News — People
Filters
All
Text-only Compact View
Text-only List View
Text-only Grid View
List View with Images
Grid View with Images
Evangelion 1.0 Animation Producer, Yozakura Quartet Scriptwriter Manabu Ishikawa Passes Away
Ishikawa served as animation producer for Evangelion 1.0, 2.0, Psycho-Pass 2; wrote scripts for Fullmetal Alchemist
― Anime scriptwriter and setting writer Mitsuyasu Sakai stated on Twitter on Friday that he learned on Thursday that producer and scriptwriter Manabu Ishikawa passed away. Talent agency Office PAC also confirmed Ishikawa's passing on Saturday. Neither gave a cause of death. Ishikawa wor...
Anime Expo Hosts BONES Co-Founders, Manga Creator Kafka Asagiri, VTuber Group LazuLight
Convention hosts Bungō Stray Dogs manga creator on July 1, LazuLight on July 2
― The staff of Anime Expo revealed on Friday that the event will host BONES co-founders Masahiko Minami and Toshihiro Kawamoto. Minami is the president and producer at BONES INC. and Kawamoto is the director of BONES INC. Kawamoto is the character designer for BONES' upcoming original anime Metallic Rouge, which will premi...
Prosecution Pushes for 2.5-Year Sentence, 172.5 Million Yen Fine for Game Director Yuji Naka
Defense asks for reduced fine, suspended sentence; final judgement is scheduled for July 7
― The Abema Times news site reported on Thursday that the prosecution in the insider trading case of game programmer and director Yuji Naka is recommending that Naka serves 2.5 years in jail and pays a 2.5 million yen fine in addition to a 170 million yen penalty, for a total of 172.5 million yen (about US$1.24...
Voice Actress Saori Ōnishi Limits Work Temporarily Due to Dizziness, Difficulty Breathing
Ōnishi's health worsened in past few days
― Talent management agency I'm Enterprise announced on Monday that voice actress Saori Ōnishi will lessen her work activity temporarily due to her worsening health. The announcement added that Ōnishi has been suffering from dizziness and difficulty breathing in the past few days, and a doctor advised her to cancel some of her performances. She and I'm Enterpr...
Anime Expo Hosts Yoshiki, Takayuki Hirao, Cast of Love Live! Franchise, More
Voice actor Masakazu Morita, Zom 100 manga creator Kotaro Takata also attend event
― The staff of Anime Expo revealed on Saturday that this year's Anime Expo convention will host musician YOSHIKI in a special event discussing his writing process for several anime theme songs and collaborations with other artists from around the world. The event will also host director Takayuki Hirao (GOD EATER, The G...
Crimson Hero's Mitsuba Takanashi Goes on Hiatus for Breast Cancer Surgery, Treatment
Takanashi's ongoing Otome Tsubaki wa Warawanai manga goes on hiatus indefinitely
― The July issue of Shueisha's Cocohana magazine announced on Friday that Mitsuba Takanashi's Otome Tsubaki wa Warawanai (Otome Tsubaki Never Laughs) manga will go on hiatus due to Takanashi's surgery and treatment, after discovering that she has breast cancer. Takanashi also posted the announcement on her Twitter accoun...
Chiikawa Creator Nagano Hospitalized for Operation
Nagano revealed discharge from hospital on Monday
― Chiikawa manga creator Nagano revealed on Twitter last month that he would be hospitalized for an operation. As a result, he explained that it would be difficult to post the Chiikawa manga on Twitter for a while, but he would still like to draw illustrations while recovering. Nagano revealed through a manga post on Twitter on Monday that he has been...
Voice Actress Minori Chihara Resumes Singing Career
Chihara had put her singing career on indefinite hiatus in 2021
― The official website for voice actress and singer Minori Chihara announced on Friday that she will resume her signing career starting with a concert on August 4. Chihara added that this resumption will not mean that she will release new songs and hold concerts continuously just like before. Chihara explained several of the reasons she ...
Former Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Translator Stefan Koza Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail, With 7 Years of Sentence Suspended
Koza to still serve 3 years in jail for guilty verdict of 8 counts of child pornography possession
― Content Warning: The below article contains references to child pornography. The Fairfax County Circuit Court of Virginia announced its sentence on April 28 for former Jujutsu Kaisen manga translator Stefan Koza (35). On July 14, Koza was found guilty of eight counts of possession of child pornography...
