Latest news with #ToeiAnimation
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Took a 6-month break and…': Anime fans frustrated as Toei announces another One Piece special episode, bash studio
Toei Animation's recent update has left One Piece fans disappointed, as the studio announced a new special episode rather than resuming the main plot. Following a six-month break, audiences were hoping for the story to pick up again, but instead were met with what many see as a filler distraction. The decision has sparked backlash online, with fans calling out the studio for moving too slowly and focusing more on side content than actual progression. Toei slammed for One Piece special episode If you're a One Piece fan, you probably know that the anime was on a six-month hiatus, during which it was said the series would return with improvements. However, there's currently a lot of chatter and mixed opinions surrounding its comeback. The animation studio Toei is now facing backlash for a different reason, fans are upset that even after such a long break, the studio continues to release filler content, labeling them as 'special episodes.' The recent announcement of another One Piece special episode has left many fans disappointed and frustrated. Reacting to it, one wrote, 'Took a 6 month break, still doing multiple weeks of filler episodes. How to completely kill the momentum of the anime. Thank you Toei.' Another added, 'They abused us there. We had a 6-month break as a reminder.' A third went on to add, 'A special episode damn I will wait longer for a normal episode but it's fine.' When will One Piece special episode release? The One Piece special episode titled "Dr. Chopper's Adventure Checkup – Good Friends at a Crossroad" will be released on June 22, 2025, in Japan.
Kyodo News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Dive into Toei Animation's "AniBirth" Pop-Up Store at 'animate EXPO 2025 STORE,' Running Until June 19th!
By Toyabe Kohei, Animate Times - 3 minutes ago - 19:25 | All The "animate EXPO 2025 STORE" is currently operating on the first floor of the Ring Side Marketplace West in the "West Gate Zone" of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Toei Animation Official Goods Shop "AniBirth" is one of the 'POP-UP SPACE,' special exhibition that features themed exhibitions and related merchandise sales that change periodically, which you can visit until June 19th. In this article, we'll take you on a visual tour of the space with a collection of exciting photos!♪ "AniBirth" Pop-Up Features Posters of All Four Major Series! A wide array of products from Toei Animation's official goods shop "AniBirth" is on display! The collection includes a diverse range of items, from classic merchandise to everyday-use products. You'll find acrylic logo stands featuring the iconic logos from the "Digimon Series," the recently released fluffy acrylic stands from "Ojamajo Doremi#" (launched on May 23rd), shoulder eco bags from "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir" that let you feel like Tikki and Plagg are perched on your shoulders, and silicon band watches inspired by the "spiky" members of "Girls Band Cry." Moreover, the space showcases large posters featuring anime visuals from the four major series mentioned above! The event runs until 6 PM on June 19th, so don't miss this opportunity to drop by and check it out! POP-UP Information Toei Animation's official goods shop "AniBirth" [Event Period] Until June 19, 2025 6:00 PM JST *On the final day, June 19, the POP-UP space will close at 6:00 PM JST About Store animate EXPO 2025 STORE [Event Period] April 13 - October 13, 2025 [Location] Yumeshima, Osaka West Gate Zone, Ringside Marketplace West, 1st Floor [Operating Hours] 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM JST Related Links ■ "animate EXPO 2025 STORE" Official Website ■ "animate EXPO 2025 STORE" Official X ■ 'animate' Official Website ■ "Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan" Official Website (C)本郷あきよし・東映アニメーション (C)東映アニメーション (C) 2025 ZAGTOON–METHOD–TOEI ANIMATION. ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Not Just Participating, Designing the Future': Manga Productions's CEO Essam Bukhary on the Saudi Studio's MIFA Debut
