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Voice Actor Haruka Fukuhara Announces Marriage
Voice of Kaguya-sama: Love is War's Tsubame Koyasu married professional soccer player Takefusa Kubo
― Voice actor Haruka Fukuhara, Kaguya-sama: Love is War's Tsubame Koyasu, announced on Saturday that she had gotten married to professional soccer player and Japanese National team member Takefusa Kubo. In a joint statement released to their Instagram pages, the couple thanked their fans and supporters...
Hunter X Hunter Manga Creator Yoshihiro Togashi to Limit Work Due to Physical/Mental Health Issues
Togashi to decline future work requests with deadlines in order to focus on his own manuscripts
― Hunter X Hunter manga creator Yoshihiro Togashi stated on X/Twitter on Monday that due to physical and mental health issues, he will decline future work requests with deadlines after completing his current commissions, so that he can focus on his own manuscripts. Togashi's Hunter X Hunter manga went back...
Macross 7, Synduality: Noir Animator Kenichirō Katsura Dies at 59
Katsura died on September 30 while recovering from an illness
― Animator Satoko Miyachi announced on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday that her husband, animator Kenichirō Katsura, died on September 30, while undergoing medical treatment for an illness. He was 59. A private funeral was held with only close relatives in attendance. Miyachi expressed her deepest thanks to all the fans who love...
WEBTOON Entertainment Names 2 Co-CEOs for Naver Webtoon
Founder of WEBTOON Junkoo Kim will step down as Naver Webtoon's CEO
― WEBTOON Entertainment's Korean subsidiary Naver Webtoon appointed WEBTOON Entertainment President Yongsoo Kim and Chief Administrative Officer Gyu-nam Kim as co-CEOs on October 1. Yongsoo Kim will retain his role as President of WEBTOON Entertainment while overseeing Naver Webtoon's operations, while Gyu-nam Kim will serve as both...
Voice Actor Naoki Bandō Dies at 69
Career spanned more than 4 decades; voiced Robonyan in Yo-kai Watch, Minovsky in Gundam: The Origin
― Voice actor Naoki Bandō died on Monday, September 28. He was 69.Bandō's management agency Production Ace announced his death on Friday, adding that he had been undergoing medical treatment.Bandō voiced Robonyan and a large number of other characters in the Yo-kai Watch franchise. He provided the voic...
Topo Gigio's Voice Actor Peppino Mazzullo Dies
Mazzullo voiced mouse character Topo Gigio in puppet appearances, 1988 anime
― Italian actor Peppino Mazzullo died on Wednesday at his home in Santo Stefano di Briga, Italy. He was 100. Mazzullo was perhaps best known for voicing the puppet mouse Topo Gigio, a creation of Maria Perego. Beyond voicing the character in Italy, Mazzullo and Topo Gigio also made appearances on The Ed Sulivan Show starting...
Mai Kuraki Breaks Own World Record for Most Theme Songs for Detective Conan Anime
Kuraki takes record from 21 to 30 theme songs for Detective Conan
― Japanese pop and R&B singer Mai Kuraki and the long-running Detective Conan anime series announced on Sunday that Kuraki has broken her own Guinness World Record for Most Theme Songs in a Single Anime Series. She achieved the milestone with her latest song "Ai de Zenbu Dakishimete Aishite" (Hold and Love Me with Your Love), the 76th ...
Musician Coda to Perform in New York City on November 8
"Kazuso Oda & His NY Club Band" will perform at The Jazz Gallery in NY
― Japanese musician Coda will perform as "Kazuso Oda & His NY Club Band" in New York City on November 8 at The Jazz Gallery, 1158 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Early bird tickets for the show are now on sale and general admission tickets will go on sale October 1. The band includes Michael Massiah on guitar, Hiroyuki Sa...
Voice Actress Asami Yaguchi Dies at 47
Tamagotchi, Gintama cast member suddenly died on Saturday
― Talent agency Kenyū Office announced on Monday that voice actress Asami Yaguchi died suddenly on Saturday. She was 47. A private funeral service with only close relatives in attendance is being held in accordance with the family's wishes.Oricon News reported that the agency stated that Yaguchi "passed away suddenly due to heart failure," but...
Zero-sen Hayato Anime Scriptwriter Sō Kuramoto Dies at 91
Kuramoto died of multiple organ failure on September 18
― The official website of screenwriter Sō Kuramoto's foundation Kuramoto Sō Kaiwai announced on Monday that he died on September 18 due to multiple organ failure. He was 91. A private funeral service with only close relatives in attendance was held in accordance with the family's wishes. A memorial service will be held on November 3 at the Furan...
