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Little Princess in Fairy Forest Novel
If you think that a dragon and a knight sound like the coolest possible dads, this thoughtful dark fantasy adventure is well-worth your time. Rebecca Silverman digs in.
― Sometimes you just know that an author has done her research. That's true of Tsubaki Tokino's novel Little Princess in Fairy Forest: from names to folk songs to fairy tale elements, it's obvious that she really looked into the cultu...
So I'm a Spider, So What? Novel 2
This slightly more creepy-crawly take on isekai reincarnation doesn't break from formula too much, but it does everything refreshingly better than its many peers in the genre. Theron Martin has the details.
― The field of isekai reincarnation novel series is so dense and thickly populated with weird options that even a catchy title and premise might not hold reader attention for long; a series has to...
Answerman - Why Are Some Fan Works OK, But Some Get Shut Down?
When it comes to fan works - cosplay, fanart, fan films and games - copyright seems to be only enforced arbitrarily. Why is that - and which fan works are less likely to get the hook? Justin gets into it.
― James asked: I have noticed that most companies tolerate fanart, fanfiction, and cosplay of their works, but not fan-films or fan-made video games, which seems very arbitrary and random, to me. W...
Shelf Life - Kado: The Right Answer
James delves into a divisive CG sci fi thriller from last spring while Paul breaks down all this week's new anime releases!
― I've officially hit the point in every anime season where I look at my streaming queue and think, "Aw, crap." Apart from the two shows I'm covering for streaming reviews, I'm weeks and weeks behind on everything. I sense a late-night marathon in my immediate future. Welcome t...
Juana and the Dragonewt's Seven Kingdoms GNs 1-2
The first two thirds of this fantasy road trip are humble yet satisfying. Rebecca Silverman explores the attractive art and charming idiosyncrasies of the dragonewt kingdoms.
― Everything eventually cycles back around. That's part of the philosophy behind the world building of Kiyohisa Tanaka's debut manga series, Juana and the Dragonewt's Seven Kingdoms: first there were dinosaurs, then there were h...
This Week in Games - E3 Part 2: Game Announcements Ahoy!
This special sunday edition of This Week in Games collects E3's most exciting game announcements, plus the rest of this week's gaming news. If you feel like you missed anything at E3, catch up here!
― And we're back with the second part of our E3 news extravaganza! Except that, as I write this, the internet is losing its mind over something totally unrelated to E3: a tease by Studio Trigger that it's...
Mia and the Forbidden Medicine Report
This steampunk adventure novel explores the stigmatization of illness in refreshing and engaging ways. Rebecca Silverman explores how.
― Despite having some of the trappings of a standard reverse harem school story, Mia and the Forbidden Medicine Report is much more of a science drama than a romance. The story takes place in a vaguely early 20th century steampunk setting, where country girl Mia Bauma...
Wednesday, June 20
Live-Action Real Girl Film's Trailer Reveals Theme Song by Kana Nishino
Romantic comedy opens in Japan in September
― The official website for the live-action film adaptation of Mao Nanami's Real Girl (3D Kanojo) manga began streaming a trailer for the film on Thursday. The video reveals that Kana Nishino is performing the theme song "Bedtime Story" and previews the song. The film will open in Japan on September 14. Tsutomu Hanabusa is directing the film with some of the...
Japanese Comic Ranking, June 11-17
One Piece, The Seven Deadly Sins, Barakamon, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Ace of Diamond Act II in top 5
― Rank Title Est. Weekly Copies Est. Total Copies Release Date Publisher Author Highest Rank Weeks on List 1 One Piece 89 226,340 1,728,460 2018/06 Shueisha Eiichiro Oda 1 3 2 The Seven Deadly Sins 32 157,508 157,508 2018/06 Kodansha Nakaba Suzuki 2 1 3 Barakamon 17 112,345 112,345 20...
Evangelion TV Anime's Opening Song Gets HD Music Video
Yoko Takahashi's opening theme song "Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis" ("The Cruel Angel's Thesis") for the 1995 Neon Genesis Evangelion television anime has received an HD music video. King Records began streaming the video on Wednesday to mark the release of Takahashi's "Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis/Tamashii no Refrain" double A-side maxi single, which also shipped on Wednesday. Animator Masayuki, who...
LIDEN FILMS Animates Intoxicating Miki no Mikoto Promo
Back in January, Bandai Namco Entertainment introduced its Miki no Mikoto (literally: Lords of Sacred Sake) internet video program through its &Cast!!! app.The program anthropomorphisizes different types of sake as handsome guys. The story takes place in a large downtown area where gods and ayakashi (supernatural monsters) are rumored to appear. The town is called "Yayoi Machi" and within it is "M...
Japan's Video Game Rankings, June 11-17
Record of Grancrest War, Superbomberman R, God Wars games debut
― Japan's Game Ranking: June 11-17 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 4Gamer Reader Review 1NSwSplatoon 2 (Including Bundled Editions) Nintendo July 21, 2017 15,715 2,379,977 73 2PS4Fate/Extella Link (Including Limited Editions) Marvelous June 7 13,996 92,644 3PS4Record of Grancrest War (Including Limited Edi...
Recode: AT&T Aims to Buy Out Crunchyroll's Otter Media This Summer
AT&T, Chernin Group formed Otter Media joint venture in 2014
― Technology news website Recode reported on Wednesday that AT&T plans to buy all of Otter Media, the company it currently co-owns with the Chernin Group, in a deal expected to close this summer. Otter Media is the digital holding company that operates Crunchyroll's parent company Ellation, among other video services. Digital media news web...
Zero Two Suits Up in DARLING in the FRANXX Figure
If you're a fan of Darling in the Franxx's leading lady, you'll love Kotobukiya's new figure. The company is offering a 1/7-scale figure of Zero Two in her pilot suit. Zero Two is boarding the Strelitzia in the solid figure's depiction of her, and she is just about to connect. Details include Zero Two's flowing hair and creases in her suit. IMG figure1.jpg IMG figure2.jpg IMG figure3.jpg IMG figu...
Yarichin Bitch-bu Boys-Love OVA's Promo Video Previews Opening Song by Cast
Original manga's author wrote song lyrics
― The official Twitter account for the anime of Ogeretsu Tanaka's boys-love manga Yarichin Bitch-bu (Playboy Bitch Club) shared a promotional video to preview the anime's theme song "Touch You." The main nine cast members are performing the song under the group name "Shiritsu Morimori Gakuen Seishun Danshis," and Tanaka wrote the lyrics. Each character will a...
Angels of Death Anime Ad Previews Masaaki Endoh's Opening Theme
J.C. Staff's anime premieres on July 6
― The official website for J.C. Staff's anime of the Angels of Death (Satsuriku no Tenshi) game began streaming a commercial for the anime on Wednesday. The video previews the opening theme song "Vital," performed by Masaaki Endoh and written and composed by JIN. The anime will premiere on AT-X on July 6 at 8:30 p.m., before airing later that evening on Tokyo MX...
Phantom in the Twilight Anime's 2nd Promo Video Previews Opening Song by Jiro Wang
Happy Elements' 1st original anime to premiere on July 9
― The official website for smartphone game company Happy Elements' first original anime Phantom in the Twilight began streaming the show's second full promotional video on Wednesday. The video reveals that Taiwanese singer Jiro Wang will perform the anime's opening theme "Flowery song," and it previews the song. Dan Osano is writing the lyrics ...
Tokyo Tribe Creator Santa Inoue Launches Manga About His Move to Los Angeles
Inoue moved with family from Japan in late 2017
― Parisian-born Japanese manga artist Santa Inoue (Tokyo Tribe) launched the Santa no LA Life 50-sai no Mangaka ga Kazoku to LA ni Hikkoshita Hanashi (Santa's L.A. Life: Story of a 50-Year-Old Manga Creator Who Moved to L.A. With His Family) manga on Monday. The manga tells the story of Inoue's recent move to Los Angeles, California, and the first chapt...
Answerman - Is Cosplay Copyright Infringement?
Is your anime cosplay in violation of copyright law? Would that even be enforceable? Justin digs into it.
― Chris asked: Following up on your column from earlier this week, you said most fan works are copyright violations. What about cosplay? I've heard that some creators don't like their characters being cosplayed. Is it possible that they can sue the fans that dress up as their characters? Legally...
The Royal Tutor Anime Reveals New Project on September 18
Anime premiered in April 2017 with stage musical in September
― A special LINE LIVE streaming program revealed on Wednesday that The Royal Tutor anime will reveal a new project on September 18. The anime's official website revealed a countdown with a visual of the series' five main characters and the text "Well, let's begin. The next lesson—." The website also noted that September 18 marks the one-ye...
High School DxD Hero ‒ Episode 10
"This episode powers through five duels in the Ratings Game and the set-up for the sixth."
