Three of Spring 2026's most anticipated anime, Akane-banashi, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, and MAO, premiered on April 4 to overwhelming praise. Here's why Japanese fans are calling them 'perfect first episodes' and where to stream them worldwide.
Capcom's brand-new IP Pragmata launches April 17, 2026 after years of delays. Featuring RE Engine visuals, a unique combat system blending gunplay with real-time hacking puzzles, and a heartfelt sci-fi story on the Moon. We break down the demo reception, Japanese reactions, and what makes this Capcom's boldest new bet since Devil May Cry.
KADOKAWA has released 'The World of Hideki Kamiya,' a 176-page book covering the legendary game designer's 30-year career. Featuring hundreds of concept art pieces and 150,000 characters of commentary on Bayonetta, Okami, Devil May Cry, and more. We explore its contents and the prospects for an English edition.
UVERworld and ONE OK ROCK performed a joint live show at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo on April 4, 2026. The event fulfilled a promise made roughly 15 years ago between vocalists TAKUYA∞ and Taka to meet at the biggest stage possible. Here's why this concert matters for Japanese rock, and for the world.
Kizuna AI, the world's first VTuber, celebrates her 10th anniversary with the release of new single KAMACHO. After a 3-year hiatus, she returned as a music artist with over 10 million social media followers and 3 million YouTube subscribers. We explore her decade-long journey, the explosive growth of VTuber culture, and what her story means for virtual entertainment worldwide.
FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL 2026 has announced its second wave of artists, adding 13 acts including Sakanaction frontman Ichiro Yamaguchi, Denki Groove's Takkyu Ishino, Thurston Moore, and Geordie Greep. Full day-by-day lineup, ticket guide, and everything international fans need to know about attending Japan's biggest outdoor music festival at Naeba Ski Resort.
Toei announced THE KAMENRIDER ANIMATED, a new anime film label, at Kamen Rider's 55th anniversary event. The first project is a fully original CG anime co-produced by Aniplex and Shirogumi, aimed at worldwide audiences including people who have never watched the franchise. Here is what the numbers behind the move look like.
Ado has been announced as the final headliner for SUMMER SONIC 2026, joining The Strokes and L'Arc-en-Ciel. This marks the first time in the festival's 25-year history that two Japanese acts have been selected as headliners. The organizer revealed behind-the-scenes details about a rapper originally planned for the slot whose deal fell through. BE:FIRST, MAZZEL, and Aina The End are also confirmed for the three-day event in Tokyo and Osaka this August.
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's US patent for a 'sub-character summoning and battle system' has been rejected by the USPTO after a rare director-ordered reexamination. All 26 claims were denied based on prior art from Konami and Bandai Namco. Analysis of implications for the Palworld lawsuit and the gaming industry.
Ampere Analysis reports third-party game revenue on Nintendo platforms hit $2.3 billion, a 76%% year-over-year jump, despite a 2.5%% drop in unit sales. The driver is an 81%% increase in average selling prices as AAA titles arrive on Switch 2. Here's what it means for the gaming industry.
The Persona series turned 30 in 2026 with over 30 million copies sold. From niche cult RPG to global phenomenon, we trace Atlus's survival strategy, the Persona 3 turning point, Persona 5's worldwide breakout and Metaphor: ReFantazio's success, then look at the 30th anniversary campaign and the Persona 6 reveal at the Xbox Games Showcase.