State Champ Radio

by DJ Frosty

Current track

Title

Artist

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

12:00 am 12:00 pm

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

12:00 am 12:00 pm


anime

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Whether she’s showing it through fashion, music or the illustrations in her Prime Video documentary, it’s no secret that Megan Thee […]

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Logic is kicking off the summer with a Crunchyroll collaboration for anime lovers. The Maryland native announced a Cowboy Bebop apparel collection on Monday (July 1).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Anime was there for me when I was growing up in a drug and violence-ridden childhood and household. I discovered anime through Cowboy Bebop, and would later go on to befriend the voice of Spike Spiegel, Steve Blum, and collaborate with him on various albums, which is a dream come true,” Logic said in a statement. “Without Cowboy Bebop, there is no Logic. I just hope that collabing with Cowboy Bebopand Crunchyroll will allow me to introduce a lot more of my fans who might not be hip to Cowboy Bebop, and vice versa, and hope that a bunch of people out there who love Cowboy Bebop will realize I’m making fun anime nerd albums.”

Trending on Billboard

Logic x Crunchyroll ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Collection

Courtesy of Crunchyroll®

Crunchyroll x Logic x Cowboy Bebop

Designed by Cowboy Bebop character designer and animation director Toshihiro Kawamoto, the 11-piece collection is comprised of T-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, a beanie, a hoodie, a corduroy hat, varsity jacket and skateboard inspired by the futuristic anime series, which follows a group of space-traveling bounty hunters.

Logic x Crunchyroll ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Collection

Courtesy of Crunchyroll®

“Logic’s mission is to inspire people to be themselves and this new Crunchyroll x Logic x Cowboy Bebop collection will ignite bounty hunters from across the galaxy to live and breathe this beloved fandom,” added Terry Li, Crunchyroll’s executive vice president, emerging business.

Crunchyroll x Logic x Cowboy Bebop Varsity Jacket

The collection is available for pre-order at the Crunchyroll Store and will be released on July 8. A select number of pieces from the collab will be available at the Anime Expo taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center this week, from July 4-7.

Cowboy Bebop is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu and Prime Video.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
After taking in a reported $17.6 million box office in the U.S., Demon Slayer: Hashira Training hits home video to kick off season four of the popular anime series.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Want to watch it online? The Demon Slayer: Hashira Training movie is streamable starting on Sunday, May 12, on Crunchyroll for subscribers only.

How to Watch Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Online for Free

If you’re not a Crunchyroll subscriber, you can take advantage of the streaming service’s seven-day free trial to watch Demon Slayer: Hashira Training and other anime, including My Hero Academia, One Piece, Penguin Highway, Fruits Basket and others. In fact, Crunchyroll has the largest collection of anime that’s ready to stream.

Trending on Billboard

Additionally, you can even watch new anime TV series live simultaneously when it airs in Japan, such as Kaiju No. 8. All anime is either in its original Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed in English.

After the free trial is over, you can either cancel it or keep watching with plans starting at $7.99 per month. Crunchyroll is also available as a channel add-on for Prime Video if you’re an Amazon Prime member. Amazon is offering a seven-day free trial too.

Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video and Prime Gaming; fast free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market; access to exclusive shopping events — such as Prime Day and Black Friday — and much more.

How to Watch The Demon Slayer TV Series & Movie Online for Free

Want to watch past Demon Slayer seasons before you watch the new Demon Slayer: Hashira Training film? All three seasons of Demon Slayer, as well as the Demon Slayer: Mugen Training movie, are available to stream on Crunchyroll too.

Demon Slayer: Hashira Training follows the Hashira swordsmen, the best of the best in the Demon Slayer Corps, as the group prepares to battle Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King.

The new anime film also stars an English-language voice cast featuring Zach Aguilar, Abby Trott, Griffin Burns, Kira Buckland, Christopher Corey Smith, Ben Balmaceda, Brent Mukai, Zeno Robinson and others.

Available in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed in English, Demon Slayer: Hashira Training is streamable on Crunchyroll starting on Sunday, May 12. In the meantime, watch a trailer for the new anime film below.

[embedded content]

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Anime and NBA fans rejoice! Crunchyroll has a limited-edition collaboration with the anime series My Hero Academia, the NBA and apparel company Hyperfly available online.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Starting at $59.99, the clothing line features satin jackets, hoodies and tees sporting the character All Might from My Hero Academia and various NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and many others.

Meanwhile, Crunchyroll has a 14-day free trial available for the streamer’s premium service. After the free trial is over, you can either cancel it or keep watching with plans starting at $7.99 per month. Crunchyroll is the home for all things anime, including the aforementioned My Hero Academia, One Piece, Penguin Highway, Demon Slayer, Fruits Basket and much more.

