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Yuri!!! on Ice Guys Meet Liquid Water for Summer Department Store Campaign
Yuri!!! on Ice's figure skaters look like they have been getting to know a much warmer, less solid form of water for a collaboration with the Tokyu Hands department store. Yūri, Victor, Yuri, Otabek, Phichit, and J.J. jumped out of the pool and onto a promotional poster for the campaign. The collaboration will offer merchandise and "mini character goods" featuring special illustrations of the char...
Find Your New European Culinary Passion in Europe Tabi Gohan Manga
A sub-genre of manga, referred to as "gourmet manga" that focuses on cooking and eating delicious food, maintains a steady influx of new varieties of reading material. Whether the reader wants to devour traditional Japanese fair or fast food, there's a manga for that. Ryōko Naga's Europe Tabi Gohan (Everyday European Meals) doubles as a food diary and travel book showcasing the cuisine of Europe. ...
Pre-Register at Shogakukan's Manga App Site to Win Exclusive Signed Goods
Publisher Shogakukan is preparing some spectacular giveaway goods for lucky visitors who pre-register for its "Sunday Web Every" manga application. Lottery prizes range from a baseball signed by Touch creator Mitsuru Adachi to RIN-NE chapter one draft artwork by Rumiko Takahashi. Kazuhiko Shimamoto, Silver Spoon's Hiromu Arakawa, Detective Conan's Gosho Aoyama, and Black Lagoon creator Rei Hiroe a...
Disney's Cars 3 Live-Action Mini-Series Reimagines Race Cars as Runners
The lack of humans in the world of Pixar's Cars films is perplexing to some fans. Much of the world, including its vehicles, seems to be made for humans, and yet they are mysteriously absent. Disney's Japan branch came up with a partial solution: transform the cars into human track-and-field athletes. Apart from the choice to morph already anthropomorphized cars into humans, the films' scenario pe...
CoroCoro's 40th Anniversary Celebrates New Generation of Pokémon, Doraemon, and More
If you've ever been a kid in Japan, you've probably heard of CoroCoro Comic, the biggest manga magazine aimed at elementary schoolboys. It currently serializes the manga versions of Pokémon, Beyblade, and Yo-Kai Watch, among other popular children's franchises, and each issue is often packaged with toys, games, and other exclusives. For example, the original Pokémon Blue version was initially avai...
Yuri!!! on Ice Heads to Hot Springs for Summer Collaboration
Oedo Onsen Monogatari revealed the details of its collaboration with Yuri!!! on Ice on Wednesday. The hot springs theme park will offer an array of themed food, merchandise, and games at its Odaiba, Tokyo location. The collaboration unveiled special illustrations of Yūri, Victor, Yuri, Otabek, and friends in yukata. The "mini character illustrations" for the campaign will also feature super-deform...
One-Punch Man's Yuusuke Murata Draws Hollywood's Power Rangers
Yuusuke Murata created a special gift for Power Rangers moviegoers in Japan. The One-Punch Man manga artist drew the super sentai characters from Lion's Gate's live-action film and the artwork will be distributed on postcards for viewers when the film opens on July 15. A total of 300,000 postcards will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Murata has shown his dedication to American s...
Pokémon Heroes - Latias & Latios Tops Fan Poll of Favorite Franchise Film
The 2002 Pokemon Heroes - Latias & Latios anime film ranked #1 in the "Oshi Pokémon Eiga Number One wa Kimi ni Kimeta!" fan poll to choose people's favorite Pokémon film. The poll celebrates the release of the upcoming Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! film that marks the 20th anniversary of the franchise's movies. In the poll, fans voted for any of the previous 19 Pokémon anime films from 1998's P...
The irregular at magic high school Voice Actors Satomi Satou, Takuma Terashima Marry
Voice actress Satomi Satou announced on her blog on Thursday that she has married fellow voice actor Takuma Terashima. Both are attached to the voice acting agency Axl One. Satou thanked her supporters and said she is still the same person and will continue voice acting. Satou noted that she has a lot of ways that she can sympathize with and respect Terashima in both their work and private lives. ...
Honda Collaboration Offers Test Drive Through Shonen Jump's Manga World
Honda is collaborating with Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine to promote its New Fit car and celebrate the magazine's 50th anniversary. Honda began streaming a promotional video for the collaboration on Monday. The collaboration's official website features the text "Don't stay." in English and "Keep Running." in Japanese. The collaboration seeks to highlight the joint goal of the car company ...
