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AIC Wins Legal Battle to Return as Shareholder of AIC Rights
Lawsuit began in 2021, was appealed 2 times
― Anime International Company (AIC) announced on July 3 that it has won a civil suit against AIC Rights and producer Yoshikazu Maeda, with the company now recognized as a shareholder of AIC Rights.The lawsuit began in August 2021. AIC demanded a return of its shares of AIC Rights. AIC Rights asserted that, due to Yoshikazu Maeda already having sold his shar...
Veteran Korean Voice Actor Hee-sun Kang, Voice of Crayon Shin-chan's Misae, Dies at 65
Her son, actor and producer Eun-seok Ahn, shares heartfelt tribute on social media after her funeral
― Veteran Korean voice actor Hee-sun Kang, best known as the longtime voice of Misae Nohara, Shin-chan's mother in the Korean dub of Crayon Shin-chan, died on July 4 following a battle with colon cancer. She was 65. According to news outlets in Korea, Kang died at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospita...
Kadokawa CEO Takeshi Natsuno Retains Positions After Shareholder Vote
Company's largest shareholder Oasis Management had called for Natsuno to step down
― Takeshi Natsuno retains his positions as both the CEO and a board member of Kadokawa, after receiving enough votes during the company's 12th annual general meeting of shareholders on June 24. Oasis Management Company Ltd., Kadokawa's largest shareholder with a current 15.25% stake, had called on shareholders last mo...
Voice Actor Azuki Shibuya Announces Marriage
And has been married since 2025
― Voice actor Azuki Shibuya, former member of i☆Ris, announced last Thursday that she is married. Shibuya said, “Through a happy coincidence, I got married in 2025” and has kept her partner's identity private. The voice actor added she has already shared the news with her fan club. As of press time, Shibuya's announcement has received just over 6,000 likes and 315 rep...
Crunchyroll Co-Founder, Former CEO Kun Gao Launches AniBiz Platform for Anime Licensing
Platform is described as "1st dedicated B2B marketplace built for the global anime industry"
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Thursday that Kun Gao, founder and former CEO of Crunchyroll, has launched the "AniBiz.com" platform through his anime-focused media company Nakama. Gao is the co-founder and president of Nakama. The platform went live on Thursday, and is described as "the firs...
Otakon 2026 Hosts Voice Actress Ayaka Fukuhara, I.G. USA's President Maki Terashima-Furuta
Ryotaro Okiayu, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yuka Iguchi, more attend event running from July 31-August 2 in Washington, D.C.
― The staff of Otakon announced on Sunday it will host voice actress Ayaka Fukuhara (Captain Tsubasa, Sakura Wars) and president of Production I.G. USA Maki Terashima-Furuta, at this year's event.Fukuhara is known for her role as Rin Shibuya in The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls and role...
Actor Michael Byrne Dies at 82
Actor played Elder in live-action Blood: The Last Vampire film
― British actor Michael Byrne died on June 20 at the age of 82. The actor played the role of an Elder in the 2009 live-action Blood: The Last Vampire film. Byrne has had a prolific career in film spanning from 1963 to 2022, including notable roles in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 as Grindelwald, Gangs of New York as Horac...
Voice Actor Kenichi Suzumura Returns From Hiatus
Voice actor took hiatus in February due to adjustment disorder
― The talent agency Intention announced on Monday that voice actor Kenichi Suzumura will gradually return to voice acting work.Suzumura went on hiatus in February earlier this year. Intention explained at the time that Suzumura had been in poor health, and doctors diagnosed the issue as adjustment disorder. Suzumura is known for his roles...
Singer, Actor Akihiro Miwa Dies at 91
Voice actor for Witch in Howl's Moving Castle, Moro in Princess Mononoke died of old age
― The official website for actor, voice actor, and singer Akihiro Miwa (real name Ahihiro Maruyama) announced on Sunday that Miwa died on June 20 of old age. He was 91. 【速報 JUST IN 】歌手で俳優の美輪明宏さん死去「ヨイトマケの唄」など知られるhttps://t.co/QJbOutBstT #nhk_news— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) June 28, 2026 Miwa's agency stated that due to h...
Singer Taiiku Okazaki Announces Hiatus to Focus on Health
Singer cancels all events, performances for 2026
― Singer Taiiku Okazaki announced on his official website on Wednesday that he is suspending activities due to ongoing physical and mental health issues, and based on a doctor's diagnosis.All scheduled events and performances scheduled for the year are cancelled.His social media accounts will share information regarding the cancelled events and refunds...
