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The Evolution of Shōjo Manga in the 1970s with Curator Rei Yoshimura
The manga studies specialist talks about the diversity of shojo and its reflection of girls' and women's lives across decades.― This January, the Japan House London in Kensington hosted a talk by manga curator Rei Yoshimura. Yoshimura, pictured right, has worked as a curator for more than a decade, first at the Kawasaki City Museum and since 2017 at the National Arts Centre in Tokyo (NACT). A specia...
Manga Creation with Kazumi Yamashita
Kazumi Yamashita has been creating manga since 1980. Come find out what makes her work so enduring.― Manga creator Kazumi Yamashita has been crafting stories in the medium since 1980. Originally debuting in Margaret, Yamashita has moved fluidly through both shoujo and seinen magazines, bringing readers stories that are steeped in humanity even when they don't deal with characters who are, strictly s...
Exploring an Alien World withAll You Need is Kill Director Kenichiro Akimoto
A novel, a manga, a comic, a live-action movie starring Tom Cruise.All You Need is Kill is a story that keeps coming back, but Studio 4C's version may be the most daring yet.― The feature filmAll You Need is Kill opened in America last Friday, a week after it opened in Japan. Before that, the film was shown at the Scotland Loves Anime festival in Edinburgh, London, and Glasgow. The first-time dire...
Creating Over 1500 Episodes withCHIBI MARUKO-CHAN Director Jun Takagi
We spoke to Director Takagi about keeping the long-running series fresh when it's set decades in the past and the unfortunate passing of long-time voice actor TARAKO.― More anime are created every year, but few successfully cross from niche to mainstream entertainment in Japan. There are the mainstream action series, likeNaruto, One Piece,Demon Slayer, and magical girl juggernauts likePrecure, bu...
A Fresh Cast Brings the OriginalDetective Conan Anime to a New Audience
ADR Director Ayu, Conan voice actor Molly Zhang, and Shinichi Kudo voice actor Mauricio Ortiz-Segura discuss the new dub batch releases to introduce fans to the long-running detective series.― Detective Conan is one of the most popular franchises in Japan, ready to celebrate it 30th anniversary this year! Despite its popularity in its home country, its impact overseas hasn't been nearly as strong. ...
Interview: Crafting a Film About Social Media-Induced Trauma withMacross Creator Shōji Kawamori
At the 38th Tokyo Film Festival, we were able to speak with Shōji Kawamori about this upcoming feature film, Labyrinth (and also about Macross finally being released across the wider world).― While this film technically has both idols and giant robots,Labyrinth is about as far from what you'd expect from acclaimedMacross creator and mecha designer Shōji Kawamori. Rather than space battles and gian...
'Cruel Angel's Thesis' Singer Yoko Takahashi Reflects on the Iconic Theme
Every once in a while, an anime theme song escapes containment to become a mainstream hit and, in the case of singer Yoko Takahashi's "Cruel Angel's Thesis," a cultural phenomenon.― Every once in a while, an anime theme song escapes containment to become a mainstream hit and, in the case of singer Yoko Takahashi's "Cruel Angel's Thesis," a cultural phenomenon. First released in 1995, the iconic Neon...
Writing the Strongest Villainess - an Interview with Light Novel Author Touko Amekawa
What does it take to write a strong protagonist who is neither heroine nor villainess? Touko Amekawa discusses that among other topics.― It's a good time to be a fan of light novelist Touko Amekawa. English-language readers may have first been introduced to her work with Seven Seas' translation of 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life, but before long, other publishers picked up her ...
The Long Career ofRomeo's Blue Sky Character Designer Yoshiharu Satō
Ghibli alum shares stories of working with industry greats and putting his heart and soul intoRomeo's Blue Sky.― At 67 years old, character designer Yoshiharu Satō has spent over four decades in the animation business. Currently residing at Nippon Animation, the Kanagawa prefecture native has worked his way through era-defining projects before discovering an ad inAnimage magazine. The publication...
Finding Relena: Exploring AGundam Heroine's Legacy With Voice Actor Lisa Ann Beley
What was it like playing Relena, one ofGundam Wing's most controversial characters?― This year marks the 30th anniversary ofMobile Suit Gundam Wing. But for American fans like me, it's only been 25 years since the giant robot show altered the course of my life. When it aired on Toonami in March of 2000, it sparked my lifelong obsession withGundam that continues to this day, and I am not kidding w...
Horror Manga Creator Minetaro Mochizuki Prefers the Darkness
"When I wrote Dragon Head, the financial bubble had just burst. Money had become this worthless piece of paper in the span of a night. That feeling of depression or uneasiness kind of seeped into me, I guess."― Manga creator Minetaro Mochizuki—the decorated creator behind titles likeHauntress,Dragon Head,Maiwai, andChiisakobee, was recently honored at the second annual American Manga Awards, hel...
REDLINE,Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline Director Takeshi Koike
Acclaimed director professes his love for Chainsaw Man, closing the door on Lupin.― Takeshi Koike is best known in the West for directing 2009's high-octane sci-fi car-racing action epicREDLINE. Since then, he's mostly worked within the long-runningLupin III franchise, first as character designer and animation director for 2012's acclaimed TV animeLupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, be...
