News

Hideaki Anno's Neon Genesis Evangelion premiered 30 years ago, bringing with it one of anime's most iconic theme songs. This year, singer Yoko Takahashi is celebrating the big anniversary with a new album, collecting Eva songs old and new. Evangelion Flashback will be released on October 29, commemorating three decades of the song across 15 tracks. "Cruel Angel's Thesis" and Death and Rebirth theme song "Soul's Refrain" will be in the mix. The album will also feature a newly recorded cover of "Kyo no hi wa sayonara," a song performed by Ryoko Moriyama in 1967 and covered by Megumi Hayashibara in 2009's Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance . The cover of the album features an original cel from the show's opening credits, provided by the Anime Tokusatsu Archive Center (Atac). Related: Neon Genesis Evangelion Extended Reality Game in the Works for 2026 Two anniversary LPs will also be released on February 21, 2026 : one highlighting "Cruel...

Megumi Hayashibara, one of Japan’s most beloved voice actresses and known internationally for her portrayal of Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion, is under intense scrutiny following a politically charged blog post. Published on her official Ameblo blog on June 8, the post stirred widespread backlash after she likened unruly foreign tourists to an “invasive species,” a metaphor that many critics viewed as a xenophobic slight.

While Hayashibara’s post was framed as a call for greater civic engagement among Japanese citizens, it veered into controversial territory when discussing issues such as financial aid for foreign students and the behavior of tourists in Japan. Her commentary, via @MHayashibara_PR on X, ignited a fierce online debate over immigration, national identity, and the responsibilities of public figures.

Hayashibara’s Nationalist Undertone in Education Debate When Financial Policy Becomes a Culture War アメブãƒã‚’投稿ã—ã¾ã—ãŸã...

Anime fans are simple; they watch their favorite series and root for their favorite characters. At the end of the day, they feel a sense of connection to not just the fictional characters, but also the real person voicing those characters, giving them life.

This is the reason that even anime fans who prefer to watch anime dubbed worship the original voice actors from Japan. But a recent event has left the fans heartbroken, forcing them to reconsider the position of the global fans in the minds of those from the anime world.

Megumi Hayashibara’s words that struck a nerve

Anime has long since become a global medium for entertainment. People from all around the globe enjoy the famous series like Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, and Solo Leveling.

It is not uncommon to see teenagers and even adults shout out the names of their favorite characters, posturing and indulging...

Renowned Japanese voice actress Megumi Hayashibara, widely known for her role as Rei Ayanami in the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, became the center of an online controversy.

The controversy began after Hayashibara published a post on her official Ameblo blog on June 8, 2025, titled “Indifference, ignorance, and not knowing.”

In this post she used the metaphor of “invasive species” while discussing concerns about foreign tourists and student issues in Japan.

In her post, Hayashibara was calling for Japanese citizens to be more politically engaged. And one of the issues she addressed was the financial aid for students.

“Unconditional, free aid for some foreign exchange students. But for Japanese students, it’s scholarships.”

This comment touched upon ongoing discussions in Japan regarding the structure of student financial aid.

Data from the Japan Student Services Organization (Jasso) indicates that a significant portion of aid for domestic students comes in the form of loans that require repayment,...

The antics of the Tendo Dojo go live next month! The returning voice cast of the new Ranma 1/2 anime will be live onstage in June in Japan for a live dubbing event, reprising their roles for a special night of must-see Ranma goodness. Confirmed cast to appear include: Kappei Yamaguchi (voice of boy-type Ranma) Megumi Hayashibara (voice of girl-type Ranma) Noriko Hidaka (voice of Akane) Rei Sakuma (voice of Shampoo) The website implies there are more voice actors yet to be announced. The official image for the event depicts Mousse, who has yet to appear in the modern adaptation of the series. Toshihiko Seki voiced the character in the original adaptation, though it has not yet been confirmed one way or the other whether he will be returning to the role. Related: Ranma 1/2 Anime Releases New Music Video for Classic Character Song In addition to live dubbing, attendees...

There is no doubt that Shinichiro Watanebe’s upcoming Lazarus anime is one of the most anticipated Spring 2025 debuts, possibly the biggest one among the list (excluding returning shows). It’s been a while since Watanabe made an anime after scoring hits with Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, and with his track record, the fans are excited.

And while the production suffered a large hiatus, we now know that the anime is premiering on April 6, 2025 and to hype us up even more, the opening video for the anime has just been released.

Related: Shinichiro Watanabe’s ‘Lazarus’ Anime Adds 14 Cast Members

Before we continue, here is the Op video:

Kamasi Washington is performing the opening theme, “Vortex,” whose instrumental and ambient-focused nature reminds us of Watanabe’s previous work. On top of that, the series’ style is very similar to Cowboy Bebop, which is something the fans will appreciate.

The...

Shinichiro Watanabe, best known as the creator of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, has a new anime coming out next month, as Mappa is preparing for the release of Lazarus. The anime has attracted a lot of attention, as fans of Watanabe’s work are looking forward to seeing this new story.

