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Universal Studio Japan Issues Warning After Risqué Halloween Cosplay Photos

USJ: “To ensure the safety & security of our guests, we ask that you cooperate with our rules & etiquette” ― Universal Studios Japan (USJ) issued a statement for guests attending its Halloween Horror Nights event last Friday. The park's management said it welcomes guests dressed in a variety of costumes but asked those participating in Halloween Horror Nights to “cooperate with our rules and etiquet...
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Godzilla Takes Over Haneda Airport

The King of Monsters will be the first and last thing Japan's visitors see ― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Godzilla franchise announced on Friday that the King of Monsters will take over Haneda Airport's international Terminal 3. The post teased that the "massive new monument dedicated to the King of the Monsters" will be erected as part of the Haneda Godzilla Global Project, and ...
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New Mario Float to Debut in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Goku, Luffy, and Pikachu & Eevee floats return ― Nintendo of America announced on Friday that the Super Mario Bros. title character Mario will appear at the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®. Mario's appearance at the annual event celebrates the franchise's 40th anniversary. (Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong in 1981, four years before the first Super Mario Bros. game.) Along with Nintendo's ico...
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Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Fest Hosts Goku's Voice Masako Nozawa

Hironobu Kageyama to perform in special stage event ― The Dragon Ball franchise announced “Dragon Ball Genkidama Matsuri” (Dragon Ball Spirit Bomb Festival), a 40th anniversary festival at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba Prefecture on January 25, 2026. Masako Nozawa, the voice of Son Goku, will appear for two stage events. Entry to the festival is free, but fans must enter a drawing for...
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One Piece's Jolly Roger Spotted in Protests in United States, Madagascar

Madagascar president removed after protests, impeachment, military overthrow ― Protestors are hoisting One Piece colors in more countries, including the United States and Madagascar, this past month. The Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger flag appeared in several "No Kings" protests against President Donald Trump's administration over the October 18-19 weekend in the United States. A Main St Daily News a...
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Haruhi Suzumiya's Real-Life School Opens to Public Before Merging With Another School

Aliens, time-travelers, espers: please go see Haruhi Suzumiya ― The staff for the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise reported on October 1 that Nishinomiya Kita High School, the alma mater of the novel series' author Nagaru Tanigawa and the model for the story's North High School, will hold an open campus event for locals and fans. The event will run on November 23 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with four pr...
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Happy Sports Day From Around the Anime World, Part II

Featuring Haruhi Suzumiya, Square-Enix, Rilakkuma, Like a Dragon, Chibi Maruko-chan, more! ― It's time to break out the old ball and glove, toss the pigskin, shoot some hoops, go for a run, and even eat bread dangling on a string for Japan's Sports Day. Our favorite anime and manga characters are doing just that for the national holiday (formerly known as Physical Education Day) on Monday: Chibi Maru...
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Happy Sports Day From Around the Anime World, Part I

Featuring Frieren, Naruto, Kaiju No. 8, Doraemon, Medalist, George Nakata, more! ― October 13 marks Sports Day in Japan. Originally known as Physical Education Day, the holiday was created to celebrate the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Today, people around Japan celebrate with sports activities and festivals. The anime and manga worlds are also engaging in their favorite sports. Doraemon...
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1st-Ever Solo Leveling Exhibition Opens in Seoul in November

Exhibition designed as immersive “level-up” experience ― The first-ever exhibition dedicated to the hit webtoon Solo Leveling will open in Seoul's Duex Hongdae venue on November 22 and will run until March 1, 2026. With more than 14.3 billion views worldwide, Solo Leveling is one of Korea's most successful webtoons. It follows the story of Jin-woo Sung, an E-rank hunter who awakens to become the wor...
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Solo Leveling Exhibit Recreates Weapons, Elixir of Life Bottle in Steel

Items crafted with advanced POSCO technology unveiled at Pohang Steelers match ― POSCO, one of the biggest steel companies in the world, unveiled "real-life" versions of items from Solo Leveling on September 21. POSCO and the webtoon Solo Leveling have teamed up for the POSCOllection, a traveling exhibit showcasing three real-life recreations of iconic items from the series. POSCO crafted the items ...
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U.S. Homeland Security Posts Pokémon-Inspired Video, Card Images

Pokémon Company "was not involved" & "permission was not granted" ― The social media accounts of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a video of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detaining people, set to the tune of Pokémon's American theme song, on Tuesday. The posts' captions read, “Gotta Catch 'Em All,” in an caricature of Pokémon's slogan. Warning: The ...
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Evangelion Anime Marks 30th Anniversary With Weekly Radio Show

Program will also stream on Amazon Music as a podcast ― The Evangelion franchise's website announced on Monday that it will mark the anime's 30th anniversary with a new radio program airing between October 4, 2025, and March 2026 on Tokyo FM and 37 other FM stations in Japan. FM EVA 30.0 will air on Saturday nights at 10:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. EDT), and a podcast version of the program will exclusively s...
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One Piece's Jolly Roger Flag Spreads to Protests in Nepal, Philippines, France