Pursuing a Unified Vision at FLAT STUDIO: Director loundraw and Producer Ryu Ishii
Founding a new studio is never easy - loundraw , an illustrator and the founder of FLAT STUDIO , and FLAT STUDIO producer Ryū Ishii sat down with ANN to share how they managed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.― Founding a new studio is never easy—even without all of the logistics involved, there's pressure to prove that a new venture is worthwhile, that it can produce quality work, and that...
A Mini-Interview with Creator Yasuhiro Nightow onTrigun Stargaze and His Way of Writing
With Trigun Stargaze firmly on the horizon, we had the opportunity to speak with Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow about how the previous anime, Trigun Stampede, came to be and how he develops both his characters and story.― WithTrigun Stargaze firmly on the horizon, we were recently able to talk withTrigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow at New York Comic Con 2025 about how the previous anime,Trigun Stam...
How the Staff Tackled Trauma inTakopi's Original Sin Anime
We spoke with director Shinya Iino and producer Kotaro Sudo about the emotionally difficult developments and what they hope audiences take away from theTakopi's Original Sin.― Taizan 5'sTakopi's Original Sin manga is not for the faint of heart. The single-volume manga series depicts the difficult, and often times torturous existence of three different elementary school children. Shizuka is neglect...
Solo Leveling Composer Hiroyuki Sawano Prepares for LA Concert
Ahead of his solo concert in Los Angeles, the prolific composer shares “THE ANSWER” to our burning questions.― If you've ever found yourself tapping your toes to the tunes ofSolo Leveling,Gundam Unicorn, orAttack on Titan, it's all because of one man—Hiroyuki Sawano. Over the past twenty years, Mr. Sawano has established himself as the go-to composer for adrenaline-pumping anime scores—beats that...
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Interview: Director Tatsuya Yoshihara×Assistant Director Masato Nakazono
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc's director and assistant director share how the blockbuster anime film was born from creative challenges.―English translation of articles from the Japanese entertainment magazineNikkei Entertainment! ReadNikkei Entertainment! on the web! FindNikkei Entertainment! on Instagram and X We sat down for an interview with Director Tatsuya Yoshihara, who oversaw the pr...
Laugh, Cry, and Cheer for the Stories inTatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 Anime Anthology
In their first-ever overseas interview, directors Seishirō Nagaya and Nobuyuki Takeuchi and producer Ryo Oyama share how they went from page to screen for the wildly creative anime anthology.― Tatsuki Fujimoto's two-volume anthology collection comes alive in eight separate animated episodes, each told by seven different directors and six animation studios. The adaptation ofTatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 de...
Interview withCat's Eye, City Hunter Manga Legend Tsukasa Hōjō
To celebrate the English release of his beloved manga, Hōjō-sensei shared memories of his early work, including how his editor backed upCity Hunter in the face of criticism.― Tsukasa Hojo is an acclaimed mangaka with decades of experience writing and illustrating countless works. His series are beloved around the world, including esteemed titles likeCat's Eye,City Hunter, andAngel Heart to name ...
A Chat with Junji Nishimura, Director ofMechanical Marie
Nishimura has accrued over three decades of industry experience, including credits on numerous anime. We talked to him about his latest series, favorite robots, and pink-haired anime girls.― Fall 2025's action romcom anime Mechanical Marie is highly anticipated by fans of Aki Akimoto's original six-volume manga series. Anime News Network was thankful for the opportunity to interview director Junji ...
Becoming Two Hikarus with Voice Actor Shūichirō Umeda
Shūichirō Umeda has the task of becoming two characters, Hikaru and "Hikaru." He shares the subtleties of his performance in our new interview!― Known for smash hits likeZom 100: Bucket List of the Dead andMakeine: Too Many Losing Heroines, we at ANN are no strangers to Shuichiro Umeda's prolific body of work over these past few years. Now that Umeda has scored another big hit withThe Summer Hika...
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Voice Actor Interview: Kengo Kawanishi/Muichiro Tokito × Kana Hanazawa/Mitsuri Kanroji
Nikkei Entertainment! shares a behind-the-scenes interview with the cast of the summer's hottest film,Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle!―English translation of articles from the Japanese entertainment magazineNikkei Entertainment! ReadNikkei Entertainment! on the web! FindNikkei Entertainment! on Instagram and X On July 11, a Pre-release Blessing Event was held at Zojoji Temple in ...
100 Meters Anime Film Director Kenji Iwaisawa's Attention to Detail Puts Artistic Originality First
Iwaisawa's attention to natural movement and his team's stylistic take on the camera angles help to visually elevate the movie's message about chasing one's passion.― Six years ago, Kenji Iwaisawa took the world by surprise with his hilariously charming adaptation of Hiroyuki Ohashi'sON-GAKU. Now, with a larger budget and a team of industry professionals, Iwaisawa has taken on the challenge of adap...
EXCLUSIVE: Interview withTurkey! Time to Strike's Hana Hishikawa and Noriko Hidaka
We spoke with voice actors Hishikawa and Hidaka about their work onTurkey!-Time to Strike- and their thoughts on bowling, time travel stories, and the Sengoku Period of Japan.― On August 21, fans of Turkey! Time to Strike gathered at the Loft Plus One bar in Shinjuku for a talk show with voice actors Hana Hishikawa (voice of Mai Otonashi) and Noriko Hidaka (Sumomo), Yutaka Omatsu and Gen Oishi from...
