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Power Rangers Screenwriter Arne Olsen Dies at 64
Olsen worked on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 films
― Screenwriter Arne Olsen died on Saturday at 64 after complications related to cancer, his wife told Deadline on Wednesday.Olsen wrote the script for the 1995 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.He was also known for his work on titles such as the 1995 film Red Scorpion, the animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, and the...
Kageki Shojo!! Author Kumiko Saiki Injured at Music Festival
Artist sprains neck, with possibility of bleeding in brain
―
Kageki Shojo!! author Kumiko Saiki revealed on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that she was injured at a music festival she had attended in Ariake district in Tokyo on March 29. She wrote that during the first group's performance, someone in the audience did a sudden dive into the crowd, colliding with her head and arm. The group supposedly...
Kunio-kun, Double Dragon Games' Creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto Dies
Kishimoto died on April 2 at 64
― Kunio-kun and Double Dragon series creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto died on April 2, as confirmed by his son on X/Twitter on Sunday. He was 64. Kishimoto's son confirmed that there is a private funeral for family members on Tuesday. Kishimoto's career debuted in the 1980s at Data East directing games like Cobra Command and Road Blaster. He then began working at Technos Ja...
Parasite Director Joon-Ho Bong Reveals 1st Animated Feature Ally for Global Release
Film has been in development since 2019, will center on group of curious deep-sea creatures
― Director Joon-ho Bong is developing his first animated feature film, Ally, with a planned worldwide release following completion in the first half of 2027. CJ ENM, one of the largest movie production and distribution companies in Korea, announced the film on Friday. According to CJ ENM, the project has been...
Gekiga Comics Pioneer Yoshiharu Tsuge Dies
Award-winning creator of Nejishiki was 88
― Publisher Chikuma Shobo announced on Friday that manga creator Yoshiharu Tsuge died of aspiration pneumonia on March 3. He was 88. Tsuge was born in Tokyo in 1937, and debuted as a manga creator in 1954. He began making his own comics after being "influenced by the realistic and gritty rental manga of Yoshihiro Tatsumi." He also briefly assisted Shigeru Miz...
Worker Killed in Stabbing at Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Store, neighboring Pikachu Sweets closed until further notice; assailant reportedly killed himself
― According to reporting on Friday from NHK and other news outlets, a woman in her 20s was stabbed inside the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store inside Ikebukuro's Sunshine City shopping complex on Thursday evening. The woman, identified as 21-year-old Moe Harukawa, who was a part time sales clerk, has die...
Webtoon by Korean Dictator's Grandson Surpasses 67 Million Views on Social Media
Chun expressed gratitude to readers saying he felt “surprised and overwhelmed” by response
― The webtoon series by Woo-won Chun has surpassed 67 million views after being serialized on social media over a three-month period. Chun shared the milestone on Instagram on March 23, expressing gratitude to readers and saying he felt “surprised and overwhelmed” by the response. The series, titled Monggeul T...
Anime Boston 2026 Hosts Voice Actors Atsushi Abe, Wakana Maruoka; Producers Hiromi Sueta, Takanori Matsuoka
HiDive sponsors appearance of all 4 guests from Farming Life in Another World 2, Petals of Reincarnation
― The staff of Anime Boston 2026 announced on Saturday that the convention will host the following people as guests of honor:Voice actor Atsushi Abe (A Certain Magical Index, IDOLiSH7) will be attending as a guest of honor to promote his upcoming role as Hiraku Machio, the protagonist of Farming L...
Naver Webtoon Reports US$2.7 Billion Creator Payout Over 5 Years
Naver Webtoon outlines 3 core priorities for 2026
― Naver Webtoon shared its creator support performance and 2026 business strategy at a press conference held in Seoul on March 17, highlighting continued investment in its global ecosystem. At the event, Yongsoo Kim, the recently appointed president of WEBTOON Entertainment, made his first public appearance since taking the role, emphasizing the impo...
Voice Actor Yonehiko Kitagawa Dies at 94
Yonehiko died on March 5 due to pneumonia
― Talent management agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Yonehiko Kitagawa died on March 5 due to pneumonia. He was 94. A private funeral attended by close family members was held, in accordance to his family's wishes.Kitagawa voiced several characters in the 1983 Kinnikuman series including Akuma Shōgun, Big The Budō, and Chairman H...
