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The Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Takahiro Fujiwara's Passing Part II
Colleagues honor one of their own.
― May 21 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Takahiro Fujiwara's death. His works are beloved around the world, and professionals and fans alike have taken to social media to express their tributes to the late Fujiwara. Misa Ishii 信じたくないAPEXで一緒に収録したことはなかったけれど新人時代からいろんな作品でご一緒してましたレヴナント…もっと絡みたかった。軽口悪口言い合いたかった。寂しい htt...
The Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Takahiro Fujiwara's Passing Part I
Fellow actors around the anime industry pay their respects
― The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with Thursday's announcement of Takahiro Fujiwara's death at 43. He is best known for his roles as Kurogiri in the My Hero Academia franchise, Zenzō Inukai in the Laughing Under the Clouds television anime and film series, Jerome Guizbatt in Bleach:Thousand-Year Blood War, Bol Gil Bol in Bastard!!...
One-Punch Man Artist Yūsuke Murata Comments on Contentious Post on Pakistani Britons
Artist reacts to post with unverified images, video clip of UK far-right activist
― Warning: This article contains offensive language. On Sunday, One-Punch Man manga artist Yūsuke Murata responded to an English-language X (formerly Twitter) post that included unverified images of faces and a video clip of British far-right activist Tommy Robinson claiming, “Pakistanis make up 3% […] of the UK populat...
Game Developer M2 Cancels Ubusuna Shooting Game
Game first announced in 2014, canceled following lead developer Hiroshi Iuchi's resignation
― Game developer M2 and the company's Representative Director Naoki Horii announced on Sunday that the development of M2's Ubusuna shooting game has been canceled, following the resignation of game creator Hiroshi Iuchi (Ikaruga, Radiant Silvergun), the lead of the team developing the game. M2 stated that Iuch...
Voice Actor Takahiro Fujiwara Dies at 43
My Hero Academia's Kurogiri, Kingdom's Kan Jou voice actor died on May 14
― Talent agency Ken Production announced on Thursday that voice actor Takahiro Fujiwara died on May 14. He was 43. In accordance with his family's wishes, a private funeral service attended only by close family members was held. Fujiwara was born on July 15 in Hokkaido. His agency profile page describes him as "an old man who c...
Singer aiko Hugs Concert Goer, Who Collapsed Mid-Performance, for a Surprising Reason
Singer thanks fan who helped elderly concert goer
― Japanese singer-songwriter aiko responded to a fan on social media on Monday about an incident that occurred during her concert at Hakodate City, Hokkaido last Saturday. The fan said that an elderly gentleman collapsed in front of the fan during the concert, so the fan helped the gentleman up, and the staff checked on him many times during the conce...
Voice Actor Tom Kane Dies
Kane voiced Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls, Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
― Talent agency Galactic Productions revealed on Monday that voice actor Tom Kane died due to stroke complications at a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 64. Kane had suffered a stroke in November 2020, which damaged his ability to speak or write. He retired from voice acting after his stroke. Kane voiced ...
Creating a Fanclub: Director Sou Toyama on Kirio Fan Club
What makes Kirio Fan Club a more realistic look at high school crushes? Director of the upcoming anime, Sou Toyama, gets into it.
― Kirio Fan Club is not your typical tale of high school love. Aimi and Nami eschew many of the romanticized aspects we've come to expect from anime high school girls: they're weird and loud and more than a little goofy while still taking themselves and their crush on clas...
Actor, Voice Actor Bill Wise Dies at 61
Wise played roles in Initial D Legend, Getter Robo: Armageddon, Guyver, Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie OVA
― Anime dub voice actor Bill Wise has died. He was 61. The Austin Chronicle reported on his death on May 5, stating then that he had died "last week." Wise's friend Jeff Smith announced his death on May 3, also similarly stating then he died last week. His agency Collier Talent Agency also report...
Anime/Manga World Offers Condolences for Voice Actor Wakana Yamazaki's Death, Part III
Anime, manga, & game creators honor her contributions
― May 15 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Wakana Yamazaki's death. Her works are beloved around the world, and professionals and fans alike have taken to social media to express their tributes: Another Eden 『アナザーエデン』シリーズにて「アシュティア」を演じていただいた声優・山崎和佳奈さんがご逝去されました。アシュティアに命を吹き込んでくださった多大なる貢献に深く感謝し、謹んで...