Overcoming Insecurities withPlus-Sized Misadventures in Love Manga Creator mamakari
After digesting so much comedy that punches down on people's weight, it's a refreshing change of pace when a story like Plus-sized Misadventures in Love! comes to flip the script― After digesting so much comedy that punches down on people's weight, it's a refreshing change of pace when a story likePlus-Sized Misadventures in Love comes to flip the script and use its fat jokes in a wholesome, body-p...
Interview:My Hero Academia: All's Justice Producer Aoba Miyazaki on Creating More than a Sequel
"We're not just making [One's Justice 3]; as a team we said, 'We're going to make a new, even more fun game,' so we've drastically redesigned the inside of the game."― With My Hero Academia heading into its final season and the battle between series protagonist Izuku “Deku” Midoriya and villain Tomura Shigaraki heating up, it's only natural for fans of the series to want to do more than just watch t...
Pass The Monster Meat Milady is Cooking Up a Delicious Anime Confection
A manga about food is a surefire way to leave one hungry enough for the juicy details regarding its creation. To satiate our appetite, ANN sat down with manga creator Chika Mizube and Melphiera voice actor Kanna Nakamura to get the inside scoop.― A manga about food is a surefire way to leave one hungry enough for the juicy details regarding its creation. Surely, the first ten minutes ofPass the Mon...
Live-Action Film Director Yoshiyuki Okuyama on Adapting Makoto Shinkai's Classic5 Centimeters Per Second Anime
One of Shinkai's beloved works is now a live-action film. We spoke with young director Yoshiyuki Okuyama about what probing the past can do for the audience and the filmmaker.― Makoto Shinkai's anime classic 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007) received a live-action adaptation this year, which premiered this week at the Busan International Film Festival. Directed by photographer and filmmaker Yoshiyuki ...
Interview:The First Descendant Director on the Issues with the Game And How They're Fixing Them
We sat down with Director Min Seok Joo at Tokyo Game Show 2025 to talk frankly about the issues currently facing the game and their plans to overcome them.―The First Descendant is a free-to-play, sci-fi looter shooter filled with fast-paced action, attractive characters, and tons of explosions. Now, more than a year since the game's release, I had a chance to sit down with Director Min Seok Joo, ac...
MAN WITH A MISSION's Jean-Ken Johnny Shares Insights on New EP, World Tour
Jean-Ken Johnny discusses what goes into creating an anime intro song, their new tour, movies, and what's new for MAN WITH A MISSION.― Few musical artists can hold a candle to the impressive list of anime that the wolf-headed Japanese rock band MAN WITH A MISSION has done intros for, which includes iconic titles like Vinland Saga, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans,Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Ya...
Kagurabachi Manga Creator Takeru Hokazono Shares His Inspirations
From Hollywood's version of Japan to Marvel films, Takeru Hokazono shares what media made an impact on his hit manga series.― While the Kagurabachi panel featuring creator Takeru Hokazono wasn't advertised as one of Anime NYC's biggest events, you couldn't tell by the crowd size, as the room was stuffed full of one of the most enthusiastic audiences at the convention. The truth is,Kagurabachi's pop...
BringingApocalypse Bringer Mynoghra to the Fans with Director Yuji Yanase and Producer Yuki Mukai
Even when your lead characters are villains,Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra shows they're still someone to root for.― There's nothing quite likeApocalypse Bringer Mynoghra—an isekai series that takes place within the world of a 4X-type of strategy game, in which our protagonist (with the help of characters from the game) creates and rules over an evil kingdom. It has dark moments, villain protagonists...
For Webtoon Creator Mongie,Let's Play is Personal
Leeanne M. Krecic shares how comic series' characters are all reflections of herself, from Charles to Monica.― Leeanne M. Krecic has accomplished what many fans only dream about: a studio is adapting her original story into an anime series. Also known as "Mongie," Krecic first launchedLet's Play online comic on the WEBTOON platform in 2016, where it grew to 7.5 million readers, earned an Eisner Awa...
King's Maker Creators Share How It's All About Love
Writer and illustrator duo, Haga and Jiyoung Kang, share insights on how they work together on their popular Korean BL series,King's Maker.― The world of digital Korean comics is infamously demanding as full-colored chapters are released weekly. Writer and illustrator duo, Haga and Jiyoung Kang, share insights on how they work together on their popular Korean BL series,King's Maker. Currently, th...
No Character is Safe inHell's Paradise
In our interview with creator Yūji Kaku, we learn that every character has a "bad end" route, even protagonist Gabimaru.― Hells Paradise captured the hearts of many people thanks to its unique setting, likable characters, and gorgeous animation. A great deal of thought went into how the anime presented itself visually and how the story effectively communicated its various potential branching paths. ...
SHUTEN ORDER Creators Open Up About Its Secrets
Writer Kazutaka Kodaka, director Takumi Nakazawa, and artist simadoriru have a new mystery game full of intrigue and psychadelia.― Spike Chunsoft'sSHUTEN ORDER's promises to combine five different gameplay styles with intrigue, mystery, and psychadelia. With the game about to release, Anime News Network was given the opportunity to sit down with three members of its development—director Takumi Naka...
