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Moon Prism Power Marks Matrimony on New Sailor Moon Registration Forms
Specialty marriage registration form maker Konin Todoke Seisakusho unveiled its fourth wave of forms featuring Sailor Moon designs on Thursday. The marriage registration forms are available for pre-order now, and they cost 3,000 yen (about US$27). The two new designs are "Sailor Moon Love Message" and "Sailor Moon Moon Prism Power." The witness sections feature the special marks of the Sailor Gua...
The Idolm@ster SideM Live On St@ge App Streams 3rd Pre-Registration Bonus MV
Bandai Namco Entertainment's upcoming The Idolm@ster SideM Live On St@ge app reached its third goal of over 315,000 people pre-registered users, prompting it to release the promised third bonus music video staring the in-game group DRAMATIC STARS: Teru Tendō (Shugo Nakamura), Tsubasa Kashiwagi (Taku Yashiro), and Kaoru Sakuraba (Yūma Uchida). High x Joker's Hayato Akiyama and Cafe Parade's Yukihir...
Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans' Yuka Terasaki Announces Birth of Baby Boy
Voice actress Yuka Terasaki announced on her blog on Friday that she gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 3078 gram (6.8lbs). The blog's update came on a special date: August 4 is also Terasaki's own birthday. The 34-year-old voice actress asked her fans to wait for her as she will definitely return to work some day. She has since been discharged from the hospital and is getting accustomed to...
Jun Fukuyama Takes Over as Chipmunk Promoting Apartment Complex
UR Toshi Kikō returned with another chipmunk promotional video to showcase its Kawaguchi Shibazono apartment complex in Kawaguchi, Saitama on Thursday. This time, popular voice actor Jun Fukuyama (Assassination Classroom's Koro-sensei, Code Geass' Lelouch Lamperouge, Mr. Osomatsu's Ichimatsu) is playing a spoiled child chipmunk who is from the area around the apartments. In the video, the chipmunk...
Ciao Magazine's 2nd PriPri Chi-chan!! Freebie Combines Electric Fan, Eraser
The September issue of Shogakukan's Ciao magazine bundled what is probably the world's first electric fan and eraser robot when it shipped in Japan on Thursday. The Pri Chi Fan Keshi Robo CHI-02 is the magazine's second home electronic bonus item inspired by Hiromu Shinozuka's PriPri Chi-chan!! manga. The magazine's official YouTube channel also began streaming an introduction video for the item t...
Gundam Character Designer Yasuhiko Draws Poster for Japan-Cuba Film Ernesto
Mobile Suit Gundam character designer Yoshikazu Yasuhiko has added his touch to the official poster for the upcoming live-action film Ernesto. The historical drama is a Japan and Cuba co-production starring Joe Odagiri as Japanese-Bolivian Freddy Maemura Hurtado otherwise known as "Ernesto Medico" who fought alongside famed revolutionary Che Guevara (Juan M. Valero). Directed by Junji Sakamoto (As...
One-Punch Man's Yuusuke Murata Draws Marvel's Web-Slinger
One-Punch Man manga artist Yuusuke Murata has had his hands full drawing fan art of Dragon Ball Z characters and his take on Lionsgate's Power Rangers superheroes. One turn deserves another, and this time Murata drew an illustration celebrating the upcoming Japanese release of Spider-Man: Homecoming. Murata not only drew the titular teenage webslinger, but his nemesis Vulture and the hero Iron Man...
Netojū no Susume Anime Posts Open Call for Voice Actors
2 applicants to be selected for roles in final episode
― The creators of the Netojū no Susume anime are currently looking for part time voice actors to play roles in the final episode. Anyone may apply for the job, even those who have no voice-acting experience. There are also no restrictions on age or gender. The salary is 50,000 yen (about US$450) a day and transportation will be fully paid by the ...
World's 'Meanest' Girlfriend Stars in Otoboke Beavers' Music Video
Kyoto-based punk rock group Otoboke Beavers' latest music video stars one of the world's meanest animated girlfriends. The subject is fitting, given that the 19-second song is titled "Ikezu" ("Mean"). The video opens with a girl waking up in the morning and turning to the camera with a smile before repeatedly punching her boyfriend in the face. The animation is directed by Mr. Osomatsu character d...
Momoiro Clover Z Gets Sporty with DAYS, Baby Steps Manga
Idol group Momoiro Clover Z is teaming up with Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine to promote their new single, "BLAST!" The group doesn't appear in their usual themed costumes this time, instead the song is played over scenes from Hikaru Katsuki's Baby Steps tennis manga, Tsuyoshi Yasuda's DAYS soccer manga, and Daisuke Miyata's August Outlaw baseball manga. Momoiro Clover Z will perform at Tokyo's...
Hetalia Musical Star Yūki Yamaoki Announces Marriage, 1st Child
26-year-old actor Yūki Yamaoki, known to fans as "Okki," announced both his marriage and the birth of his first child on his blog on Wednesday. The actor, known for his roles in the Hetalia and Prince of Tennis musicals had dated his wife for the last eight years before the couple tied the knot. They welcomed their son on July 20, the day before Yamaoki's first performance in the Hetalia musical's...