Saudi Arabia's long-standing fascination with Japanese anime is rapidly evolving into a full-fledged creative industry, and State-backed Manga Productions is at the center of that transformation. Led by CEO Essam Bukhary, the studio has gone from licensing beloved titles like 'Grendizer' to co-producing original content such as 'The Journey' and 'Future's Folktales' with major Japanese partners like Toei Animation. More from Variety Steph Curry, Gabrielle Union, Caleb McLaughlin Lead A-List Voice Cast for Sony's Animated Feature 'GOAT' Marvel Animation Premieres First Episode of 'Eyes of Wakanda' at France's Annecy Animation Festival L.A.'s Animation Is Film Unveils October Dates for 2025 Edition, Fest Poster (EXCLUSIVE) The company's ambitious slate of anime films, series, and video games represents more than entertainment, it reflects Saudi Arabia's broader cultural and economic diversification efforts. With a new Dragon Ball theme park underway in Qiddiya and Saudi IPs making waves at the box office and on global streaming platforms, Bukhary is not only helping shape a regional industry, he's positioning it as a serious global contender. As he puts it, 'We're not just participating, we're designing the future.' Bukhary is attending the Annecy Animation Festival for the first time this year. The executive met with Variety ahead of the event to discuss his insights into the Kingdom's growing role in the global animation market, Manga Productions' distribution strategy and how homegrown talent is being nurtured through national training programs and international collaborations. Why is anime so deeply rooted in Saudi culture? It all began in the early 1980s. My generation grew up watching Japanese anime on television. That exposure created a lifelong connection. Even today, my 14-year-old daughter watched 'Haikyuu!!' and was inspired to play volleyball. Anime has had a tangible impact on our lives, and continues to do so. In 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia had around 15 million anime viewers, which was nearly a quarter of all anime viewership in the Arab world. Manga Productions is producing original content now, but the Kingdom has traditionally been an importer of media. How important is it for you to flip that script? It's essential. We've been importing stories for decades, but now it's time to export our own. A Saudi story, told with authenticity, has the power to resonate globally. Our film 'The Journey' is a good example. It was the first Arab movie to premiere at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and has been distributed in over 50 platforms worldwide. It even won awards at the Septimius Awards. We're proving that Saudi stories can compete on the world stage. For new IPs like 'The Journey' and 'Future's Folktales,' are they fully Saudi productions, or are you working with international partners? They're co-productions. I don't say 'made in Saudi' or 'made in Japan.' I say 'made with.' These projects reflect collaboration. We're also working with American companies like Telltale Games on co-developing titles. So yes, we're very open to international co-productions. That's where the future of IP creation lies. How is Saudi Arabia's animation boom impacting the broader economy? It's part of a larger IP economy. Take 'Grendizer,' we didn't just distribute the anime; we licensed it for games and merchandising and even built a 33-meter statue that earned a Guinness World Record. This drove tourism and created a 360-degree revenue model. This is bigger than screens, it's about creating ecosystems that include entertainment, retail, hospitality and beyond. Distribution is a major hurdle for many animation studios. How does having in-house distribution change the game for you? It's a massive advantage. Many creators finish their work and then struggle to find an audience. At Manga, we start distribution planning early, at the concept stage. It helps with financing and exposure. We've built global partnerships and are actively managing IP across multiple platforms, not just producing content. For a young Saudi artist dreaming of working in animation, what opportunities exist today that didn't a few years ago? A lot. We've partnered with the Ministry of Education to offer free online manga classes to 3.5 million students. We run national manga contests. We've brought in Japanese professionals for in-person training, and we send top students to Japan for internships. It's about investing in 'brainware,' creative thinking and storytelling. Many of our current team members started through these programs. What's on the schedule for Manga Productions at Annecy this year? This is my first time attending the Annecy Festival itself, though I've visited the city before. I'm excited to network, explore future trends and showcase Manga Productions' work. Annecy is the perfect place to listen, learn and build partnerships for the future. Do you envision Saudi Arabia hosting its own industry-focused animation festival or market one day? That's the dream. We've already sponsored Anime Japan in Tokyo and are working on bringing Japanese IPs to events like Riyadh Season. We're not just participating—we're designing the future. We regularly host anime directors and producers in Saudi to engage with youth. Building an industry event here is a natural next step. What are you most proud of since launching Manga Productions in 2017? The team. We started with nothing, no staff, no office, no studio. Today, we have 80 employees across Riyadh and Tokyo, many of whom came through our training programs. One of our interns from 2018 is now directing episodes of 'Future's Folktales.' That's the real success: empowering the next generation of Saudi creators. Best of Variety All the Godzilla Movies Ranked Final Oscar Predictions: International Feature – United Kingdom to Win Its First Statuette With 'The Zone of Interest' 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations in Northern Ireland to Open as Tourist Attractions