Johnny & Associates Head Apologizes After Renewed Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Johnny Kitagawa
BBC 2 airs documentary in March, former Johnny's Jr. member alleges abuse in April press conference
― The below article contains references to sexual abuse and child abuse. Julie Keiko Fujishima, the current president of talent agency Johnny & Associates, released a video on Sunday in which she "express[ed] a deep apology to those who say they are victims" of sexual abuse by the agency's late founder...
Voice Actress Tomori Kusunoki Resumes Work After COVID-19
Kusunoki tested positive last week
― Voice actress Tomori Kusunoki revealed on Twitter on Saturday that she has recovered from COVID-19 and has returned to work. Kusunoki tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, May 8. She postponed her radio program Tomori Kusunoki The Music Reverie as a result. She also postponed her online autograph sessions to commemorate her upcoming first albums PRESENCE / ABSEN...
Anime/Game Music Composer Hidekazu Tanaka Handed Suspended Sentence for Public Nuisance, Indecent Acts
Tanaka will not serve 18 months in prison, if he remains on good behavior for 3 years
― The Tokyo District Court found 35-year-old game and anime composer Hidekazu Tanaka guilty on Friday of violating Tokyo's "Nuisance" or "Trouble Prevention Ordinance" and committing indecent acts, before handing him a suspended 18-month prison sentence. (If Tanaka remains in good behavior for three years, he will n...
Kyoto Animation Arsonist Case Begins Main Trial on September 5 With Verdict Scheduled for January 25
Trial will have total of 32 hearings over course of 4 months
― The Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported on Friday that the Kyoto District Court will start the main trial for the arson murder case that killed 36 people and wounded 33 others at Kyoto Animation on September 5. The court plans to announce its verdict on January 25, 2024. The trial will have 32 total hearings. In September and October, hearin...
Anime Expo Hosts Pokémon Go Character Designer Yūsuke Kozaki
AX 2023 runs on July 1-4
― The staff of Anime Expo revealed on Tuesday that this year's Anime Expo convention will host illustrator and character designer Yūsuke Kozaki as a guest of honor. Kozaki drew the character designs for video games such as Pokemon Go, Tekken 7, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Fire Emblem Fates, Fire Emblem Heroes, Fire Emblem: Awakening, No More Heroes, No More Heroes 2: Desperate St...
Voice Actor Kaito Ishikawa to Have Vocal Cord Polyp Surgery
Surgery slated at end of May with Ishikawa going on 1-month hiatus to recover
― Talent management agency Stay-Luck announced on Wednesday that voice actor Kaito Ishikawa will undergo vocal cord polyp removal surgery at the end of May, and will subsequently go on hiatus for about a month after to recover. Stay-Luck further explained that Ishikawa's vocal polyps had been worsening since last year, and ...
Otakon 2023 Hosts Voice Actress Junko Iwao, Director Shinji Aramaki
Event takes place on July 28-30 in Washington D.C.
― The staff of Otakon 2023 announced this week that the event will host voice actress Junko Iwao and mechanical designer and director Shinji Aramaki at the event. Iwao has portrayed Tomoyo Daidouji in Cardcaptor Sakura, Mima Kirigoe in Perfect Blue, Kazuko Saotome in Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Hikari Horaki in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Kenta Hasegawa ...
Harmony Gold Founder Frank Agrama Passes Away
Agrama served as executive producer for Robotech franchise
― The official Twitter accounts for the Macross/Robotech franchise revealed on Wednesday that Harmony Gold founder Frank Agrama passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on Wednesday. He was 93 years old. There will be a small service for family. Agrama was born on January 1, 1930 in Egypt. He studied medicine and surgery at ...
All-Male xxxHOLiC Stage Play's Sequel Cancels All Kobe Performances Due to Actor's Health
Actor Motohiro Ōta hospitalized due to severe stomach pain
― Update on April 24: The stage play has also canceled all 14 performances for the Kobe run, as Motohiro Ōta's hospitalization has been extended. Source: Stage Natalie The official Twitter account for the stage play adaptation of CLAMP's xxxHOLiC manga announced on Monday that the sequel stage play titled Engeki Chōitan xxxHOLiC Zoku will can...
Kyoto Animation Arsonist Case Begins Pre-Trial Proceedings on May 8
Main trial planned to be held between early September to late December
― NHK reported on Friday that the Kyoto District Court will start pre-trial proceedings for the arson murder case that killed 36 people and wounded 33 others at Kyoto Animation on May 8. The three parties of the court, prosecution, and defense are planning for the main trial to take place between early September and late December....