Doraemon, Chibi Maruko-chan Director Tsutomu Shibayama Dies at 84
Shibayama died on March 6 due to lung cancer
― Animation studio Ajiado announced on Tuesday that its former president and CEO Tsutomu Shibayama died on March 6 due to lung cancer. He was 84. A private funeral was held, attended only by close family members.Shibayama was born on March 9, 1941. He joined Toei Doga (now Toei Animation) in 1963, later moving to A Production (now Shin'ei Doga) in 1966. He...
Animazement Anime Convention to Host Cowboy Bebop, Lazarus Director Shinichirō Watanabe
Event to be held at Raleigh Convention Center from May 22-24
― The staff of Animazement anime convention announced on Sunday that it will host anime director Shinichirō Watanabe during its event on May 22-24. Watanabe directed such notable anime productions as Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Carole & Tuesday, and Terror in Resonance. He also directed the "Blade Runner: Blac...
South Korean Supreme Court Finalizes Ruling in Favor of Webtoon Creator Pito in Copyright Dispute
Korea Cartoonist Association says ruling clearly confirms creators' rights under the law
― According to reporting from Korean news outlet Nocut News on February 26, South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a ruling in favor of webtoon creator Pito in a long-running copyright infringement case, rejecting claims that a platform executive held joint authorship of the work. Following the court's decisi...
Voice Actress Yukie Maeda Dies at 52
Maeda announced malignant sarcoma diagnosis in October 2025, retirement from voice acting last month
― The younger sister of voice actress Yukie Maeda announced on Maeda's X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday that Maeda died on March 9. She was 52.Maeda had announced on February 26 that she was retiring from voice acting after 30 years at the end of February, due to her health. Maeda announced la...
Galaxy Express 999 Voice Actress Masako Ikeda Dies at 87
Ikeda voiced Maetel in Galaxy Express 999 franchise
― Agency Haikyo announced on Friday that voice actress Masako Ikeda died on March 3 from a cerebral hemorrhage. She was 87. A funeral was held by close relatives only. Ikeda was born in Tokyo on January 1, 1939. She is perhaps best known for her role as Maetel in the Galaxy Express 999 franchise, as well as in the Harlock Saga anime. Other major rol...
Plaintiff in Manga Creator Shōichi Yamamoto's Sexual Abuse Case Releases Statement
Victim calls on public to refrain from escalating criticism of Shogakukan
― The victim involved in manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto's sex crime case has stepped forward with a statement through the Tokyo-Kyodo Law Office, as both parties in the case move to appeal the civil ruling. The unnamed victim, a woman in her 20s, is filing a civil suit against Yamamoto, the teaching staff, and the educational c...
Anime Boston 2026 Hosts Japanese Singer Coda, Voice Actress Kujira
Anime Boston takes place at Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA from April 3-5
― The staff of Anime Boston 2026 announced on Saturday that the event will host Japanese singer Coda and Japanese voice actress Kujira as guests of honor. Coda is the musical guest for the event's Saturday (April 4) concert.Coda, whose real name is Kazusou Oda, performed "Bloody Stream," the opening theme song for the "B...
Fist of the North Star, Galaxy Express 999 Composer Nozomi Aoki Dies at 94
Aoki also composed soundtracks for Akuma-kun, Patalliro!, more anime
― The Nikkan Sports and Anime! Anime! news websites reported on Monday that composer and arranger Nozomi Aoki died on February 20. He was 94. Folk singer Chiharu Matsuyama first announced the news on the Matsuyama Chiharu On the Radio radio program on March 8. Aoki arranged many of Matsuyama's early songs in the late 70s. Aoki was b...
WEBTOON Entertainment Names Yongsoo Kim President to Lead Global Operations
WEBTOON Ent.'s leadership team will report to President, who in turn reports to Founder, CEO Junkoo Kim
― WEBTOON Entertainment announced on Friday it has appointed Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON Yongsoo Kim as President, tasking him with overseeing global operations and driving the company's next phase of growth. Kim has also been named to the company's Board of Directors. Under ...
Novelist Hideyuki Matsubara Dies at 76
Matsubara was best known for Password children's book series
― Novelist Hideyuki Matsubara died on February 18. He was 76. His relatives held a private funeral. Matsubara is perhaps best known for his long-running Password children's book series. The book series centers on young boys and girls who connect through a pre-Internet electronic messaging service, and solve mysteries together. The book ser...
