Feature —Archives —
I Played the Never-to-be-ReleasedDanganronpa 2x2 Special Trial Version
Made specifically for the Danganronpa 15th Anniversary Event, this short, 15-minute vertical slice was designed to give the most hardcore Danagaronpa fans an original mystery never to be seen again.
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2026, Feb 5-11
Despite starting second from the bottom with middling reviews,The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom has surged to #5 this week. Consider my curiosity well and truly piqued by this week’s rankings.
Lovely Angels Done Dirty? TheDirty Pair Kickstarter Saga
Dirty Pair fans came out of the woodwork to back this project—to the tune of US$731,406 what they got were years of delays, authoring problems, and a disc wrapped in a napkin. What happened?
The Winter 2026 Manga Guide After Dark (18+)
Happy Valentine's Day, and welcome to the steamy side of ANN's Winter Manga Guide!
The Camphorwood Custodian Event Report
The cast shared their memories working on the whimsical series and what they would take care of if they were "custodians."
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Anime in 2025: Is the Crunchyroll Cage Real?
Is it a death sentence when anime series stream outside of Crunchyroll? Kalai Chik looks at the numbers to see whether the common conception is true.― Over 250 anime titles premiered in the U.S. across Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video, HIDIVE, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max in 2025. To no surprise, series exclusive to Crunchyroll make up almost half of the anime that reach the U.S. market. Con...
WithFATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE, We're in a Horror Game Golden Age
When I got the chance to preview the opening chapters ofFATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE, I was excited to be reintroduced to the familiar tale. What immediately struck me, though, was just how thorough and considered a reconstruction this really is.― If there is one thing that I can say has been uniformly great about surviving the 2020s (so far), it's that we've gotten to experience a new ...
My Thoughts After 20 Hours WithMonster Hunter Stories 3
The same things that will inevitably make this game more tedious for some players will also scratch a hyper-specific itch for others.―Monster Hunter is one of those game franchises likeHarvest Moon/Story of Seasons, where it's not totally uncommon to find people who get super into it, have encyclopedic knowledge of it, and have save files easily exceeding 300 hours. I… am not one of those people. ...
Celebrating Girls-Love at the Yen Press Yuri Café in New York City
In a brutally cold New York February, there’s a warm home for yuri fandom at the Yen Press Yuri Café― In 2025,The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't A Guy At All by Sumiko Arai, often referred to as the “Green Yuri” among fans, saw incredible success. Named Best Manga of the Year at the American Manga Awards, it has opened doors for other yuri manga, including inee'sLove Bullet, to get full merchand...
Rewriting the Chivalrous Yakuza: Interview withStray Manga Writer Ryu Kamio
"I have no time for those who uncritically submit to authority. If one senses that the direction their group is heading is misguided, I believe they should have the courage to cry out that it is wrong."― Writer Ryū Kamio and artist Yu Nakahara's newest work available in English isStray, a twisty crime drama that follows Hachiya Ken, a man who just finished serving time in prison for a crime he did ...
Pokémon Pokopia Might Be A Lot Darker Then We Think
I wasn’t expecting a game that looked like this to have potentially darker implications!― The Pokémon franchise has always toyed with the idea of utilizing Pokémon in creative ways outside of battling. In the anime, Pokémon are sometimes used to help out with infrastructure or power cities. In the video games, Pokémon abilities can be used to alter terrain in order to access new areas or solve puzzl...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2026, Jan 29-Feb 4
IfJujutsu Kaisen's ups and downs are giving you whiplash, check outShiboyugi, a consistently high-rated little surprise. Find out what else is worth your attention in our weekly user rankings.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep...
The Winter 2026 K-Comics Guide
It's the Winter K-Comics Guide for all of you manhwa and webtoon needs! Come find your new full-color favorite!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 K-Comics Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included manhwa was published in December or January, although some are ongoing titles without a physical release. This guide focuses exclusively on series premieres, i.e., only the first ...
A League of Heels - The Spices Behind Sports' Best Baddies
There is no summit without the mountain. Coop Bicknell explains the importance of a good rival in sports anime.― If you've ever watched sports, an action film, or the occasional episode of anime, I'm fairly sure you've heard the term “heel” thrown around. Instead of describing a part of your foot, this bit of professional wrestling parlance refers directly to the bad guy—those who'll stop at nothin...