Otomodachi Magazine Bundles PreCure Talking Vending Machine
The September issue of Kodansha's Otomodachi magazine bundled a unique item: a talking PreCure vending machine. The vending machine's button activates recorded dialogue by Kirakira ☆ Precure a la Mode characters Cure Whip, Cure Custard, Cure Gelato, Cure Macaron, Cure Chocolat, and Cure Parfait and sends out a juice toy. This year's September issue marks the magazine's 45th anniversary. Kirakira ☆...
Nanoha Reflection Cast Join the Fight in Chain Chronicle 3
The Chain Chronicle 3 smartphone game is adding the cast of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Reflection to celebrate the film opening in Japan. The collaboration officially starts on August 8, but Sega began streaming a character introduction video on Tuesday. Playable characters include Nanoha in both a regular and armored form, Fate T. Harlaown, Hayate Yagami, Amitie Florian, Kirie Florian, and Iris....
NMB48 Idol Idol Ririka Sutō Follows Up Marriage With Plans to Study Abroad
NMB48 idol group member Ririka Sutō is the center of more news after announcing her plans to study in Germany. The soon-to-be-graduated idol made the announcement via the NMB48 shop's official blog. The shop shared pictures of the idols on Wednesday with comments on the group's third album release, "Nanba Ai ~Ima, Omōkoto~." Sutō wrote in her message: I was really glad to happen upon NMB48. There ...
'Higurashi' Written on Windows of Vandalized Middle School in Tochigi
A teacher at Ogawa Junior High School in Nakagawa, Tochigi found a disturbing sight when he reported to work on Wednesday. Upon walking onto campus at 5:40 a.m., he discovered 12 glass doors at the entrance to the shoe rack were broken and the word "Higurashi" written in red spray paint across the windows in the staff room. He called 110 (the police emergency number in Japan) to notify authorities...
Business Shellfish Characters Reference Gintama to Celebrate Honey Day
Did you celebrate Pants (Underwear) Day on August 2? If so, you're probably hip to Japan's trend of inventing special days related to alternate pronunciations of numbers in dates. Toho Cinemas and DLE Inc.'s Kaishain ("Clamployees") characters got in on the action to mark another contrived holiday on Thursday. あれは『課長の妖精』っすね!あっさり見なかったことにするっす。#はちみつの日 #ハチミツの日 #貝社員貝社員の海の生き物図鑑、大好評発売中⇒https://t.co/5q03L...
Eureka & Renton Lift Through Old Edo in Ukiyo-e Art
Eureka and Renton look quite a bit different in their ukiyo-e adaptations. The stars of the hit anime television series Eureka Seven and the upcoming Eureka Seven: Hi - Evolution film series are still lifting on waves of trapar in ye olde Edo while a samurai-envisioned Nirvash takes on Hokusai's Great Wave at Kanagawa and Anemone and Dominic Sorel gaze out on the docks. Up-and-coming artist Takum...
Event Report: Yuri!!! on ICE Museum in Shibuya Tower Records
Curious how the Yuri!!! On ICE boys are getting along after the end of the Grand Prix Final? An exclusive exhibit in Shibuya's Tower Records gives fans a glimpse of the characters' relationships after the events of the anime. The setup of the exhibit is fairly simple. Before entering the museum, visitors are supplied with an audio guide of their choosing, which they listen to as they walk through ...
Nogizaka46's Song Continues Wonder Woman Film's Marketing Controversy in Japan
Warner Bros. Japan's marketing decisions surrounding the American film Wonder Woman are again causing controversy. Female idol group Nogizaka46 is performing the image song "Onna wa Hitori ja Nemurenai" (A Woman Can't Sleep Alone) for the film's release in Japan. Some net users have taken issue with the song's title and lyrics in comparison to the film's message. The film stars Gal Gadot as the po...
Granblue Fantasy Game Plans CCS, Touken Ranbu Collaborations
Cygames' Granblue Fantasy smartphone game will get two anime collaborations starting in September. Cygames announced at the "Granblue Fantasy Natsu da! Umi da! Granblue da! SP" livestream event that the game will feature DMM's popular Touken Ranbu characters Izuminokami Kanesada and Mikazuki Munechika in September followed by Cardcaptor Sakura in October. The tie-in falls in line with the currentl...
K Exhibition Kicks Off Upcoming K: Seven Stories Film
GoHands' K original television anime inspired not one, but two seasons, a film, and a slew of manga tie-ins to boot before it seemingly wrapped up. Now, five years after it first premiered the show is getting another film, or possibly series of films: K: Seven Stories set for next year. The franchise is preempting the films with a fifth anniversary exhibition at Laforet Museum Harajuku in Septembe...
Japan's Anime Industry Celebrates Underwear Day on Twitter
Some people in Japan know August 2 as Underwear Day. The number eight may be pronounced "pahn" in Japanese, and the number two may be pronounced "tsu." One word for "underpants" in Japanese is "pantsu" (pants). Thus, the second day of the eighth month of the year is known as a day to celebrate lower undergarments. Some women also secretly give underwear to their favorite men on August 2. Naturally...
The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Teams Up With Instant Curry Rice
Nissin Foods announced on Tuesday that its Curry Meshi instant curry rice is collaborating with The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls. A Curry Meshi set with special packaging will go on sale exclusively on the company's website on August 10. The special box set of instant curry rice will bundle three varieties of "cute," "passion," and "cool" Curry Meshi packages. The set will include two of each varie...
