Aya Hirano rocketed to fame with roles in anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and video games like Eternal Sonata. But in summer 2010, Hirano decided to make the leap from voice actress to TV celebrity, pissing off her rabid fan base in the process. More »
Namco Bandai doesn’t only make video games. It’s Bandai arm has toy and game licenses for iconic Japanese institutions like Gundam, Kamen Rider and Ultraman, as well as new favs like One Piece and Haruhi Suzumiya. More »
If you’ve spent any time on Japanese video site Nico Nico Douga, you’ve seen them: young girls dancing to cutesy pop music. It’s their chance to live out their adolescent idol fantasies for viewers with adolescent idol fantasies of their own. More »
Martini. Marlboro. Cigarettes and liquor have traditionally been big motorsports sponsors. But a new breed of sponsors exists, such as Sony’s PlayStation, and even more otaku geared companies are using racing as a vehicle to promote their wares. More »
During the days that followed March’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, game companies donated money and musicians donated songs. And illustrators? Why, they drew pictures. More »
A 40-year-old manga starring a mask-wearing wrestler is inspiring Japan to do good. Only, they are dishing out presents instead of punches. Rwar. More »
Yu Darvish, the half-Japanese half-Iranian pitcher for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, is a popular guy. He’s tall, handsome and a brilliant pitcher. And he’s being followed by Japan’s biggest voice actress. More »
Anime and video game voice actress Aya Hirano continues her move into mainstream Japanese entertainment. Today, she appeared on popular afternoon show Waratte Iitomo! (“It’s OK to Laugh!”). Yes, that’s a big deal! More »
Voice actress Aya Hirano doesn’t seem to want to be a voice actress anymore. The 22-year-old is trying to make the leap to mainstream celebrity and ticking off her rabid fan-base in the process. More »