Trending on Billboard

In addition, Crunchyroll is also available as an add-on for Prime Video, if you’re an Amazon Prime member. However, there’s a shorter 7-day free trial ready to use too.

Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video and Prime Gaming; fast free shipping in less than two days; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Prime Day and Black Friday — and more.

In the meantime, scroll down and shop MHA x NBA x Hyperfly gear, below.

Crunchyroll

My Hero Academia x Hyperfly x NBA: All Might Golden State Warriors Satin Jacket

Made from hand-crafted soft nylon with champagne-silk quilted lining, this satin jacket is ideal for any Golden State Warriors fan in the Bay Area. It even has All Might on its back dunking a basketball!It’s also available for the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.

Crunchyroll

My Hero Academia x Hyperfly x NBA: Chicago Bulls All Might Hoodie

Show your love for the Windy City with this stylish black pullover hoodie. It even has the Chicago Bulls, “My Hero Academia” and Hyperfly logos on one sleeve. It’s also available for the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.

Crunchyroll

My Hero Academia x Hyperfly x NBA: Boston Celtics All Might T-Shirt

This mashup tee between anime and pro basketball is elite with the team’s name, Boston Celtics, in Japanese characters. Here’s your chance to showoff your Boston Pride and your love for My Hero Academia at the same time.It’s also available for the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.

MHA x NBA x Hyperfly gear also comes in other NBA teams’ styles, including Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors.

Starting at $59.99, the limited-edition MHA x NBA x Hyperfly collab is available at Crunchyroll.com

Want more deals? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Akira Toriyama, an influential figure in the world of anime and creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, died at the top of the month, according to reports. Akira Toriyama, who did not relish the limelight, was said to still be working on several projects up until the time of his sudden passing.
Akira Toriyama was born in the capital city of Nagoya of a prefecture, Aichi, in Japan on April 5, 1955, as explained in an Associated Press report. Toriyama said that Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy and other manga series popular in the 1960s informed his interest in drawing anime, and he was also fond of series such as Ultraman.
Toriyama published his first manga in 1978 with Wonder Island but it was his Dr. Slump series in 1980 that launched him into becoming a star of his world. In 1984, Toriyama began the first manga run for Dragon Ball, which ran until 1995. The series was then adapted into an anime television series in 1986 and ran until 1989. The anime series received a sequel Dragon Ball Z, running from 1989 to 1996.
Beyond Dragon Ball, Toriyama also designed characters for the popular Dragon Quest video game series as well. Dragon Ball inspired several toys and video games which influenced an entire generation of fans and still holds sway in many circles today. That was evidenced in the outpouring of admiration and respect for Toriyama after the news of his death was announced by his Bird Studio company on March 8.
Akira Toriyama is survived by his wife Yoshimi Katō, and their son and daughter. He was 68.
We’ve got reactions from X below.

Photo: Getty

Cassius Life Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Courtesy of Crunchyroll / Megan thee stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is the hottest blerd on the planet.
The eighth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards went down in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, March 2, celebrating the fan-favorite anime series, characters, and creators across streaming, film, and music.
Hip-Hop’s most famous anime fan, Megan Thee Stallion, was on hand and a presenter during the awards show. Of course, the Houston hottie understood the assignment, showing up to the awards show rocking a look inspired by JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Megan Thee Stallion closed out the award’s show, hitting the stage wearing a dress drawing inspiration directly from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure‘s Bruno Bucciarati.
The look features a corset complimented by a white leather dress with gold detailing, nails, and a jet-black bob.

The “HISS” crafter presented the “Anime of The Year Award” to one of her favorite anime, Jujutsu Kaisen.

Before the Anime Awards, Thee Stallion stepped out and showed off her Gojo Satoru-inspired drip for rehearsals.
The inspiration for the fit is the special-grade sorcerer and teacher from Jujutsu Kaisen. For the look, Thee Stallion rocked fang nails, like the ones she showed off before she hit the world with “HISS,” an icy platinum blonde wig with bangs, a cropped leather turtleneck jacket, matching low rise flared pants, and a blindfold.
She also wears two pairs of glasses in other shots to compliment the look.

Megan Thee Stallion continues to prove that her love and appreciation for anime and cosplay and how she introduces it into her stage swag and personal style is unmatched.
You can hit the gallery below to see why she is Blerd’s dream girl.

