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Bandai's Plastic Model Factory Installs Solar Panels, Reduces Annual CO2 Emissions by 130 Tons
Bandai Namco Group aims to attain 35% reduction of carbon emissions by 2030, net zero emissions by 2050
― The Mainichi Shimbun's Mantan-Web reported on Wednesday that the Bandai Hobby Center, Bandai Spirits' plastic model production factory in Shizuoka City, has installed 400 solar panels on its rooftops. The panels will produce around 260,000 kilowatts of energy annually, reducing the factory's CO2 ...
WIRED: Good Smile Company Invested US$2.4 Million in 4chan
Nendoroid, Figma toy company acquired 30% share in the controversial website in 2015
― Tech news outlet WIRED reported last Wednesday that Good Smile Company invested US$2.4 million in the controversial website 4chan in 2015, acquiring a 30% share in the website's finances. The Nendoroid and Figma toy company's investment was part of the 2015 sale of 4chan to 2channel founder Hiroyuki Nishimura. WIRE...
VRV Streaming Service Bundle Merges With Crunchyroll
VRV subscriptions, watch histories, queues migrate to Crunchyroll Premium accounts
― The official website for Crunchyroll's VRV streaming service bundle announced on Tuesday that it will merge with Crunchyroll, with current VRV subscriptions, including watch histories and queues, migrating to Crunchyroll Premium accounts. Due to VRV being a Crunchyroll brand, it became part of Sony's Funimation Globa...
TMS Entertainment Raises Base Salary, With New Hires Now Earning 260,000 Yen per Month
Current employees also receive 24% increase in monthly salary
― Anime studio TMS Entertainment announced on Monday that it has instituted a new salary increase for both current employees and new hires, with the former receiving a 30% increase in monthly salary, and the latter receiving a 24% increase in monthly salary. New hires now receive a monthly salary of 260,000 yen (about US$1,900). The studio...
Kadokawa to Shut Down Anime Hotel, Narita Airport Shopping Venue
Anime-themed hotel, store struggle to attract customers
― Kadokawa announced on Thursday that it will close two of its anime-themed tourism businesses, after the ventures struggled to attract customers and failed to secure expected profits. The company will close the "EJ Anime Hotel" on May 31, and the "Narita Anime Deck" located at the Narita International Airport on June 30. Kadokawa stated that th...
DMM Establishes Animation Production Company CUE
Former Production I.G executive Rui Kuroki serves as new company's president, CEO
― Internet service and game developer DMM established a new "CUE" animation production company on Thursday. The name comes both from a cue stick used in billiards and the word "Cue" being used at the start of recording. Production I.G's former executive officer and production manager Rui Kuroki will serve as the new com...
KanColle Developer Wins Defamation Lawsuit
Defendant sold defamatory goods while wearing mask with likeness of game creator at August 2020 event
― The Tokyo District Court awarded 4.40 million yen (about US$33,600) in damages to C2 Präparat Co., Ltd., the creator and developer of the KanColle (Kantai Collection) game, on January 26. The decision was for a lawsuit against an individual who defamed the franchise and C2 head Kensuke Tanaka by se...
Late Voice Actor Kenji Utsumi's Voice Replicated by AI for Sony Audiobook App
YOMIBITO Plus also uses Katsuyuki Konishi, Shūichirō Umeda's AI-replicated voices
― Sony Music Entertainment launched a new audiobook app named YOMIBITO Plus on Wednesday. The app features classic works of Japanese literature read by synthesized voices of three notable voice actors, replicated with AI technology from the company CoeFont. The video below uses narration by an AI-replicated voice from S...
Tokyopop, MENA Media Company MBC Group Launch 'MBC Anime' Initiative
Tokyopop founder/CEO Stu Levy to lead venture to commission, produce, invest in anime
― Tokyopop and MBC Group, a large media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) based in Saudi Arabia, announced on Wednesday that they are partnering to create MBC Anime, a new joint venture that will commission, produce, and invest in a series of anime titles. Tokyopop founder and CEO Stu Levy is leadin...
Chinese Authorities Arrest 4 People Allegedly Associated With 'Largest' Anime Piracy Site Aimed at Japanese People
Piracy site shut down on Monday
― Japan's Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), an organization that aims to reduce worldwide piracy and actively promote the international distribution of Japanese content, revealed on Tuesday that the Public Security Bureau of China's Jiangsu Province have arrested four people in suspicion of being associated with "B9GOOD," one of the "largest" anime pira...
NetEase Games Launches Anici Anime Brand
NetEase established Nici Co. Ltd. in Tokyo in June 2020
― NetEase Games recently launched the Anici (pronounced ah-nee-shee) anime brand as part of Nici Co. Ltd. Anici had its first AnimeJapan exhibit at this year's event last weekend. The brand aims to provide content with respect to content creation and the spirit of challenge under the theme of "that passion, even 10 years later." NetEase Games es...
