AKIRA

All 26 episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion are being streamed free on ABEMA over two consecutive days starting October 4, the anniversary of the show's first broadcast. The free marathon is drawing attention alongside a busy Japanese news cycle that also includes financial trouble at Jangria Okinawa and commentary from comedian Akira Kawashima.

Shakira is set to share the stage with Dua Lipa tonight in a one-off duet that had not been announced beforehand. Spanish outlet HOLA describes it as a historic, unprecedented pairing, with the Colombian star bringing out what it calls the heavy artillery for the performance. Fans across Spain and the Netherlands are driving searches as anticipation builds ahead of the show.

Shakira's concert in Madrid has become the most-watched livestream in Amazon Music's history, according to Billboard. The milestone highlights the Colombian star's continued commercial strength on her current tour and underscores the growing role of livestreamed concerts in reaching global audiences. Fans have been celebrating the record online, with many noting the scale of demand for her shows in Spain.

Enka legend Saburo Kitajima has marked his 90th birthday in Japan, prompting reflection on his decades-long career. Media coverage pairs the milestone with other artists in their late 80s and 90s, including Kayaon Yuuzo, Akira Kobayashi and Boo Takaki, who continue active musical lives. Commentators are highlighting how this generation of showa-era performers keeps performing well into old age.

Shakira's concert in Madrid has become the most livestreamed performance by a female artist on Amazon Music. The milestone underscores the Colombian star's ongoing global touring success, with the streamed show drawing a record audience on the platform. It adds to a string of achievements for the singer as her current tour continues to attract attention worldwide.

Japanese runner Akira Ochiai won gold in the men's 800m at the Asian Games, clocking a championship record of 1:44.49. It is the first Japanese victory in the event in 64 years, making the result a historic milestone for Japanese middle-distance running and drawing wide attention at home.

Shakira has become the female artist with the most-watched livestream performance of all time on Amazon Music, according to Digital Music News. The milestone underlines her enduring global drawing power, with the Colombian star continuing to reach massive audiences through streaming platforms following recent career renewals.

Shakira was joined by Dua Lipa for a livestream concert on Amazon Music that is being described as record-breaking. The two pop stars performed together in the streamed event, which reportedly set new marks for the platform. Fans of both artists are sharing clips and reactions from the performance online.

Geinoh Yamashirogumi, the ensemble world-famous for its music on Katsuhiro Otomo's film AKIRA, has announced a new concert titled 'Genkyo No. 3: Narukami', to be held in Tokyo. The programme will include 'Tetsuo', a signature piece from the Symphonic Suite AKIRA, alongside other works from the group's repertoire.

Film fans are listing classic sci-fi movies set in dates that have already passed: 2001: A Space Odyssey (2001), Back to the Future Part II (2015), Rollerball (2018), Akira (2019), Blade Runner (2019), Ghost in the Shell (2019) and The Terminator's war in 2029. The running joke is that these imagined futures now sit in the past, prompting people to compare their predictions with reality.

The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival has announced its Kurosawa Akira Prize, awarded jointly to Japanese director Miho Nobe (呉美保) and Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof. The honour, named after the legendary Japanese director, recognises filmmakers of outstanding achievement. Film fans are sharing the announcement, noting the pairing of a rising Japanese voice with an internationally celebrated, exiled Iranian director.

Tokyo Art Beat's editors have selected eight recommended goods from the Marimekko exhibition 'The Power of Patterns' at the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum in Tokyo. The travelling exhibition, which also features designer Akira Minagawa among its highlights, showcases the Finnish brand's textile designs, and the gift guide points visitors toward standout souvenirs from the museum shop.

Shakira made a rare Fashion Week appearance, attending in a black gown accented with glitter trim. The Colombian superstar is not a regular on the fashion circuit, so her presence drew attention from style press and fans alike. Coverage focused on the gown itself and on the novelty of seeing the singer front row at an event she seldom attends.

Drummer Akira Tana has shared a personal tribute to saxophonist and composer Jimmy Heath, remembering him as an artist who stayed true to the music throughout his career. Writing in a long-form essay, Tana draws on his own experience playing alongside Heath, offering anecdotes and reflections on his musicianship, mentorship and influence on generations of jazz players. The piece is drawing attention among jazz musicians and fans honoring Heath's enduring legacy.