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Voice Actor Tom Kane Dies
Kane voiced Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls, Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
― Talent agency Galactic Productions revealed on Monday that voice actor Tom Kane died due to stroke complications at a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 64. Kane had suffered a stroke in November 2020, which damaged his ability to speak or write. He retired from voice acting after his stroke. Kane voiced ...
Actor, Voice Actor Bill Wise Dies at 61
Wise played roles in Initial D Legend, Getter Robo: Armageddon, Guyver, Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie OVA
― Anime dub voice actor Bill Wise has died. He was 61. The Austin Chronicle reported on his death on May 5, stating then that he had died "last week." Wise's friend Jeff Smith announced his death on May 3, also similarly stating then he died last week. His agency Collier Talent Agency also report...
Anime Expo to Screen 'Macross: Do You Remember Love?' Film; to Host Voice Actors Masakazu Morita, Machico
Other guests recently announced include: Daisuke Hirose, MEME50, Hiroyuki Watanabe, more
― Anime Expo announced on Thursday it will host "the first official North American screening" of the The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? anime film at this year's event. The screening will take place on July 5 at 12:00 p.m. PDT. 🌌 Experience anime history on the big screen at #AX2026! 🎬✨ B...
Detective Conan's Ran Mōri Voice Actress Wakana Yamazaki Dies at 61
Yamazaki took hiatus from role earlier this year to undergo medical treatment; Akemi Okamura takes over role
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Friday that voice actress Wakana Yamazaki died on April 18. She was 61. Her relatives held a private funeral.Yamazaki is best known for her long-running role as heroine Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan anime, which she has voiced since the anime prem...
Lupin III Composer, Jazz Pianist Yuji Ohno Dies at 84
Ohno composed Lupin III anime's music, iconic theme song since Lupin III: Part II in 1977
― Musician and composer Yuji Ohno's official website announced on Wednesday that Ohno died of natural causes on May 4. He was 84. Ohno's production company Office Augusta noted that he died after going to sleep, without any change in his prior condition before going to sleep. Ohno is best known for his work as a...
Let Me Fix You Short Anime Rescheduled to Mid-June Without Buta Productions, FAR
Anime was originally slated to be released in May
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the short anime of Sakura Kurihara's Let Me Fix You (Kimi o Tsumugu) yuri manga stated on Friday that the anime is now planned to be released in mid-June. The account stated the staff "will still publish whatever is already started and paid, but without Buta Productions or FAR involved anymore." The rema...
Akira's Katsuhiro Ōtomo Establishes New Feature Animation Studio Oval Gear
1st work is in production; studio is hiring animators, production staff
― Katsuhiro Otomo announced on Monday he has founded a new feature animation studio called OVAL GEAR based in Tokyo. The studio's first title is currently in production, and the studio is hiring animators and production staff. The studio stated about its founding: The studio was founded for two purposes: to pass on to the new gen...
Ring Author Koji Suzuki Dies at 68
Novelist also known for Dark Water, Spiral, Loop, Birthday, S, Tide, more
― World-renowned horror novelist Kōji Suzuki died in a hospital in Tokyo on Friday. He was 68.Suzuki was born in Hamamatsu City in 1957. The prolific writer made his professional debut with the novel Rakuen (Paradise), which shared honors in the 2nd Japan Fantasy Novel Awards in 1990. Suzuki is best-known for his next novel Rin...
Martian Successor Nadesico, Bodacious Space Pirates Director Tatsuo Satō Dies
Satō died of liver failure last month at 61 years old
― Anime studio NAGOMI revealed on Thursday that director and writer Tatsuo Satō died of liver failure on April 24. He was 61. NAGOMI added that Satō had been undergoing medical treatment for some time before his death. His family held a private funeral, and NAGOMI plans to hold a memorial ceremony at a later date. Satō was born in Kanagawa prefect...
Grooming Allegations Retracted Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR
X/Twitter user Maryco previously made allegations against FAR, which led to Let Me Fix You anime's delay
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_), who had previously posted a now-deleted message on Saturday to accuse the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR) of allegedly grooming her, made a new post o...
Cartoon Network Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87
Media entrepreneur founded CNN, Turner Network, more
― Media entrepreneur Ted Turner died on Wednesday at 87 after a prolonged battle with Lewy body dementia. Turner's official website announced the news on behalf of his family.There is a private family service planned and a public memorial to come at a later date.Turner was best known as the founder of CNN and the Turner Network, which includes Cart...
Let Me Fix You Anime Delayed After Grooming Allegations Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR (Updated)
Short anime's account posted that staff did not know of Federico Antonio Russo's alleged behavior
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_) posted on Saturday to accuse Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR), the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions, of allegedly grooming her. The now 19-year-old user Maryco claimed that FAR had begun groom...