Local Manga Localization Company No Longer Plans to Settle Late Freelancer Payments
Former company owner previously told ANN that he plans to settle all late payments by March 31
― After months of debt struggles, localization company Local Manga no longer intends to settle late payments to freelancers. The company's former owner Christopher Hepburn announced in a company-wide Discord message on March 11 that he will no "longer be able to satisfy any alleged outstanding debts that re...
The [email protected] Series Producer Yozo Sakagami Steps Down
Sakagami steps down after 18 years in the franchise
― The official website for The [email protected] franchise announced on Wednesday that series producer Yozo Sakagami will step down from his position at the end of March. Sakagami originally planned to step down from his position on the franchise's 15th anniversary in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the franchise's plans were delayed or suspended, ...
Amazon to Lay Off Another 9,000 Employees
Layoffs to affect Amazon Web Services; People, Experience and Technology; advertising; Twitch
― Entertainment news magazine Variety reported on Monday that Amazon will cut another 9,000 staff positions on top of the previously announced layoffs taking place at the company. CEO Andy Jassy stated that the layoffs will affect Amazon Web Services (AWS); People, Experience and Technology (PXT); advertisin...
This Week in Anime - Which Recent Anime Announcements Are Most Hype-Worthy?
What's the most exciting new anime announcement? And what's the guarantee that your favorite series will get a good adaptation—or any adaptation at all?
― What's the most exciting new anime announcement? And what's the guarantee that your favorite series will get a good adaptation—or any adaptation at all? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the v...
Bushiroad President Takaaki Kidani Steps Down as BanG Dream! Franchise's Executive Producer
Kidani had led project for 9 years
― Bushiroad president and founder Takaaki Kidani announced at the BanG Dream! franchise's "Garupa 6th Anniversary Fan Festa in Akihabara" event on Saturday that he is stepping down as the franchise's executive producer. Kidani had been leading the BanG Dream! project for nine years since its conception. For the past two years, he had already been entrusting the proj...
RetroCrush: Some Anime May Be Unavailable During Service Update
Titles will return at later date
― Digital Media Rights' RetroCrush streaming service confirmed with ANN on Friday that the company is performing a major update on the service, starting with the desktop app, which involves a server migration and systems change. As a result, some titles may be currently unavailable. RetroCrush has stated that the missing titles will return to the app following the fin...
NPD Bookscan Becomes Circana Books
Result of NPD Group, Information Resources, Inc. merger
― Media news website ICv2 reported on Tuesday that NPD BookScan will become Circana Books, following the merge of NPD Group and Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) in 2022. The two companies merged when private equity firm Hellman & Friedman, which acquired NDP Group in 2021, acquired a majority stake in IRI and merged it with NPD. NPD Group acqui...
The Most Beloved Manga Characters of 2022, According to Magademy Industry Award
Blue Giant Explorer, Medalist, Tokyo Revengers, Detective Conan, Gachiakuta, Chiikawa characters acknowledged
― BookLive's Magademy Award for honoring manga characters announced its results on Wednesday. The winners are as follows (note: "actor" here refers to the fictional character): Best lead male actor: Dai Miyamoto from Shinichi Ishizuka's Blue Giant Explorer
Best lead female actor: Inori Yuitsu...
Pokémon Company Opens Job Listing Requiring Blockchain, NFT Knowledge
Square Enix plans blockchain games for fiscal year 2024
― Siliconera reported on Tuesday that The Pokémon Company International opened a job listing for a Corporate Development Principal. One of the requirements is "deep knowledge and understanding of Web 3, including blockchain technologies and NFT, and/or metaverse." Although the job description does not make reference to Web3, the role "drives inn...
Chika Anzai, Takuya Eguchi, Atsumi Tanezaki Win 17th Annual Seiyū Awards
Shūichi Ikeda, Ryotaro Okiayu, Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, Jujutsu Kaisen, more honored
― The organizers of the 17th Annual Seiyū Awards announced the winners on Saturday. The winners include: Best Lead Actor Award
Award for best leading performances from an actor during the year
Chika Anzai Takuya Eguchi Atsumi Tanezaki Best Supporting Actor Award
Award for best supporting performances from an...
Plex Streaming Service Adds 24/7 HIDIVE Anime Channel
Anime licensed by Sentai Filmworks stream for free with ads
― The Plex streaming service added earlier this month a new "Anime x HIDIVE" channel that plays anime licensed by Sentai Filmworks all day for free with advertisements. Streaming anime include Maid Sama!, Princess Principal, Kokoro Connect, Clannad, Land of the Lustrous, Non Non Biyori Repeat, Beyond the Boundary, My Teen Romantic Comedy - S...
This Week in Anime - And the Award for Best Anime Awards Goes To...
