Noticias

At the start of Hayao Miyazaki’s modern classic Spirited Away, the young heroine Chihiro and her parents are exploring a seemingly abandoned theme park when a boy named Haku greets her with a warning: Chihiro must cross back over a dry riverbed and head home before sunset while she still can. She fails to do so, and soon finds the river swollen and her parents turned into pigs, stranded in a new world she doesn’t understand.

Fans of the animation giant will find the parable a little extra relevant these days. As you likely heard, OpenAI on March 25 released a tool that allows any photo to be redone in the style of (among others) Miyazaki and his famed Studio Ghibli. Soon millions of people were doing just that, prodded on by OpenAI’s brash leader Sam Altman, who turned his own grainy X profile picture into a dreamy,...

We anime fans, or simply put, people who adore the Japanese anime industry, are claiming that OpenAI’s Ghibli art generator is breaking plagiarism laws and is morally wrong. This may be true. But we are also at fault for doing the one thing that the industry has long been sick of.

We also often fail to honor the industry we love, and this is really worrying, to say the least.

Chihiro and Haku from Spirited Away | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Perhaps not all of us, but many are just being hypocritical for saying the Ghibli art generator disrespects creators, while some of us unapologetically consume anime from pirated sites. This does an equal disrespect to the creators as using the AI art, does it not?

If AI devalues Art, then pirating that Art does the same

We’re the same people who condemn others for using AI, arguing that art...

Andrew Tate is no stranger to controversy, but this new one is a bit different than the usual gender-related trouble he stirs. His latest attempt to sell an AI-generated game has been a bit hilarious to see. Tate posted a clip of a game he claimed was made entirely by AI, using it as an example of how making games is now easier than ever.

This is just a direct copy of Metal Slug. | Image Credit: @Cobratate/X

But it’s not so black and white. Firstly, it didn’t take long for fans to notice that the game looked and played almost identically to Metal Slug, a beloved arcade classic. So what did AI make? All it is is a near-identical clone of an old game. You don’t need AI to copy something.

Andrew Tate’s new AI game has zero originality Metal Slug already exists, and it’s better.

The fan-favorite elf mage is set to return, as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 receives the green light for production. Frieren‘s popularity among the community is no joke, as Season 1 not only took over the internet but surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in ranking.

Frieren Beyond Journey’s End | Credits: Madhouse Studios

Following Season 1’s immense success, Madhouse will be returning to animate the sequel. Sadly, for now, when we’ll reunite with Frieren, Fern, and Stark remains uncertain, with fans eagerly awaiting the production studio to drop the release date. However, this also presents the perfect opportunity for anime watchers unfamiliar with Frieren to dive into the story, especially for Hayao Miyazaki fans.

Why Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a Must-Watch for Studio Ghibli Enthusiasts

Written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, the story follows the journey of Frieren, the elven mage, who is the embodiment of...

For anime lovers who have been searching for some fluffy stocking stuffers for the upcoming festive season, Studio Ghibli has fans covered. Somewhere between a traditional figure and a cozy plush toy, the storied production company has introduced a new range of products representing some of its best works.

Official Studio Ghibli online store Donguri Sora has launched a new range of dolls that combine the best qualities of traditional plastic figurines with the tactile fluffiness of plushies. The range encompasses the studio’s most famous works, including Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, as well as Kiki's Delivery Service. The dolls are formed from traditional Pvc figurines that are then covered in nylon fiber, making them stable yet inviting to touch.

Related Studio Ghibli Reveals Over 7.5 Hours of New Footage in Special Feature for Fans of Howl, Princess Mononoke & More

Studio Ghibli spotlights Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle and...

Studio Ghibli has created many classic anime movies that have captivated fans over the years. These anime are often coming-of-age tales that often help their young female protagonists move forward in life. Over the years, many movies have been released, both within and outside the typical Studio Ghibli formula. Since then, Studio Ghibli has become one of the most beloved anime studios.

One of their most beloved movies is the 2001 film Spirited Away. This isekai film tells the tale of a girl named Chihiro who moves to a new town with her parents. Along the way, they find their way into a spirit realm where her parents turn into pigs and Chihiro loses her name, becoming Sen and forced to work for the bathhouse. Spirited Away is a tale of learning to believe in yourself and standing up for what's right. It's not the only isekai anime like this, however.

Kagurabachi has the potential to be the next ‘it’ Shonen series, and within just a year of its debut, the manga has solidified its place in the hearts of otakus. With its edgy protagonist and awesome battle scenes, it ticks every Shonen requirements box. In fact, rumors of its anime announcement have entered the chat just in time.

The series has already amassed a huge fanbase with people praising various aspects of it. Takeru Hokazono has done a splendid job of creating intriguing characters with various motives, and it’s time to see how well the series performs as an anime.

Kagurabachi Gets Nominated for 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards Kagurabachi’s edgy protagonist, Chihiro | Credits: Viz Media

The Shogakukan Manga Award is one of the most prestigious manga awards in Japan. It is awarded annually and features a variety of candidates from all kinds of genres. It is also the oldest manga award in Japan,...

