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1st Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Film, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Series Win TAAF's Top Awards
100M, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth manga creator Uoto, director Yōhei Kameyama, artist Kenshi Yonezu, more win individual awards
― The Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) announced the winners of its Animation of the Year awards for works and individuals on Monday. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX won the television category and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle - Akaza Sairai, the first...
Anime Central 2026 Hosts Directors Keisuke Shinohara, Ayumi Moriyama, Yusuke Yamamoto, Takushi Koide
Directors take part in "Global Anime Challenge 2.0" at event taking place in Rosemont, IL on May 15-17
― Illinois-based convention Anime Central (ACen) announced on Friday that it will host the following directors as Guests of Honor: Keisuke Shinohara (My Dress-Up Darling, Black Fox, A3! Season Spring & Summer) Ayumi Moriyama (episode director for Pokemon Journeys, Pokémon Horizons, Let's Play) Yusu...
Major Manga, Manhwa Pirate Site Bato.to Shuts Down; Chinese Man Suspected as Operator Detained
Chinese, Japanese agencies worked together to file complaints that led to man's detention; man allegedly admits to operating 60 related sites
― Japan's Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), an organization that aims to reduce worldwide piracy and actively promote the international distribution of Japanese content, revealed on Thursday its involvement in the detention of a man who was the ...
Actress Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71
O'Hara played Kate in Home Alone, Delia in Beetlejuice, older Marnie in When Marnie Was There
― Entertainment news website Variety reported that actress Catherine O'Hara died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, which her manager confirmed. She was 71. O'Hara was known as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone movies, Delia Deetz in the Beetlejuice films, and Moira Rose in the ...
Voice Actor Yūji Mitsuya Hospitalized Following Injury
Mitsuya requires surgery on broken nose following incident while drunk
― Actor and voice actor Yuji Mitsuya revealed on X/Twitter on Friday that he has been hospitalized following an incident on Tuesday, in which he had hit his head and lost consciousness after getting drunk. Mitsuya stated that he had woken up in a hospital bed without remembering how he had gotten there. He added that his whole bod...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya's Death, Part II
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells.
― January 28 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Kōzō Shioya'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 Shioya. Gundam The Gundam official website offered condolences to Kozo Shioya and ...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya's Death, Part I
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells
― The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with the announcement of Kōzō Shioya's death on January 28. He is best known for his roles as Majin Buu and Gurd from Dragon Ball Z, Abura Sumashi and Konaki Jijii in the Gegege no Kitaro franchise, Dr. Sewashi in Mazinger Z: Infinity, and Genzo in the One Piece franchise, among many others. His ...
Korean Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Operator Behind Major Webtoon Piracy Site OKTOON
4.5-year prison sentence handed down by appellate court has been upheld
― South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a prison sentence for the operator behind some of the country's largest illegal content distribution sites, including the notorious webtoon piracy platform OKTOON, marking a significant legal milestone in the fight against webtoon copyright infringement. According to Korean news agency...
Dragon Ball's Majin Buu Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya Dies at 71
Shioya died on January 20 due to cerebral hemorrhage
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Kōzō Shioya had died on January 20 due to cerebral hemorrhage. He was 71. His immediate family held a private funeral service. Shioya was born in Kagoshima Prefecture on August 18, 1955. He was the older brother of fellow voice actor Yoku Shioya.Shioya is well-known as the voic...
Anime Expo Hosts iIllustrator Yoshitaka Amano
Anime Expo runs from July 2-5
― Anime Expo announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday illustrator Yoshitaka Amano will attend this year's event as a guest. The event previously hosted the artist in 2023.Amano is most well known for his contributions to Vampire Hunter D and the Final Fantasy series, as well as his collaboration with English graphic novelist Neil Gaiman on Sandman: The Dream Hunters...
Manga Creator Go Nagai to be Inducted into Eisner 2026 Hall of Fame
Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Devilman creator among 19 Judges Choice honorees
― The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced on Thursday the 19 Judges Choice honorees who be inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame, including manga creator Go Nagai. The committee who chose the inductees includes: Michael T. Gilbert, Karen Green, Alonso Nuñez, Diana Schutz, Jim Thompson, and Maggie Thompson. The other 18 in...
Rumiko Takahashi Visits San Francisco's Manga Exhibition
And leaves behind a sketch of Inuyasha & Kagome
― Legendary manga creator Rumiko Takahashi reported on Tuesday that she visited the de Young Museum's "Art of Manga" exhibition in San Francisco. Takahashi noted that she also presented a sketch on a shikishi board for Viz Media's promotion. The autographed board features Inuyasha characters Inuyasha and Kagome (who is apparently reading Urusei Yatsura)...
Director, Actor Mark Jones Dies at 72
Leprechaun film director contributed to Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love, Mega Man
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Saturday that director and actor Mark Jones died on Friday at the age of 72. He died in Los Angeles after a brief stay at the West Hills Hospital, a day before his 73rd birthday. There will be a private ceremony held to honor his memory. The director was best known for ...