Henkei Shōjo's 3rd Transforming Girl is a Lingerie Battle Bot
DLE's increasingly unique transforming Henkei Shōjo anime shorts continue to top its predecessor and episode three's Itsuki is no exception. Thus far the episodes introduced Rin (a jetplane) and Haru (a sports car), but Itsuki takes the fanservice angle. The bashful school girl is in a dimly lit room with, presumably, her boyfriend who focuses on her with a video camera. Moments later, Itsuki loo...
Kira Yamato Tops Poll of Gundam Protagonists With Best Personality
Due to differences in life experience, the average person may find it hard to relate to the fierce fighters and child soldiers who star in Gundam anime. Nevertheless, these characters can evoke powerful emotions in viewers through their roles in such an iconic franchise. The Goo Ranking website decided to rank Gundam anime protagonists in terms of their basic characteristics and fans' reactions to...
Arby's Paper Art Came to Anime Expo, Gave Away Bandai Namco Prizes
Everyone's favorite pop-culture-savvy fast food chain (or at least its marketing team) headed to this year's Anime Expo. The restaurant held the Arby's Art Drop Promotion at the convention from July 1-4 and gave away special prizes. Are you at @AnimeExpo? So are we! Follow #ArbysArtDrop during the con to hunt for our art and score some prizes. #AX2017 pic.twitter.com/TMIblOiRrc— Arby's (@Arbys) J...
Kemono Friends Designer Draws Horse Girls for JRA Collaboration
Although Uma Musume Pretty Derby and A Centaur's Life are likely candidates, the Japan Racing Association's (JRA) latest anime-related collaboration is with Kemono Friends. The collaboration opened a special "Uma no Friends" (Horse Friends) website on Friday. Kemono Friends conceptual designer Mine Yoshizaki provided a set of characters for the collaboration that combines human girls with Thorough...
Nagoya Anime Project Asks Locals for Character, Mechanical Designs
Chukyo TV's Nagoya Anime Project streaming program opened applications for the "Nagoeight Challenge" for its related "Nagoya Anime Project the8th Secret Service" project on June 25. Former or current residents of the central Tōkai region of Japan can send in character or mechanical designs for "Nagoeight Challenge." The slogan of Nagoya Anime Project the8th Secret Service is "Let's create anime fr...
Super Mario Odyssey Director Confirms Mario is Human Despite 'Different' Appearance
Vice Canada conducted an interview with the Super Mario Odyssey game's director Kenta Motokura during E3 in June. Motokura discussed Mario's humanity, world travel, and nostalgia in the interview. Reporter Simon Coutu asked Motokura, "For the first time Mario evolves in a world where there are humans, and we see that Mario is really different from other people in New Donk City for example, is Mari...
Become Pikachu, Meowth, Ash With App's Pokémon Film Stamps
After partnering with JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable and Attack on Titan last month, video communication app SNOW is celebrating the Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! film's release with new stamps. In addition to being able to appear with Ash's Pikachu from the film (pictured above), the app's users can themselves transform into Pikachu or Meowth. A second stamp set will debut on...
Hideaki Anno Says He Expected Miyazaki's Return From Retirement
Evangelion and Shin Godzilla director Hideaki Anno, background art studio Deho Gallery founder Nobuo Kawakami, and Mary and the Witch's Flower producer Yoshiaki Nishimura appeared at a special event for the upcoming film on Saturday. Amidst discussion of background art, Anno commented on Hayao Miyazaki's return from retirement to work on a proposed new anime feature film. Anno laughed as he said, ...
New Nendoroids Revealed For Fullmetal Alchemist, Naruto, Little Witch Academia Characters at Anime Expo
Good Smile Company announced five new Nendoroid figures at its Anime Expo panel on Sunday. Roy Mustang from Full Metal Alchemist Sakura Haruno and Itachi Uchiha from Naruto Lotte Jansson and Sucy Manbavaran from Little Witch Academia Good Smile Company also revealed the first look at the Alphonse Elric Nendoroid. The company also stated that the Naruto Nendoroids will only be available outside of...
Funimation Holds Yuri!!! on Ice Postcard Rally for Creators at AnimeFest
Fans can mail in postcards to be presented to creators at August event
― Funimation announced at its Anime Expo panel on Saturday that it will run a Yuri!!! on Ice Postcard Rally linked to the AnimeFest convention. Fans unable to attend the event in Dallas will be able to mail in 4-inch by 6-inch or 5-inch by 7-inch postcards that Funimation will present to three Yuri!!! on Ice creators at AnimeFest...