1. We would love this version of Sailor Moon

2. She always unferstands the assignment

3. We need this anime immediately

4. Hot Girl Mirko

5. She never misses

6. Tokyo Ghoul

7. My Hero Academia

Megan Thee Stallion, drag entertainer Aquaria and Japanese singer/songwriter LiSA are among the presenters set for the 2024 Anime Awards, which honors the craft and artistry of Japanese animation. The awards, to be hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira, will be presented on March 2 at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo.
“Watching anime is one of my favorite things to do!,” Megan Thee Stallion said in a statement. “I love cosplaying all of my favorite characters, I love the storytelling, and I love getting inspiration from the different anime art styles! I’m really excited for the opportunity to attend and present an award at this year’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards. I’m looking forward to traveling to Tokyo and joining my fellow anime lovers as we celebrate and honor the best anime creators and shows in the world.”

LiSA, who has performed a number of hit anime theme songs, added: “Beyond time and borders, anime allows us to connect and be touched, be excited, and share the same emotions with others, regardless of age or values. Anime has the same potential and appeals that I feel towards music. I hope the wonderful Japanese anime continues to bring joy to many fans around the world. I consider anime to be one of the cultures that represents Japan, so I am very honored to be chosen as the presenter.”

Aquaria, American fashion model, drag entertainer and DJ who was crowned the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10, is also set to present. Aquaria is likewise a long-time anime enthusiast.

Other presenters set for the Anime Awards live ceremony or the Anime Awards pre-show include actress Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel and The Marvels), Japanese night club host and TV personality Roland, British rapper Che Lingo, content creator Lena Lemon, artist and producer Yaeji and singer Ylona Garcia.

Crunchyroll, the streaming service that connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories, today revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The full list of nominees and voting instructions is available here. Fans can vote for their favorites across all 26 categories daily through the close of voting just before midnight PT on Jan. 27.

In celebration of this year’s Anime Awards nominees, a selection of nominated series streaming on Crunchyroll will be available on AVOD starting today. Fans interested in exploring the honorees have until March 2 to stream the titles for free, with ads. Anime Awards-nominated series will be available for AVOD viewing worldwide, pending regional availability.

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

Sony Music Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., will support Crunchyroll in the execution of the Anime Awards.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Anime powerhouse Crunchyroll is getting a new home on Prime Video,where seasoned fans or those looking to try out the genre can indulge in popular content such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, Spy x Family and Attack on Titan.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Starting Tuesday (Oct. 24), the subscription service will have its own channel on Prime Video that members can add into their library of content. You’ll have access to more than 46,000 episodes of anime across more than 1,300 titles while keeping your streaming options all in one place. And did we mention it’s all ad free?

Keep reading to learn how to watch the Crunchyroll channel.

How to Watch Crunchyroll

In order to gain access to Crunchyroll’s content, you’ll first need a Prime membership. Already have one? Just log in to your account and find it in the Prime Video Channel store. You’ll have to add it to your subscription in order to watch it.

If you’re not a Prime member, Amazon currently has a 30-day free trial, which means you can get Prime Video for free. You’ll still have to add Crunchyroll to your subscription through the Prime Video Channel store. Crunchyroll has two memberships to choose from: Fan ($7.99/month) or Mega Fan ($9.99/month). The main difference between the two is that Mega Fans will get access to all the content on top of being able to download programs for offline viewing as well as access to non-video perks, which is set to be released throughout the upcoming months.

After your free trial is over you’ll be charged the regular subscription price of $14.99/month (or $139/year). Students can save 50% off with a student membership that also gives you a 6-month free trial beforehand. Plus, if you’re in a qualifying government program you can save 50% off an EBT/Medicaid membership and enjoy a 30-day free trial.

Crunchyroll features a wide range of anime series and movies that you can enjoy 24/7, including The Great Cleric, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, My Unique Skills Makes Me OP even at Level 1, Am I Actually the Strongest?, Sweet Reincarnation, Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, Classroom for Heroes, Reign of the Seven Spellblades, Rurouni Kenshin, Undead Murder Farce and more.

You’ll also have access to the entire Prime Video library, including original and exclusive TV shows and movies such as Gen V, The Boys, Citadel, Daisy Jones & The Six, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Harlan Coben’s Shelter, Swarm, Medellìn, The Power, Kelce, Harlem, I’m a Virgo, Invincible, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Horror of Dolores Roach, Fleabag, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Better Call Saul and more.

That’s not all, either. You can add-on premium channels as well, such as Max, Starz, Showtime, AMC+ and Paramount+, which will expand your library of content.

Besides Prime Video, a Prime membership will also get you free one-day shipping as well as grocery deliveries, access to exclusive Prime member-only deals, Prime Day, Prime Premiere, Prime Try Before You Buy, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming and more.

The inaugural International Anime Music Festival announces its debut tour, bringing virtual music superstars to 37 venues across North America starting Feb. 6, 2023. This marks the first time the popular VTubers (virtually generated animated YouTubers) and Vocaloids (virtual singers with computer generated voices) appear on stage together.
The International Anime Music Festival will feature #kzn, the original singeroid developed directly from the voice of popular Japanese Virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI, vocal duo HIMEHINA, vocal trio MaRiNaSu, Megumi Nakajima voiced anime singer GUMI, and pop twins LiLYPSE. The show will be presented as live DJ-led multimedia concert with the fan-favorites of the international anime-music movement brought to life with state-of-the-art LED and high-definition digital projections.

