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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...
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...
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 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...
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...
Former Kadokawa Chair Tsuguhiko Kadokawa Appeals Bribery Verdict, Sues Kadokawa President
Former board chairman seeking 20 million yen in damages for defamation
― Former Kadokawa chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa announced on Tuesday through The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) that he is appealing his guilty verdict in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics bribery case. The former chairman also filed a defamation lawsuit on Tuesday against Kadokawa company CEO Takeshi Natsuno and the company's i...
Actress Daveigh Chase Dies at 35
Chase played Chihiro in Spirited Away, Lilo in Lilo and Stitch, Samara in The Ring
― TMZ reported on Wednesday that actress Daveigh Chase died on Tuesday, according to her boyfriend Roy Hernandez. The website stated that Chase had died due to meningitis and a blood infection, which caused septic issues. She was 35. Chase voiced Chihiro in Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away anime film in 2001 and Lilo in D...
Sakanaction's 'Kaiju' Song Wins Song of the Year at Music Awards Japan 2026
Mrs. Green Apple wins Artist of the Year for 2nd straight year; Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" wins multiple awards
― The Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) announced the major award winners during the Grand Ceremony of its Music Awards Japan event on Saturday. The awards event launched last year. The major award winners are: Artist of the Year Mrs. Green Apple Song of...
Alleged Operator of Webtoon Piracy Website Newtoki Extradited From Japan to S. Korea
Event marks 1st time Japan has extradited one of its own nationals to S. Korea under bilateral agreement
― The suspected operator behind Newtoki, one of South Korea's largest illegal webtoon distribution sites, was extradited from Japan to Korea, marking a major breakthrough in its efforts to combat global digital piracy. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced the 37-year-old s...
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Anime Casts Sumo Wrestlers Tamawashi, Tamashoho
Active sumo wrestlers from Mongolia discuss their anime voice acting debut in video
― CyberAgent revealed on Friday that Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, the television anime of Tomato Soup's A Witch's Life in Mongol (Tenmaku no Jādūgar) manga, has cast Mongolian wrestlers Tamawashi and Tamashoho (full names Ichiro Tamawashi and Manpei Tamashoho) in the series. Both are active professional sumo wrestle...
EXCLUSIVE: X² - Double X OVA Gets 1st-Ever Digital Release on Crunchyroll, X Japan's Yoshiki Talks to ANN About Work's Significance
OVA featuring CLAMP's artwork, MADHOUSE's anime set to 4 X JAPAN songs to debut digitally on June 10
― Crunchyroll will exclusively stream a remastered version of the X² - Double X OVA project based on CLAMP's X/1999 franchise worldwide (outside of Japan, China, and South Korea) starting on June 10 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. To mark the digital release of the music video compilation from X JAPAN, the rock gro...
Singer Peabo Bryson Dies at 75
Artist sang for Shūkan Storyland series, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin animated films
― The official Instagram account for singer Robert Peapo Bryson, who went by the stage name Peabo Bryson, announced in a statement on June 2 that he had died on 5:00 p.m. EDT that evening. The singer suffered a stroke a few days before and was receiving medical care. He was 75.
Bryson was best known for h...
Manga Creator Ritsuhiro Mikami Dies
Mikami died on April 17 due to illness
― The official X/Twitter account for Kadokawa's Flos Comic website revealed on Friday that manga creator Ritsuhiro Mikami died on April 17 due to illness. Mikami drew the Akuyaku Reijо̄ ni Tensei Shippai-shite Kachi Heroine ni Natteshimatta: Akuyaku Reijо̄ no Ani to no Kazoku End wo Akiramete Koibito End wo Mezashimasu manga, and had just almost completed the se...
Mononoke Film Trilogy Producer Kōji Yamamoto Retires from Producing, Apologizes After Recasting Takahiro Sakurai in 3rd Film
Takahiro Sakurai reprised original Medicine Seller role for cameo, staff did not announce character's return before film opened
― Kōji Yamamoto, planning producer for the Mononoke franchise's film trilogy, posted an apology on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, and also announced he was retiring from producing. Yamamoto confirmed in the statement that staff had recast a voice actor who had b...