Voice Actor James Carter Cathcart Retires from Pokémon Anime Due to Cancer
Cathcart receives treatment for advanced form of throat cancer
― Martha Jacobi, the wife of American voice actor James Carter Cathcart, announced on Monday on CaringBridge — an online journal for sharing health updates — that Cathcart will retire from the Pokémon anime, due to an advanced form of throat cancer. Cathcart's retirement will be effective at the conclusion of the Pokémon anime's 25th seas...
All-Male xxxHOLiC Stage Play's Sequel Cancels 8 Performances Due to Actor's Health
Actor Motohiro Ōta hospitalized due to severe stomach pain
― Update on April 24: The stage play has also canceled all 14 performances for the Kobe run, as Motohiro Ōta's hospitalization has been extended. Source: Stage Natalie The official Twitter account for the stage play adaptation of CLAMP's xxxHOLiC manga announced on Monday that the sequel stage play titled Engeki Chōitan xxxHOLiC Zoku will can...
Takahiro Sakurai Reprises Suzaku Role in Mahjong Soul Game's Code Geass Collaboration
― The official Twitter account of Cat Food Studio and Yostar's free-to-play mahjong browser and smartphone game Mahjong Soul revealed on Sunday that Takahiro Sakurai will reprise his role as Suzaku Kururugi in the game's collaboration with the Code Geass franchise. The collaboration will be available in the game's Japanese and English version. CODE GEASS Lelouch of the Rebellion X Mahjong Soul Colla...
Voice Actor Yasumichi Kushida Passes Away at 46
Kushida voiced The Hulk in Japanese dubs of Marvel animation, Gousuke Guden in The aquatope on white sand
― Talent management agency Mausu Promotion announced last Friday that voice actor Yasumichi Kushida has passed away on April 1. He was 46. His family held a private funeral. Kushida voiced Marvel character The Hulk in numerous Japanese dubs of Western animated series, including Hulk and the Agent...
Time Magazine Names Elden Ring's Hidetaka Miyazaki in Top 100 Most Influential People of 2023 List
Miyazaki's credits include Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
― Time Magazine revealed its list of the world's most influential people of 2023 on Thursday, and it named Hidetaka Miyazaki (Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice) as one of the top 100 people. He is in the magazine's "Innovator" category. The list honors 100 people who have changed the world. Miyazaki and autho...
Manga Creator Rumiko Takahashi Knighted by France
Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura creator receives Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres decoration
― The French government conferred the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) decoration on manga creator Rumiko Takahashi on Thursday. Takahashi received the decoration at the France ambassador's residence in Tokyo. Since making her debut in 1978, Takahash...
Keiji Nakazawa Nominated for 2nd Time for Eisner Hall of Fame
Late Barefoot Gen manga creator was previously nominated in 2020
― Comic-Con International announced on Friday that the Eisner Awards judges have nominated the late manga creator Keiji Nakazawa for the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame this year. Nakazawa is part of a selection of 16 nominees, four of whom will be selected by vote to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Other nominees for this year...
Transformers, Soul Train Animator Leo D. Sullivan Passes Away
Emmy-winning animator worked on shows such as Fat Albert, The Incredible Hulk, Flash Gordon, more
― Entertainment news source The Hollywood Reporter reported on March 29 that Emmy-winning animator Leo D. Sullivan (Leo Sullivan) passed away of heart failure on March 25. He was 82. Sullivan is perhaps best known as the man who animated the chugging train sequence that served as the opening for the musi...
Zoologist, Essayist Masanori Hata Passes Away at 87
Director, writer of The Adventures of Milo and Otis; creator of Donbē Monogatari, Rex - Kyōryū Monogatari
― Zoologist and essayist Masanori Hata passed away on Wednesday, April 5 due to a heart attack. He was 87. A Fukuoka native, Hata graduated from Tokyo University's Faculty of Biology. He joined publisher Gakken in 1960 as part of its Documentary Film Production department, and produced nearly 20 ...
Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto Passes Away at 71
Oscar-winning Yellow Magic Orchestra member composed Honneamise, Appleseed movies, Le Chevalier D'Eon
― The official website of musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto announced on Sunday that he passed away on March 28. He was 71 years old. His family already held a funeral service, and his Kab and Kab America staff shared one of his favorite quotes: "Ars longa, vita brevis." Art is long, life is sho...
