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100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Manga to Temporarily Slow Release Pace
Artist Yukiko Nozawa goes on maternity leave
― Yukiko Nozawa, the artist for The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You (Kimi no koto ga Dai Dai Dai Dai Daisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo) manga, announced on Thursday that she is going on maternity leave after the successful birth of her new child, leading to the serialization pacing of the manga to slow down.Nozawa explained t...
Manga Creator Ryūkō Azuma Dies
Uncompiled chapters of Azuma's Duffle Coat Army manga will be released in the future
― Manga creator Ryūkō Azuma died in September last year. Azuma's relatives held a private funeral.The editorial team of Kadokawa's Comic Newtype website announced Azuma's death on February 13. Azuma was still serializing the Duffle Coat Army manga (seen right), and was working on the manga's 19th chapter when he died...
20th Seiyū Awards Announces Special Award Winners
The IDOLM@STER series, Aruno Tahara, Keiko Yokozawa, Shinichirō Kamio, Rei Sakuma, Nami Mizuno honored
― The organizers of the 20th Annual Seiyū Awards announced in advance the winners of the special awards on Tuesday. Merit Awards
Award for the seiyū who have contributed to many genres, including foreign works, over the years Aruno Tahara (left in image below) Keiko Yokozawa 【第二十回声優アワード先行発表！】 功労賞 長...
Anime Central 2026 Hosts Yuki Kajiura, FictionJunction
ACen runs from May 15-17 in Illinois
― Illinois-based convention Anime Central (ACen) announced on Monday it will host Yuki Kajiura and FictionJunction as Guests of Honor at this year's event. The musicians will also host a live concert on May 16 for all con attendees. Kajiura is a prolific composer known for scoring multiple anime series including Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Zero, Puella Ma...
Voice Actor Masaru Ikeda Dies at 83
Ikeda died on January 31 due to heart failure caused by myocardial infarction
― Talent agency Haikyō announced on Monday that voice actor Masaru Ikeda died on January 31 due to heart failure caused by myocardial infarction (heart attack). He was 83. A private funeral attended only by close relatives was held. Ikeda was born on September 27, 1942 in Tokyo. Ikeda voiced most of the mecha robots that ...
Bloodstained Game Creative Director Shutaro Dies at 52
Shutaro died on February 10 due to pancreatic cancer
― ArtPlay co-founder Koji Igarashi announced on Monday that the company's creative director SHUTARO (Shutaro Iida) died on February 10 after fighting cancer for almost a year and a half. He was 52. SHUTARO's family posted the announcement of his death on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where they disclosed that he died due to pancreatic cancer. A...
Hideki Satō, Former Sega President Known as 'Father of Sega Hardware,' Dies at 75
Satō was instrumental in development of all of Sega's home consoles
― Sega announced on its Japanese X/Twitter account on Monday that Hideki Satō, former president of Sega known as the "father of Sega hardware," has died. The Japanese game web magazine Beep 21 reported on Saturday he died on February 13. He was 75. 2001年から2003年までセガ代表取締役社長を務められた佐藤秀樹さんが逝去されました。ご遺族、ご友人、関係者の皆様に謹んで哀悼の意を表します。アーケード用アミューズメント...
Detective Conan's Ran Mōri Voice Actress Wakana Yamazaki Goes on Hiatus
Yamazaki is undergoing medical treatment; Akemi Okamura to voice Ran Mōri starting in episode airing on March 14
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Monday that voice actress Wakana Yamazaki, who voices Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan series, will go on hiatus as she is currently undergoing medical treatment. The company stated that it will prioritize Yamazaki's health and will monitor her r...
Funimation Founder Gen Fukunaga Joins Advisory Board of Bizaar Studios
Former Funimation CEO joins adult animation studio as stakeholder, strategic advisor
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Thursday that founder and former CEO of Funimation Gen Fukunaga has joined Los Angeles-based adult animation studio Bizaar Studios as a stakeholder and strategic advisor. He will serve on the advisory board. Fukunaga will develop original animation and Webtoon projects...
Actor James Van Der Beek Dies at 48
Actor played Dawson in Dawson's Creek, Pazu in Castle in the Sky
― Actor James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly Van Der Beek revealed on Wednesday that the actor has died following his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek died peacefully on Wednesday morning. He was 48. Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. He was b...