Beyond arguing about whether your fave made it in, what's the point of anime awards? Chris and Nicky discuss the pros of the various fan and industry awards ceremonies.
― Beyond arguing about whether your fave made it in, what's the point of anime awards? Chris and Nicky discuss the pros of the various fan and industry awards ceremonies. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participan...
Tokyopop Confirms Founder, CEO Stu Levy Has 'Stepped Back' From U.S. Operations
Levy tells ANN he will "focus on overall group strategy ... instead of day to day operations"
― Tokyopop marketing associate Kae Winters confirmed in an interview with ICv2 on Thursday that founder and CEO Stu Levy is stepping back from the company's operations in the United States. Winters told ICv2: Stu's been a major part of Tokyopop for so long, but with his own family now – and his move to Germa...
Distribution Solutions to Distribute Sentai Filmworks/Section 23's Home Video Releases (Updated)
Alliance Entertainment Corporation subsidiary begins handling distribution on April 3
― Sentai Filmworks announced on Monday that Distribution Solutions (DS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Entertainment Corporation, will begin handling distribution of Blu-ray Disc and home entertainment products from Sentai Filmworks and Section 23 on April 3. DS will handle sales order processing, distributi...
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Increases Stake in Both Toei, Nintendo
PIF raises stake in Toei to 6.03%, in Nintendo to 8.26%
― Reuters reported on Friday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by the kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has raised is stake in Toei Co., Ltd from 5% to 6.03%. Arab News also reported on February 17 that Public Investment Fund similarly raised its stake in Nintendo to 8.26%. PIF originally acquired...
Takashi Kiryu to Become Square Enix's New President, Representative Director
Current president Yosuke Matsuda will retire
― Square Enix announced on Friday that Takashi Kiryu (pictured right) will replace Yosuke Matsuda as the company's president and representative director. Kiryu will serve as the president and representative director of both Square Enix Holdings Co, Ltd. and Square Enix Co., Ltd. The company plans to officially finalize the change in shareholder meetings in...
Animator Supporters Project Posts Toshio Okada's Criticisms of Production Committee System with English Subtitles
Okada claims production committees caps the budget on individual anime titles
― On Monday, the Animator Supporters non-profit organization began streaming an English-subtitled clip from former Gainax president Toshio Okada's YouTube channel. The clip details Okada's criticisms of the anime production committee system. Okada claimed that animators are so poor even though the industry attracts more mon...
Kadokawa to Open Manga, Anime/Voice Actor Acadamies in April 2024
Two new schools, the Kadokawa Manga Academy and the Kadokawa Anime and Voice Acting Academy, are slated to open in Tokyo and Osaka in April 2024. The two schools are led by Vantan, an establishment under the Kadokawa Group that develops educational institutions for the creative industries. For students aged 18 and above, the Kadokawa Manga Academy will offer three-year and four-year specialization...
Manga Planet, futekiya Merge Online Manga Libraries, Update Services
Android, iOS app for new combined service launches in summer 2023
― The official Twitter accounts for the Manga Planet and futekiya manga subscription services announced on Saturday that the companies will combine their libraries into a single service under the Manga Planet brand in spring 2023. The company will launch an Android and iOS application for the new combined service in summer 2023. The co...
Manga Market Reaches Record 677 Billion Yen in Japan in 2022
Manga market's growth slowed to 0.2%, compared to 10.3% growth in 2021
― The All Japan Magazine and Book Publisher's and Editor's Association (AJPEA) revealed on Friday its report on the Japanese manga industry in Japan in 2022. The manga market grew 0.2% year-on-year in 2022, with the market value amounting to 677.0 billion yen (about US$4.96 billion), compared to 675.9 billion yen (about US$5.9 bil...
Voice Actor Advocacy Group Streams Animated Videos Explaining Japan's Controversial Invoice System
Freelancers, sole proprietors will lose their tax-exempt status after system goes into effect in October
― The voice actor advocacy group Voiction has opposed Japan's controversial new invoice system ever since it was announced. According to surveys it conducted from September to October last year, 76% of voice actors self-reported an income of less than 3 million yen (about US$21,638), and 27% respo...
Netflix Lowers Prices for Streaming Plans in 100+ Countries, Territories
Prices reduced in Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa; but not in N. America, Western Europe
― Entertainment news source Variety reported on Friday that Netflix is lowering its streaming plan prices in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Netflix confirmed for example that the Basic plan dropped from ₱369 (abo...
Canada's Teletoon Rebrands as Cartoon Network on March 27
Current Cartoon Network channel will rebrand as Boomerang
― Corus Entertainment announced on Tuesday that its Teletoon channel in Canada will rebrand as Cartoon Network on March 27. The current Cartoon Network channel in Canada will simultaneously rebrand as Boomerang. Teletoon launched in Canada in October 1997. The channel has aired many anime in English, including the Bakugan franchise, several Po...