Nippon Sangoku The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun Manga Goes on Hiatus
Manga's update this month postponed, author Ikka Matsuki recovering from steroid withdrawal syndrome
― Manga author Ikka Matsuki announced on their X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday that this month's update of their Nippon Sangoku manga has been postponed, and it will go on hiatus, due to Matsuki recovering from steroid withdrawal syndrome. Matsuki stated that they have had high fever for more t...
Tekken 7, Tekken 8 Director Kohei Ikeda Leaves Bandai Namco
Ikeda worked at Bandai Namco Entertainment for 20 years
― Tekken 8 game director Kohei Ikeda (also known as Nakatsu) announced on Monday that he has left Bandai Namco Entertainment, having worked at the company for 20 years.Ikeda was the game director on the fighting games Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, the producer on the Tekken 3D Prime Edition game, and a designer for Tekken Tag Tournament 2. He was also ...
Galaxy Express 999 TV Anime, Lupin III Film's Lyricist Jun Hashimoto Dies
Hashimoto died due to liver cirrhosis at 86
― Lyricist Jun Hashimoto died in a Tokyo hospital on May 21 due to liver cirrhosis. He was 86. The family held a private funeral attended only by close relatives and led by the chief mourner, Hashimoto's son Haruo Yoda. Hashimoto wrote the lyrics for the Galaxy Express 999 television anime's titular opening theme song and ending theme song "Aoi Chikyū" (Blu...
Voice Actor Katsuji Mori Cancels Stage Performance in Reading Event Due to Injury
Mori to focus on directing "Kotoba no Mori" reading performance after his recent fall at home, worsening his spinal canal stenosis condition
― Voice actor Katsuji Mori announced on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday that he will not perform on stage and will focus on directing the upcoming "Kotoba no Mori" reading performance. The 80-year-old voice actor explained that the reason is that he h...
Apocalypse Hotel Original Anime & Spinoff Manga, Mecha Designer Ikuto Yamashita Win 57th Seiun Awards
Apocalypse Hotel anime wins Best Media award; Labeled Human, "Tokitoki Channel: How to Make Nonexistent Weather," Norio Itoh's Encyclopedia Fantastica, more also win
― The Japan Science Fiction Convention revealed the winners of the 57th Seiun Awards on Monday. CyberAgent and its Cygames Pictures subsidiary's Apocalypse Hotel original television anime won the Best Media award. Additionally, the anime...
Animation Veteran Kunihiko Hamada Departs From Madhouse
Hamada claims he received no severance pay after over 20 years as staff employee
― Animator and character designer Kunihiko Hamada confirmed on Sunday, his birthday, that he is no longer working at Madhouse as of the end of March. He added that he is now working at a different company.Hamada said he devoted 35 years to Madhouse, including over 20 years as a staff employee. He claimed he did not recei...
Anime Expo Hosts World Premieres of Black Torch, Magic Knight Rayearth Anime
Also: Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE producer Shohei Sakakibara, scenario writer Kazutaka Kodaka attend July 2-5 convention
― The staff of Anime Expo 2026 revealed on Friday that the event will host the world premieres of: The television anime of Tsuyoshi Takaki's Black Torch manga. The new anime based on CLAMP's Magic Knight Rayearth manga with guest Rie Takahashi. Additionally, Master Detect...
Scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki Dies
Kawasaki wrote scripts for Blade of the Immortal, Silent Möbius, Sakura Wars, more anime
― Screenwriter Takao Koyama posted on X/Twitter on Thursday that scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki had died on January 23. He was 60. Kawasaki was born on November 17, 1965. Kawasaki had written scripts for numerous anime, including Blade of the Immortal, Ryoko's Case File, Silent Möbius, After War Gundam X, and Sak...
