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review

Endride BD+DVD part 1

This fantasy adventure based on a mobile game came and went without much fanfare last year, but is it worth a second look? Theron Martin finds out. ― When this mobile game adaptation debuted back during the Spring 2016 season, I was so unimpressed by the first episode that I gave it my lowest rating of that Preview Guide and never bothered to watch another episode. Funimation's announcement of a simu...
review

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...
review

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...
review

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 ...
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Tuesday, June 20

news

Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, June 12-18

Mamoru Miyano sells 3,943, followed by Kamen Radi Ranger, 2nd Mogura no Uta film, 2nd Noragami stage play, Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga ― The Mamoru Miyano Live Tour 2016 ~Mixing!~ concert sold 3,943 copies to rank #6 on the overall DVD chart. The "Toei Official Kenichi Suzumura/Hiroshi Kamiya's Kamen Radi Ranger: Kamen Radi Ranger Ni -Hiroshi Kamiya Bakutansai" production sold 2,718 copies to debut at ...
news

Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, June 12-18

Mamoru Miyano sells 12,717, followed by 2nd Mogura no Uta film, Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, Sailor Moon box, Macross Delta's Walküre ― The Mamoru Miyano Live Tour 2016 ~Mixing!~ concert sold 12,717 copies to rank #1 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. The Blu-ray Special Edition of Mogura no Uta: Hong Kong Kyōsōkyoku (Mole Song: Hong Kong Capriccio), the sequel film to the live-action film adaptation o...
news

Warriors All-Stars Game's Video Highlights Ōka

Game slated for N. America on August 29, for Europe on September 1 ― Koei Tecmo America began streaming a new highlight video for its Warriors All-Stars (Musou Stars) crossover game on Monday. The trailer highlights the character Ōka from the Toukiden franchise. Koei Tecmo America describes the game's story and interaction mechanics: Summoned from a diverse range of worlds and time periods to save a ...
news

Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash PS4 Game's Trailer Posted

Game ships in N. America, Europe this summer ― XSEED Games began streaming its E3 2017 trailer for its Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash game release on Monday. The game is slated to ship for the PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe this summer. Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash is an "action shooting game" where the characters are equipped with water guns and play on teams. The game features 36 t...
news

Cleanliness Boy! Aoyama-kun Anime's Promo Video Reveals More Cast, Ending Song Artists

Sōichiro Hoshi, Daisuke Sakaguchi, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Noriaki Sugiyama, Daisuke Kishio join cast ― The official website for the television anime of Taku Sakamoto's Cleanliness Boy! Aoyama-kun (Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-kun) manga began streaming a promotional video for the anime on Tuesday. The video reveals additional cast and the ending theme song artists for the anime, and previews the anime's opening...
news

Vatican Miracle Examiner Anime's Promo Video Previews SCREEN mode's Opening Song

"Mysterium" opening theme featured in anime premiering July 7 ― The official website for the television anime of Rin Fujiki's Vatican Miracle Examiner (Vatican Kiseki Chōsakan) mystery novel series began streaming a new promotional video for the anime on Tuesday. The video previews the show's opening theme song "Mysterium" by SCREEN mode. A flyer from Kadokawa's booth at AnimeJapan 2017 describes the...

Monday, June 19

interest

Eren Jaeger's Yuuki Kaji Stops By Suspicious Peeing Titan

Voice actor Yuuki Kaji, the voice of Eren Jaeger in the Attack on Titan anime series, made a trip to Helsinki, Finland to check on a suspicious Titan with extraordinarily poor manners. 【梶】イベント会場に向かう道中、巨人が…⁉︎しかも、お花摘んでる途中でした!恐るべき、フィンランド!!とりあえず、心臓捧げときました。 pic.twitter.com/74YnitYutD— [email protected] (@KAJI_staff) June 16, 2017 The statue is titled "Bad Bad Boy" and was created by artist Tommi Toija. The eig...
daily briefs

Tokyo Ghoul, Tokyo Ghoul:re Have 24 Million Copies in Print

This year's 28th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine announced on Thursday that Sui Ishida's Tokyo Ghoul and Tokyo Ghoul:re manga series have a combined 24 million copies in print. Ishida serialized Tokyo Ghoul in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump from 2011 to 2014, and is now serializing Tokyo Ghoul:re. Shueisha published the 11th volume of Tokyo Ghoul:re on Monday and it will release the ...

Project Rap Rabbit Rhythm Game's Kickstarter Fails to Reach Goal

No current plans to continue game from Parappa the Rapper, Gitaroo Man creators ― NanaOn-Sha and iNiS' Kickstarter campaign for their Project Rap Rabbit rhythm game ended on Monday after earning only £162,057 (US$206,298) of its £855,000 (US$1,102,921) goal. The project had 2,920 backers. The staff thanked backers for their support, and added that they hope to someday continue the project, but said i...
interest

Anime Industry Member Discusses Production Committee System

The anime industry episode of NHK's Close-Up Gendai+ program has become a topic of widespread discussion online since it first aired earlier this month. The show depicted the dark side of Japan's anime industry in which animators receive low wages for long hours of work. Many people have posted reaction to the program, including Mobile Suit Gundam Wing director Shinji Takamatsu. Takamatsu believes...