Crunchyroll Lays Off Approximately 85 Employees Globally
Sources: Not cost-saving measure but resolving redundancy between Crunchyroll, Funimation
― Anime streaming service Crunchyroll laid off about 85 employees last week. According to one employee with knowledge about the recent terminations, the layoffs included employees in the United States, Moldova, France, Germany, and Australia and primarily affected the company's marketing and engineering sectors....
Resident Evil Creator Shinji Mikami to Leave Tango Gameworks
Tango Gameworks founder, studio head to leave in the "coming months"
― Bethesda confirmed on Thursday that Tango Gameworks (The Evil Within, Ghostwire: Tokyo) founder and studio head Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil) will leave the studio in the "coming months." Mikami founded Tango Gameworks in March 2010. The company released The Evil Within in 2014, The Evil Within 2 in 2017, and Ghostwire: Tokyo in M...
Bandai Namco Delves Into Vertical-Scrolling Manga
Echoes, Bandai, Bandai Namco Filmworks launch Bandana Comic label this year
― Echoes, Bandai, Bandai Namco Filmworks announced on Tuesday that they have established a new joint business venture for a vertical-scrolling manga label and service named Bandana Comic. The site will launch sometime after summer, and the service will begin sometime at the end of 2023. Bandai will establish a new vertical sc...
Crunchyroll Lays Off About 85 Employees Globally
Sources: Not cost-saving measure but resolving redundancy between Crunchyroll, Funimation
― Anime streaming service Crunchyroll laid off about 85 employees last week. According to one employee with knowledge about the recent terminations, the layoffs included employees in the United States, Moldova, France, Germany, and Australia and primarily affected the company's marketing and engineering sectors....
Studio Chizu Shares Vision of the Future at JX '23
Studio producer Yuichiro Saito emphasized family as the global core value, which the studio uses as a compass to “chart a map” into a “brighter, more hopeful future.”
― Hosted at the Grammy Museum, the inaugural JX '23 honored Studio Chizu as a cultural pioneer for its global success in film. JX, which stands for Japan Crossover, brought together guests from all facets of the entertainment industry u...
Japanese Home Video Sales Down by 16.1% in 2022
2022 marks 17th consecutive year of decline for Japanese home video market
― The Japan Video Software Association (JVA) released its report on home video sales from January to December 2022 on February 7. The DVD and Blu-ray Disc physical home video market's annual revenue amounted to 114.819 billion yen (about US$869 million) with 30,982,000 total discs sold, a 16.1% decrease from last year. 43.617 ...
Netflix Extends Password-Sharing Limits to Canada, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal
Subscribers can add up to 2 secondary users outside of account's primary location for additional charge
― CNN reported on Thursday that Netflix has extended its new password-sharing policy to Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and Portugal. Subscribers will be able to add up to two secondary users who reside outside of the account's primary location for an additional charge of CAD$7.99 (US$5.96), NZD$7.99 (...
Thorfinn Dub Voice Actor Mike Haimoto Accused of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault
Avery Smithhart (Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul's Prushka, Land of the Lustrous' Cinnabar) claims that he isolated her, made up extravagant stories about his past, and in one instance sexually assaulted her after a party.
― English dub voice actor Mike Haimoto (Vinland Saga, Natsume's Book of Friends, Vermeil in Gold) was accused of domestic abuse and sexual assault by his former girlfriend Ave...
Yen Press to Hire 4 New Editorial Assistants
― Yen Press has announced that it is looking to hire four Editorial Assistants. The full-time position will pay US$40,000-US$45,000 per year. Skills required include Japanese language skills with JLPT level 3 or higher; computer skills including MS Word, Excel, Adobe Suit, and databases; time management skills; and a knowledge of and interest in manga and light novels; among other skills. A Bachelor...
Variety Report: Chainsaw Man, Bleach Among 2022's Most Pirated Series in the U.S.
Anime titles make up 50% of the most pirated series in the U.S. last year
― A special report by Variety Intelligence Platform and piracy research firm Muso revealed that Chainsaw Man and Bleach are among 2022's most pirated series in the U.S., with Chainsaw Man taking 2nd place and Bleach ranking 6th. In fact, anime titles make up 50% of the most pirated series in the U.S. last year. The top 10 most ...
Shufunotomo Infos Takes Over Part of Imagica Image Works' Animation, Webtoon Business
Both companies part of Imagica Group
― Media company Imagica Group announced on Tuesday that it will move part of the animation production and webtoon business of its Imagica Image Works subsidiary company to its publishing company subsidiary Shufunotomo Infos beginning in April. The company made the move as part of its expansion and revitalization of its IP business to a global market, and to promot...
