Box Office Report: Miyazaki’s Big Opening Weekend, ‘Elemental’s Impressive Legs, And Two Chinese Hits
This year’s box office has proved unpredictable, but animation is flourishing in the world’s biggest markets.
Japan
Kyoto Animation Will Construct Two Memorials For Victims Of 2019 Arson Attack
The company plans to build a public memorial at its Kyoto headquarters and a private one in the suburb where the attack took place.
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Passes ‘Minions’ As Illumination’s Top Grossing Film Of All-Time
Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Suzume’ and Takehiko Inoue’s ‘The First Slam Dunk’ both passed major milestones over the weekend as well.
Canada’s Nelvana And Japan’s Polygon Pictures Sign Development Deal For Kids’ Content
The companies will work together to bring IPs like ‘Bakugan,’ ‘Beyblade,’ and ‘Cardcaptor Sakura’ to a wider global audience.
Sega Agrees To Buy ‘Angry Birds’ Developer Rovio Entertainment For $706M
According to Sega, acquiring Rovio will accelerate the development of mobile-compatible and multi-platform versions of its IPs.
Studio Ghibli Replaces Longtime President Koji Hoshino With Co-Founder Toshio Suzuki
The executive change comes amid a recent swirl of Japanese media allegations regarding Suzuki.
Know Your Indie Filmmaker: Kōji Yamamura
Yamamura’s films are a bit like chameleons. Each looks different from the previous one, yet there can be no doubt that the films are his.
‘Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman’ Tops First Niigata International Animation Film Festival
Other honors went to ‘Khamsa – The Well of Oblivion,’ ‘Thee Wreckers Tetralogy,’ and ‘Vampire in the Garden: The Movie.’
Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Ups Its Stake In ‘One Piece,’ ‘Dragon Ball’ Producer Toei Company
The increased investment comes just weeks after Toei published an ambitious 10-year financial plan.
Leiji Matsumoto, Legendary Manga And Anime Creator, Dies At 85
Matsumoto created numerous iconic anime titles including ‘Space Battleship Yamato,’ ‘Galaxy Express 999,’ and ‘Space Pirate Captain Harlock.’
Osamu Tezuka, Toei Company President And CEO, Dies At 62
Toei managing director and chairman Noriyuki Tada is taking over as president following Tezuka’s passing.
The Humble Beginning Of Japan’s Powerhouse Animation Industry (Video Essay)
Youtuber Wookong has put together a detailed account of the evolution of animation production in Japan in the mid-20th century.
Netflix Faces Backlash After Using AI Software To Create Backgrounds For An Animated Short
Artists quickly dismissed the company’s claim of animation labor shortages and questioned the ethics of image-generating software.
Inaugural Niigata International Animation Festival Unveils Its Competition Lineup
Niigata’s competition lineup features 10 titles with producers from 12 countries. Japanese animation legend Mamoru Oshii is the jury president of the first edition.
Toho Acquires 50% Stake In Frederator’s ‘Bravest Warriors’ And ‘Bee And Puppycat’
The Japanese company will co-produce new content and consumer products based on three Frederator properties.
Know Your Indie Filmmaker: Mirai Mizue
Mizue’s visually scrumptious, kaleidoscopic wonders dazzle the eyes and ears.
Yuji Nunokawa, Founder Of ‘Naruto’ Studio Pierrot, Dies At 75
Starting his career as an artist, Nunokawa went on to launch one of Japan’s best known animation studios.
Anime Features ‘The First Slam Dunk’ And ‘Suzume’ Relegate ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ To Third Place At Japanese Box Office
Despite the largest theatrical release in Japanese history, ‘Avatar’ sold fewer tickets than either film.
‘Suzume’ Passes ‘Weathering With You,’ ‘Your Name’ For Biggest Japanese Opening Of Director Makoto Shinkai’s Career
A November release could hurt ‘Suzume’ long-term. Shinkai’s previous films opened in summer, historically a more favorable window.
Report: Japanese Animation Producers Are Losing Faith In Netflix
Some anime makers believe that traditional broadcast tv offers a brighter future for series productions than Netflix.
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