Hollywood Godzilla Sequel's Synopsis Confirms Mothra, Rodan, King Ghidorah

Filming began on Monday ― Warner Bros. revealed a plot summary for its and Legendary Pictures' Godzilla sequel film on Monday. The summary, below, confirms appearances by Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah — three classic kaiju from earlier Godzilla Films. The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, in...
news

Fall in Love Like a Comic!'s Chitose Yagami Ends Hapikon! Manga

Girl accidentally marries two princes in Ciao series ― The July issue of Shogakukan's Ciao magazine announced on June 2 that Fall in Love Like a Comic!'s Chitose Yagami will end her Hapikon! ~Ōji to Sekai Ichi Happy-na Kekkon~ ("The Prince and the World's Happiest Marriage" or Happy Marriage) manga in the August issue, which goes on sale on July 3. The manga revolves around middle-school student Non...
interest

Reconstructed Hotarumaru Sword Finally Revealed

The reconstructed Hotarumaru, a lost national treasure since the Allies confiscated swords after World War II, was revealed to the public and dedicated to the Aso Shrine in Kyushu on June 17. The event is notable not only because Hotarumaru is finally coming home to his centuries old resting place but because the reconstructed sword was funded thanks to crowdfunding and appealing to fans of the Tō...
news

How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend: Girls Side Manga Ends

Takeshi Moriki adaptation of spinoff series launched last September ― The July issue of Kadokawa's Monthly Dragon Age magazine published the final chapter of Takeshi Moriki's Saenai Kanojo no Sodate-kata: Girls Side spinoff manga on June 9. The manga's second and final compiled book volume is slated for July 7. The manga adapts the How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (Saenai Kanojo no Sodate-kata) spino...
interest

Eva Fishing Gear Expands to Include Tackle Bag, Tote

Throw out a life buoy because this Evangelion merchandise is out to sea. Last month, Shinji and Asuka prepped for fishing with an officially licensed Eva Unit 01 fish grip. Essentially, an expensive piece of gear that grabs a fish by the mouth when it's reeled in so it can make a graceful landing into the boat. The fish grip, known as a GRASPER made by the company DRESS, is getting its own add-on...
news

Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san Takes 2-Issue Break

This year's 13th issue of Kodansha's Evening magazine revealed last Tuesday that Yasuhisa Kubo's Yondemasuyo, Azazel-san (You're Being Summoned, Azazel) manga will take a two-issue break. The hiatus is due to Kubo collecting materials for the manga. The series' return is planned for the magazine's 15th issue on July 11. The manga was also on hiatus from May 2014 to January 2015 and from July 2016 ...
ep. review

One Piece ‒ Episode 793

"I'm starting to really enjoy seeing Sanji's family in color, though I enjoy seeing what they actually do to poor Sanji a whole lot less."
interest

Shoko Nakagawa Picks Dragon Quest for 'Girlfriend Date' Pictures

Late last month, voice actor Kouichi Yamadera started off a Twitter trend storm by posting a picture that he said "You can use as 'On a date with my boyfriend.'" Friends and colleagues joined in from Megumi Ogata to Daiki Yamashita. Some were playful while others were downright silly. Cicada-loving Shoko "Shokotan" Nakagawa joined in by offering a Dragon Quest focused imaginary date in the Univers...
news

Final Fantasy XV DLC Trailer Previews 'Episode Prompto'

English, Japanese trailers available for 2nd DLC story ― Square Enix began streaming a trailer on Monday for the "Episode Prompto" DLC for its Final Fantasy XV game. The trailer is available with both English and Japanese audio. English: Japanese: The new story episode is the second in a series of story episodes focusing on each of the main characters of Final Fantasy XV, with an episode focused on I...
ep. review

Atom The Beginning ‒ Episode 9

"Ran may end up being the most important person in Six's life as we approach the season finale."
interest

Get Anime's Best Hairstyle with SNOW App's JoJo Stamps

Video communication app SNOW is following up its line of Attack on Titan stamps with a new one sure to give users the best hairstyle anime can offer. The app is collaborating Hirohiko Araki's live-action JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable film to give users Jōsuke's (in)famous pompadour. The app also offers Okuyasu's brother Keichō Nijimura's hair or if two or more users take a photo...
news

Mikako Komatsu Performs Welcome to the Ballroom Anime's Ending Theme

Anime premieres in July at L.A.'s Anime Expo ― The official website for the television anime of Tomo Takeuchi's Welcome to the Ballroom manga announced on Tuesday that Mikako Komatsu (Aoharu x Machinegun, Sunday Without God) is performing the ending theme song "Maybe the next waltz." Rock band Unison Square Garden is performing the opening theme song "10% roll, 10% romance" and an insert song titled ...
ep. review