As we have reported earlier, the series will premiere on Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block on April 5 at 12:00 a.m. Edt, and will be available on Max the next day. In Japan, the series will premiere on TV Tokyo and its affiliates on April 6 at 11:45 p.m. and will also stream on various platforms.

But, while the premiere date is getting closer, Mappa is providing us with additional information, as 14 new cast members for the upcoming series have been revealed. Their roles are, as of the time of writing, unknown, but we have the full list of names for you.

Mecha anime is easily one of the most action-packed genres in the medium, which comes with the territory when giant robots are involved. This is especially the case with the Real Robot anime that became all the rage after 1979, taking the genre in a somewhat grittier direction. As a result, many of these works are known for their "kill 'em all" mentality, seeing large swathes of the cast members killed off.

Mecha anime is synonymous with the characters suffering in brutal massacres, with these anime having numerous members of the cast killed off in the final episodes. Entries such as the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion might be the most popular examples of this, but this trend started long beforehand. As a result, the genre can many times result in the requisite "feel bad" anime of the year.

Bokurano Kills Characters Off Throughout the Story Streaming on Crunchyroll

Bokurano is one...

When fans get into mecha anime, they start out by coming for the giant robots. After watching a while, they start to see mecha anime can be so much more than just the robots, discussing politics and showing the indomitable will of the human spirit. Yet at the heart of it all, there's still a thrill to watching cool giant robots throwing down.

Sometimes, viewers want the cool robot fights just as much as they want the political intrigue and strong character writing. Fortunately, some of the best mecha anime know how to do both. These series can manage an awesome story while also showing off pulse-pounding action and perfectly choreographed combat to keep viewers invested all the way to the end.

Related10 Essential Mecha Anime That Changed the Genre Forever (& Aren’t Gundam)

Mobile Suit Gundam might be the biggest name in Mecha anime, but several other popular franchises...

At one point, mecha was the dominant genre for anime series. The genre had franchises for both children and adults, and they were constantly getting new series. One reason there were so many mecha anime is how easy the genre can sell merchandise, yet that wasn't the only reason. Some of the best anime of older eras were part of the mecha genre, making them impossible to ignore.

Even now, many of the mecha anime from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s are better than most modern anime series today. Rather than offering easy power fantasies about being the strongest or more popular, mecha anime often had far more to offer. Whether it was commentary on society or just passionate protagonists that are easy to love, it's impossible to go wrong with classic mecha anime.

Related10 Best Military Anime, Ranked

There are countless military-based anime from throughout the decades...

Neon Genesis Evangelionis still such a popular anime franchise that it's frequently used in branding and numerous official collaborations. Unfortunately, it's "game over" for one such example of this success, with an official e-sports team taking its digital ball and going home.

Per Eva:e's official website, it was recently announced that Eva:e -- the official Evangelion anime e-sports team -- is soon set to disband. The exact reason for this is not stated, but the individual players will continue to participate in e-sports. The news comes after different divisions of Eva:e have been shut down in the past few years, with the fun coming to an end like a cruel angel's thesis.

RelatedEvangelion & Uniqlo Revive Iconic Sci-Fi Anime Collection in Revamped International Release

Uniqlo announces the return of its popular sci-fi anime collection, revamping designs from the Evangelion and Ghost in the Shell series.

Official Evangelion Anime's e-Sports Team Disbands...

The iconic Evangelion anime and manga franchise is celebrating 30 years with a recent fashion and accessories collection launch, available for fans to purchase internationally.

In a press release, the proxy shipping service Buyee announced that the official Evangelion Store's 30th-anniversary merchandise is available for international purchase. The series debuted in 1995, receiving new graphic tees, hoodies, jumpers, acrylic blocks, keyholders, can badges and stickers. The hoodies feature the Evangelion 30th-anniversary emblem with a holographic finish. It's available in medium, large and extra large sizes and is priced at 13,200 yen (~US$87). Readers can check out the official collection images below.

Related'The Beginning May Surprise You': Evangelion Creator Weighs in on New Hit Gundam Anime

The creator behind the latest Gundam anime, who also created Evangelion, assures fans that the newest entry is both fresh yet excitingly familiar.

Evangelion Celebrates 30 Years of Mecha Anime Excellence With New Official Store Release

Priced at 3,300 yen,...

Evangelion fans are in for an aromatic treat with a new perfume collection inspired by the characters of the Rebuild of Evangelion anime tetralogy.

The Evangelion franchise received the new perfume release from Primaniacs, inspired by the five mecha pilots Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Shikinami Langley, Kaworu Nagisa, and Mari Illustrious Makinami. Reservations are currently open on its online shop ahead of its release at Primaniac's main store in Ginza on April 18 and general sale on April 24. The perfume bottles feature nods to each character's hobbies and personalities, such as Shinji's cassette player, a piano for Kaworu and a doll for Asuka. Readers can check out the official images, fragrance information and more below.

