Latest news with #Evangelion
Japan Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
New 'Mobile Suit Gundam' film exhibition
Anime Tokyo Station is holding a special exhibition, "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-," until August 11. This latest installment in the Gundam series is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and has generated significant buzz as the first-ever collaboration between Studio Khara (known for the "Evangelion" series) and Sunrise (the creators of "Gundam"). The exhibition features a wide range of content, including scene stills revisiting memorable moments from the film, life-size standees of characters and mobile suits, photo spots recreating key scenes from the movie, rare production materials such as scripts and an AR photo corner where visitors can take photos with motifs from the characters. © Japan Today
Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
45 Most Iconic Anime Characters Ever Created
Japan has produced some of the most memorable and influential characters in pop culture through anime. Many of them are larger than life — we're talking giant mecha pilots, warriors with enormous swords, sorcerers with unfathomable powers, and Pocket Monsters who are equal parts adorable and fierce. At the same time, Eastern animation has brought us plenty of gritty, relatable protagonists, from Cowboy Bebop's Faye Valentine, who is quick to joke around and slow to trust, to Evangelion's Shinji, whose struggle with depression has resonated with countless viewers. If you're a hardcore anime fan, you'll definitely enjoy this roundup of the most iconic characters the genre has to offer. Scroll down to see if your fave made the list! Tatsu — The Way of the Househusband Did you ever think you'd watch a show that's described as a "cozy gangster comedy"? Three words that you just don't expect to follow each other or describe the same show or character, but that's exactly what The Way of the Househusband is. Tatsu is the titular househusband, a retired Yakuza crime boss known as "the immortal dragon" who now fills his days with the washing and folding and preparing meals for his wife. For the simple fact that he contains multitudes–portraying both the golden retriever boyfriend and the famed criminal mastermind, tropes in many beloved animes–he deserves a spot as an icon on this list. Team Rocket — Pokémon It would be hard to separate Jessie and James or even Meowth from each other, so Team Rocket gets its own space as a unit. Ash and Pikachu wouldn't be the heroes they are without formidable opponents, and watching them destroy Jessie, James and Meowth at every chance they got never gets old! From their outfits and hair to their voices, everything about Team Rocket screams iconic, but its their insane disguise plots that really makes them stand out as top tier villains! Taiga Aisaka —Toradora! She didn't earn the nickname Palmtop Tiger for nothing! Taiga Asaka is both the cutest and fiercest shoujo love interest possibly ever. Her penchant for going from zero to 100 is alarming but charming, especially since that could either be in the form of anger or the form of despair. She's so feisty and tough that you forget she's also soft inside, which makes her moments of sadness hit even harder. Kyouko Hori — Horimiya Kyouko Hori was representation for so many kinds of girls on screen: the overworked eldest daughter, the misunderstood star student, and also a girl who likes a little power play in her romantic relationships. That last one is a bold addition to add to a teen romance drama, but it says a lot about her character–feeling the need to always be in control and manage everything in her life leaves a part of her yearning for a loss of control, and having an understanding partner like Izumi Miyamura meet her needs is important, even if it took a bit to get him on board. Strong and powerful, but also vulnerable–she's a complex and deeply human character with a lot to admire. Nana O. — NANA Has a cooler anime girl ever existed than rockstar Nana, who is not only effortlessly chic and talented and beloved, but also still kind to people and not an egomaniac? I'd say no, and her best friend, Nana K. would certainly agree. Her role as the cool, famous girl who has it all but still yearns for different things offered such an overlooked perspective, especially when compared to the wants and needs of her same-name counterpart, Nana K., who was on a more normal path yet desired parts of Nana O.'s world, finding that they left her emptier than before. Tony Tony Chopper — One Piece A pint-sized human-reindeer hybrid with a name so nice you have to say it twice, Tony Tony Chopper is absolutely unforgettable. He might look a little silly with his giant antlers and hat twice the size of his body, but he's