Netflix Launches New Password-Sharing Policy in Chile, Costa Rica, Peru
Company shares policy on its U.S. FAQ page before removing it, attributing it to an error
― IndieWire reported on Thursday that Netflix has launched its new password-sharing policy in test markets Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru. Netflix had shared the policy on its United States FAQ page before removing it and attributing it to an error. The new policy stated that all devices using a single Netflix acco...
Comikey Launches Brazilian Website
Company adds 5 webtoon titles in Brazilian Portuguese
― Comikey announced on Monday that it has launched a Brazilian Portuguese website under a new subdomain. The following webtoons are now available on the service in Brazilian Portuguese: Soon-Q and Studio KHIT's Latna Saga: A Jornada do Rei Espadachim (Latna Saga: Survival of a Sword King)
Parrot Kim, Tae_A, and Studio KHIT's The Player Who Can't L...
Dentsu Officials Admit to Rigging Bids for Tokyo Olympics Contracts
Prosecutors also charge Aoki Holdings executives in connection to bid-rigging scandal
― Officials from major Japanese advertising firm Dentsu admitted to rigging bids for contracts related to the Tokyo Olympics test events during a voluntary questioning with prosecutors from the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office last week. The officials also said that they were not aware of the illegality of ...
Japan's Publishing Market Sees 1st Overall Sales Decrease in 4 Years
Digital manga sales see 8.9% rise
― The All Japan Magazine and Book Publisher's and Editor's Association (AJPEA) revealed on Wednesday its report on the publishing industry in Japan in 2022. The publishing market as a whole declined 2.6% in 2022 to a total market value of 1.6305 trillion yen (about US$12.59 billion). The digital market rose 7.5% to 501.3 billion yen (about US$3.87 billion), and the p...
Hasbro to Lay Off 15% of Workforce in 2023
Company to cut approximately 1,000 positions this year
― Hasbro announced on Thursday it is planning a 15% reduction of its global workforce. The company will cut approximately 1,000 positions this year, beginning in the next several weeks. The company also stated that it will announce “a new organizational model, commercial alignment, and leadership changes” during its quarterly earnings call on Feb...
Answerman - What's With All the Delayed Aniplex Shows?
Kim explains how it's not just COVID, but shortcomings of the industry itself, that led to three anime productions' schedule crashes.
― This time, we interrupt the regular reader-submitted questions with some “behind the headlines” analysis. Kim asked:
Three Aniplex shows—NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a, UniteUp!, and Ayakashi Triangle—have recently announced delays due to COVID-19. Is COVID actually a probl...
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.
―
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...
Tokyopop Appoints Marc Visnick as COO, Publisher
Visnick joined company in early 2022
― Tokyopop announced on Thursday that the company has appointed Marc Visnick as the COO and publisher. The company promoted Visnick internally from the post of vice president of publishing. In his role as COO and publisher, Visnick will manage all North American operations of the company including print, digital, editorial, marketing/PR, sales, and distribution. H...
Netflix Crosses 230.75 Million Global Paid Subscribers, Co-CEO Reed Hastings Steps Down
"Paid sharing" subscription options to be available "more broadly" in 1st quarter of 2023
― IndieWire reported on Thursday that Netflix has crossed 230.75 million global paid subscribers, gaining 7.66 million subscribers in the final quarter of 2022. The news website also reported that the company's co-founder and co-CEO Reed Hastings is stepping down from his post. Netflix also announced that its “p...
Amazon Lays Off Comixology Staff
Amazon to layoff 18,000 of its employees
― Amazon laid off a major number of its staff in its digital comic book platform division Comixology on Wednesday. According to Comixology program manager Scott McGovern, "numerous" staffers, about 75%, were affected and received an email from Amazon regarding the layoffs. Polygon reported that many people have been affected, and The Beat states that all jobs ...
Bandai Namco Sues Former Worker for Allegedly Embezzling 600 Million Yen in Mobile Devices
Employee allegedly sold 4,400 company smartphones from 2015 to 2022
― Bandai Namco Holdings revealed on Wednesday that it is suing a former employee for 600 million yen (about US$4.65 million) in damages, claiming that the employee sold internal company smartphones without authorization for personal profit. According to Bandai Namco Holdings, its subsidiary company Bandai Namco Entertainment first no...
Answerman - Why Do Some Anime Releases Have a "Content Japan" Logo On Them?
Kim explains this specific anti-piracy measure and how it came to be used.
― Taylor asked:
I keep seeing that Content Japan logo for a variety of releases outside Japan, no matter who the licensor or licensee is. From my current collection, I see it on Blue Exorcist, Clannad, Eureka Seven (Essentials release), IGPX, My Hero Academia (on some occasions), Promare, Spirited Away, and that's just some. ...
Japanese Streaming Service GYAO! Shuts Down on March 31
― The Japanese streaming service GYAO! announced on Monday that the service will shut down on March 31. The GYAO! Store will also shut down at that time. The streaming service launched in Japan in September 2009 after combining the USEN-managed GyaO and Yahoo! Japan-managed Yahoo! Douga services. No membership registration is required to view videos on GYAO!. Users can watch movies, live-action show...
