Japanese supported employment company has disabled users work as animators for major titles, causing controversy
A supported employment business for disabled persons in Kyoto, Japan has started taking animation production orders, allowing its users to do animation work for popular TV animations. The news has caused mixed reactions among the public, including doubts of exploitation.
Japanese users discuss why some works that were iconic in their heyday tend to feel like imitations over time
Does the overuse of themes in modern works spoil the original content that made them popular? A user discusses why their first time reading the popular Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series felt somewhat lackluster.
Is Japanese manga behind the times? Users discuss if adopting the webcomic format is needed in order for manga to keep up
Is Japanese manga falling behind modern comic formats like webtoons? Comic book fans discuss the pros and cons between the two styles, prompted by the statement that Demon Slayer put Japanese manga behind the times.
Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno takes action against his face being printed on men’s underpants
Japanese director and animator Hideaki Anno has his face printed on bags, blankets, and men's underpants without his permission on Amazon. Online users find the ordeal strange, yet comical as they wonder who the target market would be for such items.
Even in Japan, using a period when texting translates to “I’m pissed”
In the English-speaking world, using periods at the end of your sentences while texting is more than likely to create the impression that you’re either elderly, angry or a grammar snob, which is why omitting it has become more or less the norm. It turns out, a similar phenomenon exists in Japanese texting culture as well.
If you’re going to a party in Japan, don’t be late! Here’s why being fashionably late could ruin your reputation
Why do people in Japan have such a strict view of punctuality? Cultural differences between Japan and overseas countries can show us why being tardy in Japan is such a big deal.
Orwellian Japanese social media platform “Dystopia” uses AI surveillance and censoring to prevent cyberbullying
Japanese web service developer Soudanbako released the beta version of their new social media platform called Dystopia on September 24 for iOS and Android. The app uses AI to censor offensive phrases and prevent cyberbullying.
Why Studio Ghibli becoming a subsidiary of a Japanese broadcasting network isn’t as shocking as it may seem
Studio Ghibli will become a subsidiary of Nippon TV starting October 6. While the acquisition may be worrying to some, the studio already has a long history of working under another company.
Has anime become mainstream? Popular anime district in Japan depicts the changes within anime culture over the decades
A Japanese user's recent trip to Ikebukuro's popular anime store, Animate, unintentionally reveals the evolution of anime culture. Is anime now mainstream?
Evangelion: giant Lance of Longinus replica to pierce the ground of a park in Japan
Ube City in Japan, the hometown of Hideaki Anno, director of the Neon Genesis Evangelion series, reported that it’s project to create a replica of the Lance of Longinus that appears in the anime is in its final stages.
KyoAni makes steady progress towards recovery after deadly arson attack, culprit shows no remorse
Four years after the horrific arson incident that took place in a major studio of Kyoto Animation, the culprit is questioned about the case in court, but makes no attempt to apologize or show remorse.
US Stock image site makes both sides of an art theft case in Japan into victims
A Japanese artist gets their illustration stolen by the U.S. stock image site, Big Stock Photos. The internet provider NURO Hikari unknowingly uses the art in their advertisement.
Are people in Japan buying eggs based on how attractive they find their manufacturers? The answer is “yes” for many
Some people in Japan are buying eggs based on the attractiveness of their manufacturers. Does a handsome face on the packaging of produce sell better than those without?
Japanese city’s promotional campaign catches heat for using scantily dressed high school girl mascot
A Japanese city's anime schoolgirl mascot, Haruka Aozora, has online users in a heated debate. Is the character sexualizing girls? Users are split on this controversial character.
Magical girl anime event in Japan fails to include its only male protagonist in program, leaving a little boy heartbroken
Young male Pretty Cure fan bursts into tears after the male character is left out of the event. Online users wonder, how did the event forget it's only main male protagonist.
92% of Japanese school kids love “stanning,” 1 in 4 spend over 60 dollars monthly on YouTubers, anime etc.
1 in 4 children in Japan are spending over 60 dollars monthly on Youtubers and anime characters. 92% of Japanese youth have an Oshi, and they're willing to spend their allowances to "push for" and support them.
Users of popular Japanese BL social network have their information stolen and ransomed after security breach
A popular Japanese boys' love social media platform gets hacked. Users are worried about their data as it's revealed to be up for sell on a black hat hacking crime site.
YouTube’s new calligraphic logo reminds Japanese users of edgy teen fashion
Japanese users started noticing an alternate logo on the YouTube site and apps on August 16. The unexpected font of the new logo has caused a variety of reactions on Japanese X (formerly Twitter), with many agreeing that it is reminiscent of lame logo T-shirts worn by edgy teenagers back in the day.
Student’s “nazi cosplay” at Comiket in Japan sparks controversy
A Japanese student's Nazi cosplay at the Comiket has caused controversy on social media. Some have tried to defend the act by citing freedom of expression.
Famous Japanese illustrator accused of using AI generated art, proves claims false with evidence
Japanese manga illustrator Rui Araizumi was recently accused of using AI generated art, which they proved false by providing proof of having drawn their artwork by hand.
“Land of molesters” trends in Japan as a way to shame offenders after Korean DJ is sexually harassed during live show
Words such as “land of molesters” and “disgrace of Japan” started trending on Japanese X (formerly Twitter) after Korean celebrity DJ Soda reported being sexually harassed by fans during her live performance in Osaka, Japan on August 14.
Japanese dictionary revises definition of “otaku,” users discuss whether it’s otaku-enough
Japanese users are surprised by a major dictionary’s new definition of the word ‘otaku,’ which gives the word a more positive meaning. Some otaku aren’t quite sure if its new meaning fits. Is otaku losing its meaning?