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Japanese Man Sentenced for Illegally Modifying 2nd-Hand Nintendo Switch Units
Transport worker Fumihiri Otobe given 3-year suspended sentence, 500,000 yen fine
― RKC Kōchi Broadcasting reported on Monday that the Kōchi District Court sentenced 58-year-old Fumihiro Otobe — accused of violating the Trademark Act law for illegally modifying Nintendo Switch console units and selling them online — to two years in prison, suspended for three years (if Otobe remains on good behavior ...
Time Magazine Names Yoshiki, Yoshitomo Nara, Hiroyuki Sanada in Top 100 Most Influential People of 2025 List
Magazine honors X Japan singer, Hinagiku no Jinsei illustrator, Shōgun actor
― Time Magazine revealed its list of the world's most influential people of 2025 on Wednesday, and it named Yoshiki as one of the top 100 people. He is in the magazine's "Icons" category. The list honors 100 people who have changed the world. The magazine also named artist Yoshitomo Nara in the "Artists" category and Shōgun ...
Game Developer gz Establishes Sirius Studio With Bloodborne Producer Teruyuki Toriyama
Studio to develop PC, console, VR, XR games
― Osaka-based game developer gz announced on Thursday it has established the wholly owned associated game studio named Studio Sirius, based in Tokyo. The studio was officially established on March 3, and will plan and develop digital games for consoles and PC as well as VR games and XR content. Demon's Souls remake and Bloodborne game producer Teruyuki Tori...
Actor/Director/Writer William Roberts Dies
Roberts had voice roles in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Appleseed, Patlabor
― The offiical X/Twitter account for The Witcher game series posted on Wednesday that actor, director, and writer William Roberts (a.k.a. Bill Roberts) has died. Roberts' former wife Nicolette Roberts wrote an obituary for him on February 14. Roberts was born in Roseburg, OR on October 18, 1943. He moved to London, England to go t...
Webtoon Entertainment Appoints Aron Levitz as President of Wattpad
Levitz will report directly to Junkoo Kim, CEO and founder of WEBTOON Entertainment
― On April 2, WEBTOON Entertainment announced it has appointed Aron Levitz as president of Wattpad Corporation, its global web novel subsidiary. Levitz will step down from his concurrent position as president of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios Corp. and will now focus solely on Wattpad. He will report directly to Junkoo Kim,...
Alberta's Animethon Hosts ClariS in August for Group's 1st N. American Performance
3-member unit restarted activities in January
― The Animethon event located in Edmonton, Alberta announced on Thursday that female singing unit ClariS will make their North American performance debut at the event's MusicFes. Animethon takes place at the Edmonton Convention Centre in Canada on August 8-10. ClariS had announced in January that the unit had restarted activities and had added two new mem...
Voice Actress Rie Takahashi Takes 1-Month Break for Surgery
Takahashi to have surgery for vocal cord nodules
― Voice actress Rie Takahashi announced on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday that she will take a one-month break to undergo surgery for vocal cord nodules. Takahashi apologized to her supporters for causing concerns, but she assured fans she is in good health. Takahashi also expressed her gratitude to the people who helped with her schedule...
Voice Actor William Bassett Dies at 89
Actor provided voices in Ah! My Goddess: The Movie, Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
― Voice actor William Bassett died at 89 on February 9, according to an obituary posted on the Dignity Memorial website. The actor was known for his role in ads for the Whataburger restaurant franchise. Bassett was born in 1935 and acted in numerous roles across televisio...
Voice Actress Fairouz Ai Returns From Partial Hiatus Under New Agency
Ai works under Maus agency after hiatus to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder
― Voice actress Fairouz Ai announced on Tuesday that she left the talent agency Raccoon Dog, with which she was affiliated for three years, on March 31, and has moved to Mausu Promotion on Tuesday (April 1, which is the start of the Japanese fiscal year). Ai also announced that restrictions on her activities has be...
Game, Anime Composer Yoko Shimomura Receives BAFTA Fellowship
Shimomura has composed for Kingdom Hearts, Street Fighter franchises, more
― The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) announced on Monday that video game and anime composer Yoko Shimomura will receive the BAFTA Fellowship at the 21st annual BAFTA Games Awards on April 8. The event will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and will be livestreamed on BAFTA's YouTube and Twitch channels. Shi...
Live-Action City Hunter Film Actor Richard Norton Dies at 75
Australian martial artist also served as fight choreographer, stuntman for many films
― Judy Green — the wife of Hollywood actor, trainer, stuntman, and choreographer Richard Norton — announced on Instagram on Saturday that Norton had died. He was 75. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richard Norton (@rjnorton70) Norton was born in January 1950 in Australia. He was a martial artist who was...