Tezuka: God of Manga Documentary Film Streams Trailer
Director Jason Andrew Cohn, Bread & Butter Films to launch Kickstarter campaign for feature-length documentary about Osamu Tezuka
― The Tezuka Productions YouTube channel began streaming on Friday the first trailer for the upcoming feature-length documentary on Osamu Tezuka titled Tezuka: God of Manga. The documentary project will have a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that will begin on an as of y...
Popolocrois Story Manga Creator Yousuke Tamori Dies at 74
Tamori died on April 10, private funeral was held
― The official website of the Japan Cartoonists Association announced on April 20 that manga author Yousuke Tamori had died on April 10. He was 74.A private funeral attended by family members was held, in accordance with Tamori's wishes. Tamori's personal website has also posted an announcement regarding his death. The website also posted a previous m...
Art Director Kazuo Ebisawa Dies
ufotable revealed Ebisawa died on April 14
― Animation studio ufotable revealed on Thursday that art director Kazuo Ebisawa died on April 14. There was a funeral service on April 20. Ebisawa served as a background artist and art director for numerous anime, including Today's Menu for Emiya Family, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, GYO: Tokyo Fish Attac...
Comitia Dōjinshi Convention's Chair Kimihiko Nakamura Dies
Convention co-founder had been undergoing treatment for cancer
― The official website of dōjinshi (self-published works) convention Comitia announced on Wednesday that Kimihiko Nakamura, the chair of the Comitia Executive Committee, died on April 26. Comitia stated that he had been undergoing medical treatment for cancer. A private funeral service attended only by close relatives will be held, in acc...
Toronto Comic Arts Festival Hosts Manga Creators Battan, Keita Katsushika, Marco Kohinata, Tokushige Kawakatsu, Moka Onmae
Festival takes place at Toronto Metropolitan University's Mattamy Athletic Centre on June 6-7
― The Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) announced on Saturday that it will host manga creator Battan (And Then There Were No Heroines; Run Away With Me, Girl) as a guest. The festival will also be hosting the following the manga artists who are part of the Manga International Network Team (MINT) Project as...
Actor Rif Hutton Dies At 73
Actor voiced roles in Astro Boy, The Wind Rises, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, more
― Actor Rif Hutton died on Saturday at his home in Pasadena after a battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was 73. Hutton voiced several roles in films such as Astro Boy, The Wind Rises, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Other animated roles include Osmosis Jones, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, and Th...
Korea Cartoonists Association to Hold Webtoon Forum on Cyberbullying, Mental Health
Webtoon artists like Super Pink, Raha Lee will present at event on April 24
― The Korea Cartoonists Association (KCA) will host its second Webtoon Forum of 2026 on April 24, focusing on cyberbullying and mental health issues faced by creators. The event will take place at the Dariso Theater in Seoul and aims to address growing concerns over online harassment targeting webtoon artists. Industry obser...
Anime Expo Hosts Livetune, TeddyLoid, Kazuo Maekawa, karory
Con hosts "JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Powered by DWANGO" event on July 4
― The staff of Anime Expo announced on Thursday the convention will host a "JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Powered by DWANGO" event on July 4. The event will host the following musical guests: Hachioji-P, kz (livetune), picco, SatapanP, and TeddyLoid. Entry is included with attendees' Anime Expo credentials and no separate ticket is required. S...
Spoiler Summary Website Operator Convicted With Suspended Sentence
Man had posted detailed spoiler articles on Godzilla Minus One, Overlord III, more
― The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced on Thursday that the Tokyo District Court has declared a guilty verdict for Wataru Takeuchi, a 39-year-old man who had uploaded detailed written storyline spoiler summary articles on his website, most notably for the Godzilla Minus One film and the Overlo...
Tanma-kun Manga Creator Sadao Shoji Dies at 88
Shoji died on April 5 due to heart failure
― Japanese news website nippon.com reported on Wednesday that manga artist Sadao Shoji died on April 5 at a hospital in Tokyo due to heart failure. He was 88.Shoji was born in Tokyo in 1937 and made his debut as a manga creator in 1967, and is known for his salaryman-themed manga series. His long-running manga Tanma-kun ran from 1968 to 2025, for a total of ...
Star Fox 64 Voice Actor Jock Blaney Dies
Wolf's voice actor died peacefully in sleep at home on March 19
― Voice actor Jock Blaney (Frank Blaney II) died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas on March 19. He was 76. Blaney was born in Morristown, New Jersey on June 21, 1949. He is survived by his brother Robert Mills, daughter Brandi Phillips (Dwayne), three grandsons, niece, and many close friends. Blaney voiced Wolf O'Donnell, ...
Actors Mackenyu, Tetsuo Kurata, Author Eiko Kadono Attend Anime NYC 2026 as Guests
Convention takes place from August 20 through August 23 at Javits Convention Center
― The X (formerly Twitter) account for the Anime NYC event announced on Thursday that actor Mackenyu will attend the event as a guest. It announced on Wednesday that actor Tetsuo Kurata will attend the event as a guest. Author Eiko Kadono will also attend the event as a guest of honor. Previously announced guests incl...
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 ...
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