Cool Down This Summer at Shigeru Mizuki's Ghostly Aquarium Event
Japan is already getting Mr. Osomatsu and Splatoon 2 aquarium collaborations this summer. Not to be left out of the pop culture collaboration boom, Tokyo's Sumida Aquarium announced on June 15 that it will collaborate with the late manga creator Shigeru Mizuki (Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro, NonNonBâ, Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths) to hold the "Mizuki Shigeru x Sumida Suizokukan Mizu no Yōkai Tunnel" (Shig...
Dragon Ball Holds Official 3K Run in Japan in September
Most anime fans know the physical prowess of Dragon Ball's Goku is nothing to trifle with. However, the character seems eager to prove he is a versatile athlete with speed to match his brawn. The anime franchise is holding the official "Dragon Ball Run" in Japan this September. The text in the promotional video reads, "A new Dragon Ball legend starts running now." The foot race billed as "the worl...
Toshiba Recruits Ultraman's Kaiju to Sell Washing Machines
Toshiba Lifestyle is teaming up with the Ultraman's Ultra Kaiju monsters to sell a new "ultra fine bubble" washing machine in its Zaboon series. The campaign is launching its second wave on Friday and began streaming a second collaboration video last week. In the video, the beetle-like Kaiju Zetton works as a cook at a Chinese restaurant. The oil and other flavorings he uses often stain his work u...
Sendai's Wake Up, Girls! Give JoJo a Stand-Worthy Shout Out
The girls of the upcoming, new Wake Up, Girls! television anime are coming out for the "JoJo Fest in S City Morioh Town" event on August 12. Well, they might not all be at the event itself but they are the subject of a special illustration mimicking the series' Stand-like poses. You can also spot the Joestar birthmark on the characters' necks. The three-dimensional Wake Up, Girls also posed for a ...
Asuna, Kirito, Sinon Computer Glasses Keep Enemies in Focus
Tokyo Otaku Mode's ongoing Sword Art Online exclusive merchandise campaign is adding weapon-themed computer glasses for fans worldwide. The glasses are designed after the most powerful weapons used by popular characters Kirito, Asuna, and Sinon in the series. Tokyo Otaku Mode is focusing on modern style frames featuring either Kirito's Elucidator and the Dark Repulser swords, Asuna's Lambent Ligh...
VR Light Novel Innocent Forest Debuts at Anime Expo
MyDearest is collaborating with the Oculus Store and Virtual Gate to release the virtual-reality light novel FullDive novel: Innocent Forest in mid-July. The VR novel will debut at the Anime Expo convention's "Nihon Chara VR Matsuri ~Japan Character VR~" event this week. MyDearest began streaming a trailer for the VR novel on Thursday. The VR novel is planned as the first in a series of "FullDive ...
Sailor Moon Returns to Promote Chocola BB Sparkling Energy Drink
Usagi Tsukino is back in a mixed animated and live-action commercial to promote her favorite energy drink brand. In the commercial, a rundown young woman gets "refreshed" after drinking Chocola BB Sparkling nutritional drink and transforms into Sailor Moon from Sailor Moon Crystal. 月野うさぎちゃんの誕生日にセーラームーンコラボの #チョコラBBスパークリング で乾杯!明日からチョコラBB65周年キャンペーン開始!https://t.co/ivMDC8RHwx#チョコラBBで生誕祭を #セーラームーン pic.t...
Vocaloid Yuzuki Yukari Gets New Life-Size Figure
Figure-X unveiled its latest life-size figure on Tuesday. The company created a new rendition of the Vocaloid Yuzuki Yukari, this time in a police uniform with a removable hat. Unlike previous 1/1-scale figures, Figure-X is not setting a production limitation. Enthusiastic collectors can purchase one for 1,280,000 yen (US$11,407). The company will ship the figures in the order they are received a...
Henkei Shōjo Transforming Girl Anime Shorts Will Air on TV
DLE's Henkei Shōjo anime shorts are "unique" to say the least. The project focuses on girls that transform into machines and thus far feature Rin (a jetplane) and Haru (a sports car). Each episode is only about a minute long, but has garnered plenty of attention on social media for its wacky premise. So much attention, in fact, that the shorts are going to air on TV and big outdoor screens. Tokyo ...
Live-Action Gintama Film Video Promotes Restaurant's Beef Bowls
The Yoshinoya restaurant chain is collaborating with the live-action film of Hideaki Sorachi's Gintama manga to promote its beef bowls (gyūdon). The chain is streaming a promotional video that features Masaki Suda, who plays Shinpachi Shimura in the film, and Jiro Sato, who plays Henpeita Takechi. Sato provides commentary in the video. In the video, Suda goes into a Yoshinoya and enthusiastically ...
