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The London Cast of Your Lie in April: The Musical
The beloved anime is coming to the stage in London, so we sat down with the cast to discuss the getting into these musically-gifted characters.
― At the beginning of June, I sat down with the four central cast members of the upcoming London production of Your Lie in April: The Musical, which starts a 12-week West End run from June 28 at the Harold Pinter Theatre. This is the English-language version ...
Frank Wildhorn, Composer of Your Lie in April: The Musical
From Takarazuka to Death Note, Frank Wildhorn is carving a name for himself in manga-based theater productions.
― Frank Wildhorn's musical career spans nearly half a century. It ranges from Takarazuka all-female musicals in Japan to Broadway versions of Jekyll and Hyde and Bonnie and Clyde, and a symphony inspired by the River Danube. Then there's the small matter of a chart-topping Whitney Houston s...
Interview: Director Kumiko Habara & Scenario Writer Kenta Ihara on Bringing History to Life in Blue Miburo
Hot off its world premiere at Anime Expo, we sat down with Blue Miburo's director and screenwriter about bringing the Shinsen-gumi to life.
― Blue Miburo, a historical fiction manga centered around the legendary group of swordsmen known as the “Shinsengumi,” is getting an anime adaptation this fall. Recently, I was able to sit down with director Kumiko Habara and scenario writer Kenta Ihara to talk n...
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Team Discuss Updating the Series After 25 Years
The video game industry has changed quite a bit since Fatal Fury's hiatus. The team discuss updating for the modern fighting game community.
― The Fatal Fury series made its debut in 1991 with Fatal Fury: King of Fighters around the time when other fighting game franchises were starting to appear or hit their stride. The biggest ones we know and love today, including Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mort...
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO Producer Explains the Long Wait for More
Jun Furutani promises characters from Dragon Ball Super movie and the Dragon Ball Daima series.
― The Dragon Ball franchise is one of the most recognizable properties in the world, with a variety of manga, TV shows, and video games created out of it. The Dragon Ball Sparking video game series was incredibly popular in Japan. Known as Dragon Ball: Budokai Tenkaichi series internationally, it garnered ...
Cheering for Gunma: Narenare -Cheer for you!- Anime Producer Hayato Kanno
We spoke with producer Hayato Kanno about the upcoming cheerleader-focused series and why Gunma prefecture was the perfect setting for the show.
― While there aren't many anime in the cheerleading genre, a handful have been made over the years. Some of the more notable series include 2018's Hugtto! Precure or 2019's Cheer Boys!!. In 2024, we're getting another cheerleading-related anime series, Naren...
New Projects Bring New Opportunities for Kinema Citrus Anime Studio
The Made in Abyss anime studio is celebrating its 16th anniversary with two new anime projects, so we sat down with founder Muneki Ogasawara to discuss the studio's next moves.
― Founded in March 2008, Kinema Citrus is known as a pillar in the anime industry for producing high-quality, compelling series. The studio has carved a niche in the competitive anime industry with popular works like Made in A...
Heavenly Delusion Director Discusses Keeping the Story Straight
Mori also explained the creative process from inception to realization, shedding light on the collaborative efforts and artistic endeavors that brought Heavenly Delusion to life.
― In 2023, Heavenly Delusion captivated audiences with its suspenseful and intricately woven storytelling. The series was highly praised for blending psychological horror and science fiction. Director Hirotaka Mori was at t...
Medicine and Fantasy: An Interview with Doctor Elise Manhwa Artist Mini
In her first-ever interview with foreign media, Mini discusses her background in design and what makes Doctor Elise a fan-favorite series.
― It's getting more common for anime series to seek inspiration outside of its traditional seedbeds of manga and light novels. In recent years, we've seen a rise in the number of series based on Korean properties, primarily webtoons serialized on sites like Tapas,...
My Oni Girl Director Asks Viewers To Be True to Themselves
Now streaming on Netflix, Tomotaka Shibayama's first feature animation mixes the magical with reality to share a simple but important message.
―
Director Tomotaka Shibayama's latest film, My Oni Girl, is an action-adventure drama with elements of a buddy comedy and a relatable coming-of-age story. The film, produced by Studio Colorido, was released in theaters in Japan and on Netflix on May 24, foll...
Straight Shooting with Game Creator Suda51
We sat down with game creator Suda51 ahead of his MomoCon appearance to talk about his new game Hotel Barcelona, his current must-watch TV shows, and more.
― The renowned Suda51 has been responsible for countless cult-favorite video games. From the psychedelia of Killer7 to the hells of Shadows of the Damned, from the sunny streets of Santa Destroy in No More Heroes to the blood-soaked setting of the...
Bringing Anime to Southeast Asia: Interview with Medialink, Ani-One Co-Founder Lovinia Chiu
Chiu shares how she brought the SEA simulcast service to the forefront after founding it at 17 years old.
― Over the past six years, many streaming and simulcast services have catered to otaku in Asia, offering simulcasts of seasonal anime and theatrical anime screenings. One such service is Ani-One Asia, a Hong Kong-based Medialink Group brand that offers a competitive lineup of simulcasts every se...
