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BookWalker Global Service Changes Ownership on March 31
Service changes ownership from BookWalker Co, Ltd. to M12 Media LLC (formerly J-Novel Club LLC)
― The BookWalker Global service announced on Monday that the service is changing ownership on March 31 from BookWalker Co., Ltd. to M12 Media LLC, formerly J-Novel Club LLC. The announcement clarified that the change in ownership "will not impact the current services." Customers "will
continue to have acce...
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Wins 11th Anime Trending Awards
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End wins 5 other awards; DAN DA DAN, The Dangers in My Heart 2nd season win 4 awards each
― The 11th annual Anime Trending Awards announced its winners on Saturday and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End won Anime of the Year, as well as five other awards including Action or Adventure Anime of the Year and Fantasy Anime of the Year. DAN dA DAN and the second season of The Dangers ...
Media Do, NTT Docomo, Akatsuki Launch New Digital Service Manga Mirai in U.S.
Service initially offers 780 titles including Wind Breaker, Medalist, Blue Lock
― Media Do, NTT Docomo, Akatsuki Group, and MyAnimeList launched their jointly developed digital manga distribution service MANGA MIRAI in the United States on Tuesday. The service allows users to purchase over 11,000 volume across 780 titles of English-translated Japanese manga from publishers such as Kodansha USA Publis...
Kakao Entertainment Report States It Blocked 240 Million Cases of Piracy in 2nd Half of 2024
Company expands its piracy monitoring system to include web novels
― Kakao Entertainment, the parent company of webtoon platform Tapas, released its 6th Anti-Piracy White Paper on February 25, marking a significant expansion in its efforts to combat the illegal distribution of intellectual property (IP). The latest white paper introduces the industry's first comprehensive anti-piracy system for web ...
Getting To Know The Hosts Of The Award-Winning Shoujo Sundae Podcast
Shoujo Sundae hosts Giana Luna and Chika Supreme share what keeps them motivated, the secret to creating a successful podcast, and their mangaka interview wishlists.
― Anime and manga may be booming worldwide, but when it comes to things like award ceremonies, we all know that anime, manga, and media related to it rarely get the recognition they deserve. So when an anime-related podcast gets nominate...
Dark Horse Comic Closes Digital Service, Ends App Support
Dark Horse Digital sales have ended, iOS apps end service on March 31
― Dark Horse Comics announced on Monday that it has closed its Dark Horse Digital (DHD) service. Users can currently still log in and read the comics in their bookshelf. However, sales have ended for DHD. In addition, support for the Dark Horse Comics and Plants vs. Zombies Comics apps for iOS devices will end on March 31. The comp...
The Pokémon Company Reaches Settlement in IP Infringement Lawsuit in China
Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology, Khorgos Fangchi Network Technology issue apology over game app titled Pocket Monster: Remake
― The Pokémon Company announced on Wednesday that it has reached a settlement with Chinese video game operator Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology Co., Ltd. regarding a game app titled Pocket Monster: Remake (口袋妖怪：复刻. The game's alias is: "The Pocket Journey" ("口袋之旅"). The...
Bloomberg: Pokémon Go Developer Niantic in Talks to Sell Game Business
Saudi Arabia-owned mobile game developer/publisher Scopely reportedly in talks
― Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that Pokémon Go mobile game developer Niantic Inc. is in talks to sell its video game business to Scopely, a Saudi Arabia-owned mobile game developer and publisher, according to "several people familiar with the discussions." According to Bloomberg's sources, the price being discussed is a...
19th Seiyū Awards Announces Special Award Winners
Gundam Seed FREEDOM, Look Back, Mari Okamoto, Keiichi Noda, Sōichirō Hoshi, Wakana Yamazaki, more honored
― The organizers of the 19th Annual Seiyū Awards announced in advance the winners of the special awards on Tuesday. Merit Awards
Award for the seiyū who have contributed to many genres, including foreign works, over the years 【第十九回声優アワード先行発表！】🏆功労賞長年に渡り外画も含め多くのジャンルに貢献された声優■岡本 茉利所属：81プロデュース■野田 圭一所属...
Former Science SARU Head Masaaki Yuasa Establishes New Studio ame pippin
Director launches Tokyo-based studio in collaboration with Asmik Ace, Aniplex, CoMix Wave Films
― Production company Asmik Ace announced on Tuesday that anime director and Science SARU studio co-founder Masaaki Yuasa is establishing a new Tokyo-based anime studio named ame pippin. Yuasa is launching the studio in collaboration with Asmik Ace, Aniplex, and CoMix Wave Films. The studio's website lists ...
Kadokawa Acquires CG Animation Studio Chiptune
Studio joins company's portfolio including Doga Kobo, ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull, Bellnox Films, Kinema Citrus, Studio Chizu
― Kadokawa announced on Monday it has acquired Chiptune, a studio which specializes in CG animation and compositing/photography, as a subsidiary. Kadokawa cites the acquisition as part of its three-year management plan to expand and maintain its diverse portfolio of IPs by...
Answerman - Will the Recent U.S. Tariffs Affect Home Video and Collectible Prices?