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Not Just Participating, Designing the Future': Manga Productions's CEO Essam Bukhary on the Saudi Studio's MIFA Debut
Saudi Arabia's long-standing fascination with Japanese anime is rapidly evolving into a full-fledged creative industry, and State-backed Manga Productions is at the center of that transformation. Led by CEO Essam Bukhary, the studio has gone from licensing beloved titles like 'Grendizer' to co-producing original content such as 'The Journey' and 'Future's Folktales' with major Japanese partners like Toei Animation. More from Variety Steph Curry, Gabrielle Union, Caleb McLaughlin Lead A-List Voice Cast for Sony's Animated Feature 'GOAT' Marvel Animation Premieres First Episode of 'Eyes of Wakanda' at France's Annecy Animation Festival L.A.'s Animation Is Film Unveils October Dates for 2025 Edition, Fest Poster (EXCLUSIVE) The company's ambitious slate of anime films, series, and video games represents more than entertainment, it reflects Saudi Arabia's broader cultural and economic diversification efforts. With a new Dragon Ball theme park underway in Qiddiya and Saudi IPs making waves at the box office and on global streaming platforms, Bukhary is not only helping shape a regional industry, he's positioning it as a serious global contender. As he puts it, 'We're not just participating, we're designing the future.' Bukhary is attending the Annecy Animation Festival for the first time this year. The executive met with Variety ahead of the event to discuss his insights into the Kingdom's growing role in the global animation market, Manga Productions' distribution strategy and how homegrown talent is being nurtured through national training programs and international collaborations. Why is anime so deeply rooted in Saudi culture? It all began in the early 1980s. My generation grew up watching Japanese anime on television. That exposure created a lifelong connection. Even today, my 14-year-old daughter watched 'Haikyuu!!' and was inspired to play volleyball. Anime has had a tangible impact on our lives, and continues to do so. In 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia had around 15 million anime viewers, which was nearly a quarter of all anime viewership in the Arab world. Manga Productions is producing original content now, but the Kingdom has traditionally been an importer of media. How important is it for you to flip that script? It's essential. We've been importing stories for decades, but now it's time to export our own. A Saudi story, told with authenticity, has the power to resonate globally. Our film 'The Journey' is a good example. It was the first Arab movie to premiere at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and has been distributed in over 50 platforms worldwide. It even won awards at the Septimius Awards. We're proving that Saudi stories can compete on the world stage. For new IPs like 'The Journey' and 'Future's Folktales,' are they fully Saudi productions, or are you working with international partners? They're co-productions. I don't say 'made in Saudi' or 'made in Japan.' I say 'made with.' These projects reflect collaboration. We're also working with American companies like Telltale Games on co-developing titles. So yes, we're very open to international co-productions. That's where the future of IP creation lies. How is Saudi Arabia's animation boom impacting the broader economy? It's part of a larger IP economy. Take 'Grendizer,' we didn't just distribute the anime; we licensed it for games and merchandising and even built a 33-meter statue that earned a Guinness World Record. This drove tourism and created a 360-degree revenue model. This is bigger than screens, it's about creating ecosystems that include entertainment, retail, hospitality and beyond. Distribution is a major hurdle for many animation studios. How does having in-house distribution change the game for you? It's a massive advantage. Many creators finish their work and then struggle to find an audience. At Manga, we start distribution planning early, at the concept stage. It helps with financing and exposure. We've built global partnerships and are actively managing IP across multiple platforms, not just producing content. For