Live-Action Saint Young Men Show Reveals Visual, VR Video
Show streams on new Piccoma TV service this fall
― The official website for the live-action adaptation of Hikaru Nakamura's Saint Young Men (Saint Onii-san) manga revealed a visual and VR video on Wednesday. The visual and video preview Kenichi Matsuyama as Jesus and Shōta Sometani as Buddha. Note: the video may not display properly on some devices. In the 360-degree video, Jesus and Buddla deal with...
Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These ‒ Episode 11
"Watching the functional commanders of the Alliance deal with the incompetent bureaucracy of their leadership is the major focal point of this episode."
Little Princess in Fairy Forest Novel
If you think that a dragon and a knight sound like the coolest possible dads, this thoughtful dark fantasy adventure is well-worth your time. Rebecca Silverman digs in.
― Sometimes you just know that an author has done her research. That's true of Tsubaki Tokino's novel Little Princess in Fairy Forest: from names to folk songs to fairy tale elements, it's obvious that she really looked into the cultu...
Feel the Wind Marathon Racing Anime's Promo Video Reveals More Cast Members
Kouki Uchiyama, Miyu Irino, Junya Enoki, Yūto Uemura, more join cast
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Shion Miura's Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru (Feel the Wind) novel revealed the first promotional video, additional cast, and character visuals on Wednesday. The video previews the main characters. The new cast members are (Note: character name romanizations are not confirmed.)...
Zannen na Ikimono Jiten Ecological Children's Books Get 10 TV Anime Shorts
Aggressive Retsuko's Fanworks animates August show about animal factoids
― E-Tele, the primarily educational channel of the Japanese public broadcaster NHK, announced on Wednesday that it will air a television anime adaptation of the Zannen na Ikimono Jiten (Encyclopedia of Pitiful Creatures) book series. The 10 five-minute episodes will air on weekday mornings from August 6 to August 17. The book se...
Beatless Anime Pauses Next Week, Returns With 'Final' 4 Episodes in September
Current run ends on June 29 before Beatless Final Stage resumes story
― The official website for the television anime of Satoshi Hase and redjuice's Beatless novel announced on Wednesday that the story will continue in September with the four-episode Beatless Final Stage. The ongoing Beatless television anime will go on hiatus from the "climactic" episode 20 — which will air on Friday, June 29 — unti...
Re:Zero Orignal Video Anime Slated for October 6 Screenings
The official website for the Re:Zero anime revealed on Wednesday that the Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Memory Snow original video anime (OVA) episode will open in Japanese theaters on October 6. Participating theaters have been selling advance tickets with three original clear file folders since April: WHITE FOX is returning to animate the OVA. The returning cast stars Yūsuke Kobayashi...
Negima Stage Play's Cast, Visual Unveiled
Former Nogizaka46 idol Rina Ikoma stars in title role of July stage play
― The official website for Mahō Sensei Negima! ~Okochama Sensei wa Shugyō Chū!~ (Negima! Magister Negi Magi - The Little Kid Teacher Is in Training!), the stage play adaptation of Ken Akamatsu's Negima! Magister Negi Magi manga, revealed the cast and visual for the stage play on Wednesday. The site also revealed photo (seen belo...
Series Finale: Magical Girl Ore ‒ Episode 12
"Magical Girl Ore was silly and sometimes bizarre, but in the end, it was mostly just the same kind of magical girl show it parodied."
Jun Hanyunyū's Good-Bye Comedy Manga Gets Live-Action Show in July
Kaho, Takuro Ono star in adaptation of manga inspired by Osamu Dazai's unfinished novel
― TV Osaka and BS Japan announced on Wednesday that they will run a live-action television adaptation of Jun Hanyunyū's Good-Bye manga. Yuki Saito, Sumisu, and Daisuke Ajiki are directing, with Date Sorami penning the scripts. Kaho (left in picture below) will play Fumiyo Bessho, while Takuro Ono will play Shū Taj...
Tuesday, June 19
Live-Action Bleach Film's 3 New Trailers Highlight Ichigo, Rukia, Uryū
Film opens in Japan on July 20 with N. American premiere in New York on July 28
― Warner Bros. began streaming three character trailers on Wednesday for the live-action film of Tite Kubo's Bleach manga. The first video previews the theme song "Mosquito Bite" by [ALEXANDROS]. Ichigo Kurosaki Rukia Kuchiki Uryū Ishida The film will open in Japan on July 20, and will have its North American premiere on ...
Aniplex USA Announces Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs, Cells at Work! Anime for Crunchyroll Streaming
Both anime to premiere in July
― Aniplex of America announced on Tuesday that it will stream the Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs and Cells at Work! anime on Crunchyroll for the summer simulcast season. In Japan, Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs (Yuragi-sō no Yūna-san) will premiere in Japan on July 14 at 11:30 p.m. Aniplex of America confirmed that it will premiere on Crunchyroll on July 14 but di...
8-4 Company Will Not Handle Localization of Fire Emblem Three Houses
The official Twitter account for localization company 8-4 announced last week that it will not return to localize Nintendo's Fire Emblem Three Houses game. The company previously handled localization for three Fire Emblem games: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, Fire Emblem Awakening, and, most recently, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. Nintendo unveiled Fire Emblem Three Houses at E3 last week....
Banana Fish Gets Branded Smoothies (Sans Fish) at Lawson
Akimi Yoshida's Banana Fish manga has a rather unappetizing sounding title, but isn't stopping Lawson convenience stores from slapping it on some of its food products. Starting on July 31, Lawson will sell banana smoothies with illustrations of the series' lead characters Eiji and Ash on the cups. There are four different cup illustrations in total, although one design is a secret. Customers can a...
One Piece ‒ Episode 841
"With the Big Mom Assassination plot a resounding failure, our heroes' efforts turn completely to escape."
Paramount CEO: Sonic the Hedgehog is 'Juvenile Delinquent' in Upcoming Film
Character to appear in rural environment with local policeman
― Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos shared some details on the story of the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog film in a Q&A session on June 9. "He's a juvenile delinquent on the adventures in a pretty straight rural environment with a local policeman," Gianopulos said of the title character. Producer Neal H. Moritz also particip...
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Frilly Dresses Available for Pre-Order
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc may be over but its array of magical outfits are sticking around. The mail-order site Favorite One took cues from some of Sakura's most iconic looks to create fancy, sophisticated day wear. The first dress is based on Sakura's crystal tutu from the anime's first opening sequence. Favorite One's designers even included crystal charms dangling from the gold points....
Live-Action Kakugo wa Ii ka Soko no Joshi. Project Casts Teppei Koike
Koike plays protagonist's romantic rival in June 24 series, October 12 film
― The staff of the live-action film and television series adaptations of Nana Shiiba's Kakugo wa Ii ka Soko no Joshi. (Are you ready? Hey you girl!) romantic comedy manga revealed on Tuesday that Teppei Koike (seen below) will play the character Takatsugi Masaki, a handsome and kind art teacher, and Towa's romantic rival. Tai...
Netflix's Castlevania Writer: 2nd Season to Premiere This Year
The Castlevania animated series' writer and producer Warren Ellis said on Twitter on Tuesday that the show's eight-episode second season will premiere on Netflix this year, but there is no release date yet. Ellis had previously said in January that it was slated for this summer. The first four-episode season premiered worldwide on Netflix in July 2017. Voice actor Richard Armitage (Trevor Belmont)...
Asta, Yami, & Yuno Vie for Top Spot in Black Clover Popularity Poll
Did Asta scream his way to the top or did the talented Yuno finally earn his right to claim the title of "Wizard King?"
― This year's 29th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump revealed the results of its Black Clover popularity poll. Did Asta scream his way to the top or did the talented Yuno finally earn his right to claim the title of "Wizard King?" Here's the results from readers in Japan. Asta: 3,064 vote...
Real Girl Anime Gets 2nd Season
New season slated for January 2019
― The official Twitter account for anime based on Mao Nanami's Real Girl (3D Kanojo) manga announced on Wednesday that the show will get a second season. The new season will premiere in January 2019 on NTV's AnichU block, the same block as the first season. The anime premiered in Japan on April 3 and the 12th and final episode aired on Wednesday. Sentai Filmworks li...
BanG Dream! Band Pastel*Palettes's Short Music Video Streamed
BanG Dream! band Pastel*Palettes are on the rise with an anime shorts airing on TV and the group's third single "Mō Ichido Luminous" set for release on August 3. The title track is central to BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! mobile game's second chapter for the group. The single is will also be released in a limited edition version that bundles a music video on Blu-ray for the title track. The offici...