Less than a year and a half since the manga first appeared in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, a new promotional video commemorating Kagurabachi 's fifth volume release in Japan today confirmed that the battle action series has accumulated 1.3 million copies sold/in circulation (including digital). The manga recently topped the Next Manga Awards 2024's Print category. Related: Chainsaw Man Manga Roars Past 29 Million Copies in Print Viz Media publishes an official English version of Takeru Hokazono's Kagurabachi manga and describes the story: As a young boy, Chihiro trains every day under his father to become a swordsmith. Although different in temperament, the two spend peaceful days laughing and working together. But one day, tragedy strikes… Now Chihiro burns with hatred and sets out to exact revenge. Following clues left behind by a ruthless yakuza organization, Chihiro confronts the Hishaku, a deadly group of sorcerers that may be behind his father’s murder!

Takeru Hokazono’s Kagurabachi has quickly taken the internet by storm since its debut in Shonen Jump. Manga fans can rejoice as Shonen Jump’s latest smash-hit Kagurabachi is set to make the leap to anime, leaving several fans eagerly anticipating its release window.

Chihiro Rokuhira [Credit: Shueisha]

Despite having only over 50 manga chapters, Kagurabachi is acclaimed to be a “next-generation” hit along with Dandadan and Sakamoto Days. Undoubtedly, Hokazono’s manga has become a rising star in the manga world, captivating several readers with its dark-themed narrative.

Amid the buzz around its anime adaptation, fans fear the series could face a doomed fate like the original Fullmetal Alchemist, which fell short of expectations.

Kagurabachi Faces a Risky Future Ahead of Its Anime Debut

Kagurabachi features the story of Chihiro Rokuhira who seeks to join the Kamunabi. Owing to its immense success, fans are claiming it to be a potential successor...

Kagurabachi, the major Shonen Jump series by Takeru Hokazon that has been dubbed the "next-generation" hit following recently concluded manga such as Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia, is on course to finally announce an anime adaptation in a new report.

The reliable Toyokeizai reports that the rapidly-rising Shonen Jump manga Kagurabachi will receive an anime adaptation produced by Shochiku and CyberAgent, and animated by CyberAgent's anime studio Cygames Pictures. No release date or streaming information was revealed, and CyberAgent and Shochiku declined to confirm. However, the report added that Shueisha's decision to opt for Cygames rather than more closely affiliated studios, like Mappa, Bones (My Hero Academia) or Pierrot, likely stems from risk management by entrusting too many works to the same production lines.

Related "We'll See a Side of Cha Hae-in That Isn't So Composed": Solo Leveling Season 2 Gets Hype New Admission

Solo Leveling star Reina Ueda...

The Rock’s explosive return to Saturday night’s WWE Bad Blood live event sent shockwaves worldwide. Dwayne Johnson is a very popular American actor who is famous for his iconic movies such as Jumanji and Central Intelligence.

Dwayne Johnson in the Red One trailer | Credits: Amazon MGM Studios

The Rock was the Hollywood Star’s in-ring name during his professional wrestling career. The physique of professional wrestlers often garners significant attention, and Dwayne Johnson continues to stand out as one of the most influential fitness icons and Hollywood stars.

Besides being recognized for his impressive physique, Johnson is also known for his enormous cheat meals. Interestingly, one of The Rock’s cheat meals would make any anime fan’s mouth water, perfectly capturing the essence of a Studio Ghibli obsession.

The Rock’s Cheat Meal: A Delicious Nod to Studio Ghibli Obsession

The Rock, being in great shape, has...

While Jujutsu Kaisen has had a difficult year with the fans as its conclusion has not gone over well with everyone, it's a fact of life that Weekly Shonen Jump readers seek out the next big thing: enter Kagurabachi in late 2023. I was there when the series debuted its edgy protagonist, unsurprised at the memes mocking his overly serious tone and curious about what drew in readers beyond the admittedly spectacular action panels. While it took me a proper year to give Kagurabachi a chance, I'm glad I did, as it has matured into an excellent series.

Takeru Hokazono's manga doesn't stray too much from the battle shnen formula, which can be a tough sell for readers growing fatigued with its evergreen potential for new offerings. However, these worries are often remedied by a quick glimpse at Kagurabachi's sales performance. While I'm not the type to pick up a series simply because it's popular,...

Every year sees the rise of one anime trend or the other. Some of them are positive, while others are annoying at best, and there’s one man who always has the guts to speak against them: Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli himself.

Over the years, Miyazaki has ruffled quite a few feathers by speaking against the mass production of anime as well as the rise of otakus. Another one of his criticisms, though not well known, is about a weird trend among Japanese voice actors.