Space Battleship Yamato Film Director Toshio Masuda Dies at 98
Be Forever Yamato co-director, scriptwriter also co-directed Japanese side of Tora! Tora! Tora! war film
― Newspapers Mainichi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun both reported on Thursday that film director and screenwriter Toshio Masuda died of old age on August 26. He was 98. Masuda was born in Kobe in October 1927. He made his directorial debut in 1958 with the film Kokoro to Nikutai no Tabi while workin...
Idol Group WEST. to Cease Activities on September 30
Members Ryusei Fujii, Nozomu Kotaki previously announced departure from group
― Talent agency Starto Entertainment announced on Thursday idol group WEST. will cease their group activities on September 30. The company previously announced on August 30 that members Ryusei Fujii and Nozomu Kotaki will be leaving the group. The company has had numerous discussions with the remaining five members (Daiki S...
Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem, Rappa: Yankee Ninpū Chō Manga Artist Eiji Hashimoto Confirms Full Hearing Loss in Right Ear
Hashimoto temporarily lost hearing in right ear after being diagnosed with sudden hearing loss in April
― Manga artist Eiji Hashimoto confirmed on his Pixiv Fanbox page on September 15 that he has now fully lost hearing in his right ear. Hashimoto previously revealed in May that he was diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or sudden deafness, in April due to overwork. Hashimoto stated in...
Singer, Composer Duncan Sheik Dies
Sheik wrote music/lyrics for upcoming American stage musical of Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen manga
― Singer and composer Duncan Sheik died due to cardiac arrest on September 17 in Manhattan, New York. He was 56. Sheik wrote the music and lyrics for the upcoming American stage musical adaptation of Moyoco Anno's Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen (Bikachō Shinshi Kaikoroku) manga. Previews for his final mus...
French Publisher Kana's Founder Yves Schlirf Dies
Schlirf founded Kana in 1996, known for publishing Naruto, Yu Yu Hakusho, Saint Seiya, Monster, more in French
― French publishing companies Dargaud and Kana announced on September 14 that Kana founder Yves Schlirf died on September 13. Schlirf was also director-general for Dargaud in Belgium, and editorial director at Dargaud Benelux publishing at the time of his death. Schlirf was born in Brussels,...
Voice Actress Sumire Uesaka Cancels KyoMAF Appearances After Receiving Email Threats
Uesaka was slated for 4 appearances at event this weekend
― Talent agency Voice Kit announced on Monday that voice actress Sumire Uesaka has received multiple extremely malicious threatening emails, with some containing threats to harm Uesaka. The company stated that it is taking the matter seriously. The company has already consulted with the local police station, filed a complaint, and requested an...
Producer Jeremy Thomas Dies at 77
Thomas produced The Last Emperor, Blade of the Immortal live-action films
― Film producer Jeremy Thomas died last Friday peacefully at his home in Oxfordshire surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 77. Thomas was a prolific producer and was perhaps best known for producing The Last Emperor film in 1987, for which he won an Oscar for Best Picture. He served as producer for Takashi Miike's liv...
NYCC Hosts Voice Actor Hikaru Midorikawa, Shonen Jump+ EIC Yuta Momiyama, More Guests, Events, Anime Premieres
New York Comic Con 2026 is taking place at the Javits Center on October 8-11
― New York Comic Con is listing the following Japanese guests and events for its 2026 convention: Voice actor Hikaru Midorikawa ("ONE‑PUNCH MAN Special Panel: The Voice of Garou" on October 10 at 1:30 p.m. EDT) Editor-in-chief of Shonen Jump+ at Shueisha Yuta Momiyama, deputy editor-in-chief of Weekly Shonen Magazine Yuta H...
Actor, Narrator Leo Morimoto Dies at 83
The Wings of Honnêamise star, Bartender show's narrator died on September 4
― Fuji News Network and Oricon News reported on Friday that actor and narrator Leo Morimoto (birth name Haruyuki Morimoto) died suddenly from unknown causes on September 4, according to his agency. He was 83. 森本レオさんが死去 83歳https://t.co/5qkZq9lYbw pic.twitter.com/Uzp2ITJklh— オリコンニュース (@oricon) September 11, 2026 Morimoto was bo...
Voice Actor Kentarō Itō Goes on Hiatus Following Brain Hemorrhage, Surgery
Agency states his life is not in danger, he will focus on rehabilitation with goal of returning to work
― Talent agency Mausu Promotion announced on Friday that voice actor Kentarō Itō is currently recuperating following a brain hemorrhage and surgery. The agency stated that a few days ago Itō suddenly started feeling unwell, and was transported to the hospital, where he had symptoms of a brain hemor...