Astra Awards Nominate Witch Hat Atelier, Dandelion, Sakamoto Days, JoJo Part 7, MAO, Rooster Fighter for Best Anime
Anjali Kunapaneni, Patrick Seitz, Joshua Waters also nominated for voice over categories
― The film critics in the Hollywood Creative Alliance (formerly the Hollywood Critics Association) announced their nominees for the 2026 Astra TV Awards on Wednesday. The nominees for Best Anime Series include:DandelionMAORooster FighterSakamoto DaysSTEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre AdventureWitch Hat Atelier Anjali ...
Mausu Promotion Breaks Contract With Voice Actor Kazuki Atsumi Following Reported Arrest Under Suspicion of Sexual Assaulting Minor
Mausu Promotion talent agency broke contract over "serious breach" on May 21
―
Talent agency Mausu Promotion announced on May 21 that it terminated its contract with voice actor Kazuki Atsumi after a "serious breach of contract." Abema Times wrote on Wednesday that the Tokyo Metropolitan Police had reportedly arrested Atsumi for suspected sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in Ikebukuro. The police...
Director, Special Effects Artist Yoshihiro Nishimura Dies at 59
Nishimura worked on Tokyo Gore Police, Shin Godzilla, live-action Attack on Titan
― Japanese film director and special effects artist Yoshihiro Nishimura died on Monday. He was 59.Variety reported that Nishimura had been in the hospital for nearly two weeks fighting a liver disease.Nishimura was born in Tokyo on April 1, 1967. He was known for his model-making and special effects work for many films,...
Voice Actor Kenjirō Tsuda Sues TikTok for Alleged, Unauthorized Generative AI Use of His Voice
Lawsuit filed last November claims AI-generated narration for videos imitates Tsuda's voice
― Japanese news website Yomiuri Shimbun Online reported on Saturday that voice actor Kenjirō Tsuda filed a lawsuit against the operator of the video-sharing app TikTok for posting videos that allegedly used AI (artificial intelligence) to imitate his voice without permission, and demanded the removal of the v...
Game Developer M2 Cancels Ubusuna Shooting Game
Game first announced in 2014, canceled following lead developer Hiroshi Iuchi's resignation
― Game developer M2 and the company's Representative Director Naoki Horii announced on Sunday that the development of M2's Ubusuna shooting game has been canceled, following the resignation of game creator Hiroshi Iuchi (Ikaruga, Radiant Silvergun), the lead of the team developing the game. M2 stated that Iuch...
Voice Actor Takahiro Fujiwara Dies at 43
My Hero Academia's Kurogiri, Kingdom's Kan Jou voice actor died on May 14
― Talent agency Ken Production announced on Thursday that voice actor Takahiro Fujiwara died on May 14. He was 43. In accordance with his family's wishes, a private funeral service attended only by close family members was held. Fujiwara was born on July 15 in Hokkaido. His agency profile page describes him as "an old man who c...
Voice Actor Tom Kane Dies
Kane voiced Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls, Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
― Talent agency Galactic Productions revealed on Monday that voice actor Tom Kane died due to stroke complications at a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 64. Kane had suffered a stroke in November 2020, which damaged his ability to speak or write. He retired from voice acting after his stroke. Kane voiced ...
Actor, Voice Actor Bill Wise Dies at 61
Wise played roles in Initial D Legend, Getter Robo: Armageddon, Guyver, Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie OVA
― Anime dub voice actor Bill Wise has died. He was 61. The Austin Chronicle reported on his death on May 5, stating then that he had died "last week." Wise's friend Jeff Smith announced his death on May 3, also similarly stating then he died last week. His agency Collier Talent Agency also report...
Anime Expo to Screen 'Macross: Do You Remember Love?' Film; to Host Voice Actors Masakazu Morita, Machico
Other guests recently announced include: Daisuke Hirose, MEME50, Hiroyuki Watanabe, more
― Anime Expo announced on Thursday it will host "the first official North American screening" of the The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? anime film at this year's event. The screening will take place on July 5 at 12:00 p.m. PDT. 🌌 Experience anime history on the big screen at #AX2026! 🎬✨ B...