Related'What the Hell Are You Doing?': Evangelion Director Reveals Major Fears Taking On New Gundam Anime

Rebuild of Evangelion director Kazuya Tsurumaki reveals his fears around helming the latest mainline entry of the Gundam franchise: GquuuuuuX.

The original Neon Genesis Evangelionanime is one of the darkest and most introspective mecha anime of all time. Given this high level of stress and psychological analysis, it's a good thing that two new collectibles are letting the characters relax and play at the beach.

Recently seen at WonHobby 39, two upcoming Good Smile Company releases showcase Asuka Shikinami Langley and Rei Ayanami in beachwear. Ready to hit the waves and soak in some rays, these figures are the latest such collectibles in this beach-themed line. While some of the details aren't yet known, the two statues are sure to make a splash in fans' collections sometime soon.

RelatedEvangelion Nsfw Art Sellers Investigated by Police for Copyright Infringement

Japanese men suspected of copyright infringement regarding Evangelion and profiting from making suggestive artwork are referred for prosecution.

Evangelion's Rei & Asuka Hit the Sand in New 'Beach Queens' Series Reveal

Based specifically...

The 1990s was a watershed decade for anime, especially in the West. This was the era in which the medium became more mainstream, with programming blocks such as Toonami bringing Japanese hits to American kids. Of course, not all of the anime brought over in the '90s were family-friendly, but this only made some of them more iconic.

There were numerous 1990s anime that truly proved that animation wasn't just for kids, namely for Westerners who had such beliefs. Not meant for children or teens, some of these works were full of content that would make Walt Disney blush. Even though they were intended for older viewers, many kids still snuck a watch with these hardcore anime - and it was worth it.

Related10 Hard to Watch Anime You Need to Mentally Prepare For

Some anime are just too dark or heart wrenching for the average viewer handle, but...

The highly anticipated anime Lazarus is shaping up to be a must-watch. It’s directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the mastermind behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

The series, animated by Mappa, will hit Japanese TV this April on TV Tokyo and other channels. There’s no word yet on when it will premiere on Toonami, but it’s already generating buzz and is expected to premiere later this year.

The latest teaser visual shows off five characters, all in striking blue tones:

The anime will feature an all-star cast, including Mamoru Miyano (Death Note), Maaya Uchida (Reincarnated as a Slime), Akio Ōtsuka (Ghost in the Shell), and Megumi Hayashibara (Evangelion). Adding to the excitement, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington is composing the score, joined by musicians Floating Points and Bonobo.

Here’s the story:

The year is 2052 – an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe. The reason for...

Two men suspected of infringing on the rights to the Evangelion franchise and profiting from making suggestive artwork have been referred for prosecution in Japan.

It's being widely reported in Japan that Kanagawa Prefectural Police have referred two men's cases to the prosecutor's office following an investigation into violations of the Copyright Act. Per TBS, the men possessed poster data on their devices from the popular Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time with the intention of copyright infringement, which they did by producing AI-generated posters of female characters. The characters' appearances were described as "sexually emphasized" by Tokyo Shimbun. They reportedly made around 10 million yen (~US$64k) between October 2023 and March 2024; they admitted to selling the content when questioned by police, stating, "It was to supplement our living expenses."

Related Evangelion Returns to the '90s With International Vintage Fashion Release Inspired by Original Anime Series

A new fashion brand...

An official new fashion brand inspired by the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series prepares to launch, with fans internationally able to get in on the release.

Via the Radio Eva Magazine blog, the Evangelion franchise will launch the new Evangelion:95 (stylized EVANGELI0N:95)" apparel brand, revealing a range of graphic tees, sweaters and socks for its first drop on Jan. 24. The collection will be available from multiple retailers in Japan, online through the Radio Eva store, and overseas through Bizzare, Ecru, Maison de Valeur and Chance Clothing, which ships to the U.S. Readers can check out the images and more information about the Evangelion apparel collection below.

Related 'She Was My First Love': Evangelion Creator Admits Being 'Smitten' By a Key Part of Anime's Biggest Space Opera

At a recent event, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno discussed the Space Battleship Yamato anime alongside a voice actor who was also his 'first love.

Shinichiro Watanabe, the legendary director of Cowboy Bebop, is back with a brand-new anime called Lazarus, coming soon to Toonami in 2025. Animated by Mappa, known for Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan, Lazarus promises to be a thrilling ride, with its first episode already screened at Nycc 2024 to rave reviews.

Set in the year 2055, the story takes place after a miracle painkiller called ‘Hapna’ is released, offering the world an era of peace. However, Dr. Skinner, the drug’s creator, shocks everyone by revealing that it is actually a deadly trap—killing users exactly three years after ingestion.

As Babylonia, a futuristic city, faces disaster, a special team of agents called ‘Lazarus’ is sent to find Dr. Skinner and secure a cure for the deadly drug.

The series is tied to Watanabe’s past works like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, taking place in the same universe. Lazarus also draws...

Lazarus, the upcoming anime series created by famed Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe and animated by Mappa has recieved an exciting new reveal of the series' setting, the city of Babylonia.