Hayao Miyazaki Spoke Up Against the Rise of a Weird Voice Acting Trend Sophie and Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

Hayao Miyazaki was interviewed by the Guardian in 2005, prior to the UK release of Howl’s Moving Castle. The filmmaker was discussing the foreign actor cast for the movie’s English dubbed version. The conversation shifted to Lauren Bacall, who voiced the Witch of the Wastes.

The ever-changing world of manga and anime has often blessed its fans with a ton of titles that have featured compelling storylines, characters, and unique concepts that have hooked their viewers. The industry was once ruled by legendary titles like Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, and many more.

Kid Goku with his flying Nimbus. Credits: Toei Animation

However, once they came to an end, newer titles replaced them, which managed to establish a meaningful connection with their viewers. It looks like the cycle is going to repeat as three of the biggest new generations are drawing a curtain, and titles are set to take their place.

Although several titles have recently gained popularity, only three are trusted enough to carry on the legacy and become the newest faces of the industry. These new series are none other than Kagurabachi, Kaiju No. 8, and Chainsaw Man, which have been heavily backed by the fans.

This post contains spoilers for "Howl's Moving Castle."

The Studio Ghibli aesthetic blueprint evokes a sense of nostalgia that is comforting to cling onto. Here, lush green meadows bloom with fantastical flowers, the innocence of childhood merges with the growing pains of adolescence, and the everyday wonders of sharing a warm weal or talking to a loved one cultivate a safe space like no other. When Hayao Miyazaki weaves a Ghibli tale, the spiritual and mundane come together to pave the path for surreal, unforgettable adventures, such as the one Chihiro embarks on in "Spirited Away," and Kiki is nudged towards in "Kiki's Delivery Service." Although every Miyazaki-helmed Ghibli offering is visually stunning; they transcend their singular aesthetic identity with complex, layered themes, tugging at the essential aspects of being human and what it means to embrace or turn away from this innate humanity.

At first glance, "Howl's Moving Castle...

Spirited Away has become Studio Ghibli's most successful film since its release in 2001, and it continues on today as an anime classic. It is a timeless movie that takes viewers through a magical realm and follows a young girl as she braves the unknown for the sake of herself and her loved ones. It's a difficult film to hold a candle to, but there have certainly been a number of productions that follow similar themes of young children being transformed after a life-altering adventure.

Studio Colorido's Drifting Home, released in 2022, follows a group of elementary-aged children who magically end up lost at sea after a massive storm. The premise is rather different from the beautiful and bizarre world shown in Spirited Away, but Drifting Home does share a number of similarities with it. While it doesn't mimic the story to a tee, Drifting Home is an experience worthy of...

Kagurabachi was one of the smash-hit debuts of 2023. Once the manga was launched on Viz Media, it did not take long for fans to realize that the series would blow up due to its plot and art style.

The series has a dark theme with revenge at its heart and Chihiro has proven to be a worthy protagonist so far. In fact, fans have already decided that Eren’s voice actor, Yuki Kaji would be the best cast for him. On the other hand, Kagurabachi fans have shown their superior taste in selecting one elite voice actor for Sojo.

Kagurabachi Fans Elect Kenjiro Tsuda for Sojo’s Role

Kagurabachi has several impressive characters and most of them are extremely powerful. Of course, there is one character who has stolen the hearts of most fans despite his status as an antagonist. Genichi Sojo, a big-shot of the Japanese underworld and a weapon dealer,...

Studio Ghibli, the world-renowned animation studio behind iconic films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, has re-released a beloved pair of sports goods inspired by these two beloved movies. On July 17, Donguri Sora's official Totoro and Spirited Away-themed skateboard decks returned to the shop's digital catalog.

Originally released in 2022, Donguri Sora's My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away skateboard decks both feature gorgeous artwork based on specific scenes from their respective films. As its name suggests, the "Your Name is Totoro!" deck pays tribute to the moment that Totoro meets Satsuki's little sister Mei for the first time. The "I Remember" deck features gorgeous stylized artwork of Chihiro and Dragon Haku flying through the sky together. Both boards are crafted from Canadian maple wood, making them durable enough for recreational use. As shown below, they can also be used as vibrant outdoor display pieces. Priced individually, both decks...

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Since 2019, Shonen Jump followers have been enthralled by Sakamoto Days, Yuuto Suzuki's hilarious tale about a legendary ex-yakuza hitman turned local grocery store clerk. However, a new Manga Plus poll conducted by the company itself has revealed which series is truly leading the charge among Shonen Jump's current generation of readers.

Recently, Shueisha's popular Manga Plus platform published the results of its "Manga Plus Ax" poll -- a survey to determine reader's top 100 favorite works on the site. As reported by X user Shonen Salto (using photos from @thisisbunker), Takeru Hokazono's action-fantasy manga Kagurabachi was the highest-voted work in the competition. The second, third and fourth place spots were held by Sakamoto Days, RuriDragon and Blue Box, respectively. Additionally, Shonen Salto reports a significant gap between Blue Box and the top three, indicating that the latter are far...