Gen Z protesters rally around flag to protest government corruption ― It started as a symbol for Indonesian protesters in August, and now the Jolly Roger flag of the One Piece manga and anime's Straw Hat Pirates has spread to protests in Nepal, the Philippines, and France. CNN reported on Saturday that Gen Z protesters in Nepal flew the Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger while protesting corruption in th...
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French President Emmanuel Macron Delivers Message at Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship

Macron: “I really wanted to say welcome to France, have a good game.” ― Japanese entertainment company Konami noted that French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a messaged during the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2025 Opening Ceremony on August 29. While the President was attending the France/Germany summit, Macron delivered a video message to the fans and players in attendance at the Yu-Gi-Oh! ev...
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Seattle Mariners Announce Super Mario Day for September 14

Get a Seattle Mariners x Super Mario baseball cap! ― The Seattle Mariners baseball team announced on September 3 that it will host a Super Mario Day event on September 14. The first 15,000 fans in attendance will take home a Super Mario x Mariners cap. An X (formerly Twitter) post shows Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez and catcher Cal Raleigh sporting the limited-edition hat. The official ...
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11 Japanese College Clubs Rank Their Favorite Sci-Fi Picks

Gundam GQuuuuuuX made several lists ― Science fiction and literature clubs (kenkyū-kai) from 11 Japanese universities reported what they think are the current “best science fiction” during the 63rd Japan Science Fiction Convention (nicknamed “Kamakon” this year) on August 30. 20 students from 11 universities explored the “hottest science fiction stories of the moment across all genres.” Participatin...
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One Piece Wins 'Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time' at Anime & Manga International Awards

Runner-ups were Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Naruto ― The Anime & Manga International Awards (The AMI Awards) honored the long-running One Piece anime with the fan-voted "Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time" award last Saturday at Anime NYC. Runner-ups for the award included: Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Naruto. IMG j7403416.jpg ...
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Anime & Manga International Awards Launch Next July With Countdown Event at Anime NYC on Saturday

Attendees at Anime NYC can vote for "Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time" ― Digital Cinema Collective announced on Wednesday The Anime & Manga International Awards (The AMI Awards), a new ceremony coming to Los Angeles during the same week as Anime Expo from July 2-6. While that may seem like a long time from now, The AMI Awards will actually officially kick off with a countdown event at this year's Anime ...
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Solo Leveling Joins Global Charity Marathon Event

Those who finish 6K run will receive exclusive Solo Leveling–themed rewards ― Kakao Entertainment announced on August 11 that the webtoon Solo Leveling will partner with NGO World Vision's upcoming charity project, the Global 6K Virtual Run, taking place from September 5 to 30. Unlike traditional marathons held in one location at a set time, the Global 6K Virtual Run allows participants to choose th...
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One Piece's Jolly Roger Flag Flies in Protest in Indonesia

Citizens protest against legislative changes, inequality ahead of country's 80th Independence Day ― Indonesia celebrates its 80th Independence Day this Sunday, August 17. The country's president Prabowo Subianto has called on Indonesians to display the country's flag ahead of the day itself, but many Indonesians have instead chosen to raise a flag familiar to any otaku: the Jolly Roger flag of the St...
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Spy x Family Takes Over Yokohama's Waterfront Minatomirai District

Take part in Spy x Family events at Yokohama's Landmark Plaza & Mark Is mall ― The SPY×FAMILY franchise revealed the key art for its upcoming collaboration event at the waterfront Minatomirai district in central Yokohama City. The collaboration will feature several activities between August 23 and October 13. The key visual feature SPY×FAMILY characters Anya Forger, Becky Blackbell, Damian Desmond, E...
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Manga Creator Ken Akamatsu Will Not Appear at Comiket While He Is Vice Minister

His booth application was accepted, but he cites regulations for not going ― Manga creator-turned-politician Ken Akamatsu confirmed on Tuesday that he will not be appearing at the second day of the Comic Market (Comiket) 106 convention this Sunday. He noted that the world's largest event for self-published dōjin works accepted his circle's application for a booth, but due to his positions as Parliame...
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LA Dodgers to Host Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Night on August 15

Will Shohei Ohtani take up the mantle of Baseball Hashira? ― The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise announced last Wednesday that it will partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team during the team's home game on August 15. The event will begin at 7:10 p.m. According to a press release by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the partnership will see "a stadium-wide giveaway of co-branded hats celebr...
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Odekake Kozame to Take a Trip to Saitama Seibu Lions Baseball Team's Home Stadium

Titular character Kozame-chan, voice actor Kana Hanazawa appear for ceremonial 1st pitch ― The Odekake Kozame series announced on Tuesday that it will collaborate with Japan's Saitama Seibu Lions baseball team on August 14. Series protagonist Kozame-chan and voice actor Kana Hanazawa will appear at the collaboration event. The Seibu Lions' website noted that Kozame-chan and voice actor Kana Hanazawa ...
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80 Years After WWII, Hiroshima Screens Grave of the Fireflies for Free to Anyone Under 25

The Ghibli film will also air on Japanese TV on the anniversary of the war's end ― The Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library announced on July 8 that it will screen Isao Takahata and Studio Ghibli's 1988 historical film Grave of the Fireflies. Tickets for the shows are 510 yen for adults and 250 yen for seniors (65 years old and older) (about US$3.50 and US$1.70, respectively), but ...
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Godzilla vs. Kaiju No. 8 Crossover Poster Revealed at Anime Expo