Production of Webtoon-Based Live-Action Thriller Series Dear X Delayed Due to Injury of Actor Do-hoon Kim
Actor was diagnosed with a 24-week recovery period
― The filming of the live-action series Dear X has been put on hold after actor Do-hoon Kim suffered a serious injury on set. According to Korean entertainment media outlet Sports Chosun, Kim fractured his left forearm while practicing motorcycle riding during a break in filming last week. The accident occurred as he attempted a short ride and lost ...
Transformers, Star Wars Voice Actor Clive Revill Dies at 94
Actor was also veteran of Broadway, Royal Shakespeare Company
― The Hollywood Reporter reported on Wednesday that actor and voice actor Clive Revill died on March 11 after a battle with dementia. He was 94. Revill was born in Wellington, New Zealand in April 1930, and was recruited to be an actor by Laurence Olivier. He is perhaps most famous for his role as the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in...
Votoms, God Mars Voice Actress Yōko Kawanami Dies
Dr. Slump & Arale-chan, Marmalade Boy voice actress was 67
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Thursday that voice actress Yōko Kawanami died on March 18 of peritoneal metastasis. She was 67. Due to the wishes of her family, her wake and funeral were held for close relatives only. Kawanami was born in Kanagawa Prefecture on April 22, 1957. Kawanami is perhaps best known as voicing Coconna Va...
Risa Kubota Returns to Voice Acting Under New Stage Name Risa Hoshina
Hoshina to have business partnership with Wave Master sound production company
― Sound production company Wave Master announced on Tuesday that voice actor Risa Kubota has returned to voice acting under the stage name Risa Hoshina, and will have a business partnership with Wave Master. (Compared to her previous name, the "Risa" in her new stage name has the same pronunciation, but a different first k...
Live-Action One Piece Series' Showrunner Matt Owens Exits Show
Owens leaves after production of 2nd season to work on his mental health
― Showrunner of the live-action series of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga Matt Owens announced on his Instagram account on Saturday that he is leaving the show after finishing production on the second season to work on his mental health. He stated that he will "come back refreshed for the new adventures that await." View this pos...
Singer/Actor Isao Sasaki Hospitalized for Acute Exacerbation of Interstitial Pneumonia
Sasaki to not return to work until end of April
― Singer and voice actor Isao Sasaki revealed on Monday that he had been hospitalized for acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. After returning from Thailand in mid-January, Sasaki was not feeling well so he went to the doctor. The doctor called an ambulance and had him admitted to the hospital, since his blood oxygen level was very low. He has ...
Voice Actor Shiki Aoki Goes on Hiatus Due to Health
The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls cast member sees a doctor after feeling unwell, advised to rest for a while
― Talent agency Kawadon Entertainment announced on Monday that voice actor Shiki Aoki has gone on hiatus due to health reasons. The company's X/Twitter post explained that Aoki has been seeing a doctor because he was feeling unwell, and he has been advised to rest for the time being. The compan...
BTS Singer Jin Hosts Variety Show With Webtoon Artist Kian, Comedian Ye-eun Ji
Series following 3 people as they operate B&B on Ulleungdo island debuts on Netflix on April 8
― On March 12, Netflix released a minute-long teaser for Kian's Bizarre B&B, an unscripted variety show featuring webtoon artist/entertainer Kian, BTS member Jin, and SNL Korea comedian Ye-eun Ji. The series follows the three as they operate a bed-and-breakfast on Ulleungdo island, navigating the challenge...
Voice Actor Showtaro Morikubo Also Steps Down from Arknights Game Role
Voice actor stepped down from Genshin Impact game earlier this week
― The official Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account of Chinese developer Hypergryph's Arknights mobile game announced on Friday that voice actor Showtaro Morikubo will step down from the role of Elysium in the game due to "various circumstances." Hypergryph apologized to fans and stated that it will announce a replacement of the exi...
Voice Actor Dave Mallow Dies at 76
Mallow voiced Digimon's Angemon, Power Rangers' Baboo/intro announcer
― Voice actress Dorothy Fahn posted on X/Twitter on Tuesday that her fellow voice actor Dave Mallow has died. TMZ reported that Mallow died on Tuesday after being in hospice care at the MonteCedro Senior Living Community in Altadena, California. He was 76. Mallow has played numerous characters in the Digimon series, including Angem...
CODA Works with China to Arrest Chinese Piracy Website Owner
Suspect had run anime piracy website since 2022
― Japan's Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced on Friday that the Shijiazhuang Public Security Bureau arrested a man from the Liaoning Province in China on suspicion of running the Zzzfun piracy website. The website violates copyright law by illegally distributing anime and other content to users in China through its website and ap...
Naver Webtoon Continues Sponsoring 'Hyun-se Lee Cartoon Creation Camp' for Aspiring Creators
Outstanding works may be serialized via Naver Webtoon
― Naver Webtoon announced on March 4 that it will once again officially sponsor the "Hyun-se Lee Cartoon Creation Camp" this year, continuing its support for aspiring webtoon creators. The camp was first launched in 2001 by Doo-ho Lee, a professor at Sejong University at the time, as a so-called "hell camp" designed to immerse students completely...
