Culture

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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