Alice & Zoroku ‒ Episode 11

"Assuming the finale is able to wrap things up in a satisfying manner, Alice & Zoroku's latter half will prove stronger than its first."
news

Boom Boom Satellites Band Gets Documentary Film

Bassist Masayuki Nakano performed band's final concert on Sunday ― The "Front Chapter - The Final Session - Lay Your Hands on Me Special Live" concert announced on Sunday that a documentary film for the band Boom Boom Satellites has been green-lit. The concert, which was held at Tokyo's Shinkiba Studio Coast venue, marked the end of the band's 27 years of activity. Masayuki Nakano (pictured bottom in...
ep. review

The Eccentric Family 2 ‒ Episode 11

"The Eccentric Family 2 may not be as tightly written or dramatically satisfying as its predecessor, but spending a few hours with these characters is still a lovely time."
column

Answerman - Quick Answers Part 3

It's time for another lightning round - theme parks in Japan, live-action anime adaptations, the fate of Yahoo Japan auctions and more! ― It's time once again to tackle the questions that I couldn't get a whole column's worth of information out of! Ready? Let's go! Chris asks: What will happen to Yahoo! Japan after the finalization last week of Yahoo!'s merger with / absorption into Verizon? Some of...
news

The Fruit of Grisaia: Side Episode PS Vita Game's Promo Video Streamed

Side story compilation featuring Takahiro Sakurai ships on July 27 ― Game publisher Prototype began streaming a promotional video for its Grisaia no Kajitsu -Side Episode- (The Fruit of Grisaia: Side Episode) compilation PlayStation Vita game on Monday. The company's official website for the game also opened on Monday. Prototype also revealed that the game will be full-voice, and Takahiro Sakurai wil...
ep. review

Re:CREATORS ‒ Episode 11

"This episode has been too long in coming for some viewers, as Sota finally spills the beans about Setsuna."

Pokémon GO Game Details Gym, Battle Updates

New Gym system, Raid Battles, badges, items revealed ― Game developer Niantic announced the details of its update for the Pokémon GO smartphone game's Gym and battling systems on Monday. The company is shutting down in-game Gyms on Monday in preparation for the update, which will launch "slowly over the next few weeks." After the update, Gyms will consist of six permanent slots that will be filled by...
anime now

Classic JRPGs and Comedy Collide in the First Two Episodes of Upcoming Anime Magical Circle Guru Guru

A hero and wizard set off on a journey to save to world from the forces of evil in this parody of old-school RPGs.
review

Endride BD+DVD part 1

This fantasy adventure based on a mobile game came and went without much fanfare last year, but is it worth a second look? Theron Martin finds out. ― When this mobile game adaptation debuted back during the Spring 2016 season, I was so unimpressed by the first episode that I gave it my lowest rating of that Preview Guide and never bothered to watch another episode. Funimation's announcement of a simu...
ep. review

Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 95

"The big question of "Can we trust Frieza?" is the star of the show this week."
news

Capcom, Bandai Namco Enter Cross-Licensing Agreement for Street Fighter, More

Capcom aims to improve user experience, contribute to "healthier game industry" ― Capcom announced on Monday that the company has entered into a cross-licensing agreement with Bandai Namco Entertainment. The agreement is related to online matching in properties such as the Street Fighter game series. Capcom said in the announcement's press release: The purpose of this agreement is to improve the user...
news

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...
news

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...
news

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...
news

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...
news

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...
news

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 ...
news

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...
news

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...
news

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...
interest

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...
news

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

news

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 ...
news

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...
interest

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...
news

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...
interest

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....
news

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...
interest

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...
ep. review

Eromanga Sensei ‒ Episode 11

"For all its frustrating faults, at least I can't say Eromanga Sensei wasn't interesting to watch this week."
news

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...
ep. review

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."
interest

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...
ep. review

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."
news

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...
ep. review

Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul ‒ Episode 11

"Charioce's prison seriously needs a better chain of command."
news

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...
ep. review

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."
anime now

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.
review

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...
ep. review

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."
news

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...
daily briefs

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...
daily briefs

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...
daily briefs

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...
news

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...
news

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

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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
anime now

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.
review

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...
ep. review

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."
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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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...
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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...
daily briefs

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 ...
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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 ...
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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...
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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)...
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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...
daily briefs

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
ep. review

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."
ep. review

Love Tyrant ‒ Episode 11

"This is probably Love Tyrant at its most ambitious, but ambition doesn't always equal execution."
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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...
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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...
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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...
ep. review

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."
news

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...
ep. review

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."
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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...
anime now

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.
review

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 ...
ep. review

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."
news

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...
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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...
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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.) ...
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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...
daily briefs

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...
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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...
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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...
daily briefs

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 ...
news

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...
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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 ...
news

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...
news

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...
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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...
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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 ...
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