Yuki Kodama's Ao no Hana Utsuwa no Mori Manga Gets Live-Action Series
Forrmer SKE48/Nogizaka46 idol Rena Matsui stars in fall romance from Kids on the Slope creator
― NHK announced on Tuesday that it is producing a live-action series of Yuki Kodama's Ao no Hana Utsuwa no Mori (Blue Flower, Forest of Vessels) manga that will premiere on NHK's "Yorudora" programming block this fall. forrmer SKE48 and Nogizaka46 idol Rena Matsui (Ultimate Otaku Teacher, seen below) will s...
Kageki Shojo!! Manga Continues Hiatus, Returns on August 28
Manga's scheduled return from 1-issue break on June 26 moved due to author Kumiko Saiki's poor health
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Hakusensha's Melody magazine announced on Monday that Kumiko Saiki's Kageki Shojo!! manga will not return from its one-issue break on June 26 as scheduled, and will continue its hiatus due to Saiki's poor health. The manga is now scheduled to resume seri...
Live-Action Wandance Film's Teaser Reveals Lead Actor, Staff, November 27 Opening
&Team member Jo plays protagonist Kaboku Kotani
― The official website for the live-action film of Coffee's Wandance manga unveiled a new teaser trailer and two key visuals for the film on Monday. The teaser announces the film's lead actor, main staff, and November 27 opening. &Team boy band member Jo plays the film's protagonist Kaboku Kotani. Naoya Kusaba is directing the film, with a script by Kei...
Korean Politician Calls for Debate on Educational Rights Protection Bureau After Watching Webtoon-Based Live-Action Series Teach You A Lesson
The live-action series topped Netflix's non-English TV rankings for 2 straight weeks since its debut on June 5
― Gyeonggi Province superintendent-elect Min-seok Ahn, a five-term lawmaker, called for a public debate on establishing an “Educational Rights Protection Bureau” after watching Netflix's webtoon-based live-action series Teach You A Lesson. Ahn, who was elected in the June 3 election as a me...
Webtoon Artist Reports Revenue Tripling After Piracy Site Shutdown
Hyunwook: “I didn't expect much impact since my work wasn't even on the [pirate] site, but my paid revenue ended up rising about three times"
― A Korean webtoon artist went viral after revealing that their revenue nearly tripled following the shutdown of a major illegal piracy site, highlighting the ongoing impact of webtoon piracy on creators' earnings. Webtoon creator Hyun-wook Park (pen name Hyun...
Former Kadokawa Chair Tsuguhiko Kadokawa Appeals Bribery Verdict, Sues Kadokawa President
Former board chairman seeking 20 million yen in damages for defamation
― Former Kadokawa chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa announced on Tuesday through The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) that he is appealing his guilty verdict in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics bribery case. The former chairman also filed a defamation lawsuit on Tuesday against Kadokawa company CEO Takeshi Natsuno and the company's i...
Actress Daveigh Chase Dies at 35
Chase played Chihiro in Spirited Away, Lilo in Lilo and Stitch, Samara in The Ring
― TMZ reported on Wednesday that actress Daveigh Chase died on Tuesday, according to her boyfriend Roy Hernandez. The website stated that Chase had died due to meningitis and a blood infection, which caused septic issues. She was 35. Chase voiced Chihiro in Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away anime film in 2001 and Lilo in D...
Mastering Accents in Witch Hat Atelier with the English Dub Cast
How does the English dub use accents to reflect the story's wide world? The English voices of Qifrey and Agott share their thoughts.
― Kamome Shirahama's Witch Hat Atelier manga is a global story - not just in terms of how popular it is, but also in the universality of its themes and characters. To reflect that, the English dub for the anime gives characters different world accents, using them to emp...
Sakanaction's 'Kaiju' Song Wins Song of the Year at Music Awards Japan 2026
Mrs. Green Apple wins Artist of the Year for 2nd straight year; Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" wins multiple awards
― The Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) announced the major award winners during the Grand Ceremony of its Music Awards Japan event on Saturday. The awards event launched last year. The major award winners are: Artist of the Year Mrs. Green Apple Song of...
Alleged Operator of Webtoon Piracy Website Newtoki Extradited From Japan to S. Korea
Event marks 1st time Japan has extradited one of its own nationals to S. Korea under bilateral agreement
― The suspected operator behind Newtoki, one of South Korea's largest illegal webtoon distribution sites, was extradited from Japan to Korea, marking a major breakthrough in its efforts to combat global digital piracy. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced the 37-year-old s...
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Anime Casts Sumo Wrestlers Tamawashi, Tamashoho
Active sumo wrestlers from Mongolia discuss their anime voice acting debut in video
― CyberAgent revealed on Friday that Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, the television anime of Tomato Soup's A Witch's Life in Mongol (Tenmaku no Jādūgar) manga, has cast Mongolian wrestlers Tamawashi and Tamashoho (full names Ichiro Tamawashi and Manpei Tamashoho) in the series. Both are active professional sumo wrestle...
