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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...
Hello Kitty Goes Luxe in Collab with Indian Couture Label péro
The launch of Arora's Hello péro line was accompanied by an exhibition that decked out a magnificent bungalow in Delhi with bows, plushies, and general whimsy to celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary during Lakmé Fashion Week
― Indian designer Aneeth Arora launched the most kawaii collection to grace Lakmé Fashion Week in 2024 with his Hello Kitty-themed line of clothing at his Hello péro runway s...
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 something that is stylish or attractive....
Crunchyroll to Launch, Distribute Over 40 Anime on YouTube Primetime Channels
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. The anime on the service will include Dragon Ball DAIMA, One Piece, BLUE LOCK, Re: Zero, and Shan...
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...
Reliance-Disney Merger to Result in Sale of Hungama, Super Hungama TV Channels
Merger to combine Reliance's JioCinema streaming service with Disney+ Hotstar
― The Competition Commission of India (CCI) published the 48-page detailed order approving the merger of Reliance Industries Limited and The Walt Disney Company's media assets on Tuesday. The Economic Times reported on Tuesday that the order lays down various conditions such as the divestment of seven television channels th...
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...
Pikachu's New Indian Avatars Announce Pokémon Go's New Brand Ambassador Bollywood Star Genelia Deshmukh
Pikachu in a saree joins Pokemon Go in-game event; Pokémon Mela event announced for Pune in November
― Pikachu donned a new Indian look for the festive season and declared Bollywood stars Genelia Deshmukh (formerly Genelia D'Souza) and Ritesh Deshmukh the brand ambassadors for Pokémon Go in India on Wednesday. Pikachu mascots dressed in a pink saree and a navy blue kurta hyped up the crowd with an ad...
TOHO Acquires 6% Stake in Makoto Shinkai's Studio CoMix Wave Films
TOHO has distributed Makoto Shinkai's films since The Garden of Words in 2013
― Japanese entertainment company TOHO announced on Tuesday that it has acquired 45 shares, or 6.09%, of stock in the anime management, production, and distribution company CoMix Wave Films. The investment is intended to elevate the studio's working environment in order to raise the quality of their works and increase the st...
Bloomberg: Bandai Namco Cuts Staff After Halting Projects, Including for Naruto, One Piece, Nintendo
About 100 have reportedly resigned
― Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Bandai Namco Holdings has halted or canceled development on a number of unannounced games, including an unannounced title which Nintendo commissioned, as well as unannounced titles for the Naruto and One Piece franchises. The company is reportedly making cuts to its 1,300-strong workforce due to the canceled projects. According t...
TOHO to Acquire N. American Animation Distributor GKIDS as Its Subsidiary
TOHO aims to grow outside of Japan, with GKIDS maintaining its management team
― North American animation distributor GKIDS announced on Tuesday that Japanese entertainment company TOHO has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of GKIDS for an undisclosed amount. GKIDS, which has offices in New York and Los Angeles, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toho International, which is based in Los Ang...
Rica Matsumoto Denies Reportedly Leaked Pokémon Document on End of Ash/Pikachu Era
Matsumoto: 'I've been friends with Iku-chan since we were rookies'
― On Thursday, the Pokémon games' developer Game Freak announced it had suffered a data breach in August. The company said the breach leaked 2,606 names and email addresses of current and former employees. Over the past weekend, posts on social media claimed to leak gigabytes of information from upcoming projects and assets from past ...
Asahi Production Signs Business Partnership with Pierrot
Partnership aims to strengthen system for stable production of high-quality anime titles
― Asahi Production announced on Friday that it has signed a business partnership agreement with anime studio Pierrot to strengthen the system for stable production of high-quality anime works. Asahi Production stated that in the current environment of animation production, the number of television anime titles pr...
Pokémon Developer Game Freak Reports Data Breach
Employees' names, email addresses leaked, with unconfirmed claims of unannounced titles also leaked
― Japanese game developer Game Freak announced last Thursday that it has suffered a data breach via unauthorized third-party access to its servers in August. The breach led to the names and company email addresses of 2,606 current and former Game Freak employees and contract workers being leaked. Game ...