Voice Actor Kenichi Suzumura Goes on Hiatus to Focus on Recuperation
Doctors diagnosed his recent bout of poor health as adjustment disorder
― The talent agency Intention announced on Thursday that voice actor Kenichi Suzumura is going on hiatus to recover from adjustment disorder. The agency explained that Suzumura has been in poor health, and doctors diagnosed the issue as adjustment disorder. As a result, Suzumura is focusing on rest and recuperation as his top pri...
K-Pop Girl Group Kiss of Life Member Belle Releases Soundtrack Song for The Remarried Empress Webtoon
Webtoon ended serialization last month; live-action Disney+ adaptation to debut this year
― K-pop girl group Kiss of Life member Belle released her first webtoon soundtrack song, titled "I Rise," for the The Remarried Empress webtoon on February 11. "I Rise" serves as an opening song for the webtoon and translates the webtoon's emotional narrative into music, capturing the inner strength and quiet r...
Suda51, Grasshopper Manufacture Plan to Release New Game in 2026
New game announced during launch stream for Romeo is a Dead Man
― Goichi "Suda51" Suda revealed during the "Grasshopper Direct" livestream on Wednesday promoting the launch of his studio Grasshopper Manufacture and Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes director Ren Yamazaki's Romeo is a Dead Man game, the studio plans to release a new game in 2026. Suda also revealed the death last year of Grasshopper...
Artist Sankaku Head Ends Weekly Serialization Pace
Himouto! Umaru-chan artist cited age, children for decision
― Himouto! Umaru-chan artist Sankaku Head announced on his YouTube channel on February 4 that he will end his pace as a weekly serialization artist. He cites his health condition deteriorating as he grows older and a desire to focus on his children as reasons for the decision. The artist will switch to a monthly serialization pace going forw...
Voice Actress Nao Toyama Announces Upcoming Hiatus From Music
Final concert announced for March 11, 2027
― Voice actress and singer Nao Toyama announced on Sunday that she will enter a hiatus from music as "a positive decision to deliver a culmination of her decade-long journey and to think about the next phase of her career." She also revealed that she will perform her 10th anniversary final live concert at the Nippon Budokan on her birthday March 11, 2027. Sh...
1st Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Film, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Series Win TAAF's Top Awards
100M, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth manga creator Uoto, director Yōhei Kameyama, artist Kenshi Yonezu, more win individual awards
― The Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) announced the winners of its Animation of the Year awards for works and individuals on Monday. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX won the television category and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle - Akaza Sairai, the first...
Anime Central 2026 Hosts Directors Keisuke Shinohara, Ayumi Moriyama, Yusuke Yamamoto, Takushi Koide
Directors take part in "Global Anime Challenge 2.0" at event taking place in Rosemont, IL on May 15-17
― Illinois-based convention Anime Central (ACen) announced on Friday that it will host the following directors as Guests of Honor: Keisuke Shinohara (My Dress-Up Darling, Black Fox, A3! Season Spring & Summer) Ayumi Moriyama (episode director for Pokemon Journeys, Pokémon Horizons, Let's Play) Yusu...
Major Manga, Manhwa Pirate Site Bato.to Shuts Down; Chinese Man Suspected as Operator Detained
Chinese, Japanese agencies worked together to file complaints that led to man's detention; man allegedly admits to operating 60 related sites
― Japan's Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), an organization that aims to reduce worldwide piracy and actively promote the international distribution of Japanese content, revealed on Thursday its involvement in the detention of a man who was the ...
Actress Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71
O'Hara played Kate in Home Alone, Delia in Beetlejuice, older Marnie in When Marnie Was There
― Entertainment news website Variety reported that actress Catherine O'Hara died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, which her manager confirmed. She was 71. O'Hara was known as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone movies, Delia Deetz in the Beetlejuice films, and Moira Rose in the ...
Voice Actor Yūji Mitsuya Hospitalized Following Injury
Mitsuya requires surgery on broken nose following incident while drunk
― Actor and voice actor Yuji Mitsuya revealed on X/Twitter on Friday that he has been hospitalized following an incident on Tuesday, in which he had hit his head and lost consciousness after getting drunk. Mitsuya stated that he had woken up in a hospital bed without remembering how he had gotten there. He added that his whole bod...
Korean Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Operator Behind Major Webtoon Piracy Site OKTOON
4.5-year prison sentence handed down by appellate court has been upheld
― South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a prison sentence for the operator behind some of the country's largest illegal content distribution sites, including the notorious webtoon piracy platform OKTOON, marking a significant legal milestone in the fight against webtoon copyright infringement. According to Korean news agency...