My Happy Marriage Director Takehiro Kubota and Creating a New Fairytale
Ahead of the romance anime's second season, director Takehiro Kubota discusses the choices, the challenges, and balancing the story between the everyday and the supernatural.
― My Happy Marriage began its life as a series of novels written by Akumi Agitogi, and it has since been adapted both as manga and, as of July 2023, an anime series simulcast by Netflix. Agitogi's tale, set in a nebulous time t...
Pop Star Crystal Kay on Singing Anime Songs and Growing Up Mixed-Race in Japan
Crystal Kay previously sang themes for 2004's Fullmetal Alchemist and Nodame Cantabile
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to sit down with singer-songwriter Crystal Kay and talk about not only her involvement with anime over the years but also what it was like to grow up in Japan as the child of a Korean-Japanese mother and an African-American father. Anime fans likely know of Crystal Kay throug...
Producer Masakazu Kubo on Making an Anime for Hardcore Golf Fans
Producer Masakazu Kubo shares the animation team's dedication to realism, including bringing in a pro golfer to produce the anime's sound effects.
― 64-year-old Masakazu Kubo has been planning and producing anime for decades. He's had a major hand in everything from Pokémon and Detective Conan to Teasing Master Takagi-san and Dorohedoro. Recently, he sat down with us to talk about Tonbo!, his attemp...
The Beauty of Stop-Motion Animation with Bottle George Director Daisuke 'Dice' Tsutsumi
Daisuke 'Dice' Tsutsumi shares what it was like to leave Pixar and how his studio will never shy away from honesty in their work, even when honesty isn't pretty.
― Director Daisuke "Dice" Tsutsumi contributed to films like Toy Story 3 and Monsters University while simultaneously crafting what became his Academy Award-nominated animated short film, The Dam Keeper. His latest short film, Bottle George,...
Interview: Author Akihiro Nishino on Bottle George, His New Stop-Motion Animated Film
Following Poupelle of Chimney Town, Nishino tackles addiction in his new stop-motion anime short film.
― In advance of the U.S. premiere of the new stop-motion animated short film Bottle George, Anime News Network sat down with writer Akihiro Nishino and chatted not only about the film and its creation but also its deeper message and how it connects to Nishino's past. While now well-known as a childr...
Interview: Voice Actors Rika Hayashi and Hiroki Tōchi Talk About Their New Golf Anime, Tonbo!
Hayashi and Tōchi play mentee/mentor in heart-warming golf anime series.
― Golf anime Tonbo! is one of the new anime premiering in the Spring 2024 season. At Anime Japan 2024, we sat down with lead voice actors Rika Hayashi and Hiroki Tōchi to talk about their characters, their experiences with golf, and the positives of country life in Japan. In her first voice acting role as a main character, Hayas...
Chained Soldier Producer, Voice Actor Discuss Bringing Sexy Anime Series to Screen
We sat down with producer Yuki Watanabe and leading actor Yūya Hirose (Yuuki), to discuss bringing this unique combination of epic action and sexy comedy to the screen.
― Ever since author Takahiro and artist Yōhei Takamura first began publishing Chained Soldier on Shonen Jump+ in 2019, their manga has been a smash hit. The story tells of how humanity has been enlisting soldiers who use the magical ...
Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki Sees His Anime Come to Life at Ghibli Park
Suzuki shared that famed director Hayao Miyazaki is currently making something for the theme park—in secret.
― At a press event last month, ANN, along with other members of the press, was able to talk with Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki about the new "Valley of Witches" area at Ghibli Park, his recent Academy Award win, and legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. Ghibli Park, located in Aichi Prefe...
Interview: JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa Talks About Composing Songs for Junji Ito and Banished From the Hero's Party
Daijirō Nakagawa talks about his band, their evolution, and what it's like to compose anime theme songs.
― If you've seen either of the Junji Ito anthology anime or either season of Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, you've heard the music of JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa. Recently, Anime News Network sat down with him to talk about his band, their evolutio...
Chatting About Food and Adventures with Delicious in Dungeon's Director and Voice Actors
We were able to chat with Delicious in Dungeon's director, Yoshihiro Miyajima, as well as two of its main leads, Kentarō Kumagai (Laios) and Sayaka Senbongi (Marcille).
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to chat with Delicious in Dungeon's director, Yoshihiro Miyajima, as well as two of its main leads, Kentaro Kumagai (Voice of Laios) and Sayaka Senbongi (Marcille). They talked about how they b...
Veteran Animator Terumi Nishii on the Problems and Future Facing the Anime Industry
"...Full-time employees have been forced to work hard for the past 20 or 30 years—but it seems that instead of becoming 'full-time employees,' it's more like they are 'slaves.'"
― Recently, I was able to sit down and chat with Terumi Nishii, a veteran animator and character designer with credits ranging from Rurouni Kenshin and PENGUINDRUM to Jujutsu Kaisen and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. But rather th...
The Eminence in Shadow Anime Producer Had His Own Cid Phase
ANN spoke with The Eminence in Shadow director Kazuya Nakanishi and producer Kazufumi Kikushima about the series' unique protagonist.
― Whether it's the dark comedy or its distinct main character, Cid, something about The Eminence in Shadow resonates with many anime fans. The series is one of the highest-rated shows on HIDIVE. Anime News Network was able to sit down and talk with the series' directo...