Tiger & Bunny Producer Establishes New Company
Masayuki Ozaki's Creadom8 began operations on October 8
― Tiger & Bunny anime producer Masayuki Ozaki announced in a new video on Wednesday a new company Creadom8. The company will focus on anime production and character creation and began operations on Tuesday. The company will begin with focusing on short animation films, inspired by global trends toward short live-action films. Ozaki announced hop...
Tokyopop Announces New Editor in Chief Lena Atanassova
Atanassova previously held position as LoveLove imprint Brand Editor
― Tokyopop announced at the end of September that its LoveLove imprint Brand Editor Lena Atanassova will be the new Editor in Chief. Atanassova will lead the editorial team, manage production of all titles, and expand Tokyopop's catalog to horror, manhwa, and webtoon-originated titles. She will also manage and expand production of ...
Aoni Production Agency, CoeFont Collaborate on AI-Replicated Voice Service Trained on Voice Actors
Collaboration uses Masako Nozawa, Banjō Ginga, other actors' data for strictly non-acting purposes
― Talent management agency Aoni Production and AI voice platform CoeFont announced a new partnership on Monday. The first project under the partnership uses vocal data from 10 voice actors, including Masako Nozawa and Banjō Ginga, to create AI-replicated voices for use in virtual assistants (such as Ale...
CODA Works With Brazil to Shut Down 16 Anime Piracy Sites; ACE Works with Vietnam to Shut Down Film, Anime Piracy Sites
Also: PCR Distributing sues nHentai for copyright infringement
― In recent months, due to collaborative efforts between anti-piracy organizations from various countries and government organizations, several anime piracy websites based in Brazil and Vietnam were shut down. In addition, a website based in the U.S. that allegedly hosts pirated Japanese adult content is also being sued for copyright infr...
Philippines Imposes 12% VAT on Foreign Digital Services
New law affects services such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, Steam, Amazon, Lazada, Shopee
― Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12023 into law on Wednesday, making foreign digital retailers, storefronts, media, platforms, and search engines and the services they offer subject to the country's 12% value-added tax. The new law will affect digital media streaming services such ...
Indian Govt. Launches WAVES Anime & Manga Contest
Competition takes place in Bangalore, Chennai, Kohima, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Hyderabad
― The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India and Media and Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) have launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!). The competition is aimed at "harnessing the growing interest in manga and anime in India and a c...
Studio BONES Spins Off Production Department as New Company BONES FILM
BONES founder, president Masahiko Minami, Yoshihiro Oyabu are representative directors
― Studio BONES announced on Tuesday that it has spun off its production department and has established a new company, BONES FILM Co., Ltd. The new company's representative directors are Yoshihiro Oyabu and BONES founder and president Masahiko Minami. Naoki Amano is the director. Minami founded BONES alongside forme...
Teikoku Databank: Anime Production Industry Grew 22% in 2023
Anime production industry valued at 339 billion yen in 2023, expected to hold at 340 billion yen in 2024
― The financial research firm Teikoku Databank published a report on the anime production industry for 2023 on August 27, noting that the value of the anime production industry (based on 317 companies) is at 339,020,000,000 yen (about US$2.36 billion) in 2023, a 22.9% growth from 2022's 275,783,00...
Report: NTV Halts Production on April 2024 Live-Action TV Project
NTV vice president Hiroyuki Fukuda made announcement during press conference
― Nippon Television vice president Hiroyuki Fukuda announced during the president's press conference in Tokyo on Monday that production on an April television project will be halted according to a report by Sponichi Annex. Fukuda didn't give a specific reason for the change in production, but stated that the network was com...
Shout! Studios Appoints Max Einhorn as SVP of Acquisitions & Innovations
Former FilmRise executive to be part of acquisitions team
― Media company Shout! Studios announced on September 19 that it has appointed Max Einhorn as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Innovations. Einhorn will be part of the company's acquisitions team, and will focus on content acquisition strategy and expansion. Einhorn previously worked for film, television, and streaming studio FilmRise...
Palworld Developer Responds to Nintendo, The Pokémon Company's Lawsuit
Pocketpair states it is still unaware of specific patents it allegedly infringed
― Pocketpair, the game developer behind the Palworld game, released a statement on its website on September 19, regarding the patent infringement lawsuit filed against the company by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The company also posted the full statement on Palworld's X (formerly Twitter) account: Regarding the Laws...