Going for the Gold! Our Favorite Sports Anime
The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in beautiful Italy, but it's not just pro athletes racing for the finishing line; anime has its own sports stars, too.― The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in beautiful Italy, but it's not just pro athletes racing for the finishing line; anime has its own sports stars, too. We asked Anime News Network's critics to highlight their favorite sports stories: the ...
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...
Can Nintendo's Biggest Flop Find New Life on the Switch 2?
ANN writer Bolts tests out the Virtual Boy to see if the oft-maligned console finally works in 2026. Plus, first impressions ofMeetup in Bellabel Park, Mario Tennis Fever, Resident Evil Requiem, andPRAGMATA.― Nintendo has many fun games, products, and expansions planned for the coming months. WithMario Tennis Fever,Resident Evil Requiem,Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition +Mee...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2026, Jan 22-28
Journal with Witch takes overFrieren's #1 spot in the cumulative. MeanwhileGolden Kamuy andFate/strange Fake are dominating #3 and #4. Discover how the season is shaping up in our weekly user rankings!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulc...
What's So Bad About a Little Change?— A Look at Anime Adaptations
What makes a good anime adaptation can be trickier than it seems on the surface, and much like there's no one right way to create a story, there's no one right way to adapt one.― Around the time I was first seriously getting into anime and manga, the most popular anime was the 2003 version ofFullmetal Alchemist. While I was vaguely aware that it diverged from Hiromu Arakawa's original manga and sa...
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...
The Winter 2026 Manga Guide
It's the final update for the Winter Manga Guide, but don't worry - our K-Comics and 18+ Guides are on the way! In the meantime, check outGhost & Witch, the new series from the creator ofThe Ancient Magus' Bride, and more!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime televisio...
Greek Mythology and its Magical Adaptations in Manga and Anime
Asha Bardon explores how Greek myths form the basis of anime and manga series.― Greek mythology is in vogue these days; we have novel series likePercy Jackson and Netflix has several series retelling or remixing mythology. There are heaps of novels like Madeline Miller'sCirce and even an amazing Odyssey-inspired concept album for a musical calledEpic! Oh, and Christopher Nolan's next movie has ju...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2026, Jan 1-21
Welcome to the rankings for the Winter 2026 season! It's hard to beatFrieren, butJournal with Witch certainly seems up to the task, with every episode a home run.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings a...
The Extraordinary Magic ofIchi the Witch
The first female writer-artist duo inJump history has created a uniquely magical series that capitalizes on charm while juggling fantasy, action, and comedy.― For better or worse, Shonen Jump reigns supreme in the world of anime and manga and has consistently churned out some of the biggest franchises on the market. As such, in the wake of juggernauts likeMy Hero Academia andJujutsu Kaisen havin...
The Winter 2026 Manga Guide
New year, new edition ofBattle Royale, plus the manga behind the upcoming animeScenes from Awajima and more!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the beginning of a season. Now, doing something like that for manga is tricky - there's n...
The Winter 2026 Light Novel Guide
It's the perfect weather to read more books! Cozy up and find your next light novel read, whether it's horror in a certain region in Japan or a fantasy romance.― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Light Novel Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included novel was published in December or January or is an upcoming February release. This guide focuses exclusively on series premier...
Exploring 50 Years of Shaft Works in One Exhibition
There are very few animation studios in Japan that can claim to have reached the prestigious 50th anniversary milestone. And now, renowned studio SHAFT can claim its place among the pentagenarian animation studios.― There are very few animation studios in Japan that can claim to have reached the prestigious 50th anniversary milestone. And now, renowned studio SHAFT can claim its place among the pent...
Light Novel Exhibit 2025: Viewing and Tasting the Experience
The event featured massive displays for Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Konosuba - God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Date A Live, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Sword Art Online.― Light novels are an integral part of the otaku fandom both in Japan and abroad. With several popular anime series such asSlayers,Full Metal Panic!,The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,The Familiar...
How First-Time Voice Actor Ai Mikami Took on Her Role inAll You Need is Kill Anime Film
Mikami takes on the voice-acting world as Rita in the animated adaptation after a successful turn in live-action roles.― In 2014, the world was graced with the action-packed live-action adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka's 2004 novelAll You Need is Kill in the Tom Cruise-led filmEdge of Tomorrow. Now, just over a decade later,All You Need is Kill saw its feature-length anime film debut. Starring Ai...
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...