Researchers Discover Safer Earth Re-Entry Thanks to Gundam
A new technology first utilized by Mobile Suits in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam could be the answer for safer travels for satellites re-entering Earth. Researchers tested out a real-life version of the series' "ballute" device on a microsatellite named EGG sent from the International Space Station. The hemispherical aeroshell device works like a heat-shielding parachute to ease EGG into the atmosphere....
The Devil is a Part-Timer! Novel Creator Explains Why Anime Has No 2nd Season
The Devil is a Part-Timer! light novel author Satoshi Wagahara took to Twitter on Sunday to discuss why there is no second season of the novels' television anime adaptation. He noted that people on Twitter and at signing events as well as friends in private often inquire. Wagahara said that, no matter the media, he is the biggest fan on the franchise. Although he would like a second season of the ...
Anime Expo VR Experiences Include Death Note, Shōnen Jump, Idols
This year's Anime Expo convention in California will host multiple virtual reality experiences, whether it's a Death Note escape game or 3D idols. The virtual reality attractions are part of the convention's larger Japan Character VR line-up coordinated with publisher Shueisha. The line-up includes a seven-minute Death Note escape game, a Shōnen Jump virtual art museum, interactive manga, and puzz...
Dead or Alive Xtreme Sense Invites Players to Sniff Characters
The Vaqso VR device was first announced in January and promised to offer a even further immersive virtual reality experience by adding smell to video games. Imagine the scent of warm grass while running through a field in The Legend of Zelda or the overwhelming smell of refuse while exploring in Silent Hill. There's a wide array of applications, but why focus on that when players can sniff pantyho...
Watch the Entire Final Fantasy XIV Bahamut Projection Mapping Display
Earlier this month, the Final Fantasy franchise's iconic dragon Bahamut appeared in a limited projection mapping display on the the Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel. Visitors could watch the 12-minute display five times per day, but the event has since ended. Other Final Fantasy events are still taking place in Yokohama, but anyone wanting to see the projection mapping in person is out of luc...
ANN Readers: Welcome to the Ballroom Is Most Anticipated Summer 2017 Anime
Japanese readers at Charapedia and Kadokawa's eb-i Xpress weighed in on which summer anime series they are looking forward to this year. Those websites' users chose the second season of NEW GAME! and Jigoku Shōjo: Yoi no Togi, but Anime News Network readers eschewed both in favor of Welcome to the Ballroom. The adaptation of Tomo Takeuchi's competitive dancing manga follows feckless high school st...
Send Your Letters Across the Mushroom Kingdom with Mario Stamps
Post offices throughout Japan will issue Super Mario themed postage stamps starting on Wednesday. Collectors will want to snap these up; the stamps feature exclusive artwork not seen anywhere else. The stamps are sold in sheets for 820 yen (US$7.30). Additionally, post offices will use a Super Mario-themed processing stamp on letters with the stamps on June 28. Japan Post's online shop is previous...
One Piece Lottery Could Be 100 Fans' Big Musical Break
The upcoming One Piece Episode of East Blue: Luffy to 4-nin no Nakama no Daibōken special could be the big break for 100 aspiring singers. The One Piece DVD website will take entries to perform the special's theme song alongside frequent One Piece singer Hiroshi Kitadani starting on June 28 until July 5. Staff will chooses 100 singers to perform "We Are! for the new world," the 20th anniversary re...
Attack on Titan Anime Offers Survey Corps Certification Test
Japan loves its certification exams. People in Japan can take tests with different levels to receive certification in subjects ranging from the game Go to abacus to English. The official website of the Attack on Titan television anime announced a new test for fans on Monday. Diehard fans will be able to take the "Shingeki no Kyojin Kentei ~Chōsa Heidan Nyūdan Test~" (Attack on Titan Certification:...
Yamakan Tweets Separation From New Wake Up, Girls! Anime
Anime director Yutaka Yamamoto (Wake Up, Girls!, Kannagi), also known as "Yamakan," is known for being vocal and critical. Fellow creators and even the anime industry itself have become targets of his criticism. In his characteristic style, Yamakan did not hesitate to voice disapproval after the "Wonderful Hobby Life for You!! 26" event announced on Friday the guests for a cast and staff announcem...
Yuri!!! on Ice Pillow Covers Range from PG to PG-13
A new set of Yuri!!! on Ice hugging pillow covers can adapt to the owner's preferences, namely, how much abs they want to ogle at any given time. The four-way covers include a back and front image for each of three main characters. One set of back and front images are more modest, while the other set is slightly more revealing. The images are printed on a main cover and separate cover and sold to...