Voice Actress Reiko Katsura Dies at 89
Original voice of Sazae-san's Ikura Namino died due to pneumonia-related causes
― Talent agency Haikyō announced on Wednesday that voice actress Reiko Katsura died on February 22 due to respiratory failure caused by aspiration pneumonia. She was 89.A private funeral attended only by close relatives was held.Katsura was born on February 8, 1937 in Fukuoka Prefecture. She was part of the KBC Troupe and...
Arknights Game Removes Takuya Satō From Cast
Satō's contract with Chinese mobile game Love and Deepspace also expires
― The official Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account of Chinese developer Hypergryph's Arknights mobile game announced on Wednesday that voice actor Takuya Satō will step down from the roles of Midnight and 12F in the game due to "various circumstances." Hypergryph apologized to fans and stated that it will announce a replacemen...
Kyoto Animation President, Co-Founder Hideaki Hatta Dies at 76
Hideaki Hatta co-founded studio with wife Yōko Hatta in 1981
― Kyoto Animation announced on Monday that its president and co-founder Hideaki Hatta died on February 16. He was 76. His family held a private funeral.京アニ社長・八田英明さん死去 76歳「『よってたかって作る』を合言葉に」https://t.co/CmCR4ehSwJ⠀京都アニメーションのサイトで発表。1985年の設立から四十余年にわたり「よってたかって作る」を合言葉にしてきたと紹介。「これからも世界中の皆さまに楽しんでいただける作品をよってたかって… pic.twitter.com/5X5h4v044C— オリコンニュース...
The Apothecary Diaries' Author Hyuganatsu to Attend Anime Boston
Anime Boston takes place at Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA from April 3-5
― The staff of Anime Boston 2026 announced on February 22 that the event will host the author of the The Apothecary Diaries light novel series Hyuganatsu as a guest of honor. She will appear with mascot Uririn, "a boar who is responsible for her public relations." While announcing the English release of The Apothecary Di...
Shogakukan Apologizes for Releasing New Manga by Creator Convicted of Sex Crime Against Minor (Updated)
Other creators react when civil suit reveals crime's details, Manga ONE editor's role in settlement talks
― Content warning: this article contains graphic descriptions of rape and sexual abuse. Shogakukan's Manga One editorial department issued a statement and an apology on Friday regarding manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto, after the editorial department had allowed Yamamoto to publish a new manga on t...
Singer-Songwriter Neil Sedaka Dies at 86
Singer of "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," "Laughter In The Rain" also wrote 3 Z Gundam songs
― The family of prolific singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka announced on Friday that he suddenly died earlier in the day in Los Angeles. He was 86. Sedaka wrote and sang nine U.S. Top 10 songs, including three that went all the way to the top: "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," "Laughter in the Rain," and "Bad Blood." He a...
Voice Actress Yukie Maeda Retires from Voice Acting Due to Illness
Maeda announced she has malignant sarcoma in October 2025
― Voice actress Yukie Maeda announced on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday that she is retiring from voice acting after 30 years by the end of the month, due to her health condition, which no longer allows her to be able to go to the studio. Maeda expressed her gratitude to everyone she has worked with. Maeda announced last October...
Voice Actor Yūki Kaji Leaves Talent Agency, Starts Own Company
Kaji leaves agency on April 8, starts company for his voice AI project Soyogi Fractal on April 9
― Voice actor Yūki Kaji announced on Thursday that he will be leaving his talent agency VIMS on April 8, to go independent and start his own company for his voice AI project Soyogi Fractal, where he will also serve as representative director, starting on April 9.Kaji stated his gratitude to VIMS, which he...
Gift-o'-Animation Founder Satoshi Mori Dies
Director of several Cardfight!! Vanguard anime had been battling illness
― Animation studio Kinema Citrus announced on Tuesday that the Gift-o'-Animation studio's founder and former president Satoshi Mori has died on February 20 after battling an illness for some time. Mori's family also posted an announcement of his death on Tuesday, and thanked all those who have supported Mori. Mori founded Gift-...
Video Game Composer Shigeru Ikeda Dies at 57
Composer for later games in Da Capo series, husband of singer yozuca*
― Video game composer Shigeru Ikeda died on Saturday, February 21. He was 57 years old. He will have a vigil open to the public on Wednesday, followed by a funeral on Thursday. He is survived by his wife, who is singer yozuca*, and a child.Ikeda fell comatose in April 2023 due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and has been battling his...