Voice Actor Takahiro Sakurai Ends Contract With Talent Agency
Sakurai replaced in Ayaka, Mononoke anime after report of workplace affair
― The talent agency Intention and voice actor Takahiro Sakurai jointly announced on Friday that they are ending their contract as of that day. Intention explained that during in-depth discussions with Sakurai over his professional future, he requested to leave the agency. Sakurai had been with Intention since July 2014. Sakura...
Anime Expo 2023 Hosts Manga Creator, Illustrator Acky Bright
Anime Expo 2023 takes place in Los Angeles on July 1-4
― The staff of Anime Expo revealed on the convention's website on Thursday that the 2023 event will host manga creator and illustrator Acky Bright as a guest of honor. Illustrator Acky Bright is a self-taught manga artist. He founded the design studio Brightworks in 2002. He was one among six artists chosen by Museum of Modern Art curator Paola A...
KanColle Developer Wins Defamation Lawsuit
Defendant sold defamatory goods while wearing mask with likeness of game creator at August 2020 event
― The Tokyo District Court awarded 4.40 million yen (about US$33,600) in damages to C2 Präparat Co., Ltd., the creator and developer of the KanColle (Kantai Collection) game, on January 26. The decision was for a lawsuit against an individual who defamed the franchise and C2 head Kensuke Tanaka by se...
Rei Hiroe: '341 Sentōdan Manga Will Continue if it Sells'
Black Lagoon author reveals he has been suffering from depression since 2010
― The first compiled book volume of Rei Hiroe's 341 Sentōdan (341 RMR Battlegroup) manga contained an afterword where Hiroe wrote that the manga will have a continuation "if it sells." He added he began suffering from depression in 2010, and was unable to draw at the time. He had thought that he would have to give up on draw...
Return of Ultraman Actor Jiro Dan Passes Away at 74
Actor was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017
― Talent management agency Alpha Agency revealed on Friday that actor Jiro Dan passed away on Wednesday, March 22 due to lung cancer. He was 74. Alpha Agency added that Dan was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and that his condition had taken a turn for the worse last year. Dan is possibly best known for his role as protagonist Hideko Go/Ultraman Jack i...
The Wire, John Wick, Resident Evil Actor Lance Reddick Passes Away
Noted actor, voice actor was 60
― Entertainment news source Variety reported on Friday that actor, voice actor, and musician Lance Reddick passed away of natural causes on Friday. He was 60. Reddick was born in Baltimore, Maryland in June 1962. Baltimore later served as the backdrop for possibly his most notable role as police lieutenant Cedric Daniels in The Wire. In his long career, he also had rol...
Evangelion Stage Play Actor Nijirō Murakami Steps Down From Role
Mizuki Itagaki replaces Murakami for Tan Hasumi role
― The staff for Evangelion Beyond, the stage play for the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, announced on Wednesday that actor Nijirō Murakami will step down from his role as Tan Hasumi, due to physical and mental health issues. Actor Mizuki Itagaki (live-action Hot Gimmick film) will replace Murakami for the role. The staff also announced that tic...
Anime/Game Music Composer Hidekazu Tanaka Admits to Obscenity Charges in Court
Tanaka also admitted to voyeurism for "thrill," "stress relief"
― At a Tokyo District Court on Wednesday, 35-year-old game and anime composer Hidekazu Tanaka admitted to using obscene language to a 15-year-old girl in an attempt to commit acts of obscenity towards her. Tanaka allegedly said "I'll give you money so won't you do it?" to a teenage girl and forcibly took her hand at a train station's bic...
Official HiGE DANdism Vocalist Satoshi Fujihara Goes on Hiatus Due to Vocal Cord Polyp
Band cancels 3 concerts in April, August
― The website for the Official HiGE DANdism band announced on Saturday that a polyp requiring medical treatment was discovered on the vocal cords of the band's vocalist and pianist Satoshi Fujihara. As a result, the band is canceling its performances at the following concerts: April 13: UVERworld VS Series 2 days - Day 2 - UVERworld vs. Official HiGE DANdism A...
Code Geass, GaoGaiGar Character Designer Takahiro Kimura Passes Away
Animator was dealing with amyloidosis
―
The official website for the Code Geass franchise announced on Thursday that character designer and animator Takahiro Kimura passed away on March 5, after battling amyloidosis. Kimura designed the characters or adapted the original character designs for such anime as the Code Geass franchise, GaoGaiGar: King of the Braves, Betterman, Dirty Pair Flash, Brigadoo...
