Japanese manga artists have a problem with… bicycles. Here’s why
Bicycle-themed manga artist Gaku Miyao explains why cycling characters are so hard for anime and manga to get right- the answer is probably not what you think
Initiative to integrate AI and Blockchain technology into anime production causes mixed responses in Japan
Japan's AI and blockchain experts have launched the "AnimeChain" initiative, intended to redefine the anime production ecosystem using AI and blockchain technology, causing mixed reactions in the community.
20% of the anime industry’s profit comes from outside of Japan
The popularity of Japanese anime is showing no signs of slowing down, with overseas sales increasing by 11% compared to the previous year.
Shock as YOASOBI’s Idol is excluded from the Japan Record Awards Grand Prix
Oshi no Ko theme song Idol by YOASOBI is arguably Japan's biggest hit song of 2023 but why has it been excluded from the top award at Japan's equivalent of the Grammys?
The Witch from Mercury director confirms same-sex marriage between Suletta and Miorine
Hiroshi Kobayashi, the director of the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury anime, has confirmed that the series does in fact end with the female protagonists Suletta Mercury and Miorine Rembran getting married. This ends a long period of the anime's production side being vague about the same-sex relationship.
Attack on Titan: Eren’s Titan roar is not edited – it’s pure Yuki Kaji
An astonishing video of Yuki Kaji voice acting live has made fans realize the Attack Titan's roar in the Attack on Titan anime is neither heavily edited nor voiced by someone else.
Concerns about new Hunter x Hunter fighting game over potential low development budget
The announcement of Bushiroad and Eighting's Hunter x Hunter fighting game was met with concern as well as excitement, as users recall Bushiroad's past statement on development costs.
Upcoming Blue Exorcist ARPG to feature brand-new story and fast-paced action
Aniplex to release Alterna Welt: Blue Exorcist Gaiden, a 3D action RPG based on Kazue Kato's best-selling dark fantasy manga Blue Exorcist.
Attack on Titan lawsuit: Man taken to court for comparing a woman to the Cart Titan
A Taiwanese man was found liable and fined for defamation for likening a woman to the Cart Titan from Attack on Titan via social media.
Attack on Titan author “regretted the original story’s ending for a long time,” the anime’s ending helped him find peace
Attack on Titan author had reportedly felt so much regret and remorse for how the manga ended that he "couldn’t get food down his throat." What is it that he wanted to undo so badly?
One Piece Composer Kohei Tanaka Reveals That He Was Thought of as “Very Stupid” for Specializing in Anime/Game Music
Kohei Tanaka gives insight into the criticism he received for his decision to specialize in anime and game music, and discusses the international impact of his concerts.
The end of Attack on Titan was hiding a goofy Spirited Away reference
The Part 4 compilation special of Attack on Titan: The Final Season aired on November 4, 2023, bringing long-awaited closure to the series, but it seems to contain an unexpected but heartwarming reference to Ghibli Studio’s hit movie Spirited Away.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury led to record-breaking sales for Bandai Namco in 2023
Bandai Namco Holdings announced their midterm financial results on November 7. Sales related to the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise have increased dramatically compared to last year, owing largely to The Witch of Mercury anime.
False plagiarism accusations a growing problem in Japan’s anime industry – Sailor Moon director takes legal action, fearing deadly outcome
Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena anime director Kunihiko Ikuhara has taken legal action against a woman who claims he plagiarized her art. Given the recent incidents of attacks by disgruntled fans against creators, it appears that taking precautionary measures to prevent potential tragedies may be necessary.
Why did Frieren and Oshi no Ko have such unusually long premieres?
Why are anime debuts becoming so long? Anime like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Oshi no Ko opting for longer premieres may have a lot to do with anime fans ditching the 'three-episode' rule.
I didn’t set out to be an animation director at first – “Your Name” director Makoto Shinkai reveals that audiences are what shaped him into who he is
In a recent interview, animated film director Makoto Shinkai talks about how audiences shaped him into who he is a creator and the ways his work has changed over time.
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.
As use of hexagrams becomes taboo in popular media in Japan, artists search for alternatives. What is the reason behind the censorship?
Use of the hexagram has come to be mostly forbidden in Japanese media such as manga and anime. This likely has to do with the symbol's association with the Star of David, the symbol of the Jewish religion and identity.
Tanjiro was originally not the protagonist of Demon Slayer. How does the manga differ from its earlier versions?
How much does an anime and manga change from its original conception to its finalized version? Demon Slayer's conceptual manga Kagarigari and Kisatsu no Nagare characters and plot are examined.
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.
Anime adaptations that earned the “wrath” of the original manga authors
In anime adaptations of manga, there have been cases where certain changes to source material brought on the anger of the original manga artists, who didn't hesitate to renounce the adaptations. Conversely, there have been cases in which changes to source material earned positive reactions from audiences.
Severe shortage of animators and “post-Covid changes” in the anime industry as told by the director of Studio Trigger
Studio Trigger managing director, Kazuya Masumoto, speaks about recent changes in workflow and recruitment, influenced largely by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the field of Production Management.