Goro Miyazaki accepts Palme d'Or, extends honor to Studio Ghibli team and loyal fans. Hayao Miyazaki may retire, but rumors of a new project surface - exhaustion won't keep him from creating. Miyazaki believes the award signifies the end of a career, but Studio Ghibli legend hints at a possible return.

After accepting a monumental Palme d'Or on behalf of Studio Ghibli, Goro Myazaki (son of Hayao Miyazaki) made a bold accusation about the current state of anime. Ghibli's award marks the first time the honorary Palme d'Or award has been given to an entire studio, rather than an individual. Thierry Frmaux, Director of the Institut Lumire, opened the award ceremony (via Cannes Festival), saying:

"Were all here because were besotted with this Japanese animation. And what a studio! Represented by Gor Miyazaki, I give you the Studio Ghibli!

Goro took to the stage to accept the award on behalf of the studio.

The manga world was recently shaken when Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia, recommended Kagurabachi by Hokazono Takeru. My Hero Academia’s creator is one of the most respected mangakas in history, and his work is considered to be one of the best anime and manga series of all time.

Kagurabachi

Therefore, getting a recommendation is obviously a big thing for a mangaka like Takeru, who just entered the manga universe a few years ago. However, in a recent interview with one of the biggest Japanese newspapers, Takeru rejected Horikoshi’s characterization of him and emphasized that he still has a lot to do.

Horikoshi stated that Takeru understood the meaning of the word “cool” and used it in his masterpiece, but Takeru revealed that he did not totally get it and just wanted to add a flow to the story.

Kohei Horikoshi Recommends Kagurabachi

When Kagurabachi’s...

Kagurabachi‘s Chihiro set himself apart from other Shonen heroes from the very first chapter. While most Shonen protagonists have an uplifting aura around them, Chihiro is the exact opposite.

Chapter 1 of Kagurabachi revealed Chihiro’s dark past, and it was abundantly clear that the character means business. Any distraction is simply not allowed, which is probably why the manga fetched such a high viewership rate as soon as it debuted.

In an interview, Kagurabachi’s author, Hokazono Takeru, talked in detail about how he created Chihiro and his story.

Kagurabachi‘s Author Created a Dark Hero, Challenging Shonen Standards Chihiro | Kagurabachi Viz Media

In an interview with Asahi Shimbun, Hokazono Takeru discussed his creation process for Chihiro. The author was more experienced with one-shots and wanted to play to his strength with his first serialization.

However, an ambiguous dream of becoming something does not sit right in one-shots. But...

Studio Ghibli's filmography stands out in the film canon for its rich tapestry of intricate worlds, populated with lovable characters and timely allegory. Spearheaded by anime pioneer and co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, each entry from the Japanese animation studio honors the intelligence of its audience, steeping young and old in immersive, often emotional stories.

While there are plenty of sad moments and hidden meanings in Ghibli's often more dramatic-leaning tales, even its most serious offerings still have their fair share of quirky characters who reliably provide comedic relief upon fan rewatches or first-time viewings. More serious titles like Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away may not seem ripe for comedy but, because Studio Ghibli renders emotionally truthful characters, the characters lend themselves to similarly truthful comedic beats. Whether it be an unlikely ally subverting expectations like in Howl's Moving Castle or simply the strange behavior of a trademark weird Studio Ghibli creature absurdly on display,...

In the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli, heroes often struggle with profound weaknesses. From Spirited Away's timid Chihiro to the fragile Seita from Grave of the Fireflies, these protagonists face daunting challenges, both physical and mental.

While some, like Chihiro, discover inner courage and resilience by overcoming their shortcomings, others, like Satsuki and Mei of My Neighbor Totoro, endure struggles with fewer triumphs. Through their trials and tribulations, Studio Ghibli showcases the multifaceted nature of strength and weakness, reminding viewers of the power of resilience and the poignant beauty of vulnerability.

Kiki Loses Her Ability to Fly Close

Related 10 Best Anime About Witches In Training Witches learning at a magic academy or in a more natural, homey setting is always a fun spin on the timeless coming-of-age fantasy trope.

The titular witch, Kiki, initially appears weak due to her loss of confidence and identity crisis, but her powers seemingly make up for this,...

Kagurabachi's success is influenced by Naruto, Chainsaw Man and the western comic series, Batman. The original creator, Takeru Hokazono, had his biggest inspiration come from various manga, anime, and movies. Naruto's impact on modern series, including Kagurabachi, is evident in character designs and storytelling.

Shonen Jump magazine found its latest and greatest in September 2023, when the magazine's latest hit, Kagurabachi, started serializing. However, this success is owed to another of their series that not only elevated the magazine to incredible heights but also permanently altered the landscape of anime and manga.

Manga Plus, the official manga platform of Shueisha, released interviews with the editors of Kagurabachi, Kaiju No. 8, and Sakamoto Days. Takuro Imamura, the editor of Kagurabachi, disclosed a lot of information about the series' production, how the series came to be and what the creator is like.