The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Lazarus posted the Babylonia City artwork reveal on Jan. 15, 2024. The art, seen below, features the city’s central tower, adorned with intricate, futuristic designs and crowned by a striking mechanical warrior, with the residential areas of Babylonia sprawling out behind it. The tower is marked by several colorful construction cranes, which have been seen in several teaser visuals as action settings.

Related 'There Were a Lot of Rejected Ideas': Attack on Titan Director on the Challenges of Creating Winter 2025's New Hit Mappa Anime

Attack on Titan episode director Mitsue Yamazaki breaks down the difficult process of developing an anime series based on an original concept.

Cartoon Network's Upcoming Lazarus Anime...

Among the different characters from the mecha anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, Rei Ayanami is easily the most iconic. Thus, it makes sense that one of her many collectibles is being re-released to commemorate a special milestone.

Based on the reboot movies, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a TimeLuminastaVignetteum" Ayanami Rei (temporary name)"～30thAnniversaryVer.～ showcases the character in all her glory. Released again in honor of a major birthday for the brand, the collectible is soon to begin its run anew. This comes after several similar items were released in 2024, highlighting the franchise's continued popularity.

Related Evangelion Is 'Lovin' It' With Latest McDonald's Anime Reveal Starring Fan-Favorite Misato

The latest Evangelion anime and McDonald's collaboration release has been revealed, giving mecha fans a new look at three angelic new fast food items.

One of Evangelion's Best Rei Ayanami Figures Comes Back Into Production for 30-Year Anniversary

Released through Sega Plaza,...

Neon Genesis Evangelion and McDonald's is a combo meal that fans never quite expected. Nevertheless, another order of the culinary crossover is coming right up, with the latest commercial now on the fast food chain's official social media.

Showcasing scenes from the classic mecha anime series, the newest commercial continues the most unlikely of branding mashups. The celebration comes as Evangelion rings in a major birthday, making the entire affair more than just a meal. Of course, if fans want to really be "lovin' it," there are several new items to try on the McDonald's Japan menu that are fit for a hungry Nerv employee.

Related "Try Not to Show Him Until the Last Minute": New Gundam Anime Designer Reveals the Level of Evangelion Creator's Involvement

The Neon Genesis Evangelion creator might not be as involved with the upcoming new Mobile Suit Gundam anime as some fans had previously expected.

My Neighbor Totoro is one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved films and with Totoro as Studio Ghibli's mascot character, it's no surprise that it is. What makes My Neighbor Totoro, so great is how it gets down to the root of life and what makes it so beautiful. The simplicity of adapting to a new environment, character growth and mingling back with nature makes the film a breaht of fresh air.

Fortunately for fans of My Neighbor Totoro, there are a bountiful number of anime series and movies out there that carry the same weight and heartwarming feelings that My Neighbor Totoro delivers to every viewer. From action-packed anime movies like The Boy and the Beast to bittersweet anime series like March Comes in like a Lion, fans of My Neighbor Totoro have plenty of wonderful animations to pick and choose from.

Related 10 Best Studio Ghibli Movies for New Anime Fans,...

The Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise is most known for its iconic mecha, but these aren't the only rides in the series. Now, another notable vehicle from the series is joining a long-running line of toy cars, but it's no Eva unit.

The Tomica Premium Unlimited No. 08 Rebuild of Evangelion Alpine Renault A310 is based on Misato Katsuragi's car from the classic anime series. Tomica has released toys for several cars and vehicles from anime, and the legendary mecha franchise has now entered the garage. Ironically, despite its designation, the new toy is based on the first iteration of Evangelion and not the newest.

Related "Too Much to Handle in 30 Seconds": McDonald's Unveils Its Real-Life Evangelion Burgers

McDonald's releases three new burgers for a limited time in collaboration with mecha anime franchise Evangelion, releasing in Japan this January.

Misato's Car from Evangelion Drives Into Tomica Premium Toy Series...

The new anime adaptation of Ranma 1/2 definitely made a splash in the fall 2024 anime season, as did the announcement that there will be a second season! To celebrate the show's continuation, Mappa's YouTube channel has released a new music video that brings together the past and present of Rumiko Takahashi's beloved rom-com. Featuring footage from the 2024 series, the video has been set to the 1990 character song "Chaina kara no Tegami" ("Letters from China"). The song was performed by Kappei Yamaguchi and Megumi Hayashibara as Ranma, both of whom reprised their roles in the new series. As Ranma attempts to sing the heartfelt song, Ryoga splashes him with hot and cold water. Check out the new video, complete with retro karaoke vibe: Related: Ranma 1/2 Anime Announces Season 2 Shogakukan serialized the original Ranma 1/2 manga from August 1987 – March 1996 in their Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine. Viz Media also publishes...

January will be an amazing month for fans of McDonald's and the iconic mecha anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. On Jan. 6, 2025, the fast food chain in Japan is set to release three new limited-time burgers, as revealed in a fast-paced 30-second promo video featuring some remixed scenes that Evangelion fans will be very familiar with.

