More often than not, stories and franchises start as manga in Japan and, if they become popular enough, you will see them evolve into an anime, musical, or sometimes even a live-action versions. While it is great to see our favorite stories presented in different formats, viewers will usually know exactly where the plot will go and how the characters develop.
A show that can never fall victim to that trap is a completely original anime series that makes its debut on the TV screen. You won’t know if it’s going to be any good, but with the kind of pedigree behind Active Raid: Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit, you can bet we are looking forward to its 2016 release. Though it’s going to take us a while to use its full name in conversation…

Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
Secret-identity J-pop singer Ado to hold handshake event with surreal setup to hide her face
Support your faves and avoid oshikatsu burnout — advice from our resident otaku
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
Secret-identity J-pop singer Ado to hold handshake event with surreal setup to hide her face
Support your faves and avoid oshikatsu burnout — advice from our resident otaku
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura cherry blossom drinkware range for 2020
Former otaku regrets wasting so much money as a kid, Dad tells him why it was money well spent
Majority of Japanese men say they feel some discomfort seeing female janitors in men’s restrooms
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 3: Crazy Town
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
Cutest rice balls ever? Adorable new onigiri shop opening in downtown Tokyo【Photos】
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent