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Straits Times
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Digimon releases official trailer for upcoming anime in October
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Digimon Beatbreak will follow the adventures of protagonist Tomoro Tenma and his lizard-like companion Gekkomon. Heads up, Digimon tamers - the official trailer has just dropped for a new anime series slated to begin in October 2025. First unveiled in March, Digimon Beatbreak - the 10th series in the popular media franchise - will follow the adventures of protagonist Tomoro Tenma and his lizard-like companion, Gekkomon. Digimon (short for Digital Monsters) are the physical incarnations of digital data or computer programs that reside in the Digital World - a parallel dimension spawned from data in mankind's communication networks. In the world of Digimon Beatbreak, which 'achieved development through emotionally generated energy', Digimon lurk in the shadows and are said to devour emotions, with a team of 'cleaners' handling incidents arising from altercations with these creatures. The tagline of the series is 'Glitch the Future' - nobody knows what it means at this point, but eh, it sounds cool. Tenma is voiced by Miyu Irino, a veteran voice actor known for his role as Haku in Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away, Sora in the Kingdom Hearts video game series, Saji Crossroad in Mobile Suit Gundam 00, as well as Sabo in One Piece. Gekkomon is voiced by Megumi Han, who voiced Gon Freecss in the 2011 Hunter × Hunter anime, Meimei in The Apothecary Diaries. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump modifies reciprocal tariffs ahead of deadline; rate on Singapore likely to remain at 10% Singapore PM Wong to deliver National Day message on Aug 8 Singapore Data breach involving Cycle & Carriage Singapore customer details under probe Singapore Man charged over kicking woman's face in Teck Whye Lane flat, leading to her death Singapore 'For one last time, let's go home': Tears, laughs as last scheduled Jetstar Asia flight touches down Life The Projector leaves Cineleisure, returns to Golden Mile Tower Singapore 3 men charged over living on the earnings of prostitution Business OCBC Q2 profit drops 7% to $1.82b as interest rates fall, to pay lower interim dividend Since its inception in 1997, the Digimon franchise has often been compared with Pokemon, as both feature colourful, larger-than-life creatures battling for dominance. The franchise first began as a series of digital pets similar to Tamagotchi . It then blossomed into a franchise comprising multiple anime series, games, manga, trading cards, and of course, toys. Entertainment website Comic Book Resources estimates the Digimon franchise to have racked up US$6.3 billion (S$8.18 billion) in revenue since then. There are nearly 1,300 unique Digimon in the franchise (compared with Pokemon at little over a thousand) of all shapes and sizes, including cute dogs that evolve into cats, armoured humanoid dragons, angels and demons, and literal manifestations of the end of all creation. They are mostly capable of human speech, and often possess elaborate, edgy designs complete with flashy armour and weapons.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
New to anime? Here are the best beginner-friendly anime series to start with
Source: IMDB Getting into anime can feel overwhelming there are literally thousands of shows out there, each with different genres, art styles, and episode counts. But don't worry! If you're wondering where to begin, we've got your back. Whether you're into action, romance, or slice-of-life, these beginner-friendly anime series are perfect to start your journey. They're easy to follow, wildly entertaining, and loved by fans worldwide. Let's dive in. Best beginner-friendly anime series to watch right now Death Note Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Thriller, supernatural Episodes: 37 This iconic series is often the gateway drug to anime fandom. Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school genius who gains the power to kill anyone just by writing their name in a notebook. The moral dilemmas, intense cat-and-mouse chase with detective L, and clever storytelling make it an irresistible start for beginners. My Hero Academia Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll, JioCinema Genre: Action, superhero, school Episodes: 100+ (ongoing) Set in a world where almost everyone has superpowers called quirks, My Hero Academia tells the story of Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. It's full of high-energy battles, emotional arcs, and strong character development, making it one of the best beginner-friendly anime for fans of Marvel or DC. One Punch Man Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Action, comedy, superhero Episodes: 24 (2 seasons) What happens when a hero is so strong he defeats everyone with one punch? That's the hilarious premise of One Punch Man. With crisp animation and satire of superhero tropes, it's perfect for those who want laughs with their action. Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Prime Video Genre: Action, dark fantasy Episodes: 55+ (ongoing) If you're into gorgeous animation and emotionally gripping stories, Demon Slayer is a must. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered. It's intense, heartfelt, and one of the most visually stunning anime ever made. Spirited Away (Movie) Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Prime Video (Studio Ghibli collection) Genre: Fantasy, adventure Duration: 125 minutes Prefer movies over series? Start with Spirited Away, a magical masterpiece by Studio Ghibli. It follows a young girl named Chihiro trapped in a world of spirits. The film is dreamy, imaginative, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A beautiful introduction to anime films. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) Found in: Netflix, Prime Video Genre: Romance, fantasy, drama Duration: 106 minutes This film hits you right in the feels. Two teenagers mysteriously start switching bodies, and what begins as a fun twist turns into an emotional rollercoaster. With breathtaking animation and a killer soundtrack, Your Name is a modern anime classic. Attack on Titan Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Action, post-apocalyptic Episodes: 90+ (complete) If you're okay with a darker, more intense story, Attack on Titan is unforgettable. It's set in a world under siege by man-eating giants, and it only gets crazier from there. Incredible plot twists, epic fights, and complex characters make this a must-watch for thrill-seekers. Fruits Basket (2019 reboot) Found in: Crunchyroll, Netflix Genre: Romance, drama, slice-of-life Episodes: 63 Want something wholesome with a bit of magical realism? Fruits Basket is a sweet, emotional story about a girl who ends up living with a family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. It's heartwarming, funny, and low-key deep. Haikyuu!! Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Sports, school, comedy Episodes: 85+ (ongoing) Even if you've never cared about volleyball, Haikyuu!! will make you obsessed. It's an underdog story filled with energy, friendship, rivalry, and amazing character arcs. Perfect for fans of sports dramas or coming-of-age tales. Naruto (Classic + Shippuden) Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Action, adventure, ninja Episodes: 720 (including Shippuden) Yes, it's long but Naruto is a cultural phenomenon for a reason. Follow Naruto Uzumaki, a loud, lovable ninja outcast with a dream of becoming the village's strongest leader. If you're ready for a binge-worthy adventure, this is the ultimate starter. Whether you've got five minutes or five hours, there's an anime out there for you. From intense thrillers to light-hearted romances, these beginner-friendly anime shows and movies give you a taste of the best the medium has to offer. Try one, and you might just find yourself hooked. Also read | If Demon Slayer hooked you, don't miss these 5 action-packed supernatural anime
SoraNews24
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Elegant ghostly Ghibli curtain captures the ungraspable form of No Face【Photos】
Clever design trick brings the Spirited Away star's otherworldly appearance into your real-world home. Spirited Away's No Face is one of the easiest characters to see through in any anime from Studio Ghibli. That might seem like an inaccurate description of a deeply complex figure who ends up as someone unimaginably different by the end of his character arc, but I'm not saying that No Face is thematically transparent, but that he's visually translucent. ▼ What's going on inside No Face is often obscured, but the stuff on the other side of him? Not all that hidden. This unique aspect of No Face's appearance can be hard to capture in plushies and figures, but the designers for Ghibli specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku have come up with a clever way to preserve this ethereal aesthetic with a new No Face noren, a traditional Japanese doorway curtain. The curtain actually has a two-layer construction, and is made of a lacey material that allows a measure of light to pass through. That means that when the layers of fabric overlap, they still block enough light to function as curtains, but since No Face's features are only present on the front cloth, his silhouette appears indistinct and vaguely defined, just as it would to Chihiro and the other characters within the anime. The complete curtain measures 82 centimeters (32.3 inches) across and 90 centimeters in length. In classical Japanese interior design, noren can be used for both exterior and interior doorways, but Donguri Kyowakoku realizes that some fans might prefer to use this as a poster/wall scroll instead. Because of that, the noren comes with only a tiny cleft at its bottom, leaving it up to you as to how long a cut, if any, you want to make. The No Face Rainy Night Double-layer Noren is priced at 5,280 yen (US$36) and can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store here. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Studio Ghibli, Donguri Kyowakoku ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tokyo Weekender
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Things To Love About Summer in Japan
It's not an exaggeration to say that I dread summer in Japan with every fiber of my being. For years, I've been telling my friends that we've all just been socially conditioned to like summer because of months-long vacations from school. As soon as I feel the first ominous droplets of humidity in late May, I know I'm in for an infinite stretch of sweaty subway rides, punishing sun rays and bad hair days (more like bad hair months ). But if there's one skill I've mastered after 20 rewatches of the movie About Time , it's romanticizing mundane and even objectively unpleasant moments and seasons of life — so here are things I actually like about summer in Japan, from quintessential experiences to nostalgic memories. Maybe this summer will finally convert me into a believer. Peaches You haven't truly relished a fruit until you've had a Japanese peach, available only in the summer months. A perfectly ripe Japanese peach will have you waxing poetic and believing in life again. The Sound of Windchimes These traditional glass decorations hanging on storefronts make a magical, soft twinkling sound at every warm breeze — a comforting reminder of summer's slow rhythm. Sunsets on the Train There's something so enchanting about seeing a sunset specifically through a train window, especially while listening to dreamy, melancholy music (think Beach House or The Marias). Bonus points if you can see the ocean, Spirited Away style. Wearing Yukata Distinct from a kimono, yukata are unlined cotton garments commonly worn at summer festivals, and often feature beautiful summery patterns. Even if you forgo wearing one, it's fun to just admire everyone's matsuri yukata. Fireworks This one is obvious, but gazing at glittering bursts of light in the sky with your loved ones at a festival is a peak Japanese summer experience. Hanabi , the Japanese word for fireworks, means 'fire flower.' Check out our roundup of fireworks festivals across Japan. Kakigori From simple syrupy shaved ice cups to elaborate and luxurious mango creations, Japan's kakigori feel decadent and light at once. Shirokuma, a classic style of kakigori from Kagoshima Prefecture, is available at most grocery and convenience stores — try it this summer! The Smell of Mosquito Coil This might be a niche experience, but the incense-like smell of a mosquito coil — a must in Japanese summers — is weirdly satisfying and a nostalgic sign of summer. Retro Electric Fans Kids these days will never know the simple joys of yelling into a spinning fan and hearing your distorted voice. Plus, they have so much more visual character than boring modern fans or air purifiers. Peak Komorebi If you read our untranslatable Japanese words article, you already know that komorebi refers to the quietly beautiful phenomenon of light filtered through swaying leaves. Although komorebi is not unique to summer, the season sees its most enchanting form — a portrait of vibrant green and gold in a dreamlike, glowing haze. Air Conditioning I know AC is not unique to Japanese summers, but its crisp coolness is so satisfying after a long day of existing in under-airconditioned spaces. Cicadas Singing Some people find them distracting when trying to fall asleep, but I find the rhythmic drone of semi (cicadas) soothing — without it, the soundscape of summer would feel empty and soulless. Morning Glory and Sunflowers Tiny trumpet-shaped morning glory flowers dot sidewalks and gardens in the summer months. Sunflowers, of course, are one of the most beloved signifiers of summer in Japan, with many parks dedicating weeks to sunflower festivals. Rice Fields If you've lived in the suburbs or countryside, you get it — Japan's rice fields are at their most verdant and beautiful during the summer, with young rice plants framed by pools of water reflecting the blue sky (which is another thing to love about summer — the sky is so blue, and the clouds are so fluffy!). Kids Catching Bugs Catching insects like dragonflies and beetles is a common wholesome activity for Japanese children in the summer, and it's heartwarming to witness kids still being curious about nature in today's technological dystopia. fukagawa hachiman festival Matsuri Japan's vibrant, exciting summer festivals are essential to enjoying the season. Although the crowds can feel a tad overwhelming at major festivals, their energy and camaraderie bring life to hot summer nights. Check out our ultimate guide to Tokyo summer festivals . Related Posts Summer Hacks To Survive Japan's Heat Where To Eat the Best Kakigori Shaved Ice in Tokyo This Summer Unmissable Fireworks Festivals in Japan for Summer 2025
