AGP Executive Report

Japanese IP: Vietnam has opened its first copyright infringement case involving Japanese media, a landmark move against anime and film piracy. Anime Watch: One-Punch Man’s third season returns with new episodes in January 2027, with JAM Project back for the opening theme. Dragon Ball Super: Beerus also began streaming in the U.S. on Oct. 11, while The Apothecary Diaries’ original-story film is set for Japan’s theaters on Dec. 11. Manga Meets Marvel: Marvel and Kadokawa have launched five manga series in Japan, including new takes on Iron Man, Spider-Man and Deadpool. Music & Anime: Eminem teamed up with Filipino rapper EZ Mil, Naruto voice actor Neil Kaplan and Japanese rapper Hideyoshi on “MADARA,” inspired by the series’ villain. Art Spotlight: “Kaihō: Japanese Women Artists after 1945” in Luxembourg highlights overlooked women artists, from the postwar years to the millennium; the exhibition will also travel to Munich and Bilbao.

Anime: Sony has launched Crunchyroll Storyworks to adapt global stories into anime and Japanese anime into live action with creators. Meanwhile, Avatar: Seven Havens’ team says its new look draws on vintage Japanese animation. Live Events: Dayton’s new Tsukicon blends anime, art and performance with Japanese moon-viewing traditions, while Stray Kids’ Tokyo Dome concerts will screen in cinemas. Film & Art: A 2026 Japanese Film Festival celebrates friendship, and the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival is coming into view. Yayoi Kusama’s outdoor inspirations are also drawing attention at Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum. Gaming: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave led Japan’s game sales chart for September 14–20, selling 127,131 copies.

Screen Crossings: Fuji TV’s Japanese remake of Korean hit Extraordinary Attorney Woo premieres Oct. 19, while a Japanese doctor drama is also heading to Korean screens—another sign of the two countries’ TV industries trading stories. Anime Spotlight: Tom Cruise and director Alejandro González Iñárritu visited MAPPA’s 15th-anniversary exhibition, where Cruise praised the studio’s cinematic style. Three hit webtoons, including The Remarried Empress and The Boxer, are also in development as anime. Concert Releases: TWICE will release a home-video edition of its record-breaking MUFG Stadium show on Dec. 2; Stray Kids’ Tokyo Dome concert is set for cinema screenings worldwide on Nov. 7 and 8. Japanese Cinema Abroad: The Japanese Film Festival continues across the Philippines through Nov. 29, screening 16 films in six cities as it celebrates cultural ties between the countries.

Music: Eminem’s Naruto-inspired “Madara” teams him with Filipino rapper Ez Mil and Tokyo’s Hideyoshi, alongside the anime’s English-language voice of Madara. Anime & Film: Crunchyroll unveiled new projects at New York Comic Con, including TV adaptations of webtoons. Sony’s new Storyworks division will develop global stories as anime and Japanese anime as live-action. A Ghost of Tsushima anime is set for 2028, while Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno will direct a new Space Battleship Yamato film. Visual Arts: Osaka has opened Japan’s first 360-degree projection-mapping attraction. J-Pop: Hinatazaka46’s “Icha Icha Mushi” topped the Japan Hot 100, while all 16 tracks from Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s new album charted.

Anime Adaptations: Three webtoons are headed to Japanese TV: The Boxer and Teenage Mercenary are set for 2027, while TROYCA’s The Remarried Empress is also due next year. Immersive Arts: Osaka has opened Japan’s first 360-degree projection-mapping attraction, bringing a new kind of large-scale visual experience to audiences. Anime Industry: Sony has launched Crunchyroll Storyworks to adapt global stories into anime and Japanese anime into live action, with Japanese creators’ visions at the center. Concerts on Screen: Stray Kids’ Tokyo Dome show is coming to cinemas worldwide, extending the group’s Japan performance to fans beyond the venue.

Anime: Firefly Wedding, the Meiji-era romance about a noblewoman who proposes to the assassin sent to kill her, premieres in Japan on Oct. 9, with Crunchyroll streaming it internationally. Industry Shift: Sony and Crunchyroll have launched Storyworks, a division to adapt Japanese anime into live-action and bring stories from around the world to anime, working with Japanese creators. Creative Rights: A Tokyo court has recognized publicity rights for voices, a significant ruling as generative AI raises new questions for performers and content creators. Cultural Heritage: Okinawa’s rebuilt Shurijo Castle main hall is set to open Nov. 23. Music on Screen: Stray Kids’ Tokyo Dome concert will reach cinemas worldwide on Nov. 7.

Live Music: Stray Kids will bring a Tokyo Dome show to cinemas worldwide on Nov. 7, with a separate global livestream also planned. Anime: Sony has launched Crunchyroll Storyworks to develop anime and live-action adaptations with Japanese creators. Hideaki Anno is set to direct a new Space Battleship Yamato film, while Evangelion is getting a new story for Japan’s bullet trains. Creative Rights: A Tokyo court has recognized publicity rights for voices, a notable ruling as generative AI raises questions about how creators’ identities can be used. Tokyo Events: Anime fans can catch studio MAPPA’s exhibition in Yurakucho through Dec. 7, alongside limited-time pop-ups and themed cafés around the city.