Vertical Publishing Company's Co-Founder Ioannis Mentzas Dies
Princeton graduate served as editorial director at Kodansha USA
― Kodansha USA announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that the Vertical publishing company's co-founder and Kodansha USA Editorial Director Ioannis Mentzas died. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kodansha Manga (@kodanshamanga) Hiroki Sakai founded Japanese novel and manga publisher Vertical with Mentzas in 2001. Kodansha...
Luna Sea Rock Band's Drummer Shinya Yamada Dies Due to Cancer at 56
Yamada had been diagnosed in 2020 but planned to perform at band's March concert
― The official website of the rock band Luna Sea announced on Monday that the band's drummer Shinya Yamada died on February 17 at 6:16 p.m. He was 56. Yamada, who performed under the mononym Shinya, had been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2020, and then a brain tumor last year. He had undergone seven surgeri...
WEBTOON to Make Emerald City Comic Con Debut
Creators Jjolee, Kris Nguyen, Chiogiri to appear at event
― WEBTOON will make its first-ever appearance at Emerald City Comic Con from March 5–8, 2026, marking a major push to connect directly with creators and fans in North America. At the Seattle-based convention, WEBTOON will host a dedicated Artist Alley section, creator-led panels, and portfolio review sessions with editors, offering hands-on g...
No Anime Win at Annie Awards; KPop Demon Hunters Wins 10 Awards
The Red Turtle director Michaël Dudok de Wit wins prestigious Winsor McCay award
― The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, revealed the winners for its 53rd Annual Annie Awards on Saturday. No anime won awards at the event. However, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' animated film KPop Demon Hunters won all 10 awards for which it was nominated, including for "Best Feature." The film a...
'100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You' Manga to Temporarily Slow Release Pace
Artist Yukiko Nozawa goes on maternity leave
― Yukiko Nozawa, the artist for The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You (Kimi no koto ga Dai Dai Dai Dai Daisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo) manga, announced on Thursday that she is going on maternity leave after the successful birth of her new child, leading to the serialization pacing of the manga to slow down.Nozawa explained t...
Manga Creator Ryūkō Azuma Dies
Uncompiled chapters of Azuma's Duffle Coat Army manga will be released in the future
― Manga creator Ryūkō Azuma died in September last year. Azuma's relatives held a private funeral.The editorial team of Kadokawa's Comic Newtype website announced Azuma's death on February 13. Azuma was still serializing the Duffle Coat Army manga (seen right), and was working on the manga's 19th chapter when he died...
20th Seiyū Awards Announces Special Award Winners
The IDOLM@STER series, Aruno Tahara, Keiko Yokozawa, Shinichirō Kamio, Rei Sakuma, Nami Mizuno honored
― The organizers of the 20th Annual Seiyū Awards announced in advance the winners of the special awards on Tuesday. Merit Awards
Award for the seiyū who have contributed to many genres, including foreign works, over the years Aruno Tahara (left in image below) Keiko Yokozawa 【第二十回声優アワード先行発表！】 功労賞 長...
Anime Central 2026 Hosts Yuki Kajiura, FictionJunction
ACen runs from May 15-17 in Illinois
― Illinois-based convention Anime Central (ACen) announced on Monday it will host Yuki Kajiura and FictionJunction as Guests of Honor at this year's event. The musicians will also host a live concert on May 16 for all con attendees. Kajiura is a prolific composer known for scoring multiple anime series including Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Zero, Puella Ma...
Voice Actor Masaru Ikeda Dies at 83
Ikeda died on January 31 due to heart failure caused by myocardial infarction
― Talent agency Haikyō announced on Monday that voice actor Masaru Ikeda died on January 31 due to heart failure caused by myocardial infarction (heart attack). He was 83. A private funeral attended only by close relatives was held. Ikeda was born on September 27, 1942 in Tokyo. Ikeda voiced most of the mecha robots that ...
Bloodstained Game Creative Director Shutaro Dies at 52
Shutaro died on February 10 due to pancreatic cancer
― ArtPlay co-founder Koji Igarashi announced on Monday that the company's creative director SHUTARO (Shutaro Iida) died on February 10 after fighting cancer for almost a year and a half. He was 52. SHUTARO's family posted the announcement of his death on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where they disclosed that he died due to pancreatic cancer. A...