That is when he revealed that the creator of Kagurabachi's main...

Studio Ghibli is one of the world's most famous and beloved movie studios. It is responsible for many iconic films, including Howl's Moving Castle, From Up on Poppy Hill, and My Neighbor Totoro. Due to this enduring popularity, several of the firm's most popular titles have been acquired by international distributors who have created English-dubbed versions of the movies.

Ghibli films often get some of the world's most famous English-speaking actors to voice the characters. However, dubbing is tricky, and while some Studio Ghibli dubs are excellent, others don't do the original films justice. But which Studio Ghibli dubs are worth watching, and which are better left on the shelf?

Related One Spirited Away Fan Theory Claims the Film Isn't the Innocent Children's Story We Thought It Was Spirited Away may seem like an innocent film. But one fan theory turns the film on its head. Disney's Spirited Away Changes...

Studio Ghibli, creator of iconic films like My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), frequently releases new merchandise for its beloved cast of characters. Now, the studio has unveiled a set of adorable pillow covers inspired by four of its animated classics.

Studio Ghibli's official online storefront, Donguri Sora, recently added pillow covers featuring Jiji the cat from Kiki's Delivery Service, Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro, No-Face from Spirited Away and The Baron from Whisper of the Heart. Each cover is made of the same fabric as a standard bath towel, making them soft and cozy to the touch. Additionally, they are sewn with openings at both ends, allowing them to easily be slipped on or off. Each cover is designed for pillows that are no larger than 43 x 63 cm. Priced at a modest 2,200 yen (or US$13), any one of these covers would make an ideal Mother's Day Gift --...

After his quiet, moving drama “Small, Slow, but Steady” (2022) based on the autobiographical book by Keiko Ogasawara about her life as the first professional boxer with disability in this sport, Japanese helmer Sho Miyake is back on the international festival track with another little marvel of a film “All The Long Nights”. Just like its predecessor, the film had its world premiere at the Berlinale to critical acclaim. Another thing they have in common is that “All The Long Nights” is also based on a (eponymous) novel by Maiko Seo (published in 2020), adapted into a screenplay by Wada Kiyoto and the helmer himself.

All The Long Nights screened at Red Lotus Asian Film Festival Vienna

In a sense, the premises of both films are comparable: people coming to terms with their specific health-related conditions and living their lives to the best. This time, in focus are a young woman with...

Musician Vaundy has joined the chorus of praise for the up-and-coming manga Kagurabachi, commending its captivating portrayal of swordsmanship and its protagonist’s unique fighting style ahead of the release of its second volume on May 2, 2024.

He commented on the obi of the manga’s second volume, stating: “He is a swordsmith who can draw out the bewitching beauty of swords. The protagonist’s swimming-like fighting style will transform the battlefield into a stage.“

Image Source: Kagurabachi Official Twitter

With the release of the second volume of Kagurabachi, the cumulative print circulation, including digital versions, will exceed 200,000 copies.

In celebration of the second volume’s release, select bookstores will distribute exclusive stamped illustration cards, while fans will also have the chance to win original T-shirts featuring Chihiro’s design through a special giveaway. Additionally, Line stamp sets featuring characters from the manga will be available alongside volume 2.

Volume 1 of the...

Kagurabachi and One Piece are not really connected, aside from being shonen works published by the same publisher in Japan. But, while the similarities are not that numerous, Kagurabachi author Takeru Hokazono has decided to pay tribute to Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece in the most recent chapter of his popular manga by having the protagonist of his manga, Chihiro Rokuhira, recreate Roronoa Zoro’s swordsmanship style from Oda’s series.

Such tributes are not uncommon in the world of manga; numerous authors have openly admitted to paying tribute to Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball in their works, regardless of the fact that their works have little in common with Toriyama’s, so this doesn’t come as a surprise. So, what are we actually dealing with here?

Well, if you’re a follower of the Kagurabachi manga series, this image will probably be something you’ve already seen, but if...

Chapter 28 of Kagurabachi featured some adrenaline-pumping panels as Chihiro prepared to take on a horde of enemies. He reached the auction house of the Sazanami Clan and struck an entry pose that had otakus in a frenzy.

Why? Because he looks like none other than Zoro himself. Chihiro has already been compared to Zoro because they both use swords. But, the recent chapter has made fans draw even more parallels between them. In fact, some fans even jokingly commented that Chihiro could master the four-sword style, something that Zoro hasn’t mastered yet.

Why is Chihiro from Kagurabachi being compared to One Piece‘s Zoro? Chihiro | Kagurabachi Viz Media

In chapter 28 of Kagurabachi, Chihiro infiltrated the basement of the Sazanami Clan. As he entered the base, he immediately realized he would have to fight off many enemies. So he took a fighting stance with his swords, but it looked very...

