The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) released its annual report, "CESA Game Industry Report 2026 Preview Edition," on September 17, analyzing the current state and market trends of ...
It's everywhere you look: people carrying their beloved plushies on bags, treating them like a significant other or their ultimate "main squeeze." This phenomenon, known as "Nui-katsu" (short for "nui ...
Gacha, blind boxes, Ichiban Kuji—these "random merchandise" sales methods, where you don't know what you're getting until you buy, are absolutely everywhere in "oshi-katsu" (fandom activities) cultur ...
Japan's anime industry has been absolutely booming in recent years, flexing its soft power muscles globally. Thanks to a boost during the pandemic, the international market is looking more lucrative t ...
The "maid" is an iconic figure in anime and manga culture, a beloved trope that has evolved into its own unique "moe" archetype. Recently, Japanese marketing firm NEXER teamed up with the Akihabara ma ...
"Is just being cute enough?" (かわいいだけじゃだめですか？) was originally the title of a song by Japanese idol group CUTIE STREET, but it quickly morphed into a popular catchphrase. But seriously, do ...
In recent years, Japan's anime industry has continued to flourish, expanding both domestically and internationally and showcasing its significant soft power. The international market, in particular, h ...
The market for "trading card games / collectible cards" (TCG/トレカ), featuring anime characters or athletes for collecting, trading, or battling, is currently experiencing explosive growth. According ...
Sony Life Insurance recently dropped its "Future Aspirations Survey," polling 1,000 junior and senior high school students across Japan. So, what's really on the minds of these young dreamers? Turns o ...
In recent years, the Japanese animation industry has continued its robust growth, expanding both domestically and internationally and showcasing its significant soft power. The international market, i ...
Ever watch an anime and find yourself thinking, "Man, I wish I could live in that house"? From childhood, many of us have looked at the homes in our favorite shows and dreamed of moving in. That feeli ...
It's a global story: traditional bookstores facing an uphill battle, and Japan is no exception. With e-books on the rise and readers ditching physical pages, the classic bookstore has struggled to kee ...
While online and network games might seem less dominant with the rise of mobile gaming, it turns out this space is increasingly attracting a younger demographic in Japan. Japan's NGO, the National Con ...
Following the impact of the pandemic in recent years, the operating environment for Japanese talent agencies has become increasingly challenging. Not only are artist fees lower than before, but more c ...
In recent years, the Japanese anime industry has been on an absolute tear, expanding its global footprint and flexing its soft power. Fueled by a pandemic-era surge in demand, the international market ...
The VTuber phenomenon has been absolutely exploding in recent years! What started as a massive trend in Japan has now gone global, with virtual entertainers gaining serious traction in China, the U.S. ...
