories sees its adventurers struggling to take down even one goblin in exchange for a decent meal. Theron Martin takes a look at the special edition release.
― This 12-episode series from the Winter 2016 season debuted just three days before fellow isekai light novel adaptation Konosuba. These two series were diametrically opposed in their differing approaches to the same...
DIVE!! Anime Casts Kensho Ono, Shouta Aoi, Kengo Kawanishi, Ryohei Kimura
Band Qyoto performs opening theme for anime debuting on July 6
― The official website for the television anime of Eto Mori's youth novel series DIVE!! revealed four more cast members and character visuals on Thursday. The website also revealed that the Kyoto-based band Qyoto will perform the opening theme song "Taiyō mo Hitoribocchi" (The Sun Is Also Lonely) as its debut song. The new cast members ar...
Iwaihime: Matsuri, Earth Defense Force 5 Games Delayed
Nippon Ichi Software announced on Thursday that it is delaying Iwaihime: Matsuri, its PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita port of DMMGames and Ryukishi07's Iwaihime PC horror game. The game was slated for July 20, and is now slated for September 7. Nippon Ichi Software is delaying the game in order to conform to CERO's examination standards for porting the game from the PC to PS4 and PS Vita. The p...
Mazinger Z Reveals Theme Song Artist, Composer, Story
Ichiro Mizuki returns to franchise to perform opening theme song
― Go Nagai and the staff of the new Mazinger Z anime film revealed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France on Wednesday that Ichiro Mizuki is returning to the franchise to perform the film's opening theme song. Mizuki has performed theme songs for the Mazinger Z TV anime series, Mazinger Z tai Ankoku Daishōgun, Maz...
Kaito × Ansa Puzzle-Solving Anime Reveals 3rd Promo Video
Series starring Kazuki Katou, Takahiro Sakurai premieres on July 12
― The official website for the Kaito × Ansa "puzzle-solving" (nazo-toki) original television anime began streaming the show's third promotional video on Thursday. The video previews 256's opening theme song "Hoshi no Kazu Dake" (Just the Number of Stars). The video also revealed that the anime will premiere on July 12 on AT-X, Tokyo ...
3rd Show By Rock!! Stage Musical Gets New Visual
3rd musical runs from October 19-29, stars Kenta Kamakari, Kosuke Yonehara
― The official website for the third Show By Rock!! stage musical revealed a key visual and its performance schedule on Tuesday. The musical will run from October 19 to 29 at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo. The new visual shows Kenta Kamakari as Trichronika's Shu☆Zo (left), and Kosuke Yonehara as Shingan Crimsonz' Crow (right). Bo...
Gundam the Origin Anime's Loum Arc Previewed in 2nd English-Subtitled Video
5th episode in theatrical series premieres in Japan on September 2
― The Gundam.info portal site began streaming a second English-subtitled trailer on Thursday for "Clash at Loum," the fifth episode of the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin anime and the first in the anime's "Loum Arc." The video also features subtitles in five other languages. Gundam.info had streamed the first English-subtitled video l...
Yōkai Apāto no Yūga na Nichijō Anime Reveals 7 More Cast Members, Theme Song Artists
Takehito Koyasu, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Tomokazu Sugita, Rie Kugimiya, more join cast
― The official website for the television anime of Hinowa Kōzuki's Yōkai Apāto no Yūga na Nichijō (Refined Daily Life at the Supernatural Entity Apartment) light novel series revealed seven more cast members and the show's theme song artists on Thursday. The new cast includes: Takehito Koyasu as Fool Toshiyuki Morikawa...
Oscar-Nominated Director Yamamura Previews New Shorts in Trailer
"Notes on Monstropedia," "Satie's 'Parade'" screen in Japan on August 5
― The Youtube channel of Japanese media news website Movie Collection began streaming two new trailers for Oscar-nominated animator Koji Yamamura's "Notes on Monstropedia" ("Kaibutsu Gakushō") and "Satie's 'Parade'" shorts on Monday. Both shorts will screen in Japanese theaters as part of "Yamamura Koji Hidarime to Migime de Miru...