not to be underestimated: he's a brilliant doctor who can heal almost any illness or injury, and he has the ability to shapeshift. You'd definitely want this kooky critter on your side in a crisis. Satoru Gojo — Jujutsu Kaisen Satoru Gojo is quite a cocky guy — but can we really blame him? He's one of the most powerful sorcerers in the world, with special abilities that haven't been demonstrated in centuries. And yet he has a sincere streak — as a teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu High, he's a kind and patient mentor to his students, passionate about passing on his supernatural knowledge. His multifaceted personality has earned him a special place in fans' hearts. Misa Amane — Death Note Misa Amane isn't just memorable for her role as a tragic heroine in Death Note, standing by Light's side even as he uses and manipulates her. She's also beloved for her edgy style, inspired by Japan's Gothic Lolita subculture. Go to any anime convention and you'll see plenty of cosplayers sporting her signature blonde pigtails and layered jewelry. Dio Brando — JoJo's Bizarre Adventure JoJo's Bizarre Adventure features dozens of iconic heroes and villains, many of whom could be included on this list simply due to their… well… bizarre names. (Seriously — there is a character named Notorious B.I.G. on this show.) Yet Dio Brando might be the most memorable of them all. Sure, he's chillingly evil, willing to go to extreme lengths for absolute power — but he's also a badass vampire oozing with charisma, and therefore he's a certified fan fave. Faye Valentine — Cowboy Bebop The bounty hunting crew in Cowboy Bebop would be nowhere without Faye Valentine, a former thief who switched sides to join forces with Spike Siegel and his motley gang of sidekicks. When we first meet Faye, she's sarcastic and unwilling to let her guard down. As the series goes on, she learns to trust her fellow passengers on the Bebop and even opens her heart to the power of friendship. Arsène Lupin III — Lupin III Thanks to his remarkable skills and intellect, Lupin III went on to become the world's greatest thief. While his manga counterpart has engaged in some especially questionable behavior, the gentleman thief presented in anime managed to charm his way into our hearts and has thus had a lasting effect on pop culture. Shōtarō Kaneda — Akira Leader of a biker gang known as the Capsules, Kaneda is thrust into an epic war in the futuristic city of Neo-Tokyo after his friend Tetsuo develops psychic powers. That shot of his sliding on his bike alone made him a pop culture icon. However, because Akira brought greater attention to anime worldwide, Kaneda has become one of anime's most recognizable heroes. Ichigo Kurosaki — Bleach Even though he could already see ghosts, Ichigo was a regular high school kid before gaining the powers of a Soul Reaper. Standing in for the Reaper who gave him his powers, Ichigo fights to protect others from the evil Hollows while guiding good wholes to the spirit world. With his giant sword and cool design, Ichigo has long been a recognizable figure in shonen anime, but his heroic nature is what helped keep this Reaper alive in the eyes of fans. Kirito — Sword Art Online This swordsman helped jumpstart the isekai trend. Trapped in a VR game where game-over means literal death, Kirito fought to return to the real world, leveling up until he became the strongest player in SAO. Many people have understandably taken with Kirito being overpowered and somehow winning the hearts of every girl that crosses his path. However, Kirito's tragic backstory, outstanding skills, and likable character still make him an enthralling protagonist. You also gotta love his sick outfit and dual blades. Stand aside, Neo. Yugi Muto/Yami Yugi — Yu-Gi-Oh! If you played Yu-Gi-Oh! growing up, you'll definitely remember this duelist and his unforgettable hairdo. Carrying the spirit of an Egyptian pharaoh in his necklace, Yugi masters the art of Duel Monsters and becomes the King of Games. Whether he's playing with Dark Magicians, tiny Kurbiohs, or the Egyptian Gods themselves, Yugi always has the Heart of the Cards on his side. Killua Zoldyck — Hunter x Hunter One half of the dynamic duo in Hunter x Hunter, Killua is the cutest cold-blooded assassin you've ever seen. He balances the optimism of Gon, and similar to Sasuke, has an electric attack that'll end just about anybody. His growth throughout the series is great to watch as well as the bond between him and Gon, which gets stronger as they defeat foe after foe. Their adventures together are not only entertaining but heartwarming as a kid with a messed up family tries to help his best friend find his dad. Izuku Midoriya/Deku — My Hero Academia Though he was born without a superpower in a world full of supes, this young