Anime/Manga World Offers Condolences for Voice Actor Wakana Yamazaki, Part II
Fellow cast members pay respects to one of their own
― The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with the May 15 announcement of Wakana Yamazaki's death. She is best known for his roles as Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan franchise, Meiko Akizuki in Marmalade Boy, Ruri-Hume in Mononoke, Koan in Sailor Moon R, and Nene in Samurai Warriors, among others. Her work as a voice actor has touched the lives...
Anime Expo to Screen 'Macross: Do You Remember Love?' Film; to Host Voice Actors Masakazu Morita, Machico
Other guests recently announced include: Daisuke Hirose, MEME50, Hiroyuki Watanabe, more
― Anime Expo announced on Thursday it will host "the first official North American screening" of the The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? anime film at this year's event. The screening will take place on July 5 at 12:00 p.m. PDT. 🌌 Experience anime history on the big screen at #AX2026! 🎬✨ B...
Detective Conan Cast/Staff Offer Condolences After Ran Mōri Voice Actress Wakana Yamazaki's Death
Renowned voice actress died on April 18 at 61
― On May 15, the anime world was shocked with the announcement of voice actress Wakana Yamazaki's death. Known as the voice of one of the main characters Ran Mōri from the long-running anime series Detective Conan, the voice actress appeared in many anime series integral to the medium. The staff and cast of Detective Conan paid their respects to the late...
Voice Actor Aoi Nagatsuki's Agency Addresses Photos Taken, Posted Without Her Permission
Amuleto agency: "We have confirmed the images were taken and released without permission"
― Japanese talent agency Amuleto released a statement on Wednesday regarding photos of voice actor Aoi Nagatsuki that were released online without her permission. Amuleto confirmed that the photos were of Nagatsuki and her friends. The agency further stated that the photos are a “violation of [Nagatsuki's] priva...
Detective Conan's Ran Mōri Voice Actress Wakana Yamazaki Dies at 61
Yamazaki took hiatus from role earlier this year to undergo medical treatment; Akemi Okamura takes over role
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Friday that voice actress Wakana Yamazaki died on April 18. She was 61. Her relatives held a private funeral.Yamazaki is best known for her long-running role as heroine Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan anime, which she has voiced since the anime prem...
Lupin III Composer, Jazz Pianist Yuji Ohno Dies at 84
Ohno composed Lupin III anime's music, iconic theme song since Lupin III: Part II in 1977
― Musician and composer Yuji Ohno's official website announced on Wednesday that Ohno died of natural causes on May 4. He was 84. Ohno's production company Office Augusta noted that he died after going to sleep, without any change in his prior condition before going to sleep. Ohno is best known for his work as a...
Let Me Fix You Short Anime Rescheduled to Mid-June Without Buta Productions, FAR
Anime was originally slated to be released in May
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the short anime of Sakura Kurihara's Let Me Fix You (Kimi o Tsumugu) yuri manga stated on Friday that the anime is now planned to be released in mid-June. The account stated the staff "will still publish whatever is already started and paid, but without Buta Productions or FAR involved anymore." The rema...
Akira's Katsuhiro Ōtomo Establishes New Feature Animation Studio Oval Gear
1st work is in production; studio is hiring animators, production staff
― Katsuhiro Otomo announced on Monday he has founded a new feature animation studio called OVAL GEAR based in Tokyo. The studio's first title is currently in production, and the studio is hiring animators and production staff. The studio stated about its founding: The studio was founded for two purposes: to pass on to the new gen...
Otaku Anti-War Protest Organizer Reacts to Singer Masayoshi Oishi's Comments on Protest
Hiroyuki Takahashi responds to Oishi's on-air comments about March 28 protest
― Hiroyuki Takahashi, a former teacher and organizer of the March 28 “otaku anti-war protest," reacted on Friday to Japanese singer Masayoshi Oishi's comments on the protest. Takahashi said, “What stood out to me the most, was his comment that most otaku probably don't participate in such events, so as to not cause trouble...
Ring Author Koji Suzuki Dies at 68
Novelist also known for Dark Water, Spiral, Loop, Birthday, S, Tide, more
― World-renowned horror novelist Kōji Suzuki died in a hospital in Tokyo on Friday. He was 68.Suzuki was born in Hamamatsu City in 1957. The prolific writer made his professional debut with the novel Rakuen (Paradise), which shared honors in the 2nd Japan Fantasy Novel Awards in 1990. Suzuki is best-known for his next novel Rin...