Quick Links The Symbolism and Culture in Spirited Away Alludes to Dark Themes According to One Fan Theory How Does No-Face Fit Into this Spirited Away Fan Theory? What Does Hayao Miyazaki Think of the Prostitution Metaphor Theory? One Spirited Away fan theory implies darker themes like prostitution and human trafficking lie beneath the story. Evidence for this fan theory includes bathhouse setting, Chihiro's name being taken from her, and No-Face trying to buy her companionship. Miyazaki's intended inspiration for Spirited Away was innocent, not dark as the fan theory suggests.

For many, Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 classic Spirited Away is the ultimate comfort movie, packed full of incredible animation and whimsical characters. On the surface, Spirited Away is a coming-of-age movie about a young girl recognizing her fear about getting older, eventually losing the protection and guidance of her parents in a strange and terrifying world, and learning to stand on her own two feet.

Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away is a film that has delighted audiences since its initial release in 2001. Following Chihiro, Spirited Away teaches lessons in friendship, love, and bravery. As courageous as Chihiro is at the end of the film, she didn't start out her adventure that way; Chihiro had to undergo some major character development to become the hero of her own story.

Without the guidance of her parents, Chihiro initially had to rely on herself to learn some of life's most valuable lessons. As the story unfolds, Chihiro makes friends with some interesting characters, each of whom had some wisdom to impart to the young girl.

Updated by Alan A. Mehanna, on March 15, 2024: This list has been updated to adhere to Cbr's most recent standards for formatting.

Related 10 Great Anime That Celebrate Family With many anime series and movies to choose from, families are sure to find something they can all watch together.

Howl's Moving Castle.I returned to the films of Hayao Miyazaki last year because the kids I nanny in Brooklyn—A, eight, and J, six—happened upon Studio Ghibli Fest while they were away over the summer in Upstate New York, visiting their grandparents in a town where they had spent the early pandemic. Of the two, J’s infatuation with Miyazki is least surprising: his interests include black holes, rare crystals, and mushrooms, especially the poisonous varieties. Through his eyes, I rediscovered Miyazaki, rewatching once-familiar films with a new attunement to their strangeness. In the process I was reminded of first meeting J, when he was four years old and still reeling from his family’s relocation from a house Upstate to their apartment in Brooklyn. He was particularly incensed about having to wear shoes, which I imagine crystallized the totality of the transformation: in that passage from grass to concrete,...

The Kagurabachi manga has been gaining quite some momentum in the manga world, especially among its international fans. As opposed to the manga’s author Takeru Hokazono-sensei and its editor Takuro Imamura’s imagination, young Chihiro’s storyline is getting widely loved by fans worldwide, which has sparked one much-asked question: Will the story get adapted into an anime?

Takeru Hokazono-sensei’s Kagurabachi

Recently, Kagurabachi‘s Weekly Shōnen Jump editor got into an exclusive interview with Manga Plus to discuss some background details and all the plans they have for the superhit manga’s future. During this, Imamura let slip one massively interesting detail for all the fans of the manga: There’s much more to come for Chihiro’s storyline!

SUGGESTEDAs Kagurabachi Dominates the World of Shonen Manga, Another Series May be Rising Through the Ranks with Anime Kagurabachi Editor Reveals Whether the Manga Will Get Adapted into an...

Despite only having published 20 chapters, Kagurabachi has already established itself as one of the most significant new releases in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. In September 2023, it debuted in the renowned Shonen Jump, and yet despite its brief period of existence, it has managed to gain fame around the world.

Kagurabachi

The manga tells the tale of Chihiro Rokuhira, a famous blacksmith’s son who built six charmed swords. With the aid of a seventh enchanted sword that his father forged before he was murdered, Chihiro seeks extremely violent revenge against a group of sorcerers. The story has appealed to a lot of anime and manga fans and has helped the series create a significant fan base.

Takeru Hokazono, the manga’s creator, drew inspiration for the plot from a variety of entertainment-related sources. In an interview, the manga’s editor Takuro Imamura revealed Hokazono’s inspirations for Chihiro Rokuhira and the manga Kagurabachi.

Since its debut, the Spirited Away stage play has been enchanting theatergoers in Japan and abroad. For 2024, two new actors will be stepping into the role of Chihiro/Sen, as seen in a pair of beautiful new posters. Actress and AKB48 graduate Rina Kawaei features in a bright, lantern-filled poster: Related: Ya Boy Kongming! Manga Goes Live with Stage Play Adaptation And Wasteful Days of High School Girls TV actor Momoko Fukuchi appears against a brightly moonlit night: Related: Howl’s Moving Castle-Inspired Ghibli Park 15-Second Promo Released Both actors will trade out the lead role with current stars Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi. Gkids has licensed the filmed performance of Spirited Away: Live on Stage , described thus: Chihiro’s family is moving to a new house, but when they stop on the way to explore an abandoned village, her parents undergo a mysterious transformation and Chihiro is whisked into...

