The first time we got word of Donkey Kong Country coming to Universal Studios Japan — as part of an expansion of Super Nintendo World — was in 2021. Then, late last year, it was revealed that we could expect the Donkey Kong Country section …Read more »
Sailor Moon’s characters are involved with Azabu-Juban district, in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. Because of this, and as a way to bring in tourists, Minato Ward decided to put five Sailor Moon-themed manhole covers in places important for the original story. If you go to the …Read more »
At midnight on April 1, the X (Twitter) account for the Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo manga unveiled an April Fools’ prank: that there would be a Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo stage play. Everyone could get a good laugh at the idea, but later in the day there was a …Read more »
A lot of anime fans want to also buy anime merchandise, and where are the best places to do that? If you’re looking for a brick and mortar building as opposed to the internet, then the Ikebukuro neighborhood in Tokyo is bound to please, because …Read more »
Over the years Japan has been putting otaku decorations on manhole covers, and now Minato Ward, located in Tokyo, is joining in with manhole covers featuring Sailor Moon. This was chosen because the characters are involved with Minato Ward’s Azabu-Juban district. While the people who …Read more »
AnimeJapan is the annual industry event in Tokyo where anime distributors, producers, journos and fans alike gather to marvel at reveals, previews, cosplay, cardboard cutouts and more. AnimeJapan 2024, set for March 23 and 24, has just revealed its new key art for this year. …Read more »
A recent survey of elementary schoolers in Japan that asked “who do you admire?” had many of the results you might expect: mom, dad, teacher, a friend. But there were also some surprising entries. In third place was Ai Hoshino, the singer from the manga …Read more »
2024 is here, and that means the Year of the Dragon! Studio Ghibli rang in the New Year by sharing an online nengajo, a type of Japanese greeting card. Hayao Miyazaki drew a dragon for the card, and Studio Ghibli wrote a note about what’s …Read more »
The original anime movie SPY×FAMILY CODE: White is out now in Japan, and special new Anya Forger candy is out now in the Japanese convenience store chain Lawson. There are seven different possible Anyas you can get, and each one has a different — and …Read more »
Two big franchises, Haruhi Suzumiya and Lucky Star, are, believe it or not, 20 years old this year. The first Haruhi Suzumiya light novel was published in June 2003, while the Lucky Star manga kicked off in December of the same year. Both properties were …Read more »
A recent Japanese survey pitted otaku vs. otaku to see which type of fans spend the most time and money on their hobbies. The report, put together by Yano Research Institute, surveyed men and women who either consider themselves otaku or have been labeled as …Read more »
One hundred years ago on November 10, Japan’s legendary and most loyal pup, Hachiko was born. Hachiko, the Akita dog, who was immortalized as a statue outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo, became a national symbol of unwavering loyalty and holds immense cultural significance for the …Read more »
Ghibli Park has been open since last year, but it doesn’t mean the park is finished. Parts are being added, and now it’s been confirmed that the Valley of Witches section will throw open its doors on March 16. So what sort of stuff will …Read more »
Content Warning: Discussion of suicide Famous Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke has been sentenced in the deaths of his parents. The actor, who has appeared in a One Piece Kabuki play and was scheduled to direct and act in a Demon Slayer Kabuki play, had been accused …Read more »
If you only have Akihabara on your anime shopping bucket list, you’re missing out on the many shopping areas that are filled to the brim with every type of anime merchandise you can imagine. Gachapon? Check. Hello Kitty collab toys? Check. Themed makeup products? You …Read more »
Danica Davidson
Matt Schley
Brianna Fox-Priest