Anime NYC Hosts Rooster Fighter Manga Creator Shu Sakuratani, Anime Adaptation's Screenwriter Hiroshi Seko
Sakuratani, Seko attend 4-day event on August 21-24
― The staff of Anime NYC announced on Saturday that it will host Rooster Fighter (Niwatori Fighter) manga author Shu Sakuratani, and the upcoming anime adaptation's screenwriter Hiroshi Seko at this year's event. 🗽GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT🗽Shu Sakuratani is a talented and innovative Japanese manga artist and creator, best known for his acclaimed series "Ro...
Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs Honors Gōshō Aoyama, Masahiro Sakurai, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, Katsura Hashino
Detective Conan creator, Super Smash Bros. director win Art Encouragement Prizes
― The Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs awarded Detective Conan manga creator Gōshō Aoyama and Super Smash Bros. game series director and game design videos creator Masahiro Sakurai with the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for the 75th annual awards...
Anime Producer Kouichirou Itou Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison
your name., Weathering With You, Suzume producer charged with obscene acts against 3 minors
― The below article contains references to child sexual assault. The Wakayama District Court has sentenced on Friday 53-year-old anime producer Kouichirou Itou to four years in prison for committing nonconsensual sexual intercourse with three minor girls, and knowingly exchanging money with a 15-year-old girl ...
Junji Ito Nominated for Eisner Hall of Fame
Late manga creator Shigeru Mizuki pre-selected to enter Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame this year
― The organizers of the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced on Friday that they have nominated horror manga creator Junji Ito for the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame. Voters will select which six of this year's 18 nominees will be the latest to join the Hall of Fame. The organizers al...
D4DJ Voice Actress Himari Hazuki to Retire From Entertainment Industry
Cast member in Rebirth, Teppen, Tōgane! Omatsuri-Bu decides on new path in life
― The talent agency Ace Crew Entertainment announced on Saturday that voice actress Himari Hazuki will retire from the entertainment industry on March 31. The agency explained that she decided to take a step towards a new life. The company added that it will notify fans on what will happen with her official fan club "Hima...
Former Gainax Member, Dragon Quest Sword Designer Jun Tamatani Dies
Worked at Gainax predecessor General Products, continued working with Gainax on Princess Maker
― Science fiction writer Hiroe Suga reported on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday that designer and illustrator Jun Tamatani has died. Tamatani was one of the first employees at General Products, the store founded by Toshio Okada and Yasuhiro Takeda to sell merchandise, create garage kits, and lice...
Transformers Films' Writer, Producer Roberto Orci Dies at 51
Orci co-wrote 2007 Transformers, 2009 sequel, 2009 Star Trek reboot, Transformers Prime
― Screenwriter and producer Roberto Orci died on Tuesday, February 25 due to a kidney disease. He was 51. Orci co-wrote the 2007 Transformers film with Alex Kurtzman and John Rogers, and also co-wrote the 2009 sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with Ehren Kruger and Alex Kurtzman. He co-created the Transfo...
Nobuo Yamada Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Performance Cancellations
Saint Seiya singer known as NoB was diagnosed 7 years ago with kidney cancer
― Singer Nobuo Yamada (also known as NoB) revealed on Tuesday that he was diagnosed with kidney cancer seven years ago. Yamada has been continuing his activities despite his diagnosis. However, due to health reasons, he has decided to cancel his "Saint Seiya 'Pegasus Fantasy' Grand Finale' performance in Mexico on March 29-3...
Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, Actress/Singer Chieko Baisho Invited to Join Japan Art Academy
Tomino, Baisho among 15 new Japan Art Academy members to be appointed on March 1
― The Japan Art Academy revealed its 15 new members on February 20, which includes Mobile Suit Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino and singer/actress Chieko Baisho. The new members will be appointed by Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology on March 1. The Japan Art Academy is a national inst...
Blackpink's LISA to Release Comic Project
56-page limited-edition comic features artwork by Japanese artist MINOMIYABI
― LISA of BLACKPINK is preparing for her solo debut with the release of her album ALTER-EGO on February 28. Earlier this month, she rereleased the single "Born Again," featuring Doja Cat and RAYE, signaling the start of her solo career. Alongside the album, LISA is launching ALTER-EGO: THE OFFICIAL COMIC in collaboration wi...
Sae-ron Kim's Final Film Based on Webtoon to Release Later This Year
Live-action project based on Every Day We webtoon to include both theatrical film, series
― The late actress Sae-ron Kim's final film, Every Day We, is set for a theatrical release as early as this fall. Director Min-jae Kim confirmed in an interview with Yonhap News Agency (YNA) on Thursday that the film is currently in the editing process and is expected to be released either in the fall or winter...
