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Shelf Life - May 20th, 2019
Our column covering all the newest anime releases of the week has expanded to include manga and video games. Check out the new and improved Shelf Life!
― Welcome to a slightly different version of Shelf Life! Running a review every week has become less feasible from a cost and organizational standpoint in recent months, so we're trying a new format for the column. In place of those weekly anime revi...
Crest of the Stars Complete Series DVD
Light on action but heavy on drama, this sci fi classic is a must-see for diehard fans of the genre. Nick Creamer has the details.
― First airing back in 1999, and based on a trilogy of acclaimed novels from three years earlier, Crest of the Stars belongs to a different era of anime space operas, and stands apart even from many of its contemporaries. There are no epic robot battles or clashes between...
Fruits Basket ‒ Episode 7
"At long last, this episode lays Akito Soma's first round of cards on the table."
Kodansha Confirms New Blade of the Immortal Anime as 'Complete Adaptation'
Title also revealed, official sequel manga launches on May 25
― Japanese publisher Kodansha confirmed the new anime adaptation of Hiroaki Samura's Blade of the Immortal (Mugen no Jūnin) manga. The anime's website notes that the project will be a "complete anime adaptation" but does not list the format of the anime. The website also lists the anime's title as Mugen no Jūnin -Immortal-. The official we...
Firefighting Promare Anime Film Promotes Japan's Real Firefighters
Firefighters are HOT right now. In the coming months there are three different firefighter anime heading to the small and big screen. The futuristic Fire Force based on Soul Eater creator Atsushi Ohkubo's manga is slated for July, the same month as the steamier Yubisaki kara no Honki no Netsujō -Osananajimi wa Shōbōshi- television anime. Ahead of both those premieres is Studio Trigger's Promare fi...
YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world. ‒ Episode 8
"The good news is that this episode is able to focus on its clear through-lines in a way that feels like we're actually building to something in this new arc."
Isekai Quartet ‒ Episode 7
"This episode marks the first time that I have strongly wished for the runtime to be a little longer."
All 2nd Generation Pokémon Turned Into Plushies for 'My 251' Campaign
The official Pokémon Centers in Japan released the original 151 Pokémon from the Red, Blue, Green and Yellow games as plushies late last year and are now moving on to the second generation: Pokémon Gold and Silver. The new monsters first seen in 1999 will appear at Pokémon Centers on June 8. Combined with the previous generation, fans can pick and choose their favorites from 278 Pokémon. (Pokémon ...
YU-NO Remake Game Ships in West on October 1
PS4/Switch/PC game's trailer previews Japanese audio with English text
― Spike Chunsoft announced on Wednesday that it will release 5pb. and MAGES.' remake of Hiroyuki Kanno's YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world. (Kono Yo no Hate de Koi o Utau Shōjo YU-NO) visual novel for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in the West on October 1. The release will include Japanese...
North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 19-25
Pokémon Sun & Moon Adventures, Sagrada Reset anime; Happy Sugar Life, Mega Man MasterMix manga ship
― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Gonna Be the Twin-Tail!! Essentials BDPlease Funimation US$29.98 May 21 Katana Maidens: Toji no Miko Part 2 BDCite Funimation US$64.98 May 21 Land of the Lustrous BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 May 21 Pokémon Sun & Moon Adventur...
AnimeNEXT Staff Launch Investigation Into Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Former Con Chair
Multiple women reported sexual misconduct by Eric Torgersen in 2015; staff followed with a vote that made him convention chair
― Allegations of sexual misconduct against a former member of the board of Atlantic City's AnimeNEXT convention has led to an ongoing internal investigation. Former con staff member "Anne May" posted her story on Facebook on March 12 where she alleged the board member was "ha...
Answerman - Is Hunting Allowed In Japan?
In a country with famously strict gun laws, how exactly does hunting for sport work? Justin digs in.
― Sarah asked: A few months ago I was watching Flying Witch and it had a gag where the uncle sees a pheasant and tries to catch it with his bare hands. Originally I thought getting a gun would be a lot quicker, but then I remembered Japanese gun laws are much stricter. I was wondering if there is a d...
Tanishi Kawano's Firefighter Romance Manga Gets Anime
ComicFesta's newest adult romance series premieres on July 7
― Tanishi Kawano's Yubisaki kara no Honki no Netsujō ~Kyara Otoko Shōbōshi wa Massugu na Me de Watashi o Idaita~ manga is getting a television anime adaptation titled Yubisaki kara no Honki no Netsujō -Osananajimi wa Shōbōshi-. The anime will premiere on television on Tokyo MX and other networks and also begin streaming on July 7. The story...
NGT48 Idol Minami Katō Demoted After 'Inappropriate' Instagram Post About Maho Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi graduated from the group in May after speaking up about alleged assault in December
― NGT48 idol Minami Katō made a formal apology on Tuesday for an "inappropriate" Instagram post she made earlier that day about former group member Maho Yamaguchi who graduated on May 18. The NGT48 website also announced that Katō's position has been demoted from captain to trainee. The Instagram post in que...
Live-Action Kūbo Ibuki Film's New Trailer Streamed
Film based on Osamu Eya, Kaiji Kawaguchi's manga opens on May 24
― The official Twitter account for the live-action film adaptation of Osamu Eya and Kaiji Kawaguchi's Kūbo Ibuki (Aircraft Carrier Ibuki) manga began streaming a promotional video on Wednesday. The film will open in Japan on May 24. Setsurō Wakamatsu is directing the film. Kazunori Itō (Patlabor, Ghost in the Shell, .hack//SIGN) and Yas...