Sakura Wars Creator Ouji Hiroi Reveals Marriage to 37-Year-Old Dentist
Sakura Wars creator Ouji Hiroi revealed at an event for ForwardWorks' Sora to Umi no Aida (The Space Between the Sky and Sea) multimedia project on July 25 that he has remarried. After the event, the 63-year-old revealed to the Nikkan Sports newspaper that he married a 37-year-old dentist. They entered the family register in May 2016. Hiroi confirmed that his wife is not pregnant. The marriage sur...
Demon King Aims to Kill Hero in RPG Personifying Japanese Words
From Japan's prefectures to hot springs, highway service stations to Christian denominations, and sake varieties to rice balls, Japan loves to anthropomorphize things. The latest wave of the personification craze has led DMM Games to create a new head-scratching browser game that reimagines a certain kind of Japanese lingo as cute girls. The company began streaming three promotional videos for its...
Good Smile Company, Max Factory Announce 90 New Figures at WonderFest
For one day this summer, Makuhari Messe is overrun with a litany of figures big and small, professional and fan-made. Wonder Festival is the premier event for companies like Good Smile, Alter, Kadokawa, Kotobukiya, MegaHouse and many others to show off their upcoming products and entice collectors to drop considerable cash to take home pocket versions of their favorite anime and video game charac...
Galaxy Express 999's Maetel's Latest Journey is for 'The Ideal Body'
Galaxy Express 999's Maetel previously collaborated with Bioré's summer products to get a tan, combat sweat, and otherwise party on the beach. In her newest campaign, the lithe character and an aged Tetsuro are teaming up with RIZAP to get what the campaign dubs as "the ideal body." The campaign website shows Tetsuro as a middle-aged man who has developed a protruding belly from underneath his sh...
Voice Actors Yūichi Nakamura, Tomokazu Sugita Star in Nutritional Snack Ad
Voice actors Yūichi Nakamura and Tomokazu Sugita have become two of the latest Japanese celebrities to star as personified CalorieMate nutritional energy snacks in their own commercial. The pair appear as energy blocks apparently trying to convince a young woman to eat them in a television commercial that began streaming on Friday. The video begins with Nakamura as a CalorieMate block saying, "The...
Marvel Future Avengers Producer Discusses Balancing Japanese, American Tastes
Marvel Future Avengers, the latest television anime based on the Marvel comic book superheroes, premiered on July 22. Mainichi Shimbun's Mantan Web website recently interviewed the anime's chief producer and development manager at Marvel Entertainment Yurika Araki Dennis to discuss the series. Araki highlighted the inherent different viewpoints between people in the two countries that impact produ...
Eyeshield 21 Author Discusses Football Manga's '18+' Rating in U.S.
Inagaki, radio program hosts credit America's relationships with guns
― Eyeshield 21 manga author Riichirou Inagaki appeared as a guest on TBS Radio's late-night radio program Sandwichman no Shūkan Radio Jump (Sandwichman's Weekly Radio Jump) on Saturday. In the program, Inagaki discussed the manga's production from a behind-the-scenes perspective. Inagaki apparently visited the United States while c...
Step Inside Universal Studios Japan's Jump Summer Attractions
Explore One Piece, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Dragon Ball Z, and Gintama summer attractions with photos and video from Universal Studios Japan!
― Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has had great success in the last few years. Starting with opening The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in July 2014, the theme park has been raking in the attendance numbers. The park also has been hosting anime- and game-relate...
Hideaki Anno's Wife Tells Studio Khara's Story Through Animated Turnips
Moyoco Anno's official website posted on Saturday the 16-page comic she drew for last November's 10th anniversary exhibit for Studio Khara. Studio Khara also posted an animated version. The comic and the short are titled "Yoiko no Rekishi Anime: Ōki na Kabu (Kabu)" (A Good Child's History Anime: The Giant Turnip (Inc.)), and they feature Anno's Director-kun and Rompers characters (based her husban...
Touken Ranbu Inspires Yagen Tōshirō Tanto Reforging
There's a legend that surrounds the tanto named "Yagen Tōshirō." Before it came into possession of Oda Nobunaga, daimyō Hatakeyama Masanaga attempted to commit traditional suicide with the blade but found that it would not pierce his abdomen. In frustration, he threw it and it shot through a yagen, a type of stone mortar and pestle meant to grind herbs. It was then that the blade acquired its name...
Win the "Ultimate Reading Chair System For One Piece"
The world of One Piece doesn't exist in virtual reality yet, but Shōnen Jump has the next best immersive experience for series fans. The publisher opened a website for the "Onepi Isu" a pun on the series title and the world "isu" which means chair in Japanese. Its a smorgasbord of gadgetry all meant to enhance the One Piece reading experience. The site claims the supposedly state-of-the-art chair ...
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel's Life-Size Sword Features Lights, Sounds
Although fans have created impressive cosplay of the Fate character Artoria Pendragon and her sword, another official version of Saber's weapon is in the works. The three-part Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel anime film project is collaborating with Bandai's high-end toy line Proplica to reproduce Saber's Excalibur: Sword of Promised Victory. The life-size sword will feature lights, sounds, and Sab...