Dragon Ball's Majin Buu Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya Dies at 71
Shioya died on January 20 due to cerebral hemorrhage
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Kōzō Shioya had died on January 20 due to cerebral hemorrhage. He was 71. His immediate family held a private funeral service. Shioya was born in Kagoshima Prefecture on August 18, 1955. He was the older brother of fellow voice actor Yoku Shioya.Shioya is well-known as the voic...
Anime Expo Hosts iIllustrator Yoshitaka Amano
Anime Expo runs from July 2-5
― Anime Expo announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday illustrator Yoshitaka Amano will attend this year's event as a guest. The event previously hosted the artist in 2023.Amano is most well known for his contributions to Vampire Hunter D and the Final Fantasy series, as well as his collaboration with English graphic novelist Neil Gaiman on Sandman: The Dream Hunters...
Manga Creator Go Nagai to be Inducted into Eisner 2026 Hall of Fame
Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Devilman creator among 19 Judges Choice honorees
― The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced on Thursday the 19 Judges Choice honorees who be inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame, including manga creator Go Nagai. The committee who chose the inductees includes: Michael T. Gilbert, Karen Green, Alonso Nuñez, Diana Schutz, Jim Thompson, and Maggie Thompson. The other 18 in...
Director, Actor Mark Jones Dies at 72
Leprechaun film director contributed to Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love, Mega Man
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Saturday that director and actor Mark Jones died on Friday at the age of 72. He died in Los Angeles after a brief stay at the West Hills Hospital, a day before his 73rd birthday. There will be a private ceremony held to honor his memory. The director was best known for ...
Former Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser Joins Hasbro's Board of Directors
Bowser retired from Nintendo of America on December 31
― Hasbro announced on Tuesday that it has appointed former Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser into its Board of Directors. The company also appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Honest Company, Inc. Carla Vernón into the Board. Bowser retired from Nintendo of America on December 31. Bowser became president of Nintendo of America in Apri...
'If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die' Stage Play Replaces SKE48's Miyu Nakasaka
Idol's activities suspended due to inappropriate communications with manager
― The staff for the stage play of Auri Hirao's If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die (Oshi ga Budōkan Ittekuretara Shinu) manga announced on Thursday that Miyu Nakasaka will step down from the role of Yumeri Mizumori due to a suspension of her activities. SKE38 member Aina Suzuki will replace her in the...
Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Webtoon Season 2 Ends as Artist JIN Enlists for Military Service
Season 3 will continue with a different artist
― Season 2 of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok has officially concluded following the announcement that its artist JIN will be enlisting for South Korea's mandatory military service. JIN confirmed the news in an episode published on January 7 on Kakao Webtoon, telling readers that season 2 would be his final contribution to the series before he begins his servic...
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Film Wins Honorary Award at Astra Film Awards
KPop Demon Hunters wins Best Animated Feature, Best VO Performance, Best Original Song
― The first Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle anime film won the "Animation is Cinema" honorary award at the Hollywood Creative Alliance's (formerly the Hollywood Critics Association) 9th Annual Astra Film Awards on Friday. The film was also nominated for Best Animated Feature, but lost to Kpop Demon H...
Sae-ron Kim's Final Film Based on Webtoon Set for February Release
High-teen romance film Every Day We adapts webtoon of same name
― The late actress Sae-ron Kim's final film, Every Day We, has officially confirmed its theatrical release for February, marking the last on-screen appearance of the actress. Every Day We is a high-teen romance adapted from the webtoon of the same name serialized on Kakao Page. The film captures the tenderness and emotional clarity of f...
Sega Co-Founder David Rosen Dies at 95
Rosen founded Rosen Enterprises game company, was head of Sega for nearly 2 decades
― Sega Enterprises co-founder Dave Rosen died on December 25. He was 95.Rosen founded Rosen Enterprises Ltd in Japan in 1950, and began importing coin-operated game machines from the United States into Japan later in the 1950s. In 1965, the company was acquired by Nihon Goraku Bussan, which used Sega as a trade name. ...
Final Fantasy IX Game's Character Designer Toshiyuki Itahana Leaves Square Enix
Itahana to work as freelance illustrator following end of Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary year
― The Final Fantasy IX game's character designer Toshiyuki Itahana announced on Monday that he left Square Enix at the end of last year. He left following the end of Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary, which he supervised and provided new illustrations for. He will continue on as a freelance illustrator ...
In Memoriam
To those who left us in 2025
― William Bassett
Voice actor
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes James Carter Cathcart
Voice actor, script adaptor
Pokémon, Revolutionary Girl Utena Juli Erickson
Voice actress
Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, Ouran High School Host Club Bill Flynn (also known as William Flynn)
Voice actor
Case Closed, One Piece Ron Friedman
Writer
...