Detective Conan's Ran Mōri Voice Actress Wakana Yamazaki Dies at 61
Yamazaki took hiatus from role earlier this year to undergo medical treatment; Akemi Okamura takes over role
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on Friday that voice actress Wakana Yamazaki died on April 18. She was 61. Her relatives held a private funeral.Yamazaki is best known for her long-running role as heroine Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan anime, which she has voiced since the anime prem...
Lupin III Composer, Jazz Pianist Yuji Ohno Dies at 84
Ohno composed Lupin III anime's music, iconic theme song since Lupin III: Part II in 1977
― Musician and composer Yuji Ohno's official website announced on Wednesday that Ohno died of natural causes on May 4. He was 84. Ohno's production company Office Augusta noted that he died after going to sleep, without any change in his prior condition before going to sleep. Ohno is best known for his work as a...
Let Me Fix You Short Anime Rescheduled to Mid-June Without Buta Productions, FAR
Anime was originally slated to be released in May
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the short anime of Sakura Kurihara's Let Me Fix You (Kimi o Tsumugu) yuri manga stated on Friday that the anime is now planned to be released in mid-June. The account stated the staff "will still publish whatever is already started and paid, but without Buta Productions or FAR involved anymore." The rema...
Akira's Katsuhiro Ōtomo Establishes New Feature Animation Studio Oval Gear
1st work is in production; studio is hiring animators, production staff
― Katsuhiro Otomo announced on Monday he has founded a new feature animation studio called OVAL GEAR based in Tokyo. The studio's first title is currently in production, and the studio is hiring animators and production staff. The studio stated about its founding: The studio was founded for two purposes: to pass on to the new gen...
Ring Author Koji Suzuki Dies at 68
Novelist also known for Dark Water, Spiral, Loop, Birthday, S, Tide, more
― World-renowned horror novelist Kōji Suzuki died in a hospital in Tokyo on Friday. He was 68.Suzuki was born in Hamamatsu City in 1957. The prolific writer made his professional debut with the novel Rakuen (Paradise), which shared honors in the 2nd Japan Fantasy Novel Awards in 1990. Suzuki is best-known for his next novel Rin...
Martian Successor Nadesico, Bodacious Space Pirates Director Tatsuo Satō Dies
Satō died of liver failure last month at 61 years old
― Anime studio NAGOMI revealed on Thursday that director and writer Tatsuo Satō died of liver failure on April 24. He was 61. NAGOMI added that Satō had been undergoing medical treatment for some time before his death. His family held a private funeral, and NAGOMI plans to hold a memorial ceremony at a later date. Satō was born in Kanagawa prefect...
Grooming Allegations Retracted Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR
X/Twitter user Maryco previously made allegations against FAR, which led to Let Me Fix You anime's delay
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_), who had previously posted a now-deleted message on Saturday to accuse the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR) of allegedly grooming her, made a new post o...
Cartoon Network Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87
Media entrepreneur founded CNN, Turner Network, more
― Media entrepreneur Ted Turner died on Wednesday at 87 after a prolonged battle with Lewy body dementia. Turner's official website announced the news on behalf of his family.There is a private family service planned and a public memorial to come at a later date.Turner was best known as the founder of CNN and the Turner Network, which includes Cart...
Let Me Fix You Anime Delayed After Grooming Allegations Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR (Updated)
Short anime's account posted that staff did not know of Federico Antonio Russo's alleged behavior
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_) posted on Saturday to accuse Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR), the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions, of allegedly grooming her. The now 19-year-old user Maryco claimed that FAR had begun groom...
Tezuka: God of Manga Documentary Film Streams Trailer
Director Jason Andrew Cohn, Bread & Butter Films to launch Kickstarter campaign for feature-length documentary about Osamu Tezuka
― The Tezuka Productions YouTube channel began streaming on Friday the first trailer for the upcoming feature-length documentary on Osamu Tezuka titled Tezuka: God of Manga. The documentary project will have a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that will begin on an as of y...
