Onii Chan

The past few days have been heartbreaking for animation, anime, and gaming fans around the world. 😔 We grew up hearing their voices, watching their creations, and experiencing stories they helped bring to life. And even if many people never knew their names, their work became part of our childhood forever. • Tom Kane – One of the most recognizable voices in animation and gaming. Best known as the voice of Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls. His voice shaped an entire generation of cartoons and games. • Yuji Ohno – The legendary composer behind Lupin III and Space Adventure Cobra. His jazz-inspired soundtrack style became inseparable from the franchise and influenced anime music for decades. He brought jazz to anime. • Wakana Yamazaki – Beloved voice actress known for roles like Ran Mouri in Detective Conan. Her performances brought warmth and emotion to some of anime’s most iconic female characters. • Bill Wise – Veteran actor and VA remembered by many gaming and anime fans. The very first English VA for Knuckles the Echidna and Bunta Fujiwara. • Ted Turner – Founder of Cartoon Network. Without him, countless fans may never have discovered anime and classic animation that defined the 90s and 2000s. • Koji Suzuki – The author who changed horror forever with Ring. His psychological horror storytelling influenced not just anime and manga, but horror cinema worldwide. Their work entertained millions, and their influence will outlive generations. Rest in peace to the people who helped shape our childhoods. 🕊️

Anime and football continue to collide. 🔥 More professional footballers are openly embracing their favorite anime both on and off the pitch. Spanish national team star Nico Williams recently changed his Instagram profile picture to Meguru Bachira from Blue Lock. Williams has also shared content featuring Yoichi Isagi and is known for incorporating anime-inspired celebrations into his career. Meanwhile, Chivas and Mexico forward Armando "La Hormiga" González has become one of football's most recognizable anime fans. He has customized his boots with designs inspired by Naruto, Haikyuu, and Blue Lock, while also celebrating goals with anime references, including Naruto's Fire Ball Jutsu and Dragon Ball-inspired poses. González has named Blue Lock among his favorite anime and has also expressed his love for series such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Tokyo Revengers. Williams has previously confirmed that he watches Naruto and is a fan of Itachi Uchiha. From anime profile pictures to anime-inspired goal celebrations, these footballers are helping strengthen the connection between anime and football culture around the world.

A legendary cooking rivalry returns through the next generation One night after closing, a boy enters a high-end Chinese restaurant in Ginza and orders fried rice. But after tasting it, he declares it terrible, throws it away, and storms into the kitchen to make his own version. He is no ordinary customer. He is the grandson of a legendary master of Chinese cuisine, raised with the belief that cooking is not just an art, but a battle. Soon, he begins working in the restaurant, bringing his arrogant attitude, ruthless confidence, and overwhelming skill into a kitchen filled with equally passionate chefs. At the center of it all is a rivalry inherited from the previous generation: one side believes cooking is about competition, while the other believes cooking comes from the heart. Anime: Iron Wok Jan Airing Date: July 5, 2026 Animation Studio: TROYCA

Anime culture has officially entered a new era ✍️ With Ado becoming the voice behind the official song for adidas’ Japan National Team 2026 uniform campaign, plus a life-size statue of her appearing in Tokyo, it shows just how deeply anime, J-pop, avatars, and fictional characters now influence mainstream culture. In ancient times, statues often represented beauty, power, admiration, and ideals. Today, fans are seeing a similar kind of cultural symbolism in anime-inspired figures, virtual identities, and artists like Ado, whose image is built around mystery, music, and a powerful visual identity. Of course, some people say fans shouldn’t take the comparison too far, and that’s fair. But the bigger point is clear: anime culture is no longer niche. It has become part of fashion, sports, music, marketing, and even national campaigns. Whether people call them icons, muses, waifus, or “modern goddesses,” one thing is certain: the era we’re living in has completely changed how people connect with art, beauty, and fictional characters.