WhyChainsaw Man is Going Theatrical with MAPPA President Manabu Ohtsuka, Vice President Hiroya Hasegawa
MAPPA Studio president hopes theatrical release will expand the hit series' audience.― The familiar faces ofChainsaw Man are set to make their return in the fall with the upcoming movie:Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. As a direct sequel to the first season, the story will continue from the events following the end of the season. Tatsuya Yoshihara, who was the action director of season one, wil...
TOUGEN ANKI Producer, Voice Actor Discuss Blood-Soaked Premiere
“I feel that I'm quite a reasoned person. Even when I get angry, I hold it back,” he said. “[Since] I started acting as Shiki's character, I've started to allow myself to let my true self out. It's okay to let your feelings out.”―TOUGEN ANKI might seem on its surface like a typical shonen work: a young man is told he has a higher calling and is thrust into conflict. He's part of a long line of Oni ...
FromThe First Slam Dunk toELECEED: DandeLion Animation Studio CEO Kazuhiro Nishikawa
We spoke with the studio CEO behind the critically-acclaimedThe First Slam Dunk to find out more about their next project: the 2D-3D hybrid animeELECEED.― DandeLion Studios has been around for almost 20 years. You may know them as the production company responsible for the critically acclaimed movie The First Slam Dunk or the Oscar-nominated film Magic Candies. The studio's CEO, Kazuhiro Nishikawa...
Producers Talk Shop aboutAtelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian Game
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian banked on the franchise's history, and now it's making the transition from a mobile game to a full-fledged console RPG.― With its magic shops and the many Alchemists who run them, Gust'sAtelier series has quietly continued over the decades as a fan-favorite thanks to its charming characters and comfortable atmosphere.Atelier Resleriana: Th...
Tower of God Creator SIU Looking Back on the Series a Decade Later
Since its debut, the series has evolved into a full-fledged franchise, with adaptations in anime, mobile games, and other formats. Despite its immense popularity worldwide, its creator, SIU, had never met his North American fans in person before.― Tower of God, one of the most iconic titles on WEBTOON, has captivated global readers with over 1.3 billion cumulative views. Since its debut, the series ...
Influencers Gigguk, Dillon Goo, and OtakuVS On Making Their Own Anime
One might scoff at the notion: “Influencers are making anime now?” Such reductive thinking conflicts with the reality that the lines between industry professionals and content creators have been steadily blurring.― GeeXPlus made waves here at Anime Expo by announcing GeeXProductions, a new IP division. As an internet influencer talent agency, GeeXPlus has been a supportive home for a range of varie...
Bringing K-Comics to the Next Generation: Inside Ink Pop's Vision for Young Readers
As manga and manhwa surge in global popularity, Penguin Random House launched Ink Pop—a new imprint bringing age-appropriate manga, manhwa, and webtoons to young readers.― As manga and manhwa surge in global popularity, Penguin Random House has launched Ink Pop—a new imprint dedicated to bringing age-appropriate manga, manhwa, and webtoons to young readers in the U.S. The line, which debuted this su...
HowCyberpunk: Edgerunners' Lucy JoinedGuilty Gear -STRIVE-
We thoughtEdgerunners was done. Then came the stunning announcement that Lucy would be coming toGuilty Gear -STRIVE- as a fully playable DLC character. How does the anime character translate to a fighting game?― Bet you thoughtCyberpunk: Edgerunners was done! The highly-regarded surprise collaboration between CD PROJEKT RED (CDPR) and Studio Trigger was a bright spot in the tumultuous early years...
How To Make a Whale Fly: An Interview withLeviathan's Scott Westerfeld, Christophe Ferreira, and Yūichirō Kido
We talked at length about the adaptation process, potential influences, and how the politically fraught world of Leviathan resonates with our own.― When I sat down to watch Leviathan for review, it wasn't long before I was swept up by the series' rousing score, gorgeous visuals, and poignant storytelling. Studio Orange and Qubic Pictures crafted a tale that constantly put itself in my own mental con...
How The Answer Studio Breathed New Life Into a Classic WithAnne Shirley
Producer Yoshiko Nakayama and voice actor Honoka Inoue share their affinity for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved heroine and how they tackled bringing her tale to a new generation of anime fans― Anne Shirley, animated by The Answer Studio, joins the long-standing tradition of adapting author Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables for new audiences. While the novel is near and dear t...
HowThe Summer Hikaru Died Voice Actor Chiaki Kobayashi Learned a Rural Dialect
Kobayashi shared how he became familiar with his character Yoshiki's unique rural dialect used inThe Summer Hikaru Died, and his friendship with co-star Shūichirō Umeda.― The TV animeThe Summer Hikaru Died is shaping up to be one of the best anime of the season. The horror series marries small-town life, supernatural occurrences, and the human emotions of grief among the sweltering heat of a Japa...
The Next Big Shōnen Anime:Gachiakuta Creator Kei Urana, Graffiti Designer Hideyoshi Andō, Producer Naoki Amano
It was no small feat taking Gachiakuta from the pages of the manga to screens in full animated glory, and the results speak for themselves.― WithGachiakuta, it feels like we're on the precipice of something big. Its distinct style sets it apart from other shonen anime, and the fiery attitude it exudes resonates with audiences right now. The time is ripe for a fresh series that lets us channel our ...