Gundam: The Witch From Mercury's Lynn and Kana Ichinose Discuss Difficult Parents and Friendships
"It got me thinking that as long as there are humans, conflict will never disappear and there is no correct answer."
― At Anime NYC 2023, the official Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury panel hosted voice actors Kana Ichinose (Suletta Mercury) and Lynn (Miorine Rembran) to discuss their work on the hit mecha series. Members of the press had further questions answered via a joint email interv...
How the Shield Hero Director and Producer Pushed to Do the Series Justice
"One of the things that's important to me is to capture the world as it is with the wave of calamity; the trouble, the hunger, the sadness of the world that exists so that the heroes can shine. It's because the people are suffering that a hero is needed."
― In season three of The Rising of The Shield Hero, Naofumi and the gang must learn to put aside some of their differences with the other Cardinal...
Bringing His Ego to the Role: BLUE LOCK Voice Actor Kazuki Ura
Ura explains, “As a voice actor, I have the ego that I don't want to lose to anybody. I want to be the best at everything, especially when it comes to the character of Isagi.”
― At Anime NYC 2023, Anime News Network had the opportunity to sit down with the voice actor Kazuki Ura, the voice of BLUELOCK's main protagonist Isagi, and Ryoya Arisawa, the producer of the hit sports anime BLUELOCK. One of ...
Bringing Imagination to the Sengoku Youko Supernatural Action Anime
The director and producer discussed the challenges working on the Sengoku Youko anime, from finding just the right voice for a 200-year-old yōkai to tapping into their imaginations to bring Jinka's attacks to life.
― Manga creator Satoshi Mizukami is already preparing his next manga series, but it's his supernatural action story Sengoku Youko that brought director Kagetsu Aizawa and producer Allian ...
The Moment That Undead Unluck's Yoshifumi Tozuka Decided to Create Manga
Yoshifumi Tozuka met someone early in his life who believed in his artistic ability. The rest is manga history.
― Undead Unluck fans at Anime NYC were treated to a panel featuring the creator Yoshifumi Tozuka, his editor Takumi Hashimoto, and Fuuko's Japanese voice actor, Moe Kahara. During the panel, Moe Kahara spoke about how she chose to pursue a career as a voice actor because she wanted to impr...
Living as a Real Life “Hannah Montana” – An Interview with Virtual Singer KAF
KAF is one of the most popular virtual singers in Japan. Ahead of her upcoming concerts next month, we talked about what it's like to live with a secret identity.
― KAF is one of the most popular virtual singers in Japan. Several of her songs have become Top 40 downloaded hits (along with two of her albums breaking the Oricon Digital Top 10) and she's even sold out the Nippon Budokan (the Japanese eq...
Anime Director Masaaki Yuasa Reflects on His 20 Year Career
With time to reflect on his past work and an upcoming five-film box set from GKIDS, we talked with Yuasa about staying true to his artistic outlook and how the industry has changed.
― 2023 was an eventful year for Science Saru studio founder and film director Masaaki Yuasa. Since stepping down as president of his animation studio, Yuasa's part rock opera, part supportive treatise to artistic outcast...
New Shiren the Wanderer Game Director and Project Manager Talk About Going Back to Basics
Fans enthusiastically told Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island game director Keisuke Sakurai that the first Shiren game was their favorite, and he listened.
― Recently, at a hands-on event in Tokyo, I was able to meet with Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island's director and project manager, Keisuke Sakurai and Hideyuki Shinozaki. We talked a bit ab...
Making Things That Others Wouldn't: An Interview with Studio TRIGGER President Masahiko Otsuka
Coop Bicknell talks shop with TRIGGER president Masahiko Otsuka about returning to the world of Panty & Stocking over a decade later.
― At this year's Anime Expo, Studio TRIGGER gave the world a taste of their projects coming down the pipeline. Whether it was the premiere of Delicious in Dungeon ahead of the series' January release on Netflix or details on the 15th-anniversary screenings of GURREN L...
Final Fantasy XVI Producer Naoki Yoshida on the Game's Anime Influences and Design Philosophy
Find out how various anime served as inspirations for the final game.
― Final Fantasy XVI is a major departure from the Final Fantasy games of old. We had the chance to talk with Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida about why this is and how various anime served as inspirations to the final game. The Final Fantasy XVI universe seems dark and very adult, perhaps more than usual for this license. ...
Developing a Diverse Cast in Kia Asamiya's Silent Möbius
Kia Asamiya has been writing manga for nearly 40 years. His most famous work, Silent Möbius, is an explosive mashup of genres: taking place in a cyberpunk Blade Runner-esque dystopia, it depicts the plight of AMP, an all-woman team of sorcerers, psychics, and even cyborgs.
― Kia Asamiya has been writing manga for nearly 40 years. His most famous work, Silent Möbius, is an explosive mashup of genres:...
Bringing Jazz to the Big Screen with Blue Giant Director Yuzuru Tachikawa
We spoke with director Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100, Deca-Dence) about crafting the film's music, working with virtuoso Hiromi Uehara on the film's soundtrack, and the importance of talent and hard work.