The official X (formerly Twitter) account for McDonald's Japan recently released a post with a trailer providing further details about the collaboration between the fast food chain McDonald's in Japan and Evangelion -- and fans are lovin' it. The burgers will be available in Japan starting on Jan. 6, 2025, with the commercial paying tribute to some of the anime's best-known moments in a hilarious parody that's been described by some as "too much to handle in 30 seconds."

Related Evangelion's Rei & Asuka Suit Up for New Pvc Nendoroid Figures

The two latest Neon Genesis Evangelion Nendoroid figures depict...

The Neon Genesis Evangelion series has had several collaborations with Nendoroid figurines. Now, a new duo of these collectibles features two of the franchise's most iconic characters in their plugsuits.

Based on the movie Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, two new Nendoroid figures based on Asuka and Rei are now available for preorder. Detailed and expressive, these are merely the latest Evangelion figures from Good Smile Company. Heading to fans' collections in the coming year, the diminutive Pvc figurines show that great detail can come in small packages.

Related Get in the Big Mac, Shinji: McDonald's Reveals First Official Look at New Transforming Evangelion Collab

The latest anime fast food collaboration adds transforming figures based on the mecha from Neon Genesis Evangelion into the Japanese McDonald's app.

Asuka and Rei Plug Into New Evangelion Nendoroid Figures

As noted, the new Asuka Shikinami Langley and Rei Ayanami Nendoroid figures...

The official Blue Exorcist anime stage event at Jump Festa 2025 today revealed a main trailer introducing a new opening and ending theme songs for the upcoming new arc, -The Blue Night Saga- , which is set to premiere in Japan on January 4, 2025 . Crunchyroll will also stream teh new arc as part of the winter 2025 anime simulcast lineup . The trailer also introduces four new characters and cast members: Yuri Egin voiced by Megumi Hayashibara , Shiro Fujimoto in his childhood voiced by Daisuke Namikawa , Rick Lincoln voiced by Miyu Irino , and Jenny Kal by Ryo Hirohashi . Blue Exorcist -The Blue Night Saga- Trailer Related: Blue Exorcist -The Blue Night Saga- Anime Debuts on January 4, 2025 The new opening "Tsukaku" ("Sense of Pain") is performed by Japanese rock band amazarashi , known for theme songs featured in My Hero Academia (2017), 86 Eighty-six (2021) and NieR:Automata Ver1.1a (2023). The song will be available digitally on the anime's premiere day in Japan,...

When people think of '90s anime, they tend to think of the ultra-popular series. Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, or even Pokemon--series that remain popular even today, so much so they're often still getting new series today. Yet the '90s was more than just the A-List anime series.

There are tons of great anime from the '90s that are still worth watching even now. Many of the series were popular in the '90s or even in the early 2000s as anime experienced its first big boom, but have been forgotten since they're not constantly getting spin-offs and sequels. They're just as good as ever though, and fans who enjoy retro animation should make it a point to hunt them down.

Related 10 Most Underrated Anime of Summer 2024, Ranked

Discover the most underrated anime of Summer 2024, hidden gems with stunning art, captivating stories, and hilarious concepts.

Teknoman...

After a delay of over a year, details have finally been released for an upcoming Sailor Moon statue that was first announced in June 2023. Based on the Sailor Moon Cosmos anime film, the figure is now available for preorder for both domestic and international fans.

Fans have long awaited the release of this statue, originally titled "Wonder Statue Work of Art." However, the name was changed with the recent release of new information to "Wonder Statue: Eternal Sailor Moon." Preorders began on Nov. 26, 2024, and will end on Jan. 30, 2025. While the official release date in Japan via Premium Bandai is in May 2025, those who order in the U.S. via retailers such as BigBadToyStore will most likely see theirs arrive in July. In Japan, the statue is listed as 99,000 yen, or about US$650, while international fans may need to pay closer to $900.

Related Sailor Moon Reveals New Creator-Original Artwork for a...

The classic anime Cowboy Bebop is well regarded by multiple generations of anime fans, and it made characters such as Spike Spiegel, Faye Valentine and even Ein into major icons within the industry. Another big part of the series was the ship known as the Swordfish II, with a re-released model figure now perfectly bringing the craft to life.

Good Smile Company has released several Cowboy Bebop collectibles over the years, but the returning Swordfish II scale model takes the cake. Featuring various moving parts and a mini Spike figure, the kit can once again become part of fans' collections. Shipping out six years since the model's first release, Cowboy Bebop enthusiasts will be counting "3...2..1" until they can jam with this incredible Swordfish II kit.

Related Cowboy Bebop Creator's New Adult Swim Anime Is Directly Inspired by Real-World Opioid Crisis

Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe seeks to discuss serious subject...

My Hero Academia star Ayane Sakura has taken on the role of Kodachi, the eccentric younger sister of Tatewaki Kuno in Mappa's Ranma 1/2 anime remake. While only six episodes of the series have aired so far, Sakura has already had her lung capacity and vocal cords put to the test when voicing the iconic character.