Travel Writer, Tetsuko no Tabi Manga Writer Hirohiko Yokomi Dies at 63
"Ultimate railway otaku" visited every train station in Japan
― Shogakukan announced on Friday that travel writer and Tetsuko no Tabi manga storywriter Hirohiko Yokomi died of acute heart failure on Wednesday. He was 63. A funeral was held for close relatives only. Yokomi is perhaps best known as the person who visited every train station in Japan. He had previously visited all of the JR stations in ...
Slow Loop Manga Goes on Hiatus While Creator Maiko Uchino Undergoes Breast Cancer Treatment
Manga will move from Manga Time Kirara Forward to Comic Fuz service when it returns
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara magazine revealed on Friday that Maiko Uchino's Slow Loop manga is going on hiatus. When the manga resumes, it will move from Manga Time Kirara Forward to the Comic Fuz app and website. Houbunsha will reveal the manga's resumption date in Ma...
Dance Dance Danseur Manga Goes on Hiatus After Author's 2nd Surgery
George Asakura confirms she was safely discharged from hospital after 2nd craniotomy surgery
― Manga creator George Asakura stated on X (formerly Twitter) on February 14 that she was recently safely discharged from the hospital after a second craniotomy. She added due to that her Dance Dance Danseur manga will go back on hiatus for a while. Asakura joked that she "looks cool like Frankenstein." Asaku...
Hakusensha Founding Member, Manga Magazine Editor Nobumasa Konagai Dies at 94
Bessatsu Margaret editor-in-chief died of old age on February 2
― Publisher Hakusensha's founding member and manga magazine editor Nobumasa Konagai died of old age on February 2. There was a funeral for close relatives. He was 94. Konagai was born in 1930 in Shizuoka prefecture. He joined Shueisha and worked as an editor before becoming one of the founding members of Hakusensha in 1973. He served as ...
Actress Sae-ron Kim Found Dead, Investigation Underway
Police reported on Monday they believe her death was a suicide
― Warning: this article contains statements about a possible suicide. If you or anyone you know is suicidal or having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a suicide prevention organization in your country. In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available by calling 988. In Korea, the suicide prevention help li...
Anime Figure Manufacturer Kaiyodo's Founder Osamu Miyawaki Dies at 96
Miyawaki died of old age on February 16
― Osamu Miyawaki, founder of anime figure manufacturer Kaiyodo, died of old age while undergoing medical treatment at a facility in Osaka on February 16 at 9:31 p.m. JST. He was 96. There will be a farewell ceremony for Miyawaki for close relatives at a later date. Miyawaki was born in Kochi Prefecture on May 20, 1928. In 1964, he founded Kaiyodo as a plastic m...
Voice Actor Atomu Shimojo Dies
Shimojo died on January 29 due to health issues from acute subdural hematoma
― Talent agency Tom Project announced last Thursday that actor Atomu Shimojo died on January 29 at a hospital in Tokyo.. He had been diagnosed with acute subdural hematoma in September 2023, and his health had worsened before his passing. He was 78. There was a funeral for close relatives. Shimojo was born on November 26, 19...
Nostalgiacon in Anaheim, CA Hosts Romi Park as Guest
Fullmetal Alchemist, Naruto, Attack on Titan voice actress participates in signings at event taking place on June 6-8
― Nostalgiacon's Instagram account announced on Tuesday that voice actress Romi Park will attend the convention in Anaheim, CA from June 6 though June 8. The actress will be participating in signings and autograph tickets are available on the event's website for US$200 each. Park's ma...
Look Back Anime Film Director, Producers Win Fujimoto Award
Cells at Work, Let's Go Karaoke, Oshi no Ko, Golden Kamuy also honored
― The Japan Academy Film Prize Association announced the winners of the 48th annual Japan Academy Film Prizes in a ceremony at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo on Friday. Look Back won both the Best Animated Film award and the Creative Contribution award for its key and in-between animation staff. Look Back competed ag...
Live-Action Street Fighter Actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo Dies
Tuiasosopo played E. Honda in 1994 live-action Street Fighter movie
― Actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo died on Monday in the early morning. His son Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo revealed the news on Facebook, and he told TMZ that his father had died of heart complications in Phoenix, AZ. He was 61. Tuiasopopo played E. Honda in the 1994 live-action Street Fighter movie. He was the Fuji Announcer in the 2008 liv...
Grave of the Fireflies Composer Michio Mamiya Dies at 95
Mamiya also composed score for other Isao Takahata works Gauche the Cellist, Horus - Prince of the Sun
― Asahi Shimbun reported on December 12 that composer Michio Mamiya died on December 11, 2024 due to pneumonia. He was 95. His family held a vigil on December 17, and a funeral on December 18. Born in Hokkaido, Mamiya studied at the Tokyo Music School (the modern-day Tokyo University of the Arts) un...