Shin Godzilla & Kaiju No. 8 monster designer Mahiro Maeda created art piece ― The Kaiju No. 8 franchise posted a Godzilla vs. Kaiju No. 8 crossover poster on July 7. The post noted that the two franchise's influential designer Mahiro Maeda created the art, which has a “dynamic illustration of Godzilla, the symbol of monster movies, facing off against the new-age monster tale, Kaiju No. 8.” Studio Kha...
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Anime Expo Panel Sets Guinness Record for Most People Performing One Punch Man's Serious Punch

Record set during July 5 One-Punch Man panel ― The One-Punch Man franchise announced on July 7 it had achieved the Guinness World Records for "the most people performing One-Punch Man's Maji Naguri/Serious Punch." The record was set with 1,107 people during the July 5 One-Punch Man panel at Anime-Expo: ANN was onsite for the Guinness World Records challenge. Makoto Furukawa, the voice of Saitama, fir...
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Experience Live Boxing Action at Hajime no Ippo's 1st 'Dynamite Glove' Event on November 18

7 live boxing matches to take place at manga's real-life boxing venue Korakuen Hall in Tokyo with appearance by Joji Morikawa ― You have read the manga, watched the anime, and this year, fans can get a chance to experience the world of Joji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo manga through a live boxing event titled "Dynamite Glove 2025," on November 18 at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall — the real-life venue where many...
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Western Japan's Biggest Manga/Anime Event Holds Crowdfunding Campaign

Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair supporters get gifts from Nobuhiko Okamoto, Manaka Iwami ― The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF) announced on Thursday that it will be running a crowdfunding campaign from July 10 to September 30. The organizers aim to raise 4 million yen (about US$28,000) for the continued growth of the KYOMAF and to support young creators. The theme for the crowdfund...
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Oscars' Academy Museum to Hold Ponyo Exhibition Next February

Studio Ghibi hand-picked over 100 pieces to display ― The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (from the folks who hand out the Oscars) announced more materials that Studio Ghibli donated to the Museum will go on display from February 2026 to January 2027. The “Studio Ghibli's Ponyo” exhibition will feature over 100 hand-picked materials by Studio Ghibli, including art boards, posters, a Studio Ghibli a...
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Be Prepared With Boy Scouts of Japan's Pokémon Trainer Program

Go on foraging, pathfinding, search, rescue, medical missions ― The Pokémon franchise and Boy Scouts of Japan announced a partnership for the new "Aim to Be a Pokémon Trainer!" program on June 13. The program will run in all 47 prefectures of Japan from next month until June 2026. Participants must be around 10 years old and do not have to be members of the Boy Scouts. (The program's name is an appar...
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2nd American Manga Awards Announces Nominees

Ceremony celebrating manga creators, publishers slated in NYC on August 21 ― Japan Society and Anime NYC announced the nominees for the second American Manga Awards on Monday. This year's awards added a new category, "Best One-Shot Manga," for standalone and anthology manga volumes that contain a full story. The award categories and their respective nominees are as follows: Best New Manga Hikaru in t...
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Blue Archive, VTubers Take Top Spots Among Comic Market 106's Booths

On June 6, the self-described Genre Code Tankentai (Genre Code Lovers or literally, Genre Code Expedition) released the unofficial count of fan circle booths for the next Comic Market, Japan's largest event for selling self-published dōjinshi works. According to the tallies pulled from the event's online catalog, 22,760 circles will participate at Comiket 106 this August. This is about a 26% drop ...
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Konami Gifts Kaiba Voice Kenjiro Tsuda With Rarest Blue-Eyes White Dragon Card (Sort of)

A one-of-a-kind variant as a jumbo flower bouquet ― Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda held his 30th Anniversary Dinner Show on Saturday to celebrate his career spanning three decades. As is customary in Japan, several companies sent flower bouquet displays to the celebration, and organizers displayed them at the front of the venue. In particular, several fans and guests posted photos of the bouquet from game...
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LA Dodgers Mark One Piece Night with Game Card With New Oda Art

Fans can also get Dodgers branded One Piece straw hats ― Toei Animation announced on Wednesday that ticketholders for the Los Angeles Dodgers One Piece Night will receive a limited-edition card from the One Piece Card Game. The card features a “one-of-a-kind character art drawn by creator Eiichiro Oda to celebrate this special occasion.” The card is first-come first-served and limited to one per pers...
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Ghibli Co-Founder Isao Takahata's Exhibition to Open in June

Exhibition marks what would have been 90th birthday of legendary director ― Studio Ghibli announced the "Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation" on March 27. The exhibition commemorates what would have been the 90th birthday of the studio's late co-founder and the 80th anniversary of World War II's end. It will take place at Tokyo's Azabudai Hills Gallery between June 27 to ...
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Studio Khara Announces Evangelion 30th Anniversary Festival

3-day event slated for next February ― The anime and live-action studio Khara confirmed its "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival on May 17. The event will take place at the Yokohama Arena on February 21 to 23, 2026. It will feature an exhibition area, a stage area, merchandise, and other content, and the creators at Studio Khara are directing the event's spatial and layout design...
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Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino to Speak at Space Business Conference