Chapter 9 of Kagurabachi introduces the rules for the Enchanted Blades, with Chihiro facing off against the arms dealer Sojo for the first time. The combat between wielders of Rokuhira's magic swords provides exciting displays of power and cleverly disguises exposition for readers to understand how the swords work. The Enchanted Blades have limitations, as demonstrated by Sojo's Cloud Gouger sword, which has three abilities that Chihiro recognizes and lists, suggesting a limit of three spells per sword.

The newest chapter of Shonen Jump's Kagurabachi has its hero face off with the wicked arms dealer, Sojo. This marks the first time Chihiro is dealing with the business end of a hostile Enchanted Blade. More importantly, the fight also establishes the rules that the swords operate under in the world of the manga.

Chapter 9, appropriately titled "Enten vs. Cloud Gouger", focuses on combat between wielders of Rokuhira's magic swords. Besides providing spectacular displays of their powers,...

Quick Links Draluc Lampoons Bela Lugosi's Dracula Frankenstein Resembles Mary Shelley's Famed Scientist Shiho Is A Creative Take On The Wolfman Chihiro Has A Zombie Girlfriend Dracula Is A Tragic And Romantic Figure The Phantom Is The Theatrical Center Of A Murder Case Wolf Was Rejected For Being An Unconventional Werewolf Neko-Musume Has Fangs And Yellow Cat-Eyes This Anime Retells Mary Shelley's Gothic Classic Elaina Resembles A Traditional Witch In A Conical Hat

Classic monster movies retell urban legends like ghost stories, myths, and classic horror novels like Bram Stoker's Dracula and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The iconic monsters from classic Hollywood often make their way into anime, whether as villains, heroes, or regular characters.

Vampires appear across many cultures and are popular anime and horror creatures, but Dracula himself has a very specific stylization. Likewise, Frankenstein is often conflated with his Creation because of the way Hollywood sequels interpret his character.

In the Attack on Titan series finale, fans have identified several allusions, comparing the otherwise monochromatic scene where a baby is swaddled in red to the "girl in red" scene in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List and comparing Pieck (Manami Numakura) running down a Warhammer titan's spear to Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) running down the stairs of the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away. However, one of the most impactful changes from Hajime Isayama’s manga occurs during the conversation between Eren (Yuki Kaji) and Armin's (Marina Inoue) final moments shared in the Eldian mind-space Paths.

A government agency has referenced the new Kagurabachi manga in a post depicting a "Chihiro" hell-bent on battling waste and defending the environment.

The new Kagurabachi meme is making its rounds on social media, hot on the heels of the manga's sudden popularity among international readers. However, this meme stands out from the rest because it was posted by the Singaporean government's official Facebook account. Someone from the country's Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment apparently caught the Kagurabachi bug, compelling a parody illustration of the manga's protagonist as an environmental awareness advocate.

Final Issue of Shonen Magazine Edge Reveals Fate of Shaman King, Otaku Elf and Other Titles

Our battle against waste will be hard-fought. There are several ways to join the fight, like arming yourself with a... Posted by Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment on Friday, October 27, 2023

The photo mimics one of Chihiro's signature poses drawing Enten,...

The stage adaptation of Spirited Away, one of Hayao Miyazaki's most successful animated films, is set to release on digital and Blu-ray later this year.

Spirited Away is an Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli film that has captured the hearts of people around the world since its debut in 2001. The stage adaptation of Spirited Away premiered in Japan on Feb. 28, 2022 to wide acclaim. Tony Award Winner John Caird directed and adapted Miyazaki's most famous film for the stage, successfully bringing his story to life. The beautiful sets and clothing, along with the new musical numbers and master puppetry by Tobie Olie, has captivated audiences throughout Japan. The filmed performances also debuted successfully in theaters in North America earlier this year. As reported by Gkids, the release of Spirited Away: Live on Stage will be distributed by Shout! Studios.

Related: Spirited Away Isn't the Innocent Children's Story We Thought It Was...

There are good reasons why Shonen Jump's hit new manga Kagurabachi is being widely compared to its groundbreaking sister publication Jujutsu Kaisen. It's a battle manga with a decidedly supernatural theme that includes magic, enchanted swords, and a secret society of sorcerers living among the general population. However, a deeper look into the story reveals several subtle differences that indicate the manga will ultimately create its own unique style of sorcerer battle manga.

Over the last few weeks, Takeru Hokazono's Kagurabachi has been the talk of the manga world, and much of the attention has been focused on its plot. The story follows teenager Chihiro Rokuhira and his quest to avenge his master swordsmith father's murder by a band of mysterious sorcerers known as the Hishaku, who slaughtered him to steal his enchanted swords. The presence of a society of sorcerers has obviously triggered comparisons to Jujutsu Kaisen. Whether purposefully or not,...

Shonen Jump just saw the launch of a new manga, Kagurabachi, whose first impression brings to mind Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer. While it has committed no cardinal sin, urban fantasies with a Japanese aesthetic are now more popular than ever. With that in mind, author Takeru Hokazono will need an ace up his sleeve to prove the manga is worth following.