Martian Successor Nadesico, Bodacious Space Pirates Director Tatsuo Satō Dies
Satō died of liver failure last month at 61 years old
― Anime studio NAGOMI revealed on Thursday that director and writer Tatsuo Satō died of liver failure on April 24. He was 61. NAGOMI added that Satō had been undergoing medical treatment for some time before his death. His family held a private funeral, and NAGOMI plans to hold a memorial ceremony at a later date. Satō was born in Kanagawa prefect...
Sailor Moon's English Voice Actor Terri Hawkes Runs for Toronto City Council
Hawkes announced her candidacy on Saturday
― Terri Hawkes, one of the lead voice actors for Sailor Moon's first English dub, announced on Saturday that she is running for the Toronto City Council. Hawkes wrote, “This morning at City Hall I registered to run in this fall's election for the job of Toronto City Councillor, representing University-Rosedale (Ward 11).” View this post on Instagram A post s...
Grooming Allegations Retracted Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR
X/Twitter user Maryco previously made allegations against FAR, which led to Let Me Fix You anime's delay
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_), who had previously posted a now-deleted message on Saturday to accuse the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR) of allegedly grooming her, made a new post o...
Cartoon Network Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87
Media entrepreneur founded CNN, Turner Network, more
― Media entrepreneur Ted Turner died on Wednesday at 87 after a prolonged battle with Lewy body dementia. Turner's official website announced the news on behalf of his family.There is a private family service planned and a public memorial to come at a later date.Turner was best known as the founder of CNN and the Turner Network, which includes Cart...
Let Me Fix You Anime Delayed After Grooming Allegations Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR (Updated)
Short anime's account posted that staff did not know of Federico Antonio Russo's alleged behavior
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_) posted on Saturday to accuse Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR), the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions, of allegedly grooming her. The now 19-year-old user Maryco claimed that FAR had begun groom...
Voice Actor Satomi Akesaka Announces Marriage
Voice of Reborn's Chrome pens handwritten letter to her fans & colleagues
― Satomi Akesaka, the voice of Reborn's Chrome Dokuro and many other roles, announced on Monday (coincidentally, Greenery Day in Japan, and also Star Wars Day) that she had gotten married. Akesaka said, “This is not an April Fool's joke," and added that her husband is not a voice actor or involved in the entertainment industry...
Tezuka: God of Manga Documentary Film Streams Trailer
Director Jason Andrew Cohn, Bread & Butter Films to launch Kickstarter campaign for feature-length documentary about Osamu Tezuka
― The Tezuka Productions YouTube channel began streaming on Friday the first trailer for the upcoming feature-length documentary on Osamu Tezuka titled Tezuka: God of Manga. The documentary project will have a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that will begin on an as of y...
Voice Actor Tomoyo Kurosawa Announces Birth of 1st Child
Gundam GquuuuuuX, Sound! Euphonium cast member made announcement on May 1
― Voice actor Tomoyo Kurosawa announced on Friday that she had given birth to her first child. Kurosawa stated she is “cherishing every moment of motherhood and will continue to dedicate myself to my work as a voice actor.” As of press time, Kurosawa's announcement has received 111,000 likes and 2,100 replies, most of which ar...
Popolocrois Story Manga Creator Yousuke Tamori Dies at 74
Tamori died on April 10, private funeral was held
― The official website of the Japan Cartoonists Association announced on April 20 that manga author Yousuke Tamori had died on April 10. He was 74.A private funeral attended by family members was held, in accordance with Tamori's wishes. Tamori's personal website has also posted an announcement regarding his death. The website also posted a previous m...
Art Director Kazuo Ebisawa Dies
ufotable revealed Ebisawa died on April 14
― Animation studio ufotable revealed on Thursday that art director Kazuo Ebisawa died on April 14. There was a funeral service on April 20. Ebisawa served as a background artist and art director for numerous anime, including Today's Menu for Emiya Family, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, GYO: Tokyo Fish Attac...
Comitia Dōjinshi Convention's Chair Kimihiko Nakamura Dies
Convention co-founder had been undergoing treatment for cancer
― The official website of dōjinshi (self-published works) convention Comitia announced on Wednesday that Kimihiko Nakamura, the chair of the Comitia Executive Committee, died on April 26. Comitia stated that he had been undergoing medical treatment for cancer. A private funeral service attended only by close relatives will be held, in acc...
GE – Good Ending, Domestic Girlfriend Manga Creator Kei Sasuga Gets Married
Sasuga hopes to make May I Live With You? manga "even richer and more interesting"
― GE - Good Ending, Domestic Girlfriend, and May I Live With You? (Ishho ni Kurashite Ii Desu ka?) manga creator Kei Sasuga announced on Tuesday she had gotten married. Sasuga said that although she entered a new chapter in her life, she will continue working on May I Live With You? and hopes to “make it even richer a...