Popolocrois Story Manga Creator Yousuke Tamori Dies at 74
Tamori died on April 10, private funeral was held
― The official website of the Japan Cartoonists Association announced on April 20 that manga author Yousuke Tamori had died on April 10. He was 74.A private funeral attended by family members was held, in accordance with Tamori's wishes. Tamori's personal website has also posted an announcement regarding his death. The website also posted a previous m...
Art Director Kazuo Ebisawa Dies
ufotable revealed Ebisawa died on April 14
― Animation studio ufotable revealed on Thursday that art director Kazuo Ebisawa died on April 14. There was a funeral service on April 20. Ebisawa served as a background artist and art director for numerous anime, including Today's Menu for Emiya Family, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, GYO: Tokyo Fish Attac...
Comitia Dōjinshi Convention's Chair Kimihiko Nakamura Dies
Convention co-founder had been undergoing treatment for cancer
― The official website of dōjinshi (self-published works) convention Comitia announced on Wednesday that Kimihiko Nakamura, the chair of the Comitia Executive Committee, died on April 26. Comitia stated that he had been undergoing medical treatment for cancer. A private funeral service attended only by close relatives will be held, in acc...
Toronto Comic Arts Festival Hosts Manga Creators Battan, Keita Katsushika, Marco Kohinata, Tokushige Kawakatsu, Moka Onmae
Festival takes place at Toronto Metropolitan University's Mattamy Athletic Centre on June 6-7
― The Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) announced on Saturday that it will host manga creator Battan (And Then There Were No Heroines; Run Away With Me, Girl) as a guest. The festival will also be hosting the following the manga artists who are part of the Manga International Network Team (MINT) Project as...
Actor Rif Hutton Dies At 73
Actor voiced roles in Astro Boy, The Wind Rises, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, more
― Actor Rif Hutton died on Saturday at his home in Pasadena after a battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was 73. Hutton voiced several roles in films such as Astro Boy, The Wind Rises, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Other animated roles include Osmosis Jones, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, and Th...
Korea Cartoonists Association to Hold Webtoon Forum on Cyberbullying, Mental Health
Webtoon artists like Super Pink, Raha Lee will present at event on April 24
― The Korea Cartoonists Association (KCA) will host its second Webtoon Forum of 2026 on April 24, focusing on cyberbullying and mental health issues faced by creators. The event will take place at the Dariso Theater in Seoul and aims to address growing concerns over online harassment targeting webtoon artists. Industry obser...
Anime Expo Hosts Livetune, TeddyLoid, Kazuo Maekawa, karory
Con hosts "JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Powered by DWANGO" event on July 4
― The staff of Anime Expo announced on Thursday the convention will host a "JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Powered by DWANGO" event on July 4. The event will host the following musical guests: Hachioji-P, kz (livetune), picco, SatapanP, and TeddyLoid. Entry is included with attendees' Anime Expo credentials and no separate ticket is required. S...
Spoiler Summary Website Operator Convicted With Suspended Sentence
Man had posted detailed spoiler articles on Godzilla Minus One, Overlord III, more
― The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced on Thursday that the Tokyo District Court has declared a guilty verdict for Wataru Takeuchi, a 39-year-old man who had uploaded detailed written storyline spoiler summary articles on his website, most notably for the Godzilla Minus One film and the Overlo...
Tanma-kun Manga Creator Sadao Shoji Dies at 88
Shoji died on April 5 due to heart failure
― Japanese news website nippon.com reported on Wednesday that manga artist Sadao Shoji died on April 5 at a hospital in Tokyo due to heart failure. He was 88.Shoji was born in Tokyo in 1937 and made his debut as a manga creator in 1967, and is known for his salaryman-themed manga series. His long-running manga Tanma-kun ran from 1968 to 2025, for a total of ...
Star Fox 64 Voice Actor Jock Blaney Dies
Wolf's voice actor died peacefully in sleep at home on March 19
― Voice actor Jock Blaney (Frank Blaney II) died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas on March 19. He was 76. Blaney was born in Morristown, New Jersey on June 21, 1949. He is survived by his brother Robert Mills, daughter Brandi Phillips (Dwayne), three grandsons, niece, and many close friends. Blaney voiced Wolf O'Donnell, ...