Shonen Jump Celebrates 50th Anniversary by Reprinting Landmark Issues
Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is announcing all kinds of festivities to celebrate its 50th anniversary, including contests and a huge, three-part exhibition. Shueisha is adding an issue reprint campaign as well and the publisher will re-release some of the magazine's most iconic issues. These issues will be released in "packs" of two. The first pack is a reprint of the magazine's first ev...
Gintama Creator Draws Special Illustration for Magazine Bonus Booklet
This year's special oversized 15th issue of Shueisha's Margaret magazine will bundle the "Gintama x Margaret Combined Extra Issue Rare Book" on July 5. The cover of the 52-page booklet reveals that the theme involves characters partaking in festival revelry related to the upcoming film. Gintama manga creator Hideaki Sorachi is providing a special illustration of Yorozuya members in shōjo manga sty...
Asagaya Anime Street, An Alternative to Akihabara?
When it comes to anime hot spots in Tokyo, Akihabara and Ikebukuro would be at the top of most fans’ lists. But these meccas of anime fandom are not in the center of where anime is actually made and produced. The majority of anime studios in Tokyo are based west of Shinjuku in quieter suburban areas such as Nerima, Musashino, and Suginami. While these areas do get some anime-related tourism becaus...
Shonen Jump Celebrates 50th Anniversary, App Release With International Manga Contest
Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine announced on Thursday that it is holding the Jump's Universal Manga Contest. The contest celebrates both the 50th anniversary of the magazine and the launch of the Jump Paint manga-drawing app. The contest is open to anyone in the world. However, entrants must submit their manga in English, Spanish, French, Korean, Russian, Chinese (simplified), or Chinese (t...
Real-Life Yasaburō Rescued From The Eccentric Family Shrine Well
Tanuki are not just folkloric creatures but also the real raccoon dogs who roam the forests of Japan. (Although the official English version of Pom Poko and other sources refer to tanuki as "raccoons," they are a completely different from the North American mammal, which can also be found in Japan.) One wily little tanuki recently got a chance to show its true colors at a setting from The Eccentri...
Vegeta Brings the Family for This Year's Refrigerator Campaign
Toshiba's Vegeta refrigerator brand is teaming up again with one of Dragon Ball Z's toughest fighters for nutritious campaigns packed with vitamins. Starting on July 3, the company will launch its "Summer Vegetable Recipe Great Recruitment Campaign" and its "Retweet Campaign." Both include prizes sure to please vegetarian cooks. To enter, contestants must follow the official Twitter or Instagram a...
Rumiko Takahashi Celebrates Idol Group NGT48's 1st Anniversary
In 2015, the AKB48 sister idol group NGT48 launched in Niigata prefecture followed by stage performances in their own theater on January 10, 2016. The group celebrated the first anniversary of their stage performances with a special performance on January 10 and a concert on January 20. Manga juggernaut Rumiko Takahashi's Lum Invader is evidently a fan. Takahashi drew Lum for the cover of the Blu-...
Zoo Ends 1st Kemono Friends Campaign, but Grape-kun & Humboldt Are Forever
Kemono Friends' popular collaboration with Tobu Zoo has come to a close. The character panels put up throughout the park were removed on Sunday but one visitor noticed that the Humboldt penguin cut-out was still in the penguin enclosure. Readers invested in the saga of Grape-kun, the zoo's 20-year-old male Humboldt penguin, and his new found love for the Kemono Friends' Humboldt penguin counterpar...
Idol Ririka Sutō to Graduate NMB48 After Announcing Marriage Plans
The Sankei Sports newspaper reported on Thursday that NMB48 idol group member Ririka Sutō will graduate from the group after announcing on Saturday that she plans to marry. The 20-year-old announced in Tokyo on Wednesday that she will graduate from NMB48. A timeframe for her graduation is undecided. Sutō apologized for causing trouble for her fellow idols by announcing her marriage plans at the 9t...
Magic Knight Rayearth's Hikaru Inspires Cosmetics
CLAMP's Magic Knight Rayearth celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014 and has had an ongoing merchandise campaign to celebrate, albeit smaller than its cousin Cardcaptor Sakura. Premium Bandai is rolling out the latest in that campaign with themed make-up, similar to its previous Sailor Moon cosmetics. The Magic Knight Rayearth Face Powder and Rouge takes design cues from protagonist Hikaru. The ...