HBO Max Increases Monthly Subscriber Price from US$14.99 to US$15.99
New ad-free plan pricing starts on February 11
― The HBO Max streaming service revealed on Thursday that it is increasing the monthly price for the ad-free plan from US$14.99 to US$15.99, starting on February 11. Current subscribers whose next billing date falls on or after that day will pay the new monthly price. This marks the service's first price increase since its launch. The HBO Max streaming s...
Belarus Legalizes Piracy of Audiovisual Media, Computer Software From Japan
Government will allow access without the consent of copyright holders from "unfriendly" nations until December 2024
― The government of Belarus passed a law on January 3 permitting residents to access audiovisual media and computer software without the consent of copyright holders from "unfriendly" nations, of which Japan is a part of. The new law will be in effect until December 2024. Going forward,...
del Toro's Pinocchio Film Wins Golden Globe Award Over Inu-Oh
― Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio won the Best Motion Picture – Animated award in the 80th Golden Globe Awards on Tuesday. Inu-Oh, Masaaki Yuasa's musical anime feature film of Hideo Furukawa's Heike Monogatari: Inu-Oh no Maki (Tales of the Heike: Inu-Oh) novel, was nominated in this category. Other nominees include Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Turning Red. Aside ...
Animator Dormitory Project Launches 2023 Crowdfunding Campaign
Campaign has a US$30,000 goal, which would house 10 new animators
― The Animator Supporters non-profit organization launched its 2023 crowdfunding campaign for the Animator Dormitory project on Saturday. The campaign has a US$30,000 goal, which would house 10 new animators. The organization is also planning to hire animators for music video projects with a fixed salary rather than by piece rate. The ...
Chiyomaru Shikura Steps Down as Chair, Executive Director of MAGES.
Shikura to remain as executive producer at company that holds Steins;Gate, other Science Adventure titles
―
The multimedia company MAGES. and its chairperson and founding executive director Chiyomaru Shikura announced on Wednesday that Shikura is stepping down from these positions. He will remain as an executive producer who will focus on the development of original works and new games. The content ...
More Actors Tie the Knot on New Year's Day
Ryota Katayose & Tao Tsuchiya, Gou Ayano & Yui Sakuma announce marriages
― The new year brought in a wave of Japanese celebrity marriage announcements, including singer Aimer's marriage to musician Masahiro Tobinai, Smile Down the Runway manga creator Kotoba Inoya's marriage to voice actress Ayaka Suwa, and voice actor's Nobunaga Shimazaki marriage to an anonymous partner. The New Year's Day marriage...
ANN's Most Read News and Interest Articles of 2022
We bid one last goodbye to 2022 with our top stories from the year.
― 2022 was a very different year compared to 2021 and 2020. The pandemic continued, but it no longer dominated the headlines, and its effects were much less apparent in most of our readers' countries. Although it didn't make the top ANN news itself, one of the biggest stories worldwide was, of course, the return to “life as usual,” o...
Japanese Art Commission Platform Skeb Bans AI Art
Includes works which are only partially created with AI software
― The Japanese art commission platform Skeb announced on its Twitter account last Friday that it is banning AI art submitted to the "illustration" category, including works which are only partially created with AI software. The staff is personally screening submissions to detect signs of AI use and gathering opinions from creators about...
Pokémon Company Sues Company Advertising 'PokéWorld' NFT Game
Court restrains Australian company from claiming license or affiliation with Pokémon Company
― The Pokémon Company International has filed a lawsuit against Pokémon Pty Ltd, an Australian company advertising its unlicensed non-fungible token (NFT) game "PokéWorld" under the name Kotiota Studios. The "PokéWorld" website falsely claims that The Pokémon Company International and Kotiota are making the g...
Seven Seas States Amazon in Europe Has Stopped Purchasing its Titles
Seven Seas: Amazon Europe has made "environmental decision" to cease purchasing from publisher
― North American manga and light novel publisher Seven Seas Entertainment announced on Twitter on Monday that Amazon in Europe has made an "environmental decision" to stop purchasing books from the company. Seven Seas added Amazon in Europe has also ceased purchasing from other companies in Seven Seas' regi...
Local Manga Localization Company Struggles to Settle Debts By December 31 Deadline
Former company owner told ANN that he now plans to settle all late payments to freelancers by March 31
― Localization company Local Manga is reportedly struggling to issue months' worth of late payments to freelancers after announcing that all debts would be “satisfied in full” by December 31. Local Manga's representative Christopher Hepburn announced on Twitter on November 3 that he is relinquishing...