― Readers may be surprised to learn that jazz music has a long, storied history in Japan. The music broke into the mainstream in the 1920s, in part due to visits from American and Filipino perfo...
Getting Into Character with Ragna Crimson's Chiaki Kobayashi
Kobayashi discussed the evolution of Ragna and the vocal challenges of bringing those subtle shifts to life.
― At Anime Expo 2023, Anime News Network was able to sit down and talk with voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi about his role as the titular Ragna in upcoming anime Ragna Crimson. They're keeping you busy at Anime Expo this year! Have you been able to have fun in Los Angeles in your
spare time? Chi...
Crafting a Hell in Heaven with Heavenly Delusion Creator Masakazu Ishiguro
We spoke with Ishiguro about the hazy edges of his sci-fi series' themes and the message he hopes readers takes away from the series.
― Manga creator Masakazu Ishiguro's work spans multiple genres, from the unexpected maid café workers in the comedy manga And Yet the Town Moves to the labyrinthian detective story Skygrazer. Of these works, Heavenly Delusion stands apart as a concoctive blend of body...
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Voicing Cid in The Eminence in Shadow
Cid's voice actor Seiichirō Yamashita discusses voicing a character with two different sides and what makes The Eminence in Shadow anime so unique.
― The Eminence in Shadow follows a young man named Cid who would much rather train to be the ultimate background character and use his strong powers to change the scene from the shadows instead of being in the spotlight himself. After dying and being rei...
J-Rock Star Yoshiki Talks About His Past and Future in London
The X Japan and The Last Rockstars singer made his directorial debut with the YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY music documentary.
― On September 11, rock star Yoshiki appeared in London to accompany a screening of his directorial debut and feature film Yoshiki: Under The Sky. The movie collects his recent musical collaborations with artists around the world, with the seasoned performer mainly at the seat of hi...
Talking Fate/Samurai Remnant with the Game's Director, Ryota Matsushita
We spoke to Matsushita about the game's Keian period setting, new servants, and more.
― Last month, I was able to spend eight hours with upcoming Fate series game Fate/Samurai Remnant. After doing so, I was granted a chance to talk with the game's director, Ryota Matsushita of Koei Tecmo Games, about the title. Here is what he had to say about making the game, the involvement of the various franchise...
Crafting Psychological BL Manga with Kyoko Aiba
Manga creator Kyoko Aiba discusses Derail, a compelling portrait of two men attempting to hide their vulnerabilities while simultaneously pulling the other one into closer and closer intimacy.
― Kyoko Aiba has been making moves lately. Her first work in English, I Love You Enough To Tie You Up (from Juné Manga), is a series of steamy and erotic BL short stories about dysfunctional couples pushing ea...
Bringing Under Night 2 to the Arena: A Chat with Arc System Works CEO Minoru Kidooka
Kennedy speaks to Arc System Works CEO Minooru Kidooka about Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], Guilty Gear -Strive-, Arc System Works' 35th anniversary, and more.
― Founded in 1988, Arc System Works (or ArcSys for short) is the game developer/publisher behind many iconic anime fighting games such as BlazBlue, Dragonball FighterZ, and Guilty Gear—whose most recent entry recently surpassed 2.5 milli...
A Glimpse Into Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes]
Kennedy speaks to French Bread's Kamone Serizawa and Seiichi Yoshihara about the upcoming Under Night sequel: Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes].
― Founded in 1995, French Bread is the game development studio behind anime fighting games such as Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax, Melty Blood, and Under Night In-Birth. They were present at EVO 2023 with Arc System Works, where they announced that they're...
What Happens Next? Four Knights of the Apocalypse Anime Interview at Otakon 2023
Can The Seven Deadly Sins newbies watch Four Knights of the Apocalypse? We asked manga editor Yuya Matsuda, anime producer Takuma Kishida, and lead voice actors Shou Komura and Kanna Nakamura.
― Nakaba Suzuki's Four Knights of the Apocalypse is a sequel to his popular manga, The Seven Deadly Sins. The series focuses on the young boy Percival, who discovers he is destined to be part of a group of four...
A New Decade of Anime: A History with Author Jonathan Clements
Historian Jonathan Clements discusses the advent of artificial intelligence, what fractured the Chinese-Japanese anime investment pipeline, and the buying power of otaku.
― Jonathan Clements' name is familiar to many Anime News Network readers. He translated anime back in the 1990s, when he was already one of Britain's most prominent pundits on the medium. Today, he hosts the annual Scotland Loves An...
Bringing One Piece to the Screen with Yasunori Koyama, Kenji Yokoyama, and Tetsushi Akahori
We spoke to One Piece's series director, production manager, and animation director about building on Eiichiro Oda's hit manga for TV.
― One Piece has become one of the largest multimedia franchises in the world, with a top-selling manga, long-running anime, various video games, and a live-action Netflix series on the horizon. The anime, in particular, has gained worldwide acclaim, currently in the ...
'We Are Limitless': Talking to Arc System Works about Guilty Gear -Strive- Season 3
Kennedy speaks to Arc System Works’ Ken Miyauchi, Akira Katano, and Kenta Asano about Guilty Gear -Strive- season 3.