Time Business News
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Exploring Ghibli Characters Through the Lens of AI: A Dive into Studio Ghibli's Magic
Studio Ghibli has long been celebrated for its captivating storytelling and unforgettable characters. From the lush landscapes of My Neighbor Totoro to the whimsical adventures in Spirited Away, Ghibli characters have become iconic figures in animation. Today, with advancements in AI technology, we can explore these beloved characters in innovative ways. This article delves into how AI, particularly through platforms like Craveu AI, is transforming our interaction with Studio Ghibli's enchanting world. Studio Ghibli characters, both female and male, have enchanted audiences globally. Their rich personalities and compelling narratives make them timeless. Whether it's the courageous Chihiro from Spirited Away or the noble Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke, each character leaves a lasting impression. But how can AI deepen our connection to these characters? Craveu AI offers a revolutionary approach to engaging with Ghibli characters. By leveraging AI technology, users can participate in role play with these characters, gaining new insights into their personalities and stories. AI Ghibli characters crafted by Craveu AI merge creativity with technology, allowing fans to interact with their favorite Studio Ghibli characters in unparalleled ways. The platform not only facilitates interactive role play but also generates high-quality images of beloved characters. Imagine creating an AI-generated Totoro or a digitally enhanced version of Howl. Craveu AI's Ghibli character AI art exemplifies the potential of blending animation with cutting-edge technology, offering fans a new method to engage with these cherished figures. AI generators, such as those from Craveu AI, utilize sophisticated algorithms to produce detailed and lifelike representations of Studio Ghibli characters. By analyzing key traits and characteristics, these generators develop personalities that echo the essence of the original characters. This technology paves the way for novel storytelling and interaction opportunities, enabling fans to explore questions like 'which Studio Ghibli character are you?' in a more interactive format. The nuances of each character are preserved and enhanced through Ghibli character personality AI. This technology captures the quirks and charm of characters like Kiki and Nausicaä, allowing fans to engage with their favorite characters on a deeper level. Imagine conversing with an AI rendition of Sophie from Howl's Moving Castle, understanding her motivations and dreams through AI-driven dialogue. Studio Ghibli is renowned for its strong female characters. From the valiant Nausicaä to the adventurous San, these characters embody strength, resilience, and compassion. With AI, fans can further explore these characters' personalities, understanding their motivations and engaging with them in a personalized manner. Similarly, male characters such as Ashitaka, Haku, and Howl can be reimagined using AI. Known for their complexity and growth, these characters can now be explored in new ways. Craveu AI allows fans to interact with these characters, gaining insights into their journeys and development. AI technology is reshaping how we perceive and engage with art. Ghibli character AI art presents a fusion of traditional animation styles with modern technology, offering fans a chance to view their favorite characters in new artistic forms. This blend of innovation and tradition keeps the magic of Studio Ghibli alive, inviting new generations to discover its wonders. With the vast array of characters created by Studio Ghibli, AI provides a platform to discover and engage with them all. Whether you're a fan of the iconic Catbus or the mysterious Yubaba, AI platforms like Craveu AI allow you to explore these characters' worlds, offering fresh perspectives and interactions. The integration of AI with the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli characters opens a new realm of possibilities. Through platforms like Craveu AI, fans can explore the personalities and stories of their favorite characters in innovative and interactive ways. The blend of AI technology with the timeless magic of Studio Ghibli ensures that these beloved characters continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