Hideki Satō, Former Sega President Known as 'Father of Sega Hardware,' Dies at 75
Satō was instrumental in development of all of Sega's home consoles
― Sega announced on its Japanese X/Twitter account on Monday that Hideki Satō, former president of Sega known as the "father of Sega hardware," has died. The Japanese game web magazine Beep 21 reported on Saturday he died on February 13. He was 75. 2001年から2003年までセガ代表取締役社長を務められた佐藤秀樹さんが逝去されました。ご遺族、ご友人、関係者の皆様に謹んで哀悼の意を表します。アーケード用アミューズメント...
Detective Conan's Ran Mōri Voice Actress Wakana Yamazaki Goes on Hiatus
Yamazaki is undergoing medical treatment; Akemi Okamura to voice Ran Mōri starting in episode airing on March 14
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Monday that voice actress Wakana Yamazaki, who voices Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan series, will go on hiatus as she is currently undergoing medical treatment. The company stated that it will prioritize Yamazaki's health and will monitor her r...
Funimation Founder Gen Fukunaga Joins Advisory Board of Bizaar Studios
Former Funimation CEO joins adult animation studio as stakeholder, strategic advisor
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Thursday that founder and former CEO of Funimation Gen Fukunaga has joined Los Angeles-based adult animation studio Bizaar Studios as a stakeholder and strategic advisor. He will serve on the advisory board. Fukunaga will develop original animation and Webtoon projects...
Actor James Van Der Beek Dies at 48
Actor played Dawson in Dawson's Creek, Pazu in Castle in the Sky
― Actor James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly Van Der Beek revealed on Wednesday that the actor has died following his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek died peacefully on Wednesday morning. He was 48. Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. He was b...
Voice Actor Kenichi Suzumura Goes on Hiatus to Focus on Recuperation
Doctors diagnosed his recent bout of poor health as adjustment disorder
― The talent agency Intention announced on Thursday that voice actor Kenichi Suzumura is going on hiatus to recover from adjustment disorder. The agency explained that Suzumura has been in poor health, and doctors diagnosed the issue as adjustment disorder. As a result, Suzumura is focusing on rest and recuperation as his top pri...
K-Pop Girl Group Kiss of Life Member Belle Releases Soundtrack Song for The Remarried Empress Webtoon
Webtoon ended serialization last month; live-action Disney+ adaptation to debut this year
― K-pop girl group Kiss of Life member Belle released her first webtoon soundtrack song, titled "I Rise," for the The Remarried Empress webtoon on February 11. "I Rise" serves as an opening song for the webtoon and translates the webtoon's emotional narrative into music, capturing the inner strength and quiet r...
Suda51, Grasshopper Manufacture Plan to Release New Game in 2026
New game announced during launch stream for Romeo is a Dead Man
― Goichi "Suda51" Suda revealed during the "Grasshopper Direct" livestream on Wednesday promoting the launch of his studio Grasshopper Manufacture and Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes director Ren Yamazaki's Romeo is a Dead Man game, the studio plans to release a new game in 2026. Suda also revealed the death last year of Grasshopper...
Artist Sankaku Head Ends Weekly Serialization Pace
Himouto! Umaru-chan artist cited age, children for decision
― Himouto! Umaru-chan artist Sankaku Head announced on his YouTube channel on February 4 that he will end his pace as a weekly serialization artist. He cites his health condition deteriorating as he grows older and a desire to focus on his children as reasons for the decision. The artist will switch to a monthly serialization pace going forw...
Voice Actress Nao Toyama Announces Upcoming Hiatus From Music
Final concert announced for March 11, 2027
― Voice actress and singer Nao Toyama announced on Sunday that she will enter a hiatus from music as "a positive decision to deliver a culmination of her decade-long journey and to think about the next phase of her career." She also revealed that she will perform her 10th anniversary final live concert at the Nippon Budokan on her birthday March 11, 2027. Sh...
1st Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Film, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Series Win TAAF's Top Awards
100M, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth manga creator Uoto, director Yōhei Kameyama, artist Kenshi Yonezu, more win individual awards
― The Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) announced the winners of its Animation of the Year awards for works and individuals on Monday. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX won the television category and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle - Akaza Sairai, the first...
Anime Central 2026 Hosts Directors Keisuke Shinohara, Ayumi Moriyama, Yusuke Yamamoto, Takushi Koide
Directors take part in "Global Anime Challenge 2.0" at event taking place in Rosemont, IL on May 15-17
― Illinois-based convention Anime Central (ACen) announced on Friday that it will host the following directors as Guests of Honor: Keisuke Shinohara (My Dress-Up Darling, Black Fox, A3! Season Spring & Summer) Ayumi Moriyama (episode director for Pokemon Journeys, Pokémon Horizons, Let's Play) Yusu...