Former Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser Joins Hasbro's Board of Directors
Bowser retired from Nintendo of America on December 31
― Hasbro announced on Tuesday that it has appointed former Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser into its Board of Directors. The company also appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Honest Company, Inc. Carla Vernón into the Board. Bowser retired from Nintendo of America on December 31. Bowser became president of Nintendo of America in Apri...
Yuri Bear Storm Manga's Akiko Morishima Draws to Support Same-Sex Marriage
Morishima: “I support the We Also Want to be Good Spouses Exhibition”
― Japanese LGBTQ+ rights organization Colorful Blankets' chairperson Hitomi Inoue reported on January 13 that manga artist Akiko Morishima (Yuri Bear Storm, Conditions of Paradise, Hanjuku-Joshi) drew an illustration supporting same-sex marriage. Inoue stated, “It makes me very, very happy that [Morishima], who's drawn same-sex cou...
Detective Conan Creator Draws Frieren to Mark Anime's Return
Firefly Wedding manga creator also sends illustration to commemorate return
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End manga revealed on Friday that Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama congratulated the series on the anime's second season with an original illustration. The art piece features Frieren's titular character with the mes...
'If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die' Stage Play Replaces SKE48's Miyu Nakasaka
Idol's activities suspended due to inappropriate communications with manager
― The staff for the stage play of Auri Hirao's If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die (Oshi ga Budōkan Ittekuretara Shinu) manga announced on Thursday that Miyu Nakasaka will step down from the role of Yumeri Mizumori due to a suspension of her activities. SKE38 member Aina Suzuki will replace her in the...
Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Webtoon Season 2 Ends as Artist JIN Enlists for Military Service
Season 3 will continue with a different artist
― Season 2 of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok has officially concluded following the announcement that its artist JIN will be enlisting for South Korea's mandatory military service. JIN confirmed the news in an episode published on January 7 on Kakao Webtoon, telling readers that season 2 would be his final contribution to the series before he begins his servic...
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Film Wins Honorary Award at Astra Film Awards
KPop Demon Hunters wins Best Animated Feature, Best VO Performance, Best Original Song
― The first Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle anime film won the "Animation is Cinema" honorary award at the Hollywood Creative Alliance's (formerly the Hollywood Critics Association) 9th Annual Astra Film Awards on Friday. The film was also nominated for Best Animated Feature, but lost to Kpop Demon H...
Sae-ron Kim's Final Film Based on Webtoon Set for February Release
High-teen romance film Every Day We adapts webtoon of same name
― The late actress Sae-ron Kim's final film, Every Day We, has officially confirmed its theatrical release for February, marking the last on-screen appearance of the actress. Every Day We is a high-teen romance adapted from the webtoon of the same name serialized on Kakao Page. The film captures the tenderness and emotional clarity of f...
Game Creator Hideo Kojima Name His Best Films & Streaming Shows of 2025
Kokuho, Sirât, The Girl with the Needle, Sinners, Conclave make Kojima's lists
― Video game creator Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid, Death Stranding) revealed on Tuesday his picks for best films and streaming series of 2025. Kojima split his list of 2025 theatrical releases into Japanese and international feature films (although a few of the international films opened in 2024 outside of Japan). His li...
Sega Co-Founder David Rosen Dies at 95
Rosen founded Rosen Enterprises game company, was head of Sega for nearly 2 decades
― Sega Enterprises co-founder Dave Rosen died on December 25. He was 95.Rosen founded Rosen Enterprises Ltd in Japan in 1950, and began importing coin-operated game machines from the United States into Japan later in the 1950s. In 1965, the company was acquired by Nihon Goraku Bussan, which used Sega as a trade name. ...
Manga Creator Hisashi Eguchi Apologizes for Tracing Photos
Eguchi: "I sincerely apologize to Kanai-san, Lumine, all related parties, and everyone looking forward to the event"
― Manga creator Hisashi Eguchi (Eiji, Stop! Hibari-kun , character designs on Roujin Z, Perfect Blue, Sonny Boy) released a statement through his X (formerly Twitter) account on December 30 following an investigation into tracing allegations after Eguchi said he drew an illustration b...
Final Fantasy IX Game's Character Designer Toshiyuki Itahana Leaves Square Enix
Itahana to work as freelance illustrator following end of Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary year
― The Final Fantasy IX game's character designer Toshiyuki Itahana announced on Monday that he left Square Enix at the end of last year. He left following the end of Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary, which he supervised and provided new illustrations for. He will continue on as a freelance illustrator ...
Actor Masami Nagasawa Announces Marriage to Director Takeshi Fukunaga
Voice of From Up On Poppy Hill's Umi makes announcement in message to her fans & colleagues
― Actor Masami Nagasawa, voice of From Up On Poppy Hill's Umi Matsuzaki, announced on Thursday, New Years Day that she had gotten married to director Takeshi Fukunaga (Ainu Mosir, Tokyo Vice, Shōgun). As of press time Motomiya's announcement has received over 400,000 likes and over 2,100 replies, most of whic...