Harness Your Super Saiyan Energy with Lipovitan D
Popular energy drink Lipovitan D is rebranding itself for Super Saiyans starting on August 1. The drink will featuring popular characters from Dragon Ball Z on the front and Kamehameha UPC codes on the back. The collaboration will go even further with the "Lipovitan D × Dragon Ball Collaboration Fair" event which will feature original goods in drug stores and supermarkets. The items include ice cu...
Stars of Restaurant to Another World Cook Up Omurice
Restaurant to Another World stars Junichi Suwabe and Makoto Yasumura are putting their chef skills to the test for a series of DVD bonus cooking videos. In the "Isekai Shokudō Okawari!" digest short, Suwabe and Yasumura try out making omurice (omelette rice), a meal both voice actors enjoy. The duo is then joined by Chef Hiroshi Modegi, the third generation owner of Taimeiken restaurant. Taimeiken...
Comedy Manga Reimagines Real Samurai as Insect in Modern Japan
Ever wonder what it would be like for a Japanese feudal warrior to being reincarnated in the modern era as a tiny arthropod? No? Well, Masafumi Morita still has you covered. He launched the Shutsujin ★ Konchū Bushō Chōsokabe! manga in this year's 35th issue of Akita Shoten's Weekly Shonen Champion on Thursday. The manga imagines the Sengoku period daimyo Chōsokabe Motochika in the body of an insec...
New Evangelion Films' Rei Figure Poses in Sexy Plugsuit
Figure maker Flare is giving the Shin Evangelion films' Rei Ayanami a sexy new look. The company unveiled a Rei figure designed by illustrator Shunya Yamashita and model maker Mitsumasa Yoshizawa (Reflect). The figure shows Rei in a unique, semi-transparent version of her plugsuit from the anime. Yoshizawa designed and colored the figure based on Yamashita's original illustration. The figure stan...
Makoto Considers His Future for Free! Birthday Goods
Free! character Makoto Tachibana is all serious in the new illustration for his birthday goods. Pre-orders opened on Friday for a wall scroll, "Precious Box," rubber strap set, button pin set, clear file, and birthday sticker collection. The Precious Box includes a mini towel, coffee mug, and an illustration card. A Makoto birthday event will be held at stores throughout Japan from July 28 to Aug...
Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store Offers Chance to Appear in Manga
Hashimoto and Matsukoma's Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store is holding a Twitter campaign to give fans a chance to appear in the manga. The contest is marking the release of the series' seventh compiled book volume, which shipped on Thursday. The three sevens in the release date and volume number are a reference to the name of the fictional convenience store 777 (pronounced "three seven") in ...
Company Donates Love Live! Sunshine!! Bikes to Host City
The Love Live! Sunshine!! series' real-life setting of Numazu received a generous gift of highly reflective bikes to help prevent cycling accidents. Of course, the bikes are feature the characters from the series that has brought the city so much tourism recently. Sun Chemical, based in Tadehara, Shizuoka, manufacturers the reflective film and also donated the bikes on July 25. More than 80 percen...
Late Macross Composer Honored at Orchestra Performance in September
Ten years ago the anime industry lost one of its brightest stars, composer Kentarō Haneda, to liver cancer. Haneda composed the music for The Super Dimension Fortress Macross television series from 1982 to 1983, for which he won the Japanese Anime Grand Prize for Music, and The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? film. The franchise is honoring Haneda, as well as celebrating it...
Digimon's 1st Official Art Book Marks Franchise's 20th Anniversary
The Premium Bandai online shop revealed the Digimon franchise's first official illustration and design compilation book on Friday. The website began accepting pre-orders for the book, titled Digital Monster Art Book Ver.1~5&20th. Digimon series character designer Kenji Watanabe's work, including new art, will appear in the book. The book is marking the 20th anniversary of the release of the origin...
'Miracle Robot Force' Project Previews Mitsuko Horie's Theme Song
The "Miracle Robot Force" project began streaming a 43-second video with a preview of Mitsuko Horie's theme song on Wednesday. The video of the song, titled "Yūyaku! Miracle Robot Force," will be available until project's crowdfunding campaign ends on Sunday. In addition, people donating to the crowdfunding campaign can listen to a two-minute preview of the song until the crowdfunding campaign end...
Hunt Down Zamasu at Dragon Ball Tenkaichi Budōsai 2017
One of this summer's biggest events is coming to Tokyo on August 10. The Dragon Ball Tenkaichi Budōsai 2017 event will bring Akira Toriyama's world to the Sunshine City building complex in Ikebukuro. The venue is divided into several areas, each with different content but all of it relating Goku and crew. Visitors can enjoy exclusive merchandise, the kid-focused card game Super Dragon Ball Heroes,...
American Revolution's Guns Star in New Anthro Mobile Game
Since Touken Ranbu debuted, DMM has been hard at work adapting Japan's many famous swords into attractive male characters while trying to pay respect to each weapon's history. The game has also extended beyond traditional tanto, wakizashi, uchigatana, ootachi, naginata and tachi to include yari, or spears. Fans have asked in the past if the creators have any intention of adding firearms to the gam...
Attack on Titan Merch Focuses on Levi With 100 Button Pins
Obsessive collectors are going to have a heyday with the latest round of Attack on Titan merchandise. The anime's official Twitter account announced it will roll out 100 unique Levi button pins on Saturday. Each features a still shot from the first or second season or the original anime DVDs. Each button pin costs 500 yen and can be purchased at Animate Stores, the Ami Ami online shop, and Animeg...