Kagurabachi, which arrived earlier this September, had an eye-catching opening when its anti-hero, Chihiro, cut a bloody swathe through a mafia outfit. While first impressions are everything, questions remain as to what new quirks the manga has to offer afterward. As things stand, it lies in the shadow of other far more popular series that use similar tools for its plot devices.

Related: New Shonen Jump Series is Already Receiving Massive Hype Even Before Its Release Kagurabachi's Setting Risks To Be Cliché Already

The first chapter of Shonen...

Spirited Away is one of director Hayao Miyazaki's most famous films, and it was recently adapted into a stage play in Japan. The animated-movie-turned-play ran for several months, first in Tokyo and then touring across Japan. Now, it's time for London audiences to experience the show with the original Japanese cast.

Studio Ghibli has produced some of the most successful and influential animated films of the last 20 years. Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Ponyo are some of the studio's most prominent projects. Per Anime News Network, in March 2022, Toho Stage — a Tokyo production company focused on producing stage plays, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary — debuted its production of Spirited Away. The beloved Miyazaki film was turned into a stunning show, featuring puppets and practical effects to bring the magical creatures of the story to life.

Related: 15 Valuable Life Lessons Chihiro Learned In Spirited Away...

Some anime couples are just so farfetched that they're laughable. But somehow, the couples' incongruous natures and predicaments work together to make a compelling, or at least entertaining, love story. Sometimes the couples are such a disaster that even if the audience knows it's a dumpster-fire, they just can't look away.

Just because an anime couple may never work in real life doesn't mean it doesn't make a great story. Some off-beat anime may be incredibly unlikely, but their romance has a certain charm. They may be hokey in every other story, but sometimes the perfect elements converge to make a silly premise entirely watchable.

Related: Top 15 Wholesome Anime Romances, Ranked

Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun

The far-fetched and overblown romance trope are the entire point of Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun. It's so unlikely that Nozaki would be so oblivious about Chiyo's feelings, especially as he obviously develops his own. Audiences can't...

Most Studio Ghibli movies read like fairytales. Nearly all the movies have fantasy elements to them, from the magical realism of Only Yesterday to Chihiro's isekai journey to a total fantasy world in Spirited Away. Many of the beings in Hayao Miyazaki's stories are inspired by folkloric figures and concepts.

Some draw to specific folkloric stories, like certain kinds of yokai, and others draw more from the idea of kami in general. The Shinto cosmology, an animistic religion, informs many things in Japanese culture. Studio Ghibli sometimes adapts works like Howl's Moving Castle and Tales from Earthsea, which are Western stories that incorporate British, Danish, and Greek folktales. The rest of the Miyazaki movies are largely informed by the concept of animism.

Related: 15 Best Anime Based On Real History

Kodama Are Japanese Tree Spirits

Kodama are Japanese tree spirits who live in trees and make echoing sounds. The...

Berserk's rage-filled black swordsman gets a feminine makeover in an intimidating genderswapped cosplay.

Uploaded on Reddit by Kantasea, the Guts costume features a detailed and bloody recreation of the Berserker armor and the massive sword, Dragonslayer. The gender-bent cosplay perfectly captures the mercenary's confidence and battle prowess but does reimagine the character's signature short, spiky hair as longer and more flowing. Kantasea previously shared another genderswapped interpretation of one of anime's most deadly sworders: One Piece's Roronoa Zoro.

Related: Berserk Fans Can Defeat Their Nightmares With Huge Dragonslayer Body Pillow

I made a female guts for anime expo! by u/kantasea in Berserk

First appearing in the now-defunct Monthly Animal House magazine before moving to Hakusensha's Young Anime in 1992, the ongoing Berserk manga takes place in a brutal and dark fantasy world and follows Guts as he pursues his ultimate question for vengeance against Griffith, his former friend,...

Anime has captured the hearts of viewers around the globe with its diverse range of stories and captivating characters. While some anime series may not be suitable for young audiences, there's a long list of kid-friendly shows that even teach valuable life lessons. It's also a fun and entertaining way to impart values and morals that will be useful as they age.

The anime series that we are about to share are easily accessible on popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Dish Network, and Disney Plus. So, without further ado, here are six kid-friendly anime series that you can watch with your kids this weekend. Let's dive in!

My Neighbor Totoro

Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro is a heartwarming tale about two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father. As they explore their new surroundings, they encounter a magical creature called Totoro.

Nyaff unveils first wave of features from China, Hong Kong, Japan and beyond.

The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has unveiled the first wave of features for its 22nd edition and announced that Japanese actor Ryohei Suzuki will receive the Screen International Rising Star award.

Nyaff will run from July 14-30 at the city’s Film at Lincoln Center, with a programme of more than 60 titles, and Suzuki will be presented with the award recognising emerging talent from East Asia on July 15.

Suzuki has been acting on screen for more than 15 years, with a string of roles in Japanese...