The Winter 2026 Manga Guide
Queer romance and horror intersect inOut of the Cocoon and folk horror takes center stage inDivine Incursions as our Winter Manga Guide continues!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the beginning of a season. Now, doing something lik...
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...
The Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide
Your favorite elf is back forFrieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as they go along. Each critic will cover as many shows as they can handle, giving you alternate takes on almost every show. The guide is ongoing, organized by series, a...
A Tour ofWorld Masterpiece Theater's Historic Nippon Animation Studio
Now 50 years on, the studio that fostered talents like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and brought to life Anne of Green Gables, Future Boy Conan, and CHIBI MARUKO-CHAN opened its doors to offer Anime News Network a tour through where the magic is made.― About an hour's train ride outside of Tokyo, nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Tama City lays one of the anime industry's most storied studios: ...
2025 ANN Readers' Choice Awards
The voting period is over, and it's time to announce the winners of this year's Readers' Choice Awards!― The voting period is over, and it's time to announce the winners of this year's Readers' Choice Awards! First and foremost, we would like to thank the community for participating in this event.To start…Leading Woman of the Year: Maomao of The Apothecary DiariesOur favorite apothecary does it agai...
The Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide
Vash and the gang are back inTrigun Stargaze! Also Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling, A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demihumans, Scum of the Brave, Fire Force, Dark Moon: the Blood Altar, Jujustu Kaisen, Champignon Witch, and more!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here a...
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. ...
The Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide
Are you ready to play the Culling Game? It's the new season ofJujustu Kaisen! Also Champignon Witch, The Holy Grail of Eris, Shiboyugi, Roll Over and Die, The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-be-Wife, and more!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as they go along. Each critic...
What to Watch to Get the Most Out ofFate/strange Fake
While perfectly watchable even for those with only passing knowledge ofFate, there is a lot beneath the surface that enriches the story for those willing to dig a bit deeper into the lore.― This upcoming winter season will see the long-awaited release of the newest entry in theFate franchise,Fate/strange Fake. While perfectly watchable even for those with only passing knowledge ofFate, thanks t...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025
The results are in, and the unflaggingly high ratings forMy Hero Academia,Uma Musume andThe Fragrant Flower made this quite a showdown. Who do you think got the top spot of the Fall 2025 season?― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. K...
The Best Anime of 2025
It's time to count down the very best anime of the year, from the characters we couldn't help rooting for to the songs at the top of our playlists!― Welcome to our editorial team's countdown of the very best anime that aired this year! Below you'll find Anime News Network's top 10 anime of the year, the characters that inspired us, the moments that we couldn't stop talking about, the songs that are...
The Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide
It's the Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide! Day Three continues withHana-Kimi! Also,The Daily Life of a Part-Time Torturer, Journal with Witch, Fate/Strange Fake, Kunon the Sorcerer Can See, and Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instan...
Get Cozy with The Winter 2026 Anime Trailer Watch Party!
We hear those sleighbells ringing in a new anime season! Join us live on December 29 at 5pm PT to watch all the latest anime trailers. Sponsored by Yen Press and Crunchyroll!― We hear those sleighbells ringing in a new anime season! Anime News Network's Lynzee Loveridge, James Beckett, and Jacki Jing are happy to announce that YouTube personality Geoff Thew (Mother's Basement) is joining us to watch...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Dec 17-23
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity edges into #1 this week after spending the season just shy of the top. Check out where your favorites stand before the final rankings are revealed next week.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. K...
Ringing in the Holidays with NePoLaBo Live re:VISION Holoearth Live
Come spend the holidays with NePoLaBo of hololive!― It really is impressive seeing how Vtuber groups and companies will find new ways to innovate. Live concerts have always felt like impressive major events, and they've been popping up more frequently around the world. However, hololive has created a means for us to experience their concerts firsthand from the comfort of our own homes, no expensive ...
Exploring the Psalms of PlanetsEureka Seven 20th Anniversary Exhibition
The exhibition celebrating the fan-favorite franchise is running in the Yurakucho Marui from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026― 20 years ago, everyone's favorite air surfin' mech series,Eureka Seven, first aired. The series follows Renton Thurston, Eureka, the crew of the Gekkostate, and several other colorful characters as they explore romance, family, a world-government conspiracy, and coexi...