Witness Roronoa Zoro's High School Teenage Years in Cup Noodle Ad
On May 17, Cup Noodle launched an animated ad for its "Hungry Days" campaign teasing the One Piece characters in school uniforms, leaving fans "hungry" for more. On Tuesday, Cup Noodle followed this up with a 30-second commercial focusing on Roronoa Zoro's high school days in the kendo club. Zoro's high school days are brought to life with lush animation. Other iconic One Piece characters are also...
Utawarerumono Zan Game's Video Reveals September Launch in West
Game ships in N. America on September 10; in Europe on September 13; in Australia, New Zealand on September 20
― NIS America began steaming a new promotional video for Aquaplus' Utawarerumono Zan PlayStation 4 action game on Wednesday. The trailer reveals that the game will ship in North America on September 10. The game will then ship in Europe on September 13 and in Australia and New Zealand on Sep...
YU-NO Anime Gets New Episode in December
Original anime bundles with 3rd BD set
― The official website for the television anime of Hiroyuki Kanno's Kono Yo no Hate de Koi o Utau Shōjo YU-NO (YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world.) visual novel revealed on Wednesday that the series will get a completely new anime episode when the first Blu-ray Disc box set surpasses 1,000 pre-orders. The new episode will bundle with the th...
Pokémon Rumble Rush Smartphone Game Launches for Android
Newest Pokémon Rumble game launches later for iOS
― The Pokémon Company released the Pokémon Rumble Rush (Pokémon Scramble SP) game worldwide for Android devices on Wednesday. The company began streaming three gameplay videos and confirmed that it is still preparing to release the iOS version. Ambrella returned from the previous Pokémon Rumble (Pokémon Scramble) games to develop the "exhilarating str...
Masaaki Yuasa's Ride Your Wave Anime Film Video Shows Characters Singing Theme
Film opens in Japan in June after competing at Annecy
― Toho began streaming a promotional video for director Masaaki Yuasa and Science SARU's Ride Your Wave (Kimi to, Nami ni Noretara) anime film on Wednesday. The video previews the main characters Minato (played by Ryota Katayose) and Hinako (Rina Kawaei) singing the theme song "Brand New Story." The film will open in Japan on June 21. The film wil...
'Kuzumi-kun, Can't You Read the Room?' Manga Ends in June
Mosuko launched romantic comedy manga in 2015
― The June issue of Square Enix's Gangan Joker magazine revealed on Wednesday that Mosuko's Kuzumi-kun, Can't You Read the Room? (Kuzumi-kun, Kūki Yomemasu ka?) manga will end in the magazine's next issue on June 22. Yen Press licensed the manga, and it describes the story: When super-popular Sakura Erika is suddenly interested in a her totally out-of-tou...
Carole & Tuesday Anime Casts Shouta Aoi
Anime also adds Steve Aoki, MOGUAI, Andy Platts, Cornelius as composers
― The official website for Carole & Tuesday, the new original anime by supervising director Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Kids on the Slope, Terror in Resonance) and anime studio BONES, announced on Wednesday that Shouta Aoi joins the cast as the character Pyotr (seen below), "a social media celebrity" who appears in the ani...
Happy Sugar Life Horror Manga Ends in June
Manga launched in 2015, inspired 2018 TV anime
― The June issue of Square Enix's Gangan Joker magazine revealed on Wednesday that Tomiyaki Kagisora's Happy Sugar Life manga will end in the magazine's next issue on June 22. The manga will have a color opening page in the next issue, which will also put the manga on its cover. The manga's ninth and 10th volumes will ship simultaneously on July 22. Yen ...
Crunchyroll Adds Kyo Kara Maoh! Anime Seasons 1-2
Includes subtitled, dubbed versions of episodes 1-78
― Crunchyroll announced on Tuesday that it has added the first and second "seasons" (episodes 1-78) of the Kyo Kara Maoh! anime for users in the United States and Canada, with both English subtitles and Japanese audio as well as the English dub. Discotek recently licensed the anime in February, and it describes the anime: Yuri Shibuya is an average...
Anime Expo to Host Devils and Realist Artist Utako Yukihiro
Event also hosts producer, cosplayer Hiroto Kuramasu
― The official website for the Anime Expo convention announced on Tuesday that it will host artist Utako Yukihiro, as well as producer and cosplayer Hiroto Kuramasu. Yukihiro is the artist of the Devils and Realist manga, which inspired a television anime in 2013. She is also the artist for the Uta no Prince-sama manga, and drew the original charac...
DRAGON BALL WORLD ADVENTURE: The Exciting Tour Returns This Year!
Dates, cities, and more information revealed!
― In 2018, to commemorate the release of Dragon Ball Super: BROLY, the ground-breaking “DRAGON BALL NORTH AMERICA TOUR” visited seven cities across the United States and Canada. Featuring a life-sized replica of the “World Martial Arts Tournament” (“Tenkaichi Budokai”), the booth appeared in the news as North America was engulfed in Dragon Ball fever. Bu...
Dororo ‒ Episode 19
"It's an abrupt change of pace for the series: a welcome respite, but hardly as impactful as usual."
Fairy gone ‒ Episode 7
"The difference between taking a half hour to watch an episode of Fairy Gone and simply reading its summary on Wikipedia is almost nonexistent."
Police Are Irritated by Japanese Public's 'Flippant' Reaction to Pierre Taki's Drug Crime
Fellow Denki Groove member Takkyu Ishino's reunion photo with Taki got too many likes for the police's liking
― Denki Groove member and actor Pierre Taki (real name Masanori Taki) was arrested in March for alleged illegal possession and use of cocaine. Since then, his roles in Judgment and Kingdom Hearts III, among other titles, have been recast. His image has even been removed from a manhole in Fuji...
