Manga creator Tatsuki Fujimoto's semi-autobiographical work, Look Back, has inspired fans to visit Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, where real locations from the story can be found, including the Burindo bookstore, which closely resembles its fictional counterpart. As Anime NYC kicks off, the event is larger than ever, featuring notable guests like Critical Role and various anime production companies, along with a Japanese food court and gaming areas for attendees. Composer Yasuharu Takanashi, known for his work on anime music, is preparing for the North American Symphonic Anime tour while completing scores for Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest and the new Kinnikuman anime. Meanwhile, a new animation studio in Kyoto, Shake Hands, aims to provide job training for individuals with autism, an initiative gaining traction as awareness of developmental disorders increases in Japan. The studio's founders hope to create a supportive work environment tailored to the needs of neurodiverse individuals. Overall, these developments highlight both the cultural significance and evolving social responsibility within the anime community.