True Beauty Webtoon Creator Yaongyi Wins Tax Appeal
Ruling states NTS must cancel tax charges imposed on Yaongyi
― Korean media outlets reported on November 28 that Yaongyi, the creator of the hit webtoon True Beauty, has won a legal challenge against South Korea's National Tax Service (NTS) over a multimillion-won value-added tax assessment, overturning a decision that had fueled a high-profile tax controversy last year. According to a June ruling b...
Korean Dictator's Grandson Releases Webtoon Depicting Traumatic Childhood
Webtoon portrays Chun himself as white lamb named “Monggeuli,” while other members of Chun family are depicted as black lambs
― Woo-won Chun, the 29-year-old grandson of former South Korean dictator Doo-hwan Chun, has drawn public attention after releasing a webtoon based on his childhood experiences. Since December 4, Chun has been regularly posting webtoon episodes on his Instagram account (Korean...
Strawberry Shortcakes, Blue Manga Creator Kiriko Nananan Dies at 52
Manga creator died in December 2024, announcement held for 1 year at behest of family
― Publisher Tokyo News Service revealed on Friday that manga creator Kiriko Nananan died on December 25, 2024. She was 52. The publisher stated it revealed the news now, one year later, due to the wishes of Nananan and her family. Nananan made her debut as a manga creator with the manga hole in 1993. She mainly publ...
Taisho Baseball Girls Novelist Atsushi Kagurazaka Dies at 59
Uchi no Danna ga Amachan de author died in November of heart failure
― The family of novelist Atsushi Kagurazaka (real name Junnosuke Ōshita) announced on Wednesday Kagurazaka died on November 20 of heart failure. He was 59. Kagurazaka's family held a private funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Kagurazaka was born in Hiroshima, and he made his debut as a novelist in 1988. He was...
Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece Voice Actress Juli Erickson Dies
Erickson played Pinako in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tsuru & Kokoro in One Piece
― A post on voice actress Juli Erickson's Facebook page revealed on Saturday that Erickson died peacefully in her sleep on December 17. Memorials will be held in Spokane, Washington and Dallas, Texas. Erickson married the late voice actor James Grant in July 1986. Her anime roles include Pinako Rockbell in Fullmetal Alchemist,...
Transformers: Robots in Disguise Voice Actor Gil Gerard Dies at 82
Buck Rogers actor died after battle with cancer
― Actor Gil Gerard died at 82 on Tuesday after a prolonged battle against a "rare and viciously aggressive" form of cancer, according to a Facebook post by his wife Janet Gerard. Gerard had a long prolific career in screen acting before voicing the role of Megatronus/The Fallen in Transformers: Robots in Disguise. He was best known for his role as Capt...
Cyborg 009's Cyborg 002/Jet Link Voice Actor Ryō Ishihara Dies at 94
Ishihara died of acute heart failure on December 14
― Talent management agency Aoni Production announced on Wednesday that voice actor Ryō Ishihara had died on December 14 due to acute heart failure. He was 94. Per the wishes of Ishihara's family, a funeral was held with only close relatives in attendance. Ishihara voiced the character Cyborg 002/Jet Link in the 1966 Cyborg 009 film, the 1967 Cyborg ...
Voice Actress Julie Mayfield Dies
Mayfield voiced Dr. Kureha in One Piece, Kyoko in Fruits Basket, Eva in Case Closed
― Mary Collins Agency revealed on Tuesday that voice actress Julie Mayfield died on November 20. She was 67. A memorial service will be held in 2026. Mayfield worked with Mary Collins Agency for 35 years. She has appeared in theater in Dallas-Fort Worth, and performed improv with 4 out of 5 Doctors and Lone Star Comed...
Voice Actor Jim Ward Dies at 66
Ward played Qwark in Ratchet and Clank, Jack Krauser in Resident Evil 4
― The Stephanie Miller Show host Stephanie Miller revealed that her former co-host and voice actor Jim Ward died on Wednesday. He was 66. Although the cause of death was not specified, Ward had a mild cognitive issue in 2021, which led to a severe case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized and paralyzed for four months. He also got Al...
Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies at 75
Tagawa played Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, Valco in Star Wars: Visions
― Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died due to compilcations from a stroke on December 4 in Santa Barbara, CA. He was 75. Tagawa is known for playing Shang Tsung in live-action film adaptations of the Mortal Kombat franchise. He also voiced the character in the Mortal Kombat 11 game. He played Heihachi Mishima in the 2009 live-action T...