Fujoshi Choose 'Top' Characters in Boys-Love Manga Quiz
Fujoshi have a new way to boast about their knowledge of boys-love manga. The digital book rental website Renta! launched a new "Boys-Love Test" on Tuesday. The project "of boys-love lovers by boys-love lovers for boys-love lovers" is a continuation of the website's series of boys-love tests. The new quiz shows takers two pictures of main characters from boys-love manga and asks "Which is the seme...
Kemono Friends Zoo Collab Adds Night Tours
The successful Kemono Friends and zoo collaborations are adding limited time night tours to give a visitors a new experience with nocturnal animals. The Misaki Park in Osaka will be the first location to offer night tours starting on July 6. During the collaboration period, 19 Kemono Friends character panels will be put up throughout the park and two original characters, the Bottle-nose Dolphin an...
Touken Ranbu Smartphone Game Reveals 2 More Characters in Kiwame State
The Touken Ranbu smartphone game revealed visuals for the upgraded Kiwame state of two more characters on Monday. Fudō Yukimitsu Shinano Tōshirō The game's official Twitter account previously teased silhouettes of the characters in the Kiwame state. The Touken Ranbu -Online- browser game announced last week that new characters and new Kiwame forms will debut in both the smartphone and browser vers...
Anime Voice Actors Play Rejuvenated Elders in Wi-Fi Router Promo Video
Seeking to reel in Japan's aging population as well as its youth, Premier Mobile is collaborating with anime voice actors Wataru Hatano (My Hero Academia's Hitoshi Shinso, Fairy Tail's Gajeel Redfox), Mayu Yoshioka (Wake Up, Girls!'s Mayu Shimada, Hundred's Sakura Kirishima), and Kōtarō Nishiyama (Sagrada Reset's Hitsuchi-kun, Haikyu!!'s Kazuhito Narita) for a promotional campaign. The company beg...
Create a Chain of Memories With Kingdom Hearts Jewelry
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the release of the original Kingdom Hearts video game. As part of the anniversary celebration, K. Uno's character jewelry and accessory brand U-Treasure is offering a line of Kingdom Hearts jewelry. The line features an engagement ring, wedding bands, and six necklaces. U-Treasure unveiled multiple versions of each item. Here is the line-up: Solitaire Ring ...
Tokyo Ghoul's Real-World Anteiku Cafe Offers Coffee, Sandwiches, No Human Flesh
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat at Tokyo Ghoul's Anteiku cafe? Fans of the series in Tokyo will be able to stop by a real-world version of the cafe on the grounds of JR Shibuya Station from July 1 to July 31. The cafe will promote the live-action Tokyo Ghoul film, which will premiere on July 3 at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, July 7 in Berlin, and July 10 at the Marunouchi Piccadi...
Kemono Friends Bus Tour Expands to a Caravan
The upcoming Kemono Friends bus tour has reached such high demand that Sankei Tours is adding an additional bus. The "Japari Bus Tour Gunma Chihō Yuki" tour on July 29 will take participants will visit Gunma Safari Park to explore, go on a nature walk, and attend a talk with cast members Yuka Ozaki (voice of Serval), Kana Motomiya (Fennec), Saki Ono (Common Raccoon), Ruka Nemoto (Emperor Penguin),...
Asuna, Kirito Beanie & Scarf Sets Will Fight Autumn Chills
The hit anime series Sword Art Online and the Tokyo Otaku Mode store launched a collaborative merchandise project on June 20. The first item in that line-up are beanie and scarf sets based on Kirito and Asuna's outfits from the Aincrad arc. The Kirito design draws inspiration from his shoulder plate and coat. The Asuna set is based on her Knights of the Blood guild outfit, with her signature red ...
1/8-Scale Tachikoma Delayed Until After August
Cerevo adds 'quadrupedal walk' function
― Connected hardware developer Cerevo's 1/8-scale Tachikoma "smart toy" will not be released in June. The company announced that the toys are now expected to ship after August. The delay may be worth the wait though, as Cerevo decided that the toy needed a "Quadrupedal Walk” function instead of just rolling from place to place. The company put up a video on Fri...
New Kyoto Starbucks Location Opts to Blend In
Originally a Seattle-based coffee shop, there's no denying that Starbucks is a worldwide franchise. Japan is no exception, often getting exclusive Frappuccino flavors that leave the rest of the internet drooling. The company has also become synonymous with overexposure, each location (perhaps exaggeratedly) only a few blocks from the last. That kind of branding can turn into an eyesore, especially...