Actors Mackenyu, Tetsuo Kurata, Author Eiko Kadono Attend Anime NYC 2026 as Guests
Convention takes place from August 20 through August 23 at Javits Convention Center
― The X (formerly Twitter) account for the Anime NYC event announced on Thursday that actor Mackenyu will attend the event as a guest. It announced on Wednesday that actor Tetsuo Kurata will attend the event as a guest. Author Eiko Kadono will also attend the event as a guest of honor. Previously announced guests incl...
Power Rangers Screenwriter Arne Olsen Dies at 64
Olsen worked on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 films
― Screenwriter Arne Olsen died on Saturday at 64 after complications related to cancer, his wife told Deadline on Wednesday.Olsen wrote the script for the 1995 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.He was also known for his work on titles such as the 1995 film Red Scorpion, the animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, and the...
Kageki Shojo!! Author Kumiko Saiki Injured at Music Festival
Artist sprains neck, with possibility of bleeding in brain
―
Kageki Shojo!! author Kumiko Saiki revealed on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that she was injured at a music festival she had attended in Ariake district in Tokyo on March 29. She wrote that during the first group's performance, someone in the audience did a sudden dive into the crowd, colliding with her head and arm. The group supposedly...
Kunio-kun, Double Dragon Games' Creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto Dies
Kishimoto died on April 2 at 64
― Kunio-kun and Double Dragon series creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto died on April 2, as confirmed by his son on X/Twitter on Sunday. He was 64. Kishimoto's son confirmed that there is a private funeral for family members on Tuesday. Kishimoto's career debuted in the 1980s at Data East directing games like Cobra Command and Road Blaster. He then began working at Technos Ja...
Parasite Director Joon-Ho Bong Reveals 1st Animated Feature Ally for Global Release
Film has been in development since 2019, will center on group of curious deep-sea creatures
― Director Joon-ho Bong is developing his first animated feature film, Ally, with a planned worldwide release following completion in the first half of 2027. CJ ENM, one of the largest movie production and distribution companies in Korea, announced the film on Friday. According to CJ ENM, the project has been...
Gekiga Comics Pioneer Yoshiharu Tsuge Dies
Award-winning creator of Nejishiki was 88
― Publisher Chikuma Shobo announced on Friday that manga creator Yoshiharu Tsuge died of aspiration pneumonia on March 3. He was 88. Tsuge was born in Tokyo in 1937, and debuted as a manga creator in 1954. He began making his own comics after being "influenced by the realistic and gritty rental manga of Yoshihiro Tatsumi." He also briefly assisted Shigeru Miz...
Worker Killed in Stabbing at Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Store, neighboring Pikachu Sweets closed until further notice; assailant reportedly killed himself
― According to reporting on Friday from NHK and other news outlets, a woman in her 20s was stabbed inside the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store inside Ikebukuro's Sunshine City shopping complex on Thursday evening. The woman, identified as 21-year-old Moe Harukawa, who was a part time sales clerk, has die...
Webtoon by Korean Dictator's Grandson Surpasses 67 Million Views on Social Media
Chun expressed gratitude to readers saying he felt “surprised and overwhelmed” by response
― The webtoon series by Woo-won Chun has surpassed 67 million views after being serialized on social media over a three-month period. Chun shared the milestone on Instagram on March 23, expressing gratitude to readers and saying he felt “surprised and overwhelmed” by the response. The series, titled Monggeul T...
Anime Boston 2026 Hosts Voice Actors Atsushi Abe, Wakana Maruoka; Producers Hiromi Sueta, Takanori Matsuoka
HiDive sponsors appearance of all 4 guests from Farming Life in Another World 2, Petals of Reincarnation
― The staff of Anime Boston 2026 announced on Saturday that the convention will host the following people as guests of honor:Voice actor Atsushi Abe (A Certain Magical Index, IDOLiSH7) will be attending as a guest of honor to promote his upcoming role as Hiraku Machio, the protagonist of Farming L...
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