Kyosuke Usuta, Kentaro Yabuki's Manga Awards Offer Chopsticks, Tissues
Shonen Jump Rookie, a webcomic portal for novice artists, announced its second annual Kyosuke Usuta (Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san, Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar) and Kentaro Yabuki (To Love-Ru, Black Cat, Mayoi Neko Overrun!) manga prizes on Friday. The grand prize winners will each receive 500,000 yen (about US$4,500), a trophy, and publication in Shonen Jump+. In addition, the top winners w...
Love Live! Sunshine's Riko Sakurauchi's 7-Eleven Design is More Than a Little Extra
Last September, Love Live Sunshine character Riko Sakurauchi (voiced by Rikako Aida) overtook Yō Watanabe (voiced by Shuka Saitō) to win 7-Eleven's "image girl" popularity poll. Character designer Yūhei Murota was hard at work designing Riko's 7-Eleven victory outfit that in turn will be made into a limited edition figure. The design was finally unveiled on Thursday and Aida was on hand to host th...
Forza Horizon 3 Adds Final Fantasy XV's Regalia to the Racetrack
Players won't be pushing this car through the desert. Turn10Studios announced that the Final Fantasy XV boy's stylish ride will be heading to the racetrack on August 1 in Forza Horizon 3. The car is a free download for players who have already played either game. For Forza Horizon 3 players, the Regalia will be sent to all players and will be redeemable through the in-game messaging system. Final ...
Ring, Ring, Your Giant Nuclear Monster is Calling
April Fools Jokes coming out of Japan have a track record of becoming reality. The largest example in recent years was the combining of Neon Genesis Evangelion and Shin Godzilla after both franchises shared director Hideaki Anno. One illustration led to over a year's worth of art and crossover goods, and concerts enlisting the likes of Takashi Murakami and Yoji Shinkawa. This year's monster joke ...
Sunrise Asks Readers to Choose Which of Its Works Most Deserve a Sequel
Plenty of fan websites ask its readers to pick which series is most deserving of a sequel, whether its an anime original work or any series that remains strong in viewers hearts. If you clicked on either of those links, you might find one thing in common with the results: fans really want more Tiger & Bunny. Well, animation studio Sunrise operates its own fan-targeted website called Yatate Bunko a...
Ciel & Sebastian Take Over Fuji-Q Highland's Haunted House
Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic sailed the high seas but is Sebastian and Ciel's stomachs strong enough to withstand Fuji-Q Highland's coaster? Starting on August 1, the theme park will collaborate with the fan-favorite series for the Fuji-Q Highland × Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic ~Sono shitsuji, zekkyō~" (That Butler, Screaming) event. The park will open a Black Butler area as part of th...
Edison & Tesla Battle Over Meat, Cú Chulainn Inspires Hot Dog at Fate/GO Fest
The Fate/Grand Order mobile game is celebrating its second year of battling historical figures at the Fate/Grand Order Fes. 2017 ~2nd Anniversary~ event this weekend. The event is also selling tie-in food and drinks that range from mundane to hilarious. "Chaldea's Kitchen," named for the game's secret organization, is serving up a menu of carnivorous meals and treats. The first draws inspiration ...
Baki Manga Gives the Lowdown on Saga Prefecture Appeal
When they aren't commenting on American politics, Keisuke Itagaki's intimidating Baki The Grappler characters are helping bring in tourism for Saga Prefecture. The are has recently increased its tourism with a popular Yuri on Ice collaboration and promotional anime, but the Baki the Grappler campaign site is decidedly more weird. The campaign focuses on eight characters from the manga series and e...
History's Fine Artists Get a Ikemen Makeover in Upcoming Mobile Game
Things-as-girls appears to slowly be giving away to things-as-boys, albeit in no small part because of Touken Ranbu's huge popularity in Japan. Some of these "things" aren't things at all, just reimaginings of historical figures as attractive young adults, whether they're Sengoku-era generals, dictators, or the most prominent names in the fine art world. The latter is the premise of Silicon Studio...
Niji-Iro Hotaru Director Responds to your name. Plagiarism Claim
YouTube user Ms. Rachel thinks that one animated sequence from Makoto Shinkai's your name. film is a case of plagiarism. The YouTuber began streaming a side-by-side comparison video on Tuesday that shows your name. on the right and Niji-Iro Hotaru ~Eien no Natsu Yasumi~ and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time on the left. The your name. scene in question show Mitsuha running down a mountain to try to ...
Rock Band OLDCODEX Holds 1st Arena Concert in 2018
The official website for the rock band OLDCODEX announced on Wednesday that the group will hold its first arena concerts next year. The tour's first concert will be held at World Memorial Hall in Hyogo Prefecture on January 13, followed by a second performance at Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa Prefecture. The band's official fan club members can enter an advance ticket lottery until until August 27. O...
Real-World Jonathan's Restaurant Inspires Alternate World Light Novel
Isekai (alternate world) is a popular genre of manga, anime, and especially light novels. In a typical isekai story, the usually male protagonist finds himself in a fantastical alternate world that is very different from the ordinary human world. However, Yutaka Funabashi and Sunao Tobe's new light novel takes a novel approach to draw from reality and focus on the actual Japanese family restaurant...