Takuya Eguchi's IDOLiSH 7, Business Shellfish Characters Cross Over
Popular voice actor Takuya Eguchi took on the strange role of a business mollusk as part of the "Kaishain" (Clamployees) animated characters last month. Eguchi voices Higai, a middle-ranked employee who wants to avoid excessive personal damage at all costs. However, the character's perception of situations may not always be accurate. The character made an appearance on the "It's Morning! Kaishain"...
Gainax Fukushima's Masamune Datenicle Web Series Holds 1st Talk Event in Tokyo
Last year, Gainax Fukushima debuted its web short anime series Masamune Datenicle it produced to promote the town of Date in Fukushima Prefecture and its native son, 17th-century warlord Masamune Date. A total of four episodes are streaming. It first premiered in April 2016, but over a year later the cast and staff are appearing at a talk event in Tokyo for the first time. Interestingly, the talk ...
Elusive Kemono Friend Tsuchinoko Slithers into Sgt. Frog Manga
Kemono Friends character designer and Sgt. Frog manga creator Mine Yoshizaki combined his two series in recent chapter of Sgt. Frog. While the Shoebill and Japanese-crested Ibis have appeared in chapters in the past, the most recent brought out the elusive tsuchinoko. The serpent is one of Japan's Unidentified Mysterious Animals (UMA) described in folklore as a fan of drinking and deceiving humans...
Attack on Titan Saves Next Dance for Welcome to the Ballroom
The second anime season of Attack on Titan ended on Saturday and while fans eagerly await season three next year, the staff are passing the torch on to Tomo Takeuchi's Welcome to the Ballroom anime adaptation that premieres at Anime Expo on July 2. Fan favorite character Levi was drawn in a coat and tails ready to waltz with Welcome to the Ballroom series star Tatara Fujita. Kodansha Comics is pub...
Feast on Tokyo Ghoul Art at Shinjuku Station
Manga artist Sui Ishida doesn't just draw the very popular Tokyo Ghoul manga; he's also active on Twitter, where he sometimes shares his digital artwork to over 880,000 followers. And now, for a limited time, fans can see a selection of Ishida's beautiful art framed in a physical gallery. This mini-museum is displayed in Shinjuku Station from June 19 to June 25. Commuters can admire the art as the...
Hayao Miyazaki Says He Won't See Mary & The Witch's Flower Film, But Tells Director Yonebayashi 'Good Job' (Updated)
Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki praise film
― Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi (pictured right) revealed at a special talk event on Thursday for Studio Ponoc and his upcoming Mary and the Witch's Flower (Mary to Majo no Hana) anime film that he talked with that Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki when he finished the film. Yonebayashi said that he brought the film and visited...
Voice Actors Nana Inoue, Mitsuhiro Ichiki Deliver Healthy Boy
Voice actress Nana Inoue announced on Twitter on Wednesday that she gave birth to a healthy boy. Inoue said, "This is a report! I safely gave birth to a healthy boy on June 15 at 5:27 a.m.! Also, the two of us left the hospital today! I was supported and able to do my best from all of the help and encouraging words from everyone before the birth. Thank you very much!" Inoue also said she had to sp...
Kadokawa Launches Historical Manga Series with Macross, Yuri on Ice Artists
Publisher Kadokawa Shoten launched a new manga line on Wednesday to entice fans of popular creators to learn more about history. The non-fiction line is called Manga Jinbutsu-den (literally: Manga Biographies) and includes cover illustrations from Tadashi Hiramatsu (Yuri !!! on ICE), Haruhiko Mikimoto (Macross) and Kazuma Kaneko (Megami Tensei series). The series launch kicked off with a biography...
Say 'I Choose You' With Pikachu Marriage Registration Forms
One couple already turned their wedding into a full-blown Pokémon bash in December. Pikachu wedding rings also debuted last year. Couples in Japan will soon be able to make the Pokémon franchise's connection to their married life even more official. The August issue of Recruit's Zexy marriage information magazine will bundle a Pikachu-themed marriage registration form on Friday. The marriage form ...
Detective Conan Creator Appears on Sherlock Holmes Anniversary Program
Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama will lend his mystery expertise on a television program commemorating Sherlock Holmes' 130th anniversary on NHK on June 24. Aoyama will be joined by playwright and Holmes fan Kōki Mitani. Megumi Hayashibara, who stars as reoccurring character Ai Haibara in the Detective Conan anime series, will narrate the program. Sherlock Holmes first appeared in Sir Arthur C...
Romance Comedy Manga Chronicles Struggles of Having No Face
Romantic comedy manga like Monster Musume have focused on the struggles of interspecies romance. What do you do when a harpy needs to lay an egg or a lamia needs to shed her skin? These intriguing twists on the romantic fiction have led to a whole new subgenre about wooing monsters of every stripe. Haru Itaki's Kanojo ni Awaseru Kao ga nai, or literally "I Have no Face to Meet Hers" takes a whole ...