lad still aspired to become a superhero like his idol, All Might, who passes his power onto him. As a child, we all wished we could become a superhero, and Deku embodies that child who finally had his dream come true. Rem — Re: Zero-Starting Life in Another World Rem has been consistently labeled one of the greatest waifus in anime, if not the greatest. Audiences fell in love with this blue-haired maid due to her cute and supportive nature, and so they were left utterly heartbroken that the protagonist chose Emilia over her. Rem was the loving friend Subaru needed in his new life of dying time and time again, and anyone would be lucky to have their own Rem in their lives. Kamina — Gurren Laggan This legendary hero taught us all what it truly means to be a man. Motivating his buddy Simon throughout their adventures on the surface, Kamina became a source of inspiration for him and many fans of this mecha classic. So it was a shock to everyone that the series killed Kamina after just eight episodes. While he may have died, the impact he left on his friends has made him and his macho spirit eternal. Rei Ayanami — Evangelion This mysterious EVA pilot has entranced fans since she first appeared. Born with the DNA of both Shinji's mother and the Angel Lilith, Rei acts as if her only purpose is to pilot the EVA, rarely speaking or doing anything social with other people. We can all relate to Rei, as every one of us longs for meaning and companionship in our lives, so watching her find joy and purpose with her new friends is so heartwarming to watch. Akira Fudo/Devilman — Devilman After overcoming the demon spirit Amon, Akira gains the power of the devil while retaining his human heart. As demons rise up around the world, Akira uses his evil powers to violently fight them all, but he is eventually forced to face the humans he tried to protect. Akira Devilman has become most well-known due to the recent series on Netflix, but this fiendish hero has influenced anime for decades due to his extremely dark and tragic tale. Gon Freecss — Hunter x Hunter The kid who adventures to find his father, Gon is another bright and happy character who sees the good in people even when they might not deserve it and trains to become the best because his goal is always the priority that nothing can stop. His eventual friendship with not only Killua, but Leorio and Kurapika make for a great band of brothers chasing their dreams together. Although they eventually split, Gon and Killua become a fierce pair that not many can contend with. His journey throughout the series shows his maturity and growth, and at times the pain that one would suffer when lives are on the line and comrades are lost. His battle with Pitou still gives me goosebumps to this day and is probably the darkest and grimest version of Gon you ever get to see. Astro Boy — Astro Boy Created by a scientist to replace his dead son, Astro is later sold to a robot circus before being adopted by another professor. Known for his adorable appearance and red rocket shoes, Astro became a benchmark superhero whose popular 1960s TV show became the first anime to reach the US. Sailor Moon — Sailor Moon This savior in a sailor suit gave rise to the magical girl genre. While she grew up on Earth as Usagi Tsukino, she eventually learns she is the reincarnation of the princess of the Moon Kingdom. Gifted with a brooch that can transform her into Sailor Moon, she assembles a team of fellow Guardians and uses her powers to defend her adopted planet from the forces of evil. Not only is she one of the most influential characters in anime, but she is also one of the greatest female superheroes in pop culture. Vash the Stampede —Trigun This optimistic wanted man can't seem to get away from trouble, but when your head is worth as much as his, it makes sense why he can't escape it. Whether it is his naive optimism, his unwillingness to kill, or his playful nature you really can't help but fall in love with Vash as he runs from bounty hunters and thugs to avoid further bloodshed. He has been dealt a bad hand, and although he is cheerful and smiling from ear to ear, there's a dark past that has also made him feel lonely and hurt by his trauma. This speaks to his constant need to run away and keep any new friends he makes at a distance since past betrayals and loved ones lost, due to his bounty, have formed his behavior. Totoro — My Neighbor Totoro Since the film's release, this giant fuzzball has acted as the mascot for Studio Ghibli, making it among the most recognizable creatures in anime. On par with Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, this massive cat-like spirit became a beloved animated icon to audiences worldwide, capturing the sense of childhood innocence and wide-eyed imagination in its purest form. What kid