North American Anime, Manga Releases, June 17-23
BanG Dream!, Re:Zero, The Royal Tutor, Seven Mortal Sins, A Spirit of the Sun anime
― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date BanG Dream! BDPlease Maiden Japan US$59.98 June 19 Dragon Ball Super Part 4 BDCite Funimation Entertainment US$44.98 June 19 Dragon Ball Super Part 4 DVDAnimeNewsNetwork Funimation Entertainment US$39.98 June 19 Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World Limited...
Valkyria Chronicles 4 Debuts on September 25 in N. America, Europe, Australia
Sega announced on Tuesday that its Valkyria Chronicles 4 game will debut on September 25 in the Americas, Europe, and Australia. The game will be available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. In North America, the launch editions will come with a controller skin, while in Europe the launch edition will come with a sticker. Both the controller skins and sticker will feat...
Shonen Jump Editors Apologize for Eiichiro Oda's Comments in One Piece Manga's 89th Volume
The editorial department of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine posted an apology on Thursday related to One Piece manga creator Eiichiro Oda's comments in the series' 89th compiled book volume (seen right), which shipped on June 4. The statement cited a "lack of consideration" in Oda's comments and said that both the editorial department and Oda are reflecting on the situation. Oda's controver...
Uma Musume Producer Wants to Make New Series
The Bunka Tsūshin website posted an interview with Jun'nosuke Ito, Toho Animation producer of the Uma Musume Pretty Derby anime, on Tuesday. In the interview, Ito responded to a question about whether or not the Uma Musume Pretty Derby anime could get a second season by saying, "If it gets popular, we feel like we'd want to return for a new series." He added that they are waiting for the release o...
Anime Expo to Host U.S. Premiere of Kase-san and Morning Glories Anime
Director Takuya Sato, producer Yusuke Terada to attend
― The official website for Anime Expo announced on Tuesday that Pony Canyon will host the U.S. premiere of Kase-san and Morning Glories at Anime Expo on Sunday, July 8. Director Takuya Sato and producer Yusuke Terada will attend the screening. The original video anime of Hiromi Takashima's Kase-san and Morning Glories (Asagao to Kase-san.) manga ...
This Week in Anime - What the Hell is Happening in Darling in the FRANXX?
Darling in the FRANXX has given some viewers whiplash with its unprecedented plot twists over the last few weeks. Nick and Steve discuss where things went wrong for them in this ambitious mecha series.
― Darling in the FRANXX has given some viewers whiplash with its unprecedented plot twists over the last few weeks. This week, Nick and Steve discuss where things went wrong for them in this ambitious ...
Anime Expo to Host Pop Team Epic Producer Kotaro Sudo, 22/7 Idols/Voice Actresses
Devils' Line, Doreiku the Animation English cast also attend
― Anime Expo announced on Monday that it is hosting Pop Team Epic anime producer Kotaro Sudo. The official website for the 22/7 idol unit also revealed on Tuesday that four idols and voice actresses from the group will attend. Sudo will be available for an autograph session, as well as a screening of the HIDIVE version of the Pop Team Epic ...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, June 11-17
Ensemble Stars! sells 7,000, followed by Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Kalafina, Destiny: Kamakura Monogatari, Meiji Tokyo Renka
― Ensemble Stars! Dream Live -1st Tour "Morning Star!"- DVD landed at #2 on the overall DVD chart with 7,000 copies. Kalafina 10th Anniversary Live 2018 at Nippon Budōkan was #10 with 1,512 copies. Kalafina 10th Anniversary Film ~Yume ga Tsunagu Kagayaki no Harmony~ DVD was #22 w...
Cells at Work Anime's TV Ads Preview Theme Songs
Series premieres on July 7
― The official website for the television anime of Akane Shimizu's Cells at Work! (Hataraku Saibō) manga revealed two commercials on Tuesday. The videos preview the opening theme song "Mission! Ken - Kō - Dai - Ichi" (Mission! Health First), performed by Kana Hanazawa, Tomoaki Maeno, and Daisuke Ono, and the ending theme song "CheerS," performed by musical duo duo ClariS. (...
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, June 11-17
[email protected] Cinderella Girls sells 12,984, followed by Ensemble Stars!, Kalafina, Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Karakai Jōzu no Takagi-san
― The [email protected] Cinderella Girls 5th Live Tour Serendipity [email protected] concert sells 12,984 copies to rank #2 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. Ensemble Stars! Dream Live -1st Tour "Morning Star!"- Blu-ray landed at #3 with 9,796 copies. Kalafina 10th Anniversar...
Golden Kamuy ‒ Episode 11
"Beyond Kano's characterization, the greatest problem with this episode is how ultimately unnecessary it feels."
So I'm a Spider, So What? Novel 2
This slightly more creepy-crawly take on isekai reincarnation doesn't break from formula too much, but it does everything refreshingly better than its many peers in the genre. Theron Martin has the details.
― The field of isekai reincarnation novel series is so dense and thickly populated with weird options that even a catchy title and premise might not hold reader attention for long; a series has to...
Otakon to Host Studio Trigger, Iron-Blooded Orphans Staff
Washington, D.C. convention runs August 10-12
― Otakon announced guests for this year's event over the past two weeks, including: Studio Trigger producer Naoko Tsutsumi (Gurren Lagann, Little Witch Academia, Kill la Kill) Studio Trigger animator and director Yoh Yoshinari (Neon Genesis Evangelion animator, Gurren Lagann mechanical design, Little Witch Academia director; seen right) Studio Trigger pre...
Himote House Anime Unveils Story, Visual, October TV Premiere
Comedy anime centers on 5 girls, cat living as housemates
― The staff of animation studio Bouncy's new Himote House anime project revealed the anime's story and October television premiere on Tuesday. The staff also opened a website for the anime, which revealed a new visual. The anime will premiere on Tokyo MX and other television channels in October. Kōtarō Ishidate (gdgd Fairies, Tesagure! Bukatsu...
J-Novel Club Licenses Lazy Dungeon Master Light Novel Series
1st e-book volume available in late July
― J-Novel Club announced on Monday that it has licensed Supana Onikage's Lazy Dungeon Master (Zettai ni Hatarakitakunai Dungeon Master ga Damin o Musaboru made) light novel series. Part of the first volume can be previewed for free, and the paid service is offering the first half of the first volume. The e-book for the first volume will be available for purcha...
2018 Detective Conan Film Drops to #7, After the Rain Falls Out of Top 10
Kase-san and Morning Glories tops mini-theater rankings for 2nd week
― Meitantei Conan Zero no Shikkōnin (Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcer), the 22nd film in the Detective Conan series, dropped from #5 to #7 at the box office in Japan in its 10th weekend. It earned 68,161,500 yen (about US$619,200) from Friday to Sunday. The film has now earned 8,244,471,700 yen (about US$74.9 million). The film en...
Monday, June 18
Food Wars! The Third Plate ‒ Episode 23
"For once in this series, Isshiki is deadly serious about what he's doing."
Life-Size Pikachu Plush Snuggles Up with Ketchup
Pikachu's endless love for ketchup continues, this time with a life-size doll of the Pokemon holding his favorite condiment bottle. Starting on July 1, Pikachu will collaborate with Japanese food company Kagome as part of promotional efforts for the upcoming movie Pocket Monster: Minna no Monogatari that opens in theaters on July 13. There are two ways to try to win one of three Pikachu toys. Fan...
Gin to Kin Drama Staff to Also Make Drama for Fukumoto's Ten Manga
Kaiji/Akagi creator serialized Ten from 1989-2002
― A live-action drama adaptation based on Nobuyuki Fukumoto's Ten: Tenhō Dōri no Kaidanji manga has been green-lit. It will air this fall on BS Japan, and also stream on the Paravi streaming service. The drama will reunite the staff for the live-action series adaptation of Fukumoto's Gin to Kin manga. Gorō Kishitani (pictured above) will play the lead...
Lord of Vermillion Anime Reveals More Character Designs
5 more character designs revealed for July anime
― The official website for Lord of Vermilion: Guren no Ō (Crimson King), the television anime of Square Enix's Lord of Vermilion arcade trading card game series, unveiled character designs for five more characters. The cast members with the new designs are as follows: Satoshi Hino as Kotetsu Dōmyōji Hiroki Touchi as Isshin Kakihara Ai Kayano as Shōko H...
Vertical, Inc Brings NisiOisin's Monogatari Exhibit to Anime Expo
North American publisher Vertical, Inc. announced on Monday that it will bring the Monogatari series art exhibition to Anime Expo. The exhibition includes artwork from the novels' illustrator VOFAN. Vertical, Inc. publishes NisiOisin's Monogatari novels in English. The publisher has released the first novel Bakemonogatari, the prequel novel Kizumonogatari - Wound Tale, and the sequels Nisemonogata...
