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 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Mr. Sato shares his own secret Ministop hack to help save the ailing convenience store
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Ghibli Park opens final area to first visitors, with stunning new attractions and shops 【Videos】
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Ghibli Park opens final area to first visitors, with stunning new attractions and shops 【Videos】
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
Cup Noodle’s Nissin develops space ramen, space curry rice for astronauts to eat among the stars
Holy noodles! Japanese restaurant serves up some very unusual udon
Monsters of Shamisen: New music for an old instrument 【J-Tunes】
Japanese high school girl uniform swimsuit makes gyaru student cosplay dreams come true
New vending machines sell products from iconic Japanese stores
This is Japan’s oldest curry bread bakery, and it’s awesome【Taste test】
Japanese government creates new word for cruelly hot summer days
23 flavors, five top recommendations for the wide world of Kikkoman soy milk【Taste test】