Dinosaur Sanctuary Manga Creator Itaru Kinoshita Wants to Show a Different Side of the Prehistoric
How does a triceratops sit? What are dinosaurs like as they enter old age? Itaru Kinoshita spoke with ANN about his passion for prehistory and how he's bringing dinosaurs to life.― After a rousing panel with special appearances by “real” dinosaurs,Dinosaur Sanctuary manga creator Itaru Kinoshita sat down with ANN to speak more on his journey as a manga artist, why he chose to humanize dinosaurs, an...
A Celebration of 25 Years: An Interview with Manga Creators PEACH-PIT
FromRozen Maiden toShugo Chara! Jewel Joker, PEACH-PIT has captivated manga readers for decades.― Celebrating twenty-five years together, the manga artist duo behind PEACH-PIT made their long-awaited return to Anime Expo 2025 after a decade away. In addition to their anniversary, Anime News Network had the well-timed opportunity to speak to them after ANN's first interview with them twenty years a...
TheSilent Hill f Staff on Moving the Horror to Japan
Amidst the screams of onlookers, I had the opportunity to discussSilent Hill f's new setting in Ebisugaoka, and try our best to avoid major story spoilers.― In Anime Expo's Entertainment Hall, there was a plethora of booths dedicated to gaming and merchandise, but one of the largest was Konami'sSilent Hill presentation. Enveloped by black walls covered in red spider lilies, a huge line of fear-s...
HowNo Sleep for Kaname Date Developers Gave the Game Its Name
Director Kazuya Yamada and localization producer Alex Flagg answered our questions about certain game mechanics and how they came up with the game's name.― During Anime Expo 2025, we got to sit down with Spike Chunsoft and talk aboutNo Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES. It's the latest entry in the visual novel series. Director Kazuya Yamada and localization producer Alex Flagg answe...
A New Supernatural Human Drama: An Interview withThis Monster Wants to Eat Me Director Yusuke Suzuki
We spoke with director Yusuke Suzuki about adapting Sai Naekawa's manga to the screen, casting the perfect voice actors for the main character trio, and how he set the stage for this supernatural human drama.― Hinako Yaotose's life hasn't been easy. After surviving an accident that killed her family, she goes through her school days in her quiet seaside town under a cloud of survivor's guilt. It's t...
Gundam GQuuuuuux Band NOMELON NOLEMON Strives to Make Their Music Universal
With hits like “Midnight Reflection,” “afterimage,” and “HALO,” we spoke with NOMELON NOLEMON about crafting songs for one of anime's most iconic franchises.― Japanese music duo, NOMELON NOLEMON, made an explosive U.S. debut on the Anime Expo stage during theGundam GQuuuuuuX panel. While 2025 also marks their fourth anniversary, they're only just getting started on their launch into stardom. Their ...
Returning toMy Dress-Up Darling After 3 Years: Hina Suguta and Shoya Ishige
The lead voice actors for Marin Kitamura and Wakana Gojo share their favorite costumes, their favorite moments from the series, and more.― My Dress-Up Darling is an anime that holds a special place in the hearts of many, including the actors who portray two of the main leads. Shoya Ishige and Hina Suguta, who played Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa, respectively, attended Anime Expo 2025 to share with...
BAND-MAID's MIKU Kobato Talks About the Future and How the Band Decides on Album Names
BAND-MAID is hot off a successful tour and following the recent release of their latest song "What is justice?," we spoke to MIKU about what's next.― With BAND-MAID taking a break from the middle of a nearly sold-out tour in Japan, Anime News Network had the opportunity to speak with its frontwoman, MIKU Kobato, at Anime Expo 2025. Formed in 2013, BAND-MAID recently celebrated its 10th anniversary a...
Fighting for a Better Anime Industry - An Interview with Animator Supporters' Jun Sugawara and Genga-chan
Burnt-out animators, low wages, excruciating deadlines, and toxic working conditions. How is Animator Supporters continuing to push to make a better workplace in anime production?― Over the past few years, I've had amazing and unique opportunities to speak with some of the anime industry's greatest creatives. However, these luminaries' experiences don't always precisely align with those of animator...
Reading with Manga One App Editor-in-Chief, NOVELOUS App Producer Yuki Wada
Longtime editor Yuki Wada discusses his experience in the Japanese publishing industry and where it's going from here.― Yuki Wada has been an editor for various publications in Japan for quite some time, working on a wide range of titles. He has been instrumental in the creation of the NOVELOUS platform, a light novel serialization app that offers readers a variety of light novels not otherwise ava...
Car Chases, Analog Technology, and Social Commentary: An Interview withBULLET/BULLET Director Sunghoo Park
"When I'm watching Hollywood movies with car chases in the theater, I get so excited by the speed that I feel like I can't breathe."― While anime is often thought of as being created by Japanese people by definition, this isn't always the case. Take, for example, Sunghoo Park. In recent years, this South Korean man has garnered no small amount of acclaim as the director for Garo: Vanishing Line, The...