Back Street Girls Manga Returns From Hiatus
Comedy manga went on hiatus in March; anime premieres next month
― This year's 29th issue of Kodansha's Young Magazine resumed Jasmine Gyuh's Back Street Girls comedy manga on Monday. The magazine's 16th issue had announced on March 19 that the manga was taking a hiatus. The manga launched in Kodansha's Weekly Young Magazine in March 2015. Kodansha published the manga's eleventh compiled volume on Ju...
Voice Actor/Music Artist Agency HoriPro Establishes Company for Overseas Expansion
May'n, Ibuki Kido, Kosuke Hatakeyama among artists attached to new agency
― Voice actor and music artist agency HoriPro launched a new wholly owned subsidiary called HoriPro International on Monday. The purpose of the new business is to expand overseas — primarily in Asia — and to scout and cultivate talent. The website lists 18 artists that are affiliated with the new agency. These include Kosuke Ok...
New York Nintendo Store Received Bomb Threat in April
The official e-mail account for the The Nintendo World Store in New York isn't used very often, which is the primary reason that a bomb threat sent to the location almost two months ago was only recently discovered. Staff discovered that an angry individual had threatened violence against the location for removing Super Smash Bros. kiosks. The New York Police Department confirmed the threat was se...
Sachiiro One Room Drama Cancelled Following Suspicion Manga is Based on Real Kidnapping
Drama about girl and her kidnapper cancelled in Kanto region, will still play in Kansai region
― The live-action drama adaptation of Hakuri's Sachiiro no One Room manga has been cancelled on the Kanto region's TV Asahi amidst criticism that it portrays real-life kidnapping in a positive light. The show will still premiere on the Kansai region's ABC channel on July 8 as planned. The manga and drama's ...
Anime, Game Industry Staff Check In After Osaka Earthquake
Animator Takuji Yoshimoto, game developer Swery, USJ theme park shaken but stable
― An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale shook Osaka on Monday, causing damage throughout the area and killing at least four people and injuring scores more. The area is home to several animation and game studios and the Universal Studios Japan theme park. Animator Takuji Yoshimoto updated his status on Monday...
Warriors Orochi 4 Launches in the West in October
New trailer streamed for PS4/Xbox One/Switch/PC game
― Koei Tecmo America began streaming a trailer for its Warriors Orochi 4 (Musou Orochi 3) game on Monday. The video reveals that the game will launch in North America on October 16 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Koei Tecmo Europe streamed the same trailer, announcing an October 19 release date for Europe on the same platforms...
Viz's Shonen Jump to Preview Keiji Amatsuka's 'Seiji Tanaka' Manga
Manga debuts on June 25
― Viz Media's digital English edition of Weekly Shonen Jump confirmed on Monday that it will begin a new round of "Jump Start" titles with Keiji Amatsuka's Sogo Jikan Jigyo Gaisha Daihyo Torishimariyaku Shacho Senzoku Hisho Tanaka Seiji (General Time Company Director President Special Secretary Seiji Tanaka) next Monday. The manga will debut in Japan in Sheisha's Weekly Shonen...
UPDATED: Alice or Alice Manga Creator Pretends to Marry Da Capo Game Artist
UPDATE: Mamu Mitsumomo confirmed with Anime News Network on Monday that the images were a joke. The dresses are gorgeous but Mitsumomo and Korie did not get married. The original article appears below. Manga artist Riko Korie announced that she married Da Capo game artist Mamu Mitsumomo on Saturday. The happy brides wore pink and white for their big day. Korie is in pink on the left and Mitsumomo ...
Kaiju Girls (Black) Anime Reveals Visual, November 23 Screenings
Limited screenings to be held in Tokyo
― The official website for the Kaijū Girls ~Ultra Kaijū Gijinka Keikaku~ franchise revealed a new key visual for the new Kaijū Girls (Black) anime on Monday. The website also announced that the anime will have a limited Tokyo theatrical run at the Shinjuku Wald 9 and Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro beginning on November 23. The title and the character from the visual ...
Yui Horie, Kenji Nojima, Ryota Takeuchi Join Food Wars! The Third Plate Anime's Cast
3 new characters to debuted as judges in episode 23 on Monday
― The Twitter account for the Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma anime revealed cast members for the Régiment de Cuisine judges in Food Wars! The Third Plate on Monday. Yui Horie plays Anne (right in image below), Kenji Nojima plays Charme (center in image below), and Ryota Takeuchi plays Histoire (left in image below). The characters debuted in...
Answerman - Why Are Some Fan Works OK, But Some Get Shut Down?
When it comes to fan works - cosplay, fanart, fan films and games - copyright seems to be only enforced arbitrarily. Why is that - and which fan works are less likely to get the hook? Justin gets into it.
― James asked: I have noticed that most companies tolerate fanart, fanfiction, and cosplay of their works, but not fan-films or fan-made video games, which seems very arbitrary and random, to me. W...
Homura Yūki's Infinite Stratos Manga Goes on Hiatus Until Next Year
Manga based on light novel series launched in 2013
― The July issue of Shogakukan's Monthly Sunday GX magazine revealed on Tuesday that Homura Yuki's Infinite Stratos manga adaptation is going on hiatus and will return next year. Shogakukan plans to publish the seventh manga volume around the same time that the manga will return, and will announce the return date in the magazine and on the magazine's...
Pokémon GO Game Offers Friends, Gifting, Trading Features
Friends feature debuts this week
― Niantic announced on Monday that its Pokémon GO game will add friends, gifting, and trading features. The friends feature will launch this week, and the other features will launch soon. Niantic software engineer Kirsten Koa confirmed additional details about the new features at a press event at E3. Players will be able to become friends to use the new features via T...
Caligula ‒ Episode 11
"Caligula's penultimate episode isn't what I would call “good”, but it does offer glimpses into what a successful version of this show might have been."
Shelf Life - Kado: The Right Answer
James delves into a divisive CG sci fi thriller from last spring while Paul breaks down all this week's new anime releases!
― I've officially hit the point in every anime season where I look at my streaming queue and think, "Aw, crap." Apart from the two shows I'm covering for streaming reviews, I'm weeks and weeks behind on everything. I sense a late-night marathon in my immediate future. Welcome t...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Franchise Has 'Big News' This Summer
The wraparound jacket band on the Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan short story collection novel (pictured at right) announced on Tuesday that there will be "big news" for Hirohiko Araki's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure franchise this summer. Araki's Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan (Kishibe Rohan wa Ugokanai) spinoff manga is getting a second anime DVD will ship with the manga's second volume on July 19. The anime will...
Cutie Honey Universe ‒ Episode 11
"There are times in this episode where it feels like the consistently troubled Cutie Honey Universe is truly in free-fall."
Juana and the Dragonewt's Seven Kingdoms GNs 1-2
The first two thirds of this fantasy road trip are humble yet satisfying. Rebecca Silverman explores the attractive art and charming idiosyncrasies of the dragonewt kingdoms.
― Everything eventually cycles back around. That's part of the philosophy behind the world building of Kiyohisa Tanaka's debut manga series, Juana and the Dragonewt's Seven Kingdoms: first there were dinosaurs, then there were h...
Steins;Gate Elite Game Reveals Opening Movie, September 20 Release
Game with new anime scenes ships for PS4, PS Vita, Switch in Japan
― The official website for 5pb. Games' Steins;Gate Elite game revealed on Monday that the game will launch for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch in Japan on September 20. 5pb. Games also began streaming the opening movie for the game. White Fox (Steins;Gate, Steins;Gate 0, Steins;Gate: The Movie - Load Region of Déj...
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes Film's 2nd Teaser Promotes Manga Bonus
"Volume 0" bonus offered with manga, character intros, "secret dialogue" between Kohei Horikoshi & Eiichiro Oda
― The official website for the My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: Futari no Hero) film began streaming the film's second teaser on Monday. The teaser promotes the one million "volume 0" (volume Origin) books that participating theaters in Japan will give to moviegoers...
K: Seven Stories Film Series' 1st 3 Films Previewed in Videos
angela perform opening, ending themes for 6-part film series premiering on July 7
― The official website for GoRA and GoHands' K franchise began streaming previews on Monday for the first three installments of the six-part K: Seven Stories theatrical anime project. The videos preview angela's ending theme song for each film. The first film in the six-part project, R:B ~Blaze~, will open in theaters i...
Sukima Switch, ENDRECHERI Cancel Monday Performances Due to Osaka Earthquake
Sukima Switch to announce rescheduling details at later date
― Music duo Sukima Switch announced on Monday that they have cancelled their scheduled Monday performance in Kyoto's ROHM Theater due to the earthquake that struck Osaka and the surrounding areas earlier that morning. The performance was part of the duo's "ALGOrhythm" tour. The group's official website will announce further details for resc...