Slam Dunk, Street Fighter Voice Actor Tomomichi Nishimura Dies
79-year-old voiced Slam Dunk's Coach Anzai, Street Fighter's M. Bison & Akuma
― The talent agency Arts Vision announced on Monday that voice actor Tomomichi Nishimura died on November 29. He was 79. His family already held a private funeral and service. The agency had previously reported on September 22 that he would be taking a hiatus from work due to poor health. Nishimura was born on June 2, 1946 ...
Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada Leaves Bandai Namco
Harada worked on fighting game franchise for 30 years
― Katsuhiro Harada announced on X/Twitter on Monday that he will be leaving Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, having worked for more than 30 years at Namco and then Bandai Namco, and having worked on every entry in the Tekken franchise, including the most recent entry, Tekken 8. Monday marked the final day of Tekken's 30th anniversary. Harada expla...
Takayuki Matsutani, Mamoru Oshii, Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Mami Koyama, More Win TAAF Lifetime Achievement Awards
Also: Keiko Takemiya, Tomoko Konparu, Masaaki Mori, Nizo Yamamoto, Takashi Namiki
― The Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) announced the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards winners on Wednesday. Producer: Takayuki Matsutani (Astro Boy, Black Jack, Legend of the Forest) Author: Keiko Takemiya (To Terra, Kaze to Ki no Uta, Andromeda Stories) Screenwriter: Tomoko Konparu (2025 The Rose of Versailles, Soreik...
Voice Actor Hiroki Yasumoto Cancels TV Appearance After Traffic Accident; Returns to Work After Doctor's Clearance
Yasumoto canceled Seiyū to Yo Asobi appearance on Monday
― Talent agency Sigma Seven announced on Monday that voice actor Hiroki Yasumoto was involved in a multiple collision traffic accident and has canceled his appearance on Monday's episode of Abema's Seiyū to Yo Asobi (romanized as Say You to Yo Asobi, literally Night Out with Voice Actors) program. The agency then reported on Tuesday that the do...
Legend of the Galactic Heroes Novelist Yoshiki Tanaka Suffered Debilitating Hemorrhage Last Year
Arslan author now rehabilitating in nursing facility, but still continues to write
― Hiroaki Adachi, the head of the Wright Staff company which manages the business affairs of The Legend of the Galactic Heroes and The Heroic Legend of Arslan novelist Yoshiki Tanaka, reported on Sunday that Tanaka had suffered a debilitating cerebral hemorrhage exactly one year ago on November 30, 2024. Tanaka had col...
RIDI Pulls BL Web Novel After Allegations Story Mirrors Career of e-Sports Legend Faker
Public outcry over using real person's achievements in adult fiction caused removal; author issues apology
― Korean webtoon and web novel platform RIDI suspended sales of the newly published boys-love (BL) novel Crazy Dog Hunts the Tiger only a day after its release on November 24, following accusations that the story closely mirrors the real-life career of the world-famed professional gamer known a...
Japanese Artists' Concerts, Musical Events Canceled in China Amid Political Tensions
LisAni! Shanghai event canceled; Bandai Namco Festival cancels stages; Ayumi Hamasaki, KAF, SID, Kokia, more cancel concerts
― Several Japanese music artists and Japanese music-themed events have canceled concerts and other events in China in the last 24 hours, amid rising political tension between Japan and China. The anime music magazine LisAni! has canceled its "LisAni! LIVE Shanghai 2025" concert...
Keita Richard Kusama Leaves Ae! Group
Actor also fined 100,000 yen following October arrest
―
Starto Entertainment announced on November 20 Keita Richard Kusama will part ways with his Japanese boy band Ae! Group. The group will consist of Yoshinori Masakado, Seiya Suezawa, Ken Kojima, and Masaya Sano going forward. The agency stated it will continue its contract with Kusama. Tokyo Metropolitan Police are also fining the actor 100,000 y...
Korean Appeals Court Sentences Operator Behind NunuTV, OKToon Piracy Sites to 4.5 Years in Prison
Appeals court serves harsher sentence than initial 3-year term issued by lower court
― The Daejeon High Court's Criminal Appeals Division on November 13 sentenced the operator behind the illegal streaming site NunuTV and the webtoon piracy site OKToon to four years and six months in prison for copyright infringement. The sentence was harsher than the initial three-year term issued by a lower court i...