What will happen to Blu-ray prices when one of the largest production factories is in Mexico? What about collectible anime goods produced in China? Jerome shares the stark effects the tariffs can have on collectors and consumers.
― The news asks: Will the recent U.S. tariffs affect home video and collectible prices? You are correct. On February 1st the new US administration announced its intention t...
Fuji TV Retains Bandai as Sponsor for Some Anime
Bandai, Bandai Namco Entertainment sponsored part of Dragon Ball Daima, Tosochu: The Great Mission, One Piece
― Anime News Network's Japan-based staff confirmed two of the seven anime series on Fuji TV — Rurouni Kenshin and Sazae-san — aired without corporate sponsors between February 10 to 16. The Chinese animated series Ringing Fate also aired without corporate sponsors. Grams, the producers of th...
Udon Entertainment Signs Deal With Lunar Distribution After Diamond's Bankruptcy Filing
Lunar to distribute Street Fighter vs. Rival Schools #1, Mega Man #0 on Free Comic Book Day
― Udon Entertainment announced on February 13 that it has entered a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Lunar Distribution to handle its direct market sales, beginning with May 2025-shipping comic book products. With the agreement, Udon Entertainment's two 2025 Free Comic Book Day titles — Street Fighter...
CLAMP Draws Cover for Former Kadokawa VP's Otaku History Book
Shinichiro Inoue will also appear at the otaku mecca Animate Ikebukuro for a talk event
― The manga creation team CLAMP announced on February 10 that they have drawn the cover art for former KADOKAWA President and CEO Shinichiro Inoue's upcoming book Media Mix no Akuma: Inoue Shinichiro no Otaku Bunkashi, (lit. The Cross-Media Devil: Shinichiro Inoue's History of Otaku Culture). This autobiography o...
Fuji TV Struggling to Find Sponsors for Spring Season
Japanese broadcaster is still bleeding corporate sponsors following Masahiro Nakai's scandal
― A report by the weekly general-interest magazine Shūkan Gendai on February 2 noted that the Japanese broadcaster Fuji TV is struggling to find sponsors for the upcoming spring programming season. According to the report, an anonymous Fuji TV staff member said, “Even in February, there is still no prospect o...
AnimEigo, Justin Sevakis Produce Documentary Interviews on Western Anime Industry Figures (Updated)
The Anime Business interviews to debut on AnimEigo's YouTube channel "in the next few weeks"
― AnimEigo announced on Monday that it is releasing The Anime Business, a documentary series of interviews with major figures in the Western anime industry. Update: The first video, featuring part 1 of of Central Park Media's former Managing Director John O'Donnell, began streaming on February 25. The second ...
Koei Tecmo Holdings Names Hisashi Koinuma New President, Forms Koei Tecmo Corporate Finance Subsidiary
Current President/CEO Yoichi Erikawa to serve as Representative Director/Chairman
― Koei Tecmo announced on Monday that it has promoted Koei Tecmo Holdings' Representative Director and Executive Vice President Hisashi Koinuma to Representative Director, President, and CEO. Current President and CEO Yoichi Erikawa will become Representative Director and Chairman, taking the place of Keiko Erikawa, who...
Rooster Teeth Co-Founder Burnie Burns' Company Acquires Brand From Warner Bros. Discovery (Updated)
Box Canyon Productions' deal does not include RWBY, other titles
― Entertainment news source Variety reported on Wednesday that independent company Box Canyon Productions has acquired the Rooster Teeth brand (RWBY, gen:LOCK) and some remaining assets from Warner Bros. Discovery. Rooster Teeth co-founder Burnie Burns owns Box Canyon Productions. Burns told Variety that he looks forward to bringing Roo...
Ohio's Ohayocon Owners Sue Sekaicon Organizers for Theft of Trade Secrets
Suit also alleges defamation, contract interference to promote competing Ohio event
― The Cultural Exchange Society (CES), the owners of Ohio-based anime convention Ohayocon, filed a civil lawsuit against Sekai Guild, the organizers of the new Ohio-based convention Sekaicon, on January 16. The suit alleges that the Sekaicon organizers, as former Ohayocon staff members, misappropriated "confidential ...
E3's ESA Launches New iicon Conference; Participants Include Square Enix, SIE, Nintendo, More
iicon to take place in Las Vegas, NV on April 27-30, 2026
― The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced on Thursday the new Interactive Innovation Conference (iicon), a conference to connect people across industries to foster interactive entertainment. Participating companies include Square Enix, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Nintendo of America, Amazon Games, Disney, Electronic Arts, Ep...
Dark Horse Comics Confirms Layoffs
Layoffs follow split of parent Embracer Group into 3 companies in April 2024
― Dark Horse Comics announced on Tuesday through a statement given to The Beat website that it has begun laying off staff positions as of Monday earlier this week, but did not comment on how many positions or who it has laid off. Dark Horse stated that it is responding to "increasing overhead, changing market conditions, and...
Sony Interactive Entertainment Integrates Subsidiary SN Systems
Developer of PlayStation programming tools to be absorbed on April 1
―
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced on Wednesday that the company will integrate its SN Systems Limited (SN Systems) subsidiary, a developer of programming tools for game creators on PlayStation consoles, into the main company as one unified entity on April 1. SN systems was founded in 1990 and was acquired by Sony in 2005. ...
