Latest news with #Yakuza
Vancouver Sun
25-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. seeks to keep $100,000 seized during Richmond drug raid with overseas ties
About $100,000 confiscated by RCMP during a 2020 raid of a Richmond home that resulted in the arrests of three Canadians on drug and weapon charges should be forfeited to the province as proceeds of crime, according to a case filed in B.C. Supreme Court. B.C.'s director of civil forfeiture filed the claim against Chun Yu Luk, Ya Bobo Chen and Shuai Yuan, who lived in a condo in the 8000 block of Cambie in Richmond, after a three year-long investigation that included trafficking connections to suspects from the Japanese Yakuza cartel, according to news reports. The three Canadians were arrested and charged with possession of drugs, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, drug trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime and failure to declare taxable income, according to the lawsuit. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The money was used to commit crimes, was earned committing crimes and would result in the purchase of more drugs and money, which was 'likely to cause serious bodily harm,' it alleged. The co-accused attended hearings in Richmond provincial court between their arrests in 2020, when police searched their home with a warrant, and 2023, according to court documents. In October 2023, Chen and Luk were ordered to stand trial in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. They attended a hearing on April 15, 2025, to set a date for their next appearance, which is scheduled for Aug. 5 for sentencing. Court records didn't show when or if the two pleaded guilty and to which charges. Meanwhile, Yuan, who faces the same charges, failed to show for his next scheduled appearance in Richmond provincial court in September 2023. There is a warrant for his arrest, according to the provincial court. A message left with RCMP's B.C. headquarters seeking more information about Yuan's legal status wasn't returned on Friday. Police allege the three Canadians shipped 12 kilograms of methamphetamine to Japan from Canada in August 2019 and another 7.7 kilograms of the same drug to Japan a month later, according to the lawsuit. Police said the second shipment was sent to the Chinese suspect in Tokyo and that he was arrested trying to leave Japan for Hong Kong through Tokyo's Haneda airport, according to a Richmond News report. The RCMP's federal serious and organized crime team searched the Richmond home a year after the arrests, it said. Luk was arrested in the lobby and police seized his cellphone and $4,723.90, and the other two were arrested in the condo, it said. RCMP said after the 2020 arrests that it had dismantled a B.C.-based international crime network after a three-year investigation. The discovery of the first shipment of drugs, concealed in protein powder containers, sparked a series of warrants and arrests with agencies across Japan and in Canada, it said. Japan Nara prefecture police arrested and charged a Japanese national and the Chinese national, both linked to the Yakuza and with importing drugs. Also seized at the Richmond home were fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, heroin, $90,715 in Canadian currency, $1,370 in U.S. currency and 302 in Chinese yen, along with two guns, one loaded and stolen, two tasers, three laptops, nine cellphones, four sets of scales and a radio jammer, the claim said. None of the allegations have been proven in court and the defendants have not filed a response.
Vancouver Sun
25-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. seeks to keep $100K seized during Richmond drug raid with overseas ties
About $100,000 confiscated by RCMP during a 2020 raid of a Richmond home that resulted in the arrests of three Canadians on drug and weapon charges should be forfeited to the province as proceeds of crime, according to a case filed in B.C. Supreme Court. B.C.'s director of civil forfeiture filed the claim against Chun Yu Luk, Ya Bobo Chen and Shuai Yuan, who lived in a condo in the 8000 block of Cambie in Richmond, after a three year-long investigation that included trafficking connections to suspects from the Japanese Yakuza cartel, according to news reports. The three Canadians were arrested and charged with possession of drugs, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, drug trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime and failure to declare taxable income, according to the lawsuit. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The money was used to commit crimes, was earned committing crimes and would result in the purchase of more drugs and money, which was 'likely to cause serious bodily harm,' it alleged. The co-accused attended hearings in Richmond provincial court between their arrests in 2020, when police searched their home with a warrant, and 2023, according to court documents. In October 2023, Chen and Luk were ordered to stand trial in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. They attended a hearing on April 15, 2025, to set a date for their next appearance, which is scheduled for Aug. 5 for sentencing. Court records didn't show when or if the two pleaded guilty and to which charges. Meanwhile, Yuan, who faces the same charges, failed to show for his next scheduled appearance in Richmond provincial court in September 2023. There is a warrant for his arrest, according to the provincial court. A message left with RCMP's B.C. headquarters seeking more information about Yuan's legal status wasn't returned on Friday. Police allege the three Canadians shipped 12 kilograms of methamphetamine to Japan from Canada in August 2019 and another 7.7 kilograms of the same drug to Japan a month later, according to the lawsuit. Police said the second shipment was sent to the Chinese suspect in Tokyo and that he was arrested trying to leave Japan for Hong Kong through Tokyo's Haneda airport, according to a Richmond News report. The RCMP's federal serious and organized crime team searched the Richmond home a year after the arrests, it said. Luk was arrested in the lobby and police seized his cellphone and $4,723.90, and the other two were arrested in the condo, it said. RCMP said after the 2020 arrests that it had dismantled a B.C.-based international crime network after a three-year investigation. The discovery of the first shipment of drugs, concealed in protein powder containers, sparked a series of warrants and arrests with agencies across Japan and in Canada, it said. Japan Nara prefecture police arrested and charged a Japanese national and the Chinese national, both linked to the Yakuza and with importing drugs. Also seized at the Richmond home were fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, heroin, $90,715 in Canadian currency, $1,370 in U.S. currency and 302 in Chinese yen, along with two guns, one loaded and stolen, two tasers, three laptops, nine cellphones, four sets of scales and a radio jammer, the claim said. None of the allegations have been proven in court and the defendants have not filed a response.