One Piece, Dragon Ball Super Series Director Tatsuya Nagamine Dies (Updated)
Nagamine directed One Piece's Wano Kuni, Egghead Island arcs; One Piece Film Z, Dragon Ball Super: Broly movies
― Composer Kōhei Tanaka and screenwriter Osamu Suzuki both reported on X/Twitter on Thursday that anime director Tatsuya Nagamine died this summer. Tanaka stated he had attended a gathering at Toei Animation to remember Nagamine on Thursday. Suzuki stated he could not attend the gathering d...
Late Ghibli Director Isao Takahata's Unproduced Scripts Found at Home
Around 130 pages of notes include Princess Kaguya prequel, stories based on Shuten-dōji, Kenji Miyazawa
― NHK reported on Tuesday that around 130 pages of scripts and notes on unproduced works were found in late director Isao Takahata's home in June earlier this year. Seiji Kano, a professor at Tokyo Zokei University, and director of the Institute of Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki Films, has examin...
Super Mario Manga Artist Kazuki Motoyama Dies
Motoyama drew manga based on Super Mario franchise from 1988-1998
― Manga creator Risa Motoyama revealed on Instagram on October 2 that her brother Kazuki Motoyama (real name Masumi Motoyama), artist of various manga based on Nintendo's Super Mario series, has died. She did not confirm date or cause of death on Instagram. Motoyama was best known for manga based on the Super Mario franchise, dating ba...
Voice Actor Fumiyoshi Shioya Limits Activities
Agency states actor is "exhausted" after being slandered on social media
― Talent agency Haikyo announced on Friday that voice actor Fumiyoshi Shioya is limiting some of his activities. The agency explained that Shioya is "exhausted" and has been forced to take a break from his work, due to what it says is "slander and false information" being spread on social media services like X/Twitter and online...
Panorama of Hell Manga Creator Hideshi Hino Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
79-year-old creator of Red Snake, The Town of Pigs manga will have surgery at start of next year
― Horror manga creator Hideshi Hino revealed on his X/Twitter account on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Hino explained as the cancer has not spread, he will have surgery at the beginning of next year to remove the cancer. For the remainder of this year, he is undergoing IV ch...
Manga Artist Masakazu Katsura Halts All New Work to Recuperate After Major Surgery
Artist behind Video Girl Ai, DNA², Tiger & Bunny adds it will take a while to regain his strength
― Manga artist Masakazu Katsura reported on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday that he recently had a major surgery, although he could not go into much detail on it. As a result, he has put all his work on hold except for previous projects (commissioned before the surgery), on which he still wor...
Manga Creator Go Nagai, Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Inducted Into Order of the Rising Sun
Creator of Devilman, Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Getter Robo & JRPG pioneer among 3,963 honored
― The Japanese government honored manga creator Go Nagai (Devilman, Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Getter Robo) and Dragon Quest game franchise creator Yuji Horii with the Order of the Rising Sun Award, Gold Rays with Rosette for their significant contributions to the country on Monday. The Ministry of Internal Aff...
G.I. Joe Animated Series Voice Actor Lee Weaver Dies
Actor also known for work on The Bill Cosby Show, Easy Street, NYPD Blue
― Entertainment news website The Hollywood Reporter reported on Saturday that actor Lee Weaver died on September 22. He was 95. Lee Weaver, Actor in 'O Brother, Where Art Thou,' ‘The Bill Cosby Show’ and 'Easy Street,' Dies at 95 https://t.co/AVWd0XmEiZ— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 1, 2025 Weaver is perhaps best known...
Live-Action Crying Freeman Actor Tchéky Karyo Dies
Actor known for roles in La Femme Nikita film, The Missing series
― Entertainment news outlet Deadline reported on Friday that French actor Tchéky Karyo died on Friday of cancer. He was 72. Karyo played Detective Netah in the 1995 English live-action film based on Kazuo Koike and Ryōichi Ikegami's Crying Freeman manga. Karyo was born in Turkey in 1953, and he and his family moved to France when he wa...
WEBTOON Ent. Makes 1st Appearance at LightBox Expo This Weekend
WEBTOON hosts panels featuring editors, producers behind Lore Olympus, The Mafia Nanny, unOrdinary
― WEBTOON is making its debut at LightBox Expo 2025, which is being held from October 24-26 at the Pasadena Convention Center in California. At the event, WEBTOON is hosting a lineup of creator- and editor-led panels aimed at helping both aspiring and professional artists expand their opportunities in ...