― The latest entry in the heavy metal-inspired Guilty Gear series, Guilty Gear -Strive- is without question the largest Guilty Gear game yet—and one of the largest fighting games of the current generation overall, amassing more than 2.5 million players. At EVO 2023, Arc System Works an...
Behind the Scenes of Action-Comedy Anime Undead Unluck
We spoke to voice actress Moe Kahara (Fuuko Izumo), Shonen Jump editor Takumi Hashimoto, and series producer Ryōta Hasegawa about balancing the series' unique brand of chaos.
― Fans who attended the Undead Unluck panel at Anime Expo last month were decidedly very lucky when animation studio TMS Entertainment brought out a slate of special guests—voice actress Moe Kahara, who plays Fuuko Izumo; actor...
Playing Takao in the Stage Version of Makoto Shinkai's The Garden of Words
Stage actors Hiroki Berrecloth and Kurumu Okamiya discuss the inner workings of Takao and getting into character for a live performance.
― The stage version of Makoto Shinkai's film The Garden of Words is running in London until September 9, at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park. Shinkai's film follows a schoolboy, Takao, who encounters a mysterious woman in a rainy Tokyo park. The play is based on th...
What Elden Ring Fans Need to Know Before Playing Armored Core VI
ANN was able to talk with Yasunori Ogura and Masaru Yamamura—the producer and director of FromSoftware's newly released mecha action game, Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon.
― Recently, ANN was able to talk with Yasunori Ogura and Masaru Yamamura—the producer and director, respectively, of FromSoftware's newly released mecha action game, Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon. With the recent success of Eld...
Crafting the Story of Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout with Yashichiro Takahashi
We sat down with Yashichiro Takahashi, who wrote the first and third Ryza games and produced and wrote the Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout anime, on his experience contributing to Ryza and her world.
― The Atelier series has always had a cadre of loyal fans, but the Secret trilogy starring Reisalin Stout truly thrust the entire series into the spotlight. The trilogy might have ended with the rele...
Three Generations of Love Live Idols on Overcoming Challenges and Finding Yourself
Aika Kobayashi (Yoshiko/Yohane), Mayu Sagara (Kasumi Nakasu), and Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya) shared how they overcame challenges in their career and found inspiration from their own characters.
― Fans of the Love Live! Series received a rare treat at this year's Anime Expo with special guests representing three different generations from the long-running franchise. In attendance was Aika Kobayashi,...
Writing Relatable Villains with Bungo Stray Dogs Author Kafka Asagiri
We went straight to the source to find out what makes Sigma and other villains in Bungo Stray Dogs so easy to like and why Osamu Dazai keeps getting put into anime.
― Hot on the heels of the world premiere of the fifth season of the Bungo Stray Dogs anime at Anime Expo, we had the opportunity to sit down and speak with the original creator, author, and novelist Kafka Asagiri. Asagiri, whose love for...
Macross Goes Worldwide: An Interview with Shoji Kawamori and Hidetaka Tenjin at Otakon 2023
There's been nothing but buzz around the Macross series since the announcement of the historic licensing agreement in 2021. We talked to Kawamori and Tenjin about Macross 7, English subtitles, and “thinking without boundaries.”
― There's been nothing but buzz around the Macross series since the announcement of the historic licensing agreement made between BIGWEST and Harmony Gold in 2021. That buzz ...
Vinland Saga's Makoto Yukimura Shares Opinion on Violence: 'Consider Attack on Titan'
Yukimura opened up about his hope for a world without war and his antipathy toward violence.
― 2023 marks the fourteenth year since Makoto Yukimura debuted as a manga author, and he's shown no signs of slowing down. His current ongoing work, Vinland Saga, achieved high praise worldwide for its messaging on war and violence coupled with compelling storytelling and character development. Although many...
Resident Evil: Death Island Cast Jokes About Getting Weird in the Recording Booth
"I want to feel that character. It matters to me what happens with that. If something's happening, I need to get my body into that state so that, emotion-wise, it's going to come out in a certain way."
― After the 2017 release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island presents the latest animated film of the franchise. Assembling the five main characters for the first time in any univer...
Resident Evil: Death Island Creatives Share Thoughts on Assembling the Team
Director Eiichirō Hasumi pairs up with returning writer Makoto Fukami, and longtime Resident Evil producer Masachika Kawata to build an exciting mission for the five characters on San Francisco's Alcatraz Island.
The three filmmakers spoke to ANN on July 12th prior to the screening. ― Nearly six years after the release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island continues the animated arm...
The three filmmakers spoke to ANN on July 12th prior to the screening. ― Nearly six years after the release of Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Death Island continues the animated arm...
Anime Expo 2023 - Bringing The Suicide Squad Into the Anime World
One of the biggest surprises out of Anime Expo is Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio's Suicide Squad ISEKAI, an anime looking to bring together DC comic book and anime fans for one wild ride.
― One of the biggest surprises out of Anime Expo is Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio's Suicide Squad ISEKAI, an anime looking to bring together DC comic book and anime fans for one wild ride. We spoke with seri...
Anime Expo 2023 - Ryuta Koike and Making The First Slam Dunk
After nearly two decades, Slam Dunk is back and scoring big at the box office. Now screening in U.S. and Canadian theaters, we talked to producer Ryuta Koike about bringing this fan-favorite series to life.