In Ranma 1/2, Kodachi is one of the many young women who compete for the titular protagonist's affections. In her debut episode, she shows off both her martial arts and gymnastics skills by pursuing Ranma's fiance, Akane Tendo, with her famous black ribbon. She also tends to break into fits of maniacal laughter. In a recent two-part interview with Mantan Web, Sakura recounted the challenge of recreating Kodachi's laughter. "After laughing out loud, I ran out of oxygen and felt dizzy for a long time. I thought it must be very difficult to perform this every time.

A later cast member in the classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, Kaworu Nagisa became a fan-favorite, despite his limited screentime. Now, a new collectible figure represents his appearance in the franchise's final movie.

Released by Sega Plaza, the new Kaworu figure depicts him in the uniform of a Nerv commander. Inspired by the Evangelion reboot, the figurine is one of several collectibles developed by Luminasta. Even coming with a comfortable accessory, the new Evangelion figure is a must-have for those looking to recreate the Rebuild of Evangelion movies.

Related Evangelion Gives Rei Ayanami a Streetwear Makeover With Newest Collectible Reveal

A new high-quality figure from the Radio Eva series features the Evangelion fan-favorite character in stylish streetwear.

The Newest Kaworu Figure Depicts the Evangelion Character as a Nerv Commander

Dressed in the black suit of a Nerv commander, "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a TimeLuminasta"Nagisa Kaworu" Commander Suit Ver.2" is the...

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Iconic anime director Shinichir Watanabe is back with a new look at the future in Lazarus. After making his debut with Macross Plus, Watanabe found his biggest breakout hit in the original Cowboy Bebop anime, serving as the creative lead and director of the beloved space western anime and its theatrical movie. He would go on to find success with the likes of Samurai Champloo, the anime adaptation of Kids on the Slope and Carole & Tuesday on Netflix, among others.

With Lazarus, Watanabe finds himself returning to the sci-fi genre and setting the story in 2052, in which a utopian-like society has been formed. During this period, a scientist designs a miracle drug, only to later reveal in 2055 that the drug has just a three-year half-life, leaving those who took the drug, which proves to be the majority of society, with little time to live.

Anime has many characters known for being their series' respective mascots. Shonen has characters that fit the criteria, but also serve various other roles in the series. Many shonen Mascots are more than just adorable faces. Characters like Chopper and Hawk are vital to their respective series.

Many shonen mascots are extremely unique and helpful supporting characters. Characters like Happy constantly accompany the series' protagonist. These mascots allow their series protagonists to reach their full potential as they help them achieve their dreams. Without mascot characters, many anime heroes would not have been successful.

Ein Is the Beloved Pet of the Bebop Crew Ein Is Much Smarter Than the Average Dog

Ein from Cowboy Bebop is an adorable dog that has been genetically enhanced. He is a Welsh corgi found by Spike during a job gone bad. Ein's genetic enhancements aren't explained in depth but make Ein smarter than other dogs.

Shinichirō Watanabe (“Cowboy Bebop”) returns to science fiction anime with the Japanese-produced “Lazarus”, currently in production, starring Koichi Yamadera and Megumi Hayashibara, following secret agents hunting for a vaccine to save humanity after a seemingly miracle cure-all drug turns deadly, debuting in 2025 on Adult Swim:

“…the year is 2052. The world looked to be on the verge of an unprecedented era of peace and stability, and the painkiller drug ‘Hapna’ developed by a lauded neuroscientist ‘Dr. Skinner’ had a lot to do with it. Hapna spread throughout the world as a ‘miracle drug" with no side effects, freeing humanity from pain.

“ Until, that is, Skinner suddenly disappears off the face of the earth. When he reemerges after three years, it is as a monster who brings countless deaths and the end of civilization. Hapna turns out to be a drug that has a fatal, retroactive effect, one that appears three...

Adult Swim surprised fans today at New York Comic Con by screening the full premiere episode of “Lazarus,” the new globe-trotting thriller from Shinichirō Watanabe. Currently in production, a first look of the highly anticipated Toonami original anime series was also released. Celebrated for his enduringly influential series “Cowboy Bebop,” Watanabe returns to the sci-fi action genre with the new series that follows secret agents hunting for a vaccine to save humanity after a seemingly miracle cure-all drug turns deadly. The Japanese voice cast was also revealed today and includes “Cowboy Bebop” stars Koichi Yamadera and Megumi Hayashibara. Produced by ... Read more...

Lazarus , the upcoming original anime directed by Shinichiro Watanabe ( Cowboy Bebop ), will begin broadcasting and streaming in 2025. The news was announced during a panel discussion at New York Comic-Con 2024 today. In the United States, the 13-episode series will air on Adult Swim's Toonami block. A visual depicting the protagonist Axel flying around the city and an action trailer featuring him were also released. "Lazarus" Axel Action Trailer The announced eight main voice cast members include: Axel voiced by Mamoru Miyano (Light Yagami in Death Note ) Doug voiced by Makoto Furukawa (Saitama in One-Punch Man ) Christin voiced by Maaya Uchida (Catarina Claes in My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! ) Leland voiced by Yuma Uchida (Megumi Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen ) Eleina voiced by Manaka Iwami (Tohru Honda in Fruits Basket ) Hersch voiced by Megumi Hayashibara (Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion ) Abel by Akio Otsuka (Batou...