Pokémon Company: Diamond Comic Distributors Owes It Over US$531,000
Diamond Comic Distributors declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 14
― The Pokémon Company International (TCPI) filed reclamation claims for inventory delivered within 45 days of Diamond Comic Distributors declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy. TCPI claims that Diamond owes it US$531,000 on goods sold on credit. Diamond also owes US$280,375 to TCPI, one of its unsecured creditors. Diamond declared Chapt...
K Manga Service Expands Into 8 More Countries
Service now available in Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Mexico, Brazil
― The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Kodansha's K Manga service announced on Tuesday that it is now available in the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Mexico, and Brazil. We're excited to announce that the K MANGA app is now available in Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, H...
Bandai Namco Holdings USA Establishes Bandai Namco Filmworks America Subsidiary
Subsidiary to expand foreign licensing, brand management ahead of live-action Gundam film
― Bandai Namco Holdings USA Inc. announced on Tuesday that it will establish a wholly-owned subsidiary named Bandai Namco Filmworks America, LLC on April 1, under the control of Bandai Namco Filmworks. The new subsidiary's goal is to expand foreign licensing business and brand management, ahead of Sunrise (Banda...
Marvelous Replaces Suminobu Sato with Shinichi Terui as CEO on April 1
2 board directors volunteer for 10% pay cut for 2 months
― Marvelous, Inc. announced on January 31 that the company's president and CEO Suminobu Satō will step down from his positions on March 31, with board director and executive Shinichi Terui replacing him on April 1. The company's executive board made the decision due to the company's "poor business performance in recent years." Satō will remain ...
BookWalker, Dwango, Kadokawa Connected to Merge With Dwango Becoming the Surviving Company (Updated)
BookWalker e-book store to continue services with no changes
― Dwango announced on Friday that BookWalker Co., Ltd.; Dwango; and Kadokawa Connected will all merge, with Dwango becoming the surviving company, and BookWalker Co., Ltd. and Kadokawa Connected being dissolved. The merger will take place on April 1. BookWalker Co., Ltd. stated in its announcement that although the operating company of the ...
Bandai Namco Opens Its 1st U.S. 'Interactive' Store in New York on February 28
Bandai Namco Cross Store at Brooklyn's Japan Village to feature 10 areas for different brands
― Bandai Namco Amusement America will open its first "Bandai Namco Cross Store" in Brooklyn, New York on February 28. The store will be the company's first "interactive retail experience store" in the United States and will be located at Japan Village, 52 35th Street, Floor 2, Brooklyn, NY 11232. The store w...
Viz Media's X/Twitter Account Hacked
Viz's hacked account had posted about digital token
― Viz Media confirmed with ANN on Tuesday that its X/Twitter account has been hacked. The company added that the account is currently being rectified. Viz's X/Twitter account currently has a name that only consists of a period and no profile picture. Since Monday, the account has reposted several posts by the X/Twitter "Safety" and "Engineering" acc...
Sony Interactive Entertainment Appoints Hideaki Nishino as President & CEO
Nishino was appointed CEO of SIE's Platform Business Group in 2024
― Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced on Tuesday the appointment of Hideaki Nishino as SIE's president and CEO, effective on April 1. Additionally, Hiroki Totoki will step down from his position as SIE chairman to become president and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, and current SIE senior vice president for Finance of Corpor...
Payment Method Provider Stripe to No Longer Work with Manga Planet Service
Stripe bans Manga Planet due to R18 content on subscription service
― Manga Planet announced last week that payment method provider Stripe will no longer make payments on Manga Planet due to R18 (Restricted 18+) content on the subscription service. Manga Planet's account with stripe was suspended and banned. Manga Planet Pass Holders (or "subscribers") will not get their Pass renewed. Users affected ...
Dragon Ball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho Producer Kenji Shimizu Becomes New Fuji TV President Amidst Scandal
Fuji TV president, Fuji Media Holdings chairman both resign after scandal centering on former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai
― Fuji TV announced in a press conference on Monday that its president Koichi Minato has stepped down, following a scandal centering on former SMAP member and TV host Masahiro Nakai. The new president replacing Minato is Kenji Shimizu, known for being a producer on such anime as Dr...
Netflix Raises Subscription Prices in U.S., Canada
Company raises Standard plan for 1st time in 3 years
― Netflix announced on Tuesday that it will raise subscription prices on many plans in the U.S. and other markets. Netflix's Standard plan without ads in the U.S. will rise from US$15.49 per month to US$17.99 per month. Netflix last raised the price on this plan in January 2022. Additionally, Netflix will raise the cost of its ad-supported tier fro...
Anime Studios Production I.G, Signal.MD to Merge With Signal.MD Being Dissolved
Merger to take effect on June 1
― IG Port announced on Friday that it is merging the Production I.G and Signal.MD anime studios, with Production I.G becoming the surviving company, and Signal.MD being dissolved. The merger will take effect on June 1, which marks the start of a new fiscal year for the companies. Both studios are subsidiaries of IG Port. As the merger is between two subsidiary companie...