Fairy Tail Creator Hiro Mashima Celebrates Manga's End
Fairy Tail creator Hiro Mashima's staff already celebrated the completion of the manga by giving Mashima a commemorative glass trophy earlier this month. Now, it's Mashima's turn to mark the series' conclusion. The final chapter of Fairy Tail debuted in this year's 34th issue of Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine on Wednesday. 今週号のFTの扉ページ、応募者全員に複製原画を無料でプレゼントしています。最後なので太っ腹ですね!詳しくは週刊少年マガジンをチェックしてください...
Reverse Harem Manga Netsuiai Prince Gets Voiced Promotional PV
Manga creator Madoka Seizuki's Netsuai Prince: Onii-chan wa Kimi ga Suki reverse harem manga combines a brother complex, idols, and triplets for shōjo romance filled with heart-throbbing drama. The story stars Matsuri Amamiya who finds herself the new step-sister of triplet idols after her mom remarries. Of course, three potential love interests isn't enough, as the manga also introduces rival ido...
Re:Zero's Ram Joins Twin Sister as Life-Size Figure for 1.48 Million Yen
Ram finally gets to join her sister from Re:Zero as a life-size statue. FigureX announced its Ram figure in February and recently revealed all the details. The 1:1-scale figure will stand about 154 centimeters (about 5'1") tall including the pedestal. The pedestal will feature a speaker that can interact with Bluetooth. Unlike her sister statue who carries a broom, this version of Ram will hold a...
Kyoto Animation Grills Fans With Trivia Questions Before New Films' Premieres
Kyoto Animation is preparing for the upcoming releases of its Free! -Take Your Marks-, Gekijō-ban Hibike! Euphonium: Todoketai Melody, and Eiga Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai! Take On Me films. As a lead-up to their releases, the studio posted tests about previous related anime on Twitter on July 15. However, only diehard fans may be able to answer correctly. 【京アニ映画year】もうすぐ夏休みですね。…でもその前に!岩鳶高校&鮫柄学園、北...
Doflamingo's Feather Coat Gets Even Bigger for Shibuya Ad
The One Piece's Dressrosa Arc will be released on home video as part of the One Piece Log Collection in Japan on July 28. The "Log Collection" are home video releases with higher episode counts than the original DVDs. The Shibuya subway station is commemorating the release with a huge ad of Doflamingo in his pink feather coat. The coat isn't just painted on, but is actually fluffy to the touch. Th...
Rie Kanō's Slow Motion o Mō Ichido Manga Featured on Akari Machi Album
Rei Kanō, the creator of the manga Slow Motion o Mō Ichido (Once More in Slow Motion) drew the inside cover art for singer Akari Machi's new album EXPO Machi Akari. Machi is a fan of television shows from the 80s and 90s while Slow Motion o Mō Ichido depicts a boy and girl who are big fans of 1980s idols. The jacket illustration depicts the manga's heroine Yakushimaru dressed as Akari Machi. The a...
Enjoying Pokémon GO Fest Despite Its Problems
Did Pokémon GO Fest Chicago have issues? Yes. Did I still enjoy my time there? Yes, and I'm glad I went. To be honest, I'm not necessarily a glass-half-full type of person. However, this event has gotten overwhelmingly negative press that I don't fully agree with. Players have a right to be upset over the problems on Saturday, but some of the feedback feels overly harsh. Let's take a look at what ...
Tokyo Olympics Committee President Proposes Manga Parade at 2020 Games
Japan is gearing up for its turn hosting the Olympics in 2020. The country's hosting of the world's largest international sporting event has been under scrutiny from its announcement. From criticism over excessive spending, to debate over the design of the main stadium, to allegations that the original logo was plagiarized, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been plagued with controversy. Former prime m...
Mazinger Z's Garada K7 Foe Gets 1-Meter Tall Figure
One of Mazinger Z's most iconic enemies is getting a one-meter (3.2ft) tall figure to commemorate the series' 45th anniversary. The Garada K7 figure is part of the "Kyūkyoku Zōkei" line and is available for pre-order on the Premium Bandai shopping site. The humanoid Mechanical Beast is the first foe Mazinger Z faces. His noticeable design features two scythes attached to his head like horns but c...
Figure Skating Pair Ryuichi Kihara, Miu Suzaki Perform to Yuri!! on Ice
Figure skating pair Ryuichi Kihara and Miu Suzaki were spotted performing this season's short program at Skate Detroit to a track that will be familiar to Yuri on Ice fans. In the video, the skaters are seen practicing to the anime's namesake track which is used as Yūri Katsuki's Free Skate background music. Fittingly, in the anime the track is an original composition put together by Yūri's friend...
Drive in Ultra Style in the Ultraman Toyota 86
Move over Char, one of Japan's top tokusatsu heroes is getting his own concept car. The Ultraman licensing brand "A Man of Ultra," a joint venture between Tsuburaya Productions and FIELDS Corp opened orders for the M78 × 86 concept car on Monday. The concept car was manufactured with many of the same companies behind the Toyota 86, including Sanei Shobō, Kotsu Time Sha, and Hattori Marking. The ca...