Director to give presentation at International Space Business Conference Spacetide 2025 on July 8 ― Mobile Suit Gundam creator and director Yoshiyuki Tomino will speak at the Spacetide Foundation's Space Business Conference Spacetide 2025 on July 8. The “Questioning the possibility of realizing the 'Universal Century (U.C.)' and the value of space business” seminar will examine how close we are to th...
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Pokémon Fossil Exhibition Comes to Chicago's Field Museum in May 2026

Exhibit featuring Pokémon models alongside actual fossils opens on May 22, 2026 ― Praise Helix! The official website for the Pokémon franchise announced last week that it is bringing the Pokémon Fossil Museum to Chicago's Field Museum on May 22, 2026. This is the North American debut of the Pokémon Fossil Museum, which is an exhibition that compares fossil Pokémon like Omastar and Aerodactyl to real-...
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Universal Studios Japan Details Spy X Family, Apothecary Diaries Attractions

Solve mysteries with SPY×FAMILY & The Apothecary Diaries characters ― Universal Studios Japan (USJ) offered more details in mid-May on the upcoming SPY×FAMILY and The Apothecary Diaries summer attractions. Both will feature a park rally (where visitors hopscotch from one location to another throughout the park on a quest), and SPY×FAMILY will also have an XR ride and story ride. All activities and ri...
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Happy Children's Day 2025 From Around the Anime World, Part IV

Featuring Doraemon, Genshin Impact, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Nogizaka 46's Nagi Inoue, Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun, more ― Children's Day in Japan lands on an auspicious day in its old six-day lunar calendar. So, with some good luck in the air, let's celebrate the holiday with messages from around the anime and manga world: Azusa Banjo (I Think I Turned My Chi...
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Happy Children's Day 2025 From Around the Anime World, Part III

Featuring Kaleido Star, Cinnamoroll, Rilakkuma, Tezuka Productions, Fukushi Ochiai, Higasa Akai, Kodansha, Once Upon a Witch's Death, Suu Morishita, more ― Tango no Sekku is not a day where people tango in Japan, but rather celebrate the healthy growth of children. The anime and manga world is full of messages for parents and children across the world: Cinnamoroll (Sanrio) すくすくすく・・・! pic.twitter.com/...
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Happy Children's Day 2025 From Around the Anime World, Part II

Featuring Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Oshi no Ko, Dragon Quest, Mononoke, My Happy Marriage, more ― Children's Day falls at the end of the long Japanese holiday season known as Golden Week. The week starts with Showa Day on April 29, Constitution Memorial Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4, and ends on Children's Day on May 5. Japanese creatives lump the holidays into one massive celebration, espe...
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Happy Children's Day 2025 From Around the Anime World, Part I

Featuring My Hero Academia, Spy x Family, Frieren, Sonic, Like a Dragon more ― On May 5, people in Japan celebrate Children's Day (also known as Tango no Sekku) by hoisting koi-no-bori carp windsocks, displaying samurai dolls or miniature samurai armor sets, eating kashiwa mochi sweets, and celebrating the health and growth of children. The anime and manga world is full of well wishes to children to ...
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Luffy to Throw 1st Pitch on Boston Red Sox x One Piece Theme Day

Ceremonial pitch is a 1st in One Piece's 25+-year history ― The Boston Red Sox baseball team announced on Monday that One Piece lead character Monkey D. Luffy will throw the ceremonial first pitch for the One Piece Theme Day game at Fenway Park on May 3. According to the Red Sox, the ceremonial pitch is a first for the One Piece franchise. The first pitch is set to take place at 4:10 p.m on May 3. Th...
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Uma Musume's Cygames Partners With 151st Kentucky Derby

Will your favorite Uma Musume join the race? ― Cygames, the producer and publisher of the Uma Musume franchise, announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with the Churchill Downs Racetrack for the 151st Kentucky Derby. During the "Unbridled Sidney Stakes Presented by Cygames" on Kentucky Oaks Day (May 2), the Cygames logo will adorn the starting gate, saddle towels of the contending horses, and sig...
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Wrestlers Kenny Omega, Adam Cole to Appear at PAX East for Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy

FF16's Clive Rosfield voice actor Ben Starr, MTG designer Gavin Verhey also appear ― AEW professional wrestler and executive vice president Kenny Omega (real name Tyson Smith) announced on Wednesday that he will appear at the annual PAX East convention for the Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy debut showcase. Omega further said, “You know I had to be there since it's Final Fantasy, can't wait to ...
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Gundam Wing Rings in 30th Anniversary With New Key Visual

Heero Yuy & Relena Peacecraft get all gussied up for the occasion ― The Mobile Suit Gundam Wing staff announced the launch of the anime's 30th anniversary project on April 1. A website debuted for news and announcements on the project, and it revealed the anniversary's new visual, featuring the characters Heero Yuy and Relena Peacecraft in formal attire. 『新機動戦記ガンダムW』30周年記念プロジェクト始動ドレスアップした #ヒイロ と #リリ...
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Crunchyroll Anime Awards Reveals 2025 Nominees

DAN DA DAN, Delicious in Dungeon, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling, The Apothecary Diaries nominated for best anime ― It's that time again to vote and make your voice heard for anime! Crunchyroll announced the nominees for its 2025 Anime Awards on Thursday. The awards ceremony will take place in Tokyo on May 25, and there will be a global livestream. Fans can vote everyday un...
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Seattle Mariners to Hold One Piece Night