One Piece ‒ Episodes 884-885
"The overlong recaps are still a burden on this arc, but at least we're getting to the point where the table scraps of new material are uniformly juicy."
Rapping Zombie Manga Gets Live-Action TV Special
Would being a zombie be so bad if you got amazing word-slinging abilities? Web manga creator Inka Teikoku (lit. Inca Empire) doesn't think so. Their manga Rappā ni Kama Retara Rapper ni naru Manga (If You're Bitten By a Rapper You Become a Rapper) is published on the LINE manga app and tells the story of a mysterious virus that turns the populous of Japan into rappers. "All of Japan becomes a hell...
Man Shoplifts 80 Detective Conan Manga Volumes
A 26-year-old unemployed man was arrested in Suzuka city in Mie prefecture for allegedly shoplifting 80 volumes of the Detective Conan manga from a bookstore between April 10 to 13. The total value is estimated at 37,000 yen (US$334). According to local police, customers noticed the man making suspicious movements in the store and notified the bookstore clerk. The clerk reviewed security camera fo...
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Game Adds Ribrianne as DLC
Character joins game in June
― This year's July issue of Shueisha's V Jump magazine revealed on Tuesday that Ribrianne will join Bandai Namco Entertainment's Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game as a DLC character in June. Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe also confirmed the announcement and revealed screenshots of Ribrianne. Bandai Namco Entertainment released Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 for PS4, Xbox One, and ...
Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution Game's Video Reveals August Launch in West
Game launched in Japan on April 25
― Konami Digital Entertainment announced on Tuesday that the Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution Nintendo Switch game will launch in the West on August 20. The company also began streaming a trailer for the announcement. The game launched digitally in Japan on April 25. The game shares a title with the previous Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist game. Konam...
Voice Actress Nao Tōyama Awarded for 2011 Earthquake Charity Efforts
Voice Actress Nao Tōyama (Yui Yuigahama from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, Karen Kujō from Kinmoza! Kiniro + Mosaic) was honored with the Golden Achievement Award on May 15 for her charity efforts to help areas recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The award was given by the Japanese Red Cross Society. Tōyama's birthday is March 11, the same day as the Great East Japan Earthquake. Last...
This Week in Anime - Amazing Stranger is the Guilty Pleasure of the Season
Be careful what you wish for, because this short series proves that having all your favorite waifu figurines come to life might not be a dream come true. Micchy and Steve dive headfirst into some truly amazing trash.
― Be careful what you wish for, because Amazing Stranger proves that having all your favorite waifu figurines come to life might not be a dream come true. This week, Micchy and Steve di...
Japanese Home Video, Rental, Streaming Market Rises 8% in 2018
Paid streaming services continue to rise, with slight increase in physical disc sales
― The Japan Video Software Association (JVA), The Digital Entertainment Group Japan (DEG Japan), and Institute for the Arts (IFA) released a report on Thursday about the home video market and user trends in Japan in 2018. The report stated that Japan's total paid content market — comprised of DVD and Blu-ray Disc sa...
Fan Made Brazilian Nausicaä Tribute Film Releases Teaser
Film maker Chris Tex released a 40-second trailer for a fan made Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind tribute film titled Wind Princess. The video was posted on his YouTube channel on May 2, and has since accumulated almost a million views as well as hundreds of comments praising its professional-level quality. According to Tex, the film was shot in Brazil and is an entirely non-profit endeavor. The...
God Wars: The Complete Legend Game's PC Version Launches on June 14
The official website for the God Wars: The Complete Legend (God Wars: Nippon Shinwa Taisen) game revealed on Tuesday that the game will launch for PC via Steam in Japan on June 14. The Steam version will add mouse and keyboards controls, the ability to change the order of party members on the menu screen, and a feature that automatically arranges characters on the map. The updates with the Steam v...
Promare Anime Film's Opening Action Scene Streamed
Original anime film by Trigger, XFlag opens in Japan on May 24
― Toho Animation began streaming the opening action scene for Studio Trigger and XFlag's original anime film Promare on Tuesday. The film will open in Japan on May 24. Theatergoers will receive character cards with serial codes to grant access to advance streaming of a prequel anime. The all-new 10-minute "Galo-hen" anime will be set one ...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, May 13-19
LiSA sells 2,342, followed by Kamen Rider Heisei Generations FOREVER, live-action Uirabu film, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Cheer Boys!!
― LiSA's LiVE is Smile Always ~Asia Tour 2018~ [eN + core] LiVE & Document sold 2,342 copies to rank #1 on the overall DVD chart. The live-action film of Yukimo Hoshimori's Uirabu. -Uiuishii Koi no Ohanashi- (Uirabu.: Story of Innocent Love) manga sold 1,967 more copies for a ...
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, May 13-19
LiSA sells 12,113, followed by Seishun Buta Yarō, Quintessential Quintuplets, Sukima Switch, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind
― LiSA's LiVE is Smile Always ~Asia Tour 2018~ [eN + core] LiVE & Document sold 12,113 copies to rank #1 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. Sukima Switch's 15th Anniversary Special at Yokohama Arena ~Reversible~ the Movie debuted at #5 with 4,619 copies. The Blu-ray Box f...
Game of Thrones' George R. R. Martin Has Consulted on Japanese Game
Author George R.R. Martin revealed in a blog post on Monday that he has consulted on a Japanese video game. Martin is best known for his A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy novels, which inspired HBO's Game of Thrones television series. The series aired its final episode on Sunday. Martin published A Dance with Dragons, the fifth novel of A Song of Ice and Fire, in 2011, with two more novels planned. S...