Japanese Fans' Top 20 Most Anticipated Anime of Next Season
With the summer anime season just around the corner, 18,664 Japanese fans were surveyed on which upcoming anime they most want to watch.
Level-5 Acquires Mighty No.9 Developer Comcept as Subsidiary
New LEVEL5 comcept" company reveals Dragon & Colonies smartphone game for 2018
― Video game developer Level-5 Inc. announced on Thursday that it and Keiji Inafune's comcept video game studio are forming a new company called "LEVEL5 comcept." The video game and app company is a wholly owned subsidiary to Level-5. LEVEL5 comcept will be based in Osaka. Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino serves as t...
Coro Coro Comics Characters Gather for Original Net Anime in July
Characters include Pascal-sensei, Joe Kirifuda, Joker, Gao Mikado, Valt Aoi, more
― The July issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comics magazine revealed on Thursday that the magazine will launch an original net anime titled 40-Shūnen da yo! Coro Coro All-Star Shōgakkō (It's the 40th Anniversary! Coro Coro All-Star Elementary School) on its Youtube channel beginning on July 15 at 8:00 a.m. The anime will...
Demon Prince Poro's Diaries Manga Ends on Monday in Shonen Jump
Hitsuji Gondaira launched series on February 20
― This year's 29th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is publishing the final chapter of Hitsuji Gondaira's Demon Prince Poro's Diaries (Poro no Ryūgakuki) manga on Monday. Shueisha will publish the manga's second compiled volume in August. Gondaira launched the manga in the magazine's 12th issue on February 20. Viz Media published the mang...
Nintendo Announces Sushi Striker 3DS Game for 2018
Players stack sushi plates to damage opponent in game by developer indieszero
― Nintendo revealed during the E3 event on Wednesday that it is launching a new game titled Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido for the Nintendo 3DS. The game is slated for release in 2018. Developer indieszero (NES Remix, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy) is developing the game. In the game, players battle against other characters ...
Irregular at magic high school Anime Film Opens in U.S. on July 28
U.S. premiere of film at Anime Expo, opens in Japan on Saturday
― Film distribution company Azoland Pictures announced on Wednesday that the wider United States screening for the The irregular at magic high school The Movie: The Girl Who Summons the Stars (Gekijōban Mahōka Kōkō no Rettōsei: Hoshi o Yobu Shōjo) anime film will start on July 28 in select theaters. Aniplex of America is listing theaters...
Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite Game's Gameplay, Mechanics Trailer Streamed
Arthur, Doctor Strange, Spencer revealed for September 19 fighting game
― Capcom began streaming a gameplay trailer and system mechanics trailer for its Marvel vs. CAPCOM Infinite PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC fighting game on Tuesday. The gameplay trailer reveals new characters, including Arthur (Ghosts 'n Goblins), Doctor Strange, and Spencer (Bionic Commando). The system mechanics trailer outlin...
Dragon Ball FighterZ's Gameplay Videos Show 3-vs.-3 Fights
2D fighting game for PS4, Xbox One, PC arrives in early 2018
― Shueisha's V Jump magazine streamed new gameplay videos for Bandai Namco Entertainment and Arc System Works' Dragon Ball FighterZ 2D fighting game during its Niconico Live streaming program on Monday. The videos feature three-versus-three fights between the franchise's characters. Bandai Namco Entertainment also opened a teaser website fo...
Wednesday, June 14
Gundam Director Shinji Takamatsu Responds to NHK's Anime Industry Special
Takamatsu predicts the anime studio business model has 5, maybe 10 years.
― Anime director Shinji Takamatsu (Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Gintama, School Rumble, Kochikame) responded on Twitter on Sunday to the anime industry episode of NHK's Close-Up Gendai+ program, which premiered on June 7. The episode highlighted the dark side of Japan's anime industry with its financial problems and poor working co...