Crunchyroll Confirms Some Login Credentials Were Posted on Social Media; States There is 'No Evidence' its Systems Were Compromised
Company states it has "resolved the issue," "secured affected accounts"
― A Crunchyroll spokesperson released a statement to Anime News Network on Friday, after rumors spread on social media on Thursday that many usernames and passwords of Crunchyroll Premium subscribers were allegedly posted on social media. Crunchyroll's full statement reads: We are aware that login credentials for several streamin...
Sony to End Recordable Blu-ray Disc Production in Japan in February
The media company will also end production of recordable mini discs, MD data discs, and mini DV cassettes.
― Sony announced on January 23 on its website it will end production of several recordable media discs in Japan. In the announcement the media giant stated it is ending production of recordable Blu-ray Disc media, as well as recordable mini discs, MD data discs, and mini DV cassettes in Februar...
Shogakukan Releases 'Novelous' Light Novel/Manga App Using AI-Assisted Translation in U.S., Canada
Novelous launches for iOS, Android at 2:00 p.m. EST on Thursday
― Publisher Shogakukan announced that it is releasing "NOVELOUS," its new iOS and Android app for light novel series and manga in the United States and Canada, on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. EST. The Nikkei newspaper reported last July that NOVELOUS uses AI-assisted translation for English releases. Shogakukan streamed a trailer: NOVELOUS feat...
41% Developers in 2025 GDC Survey Impacted by Layoffs, 11% Experienced Layoffs
Unreal, Unity remain most popular game engines; development for Switch 2 ramps up while interest in Steam Deck also increases
― The Game Developers Conference (GDC) released the results of its 13th annual "State of the Game Industry Survey" on Tuesday and revealed that 41% of game developers surveyed were impacted by layoffs in the last 12 months (meaning either they were laid off, their colleagues w...
Several Voice Actors Lose Homes in L.A. Wildfires; Tokyopop Contributes to Matching Gift Pool for Book, Comics Industry
Tokyopop, other companies contribute US$55,000 to matching gift pool to benefit those in book, comics industry affected
― Voice actress Amanda Winn Lee revealed on social media on January 8 that she and her family had to evacuate their house in the middle of the night that day to the wildfires that are happening in the Los Angeles area of California. She stated a few hours later that she has lost her...
Solo Leveling Webtoon Producer Redice Entertainment Enters Int'l Film Sales Business
Company will present Sister, Killing Time films at European Film Market in Berlin
― South Korea's Redice Entertainment, known for producing the webtoon Solo Leveling among many other webtoons, has entered the international film sales market and will present a lineup at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin. The company will showcase two new films, Sister and Killing Time, both currently in post-pr...
Webtoon Platform Piccoma Named Japan's Top Consumer-Spending App for 2024
LINE Manga was 3rd based on Data.ai's estimates
― According to mobile data analytics firm Data.ai, Japanese digital webcomic and web novel platform Piccoma was the app with the highest consumer spending in Japan for 2024. Data from the combined Android and iOS app markets, including games, showed that Piccoma generated an estimated US$497 million in consumer spending. Following Piccoma, the second h...
Square Enix Café Tokyo to Shut Down on March 31 After 8 Years
Café in Akihabara opened in October 2016
― Square Enix announced on Friday that its Square Enix Café Tokyo in Akihabara will permanently close on March 31, after more than eight years in operation. Square Enix opened the first permanent Square Enix Café in Tokyo inside the Yodobashi Camera store in Akihabara in October 2016. The café features time-limited collaborative menus and drinks with different...
Comic-Con International to Stay in San Diego Through 2027
This year's event takes place from July 24-27 at San Diego Convention Center
― San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced on Tuesday that Comic-Con International has signed an agreement to stay in San Diego through 2027. Gloria said, "Comic-Con is part of San Diego's identity, and I couldn't be more thrilled to announce that it will remain here through 2027. This event is not just a celebration of creativ...
Crunchyroll Launches on Canada's TELUS, Koodo Mobile Services
Crunchyroll to launch with Koodo Mobile in coming weeks
― Crunchyroll announced on Thursday that it is partnering with Caniadian company TELUS, which allows users in Canada to access Crunchyroll directly through TELUS. TELUS is the first Canadian provider to offer Crunchyroll as an add-on. The company also revealed that it will launch with Canada-based Koodo Mobile in the coming weeks. Crunchyroll la...
Niconico's Mature Illustration Service Niconico Shunga to End Service
Service ends on January 29 due to social environment, international situation
― Niconico announced on Thursday that it is ending its Niconico Shunga mature illustration service on January 29 at 2:00 p.m. JST. The company explained that it would be difficult to continue the service due to the current social environment and international situation. Illustrations on Niconico Shunga will be deleted after...
Digital Publishers No. 9, LINE Digital Frontier Forge Capital & Business Alliance
Companies aim for original manga IP production, overseas expansion
― Digital publishing company No. 9 announced on Thursday that it has entered a capital and business alliance with LINE Digital Frontier as of December 23, with the aim to strengthen the company's original manga IP production system and overseas expansion. With the capital and business alliance, No. 9 and LINE Digital Frontier will ope...