Shintaro Kago's Dementia 21, Kan Takahashi's Ōgishima Saijiki Manga Win Angoulême Awards
Dementia 21 wins Series Prize, Ōgishima Saijiki wins Konishi Award
― The 52nd Angoulême International Comics Festival announced its winners on February 2, and Shintaro Kago's Dementia 21 volume 2 won the Le Fauve de la Série (Series Prize) award. Huber publishes Dementia 21 in French, and Baptiste Neveux is the translator into French. Fantagraphics released the two-volume manga in English in 2018 and...
Totto-chan, Look Back Staff Win Awards at 3rd Niigata Int'l Animation Film Festival
Yuki Hayashi also wins award for My Hero Academia: You're Next film
― The third Niigata International Animation Film Festival announced winners for the Hiroshi Ōkawa Award and the Kōji Fukiya Award on Friday. Shin-ei Animation won the Hiroshi Ōkawa Award for its work on the Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window film. Director and animator Kiyotaka Oshiyama, animator Toshiyuki Inoue, and sound dir...
Kyoto Animation Arsonist's Lawyers Ask to Nullifiy Appeal Withdrawal
Defense asks for nullification 2 days after withdrawal of appeal last week
― The legal team of Shinji Aoba, who was convicted in the arson fire that killed 36 people and wounded 32 others at Kyoto Animation, asked the Osaka High Court to nullify Aoba's withdrawal of his appeal against his death sentence on January 30. Aoba himself withdrew the appeal two days earlier on January 28. When a suspect wit...
Gendai Production President/Producer Hisako Yamada Dies at 92
Yamada died on January 13 due to aspiration pneumonia
― Gendai Production announced on Wednesday that producer Hisako Yamada died on January 13 due to aspiration pneumonia. There will be a memorial service for her on March 25. She was 92. Yamada served as the president of Gendai Production, founded by her late husband and director Tengo Yamada. Yamada was a producer of multiple works, including the 1...
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord Remake Game Wins Grammy Award
Game's composer Winifred Phillips won "Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media" award
― The winners of the 67th Grammy Awards were revealed on Sunday and composer Winifred Phillips won the "Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media" award for the 3D remake of the original Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord game. Other winners of the Grammy ...
Meteor Garden Star Barbie Hsu Dies at 48
Live-action Mars star reportedly died of pneumonia after contracting influenza on vacation trip to Japan
― The BBC reported on Monday that Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu — known for starring in the Meteor Garden live-action adaptation of Yoko Kamio's Boys Over Flowers (Hana Yori Dango) manga — has died of pneumonia. She was 48. Hsu's sister Dee Hsu said in a statement on Monday Hsu had contracted influ...
Look Back, Frieren Win TAAF's Top Awards
Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, Evan Call, 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 Friday. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End won the television category and Look Back won the animated film category. The winners of the individual awards are as follows: Original Work/Screenplay Category: H...
Kyoto Animation Arson Suspect Withdraws Appeal, Death Sentence Confirmed
Suspect Shinji Aoba sentenced to death penalty in January 2024
― The Osaka High Court announced that Shinji Aoba, the suspect of the arson murder case that killed 36 people and wounded 32 others at Kyoto Animation, has withdrawn the appeal to his death sentence on Monday. With the withdrawal of the appeal, the trial has ended, and Aoba's death sentence is finalized. The Kyoto District Court handed do...
Nippon Ichi Software President Tetsuhisa Seko Dies at 54 (Updated)
Seko also served as director of NIS America
― Nippon Ichi Software announced on Friday that president and CEO Tetsuhisa Seko died on Friday. He was 54. (Note: Nippon Ichi Software lists his age of death at 55, but states he was born on January 21, 1971, which would make him 54 at his age of death.) According to Nippon Ichi Software's website, Seko also served as the Director of NIS America. Seko bega...
Animator Yōichi Ōnishi Dies
Animator known for work on Jigoku Sensei Nube, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Kanon
― Animator Eisaku Inoue revealed on Facebook on January 8 that animator Yōichi Ōnishi has died. He was known for his work as a character designer on titles such as Jigoku Sensei Nube (pictured right), Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Kanon, and other titles. He also worked as an animation director on episodes of World Trigger, The Misfit of D...
Anime Producer Kouichirou Itou Pleads Guilty to Obscene Acts Against 3 Minors
Defense requests suspended sentence; final sentencing scheduled for February 28
― The below article contains references to child sexual assault. The prosecution in the case of 53-year-old anime producer Kouichirou Itou, who was arrested in late February 2024 for allegedly soliciting a 15-year-old high school girl for nude photos, recommended on January 7 that Itou serve six years in jail. The defense...
Several Voice Actors Lose Homes in L.A. Wildfires; Tokyopop Contributes to Matching Gift Pool for Book, Comics Industry
Tokyopop, other companies contribute US$55,000 to matching gift pool to benefit those in book, comics industry affected
― Voice actress Amanda Winn Lee revealed on social media on January 8 that she and her family had to evacuate their house in the middle of the night that day to the wildfires that are happening in the Los Angeles area of California. She stated a few hours later that she has lost her...