Attack on Titan's Hajime Isayama Draws The Mandalorian and Grogu Art
Titan of science fiction meets titan of manga for latest Star Wars film
― The Star Wars franchise released an original illustration of the title characters from the Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu film by Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama on Tuesday. The illustration celebrates the film's upcoming release and features the Mandalorian holding Grogu while igniting his jetpack and firing his w...
Toronto Comic Arts Festival Hosts Manga Creators Battan, Keita Katsushika, Marco Kohinata, Tokushige Kawakatsu, Moka Onmae
Festival takes place at Toronto Metropolitan University's Mattamy Athletic Centre on June 6-7
― The Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) announced on Saturday that it will host manga creator Battan (And Then There Were No Heroines; Run Away With Me, Girl) as a guest. The festival will also be hosting the following the manga artists who are part of the Manga International Network Team (MINT) Project as...
Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino Offers Thoughts on Ongoing Wars
Director discusses Russo-Ukrainian war, 2026 Iran war, authoritarianism in Japan
― Mobile Suit Gundam creator and director Yoshiyuki Tomino touched on current world affairs, particularly war, in the May issue of Tokuma Shoten's Animage magazine published on April 10. In the monthly column “Tomino ni Kike” (Ask Tomino), a 41-year-old Tokyo resident under the name "Ray Ray" asked the director about hi...
Actor Rif Hutton Dies At 73
Actor voiced roles in Astro Boy, The Wind Rises, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, more
― Actor Rif Hutton died on Saturday at his home in Pasadena after a battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was 73. Hutton voiced several roles in films such as Astro Boy, The Wind Rises, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Other animated roles include Osmosis Jones, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, and Th...
This Week in Anime - Does Social Media Ruin Everything?
With access to creators only an @ away, does social media do more harm than good?
― With access to creators only an @ away, does social media do more harm than good? The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. @RiderStrike @BWProwl @LucasDeRuyter @vestenet Sylvia Coop, it brings me no...
Korea Cartoonists Association to Hold Webtoon Forum on Cyberbullying, Mental Health
Webtoon artists like Super Pink, Raha Lee will present at event on April 24
― The Korea Cartoonists Association (KCA) will host its second Webtoon Forum of 2026 on April 24, focusing on cyberbullying and mental health issues faced by creators. The event will take place at the Dariso Theater in Seoul and aims to address growing concerns over online harassment targeting webtoon artists. Industry obser...
Anime Expo Hosts Livetune, TeddyLoid, Kazuo Maekawa, karory
Con hosts "JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Powered by DWANGO" event on July 4
― The staff of Anime Expo announced on Thursday the convention will host a "JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Powered by DWANGO" event on July 4. The event will host the following musical guests: Hachioji-P, kz (livetune), picco, SatapanP, and TeddyLoid. Entry is included with attendees' Anime Expo credentials and no separate ticket is required. S...
Spoiler Summary Website Operator Convicted With Suspended Sentence
Man had posted detailed spoiler articles on Godzilla Minus One, Overlord III, more
― The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced on Thursday that the Tokyo District Court has declared a guilty verdict for Wataru Takeuchi, a 39-year-old man who had uploaded detailed written storyline spoiler summary articles on his website, most notably for the Godzilla Minus One film and the Overlo...
Tanma-kun Manga Creator Sadao Shoji Dies at 88
Shoji died on April 5 due to heart failure
― Japanese news website nippon.com reported on Wednesday that manga artist Sadao Shoji died on April 5 at a hospital in Tokyo due to heart failure. He was 88.Shoji was born in Tokyo in 1937 and made his debut as a manga creator in 1967, and is known for his salaryman-themed manga series. His long-running manga Tanma-kun ran from 1968 to 2025, for a total of ...
Star Fox 64 Voice Actor Jock Blaney Dies
Wolf's voice actor died peacefully in sleep at home on March 19
― Voice actor Jock Blaney (Frank Blaney II) died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas on March 19. He was 76. Blaney was born in Morristown, New Jersey on June 21, 1949. He is survived by his brother Robert Mills, daughter Brandi Phillips (Dwayne), three grandsons, niece, and many close friends. Blaney voiced Wolf O'Donnell, ...
