AKIRA
Characters from Akira, Cardcaptor Sakura, Ghost in the Shell, and more explain the basics of Japanese manners at Shinkansen stations.
The slide seen ‘round the world looks awesome in a whole new way with some clever practical effects.
Head of state also picks up an amazing One Piece souvenir that any fan would treasure.
Come for the Japanese anime references, stay for the plot-changing twist that’s blown viewers’ minds.
The modern animated films of Katsuhiro Otomo, some of the most expensive anime ever made, won’t cost a thing to watch.
Tiny background detail in ‘80s manga masterpiece getting new attention decades later.
One of the bleakest depictions of Tokyo in all of film is part of Olympics celebration projection mapping project.
We doubt anyone could ever forget just how influential Akira is, but here’s a GIF to remind you just in case you ever do!
Akira‘s theatrical poster is almost as iconic as the movie itself. But who knew that a character walking towards their ride could look as badass as Kaneda?
In case you’ve never read any of the Akira manga or seen the landmark 1988 anime movie based on it, here’s a basic rundown of the plot. A powerful organization comes up with what it thinks it a great idea, but before its plan come to fruition, the whole thing blows up in their faces. Years later, though, it tries again, unleashing the danger of potentially even more disastrous results.
In the anime, the “powerful organization” is the military, and the “great idea” is cultivating weaponized psionic children. Some would say this parallels the real-world situation of another powerful organization, Hollywood movie studio Warner Brothers, and its own ambitions to turn Akira into a live-action film, which have faced nothing but roadblocks and angry backlashes from fans of the source material for more than 10 years now.
But just like Akira’s military, Warner Brothers seems convinced that it can still get all the variables just right, and new rumors suggest that the studio might be planning to make not one, but three Akira films, and that it’s courting one of Hollywood’s hottest filmmakers to help.

















Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo: A visitor’s guide to the biggest Starbucks in the world
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
McDonald’s Japan gives us a taste of the anime world with new series of Gundam burgers
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Chocolate Totoro cream puffs and cakes coming to Japan’s Ghibli bakery for Valentine’s Day【Pics】
Kyoto karaoke joint is like a dystopian city
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
McDonald’s Japan gives us a taste of the anime world with new series of Gundam burgers
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Chocolate Totoro cream puffs and cakes coming to Japan’s Ghibli bakery for Valentine’s Day【Pics】
Kyoto karaoke joint is like a dystopian city
Japan super budget dining – The best way to spend 1,000 yen at Ohsho, Japan’s favorite gyoza chain
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
Pokémon goes old-school cool with hanafuda playing cards, wall scrolls, and more
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 2)
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?