Voice Actor Kana Motomiya Announces Marriage
Motomiya made announcement with her New Years greeting
― Voice actor Kana Motomiya, voice of Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club's Misaki Shidō, announced on Thursday, New Years Day that she had gotten married.tMotomiya said her partner is a non-celebrity. As of press time Motomiya's announcement has received over 8,000 likes and over 170 replies, most of which are congratulations from her f...
In Memoriam
To those who left us in 2025
― William Bassett
Voice actor
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes James Carter Cathcart
Voice actor, script adaptor
Pokémon, Revolutionary Girl Utena Juli Erickson
Voice actress
Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, Ouran High School Host Club Bill Flynn (also known as William Flynn)
Voice actor
Case Closed, One Piece Ron Friedman
Writer
...
Voice Actor Tomori Kusunoki Announces Marriage
Kusunoki married "someone I have been dating since we were students”
― Tomori Kusunoki, the voice actor behind Chainsaw Man's Makima and many other roles, announced on Thursday, New Year's Day, that she had gotten married. Kusunoki said her partner, who does not work in the entertainment industry, is "someone I have been dating since we were students.” As of press time, Kusunoki's announcement has r...
Voice Actor Risa Uchida & Theater Actor Tsubasa Nakamura Announce Marriage
The actors present joint message to their fans & colleagues
― Voice actor Risa Uchida and theater actor Tsubasa Nakamura announced they have married each other on their respective social media accounts on Wednesday. Their joint statement said, “Moving forward, we will travel this path sincerely, cherishing each and every connection with gratitude in our hearts.” As of press time, Uchida and Nakamura...
Voice Actors Gakuto Kajiwara & Marina Yamada Announce Marriage
Marina also announces their 1st child
― Voice actors Gakuto Kajiwara and Marina Yamada announced they have married each other on their respective social media accounts on Wednesday, New Year's Eve. Their joint announcement also indicated that they have “been blessed with a new family member.” Yamada elaborated in her own post that she has given birth to the couple's first child. As of press time, Ka...
True Beauty Webtoon Creator Yaongyi Wins Tax Appeal
Ruling states NTS must cancel tax charges imposed on Yaongyi
― Korean media outlets reported on November 28 that Yaongyi, the creator of the hit webtoon True Beauty, has won a legal challenge against South Korea's National Tax Service (NTS) over a multimillion-won value-added tax assessment, overturning a decision that had fueled a high-profile tax controversy last year. According to a June ruling b...
Korean Dictator's Grandson Releases Webtoon Depicting Traumatic Childhood
Webtoon portrays Chun himself as white lamb named “Monggeuli,” while other members of Chun family are depicted as black lambs
― Woo-won Chun, the 29-year-old grandson of former South Korean dictator Doo-hwan Chun, has drawn public attention after releasing a webtoon based on his childhood experiences. Since December 4, Chun has been regularly posting webtoon episodes on his Instagram account (Korean...
Singer May'n Announces Marriage
Singing voice of Macross F's Sheryl ties knot with guitarist Takashi Nagasawa
― Singer Mei Nakabayashi, best known as the singing voice of Macross Frontier's Sheryl Nome under her stage name May'n, announced on Sunday that she had gotten married. In a statement posted to the singer's various social media accounts, May'n said she has married guitarist Takashi Nagasawa. May'n added, “I hope to continu...
Strawberry Shortcakes, Blue Manga Creator Kiriko Nananan Dies at 52
Manga creator died in December 2024, announcement held for 1 year at behest of family
― Publisher Tokyo News Service revealed on Friday that manga creator Kiriko Nananan died on December 25, 2024. She was 52. The publisher stated it revealed the news now, one year later, due to the wishes of Nananan and her family. Nananan made her debut as a manga creator with the manga hole in 1993. She mainly publ...
Taisho Baseball Girls Novelist Atsushi Kagurazaka Dies at 59
Uchi no Danna ga Amachan de author died in November of heart failure
― The family of novelist Atsushi Kagurazaka (real name Junnosuke Ōshita) announced on Wednesday Kagurazaka died on November 20 of heart failure. He was 59. Kagurazaka's family held a private funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Kagurazaka was born in Hiroshima, and he made his debut as a novelist in 1988. He was...
Actors Mahiro Takasugi, Haru Announce Marriage to Each Other
“We came to know each other through work and as time passed, we realized we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together”
― Live-action Mr. Bride series actors Mahiro Takasugi and Haru announced on Tuesday that they have married each other. In a joint message, Takasugi and Haru state, "We came to know each other through work and as time passed, we realized we wanted to spend the rest of our lives t...
Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece Voice Actress Juli Erickson Dies
Erickson played Pinako in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tsuru & Kokoro in One Piece
― A post on voice actress Juli Erickson's Facebook page revealed on Saturday that Erickson died peacefully in her sleep on December 17. Memorials will be held in Spokane, Washington and Dallas, Texas. Erickson married the late voice actor James Grant in July 1986. Her anime roles include Pinako Rockbell in Fullmetal Alchemist,...
