Recent News
hololive production Announces 『hololive production COUNTDOWN LIVE 2022▷2023』
hololive production, overseeing the popular hololive and HOLOSTARS virtual YouTuber talents, announced today that they would be broadcasting a countdown live event titled 『hololive production COUNTDOWN LIVE 2022▷2023』, to be aired December 31st 11PM JST. Unveiling special collaborations between talents of both sides of the company, performances from a roster including hololive EN and hololive […]
Axia Krone of NIJISANJI Announces Graduation
Axia Krone, a vtuber affiliated with Nijisanji, announced that he would be graduating effective immediately from the company. His Twitter and channel will be closed as of December 7th, and good sales stopped then as well. Both the official Nijisanji and Axia Krone statements cited irreconcilable differences in creative direction with respect to his on-stage […]
Travis Japan, Maki Goto, Ami Suzuki, and More Perform on “TV Tokyo Music Festival 2022 Winter”
Earlier today, “TV Tokyo Music Festival 2022 Winter” aired. The show featured performances by the likes of Travis Japan, Maki Goto, Ami Suzuki, BE:FIRST, Tani Yuuki, yama, Daichi Miura, and =LOVE. Check out the full show below! Watch here STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT. – TV Tokyo Music Festival no Theme Junretsu♨Dachou – Shiroi […]
AKB48 Members Apologize for Not Being Nominated; Netizens React
When the 64th Japan Record Award nominees were announced, many were shocked at AKB48 being dropped from the list, breaking their 12 consecutive year streak. I deeply apologize to the many people who support and continue to cheer for us. I am filled with regret not just for causing such bad things to happen, but […]
Digital Battle Card Game “Cardfight!! Vanguard Dear Days” Steam Store Page Open!
The brand-new original story which features game-original character Yuki Ichidoji (CV. Yuka Nishio) as the protagonist who, in hopes of reviving a legendary team, faces off against formidable fighters and grows stronger, is planned to be available in both English and...
Crunchyroll Industry Panel Delivers First Looks, New Series, Fan Favorite Anime Movie Announcements, And More At Crunchyroll Expo
Culver City, California (August 6, 2022) – Celebrating all things anime with attendees at the Sixth Annual Crunchyroll Expo this weekend in San Jose, CA, Crunchyroll, the global leader in bringing the ultimate anime experience to audiences around the world, shared...
Crunchyroll Expo: Day One Highlights!
San Jose, Calif. (August 5, 2022) – Anime fans from across the Bay Area and beyond congregated for Day 1 of Crunchyroll Expo to celebrate all things anime! Crunchyroll Expo is held this weekend August 5-7 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and online, with...
Crunchyroll Expo: HOLOSTARS English -TEMPUS- to Make Debut
New HOLOSTARS English Group to Complement a Huge Slate of hololive production Talent, Alongside Anime’s Hottest Voice Actors, Creative Staff, Musical Guests and MoreCulver City, Calif. (July 28, 2022) – HOLOSTARS English -TEMPUS-, also known as holoTEMPUS, is...
Crunchyroll Expo reveals their full Programming Schedule including 80 panels, premieres, musical performances, and more
Culver City, Calif. (July 19, 2022) – Crunchyroll Expo, the yearly convention from the world’s best home for anime, revealed today the jam-packed schedule for the upcoming event including the premieres of BLUELOCK, TONIKAWA: Over the Moon For You ~Uniform~,...
A Terrible Tragedy – Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, one of the most important leaders in Japan’s postwar history, died Friday after being shot while he was giving a speech in Nara. He was 67 years old. As Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Abe’s assassination just two days before the Upper House election has rocked Japan, with politicians from across […]
Ayase Haruka Tops Nikkei Entertainment’s “Talent Power Ranking 2022”
This year’s edition of Nikkei Entertainment’s annual “Talent Power Ranking” is now available. The main list is now available. Ayase Haruka tops the ranking for the second consecutive year. Shohei Ohtani comes in second, up from #99 last year. Sandwich Man is #3, dropping one spot. Find out the rest of the top 50 after […]
Japanese voice actor/idol unit i☆Ris release their 21st single, ‘Junigatsu no Snowry’ / ‘Heart Beat Kyujosyo’!
Japanese voice actor and idol unit i☆Ris release their 21st single, ‘Junigatsu no Snowry’ / ‘Heart Beat Kyujosyo’ on December 8. Overflowing with the power of love, lead track ‘Heart Beat Kyujosyo’ also has a music video out now on YouTube!‘Heart Beat Kyujosyo’ music...