Full Metal Panic! Creator Shoji Gatoh to Launch New Project With Fantasia Bunko
More details to be revealed on November 20
― Kadokawa announced on Saturday during the "Fantasia Bunko Hōsōkyoku Aki no Dai Kanshasai" livestream event that Full Metal Panic! light novel author Shoji Gatoh is launching a new project with Kadokawa's Fantasia Bunko imprint. Kadokawa will reveal more details on November 20, the same day the third volume of Full Metal Panic! Family will ship. ◤◢◤◢◤◢ 特 報...
Ken Akamatsu Hands Over Duties to New Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Manga creator debuted Love Hina manga in October 1998
― Manga artist and politician Ken Akamatsu announced on X/Twitter ended his duties as the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. He has handed over the role to Masato Shimizu. Akamatsu began his new roles as a member of the House of Councillors on the same day on the Committee on Education, Culture and S...
Japan Names 1st Voice Actor Masako Nozawa, Manga Creator Keiko Takemiya as Persons of Cultural Merit
Dancer/actor Min Tanaka, playwright/actor Hideki Noda also honored
― The Japanese government has selected 21 honorees for this year's roster of Persons of Cultural Merit. The roster includes Masako Nozawa (Dragon Ball's Son Goku, Gegege no Kitarō's Kitarō) as the first voice actor to be so honored, as well as manga creator Keiko Takemiya (Toward the Terra, The Door into Summer, Andromeda Stories), da...
Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden Creator Tomonobu Itagaki Dies
"Final message" posted on Itagaki's Facebook account
― The official Facebook account of game designer Tomonobu Itagaki announced on Thursday that he has died. A "final message" from Itagaki stated on the account that if the message has been posted, it means that he has died. Itagaki was 58. The message translates:My final words:The light of my life is finally fading.If this message has been posted, i...
Visual Effects Society Names Godzilla, Ultraman's Eiji Tsuburaya to Hall of Fame
Pioneering special effects director worked on Godzilla, Rodan, Ultraman
― The Visual Effects Society announced on Wednesday that it will posthumously induct Japanese filmmaker and special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya into its Hall of Fame. The VES will also posthumously add Glenn Campbell and Mabel Normand into its Hall of Fame.The 2025 VES Honors Celebration will take place at Sony Pictures Image...
Starto Entertainment Suspends Activities of Ae! Group Member Keita Richard Kusama After Arrest
Actor slated to star in upcoming 2nd live-action Mr. Osomatsu film
― Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Japanese boy band Ae! Group member Keita Richard Kusama on Saturday on suspicion of indecent exposure. Kusama's agency Starto Entertainment announced on the same day that Kusama's activities are suspended.Kusama is slated to star in the second live-action film in the Mr. Osomatsu (Osomatsu-san) fra...
Former BABYMETAL Member Yui Mizuno Ends Contract with Music Label
Musician will step away from entertainment
― Music label and production company Amuse announced on Tuesday that former J-pop/metal band BABYMETAL member Yui Mizuno (YUIMETAL) has ended her contract with the company in a move to step away from the entertainment industry.Mizuno stepped away from the media after departing from BABYMETAL in October 2018.She shared a message on her company's website at th...
Gisèle Alain Manga Creator Sui Kasai Dies
Kasai left Gisèle Alain manga on hiatus since 2014
― Manga creator Sui Kasai died on September 12. Kasai's relatives announced the passing on the creator's X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, and noted that they had already held funeral services. Kasai is survived by fellow manga creator and wife Ao Ogino. Kasai is perhaps best known for the now-unfinished Gisèle Alain manga series. Set in early ...
Teenage Mercenary Webtoon Creators to Attend NYCC in 1st U.S. Con Signing
WEBTOON also announces other guest creators attending event, panel lineup
― WEBTOON Entertainment will return to New York Comic Con, and it has revealed its schedule of panels, creator signings, and exclusive fan experiences. The creators of Teenage Mercenary, YC and Rakyeon, will make their first U.S. convention appearance at the event. Other WEBTOON featured guests include: Brent Bristol (Ordeal),...
Transformers, G.I. Joe Animated Series' Writer Ron Friedman Dies
Friedman wrote for numerous animated series, films, U.S. television shows
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Monday that writer Ron Friedman died from cardiopulmonary arrest at Motion Picture and Television Fund in Los Angeles, CA on September 15. He was 93. Friedman was born on August 1, 1932. He got a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Fr...
Star Fruit Books Founder Matt Haasch Dies
Haasch launched GoFundMe campaign on September 2 to cover expenses during lymphoma treatment
― The official website of Star Fruit Books announced on Monday that its founder Matt Haasch has died. The company added that all orders and projects will be put on hold as the company staff take the time to mourn and honor Haasch's memory. The company stated that its core members are committed to carrying on ...