Global Anime Challenge Unites Industry Veterans to Mentor Aspiring Animators and Tackle Crunch Culture for a Healthier Future
Anime talents behindFrieren, The Elusive Samurai, &Your Name reflect on industry hardships and whether unionization could be the key to lasting reform.― At Anime Central 2025, Anime News Network sat down with four of Japan's rising anime talents—director Keiichiro Saitō (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Bocchi the Rock!), producer Takafumi Nakame (The Garden of Words, Your Name), and animators Kaoru...
Inside the Director's Toy Box: An Interview with Hiroshi Nagahama at Animazement 2025
If there's a director who embodies the childlike wonder of believing that a man can fly, look no further than Hiroshi Nagahama.― If there's a director who embodies the childlike wonder of believing that a man can fly, look no further than Hiroshi Nagahama. While speaking at Otakon last year, theMushi-Shi andFlowers of Evil director was so passionate about his work, he ended up having to leave the ...
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Reintroduces the Digital World to New Audiences
“To bring out that experience to its fullest, we intentionally didn't make it an open world. We wanted everybody to get that same story experience from playing this game.”― Bandai Namco Entertainment's latest addition to theDigimon Story game franchise,Digimon Story: Time Stranger, marks the first time the series will have a fully English dub. Coming nearly eight years afterDigimon Story: Cyber ...
Persona5: The Phantom X Developers Speak About the Game's Success
Persona5: The Phantom X was released globally on June 26, and even though it has only been about two weeks since its launch, Atlus is satisfied with the reception so far.― It's almost been nine years since Atlus releasedPersona 5 in Japan, and since then, the game has garnered critical acclaim and become wildly successful. The original and Royal versions sit at scores of 93 and 95, respectively, a...
Final Fantasy XVI Producer on the Series' Future
Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida discusses how the series will progress in the future, as well as what he'd like to accomplish in the next several years.― At Anime Expo 2025, Anime News Network got the chance to sit down withFinal Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida to discuss how the series will progress in the future, as well as what he'd like to accomplish in the next several years. With ...
New Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi is Risking it Big onKILLTUBE Anime Film
The film staff revealed a new scene at AX this year; read how the team raised US$6.68 million for this animated "experiment."― On April 8, a one-minute clip circulating on social media caught anime fans' attention worldwide. It's actually the pilot film of the newly-announced anime film titledKILLTUBE. The film is scheduled to be released sometime in 2026, but it's safe to say that the release win...
Small-town Horror: Interview withThe Summer Hikaru Died Creator Mokumokuren
Ahead of The Summer Hikaru Died anime's premiere at Anime Expo today, dive into the series' creeping horror with manga creator Mokumokuren!― Manga creator Mokumokuren is having a good year. Their debut mangaThe Summer Hikaru Died was recently tapped for an anime adaptation, but not before making multiple entries on top manga lists, in the U.S. and Japan. Dripping with the sticky heat of summer,Th...
Kana Hanazawa on Becoming Echika inYour Forma
We sat down with prolific voice actor Kana Hanazawa to discuss what draws her to investigative science fiction stories, how she crafted her role, and the appeal ofYour Forma.― Kana Hanazawa is no stranger to playing tough women in science fiction series. She previously starred as Akane Tsunemori in Psycho-Pass, a role not dissimilar to her current work as Echika, the protagonist of Your Forma. We ...
ODDTAXI's Baku Kinoshita Wants to Take His Time inThe Last Blossom
For his follow-up,The Last Blossom, Baku Kinoshita has crafted a feature film that's both strikingly different thanODDTAXI while being recognizably from the same creative mind.―ODDTAXI was a singular piece of TV animation, a character drama that is crushingly sad but with enough magical realism to give it a sense of whimsy. It created a unique world filled with memorable and complex side characte...
Deconstructing Villainesses and Heroines: An Interview withI'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History's Author, Izumi Okido
Author Izumi Ōkido shares how her story twists the standard villainess sub-genre formula, her impressions of the anime adaptation, and why she decided to write a villainess story in the first place.― To say there is an ongoing “villainess” boom in light novels, manga, and anime would be an understatement. One such story isI'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History, which got an anime adaptat...
The Summer Hikaru Died Director Ryohei Takeshita on Crafting a Sense of Dread
We spoke with the director of one of the most anticipated anime of the summer about how to make horror work in an animated series.― The upcomingThe Summer Hikaru Died anime series has big shoes to fill. The anime series, written and directed by Ryohei Takeshita (Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night), is based on Mokumokuren's best-selling manga series. With over three million copies in print, the ser...
Opening theApocalypse Hotel with CygamesPictures President Nobuhiro Takenaka, Director Kana Shundo, & Screenwriter Shigeru Murakoshi
We spoke with the original anime's staff about crafting this alternate version of Tokyo's high-end Ginza district, how the team connected robots with their audience, and if the studio has more original anime works on the horizon.― In the remains of Tokyo's Ginza district stands the glamorous Gingarou Hotel. The staff work diligently to provide expert service for its guests. The only problem? Humanit...
CGI Veteran Hiroyasu Kobayashi Breaks Down How He Mech-ed the Magic Happen InMobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
At Anime Central 2025, the renowned CGI animator shared insights on blendingGQuuuuuuX’s 2D and 3D animation and his favorite mobile suit.― At Anime Central 2025, veteran CGI designer and director Hiroyasu Kobayashi made a special guest appearance to discuss his extensive career in the anime industry. With a portfolio spanning video games, anime, and films such asGravity Rush, Honkai Impact 3rd [R...