a young Saudi artist dreaming of working in animation, what opportunities exist today that didn't a few years ago? A lot. We've partnered with the Ministry of Education to offer free online manga classes to 3.5 million students. We run national manga contests. We've brought in Japanese professionals for in-person training, and we send top students to Japan for internships. It's about investing in 'brainware,' creative thinking and storytelling. Many of our current team members started through these programs. What's on the schedule for Manga Productions at Annecy this year? This is my first time attending the Annecy Festival itself, though I've visited the city before. I'm excited to network, explore future trends and showcase Manga Productions' work. Annecy is the perfect place to listen, learn and build partnerships for the future. Do you envision Saudi Arabia hosting its own industry-focused animation festival or market one day? That's the dream. We've already sponsored Anime Japan in Tokyo and are working on bringing Japanese IPs to events like Riyadh Season. We're not just participating—we're designing the future. We regularly host anime directors and producers in Saudi to engage with youth. Building an industry event here is a natural next step. What are you most proud of since launching Manga Productions in 2017? The team. We started with nothing, no staff, no office, no studio. Today, we have 80 employees across Riyadh and Tokyo, many of whom came through our training programs. One of our interns from 2018 is now directing episodes of 'Future's Folktales.' That's the real success: empowering the next generation of Saudi creators. Best of Variety All the Godzilla Movies Ranked Final Oscar Predictions: International Feature – United Kingdom to Win Its First Statuette With 'The Zone of Interest' 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations in Northern Ireland to Open as Tourist Attractions
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
One Piece chapter 1150 spoilers reveal Imu's terrifying powers and Elbaph's new demon kings
One Piece Chapter 1150 leaks reveal Imu's immense power (image via Toei Animation) The latest One Piece chapter 1150 spoilers have sent shockwaves through the fandom, revealing a series of earth-shattering developments that place Imu at the center of the chaos. With the unofficial title 'Domi Reversi,' the chapter not only showcases Imu's newly confirmed Conqueror's Haki but also introduces a fearsome technique known as the 'Devil's Contract,' reshaping the power dynamics on Elbaph and beyond. Imu's Conqueror's Haki leaves Elbaph's mightiest warriors trembling Chapter 1150 opens with a stunning display of raw power. Imu, disguised as Gunko, unleashes an overwhelming blast of Conqueror's Haki that knocks out adult Giants and even their children. What makes this moment especially significant is the phrasing in the leaks, suggesting 'it's Imu's Conqueror's Haki rather than Gunko's.' If true, this marks the first confirmed usage of the advanced Haki by the secretive ruler, further solidifying their position as a major endgame threat. — pewpiece (@pewpiece) Despite the devastating blow, Dorry, Brogy, and several of the Giant Warrior Pirates remain standing and attempt to counterattack Imu. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo What follows, however, leaves them even more outmatched. The 'Devil's Contract' turns Elbaph's heroes into immortal demon kings Imu takes the conflict to another level by drawing upon a 'magic book' to summon mystical weapons—knives and guns—which he hurls at Brogy, wounding him. Then comes the game-changer: Imu declares, 'since Elbaph has no king currently, Dorry and Brogy will become its new rulers.' Using the sinister 'Devil's Contract,' Imu transforms the legendary Giant duo into powerful demon-like entities, granting them immense strength and immortality in exchange for part of their lifespan. This technique might be the source of the Gorosei's and Holy Knights' seemingly immortal abilities, hinting at deeper world-building revelations to come. By the end of the chapter, Imu commands a growing legion of demonic Giants—described as 'Giant devils'—as well as terrifying MMA-like monsters created by Saint Rimoshifu Killingham. With these massive warriors, some rivaling Oars in size, Imu sets his sights on eliminating Jarul, though the reason remains unknown. Also Read: 'The shonen manga that I read s*cks': Dragon Ball's original editor wasn't into Shonen Jump or manga — and it changed the genre forever Fans won't have to wait long, as chapter 1150 drops on June 2, 2025, with chapter 1151 following on June 9. A potential break may follow, typical of Oda's release schedule, but for now, One Piece's endgame is heating up like never before. 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 .