Race Horse Haru Urara, Inspiration for Uma Musume Pretty Derby Franchise Character, Dies
Throroughbred race horse had 113-loss streak before she retired
― The official X/Twitter account for the Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise announced that Haru Urara, the Thoroughbred race horse that served as the inspiration for the franchise's character of the same name, died peacefully on Tuesday. She was 29. A veterinarian checked on Urara on Monday when she was not defecating. Urara had horse col...
Gimmick! Game Composer Masashi Kageyama Dies
Composer died at 62 after battle with stomach cancer
―
The official Bluesky account for Japanese record label Brave Wave announced on Monday composer Masashi Kageyama died on September 5 after a battle with stomach cancer. He was 62. Kageyama was known for his work on Sunsoft's 1992 Gimmick! platformer game for Nintendo Famicom (Nintendo Entertainment System in West). The game used an advanced sound...
Voice Actor Tatsuhisa Suzuki Resumes Musical Activities With New Music Project 'SHINKIRO&Co.'
Suzuki to still use vocalist name Ta_2; to hold 1st solo concert under SHINKIRO&Co. project on October 13
― Japanese entertainment news websites reported on Monday that voice actor Tatsuhisa Suzuki is set to fully resume his musical career with a music project called "SHINKIRO&Co.," and will hold a band-style solo concert titled "cantabile con anima" on October 13 at the Shinagawa Intercity Hall in T...
New York Comic Con Screens U.S. Premiere of All You Need is Kill Anime in October
Kamudo manga creator Akira Himekawa listed as attending convention
― GKIDS announced on August 14 that it will screen the U.S. premiere of Warner Bros. Japan and STUDIO4°C's anime of Hiroshi Sakurazaka and Yoshitoshi ABe's All You Need Is Kill science fiction light novel at New York Comic Con this year, on October 10 (the screening is billed as the North American premiere but GKIDS has confirmed with...
Voice Actor Takaya Hashi Dies at 72
Voice of Fist of the North Star's Toki died on August 27
― Apte Pro announced on Thursday that its President, CEO, and voice actor Takaya Hashi died from a heart attack on August 27. He was 72. Hashi was born on January 8, 1952 in Tokyo. He joined the Seinenza Theater Company before becoming a voice actor. He later became the President and CEO of talent agency Apte Pro. His roles include Fist of the ...
YouTuber Calm Down Man Confirms Full Retirement from Webtoons
Former artist states he has no plans to return to comics medium
― YouTuber Calm Down Man, formerly known as the webtoon artist Lee Mal-nyeon, has declared his complete retirement from comics, stating he has no plans to return to the medium. Appearing on MBC's talk show Radio Star on August 20, Calm Down Man responded to a question about resuming his webtoon career by saying, "I've stopped drawing co...
Voice Actor Mike McFarland Diagnosed With Glioblastoma Following Brain Tumor Surgeries
McFarland had surgery last January for brain tumor
― The GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to support voice actor Mike McFarland following his brain surgery last January revealed on Monday that McFarland has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, brain cancer that originates as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. After attempting assisted living, McFarland is again in the hospital and is moving to...
Anime NJ++ Convention Hosts Keita Amemiya
Anime NJ++ takes place on November 14-16
― New Jersey anime convention Anime NJ++ announced last week that it will host artist, director, and screenwriter Keita Amemiya for this year's convention. Amemiya will have a panel, interviews, and signings during the convention. Anime NJ++ will take place at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey on November 14 to 16. Amemiya is perhap...
Macross 7, Rurouni Kenshin Voice Actress Tomo Sakurai Dies of Cancer at 53
Voice actress was hospitalized for multiple organ cancer on August 4
― The official X/Twitter account for voice actress Tomo Sakurai announced on Saturday that she died on August 13 after a battle with multiple organ cancer. She was 53. On August 10, Sakurai had canceled her "TOMO Natsu 2025 Live" concert that had been planned for August 17. She had been urgently hospitalized on August 4 after a medi...
Voice Actor Bill Flynn Dies at 86
Flynn voiced Dr. Agasa in Funimation's original dub of Case Closed
― Voice actor Bill Flynn (also known as William Flynn) died on July 4. He was 86. There will be a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Restland Memorial Chapel in Dallas, TX. Flynn was born on September 9, 1938 in Yonkers, New York. In addition to acting, he was an instructor in the Air Force, counselor and director of the Ca...
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