Ayumi Hamasaki reveals that she had a C-section
Japan’s national songstress Ayumi Hamasaki has shared some very personal news on her official Instagram account. She shared that she had given birth via C-section. Otherwise known as a caesarean section/delivery, this is a surgical procedure that involves delivering the baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. This method is usually chosen when a […]
Atsuko Maeda gives an update on her relationship with ex-husband Ryo Katsuji
Former AKB48 member Atsuko Maeda is hitting the press rounds for the promotion of her photo/essay book “Akegata no Sora” out this month. The book contains Maeda’s personal thoughts on family, having a child, paparazzi, marriage, and divorce. The past year Atsuko went through an extremely high profile and publicized separation from her husband, actor […]
SINoALICE Global’s Collaboration Event with Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is now available!
Pokelabo Inc. (HQ: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Yuta Maeda, a fully owned subsidiary of Gree Inc., hereinafter referred to as "Pokelabo") and Square Enix (HQ: Shinjuku, Tokyo, CEO: Yosuke Matsuda, hereinafter referred to as "Square Enix") are proud to announce...
Anime “KAGINADO” Website Updated Streaming, Character/Cast, Staff Information Announced
Bushiroad Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) has announced the update of the official website for anime “KAGINADO”, disclosing information regarding streaming, characters/cast, and staff. The change in Misuzu Kamio’s voice actor has also been announced.■Official Website, Twitter...
Macross Frontier Concert “Macross F Galaxy Live 2021 Revenge” To Livestream Worldwide On November 10
May'n And Megumi Nakajima Will Reunite For Their First Macross Frontier Concert In 11 Years To Perform Songs As Sheryl Nome And Ranka Lee.Macross Frontier fans across the world will join together for the livestream concert "MacrossF Galaxy Live 2021 – Revenge",...
Popular Manga “Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid” Receives its First Game on the PS4/Switch in Spring 2022!
Bushiroad, Inc. (HQ: Nakano-ku, Tokyo, President: Yoshitaka Hashimoto, hereafter “Bushiroad”) is pleased to announce the Spring 2022 release of the PS4/Switch game “Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid Burst Forth!! Choro-gon☆Breath”. We will also release the key visual...
HOLOLIVE COLLAB COMING SOON IN D4DJ GROOVY MIX!
(September 24, 2021) - Bushiroad International has announced that the hololive Collaboration Event, “Shiny Smily Scratch!” will be coming to D4DJ Groovy Mix on September 28!This event features popular hololive VTubers Usada Pekora, Hoshimachi Suisei, Minato Aqua and...
OC Japan Fair 2021 to host Annual Cosplay Contest on Oct 16th, 2021
September 20, 2021 Orange County, California - Japan Product Promotions (JPP-USA) organizers of the annual OC Japan Fair, will be hosting it's 100-participant cosplay showcase contest on the main stage on Saturday October 16th at 4:00 PM. The cosplay showcase is a...
RADWIMPS members feel betrayed over Akira Kuwahara’s cheating scandal
Fallout continues for RADWIPS support vocalist and guitar player Akira Kuwahara over his cheating scandal that was uncovered this month. After the story was spread by the notorious tabloid Bunshun, RADWIPS quickly confirmed that the rumour was in-fact true when the bands official website released a statement stating that Akira’s entertainment activities has been suspended […]
Snow Man’s Ren Meguro Shows Off His Sweaty Muscles in Tarzan
Snow Man member Ren Meguro is the cover boy for the 819th issue of the fitness magazine Tarzan, out September 22. Ren is currently developing his body through home workouts, under the guidance of his group mate, “muscle training specialist” Hikaru Iwamoto. He took on the challenge of doing the Tarzan shoot, which had the […]
KOM_I Leaves Suiyoubi no Campanella
Suiyoubi no Campanella has been inactive since the release of their June 2018 album “Galapagos.” KOM_I, the group’s vocalist, has now revealed that she is leaving the group. Of her choosing to leave, KOM_I said that about three years ago she no longer wanted to be part of Suiyoubi no Campanella due to her wanting […]
“BanG Dream! FILM LIVE 2nd Stage” is coming to U.S. and Canada on Eventive!
Bushiroad USA Inc. (Walnut, California) has announced the release of “BanG Dream! FILM LIVE 2nd Stage” on the online streaming platform, Eventive, for the United States and Canada.■ Online Streaming in the U.S. and CanadaVirtual Screening for “BanG Dream! FILM LIVE...