The Most Anticipated Anime of Winter 2026
January 2026 is shaping up to be the season of major sequel returns, including everyone's favorite elf mage. Read on to find which anime you should add to your watch list.― What anime will bring the heat this winter? January 2026 is shaping up to be the season of major sequel returns. While one sequel starring a fan-favorite elf is set to make its grand return alongside the highly anticipated teena...
The Worst Anime of Fall 2025
There's no way to avoid it; the fall anime season had a clear winner for most disappointing, poorly executed, and least entertaining. You'll find it at the bottom of this list and nod, knowingly, that it's where it should be.― There's no way to avoid it; the fall anime season had a clear winner for most disappointing, poorly executed, and least entertaining. You'll find it at the bottom of this lis...
Read it First: Manga, Light Novel Sources for Winter 2026 Anime
Not sure what's ahead for the winter anime season? Check out the source material in our roundup of manga and light novels getting an adaptation!― It's hardly a rule that you have to read the source material before you watch the adaptation, but what if you want to? A decade ago, anime fans who wanted to read the manga or light novel before the show debuted were out of luck (legally speaking), which ...
The Best Anime of Fall 2025
The fall anime season is drawing to a close. Here are the best anime to binge over winter break, from Spy x Family to SANDA!― The fall anime season lacked a main character. While past anime seasons included big protagonist energy from the likes of DAN DA DAN, The Apothecary Diaries, andMobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, alongside emotional supporting stories fromMy Dress-Up Darling andApocalypse Hote...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Dec 10-16
Uma Musume finally hits #1 this week after hovering close all season. But the surprise of the season might beThis Monster Wants to Eat Me as it reaches the top 3 for 3 weeks in a row!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind t...
Manga Is An Art Of Its Own! at The National Museum of Asian Art – Guimet
The manga exhibit, which runs from November 19th through March 9th, takes pieces of the permanent collections and tells the story of manga’s origins in from comic strips and scrolls to kamishibai and commercial books in Japan.― While in Paris for (the amazing! wonderful!) Y/CON 11, my wife encountered a poster in the subway for a manga exhibit that had just opened. At the same time, manga journalist...
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...
Celebrate 40 Years of Mamoru Oshii and Yoshitaka Amano'sAngel's Egg at the Limited Time Exhibition
The Angel's Egg 40th Anniversary Exhibition may be on the smaller side of anime related exhibitions, however, it's rare seeing an original Yoshitaka Amano piece, let alone a recently drawn one.― 40 years ago, in 1985, two visionary artists in the anime and video game industries, director Mamoru Oshii and artist Yoshitaka Amano, partnered for the experimental post-apocalyptic science-fantasy origina...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Dec 3-9
WhileMy Hero Acamedia is keeping its hold on the cumulative,May I Ask for One Final Thing keeps falling further and further. See how your favorite shows stack up this week!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these ...
How To Spot An Anime Bootleg
What are the signs that a product is less than legitimate? How can you be sure you're buying official merchandise? Lauren Orsini breaks down how to spot a fake.― You're wrapping upFullmetal Alchemist for a holiday gift when you notice something is off. The wording on the back cover states “All Regions,” which seems a little too convenient. There are only two subtitle tracks: English and Chinese. Su...
The CompleteMy Hero Academia Anime Timeline
Sorting out the timeline forMy Hero Academia can be a bit confusing—especially once you realize the majority of it takes place over the course of a single, hectic year.―My Hero Academia is one of the biggest shonen hits of the past decade. Its story is of a future world full of superheroes that is spread across 170 TV episodes, 10 OVA episodes, 4 movies, and a spin-off prequel (with said prequel ...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Nov 26-Dec 2
One Piece snags the top spot this week with a tremendously entertaining episode, whileThis Monster Wants to Eat Me sees a meteoric rise in the last 4 weeks. Discover what else is moving in the rankings.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulca...
The Bomb That Wanted to Stop Exploding: Reze's Impossible Freedom inChainsaw Man – The Movie
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc unfolds with a softness that feels almost impossible inside a world shaped by brutality.―Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc turns one of Tatsuki Fujimoto's most tragic chapters into a haunting meditation on silence, desire, and control, revealing a portrait of agency that flickers to life only in the spaces where Reze reaches toward something she was never meant t...
A Guest's Eye View of Y/CON 11
This Paris convention celebrating Boys' Love and Yuri is just one more great reason to visit France!― Y/CON is France's Yaoi and Yuri convention, held in Paris in November, with smaller satellite event in spring or summer as their staffing and schedule allow. Folks I know who have attended, often comment that there is much more BL than Yuri (and the answer to why that is, is both simple and complex...