Major Manga, Manhwa Pirate Site Bato.to Shuts Down; Chinese Man Suspected as Operator Detained
Chinese, Japanese agencies worked together to file complaints that led to man's detention; man allegedly admits to operating 60 related sites
― Japan's Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), an organization that aims to reduce worldwide piracy and actively promote the international distribution of Japanese content, revealed on Thursday its involvement in the detention of a man who was the ...
Actress Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71
O'Hara played Kate in Home Alone, Delia in Beetlejuice, older Marnie in When Marnie Was There
― Entertainment news website Variety reported that actress Catherine O'Hara died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, which her manager confirmed. She was 71. O'Hara was known as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone movies, Delia Deetz in the Beetlejuice films, and Moira Rose in the ...
Voice Actor Yūji Mitsuya Hospitalized Following Injury
Mitsuya requires surgery on broken nose following incident while drunk
― Actor and voice actor Yuji Mitsuya revealed on X/Twitter on Friday that he has been hospitalized following an incident on Tuesday, in which he had hit his head and lost consciousness after getting drunk. Mitsuya stated that he had woken up in a hospital bed without remembering how he had gotten there. He added that his whole bod...
Korean Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Operator Behind Major Webtoon Piracy Site OKTOON
4.5-year prison sentence handed down by appellate court has been upheld
― South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a prison sentence for the operator behind some of the country's largest illegal content distribution sites, including the notorious webtoon piracy platform OKTOON, marking a significant legal milestone in the fight against webtoon copyright infringement. According to Korean news agency...
Dragon Ball's Majin Buu Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya Dies at 71
Shioya died on January 20 due to cerebral hemorrhage
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Kōzō Shioya had died on January 20 due to cerebral hemorrhage. He was 71. His immediate family held a private funeral service. Shioya was born in Kagoshima Prefecture on August 18, 1955. He was the older brother of fellow voice actor Yoku Shioya.Shioya is well-known as the voic...
Anime Expo Hosts iIllustrator Yoshitaka Amano
Anime Expo runs from July 2-5
― Anime Expo announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday illustrator Yoshitaka Amano will attend this year's event as a guest. The event previously hosted the artist in 2023.Amano is most well known for his contributions to Vampire Hunter D and the Final Fantasy series, as well as his collaboration with English graphic novelist Neil Gaiman on Sandman: The Dream Hunters...
Manga Creator Go Nagai to be Inducted into Eisner 2026 Hall of Fame
Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Devilman creator among 19 Judges Choice honorees
― The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced on Thursday the 19 Judges Choice honorees who be inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame, including manga creator Go Nagai. The committee who chose the inductees includes: Michael T. Gilbert, Karen Green, Alonso Nuñez, Diana Schutz, Jim Thompson, and Maggie Thompson. The other 18 in...
Director, Actor Mark Jones Dies at 72
Leprechaun film director contributed to Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love, Mega Man
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Saturday that director and actor Mark Jones died on Friday at the age of 72. He died in Los Angeles after a brief stay at the West Hills Hospital, a day before his 73rd birthday. There will be a private ceremony held to honor his memory. The director was best known for ...
Former Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser Joins Hasbro's Board of Directors
Bowser retired from Nintendo of America on December 31
― Hasbro announced on Tuesday that it has appointed former Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser into its Board of Directors. The company also appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Honest Company, Inc. Carla Vernón into the Board. Bowser retired from Nintendo of America on December 31. Bowser became president of Nintendo of America in Apri...
'If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die' Stage Play Replaces SKE48's Miyu Nakasaka
Idol's activities suspended due to inappropriate communications with manager
― The staff for the stage play of Auri Hirao's If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die (Oshi ga Budōkan Ittekuretara Shinu) manga announced on Thursday that Miyu Nakasaka will step down from the role of Yumeri Mizumori due to a suspension of her activities. SKE38 member Aina Suzuki will replace her in the...
Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Webtoon Season 2 Ends as Artist JIN Enlists for Military Service
Season 3 will continue with a different artist
― Season 2 of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok has officially concluded following the announcement that its artist JIN will be enlisting for South Korea's mandatory military service. JIN confirmed the news in an episode published on January 7 on Kakao Webtoon, telling readers that season 2 would be his final contribution to the series before he begins his servic...