Detective Conan Voice Actor Kappei Yamaguchi Draws His Character Shinichi Kudō
Yamaguchi congratulates latest film on 1.1 billion yen opening
― Voice actor Kappei Yamaguchi posted an original illustration he drew of his Detective Conan character Shinichi Kudō on Sunday. The illustration congratulates the latest Detective Conan film, Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway (Detective Conan: Highway no Datenshi), on earning over 1.13 billion yen (about US$7.1 million) on its...
Creators Speak Out After Go For it, Nakamura-kun!! Creator Syundei's X Exodus
Syundei deleted X/Twitter account on Sunday after dealing with alleged harassment
―
When Go For it, Nakamura-kun!! manga creator Syundei left X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday after dealing with alleged harassment, manga artistts, novelists, and other creators expressed their thoughts on the matter. While some did not explicitly mention Syundei by name, there were references to the matter in their resp...
Actors Mackenyu, Tetsuo Kurata, Author Eiko Kadono Attend Anime NYC 2026 as Guests
Convention takes place from August 20 through August 23 at Javits Convention Center
― The X (formerly Twitter) account for the Anime NYC event announced on Thursday that actor Mackenyu will attend the event as a guest. It announced on Wednesday that actor Tetsuo Kurata will attend the event as a guest. Author Eiko Kadono will also attend the event as a guest of honor. Previously announced guests incl...
Power Rangers Screenwriter Arne Olsen Dies at 64
Olsen worked on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 films
― Screenwriter Arne Olsen died on Saturday at 64 after complications related to cancer, his wife told Deadline on Wednesday.Olsen wrote the script for the 1995 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.He was also known for his work on titles such as the 1995 film Red Scorpion, the animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, and the...
Kageki Shojo!! Author Kumiko Saiki Injured at Music Festival
Artist sprains neck, with possibility of bleeding in brain
―
Kageki Shojo!! author Kumiko Saiki revealed on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that she was injured at a music festival she had attended in Ariake district in Tokyo on March 29. She wrote that during the first group's performance, someone in the audience did a sudden dive into the crowd, colliding with her head and arm. The group supposedly...
Kunio-kun, Double Dragon Games' Creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto Dies
Kishimoto died on April 2 at 64
― Kunio-kun and Double Dragon series creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto died on April 2, as confirmed by his son on X/Twitter on Sunday. He was 64. Kishimoto's son confirmed that there is a private funeral for family members on Tuesday. Kishimoto's career debuted in the 1980s at Data East directing games like Cobra Command and Road Blaster. He then began working at Technos Ja...
Parasite Director Joon-Ho Bong Reveals 1st Animated Feature Ally for Global Release
Film has been in development since 2019, will center on group of curious deep-sea creatures
― Director Joon-ho Bong is developing his first animated feature film, Ally, with a planned worldwide release following completion in the first half of 2027. CJ ENM, one of the largest movie production and distribution companies in Korea, announced the film on Friday. According to CJ ENM, the project has been...
Jack Black Wants to Star in Yakuza, Series Director Masayoshi Yokoyama Responds
Yokoyama: I've no idea what role he'd play, and I don't even know how to reach him, but I might try to contact him. lol"
― Actor Jack Black told the American entertainment news outlet ScreenRant that he would love to have a role in a live-action adaptation of popular game series Like a Dragon (also known as Yakuza). “So I'm going to throw my hat in that ring," Black said to ScreenRant's Ash Crossan d...
Gekiga Comics Pioneer Yoshiharu Tsuge Dies
Award-winning creator of Nejishiki was 88
― Publisher Chikuma Shobo announced on Friday that manga creator Yoshiharu Tsuge died of aspiration pneumonia on March 3. He was 88. Tsuge was born in Tokyo in 1937, and debuted as a manga creator in 1954. He began making his own comics after being "influenced by the realistic and gritty rental manga of Yoshihiro Tatsumi." He also briefly assisted Shigeru Miz...
Worker Killed in Stabbing at Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Store, neighboring Pikachu Sweets closed until further notice; assailant reportedly killed himself
― According to reporting on Friday from NHK and other news outlets, a woman in her 20s was stabbed inside the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store inside Ikebukuro's Sunshine City shopping complex on Thursday evening. The woman, identified as 21-year-old Moe Harukawa, who was a part time sales clerk, has die...
Voice Actor Yoshiki Nakajima Announces Marriage
Voice of Idolm@ster SideM's Jiro Yamashita, Ensemble Stars' Tetora Nagumo
― Voice actor Yoshiki Nakajima announced on Sunday that he had gotten married. In his statement, Nakajima added that his partner is a non-celebrity. As of press time, Kamiki's announcement has received 117,000 likes and 1,200 replies, most of which are congratulations from his fans and colleagues. Nakajima has appeared in The ...