Anime: Sony has launched Crunchyroll Storyworks, a new division that will develop anime and live-action adaptations with Japanese creators, aiming to preserve their vision as the medium reaches global audiences. Hideaki Anno is also set to direct a new Space Battleship Yamato anime film. Japanese Cinema: At Busan, Hirokazu Kore-eda said his adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Look Back explores why people create stories, following two young artists whose lives are shaped by their shared love of drawing. Music: Hinatazaka46’s “Icha Icha Mushi” topped the Japan Hot 100, extending the group’s streak of consecutive No. 1s. Visual Art: Mudam Luxembourg’s Kaihō: Japanese Women Artists after 1945 brings together more than 120 works by 39 artists, including Yayoi Kusama and Yoko Ono, spotlighting the influence of postwar women artists.

Okinawa Security Crackdown: The US military in Okinawa imposed a midnight-to-5am curfew and ordered a 48-hour operational pause after a Marine was arrested over the suspected robbery-murder of Anna Yagi, triggering fresh protests and renewed scrutiny of American troop conduct. Casio G-Shock Drop: Casio’s ultra-compact GMA-S160 G-Shocks are now rolling out in more markets, including Europe, with near-matched pricing to Japan and metallic-dial styling. Music & Pop Culture: Ko1keyz, a new boy band formed via “Produce 101 Japan Shinsekai,” debuted with a Korean-and-Japanese single, while FT Island announced a Christmas Eve mini concert in Yokohama. Anime/Film Buzz: Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Genesis-commissioned short “Flesh Impact” about Marilyn Monroe is set to screen at the Busan International Film Festival. Sports Spotlight: Novak Djokovic won the China Open after Alex de Minaur retired injured, and Japan’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto powered the Dodgers in the NLDS. Tech/Media Business: SoftBank’s BBIX and BBSakura expanded OCX cloud access via regional cable-TV connections in Yonezawa, Fukushima, Hakodate, and Niigata.

Kaiju Merch Buzz: Cinemark unveiled a giant 3D Godzilla popcorn bucket for Godzilla Minus Zero, plus a “Heat Ray” drink bottle and other tins—big fan energy, but no official Japan pricing or on-sale date yet. Art Theft Shock: A Salvador Dalí bronze “Livre de l’Apocalypse” cover (150 kg) was stolen from a museum in Issoire, France, reigniting worries about safeguarding major artworks. Anime Industry Spotlight: Crunchyroll launched its inaugural “Anime Future Forum” in New York, aiming to connect studios, creators, and fans on fandom, tech, storytelling, and IP protection. Music Comeback Watch: BABYMONSTER teased a surprise return with a “COMING SOON” poster, confirming a new release on Oct. 23. Okinawa Tensions: The U.S. military in Okinawa paused operations for two days and restricted base departures after a Marine arrest tied to the killing of a local woman, as protests flare. Sports-to-Entertainment Crossover: Japan’s young swimming stars Yumeki Kojima and Shin Ohashi turned heads in Tokyo, with Leon Marchand praising their rapid rise. Hobby & Community: A local hobby shop reopened in a new location, underscoring how small retail spaces keep fan communities thriving.

Film & Festivals: Busan International Film Festival kicks off Oct. 6 with 247 selections from 59 countries, including 95 world premieres, and BIFF’s new FIAPF “A-list” status plus an Oscars pathway for its top prize. Japan-Qatar Cultural Exchange: Japan’s Embassy in Qatar wrapped up the second Japan-Qatar Illustration Contest at Geekend 2026, with 100+ entries across digital, traditional, and kids categories. Music Rights & Royalties: Laos’ LASCAP is building fair royalty management for artists, backed by young creators and efforts toward workable legislation. Anime & Collectibles: Prime 1 Studio opens Oct. 6 pre-orders for 1/4-scale “Berserk” statues of Guts and Griffith (bonus unhelmed heads). Printmaking Spotlight: A new exhibition, “Hokusai, Hiroshige, Hasui,” brings Japanese landscape printmaking to the U.S. at Vero Beach Museum of Art (Nov. 21–Feb. 7, 2027). Tokyo Pop Culture Honors: Tamori, Eiko Kadono, and Mitsunori Torihara named Honorary Citizens of Tokyo. Fashion & Celebrity: Alex Eala makes her Paris Fashion Week debut for Chanel after her Asian Games bronze.

Asian Games Legacy: Aichi-Nagoya 2026 wrapped with China topping the medal table for a 12th straight time, while Japan set a national record (83 golds, 269 medals) and the OCA flag passed to Doha for 2030—plus fresh scrutiny of operational hiccups like accommodation leaks, transport failures, and venue planning delays. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Qatar closed with a historic 18-medal haul and Doha’s “Games We Live For” identity debuted at the handover, linking past and future through performances and athletes. Tech & Entertainment: Sony is reportedly reshuffling XR patents with Meta and may invite outside studios to pitch dormant PlayStation franchises—an idea that could reshape Japan’s game nostalgia market. Manga Publishing: MediaOCD struck a deal to sell physical editions of indie manga titles via the Independent Manga Alliance, expanding global access to Japanese creator-driven works. Pop Culture Buzz: Hideo Kojima teased Physint as “quite different” spy action, while Solid Snake’s Japanese voice actor Akio Otsuka said he’d like a new Metal Gear but can’t fully walk back his Kojima-only stance. Arts & Exhibitions: A major retrospective on Maren Hassinger opens in Berkeley, and Japan’s manga curators keep pushing for comics to earn a seat in major museums. Japan-Related Headlines: Japan lodged a strong protest after a U.S. Marine was arrested over an alleged Okinawa murder and robbery.