Reemsborko Re-Appointed as U.K. and Ireland Licensor by Crunchyroll
Sheffield-based licensing agency will handle products including One Punch Man, Junji Ito anime and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
― In a press release, Crunchyroll announced that it has re-appointed the Sheffield-based licensing agency Reemsborko for anime titles including Junji Ito "Collection", Bananya, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, One Punch Man (pictured left), Tower of God, The God of High School and Junj...
Companies Seek Alleged Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Leakers' IDs in U.S. Court
Unauthorized footage, anime stills released on X/Twitter
― A number of entertainment companies, including Aniplex and Toho, successfully filed for an information disclosure order in U.S. courts for the identities of the owners of alleged leak accounts on August 20. Courts formally served the order on August 30. The companies filed for the order following unauthorized leaks of videos and stills from ...
Circana Executive: Manga, Other 'East Asian Style Comics' Made Up Largest Share of Graphic Novel Sales from July 2023-June 2024
Print manga sales were down 21% in 1st half of 2024
― Media industry news website ICv2 reported on Friday on a presentation that Kristen McLean, Senior Executive Director The Circana Entertainment Knowledge Group, made at the ComicsPRO Open House event on Thursday, which included information about the state of the manga industry in the U.S. in the first half of 2024. According to McLean, manga "and o...
Toyo Keizai: Dragon Ball Rights Are Unresolved After Akira Toriyama's Death
Dragon Ball creator died on March 1, leading to impasse
― Toyo Keizai Online, the website tied to the finance magazine Weekly Toyo Keizai, reported on July 8 about the rights to Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball franchise following his death. According to Toyo Keizai, the rights are currently up in the air since Toriyama's death, and publisher Shueisha, former editor Akio Iyoku, and Bandai Namco were all...
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Praises Director Hayao Miyazaki Online
Sitharaman referenced Miyazaki's works My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service in congratulatory post about his Ramon Magsaysay Award
― India's union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a congratulatory post for Studio Ghibli co-founder and The Boy and the Heron director Hayao Miyazaki on X/Twitter on Sunday. Philippines' Ramon Magsaysay Award honored Miyazaki with the award last Saturday. ...
Rahul Purini: 'Dubs Constitute 65% of Crunchyroll's Viewership in India'
CEO Rahul Purini states Crunchyroll plans to work with Japanese creators to produce anime based on Indian characters, themes, stories
― CEO of Crunchyroll Rahul Purini stated to technology news outlet Rest of World earlier this month that over 65% of Crunchyroll's total viewership in India consists of dubbed titles. The company has created Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil dubs for more than 80 titles and al...
Crunchyroll Adds 100 Anime Titles in Indonesia
Crunchyroll also launches "Ayo Crunchyroll!" promotional campaign in Indonesia
― Crunchyroll announced last month that it has added more than 100 anime titles with Indonesian subtitles for its Indonesian audience. The titles include both catalog anime, as well as currently airing summer season anime such as Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction, and My H...
Bloomberg Report: NetEase Plans to Close Visions of Mana Developer Ouka Studios
NetEase has laid off most staff at Ouka Studios in Tokyo according to report
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Bloomberg reported on Friday that Chinese game development company NetEase has laid off most of the staff at Ouka Studios (Visions of Mana) in Tokyo and intends to shut down the studio's offices in Shibuya. NetEase had hired former staff from companies such as Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Square Enix when establishing consol...
MAGES. Splits Off Music Unit to Super State Holdings' AniTone
Absorption-type split to take place on November 1
― Multimedia company MAGES. announced on Friday that it is splitting off its content-related businesses - such as MUSIC, LOVE&ART, music publishing, and Daikanyama Studio - in an absorption-type split on November 1. AniTone Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of SUPER STATE HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., will become the successor. MAGES. stated that this will n...
Japanese Government, Anime Studios Team Up to Develop Next Generation of Animators
Global Anime Challenge allows 6 young talents from Japan to intern at studios overseas
― On July 31, the Global Anime Challenge (GAC) project took its first steps to develop the next generation of Japanese animators. The GAC is now taking applications for six talented young animators, producers, and directors to “experience internships at world-class studios outside of Japan for three months.” A pres...