Yuka Iguchi Returns for 'Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?' Anime Season 2's Opening Song
Iguchi sings "HELLO to DREAM" opening for July anime
― The official website for the second season of the Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? anime revealed on Tuesday that Yuka Iguchi is returning to perform the second season's opening theme song "HELLO to DREAM." Yuka Iguchi performed the theme song for the first season of the anime, the Sword Oratoria spinoff, and the Is It Wrong to T...
Judgment Game Gets New Version in Japan on July 18
Includes new model, voice for Kyohei Hamura character after Pierre Taki's drug arrest
― Sega announced on Tuesday that it will begin offering a "New Price Version" of its Judgment (Judge Eyes: Shinigami no Yuigon) PlayStation 4 game in Japan on July 18. The release will have the new model and voice for the character Kyohei Hamura, with the same model used in the game's Western release. Sega changed t...
Police Arrest Man for Threatening NGT48 Idol Yuka Ogino
24-year-old male allegedly faxed news organization with threatening letter
― Police arrested a 24-year-old male on Monday for allegedly issuing a death threat to NGT48 idol group member Yuka Ogino. The police arrested the suspect, Kazuki Dōmoto, after he allegedly sent a letter by fax to a news organization on May 9 that indicated that he was planning to kill Ogino. The police stated that Dōmoto admi...
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories Anime Gets 7th Season This Summer
Kenji Tsuda returns as storyteller, vTuber Taku Nanase joins cast
― TV Tokyo announced on Tueday that the Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories television anime series is getting a seventh season that will premiere this July. Kenichi Sugimoto of DRAWIZ is returning to direct the new anime at ILCA. Scriptwriters Ayako Yamaguchi, Hiromu Kumamoto, Kuniyoshi Saki, and Mitsuhi Sasagi are also returning. The ...
Aggretsuko Anime Season 2's Video Reveals June 14 Premiere
Netflix anime's 1st season premiered in April 2018
― Netflix announced on Monday that it will debut the second season of the Aggretsuko anime on June 14. Netflix Japan is streaming a promotional video for the anime. Retsuko is a 25-year old red panda who works in her dream company's accounting department. But it turns out that she is forced to keep doing more and more impossible tasks by her superior...
Detective Pikachu Drops to #2, Kingdom Jumps to #3 in Japan
Detective Conan drops to #4 in weekend box office
― Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros.' live-action Pokémon: Detective Pikachu film dropped from #1 to #2 in the Japanese box office rankings in its third weekend. The film sold 180,000 tickets for 275,989,800 yen (about US$2.50 million) over the weekend, and has cumulatively earned 1,965,934,600 yen (about US$17.26 million). Detective Pikachu ope...
Director Makoto Shinkai Creates Opening for News Program
The morning news program "NEWS23" will get a new opening courtesy of your name. director Makoto Shinkai. Shinkai edited landscape footage from his previous works to create the opening sequence. The compilation is based around the theme "A Worker's Day." The opening is set to the band Sakanaction's track "Wonderland" from their upcoming album 834.194. Shinkai's your name. film opened in Japan in Au...
Voice Actress Nao Toyama's Website Announces that Staff Will Start Blocking Social Media Harassers
Popular voice actress Nao Toyama (Yui Yuigahama from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, Karen Kujō from Kinmoza! Kiniro + Mosaic) has been a victim of online harassment for some time. Tōyama's official website announced on Friday that enough was enough - the staff will start blocking social media users if they leave too many replies at once, or act in a way that is deemed stalker-like, indecent, or th...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 107
"As things stand, this is shaping up to be Boruto's best Boruto-less arc yet."
Attack on Titan ‒ Episode 53
"It's been a bumpy ride so far, but this episode finally manages to capture the near-perfect balance of grim spectacle and bloody horror that made the franchise famous in the first place."
Live-Action Kaguya-sama: Love is War Film Reveals 6 More Cast Members
Natsumi Ikema, Nana Asakawa, Yūtarō, Mayu Hotta, Masahiro Takashima, Jiro Sato join cast
― The official website for the live-action film adaptation of Aka Akasaka's Kaguya-sama: Love is War (Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunōsen) manga revealed additional cast on Tuesday. The newly revealed cast members are: (top row, left to right) Natsumi Ikema as Nagisa Kashiwagi Nana Asakawa a...
Sailor Moon Powers Up in Universal Studios Japan Ad
The "Sailor Moon: The Miracle 4D" show at Universal Studios Japan is getting a new "chapter" this time with Sailor Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Chibi Moon. Sailor Moon will power up to Super Sailor Moon during the show and it will include a brand new story. A new ad shows some of the action from the attraction and the design of the monster, a female youma merged with a disco ball. The 4D fi...
We Never Learn: BOKUBEN ‒ Episode 7
"This episode got me to finally come around on Fumino as a character, depicting her and Nariyuki's deep trust that transcends the boyfriend-girlfriend barrier."
Fairy Tail: Final Season ‒ Episode 309
"The fight between Gray and Natsu may get top billing this week, but it's really the least important part of the episode."
The Straw Hat Crew Try High School in New 'Hungry Days' Cup Noodle Ad
In 2017, Cup Noodle launched its "Hungry Days" ad campaign, a series of commercials that starred famous anime characters at the precipice of their youth to invoke a specific, nostalgic feeling. Manga artist Eisaku Kubonouchi (Chocolat, Carole & Tuesday) redesigned Studio Ghibli's Kiki, the titular Heidi, Girl of the Alps, and Sazae-san. The previous ads starred classic heroines but the instant ram...
Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life ‒ Episode 7
"Two ladies get their tragic backstories this week, making for an episode that aims to deliver twice the emotional impact as usual."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind ‒ Episode 30
"The Green Day/Oasis fight rages on, and I'm left unsure as to how I feel about most of what has been happening in JoJo's lately."
Shelf Life - May 20th, 2019
Our column covering all the newest anime releases of the week has expanded to include manga and video games. Check out the new and improved Shelf Life!
― Welcome to a slightly different version of Shelf Life! Running a review every week has become less feasible from a cost and organizational standpoint in recent months, so we're trying a new format for the column. In place of those weekly anime revi...
LEVEL5 comcept's Dragon & Colonies Smartphone Game Trailer Reveals Summer Launch
Keiji Inafune's game has players build, battle with cube-shaped kingdoms
― LEVEL-5 Inc. launched a website for LEVEL5 comcept's Dragon & Colonies smartphone game and began streaming a promotional video on Monday. The game is slated to launch for iOS and Android devices in Japan in early summer. The game is LEVEL5 comcept's first title, which Keiji Inafune is producing. In the game, players create the...
Hollywood Reporter: Sony Launches PlayStation Productions to Produce Films, TV Shows
New studio partners with Sony Studios to develop works based on 25 years of games
― The entertainment news website The Hollywood Reporter reported on Monday that Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has launched the production studio PlayStation Productions. The studio will develop films and television shows based on Sony's game catalog of more than 100 titles. Asad Qizilbash is head of the new studi...
Sega Reveals Fist of the North Star: Legends Revive Smartphone Game
Manga artist Tetsuo Hara supervises project
― Sega revealed on Monday that it is developing the Hokuto no Ken LEGENDS ReVIVE smartphone game for the Fist of the North Star franchise. Sega plans to officially launch the role-playing game this year. The game is commemorating that last year was the 35th anniversary of the original manga. Original artist Tetsuo Hara is supervising the project. Hara state...
Voice Actress Saki Ogasawara Takes Hiatus to Undergo Medical Treatment
My Hero Academia actress was diagnosed with stage 1 tongue cancer in early April
― Voice actress Saki Ogasawara announced on Twitter on Monday that she was diagnosed with stage 1 tongue cancer in early April. She stated that she will go on hiatus from her voice acting activities while she has surgery and undergoes treatment. Ogasawara added that because the cancer was luckily detected at an early sta...
Cardfight!! Vanguard EX Game's Video Previews Argonavis Theme Song
Game ships for PS4, Switch on September 19
― Furyu Corporation began streaming a promotional video for the Cardfight!! Vanguard EX PlayStation 4 and Switch game on Monday. The video reveals and previews the game's theme song "STARTING OVER" by BanG Dream! band Argonavis. The video also reveals the game's release date of September 19. The game will feature an original story with the new Vanguard chara...
Nippon Ichi Software Sells Stocks at Lower Price to Raise Funds
NIS to use funds to pay employees
― Nippon Ichi Software announced on Friday that it will issue stock warrants through a third party allotment, issuing 3,750 warrants for an issue price of 837 yen each (for 3,138,750 yen in total) in order to aim to raise funds equivalent to 573,638,750 yen (about US$5.20 million). This type of MS ("moving strike") warrant is often used by companies to raise funds du...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, May 6-12
Natsuzora's latest episode earn 21.7% rating
― The latest episode of the Natsuzora live-action series about the early Japanese animation industry aired on NHK on Thursday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m. and earned a 21.7% rating. The latest episode of the live-action series adaptation of Tomohiro Yokomaku and Taishi Mori's Radiation House medical drama manga aired on Fuji TV on Monday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. and ear...
23rd Detective Conan Film Earns 8.3 Billion Yen
Film has sold 6.51 million tickets since April 12 debut
― The official website for Meitantei Conan: Konjō no Fist (Detective Conan: Fist of Blue Sapphire), the 23rd Detective Conan anime film, revealed on Monday that the film has sold 6.51 million tickets and earned a total of 8.3 billion yen (about US$75.35 million). To celebrate the milestone, the film will have "cheering" screenings in 20 theaters...
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Ranks #3 in the U.S. in 2nd Weekend
Film earned US$24.8 million in 2nd weekend, for US$287.4 million worldwide total
― Rob Letterman's live-action Pokemon: Detective Pikachu film earned US$24.8 million to rank #3 in its second weekend in the United States box office. The film has earned an estimated cumulative total of US$94,001,846 in the United States. The film earned an estimated US$53.8 million internationally over the same weekend...
Atsuko Nanba's Come on a My House Manga Goes on Hiatus
Nanba goes on maternity leave
― The June issue of Kodansha's Bessatsu Friend magazine revealed on May 13 that Atsuko Nanba's Come on a My House (Kamona My House) manga will go on hiatus due to Nanba going on maternity leave. The magazine and its official website will announce the manga's return date when it is decided. The manga centers on Hinata, a high school student who often goes to an empty hous...
Viz, Shueisha Add Double Taisei Shogi Manga in English
Kentaro Fukuda launched manga in Weekly Shonen Jump on Monday
― Viz Media's Shonen Jump website and Shueisha's Manga Plus site both added Kentaro Fukuda's new Double Taisei (Futari no Taisei) manga in English on Monday. The manga launched in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine on the same day. Shueisha describes the manga: Genius shogi player Taisei Amado has a secret...Kentaro Fukuda, the creator...
Naruto: Song of the Akatsuki Musical Reveals More Cast in Costume
Musical runs in Osaka, Tokyo from October through December
― This year's 25th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed images of five more characters in costume on Monday for the new run of the Live Spectacle Naruto: Akatsuki no Shirabe (Live Spectacle Naruto: The Akatsuki Investigation) stage musical. Yui Itō as Sakura Yūki Kimisawa as Kakashi Rei Fujita as Yamato Fūma Sadamoto as Sa...