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Film Wins Honorary Award at Astra Film Awards
KPop Demon Hunters wins Best Animated Feature, Best VO Performance, Best Original Song
― The first Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle anime film won the "Animation is Cinema" honorary award at the Hollywood Creative Alliance's (formerly the Hollywood Critics Association) 9th Annual Astra Film Awards on Friday. The film was also nominated for Best Animated Feature, but lost to Kpop Demon H...
Sae-ron Kim's Final Film Based on Webtoon Set for February Release
High-teen romance film Every Day We adapts webtoon of same name
― The late actress Sae-ron Kim's final film, Every Day We, has officially confirmed its theatrical release for February, marking the last on-screen appearance of the actress. Every Day We is a high-teen romance adapted from the webtoon of the same name serialized on Kakao Page. The film captures the tenderness and emotional clarity of f...
Sega Co-Founder David Rosen Dies at 95
Rosen founded Rosen Enterprises game company, was head of Sega for nearly 2 decades
― Sega Enterprises co-founder Dave Rosen died on December 25. He was 95.Rosen founded Rosen Enterprises Ltd in Japan in 1950, and began importing coin-operated game machines from the United States into Japan later in the 1950s. In 1965, the company was acquired by Nihon Goraku Bussan, which used Sega as a trade name. ...
Final Fantasy IX Game's Character Designer Toshiyuki Itahana Leaves Square Enix
Itahana to work as freelance illustrator following end of Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary year
― The Final Fantasy IX game's character designer Toshiyuki Itahana announced on Monday that he left Square Enix at the end of last year. He left following the end of Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary, which he supervised and provided new illustrations for. He will continue on as a freelance illustrator ...
In Memoriam
To those who left us in 2025
― William Bassett
Voice actor
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes James Carter Cathcart
Voice actor, script adaptor
Pokémon, Revolutionary Girl Utena Juli Erickson
Voice actress
Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, Ouran High School Host Club Bill Flynn (also known as William Flynn)
Voice actor
Case Closed, One Piece Ron Friedman
Writer
...
True Beauty Webtoon Creator Yaongyi Wins Tax Appeal
Ruling states NTS must cancel tax charges imposed on Yaongyi
― Korean media outlets reported on November 28 that Yaongyi, the creator of the hit webtoon True Beauty, has won a legal challenge against South Korea's National Tax Service (NTS) over a multimillion-won value-added tax assessment, overturning a decision that had fueled a high-profile tax controversy last year. According to a June ruling b...
Korean Dictator's Grandson Releases Webtoon Depicting Traumatic Childhood
Webtoon portrays Chun himself as white lamb named “Monggeuli,” while other members of Chun family are depicted as black lambs
― Woo-won Chun, the 29-year-old grandson of former South Korean dictator Doo-hwan Chun, has drawn public attention after releasing a webtoon based on his childhood experiences. Since December 4, Chun has been regularly posting webtoon episodes on his Instagram account (Korean...
Strawberry Shortcakes, Blue Manga Creator Kiriko Nananan Dies at 52
Manga creator died in December 2024, announcement held for 1 year at behest of family
― Publisher Tokyo News Service revealed on Friday that manga creator Kiriko Nananan died on December 25, 2024. She was 52. The publisher stated it revealed the news now, one year later, due to the wishes of Nananan and her family. Nananan made her debut as a manga creator with the manga hole in 1993. She mainly publ...
Taisho Baseball Girls Novelist Atsushi Kagurazaka Dies at 59
Uchi no Danna ga Amachan de author died in November of heart failure
― The family of novelist Atsushi Kagurazaka (real name Junnosuke Ōshita) announced on Wednesday Kagurazaka died on November 20 of heart failure. He was 59. Kagurazaka's family held a private funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Kagurazaka was born in Hiroshima, and he made his debut as a novelist in 1988. He was...
Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece Voice Actress Juli Erickson Dies
Erickson played Pinako in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tsuru & Kokoro in One Piece
― A post on voice actress Juli Erickson's Facebook page revealed on Saturday that Erickson died peacefully in her sleep on December 17. Memorials will be held in Spokane, Washington and Dallas, Texas. Erickson married the late voice actor James Grant in July 1986. Her anime roles include Pinako Rockbell in Fullmetal Alchemist,...
Transformers: Robots in Disguise Voice Actor Gil Gerard Dies at 82
Buck Rogers actor died after battle with cancer
― Actor Gil Gerard died at 82 on Tuesday after a prolonged battle against a "rare and viciously aggressive" form of cancer, according to a Facebook post by his wife Janet Gerard. Gerard had a long prolific career in screen acting before voicing the role of Megatronus/The Fallen in Transformers: Robots in Disguise. He was best known for his role as Capt...
