Culture

Culture

• 05/20/2025

Explore Kyoto’s Hidden Anime Gem: “Chikatetsu ni Noru” Hosts First-Ever Animation Exhibition

Ever heard of “Chikatetsu ni Noru”? What started as a quirky local campaign to promote subway use in Kyoto has blossomed into a beloved anime project. Now, for the first time ever, fans can dive deep into its animated world at the “Chikatetsu ni Noru Animation Exhibition,” taking place in Kyoto from May 24 to 29. This free exhibition offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes with original storyboards, character designs, and production artwork. Whether you’re a fan of unique […]

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Culture

• 05/14/2025

Kochi Anikuri Festival 2025 Attracts 24,000 Fans as the City Embraces Anime Culture

For two vibrant days in April, the city of Kochi became a living anime world. The Kochi Anikuri Festival 2025 welcomed over 24,000 visitors to celebrate the art, creators, and culture of anime. With stage shows, exhibitions, cosplay parades, and interactive workshops, the event transformed Kochi into a colorful crossroads of creativity and community. Kochi Transforms Into Anime Paradise for Two Days On April 5–6, the city of Kochi in Japan’s Shikoku region came alive with anime magic. The Kochi […]

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News

• 05/10/2025

Ultra-Real Miniature Worlds Await: Araki and Shimaki’s Breathtaking Diorama Exhibition in Kochi

Step into a world where nostalgia and craftsmanship collide—Kochi’s Kaiyodo Hobby Museum is currently hosting an extraordinary exhibition of ultra-detailed miniature art. Featuring over 50 works by renowned artists Araki and Shimaki, this special showcase invites visitors to explore jaw-droppingly realistic dioramas and enchanting miniature houses. Whether you’re an art lover, a photography enthusiast, or just a fan of tiny things, this exhibition promises a truly magical experience. A Miniature Wonderland Hidden in the Mountains of Kochi Nestled deep in […]

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Spotlight

• 05/08/2025

Shinsei Galverse: A Fan-Fueled Anime Revolution Blending Gal Power and 90s Nostalgia

What happens when you mix Y2K anime aesthetics, gal culture, and thousands of passionate fans? You get Shinsei Galverse—an original sci-fi anime powered by community creativity and unapologetic attitude. Set to premiere in Summer 2025, this bold new series breaks the mold with its retro-futuristic visuals, fan-driven worldbuilding, and fearless “gal mind” spirit. Galactic Girls, Gal Power: What Is Shinsei Galverse? Set in a chaotic galaxy once protected by the now-destroyed “Mother Planet,” Shinsei Galverse introduces the Galverse—spiritual beings reborn […]

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Culture

• 04/30/2025

Passing Down the Art of Anime: NAFCA Begins First Role-Based Industry Survey

As Japan’s anime industry continues to captivate global audiences, a quiet crisis is unfolding behind the scenes — the fading transfer of essential skills from one generation of creators to the next. To confront this challenge, the Japan Anime Film Culture Association (NAFCA) has launched the industry’s first-ever role-based survey, focusing on how knowledge and techniques are (or aren’t) being passed down within the sector. With experts from top universities and data science institutions involved, this initiative aims to shine […]

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Spotlight

• 04/09/2025

Newly Launched “Real Akiba Inc.” Raises ¥400 Million to Expand Japanese Otaku Culture Globally

Tokyo-based Real Akiba Inc. has officially launched as a new holding company, bringing together entertainment-driven firms like Upstream Creation and ISARIBI. Headed by Keita “Keitan” Sakakibara of REAL AKIBA BOYZ, the company will lead efforts to spread Akihabara-inspired culture—anime, dance, and music—to audiences worldwide. Strategic Vision & Cultural Reach Real Akiba aims to blend creative production, talent networks, and digital entertainment across platforms. Backed by a diverse roster including dance crew O-MENZ, anison acts like fhána and DOES, and influencers […]

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News

• 04/07/2025

Ikayaki?! Uma Musume’s New CM Sparks Hilarious Culture Clash Over Squid Snacks

What happens when two beloved anime characters clash over squid? In the newest commercial for Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross dive into a surprisingly intense — and hilarious — debate over the true identity of “Ikayaki.” Is it grilled squid on a stick, or a savory pancake-style street snack? It all depends on where in Japan you’re from. This quirky CM blends comedy with cultural curiosity, making it a must-watch for fans of Uma Musume: Cinderella […]

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Culture

• 04/07/2025

HELLO OSAKA Returns: Season 2 of the Futuristic City Anime Starts April 17

If you’ve never heard of HELLO OSAKA, now’s the perfect time to jump in. This unique short anime series, created by Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, is set in a futuristic Osaka and tells surreal, funny, and sometimes magical stories that reflect the heart of Kansai culture. The series first launched on YouTube in February 2023 and quickly gained attention for its quirky characters, sharp Kansai-style humor, and real-life landmarks featured in the background. From shopping streets in Umeda to amusement arcades, […]

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Culture

• 04/07/2025

Kochi Anikuri Festival 2025 Attracts 24,300 Fans—Is This Japan’s Next Anime Hub?

Did you ever imagine Kochi—a quiet coastal city in Japan—would become the center of anime buzz in 2025? With over 24,000 visitors flocking to the Kochi Anikuri Festival, this isn’t just another fan gathering. It’s a bold sign of how anime is driving new energy into local communities. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or curious about how Japan’s cultural powerhouses are transforming small towns, this story will surprise you—and maybe inspire your next trip. Kochi Becomes Japan’s New Anime Hotspot […]

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