A new animated short promoting Toy Story 5 has been released, and it’s built around one of the franchise’s most emotional ideas: what happens to a toy when its kid grows up? The Shanghai-produced short follows the bond between a boy and his Buzz Lightyear across several decades, showing Buzz not just as a toy, but as a quiet part of someone’s childhood, memories, and family history. From playtime as a kid, to growing older, leaving home, and eventually passing that same toy on to the next generation, the short leans into the heart of what made Toy Story so meaningful in the first place. It’s a simple story, but the message hits hard: toys may get older, but the memories attached to them never really leave.

July 2026 is looking packed for anime fans 🔥 The Summer 2026 season is bringing a strong mix of big sequels, long-awaited returns, and fresh adaptations • BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity • Mushoku Tensei Season 3 • Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 • Trapped in a Dating Sim Season 2 • Clevatess Season 2 • You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2 • The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really Love You Season 3 • Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (Full) • BLACK TORCH and many more! From the final stretch of Bleach: TYBW to new supernatural action with Black Torch, plus rom-com and slice-of-life picks like Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You and You and I Are Polar Opposites, July 2026 is shaping up to be a strong month for anime fans.

Remembering a true legend 🕊️ Casey Kasem was a beloved voice actor, radio icon, and broadcaster whose warm delivery, unmistakable voice, and heartfelt presence helped define generations of animation, music countdowns, and Saturday morning memories. Some of his most notable roles include: • Shaggy Rogers (Scooby-Doo Franchise) • Robin / Dick Grayson (Super Friends) • Cliffjumper (The Transformers) • Bluestreak (The Transformers) • Teletraan I (The Transformers) • Mark (Battle of the Planets) • Alexander Cabot III (Josie and the Pussycats) • Merry Brandybuck (The Return of the King) • Peter Cottontail (Here Comes Peter Cottontail) And many more! Beyond animation, Casey Kasem became a radio legend as the voice of American Top 40, where his famous sign-off, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars,” became part of pop culture history. He passed away on June 15, 2014, at 82 years old. Though he is no longer with us, his voice continues to live on through the characters, broadcasts, and memories he gave to millions of fans around the world. Rest in peace, Casey Kasem 🕯️

Happy 57th birthday to the legendary Kyle Hebert 🎉🎙️ A voice this recognizable deserves its flowers. From bringing Gohan to life in the Dragon Ball franchise to delivering unforgettable performances as Sosuke Aizen, Kamina, Ryu, Kiba, Escanor, and many more, Kyle Hebert has been part of countless anime and gaming memories across generations. Some of his most notable roles include: • Gohan — Dragon Ball Z / Dragon Ball Super • Narrator — Dragon Ball Z • Ryu — Street Fighter • Sosuke Aizen — Bleach • Kamina — Gurren Lagann • Kiba Inuzuka — Naruto • Escanor — The Seven Deadly Sins • Fat Gum — My Hero Academia • Noriaki Kakyoin — JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure • Big the Cat — Sonic the Hedgehog • Ezreal — League of Legends and many more! Whether he’s voicing a heroic fighter, a legendary villain, a larger-than-life mentor, or the narrator behind one of anime’s most iconic sagas, Kyle Hebert always brings power, personality, and presence to every role. Happy Birthday to Kyle Hebert, one of the most recognizable voices in anime and gaming 🎂🎙

This real-life home renovation looks straight out of a JoJo 👀 On a recent episode of MBC's I Live Alone, announcer Kim Dae-ho surprised viewers by transforming part of his home into a private indoor bouldering gym, installing climbing holds across the walls and even the ceiling. The unusual setup immediately reminded some anime fans of Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Episode 3, "The Run," where Yoma Hashimoto trains obsessively in a room converted into a bouldering gym as part of his relentless pursuit of physical perfection. What once looked like an over-the-top anime concept suddenly has a real-life counterpart, and the similarities are surprisingly hard to ignore.