EXCLUSIVE: X² - Double X OVA Gets 1st-Ever Digital Release on Crunchyroll, X Japan's Yoshiki Talks to ANN About Work's Significance
OVA featuring CLAMP's artwork, MADHOUSE's anime set to 4 X JAPAN songs to debut digitally on June 10
― Crunchyroll will exclusively stream a remastered version of the X² - Double X OVA project based on CLAMP's X/1999 franchise worldwide (outside of Japan, China, and South Korea) starting on June 10 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. To mark the digital release of the music video compilation from X JAPAN, the rock gro...
Singer Peabo Bryson Dies at 75
Artist sang for Shūkan Storyland series, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin animated films
― The official Instagram account for singer Robert Peapo Bryson, who went by the stage name Peabo Bryson, announced in a statement on June 2 that he had died on 5:00 p.m. EDT that evening. The singer suffered a stroke a few days before and was receiving medical care. He was 75.
Bryson was best known for h...
The Astronaut Who Loves Anime
Astronaut Stanley Love went viral during the Artemis II mission when not-so-subtle anime references were spotted in Mission Control. Erica Friedman talks to Dr. Love about his fandom, magical girls, and more.
― Erica Friedman (Anime News Network): This spring, anime fans worldwide were thrilled to see Artemis the Cat from a very popular magical girl anime watching over NASA's Artemis II mission. Lat...
Manga Creator Masaki Ando, Voice Actor Honoka Kuroki Announce Their Marriage
Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki creator & cast member celebrate with self-portrait art
― Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki creator Masaki Ando and voice actor Honoka Kuroki announced on their respective social media accounts on Sunday that they have married each other. Andō wrote in his statement, “As professionals in the entertainment industry, we respect each other's work and are committed to giving it ou...
Manga Creator Ritsuhiro Mikami Dies
Mikami died on April 17 due to illness
― The official X/Twitter account for Kadokawa's Flos Comic website revealed on Friday that manga creator Ritsuhiro Mikami died on April 17 due to illness. Mikami drew the Akuyaku Reijо̄ ni Tensei Shippai-shite Kachi Heroine ni Natteshimatta: Akuyaku Reijо̄ no Ani to no Kazoku End wo Akiramete Koibito End wo Mezashimasu manga, and had just almost completed the se...
Mononoke Film Trilogy Producer Kōji Yamamoto Retires from Producing, Apologizes After Recasting Takahiro Sakurai in 3rd Film
Takahiro Sakurai reprised original Medicine Seller role for cameo, staff did not announce character's return before film opened
― Kōji Yamamoto, planning producer for the Mononoke franchise's film trilogy, posted an apology on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, and also announced he was retiring from producing. Yamamoto confirmed in the statement that staff had recast a voice actor who had b...
Nippon Sangoku The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun Manga Goes on Hiatus
Manga's update this month postponed, author Ikka Matsuki recovering from steroid withdrawal syndrome
― Manga author Ikka Matsuki announced on their X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday that this month's update of their Nippon Sangoku manga has been postponed, and it will go on hiatus, due to Matsuki recovering from steroid withdrawal syndrome. Matsuki stated that they have had high fever for more t...
Hololive's Nerissa Ravencroft Talks about Frieren, Naruto, and Her Family Streams
Nerissa talked in detail about her singing career and how her family continues to support (and sometimes appear in!) her streams.
― Recently, Anime News Network video editor Stephen Shin sat down with Hololive's Nerissa Ravencroft and talked about Frieren, Naruto, her family streams, and more. We also discussed her favorite Hololive songs, her own songs within the company, and her history as a singe...
JoJo's Hirohiko Araki Designs Curtains for Kyūshū's Biggest Kabuki Theater
Hakataza theater commemorate legendary name succession for 2 Kabuki actors
― Jojo's Bizarre Adventure manga creator Hirohiko Araki designed the art emblazoned on special stage curtains for the Hakataza, the largest kabuki theater on the Japanese island of Kyūshū, this month. The curtains feature Kabuki actors Onoe Kikugorō VIII and Onoe Kikunosuke VI. The theater is using these curtains during the Gr...
Tekken 7, Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda Leaves Bandai Namco
Ikeda worked at Bandai Namco Entertainment for 20 years
― Tekken 8 game director Kohei Ikeda (also known as Nakatsu) announced on Monday that he has left Bandai Namco Entertainment, having worked at the company for 20 years.Ikeda was the game director on the fighting games Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, the producer on the Tekken 3D Prime Edition game, and a designer for Tekken Tag Tournament 2. He was also ...