There From the Beginning: An Interview with Anime Legend Masao Maruyama at Animazement 2025
If you compare the anime industry to a historical document, Masao Maruyama has been around since ink was first put to parchment—or, in his case, paint to celluloid.― If you were to compare the anime industry to a historical document, Masao Maruyama has been around since ink was first put to parchment—or, in his case, paint to celluloid. In his over-60-year career, the prolific creative producer had...
Producer Keita Iizuka:Code Vein 2's Story Will be Darker Than the First
From a darker story and more customization options, here's what to expect from this sequel.― Bandai Namco Entertainment's sequel to its 2019 hit,Code Vein, is set to release next year. The action RPG features a unique Buddy System that gives the players a partner to explore withinCode Vein 2's dystopian world. After the debut trailer gave the world a first glimpse into the story, the game is still...
From Sanji to Kotetsu T. Kaburagi — An Interview with Hiroaki Hirata at Animazement 2025
TheOne Piece andTiger & Bunny actor spills the beans onTiger & Bunny 2 production and a whole season worth of scripts that weren't used.― For two-and-a-half decades, audiences around the world have known Hiroaki Hirata as the Straw Hats' womanizing, chain-smoking chef Sanji. But just as One Piece started to take over the Western world and long before I knew what a “Going Merry” was, I'd come to ...
Look Back Director Discusses Artistic Struggles, Anime Adaptation Philosophy, and AI's Role in Creativity
― Studio Durian's film adaptation of Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto's emotionally resonant one-shot manga, Look Back, is arguably one of the most moving pieces of art to come out of animation in quite a while. As evident by its booming box office success both in Japan and North America and numerous award circuit sweeps,Look Back stands as a testament both to the grueling labor of love that ...
Look Back Director Discusses Artistic Struggles, Anime Adaptation Philosophy, and AI's Role in Creativity
Kiyotaka Oshiyama discusses AI’s impact on traditional arts and whether anime adaptations should be dogmatically faithful to the source material.― Studio Durian's film adaptation of Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto's emotionally resonant one-shot manga, Look Back, is arguably one of the most moving pieces of art to come out of animation in quite a while. As evident by its booming box office su...
Merging Western Comics and Anime: An Interview withBatman Ninja vs. Yakuza League Writer Kazuki Nakashima
“I think it's rude for a creator to talk about the essence of a character. What's important is if people can watch the work and feel that on their own."― Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League is a superhero anime film that takes DC Comics' Justice League of America and reimagines them as yakuza. But that's only the start of how over-the-top this film gets. It's got everything from sudden musical numbers to...
Turning the Justice League into Yakuza: An Interview with Character Designer Takashi Okazaki
The new filmBatman Ninja vs. Yakuza League reimagines the JLA as yakuza. Character Designer Takashi Okazaki talks about how he did it.― The sequel to 2018'sBatman Ninja,Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League follows Batman and the larger Bat Family as they venture into a strange land where the Justice League of America have all been warped into yakuza versions of themselves. While the film itself is part...
Rockin' Out With Sumiko Arai,The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All Manga Creator
In her first-ever English-language interview,Green Yuri creator Sumiko Arai talks about WLW stories, the inspiration for her characters, and what's on her music playlist.― When Sumiko Arai launchedThe Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All on her Twitter account in 2021, she couldn't have predicted its meteoric rise in popularity. From social media toPixiv Comic, the four-page serializatio...
Production +h WantDark Machine To Be For Gaming WhatSlam Dunk Was For Basketball
Producer Fuminori Honda and director Tomoyuki Kurokawa discuss working onDead Dead Demon’s Dedede Destruction and what viewers can look forward to with Production +h’s video game animeDark Machine.― Despite being newer on the scene, Production +h is an anime studio already making waves with animated films like Netflix'sThe Orbital Children and the anime adaptation of Inio Asano's post-apocalypti...
Edo Era's Brave Firefighters: Interview withOedo Fire Slayer Novelist Shogo Imamura & Mangaka Shinobu Seguchi
Discover the history behindOedo Fire Slayer in our interview with author Shōgo Imamura and manga creator Shinobu Seguchi.― Japan's history is teeming with everyday heroes, and there may not be a stronger example than the Edo period's firefighters. Known ashikeshigumi, community firefighters rose to meet a 17th-century challenge: protecting the fragile wooden and paper homes in what would become th...
Bringing Utaite to the World: Singer Ado on Tour
The chart-topping singer is in the midst of her Hibana world tour, with a special concert film opening in U.S. theaters this week. We spoke with Ado about her performances and the special place Hatsune Miku holds in her heart.― Since her debut in October 2020, Ado has taken the music world by storm. She released her first single, "Usseewa," at only 17 years old, topping the Billboard Japan charts. ...
Rock is a Lady's Modesty Director Shinya Watada and the Rise of Girl Bands
The hit series' director Shinya Watada discusses working with real-life group BAND-MAID, the inescapable appeal of female rockers, and how they reflect the times we live in.― Inside the walls of Oshin Girls' Academy, an unexpected story is forming. Lilisa, the new step-daughter of a rich father, is determined to cement her status and become the school's next Noble Maiden. However, deep in her heart ...