― After dominating the box office in Japan, THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, the new anime film of Takehiko Inoue's Slam Dunk basketball manga, made its North American debut at Anime Expo this year. As the f...
BURNOUT SYNDROMES Talk About Writing and Singing Anime Theme Songs
The hit-making band discusses their tracks from Dr. Stone and what anime they hope to create songs for in the future.
― Fans of Haikyuu!!, Dr. Stone, and Gintama are most likely already familiar with BURNOUT SYNDROMES through their anime theme songs. With the recent release of their new album, The WORLD is Mine, Anime News Network was able to sit down with all three members of the band—guitarist and ...
Anime Expo 2023 - Gearing-Up With the Mecha-Ude Anime Creator Okamoto
We spoke with Okamoto about her upcoming anime, the crowdfunding campaign, and the female animation team at TriF Studios.
― Mecha-Ude, which first came to life in 2019 as a crowdfunded pilot episode that smashed its fundraising goals, is set to dazzle fans once more as a full anime series by TriF Studio. The project is spearheaded by original creator Okamoto and is set to debut in 2024. Fans eager f...
The Quiet Terror of PTSD Radio with Eisner-Nominated Horror Manga Creator Masaaki Nakayama
Horror fans, Masaaki Nakayama is a name you need to know. Enter his disturbing world of evil spirits and curses and learn how the slightest tweak of the human face can create an entity that lingers in your nightmares.
― Horror manga is having a moment. This is in no small part due to a newfound appreciation for the works of Junji Ito, who has become a critical darling after multiple Eisner nomination...
'Everything is a Lie' — Yoko Taro, Hiroyuki Seshita, JIN, & Atsushi Ōkubo Discuss KamiErabi GOD.app Anime
Little is known about the KamiErabi GOD.app anime, but its staff line-up is full of heavy hitters. Find out more about the series, the formation of Seshita's 3DCG studio, and Yoko Taro's drunken agreement to join the project.
― Little is known about the KamiErabi GOD.app anime, but its staff line-up is full of heavy hitters. The production boasts character designer Atsushi Ōkubo, the manga creator b...
Anime Expo 2023 - Stirring Up Mysteries with Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Creator Kazutaka Kodaka
RAIN CODE topped Japan's video game sales charts during its debut release, edging ahead of Final Fantasy XVI. Building off its success, we asked its creator about the neon rain-soaked world and if he plans to create more games in the series.
― Game creator Kazutaka Kodaka is well known for his specific brand of "strange," from the conniving murder-teddy of Danganronpa to the wild criminals of Akudam...
Anime Expo 2023 - Friendship is Key to Making The Ancient Magus' Bride
"What I want to portray is a message; it's not blood or what you look like that is the important connection; it's the mental connection that's critical. That's the important aspect you can see in the partnership between Elias and Chise."
― The ethereal fantasy series The Ancient Magus' Bride returned to TV with slow-burn intrigue set in the College. Chise had lived a somewhat reclusive life with Eli...
Anime Expo 2023 - Studio Bones Looks Back on 25 Years of Anime
BONES president Masahiko Minami and co-founder and animator Toshihiro Kawamoto reflect on the studio's biggest hits and their upcoming anniversary project, Metallic Rouge.
― In the 25 years since its inception, Studio Bones has become synonymous with quality. The studio has an incomparable amount of hits under its belt that appeal to a broad audience. Cowboy Bebop has earned its status as a certifie...
Anime Expo 2023 - Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Discusses Next Big Projects
The acclaimed artist is working on his next anime work, ZAN, described as "Ocean's Eleven meets Dante's Inferno."
― Yoshitaka Amano is a man with a seemingly endless drive. He is in high demand, so there's no shortage of ambitious projects to take on. Such a packed slate takes hard work and focus, so you'd be forgiven for thinking such hardened resolve would be paired with a serious, no-nonsense att...
After the Rain and Kowloon Generic Romance Manga Artist Jun Mayuzuki
Manga creator Jun Mayuzuki shares her inspirations for Kowloon Generic Romance, the research that went into creating it, and her feelings about categorizing it as sci-fi.
― Jun Mayuzuki is an acclaimed manga artist best known for the coming-of-age drama After the Rain. Her latest series, Kowloon Generic Romance, ranked third in Takarajimasha's This Manga is Amazing! ranking in 2021 and was also a pr...
Centaurs Manga Creator Ryo Sumiyoshi on Fantasy in Feudal Japan
Although we often think of centaurs as strictly Western creatures, manga has its fair share of centaurs. Even within that body of work, Ryo Sumiyoshi's Centaurs stands out for its art, worldbuilding, and story.
― From Greek mythology to Disney's Fantasia to Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, centaurs, mythical half-human, half-horse beings, have been a fantasy mainstay. Although we often think of ...
Lonely Castle in the Mirror Director Keiichi Hara on Bullying and Other Social Issues Facing Children in Japan
“Statistically, it's gotten to the point where you have one or two kids out of school per class per day. […] So I ended up asking myself, 'What can I do to help?'”
― Earlier this month, Anime News Network was able to sit down with Director Keiichi Hara and talk a bit about his newest anime film, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, prior to its US premiere. In the process we talked about the social issues fa...