Voice Actor Mike McFarland Dies at 56 (Updated)
McFarland had brain tumor removed in January 2025, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in August 2025
― TMZ reported on Thursday that that voice actor Mike McFarland has died on Wednesday. The website states that it received the news from McFarland's fellow voice actress and co-organizer of a crowdfunding campaign to help him, Brina Palencia. Express also reported that McFarland had died, stating that a ...
Korean Culture Center to Host K-Comics Origin Exhibition in Los Angeles
Dong-geun Joo, creator of All of Us Are Dead, will attend the exhibition's opening on September 11
― The Korean Culture Center Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), will host the 2026 K-Comics Origin Los Angeles – Korean Webtoon Experience Exhibition from September 11 to October 17. The exhibition will explore the development of Korean comics into the webtoon ...
Guyver's Yoshiki Takaya May No Longer Be Able to Create Manga After Cerebral Infarction, Partial Paralysis
Author made statement on recent re-release of Guyver 2: Dark Hero film
― In Toy Robot's new Blu-ray Disc release of the Guyver 2: Dark Hero live-action film based on Yoshiki Takaya's Bio-Booster Armor Guyver manga on Tuesday, Takaya provided the following message to fans:"I suffered a cerebral infarction, and paralysis remains on the right side of my body. There is also damage to my brain, and as a r...
Manga Artist Shin'ichi Abe Dies at 76
Abe was known for That Miyoko Asagaya Feeling manga
― Musician Kōsei Abe announced on Sunday that his father, manga artist Shinichi Abe, had died on September 4 from submandibular gland cancer. The family held a private funeral with close family members. He was 76. Abe began his career in 1970 with the Yasashii Hito manga and was active through the '70s. His works include Aihasu no Kazoku, contribut...
Actor, Voice Actor Toru Shinagawa Dies at 90
Film, TV, stage actor had roles in Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Fancy Lala, Shōnen Santa no Daibōken, more
― Talent agency Knockout announced on Monday that actor and voice actor Toru Shinagawa died on August 29. He was 90. Knockout stated Shinagawa had been undergoing medical treatment for lymphoma. Shinagawa was born in Hokkaido in 1935, and graduated from a performing arts institute in...
Ha-young Exits Live-Action Trauma Code: Heroes on Call Season 2 Series
Actress exits sequel after controversy surrounding her late great-grandfather
― Actress Ha-young will not return for the upcoming season of the webtoon-based live-action series The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call following controversy surrounding allegations about her great-grandfather's activities during the Japanese colonial period. According to Korean newspaper Joong-ang Ilbo, Netflix confirmed on Se...
Concept Art Awards to Honor Yoshitaka Amano for Lifetime Achievement
Amano will attend LightBox Expo convention for awards, as well as interview, signings
― The LightBox Expo convention will host illustrator Yoshitaka Amano for its event this year, which takes place at the Pasadena Convention Center in California on October 23 to 25. Amano will have an interview and signings during the convention, and will also be awarded the Lifetime Achievement for The Concept Art A...
Professional Wrestler Kenny Omega Goes 'Plus Ultra' at AEW All In: London
Omega: “Thank you to My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll, and Miyake-san for allowing me to represent All Might.”
― During Sunday's All Elite Wrestling (AEW) All In: London pay-per-view event, Executive Vice President and professional wrestler Kenny Omega (Tyson Smith) entered his AEW World Champion match with a tribute to popular anime series My Hero Academia. Omega sported an outfit inspired by the serie...
Inukami! Novel Illustrator Kanna Wakatsuki Plans to Sue Publisher WiZH for Alleged Copyright Infringement
Wakatsuki claims that WiZH used unauthorized artwork for complete edition volumes of Inukami! novels
― Light novel illustrator Kanna Wakatsuki wrote on August 24 in a note dated July 9 that that they are planning to sue publisher WiZH for alleged copyright infringement related to Wakatsuki and Mamisu Arizawa's Inukami! novel series. Wakatsuki claims that WiZH released a complete edition digital volum...
Music Ray'n Suspends Activities of Voice Actress Moka Hinata, States She 'Engaged in Conduct That Damaged Trust'
Hinata's activities suspended until end of December this year
― Talent agency MusicRay'n announced on Monday that it has suspended all activities of voice actress Moka Hinata until the end of December 2026, after it has confirmed that Hinata has engaged in conduct that has "severely damaged trust" with the parties involved. The company did not reveal details of the incident, but stated that actions t...
Aniplex to Publish Fate/Extra Record Game; Kazuya Nino Leaves Type-Moon studio BB, Steps Down as Game's Director
Nino leaves Type-Moon studio BB due to personal reasons
― Aniplex announced on Monday that it will now publish Type-Moon studio BB's Fate/Extra Record game, the remake of Marvelous Entertainment's Fate/Extra PlayStation Portable game. Along with the announcement, Aniplex also launched a new website and X (formerly Twitter) account for the game. In addition, the game's director and planner, and Type-M...