Princess Jellyfish's Akiko Higashimura Produces New Manga Series
Jong Gu Zee draws Bingle Bingle Bassan manga about South Korean, Japanese roommates
― The July issue of Kodansha's Hatsu Kiss magazine is revealed on Tuesday that manga creator Akiko Higashimura is producing and planning a new manga series titled Bingle Bingle Bassan. Jong Gu Zee, the manga's writer and artist, posted an illustration to commemorate the manga's launch on Tuesday. The manga centers on ...
Anime Expo to Screen Resident Evil: Vendetta Film Ahead of N. American Premiere
1st 9 minutes of CG-animated film streamed
― The official website for Anime Expo announced on Tuesday that it will screen the CG-animated film Resident Evil: Vendetta on Saturday July 1. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with voice actors Kevin Dorman (Chris Redfield) and John DeMita (Glenn Arias), ADR director Alex von David, and casting director Mami Okada. Sony Pictures Entertainment...
Gintama Incense Holder Repels Insects, Promotes Elizabeth Smoking
One of the downfalls of the summer months is the influx of blood-sucking mosquitoes waiting in the wings to ruin family barbecues and camping trips. Gintama's mysterious Elizabeth also hates mosquitoes, or likes smoking, whichever is up for debate. The Weekly Shonen Jump official store is selling an Elizabeth incense holder specifically to combat the bugs. Once the incense coil is lit, its smoke ...
Konami's Metal Gear Survive Game Delayed to Early 2018
Video game news website Polygon reported on Tuesday that Konami revealed at E3 that its Metal Gear Survive game is now slated for early 2018. The PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC game was previously slated for sometime in 2017, but it has been delayed to give the developers time to improve the game's quality. The game is playable at E3. The game's story is set after Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroe...
Ensemble Girls!! Smartphone Game Ends Service in November
iOS/Android app launched in 2012
― The official Twitter account for the Happy Elements K.K's Ensemble Girls!! smartphone game announced on Wednesday that the app will end service on November 30. The staff will announce more information within the app itself. Happy Elements K.K's released the original Ensemble Girls! game in the social networking service GREE in 2012, and then on iOS and Android devic...
Clione no Akari TV Anime to Premiere on July 12
The official website for the television anime of Natural-Rain's illustrated online novel Clione no Akari (Clione's Light) announced on Wednesday that the series will premiere on AT-X at 8:20 p.m. on July 12. It will also air on Tokyo MX Sun TV, Tochigi TV, RNB, RNC, Miyagi TV, and BS Fuji's Anime Guild. Naoya Ishikawa's one-man animation studio Ishikawa Pro (Kuttsukiboshi, Magical Chocolate) is di...
One-Punch Man Anime Gets 4-Volume Character Drama, Song CD Series
Although Saitama and friends are already experts at using their muscles, the heroes will soon get a new chance to exercise their vocal chords. The One-Punch Man anime is inspiring a four-volume audio drama and character song CD series. Each CD will feature a story and junior high school "parallel story" for one character. Original manga creator ONE is providing the original concept and supervising...
Anime Expo to Host X Japan Leader Yoshiki for We Are X Screening
Musician to hold Q&A session after screening
― The official website for Anime Expo announced on Tuesday YOSHIKI, leader of rock band X Japan, will appear at the event for a screening of the X-Japan documentary We Are X. The screening will take place on Sunday, July 2 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A session. We Are X is also sponsoring the convention's masquerade and World Cosplay S...
Japanese Comic Ranking, June 5-11
My Hero Academia, Library Wars: Love & War, orange, Chūkan Kanriroku Tonegawa, Dragon Ball Super in top 5
― Rank Title Est. Weekly Copies Est. Total Copies Release Date Publisher Author Highest Rank Weeks on List 1 My Hero Academia 14 169,996 353,292 2017/06 Shueisha Kohei Horikoshi 1 2 2 Library Wars: Love & War Extra Volume 4 102,710 103,951 2017/06 Hakusensha Art: Kiiro Yumi / Original creator: H...