Kyoto Animation Arson Prosecutors: Trial to End This Year
Suspect indicted in December 2020
― Prosecutors for the arson murder case that killed 36 people and wounded 33 others at Kyoto Animation informed the involved parties that they anticipate that the trial will end in the Kyoto District Court this year. On July 18, 2019, a devastating fire broke out at Kyoto Animation's Studio 1 building. A total of 70 people were inside the building at the time. In add...
Tokyopop Confirms Founder, CEO Stu Levy Has 'Stepped Back' From U.S. Operations
Levy tells ANN he will "focus on overall group strategy ... instead of day to day operations"
― Tokyopop marketing associate Kae Winters confirmed in an interview with ICv2 on Thursday that founder and CEO Stu Levy is stepping back from the company's operations in the United States. Winters told ICv2: Stu's been a major part of Tokyopop for so long, but with his own family now – and his move to Germa...
Rock Band sumika Cancels Concerts, Delays 10th Anniversary Documentary After Guitarist's Death
Band's mini-album releases on March 15 as scheduled
― The official website for the rock band sumika announced on Tuesday the cancellation of the band's upcoming concerts and scheduled performances, and the delay of the screening of the band's 10th anniversary film documentary. The band's sumika [camp session] 『Sugar Salt Pepper Green』Release Party at Billboard Live concerts — which are scheduled on M...
Daruma Matsuura Works on New Project About Kaijū
Matsuura's Taiyō to Tsuki no Hagane manga also "about 30% done"
― Manga creator Daruma Matsuura revealed on Yomiuri TV's Kawashima Yamauchi no Manga Numa program on Saturday that she is working on a new project focused on kaijū (monsters). She did not specify a medium for the new work. She also noted that her Taiyō to Tsuki no Hagane (The Steel of Sun and Moon) manga is "about 30% done." Matsuura lau...
Anime Boston 2023 Hosts Hybrid Thoughts Members Paranom, Aztech
Event takes place at Hynes Convention Center in Boston on April 7-9
― The organizers of the Anime Boston convention announced on Saturday that the convention's 2023 event will host musicians Paranom and Aztech from the musical group Hybrid Thoughts. The members of the Boston-based hip-hop group Hybrid Thoughts have worked on tracks for the background scores of anime such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Dr. Stone,...
Happy Science Founder, Anime Producer Ryuho Okawa Passes Away
Founder of controversial organization, creator of several anime films was 66
― The Mainichi news outlet reported on Thursday that Ryuho Okawa, the founder of the Happy Science religious organization, passed away on Thursday. He was 66. Okawa was born in 1956 in Tokushima prefecture, and founded Happy Science in 1986. He served as the controversial organization's CEO until his death. The organization ...
Yuji Naka Admits to Insider Trading Charges in Tokyo Court
Game programmer, director was arrested twice last year
― NHK reported on Thursday that game programmer and director Yuji Naka admitted to the charges against him of violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act in his first trial hearing in a Tokyo district court on Thursday. The prosecution said in an opening statement that Naka allegedly bought 130,000 shares and made 20 million yen (about U...
Singer Maon Kurosaki Passes Away
Singer passed away on February 16 after chronic illness became worse
― Agency Art One Entertainment announced on Tuesday that singer Maon Kurosaki passed away suddenly on February 16 after a worsening of her chronic illness. Kurosaki underwent emergency surgery for epidural hematoma (bleeding between the skull and the membrane surrounding the brain) in September 2021, after collapsing during the midd...
Voice Actor Shōzō Iizuka Passes Away
Dragon Ball Z, Gundam, Millennium Actress voice actor was 89
― Talent agency Sigma7 announced on Tuesday that voice actor Shōzō Iizuka passed away on February 15 of acute heart failure. He was 89. Iizuka was born in May 1933 in Tokyo. Iizuka was known for such roles as Zenda-gorilla in Zendarman, Yoshio Marui in Mister Ajikko, Ryu Jose in Mobile Suit Gundam, Happosai Hieta in Nintama Rantaro, Kasumi ...
Voice Actor Mitsuo Senda Passes Away
Kingdom, Gon, Golgo 13 voice actor was 82
― Talent agency 81 Produce announced on Tuesday that voice actor Mitsuo Senda passed away on February 25 of ischemic heart failure. He was 82. Senda was born in Tokyo in March 1940. Some of Senda's notable roles include Yoneo Yamada in Ojamanga Yamada-kun, Jeff in Giant Gorg, Elder Squirrel in Gon, Dave McCartney in Golgo 13, Smiley in Sherlock Hound, Gorou K...