Dr. Stone Anime Reveals Designs for 4 More Characters
― This year's 25th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed four more character designs on Monday for the television anime adaptation of Riichirou Inagaki and Boichi's Dr. Stone manga. The magazine previously revealed the cast for the characters in March. Gen Sato as Chrome Manami Numakura as Kohaku Tomoaki Maeno as Kinro Ayumu Murase as Ginro Shinya Iino (storyboards, episode direct...
Black Clover Anime Reveals Visual for New Arc Featuring Humans vs Elves
― This year's 25th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed a fourth main visual on Monday for the Black Clover anime. The visual is for the upcoming new arc in the anime, which will feature a great battle of humans vs. elves. The anime premiered in Japan in October 2017. The show was originally listed with 51 episodes, but it continued into a new season with episode 52 last October....
Latest Studio Ghibli Exhibit Shines Light on Toshio Suzuki's Impact as Producer
'Hayao Miyazaki drew pictures, while Toshio Suzuki wrote words.'
― The Edo Culture Complex's (Edocco) exhibit highlighting the work of Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki ran from April 20 to May 12. This exhibit is the same as the previous "Studio Ghibli Toshio Suzuki Magical Exhibition of Words" that was held in Hiroshima in 2017 and in Ishikawa and Aichi last year. It is well worth going to if yo...
Attack on Titan Gears Up For Series Conclusion With DiverCity Tokyo Invasion
Attack on Titan started a collaboration with DiverCity Tokyo on April 19. The series has had many different collaborations with various IPs and public places over the years, but it appears as if things are finally wrapping up to a conclusion because this event opened to commemorate the opening of the "Attack on Titan Exhibit Final." From April 19 to June 30, DiverCity will be decked out with over ...
Rakuma Poll: Over 80% of High School Girls Identify as an 'Otaku' of Something
The majority have a positive impression of 'otaku,' but only 13.9% identify as an anime or voice actor otaku.
― Rakuten's flea market app Rakuma conducted a poll with 1,230 of its female users aged between 15 to 18. The survey was conducted over the internet on April 17 and 18. The results found that over 83.5% of respondents self-identified as an "otaku." Moreover, the vast majority have a positive ...
Sarazanmai ‒ Episode 5
"If finally losing everything is what it takes to force Kazuki to start making real connections with others, maybe this fate isn't as cruel as it seems on the surface."
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Directors Discuss Film's Japanese Anime Influences
Team cites Hayao Miyazaki films, Sailor Moon, Akira.
― In anticipation of the 2018 CG animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse's Japanese home video release on August 7, the film's directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman held an interview in Japan about the film's anime inspirations. Perischetti explained that Hayao Miyazaki's films were a big inspiration, and that they col...
Crest of the Stars Complete Series DVD
Light on action but heavy on drama, this sci fi classic is a must-see for diehard fans of the genre. Nick Creamer has the details.
― First airing back in 1999, and based on a trilogy of acclaimed novels from three years earlier, Crest of the Stars belongs to a different era of anime space operas, and stands apart even from many of its contemporaries. There are no epic robot battles or clashes between...
I'm From Japan Manga Has 'Important Announcement' on May 27
― This year's 25th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that Seiji Hayashi's I'm From Japan (Jimoto ga Japan) manga will have an "important announcement" in the magazine's next issue on May 27. The manga's television anime adaptation premiered within the Oha-Suta program on April 8. New episodes air on Mondays within the program's new "Kyara Suta" segment. Viz Media pub...
'How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?' Anime Unveils More Cast, Song Info, July 3 Debut
Kaito Ishikawa cast as trainer in "body-building comedy"
― The official website for the television anime of Yabako Sandrovich and MAAM's How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? (Dumbbell Nan-Kilo Moteru? or How much heavy dumbbells can you lift?) manga announced on Monday another cast member, information about the theme songs, and the July 3 premiere. The website also posted a new key visual: Kaito Ish...
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Anime Casts Maaya Sakamoto, Daiki Yamashita (Updated)
Sakamoto to voice Tamayo, Yamashita to voice Yushirō
― This year's 25th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed two more cast members on Monday for the television anime of Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga. Maaya Sakamoto as Tamayo, a woman who conceals herself from the world and has many mysteries Daiki Yamashita as Yushirō, a young man who accompanies Tamayo T...
Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions, Toei Animation Reveal Title, More Staff, Visual for Upcoming Collaboration Film (Updated With Video)
Tetsuro Iwamoto designs characters, Kaoru Wada composes music for The Journey film.
― Toei Animation and Saudi Arabian media company Manga Productions revealed at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday the title, visual, and more staff for one of its upcoming collaboration projects. The film collaboration is titled The Journey. Manga Productions also began streaming a trailer for the film later on Sunday...
'Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?' Anime's 2nd Character Video Previews Wise
Sayumi Suzushiro voices character in series premiering in July
― The official website for the television anime of writer Dachima Inaka and illustrator Pochi Iida's Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? (Tsūjō Kōgeki ga Zentai Kōgeki de Ni-kai Kōgeki no Okā-san wa Suki desuka?) light novel series began streaming a character video on Sunday for Wise. The site previously streamed a ...
Pie International to Release Artbooks for Illustrators Katsuya Terada, Baron Yoshimoto
Katsuya Terada to also attend San Diego Comic Con
― Pie International announced on May 14 that it will release two artbooks in October from illustrators Katsuya Terada and Baron Yoshimoto. The artbooks will be available in both the United States and Europe, and will retail for US$49.95 each. The Art of Baron Yoshimoto will be a bilingual (Japanese and English) hardbound artbook featuring 184 pages. T...