The Straw Hat Pirates are joining the Mariners?! ― Last Tuesday, Toei Animation announced that the One Piece anime series is partnering with the Seattle Mariners baseball team for a One Piece Night. The event will take place on April 8 at T-Mobile Park and feature the Mariners facing the Houston Astros in the first game in a three-game series. Seattle Mariners' ticket holders will receive a Mariner-...
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The Apothecary Diaries Goes to Universal Studios Japan

The experience is set to open on July 1 ― Universal Studios Japan (USJ) announced on March 21 that the theme park is collaborating with the popular anime series The Apothecary Diaries. The attraction will open this summer, as teased with a new key visual: 🍃∴‥∵‥∴この夏、新たな物語の幕が上がる――    ∴‥∵‥∴🍃TVアニメ『 #薬屋のひとりごと 』× #USJ初コラボビジュアル公開✨本日放送のTVアニメ第二期も見逃すな!🔥詳細はこちらhttps://t.co/JvT3vdEBdu pic.twitter.com/aETpnHSlGx—...
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Spy x Family's 1st VR/XR Coaster Ride to Debut at Universal Studios Japan

The experience is set to open on July 1 ― The Universal Studios Japan (USJ) theme park announced on Thursday it is collaborating with the popular anime series SPY×FAMILY. USJ will add the franchise's first VR/XR roller-coaster featuring a secret mission with the Forger family, a street ride featuring the students of Eden Academy, and “park rally” featuring a voice guide from the Forger family. 次のミッシ...
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One Piece to Appear at March 30 Borussia Dortmund Football Club Game

The Year of One Piece and sports team collaborations continues. ― Voice actor Subaru Kimura announced during the One Piece franchise's AnimeJapan stage event this past weekend that the anime series will be collaborating with German football club Borussia Dortmund on March 30. (Kimura showed off his German language skills in the process.) The franchise revealed the key visual and played a message fro...
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CLAMP, Air Gear & Sidonia Creators, More Draw Art in Tribute to Ghost in the Shell's Masamune Shirow

See the world of Masamune Shirow in a new light ― The Ghost in the Shell franchise announced on Friday that artists including CLAMP, Oh! Great, and Tsutomu Nihei contributed tribute art for "The Exhibition of The World of Masamune Shirow" in Tokyo. The art pieces honor Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed, Black Magic M-66, Dominion, and other titles from Shirow's four-decade career: The exhibition will no...
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Gundam Meets Hatsune Miku on Zaku/Miku Day

The Gundam franchise gets Mikued up for their shared holiday on March 9 ― As it continues celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Gundam franchise expands its partnership with Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku on March 9. The date is no coincidence, since March 9 is both Miku Day and Zaku Day, in honor of Gundam's enemy mecha Zaku. ("3/9" can be pronounced in Japanese as a wordplay on both "mi-ku" and "za-ku....
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Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Wins 11th Anime Trending Awards

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End wins 5 other awards; DAN DA DAN, The Dangers in My Heart 2nd season win 4 awards each ― The 11th annual Anime Trending Awards announced its winners on Saturday and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End won Anime of the Year, as well as five other awards including Action or Adventure Anime of the Year and Fantasy Anime of the Year. DAN dA DAN and the second season of The Dangers ...
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Demon Slayer Teases Collab with Major League Baseball's Tokyo Series

Will players be using the Baseball Breathing technique? ― The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga/anime franchise and Major League Baseball teased a collaboration for MLB's Tokyo Series on March 3. The teaser indicates more info will come on March 6 at 7:00 a.m. (March 5 at 5:00 p.m. EST): #鬼滅の刃 #MLB #MLBTokyoSeries 2025.3.6 7:00 AM pic.twitter.com/UH7WTF8b1R— 鬼滅の刃公式 (@kimetsu_off) March 3, 2025 ⚾️...
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February 26 Declared City Hunter Day For 40th Anniversary

Tsukasa Hojo: “I never thought that people would be reading it 40 years later, so I was free to draw silly things as if I was throwing away my shame.” ― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the City Hunter and Cat's Eye series revealed a City Hunter 40th Anniversary illustration on February 26. The post thanked fans for 40 years of support and announced the City Hunter 40th Anniversary websi...
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Dallas Hosts 1st International One Piece Day in March

Celebrate One Piece with singers Hiroshi Kitadani, Maki Otsuka, & more! ― The One Piece franchise announced on Wednesday the One Piece Day Dallas –Card Game Celebration–, the first overseas One Piece Day celebration. The event will take place at the Dallas Fair Park Centennial Hall and Automobile Building on March 8-9. ONE PIECE DAY DALLASLate Entry Pass registration opens in 6hrs!Try it out if you m...
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L.A. Lakers Presents New Animation of Luffy Playing Basketball for One Piece Game Night

New One Piece footage featuring Luffy playing basketball planned for game on February 28 ― The Los Angeles Lakers basketball team revealed that its "One Piece Night" event on February 28 will feature a first look at a new animation of One Piece protagonist Monkey D. Luffy playing basketball, a limited Lakers x One Piece T-shirt, and a One Piece Bounty Rush photo booth on the main concourse inside the...
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Ghibli Park Lets Kids Cook Rice, Heat Up Bath Water at Totoro House