Prince of Tennis Creator Takeshi Konomi Reveals He Uses Wheelchair
Konomi had missed Jump Festa '23 event in December due to poor health
― The Prince of Tennis manga creator Takeshi Konomi revealed on Twitter on Sunday that he is currently unable to walk and is using a wheelchair. He stated he could not attend the latest The Prince of Tennis musical production, but he received a video of encouragement from the staff and cast of the musical. In December, Konomi did n...
sumika Rock Band's Guitarist Junnosuke Kuroda Passes Away at 34
4-member rock band has performed themes for Wotakoi, Mix, My Hero Academia
― The official website for the rock band sumika announced on Friday that the band's guitarist Junnosuke Kuroda (pictured far right) passed away on Thursday. He was 34. sumika did not reveal a cause of death. Kuroda had posted on Twitter on Wednesday about the group's new collection of music videos that went on sale that day. T...
PlayStation Logo Sound Effect Creator/Musician Tohru Okada Passes Away
Rock band Moonriders keyboardist/founder passed away at 73 due to heart failure
― Japanese rock band Moonriders revealed on Wednesday that member Tohru Okada, also known for creating the iconic sound effect of the PlayStation logo, has passed away due to heart failure. He passed away on February 14 at 73 years old. Okada was hospitalized due to a compression fracture in early 2022. He was born on Apr...
New Live-Action Ōoku: The Inner Chambers Show Gets 2nd Season This Fall
Season focuses on Cure, Bakumatsu Arcs
― The official Twitter account for the new live-action series of Fumi Yoshinaga's Ōoku: The Inner Chambers manga revealed on Wednesday that the series will have a second season that will premiere on NHK this fall. The new season will center on the manga's "Cure Arc" and "Bakumatsu Arc" — the first screen adaptation of this part of the story. Yoshiko Morishita (l...
Voice Actor Kyousei Tsukui Loses Voice After Tracheotomy Due to ALS
Tsukui was diagnosed with ALS in October 2019
― Voice actor Kyousei Tsukui revealed on his blog on Friday that he was given a tracheotomy and has now lost his voice. Tsukui posted a YouTube video featuring him in his hospital bed and using a digital voice software to speak. He stated in the video description that he lost his voice "sooner than he had expected," adding, "but as a person with ALS, this...
Yume Miyamoto Returns to Gundam: Witch from Mercury Anime as Nika for 2nd Half
Miyamoto went on brief hiatus due to poor health in November 2022
― The official Twitter account for the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury anime announced on Tuesday that voice actress Yume Miyamoto will return in the role of Nika Nanaura in the anime's second part in April, as her physical condition recovers. Miyamoto's talent agency announced in November 2022 that Miyamoto was going on a b...
Some of 17th Seiyu Awards Winners Announced
Chikako Akimoto, Yūsaku Yara, Ikue Ōtani, Rica Matsumoto, Junichi Suwabe, Maria Kawamura honored
― The organizers of the 17th Annual Seiyū Awards announced the winners of the Merit Award, Kids/Family Award, Kei Tomiyama Award, and Kazue Takahashi Award on Tuesday. Merit Award
Award for the seiyū who have contributed to many genres, including foreign works, over the years 【第十七回声優アワード先行発表！】🏆功労賞長年に渡り外画も...
Legendary Manga Creator Leiji Matsumoto Passes Away at 85
Artist behind Space Battleship Yamato, Galaxy Express 999 suffered from heart failure
― Renowned manga creator, illustrator, and designer Leiji Matsumoto passed away on February 13 at 11:00 a.m. due to acute heart failure. He was 85. His immediate family already held a service with his manga creator wife Miyako Maki as the chief mourner. Matsumoto was born with the given name Akira in 1938 at Kurume ...
Toei President, CEO Osamu Tezuka Passes Away at 62
Tezuka joined company in 1983; became CEO, president in 2020
― Toei Company, Ltd. announced on Tuesday that its president and CEO Osamu Tezuka (no relation to the manga creator of the same name) has passed away. He was 62. Tezuka's funeral will be limited to close relatives, but a memorial ceremony will be held at a later date. Tezuka was born in March 1960. He joined Toei in April 1983, and was made...