Sui Ishida's Tokyo Ghoul Art Takes Over Shinjuku Station
Sui Ishida's best-selling manga Tokyo Ghoul:re's 11th volume will be released on Monday and the live-action Tokyo Ghoul film is heading to theaters on July 3. Staff decided a double-whammy celebration was in order in Shinjuku Station. Ishida's original artwork will take over the east exit gate's north passage for a week starting on June 19. The impromptu gallery features artwork Ishida has shared ...
Japan's Video Game Rankings, June 5-11
Otomate's Shiro to Kuro no Alice game debuts
― Japan's Game Ranking: June 5-11 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 4Gamer Reader Review 1NSwMario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo April 28 16,596 505,270 70 2PS4Tekken 7 Bandai Namco Entertainment June 1 12,460 71,196 72 33DSMonster Hunter XX Capcom March 18 10,209 1,512,815 63 4NSwThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Including Li...
King of Prism: Pride the Hero Anime Film Tops 100 Million Yen in 4 Days
Film opened Saturday at 56 theaters
― Mainichi Shimbun's Mantan Web news website reported on Tuesday that the King of Prism: PRIDE the HERO anime film has earned more than 100 million yen (about US$913,000) at the box office in the four days since it opened theatrically. The film has sold 59,000 tickets at 56 theaters. The film opened on June 10 and sold 47,000 tickets to earn 82 million yen (about U...
Anime Expo Lists Appearance by Voice Actor Daisuke Hirakawa
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Free! voice actor on schedule for July convention
― The official website for Anime Expo released the convention's schedule on Tuesday, revealing that it will host a Sunday panel titled "Welcoming Voice Actor Daisuke Hirakawa to AX 2017." Hirakawa is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut as a voice actor this year. His anime credits include Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club's...
Fukuyoka-san Manga Follows Plus-Size Woman in Japan
The July issue of Takeshobo's Monthly Manga Life Original launched a new serialization of Ei Imura's Fukuyoka-san (Miss Plump) manga on Monday. The four-panel manga centers on a young woman named Hanako Fukuoka, who at a height of 174 centimeters (about 5'9") and weight of 84 kilograms (about 185 pounds), has a body fat percentage of 35%. In the first installment, Hanako orders a work uniform. She...
Full Metal Panic! Light Novel Author, Illustrator to Attend Anime Expo
Panel to celebrate upcoming Invisible Victory anime
― Funimation Entertainment announced on Wednesday that Full Metal Panic light novel author Shoji Gatoh and illustrator Shikidouji will attend Anime Expo for a panel on the series' 15th anniversary and the upcoming Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory television anime. Funimation did not announce a license for the new series. Gatoh and Shikidouji debu...
Shadow of the Colossus PS4 Game is Remake Not Remaster
Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida clarified in an interview with Kadokawa's video game news outlet Famitsu on Wednesday that the newly announced Shadow of the Colossus game for PlayStation 4 will be a remake, not a remaster of the original game. "The game content is the same as the original version, but all the assets are being remade," Yoshida said. Yoshida also noted that, because ...
Gamers! Novel Author Writes Daily Stories Before Anime's July Premiere
The television anime of Sekina Aoi and illustrator Saboten's Gamers! light novel series will premiere one month from now on July 13. As a countdown to the debut, the anime's official website announced on Tuesday that Aoi is writing "Daily Special Twitter Short Stories." Aoi is writing the short stories that the anime's Twitter account is posting daily until the anime's premiere. Instead of Saboten...
Natsume Yūjin-Chō Roku ‒ Episode 10
"This episode covers very little new ground, but what it suggests is promising to any viewer who's hungry for more information about Reiko's life."