Webtoon by Korean Dictator's Grandson Surpasses 67 Million Views on Social Media
Chun expressed gratitude to readers saying he felt “surprised and overwhelmed” by response
― The webtoon series by Woo-won Chun has surpassed 67 million views after being serialized on social media over a three-month period. Chun shared the milestone on Instagram on March 23, expressing gratitude to readers and saying he felt “surprised and overwhelmed” by the response. The series, titled Monggeul T...
Anime Boston 2026 Hosts Voice Actors Atsushi Abe, Wakana Maruoka; Producers Hiromi Sueta, Takanori Matsuoka
HiDive sponsors appearance of all 4 guests from Farming Life in Another World 2, Petals of Reincarnation
― The staff of Anime Boston 2026 announced on Saturday that the convention will host the following people as guests of honor:Voice actor Atsushi Abe (A Certain Magical Index, IDOLiSH7) will be attending as a guest of honor to promote his upcoming role as Hiraku Machio, the protagonist of Farming L...
Naver Webtoon Reports US$2.7 Billion Creator Payout Over 5 Years
Naver Webtoon outlines 3 core priorities for 2026
― Naver Webtoon shared its creator support performance and 2026 business strategy at a press conference held in Seoul on March 17, highlighting continued investment in its global ecosystem. At the event, Yongsoo Kim, the recently appointed president of WEBTOON Entertainment, made his first public appearance since taking the role, emphasizing the impo...
Voice Actor Yonehiko Kitagawa Dies at 94
Yonehiko died on March 5 due to pneumonia
― Talent management agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Yonehiko Kitagawa died on March 5 due to pneumonia. He was 94. A private funeral attended by close family members was held, in accordance to his family's wishes.Kitagawa voiced several characters in the 1983 Kinnikuman series including Akuma Shōgun, Big The Budō, and Chairman H...
Doraemon, Chibi Maruko-chan Director Tsutomu Shibayama Dies at 84
Shibayama died on March 6 due to lung cancer
― Animation studio Ajiado announced on Tuesday that its former president and CEO Tsutomu Shibayama died on March 6 due to lung cancer. He was 84. A private funeral was held, attended only by close family members.Shibayama was born on March 9, 1941. He joined Toei Doga (now Toei Animation) in 1963, later moving to A Production (now Shin'ei Doga) in 1966. He...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Masako Ikeda's Death, Part II
Colleagues honor one of their own
― March 3 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Masako Ikeda's death. Her works are beloved around the world, and professionals and fans alike have taken to social media to express their tributes to the late Ikeda. Shinobu Adachi 息子がアパレルの仕事をしていた時 お店に入って来られて道をお尋ねになった美しい女性がいらした 珍しく息子が私に電話をして来て「綾鷹のお声の方が道を尋ねられた！すぐにわかったよ！素...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Masako Ikeda's Death, Part I
Creators, artists, fans come together for their farewells
― The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with the announcement of Masako Ikeda 's death on March 3. She is best known for her roles as Maetel in the Galaxy Express 999 franchise; Fuyuka Liqueur in Silent Möbius; Reika "Ochōfujin" Ryūzaki in Aim for the Ace!; Sharon in Space Brothers; Hi no Tori/Phoenix in The Phoenix -Space-, The Phoenix: ...
Animazement Anime Convention to Host Cowboy Bebop, Lazarus Director Shinichirō Watanabe
Event to be held at Raleigh Convention Center from May 22-24
― The staff of Animazement anime convention announced on Sunday that it will host anime director Shinichirō Watanabe during its event on May 22-24. Watanabe directed such notable anime productions as Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Carole & Tuesday, and Terror in Resonance. He also directed the "Blade Runner: Blac...
South Korean Supreme Court Finalizes Ruling in Favor of Webtoon Creator Pito in Copyright Dispute
Korea Cartoonist Association says ruling clearly confirms creators' rights under the law
― According to reporting from Korean news outlet Nocut News on February 26, South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a ruling in favor of webtoon creator Pito in a long-running copyright infringement case, rejecting claims that a platform executive held joint authorship of the work. Following the court's decisi...
Voice Actress Yukie Maeda Dies at 52
Maeda announced malignant sarcoma diagnosis in October 2025, retirement from voice acting last month
― The younger sister of voice actress Yukie Maeda announced on Maeda's X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday that Maeda died on March 9. She was 52.Maeda had announced on February 26 that she was retiring from voice acting after 30 years at the end of February, due to her health. Maeda announced la...