Tomohisa Yamashita to star in global Hulu series “Drops of God”
Tomohisa Yamashita has bagged another high profile role, this time for the upcoming Hulu drama series “Drops of God”. This series will be a joint co-production between Japan, France, and the U.S. Joining him in the main role will be French actress Fleur Geffrier. The drama series is based off of the manga series “Kami […]
Macross∆ Concert “Walküre Attack!” Complete 2016 Live Tour Finale Will Stream To 18 Territories Worldwide On August 28
Tactical sound unit Walküre, featured in the Macross Delta anime series, will premiere the remastered version of their legendary 2016 concert "Walküre Attack!" Tour Finale to international fans on August 28.The never-before-seen complete version of the concert, which...
“Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space” Main story update: Part 2 Tales from the East “Return of the Goddess of Time” Part III: Conclusion released today
The adventure mobile game that crosses time and space "Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space" has released Ver 2.8.150 Main Story 2 Tales from the East "Return of the Goddess of Time" Part III: Conclusion!In this update, the conclusion to the Main Story 2 Tales...
New character Rapunzel and new Act of Hatred chapters available on SINoALICE Global!
Pokelabo Inc. (HQ: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Yuta Maeda, a fully owned subsidiary of Gree Inc., hereinafter referred to as "Pokelabo") and Square Enix (HQ: Shinjuku, Tokyo, CEO: Yosuke Matsuda, hereinafter referred to as "Square Enix") are proud to announce that the...
Did Nintendo back out of the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony?
Popular tabloid Bunshun has released more details on the ill-fated Tokyo Olympics. They released a lengthy “confidential” report that detailed specific plans for the Opening Ceremony, in total the report spanned 1199 pages but Bunshun shared the highlights. One section that has been gaining traction online was a proposed segment involving comedian Naomi Watanabe and […]
Ayumi Hamasaki, J Soul Brothers, Hikaru Utada & more to participate in concert series “YouTube Music Weekend”
The popular concert series YouTube Music Weekend is back, and this time a roster of over 50 artists will be participating in the event! For just one weekend artists will upload a special concert on their official YouTube channel, but fans have to be quick as it’s only available for streaming for a very limited […]
Sexy Zone’s Nakajima Kento Covers anan’s “Ai to SEX” Issue
On July 7, anan will release its annual “Ai to SEX” issue, and this year’s coverboy is Sexy Zone‘s Nakajima Kento! The gravure photoshoot for this issue has a title that translates as “Neverending Dream”, with the theme of “impusle of love.” A nude Kento appears in the shoot as the male lover in a […]
Check out Snow Man x Raul starring “Honey Lemon Soda” special MV
On June 29, (also Snow Man Raul’s 18th birthday), a special collaboration MV featuring “Honey Lemon Soda” movie trailer and its theme song “HELLO HELLO” is released! Based on Murata Mayu’s manga, Raul stars in the movie as Miura Kai, a guy with lemon colored hair while Yoshikawa Ai plays the heroine Ishimori Uka. “HELLO […]
Snow Man’s Raul Shows His Beautiful Legs on anan Cover
Raul of Snow Man is the cover boy for anan issue #2256, out June 30. This issue marks the first time that Raul has appeared on the cover by himself. This issue of anan is the annual “Beautiful Legs” special issue. Raul is the first man to cover this special issue of anan. Inside the […]
Every Little Thing (ELT) member Ichiro Ito gets divorce from his former “child bride”
Back in 2011 Every Little Thing member Ichiro Ito made headlines for marrying a non-celebrity woman under the age of 18, which in turn resulted in a substantial amount of negative attention from both the media and public. The following year the two welcomed a baby boy, by then Ito did a good enough job […]
DJ X ANIME RHYTHM GAME “D4DJ GROOVY MIX” ENGLISH VERSION OUT NOW!
The highly-anticipated English version of D4DJ Groovy Mix is now available to play on iOS and Android mobile devices! The game was officially released on May 27, 2021 on the App Store and Google Play Store. Turn up the heat in D4DJ Groovy Mix, a free-to-play DJ-themed...