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...
Sanda Shows that Adolescence is Supposed to be Awkward
The SANDA anime and manga turn heads while exploring some of the most uncomfortable truths about being a young person on the verge of adulthood at a time when these topics are dominating public discourse.― Spoilers for theSanda anime and manga. Content Warning: Discussions of Body Dysmorphia Animated by the acclaimed studio Science Saru and an adaptation of a manga penned by famedBeastars creator...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Nov 19-25
Spy×Family is #1 for a second week, whileUma Musume andThe Fragrant Flower keep hitting high spots week after week; all of them nipping at the heels ofMy Hero Academia in the cumulative.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in m...
Shinichiro Watanabe Shares His Thoughts onLazarus and the Anime Industry At The Japan Society
Attendees also got a look at his part ofThe Edge of Time compellation film,A Girl Meets a Boy and a Robot.― LeSean Thomas put it best at the Japan Society in New York. The place held a few events in November revolving around creators. While the convention scene is important, there is only so much ground that can be covered in a limited conventional panel setting. The Japan Society allowed Thomas ...
Hiroyuki Sawano's Solo Concert Opened to a Full House
With a little help from his popular vocalist partners, theAttack on Titan,Kill la Kill, andAldnoah.Zero composer's Los Angeles concert was a rocking success.― Hiroyuki Sawano is a name that needs no introduction. FromAttack on Titan toSolo Leveling to most recentlyTo Be Hero X, his sound has become synonymous with making your anime sound epic. So when the Peacock Theater announced they would ...
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...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Nov 12-18
Spy×Family hits the mark once again with a #1 this week, climbing two steps higher in the cumulative. Find out how your favorite shows stacked up according to viewer votes.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these ra...
HowKamen Rider Helped Me Recover from Trauma
When faced with a life-changing accident, Jean-Karlo turned to Hiroshi Fujioka's performance as Kamen Rider and the series' enduring story of hope.―Takeshi Hongo is Kamen Rider, a cyborg. He was modified by Shocker, an evil secret society that pursues world domination. Kamen Rider has pledged to fight against Shocker for the sake of freedom for all humanity. WhenKamen Rider began in 1971, viewers ...
A Special Evening with Ultraman
Anime News Network was allowed to check out the tour as it stopped by the Japan Society in New York City, where I was able to enjoy a lot of the strong enthusiasm for this franchise firsthand.― Sixty years is a long time. Even if you've never actually sat down and watched a piece ofUltraman media, no doubt you have come across something that has been either directly or indirectly inspired by this ...
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...
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Special Game Preview
Overall I am fairly optimistic about this remake. It does seem a bit redundant to remake this game for a second time, but this seems like a great opportunity to update a beloved game in an established franchise for more modern audiences.―Dragon Quest is one of the most established and recognizable RPG franchises in the world. Not only are there over a dozen games, but a few of those games have eve...
Kodansha House Returned to New York withGhost in the Shell, BLUE LOCK, More Manga
Visitors could experience the iconic building-leap scene from theGhost in the Shell movie in first-person perspective.― Kodansha returned once again to New York City to present a fun, casual experience for manga fans. Despite renting out a different building from last year, Kodansha House still brings the same chill, laid-back vibes with a few noticeable additions. Admission was still free, and de...
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...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Nov 5-11
This week,a Hero, a Spirit and a Reincarnator are beaten only by aFated Magical Princess. See how all your favorites fared in our weekly user rankings.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are based on...
Samus' New Psychic Abilities inMetroid Prime 4 Adds Fresh Gameplay
The Morph Ball Bomb is forever changed.― I already got to try out the first 15 minutes ofMetroid Prime 4: Beyond at the Nintendo Holiday Showcase in September and liked what I saw. Now I've had the chance to play an additional hour of the long-awaited first-person adventure game, and the more I get to play of this, the longer the wait feels for its December 4 release on the Switch and Switch 2. Ni...
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...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Oct 29-Nov 4
Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider comes out #1 just ahead ofSANDA — two standout shows brimming with originality. Find out where your favorites rank this week!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are ba...