Transformers: Robots in Disguise Voice Actor Gil Gerard Dies at 82
Buck Rogers actor died after battle with cancer
― Actor Gil Gerard died at 82 on Tuesday after a prolonged battle against a "rare and viciously aggressive" form of cancer, according to a Facebook post by his wife Janet Gerard. Gerard had a long prolific career in screen acting before voicing the role of Megatronus/The Fallen in Transformers: Robots in Disguise. He was best known for his role as Capt...
NHK Announces Voice Actor Masako Nozawa for 2025 Kōhaku Song Contest Guest Judge
Legendary voice actor makes her 3rd appearance on annual New Year's Eve program
― The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) announced on Wednesday the seven guest judges for the 76th Kōhaku Uta Gassen ("Red and White Song Contest"), Japan's most-watched music television program. The guest judges include voice actor Masako Nozawa (Goku from Dragon Ball), wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda, actor's Aka...
Cyborg 009's Cyborg 002/Jet Link Voice Actor Ryō Ishihara Dies at 94
Ishihara died of acute heart failure on December 14
― Talent management agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Ryō Ishihara had died on December 14 due to acute heart failure. He was 94. Per the wishes of Ishihara's family, a funeral was held with only close relatives in attendance. Ishihara voiced the character Cyborg 002/Jet Link in the 1966 Cyborg 009 film, the 1967 Cyborg ...
Akira's Katsuhiro Ōtomo Unveils Giant Wall Sculpture at Tokyo's Ginza Station
And Kaneda is literally along for the ride
― The Tokyo Metro railway company announced a newly erected public art piece titled "Procession Spin" by manga creator Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) at the Hibiya Line's Ginza Station on Monday. Ōtomo created the original artwork of the piece and supervised its creation. Tokyo Metro states, "Through this piece we aim to bring new color and vitality to Ginza Statio...
Voice Actress Julie Mayfield Dies
Mayfield voiced Dr. Kureha in One Piece, Kyoko in Fruits Basket, Eva in Case Closed
― Mary Collins Agency revealed on Tuesday that voice actress Julie Mayfield died on November 20. She was 67. A memorial service will be held in 2026. Mayfield worked with Mary Collins Agency for 35 years. She has appeared in theater in Dallas-Fort Worth, and performed improv with 4 out of 5 Doctors and Lone Star Comed...
Chainsaw Man Creator Celebrates Texas Chain Saw Massacre's Return
Tatsuki Fujimoto: "Each subsequent film always offers a cathartic experience you rarely get in other films"
― Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto posted comments regarding the upcoming theatrical re-release of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre film in Japanese theaters on Tuesday. Fujimoto said, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is an incredible film packed with gore, heartbreak, and sheer lovability. Peopl...
Voice Actor Jim Ward Dies at 66
Ward played Qwark in Ratchet and Clank, Jack Krauser in Resident Evil 4
― The Stephanie Miller Show host Stephanie Miller revealed that her former co-host and voice actor Jim Ward died on Wednesday. He was 66. Although the cause of death was not specified, Ward had a mild cognitive issue in 2021, which led to a severe case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized and paralyzed for four months. He also got Al...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Tomomichi Nishimura's Death, Part II
More creators, artists remember one of their own
― December 8 marked a sad day for anime fans around the world with the news of prolific voice actor Tomomichi Nishimura'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 Nishimura. Rui Araizumi 西村知道さまのご冥福をお祈りいたします。— あらいずみるい☆ (@araizumirui) December 8, 2025 ...
Anime World Offers Condolences After Voice Actor Tomomichi Nishimura's Death, Part I
Creators, artists, fans came together for their farewells
―
The world lost a veteran anime voice actor with the announcement of Tomomichi Nishimura's death on December 8. He is best known for his roles as Coach Anzai from Slam Dunk, Shibaraku from Chō Mashin Eiyūden Wataru, Richard Mardukas from Full Metal Panic, Mike in Ojarumaru, Jamitov Hyman in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, defensive captain officer ...
Voice Actor Ai Furihata Donates Part of Hong Kong Event Proceeds to Fire Victims
Furihata: "I hope this can be of some help to everyone"
― Voice actor Ai Furihata (voice of Love Live! Sunshine!!'s Ruby Kurosawa) announced on Sunday that she will donate a portion of her Hong Kong fan meeting proceeds to the recovery efforts of the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex fire. Furihata expressed her condolences to the victims of the November 26 fire: "In the hopes of helping with the reco...
Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies at 75
Tagawa played Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, Valco in Star Wars: Visions
― Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died due to compilcations from a stroke on December 4 in Santa Barbara, CA. He was 75. Tagawa is known for playing Shang Tsung in live-action film adaptations of the Mortal Kombat franchise. He also voiced the character in the Mortal Kombat 11 game. He played Heihachi Mishima in the 2009 live-action T...
Slam Dunk, Street Fighter Voice Actor Tomomichi Nishimura Dies
79-year-old voiced Slam Dunk's Coach Anzai, Street Fighter's M. Bison & Akuma
― The talent agency Arts Vision announced on Monday that voice actor Tomomichi Nishimura died on November 29. He was 79. His family already held a private funeral and service. The agency had previously reported on September 22 that he would be taking a hiatus from work due to poor health. Nishimura was born on June 2, 1946 ...
Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada Leaves Bandai Namco
Harada worked on fighting game franchise for 30 years
― Katsuhiro Harada announced on X/Twitter on Monday that he will be leaving Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, having worked for more than 30 years at Namco and then Bandai Namco, and having worked on every entry in the Tekken franchise, including the most recent entry, Tekken 8. Monday marked the final day of Tekken's 30th anniversary. Harada expla...
Writing the Strongest Villainess - an Interview with Light Novel Author Touko Amekawa
What does it take to write a strong protagonist who is neither heroine nor villainess? Touko Amekawa discusses that among other topics.
―
It's a good time to be a fan of light novelist Touko Amekawa. English-language readers may have first been introduced to her work with Seven Seas' translation of 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life, but before long, other publishers picked up her ...
Takayuki Matsutani, Mamoru Oshii, Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Mami Koyama, More Win TAAF Lifetime Achievement Awards
Also: Keiko Takemiya, Tomoko Konparu, Masaaki Mori, Nizo Yamamoto, Takashi Namiki
― The Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) announced the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards winners on Wednesday. Producer: Takayuki Matsutani (Astro Boy, Black Jack, Legend of the Forest) Author: Keiko Takemiya (To Terra, Kaze to Ki no Uta, Andromeda Stories) Screenwriter: Tomoko Konparu (2025 The Rose of Versailles, Soreik...
VTuber Kanata Amane Announces Graduation
holoForce member departs Hololive Productions on December 27
― Japanese VTuber Kanata Amane and VTuber agency Hololive Productions announced her graduation on Tuesday. Hololive Production stated that Amane will graduate on December 27. Amane, in turn, released a statement in Japanese and English on her X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that she is departing from Hololive Productions due to ov...
Voice Actor Hiroki Yasumoto Cancels TV Appearance After Traffic Accident; Returns to Work After Doctor's Clearance
Yasumoto canceled Seiyū to Yo Asobi appearance on Monday
― Talent agency Sigma Seven announced on Monday that voice actor Hiroki Yasumoto was involved in a multiple collision traffic accident and has canceled his appearance on Monday's episode of Abema's Seiyū to Yo Asobi (romanized as Say You to Yo Asobi, literally Night Out with Voice Actors) program. The agency then reported on Tuesday that the do...
Legend of the Galactic Heroes Novelist Yoshiki Tanaka Suffered Debilitating Hemorrhage Last Year
Arslan author now rehabilitating in nursing facility, but still continues to write
― Hiroaki Adachi, the head of the Wright Staff company which manages the business affairs of The Legend of the Galactic Heroes and The Heroic Legend of Arslan novelist Yoshiki Tanaka, reported on Sunday that Tanaka had suffered a debilitating cerebral hemorrhage exactly one year ago on November 30, 2024. Tanaka had col...
RIDI Pulls BL Web Novel After Allegations Story Mirrors Career of e-Sports Legend Faker
Public outcry over using real person's achievements in adult fiction caused removal; author issues apology
― Korean webtoon and web novel platform RIDI suspended sales of the newly published boys-love (BL) novel Crazy Dog Hunts the Tiger only a day after its release on November 24, following accusations that the story closely mirrors the real-life career of the world-famed professional gamer known a...
Japanese Artists' Concerts, Musical Events Canceled in China Amid Political Tensions
LisAni! Shanghai event canceled; Bandai Namco Festival cancels stages; Ayumi Hamasaki, KAF, SID, Kokia, more cancel concerts
― Several Japanese music artists and Japanese music-themed events have canceled concerts and other events in China in the last 24 hours, amid rising political tension between Japan and China. The anime music magazine LisAni! has canceled its "LisAni! LIVE Shanghai 2025" concert...
Keita Richard Kusama Leaves Ae! Group
Actor also fined 100,000 yen following October arrest
―
Starto Entertainment announced on November 20 Keita Richard Kusama will part ways with his Japanese boy band Ae! Group. The group will consist of Yoshinori Masakado, Seiya Suezawa, Ken Kojima, and Masaya Sano going forward. The agency stated it will continue its contract with Kusama. Tokyo Metropolitan Police are also fining the actor 100,000 y...
Finding Relena: Exploring A Gundam Heroine's Legacy With Voice Actor Lisa Ann Beley
What was it like playing Relena, one of Gundam Wing's most controversial characters?
― This year marks the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. But for American fans like me, it's only been 25 years since the giant robot show altered the course of my life. When it aired on Toonami in March of 2000, it sparked my lifelong obsession with Gundam that continues to this day, and I am not kidding w...
Korean Appeals Court Sentences Operator Behind NunuTV, OKToon Piracy Sites to 4.5 Years in Prison
Appeals court serves harsher sentence than initial 3-year term issued by lower court
― The Daejeon High Court's Criminal Appeals Division on November 13 sentenced the operator behind the illegal streaming site NunuTV and the webtoon piracy site OKToon to four years and six months in prison for copyright infringement. The sentence was harsher than the initial three-year term issued by a lower court i...