Sazae-san, Danganronpa Voice Actress Takako Sasuga Passes Away
Voice actress played Tarao Fuguta in Sazae-san for 53 years
― Fuji TV and the staff of the Sazae-san anime announced on Friday that voice actress Takako Sasuga passed away on February 5. She was 87. Sasuga was born in February 1936 in Tokyo. She voiced the role of Tarao Fuguta in the Sazae-san anime for 53 years, starting with its initial broadcast in 1969. She voiced the role through the episode tha...
Dragon Quest Heroes Producer Ryota Aomi Leaves Square Enix
Aomi worked at Square Enix for 13 years
― Dragon Quest Heroes producer Ryota Aomi announced on Twitter on Friday that he has resigned from Square Enix. 皆様に、私事にてご報告です。この度スクウェア・エニックスを退職いたしました。突然のご報告となったことをお詫びいたします。スクエニでの13年間、ドラクエでの約16年間。ユーザーの皆様、関係者の皆様、スクエニのみんな、本当にありがとうございました！ pic.twitter.com/FadVuhZpYZ— 青海 亮太 / Ryota Aomi (@aomix) February 10, 2023 Aomi has been with Square Enix for 13 years, and has w...
James Kaposztas, Veteran Otakon Staffer Who Made 1st Known Anime Music Video, Passes Away
Kaposztas created 1st known AMV in 1982 at age 21
― Anime.com Inc. publisher and co-founder Michael Pinto reported on Twitter on Sunday that James (Jim) Kaposztas, a longtime Otakon staffer who was recognized in the U.S. anime fandom as the first known person to create an anime music video (AMV), has passed away. In 1982 when he was a 21-year-old college student, Kaposztas hooked up two VCRs to each ...
Storyboard Artist/Animation Director William Ruzicka Passes Away
Ruzicka worked on Crunchyroll Originals series High Guardian Spice, Onyx Equinox
― A GoFundMe campaign page revealed on Monday that storyboard artist and animation director William Ruzicka (High Guardian Spice, Onyx Equinox) passed away on February 1. He had been having breathing difficulties, and he passed out as he was getting into his car to take himself to urgent care. The campaign is raising mon...
Musician, Composer Masanori Takumi Wins Grammy Award
Takumi's Sakura album won Best Global Music Album
― Musician and composer Masanori Takumi won a Grammy for Best Global Music Album for his Sakura album at the 65th Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday. Takumi released the album under the artist name Masa Takumi in September 2022. Takumi has composed music for such anime as Koi Kaze, Genshiken, Kujibiki Unbalance, Peach Girl, Suzuka, Witchblade, and Claym...
Grand Rapids Comic-Con Spring Fling Event Hosts Yuji Kaida, Mari Shimizu
Event takes place at Kalamazoo Expo Event Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan on April 14-16
― The staff of the "Grand Rapids Comic-Con Spring Fling Road Trip" event announced on Saturday that it will host Yuji Kaida and Mari Shimizu at its event on April 14 and April 16. The event will take place at Kalamazoo Expo Event Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Yuji Kaida is renowned as the "Kaiju Artist" for his wo...
Attack on Titan's Hajime Isayama Receives Angoulême's 'Special 50th Edition' Award
Ryoichi Ikegami, Junji Ito also honored
― The 50th Angoulême International Comics Festival announced on Sunday that Attack on Titan manga creator Hajime Isayama received the Fauve Spécial de la 50e édition award. In addition, Ryoichi Ikegami (Crying Freeman) and Junji Ito (Tomie, Gyo) both received the Fauves d'Honneur. Shūzō Oshimi's Blood on the Tracks (Chi no Wadachi) won the Prix de la série for ...
22/7 Project's Reina Miyase Graduates From Franchise
Voice of 22/7's Ayaka Tachikawa to graduate after group's 11th single release in April
― The official website for the 22/7 idol project announced on Wednesday that Reina Miyase, who plays Ayaka Tachikawa, is graduating from the franchise. Miyase will graduate from the franchise after the release of the group's 11th single on April 5. The franchise will then release the exact date of Miyase's graduati...
Shoko Nakagawa Goes on Hiatus for Surgery
Surgery to remove 'lump' slated for Tuesday
― Singer and voice actress Shoko Nakagawa posted a video on YouTube on Monday to reveal that she will go on hiatus, as she went into surgery on Tuesday to have a "lump" removed. (The term she used is commonly used to indicate breast lumps.) She noted that she would be going in for surgery on Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. JST. She did not specify when she would resum...