Director, Scriptwriter Izuru Narushima Dies at 65
Award-winning Rebirth director also wrote screenplay for 2000 anime film The Boy Who Saw the Wind
― News agency Kyodo reported on Friday that award-winning scriptwriter and director Izuru Narushima died of lung cancer on August 24. He was 65. Narushima was born in 1961 in Yamanashi prefecture. He started work as a screenwriter in 1994 and made his debut as a director in 2004. His 2011 film Yōkame no ...
Kо̄ki Inо̄ Replaces Ayumu Murase as Kanon Himeno in The Idolm@ster Side M Franchise
Voice actor chosen through audition
― Bandai Namco Entertainment's Idolm@ster franchise announced on Friday voice actor Kо̄ki Inо̄ will take over the role of Kanon Himeno from Ayumu Murase in The Idolm@ster SideM franchise, after the company announced on August 18 Murase would "graduate" from the role. The company chose the new voice actor through a series of auditions and will announce more details...
Comic, Manga Letterer Dave Lanphear Dies at 58
Prolific letterer won 2 Eisner Awards, worked on manga such as Bleach, Beyblade
― Entertainment news website Bleeding Cool reported on Monday that comic book and manga letterer Dave Lanphear died on August 18 from complications related to diabetes. He was 58. Dave's sister Tera Lanphear first shared the news on Facebook on August 22. Lanphear was an award-winning cartoonist, comic book and manga lett...
Transformers' Optimus Prime Voice Actor Peter Cullen Dies at 85
Cullen also voiced Eeyore, Monterey Jack, Mario, Toonami announcer, IGPX narrator
― TMZ reported on Thursday that voice actor Peter Cullen (Transformers' Optimus Prime) died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, according to his agent. He was 85. Cullen's family told TMZ:
"Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family - and held in the hearts of his many friends and countles...
Actor Tim Curry Dies at 80
Curry played Dr. Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cat King in The Cat Returns
― TMZ reported on Wednesday that actor Tim Curry died on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 80. Curry was born on April 19, 1946 in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England. He had a major stroke in 2012. Curry is perhaps best known as Dr. Frank-n-Furter in the 1975 musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show a...
Portrait of a RE:BEL - A Talk with Mika Pikazo
Mika Pikazo discusses her illustration process, her inspirations, and her visions for the future.
― Mika Pikazo is rapidly becoming a household name, especially for fans of VTubers who know her as the designer and illustrator of Kaguya Luna and Hakos Baelz. Pikazo also provided the character designs for Fire Emblem Engage, imbuing the heroes with her signature vibrant colors and expressive features. ...
Sanji and Zoro Have The Best Bromance On And Off The Set Of One Piece Live Action
There was a lot of genuineness on display here.
― There are a lot of complicated feelings when it comes to the live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece produced by Netflix. However, one of the strongest consensus points I have seen about the series, even from its detractors, is the casting and chemistry between everybody on set. Whether it's in the show proper or behind-the-scenes videos, ...
Making Manga with Editor Shihei Lin
Now we know who to thank for Spy x Family's Bond.
― Manga enthusiasts packed together as the Japan Foundation invited veteran manga editor Shihei Lin to discuss his career. Lin currently serves as the CEO of his manga company, Mix Green, and was the former Editor-in-Chief at Shonen Jump Plus, helping to contribute to such titles as Dandadan, Chainsaw Man, and Spy x Family, all of which were discussed...
Sound Editor R.J. Kizer Dies at 73
Kizer edited English dub of Galaxy Express 999 film
― The family of sound editor Robert James Kizer (known professionally as R.J. Kizer) revealed on Sunday that he died on August 12 after a battle with glioblastoma. He was 73.The family does not plan to hold a funeral, but are planning for a memorial. Kizer worked on the editing for the English dub of the 1969 Galaxy Express 999 film. The editor was...
Scandal Rock Band to End Activities in August 2027
Band to tour all over Japan starting in October, to hold final concert at Yokohama Arena on August 21, 2027
― Japanese rock band Scandal announced on Monday that the band will end activities on August 21, 2027. The band, making the announcement after their recently-concluded 20th anniversary concert on Friday, stated that all four members feel that they have done all that they could together, being ...
Billy Bat, The Summer Hikaru Died, More Win 3rd American Manga Awards
cocoon, Mushishi, Madeleine Jose, Jan Mitsuko Cash, Wendy Chan also honored
― Japan Society and Anime NYC announced the award winners for the third American Manga Awards on Thursday. The American Manga Awards celebrate manga creators and publishers who have made significant contributions in manga's popularity, both in North America and Japan. The award categories and their respective winners are as f...