Cyborg 009's Cyborg 002/Jet Link Voice Actor Ryō Ishihara Dies at 94
Ishihara died of acute heart failure on December 14
― Talent management agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Ryō Ishihara had died on December 14 due to acute heart failure. He was 94. Per the wishes of Ishihara's family, a funeral was held with only close relatives in attendance. Ishihara voiced the character Cyborg 002/Jet Link in the 1966 Cyborg 009 film, the 1967 Cyborg ...
Voice Actress Julie Mayfield Dies
Mayfield voiced Dr. Kureha in One Piece, Kyoko in Fruits Basket, Eva in Case Closed
― Mary Collins Agency revealed on Tuesday that voice actress Julie Mayfield died on November 20. She was 67. A memorial service will be held in 2026. Mayfield worked with Mary Collins Agency for 35 years. She has appeared in theater in Dallas-Fort Worth, and performed improv with 4 out of 5 Doctors and Lone Star Comed...
Voice Actor Jim Ward Dies at 66
Ward played Qwark in Ratchet and Clank, Jack Krauser in Resident Evil 4
― The Stephanie Miller Show host Stephanie Miller revealed that her former co-host and voice actor Jim Ward died on Wednesday. He was 66. Although the cause of death was not specified, Ward had a mild cognitive issue in 2021, which led to a severe case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized and paralyzed for four months. He also got Al...
Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies at 75
Tagawa played Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, Valco in Star Wars: Visions
― Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died due to compilcations from a stroke on December 4 in Santa Barbara, CA. He was 75. Tagawa is known for playing Shang Tsung in live-action film adaptations of the Mortal Kombat franchise. He also voiced the character in the Mortal Kombat 11 game. He played Heihachi Mishima in the 2009 live-action T...
Slam Dunk, Street Fighter Voice Actor Tomomichi Nishimura Dies
79-year-old voiced Slam Dunk's Coach Anzai, Street Fighter's M. Bison & Akuma
― The talent agency Arts Vision announced on Monday that voice actor Tomomichi Nishimura died on November 29. He was 79. His family already held a private funeral and service. The agency had previously reported on September 22 that he would be taking a hiatus from work due to poor health. Nishimura was born on June 2, 1946 ...
Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada Leaves Bandai Namco
Harada worked on fighting game franchise for 30 years
― Katsuhiro Harada announced on X/Twitter on Monday that he will be leaving Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, having worked for more than 30 years at Namco and then Bandai Namco, and having worked on every entry in the Tekken franchise, including the most recent entry, Tekken 8. Monday marked the final day of Tekken's 30th anniversary. Harada expla...
Takayuki Matsutani, Mamoru Oshii, Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Mami Koyama, More Win TAAF Lifetime Achievement Awards
Also: Keiko Takemiya, Tomoko Konparu, Masaaki Mori, Nizo Yamamoto, Takashi Namiki
― The Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) announced the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards winners on Wednesday. Producer: Takayuki Matsutani (Astro Boy, Black Jack, Legend of the Forest) Author: Keiko Takemiya (To Terra, Kaze to Ki no Uta, Andromeda Stories) Screenwriter: Tomoko Konparu (2025 The Rose of Versailles, Soreik...
Voice Actor Hiroki Yasumoto Cancels TV Appearance After Traffic Accident; Returns to Work After Doctor's Clearance
Yasumoto canceled Seiyū to Yo Asobi appearance on Monday
― Talent agency Sigma Seven announced on Monday that voice actor Hiroki Yasumoto was involved in a multiple collision traffic accident and has canceled his appearance on Monday's episode of Abema's Seiyū to Yo Asobi (romanized as Say You to Yo Asobi, literally Night Out with Voice Actors) program. The agency then reported on Tuesday that the do...
Legend of the Galactic Heroes Novelist Yoshiki Tanaka Suffered Debilitating Hemorrhage Last Year
Arslan author now rehabilitating in nursing facility, but still continues to write
― Hiroaki Adachi, the head of the Wright Staff company which manages the business affairs of The Legend of the Galactic Heroes and The Heroic Legend of Arslan novelist Yoshiki Tanaka, reported on Sunday that Tanaka had suffered a debilitating cerebral hemorrhage exactly one year ago on November 30, 2024. Tanaka had col...
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