One Piece, Dragon Ball Super Series Director Tatsuya Nagamine Dies (Updated)
Nagamine directed One Piece's Wano Kuni, Egghead Island arcs; One Piece Film Z, Dragon Ball Super: Broly movies
― Composer Kōhei Tanaka and screenwriter Osamu Suzuki both reported on X/Twitter on Thursday that anime director Tatsuya Nagamine died this summer. Tanaka stated he had attended a gathering at Toei Animation to remember Nagamine on Thursday. Suzuki stated he could not attend the gathering d...
Late Ghibli Director Isao Takahata's Unproduced Scripts Found at Home
Around 130 pages of notes include Princess Kaguya prequel, stories based on Shuten-dōji, Kenji Miyazawa
― NHK reported on Tuesday that around 130 pages of scripts and notes on unproduced works were found in late director Isao Takahata's home in June earlier this year. Seiji Kano, a professor at Tokyo Zokei University, and director of the Institute of Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki Films, has examin...
Super Mario Manga Artist Kazuki Motoyama Dies
Motoyama drew manga based on Super Mario franchise from 1988-1998
― Manga creator Risa Motoyama revealed on Instagram on October 2 that her brother Kazuki Motoyama (real name Masumi Motoyama), artist of various manga based on Nintendo's Super Mario series, has died. She did not confirm date or cause of death on Instagram. Motoyama was best known for manga based on the Super Mario franchise, dating ba...
Perfume Member Ayaka Nishiwaki Announces Marriage
Nishiwaki: “Marrying a fan has always been my dream. Congratulations, teenage me! We did it!”
― Ayaka Nishiwaki, member of Japanese technopop trio Perfume, announced through her Instagram account on Tuesday that she has gotten married. Nishiwaki noted her partner is a non-celebrity, a longtime friend, and a fan of Perfume. Nishiwaki also said marrying a fan has been a dream of hers, and congratulated...
Voice Actor Fumiyoshi Shioya Limits Activities
Agency states actor is "exhausted" after being slandered on social media
― Talent agency Haikyo announced on Friday that voice actor Fumiyoshi Shioya is limiting some of his activities. The agency explained that Shioya is "exhausted" and has been forced to take a break from his work, due to what it says is "slander and false information" being spread on social media services like X/Twitter and online...
Hololive VTuber Korone Inugami Announces Hiatus
Inugami takes break from streaming to focus on medical care for her family
― Ho̵lolive VTuber Korone Inugami announced on Thursday that she is going on hiatus from streaming to focus on medical care for her family. An X (formerly Twitter) post by the VTuber's agent stated, "We will announce [Inugami's] return after discussing it with her." Inugami's agent further stated that her agency will post her ...
Panorama of Hell Manga Creator Hideshi Hino Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
79-year-old creator of Red Snake, The Town of Pigs manga will have surgery at start of next year
― Horror manga creator Hideshi Hino revealed on his X/Twitter account on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Hino explained as the cancer has not spread, he will have surgery at the beginning of next year to remove the cancer. For the remainder of this year, he is undergoing IV ch...
Manga Artist Masakazu Katsura Halts All New Work to Recuperate After Major Surgery
Artist behind Video Girl Ai, DNA², Tiger & Bunny adds it will take a while to regain his strength
― Manga artist Masakazu Katsura reported on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday that he recently had a major surgery, although he could not go into much detail on it. As a result, he has put all his work on hold except for previous projects (commissioned before the surgery), on which he still wor...
Hololive VTuber Akai Haato Goes on Hiatus
Due to health, after consulting with her family, Haato will go on hiatus to prioritize her recovery
― VTuber agency Cover announced on October 31 that hololive VTuber Akai Haato is going on hiatus. Haato's agency stated, "Regarding Akai, due to her health and after consulting with her family, has decided to go on hiatus." Cover added that comments by Haato during recent streams have been cut in such ...
Manga Creator Go Nagai, Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Inducted Into Order of the Rising Sun
Creator of Devilman, Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Getter Robo & JRPG pioneer among 3,963 honored
― The Japanese government honored manga creator Go Nagai (Devilman, Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Getter Robo) and Dragon Quest game franchise creator Yuji Horii with the Order of the Rising Sun Award, Gold Rays with Rosette for their significant contributions to the country on Monday. The Ministry of Internal Aff...
G.I. Joe Animated Series Voice Actor Lee Weaver Dies
Actor also known for work on The Bill Cosby Show, Easy Street, NYPD Blue
― Entertainment news website The Hollywood Reporter reported on Saturday that actor Lee Weaver died on September 22. He was 95. Lee Weaver, Actor in 'O Brother, Where Art Thou,' ‘The Bill Cosby Show’ and 'Easy Street,' Dies at 95 https://t.co/AVWd0XmEiZ— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 1, 2025 Weaver is perhaps best known...