How the SPY×FAMILY Creative Team Brought the Manga to Life
Animation producer Kazuki Yamanaka and chief animation director Kyoji Asano share their insight from working on smash-hit anime series.
― Few series manage to capture the imagination and thrill quite like SPY×FAMILY. The exhilarating espionage tale interwoven with family dynamics has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Behind this remarkab...
The Brilliant Minds Behind VINLAND SAGA Season 2
The creative team talks about taking up the mantle for season two and how a "battle of emotions" takes center stage.
― VINLAND SAGA, the critically acclaimed historical anime, has taken audiences on a breathtaking journey through the Viking Age, combining thrilling battles, complex characters, and a gripping narrative. As fans eagerly watch VINLAND SAGA Season 2 each week, we had the privilege of si...
Cardfight!! Vanguard will+Dress Staff Discuss Bringing the Hobby Anime Alive
Character designer and chief animation director Tomokatsu Nagasaku and line producer Eiichi Koshiishi discuss their artistic endeavors, exploring the craft that goes into the latest iteration of the franchise.
― Anime Central welcomed Illinois anime fans last weekend. Among the creatives present were character designer and chief animation director Tomokatsu Nagasaku and line producer Eiichi Koshiish...
How the Record of Ragnarok Director and Series Composition Writer Created a Faithful Adaptation
Following the announcement that Record of Ragnarok II's second part will premiere in July, we have an interview with director Masao Ōkubo and series writer Yuka Yamada about sticking to the manga's roots.
― The Record of Ragnarok anime is an incredibly faithful adaptation of artist Azychika, original creator Shinya Umemura, and narrative composer Takumi Fukui's manga. The series has intense fight seq...
MAN WITH A MISSION Talks New Demon Slayer Season, Upcoming International Tour
MAN WITH A MISSION's Jean-Ken Johnny gushes to ANN about the theme songs in the newest Demon Slayer season, plus the band's upcoming international tour.
― You can always count on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba theme songs to grab your attention. The opening and theme songs of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc feature a team-up between two top artists in Japan: rock band Man With a...
Makoto Shinkai Talks Suzume and the Earthquake that Inspired It
The acclaimed anime director discusses the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on his latest work and what sort of stories he's considering for the future.
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Director Makoto Shinkai made a public appearance at the BFI Southbank on March 1, appearing in a Q&A after a screening of his newest film, Suzume. His films have grown funnier over the years, and so has he. Speaking to the BFI's lead prog...
Marry, F---, or Kill with Alternative Manga Artist Shiu Yoshijima
Shiu Yoshijima, an illustrator and manga artist who specializes in drawing cute yet edgy “poisonous” women, so we had to ask her the age-old question: marry, f---, or kill?
― Anime Boston's one Japanese guest this year was Shiu Yoshijima, an illustrator and manga artist who specializes in drawing cute yet edgy “poisonous” women, typically incorporating fantasy elements into her work. Yoshijima parti...
Tonari Animation's CEO on Which Innovations Will Help the Anime Industry
As the labor shortage in the anime industry deepens, global animation studios like Tonari Animation might be the answer.
― If there's one thing Tonari Animation CEO Jarrett Martin wants anime fans to know about the Japanese animation industry, it's how long it takes to make anime. “For one episode of anime, it takes about six months with a team of people, and they're all working from sun up to sun do...
How Ballmastrz: Rubicon Became an Anime with Creator Christy Karacas
Ballmastrz: 9009 and Superjail! creator Christy Karacas is no stranger to Japanese animation. Find out how his show is getting the anime treatment through a series of fortunate events.
― Ballmastrz: 9009 and Superjail! creator Christy Karacas is no stranger to Japanese animation, and it's through a series of fortunate events that his show is getting the anime treatment. The Ballmastrz: Rubicon specia...
How High Card's Staff Came Up With The Crazy Action
Filled with high-stakes thrills and supernatural battles, we spoke to the staff, including the Kakegurui manga duo, about developing the original project.
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“Are you ready? Itʼs Showdown!!” The High Card anime begins with a literal bang. Filled with high-stakes thrills and supernatural battles, what makes High Card unique is how the powers are centered around the 52 X-Playing Cards. This allows for ...
Inside Polygon Pictures with Kaina of the Great Snow Sea Executive Producer Hideki Moriya
Andrew Osmond tours the remote-work-friendly studio and gets the lowdown on Polygon Picture's latest work, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea.
― In December 2022, I had the fortune to visit Polygon Pictures, the digital studio whose latest series, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea, recently began on Crunchyroll. Polygon's previous titles include Knights of Sidonia, based on a manga by Tsutomu Nihei, who also orig...
Interview: Shuzo John Shiota, President of Polygon Pictures
Polygon Pictures president recounts his earnest beginnings, trying to win over overseas fans, and competition with Studio Orange in our newest interview.
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In December 2022, I had the privilege of visiting the Polygon Pictures Digital animation studio in Tokyo when it was about to enter its 40th year of production. One purpose of the visit was to learn more about the studio's latest TV series, Kaina...