Originating in Japan, these superstar avatars have exploded globally over the past two years, drawing tens of millions of followers worldwide, generating over 62 million Google searches, and more than 1.2 billion views (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and others).

Artist presale starts on Monday, October 31st at 10am local time.  Tickets for all North America shows go on sale Friday, November 4th at 10am local time. VisitIAMF.LIVE to learn more, sign up for presale access and to purchase tickets.

The worldwide festival will continue its tour throughout 2023, in Europe, Southeast Asia and South America. 

“I feel honored and privileged to be working with the talented IP holders and character creators of the five acts appearing on our International Anime Music Festival,” says producer and BASE Hologram co-founder Bob Ringe. “The response from the Anime community and Anime creators worldwide has exceeded my expectations. See you all at the festival!”

“I am excited to work with this extraordinary visually exciting Art Form,” says producer and BASE Hologram co-founder Marty Tudor. “The energy that this group of Virtual Artists has is amazing and incites the best of our superb creative team.  This show will be a blast!”

Banc of California is underwriting the tour. The International Anime Music Festival is produced by Anime Entertainment LLC with Creative Director Rob Roth (Tony Award winner for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast). The tour is represented by Wasserman Music (North America) and UTA (Internationally). 

North American Tour Dates below. Artist Presale starts on Monday, Oct. 31 at 10am local time.  Tickets for all North America shows go on sale Friday, November 4th at 10am local time. VisitIAMF.LIVE to learn more, sign up for presale access and to purchase tickets.

Mon, February 6, 2023 | Vancouver, BC | Orpheum Theatre

Wed, February 8, 2023 | Seattle, WA | Paramount Theatre

Thu, February 9, 2023 | Portland, OR | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Sat, February 11, 2023 | San Jose, CA | San Jose Civic Auditorium

Tue, February 14, 2023 | Los Angeles, CA | Microsoft Theatre

Thu, February 16, 2023 | Phoenix, AZ | Arizona Financial Theatre

Fri, February 17, 2023 | Las Vegas, NV | The Theater at Virgin Hotels

Sat, February 18, 2023 | Albuquerque, AZ | Revel Entertainment Center

Sun, February 19, 2023 | Denver, CO | Mission Ballroom

Tue, February 21, 2023 | Kansas City, MO | Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

Thu, February 23, 2023 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at Moody Theater

Fri, February 24, 2023 | San Antonio, TX | Tech Port Arena

Sat, February 25, 2023 | Irving, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Sun, February 26, 2023 | Houston, TX | 713 Music Hall

Tue, February 28, 2023 | Oklahoma City, OK | The Criterion

Wed, March 1, 2023 | St. Louis, MO | The Factory At The District

Thu, March 2, 2023 | St. Paul, MN | Myth Live

Fri, March 3, 2023 | Milwaukee, WI | Riverside Theatre

Sat, March 4, 2023 | Chicago, IL | Riviera Theatre

Sun, March 5, 2023 | Detroit, MI | Masonic Temple Theatre

Tue, March 7, 2023 | Indianapolis, IN | Murat Theater at Old National Center

Wed, March 8, 2023 | Cleveland, OH | The Agora

Thu, March 9, 2023 | Cincinnati, OH | Bogart’s 

Fri, March 11, 2023 | Montreal, QC | MTELUS

Sun, March 12, 2023 | Toronto, ON | HISTORY

Tue, March 14, 2023 | Pittsburgh, PA | Roxian Theatre

Wed, March 15, 2023 | New York, NY | Terminal 5

Thu, March 16, 2023 | Boston, MA | Roadrunner

Fri, March 17, 2023 | Mashantucket, CT | The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Sat, March 18, 2023 | National Harbor, MD | MGM National Harbor

Sun, March 19, 2023 | Philadelphia, PA | Franklin Music Hall

Tue, March 21, 2023 | Charlotte, NC | Blumenthal Performing Arts Center – Belk Theatre

Wed, March 22, 2023 | Jacksonville, FL | Florida Theatre

Thu, March 23, 2023 | Durham, NC | DPAC

Fri, March 24, 2023 | Atlanta, GA | Fox Theatre

Sat, March 25, 2023 | Orlando, FL | Hard Rock Live

Sun, March 26, 2023 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Thu, March 30, 2023 | Monterrey, Mexico | Arena Monterrey

Fri, March 31, 2023 | Mexico City, Mexico | Arena CDMX