Don't forget to laugh to expel the susuwatari spirits! ― Aichi Prefecture announced the "Satsuki to Mei no Ie de Asobo!" (Let's Play in Satsuki and Mei's House!) event on February 18. The event will allow 60 children to experience Japanese life in the 1950s by cooking rice and heating the bath at My Neighbor Totoro protagonists Satsuki and Mei's house within Ghibli Park. Along with the event, Goro Mi...
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Boston Red Sox Announces 2nd One Piece Day for May 3

Get exclusive Straw Hat Crew Red Sox jersey with special ticket ― The Boston Red Sox baseball team announced another collaboration with the massively popular anime series One Piece on February 19. The baseball team stated, “Back by popular demand: ONE PIECE Theme Day at Fenway Park on Saturday, May 3!” Back by popular demand: ONE PIECE Theme Day at Fenway Park on Saturday, May 3!Tickets: https://t.co...
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Take the Witch Certification Exam with Ojamajo Doremi Characters

Test your luck at Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo on February 21-March 23 ― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Ojamajo Doremi events announced that guests can experience the world of Ojamajo Doremi (Magical DoReMi) at the Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo between February 21 to March 23. The event will feature several mini games, a collaboration café, merchandise … and the Ojamajo (Witch) Cert...
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San Francisco Fine Arts Museum to Open 1st Major Manga Exhibit in U.S. in September

Featuring Fujio Akatsuka, Hirohiko Araki, Tetsuya Chiba, Eiichiro Oda, Gengoroh Tagame, Rumiko Takahashi, Keiichi Tanaami, Jiro Taniguchi, Kazumi Yamashita, Mari Yamazaki, and Fumi Yoshinaga ― The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco's de Young Museum announced on January 27 that it will hold "the first major manga exhibition in the United States." The "Art of Manga" exhibit will display works by Fuji...
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One Piece Bodybuilding Contest Asks: Do You Have Luffy's Physique?

And will you show it off to your NAKAMAAAA? ― The official One Piece fitness gym announced on Tuesday that it is accepting entries into the "One Piece Body Make Contest." /#ONEPIECE ボディメイクコンテストエントリー開始💪💪💪\ 6月1日(日)に開催予定の「ONE PIECE ボディメイクコンテスト」のエントリーがついにはじまりました‼️ 詳細はコチラ⬇️https://t.co/fROlXNSQLu 皆様のエントリーお待ちしております🔥#ONEPIECE #BragMen #gym— ONE PIECE FITNESS BragMen【公式】 (@OP_BragMen) February 4, 2025 / ONE...
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Laughing Man Takes Over Ghost in the Shell's Social Media to Reveal 1st Franchise-Wide Exhibition

The Laughing Man Incident 2.0? ― The Ghost in the Shell franchise's Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts began uploading a series of short videos featuring the Laughing Man and a mysterious 96-hour countdown on Saturday. Each video featured images from Ghost in the Shell, Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex, Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, and the Ghost in the Shell...
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Universal Studios Hollywood Start Ticket Sales for One Piece & Jujutsu Kaisen Event

Universal Fan Fest Nights also feature Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons this spring ― The Universal Studios Hollywood theme park announced that tickets for its Universal Fan Fest Nights event have gone on sale on Wednesday. The event will run on select nights between April 25 and May 18. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Universal Fan Fest Nights (@unifanfestnights) Ticke...
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My Hero Academia Collaborates With Japan's Tallest Building

Popular anime series takes over Tokyo Skytree ― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Tokyo Skytree announced a collaboration with the popular anime series My Hero Academia on December 12. The collaboration event is called “Float as the Skytree! Hero Training in the sky! My Hero Academia x Tokyo Skytree.” According to the Tokyo Skytree's website, the collaboration began on January 8 and will ...
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Yoshiki Evacuates Los Angeles as Wildfires Affect Events Citywide

ALA convention will continue while Oscar nominations are delayed, Under Ninja premiere with stars canceled ― Japanese musician Yoshiki reported on Wednesday that he had evacuated his Los Angeles location due to the wildfires that have been raging in the city. The musician further stated, “Another fire broke out in Hollywood, where my recording studio is located and all staff, including myself are be...
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Luffy Joins LA Lakers for 1 Night

Luffy teams up with Lebron “King” James to become the King of Basketball ― The Los Angeles Lakers basketball team announced on Friday that it would be hosting Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates from the massively popular anime and manga series One Piece on February 28. The organization states, “Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates are joining the Lakers for One Piece Night on Feb. 28!” Details about the eve...
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Breaks Guinness World Record for Largest Shadow Projection

All puns intended ― The Sonic the Hedgehog Movie X (formerly Twitter) account announced on Thursday that the staff has achieved the Guinness World Record for Largest Shadow Projection. The post notes the feat was made at the American Dream retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Although no mention of which Sonic the Hedgehog 3 character's shadow was projected for the attemp...
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2025 Sapporo Snow Festival Announces 2 Massive Anime & Game Sculptures