Returning toHell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube After 30 Years: Voice Actor Ryōtarō Okiayu
Voice actor Ryōtarō Okiayu returns as Meisuke “Nube” Nueno this summer, and his Demon's Hand is fired up!― In 1996, a modern action-horror series graced the airwaves of Japan. That series was none other than Jigoku Sensei Nube. Following the clumsy elementary school teacher Meisuke “Nube” Nueno, he fights off spirits who would harm his students with his Demon's Hand. The series was massively popular...
Interview withAlya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Creator Sunsunsun
What started as an idea for an isekai story evolved into a fan-favorite romantic comedy! We talk to Sunsunsun about writing his hit light novel series.― Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian resonated with a lot of anime fans thanks to its comedy and interesting character dynamics. The story of a young girl who hides her true romantic feelings behind the Russian language is rather unique, eve...
Anne Voice Actress Eiko Yamada on WhatAnne of Green Gables Means to Her
Yamada shares her thoughts on the story and characters that have been integral to so much of her life—starting with the titular Anne.― With the new animeAnne Shirley on the air and the recently-held concert for the 1979World Masterpiece Theater Anne of Green Gables anime in Tokyo, the over 100-year-old story is back at the forefront of the Japanese popular consciousness. Thanks to this, Anime News...
Honkai: Star Rail Lead Game Designer Chengnan An on Creating an Immersive World
― ANN caught up with Hoyoverse's Lead Game Designer, Chengnan An, at this year's Game Developer's Conference. After graduating from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chengnan An joined HoYoverse in 2016 as the Lead Combat Designer ofHonkai Impact 3rd, responsible for developing and fine-tuning the game's combat mechanics. He advanced to a more strategic role in 2019 and now serves as the Lead Game Des...
Backstage Stories About the Making of 1979 ClassicAnne of Green Gables with Anne Herself, Eiko Yamada
Eiko Yamada shares how she got the role, working with acclaimed Ghibli directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, and her most memorable moments.― 2025 is looking to be a big year for Anne of Green Gables. Not only is there a new anime adaptation of Anne Shirley currently airing, but a concert showcasing the music from the 1979World Masterpiece Theater classic adaptation was held in Tokyo recentl...
CoMix Wave Films President and CEO Tomohiro Tokunaga Shares His Vision
Tokunaga talks about the studio's decades-long history with director Makoto Shinkai, navigating the pandemic, and a brand-new project with a 'rookie director.'― CoMix Wave Films entered a new era on May 28, 2024 with the appointment of Tomohiro Tokunaga as President and CEO of the company. A former producer at Telecom Animation Film, Tokunaga has been involved in projects such asLupin III and sever...
Voice Actors Shōgo Sakata and Miharu Hanai Talk About Their Love forThe Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows
ANN caught up with Shogo Sakata and Miharu Hanai to get their thoughts on playing Zenos and Lily inThe Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows.― At the recent world premiere for upcoming spring anime The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadowshere in Tokyo, ANN sat down with voice actors Shōgo Sakata and Miharu Hanai. Together, they talkedabout their respective characters (Zenos and Lily), ...
Director Shu Watanabe onThe Too-Perfect Saint and Turning it into an Anime
ANN sat down with Shu Watanabe to discuss the anime adaption ofThe Too-Perfect Saint and what viewers can expect.― Koki Fuyutsuki's light novel seriesThe Too-Perfect Saint may sound like every other saint-based story out there, but it offers some variations on the theme. MoreCinderella than its isekai compatriots, the story follows Philia, a protagonist. She carries out her duties perfectly as t...
Sailor Moon: The Super Live Cast Interview
Ahead of theSailor Moon: The Super Live North American tour, we sat down with the London company to discover what it's like to bring Naoko Takeuchi's beloved magical girl series to the stage.― Ahead of theSailor Moon: The Super Live North American tour, we sat down with the London company to discover what it's like to bring Naoko Takeuchi's beloved magical girl series to the stage. Could you intr...
Interview:Zero Escape's Kotaro Uchikoshi onEver 17 andNever 7 Finally Coming West
Newly available to Western gamers, Uchikoshi talked to us about the evolution of his themes, his popularity overseas, and how COVID changed his thoughts on sci-fi themes.― Kotaro Uchikoshi has garnered something of an international cult fandom. He's known for science fiction-themed adventure games such asZero Escape andAI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and his collaboration withDanganronpa creator Kazutaka ...
Getting To Know The Hosts Of The Award-Winning Shoujo Sundae Podcast
Shoujo Sundae hosts Giana Luna and Chika Supreme share what keeps them motivated, the secret to creating a successful podcast, and their mangaka interview wishlists.― Anime and manga may be booming worldwide, but when it comes to things like award ceremonies, we all know that anime, manga, and media related to it rarely get the recognition they deserve. So when an anime-related podcast gets nominate...
The Beginning After The End Web Comic's TurtleMe on His Upcoming Anime Adaptation
A decade after launch,The Beginning After The End is getting the anime treatment. We spoke with the series creator about developing the world and any concerns about the format change up.―The Beginning After the End is a lot of things. It's a web novel, a webcomic and in 2025, it's going to be an anime directed by Keitaro Motonaga at studio A-CAT. Written by TurtleMe, the story starts with King Gr...
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