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Touring After the Apocalypse Volume 4-6 Manga Review

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Touring After the Apocalypse Volumes 6-7: A Journey Through Ruin Sakae Saito's Touring After the Apocalypse continues to captivate readers with its poignant exploration of a post-human Japan. The manga follows Youko, a young woman, and Airi, her android companion, as they traverse the desolate landscapes on a Yamaha Serow motorcycle. Volumes 6 and 7 delve deeper into the mysteries of this world, raising questions about the past and hinting at potential futures. Echoes of the Past These volumes offer glimpses into the world before its demise. Through Youko's visions, readers witness vibrant tourist destinations, now eerily empty and overgrown. The stark contrast between these memories and the present-day reality underscores the magnitude of the disaster. The introduction of flashbacks showing Youko and Airi in a shelter further complicates the narrative. These scenes reveal their training by robotic caretakers, preparing them for survival in the outside world. However, the...

Rewriting the Chivalrous Yakuza: Interview with Stray Manga Writer Ryu Kamio

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Diving Deep into Ryu Kamio's "Stray": Chivalry, Crime, and Standing Up to Injustice Ryu Kamio, in collaboration with artist Yu Nakahara, has delivered a gripping crime drama titled "Stray." The story centers on Hachiya Ken, recently released from prison after serving time for a crime he didn't commit. His past resurfaces in the form of Hana, a young girl, thrusting them into a criminal conspiracy and forcing them to confront their personal wounds. An interview with Kamio sheds light on the themes explored in "Stray," including the enduring appeal of the "chivalrous yakuza" trope and the importance of challenging injustice. The Allure of the Chivalrous Yakuza Kamio reflects on the historical popularity of "chivalrous gangster films" in Japanese cinema. These films often portrayed protagonists who, despite facing adversity, remained loyal and fought for those who showed them kindness, upholding their personal sense of justice...

Hana-Kimi ‒ Episode 7

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Hana-Kimi Episode 7: A Step Up, But Still Facing Challenges The seventh episode of Hana-Kimi manages to be one of the better installments since the series premiere, despite the anime's ongoing struggles to capture the manga's original charm. While the animation remains subpar, it's at least consistently bad, a step up from the outright disastrous animation of previous episodes. Dorm Life Disrupted The central conflict arises when the dorms close for break, leaving Mizuki without a place to stay. She hesitantly declines offers from Nakatsu and Sano, fearing her secret will be exposed. Instead, she turns to Dr. Umeda for help, who emerges as a standout character in this adaptation. Dr. Umeda's Modern Appeal Stripped of the manga's problematic elements, Umeda shines as a mentor and confidant. He's not simply a "gay bestie" providing feminine support. Instead, he's a well-rounded queer adult with an active social life, a boyfriend, and a clear ...

Pokémon Pokopia Might Be A Lot Darker Then We Think

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Pokémon Pokopia: A Curious Blend of Restoration and Mystery GAME FREAK's latest offering, Pokémon Pokopia, presents a unique take on the Pokémon universe, moving away from traditional battles and venturing into the realm of land restoration and life simulation. This spinoff title, showcased at a special Nintendo event, offers a glimpse into a world where Pokémon abilities are harnessed for the greater good, raising intriguing questions about its potential and underlying narrative. A Ditto's Journey of Renewal In Pokémon Pokopia, players assume the role of a Ditto who awakens to find themselves on a dilapidated island, guided by Professor Tangrowth. Taking on the appearance of their former trainer as a tribute, the Ditto embarks on a mission to revitalize the land, utilizing its transformative abilities to copy the moves of other Pokémon. This core mechanic allows players to interact with the environment in meaningful ways, triggering growth, cleansing areas, and attracting...

Sgt. Frog Creator Draws Gundam Hathaway Parody Poster

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Sgt. Frog Parody Celebrates Gundam Hathaway Film Release The world of anime and manga witnessed a delightful crossover as Mine Yoshizaki, the creator of Sgt. Frog, unveiled a special parody illustration. This artwork commemorates the theatrical debut of "Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe," the second film in the Gundam Hathaway series. The illustration cleverly reimagines the movie poster with Sgt. Frog characters in place of the Gundam Hathaway cast. Yoshizaki's Humorous Take on Gundam Hathaway The parody illustration features Keroro, Tamama, and Giroro embodying the roles of Hathaway Noa, Gigi Andalucia, and Kenneth Sleg, respectively. Kururu and Dororo humorously represent the Xi Gundam mobile suit's head and hand, adding a comical touch to the iconic imagery. This artwork serves as a lighthearted tribute from one beloved franchise to another. Gundam Hathaway's Second Film Hits Theaters "Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery...

Live-Action The Flowers of Evil Series Reveals More Cast, April 9 Premiere

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New Cast Members Join Live-Action Series Adaptation of "The Flowers of Evil" The live-action series adaptation of Shuzo Oshimi's renowned manga, "The Flowers of Evil" (Aku no Hana), has unveiled additional cast members and confirmed its premiere date. The official website revealed a new visual alongside the announcement, heightening anticipation for the series. Prominent Figures Added to the Ensemble The newly announced cast includes notable names. Aruno Nakanishi, a member of Nogizaka46, will portray Aya Tokiwa. Manami Igashira will take on the role of Nanako Saeki, the admired beauty of the class. Chihiro Sudo is set to play Ai Kinoshita, Nanako's close friend. These additions promise to bring depth and complexity to the already intriguing narrative. Family Dynamics Take Center Stage Further casting details reveal the actors portraying the parents of key characters. Tomoharu Hasegawa will play Takao's father, Tetsuo, while Noriko Nakagoshi will ...

