Naomi Watanabe made history on February 11, 2026, becoming the first solo comedian to sell out Tokyo Dome with 45,000 fans. She also set a Guinness World Record for most tickets sold for a comedy show by a solo female comedian. A look at her spectacular 3-hour show celebrating 20 years in comedy.
Hana Yori Dango changed everything. Annual chart domination, six consecutive years at National Stadium, nine turns hosting Kohaku — ARASHI conquered every peak in Japanese entertainment for eleven golden years. But in 2017, at the very summit, a clock began ticking toward goodbye. Part 2 of a 5-part series.
In 1999, five teenagers were mocked at their debut on a cruise ship off Hawaii. From a 970,000-copy debut single to a career-low 140,000, free ticket giveaways, and 1% TV ratings — this is how ARASHI survived their darkest years. Part 1 of a 5-part series.
Japan's iconic idol group Arashi has announced "Five," their first new song in five years, dropping digitally on March 4, 2026. Named after the unbroken bond of all five members, the farewell single arrives just before their final dome tour "We are ARASHI." Here's how Japanese and international fans are reacting to this emotional milestone.
Three young manga artists from Zimbabwe are using NFT and crowdfunding to pursue manga publication in Japan. A groundbreaking international publishing model connecting Africa and Japan through Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha and Zaif INO.
NTT and TBS have launched the "e6 project," a joint venture to build an AI-powered theme park where stories adapt to each child in real time. Their first original IP, "Emotional Knight," will expand into anime, games, and merchandise. Explore how Japan is pioneering AI-driven edutainment to nurture children's decision-making skills.
The 13th Gunpla Builders World Cup Finals, held at Gundam Base Tokyo on February 7, 2026, saw builders from China and Taiwan claim all three championship titles. Asian builders took 7 of 9 podium spots across U-14, U-20, and OVER-21 categories. Multiple entries featured themes from the latest anime "Gundam GQuuuuuuX," and the next tournament was announced for 2027.
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: Witch of Circe has surpassed $10 million at the Japanese box office in just 11 days with 910,000 admissions. Featuring SZA and Guns N' Roses on its soundtrack and a confirmed US theatrical release, the film represents Gundam's boldest push for global audiences yet.
Sanrio announces Hello Kitty's first designer change in 46 years. The iconic character's 3rd designer Yuko Yamaguchi passes the baton to 4th designer "Aya" in 2026. Explore the legacy of character succession and fan reactions from Japan.
Mizuno and Kaneka's co-developed biodegradable artificial turf "Re Green Grass 9" has been installed at Vantelin Dome Nagoya — a world first for professional sports facilities. Using Kaneka's "Green Planet" biopolymer that decomposes even in seawater, this innovation tackles the growing microplastics crisis in sports infrastructure.
Toho has acquired UK anime distributor Anime Limited and formed a strategic alliance with Germany's Plaion Pictures, establishing its European headquarters in London. With Europe's anime market projected to reach $9 billion by 2030, discover how Japan's biggest entertainment company plans to bring Godzilla, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more to audiences across the continent — and what this means for anime fans worldwide.