Mai Kuraki Awarded Guinness World Record for Most Theme Songs in a Single Anime Series
The Detective Conan anime series can add a Guinness World Record to its resume, thanks to Mai Kuraki. The singer was awarded the Guinness World Record for singing the most theme songs for a single animation series. Kuraki has performed 21 theme songs for long-running series and was acknowledged for her achievement at a ceremony on July 25. Kuraki first performed the ninth ending theme song "Secret...
Bandai Namco's New VR Arcade Has Something for Everyone
Skiing, fishing, or piloting an Eva unit; it's all at VR Zone
― There's a new arcade in town, but it's not like any other arcade you may have been to. Bandai Namco Entertainment has opened its VR Zone in Shinjuku on July 14th, which is reputedly the biggest Virtual Reality game center in Japan. It's an ambitious venture—not only does Bandai Namco plan to expand their VR activities overseas, they also...
Justice League's Ezra Miller Cosplays as Fullmetal Alchemist's Ed at Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con International brought out all the superheroes this weekend in the one event where fans can catch glimpses of Chris Hemsworth, Ben Affleck, Mark Ruffalo, and Cate Blanchette in the same place. One of the DC Universe's biggest stars, Justice League's Flash actor Ezra Miller, was also there, but he wasn't in red supersuit. Miller spent the weekend dressed as none other than Edward...
Aho Girl Creator Questions Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store Creator's Income, Expense Claims
Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store manga artist Matsukoma posted a response on Twitter on July 17 to a friend's teasing that he should be celebrating the series having more than two million copies in print. To demonstrate the reality of his situation, Matsukoma posted a graph of his expenses for the year so far. The graph states that Matsukoma's 2017 expenses include 2,191,028 yen (about US$19...
Aikatsu Stars Meets Aikatsu in 2-Episode Cross-Over
It's an idol inception in an upcoming two-episode crossover of Bandai Namco Pictures' Aikatsu franchise. The currently airing Aikatsu Stars! will feature the cast from the original Aikatsu to celebrate the anime series' fifth anniversary. Original protagonist Ichigo Hoshimiya and character Akari Ōzora from season two will appear in the first crossover episode on August 17. The second crossover epi...
New Light Novel's OP Main Character Literally Levels Up by Existing
There's plenty of actual criticism for the flood of isekai light novels, and mainly their protagonists, for being ridiculous over-powered wish-fulfillment. Detractors state that the characters typically have superficial flaws while also having "Chosen One" abilities that make any conflict a snap to overcome. Still, none of those previous protagonists hold a candle to 15-year-old Lana who levels up...
Women in Portugal are Forming Real Keijo!! Teams
Last year's sports series Keijo!!!!!!!! was unique take: combining sumo with floating arenas. Oh yeah, and all the moves were based around weaponized T&A. Keijo!!!!!!!! was great for walking the line of shōnen sports manga themes of camaraderie and training sequences with absurd special attacks like "Shoryucans" and "Gate of Bootylon." It was only a matter of time until someone tried to adapt the ...
Akira Bike Makes Appearance in Ready Player One Movie Trailer
A familiar motorcycle showed up in a car chase scene in the recently released trailer for Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One dystopian pop-culture sci-fi flick. The iconic red motorcycle from Katsuhiro Otomo's cyberpunk masterpiece Akira shows up in the last third of the trailer. Ernest Cline's original novel, dubbed "holy grail of pop culture" features a plethora of early Japanese video game and...
Prince of Tennis Valentine Program Will Count Down from 50
The mountain of likely expired chocolates sent to Shueisha offices this year to elect readers' fan-favorite Prince of Tennis are all counted and the results will be announced on August 14 via livestream on Nico Nico Douga. The outpouring of gifts was huge; it took eight employees to count the sweets with numbers exceeding 180,000. The "Happy Summer Valentine" program will reveal which characters r...
Gem-Themed Land of the Lustrous Anime Inspires Real Jewelry
The jewelry brand Tasaki is collaborating with the television anime of Haruko Ichikawa's Land of the Lustrous (Hōseki no Kuni) manga to release real-world jewelry inspired by the gem-themed series. The anime's characters are getting their own necklaces with diamonds, pearls, and multi-colored stones. Each piece of fashion jewelry will be inspired by a certain character and their characteristic min...
Actress Rika Adachi Cosplays as Kemono Friends' Serval
The Kemono Friends franchise has a new celebrity fan. Actress Rika Adachi posted pictures on Instagram and Twitter of herself cosplaying as Serval on Sunday. Adachi wore the outfit for her appearance on the FM Nack 5 radio station's "Nack5 Special 'Anison Friends'" program. Adachi hosted the program with singer-songwriter and actor Yūtaro Miura. In the station's first program dedicated to anime so...
Code:Realize Otome Game Gets PS4 Console Variant
Idea Factory's Code:Realize game is not only getting a television anime, but also a PlayStation 4 model in Japan. Sony announced on Thursday that Code:Realize ~Bouquet of Rainbows~ (Code:Realize ~Saikō no Hanataba~), the PlayStation 4 port of the Code:Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~ PS Vita game and the Code:Realize ~Shukufuku no Mirai~ fan disc, will get a limited-edition tie-in PlayStation 4 model...
your name. Cafe Bus Rolls Out in Tokyo in August
The Willer bus company operates only two open-top "restaurant buses" in Japan. The company, Cool Japan Travel, THE GUEST cafe & diner, and the Anime Tourism Association decided to partner and utilize those buses for a special "your name. Cafe Bus" experience. The cafe bus inspired by Makoto Shinkai's hit anime film will operate in Tokyo from August 3 to September 29. Willer's two restaurant buses ...