Godzilla Minus One Actor Ryunosuke Kamiki Announces Marriage

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Ryunosuke Kamiki Announces Marriage to Non-Celebrity Partner Actor Ryunosuke Kamiki, known for his roles in "Godzilla Minus One" and numerous other popular films and anime, has announced his marriage. The announcement was made public on Tuesday, much to the delight of his fans and colleagues. Details of the Announcement Kamiki's agency, Co-LaVo, released an official statement confirming the marriage. The statement revealed that Kamiki's partner is a non-celebrity, keeping the details of their relationship private. This news has generated significant buzz online, with fans expressing their support and well wishes for the couple. Social Media Reaction The announcement quickly spread across social media platforms, with Kamiki's X (formerly Twitter) account becoming a hub for congratulatory messages. As of press time, the post had garnered over 36,000 likes and over 700 replies. The outpouring of positive responses highlights Kamiki's popularity and the str...

Danganronpa 2x2 Game Previews New Scenario, Limited Edition in Pre-Order Trailer

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Danganronpa 2x2 Announced with New Scenario and Limited Edition Package Spike Chunsoft has revealed Danganronpa 2x2, a new version of Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair, set to launch in 2026. The announcement came with a pre-order trailer showcasing the new scenario and a special limited edition package called the Psycho Tropical Vacation Package. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Psycho Tropical Vacation Package Details The Psycho Tropical Vacation Package is a limited edition offering for Danganronpa fans. It includes several exclusive items such as an RSVLTS Reversible Psycho Tropical Hat, Kidrobot 3" Psycho Tropical Monokuma and Monomi Figures, a soundtrack, and a unique clamshell-style outer box. This package is designed to provide a premium experience for collectors and enthusiasts of the Danganronpa series. New Alternate Scenario Danganronpa 2x2 introduces a brand new alternate story that ...

Voice Actress Nao Toyama Announces Upcoming Hiatus

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Nao Toyama Announces Hiatus and Final Concert Voice actress and singer Nao Toyama has announced that she will be taking a hiatus to reflect on her career and consider her future path. This decision marks the end of a successful decade in the industry and a moment for her to contemplate her next steps. Culmination of a Decade Toyama's announcement came during her solo concert on Saturday. At the concert, she also revealed a new album that encapsulates her work over the past ten years. This album serves as a testament to her achievements and artistic growth during this period. Final Performance at Nippon Budokan To commemorate her decade-long journey, Toyama will hold a final live concert at the Nippon Budokan on March 11, 2027, which also happens to be her birthday. This performance will be a significant event for her fans, marking the end of an era and a chance to celebrate her contributions to the anime and music industries. The date was announced on Sunday. Roles and Achi...

Shanghai License Company Issues Statement After Chinese Social Media Criticizes Detective Conan Series for Collaborating With Banned My Hero Academia Franchise

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My Hero Academia Controversy in China: A Deep Dive In February 2020, the popular manga and anime series, My Hero Academia, faced a significant backlash in China, leading to its removal from digital platforms. The controversy stemmed from the naming of a villain, which was perceived as a reference to a dark chapter in Sino-Japanese history. This incident highlights the sensitivities surrounding historical events and their impact on cultural exchange. The Controversial Character Name The character in question was initially named "Maruta Shiga." The term "Maruta" has a deeply offensive connotation in China, referring to the victims of human experimentation conducted by the Imperial Japanese Army's Unit 731 during World War II. These victims, including men, women, and children, were subjected to horrific experiments and were referred to as "maruta," which translates to "logs" in Japanese, as a cover for the unit's activities. Apologies ...

Wash It All Away ‒ Episode 6

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Episode 6 of "Wash It All Away": A Relaxing Respite The latest installment of "Wash It All Away" continues its gentle exploration of everyday life, with episode six offering a particularly soothing experience. While not without its familiar tropes, the episode manages to highlight the series' strengths, particularly its atmospheric qualities and the subtle charm of its characters. Music and Atmosphere One of the standout aspects of this episode is its effective use of music. The score's twinkly sounds beautifully complement two key scenes: Kinme's underwater swim at the beach and the final fireworks display. Although the underwater scene borders on fan service, the tasteful use of arpeggios elevates it. Similarly, the fireworks scene, reminiscent of a previous episode, gains a renewed sense of tenderness through a soft F major riff. The simplicity of the music enhances the emotional impact, making these scenes more memorable and forgiving any minor ...

Digimon Beatbreak Anime Casts VTuber Hakui Koyori

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VTuber Hakui Koyori Lands Dual Role in DIGIMON BEATBREAK Hakui Koyori, a popular VTuber, is set to make her mark on the Digimon franchise. She will be voicing both Yume Ikuhara and her partner Digimon, Tinkermon, in the upcoming 19th episode of DIGIMON BEATBREAK. This exciting news was revealed by the official DIGIMON BEATBREAK X/Twitter account, generating buzz among fans of both Hakui Koyori and the Digimon series. Episode 19 Debut Fans can look forward to Hakui Koyori's debut as Yume Ikuhara and Tinkermon in episode 19, scheduled to air this coming Sunday. The anticipation is high to see how she will bring these new characters to life within the DIGIMON BEATBREAK universe. This marks a significant milestone for Hakui Koyori, expanding her reach into the world of anime voice acting. DIGIMON BEATBREAK Overview DIGIMON BEATBREAK premiered on Fuji TV and other channels on October 5, quickly capturing the attention of Digimon enthusiasts. The anime is also available for stream...