MAGES President Reveals Existence of Switch Versions of Robotics;Notes Elite, Memories Off Games
Robotics;Notes Elite debuted for PS Vita in 2014, Memories Off -Innocent Fille- on March 29
― MAGES. president Chiyomaru Shikura revealed the existence of a Switch version of both the Robotics;Notes Elite and Memories Off -Innocent Fille- games during a live stream on Sunday. Shikura did not say if the versions were slated for release. The original Robotics;Notes PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 visual nov...
Fighting EX Layer PS4 Game's 2 Videos Show Matches
PS4 game to launch in 68 countries & regions on June 28
― ARIKA began streaming a gameplay video for its Fighting EX Layer PlayStation 4 fighting game on Sunday. The video shows various characters in the game in matches. The company also began streaming a four-minute video previewing the game's "expert mode." The game will launch in 68 countries and regions beginning on June 28. The game will be the ...
Live-Action Rainbow Days Film's Video Previews Kenji Furuya Theme Song
Film opens on July 6
― The official YouTube channel of Japanese film news website Cinema Today began streaming a "special video" for the live-action film of Minami Mizuno's Rainbow Days (Nijiiro Days) manga on Sunday. The video highlights the film's main characters, and previews the film's theme song "Wanderlust," which Dragon Ash vocalist Kenji Furuya created specifically for the film. The film open...
FLOW Performs Theme Song for Live-Action Sachiiro no One Room Series
Limited edition of "Neiro" single will have jacket art by Hakuri
― The staff of the live-action drama adaptation of Hakuri's Sachiiro no One Room manga revealed on Monday that rock band FLOW will perform the drama's theme song "Neiro" (Timbre). The CD single's limited edition will get a jacket with art drawn by Hakuri (seen below). The drama stars Anna Yamada (right in images below) as Sachi and Shūh...
Funimation's License for Shiki Anime Expires on June 30
Funimation announced on Sunday that it will remove the Shiki anime from its catalog on June 30. Funimation describes Shiki: As citizens of a secluded village die off in alarming numbers, the head doctor tries desperately to save them—but his efforts are in vain. Panic and disillusionment run rampant as loved ones' corpses rise from the grave with an insatiable thirst for human blood. Haunting and ...
Phantom in the Twilight Anime's 5th Character Video, Additional Cast Unveiled
5th character video highlights Baileu Ton; 7 cast members added for July 9 anime
― The official website for smartphone game company Happy Elements' first original anime Phantom in the Twilight began streaming the show's fifth character video on Sunday. The video highlights the character Baileu Ton (voiced by Kana Hanazawa). The anime's official Twitter account also revealed new cast members and chara...
Sunday, June 17
Muhyo & Roji Anime Reveals 6 More Cast Members
Tetsuharu Ohta, Kōhei Amasaki, Yōji Ueda, Ami Koshimizu, Kazumasa Fukagawa, Kyousuke Ikeda join anime
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Yoshiyuki Nishi's Muhyo to Roji no Mahōritsu Sōdan Jimusho (Muhyo & Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation) manga revealed additional cast members for the anime on Monday. The additional cast includes: Tetsuharu Ohta as Tiki Kōhei Ama...
Shonen Jump Magazine Launches 2 New Manga
Keiji Amatsuka, Takahide Totsuno launch new manga in June, July
― This year's 29th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that the magazine will launch two new manga. Keiji Amatsuka will launch the Sōgō Jikan Jigyō Kaisha Daihyō Torijimariyaku Kaichō Senzoku Hisho Tanaka Seiji (General Temporal Enterprise Representative Director/President's Private Secretary Seiji Tanaka) ...
Natsuki Hanae, Tomokazu Sugita Join Cast of Black Clover Anime
Both voice actors to play Magic Knights captains
― This year's 29th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed two more cast members on Monday for the television anime adaptation of Yūki Tabata's Black Clover manga. The two cast members will appear in the show's 38th episode. Natsuki Hanae as Rill Boismortier, captain of the Azure Deer squad of Magic Knights Tomokazu Sugita as Gueldre P...
Cells at Work Anime's Video Reveals More Cast Members
Shōya Chiba, Mamiko Noto join cast; new visual unveiled
― The official website for the television anime of Akane Shimizu's Cells at Work! (Hataraku Saibō) manga posted a new promotional video, visual, and new cast members for the anime on Monday. Shōya Chiba will join the cast as B cell (seen below). In addition, Mamiko Noto will narrate the show. The site also revealed additional airing dates for th...
GeGeGe no Kitarō ‒ Episode 12
"Like most episodes of this series, there's a point to its darkest moments."
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online ‒ Episode 10
"This phase of the battle was dramatically satisfying and featured a couple of nice twists along the way."
Studio Ponoc's Modest Heroes Anime Anthology Unveils Cast, Composers
Joe Odagiri, Machiko Ono, Fumino Kimura star with Marnie, .hack//Legend of the Twilight composers
― The official website for Studio Ponoc's three-part anime anthology film Modest Heroes (Chiisana Eiyū: Kani to Tamago to Tōmei Ningen) announced its cast and musical composers on Monday. Hiromasa Yonebayashi is directing the 15-minute fantasy adventure story "Kanini & Kanino" ("Kani no Kanino") about tw...
Nestlé Promotes Coffee Drinks With The Rose of Versailles Portrait Maker
Nestlé Japan is teaming up with Riyoko Ikeda's The Rose of Versailles manga for the "Ice Crema de Nigaoe Maker" project. The online self portrait-making tool lets users recreate their likenesses in images with the manga's style. The project promotes the Nescafé Gold Blend Handy Ice Crema Server item that can create foam on a cold cup of Nescafé Gold Blend coffee drinks. The online portrait-making ...
Mother Collects Shonen Jump for 7 Years to Honor Son Who Died in Quake
About 350 volumes of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine cover a wall in a home in Natori, Miyagi. Yūko Tanno (name romanization not confirmed) is not necessarily a fan of shōnen manga herself, but her son Kōta was. Tanno lost her 13-year-old son in the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster, which occurred on March 11, 2011. Every week for the seven years and three months since then, the 49-year...
Black Clover: Quartet Knights Game Adds Charmy as Playable Character
Game for PS4, PC launches in Americas, Europe on September 14
― This year's 29th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that Charmy Pappitson is joining the Black Clover: Quartet Knights game for PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam as a playable character. The game will launch in the Americas and Europe for PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam on September 14. The game will launch in...
PERSONA 5 the Animation ‒ Episode 11
"When everything comes to a head in this episode, it feels like a well-earned climax."
This Week in Games - E3 Part 2: Game Announcements Ahoy!
This special sunday edition of This Week in Games collects E3's most exciting game announcements, plus the rest of this week's gaming news. If you feel like you missed anything at E3, catch up here!
― And we're back with the second part of our E3 news extravaganza! Except that, as I write this, the internet is losing its mind over something totally unrelated to E3: a tease by Studio Trigger that it's...
One Piece Spinoff Manga Koisuru One Piece Launches on Jump+ App
Gag manga launches on June 18
― Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ website has announced that the website and app will launch another spinoff manga of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga on June 18. The new spinoff is titled Koisuru One Piece (Loving One Piece), and Daiki Ihara is drawing the manga. Similar to the other spinoff manga that will run on Shonen Jump+, Koisuru One Piece is a gag manga that Oda himself ha...
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes Film Offers 'Volume 0' Book to 1st Million Moviegoers in Japan (Updated)
Book to contain manga, character descriptions, "secret dialogue" between Kohei Horikoshi & Eiichiro Oda
― This year's 29th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that the first million moviegoers in Japan to see the My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: Futari no Hero) film will receive a "volume 0" (volume Origin) book. The book will feature a cover an...
DARLING in the FRANXX ‒ Episode 21
"I think it speaks to both this episode's success and its failure that I can spend so much time complaining about what didn't work and still maintain some interest in how things are going to shake out in these final weeks."
Muhyo & Roji Anime Premieres on August 3
This year's 29th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that the television anime adaptation of Yoshiyuki Nishi's Muhyo to Roji no Mahōritsu Sōdan Jimusho (Muhyo & Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation) manga will premiere on SkyPerfecTV on August 3 at 9:30 p.m., and will later premiere on Animax on September 3 at 7:00 p.m. The anime will have an advanced screenin...
FLCL Progressive ‒ Episode 3
"This one felt a little more scattershot than the previous two, and they're still repeating themes that have been fully clarified at this point, but I'm still dying to know where all this is going."
Bandai Namco's Next Brand-New Tales of RPG Being Developed for Consoles
Vesperia 10th anniversary event, Sanrio theme park's 2018 collaboration also announced
― The Tales of Festival 2018 event (pictured below) announced on Sunday that the latest brand-new entry in Bandai Namco Entertainment's Tales of role-playing game franchise is being developed for home or portable game consoles. The new entry is not a remake or spinoff of a previous entry. It has been two years sinc...