HIDIVE: Some Temporarily Unavailable Series Expected to Return to HIDIVE in Early 2023
Series such as Amagi Brilliant Park, Di Gi Charat are unavailable due to ongoing curation of HIDIVE library
― HIDIVE revealed to ANN that due to "a regular and ongoing curation" of its library, some series such as Amagi Brilliant Park and Di Gi Charat are temporarily unavailable but "are expected to return to HIDIVE in early 2023." HIDIVE did not list all series that are missing or when it removed th...
CREST Acquires Utawarerumono Developer Aquaplus
Also: CREST merges with 2 companies, renames itself to HIKE
― CREST announced on Friday that it has acquired the video game development company Aquaplus, and Aquaplus is now a subsidiary of the company. CREST also announced that it is merging with SANETTY Produce and QBIST on February 1, and the new company after the merger will be called HIKE. SANETTY Produce handles production of "2.5D" stage event...
Ken Akamatsu Says Japan's Controversial Invoice System Can't Be Stopped
The manga creator turned legislator is now focusing his efforts on revising the law after it goes into effect next October
― Although manga artist turned legislator Ken Akamatsu campaigned on a platform of staunch opposition to Japan's controversial new invoice system, his most recent comments about the issue are more measured. Last Friday, he wrote on Twitter that "the hurdle is high" for changing t...
Penguin Random House CEO Resigns Following Unsuccessful Attempted Acquisition of Simon & Schuster
COO Nihar Malaviya will become interim CEO
― Penguin Random House CEO Markus Dohle announced on Friday that he is resigning following the company's unsuccessful attempted acquisition of publishing business Simon & Schuster. COO Nihar Malaviya will become interim CEO while the company looks for a Dohle's replacement. Dohle became CEO of the merged company Penguin Random House in 2013, and he served as...
Right Stuf President, Co-Founder Shawne Kleckner Leaves Right Stuf/Crunchyroll
Kleckner co-founded anime retail, licensing company in 1987
― In an email sent to Crunchyroll staff and shared with Anime News Network, anime retailer Right Stuf president and co-founder Shawne Kleckner told fellow employees this week that he will leave Right Stuf and Crunchyroll on December 14. He expressed his confidence in the current Right Stuf management team at Crunchyroll. Kleckner's friend To...
Right Stuf President, Co-Founder Shawne Klecker Leaves Right Stuf/Crunchyroll
Kleckner co-founded anime retail, licensing company in 1987
― In an email sent to Crunchyroll staff and shared with Anime News Network, anime retailer Right Stuf president and co-founder Shawne Kleckner told fellow employees this week that he will leave Right Stuf and Crunchyroll on December 14. He expressed his confidence in the current Right Stuf management team at Crunchyroll. Kleckner's friend To...
Toho International Appoints Former Crunchyroll Executives Kristin Parcell, Stacy Burt to Build E-Commerce Platform for Godzilla Franchise
New platform launches in 2023
― Toho International, Toho's U.S.-based subsidiary, appointed former Crunchyroll executives Kristin Parcell as general manager and Stacy Burt as director of marketing. The two will focus on building an e-commerce platform catered to fandom for Toho's Godzilla franchise, including its anime. The new platform will feature existing products and exclusives, and Toho is plann...
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...
Crunchyroll: Some Home Video Releases May Be Unavailable While SKUs Refresh
Crunchyroll: "There are current Funimation SKUs that will be retired and replaced with new SKUs"
― Crunchyroll revealed to ANN on Monday that some stock keeping units (SKUs) for home video releases from Funimation will be retired and replaced with new SKUs. Subsequently, there may be a period of time when select titles are unavailable on home video. Crunchyroll provided a comment to ANN:
There are cu...
Animate Group's C-labo Card Shop Chain Accused of Tax Evasion
Company states it has already filed revised tax return, paid full amount due; former CEO indicted
― The Animate Group's C-labo card shop chain revealed on Thursday that the company and its former representative director Keiichirō Nishiura have been accused of violating corporate tax law. The announcement stated the company has already filed a revised tax return under the guidance of the National Tax ...
Sentai Filmworks/HIDIVE Owner AMC Networks' CEO Steps Down, Announces Layoffs
AMC Networks to lay off employees due to subscriber losses from cable-cutting
― AMC Networks' CEO Christina Spade has stepped down on Monday after less than three months in the role. The company is planning to lay off about 20% of its employees due to subscriber losses from cancellation of cable bundles in favor of streaming services. According to the company, its streaming services, such as AMC+, ha...
Tokyo Laboratory Ends Film Processing Business After 67 Years
Digital imaging, video editing, archiving businesses transfer to parent company Toho
― Tokyo Laboratory (Tokyo Genzōsho, or Togen) and parent company Toho announced on Friday that Tokyo Laboratory is ending its film processing business on Wednesday after 67 years. The companies decided that it would be difficult to continue it due to a change in its business environment, including increased movement ...