Obey Me! Franchise Removes Voice Actor Miura Ayme Due to Alleged Contact With Underage Fan
Franchise to recast Asmodeus character
― NTT Solmare and the staff for the Obey Me! franchise announced on Monday that they have mutually decided to remove voice actor Miura Ayme from the role of the character Asmodeus in the franchise due to them confirming through an investigation that Ayme allegedly had private contact with a fan "believed to be" under the age of 18 at the time. The announcement n...
Ayumu Murase Steps Down From Kanon Himeno Role in The Idolm@ster SideM
New cast member for Mofumofuen unit to be announced at later date
― Bandai Namco Entertainment's Idolm@ster franchise announced on Tuesday that Ayumu Murase will "graduate" from the role of Kanon Himeno in The Idolm@ster SideM franchise, no longer voicing the character. The company announced a new cast member will join Kanon's Mofumofuen unit at a later date.There are currently no plans to replace pr...
Special Effects Artist, The Guyver Director Screaming Mad George Dies at 69
George also worked on Predator, Nightmare on Elm Street 3/4, Big Trouble in Little China films
― The official X/Twitter account for the manager of special effects artist and musician Screaming Mad George (Jōji Tani) announced on Monday that Screaming Mad George died on February 10 earlier this year. He was 69. He is survived by his wife Miki and daughter Alice.Screaming Mad George started out as a pu...
Actress Hayden Panettiere Dies at 36
Heroes, Scream cast member voiced Kairi, Xion in Kingdom Hearts games
― Actress Hayden Panettiere died at 36 on Sunday, her family announced in a statement to ABC News. The investigation into her death is ongoing, but no foul play is suspected. The actress voiced Kairi in Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts franchise from the first game to Birth by Sleep, and also voiced Xion in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Dr...
Shogakukan Announces Findings from 3rd-Party Investigation, Measures Company Will Take to Prevent Recurrence After Shōichi Yamamoto Scandal
3rd-party panel finds Shogakukan "encouraged and supported" violation of victim's human rights
― Shogakukan revealed on August 3 a summary of findings following the third-party investigation into the publisher's Manga ONE editorial department and involvement with manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto. On August 4, the company then released a list of measures that it plans to enact in response to the finding...
Naver WEBTOON Cooperates With Korea's MCST, Interpol to Take Down 3 English Webtoon, Manga Piracy Sites
3 sites collectively received more than 130 million visits annually
― Naver Webtoon announced on August 13 that three major English-language websites illegally distributing webtoons and manga have been taken down through cooperation with South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; INTERPOL; and law enforcement authorities in North Africa. The operators of the sites were also arrested. Nav...
Houston Man Charged For Terroristic Threat Over Anime
Man allegedly left threatening voicemail to Governor's Office to "unlock my f—ing anime"
― A man from Houston, Texas has been charged with a third-degree felony count of terroristic threat against a public servant after allegedly leaving a profanity-ridden voicemail to the Governor's Office related to anime. According to the local KXAN station, the voicemail stated (profanity has been partially redac...
Gantz Creator Hiroya Oku Plans to Retire After Finishing Kanrekihime Manga
Oku: "To be honest, I just don't have the energy to keep drawing anymore."
― Manga creator Hiroya Oku (Gantz, Inuyashiki, GIGANT) revealed in an interview with Courrier Japon published on Tuesday that he plans to retire after he finishes his latest manga Kanrekihime (The Sweet Sixty Princess). In his interview, he said: "No, this is it. I've made up my mind. To be honest, I just don't have the energy...
Rumiko Takahashi, Junji Ito Meet for Viz's Teatime for Two
And brainstorm a collaboration horror 1-chapter manga
― Viz Media released a new English-subtitled video on Saturday featuring legendary manga creator Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha, Ranma ½) and renowned horror manga creator Junji Ito (Tomie, Uzumaki). Titled “VIZ Teatime for Two with Rumiko Takahashi and Junji Ito," the two manga creators spoke about their impressions about each other, their works, wha...
Mechanical Designer Katsushi Murakami Dies at 83
Murakami served as mechanical designer, Chogokin planner, toy designer
― Mechanical designer, planner, and toy designer Katsushi Murakami died on July 20. His health had been poor this year. He was 83. Murakami was born on September 23, 1942 in Gifu, Japan. Murakami served as a mechanical designer for numerous anime including Shin Tetsujin 28, Gold Lightan - The Golden Warrior, Machine Robo: Battle H...
Voice Actor Rika Kinugawa Announces Marriage
Voice of Zombie Land Saga's Yūgiri announced her marriage
― Rika Kinugawa, the voice actress behind Zombie Land Saga's Yūgiri and other roles, announced on Saturday that she had gotten married. Kinugawa stated she married a non-celebrity and thanked her fans and supporters. “My husband is a non-celebrity who wholeheartedly supports my free-spiritedness with both firmness and great kindness.” As of p...