Live-Action Crying Freeman Actor Tchéky Karyo Dies
Actor known for roles in La Femme Nikita film, The Missing series
― Entertainment news outlet Deadline reported on Friday that French actor Tchéky Karyo died on Friday of cancer. He was 72. Karyo played Detective Netah in the 1995 English live-action film based on Kazuo Koike and Ryōichi Ikegami's Crying Freeman manga. Karyo was born in Turkey in 1953, and he and his family moved to France when he wa...
Detective Conan's Gōshō Aoyama, Major's Takuya Mitsuda Illustrate Pro Baseball Player Shohei Ohtani
Just in time for the MLB World Series
― Home security company Secom's X (formerly Twitter) account revealed on Tuesday illustrations of Japanese Major League Baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani, of the Los Angeles Dodgers, by manga creators Gosho Aoyama (Detective Conan) and Takuya Mitsuda (Major baseball series) to commemorate Ohtani playing in the World Series. The post states that those who particip...
Exit 8's Walking Man Actor Yamato Kochi's Life Changes Overnight After Film's Hit Run
Yamato Kochi: "If I don't wear a hat, fans swarm around me, and if I do, no one notices me (lol)."
― Actor Yamato Kochi, who played the Walking Man from the hit live-action film Exit 8 (8-Ban Deguchi), revealed to Japanese women's magazine Josei Jishin on Sunday changes in his life following his appearance in the film. Kochi stated that he has been recognized as the Walking Man while in public. “If I...
WEBTOON Ent. Makes 1st Appearance at LightBox Expo This Weekend
WEBTOON hosts panels featuring editors, producers behind Lore Olympus, The Mafia Nanny, unOrdinary
― WEBTOON is making its debut at LightBox Expo 2025, which is being held from October 24-26 at the Pasadena Convention Center in California. At the event, WEBTOON is hosting a lineup of creator- and editor-led panels aimed at helping both aspiring and professional artists expand their opportunities in ...
Full Metal Panic! Creator Shoji Gatoh to Launch New Project With Fantasia Bunko
More details to be revealed on November 20
― Kadokawa announced on Saturday during the "Fantasia Bunko Hōsōkyoku Aki no Dai Kanshasai" livestream event that Full Metal Panic! light novel author Shoji Gatoh is launching a new project with Kadokawa's Fantasia Bunko imprint. Kadokawa will reveal more details on November 20, the same day the third volume of Full Metal Panic! Family will ship. ◤◢◤◢◤◢ 特 報...
Ken Akamatsu Hands Over Duties to New Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Manga creator debuted Love Hina manga in October 1998
― Manga artist and politician Ken Akamatsu announced on X/Twitter ended his duties as the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. He has handed over the role to Masato Shimizu. Akamatsu began his new roles as a member of the House of Councillors on the same day on the Committee on Education, Culture and S...
Video Game World Offers Condolences After Developer Tomonobu Itagaki's Passing
Creators, artists, & fans came together for their farewells
― On October 16, the video game world learned that we had lost Tomonobu Itagaki. Best known for creating the Dead or Alive fighting game series, reviving the Ninja Ryukenden series as Ninja Gaiden, and heading Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja, Itagaki brought joy to thousands of game enthusiasts around the world. People within the game industry have...
Japan Names 1st Voice Actor Masako Nozawa, Manga Creator Keiko Takemiya as Persons of Cultural Merit
Dancer/actor Min Tanaka, playwright/actor Hideki Noda also honored
― The Japanese government has selected 21 honorees for this year's roster of Persons of Cultural Merit. The roster includes Masako Nozawa (Dragon Ball's Son Goku, Gegege no Kitarō's Kitarō) as the first voice actor to be so honored, as well as manga creator Keiko Takemiya (Toward the Terra, The Door into Summer, Andromeda Stories), da...
Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden Creator Tomonobu Itagaki Dies
"Final message" posted on Itagaki's Facebook account
― The official Facebook account of game designer Tomonobu Itagaki announced on Thursday that he has died. A "final message" from Itagaki stated on the account that if the message has been posted, it means that he has died. Itagaki was 58. The message translates:My final words:The light of my life is finally fading.If this message has been posted, i...
Visual Effects Society Names Godzilla, Ultraman's Eiji Tsuburaya to Hall of Fame
Pioneering special effects director worked on Godzilla, Rodan, Ultraman
― The Visual Effects Society announced on Wednesday that it will posthumously induct Japanese filmmaker and special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya into its Hall of Fame. The VES will also posthumously add Glenn Campbell and Mabel Normand into its Hall of Fame.The 2025 VES Honors Celebration will take place at Sony Pictures Image...
Voice Actor Yūki Kaji's Agency Issues Statement on Online Posts
VIMS: “Yūki Kaji would normally not wish to discuss such topics, but we take seriously the negative impact this has had not only on him but also on his family…”
― Voice actor Yūki Kaji's agency VIMS issued a statement on Monday regarding allegedly slanderous and misleading statements made about Kaji online. The statement noted the agency is aware of “false and misleading information about Yuki Kaji ...