wouldn't want to play with this cuddly cat-like spirit? Saitama — One-Punch Man This guy isn't your average Man of Steel. After training so hard to become a hero, Saitama had gotten so strong that he could take down any foe with a single punch. As a result, he could no longer find any enjoyment in what he does and became indifferent to almost everything. Even so, he still uses his unstoppable power to protect the people of Z City, which all makes him one of the most unconventional shonen heroes out there. Eren Yeager — Attack on Titan After watching a Titan eat his mother, Eren vows revenge against these colossal invaders and joins the fight against them, eventually learning to become a Titan himself. Though he starts out as a hero, Eren becomes more callous and murderous until he vows to protect his people by exterminating all other life. Thanks to his complex character and the show's massive popularity, Eren has gone on to become one of the most iconic protagonists and antagonists in anime history. Yusuke Urameshi — Yuyu Hakusho Nothing like setting a tone for a character's traits and personality then by seeing Yusuke being the school punk whooping on Kuwabara and being feared by classmates to then sacrificing himself to save a kid. His growth throughout the series is still one of my favorites as we learn how his upbringing was the cause for his bad behavior. But even with all the trauma he experienced, he still finds love and companionship with not only Keiko but with his comrades as well. His fearlessness and willingness to step up when the odds are stacked against him makes for a great shonen protagonist and he was one of my all-time favorite characters growing up. The Dark Tournament saga still holds up as one of the best arcs in anime history and is worth a rewatch if you haven't seen it for some time. Lelouch Lamperouge — Code Geass Formerly a prince of Britannia, Lelouch becomes gifted with the power of Geass and leads a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire as the head of the Black Knights. While his narcissism and extreme methods don't make him the most likable character, but the bonds that he forges with his allies have made him a compelling antihero. Motoko Kusanagi — Ghost in the Shell With her brain inhabiting a cybernetic body, Major Motoko Kusanagi investigates crimes in Japan in this classic cyberpunk anime. You do not want to mess with this purple-haired policeman, as her strength, skill, and intellect have proven her to be a force to be reckoned with. At the same time, the way questions her humanity and identity as a cyborg has made her one of the most compelling and thought-provoking figures in science fiction. L Lawliet — Death Note This strange but intelligent detective was the perfect adversary for Light Yagami. After the latter begins his worldwide murder spree with the Death Note, L enters a game of cat and mouse with Light as he tries to bring the killer to justice. This eccentric genius really made his mark on anime fans, as he has been ranked high on many people's lists of anime's greatest heroes, partially thanks to Alessandro Juliana's acclaimed performance as the voice of L. Vegeta — Dragon Ball While Goku was a pretty standard upright hero, Vegeta had a long and winding journey from being a genocidal villain to a loving husband, father, and overall hero. For years, Vegeta's ego was dominated by his desire to surpass Goku, but after getting left in the dust time and time again, the Saiyan Prince was forced to rethink his purpose in life. He eventually accepted his limitations and began fighting for peace and love instead of just pride. Light Yagami — Death Note After gaining the power to kill anyone he wants with the Death Note, Light Yagami seeks to become the god of a new world by eliminating those he feels deserve to die. While Light is a manipulative and cold-hearted villain, audiences worldwide have become drawn to him as a character who believes he's doing what's best for the world. Levi Ackerman — Attack on Titan Considered humanity's strongest soldier, Levi leads an elite squad in the Survey Corps in their war against the Titans. This stone-faced fighter has been repeatedly ranked as the series's most popular character, and I can see why. Calm, cool, and capable of some killer moves on the battlefield, Levi swung his way into all of our hearts with his epic battles, dry wit, and heartwrenching origins. Asuka Langley — Evangelion This EVA pilot is a textbook example of the tsundere archetype. Though she is derisive to almost everyone around her, especially Shinji, she grew to like and respect him as they worked together to fight the Angels. At the same time, Asuka faces monsters of her own as she sinks into depression. Having dedicated her whole life to piloting the EVA to validate herself