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 49
"This is My Hero Academia's proudest moment in the spotlight."
Mia and the Forbidden Medicine Report
This steampunk adventure novel explores the stigmatization of illness in refreshing and engaging ways. Rebecca Silverman explores how.
― Despite having some of the trappings of a standard reverse harem school story, Mia and the Forbidden Medicine Report is much more of a science drama than a romance. The story takes place in a vaguely early 20th century steampunk setting, where country girl Mia Bauma...
PIG: The Dam Keeper Wins Cristal Award at Annecy
No other Japanese works win awards this year, Funan wins top film award
― Erick Oh and Tonko House's PIG: The Dam Keeper Poems "Yellow Flower", "Hello Nice to Meet You" United States and Japan collaboration won the "Cristal for a TV Production" award in the TV Films category at the 2018 Annecy International Animated Film Festival on Saturday. No other Japanese works won awards this year. Mamoru Hosod...
Masaaki Yuasa Teases New 'Straightforward Love Story' Film at Annecy
Masaaki Yuasa and his Science Saru studio teased their new film during a masterclass panel at the 2018 Annecy International Animated Film Festival on Thursday. Yuasa said that his new work will be a "simple and straightforward love story," and also said the new film will center on water. Yuasa added that he will formally announce the film in Japan a little later, and asked fans to look forward to ...
Eiga Hugtto! Precure ♡ Futari wa Precure Crossover Film's Poster Visual, Full Title Revealed
Film opening on October 27 brings back "All Stars" subtitle, will feature 55 Precures
― The staff for the Eiga Hugtto! Precure ♡ Futari wa Precure crossover anime film revealed a poster visual for the film on Saturday. The staff also revealed the film's full title as Eiga Hugtto! Precure ♡ Futari wa Precure All Stars Memories, marking the revival of the "All Stars" film series. The previous film in t...
petite milady Perform Opening Theme for Seven Senses of the Re'Union Anime
Anime premieres on July 5
― The official Twitter account for the television anime of Noritake Tao and Booota's Shichisei no Subaru (Seven Senses of the Re'Union) novels revealed on Saturday that voice actress unit petit milady will perform the show's opening theme song "360° Hoshi no Orchestra" (360° Star Orchestra). petit milady is made up of voice actresses Ayana Taketatsu and Aoi Yūki. The duo hav...
Saturday, June 16
Anime Expo to Host World Premiere of Kengan Ashura Anime
Director Seiji Kishi as well as anime's story editor, composer, producer to attend event
― Anime Expo revealed on Saturday that it will host the world premiere of the anime adaptation of Yabako Sandrovich's Kengan Ashura manga on July 7. The event will also host director Seiji Kishi, producer Yuji Higa, story editor Makoto Uezu, and composer Yasuharu Takanashi. The creators will also host autograph s...
Capcom Unveils Final Fantasy XIV, Monster Hunter: World Dual Collab
Two worlds are colliding in a joint collaboration between Final Fantasy XIV and Monster Hunter: World. Capcom announced both games are trading monsters this summer. Behemoth from Final Fantasy XIV Online will show its fury within Monster Hunter: World, a first for the Monster Hunter franchise. The game series has not previously featured a monster from any other title. You can catch a glimpse of Be...
'Even Boys Can Become Princesses!': Hugtto! Precure Anime Stands Up to Traditional Gender Roles
The most recent episode of the Hugtto! Precure television anime series is causing a stir among Japanese fans for discussing gender issues with its characters. The anime's episode 19, titled "Waku Waku! Akogare no Runway Debut!?," premiered on Sunday. The theme of the episode is that anyone can do or be anything they want, and key dialogue in the episode said, "Even boys can become princesses!" The...
2nd Starmyu Musical Reveals Main Visual Featuring 15 Cast Members
Cast reprise roles for new musical running in Tokyo, Osaka in July
― The official website for the planned second Starmyu musical revealed the main visual for the musical on Friday. The new musical is titled Musical Starmyu -2nd Season-. The musical will run at the Nippon Seinenkan Hall in Tokyo from July 4-11 and then at the Morinomiya Piloti Hall in Osaka from July 20-22. Sayaka Harada is writing th...
Chief Godzilla Officer Keiji Ota Talks Big Dreams of Kaiju Park in L.A.
It looks like that Sally Forth comic strip arc last summer was more realistic than expected. The world of Godzilla and his monstrous foes will expand into the next decade with solo spin-off films, and if the stars align, a potential theme park in Los Angeles. Chief Godzilla officer Keiji Ota revealed in an interview with Nikkei Style that Toho's big dream is to establish a Godzilla Theme Park, but...
Asia Animation Partners Declares Bankruptcy After Executive's Passing
Studio Kuma established subsidiary studio for photography, effects work
― Credit research company Tokyo Shoko Research (TSR) reported on Tuesday that anime production studio Asia Animation Partners filed for bankruptcy in a Tokyo district court on June 8. The studio has 16.5 million yen (about US$149,100) in liabilities to 11 creditors. Studio Kuma (Bizarre Cage, Timing, Izumo: Flash of a Brave Sword...
Directors Shinji Aramaki & Kenji Kamiyama Explain Animation Techniques in Ultraman Anime
2019 anime series created entirely with motion capture
― It's no secret that 3D animation in Japan has its detractors among anime fans. Despite this, more CGI anime have been released recently, and the upcoming Ultraman anime, set to launch in 2019, is going to be entirely in 3D animation. However, directors Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki are using a different approach when it comes to the anime's...
Hinamatsuri ‒ Episode 11
"After spending most of last week in the background, Nitta makes a big return to center stage in this episode."
Mrs. Green Apple Performs Songs for Ao-Natsu Live-Action Film
Rock band provides theme song, insert song for August 1 film
― The official website for Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi (Ao-Natsu: The 30 Days I Loved You), the upcoming live-action film adaptation of Atsuko Nanba's Ao-Natsu romance manga, began streaming a trailer for the film on Tuesday. The video reveals and previews the film's theme song "Ao to Natsu" (The Blue and Summer) and the insert son...
Record of Grancrest War ‒ Episode 23
"The art, animation, and pacing were all lacking this week, but perhaps this was never the right format to fully enjoy this material."
Tales of the Rays Gekijō Short Anime Reveals Cast, July 20 Premiere
Natsuki Hanae, Haruka Terui, Jun Fukuyama star in half-hour gag spinoff looping on Niconico
― The Tales of Festival 2018 event announced more information on Tales of the Rays Gekijō (Tales of the Rays Theater), the short web gag anime spinoff of the Tales of the Rays smartphone game, on Saturday. The event (and the official website for Bandai Namco's Tales of game franchise) revealed the anime's voic...
Kill la Kill Anime Gets 2019 Action Game From Arc System Works, APLUS
Anime Expo to host anime's designer Sushio, creative officer Hiromi Wakabayashi
― A teaser commercial during the broadcast of the Darling in the Franxx anime announced on Saturday that the anime studio Trigger and the game publisher Arc System Works are collaborating on the Kill la Kill anime's first game, Kill la Kill the Game -If- (Ifu). Arc System Works is publishing the game in the "Kill la Kill ...
Nintendo Delays Yoshi Game for Switch to 2019
The Gameinformer news website reported on Tuesday that Nintendo confirmed with the website that it has delayed its Yoshi for Nintendo Switch (working title) game to 2019. Nintendo's official website for the game also now lists a 2019 release. Nintendo announced the game for Nintendo Switch at the E3 event last year and the game was originally slated to launch this year. Nintendo describes the game...
Nekopara Illustrator Sayori, Spice & Wolf Manga Artist Keito Koume to Attend Anime Expo
Sayori attends as guest of Sekai Project, Koume attends as guest of FAKKU
― Anime Expo announced on Tuesday that it will host Nekopara illustrator and creator Sayori at this year's event. Publisher FAKKU additionally announced on Thursday that it will host Spice & Wolf manga artist Keito Koume. Sayori is attending the event in collaboration with Sekai Project, and will have an autograph session. Seka...
Crunchyroll Expo to Host Legend of Zelda Manga Authors Akira Himekawa, 'No Game, No Life' Director Atsuko Ishizuka
Darling in the Franxx staff to also attend
― Crunchyroll announced the first round of guest announcements on Saturday for this year's Crunchyroll Expo event. Guests include The Legend of Zelda manga author duo Akira Himekawa, and No Game No Life anime director Atsuko Ishizuka. In addition, the event will host director Atsushi Nishigori, character designer Masayoshi Tanaka, and producer Yūichi Fukushi...