Yoshiki, Pokémon Donate to Kumamoto Earthquake Relief
Yoshiki also donates to wildfire relief in France, Spain
― The Pokémon Company and Japanese musician Yoshiki announced donations to support relief for the July 28 Kumamoto earthquake last week. The Pokémon company said it had donated a total of 100 million yen (about US$630,000) to Kumamoto Prefecture, the Japanese Red Cross Society, and other organizations aiding in the relief efforts of the earthq...
SAG-AFTRA Lists Voice Actor Michael Donovan's Death
Donovan voiced Ryoga in Ranma ½, Master Roshi in Dragon Ball
― The digital summer issue of 2026 SAG-AFTRA's quarterly magazine is listing that Canadian voice actor Michael Donovan (listed as Michael David Donovan) had died on March 4. His fellow voice actor Ian James Corlett made a post about Donovan's death after he had learned about it from the magazine. He was 72 in March, and would have turned 73...
Voice Actor Afumi Hashi Announces Marriage
Voice of Uma Musume's Mejiro Ryan announces marriage with handwritten letter
― Afumi Hashi, the voice of the Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise's Mejiro Ryan, announced on Tuesday that she had gotten married. Akesaka said in a statement posted online that she married a non-celebrity and thanked her fans and supporters: “Thanks to all of you, I have been able to lead a truly happy life as a voice acto...
Producer/Director Masayasu Sagisu Dies at 93
Sagisu worked on several anime at Eiken (formerly TCJ Animation)
― Composer Shiro Sagisu revealed on X/Twitter on Friday that his uncle and anime producer Masayasu Sagisu died on July 12. He was 93. There was a private funeral for family members. Sagisu was born in 1932 in Tokyo. He was the younger brother to director and producer Sōji Ushio (also known as Fujio Sagisu, Tomio Sagisu, and Shiro Sagisu...
Even After Four Seasons, Reincarnated as a Slime VAs Miho Okasaki, Megumi Toyoguchi Still Find Their Roles Challenging
Voice actors Miho Okasaki (Rimuru) and Megumi Toyoguchi (Raphael) spoke to Anime News Network about their time together (so far) as the duo, and even shared a behind-the-scenes look into their own chemistry.
― Beloved isekai series, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, approaches its eighth year on air. The anime adaptation of Fuse's web novel started in 2018 and still welcomed a full house of ea...
Guitarist Mei Nekozuki Dies
Nekozuki was guitarist for Bang Dream!, KanColle
― The official X/Twitter account for guitarist Mei Nekozuki announced via a post on Sunday from her family that she has died. The funeral will be for immediate family only. There will be refunds offered for her originally scheduled live events, including her birthday solo live concert on July 29, which have been canceled. Nekozuki was active as a BanG ...
The Camphorwood Custodian, The Miracles of the Namiya General Store Author Keigo Higashino Dies
Author died on July 23 due to colon cancer
― The Asahi Shimbun news website reported on Monday that author Keigo Higashino has died on July 23 due to colon cancer. He was 68. Higashino's family held a private funeral. Higashino was born in Osaka in 1958. He debuted as a writer in 1985 with his Hōkago (After School) mystery novel, which won the Edogawa Rampo Prize. Other award-winning novels by Higash...
Shintaro Kago's 'Blood Harvest' Short Story Manga Wins Eisner Award
Akira manga wins award for Best Archival/Collection Project
― The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced the winners of this year's awards on Friday evening during San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Sanho's Purgatory Funeral Cakes manhwa won the Best U.S. Edition of International Material–Asia award. Dark Horse Comics published the work and Danny Lim translated the work. The work is the first manhwa to w...
Late Manga Creator Akira Toriyama Inducted into Eisner Hall of Fame
Go Nagai also inducted as pre-selected Judges Choice honoree
― The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards inducted late manga creator Akira Toriyama into the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame on Friday morning during San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards is announcing the winners on Friday evening. Toriyama was one of 16 nominees announced in February. The full nominee list i...
Godzilla vs. Kong Actress Kaylee Hottle Dies at 18
Deaf actress played Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong films
― Actress Kaylee Hottle died on Tuesday morning in a car accident in Maryland, according to her father Joshua Hottle. She was 18. The deaf actress played deaf character Jia in the Godzilla vs. Kong film in 2021 and the Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire sequel in 2024. Hottle was nominated for Best Younger Performer in a Film for her role in Godzilla x ...