Studio Mayflower Appoints Chainsaw Man Director Ryū Nakayama as Chief Creative Officer
Studio, established in December 2023, aims to create IP using latest technology
― Studio Mayflower and its CEO Taisei Tateno announced on Tuesday that the studio has appointed Chainsaw Man director Ryū Nakayama as Chief Creative Officer (CCO). Studio Mayflower aims to create IP that "utilizes the latest technology." The company appointed Nakayama as his creative abilities are aligned with their direc...
Pokémon Franchise Gets In-Flight Safety, Disembarkation Videos for All Nippon Airways
Flights play on special Pikachu/Eevee planes
― Gotta fly 'em all! All Nippon Airways (ANA) began streaming Pokémon themed in-flight safety and disembarkation videos for its airlines on Thursday. The safety video has voiced instructions in Japanese and English for passengers. Different CG-animated Pokémon appear to help illustrate the instructions, including a Buizel wearing a life vest, a Jigglypuff ...
Titmouse, Polygon Pictures Collaborate to Produce Multiple CG Series
Companies plan to announce series this year
― Titmouse and Polygon Pictures announced on Thursday that they are working together to develop and produce multiple CG series that they will announce this year. Titmouse is known for such animated series as Metalocalypse, The Venture Bros., Star Trek: Lower Decks, The Legend of Vox Machina, and Ballmastrz: 9009. The company also worked on the Pokémon Toget...
Cartoon Network's Website Shuts Down, Redirects to Max Streaming Service
Boomerang channel to shut down on September 30
― The official website for Cartoon Network has shut down, and it now redirects to Warner Bros. Discovery's Max streaming service. The website also lost its video content, which included episodes of Cartoon Network series. A message on the redirected page informs viewers that they can sign up to the service for Cartoon Network shows. The page also states ...
Game Informer Magazine Ends Publication After 33 Years
Magazine published its 367th and final issue in June 2024
― GameStop announced on Friday that it has shut down its Game Informer magazine. The magazine's June 2024 issue about the Dragon Age: The Veilguard game was its 367th and final issue. Video game retailer FuncoLand launched Game Informer in 1991. GameStop acquired FuncoLand in 2000. According to entertainment news website Variety, Game Informer...
Toei, Shochiku, Flag Collaborate on New Digital Advertising Platform
'Cinema DX Project' to promote DX technology in movie marketing
― Toei, Shochiku, and Flag announced on Wednesday that the three companies will collaborate on a new digital advertising platform project titled "Cinema DX Project." The project will focus on using consumer data to improve advertising methods and also promote DX technology in movie marketing. Shochiku and Toei will receive shares of Flag...
Marubeni, Mizuho Securities Invest in Anime, Manga
Marubeni sets up joint venture with Shogakukan; Mizuho Securities to launch animation film fund
― Entertainment news website Variety reported last Thursday that Japanese financial conglomerates Marubeni and Mizuho Securities are investing in the anime and manga industries. According to the news outlet, Marubeni is targeting the manga and anime markets through a new venture with Shogakukan. The compan...
Kadokawa Gradually Resumes Shipping of Books in August
Publisher to scale up promotional activities, compensate for pending shipments after cyber attack
― Kadokawa Corporation announced on Monday that the company's book publishing business will gradually resume shipping in August, with daily shipping volumes expected to return to normal levels in the middle of the month, following the cyber attack on the company on June 8. The company also noted that it ...
Niconico Services to Resume Operation Beginning on August 5 Following Kadokawa Cyber Attack
Dwango also addressed compensation for premium users
― Dwango announced in a new statement on Friday that a number of Niconico services will resume operation beginning August 5 with a new version of the website, following the cyber attack on June 8. Livestreaming on the website and channels will gradually return to service throughout August. The list of services resuming operation beginning August 5...
Light Novel Publisher Tentai Books to Shut Down
Company to negotiate license transfers to another company
― The light novel localizing and publishing company Tentai Books announced on Monday that it is closing down "over the next months." The company's owner Alejandro De Vicente, or Alex, stated that he is currently negotiating license transfers to another company. The website will remain up, particularly so customers who have purchased digital pr...