Composer, Arranger Hiroshi Shinkawa Dies
Shinkawa arranged songs for Cat's Eye, Kimagure Orange Road, Ninja Scroll
― The official X/Twitter account for composer and arranger Hiroshi Shinkawa posted a message from his wife on Friday revealing that Shinkawa died on January 8 of ischemic heart failure. He was 69. Shinkawa's funeral was limited to close relatives and was held on Friday. Shinkawa was born on July 26, 1955 in Tokyo. He was the mu...
Doraemon Voice Actors Noriko Ohara, Nobuyo Ōyama Receive Japan Academy Special Awards
Late actors to receive Chairman's Special award
― The Japan Academy Film Prize Association announced the special award winners of the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize on Tuesday. Doraemon anime voice actors Noriko Ohara and Nobuyo Ōyama are awarded the Chairman's Special award. The award is given to deceased persons who have made significant contributions and have achieved outstanding results in the fil...
Crowdfunding Launched After Voice Actor Mike McFarland's Successful Brain Tumor Surgery
GoFundMe campaign for hiring live-in medical assistant after emergency operation
― Voice actors J. Michael Tatum and Brandon McInnis launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign on Sunday so fellow voice actor Mike McFarland can hire a live-in medical assistant, following a successful surgery to remove his brain tumor this past week. As of press time, the campaign has raised over US$51,000 towards its U...
When the Phone Rings Web Novel Author Reveals Personal Experience with Phishing
Author's experience inspired web novel that also has webtoon adaptation, live-action series adaptation on Netflix
― In an interview with South Korea's Yonhap News Agency published on January 6, the web novelist known as "Dried Seafood Lady" shared that her real-life experience of falling victim to a voice phishing scam inspired her story. "I was completely taken in by the phone call and felt myself ...
Voice Actor Dale Wilson Dies
Wilson voiced Cell in Ocean's dub of Dragon Ball Z, Smokescreen in Transformers Armada
― Voice actor Dale Wilson's wife Gail posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday sharing that he died on Monday evening. The specific cause of death not was not specified, but he had lived with metastasized prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease for many years. Wilson has provided voices to multiple characters from an...
Azuki Shibuya Resumes Voice-Acting After 1-Year Hiatus
Shibuya went on indefinite hiatus in January 2024
― Talent agency 81 Produce announced on Monday that Azuki Shibuya is returning from her hiatus from voice-acting. On her Instagram post, Shibuya stated that during her hiatus, she was able to do many things that she always wanted to try and she will continue to take on challenges and will have fun while doing her best. Shibuya added that she is resumi...
In Memoriam
To those who left us in 2024
― Saki Aida
Novelist
Deadlock, S Yū Asai
Manga creator
Hoshi no Kazu dake Dakishimete, Kimagure Short Cut Erica Ash
Voice actress
Bloody Roar 4 Hinako Ashihara
Manga creator
Sexy Tanaka-san, Sand Chronicles, Piece - Kanojo no Kioku Pierre Christin
Writer
Valerian & Laureline José Delbo
Comic book artist
Transformers comics Nicholas Dupree
ANN Editorial Contributor Greg F...
Voice Actress Fairouz Ai to Limit Some Work Activities Due to PTSD
Fairouz to focus on recovering after developing post-traumatic stress disorder a few months ago
― Talent agency Raccoon Dog announced on Tuesday that voice actress Fairouz Ai will be limiting some of her activities after developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and will focus on recovering under the guidance of her doctors. Fairouz Ai also posted a statement on her X (formerly Twitter) accou...
Operator of Illegal Webtoon Platform Arrested
Inter-agency effort was successful in shutting down 3 domains
― The Copyright Crime Forensic Investigation Team under Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) conducted a full-scale investigation into Korea's largest copyright-infringing website, "Nunu TV," as well as its illegal sister websites "TVWiki" and "OKTOON," and revealed on December 20 the alleged operator of the websites was...
31st Dengeki Novel Prize's Grand Prize Winner Denji Yūtai Dies
Author won award in November, debut work was planned for release next year
― The official X/Twitter account for the Dengeki Novel Prize (Dengeki Shōsetsu Taishō) announced on Friday that the winner of the 31st award, Denji Yūtai (name romanization not confirmed), died suddenly of an unspecified illness on December 12. Denji Yūtai's work Yōsei no Butsirigaku: PHysics PHenomenon PHantom (Fairy Physics:...
Former Johnny's and Associates Members File Lawsuit in U.S. Against Talent Agency About Late Founder's Sexual Abuse
Junya Tanaka, Kyohei Iida claim Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused them as teens
― The below article contains references to sexual abuse and child abuse. Junya Tanaka and Kyohei Iida, former members of the talent agency previously known as Johnny's and Associates, have filed a lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada against Johnny's. Tanaka claimed that the agency's late founder Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused ...