in the eyes of others, she loses the will to live after becoming too weak to fight, forcing her to confront her own past trauma. As a result, Asuka has remained one of the most popular and complex characters in anime history. Guts — Berserk To say this mercenary has had a rough life would be a massive understatement. In this dark fantasy anime, Guts is forced to endure countless hardships throughout his life, but being forced to fight alongside the Band of the Hawk, he begins to grow out of this darkness and become the anti-hero that audiences know and love. Edward Elric — Fullmetal Alchemist In an attempt to revive their mother, he and his brother, Alphonse, suffer from alchemic dismemberment in a failed ritual, literally costing Edward an arm and a leg. Donning some prosthetic limbs, he and Alphonse travel the world to find the Philosopher's Stone and restore their bodies. Walking a fine line between smart and stubborn, Edward has grown to be a strong and heroic alchemist as he and his allies take on the dreaded Homunculi. Sasuke Uchiha — Naruto Peanut butter and jelly, Jay-Z and Beyonce, Naruto and Sasuke. It's like you can't have one without the other on this list. Sasuke, like many duos in anime, balances the show's protagonist and offers a rivalry-turned friendship that holds up to the likes of Vegeta and Goku. These two arguably have the greatest story arc just throughout many episodes and multiple shows. Sasuke having his tragic backstory, equally if not more horrendous, than Naruto's and being his adversary to the point of losing a limb is one of the greatest friend to foe back to friendship arcs I have seen in any anime. It also must be said that he's an absolute badass and has been a part of some of the most memorable moments of the anime. Naruto Uzumaki — Naruto Though he was rejected by his village for housing the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox in his body, Naruto aspired to become their leader to gain their respect. This ninja hero has been worldwide for his energetic character, outstanding development, and his distinctive style of running. Don't pretend you haven't tried it out at least once in your life. Monkey D Luffy — One Piece It's hard to find an anime fan who doesn't know about this hero. After eating the Gum Gum Fruit, Luffy gains the power to stretch his body. Setting sail across the Grand Line with the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy seeks out the legendary One Piece to become the King of the Pirates. Like many shonen protagonists, this happy-go-lucky pirate isn't always the sharpest knife in the drawer. However, he has proven himself to be a brilliant fighter and a true hero as he has repeatedly risked his life to protect his crew, and after two decades, he still comes out on top. Ash & Pikachu — Pokémon I picked both of these best friends for this one because there is hardly a time when they're apart. Aspiring to become a Pokémon Master, Ash Ketchum ends up getting Pikachu as his first partner, and the two have been inseparable ever since, fighting countless Trainers and collecting Gym Badges to become a champion. Though Ash has caught and trained many strong Pokémon in the last 20 years, Pikachu will always be his number one partner. Shinji Ikari — Evangelion While he might not have been the courageous, optimistic, and moral protagonist audiences wanted, that's what made him such a great character. Shinji embodies the Evangelion creator's struggle with depression as he struggles to find acceptance and overcome his self-loathing in the backdrop of his war with the Angels. Shinji gave audiences to gaze into the darkest depths of the human psyche as they watched him question his purpose in life, making him the hero that audiences needed, but not the one they deserved. Spike Spiegel — Cowboy Bebop A bounty hunter traveling across the Solar System aboard the Bebop, Spike takes part in many cosmic adventures with his ragtag crew of galactic misfits. While he may act like a chill guy, Spike is haunted by his past as a member of the criminal Red Dragon Syndicate and his long-lost love, Julia. Nevertheless, Spike has long been viewed as one of the coolest characters to come out of anime, and even he faced death, he literally knew how to go out with a bang. Goku — Dragon Ball This Saiyan warrior is the quintessential shonen hero, having inspired many iconic anime heroes that followed him. Sent to Earth as a baby to destroy humanity, Goku ends up becoming its greatest protector. While this muscle-headed alien might not always do what is right or even logical, Goku will stop at nothing to protect those around him from evil. With countless transformations and some hella strong pipes, Goku has stood as one of the most legendary heroes in all of anime. Who would you add to the list?