Galaxy Express 999 TV Anime, Lupin III Film's Lyricist Jun Hashimoto Dies
Hashimoto died due to liver cirrhosis at 86
― Lyricist Jun Hashimoto died in a Tokyo hospital on May 21 due to liver cirrhosis. He was 86. The family held a private funeral attended only by close relatives and led by the chief mourner, Hashimoto's son Haruo Yoda. Hashimoto wrote the lyrics for the Galaxy Express 999 television anime's titular opening theme song and ending theme song "Aoi Chikyū" (Blu...
Voice Actor Katsuji Mori Cancels Stage Performance in Reading Event Due to Injury
Mori to focus on directing "Kotoba no Mori" reading performance after his recent fall at home, worsening his spinal canal stenosis condition
― Voice actor Katsuji Mori announced on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday that he will not perform on stage and will focus on directing the upcoming "Kotoba no Mori" reading performance. The 80-year-old voice actor explained that the reason is that he h...
Apocalypse Hotel Original Anime & Spinoff Manga, Mecha Designer Ikuto Yamashita Win 57th Seiun Awards
Apocalypse Hotel anime wins Best Media award; Labeled Human, "Tokitoki Channel: How to Make Nonexistent Weather," Norio Itoh's Encyclopedia Fantastica, more also win
― The Japan Science Fiction Convention revealed the winners of the 57th Seiun Awards on Monday. CyberAgent and its Cygames Pictures subsidiary's Apocalypse Hotel original television anime won the Best Media award. Additionally, the anime...
Animation Veteran Kunihiko Hamada Departs From Madhouse
Hamada claims he received no severance pay after over 20 years as staff employee
― Animator and character designer Kunihiko Hamada confirmed on Sunday, his birthday, that he is no longer working at Madhouse as of the end of March. He added that he is now working at a different company.Hamada said he devoted 35 years to Madhouse, including over 20 years as a staff employee. He claimed he did not recei...
Anime Expo Hosts World Premieres of Black Torch, Magic Knight Rayearth Anime
Also: Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE producer Shohei Sakakibara, scenario writer Kazutaka Kodaka attend July 2-5 convention
― The staff of Anime Expo 2026 revealed on Friday that the event will host the world premieres of: The television anime of Tsuyoshi Takaki's Black Torch manga. The new anime based on CLAMP's Magic Knight Rayearth manga with guest Rie Takahashi. Additionally, Master Detect...
Scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki Dies
Kawasaki wrote scripts for Blade of the Immortal, Silent Möbius, Sakura Wars, more anime
― Screenwriter Takao Koyama posted on X/Twitter on Thursday that scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki had died on January 23. He was 60. Kawasaki was born on November 17, 1965. Kawasaki had written scripts for numerous anime, including Blade of the Immortal, Ryoko's Case File, Silent Möbius, After War Gundam X, and Sak...
Astra Awards Nominate Witch Hat Atelier, Dandelion, Sakamoto Days, JoJo Part 7, MAO, Rooster Fighter for Best Anime
Anjali Kunapaneni, Patrick Seitz, Joshua Waters also nominated for voice over categories
― The film critics in the Hollywood Creative Alliance (formerly the Hollywood Critics Association) announced their nominees for the 2026 Astra TV Awards on Wednesday. The nominees for Best Anime Series include:DandelionMAORooster FighterSakamoto DaysSTEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre AdventureWitch Hat Atelier Anjali ...
Mausu Promotion Breaks Contract With Voice Actor Kazuki Atsumi Following Reported Arrest Under Suspicion of Sexual Assaulting Minor
Mausu Promotion talent agency broke contract over "serious breach" on May 21
―
Talent agency Mausu Promotion announced on May 21 that it terminated its contract with voice actor Kazuki Atsumi after a "serious breach of contract." Abema Times wrote on Wednesday that the Tokyo Metropolitan Police had reportedly arrested Atsumi for suspected sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in Ikebukuro. The police...
Director, Special Effects Artist Yoshihiro Nishimura Dies at 59
Nishimura worked on Tokyo Gore Police, Shin Godzilla, live-action Attack on Titan
― Japanese film director and special effects artist Yoshihiro Nishimura died on Monday. He was 59.Variety reported that Nishimura had been in the hospital for nearly two weeks fighting a liver disease.Nishimura was born in Tokyo on April 1, 1967. He was known for his model-making and special effects work for many films,...
Voice Actor Kenjirō Tsuda Sues TikTok for Alleged, Unauthorized Generative AI Use of His Voice
Lawsuit filed last November claims AI-generated narration for videos imitates Tsuda's voice
― Japanese news website Yomiuri Shimbun Online reported on Saturday that voice actor Kenjirō Tsuda filed a lawsuit against the operator of the video-sharing app TikTok for posting videos that allegedly used AI (artificial intelligence) to imitate his voice without permission, and demanded the removal of the v...
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
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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
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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...
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