Marlon Wayans Drops F-Bomb After Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Outgrosses His Film
Wayans: “F**k Anime!” — Co-star Tyriq Withers: “You can't disrespect anime.”
― American actor, comedian, writer, and producer Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie) let his feelings about anime known during an episode of the ShxtsnGigs Podcast on October 2. Wayans appeared on the podcast with Him film co-star Tyriq Withers to speak about their movie. At around the 20:40 mark Withers is asked about his interest ...
Starto Entertainment Suspends Activities of Ae! Group Member Keita Richard Kusama After Arrest
Actor slated to star in upcoming 2nd live-action Mr. Osomatsu film
― Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Japanese boy band Ae! Group member Keita Richard Kusama on Saturday on suspicion of indecent exposure. Kusama's agency Starto Entertainment announced on the same day that Kusama's activities are suspended.Kusama is slated to star in the second live-action film in the Mr. Osomatsu (Osomatsu-san) fra...
Original Tiger Mask's 'Osaka Tiger' Mask Found & Verified
Mask valued at 3,000,000 yen (about US$20,397.30)
― Japanese variety and antiques appraisal program Kaiun! Nandemo Kanteidan featured on September 30 an original mask worn by professional wrestler and first real-life Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama. The mask's owner, an avid Tiger Mask fan, stated that the mask was the “Osaka Tiger” mask Sayama wore during a meet-and-greet event on August 9, 1984. Among Ti...
Former BABYMETAL Member Yui Mizuno Ends Contract with Music Label
Musician will step away from entertainment
― Music label and production company Amuse announced on Tuesday that former J-pop/metal band BABYMETAL member Yui Mizuno (YUIMETAL) has ended her contract with the company in a move to step away from the entertainment industry.Mizuno stepped away from the media after departing from BABYMETAL in October 2018.She shared a message on her company's website at th...
Shoko Nakagawa Announces Birth of Twins
Nakagawa: “They both held my fingers tightly. So cute!”
― Multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa (popularly known as Shokotan) announced the birth of her twin sons on Tuesday. “I gave birth to healthy twins safely around 9:30! The babies and I are all doing well!” Nakagawa also included a photo of herself holding her twin boys. 9:30頃に無事、元気な双子を出産しました！母子共に健康です！2人とも2600g越え！産声もしっかりしてました小さな、力強い命たちを人生かけて守っていきたいと心から思い...
Voice Actors Kaito Ishikawa & Maaya Uchida Announce Marriage
Gate co-stars spread happy news in a joint message to their fans & colleagues
― Voice actors Kaito Ishikawa and Maaya Uchida, who happened to play Gate's Takeo Kurata and Shino Kuribayashi, respectively, announced on Tuesday that they have married each other on their respective social media accounts. The two voice actors released a joint statement thanking their supporters and colleagues. This is a ...
Gisèle Alain Manga Creator Sui Kasai Dies
Kasai left Gisèle Alain manga on hiatus since 2014
― Manga creator Sui Kasai died on September 12. Kasai's relatives announced the passing on the creator's X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, and noted that they had already held funeral services. Kasai is survived by fellow manga creator and wife Ao Ogino. Kasai is perhaps best known for the now-unfinished Gisèle Alain manga series. Set in early ...
Teenage Mercenary Webtoon Creators to Attend NYCC in 1st U.S. Con Signing
WEBTOON also announces other guest creators attending event, panel lineup
― WEBTOON Entertainment will return to New York Comic Con, and it has revealed its schedule of panels, creator signings, and exclusive fan experiences. The creators of Teenage Mercenary, YC and Rakyeon, will make their first U.S. convention appearance at the event. Other WEBTOON featured guests include: Brent Bristol (Ordeal),...
Kikuko Inoue Celebrates Her '17th' Birthday — in Turkey! Anime's Cosplay
Inoue: “17 isn't an age, it's a way of life”
― Voice actor Kikuko Inoue posted a photo celebrating her “17th” birthday on Thursday. Inoue stated, “17 isn't an age, it's a way of life” and noted she cosplayed as an Ikkokukan High School student from this year's anime series Turkey! Time to Strike. (While Inoue voiced Suguri from Turkey! Time to Strike, her character is not an Ikkokukan High School stu...
Shoko Nakagawa Illustrates Her Experience Being Pregnant
Shokotan: “It's all because of hormones”
― Multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa (popularly known as Shokotan) released an illustration comic detailing her pregnancy experience on Tuesday. Nakagawa stated, “Today, I'm going to talk about some surprising things that happened due to hormonal changes during pregnancy” and asks men to read the comic. In the comic, Nakagawa noted her constant use of the restroom, s...
Professional Wrestler Kenny Omega Gets Revenge on Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu
Only took 1 year for Omega to put Uematsu into a cobra twist
― Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu posted images of his "rematch" with All Elite Wrestling star and executive vice president Kenny Omega (Tyson Smith) on X (formerly Twitter) last Saturday. The composer states, "A revenge match with Kenny Omega after a year! The cobra twist really hurts when you lock it in for real…" Uematsu shared two ...
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