Diamond Comic Distributors Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Former #1 U.S. comic distributor owes millions to firms in U.S., Japan, elsewhere
― Diamond Comic Distributors announced on Tuesday that it has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Maryland. Companies who file under Chapter 11 are able to maintain...
Adult Website nHentai Files Motion to Dismiss Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
PCR Distributing filed lawsuit against website on August 30
― Adult website nHentai has filed at a California federal court on January 6 a motion to dismiss the copyright infringement lawsuit filed against the website by California-based company PCR Distributing. nHentai also filed on the same day a Motion for Protective Order, to prevent PCR Distributing from gaining access to confidential informati...
Webtoon Industry Surpasses US$1.5 Billion in Sales for the 1st Time
Sales have increased by 19.7% from last year
― According to the "2024 Webtoon Industry Survey" published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) on December 2, the Korean webtoon industry recorded total sales of approximately US$1.5 billion in 2023, a 19.7% increase from around US$1.24 billion the previous year. This marks the first time th...
AJA: Anime Industry Grew by 14.3% to New Record High in 2023
Foreign anime market overtakes Japanese market for 2nd time since 2002
― The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) released its Anime Industry Report 2024 findings (for the year 2023) on December 22. The report found that the wider anime industry (including merchandise, music, and other areas) grew by 14.3% in 2023 compared to 2022, for a total market value of 3.3465 trillion yen (about US$21.27 b...
Wattpad WEBTOON Studios Appoints Shang Mang as Head of Licensing & Merchandise
Mang will lead to expand merchandise offering of WEBTOON
― Wattpad WEBTOON Studios Inc. has appointed Shane Mang as Head of Licensing & Merchandise. Reporting to President Aron Levitz, Mang will lead licensing initiatives and expand WEBTOON's merchandise offerings. His focus will include unique collections, collaborations, and series-based drops tailored for collectors and fans. Mang has extensive co...
Transformers: Earthspark, Lord of the Rings Anime, FF7: Rebirth Nominated for Golden Reel Awards
Shōgun also nominated for annual awards show slated for February 23 in Los Angeles
― The Motion Picture Sound Editors nominated the Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth game, a Transformers: Earthspark television episode, and The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim film for the 2025 Golden Reel Awards on Monday. Transformers: Earthspark's “Judgment Day: Part 2” episode is nominated for Outstanding Achi...
LDH Japan Launches LDH Animation Brand Focused on Anime Production
New anime studio to produce original works, manga, novel adaptations
― LDH Japan, the entertainment company best known for managing the EXILE dance and vocal unit and its various spinoffs, announced on Monday that it has launched the LDH Animation brand. LDH Animation will focus on anime production, branch further into the pre-production and licensing business, and expand into the digital domain to "...
MAGES. Appoints New President & CEO Makoto Asada
Asada replaces retired President & CEO Kengo Honjō
― Multimedia company MAGES. announced on Monday that Makoto Asada has been appointed as the company's new president and CEO on December 19, during its general shareholders' meeting. Hirotaka Kawai was also appointed as a board director, while Yōichi Ikeda and Kazunobu Takita were appointed as part-time directors, and Rintarō Mori as auditor. MAGES' f...
SNK Establishes KOF Studio
New studio launches on 30th anniversary of The King of Fighters franchise
― SNK announced on Sunday that it has established KOF Studio on the 30th anniversary of The King of Fighters franchise. The studio's website states that it will "proudly carry on the storied legacy of our iconic fighting game IPs while driving their evolution well into the future." The website mentions other SNK fighting game t...
TOHO to Acquire 19.7% of Shares of Studio Orange
Companies collaborated on Land of the Lustrous, Beastars, Trigun Stampede anime
― Studio Orange announced on Tuesday that Japanese entertainment company TOHO plans to acquire 19.7% of shares of Orange on January 17. Through the acquisition, both companies aim to improve quality of their works, secure human resources both inside and outside Japan, and expand their studios. The companies did not reveal...
Sony Becomes Kadokawa's Largest Shareholder in January
Company to hold nearly 10% of shares after buying 12 million new shares for about 50 billion yen
― Sony and Kadokawa announced on Thursday that the two companies are forming a "strategic capital and business alliance" that will see Sony becoming Kadokawa's largest shareholder, holding approximately 10% of its shares, as of January 7. Sony will acquire 12,054,100 new Kadokawa shares for 49,976,298,600...
Sony Becomes Largest Shareholder in Kadokawa in January
Company to hold nearly 10% of shares after buying 12 million new shares for about 50 billion yen
― Sony and Kadokawa announced on Thursday that the two companies are forming a "strategic capital and business alliance" that will see Sony becoming Kadokawa's largest shareholder, holding approximately 10% of its shares, as of January 7. Sony will acquire 12,054,100 new Kadokawa shares for 49,976,298,600...
New NHK Video Report Shows Generative AI Use in Anime/Manga Industries
The report expands on an August Nikkei newspaper article
― The NHK World-Japan YouTube channel released a report on the use of generative AI in the anime and manga industries on December 9. In the video's description, NHK World-Japan said, “Manga and anime are a big part of Japanese culture. But they require a huge amount of work to produce. Now, AI is taking on some of that work, so humans can focu...