Fate/Grand Order Stage Play Reveals 2nd Key Visual, More Cast Visuals
Hiroki Sana, Akari Nanawo, Yū Takahashi star in July play
― The official website for Fate/Grand Order The Stage: Shinsei Entaku Ryōiki Camelot Replica; Agateram (Fate/Grand Order The Stage: Domain of the Holy Round Table Camelot Replica; Agateram), the stage play adaptation of the Fate/Grand Order smartphone role-playing game app, revealed the play's second key visual and the remaining visuals for th...
Answerman - Is It Still Socially Unacceptable To Be An Otaku In Japan? (Revisited)
Justin takes another crack at his answer to a question from last week - is the social stigma around being an otaku in Japan still prevalent?
― Today we're gonna revisit a question we published last Friday, submitted by James: I have seen a rather large number of anime and manga series in recent years in which a character (either male of female) is extremely popular and successful at school and with ...
Pluto Anime, New Patlabor EZY Anime Series Projects Revealed
Genco also reveals Taimashin, Mechronicle, more projects
― Genco's booth at the MIFA film market at Annecy International Animation Film Festival revealed on Tuesday that Naoki Urasawa's Pluto manga is receiving an anime adaptation. The booth also revealed the Patlabor EZY anime project. According to Genco, Studio M2 (Onihei) is producing the Pluto anime. Masao Maruyama, who is the representative dire...
Champion Body Builder Talks About How to Look Like My Hero Academia's All Might
Want to look like All Might from My Hero Academia? Seven-time "Mr. Japan" bodybuilding champion Masashi Suzuki tell us how to do it.
Anime Expo Hosts Kyoto Animation's Violet Evergarden World Premiere
Director Taichi Ishidate, voice actress Yui Ishikawa, singer TRUE attend July 2 screening
― The official website for Kyoto Animation's Violet Evergarden anime announced on Wednesday that Anime Expo will host the world premiere of the anime's first episode. Director Taichi Ishidate, voice actress Yui Ishikawa (voice of Violet Evergarden), and opening theme song performer TRUE will have a Q&A session w...
Live-Action Gintama Film's Latest Trailer Shows Action Scenes
Another 1-minute video explains film's setting
― The official website for the live-action film of Hideaki Sorachi's Gintama manga began streaming a trailer for the film on Tuesday. The video previews the film's action scenes, and also features the film's theme song "DECIDED" by UVERworld (Blue Exorcist, The Heroic Legend of Arslan). Japanese film news website Cinema Today is also streaming a one-minu...
Tsuredure Children Anime's Promo Video Previews Inori Minase's Song
3rd short promo video for July 4 anime also posted
― The official website for the television anime of Toshiya Wakabayashi's Tsuredure Children (Idle Children) manga began streaming a full promotional video and the third short promotional video for the anime on Wednesday. The full promotional video previews the anime's opening theme song "Aimaimoko" by Inori Minase. The short promotional video, titled...
4th Yo-kai Watch Film's Details, New Characters, December Opening Revealed
Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu film features "Lightside," "Shadowside" transformations
― The July issue of Shogakukan's Corocoro Comic magazine is revealing details about a new film in the Yo-kai Watch franchise on Thursday. The new film is titled Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu (Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: The Return of the Oni King). The film opens in Japan on December 16. New t...
2018 Doraemon Film Inspired by Stevenson's Treasure Island Novel
Kazuaki Imai directs March 2018 film based on Genki Kawamura's script
― The staff of the Doraemon anime franchise revealed details on next year's Doraemon film on Wednesday. The new film is titled Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Takarajima (Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Treasure Island). The franchise's 38th film is slated to open in Japan in March 2018. The story will be based on Robert Louis Stevenson's Tr...
No Heroes Allowed! VR PS4 Strategy Game Heads West
PS4 virtual reality game ships in Japan this Fall
― Sony revealed on Tuesday that it is releasing Acquire's No Heroes Allowed! VR (V Yūsha no Kuse ni Namaiki da R) PlayStation 4 virtual reality game in North America and Europe. It did not announce a release date for the game. The game is the latest entry in Acquire's What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord? game franchise, and will require a PlayStati...
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