Chako Abeno's Trinity Seven: Liese Chronicle Spinoff Manga Ends
Abeno launched series centering on Lieselotte Sherlock in February 2017
― Manga artist Chako Abeno announced on Twitter on Friday that the July issue of Kadokawa's Monthly Dragon Age magazine published the 16th and final chapter of Abeno's Trinity Seven: Liese Chronicle spinoff manga on June 9. The spinoff story centers on Lieselotte Sherlock, an evil mage from the original manga. Abeno launched the ...
Rekishi Performs New Ending Theme for GeGeGe no Kitaro Anime
New theme debuts in show on July 1
― The official website for the new GeGeGe no Kitaro anime revealed on Saturday that Rekishi, musician Takafumi Ikeda's "solo unit," will perform the new ending theme song "Get A Note" (pronounced "Geta no Oto," which translates to "The Sound of Geta Footwear") for the show. The new theme song will debut in the show on July 1. The song will be Rekishi's first anime t...
Shigeru Chiba Joins Hozuki's Coolheadedness Anime's Cast
Character debuts in 24th episode on Saturday
― The official website for the anime adaptation of Natsumi Eguchi's Hozuki's Coolheadedness (Hōzuki no Reitetsu) manga revealed on Saturday that voice actor Shigeru Chiba (One Piece's Buggy, Overlord's Sebas Tian, March comes in like a lion's Sōmeiji Kawamoto) is joining the second season anime as the character Keneō. The "moody looking" character will deb...
Fireworks Anime Film's English-Subtitled Ad Streamed
Fathom Events, GKIDS screen film in U.S. on July 3, 5, 7
― Fathom Events began streaming a 30-second ad for the anime film Fireworks (Fireworks, Should We See it from the Side or the Bottom?) on Friday. The video has English subtitles. The film will screen in the United States on July 3, 5, and 7 in collaboration with Fathom Events. The film will also get a separate theatrical release starting on Jul...
Happy Sugar Life TV Anime's 'Painful Version' Ad Streamed
Series premieres on TV in Japan on July 13, streams online only on Amazon Prime Video
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Tomiyaki Kagisora's Happy Sugar Life manga began streaming the show's "Painful Version" commercial on Saturday. The series will air on TBS and MBS on July 13 at 25:55 (effectively July 14 at 1:55 a.m.), and will later air on BS-TBS and AT-X. The show is a...
Friday, June 15
Hi Score Girl Anime's TV Ad Previews Opening Theme Song
Series premieres on July 13
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Rensuke Oshikiri's Hi Score Girl manga began streaming a commercial for the series on Saturday. The video previews sora tob sakana's opening theme song "New Stranger." The show will premiere on Tokyo MX and BS11 on July 13 at 24:30 (effectively on July 14 at 12:30 a.m.), before airing later that evening on MBS. ...
Mario Tennis Aces Videos Preview Koopa Troopa, Blooper
2 characters to be free DLC for game launching June 22
― Nintendo UK began streaming trailers introducing Koopa Troopa and Blooper as playable characters for its Mario Tennis Aces Switch game on Friday. Both characters will appear in the game as free DLC: Koopa Troopa will be available in July and Blooper will be available in August. The game will launch on June 22. The game will feature missions and...
Zanki Zero Game's Introduction Video Streamed
Game ships on July 5 in Japan, this year in the West
― Spike Chunsoft began streaming a game introduction video for its Zanki Zero: Last Beginning game on Friday. The video is narrated by "herbivore mascot" Mirai and Mirai's assistant Shō Terashima, as the MCs of "Extend TV," an in-universe channel that is meant to be a guide for the remaining humans. The game ships in Japan on July 5 for PlayStation...
One Piece Creator Donates US$8 Million for Kumamoto Earthquake Relief
Prefecture plans multiple bronze One Piece statues
― Kumamoto native Eiichiro Oda is a long-time supporter of the earthquake-stricken area, writing supportive messages, contributing art for local products, and participating in the ONE PIECE Kumamoto Reconstruction Project. The hit manga creator recently opened his wallet to gift the area 800 million yen (US$8 million). Kumamoto governor Ikuo Kabashim...
King of Fighters Allstar Smartphone Game Announced
Preview videos streamed for 7 series characters
― South Korean game company Netmarble announced a iOS and Android action RPG titled The King of Fighters Allstar on Friday. The free-to-play game with in-app purchases is slated to launch this year. Netmarble began streaming a teaser trailer and seven character introduction videos for the game: Teaser: Kyo Kusanagi Chizuru Kagura Terry Bogard Ryo Sakaza...
J-Novel Club to Suspend [New Life+] Novel Sales After July 1
Cancellation follows controversy over author's alleged discriminatory remarks
― J-Novel Club posted a statement on Friday saying that it will suspend publication and sales of its English version of MINE's [New Life+] Young Again in Another World novel series after the third volume on July 1. The decision comes after the Japanese publisher Hobby Japan halted shipments of the novel due to controversy o...
Toonami to Air Pop Team Epic Anime
Series premieres on June 30
― The official Facebook page for Adult Swim's Toonami block announced on Friday that the block will air Pop Team Epic beginning the night of June 30 at 12:00 a.m. (effectively the morning of July 1). The new schedule, which no longer includes Dragon Ball Z Kai, is as follows: 10:30 p.m. – Dragon Ball Super 11:00 p.m. – My Hero Academia 11:30 p.m. – FLCL: Progressive 12:00 ...
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku ‒ Episode 10
"Not everyone finds it so easy to be as outgoing as Wotakoi's main cast, and this is where Kou comes in."
Conan O'Brien Tries Super Saiyan Hair on for Size
Late night talk show host Conan O'Brien has an impressive coiffure, but its height is nothing compared to the dramatic style of Goku. O'Brien did his best Super Saiyan impression along with guest and comedian Ron Funches (Powerless, Trolls) as part of the reoccurring segment "Clueless Gamer." The pair try out the mobile game Dragon Ball Legends, but not before quizzing seasoned player Funches on D...
Bullet Girls Phantasia Game's Promo Video Previews Theme Song
M.A.O, Haruka Yamazaki perform song for PS4/Vita game
― D3 Publisher began streaming a promotional video for its Bullet Girls Phantasia PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game on Thursday. The video previews the theme song "Piercing Bullet" by cast members M.A.O and Haruka Yamazaki. The game is the newest installment in the Bullet Girls game franchise and it will ship in Japan on August 9. H2 Interac...
Megalobox ‒ Episode 11
"In typical MEGALOBOX fashion, this episode is both incredibly on the nose yet appropriate and effective all at once."
NHK Denies Voice Actress Hiroko Konishi's Prince Mackaroo Anime Role Claims
Voice actress Hiroko Konishi revealed the details on June 1 of why she claims NHK forced her out of her lead role in the long-running children's anime Prince Mackaroo (Ojarumaru) 18 years ago. Konishi voiced Ojarumaru for the anime's first 270 episodes before Chinami Nishimura took over the role. Fans have long speculated about the reasons for the character's unexpected recasting. The website J-Ca...
Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in the Dungeon? Infinite Combate Game Delayed to 2019
Game developer 5pb. announced on Monday that its Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in the Dungeon? Infinite Combate PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game has been delayed to 2019 in Japan. The game was previously slated for March 29, but the company announced in December that it was delayed to this summer due to "various circumstances." The game is based on the Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Gi...
Comic Girls ‒ Episode 11
"While often comically inflated and routinely over-the-top, Comic Girls is always grounded in a dash of realism and anchored by relatable character emotions."
My Hero Academia Ranks #4 on U.S. Monthly Bookscan May List
RWBY, The Legend of Zelda, Tokyo Ghoul manga also rank
― Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia volume 12 ranked at #4 on NPD BookScan's Top 20 adult graphic novels list for April. The volume debuted at #1 the month before. This month's list featured ten manga volumes including: #5 — Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia volume 1 #6 — RWBY: Official Manga Anthology #8 — Akira Himekawa's The Legend of Zelda:...
Manga Answerman - Do's and Don'ts of Meeting Convention Guests from Japan
Now that the 2018 summer convention season is in full swing, fans will soon have the chance to meet manga and light novel authors and artists from Japan! Here are some friendly tips for how to interact with your favorite creator.
― Now that the 2018 summer anime and comic convention season is in full swing, North American fans are in for a treat – the chance to meet some manga and light novel author...
1st Foreign Female Pro Shogi Player Inspires Anime Short by Colorido
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. debuted the "Susume, Karolina" (Go, Karolina) animated short on Friday about Polish professional shogi player Karolina Styczyńska, the first non-Japanese person to receive full professional status from Japan Shogi Association. The video promotes the company's CalorieMate nutritional energy snack and is available in 15- and 30-second versions in addition to the full short....