Galaxy Express 999 Voice Actress Masako Ikeda Dies at 87
Ikeda voiced Maetel in Galaxy Express 999 franchise
― Agency Haikyo announced on Friday that voice actress Masako Ikeda died on March 3 from a cerebral hemorrhage. She was 87. A funeral was held by close relatives only. Ikeda was born in Tokyo on January 1, 1939. She is perhaps best known for her role as Maetel in the Galaxy Express 999 franchise, as well as in the Harlock Saga anime. Other major rol...
Momoiro Clover Z Idol Ayaka Sasaki Announces Marriage
MCZ members Kanako Momota, Shiori Tamai, Reni Takagi congratulate Sasaki on news
― Momoiro Clover Z idol group member Ayaka Sasaki announced on March 5 that she had gotten married. In her statement, she thanked her fans for helping her achieve the milestone. The other Momoiro Clover Z members released congratulatory statements after Sasaki posted the news. Kanako Momota said, “May the many years ahe...
Cowboy Bebop Helmer Shinichiro Watanabe Shares 'Closet Picks' from Criterion Films
From The Killing of a Chinese Bookie & Branded to Kill, to Jacques Tati & of course, Bruce Lee
― Legendary anime director Shinichiro Watanabe shared his “Closet Picks” from the library of over 1,500 titles in The Criterion Collection, an American home entertainment distributor, on Tuesday: In the four-and-a-half-minute video, Watanabe waxes poetic about the films The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, Bra...
Plaintiff in Manga Creator Shōichi Yamamoto's Sexual Abuse Case Releases Statement
Victim calls on public to refrain from escalating criticism of Shogakukan
― The victim involved in manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto's sex crime case has stepped forward with a statement through the Tokyo-Kyodo Law Office, as both parties in the case move to appeal the civil ruling. The unnamed victim, a woman in her 20s, is filing a civil suit against Yamamoto, the teaching staff, and the educational c...
Anime Boston 2026 Hosts Japanese Singer Coda, Voice Actress Kujira
Anime Boston takes place at Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA from April 3-5
― The staff of Anime Boston 2026 announced on Saturday that the event will host Japanese singer Coda and Japanese voice actress Kujira as guests of honor. Coda is the musical guest for the event's Saturday (April 4) concert.Coda, whose real name is Kazusou Oda, performed "Bloody Stream," the opening theme song for the "B...
Fist of the North Star, Galaxy Express 999 Composer Nozomi Aoki Dies at 94
Aoki also composed soundtracks for Akuma-kun, Patalliro!, more anime
― The Nikkan Sports and Anime! Anime! news websites reported on Monday that composer and arranger Nozomi Aoki died on February 20. He was 94. Folk singer Chiharu Matsuyama first announced the news on the Matsuyama Chiharu On the Radio radio program on March 8. Aoki arranged many of Matsuyama's early songs in the late 70s. Aoki was b...
WEBTOON Entertainment Names Yongsoo Kim President to Lead Global Operations
WEBTOON Ent.'s leadership team will report to President, who in turn reports to Founder, CEO Junkoo Kim
― WEBTOON Entertainment announced on Friday it has appointed Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON Yongsoo Kim as President, tasking him with overseeing global operations and driving the company's next phase of growth. Kim has also been named to the company's Board of Directors. Under ...
Novelist Hideyuki Matsubara Dies at 76
Matsubara was best known for Password children's book series
― Novelist Hideyuki Matsubara died on February 18. He was 76. His relatives held a private funeral. Matsubara is perhaps best known for his long-running Password children's book series. The book series centers on young boys and girls who connect through a pre-Internet electronic messaging service, and solve mysteries together. The book ser...
Voice Actress Reiko Katsura Dies at 89
Original voice of Sazae-san's Ikura Namino died due to pneumonia-related causes
― Talent agency Haikyō announced on Wednesday that voice actress Reiko Katsura died on February 22 due to respiratory failure caused by aspiration pneumonia. She was 89.A private funeral attended only by close relatives was held.Katsura was born on February 8, 1937 in Fukuoka Prefecture. She was part of the KBC Troupe and...
Arknights Game Removes Takuya Satō From Cast
Satō's contract with Chinese mobile game Love and Deepspace also expires
― The official Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account of Chinese developer Hypergryph's Arknights mobile game announced on Wednesday that voice actor Takuya Satō will step down from the roles of Midnight and 12F in the game due to "various circumstances." Hypergryph apologized to fans and stated that it will announce a replacemen...