Tokyopop Appoints Marc Visnick as COO, Publisher
Visnick joined company in early 2022
― Tokyopop announced on Thursday that the company has appointed Marc Visnick as the COO and publisher. The company promoted Visnick internally from the post of vice president of publishing. In his role as COO and publisher, Visnick will manage all North American operations of the company including print, digital, editorial, marketing/PR, sales, and distribution. H...
Pokémon Voice Actress, Singer Rica Matsumoto to Attend Event in NYC (Updated)
Event takes place at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall on February 20 at 2:00 p.m. EST
― Update on February 20, 2023: Rica Matsumoto did not attend the event due to a COVID-19 exposure. ANN's original article below: Source: NEW & JAPAN event (Reuben Baron) Carnegie Hall's official website states that voice actress Rica Matsumoto will attend the "NEW & JAPAN": Japan-Foreign Culture Interexchange Even...
Bandai Namco Sues Former Worker for Allegedly Embezzling 600 Million Yen in Mobile Devices
Employee allegedly sold 4,400 company smartphones from 2015 to 2022
― Bandai Namco Holdings revealed on Wednesday that it is suing a former employee for 600 million yen (about US$4.65 million) in damages, claiming that the employee sold internal company smartphones without authorization for personal profit. According to Bandai Namco Holdings, its subsidiary company Bandai Namco Entertainment first no...
Singer Eir Aoi Goes on Hiatus Due to Poor Health
Announcement stated that hiatus will be mid- to long-term
― The official website for singer Eir Aoi announced on Thursday that the singer will go on a mid- to long-term hiatus due to her treatment and subsequent recovery for an ongoing health issue that began at the start of the year. All of her planned events from January to February have been canceled. The singer previously went on hiatus in Novemb...
Kenta Shinohara Does Not Plan on Weekly Serialization After Finishing Witch Watch Manga
Sket Dance, Astra Lost in Space author says he will be 'physically unable' to serialize weekly
― Witch Watch manga creator Kenta Shinohara revealed on the official Witch Watch Twitter account on Sunday that he will not do a weekly manga serialization after he concludes Witch Watch, saying he is "physically unable" to do so, even if he wanted to. He also added he does not know when the manga will end ...
22/7's Nao Aikawa Goes on Hiatus to Focus on Studies
Aikawa joined idol group in February 2022
― The official website for the idol group 22/7 announced on Saturday that group member Nao Aikawa will take a hiatus from the group starting on January 19 so that she can focus on her studies. She will not attend the "52OSAKA ~Girls Castle~" event on February 19, but will attend the planned "Nana Niji Live 2023" events on January 16 and 18. The website will a...
YMO Drummer/Vocalist Yukihiro Takahashi Passes Away
Synthpop pioneer's music heard in Nadia, Only Yesterday, Appleseed: Ex Machina, Mr. Osomatsu, Sound! Euphonium
― Yukihiro Takahashi, the musician best known as the drummer and lead vocalist of the world-renowned group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), passed away on January 11 from aspiration pneumonia due to a brain tumor. He was 70. Takahashi announced in 2020 that he underwent surgery for a brain tumo...
Voice Actress Yuka Ōtsubo to Limit Workload Due to Health
[email protected] Cinderella Girls, Princess Connect! actress began feeling unwell at end of 2022
― Talent agency Early Wing announced on Friday that voice actress Yuka Ōtsubo began feeling unwell at the end of 2022, and after consultation, the agency has decided to partially restrict Ōtsubo's work activities. Ōtsubo voices Kanako Mimura in the The [email protected] Cinderella Girls anime. Other roles include: Ber...
Anime NYC Founder Peter Tatara Leaves LeftField Media to Join Japan Society
MK Goodwin will become new Event Director for Anime NYC
― Peter Tatara — vice president of events at LeftField Media and the founder of Anime NYC — announced on Monday that he is leaving LeftField Media and will be starting a new position at the New York-based Japan Society. Tatara will be the Japan Society's Director of Film, and will oversee JAPAN CUTS, the largest Japanese film festival in North A...
Manga Creator Gosaku Ota Passes Away
Mazinger Z, UFO Robo Grandizer, Mach SOS manga artist was 74
― Studio Nue co-founder Haruka Takachiho reported on Twitter on Sunday that manga creator Gosaku Ota passed away on December 12. He was 74. The Sponichi news website reported on Monday that Ota had contracted COVID-19 at the end of November, and was taken via emergency transport to the hospital. His condition had stabilized, but as his stre...
For all articles, see the archives