The Fall 2025 Manga Guide After Dark (18+)
Welcome to the steamy side of ANN's Fall Manga Guide.― Welcome to the steamy side of ANN's Fall Manga Guide. All of these titles are intended for readers 18 and older, ranging from spicy to something a bit more, and featuring a variety of tropes, groupings, and fetishes. Come find your next adult read - there's plenty to choose from. SEPTEMBER Let Me See the Real You, Senpai! Lauren Orsini, Rebecca...
Does the Light Novel Translation Process Need AI?
As machine translation tools under the banner of AI become increasingly accessible and easy to use, the light novel landscape is at a crossroads. Do light novel publishers compromise their product for more speed, and if so, by how much?― Tristan “Arkada” Gallant was hooked onAscendance of a Bookworm, an isekai light novel series that is currently being translated by J-Novel Club. But when Part 5 Vo...
WEBTOON Disputes Union's Unpaid Labor Allegations
Naver WEBTOON: "Although extremely rare, even if serialization does not proceed, we compensate the creators for the work produced. Claims of unpaid labor are, therefore, inappropriate and untrue."― Following Anime News Network's November 5 article on allegations of unfair labor practices at Naver WEBTOON, Kiel Hume, VP and Head of Global Communications at WEBTOON Entertainment, reached out to provid...
Unpaid Labor Allegations Cast Shadow Over Naver WEBTOON's Market Dominance
South Korea's largest webcomic platform has found itself in the spotlight for two reasons: its rising global profile and growing criticism over alleged unfair labor practices.― Naver WEBTOON, South Korea's largest webcomic platform and a publicly listed company in the U.S., has recently found itself in the spotlight for two contrasting reasons: its rising global profile, boosted by a collaboration w...
The Fall 2025 K-Comics Guide
Vertical scrollers, we have your guide to the latest manhwa right here. Whether it's steamy romance or cosmic horror, you'll want to check the K-Comics Guide!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 K-Comics Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included manhwa was published in September, October, or November, although some are ongoing titles without a physical release. This guide focus...
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...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Oct 1-28
My Hero Academia is going out all guns blazing in this final season, butMay I Ask for One Final Thing? is giving it a run for its money. The new season is gearing up!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these ranking...
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...
The Fall 2025 Manga Guide
It's the final update for this season's Manga Guide! Come find your new favorite, whether it's a brand-new series or a rescued title.― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the beginning of a season. Now, doing something like that for manga ...
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 ...
The Fall 2025 Light Novel Guide
From kaiju to K-Pop, we have a bevy of books to choose from! Find your next light novel series obsession or read the ultimate guide to 100 essential anime in our Light Novel Guide! Sponsored by Yen Press.― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Light Novel Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included novel was published in September or October or is an upcoming November release. This ...
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...
The Fall 2025 Manga Guide
Find your next must-read manga! The Fall 2025 manga guide updates with six new titles every day, from just-released comics to highly anticipated releases through November! Sponsored by Yen Press!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the be...
The Fall Anime 2025 Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll
The Fall Preview Guide is back with the second episodes ofLil Miss Vampire, One Punch Man, andGnosia!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Anime Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as they go along. Each critic will cover as many shows as they can handle, giving you alternate takes on almost ...
The Mouth-WateringDelicious in Dungeon Exhibit Comes to NYC
The exhibit at the Chelsea Walls Gallery on 10th Street was inspired by a similar show in Japan and featured artwork spanning Kui's entire career thus far.―Delicious in Dungeon was one of the breakout series of 2024, combining dungeon adventure with gourmet, locally-sourced meals. The arrival of an art exhibit centered on author Ryoko Kui in New York City was met with great excitement, and many fan...
Your Halloween 2025 Anime Watchlist
This Halloween season marks the perfect occasion to sit down and watch some of the best horror anime out there—and the ANN staff is here with their recommendations!― Horror is a broad genre with many facets. For some, it's simply ghosts and monsters—the eldritch and the unknowable. For others, it's more psychological—the twisted aspects of the human soul and the terror born therein. And for still o...
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 ...
Preparing for Anime's Greatest Race: TheSteel Ball Run Cast Take the Stage
The voices of Johnny Joestar, Gyro Zeppeli, Diego Brando, Lucy Steel, and Steven Steel shared their excitement for the next installment ofJoJo's!― April 12, 2025, fans ofJojo's Bizarre Adventure waited with bated breath during the final JOJODAY 2025 announcement, “Total Distance: Roughly 6,000 km. Prize money: 50 million dollars. Humanity's first horse race across America.Steel Ball Run Jojo's Bi...
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