These iconic series, spanning sci-fi to sports, were instrumental in paving the way for anime of subsequent decades.
lupin III
Wherever she goes, the spotlight always belongs to Fujiko Mine.
Japan’s netizens club together to crown fictional stars who are flies in your soup, pebbles in your shoes, peas beneath your bed, or just plain evil!
Unabashed lifelong otaku’s final online words express admiration for another recently departed anime/manga legend.
The passing of Monkey Punch inspires the Kano Sisters to share their Lupin III cosplay photos.
Brand-new caper for anime’s greatest thief is latest installment of Universal Cool Japan project.
There’s even a life-sized figurine of the star waiting to greet you in a push-up bra.
Ever wondered what the classic Lupin III theme song would sound like played on a telephone? Neither have we, but the result is still spectacular!
A new collection of menswear based on anime characters Lupin, Zenigata, Jigen, and Goemon will soon be available at Japanese department store Isetan.
With the huge volume of anime that Japan produces, the medium has its own archetypes that each generation of creators adds new entries to. In the cute mascot character category, you’ll find Totoro, Magic Knight Rayearth’s Mokona, and Pokémon’s Pikachu. Looking for giant robots? Let us direct you to the full line of Gundam, Evangelion, and Ingram variants.
But Japanese animation isn’t just cuddly adorableness and cool technology. It’s also filled with raging hormones and irrepressible libidos, as shown in this list of anime’s perviest male characters.
Since I am in no way a gentleman thief, I can only guess as to what that lifestyle must be like. I imagine though, that staying one step ahead of the law means a lot of meals on the run, so it makes sense that Japan Railway stations are rolling out a new batch of baked goods endorsed by anime’s most roguish criminal mastermind, Lupin III.
The timing no doubt has something to do with the upcoming release of the live-action Lupin III movie. Even purists who scoff at the shift away from animation might want to check out the Lupin breads though, as their packages feature redone anime designs for the cast based on the actors portraying them in the new film.
While we spent plenty of time at this week’s summer Wonder Festival snapping pictures of the awesome cosplayers, they’re really not what the event is about. Wonder Festival is actually Japan’s biggest modeling convention, with hundreds of displays of the latest figurines and garage kits.
We sent our Japanese-language reporter Meg out to the Makuhari Messe convention center, and she brought back a batch of photos sure to have anime fans clearing off space on their desk for one more figure.
As a very young kid, I remember going to the arcade with my brother and pumping quarters into a game called Cliff Hanger. Like the classic Dragon’s Lair, its gameplay consisted of snippets of hand-drawn animation with occasional prompts for the player to move the joystick or hit the action button. Also like Dragon’s Lair, Cliff Hanger was ridiculously difficult, and with each of our numerous deaths, we had to once again start over at the beginning of the scene.
The repetitiveness should have bored us to tears, but instead, we were captivated by the amazing artwork on display, and with good reason. The visuals for Cliff Hanger were culled from the 1979 anime film The Castle of Cagliostro, the very first movie directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki.
Really though, the proper way to experience the film isn’t on a scratched arcade monitor as you grip a set of greasy controls. This is a classic that deserves to be seen on the big screen, which is once again possible, as The Castle of Cagliostro is returning to theatres with a painstakingly remastered version.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan named most sleep-deprived country for fourth year in a row, according to survey
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
What’s so “Japan mind” about Häagen-Dazs’ new “Japan Mind” ice cream?
Weekly
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Monthly
- 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
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Yearly
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan named most sleep-deprived country for fourth year in a row, according to survey
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
What’s so “Japan mind” about Häagen-Dazs’ new “Japan Mind” ice cream?
Randy’s Donuts opens first-ever branch in Japan, brings L.A.’s donuts to Tokyo【Photos】
We try eating insects — they don’t taste like chicken
Japan now has stricter requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship
Turn a persimmon into a pudding with one simple ingredient
Five things that keep Japanese people chained to their jobs
We try ice cream with a topping of natto fermented soybeans, because the Internet told us to
Japan’s ultimate wagyu beef bento costs almost US$3,000, promises to be an unforgettable meal
Is the absolute closest conveyor belt sushi to Akihabara Station any good? Let’s find out!
-