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?
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- GMA Network
Alleged members of Japanese syndicate fall —BI
Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested high-profile targets who were allegedly part of a Japanese crime syndicate. According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta on Thursday, military intelligence groups and the BI Fugitive Search Unit nabbed the suspects after months of surveillance and staging separate operations in Manila and Bulacan. 'Medyo naging challenging itong operation natin na ito, kasi nga sinusubukan nating makuha yung seven na mga subject natin. Nung maconfirm natin ang mga suspect nila, agad tayong nakipagtulungan sa San Jose del Monte police station at sa Ermita police station upang pasukin ang kanilang pinagtataguan,' said BI Fugitive Search Unit head Rendel Sy. (This operation became challenging because we were trying to get our seven subjects. When we confirmed that these were our suspects, we immediately coordinated with the San Jose del Monte police station and the Ermita police station to raid their hideout.) BI shared that the suspects were allegedly part of JP Dragon Syndicate, which was considered one of the biggest crime groups in Japan. 'Itong grupo na ito na nahuli natin ay isa sa mga JP Dragon Syndicate na matagal nang nagtatago at nagooperate dito sa atin ng kanilang telecom fraud syndicate. Sinasabi din na itong grupong ito, karamihan sa mga leader nila ay mga former Yakuza. So, maoobserbahan natin yung dynamics ng grupo nila ay very similar sa Yakuza. Ang Luffy Group syndicate ay mula din sa grupo na ito,' Sy added. (This group we've caught is one of the JP Dragon syndicates that have long evaded arrest and operated their telecom fraud syndicate here. Most of their leaders were formerly part of the Yakuza. We can observe that their dynamics are very similar to the Yakuza. The Luffy Group syndicate came from this group, too.) The syndicate was said to run scam operations targeting senior citizens in Japan, which sometimes led to physical harm to their victims. 'Sila ang nagtitimon ng mga gagawin ng mga actors nila sa Japan, kung saan papasukin ang mga bahay ng matatanda, kukunin yung mga ATM cards, at doon uumpisahan ang mga pagnanakaw. Napakamahalaga na mahuli natin at mapadeport [sila] sa Japan. Hindi malayong magkaroon at malocalize din yung market nila at magkaroon sila ng mga Filipino na cohorts, at eventually magkaroon din po ng Pilipino na biktima… 'Yun po yung iniiwasan natin,' Sy added. (They are instructing their actors in Japan on what to do, which senior homes they should break into, steal their ATM cards, and start serial robberies there. It's very important that we catch them and deport [them] back to Japan. It's not impossible that their markets would become localized and they will start getting Filipino cohorts, and eventually have Filipino victims… That is what we're trying to avoid.) The suspects are now detained at the BI detention facility in Bicutan. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kagurabachi: The Viral Meme Sensation Taking the Manga World by Storm
is a new shonen about Chihiro Rokuhira, a young swordsmith's apprentice on a quest for bloody vengeance against a Yakuza family. Its debut chapter (Sept 2023) delivered crisp artwork and over‑the‑top swordplay, earning positive reviews as a strong start to a battle‑shonen story. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But what really shot Kagurabachi into the spotlight was not just the story itself – it was the internet. Long before most people even read chapter one, fans on social media began joking that Kagurabachi was 'the greatest manga of all time'. This started on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and , in a tongue‑in‑cheek trend now known as 'Kagura Bachi Glazing'. typically show Chihiro holding his magical katana (from a color preview released mid‑September), with overlaid text wildly exaggerating the manga's greatness. For example, one early tweet proclaimed 'Kagura Bachi is greater than Boruto,' using the '>' symbol as if Kagurabachi literally outranked other big titles. As the KnowYourMeme site explains, these jokes 'overhyp[e] the manga as one of the greatest of all time, worthy of being included in 'The Big Three' (One Piece, Naruto and Bleach)'. Another meme depicts heroes from One Piece , Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK), Berserk and Hunter x Hunter 'bowing' to Kagurabachi, joking 'Yes, Kagura Bachi' as if welcoming a new king. By