Anime

Crunchyroll raises prices on all anime streaming plans

February 02, 2026 Reported by AI Image generated by AI

Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming service, has announced a $2 monthly price increase for all its subscription tiers, effective immediately for new customers and from March for existing ones. This hike comes shortly after the platform eliminated its free tier at the end of 2025. The changes add offline viewing to the entry-level plan while introducing new features like multiple profiles and ad-skipping options.

Foreign companies increasingly adopt anime and manga as PR tools

Global companies from McDonald’s to Lego, Gucci, and Amtrak are increasingly using anime and manga to promote products and convey corporate messages, drawn to the global appeal and low-risk nature of the Japanese art form.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin anime specials announce new cast and staff

February 01, 2026 Reported by AI

The promotional video for the two-part spinoff specials of the Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin anime has revealed a new voice actress and additional staff members. Asami Imai will voice Uketa Hime, the rival to protagonist Kokorowa Hime, in the episodes airing February 15 and 22. The specials continue the story from the original series that premiered in July 2024.

Entertainment

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Gaming

Battle Royale manga returns in deluxe edition

Entertainment

Grimes releases pastel-filled music video for Idoru

'Macross' creator Shoji Kawamori breaks free with original film 'Labyrinth'

After 40 years in anime franchises, director Shoji Kawamori has released his first fully original film, 'Labyrinth', tackling the smartphone age. This project fulfills a long-eluded goal in his illustrious career.

JAM Project celebrates 25th anniversary with 'Final Countdown' concert

January 08, 2026 Reported by AI

Anime song group JAM Project held a series of concerts in Osaka and Yokohama in November to mark its 25th anniversary. The Yokohama show, titled 'JAM Project 25th Anniversary Live Final Countdown,' showcased the veteran singers' wealth of experience in a brilliant performance. It drew 123 overseas fans, highlighting the borderless appeal of their music.

KPop Demon Hunters frontruns 2026 Oscars animated feature despite BAFTA ineligibility

Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters has emerged as a leading contender for the 2026 Oscars best animated feature, according to recent predictions. However, its path faces a hurdle after the British Academy of Film and Television Arts deemed it ineligible due to theatrical release rules. The film's cultural impact remains strong, bolstered by Grammy-nominated music.

Evangelion weapon sculpture appears in Ube

December 15, 2025 Reported by AI

A massive steel sculpture modeled after the left hand of a humanoid weapon from the popular anime Neon Genesis Evangelion has been placed in front of JR Ube-Shinkawa Station in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The piece honors Ube native director Hideaki Anno, with the station inspiring the final scene of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, released in 2021. On its public debut on November 20, numerous fans visited the site to take photos.

February 01, 2026 05:42