Asian Games Closing: Aichi-Nagoya wrapped up with a 90-minute light-and-music finale as Japan handed the OCA flag to Qatar for Doha 2030; Japan finished second on 269 medals (83 gold), China topped the table, and India placed fourth with 85 medals (21 gold). Sports-to-Spotlight: India’s PM Modi praised the contingent’s “determination” and hopes the haul boosts grassroots sport, while shooting teen Rudrankksh Patil set his sights on nationals and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a three-medal run. New Talent Stories: Archer Jyothi Surekha returned to a hero’s welcome after winning compound archery gold, and teenage standouts like Kumkum Mohod and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added record-making moments. Pop Culture & Anime: Nintendo Japan released fresh Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake footage of Hyrule Castle Town and Gerudo Fortress ahead of the Switch 2 launch on Nov. 5. Music Industry: IMPF’s Palma Summit returns in Spain for its fifth edition, with a Japan market focus led by MPAJ and JASRAC. Legal/Media Rights: A Tokyo court ruled human voices are protected by publicity rights, a landmark for AI voice imitation disputes. Entertainment Politics: South Korea’s “The Assassin(s)” sparked a political row that could spill into Singapore’s film festival circuit. Manga News: Hirayasumi manga will end in two more chapters.

Asian Games Handover: Japan wrapped the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games with a record medal haul (83 gold, 269 total) and a formal baton pass to Doha for 2030, as China topped the table (169 gold). Hosting Scrutiny: Despite standout youth stars and 43 sports, the Games drew sharp criticism over logistics—crowds, transport, and venue mix-ups—raising doubts about Japan’s future event-bid trust. UAE Sporting Boost: The UAE celebrated a best-ever Asian Games run, finishing 13th with seven gold, including record-breaking performances in track and equestrian. India’s Breakthroughs: India ended fourth with 85 medals and named Kumkum Mohod and Sujeet Kalkal the inaugural Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh award winners. Pop Culture Collab: Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 is getting a Japan-exclusive AGV helmet drop—Juri, Cammy, Akuma and Ken designs. Manga to Anime: Kodansha’s Manchuria Opium Squad announced an anime adaptation with a first visual, continuing the franchise’s push beyond comics. Okinawa Shock: A U.S. Marine was arrested over an alleged Okinawa robbery-murder, prompting Japan to lodge a strong protest with the U.S. Art Spotlight: Yoshio Ikezaki’s “Ki Paintings” exhibition opened in Pasadena, spotlighting his ink, water, washi and meditation-led technique.

Asian Games Aftermath: Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is ending with a sour aftertaste as reports of bed shortages, long airport delays, and venue mix-ups fuel doubts about future hosting trust. Closing Ceremony: The handover to Doha 2030 kicks off Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Japan time at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, with a unified parade and Aichi-Nagoya cultural performances. Sports Spotlight: India closes with 85 medals (21 gold) and a standout cricket gold over Pakistan; China hits a record 169 golds, while MVP honors go to Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson and 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi. Japan Entertainment & Film: South Korea’s “The Assassins” tops 2 million admissions but faces conservative protests over alleged history distortion. Arts & Culture (Japan-linked): Halandri’s €7 million investment plans a new arts hub in a building blending Japanese brutalism influences. International in Japan: A 20-year-old U.S. Marine is arrested in Okinawa over an alleged robbery-murder, prompting a formal protest from Japan to the U.S.

Asian Games Closing in Nagoya: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games wrap up Oct. 4 with a 5 p.m. closing ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, with Jeus Yape (Philippines taekwondo) named flag bearer and organizers promising a Japan-culture handover show. Japan Sports Spotlight: Japan set a new single-edition home record with 83 golds, including softball’s seventh straight title and a third straight mixed judo team crown. Cricket & Hockey Headlines: India defended men’s T20 cricket gold over Pakistan (19-run win, no handshakes), while India also retained men’s hockey gold with a 5-1 final vs Malaysia, booking LA 2028. Football Final Shock: South Korea beat host Japan 1-0 in men’s football to claim a fourth straight title. New Anime Release: Sword Art Online creator Reki Kawahara’s Devils’ Crest gets a Fall 2026 TV anime debut on Nov. 6, streaming worldwide on Prime Video. Pop Culture Merch: FamilyMart re-releases its Citizen co-developed ¥1,998 wristwatch after near sell-out, with a new autumn/winter rollout and online lottery. Local Life & Safety: Tokyo’s Hachijo Island saw eight divers reported missing and later found.