Optimus Prime Actor Garry Chalk Diagnosed with Cancer
Actor takes himself off Cameo service following Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis
― Actor Garry Chalk revealed on Facebook on December 4 that he has been dealing with health issues over the last few months, which resulted in him taking himself off the Cameo service, dropping most social media, and canceling convention appearances for at least the next seven months. On a video posted on Friday on P...
Subaru Kimura to Take Over as Franky in One Piece
Yao announced he was graduating from role earlier this month
― The Jump Festa '25 event on Sunday revealed that Subaru Kimura (Jujutsu Kaisen's Aoi Tōdō, BEASTARS' Free, Assassination Classroom's Ryōma Terasaka, Doraemon's Gian) will take over for Kazuki Yao in the role of Franky in the One Piece franchise. Kimura voiced young Buggy in previous episodes of the anime. Yao said in the event he helped c...
Oni-Goroshi Revenge Manga Gets Live-Action Film on Netflix
Toma Ikuta stars in February 27 film about man taking revenge on group that killed his family
― Amuse and Digital Frontier announced on Thursday that they are producing Demon City Oni-Goroshi, a live-action film adaptation of Masamichi Kawabe's Oni-Goroshi manga that will debut on Netflix worldwide on February 27. The revenge manga centers on Shūhei Sakata, accused of killing his wife and child, and ...
Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Receives Commendation From Japan's Commissioner for Cultural Affairs
Honor presented for Horii's cultural contributions to Japan through games
― Dragon Quest series creator and game designer Yuji Horii reported on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday that the Commissioner for Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs has honored Horii for his cultural contributions to Japan through the Dragon Quest series and other titles. 名誉なことに文化庁長官から表彰していただきました。思えば40年ほど前、犯罪の原因にされた...
Alleged Attempted Murder Suspect at Anime Song Festival Not Charged
Suspect underwent psychological evaluation for past 2 months
― The Nagano District Public Prosecutor's Office stated last Friday that it will not charge a 38-year-old suspect arrested for an alleged stabbing at the Nagano Aniera Festa 2024 anime song festival at Komaba Park in Nagano on September 22. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect underwent psychological evalua...
Anime Director, Manga Creator Yōji Kuri Dies
Kuri created Gokiburi-chan book that inspired TV anime, animated "Clap Vocalism," "Au Fou!"
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The official Facebook page and website for director Yōji Kuri announced on Sunday that he died of natural causes on November 24. He was 96. His family held a private wake and funeral service. Kuri, whose real name was Hideo Kurihara, was known for his directorial work on whimsical, experinental animated sho...
Ore to Mamono no Isekai Restaurant Light Novel Illustrator Syroh Dies
Syroh also designed characters for Namaiki Delation, Yakimochi Stream, more visual novels
― Syroh, the illustrator of several light novels and visual novels, has died. Their family announced their death on their Twitter account last night. Syroh's family did not reveal the cause of death, and only stated that the artist died "the other day." Syroh's family also stated that they cannot update Syroh's ...
Kazuki Yao to Step Down From One Piece Franky Role
Jump Festa event on December 22 to hold "graduation ceremony," announce successor
― The official X/Twitter account for the One Piece franchise revealed on Sunday that voice actor Kazuki Yao will step down and "graduate" from the role of Franky in the franchise, and will be replaced. The announcement stated this decision was the result of a long discussion process. The stage presentation for One Piece...
2024 Saturn Awards Nominate Boy and the Heron, Spy×Family Code: White, Kaiju No. 8, More
Transformers One, Godzilla Minus One, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Monarch Legacy of Monsters also receive nominations
― The Saturn Awards — the awards that honor the best science fiction, horror, and fantasy movies and television programs of the year — announced the nominations for the 52nd annual awards on Thursday. The nominees for Best Animated Film include: The Boy and the Heron
Despicable M...
Actress/Singer Miho Nakayama Dies at 54 (Updated)
Be-Bop High School film actress was found dead at her home on Friday
― Actress and singer Miho Nakayama was found dead at her home in Tokyo on Friday. She was 54. Update: Nakayama's agency Big Apple revealed on Sunday the results of her autopsy. The autopsy concluded that a sudden accident occurred while Nakayama was bathing, which caused her death. The autopsy concluded there was no criminality invo...
Animator/Director Hiroki Ikeshita Dies
Shangri-La Frontier anime's assistant director died on November 6
― The official website for the Shangri-La Frontier television anime posted on Thursday that the anime's assistant director Hiroki Ikeshita died on November 6. Ikeshita served as assistant director for both seasons of Shangri-La Frontier. Ikeshita directed the Shachibato! President, It's Time for Battle! anime. He was also assistant dir...
Gakuen Idolm@ster Voice Actress Ayane Matsuda Goes on Hiatus Due to Poor Health
Matsuda voices Ume Hanami in new Idolm@ster game
― Talent management agency Office Osawa announced on Wednesday that voice actress Ayane Matsuda will go on hiatus to focus on recovering her health, on the advice of a doctor. The announcement noted that Matsuda had been feeling ill for some time. Matsuda is perhaps best known for voicing the character Ume Hanami in the recently released Gakuen Idolm@s...
