A brilliant YouTube analysis explores why Katsuhiro Otomo — the genius who split manga history into 'before Otomo' and 'after Otomo' — hasn't drawn manga for over 30 years since finishing AKIRA. Three reasons: collaborative creation, pushing beyond limits, and fleeing an industrialized industry.
ONE PIECE characters suit up in NBA team jerseys for a landmark crossover. From Luffy in Lakers purple to Enel defending for the Thunder, here's everything you need to know about the collab T-shirts, towels, stickers, posters, and figures, plus how overseas fans might get their hands on them.
The first teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero has sent Japanese social media into overdrive. Floating debris in a blue light sparked King Ghidorah theories, fans spotted a Type 2 flying boat, and Godzilla's New York landing left viewers stunned. Here's how Japan is reacting to the sequel to the Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One.
Sony Pictures officially announced a Bloodborne R-rated animated movie at CinemaCon 2026, produced by YouTuber Jacksepticeye and PlayStation Productions. While fans celebrate the gothic horror IP's return, many still want a PC port, PS5 60fps patch, or sequel that Sony refuses to deliver.
Detective Conan's 29th film 'Fallen Angel of the Highway' earned over ¥3.5 billion ($22M) in its first 3 days with 2.31 million admissions, setting an all-time franchise opening record across 526 theaters nationwide.
Fujii Kaze made his Coachella debut on the Mojave stage, delivering 10 songs over 50 minutes that captivated the desert crowd. Here's a roundup of Japanese media coverage, domestic fan reactions, and how the global audience responded.
In One Piece Chapter 1179, Holy Knight Nerona Im descends upon Elbaf, finally revealing their true face and the power of the 'Akuma no Mi.' With Im, Blackbeard, Shanks, and Higuma making up the 'Four Final Boss Candidates,' we round up Japanese fan reactions to this landmark moment.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Chapter 1 concluded its 266-day theatrical run with ¥40.2 billion domestically and ¥117.9 billion worldwide, drawing 98.5 million viewers. The film became the highest-grossing Japanese movie ever at the global box office, with dual theme songs by Aimer and LiSA.
Bandai's new Shizuoka factory boosts production capacity by 35%, and discounted Gunpla is returning to store shelves. But restock-day chaos, customers running through aisles, grabbing boxes from carts, is pushing some retailers to drop Gunpla entirely. We cover Yahoo Auction's 3-month resale ban, overseas availability improvements, and what it all means for fans worldwide.
A new manhole cover featuring a fertility god symbol has appeared in Ninohe, Iwate Prefecture. Discover Japan's unique manhole art culture, the booming manhole card collecting hobby, and the connection to festivals like Kanamara Matsuri.
The Weeknd will present Anime of the Year at the 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo on May 23. Here's what Japanese fans think about the crossover, plus nominees, past winners, and what it means for anime-pop culture fusion.
Banpresto announces the first Grandista × FigLife collaboration: a 50cm Yujiro Hanma hanger figure recreating his iconic split-leg training scene from Baki. Fully supervised by creator Keisuke Itagaki, arriving Fall 2026 as a prize item.
King Gnu's 'AIZO' hits No.1 on Billboard JAPAN's Global Japan Songs chart, marking their second chart-topper after 'SPECIALZ.' The Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 finale triggered a 190% streaming surge to 5.46 million plays. We explore King Gnu's four-song history with JJK and the anime's global music impact.
Sensor Tower's 2026 global IP game market report reveals Gundam IP mobile game revenue surged approximately 10x year-over-year, driven by the explosive hit SD Gundam G Generation Eternal and Bandai Namco's expanding brand strategy.
After making history as Japan's first IFPI top-15 artist, Mrs. GREEN APPLE launches Phase 3 with a 6-day stadium tour including the National Stadium, the Frieren Season 2 opening theme, an NHK morning drama song, and a new album planned for autumn 2026.
IMARC Group's latest report projects Japan's anime market will nearly double from $2.1B to $4.1B by 2034. We break down the 7.28% CAGR, streaming expansion, merchandising power, and what global demand means for the industry.
Arashi's final concert on May 31 at Tokyo Dome will be livestreamed worldwide. Here's everything international fans need to know about tickets, viewing, and what this farewell means.
Capcom announces Street Fighter 6 as a featured title at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh, November 2026. A look at the nation-vs-nation format, Sahara's $1M Capcom Cup 12 victory, and why fighting game esports is booming worldwide.
Fujii Kaze makes his Coachella debut in 2026 with an all-star band featuring Suchmos guitarist TAIKING, WONK keyboardist Fumitake Ezaki, and more. Full set time details for the Mojave stage, his global credentials with 7.9M Spotify listeners, and why his performance is a must-see.
Wu-Tang Clan's farewell tour hits Japan on May 24 at K-Arena Yokohama, their first solo show in 29 years. Special guests Awich, King Giddra, Hannya, and ¥ellow Bucks represent four generations of Japanese hip-hop in a historic crossover event.