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Monster Hunter Wilds, Snow Miku, more get the snow sculpture treatment ― The Sapporo Snow Festival website announced on Friday that three properties will appear as large- and medium-sized snow sculptures next February. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and Monster Hunter Wilds will have large snow sculptures at the STV Square and UHB Family Land respect...
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Monogatari Series Announces 1st DJ Concert Event

Featuring Clammbon's Mito as DJ, anime's composer Satoru Kosaki ― The Monogatari Series anime franchise announced its first ever DJ event on November 22. Studio Mixa in Tokyo's Higashi-Ikebukuro neighborhood will host "Monogatari Twilight" on December 1. The main DJ is Clammbon band member Mito (The Anthem of the Heart, songs in Hanamonogatari, Owarimonogatari , Tsukimonogatari), and guests include t...
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Power Rangers Auction Topped Off by Cosmic Blaster for US$87,500

Transforming Astro Megazord, original Green Ranger costume go for US$47,500, US$30,000 ― Dallas-based Heritage Auctions held an auction for Power Rangers related props that ended on Tuesday. The warehouse-clearing event boasted just under 700 items, from costumes and weapons to studio miniatures and even props from Saban's Masked Rider (Kamen Rider) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossovers. Garner...
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My Hero Academia Character Best Jeanist Wins Real-Life 'Best Jeanist' Award

Voice actor Hikaru Midorikawa accepts award in person for his character ― Fans of Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia are likely familiar with the pro hero Best Jeanist, a character who wears denim jeans from his pants all the way up to his nose. What fans may not know is that "Best Jeanist" is an actual real-life award given by the Japan Jeans Council every year since 1984. Within the series' canon, ...
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Mexican Archdiocese Asks Brides & Grooms to 'Dress with Diginity' After Saint Seiya-Themed Wedding

Time to break out the formal Saiyan clothes for the next Dragon Ball Z wedding ― On October 5, a bride and groom held a Saint Seiya-themed wedding at the Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in León, Mexico. While anime-themed weddings aren't uncommon, the Archdiocese of León and the Archbishop Jaime Calderón Calderón were none too happy with the whole affair. Archbishop Jaime Calderón Cald...
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Precure Stage Event Asks Grown-Up Fans Not to Cosplay or Talk With Kids

Parents or guardians can still talk with their children ― One of the big Precure events each year is the stage show tour. Fans of all ages go to see that year's magical girl team in person, in cities all over Japan. But, with the shows open to both adult and children, certain precautions are set in place to ensure kids have a great time. And for the Wonderful Precure! Dream Stage this year, adult fan...
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Newtype Magazine Returns in English — as a Free Giveaway at New York Comic Con

Overlord panel to also offer 1 copy signed by director Naoyuki Ito ― Crunchyroll brings back the Newtype magazine in English for one special edition at this year's New York Comic Con. The special issue features a cover with brand-new art of OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom, while the back cover features custom art from The Apothecary Diaries. Inside the covers, the issue includes an exclusive interview w...
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Play Rock-Paper-Scissors With Life-Size Gundam Hands at Museum Exhibit

The life-size moving Gundam from Yokohama lives on ― When the life-sized moving Gundam statue rose above Yokohama's Yamashita Pier in December 2020, one of the attractions was playing rock-paper-scissors with the mobile suit. Unfortunately, March 31 was the final day for Gundam fans to play the game with the RX-78F00 Gundam, or so they thought. The Science Museum in Tokyo's Kitanomaru Park announced ...
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Goku Gets New Float for 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

They're Saiyan that Goku's gonna appear at this year's parade ― A staple of the holidays season in the United States, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade treats viewers with several high-profile acts and oversized balloons. In the past quarter century, anime and game characters such as Pikachu, Sonic, One Piece's Luffy and Dragon Ball's Goku have graced the parade route. Toei Animation announced on We...
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Blue Giant Author Shinichi Ishizuka Designs Poster for Montreux Jazz Festival Japan

Jazz manga creator draws art for festival headlined by Herbie Hancock, Yoko Kanno Seatbelts ― In 2013, Shinichi Ishizuka set his pen to making Blue Giant, his manga focusing on the world of jazz. The series garnered wide acclaim and received a film treatment in 2023. It's no surprise that when the Montreux Jazz Festival Japan was seeking someone to design its 2024 visuals, it turned to Ishizuka. The ...
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Sherlock Holmes Museum Promotes 1st Detective Conan Film to Open in UK Theaters

Visit the museum for one of the namesakes of Japan's most famous child detective ― If there's one detective which fans all around the world love, it's Conan Edogawa from the hit manga Detective Conan. The manga has over 100 volumes and has spawned an anime that has aired for nearly 30 years, over 20 feature films, and numerous games. But for the first time in the franchise, the latest film, Detective...
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One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen Come to Universal Studios Hollywood's Fan Fest Nights

Separately ticketed, after-hours event begins on April 25 until May 18 ― Universal Fan Fest Nights is a new separately ticketed, after-hours event that will kick off at Universal Studios Hollywood next spring. The event nights were first announced to cater to fans of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime. Universal Studios is holding true to its word for that last part as it has announced during L.A. Com...
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Everyone's Favorite Shark Kozame Takes a Trip to Tokyo Tower