Anime Industry Veteran Jan Scott-Frazier Dies at 59
Frazier was 1st foreigner to work in production department of Japanese animation studio
― British anime reference book author Helen McCarthy wrote on Bluesky on Wednesday that anime industry veteran Jan Scott Frazier died on Tuesday. She was 59. Frazier has worked in the anime industry in Japan for 13 years in a number of different positions, including as a producer. She joined Artland's production d...
Visions of Mana Director Ryosuke Yoshida Leaves NetEase, Joins Square Enix
Yoshida previously worked on Devil May Cry 5, Monster Hunter: Generations
― Game developer Ryosuke Yoshida (Visions of Mana) revealed on X/Twitter on Monday that he left Chinese game development company NetEase on October 31 and joined Square Enix in December. Yoshida left his job at Capcom after 20 years in July 2020. He joined NetEase Games' Sakura Studios/Ouka Studios as a senior game designer . Y...
Transformers, G.I. Joe Voice Actress Morgan Lofting Dies
Actress also worked on scripts for Grimm's Fairy Tales, My Favorite Fairy Tales, New Grimm's Fairy Tales
― Voice actress Morgan Lofting died unexpectedly on Wednesday, her agents Nery Lemus and Christopher Arsaga of CelebWorx announced. She was 84. “As one of the 10 founding actors at our agency, she meant the world to us and our company,” they said in a statement. Lofting was best known for her role...
Early PlayStation Figure Shūichi Yoshida to Leave Sony After 31 Years
1st non-engineer on PS team later headed SIE Worldwide Studios, Indies Initiative
― Shuhei Yoshida, the Head of Indies Initiative at PlayStation's Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), announced on an episode of the official PlayStation Podcast on Tuesday that he is leaving SIE on January 15. Yoshida said that he would like to remain in the game industry, possibly to help indie developers. Yoshida wa...
Voice Actress Junko Hori Dies at 89
Voice actress starred in such anime as Ninja Hattori, Cat Eyed Boy; dubbed Bart in The Simpsons for 15 seasons
― Talent agency Production Baobab announced on Monday that voice actress Junko Hori died on November 18 of senility. She was 89. A funeral was held for close relatives only. In anime Hori is perhaps best known for her role as the titular Hattori-kun in various Ninja Hattori anime such as Nin...
Manga Creator Rieko Takeishi Dies
Reiko-san ga Iku manga creator died after 8-year battle with unspecified illness
― Manga creator Kazumi Yamashita announced on her X/Twitter account on Thursday that her sister, former manga creator Rieko Takeishi, had died after an eight-year battle with an unspecified illness. Takeishi drew shōjo manga mainly in the 1980s, drawing manga such as Reiko-san ga Iku, Tengoku-teki Saijitsu, Shigeki-kun n...
Voice Actor Eiji Yanagisawa Dies at 57
Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Getter Robo: Armageddon, Digimon Frontier, Naruto actor suffered from brainstem hemorrhage
― Talent agency Production Baobab announced on November 20 that voice actor Eiji Yanagisawa died on November 12 from a brainstem hemorrhage. He was 57. In anime, Yanagisawa's roles include Danroku in Getter Robo: Armageddon, Gunbiker and Zapper Zaku in SD Gundam Force, Takayanagi ...
Voice Actor, Director Dan Hennessey Dies at 83
Directed X-Men: The Animated Series, dubs of Slam Dunk, Power Stone, Saint Seiya
― Voice actor and ADR director Dan Hennessey died in 2024. TMZ reported that he died on November 13 at home in his sleep from complications associated with Parkinson's disease. He was 83. Within anime, Hennessey was the ADR voice director for the dubs of Air Master, Slam Dunk, Power Stone, Saint Seiya, and Interlude. Hen...
Film Actor, The Boy and the Heron's Granduncle Voice Actor Shohei Hino Dies
Actor hosted cycling travel show Nippon Jūdan Kokoro Tabi for 14 years
― NHK reported on Wednesday that Japanese actor Shohei Hino died in his home on November 14. He was 75. According to Hino's agency, he took a break from his 14-year-long bicycling travel show Nippon Jūdan Kokoro Tabi (A Heart's Journey Across Japan) in April, to focus on treatment after his chronic back pain worsened, but his heal...
Astro Boy, Howl's Moving Castle Lyricist Shuntarō Tanigawa Dies at 92
Writer won 1989 American Book Award, penned The Phoenix: Chapter of Dawn screenplay
― Kyodo News reported on Tuesday that prolific writer Shuntarō Tanigawa has died of old age at 92. The writer died on the November 13, and his close relatives held a private funeral led by his oldest son Kensaku as the chief mourner. Tanigawa was born in Tokyo, and his father was Japanese philosopher Tetsuzō Tanikawa...
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