HIDIVE Confirms English Dub for Domestic Girlfriend Anime
Anime premiered in January
― Streaming service HIDIVE confirmed at its Anime Central panel on Saturday that it will produce an English dub for the Domestic Girlfriend television anime. The anime premiered in Japan on January 11. Sentai Filmworks licensed the anime for streaming and home video release, and HIDIVE streamed the anime as it aired in Japan. Crunchyroll also began streaming the anime after...
Spira Spica Perform Opening Theme for 'Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?' Anime
Series starring Ai Kayano, Haruki Ishiya premieres in July
― The official website for the television anime of writer Dachima Inaka and illustrator Pochi Iida's Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? (Tsūjō Kōgeki ga Zentai Kōgeki de Ni-kai Kōgeki no Okā-san wa Suki desuka?) light novel series revealed on Saturday that Spira Spica will perform the show's opening theme song. The thr...
Viz Media Reveals More English Dub Cast Members for Sailor Moon Sailor Stars Anime
Corina Boettger, Faye Mata, more added to cast; 1st home video release ships on June 18
― Viz Media revealed more English dub cast members on Saturday at its Sailor Moon panel at Anime Central for its home video release of the Sailor Moon Sailor Stars anime. Corina Boettger as Sailor Tin Nyanko Faye Mata as Sailor Aluminum Siren Katie Leigh as Sailor Iron Mouse Andi Rich as Sailor Lead Crow Viz Media...
Sentai Filmworks to Dub Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories, Golden Time Anime
Both dubs to premiere this year
― Sentai Filmworks announced at its panel at the Anime Central event on Saturday that is producing English dubs for the Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories anime and Golden Time anime, with both slated for release this year. The Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories anime's first season premiered in 2013, and the sixth and most recent season premiered last July. Crunchyrol...
Sarazanmai ‒ Episode 4
"It's circles within circles as Kazuki comes face to face with Haruka's dark alternate future in Toi, for an episode that combines the straightforwardness of Enta's story with the melodrama of Kazuki's."
Sentai Filmworks to Screen 'Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion' Film in U.S. on July 23
Film opened in Japan on February 15
― Sentai Filmworks announced at its panel at the Anime Central event on Saturday that its screening of the Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion film will be held on July 23. The Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion anime film opened in Japan on February 15. Sentai Filmworks describes the film: Far fr...
Sentai Filmworks Licenses Uta no Prince Sama Film for Anime Expo Premiere
Takuma Terashima, Mamoru Miyano to attend Anime Expo for premiere
― Sentai Filmworks announced at its panel at the Anime Central event on Saturday that it has licensed the Uta no Prince Sama Maji Love Kingdom anime film, and that the film will have a premiere screening on July 5 at this year's Anime Expo event. Voice actors Takuma Terashima (Otoya Ittoki) and Mamoru Miyano (Tokiya Ichinose) will be i...
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ‒ Episode 7
"This is a great setup for the next stage of the story's conflict, and when you couple it with Muzan's slick and devious character design, you've got a recipe for an excellent villain."
Bungo Stray Dogs ‒ Episode 31
"Little as I enjoy Atsushi's Sad Orphan Flashbacks, I think that the second half of this episode would have benefited from a deeper exploration of them."
Eleven Arts to Screen Satoshi Kon's Millennium Actress Anime Film in U.S. in August with New English Dub
Film to also have English-subtitled screening
― Eleven Arts announced at its panel at Anime Central on Saturday that it will screen Satoshi Kon's Millennium Actress anime film in theaters in the United States. Eleven Arts will screen a digital remaster of the film in partnership with Fathom Events on August 13 (English subtitles) and on August 19. The screening on August 19 will feature an all-new En...
Eleven Arts Reveals Home Video Release for Penguin Highway Anime Film on August 6
Film based on Tomihiko Morimi's novel screened in U.S., Canada in April
― Eleven Arts announced at its panel at Anime Central on Saturday that it will release Hiroyasu Ishida and Studio Colorido's Penguin Highway anime film on home video. Eleven Arts will release Penguin Highway in a Blu-ray Disc and DVD combo pack, on DVD, and via digital download on August 6. Bonus features will include interviews ...
Eleven Arts Confirms U.S. Screenings of Sound! Euphonium The Movie - Our Promise: A Brand New Day Anime Film in July
Film to have both subtitled, dubbed theatrical screenings
― Eleven Arts confirmed at its panel at Anime Central on Saturday that it will screen the Sound! Euphonium The Movie - Our Promise: A Brand New Day (Gekijōban Hibike! Euphonium: Chikai no Finale) anime film in the United States. Eleven Arts will screen Sound! Euphonium The Movie - Our Promise: A Brand New Day in partnership with Fathom Events ...
The Helpful Fox Senko-san ‒ Episode 6
"The show's not bad by any stretch, but it's disappointing to look at Senko-san and imagine a version that manages to be both fluffier in its aesthetic and meatier in its writing."
Nozomi Ent. to Release Gravitation TV Series, OVA on BD on September 3
Company issues statement regarding show's upscaling process
― Nozomi Entertainment announced at its and Right Stuf's panel at Anime Central on Saturday that it will release the Gravitation Complete Blu-ray Collection on September 3. The company provided ANN with a statement regarding the show's release. We're really excited to be bringing this upscale to the fans because there is no HD source for thi...
Ghostly Sadako Appears on the Pitcher's Mound...Again
The Ring's Sadako is once again haunting the baseball fields of Japan. The ghostly figure appeared on the pitcher's mound at Sapporo Dome on May 12. She wasn't actually there to scare the crowd; Sadako pitched the first ball for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters vs Saitama Seibu Lions game. The cursed pitch was captured on video but watch at your own risk. This marks Sadako's second foray as a base...