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Top 5 Anime that revived the industry and made billions
Credits: Color Vision In recent decades the anime industry has seen waves of revival thanks to a handful of breakthrough titles. These shows and films not only drew global audiences with compelling stories and innovative style, but also generated enormous revenue – from blockbuster anime box office ticket sales to multimillion‐dollar merchandise lines. Below are five anime that reshaped the market. Each title combined creative vision with runaway popularity, helping revive anime worldwide while raking in literally billions in revenue and franchise value. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Dark mecha masterpiece Credits: Crunchyroll When Neon Genesis Evangelion debuted in 1995, it injected new energy into a flagging anime scene. Its blend of psychological depth and giant-robot action captured fan fascination. Evangelion's emotional storytelling and iconic characters (like Rei Ayanami and Asuka) sparked a merchandising craze: within two years Evangelion merchandise and media sales topped $400 million. By the mid-2000s the franchise had earned over $2 billion in total (counting DVDs, soundtracks, toys and more). Home video sales of the series were so strong that Japan's economy saw 'considerable impact in the billions of yen' thanks to Eva. Fans embraced the show's dark tone and complex themes, and EVA is often credited with reviving interest in anime during the 1990s. Its long-term cultural impact endures in every series that followed its introspective style. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Pokémon: The global franchise juggernaut Credits: Crunchyroll Few anime titles have reached the global footprint of Pokémon. Launching in the mid-1990s with the TV series and video games, Pokémon turned the anime industry into a worldwide phenomenon. The adventures of Ash and Pikachu drew millions of young viewers, and blockbuster movie tie-ins kept momentum strong – for example, Pokémon: The First Movie alone grossed about US$85.7 million in the U.S.. Critically, Pokémon's success extended far beyond the screen into video games, card games and toys. Today the Pokémon franchise is estimated to be worth over $100 billion. In short, Pokémon became a cultural juggernaut: its anime series made kids (and grown-ups) everywhere hungry for more, and its merchandising empire – from stuffed animals to trading cards – dwarfed competitors. By popularizing Japanese anime characters on a massive scale, Pokémon helped revive and expand the anime industry globally, proving that smart storytelling and beloved characters can create both cultural impact and enormous revenue. Dragon Ball : Enduring Shōnen power Credits: Crunchyroll Long before streaming, Dragon Ball (manga 1984, anime 1989–96) proved that shōnen action-adventure could be a cash cow. The saga of Goku and his friends combined fast-paced fight scenes with humor and fantasy, winning legions of fans in Japan and abroad. Dragon Ball quickly became one of the highest-grossing anime franchises of all time: today its brand (including sequels like Dragon Ball Z/Super , video games, clothing and films) is valued in the tens of billions. Movies from the series often hit big box-office numbers, and video games topped sales charts. Fans fueled this success – Dragon Ball's signature blend of epic battles and memorable characters has sold countless DVDs and figurines. In fact, Dragon Ball's movies and merchandise drove so much revenue that the franchise ranks with the very biggest names in animation. By proving anime could sustain a long-running, lucrative action series, Dragon Ball helped cement anime's international popularity in the 1990s and beyond. Naruto : Global ninja phenomenon Credits: Crunchyroll Naruto (2002–2017) became a worldwide smash, especially appealing to young viewers with its inspiring underdog hero and themes of friendship and perseverance. In Japan and overseas, Naruto's cultural impact was immense: the manga alone has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of history's bestselling comic series. Its financial success is a testament to fan enthusiasm – Naruto's billions of copies in print translated into a multi‐billion‐dollar franchise when counting anime licensing, video games, toys and apparel. The anime and manga boosted anime's global viewership, drawing in new fans across Europe, North America and Asia. High-speed ninja battles and heartfelt character arcs resonated deeply: fans attended conventions in droves, cosplayed as ninjas, and bought Naruto gear in huge numbers. In these ways, Naruto helped revive interest in anime during the 2000s era, spreading Japanese pop culture worldwide and proving that a relatable story could translate into enduring anime success. Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba: Record-breaking newcomer Credits: Crunchyroll Demon Slayer's meteoric rise in the late 2010s proved anime's continuing power to surprise. The TV series (2019) and especially its sequel film Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train smashed box-office records. Mugen Train earned over $507 million worldwide, instantly becoming the highest-grossing anime film ever. In Japan it shattered long-standing records – hitting about ¥32.5 billion (around $300+ million) in just 73 days, surpassing even Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away . Demon Slayer's success owed as much to emotional storytelling as to flashy action. Audiences connected with its characters' family bonds and struggles, while the anime's lush animation style drew praise from critics and fans alike. The franchise quickly spawned hit songs, merchandise and more. In short, Demon Slayer reignited the anime film market globally: it captured the anime box office spotlight and demonstrated that a