Alleged ClariS Photos Reveal Parts of Secretive Singers' Faces
The musical duo ClariS is known for being secretive about the true identities of its singers. The duo debuted in 2009 after the original members, Clara and Alice, met in elementary school. Instead of showing their faces like most performers, the singers use anime-style illustrations to represent themselves on CDs and merchandise. Even after Alice left in 2014 and Karen replaced her, the closest th...
Pokémon, Yuri!!! on Ice, Detective Conan Top Japan Character Awards
The Character Brand Licensing Association (CBLA) announced the winners of its Japan Character Awards 2017. The awards acknowledge Japan's best brands and characters for the previous fiscal year. This year marks the association's ninth award year. The top prize went to the Pokemon franchise. CBLA acknowledged the brand for successfully integrating the adult market with the launch of Pokemon Go and ...
Growth Squadron Nobiranger Web Anime Promotes Nutrition for Kids
A new educational web anime is aiming to teach viewers the nutrients they need to live a healthy life. This is anime though, so those nutrients are represented as a super hero sentai team. Seichō Sentai Nobiranger (Growth Squadron Nobiranger) stars Lactoferrin (Kouichi Yamadera), Vitamin B (Natsuki Hanae), Calcium (Yūsuke Tonozaki), Magnesium (Fuyuka Ono), and Arginine (Inuko Inuyama). Together, t...
Marriage, Graduation Announcements Overshadow Idol Rino Sashihara's 3rd AKB48 Election Win
The 9th annual AKB48 Senbatsu Election featured an unprecedented announcement this year. The event to reveal the vote count was held at the Tomigusuku Municipal Central Community Center in Okinawa on Saturday. Ririka Sutō, a 20-year-old member of the NMB48 idol group, announced that she is getting married. Sutō ranked 20th in the election. Sutō said, "I fell in love with someone for the first time...
Fly on Goku's Nimbus at J-World Tokyo Theme Park
Namco's J-World Tokyo indoor theme park is introducing a roller coaster with no track, carts, or seat belts. The new ride is a virtual coaster namely, a 3D motion simulator where riders are taken on Goku's nimbus cloud through the world of Dragon Ball Z. 3D goggles are worn while riders view a large screen. Wind, speed, sudden drops and elevations are all simulated like a real roller coaster. The ...
Multi-National Maid Café Opens in Akihabara
Akihabara is a haven for unique maid cafés, from establishments targeting Russophiles to maid workout partners. A new spot opened on Friday offering a multinational experience with servers from Brazil, China, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, the U.S., France, and Indonesia. Dubbed "Sugoi Kawaii," the cafe is "of, by, and for gaijin" (foreigners). Sugoi Kawaii is called a café but its menu specializes in al...
Kemono Friends Producer Asks Fans Not to Watch Anime Illegally
The producer of the hit anime series Kemono Friends issued a strong request to his Twitter followers on Tuesday. Yoshitada Fukuhara stated that he's fine if viewers can't afford to buy series, he only asks that they don't resort to illegal means to watch anime. 違法アップロード動画見ている人って、著作権違反行為の片棒担ぐことになるから止めたほうがいいですし違法にアップした人に広告費で儲けさせているだけ。本来そのお金を手にするはずだったクリエイターの元には1円も入りません。ファンならお金を払えとは言いませんがせめて違法サイトは見ないで...
Variety Show Discussion Pits Veteran Voice Actors Against Younger Counterparts
A staff member at an anime production company recently described the difficulties that young voice actors in Japan have entering an industry that experienced voice actors dominate. The topic has gained some buzz online, but it may be difficult to get an accurate picture of the state of the voice acting industry when discussions tend to become one-sided. TV Asahi's Aruaru Bansankai variety program ...
One Piece Crew Look to the Future in Eye Drops Commercial
Santen Pharmaceuticals is teaming up with the One Piece crew to keep eyes moist and fresh this summer. The company began streaming its commercial featuring Luffy, Zoro, Nami and more on Monday. The crew are shown with bottles of Sante FX brand eye drops. Santen is releasing Sante FX Neo Luffy and Sante FX V+ Law drops as part of the campaign. A second wave with another commercial is planned for th...
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— 梶裕貴@staff (@KAJI_staff) June 16, 2017 The statue is titled "Bad Bad Boy" and was created by artist Tommi Toija. The eig...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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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