Interview: The Staff of the 2022 BASTARD!! Anime
Hot on the heels of its season two announcement, we have an interview with the BASTARD!! anime staff. Find out why the director says, "I think [Dark Schneider] possesses a strength that doesn't really exist in today's isekai fantasy."
― The new BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- anime debuted on Netflix earlier this year with a second season in the works. The remake breathes new life into Kazushi ...
How Yakuza and Real-World History Collide in Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Richard Eisenbeis talked with game directors Hiroyuki Sakamoto and Yasuaki Uehara about what it was like to combine Like a Dragon's Yakuza-centric stories with the historical events surrounding the last days of the samurai.
― A few weeks back at Sega's HQ here in Tokyo, I got to sit down with both the director of the 2014 Japan-only Like a Dragon: Ishin!, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, and the director of the up...
Meet the Artist of Chainsaw Man Episode 11's ED
Chainsaw Man has brought in a different high-profile artist for each episode's ending theme. Avu-chan from Queen Bee gave us some insight into their experience working on this ambitious anime project as the artist of the ending theme, "Violence."
― Formed in 2009, Queen Bee is a self-described "Fashion Punk" rock band. They are steadily increasing their presence in the anime sphere, performing theme ...
Interview: STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION
Seasoned musician R.O.N discusses his music writing approach and how an international background helped diversify his compositions.
― I first came across the artist Stereo Dive Foundation through their performance of “Daisy,” the ending song for the Kyoto Animation anime Beyond the Boundary. I had no idea at the time that this would become one of the first songs written by a seasoned solo artist perf...
Interview: Mob Psycho 100 Lead Voice Actor Setsuo Ito
"My work takes place before the broadcast, so I can't see the live reaction as I'm performing, but there are many times when I think, 'This will blow everyone's mind!'"
― Voice actor Setsuo Ito has done a stunning job bringing the character of Mob to life in the Mob Psycho 100 anime. We asked him about his journey as a voice actor, what he's looking forward to in season 3, and his thoughts on a certa...
Interview: Gungrave G.O.R.E. General Director Kay kim
With Beyond The Grave's return to the world of video games, we have some burning questions for the team Gungrave G.O.R.E team. We were lucky enough to sit down with general director Kay Kim for a quick one-on-one with Grave's resurrectors.
― With Beyond The Grave's return to the world of video games, we've no doubt had some burning questions for the team responsible for Gungrave G.O.R.E. We were luck...
Production I.G and Studio Wit President George Wada
The newly minted president and CEO of Production I.G talked to us about why Wit Studio has seemingly passed on later seasons of its hit series, whether work-life balance has improved for animators, and how Netflix could better promote anime.
― George Wada at Anime NYC. Photo by: Lynzee Loveridge. George Wada has forged a considerable legacy in the anime industry in the last 20 years. The newly minte...
Attack on Titan Creator Hajime Isayama at Anime NYC
The manga's controversial ending loomed heavily over the hit manga creator's appearance in NYC, culminating in an apology and cheers of reassurance from fans.
― It's no exaggeration that Hajime Isayama was a huge draw at Anime NYC. The event marked the Attack on Titan manga creator's first-ever appearance in the United States and while enthusiasm for the anime is still going strong, it was hinted bef...
INTERVIEW: Studio Trigger's Hiromi Wakabayashi and Shigeto Koyama
"Other studios [are] trying to make the finest foods in a restaurant, whereas at Trigger, we're okay with just continuing to make a decent burger."
― The breakout success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has doubtlessly brought about unprecedented interest in both Studio Trigger's past works and where they will bring their creativity next. At Kumoricon, ANN was fortunate enough to have a talk with Trigger's...
Interview: Star Ocean 6: The Divine Force's Character Designer Akiman
Akiman is a renowned character designer who was called upon to help create the world and cast of Star Ocean 6: The Divine Force. We were lucky enough to sit down with the famed artist to ask him a few questions about his time working on the game.
― Best known for his design work in Capcom's Street Fighter games, Akiman is a renowned character designer who was called upon to help create the world and ...
Anime NYC 2022 - Mob Psycho 100 III Panel and Interview with Voice Actor Setsuo Ito
Setsuo Ito shared his feelings about Mob's growth as a character, his fanart, and bittersweet feelings about finishing the series.
― Setsuo Ito, the voice of Shigeo Kageyama (aka “Mob”) from Mob Psycho 100 III, first came to Anime NYC to promote the anime's second season. With the third and final season of Mob Psycho 100 currently airing, Crunchyroll and Warner Bros. Japan brought Ito back to the con...
Interview: Music Composer Shiro SAGISU on Returning to BLEACH
Shiro SAGISU shares the anime's most memorable track and it was like to revisit it for Thousand-Year Blood War.
― Bleach is back, and it's better than ever. To mark the release of the final arch of the anime series BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, Milan Records has released eight soundtracks from the anime series and films on digital platforms. We also had the opportunity to speak with music composer...
Interview with ANN's CEO and Publisher Christopher Macdonald
Following the news of Kadokawa's acquisition of Anime News Network, many of our readers have asked questions about what this means for the site going forward. ANN CEO and publisher Christopher Macdonald answers your biggest questions.
― Following the news of Kadokawa's acquisition of Anime News Network, many of our readers have asked questions about what this means for the site and its content going ...
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