Kyodo Report: E-mails Indicate Kadokawa Paid Hackers US$2.98 Million After Cyber Attack
Kyodo report states hacker group still leaked stolen information from conglomerate
― Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Thursday that according to its sources, the hacker group that was allegedly behind the cyber attack of Kadokawa on June 8 e-mailed multiple Kadokawa executives after the attack stating the conglomerate sent US$2.98 million in cryptocurrency to the hacker group. Kyodo stated it c...
Monolith Soft Now Owned 100% by Nintendo
Company's founders had held onto symbolic 4% share despite Nintendo acquisition in 2007
― Video game developer Monolith Soft lists on its website that it is now 100% owned by Nintendo. Nintendo had previously owned 96% of the company, with co-founders Hirohide Sugiura, Tetsuya Takahashi, and Yasuyuki Honne holding the remaining 4%. Although it is unclear exactly when Nintendo purchased the remaining ...
Dōjinshi Mail-Order Service pictSPACE to Halt Visa, Mastercard Payments on January 1
pictSPACE & sister service pictSQUARE feature BL, other genres
― Dōjin-only online shopping service pictSPACE announced on Tuesday that it will disallow Visa and Mastercard payments starting on January 1 at 12 midnight JST. The service explained that its payment service provider notified it that those two card brands can no longer be used. The policy change will affect payments for items ordered on p...
Visa Asia Pacific Acknowledges Sales Restrictions on Adult Content (Updated)
Payment service sometimes declines purchase to "protect the brand"
― Cietan Kitney, President of Visa Worldwide Japan, confirmed last week that while Visa wants to make its payment service available to legal and legitimate products and services as much as possible, it may sometimes decline purchases to "protect the brand." During in a Q&A session in the company's briefing about its expansion efforts ...
Answerman - What is 'NAFCA' and How Are They Trying to Help Animators?
Jerome talks with Nippon Anime & Film Culture Association representative Ayano Fukumiya about labor shortages and other issues affecting Japan's anime production.
― Worried in Wisconsin asks: I am alarmed to read more and more news stories about what sounds like an existential crisis for the Japanese anime industry. Headlines such as "Anime in crisis: Japan's signature art form at risk" seem to sugg...
Retailer: NIS America No Longer Plans to Reprint its Anime Titles
Retailer added that several BD titles are out of print including Cardcaptor Sakura, Kimi ni Todoke
― U.S.-based anime retailer Robert's Anime Corner Store stated on November 15, "NIS America has informed us that they no longer intend to repress their Anime titles." The retailer added that the following Blu-ray Disc releases from NIS America are currently out of print and limited to whatever stock it ...
Singapore Company Kasagi Labo Announces US$10 Million Anime Production Fund
Company to co-produce Special Kid Factory with Studio NAZ
― Singapore-based anime venture studio Kasagi Labo announced on Monday that it will commit US$10 million towards anime production. The company raised US$12 million in a recent fundraising round with Burda Principal Investments, among other investors. Kasagi Labo debuted the first trailer for its upcoming original anime Special Kid Factory, whi...
Netflix Subpoenas Discord in Investigation of Post-Production Partner Leaks
Episodes of Ranma 1/2, DAN DA DAN; whole Mononoke film leaked on sites such as 4chan
― ANN can confirm that The Northern District of California court issued a subpoena on Thursday to compel Discord to share information that could help identify users allegedly involved in the recent Netflix leaks of anime episodes and anime films, as well as other animated and live-action works. Netflix filed the requ...
Answerman - Why is Sony Offering to Buy Kadokawa?
Sony has made an offer to Kadokawa to purchase the multimedia conglomerate. What does this mean for the anime industry, and why does Sony want Kadokawa in the first place?
― George P. asks: I've noticed that several anime companies and distributors have been purchased by Sony: Right Stuf, Crunchy, and Funimation. They are currently in negotiations with Kadokawa. Why is this occurring now? Are big co...
11 Anime Staffers Chosen to Go Abroad for Global Anime Challenge
These Japanese directors, animators, producers will intern at studios around the world
― The Global Anime Challenge (GAC) announced 11 candidates for its work abroad project on November 15. The candidates include three animators, three producers, and five directors from the anime industry . ついにGAC候補生が決定、発表されました…！！・伊藤優希（アニメーター）・木村誠（プロデューサー）・工藤真奈（アニメーター）・小出卓史（監督）・斎藤圭一郎（監督）・史耕（プロデューサー）・篠原啓輔（監督）・谷本馨（アニメ...
Maison Ikkoku & Tobacco Institute of Japan Say: Only You Can Prevent Cigarette Fires
Heroine Kyoko Otonashi has served as campaign's mascot for over 10 years
― In a bid to prevent house fires caused by cigarettes, the Tabacco Institute of Japan (TIOJ) partnered with Rumiko Takahashi's Maison Ikkoku for a new ad campaign. The TIOJ announced the collaboration campaign on X (formerly Twitter) on November 1. Those who follow and repost the post can win 1,000 yen (about US$6.49) worth of ...