Tada Never Falls in Love ‒ Episode 11
"Pacing issues left me feeling a little sour about an installment I really wanted to like, which also sums up my feelings on Tada Never Falls in Love in general."
Mob Psycho 100 Stage Play Gets Sequel in September
1st play's cast, director return for new play in Tokyo, Hyōgo
― The official website for the stage play based on ONE's Mob Psycho 100 manga revealed on Friday that the play is getting a sequel. The new play will run at The Galaxy Theatre in Tokyo from September 13-17 and at Shinkobe Oriental Theater in Hyōgo from September 20-23. Marvelous began streaming an announcement video with Setsuo Ito, who pl...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 62
"This week's Boruto begins the battle against the Otsutsukis in earnest, and the good guys are already at a clear disadvantage."
'Planet With' Anime Reveals Promo Video, Satoshi Mizukami Manga Video
Bandai Channel offers web advance screening of 1st episode on July 1
― The official website for J.C. Staff and manga creator Satoshi Mizukami's original mecha anime Planet With began streaming a promotional video for the anime and a promotional video for Mizukami's manga on Friday. The manga video introduces Mizukami's Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer, Sengoku Yōko, Spirit Circle, and Kyomu o Yuku mang...
Black Clover ‒ Episode 36
"For as bad as it started out, this Midnight Sun arc has been working for me best out of all the arcs so far."
Final Fantasy XIV Game's Companion App Launches in Late July
Free, premium plans to launch for iOS, Android
― The official website for the Final Fantasy XIV game revealed on Friday that the game's Companion app will launch for iOS and Android in late July. The free plan will be available to all players, and the premium plan will include more features and cost 500 yen (about US$5). After launching the app, players enter their Square Enix account information, an...
Iya na Kao Sare Nagara Opantsu Misete Moraitai Video Anime's 2 Promo Videos Streamed
(Note: the videos and the visuals in this article may be not safe for work.) The Tora no Ana retailer began streaming two promotional videos on Friday for the video anime adaptation of Shimahara's doujin project Iya na Kao Sare Nagara Opantsu Misete Moraitai (I Want You To Make a Disgusted Face and Show Me Your Underwear). The videos feature a "Chitose version" (first video below) and a "Maria ver...
Asobi Asobase Anime's 1st Promo Video Previews 3 Main Characters
Comedy anime premieres on July 8
― The official website of the television anime of Rin Suzukawa's Asobi Asobase (Play and Let Play) manga began streaming the show's first promotional video on Friday. The staff also revealed a new key visual. The anime will premiere on AT-X, Tokyo MX, KBS Kyoto, and BS11 on July 8, followed by Sun TV and TV Aichi on July 10. The cast includes: Hina Kino as Hanako Hond...
Sirius the Jaeger Anime's New Subtitled Promo Video, Visual, July 12 Premiere Revealed (Updated)
Sajou no Hana performs ending theme song
― The official website for P.A. Works' original television anime project Sirius the Jaeger began streaming a new English-subtitled promotional video on Friday. The video previews Kishida Kyōdan & THE AKEBOSHI ROCKETS' opening theme song "Sirius." Sajou no Hana will perform the show's ending theme song "Hoshie" (Star Drawing). The anime will premiere on AT-X on...
Gakuen Basara TV Anime Reveals 3 More Cast Members
Toshiki Masuda replaces Toru Ohkawa as Tokugawa Ieyasu
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Gakuen Basara, a high school spinoff project based on Capcom's Sengoku Basara game franchise, revealed three more cast members for the series on Friday. Toshiki Masuda is replacing Toru Ohkawa from the Sengoku Basara anime series as Tokugawa Ieyasu (Masuda previously played Ieyasu in t...
Nekopara Game's PS4, Switch Versions Launch on July 4
Neko Works announced on Friday that CFK's PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch version of Neko Works' Nekopara Vol. 1 game will launch on July 4. The game will be available in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The new versions will have a new theme song, additional CG, and a new episode. Sekai Project released the Nekopara Vol. 1 visual novel on PC via Steam in December ...
D3 Publisher Reveals Disease: Hidden Object Switch Game with Planned English Release
Horror adventure game launches in Japan on July 5
― Japanese game developer D3 Publisher revealed a new Nintendo Switch game titled Disease: Hidden Object on Friday. The company will release the game digital only in English and Japanese. The company had opened a countdown site for a new Switch game on Tuesday. D3 Publisher describes the game: Is what you see real or just a hallucination? A former doc...
Holmes at Kyoto Teramachi Sanjō TV Anime Reveals 4 More Cast Members
Visual also revealed for collaboration with Keihan railway
― The official website for the television anime of Mai Mochizuki's Holmes at Kyoto Teramachi Sanjō (Kyōto Teramachi Sanjō no Holmes) mystery novel series revealed a new visual and four more cast members on Friday. The new visual features the two main cast members at the Keihan Sanjō subway station in Kyoto. The visual is for a collaboration t...
Wake Up, Girls! Voice Actress, Singing Unit to Disband in March 2019
7 group members will continue activities as voice actresses
― The official website for the Wake Up, Girls! voice actress and singing unit announced on Friday that the group will disband in March 2019. The group will host a final tour, and the post assured fans that the members will continue their activities as voice actresses. The post stated the group will disband so that the members can each pursue...
Tokimeki Restaurant App Ends Service on August 31
Spinoff game inspired anime film that premiered on February 10
― The official website for the Tokimeki Restaurant☆☆☆ smartphone game revealed on Friday that the game will end service on August 31 at 2:00 p.m. Koei Tecmo Games assured fans that even though the game is ending service, there will still be live events, collaborations, and idol activities for the franchise. The game will halt the sale of ...
Waka Kakitsubata's My Sweet Tyrant/Akkun to Kanojo Manga Ends
Ongoing TV anime adaptation of series premiered on April 6
― The July issue of Kadokawa's Monthly Comic Gene magazine published the final chapter on Saturday of Waka Kakitsubata's Akkun to Kanojo (Akkun and His Girlfriend) manga. The manga inspired an ongoing anime series of five-minute shorts that premiered on April 6. Crunchyroll is streaming the series as it airs under the title My Sweet Tyrant, a...
BRADIO Performs New Ending Theme for Duel Masters! Anime
New ending premieres in show on July 1
― The official website for the BRADIO group announced on Friday that they will perform the new ending theme song "INAZUMA Jacket" for the latest Duel Masters! television anime series. The new ending theme song will debut with the episode that will air on July 1. The song will appear on BRADIO's major debut album YES, which ships on July 4. Duel Masters! premiere...
Live-Action Bleach Film's 3 TV Ads Streamed
Film opens in Japan on July 20 with N. American premiere in New York on July 28
― Warner Bros. began streaming three commercials on Friday for the live-action film of Tite Kubo's Bleach manga. The second and third videos preview the theme song "Mosquito Bite" by [ALEXANDROS]. Warrior Version Ichigo Version Substitute Shinigami Version The film will open in Japan on July 20, and will have its North Am...
Dies Irae Anime's 2nd Promo Video Previews Final 6 Episodes
6 episodes to stream in Japan starting on July 1
― The official website for the Dies irae anime project began steaming a second promotional video on Friday to preview the anime's last six episodes (episodes 12-17), collectively titled "To the Ring Reincarnation." The episodes will debut on the AbemaTV streaming service on July 1 at 5:30 p.m. All six episodes will debut simultaneously, alongside the c...
Bakutsuri Bar Hunter TV Anime's Character Designs Revealed
The staff of the Bakutsuri Bar Hunter television anime series revealed the character designs for the four main characters on Friday. The anime stars: (Note: name spellings aren't confirmed) Ryou Hirohashi as protagonist Totta Tachitsute Yumi Uchiyama as Totta's bar soul partner Potepen Mitsuki Saiga as Totta's rival Kiba Samejima Kouta Nemoto as the bar soul Shuwajirō Kenji Seto (The Asterisk War:...
Level-5 to Reveal 'Yo-kai Watch 5th Anniversary Title' on June 27
Level 5 opened a website on Friday to announce that it will reveal its "Yo-kai Watch 5th Anniversary Commemorative Title" during a livestream event on YouTube on June 27. Although Level 5 hasn't revealed the medium of the new announcement, the visual features two Yo-kai holding smartphones. Level 5 announced the Yo-kai Watch franchise in 2011 with a game, manga, and anime already planned. The firs...
New Yo-Kai Watch Anime Film Reveals Title, 1960s Setting, December 14 Debut
New film follows story of boy who loses family, gains new family with yo-kai
― The official website for the Yo-Kai Watch anime film series revealed on Friday that the next film in the series is titled Eiga Yo-kai Watch: Forever Friends. The film will open in Japan on December 14. The tagline on the visual below reads, "I thought we'd always be together." The film tells the story of interweaving frien...
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