Detective Conan Manga Artist, Voice Actors Visit Official Collab Cafe
The currently running Detective Conan café in Shibuya got some high-profile visitors on Tuesday when the manga creator Gosho Aoyama and the voice cast, including Kappei Yamaguchi (who plays Shinichi Kudo and Kaito Kid), Toru Furuya (Rei Furuya), and Nobuyuki Hiyama (Makoto Kyōgoku), swung by to enjoy the cuisine. They left their signatures on a poster, which the café's official Twitter account pos...
Rilakkuma and Kaoru Animator Makes Stop-Motion Animations with Anime Figurines
Watch Ryu from Street Fighter beat up a tin can, and Megumi from KONOSUBA cast her explosion.
― Stop-motion animator Kenta Shinohara, who recently worked on the animated series Rilakkuma and Kaoru, has been posting some of his own stop-motion animations on Twitter lately. A number of them revolve around figurines of anime and video game characters performing amusing actions. On March 25, Shinohara po...
Anime Tourism Researcher Takeshi Okamoto Warns Against Over-Commercializing the Phenomenon
In recent years, anime-related tourism has been on the rise, as dedicated fans flock to the real-life locations that inspired the backgrounds in their favorite anime. Many local governments have recognized the potential positive economic effects this could have on their area and have been supporting anime-related tourism, but researcher Takeshi Okamoto warns against over-commercializing the phenom...
The List - Put These 8 Moments in the FFVII Remake, You Cowards
Cloud and his pals are coming back for another round - but will Final Fantasy VII ever be the same if they don't include these scenes?
― Let me revel in my age here for a minute and bestow you all with a bit of context re: Final Fantasy VII. This PlayStation classic and myself go way back. I specifically recall wanting to rent from Hollywood Video and my dad telling me "no" because it was three disc...
Fullmetal Alchemist Helmer Seiji Mizushima, Loveless Creator Yun Kouga Reunite for Tenkasoul Project
Gundam 00 creators' "sengoku rock action" project casts Hiroshi Kamiya, Mamoru Miyano, Shouta Aoi
― The "Sacra Music Fes. 2019 -New Generation-" event announced on Saturday that Fullmetal Alchemist anime director Seiji Mizushima is serving as chief director on a new "sengoku rock action" project called Tenkasoul. Yun Kouga, the creator of the Loveless manga and Mizushima's character design collaborat...
Granbelm Anime Reveals Eir Aoi Song in New Promo, More Cast
Manaka Iwami cast in July modern magical fantasy anime
― The official website for the Granbelm original anime series began streaming an opening promotional video on Saturday, and it also announced the opening theme song artist and an additional cast member. Eir Aoi is singing the opening theme song "Tsuki o Ou Mayonaka" (Following the Moon in the Middle of the Night) that the video previews: Manaka I...
Fairy gone TV Anime's 2nd Half to Premiere in October
Cast to host advance screening of episodes #13-#15 in Tokyo on September 29
― The official Twitter account and website for P.A. Works' original television anime Fairy gone announced on Saturday that the anime will premiere the second of the anime's two cours (quarters of the year) in October. The cast will appear at a premium screening event for the first three episodes (#13-#15) of the anime's secon...
Gorgeous Carat's You Higuri Ends Frankenstein no Matsuei Manga
Manga about daughter of Dr. Frankenstein launched in August 2016
― The June issue of Akita Shoten's Princess Gold magazine published the final chapter on Thursday of You Higuri's Frankenstein no Matsui (A Descendant of Frankenstein) manga. Higuri launched the manga in Princess Gold in August 2016. Akita Shoten published the manga's second compiled volume on August 17. The manga centers on Rena, the d...
Kochikame's Osamu Akimoto Ends Ii Yu da ne! Manga on June 19
Manga about bathhouse launched in March 2017
― The June issue of Shueisha's Ultra Jump magazine revealed on Friday that Osamu Akimoto will end his Ii Yu da ne! (What a Nice Bath!) manga in the magazine's July issue on June 19. Akimoto launched the manga in Ultra Jump in March 2017 as one of four new manga he launched after ending Kochikame. The manga's first volume shipped in April 2018. The manga is...
Anime Expo to Host Tiger & Bunny, Dororo Composer Yoshihiro Ike
Also: MangaGamer to host illustrator, character designer Q-Gaku at July event
― The official website for the Anime Expo convention announced on Friday that it will host composer and musician Yoshihiro Ike. Ike will host a concert with a 50-piece orchestra on July 7 that will play music from B: The Beginning, Rage of Bahamut: Genesis, Tiger & Bunny, Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary, Dororo, and Shadow...
Aniplex USA to Release Sword Art Online II BD Box Set in September
― Aniplex of America announced at its panel at Anime Central on Friday that it will release a complete Blu-ray Disc box set for the Sword Art Online II television anime series. The set will feature Japanese and English audio tracks and English and Spanish subtitles. Bonus content includes audio commentary, textless openings and endings, the "Sword Art Offline 2" anime short, web previews, a mini pin...
Rock Band 'Survive Said The Prophet' to Perform Opening Theme for Vinland Saga Anime
24-episode series premieres on July 7
― The official Twitter account for the television anime of Makoto Yukimura's Vinland Saga manga revealed on Friday that five-member rock band Survive Said The Prophet will perform the show's opening theme song "MUKANJYO." The band previously performed an opening and ending theme song for Banana Fish. The staff provided a comment in English from the band's vocalis...
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