Kyoto Animation President, Co-Founder Hideaki Hatta Dies at 76
Hideaki Hatta co-founded studio with wife Yōko Hatta in 1981
― Kyoto Animation announced on Monday that its president and co-founder Hideaki Hatta died on February 16. He was 76. His family held a private funeral.京アニ社長・八田英明さん死去 76歳「『よってたかって作る』を合言葉に」https://t.co/CmCR4ehSwJ⠀京都アニメーションのサイトで発表。1985年の設立から四十余年にわたり「よってたかって作る」を合言葉にしてきたと紹介。「これからも世界中の皆さまに楽しんでいただける作品をよってたかって… pic.twitter.com/5X5h4v044C— オリコンニュース...
The Apothecary Diaries' Author Hyuganatsu to Attend Anime Boston
Anime Boston takes place at Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA from April 3-5
― The staff of Anime Boston 2026 announced on February 22 that the event will host the author of the The Apothecary Diaries light novel series Hyuganatsu as a guest of honor. She will appear with mascot Uririn, "a boar who is responsible for her public relations." While announcing the English release of The Apothecary Di...
Shogakukan Apologizes for Releasing New Manga by Creator Convicted of Sex Crime Against Minor (Updated)
Other creators react when civil suit reveals crime's details, Manga ONE editor's role in settlement talks
― Content warning: this article contains graphic descriptions of rape and sexual abuse. Shogakukan's Manga One editorial department issued a statement and an apology on Friday regarding manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto, after the editorial department had allowed Yamamoto to publish a new manga on t...
Singer-Songwriter Neil Sedaka Dies at 86
Singer of "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," "Laughter In The Rain" also wrote 3 Z Gundam songs
― The family of prolific singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka announced on Friday that he suddenly died earlier in the day in Los Angeles. He was 86. Sedaka wrote and sang nine U.S. Top 10 songs, including three that went all the way to the top: "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," "Laughter in the Rain," and "Bad Blood." He a...
Voice Actress Yukie Maeda Retires from Voice Acting Due to Illness
Maeda announced she has malignant sarcoma in October 2025
― Voice actress Yukie Maeda announced on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday that she is retiring from voice acting after 30 years by the end of the month, due to her health condition, which no longer allows her to be able to go to the studio. Maeda expressed her gratitude to everyone she has worked with. Maeda announced last October...
Voice Actor Yūki Kaji Leaves Talent Agency, Starts Own Company
Kaji leaves agency on April 8, starts company for his voice AI project Soyogi Fractal on April 9
― Voice actor Yūki Kaji announced on Thursday that he will be leaving his talent agency VIMS on April 8, to go independent and start his own company for his voice AI project Soyogi Fractal, where he will also serve as representative director, starting on April 9.Kaji stated his gratitude to VIMS, which he...
Evangelion's Hideaki Anno: Creators Reach Their Peak Around Age 30
Anno quotes Yamato/Macross director Noboru Ishiguro, cites Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki & Gundam's Yoshiyuki Tomino
― During the "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival on Saturday, franchise creator Hideaki Anno stated that creators reach their peak around 30 years old. Anno was in a Q&A session with Rebuild of Evangelion director Kazuya Tsurumaki and animator Mahiro Maeda, and voice ac...
Gift-o'-Animation Founder Satoshi Mori Dies
Director of several Cardfight!! Vanguard anime had been battling illness
― Animation studio Kinema Citrus announced on Tuesday that the Gift-o'-Animation studio's founder and former president Satoshi Mori has died on February 20 after battling an illness for some time. Mori's family also posted an announcement of his death on Tuesday, and thanked all those who have supported Mori. Mori founded Gift-...
Video Game Composer Shigeru Ikeda Dies at 57
Composer for later games in Da Capo series, husband of singer yozuca*
― Video game composer Shigeru Ikeda died on Saturday, February 21. He was 57 years old. He will have a vigil open to the public on Wednesday, followed by a funeral on Thursday. He is survived by his wife, who is singer yozuca*, and a child.Ikeda fell comatose in April 2023 due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and has been battling his...
Vertical Publishing Company's Co-Founder Ioannis Mentzas Dies
Princeton graduate served as editorial director at Kodansha USA
― Kodansha USA announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that the Vertical publishing company's co-founder and Kodansha USA Editorial Director Ioannis Mentzas died. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kodansha Manga (@kodanshamanga) Hiroki Sakai founded Japanese novel and manga publisher Vertical with Mentzas in 2001. Kodansha...
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