Some fans say Ben Tennyson shouldn’t be suffering like this 😢 Ben Tennyson’s new transformations are hitting fans harder than expected. In Dynamite’s new Ben 10 comic, Ben’s use of the Omnitrix feels far more painful and unstable than the cleaner, faster transformations many fans remember from the cartoons. The change has started a debate: should a 10-year-old hero be shown suffering through every alien form, or does the comic format allow the story to explore the darker side of what the Omnitrix actually does to his body? Some fans feel the shift is too harsh for a character they grew up watching as a fun, confident kid hero. Others argue this version is showing Ben at the very beginning of his journey, before he understands the device, the aliens, or the cost of using power he never asked for. The Wolverine comparison has also come up: painful at first, but something the hero slowly learns to endure and control. For now, the comic is making the Omnitrix feel less like a superhero gadget and more like alien technology Ben has to survive before he can master.

Crunchyroll CEO wants Japanese studios to explore Indian stories next 👀 Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini has said the company wants to work with Japanese creators on anime projects inspired by Indian characters, themes, and stories. The idea is not to replace anime’s Japanese identity, but to bring more global source material into productions led by Japanese studios. It also fits Crunchyroll’s wider growth strategy. India has become one of its key emerging markets, with the platform expanding local dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, while dubbed titles reportedly account for more than 65% of Crunchyroll’s viewership in India. The model is already familiar: Solo Leveling began as a Korean web novel/manhwa and became a major anime success through Japanese production, with Crunchyroll highlighting it as one of its biggest recent global hits. No specific India-based anime project has been announced yet, but the discussion has already sparked strong reactions online, from fans excited about Indian mythology and storytelling getting anime treatment to others worried about where the line between “anime” and global animation should be drawn. Either way, this could become one of the biggest debates in anime’s global era: Can anime stay Japanese while telling more stories from around the world?

"Give back the Legos" - Tara Strong Actress and voice actor Tara Strong has publicly weighed in on the ongoing dispute involving Bricks & Minifigs, the Mansell family, and content creator Reckless Ben. In videos shared on social media, Strong called on the corporate offices of Bricks & Minifigs to "give back the LEGOs" and described her message as a plea to "do the right thing" and "be the hero" for the family involved. She also referenced the legal dispute surrounding Reckless Ben and urged the company to resolve the situation. What has drawn the most attention is that Strong delivered the messages using voices inspired by several characters she is known for portraying, including Raven, Bubbles, Batgirl, and others, turning the appeal into a viral moment across social media. The dispute continues to generate discussion online, with supporters arguing for the return of the LEGO collection while others focus on the broader legal and business issues surrounding the case.

@AnimexTwts honestly Indian mythology is RICH with stories that would go crazy in anime format 👀🔥

Thoughts?

Remembering a true legend 🕊️ Chris Latta, also known as Christopher Collins, was a gifted voice actor and comedian whose sharp delivery, explosive energy, and unmistakable voice helped define some of the most iconic animated characters of the 1980s and early 1990s. Across animation history, Latta brought a rare intensity to every role he touched. Some of his most notable roles include: • Cobra Commander (G.I. Joe) • Starscream (The Transformers) • Moe Szyslak (The Simpsons Season 1) • Mr. Burns (The Simpsons Season 1) • Wheeljack (The Transformers) • Sparkplug Witwicky (The Transformers) • Darkstorm (Visionaries) • Gung-Ho (G.I. Joe) • D’Compose (Inhumanoids) And many more unforgettable performances. He passed away on June 12, 1994, at just 44 years old. Though his life was cut far too short, Chris Latta’s voice continues to echo through generations of fans, immortal through the characters he brought to life. Rest in peace, Chris Latta. Your legacy will never be forgotten. 🕯️

JJK fans recognized this pose instantly 👀 The main voice cast recreated the famous group pose associated with Nobara, Yuji, Megumi, and Gojo, matching the characters' stance perfectly. Seeing the actors behind these fan-favorite characters mirror a moment that manga readers instantly recognize is a reminder of how closely connected the cast is to the series they help bring to life. The recreation captures the spirit of the original panel while giving fans a rare behind-the-scenes moment with the voices that helped define Jujutsu Kaisen.