Hakuhodo, Fuji Creative, Tokyu Agency, Same Two Searched in Olympic Bribery Scandal
Prosecutors also raided Dentsu, Cerespo
― Japanese prosecutors on Monday searched offices for advertising agencies Hakuhodo Inc. and Tokyu Agency Inc., as well as event production companies Fuji Creative Corporation and Same Two Inc., on suspicion of rigging bids for contracts related to last year's Tokyo Olympics test events. Prosecutors and the Japan Fair Trade Commission raided advertising agency ...
Manga Industry Survey: Over 20% of Artists Fear Bankruptcy Due to Japan's New Invoice System
From October 2023, invoices will be subject to consumption tax
― Last Tuesday, representatives from four entertainment industry lobby groups held a press conference to express their opposition to Japan's controversial new invoice system. Manga artist Reon Yutaka revealed worrying statistics based on a manga industry survey: 98% of respondents were sole proprietors, and among them 20.6％ reported that ...
NHK Asks Netflix to Remove its Titles Due to Ad-Supported Subscriptions
Netflix removes advertisements for NHK programming, continues to stream titles
― The Japan Times reported on Thursday that NHK has asked Netflix to suspend distribution of all of its 22 titles after Netflix's launch of its new advertisement-supported subscription tier. Netflix removed advertisements for NHK programming on Wednesday and continues to stream the titles. According to The Japan Times, Net...
Japan's Ministry of Finance Aims to Make Cool Japan Fund Profitable by 2025 or Risk Consolidation
Cool Japan Fund is 30.9 billion yen in the red
― Japan's Ministry of Finance revealed on Wednesday that it is setting up a new improvement plan for Cool Japan Fund, the public-private company that the Japanese government employs to fund projects as part of its "Cool Japan" program. If it cannot make Cool Japan Fund profitable by the end of fiscal year 2025, the Ministry may consolidate it. This is th...
Penguin Random House's Acquisition of Simon & Schuster Terminated
Paramount Global did not extend purchase agreement; PRH to pay US$200 million termination fee
― Publishing business Simon & Schuster's parent company Paramount Global did not extend the purchase agreement it had with Penguin Random House to acquire Simon & Schuster on Monday, terminating the purchase and forcing Penguin Random House to pay Paramount Global a US$200 million termination fee. A federal ...
Polygon Pictures Buys More Shares, Renames Malaysia Studio to Polygon Pictures Malaysia
Polygon Pictures jointly established Malaysia subsidiary Silver Ant-PPI with Studio Silver Ant in 2013
― Polygon Pictures announced on Friday that it has acquired additional shares in Malaysia-based joint venture studio Silver Ant-PPI (SAPPI) and has renamed it to Polygon Pictures Malaysia. Polygon Pictures stated that its objective in the acquisition is to increase its competitiveness in the field o...
Game Director Yuji Naka Arrested for Insider Trading
Naka arrested for purchasing shares in Dragon Quest Tact developer Aiming prior to game's announcement
― The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office arrested game programmer and director Yuji Naka on Friday on suspicion of insider trading, or buying/selling stock on the basis of nonpublic information. The arrest is connected with Thursday's arrests of former Square Enix employee Taisuke Sasaki and h...
pixiv Announces Transaction Restrictions For 'Unethical' Content
Users asked to delete or make private such content before new Terms of Service roll out on December 15
― The pixiv art website announced an update to its Terms of Service on Tuesday, and also warned that some users are violating its Brand Protection for Card Networks policy on transactions of prohibited content through the site's BOOTH, pixivFANBOX, and pixiv Requests services. The prohibited content...
2 Square Enix Employees Arrested for Insider Trading
Both purchased shares in Dragon Quest Tact developer Aiming prior to game's announcement
― The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office arrested two former Square Enix employees on suspicion of insider trading, or buying/selling stock on the basis of nonpublic information. Around November 2019, while working at Square Enix, Taisuke Sasaki had learned that the company and Aiming were developing the Dr...
Amazon to Lay Off About 10,000 Employees
Layoffs in corporate/technology jobs including Amazon devices organization (Alexa)
― Amazon has begun laying off employees this week, and it is reportedly planning to lay off about 10,000 people in corporate and technology jobs. This includes the Amazon devices organization (Alexa), retail division, and human resources. The number 10,000 represents about 3% of Amazon's corporate employees and less th...
BookWalker Global Launches TATESC Comics Vertical-Scrolling Webcomic Brand in English
24 titles available at launch including Bungo Stray Dogs, The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
― BookWalker Global announced on Wednesday that it will launch the TATESC Comics vertical-scrolling webcomic brand in English. TATESC (pronounced ta-te-sk) stands for TATE (vertical) and SC (scrolling). Kadokawa launched the service in Japanese in August 2021. TATESC features the following 24 launch titles: A Blossom...
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