'Sony YAY!' Licenses Shin chan Anime for Broadcast, Plans to Explore Merchandising Opportunities (Updated)
Company looks into partnerships for Shin chan apparel, considers launching experiential offerings for both children, adults
― Entertainment news website Variety reported on Friday that Sony YAY! has acquired the rights to broadcast the Shin Chan anime in India. According to Variety, Sony YAY! sees potential for the franchise in merchandising and experiential offerings for both children and adults. Up...
KC Global Media Shuts Down GEM TV Channel on August 1
Channel launched in 2015
― KC Global Media's GEM TV channel announced on Monday that it will shut down on August 1. NTV and Sony Pictures Television launched the channel in 2015 as a subscription pay channel. The channel was initially available in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand, and later expanded to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The channel focuses on Japanese cont...
NTV Reveals New Guidelines for Live-Action Productions After Death of Manga Creator Hinako Ashihara
New guidelines include measures to retain faithfulness to original works, with focus on pre-production
― Warning: this article contains statements about a suicide. If you or anyone you know is suicidal or having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a suicide prevention organization in your country. In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available by calling 988. In Japan,...
This Week in Anime - Crunchyroll Silences Their Viewers
No more commenting on episode pages or news articles! Crunchyroll has axed their comments section completely. Was this change due to homophobic content or simple corporate laziness? Lucas and Steve try to shed some light on what happened.
― No more commenting on episode pages or news articles! Crunchyroll has axed their comments section completely. Was this change due to homophobic content or simple...
ICv2 Report: N. American Comics Market Decreased by 7% in 2023
Comics, graphic novel sales totaled roughly US$1.87 billion in 2023, down from US$2.01 billion in 2022
― Media news website ICv2 announced on July 15 that according to its estimations, comics and graphic novel sales went down approximately 7% in the United States and Canada in 2023. Comics and graphic novel sales to consumers in North America totaled roughly US$1.87 billion in 2023, down from US$2.01...
'Stop! Manga Piracy' Campaign Prints Thank You Ads in Newspapers in 4 Countries
However, the fight to eliminate manga piracy still goes on
― Since the widespread adoption of high-speed Internet, Japanese publishers have been working to prevent their manga from being distributed on piracy websites. The efforts have yielded mixed results, including when those publishers banded together for the “Stop! Manga Piracy” campaign in 2019. Still, the publishers do acknowledge readers who ...
MAHO FILM's President Junji Murata on Creating a Better Anime Studio
“We've been trying to improve things by providing good wages to all the staff, providing a stable working environment, and holding various [internal company] events.”
― Founded in 2018, MAHO FILM is one of the younger anime studios around. That said, they've already produced 10 anime, including I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss and Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp. Recently, ...
Crunchyroll Removes Comments From News Articles, Anime Episodes
― Crunchyroll disabled the user comments section on its service, including in both its news articles and anime video pages, on July 8, saying that it "prioritize[s] creating a safe and respectful community environment," encouraging users to instead use its star rating system to express opinions. ANN can confirm the comments have been removed from newly posted news articles and anime episodes, as wel...
Crunchyroll Updates Branding With Modernized Logo, Font, Glyphs After Passing 14 Million Subscribers
New brand identity rolls out at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25
― Crunchyroll unveiled on Thursday its updated logo, branding, font, and glyphs. The streaming service also revealed that it has surpassed 14 million subscribers. The new brand identity will begin rolling out at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25. Crunchyroll streamed a video that shows its updated branding: The modernized logo features a bal...
Kadokawa Acquires Anime Studio Doga Kobo
Oshi no Ko, New Game! studio was founded in 1973
― Kadokawa announced on Thursday that it has acquired anime studio Doga Kobo and will make it a subsidiary of the conglomerate. Doga Kobo was founded in July 1973, and the company has 62 employees as of June. The company produced the Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night anime to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The anime debuted on April 6. Doga Kobo has a...
Reincarnated as a Slime, Wistoria, 7th Prince Editors, Producers Take Fans to Another World
Editors Riichiro Umetsu and Shiro Yamano and producers Shinichirō Narita, Makoto Oda, and Katsuki Aoyama treat fans to details about isekai anime production.
― Crunchyroll hosted their isekai panel, "That Time There Was A Lot Of Isekai Anime on Crunchyroll," within the spacious halls of JW Marriot's Platinum Ballroom on Day 1 of Anime Expo. Moderated by Curt Richy with Mike McNamara assisting with t...
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