Collaboration with Odekake Kozame ran through September ― One of the dark horse anime of 2023 was Odekake Kozame. The cute adventures of the child shark Kozame captured the hearts of many viewers with shorts uploaded to YouTube weekly, and that popularity led to collaboration events all around Japan. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Red° Tokyo Tower amusement center announced on Augu...
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Shoko Nakagawa Holds Free Concert Tour for New Single Release

Multi-talent to hit 14 events for Gundam: Silver Phantom single ― Multi-talent Shoko Nakagawa, oft referred to as Shoko-tan, is likely best known for her prolific music career with over 20 singles (many of which have been featured as anime or game theme songs), five albums, and countless collaborations with other artists over the years. Now joining her long repertoire is “Across the World” for the fe...
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Tokyo Government To Project Pac-Man, Godzilla, YOASOBI on Metropolitan Government Office

See the iconic video game character waka waka over the Government Office ― It's not uncommon for famous building to be lit up for special occasions. For instance, the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower are often illuminated for events such as the Olympics, LGBT+ events, and other special occasions. However, it's rare for a government building to be illuminated with a product or recognizable fictional char...
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Exploring The Tokiwaso Manga Museum x Capcom Exhibition

There are some fun exhibits for you to explore. ― On July 20 the Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum began the "TezuCap Fighting Universe 2" exhibition. A collaboration between Capcom and Tezuka Productions, the exhibition features original works from Capcom and Tezuka Productions, a history of Capcom fighting games, some delightful crossover artwork, and a few fun little gems at the Tokiwaso Manga Mu...
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Mashle: Magic and Muscles Finally Gets a Collaboration with Beard Papa's in the U.S.

Munch like Mash on themed cream puffs in all 42 Beard Papa's stores in December Mashle: Magic and Muscles fans in the U.S., your time has come! Aniplex of America announced at Anime NYC on Saturday that the anime is getting a collaboration with the famed Beard Papa's cream puff chain this December. The collaboration will take place at all 42 stores in the U.S. with Mashle-themed flavors and mercha...
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Fushigi Yûgi Celebrates 35th Anniversary With Exhibition

Over 250 pieces on display ― While there were many great manga series from the 1990s, shōjo manga entered a sort of renaissance. Shōjo manga series found their way into the hearts and minds of readers of all ages and genders. Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon is one of the first that comes to mind, but prior to Sailor Moon was Yuu Watase's Fushigi Yûgi. Fushigi Yûgi is still beloved by fans around the wor...
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Capcom x Tokiwaso Collide For Unique Exhibition

The progenitor for modern manga and modern fighting games come together. ― One of the most iconic locations in manga history is the Tokiwaso apartment. Built in 1952, the apartment was home to the godfather of modern manga, Osamu Tezuka, and some of his contemporaries. Almost like a dormitory, these trailblazers of modern manga pushed the boundaries of what manga could accomplish both narratively and...
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World Cosplay Championship Winners Break 12-Year Dry Spell

The Grand Prix winners went with a modern classic. ― Some of the more intriguing things to see at any anime convention is cosplay. It's a great way to gauge what series are currently popular and what series have maintained their popularity. Plus, it's always fun seeing anime fans' favorite characters come to life. Like any good hobby, though, cosplayers sometimes make a competition of their outfits. ...
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Ring's Sadako Gets a Bishoujo Figure From Kotobukiya

The cute Sadako will always be watching you ― In 1991, the Japanese novel world was graced with the horror story Ring by Koji Suzuki. After spawning films for the Japanese and later U.S. markets, the franchise has garnered fans across the world. One factor in its popularity is likely the enigmatic and tragic villain Sadako. The image of her crawling out of a television to end her victims has been sea...
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons x Seattle Aquarium Collaboration Set to Tour U.S.

Tour began on June 14 at Myrtle Beach, SC ― Nintendo of America recently announced it would be running the Play Nintendo Tour across the United States over summer 2024. But this isn't the only event the company has planned for the back-half of this year. Nintendo revealed on June 11 that it will also be taking its popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour collaboration with the Seattle Aqua...
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Blue Archive Has Most Booths at Comic Market 104

Mobile game narrowly beats out VTubers for top spot ― Comiket is the twice yearly doujin flea market where Japanese anime and manga fans sell parody works of their favorite IPs and cosplay as their favorite characters. It's not a wild party, just a time for fans to get together and nerd out. One question that often looms over each Comiket is what the most popular IP is? This changes from event to eve...
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Play Nintendo Tour Travels U.S. This Summer

It's the summer of Nintendo ― Nintendo doesn't normally have a large presence at video game conventions. However, that doesn't mean the company is averse to holding its own in-person events, one of which is the Play Nintendo Tour this summer. Nintendo will be visiting nine cities across the United States for fans and families to enjoy a plethora of Nintendo themed attractions. Nintendo of America ann...
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Game Streamer Kiyo (Aims) to Fill Tokyo Dome Stadium With Solo Show

The Dome isn't just for baseball games and concerts anymore ― The Tokyo Dome is arguably the most famous baseball stadium in Japan right after the Koshien Stadium in Osaka. Home to the Tokyo Giants baseball team, the Dome hosts numerous events throughout the year including concerts, professional wrestling, American football, among others. But in what appears to be a first for the stadium, Japanese vi...

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