There's something special about watching anime for the first time. These animated series were nothing like the cartoons people grew up with. They were different somehow and new. Sometimes they were more bloody and violent than the other animated shows on TV. Other times, they had names completely foreign to us, whether such names were made up or not. Many fans, when finding these shows, had no idea what made these new shows so different.

These fans would later find out these new animated shows were called anime. They stood out from the crowd of other animated series people grew up with their more mature themes and plot. Certain anime stood out from the crowd of shows that these fledgling fans watched as children, making their childhoods that much better.

Bounty Hunters Journey Through Space in Cowboy Bebop Faye Definitely Wasn't Meant for Minors

Cowboy Bebop was a space western anime from the 90s,...

Adult Swim surprised fans today at New York Comic Con by screening the full premiere episode of Lazarus, the new globe-trotting thriller from Shinichirō Watanabe. Currently in production, a first look at the highly anticipated Toonami original anime series was also released.

Celebrated for his enduringly influential series Cowboy Bebop, Watanabe returns to the sci-fi action genre with the new series that follows secret agents hunting for a vaccine to save humanity after a seemingly miracle cure-all drug turns deadly.

The Japanese voice cast was also revealed today and includes Cowboy Bebop stars Koichi Yamadera and Megumi Hayashibara.

Produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio Mappa, Lazarus will premiere on Adult Swim in 2025.

The year is 2052. The world looked to be on the verge of an unprecedented era of peace and stability, and the painkiller drug “Hapna,” developed by a lauded neuroscientist, Dr. Skinner, had a lot to do with it.

Shinichir Watanabe, the main director behind Cowboy Bebop, joined the late-night television network Adult Swim at New York Comic Con for a surprise screening of his new series, Lazarus. They played the full premiere episode of the series, which features the voices of original Cowboy Bebop stars Koichi Yamadera and Megumi Hayashibara. Produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio Mappa, Lazarus will premiere on Adult Swim in 2025, and you can watch the newly released trailer below:

Watanabe and Adult Swim have been a match made in heaven for years now, as the network was a frequent distributor of Watanabe's various projects. Cowboy Bebop was one of the first anime series aired on Adult Swim, for example, and many have credited this partnership for introducing the medium to a new generation of Western fans. Adult Swim's Toonami block would even broadcast Watanabe's Space Dandy exclusively in the United States before...

Shinichiro Watanabe, the legendary anime creator behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and more, revealed brand-new details about his forthcoming Lazarus anime series for Adult Swim's Toonami block on Cartoon Network. A sneak peek at Episode 1 of Lazarus was previewed at New York Comic Con 2024, with a new trailer also now released.

A panel for Adult Swim's latest anime series was held at New York Comic Con on Oct. 18, 2024. Watanabe, the anime director of Lazarus, was joined by producers Jason DeMarco, Joseph Chou and Takenari Maeda. Although first impressions don't always tell the whole story, the New York Comic Con crowd reportedly went wild for the advanced Episode 1 premiere of Lazarus after it finished screening. After the premiere, Watanabe explained Lazarus' creative process and his 30-year-and-going career in the anime industry.

Related Demon Slayer & Adidas Sneakers Are Heading Worldwide This November

Adidas and Ufotable's smash-hit anime series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,...

Lazarus, Shinichir Watanabe's latest project after serving as director of multiple genre-defining anime including Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Space Dandy, just got a surprise glimpse at 2024's New York Comic-Con. As confirmed by the newly-released video by Adult Swim on YouTube, Lazarus gives viewers a glimpse into its tech thriller vibes showing the agile Alex Gilberto, as he deftly avoids authorities as a high-profile fugitive. The anime is set to premiere in 2025, with Lazarus and its surprising John Wick connections sure to be anticipated as one of the best series of the year, given its associated talents.

Lazarus is a science fiction adventure set in 2052, where the world is in a period of unprecedented calm thanks to the Hapna drug synthesized by Dr. Skinner, voiced by Cowboy Bebop's Spike Spiegel voice actor Koichi Yamadera. It is seemingly the ultimate miracle drug, halting pain, yet its creator suddenly goes missing,...

There's perhaps no character from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise more iconic than Rei Ayanami, who's even more popular than the series' giant mechs. Now, a recent fan-favorite collectible based on the Eva pilot is set to return to retailers in 2025.

Based on the character's appearance in one of the Evangelion movies, this "long-haired Rei" figure showcases a different look for the bashful and demure heroine. One of several toys based on this version of Rei, the oft-delayed Good Smile Company rendition was actually first shown years ago. The re-release of the figure also coincides with a major anniversary year for the franchise as a whole, making the item even more special.