Boruto's Showtaro Morikubo Gears Up for Next DVD Challenge
Voice actor and singer Showtaro Morikubo has played a wide variety of roles. He currently stars as ninja Shikamaru Nara in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Atsumu Ozaki in Clean Freak! Aoyama kun, but neither role has prepared him for the real-life challenges in his DVD series. The Marukubo Marutarō DVD series stars Morikubo attempting other occupations. The first DVD put him on board a ship an...
Love Live! School Idol Festival Popularity Contest Elects Character With Hidden Face
"Perfect Dream Project" (PDP), the new project for KLab Games and Bushiroad's Love Live! School Idol Festival smartphone game revealed the July ranking of its nine new characters. Users chose their favorites in poll held from July 4-10. This month's winner is Rina Tennoji, perhaps surprisingly since the character's actual face is still a mystery. Or maybe her quirkiness is winning players over? Se...
Agumon to Appear in Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters Anime
Chika Sakamoto voices character in episode premiering August 12
― The Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters anime has shifted the focus from "Digimon" to "Appmon," new creatures each based on a different smartphone app. Now, the show's website has announced that the anime will finally feature a familiar face: Agumon. Chika Sakamoto, the voice of Agumon from Digimon Adventure, is returning to the role for ...
Hatsune Miku Goes Post-Apocalyptic for Magical Mirai Event
Japan's most iconic virtual idol has joined the world of Mad Max in the "Dune" music video for "Suna no Wakusei" (Planet of Sand) the theme song for the Magical Mirai 2017 event. Miku appears to be the idol of apocalypse, backed by a posse of skull-wearing supporters. Hachi wrote, composed, and arranged the song and Minakata Laboratory animated the music video. The company has previously worked wi...
Love Live! Sunshine!! Cast Teach Choreography for Upcoming Festival
Planning to enjoy the Love Live! Sunshine!! activities this summer? The series' real-life setting of Numazu is holding its 70th annual fireworks festival on the Kano river this weekend. A Love Live! Sunshine!! stage event will take place over two days, including a choreographed dance to Aqours' single "Sunshine Pikka Pika Ondo." Don't know the moves? The cast from the anime series are more than ha...
Monster Hunter Bridal Fair Brings Fandom Fantasy to Nuptials
Newly wed couples have shared their fandom, sometimes subtly with themed registration forms, bling, or going all out with an entire themed wedding ceremony. Couples planning their fandom-fueled ceremony can get a major leg up from Capcom. The company is providing Monster Hunter wedding previews at 23 venues across Japan dubbed "Monster Hunter x Bridal Fair". The bridal event gives prospective coup...
Manga Creator Reveals His Recommendation List for Live-Action Gintama Film
Shueisha released the Eiga Gintama Silver Memories Visual Book for the live-action Gintama film on July 14, the same day as the film opened in Japan. The book includes a message to fans with the original manga creator Hideaki Sorachi's "recommended points" for the film that he thinks people who see the film might like. The tongue-in-cheek list includes aspects of the film such as Shun Oguri's (who...
One Piece Reveals 'One Piece Day,' Kyoto Collaboration, Oda Comment on Live-Action TV Series
One Piece will also "hijack" covers of 28 Shueisha magazines
― The announcement of a live-action One Piece Hollywood television series wasn't the only news to come out of the press conference today at the Tokyo One Piece Tower amusement park. The Japan Anniversary Association announced that July 22 is now officially considered "One Piece Day." July 22, 2017 is the day that One Piece is officially cel...
Best Saber Cosplay Yet Uses Projection Mapping Tech
Saber (Artoria Pendragon) is a popular character to cosplay from the Fate franchise. Even cats are getting in on the costumed action. Gomi and his tech circle TechnoAlta revealed what may be the best Saber cosplay yet in a "Summoning the 'King of Knights'" video earlier this month. The video begins with the project's complete two-minute cosplay video then explains the multi-faceted approach Gomi a...
20 Years Later, Xenogears Gets New Figures Teased
Nearly 20 years after Square Enix (then Squaresoft) debuted its psychological mecha role-playing game Xenogears, the video game is getting all new series of figures. Square Enix announced at San Diego Comic Con that the game's original mechanical designer Junya Ishigaki is supervising the figure line as well as reworking the designs. The announcement tweet included the hashtags "Wander Arts," a r...
Kids of My Hero Academia Enjoy a BBQ for New Goods
The kids of My Hero Academia are spending their mid-summer barbecuing together by the river. At least, according to a new collaborative image created for the Ikebukuro P'Parco shop. The art will serve as the focal point for new collaborative goods that will go on sale on August 2. The characters' shirts in the image read "Plus Ultra," which is also one of the key terms for the new goods. While we ...
Relive 10 Years of Oresama Teacher Manga in Anniversary PV
Best-selling shōjo manga Oresama Teacher first launched in Hana to Yume magazine 10 years ago. Creator Izumi Tsubaki created the story of Mafuyu Kurosaki, a girl attempting to reform her delinquent ways now that she's entered high school. Publisher Hakusensha is commemorating the manga's 10th anniversary with a one-minute promotional video that gives a quick lowdown of the characters and their rel...
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