Voice Actors Rina Hidaka, Yūma Uchida Announce Birth of 1st Child
Voices of Tropical-Rouge! Precure's Cure La Mer & Delicious Party♡Precure's Black Pepper welcome a healthy baby girl
― Voice acting couple Rina Hidaka and Yūma Uchida announced on Sunday that Hidaka had given birth to their first child, a daughter. In a joint statement, they report that Hidaka and her daughter are both healthy and added that they “want to work together as a family to live each day i...
Voice Actress Yukiko Nikaido Dies at 87
Actress voiced Fujiko Mine in 1st Lupin the 3rd TV anime
― The son of actress and voice actress Yukiko Nikaido announced on Facebook on Friday that Nikaido died on July 3 of old age. She was 87. Nikaido's son Sōsuke Yagyū announced the news on the Facebook page of Yatsugatake Club, a Yamanashi-based horticulture facility, restaurant, and gallery. Nikaido served as the first president of the facility....
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to Feature Webtoon Creator Panels, Industry Deep Dives
Industry guests include K-pop group, webtoon creators ENHYPEN; webtoon creators TurtleMe, Leeanne M. Krecic
― San Diego Comic-Con 2026, which will be held from July 23-26, will host a full slate of webtoon and manhwa programming, with WEBTOON Entertainment leading four creator panels. The event will also host independent panels examining the format's industry growth and ongoing censorship challenges...
Jurassic Park Films Actor Sam Neill Dies at 78
Neill was cast in upcoming Godzilla x Kong: Supernova film
― The official Instagram account of actor Sam Neill announced that the actor died on Monday in Sydney, Australia. He was 78. The announcement stated that Neill's death was sudden and unexpected, but that he had remained cancer free. The announcement added that more details will be shared at a later date. Update on July 16: Neill's agent confi...
Kiki's Delivery Service Illustrator Akiko Hayashi Dies at 81
Hayashi illustrated many children's books including Miki's First Errand, There's a Hippo in My Bath!
― Japanese news outlet The Mainichi reported on Wednesday children's book author and illustrator Akiko Hayashi died of pneumonia on July 1 in a hospital in Nagano prefecture. She was 81.She was known for illustrating the first novel of Eiko Kadono's children's novel Kiki's Delivery Service, which Stud...
Former GungHo Executive Takanori Kikuchi Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement
Former head of systems embezzled about 246 million yen by making fictitious business orders to self
― Japanese news outlet Jiji.com reported on Wednesday the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Marunoichi Police arrested former GungHo Online Entertainment executive Takanori Kikuchi under suspicion of breach of trust. He is accused of embezzling company funds while working as the head of the system...
Visual Effects Society Inducts Godzilla's Ishirō Honda, Tomoyuki Tanaka into Hall of Fame
2026 VES Honors Celebration to take place at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on September 4
― The Visual Effects Society announced on Wednesday that it will posthumously induct Japanese filmmaker Ishirō Honda and producer Tomoyuki Tanaka into its Hall of Fame. The 2026 VES Honors Celebration will take place at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on September 4. Ishirō Honda directed and c...
AIC Wins Legal Battle to Return as Shareholder of AIC Rights
Lawsuit began in 2021, was appealed 2 times
― Anime International Company (AIC) announced on July 3 that it has won a civil suit against AIC Rights and producer Yoshikazu Maeda, with the company now recognized as a shareholder of AIC Rights.The lawsuit began in August 2021. AIC demanded a return of its shares of AIC Rights. AIC Rights asserted that, due to Yoshikazu Maeda already having sold his shar...
Veteran Korean Voice Actor Hee-sun Kang, Voice of Crayon Shin-chan's Misae, Dies at 65
Her son, actor and producer Eun-seok Ahn, shares heartfelt tribute on social media after her funeral
― Veteran Korean voice actor Hee-sun Kang, best known as the longtime voice of Misae Nohara, Shin-chan's mother in the Korean dub of Crayon Shin-chan, died on July 4 following a battle with colon cancer. She was 65. According to news outlets in Korea, Kang died at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospita...
Kadokawa CEO Takeshi Natsuno Retains Positions After Shareholder Vote
Company's largest shareholder Oasis Management had called for Natsuno to step down
― Takeshi Natsuno retains his positions as both the CEO and a board member of Kadokawa, after receiving enough votes during the company's 12th annual general meeting of shareholders on June 24. Oasis Management Company Ltd., Kadokawa's largest shareholder with a current 15.25% stake, had called on shareholders last mo...
Voice Actor Azuki Shibuya Announces Marriage
And has been married since 2025
― Voice actor Azuki Shibuya, former member of i☆Ris, announced last Thursday that she is married. Shibuya said, “Through a happy coincidence, I got married in 2025” and has kept her partner's identity private. The voice actor added she has already shared the news with her fan club. As of press time, Shibuya's announcement has received just over 6,000 likes and 315 rep...