Related Evangelion's Asuka Goes Cyberpunk-Casual for Radio Eva's New U.S. Release

Based on the artwork of Mai Yoneyama, the voguish new Radio Eva Asuka statue gives the Evangelion character a figurine that can now be pre-ordered.

Ranma 1/2 has been bringing laughs to fans for years through its beloved manga series, and now this classic comedy is back with a new TV adaptation. Rumiko Takahashi’s outrageous martial arts tale quickly became known for its absurd humor and lovable characters.

Taking place mostly in 1980s Tokyo, it centers on Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist cursed so that any contact with cold water changes his sex. His complicated situation is just the start of endless hijinks as he faces challenges both in battle and romance while trying to find a way to lift the strange spell.

This reboot comes from animation powerhouse Mappa, known for striking visuals. And they’ve definitely done justice to capturing the zany spirit of the original while improving animation quality. Fans both new and old will appreciate vibrant fight scenes and charming character designs that depict the quirky cast with flair.

The iconic status of Sunrise's hit sci-fi Western anime, Cowboy Bebop, is owed largely to the show's incredible soundtrack. Recently, a prominent venue in New York City announced that Yoko Konno, the musical mastermind behind the original series, is heading to the states next year for an exclusive one-night-only performance.

On March 29, 2025, at 8 p.m. (Est), New York's historic Town Hall will host world-renowned lyricist and composer Yoko Kanno alongside bandleader Logan Richardson and his popular music group, Blues People Big Bang. As detailed on The Town Hall's website, this special event will feature a "full jazz concert" comprised of Kanno's "most revered and personally beloved compositions," including some featured in the Cowboy Bebop anime series. The Town Hall recently began selling tickets, with prices starting at approximately $67 per person.

Related Original Cowboy Bebop Gets One-of-a-Kind Inquiry Into '90s Network Censorship & More in New Release

The...

Cowboy Bebop has many classic episodes due to the series' overall quality, although one such episode was almost completely different in the original pitch. The final version of the episode, "Wild Horses," was actually banned for a brief time on Adult Swim, but it might not have been if the story had followed the first vision.

"Wild Horses" is the Cowboy Bebop episode featuring the Space Shuttle Columbia, which was pulled from airing in 2003 after the real life Space Shuttle Columbia was tragically destroyed during reentry. While they couldn't have known at the time the episode was made, it actually makes for a nice tribute to the first shuttle to reach space, giving the old girl one last adventure, even if it's only in animated form. However, it turns out that this episode may not have originally had anything to do with space shuttles at all.

In fact, the episode...

Mappa’s official YouTube channel has released a new trailer for the upcoming Ranma 1/2 anime remake.

The trailer, which focuses on the dynamics between Ranma and Akane, features the opening song “許婚っきゅん” (Iinazukkyun) performed by ano. The J-pop artist is known for performing the theme song of Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.

The Ranma 1/2 anime remake is set to begin airing on Oct 5, 2024, and will stream on Netflix. Check out the trailer below.

The trailer also introduced previously revealed cast members who will be joining the series.

Koichi Yamadera as Ryoga Hibiki Tomokazu Sugita as Tatewaki Kuno Ayane Sakura as Kodachi Kuno Mamoru Miyano as Mikado Sanzenin Aoi Yuki as Azusa Shiratori Toshiyuki Morikawa as Tofu Ono

Ranma and Akane’s voice actors were introduced previously. Kappei Yamaguchi and Megumi Hayashibara will voice Ranma’s male and female versions, reprising their roles from the previous adaptation. Meanwhile,...

When it comes to attire and aesthetics, Neon Genesis Evangelion and its main characters are known for giant mecha and plugsuits. Now, a fresh new collectible is representing an artistic take on Asuka from the franchise's lifestyle brand.

The new Asuka figurine by Hobby Max showcases her in far more casual clothing, albeit with a slightly cyberpunk-like aesthetic. Decked out and stylish in her urban clothes, the depiction of Asuka is based on an illustration by Mai Yoneyama. While it might not include a giant robot, this version of Asuka is easily her most fashionable to date and set to release in the U.S. via retailers such as BigBadToyStore.

Related Evangelion's Rei Ayanami Gets Her Own Signature Cookies in Exclusive Release

An upcoming Evangelion event in Japan will have several exclusive items, including tasty "Ring Cookies" based on the beloved character Rei Ayanami.

Asuka Gets Contemporary With New...

The Neon Genesis Evangelion series is well-known as one of the best and most popular anime of all time, as well as one of the most controversial. The same is the case with the movie The End of Evangelion, which is now making waves for another reason than its potentially confusing ending.

The film celebration and criticism website Letterboxd is known for its commentary on movies, although a recent ranking of the best movies ever rubbed some Evangelion fans the wrong way. The film was temporarily removed from the site's rankings due to its connection to the show. Now, it's been reinstated, showing just how much it means to fans of the franchise.

Related Evangelion's Rei Ayanami Gets Her Own Signature Cookies in Exclusive Release

An upcoming Evangelion event in Japan will have several exclusive items, including tasty "Ring Cookies" based on the beloved character Rei Ayanami.

The End of Evangelion...