mid‑September, the trend was exploding. Hundreds of TikTok videos with #KaguraBachi racked up views: one user got ~289,000 views in two days for a comedic Kagurabachi clip. TikTokers joked about 'peak writing lessons' or a supposed anime by studio Ufotable (jokes since debunked). Even Reddit caught on: meme posts like 'Kagurabachi > [Your Favorite Series]' hit the front pages of anime and humor subreddits (r/Okbuddybaka and r/Kagurabachi) with thousands of upvotes. And the wave reached outside fan circles: the Singapore government's environmental agency cheekily used a Kagurabachi sword‑fight panel on Facebook to urge citizens to 'join the fight' against waste, noting 'Our battle against waste will be hard‑fought…' (with a hidden #Kagurabachi tag). These jokes often follow a simple formula: start with '>' (meaning 'better than') and compare Kagurabachi to big hits. For example: 'Kagurabachi > One Piece? Sakuraba— (okay, maybe not Dragon Ball Super)' became a popular meme format. Fans also made mock covers of Kagurabachi video games or anime adaptations, complete with fake screenshots and episode titles. In short, Kagurabachi became less just a manga and more a communal running gag – a 'shared fiction' meme so elaborate it drew comparisons to last year's Goncharov phenomenon. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What did this meme storm actually do for Kagurabachi as a manga? Quite a lot. The buzz drove curious readers to try it out. Kagurabachi's first chapter quickly shot up the charts: on Shueisha's Manga Plus app it outread even One Piece and Spy x Family , landing in the top 10 within days. In fact, AnimeCorner reports Kagurabachi 'became one of the most‑read manga' on Manga Plus right after release. Reviewers agreed the content wasn't a complete joke – it earned praise for its flashy action. One review called chapter one 'the best I've read in any new generation of manga since Sakamoto Days ,' noting its brutal fight scenes and dark humor. So far, the actual story has lived up reasonably well: Gizmodo calls it a 'strong start' with 'crisp artwork' and promise. But Gizmodo also cautions we've seen only a few pages, so the long‑term quality remains to be proven. In other words, the memes set sky‑high (and silly) expectations, but Kagurabachi isn't literally the best manga ever – it's just a solid new title riding a tidal wave of internet hype. Even so, the frenzy has made this Kagurabachi manga widely known. By early 2024 it hit over 2.2 million copies in print, putting it on track with big names (for comparison Jujutsu Kaisen had similar numbers early on). In summary: Kagurabachi's rise is a case study in modern fandom. A perfectly competent new series became mainstream not only by its own merits but thanks to memes. Platforms like Twitter/X, TikTok, and Reddit turned the release into a running gag – fans joked 'Kagurabachi is already better than One Piece and JJK,' made dozens of parody posts, and even convinced themselves it had an anime or games ready. The memes dragged new readers in, turning Kagurabachi into one of the most viral manga of 2023. In a world where internet humor spreads instantly, this sword‑and‑sorcery tale shows that even a remorseless revenge saga can become a playful viral sensation – all because fans decided to glaze it into greatness. Key Kagurabachi Meme Tropes: Credits: Reddit 'Kagura Bachi > Boruto/One Piece' – Posts comparing Kagurabachi favorably to established hits, often using a '>' sign. Posts comparing Kagurabachi favorably to established hits, often using a '>' sign. 'Big Three, redefined' – Jokes placing Kagurabachi alongside One Piece, Naruto, Bleach as the new elite of manga. Jokes placing Kagurabachi alongside One Piece, Naruto, Bleach as the new elite of manga. Bow to Kagurabachi – Imagery of heroes from One Piece, JJK, Berserk, etc. bowing or stepping aside in awe of Chihiro. Imagery of heroes from One Piece, JJK, Berserk, etc. bowing or stepping aside in awe of Chihiro. Faux adaptations – Fake anime posters, video game covers or news snippets (often joking Ufotable or other studios are involved) created to seem real. These memes may have started as a joke, but they proved powerful. Thanks to them, Kagurabachi isn't just a new title in Jump anymore – it's a phenomenon . The memes made fans ask 'What's the fuss?' and many discovered a surprisingly solid manga under the internet's playful madness. As 2023's example of a truly viral manga, Kagurabachi shows how social media culture can launch even a dark revenge series into pop-culture chatter overnight.