LiSA celebrates 10th anniversary with “LADYBUG”
Singer LiSA is celebrating a special milestone with the release of her brand new mini-album titled “LADYBUG“, released on May 19th it is commemorating her 10th anniversary since making her solo debut! Her 3rd mini-album overall, it has debuted at the top of the Oricon charts and is already performing well digitally. For this album […]
The Recording Industry Association of Japan Reports 9% Decline in 2020
A few weeks ago, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry reported that the Japanese music industry saw a decline of 2.1% in 2020, its second consecutive year of decline. The Recording Industry Association of Japan recently released its year end report for 2020, going into more detail about the state of the industry over the course […]
Sakura Miyawaki’s HKT48 graduation apparently leaked by HMV
Sakura Miyawaki recently completed activities with the successful South Korean based group IZ*ONE. In 2018 she successfully was one of the winning contestants on the CJ E&M talent reality show Produce 101, as one of the winners she halted activities with AKB48 and HKT48 to focus on IZ*ONE. After three years fans were looking forward […]
Fans wonder if “odd” tweets from Rola are due to “brainwashing”
Rola has continued her reign as one of the most influential and popular talents despite highly publicized issues with her office and scandals involving her family members. Within the past few years, Rola has become much more focused on environmental issues and promoting a very “clean” / healthy lifestyle. While still doing standard talent content […]
Erika Toda & Mei Nagano to star in live-action “Hakozume: Kōban Joshi no Gyakushū”
A live-action drama series for the popular manga “Hakozume: Koban Josshi no Gyakushu” has been announced! Leading the show will be Erika Toda and Mei Nagano, and is set to begin airing on Nippon TV beginning in July. The manga series made it’s debut in November 2017 in the weekly Seinen manga magazine Moring. It […]
GENIC’s ‘Fruits Basket: The Final’ ending theme, ‘Haru Urara’, gets new music video featuring scenes from the anime
‘Haru Urara’, the ending theme song to TV anime ‘Fruits Basket: The Final’, has a new music video that features gorgeous scenes and illustrations from the anime. The song by GENIC is a mid-tempo ballad that is ideal for the arrival of spring, with positive messages...
BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia I & II Virtual Screening in the U.S.
Bushiroad USA Inc.(Walnut, California)has announced the release of “BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia I : Promise” starting May 22nd, 7:00 PM (PDT) and “BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia II : Song I am.” starting July 24th, 7:00 PM (PDT) on the online streaming platform,...
Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto Works Out His Abs on the Cover of Tarzan
Snow Man member Hikaru Iwamoto is the cover boy for the 809th issue of the fitness magazine Tarzan, out April 22. He started his muscle training after losing at arm wrestling. He is currently focused on intensively training for his forearms for the TBS show “SASUKE.” This month’s issue has a theme which translates as […]
Meet Yamato, the Japanese DJ/producer who has redefined CDJ mixing, been blessed by Avicii and featured on Konami’s ‘beatmania’ games
Meet Yamato, an impossibly highly skilled DJ and producer from Japan who has redefined the boundaries of CDJ mixing. Over the course of his career, Yamoto has been blessed by the late DJ Avicii, and, more recently, contributed tracks for Konami’s ‘beatmania’ games....
Sayaka Akimoto requests to be referred to as “actor” instead of “actress”
Former AKB48 member Sayaka Akimoto has made headlines after requesting that a news publication refer to her as an “actor” instead of an “actress”. Since graduating from AKB48 in August 2013 she has focused on becoming an actor, starring in a handful of both films and drama series. In a newly released article promoting her […]
Oricon Flashback: Week of 3/29
We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback. This is where we look back on what topped the charts this week 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music. 3/25/91 Album: Karashima Midori – GREEN (third week […]
Geisha Opera Singer Madam Sen Releases Debut Album “Kachoufugetsu”
Madam Sen has released her debut album Kachoufugetsu ("The Beauties of Nature") on streaming platforms worldwide. The album spans multiple musical genres, fusing classical and operatic vocals with traditional Japanese instruments and modern electronic beats.Madam Sen...
Japanese star Nissy releases new dance video for his 4-million-viewed monster hit song ‘Get You Back’
On February 4, Nissy dropped ‘Get You Back’, his first new release in 14 months. Just weeks later, this song – which features an emotional message, intense beats and loud horns – had surpassed 4 million plays on YouTube. Comments have poured in from all over the world...
Oricon Flashback: Week of 3/22
We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback. This is where we look back on what topped the charts this week 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music. 3/18/91 Album: Kudo Shizuka – mind Universe (first […]
Yonezu Kenshi and Fujii Kaze Win The 13th CD Shop Awards 2021
Yonezu Kenshi and Fujii Kaze have been announced as the Grand Prize winners of The 13th CD Shop Awards 2021. Kenshi won the Red Grand Prize award for his album “STRAY SHEEP”, while Kaze won the Blue Grand Prize for his album “HELP EVER HURT NEVER.” Check out the full list of winners below! Grand […]