She thought they were just posing for a photo, then he got down on one knee. 💍 A marriage proposal inspired by Your Name just happened at one of anime's most iconic real-life locations. ✨ Pianist Ryota shared a video of the special moment as he played the unforgettable music from Your Name during the proposal. The proposal took place at the famous stairs leading to Suga Shrine in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, the real-life location featured in the ending of Makoto Shinkai's beloved film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa). What started as what appeared to be a normal photoshoot quickly turned into a life-changing moment when the woman turned around to find her partner already down on one knee with a ring. With the iconic soundtrack playing in the background, the scene felt like it had come straight out of the movie itself. The couple got engaged at the very place that has become a pilgrimage site for anime fans from around the world. Fans in the comments celebrated the touching proposal, with many calling it one of the most romantic anime-inspired moments they've ever seen. ❤️

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN took over Citi Field for Mets vs. Braves. 🍥 The New York Mets celebrated NARUTO Night with themed anime ballpark moments as fans packed the stadium for a crossover between baseball and one of the most iconic anime series ever. Originally created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto has grown into a global phenomenon that helped introduce millions of fans worldwide to anime, becoming one of the most influential and recognizable series in pop culture. The first 15,000 fans received an exclusive NARUTO x Mets giveaway, while one of the biggest highlights online was Mr. Met doing the Naruto run on the field.

"This art will definitely not be ruined." That's what graffiti artist Wodyone wrote as he unveiled a new mural of Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners inside a local gaming club in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The comment references the repeated vandalism of several of his anime murals over the past months. Artwork featuring characters such as Frieren, Reze, and Makima were vandalized, restored, and in some cases vandalized again. Despite the setbacks, Wodyone continues creating anime-inspired street art, with Lucy becoming the latest addition to his growing collection of murals. The new artwork arrives just in time for the upcoming Wuthering Waves × Cyberpunk: Edgerunners collaboration, making the timing especially fitting for fans of the series. Following the latest incidents, Wodyone also appealed to Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Culture and Bishkek city officials for greater support of street art and graffiti culture, arguing that public art can help transform urban spaces, enrich local culture, and even attract tourism. Even after multiple attacks on his work, the artist continues to create.

Two of Spring 2026's biggest fantasy anime come together 🪄 A special collaboration visual between Witch Hat Atelier and Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke has been revealed, bringing together Coco and Rozemyne in a magical crossover made for fantasy fans. The illustration features Coco holding her magic circle notebook while Rozemyne carries her beloved books, with Qifrey and Ferdinand watching over them from behind. The collaboration also includes a special discussion between original creators Kamome Shirahama and Miya Kazuki, who shared their admiration for each other's work, discussed the anime adaptations, and imagined what might happen if Coco and Rozemyne met. According to the authors, the two protagonists would likely become instant friends, eagerly exchanging knowledge about magic and books, while Qifrey and Ferdinand keep a careful eye on them from the sidelines. 📖 With both series among the most talked-about fantasy anime of Spring 2026, this crossover celebrates two worlds built on curiosity, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.

VIZ just announced some huge English manga releases for 2027 One of the biggest highlights is the return of Slam Dunk in a brand-new Deluxe Edition. Takehiko Inoue's legendary basketball manga will receive hardcover volumes featuring exclusive color pages from the original serialization, brand-new cover artwork, and a story arc-based format designed for collectors. Detective Conan is also getting a faithful 3-in-1 English release under its original title, with character names like Shinichi Kudo restored for the first time in this edition. Meanwhile, Jujutsu Kaisen expands with Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, a sci-fi sequel set 68 years after the Culling Game, following the Okkotsu siblings as an alien invasion pulls Earth into a galactic conflict. VIZ also announced The Exorcist and the Lovestruck Raven, a new romance-action manga about a gifted young exorcist whose life changes after meeting a mysterious boy with black wings. And for RWBY fans, VIZ shared a promising update, saying: "We hear you. You guys have been very patient. Hang tight a little bit more please... almost ready." Which announcement are you most excited for?

Another legend has passed away today 😔 Gene Shalit, the iconic film and book critic known for his decades on NBC’s Today show, has passed away at 100. With his trademark mustache, bow ties, and sharp wit, Shalit became one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment. Many animation fans also remember him as the voice of Gene Scallop in SpongeBob SquarePants and the inspiration behind several beloved TV parodies. A century of life. A lifetime of influence. Rest in peace, Gene Shalit 🕊️