Kadokawa Issues Statement on Sony's Reported Talks to Acquire Company
Kadokawa has received initial letter of intent, but no decision has been made at this time
― Kadokawa released a statement on Wednesday in response to Reuters' report that Sony is in talks to acquire Kadokawa. The company stated that although there have been some articles regarding the acquisition, this information has not been announced. Kadokawa confirmed that it received an initial letter of inten...
Reuters: Sony Is in Talks to Acquire Kadokawa
2 sources report deal could be signed in coming weeks
― Reuters reported on Tuesday that Sony is in talks to acquire Kadokawa. According to Reuters' two sources "familiar with the matter," the talks are ongoing, and a deal could be signed in the coming weeks. Sony declined to comment to Reuters on the acquisition talks, and Kadokawa said it cannot give any comments. Sony already has a 2% stake in Kad...
Bandai to Raise Plastic Model Kit Prices Next April
Some Gundam models affected despite attempts to maintain prices for over 4 decades
― Bandai Spirits announced on November 13 that it is increasing the prices of several plastic model kits and other items next April. The Bandai Hobby Site detailed the price changes and which products would be affected, such as the High Grade 1/144 RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Version) above. Bandai Spirits noted...
The Complicated Process of Color Design in Anime - An Interview with Nokotan's Arisa Komatsu
Many unsung heroes have a vital part in getting your favorite anime made. Let's take a look at the art of color design with Wit Studio's Arisa Komatsu.
― When you think of anime production, you probably think of the directors, animators, and writers. But of course, there are many unsung heroes who have a vital part in getting your favorite anime made. Once such overlooked position is that of color d...
Random House Graphic Launches Ink Pop Brand for Manga/Manhwa/Webtoons with I Wanna Be Your Girl Manga as Debut Release
Company to publish Umi Takase's I Wanna Be Your Girl on July 1, 2025
― The School Library Journal — a frequently referenced source of information for elementary, junior high, and high school librarians — reported on Thursday that Random House Graphic is launching Ink Pop, a new brand for graphic novels that includes manga, manhwa, and webtoons. Ink Pop will publish Umi Takase's I Wanna Be Your Girl (...
Kyoto Animation Warns of Website Using Its Name
Studio's URL is still https://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp
― Kyoto Animation — the studio behind K-On!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Sound! Euphonium, and other anime — issued a statement on November 4 to warn that at least one website was using its name, despite having no ties to it. The studio asked fans to be careful. 【重要なお知らせ】最近、当社名を使用した当社とは全く関係のないホームページの存在が確認されています。ご注意ください。https://t.co/oBKDpF1...
Melonbooks Dōjinshi Store Chain to Halt Visa/Mastercard Payments on December 19
Chain will still accept payments via JCB/American Express cards or other means
― Dōjinshi store chain Melonbooks announced on Friday that it will suspend the use of Visa and Mastercard payments starting on December 19. The chain encourages customers to use JCB and American Express cards or other payment methods on its online shopping service for items shipping after December 19. Melonbooks added that...
What Exactly Does an Animation Director Do? - An Interview with Nokotan's Karin Omura
To shine a spotlight on this job and what it entails, Richard Eisenbeis recently sat down with My Deer Friend Nokotan's animation director Karin Ōmura at Wit Studio's main office in Tokyo.
― While most people have an idea what directors, animators, or scenario writers do, these are only a few of the jobs involved in the creation of anime. Many jobs in the industry are relatively obscure at best to ou...
Disney+ Raises Monthly Pricing on Streaming Plans in U.S., Canada
Subscription prices increased beginning October 17
― Disney+ began raising prices for monthly subscriptions to its streaming platform beginning on October 17. The price for the subscription with ads rose from US$7.99 a month to US$9.99 a month. The price for its ad-free tier rose from US$13.99 to US$15.99. The Duo Basic plan, which includes Disney+ and Hulu, increased from US$9.99 to US$10.99, while...
Manga Library Z Digital Manga Service Shuts Down on November 26
Out-of-print manga library founded by Ken Akamatsu ends service due to credit card companies issues
― Manga Toshokan Z" (Manga Library Z), a digital service for publishing rare out-of-print manga for free, announced on Tuesday that it is shutting down on November 26. According to the website and founder/manga creator Ken Akamatsu (Love Hina, Negima!), the website had issues with credit card companies...
Manhwa Publisher Netcomics Ends Service
Service launched in 2006, ends on December 29
― Manhwa and webtoons publisher Netcomics announced the platform will end service on December 29. Registration for the service is no longer available, along with coin purchases. The company advises users to use all existing coins before the end of the service. Titles such as Dokebi Bride, Totally Captivated, Boy Princess, Not So Bad, Almost Highly Classif...
Pierrot, S. Korean Animation Studio Red Dog Culture House Sign Partnership
Collaboration to last 3 years, with animation of Latna Saga: The Survival Sword King webtoon already in the works
― Anime studio Pierrot and South Korean animation studio Red Dog Culture House announced on Wednesday that they signed a business partnership in August to jointly produce and invest in projects targeted at the global market. The partnership will last three years with the two studios colla...
Hero's Inc. to Launch 'Re;zz' BL Label in 1st Half of 2025
Label's 1st works are Hachini's Yū-chan 1st volume, Umi no Oshiro digital version
― Hero's Inc. announced on Tuesday that it will launch its boys' love label Re;zz, as well as its accompanying manga label Re;zz comics, sometime in the first half of 2025. The label name is intended to be pronounced and evoke the Gen Z and Gen Alpha term "rizz," used to refer to someone that has charisma or romantic ap...