Crunchyroll Co-Founder, Former CEO Kun Gao Launches AniBiz Platform for Anime Licensing
Platform is described as "1st dedicated B2B marketplace built for the global anime industry"
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Thursday that Kun Gao, founder and former CEO of Crunchyroll, has launched the "AniBiz.com" platform through his anime-focused media company Nakama. Gao is the co-founder and president of Nakama. The platform went live on Thursday, and is described as "the firs...
Otakon 2026 Hosts Voice Actress Ayaka Fukuhara, I.G. USA's President Maki Terashima-Furuta
Ryotaro Okiayu, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yuka Iguchi, more attend event running from July 31-August 2 in Washington, D.C.
― The staff of Otakon announced on Sunday it will host voice actress Ayaka Fukuhara (Captain Tsubasa, Sakura Wars) and president of Production I.G. USA Maki Terashima-Furuta, at this year's event.Fukuhara is known for her role as Rin Shibuya in The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls and role...
Actor Michael Byrne Dies at 82
Actor played Elder in live-action Blood: The Last Vampire film
― British actor Michael Byrne died on June 20 at the age of 82. The actor played the role of an Elder in the 2009 live-action Blood: The Last Vampire film. Byrne has had a prolific career in film spanning from 1963 to 2022, including notable roles in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 as Grindelwald, Gangs of New York as Horac...
Voice Actor Kenichi Suzumura Returns From Hiatus
Voice actor took hiatus in February due to adjustment disorder
― The talent agency Intention announced on Monday that voice actor Kenichi Suzumura will gradually return to voice acting work.Suzumura went on hiatus in February earlier this year. Intention explained at the time that Suzumura had been in poor health, and doctors diagnosed the issue as adjustment disorder. Suzumura is known for his roles...
Singer, Actor Akihiro Miwa Dies at 91
Voice actor for Witch in Howl's Moving Castle, Moro in Princess Mononoke died of old age
― The official website for actor, voice actor, and singer Akihiro Miwa (real name Ahihiro Maruyama) announced on Sunday that Miwa died on June 20 of old age. He was 91. 【速報 JUST IN 】歌手で俳優の美輪明宏さん死去「ヨイトマケの唄」など知られるhttps://t.co/QJbOutBstT #nhk_news— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) June 28, 2026 Miwa's agency stated that due to h...
Singer Taiiku Okazaki Announces Hiatus to Focus on Health
Singer cancels all events, performances for 2026
― Singer Taiiku Okazaki announced on his official website on Wednesday that he is suspending activities due to ongoing physical and mental health issues, and based on a doctor's diagnosis.All scheduled events and performances scheduled for the year are cancelled.His social media accounts will share information regarding the cancelled events and refunds...
Yuki Kodama's Ao no Hana Utsuwa no Mori Manga Gets Live-Action Series
Forrmer SKE48/Nogizaka46 idol Rena Matsui stars in fall romance from Kids on the Slope creator
― NHK announced on Tuesday that it is producing a live-action series of Yuki Kodama's Ao no Hana Utsuwa no Mori (Blue Flower, Forest of Vessels) manga that will premiere on NHK's "Yorudora" programming block this fall. forrmer SKE48 and Nogizaka46 idol Rena Matsui (Ultimate Otaku Teacher, seen below) will s...
Kageki Shojo!! Manga Continues Hiatus, Returns on August 28
Manga's scheduled return from 1-issue break on June 26 moved due to author Kumiko Saiki's poor health
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Hakusensha's Melody magazine announced on Monday that Kumiko Saiki's Kageki Shojo!! manga will not return from its one-issue break on June 26 as scheduled, and will continue its hiatus due to Saiki's poor health. The manga is now scheduled to resume seri...
Live-Action Wandance Film's Teaser Reveals Lead Actor, Staff, November 27 Opening
&Team member Jo plays protagonist Kaboku Kotani
― The official website for the live-action film of Coffee's Wandance manga unveiled a new teaser trailer and two key visuals for the film on Monday. The teaser announces the film's lead actor, main staff, and November 27 opening. &Team boy band member Jo plays the film's protagonist Kaboku Kotani. Naoya Kusaba is directing the film, with a script by Kei...
Korean Politician Calls for Debate on Educational Rights Protection Bureau After Watching Webtoon-Based Live-Action Series Teach You A Lesson
The live-action series topped Netflix's non-English TV rankings for 2 straight weeks since its debut on June 5
― Gyeonggi Province superintendent-elect Min-seok Ahn, a five-term lawmaker, called for a public debate on establishing an “Educational Rights Protection Bureau” after watching Netflix's webtoon-based live-action series Teach You A Lesson. Ahn, who was elected in the June 3 election as a me...
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