well-crafted anime could capture billions in revenue while touching hearts (for instance, its theme song became a cultural sensation). Its record-breaking run has encouraged studios and theaters worldwide to invest in anime – a true modern revival. Conclusion: Each of these top anime represents a turning point where creativity met mass appeal. Neon Genesis Evangelion, Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Naruto and Demon Slayer all combined rich storytelling with broad emotional resonance. Their success shows how anime can drive huge economic growth – from the largest highest-grossing anime films to tiny collectibles selling by the millions – while inspiring fans and influencing other media. Together, they demonstrate that when anime captures the public's imagination, the industry thrives: rebuilding itself between eras and generating billions in revenue through box office, merchandise, streaming and more. These series didn't just make money; they helped shape the global cultural impact of anime, ensuring it remains a vibrant, mainstream art form today. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Metropolis Japan
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Anime Exhibition: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Metropolis Japan
From May 24 to August 11, Anime Tokyo Station hosts Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- , a special exhibition celebrating the buzzed-about new film directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki. As the first-ever collaboration between Studio Khara (Evangelion) and Sunrise (Gundam), the exhibit offers an inside look at this landmark project. Explore scene stills, life-size character standees, recreated film sets, rare production materials, and an AR photo corner for fans to snap pics with characters. Dates May 24 (Sat) – August 11 (Monday/ Holiday), 2025Closed Dates:May: 26June: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30July: 7, 14, 22, 28 August: 4
Sharjah 24
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Designers share legacy of ‘Sailor Moon' & ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!' at SAC
From auditions to becoming animation stars Kazuko Tadano recounted her whirlwind entry into Sailor Moon history, and in 1992, after finding out at the last minute about a character design audition for the anime adaptation of Naoko Takeuchi's manga, she was given less than 24 hours to submit her work. 'I was so stressed,' Tadano laughed, 'but I poured my heart into my characters; I wanted them to sparkle with both innocence and determination.' Her designs, which streamlined Takeuchi's intricate manga art for animation, won over both the author and studio Toei. Hiromi Matsushita, seated beside her, interjected with a wry smile, saying 'The schedule was insane. We were juggling weekly episodes and deadlines; all while trying to honor Naoko-sensei's vision.' As the animation director for critical episodes like the series premiere and Episode 21's meta-commentary on animation studio struggles, Matsushita described 18-hour workdays as routine. 'We'd collapse at our desks, wake up to ink smudges on our faces, and do it again. The pressure was crazy, but there was magic in that chaos; like we were channeling the Sailor Guardians' own battles against time.' The adaptation faced early challenges, including balancing the manga's mature themes with a younger audience. Tadano revealed she did her best to take a sensitive approach but without losing the original aesthetic of the characters to preserve the 'pure, magical girl essence.' The gamble paid off, and Sailor Moon became a global phenomenon, overshadowing Toei's other projects at the time and taking priority on their production scheduling. Even Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno praised Tadano's work, and requested signed designs from her, which obviously was an incredible personal accomplishment for her. 25 years later, history repeated itself, and when Sailor Moon Eternal and Cosmos films entered production, Toei studio held another audition but this time only as a 'formality'. 'They only wanted Tadano,' Matsushita interjected with a grin, 'Her designs are timeless.' Rewriting rules for a new generation The couple's collaboration extended to the global success of Yu-Gi-Oh! and here, the stakes were different with creator, Kazuki Takahashi requesting a complete stylistic overhaul to target elementary schoolers. 'We aged down the characters, simplified the card game mechanics, and removed darker themes,' Matsushita explained. Older fans initially balked at the shift, but the duo's expressive, energetic designs; blending Tadano's delicate linework with Matsushita's dynamic action; eventually won over the hearts of original fans. The latest series, Yu-Gi-Oh! Go Rush!!, faced unique challenges. The story sidelined the original protagonist in favor of young twin heroes, Yuhi and Yudias. 'Fans were again skeptical, but we focused on making their bond feel real,' Tadano said. The series, initially slated for two years, was extended to three due to its popularity, and concluded this March. When asked about their most challenging character, Tadano didn't hesitate: Sailor Venus. 'She was too similar to Usagi initially; same hair color, similar personality. I had to tweak her shading and expressions to make her stand out!' She also spoke of her connection to some characters, saying, 'Strong, fiery characters inspire me. Ray's determination mirrors my own during those sleepless nights!' Matsushita again chimed in, saying 'the chaotic synergy of their partnership is what makes it exciting, we argue over details, but that tension creates magic, and together we are unstoppable.' Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SAC 2025 runs until May 4th at Expo Centre Sharjah, and for more information and the full agenda, visit