Crunchyroll to Launch, Distribute Over 40 Anime on YouTube Primetime Channels (Updated)
Launched scheduled before end of 2024 in U.S., France, U.K., Germany, Australia
― Crunchyroll announced on Tuesday that it will launch on YouTube Primetime Channels and distribute over 40 anime on the service before the end of 2024 in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. Update: Crunchyroll launched on YouTube Primetime Channels on January 21, delayed from its origin...
Answerman - The Return of Answerman (And Why Companies Bother to Take Down Piracy Websites)
Anime industry veteran Jerome Mazandarani takes up the Answerman mantle to answer your burning questions!
― Hello! I'm Jerome, and I'm honored to be your new Answerman correspondent. I started my anime career 20 years ago with Manga Entertainment, one of the OG anime labels operating in the West. I've distributed thousands of hours of anime and even had a hand in making a couple, too. I know the bus...
Cover Corp. Receives Recommendation from Japan Fair Trade Commission After Violating Subcontract Act
Company had subcontractors make 243 revisions for VTuber videos, materials without pay
― Cover Corporation, the parent company of the hololive productions VTuber management company, received on Friday recommendations and guidance from the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), after it was found
to be in violation of the Subcontract Act by having subcontractors make 243 revisions of VTuber videos withou...
Gundam Franchise to Actively Develop 'AU' Works Leading Up to 2029
Naohiro Ogata adds that company is currently focused however on works set in U.C. timeline
― Naohiro Ogata, general manager of Bandai Namco Filmworks' Gundam department, said in an interview that Mantan Web posted on Sunday that the company is still developing "alternate universe" works leading up to the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2029, but that starting this fall it is focused on works set in t...
SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Continues as Negotiations Get Extended
3-day scheduled talks resumed on October 23; new talk dates to be announced
― The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) labor union announced on Saturday that negotiations regarding the Interactive Media Agreement with major video game publishers will continue, after three days of scheduled talks did not resolve the ongoing dispute. Dates for the new ta...
Million Doll Creator Receives Apology After 6 Years of Back Pay From Anime Is Paid
Creator had considered withdrawing permission for anime, other derivative works until issue was resolved
― Manga creators expect royalty payments from anime adaptations, but sometimes they take longer than they should. The creator of Million Doll, Ai, found out after receiving six years of royalties and an apology. Ai revealed she had not received royalty payments for sales related to the Million Dol...
Crunchyroll States it is Investigating Situation After Voice Actor Claims Company Opened His Mail, Gave Away Contents
David Wald claims company opened his private mail, threw away letters, gave away contents to staff
― A Crunchyroll spokesperson told ANN on Saturday that it is investigating the situation after voice actor and ADR director David Wald claimed on X/Twitter on Friday the company "opened [his] private mail, threw away [the] letters, and passed out any included items to [its] staff." Wald said on X/Twitte...
Report: Japan's Online Video Industry to Grow to 45% of Total Screen Revenue by 2029
Media Partners Asia estimated anime monetization reached US$2.5 billion in 2023 in Japan
― The Media Partners Asia (MPA) consulting and research firm predicted in a new report titled "The Future of Japan's Video Industry” on Tuesday that Japan's online video industry will grow at a 7% compound annual growth rate over the next five years. Japan's online video industry will account for 45% of total sc...
2.5 Stage Play Production Market Reaches Record High in 2023
Ticket sales from 2.5-D performances reached over 28.3 billion yen in 2023
― PIA Research Institute and the Japan 2.5-Dimensional Musical Association released the results of their "2.5-D Musical Market Trends" survey for 2023 last Friday. According to their reports, the production market for 2.5-D stage performances based on anime, manga, games (such as Kingdom and Spy x Family) reached a record high...
J-Novel Club Announces New 'Knight' BL Imprint
New series slated to launch for Knight in early 2025
― U.S. light novel and manga publishing company J-Novel Club announced on Friday during the MCM London Comic Con event a new boys' love (BL) imprint "Knight." New series are slated to launch with the new imprint in early 2025. J-Novel Club launched in October 2016. The company releases light novels and manga digitally. Membership to its service giv...
Gundam SEED Director Mitsuo Fukuda Confirms Cyber Formula, Dendoh Anime Were Cut Short
Such is the fate of some anime series based on toy lines
― When anime series face the chopping block, fans don't always find out why. Creators often don't go on the record to even confirm the anime was cut short, at least not right away. The topic came up this past weekend, when a discussion on whether the After War Gundam X anime was cancelled started trending in Japan on X (formerly Twitter). Mobi...
Gundam Franchise Plans Major Works Annually From 2025 Through 2029
New projects to celebrate 50th anniversary
― Naohiro Ogata, general manager of Bandai Namco Filmworks' Gundam department, said in an interview that 47News posted on Thursday that the company is planning major Gundam works annually from next year until the franchise's 50th anniversary, which will be in 2029. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the franchise. Ogata noted in particular the Hollywood...
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