Japanese artist Kazuki Takahashi, who spawned a global franchise with the comic Yu-Gi-Oh, has died in what appears to be a swimming accident. Takahashi, whose real first name was Kazuo, was discovered floating in the sea near the town of Nago on Wednesday. The location is in the southern island prefecture of Okinawa, a popular island getaway for Japanese tourists. The area … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh Creator Kazuki Takahashi Dies in Swimming Accident
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Chick-Fil-A Launches Literary partnership with author Diane Alber
The US restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A has launched a new literary partnership for its Kids Meal program to promote diversity and kindness. The company says Chick-Fil-A is partnering with author Diane Alber to include five bestselling titles from her Scribble book series for the 2022 Kids meal book promotion. Alber is a prolific picture book author and illustrator whose titles … [Read more...] about Chick-Fil-A Launches Literary partnership with author Diane Alber
Peanuts Appoints Wildbrain For CP Licensing in Asia-Pacific
WildBrain CPLG is celebrating their appointment as the agency for Peanuts Worldwide in Asia, as the brand hits $2.5 billion in CP sales. “As an owner of the brand and the producer of all-new Peanuts content under our long-term arrangement with Apple TV+, and now as the consumer products agency for Peanuts in more than 50 countries worldwide, our global organization is uniquely … [Read more...] about Peanuts Appoints Wildbrain For CP Licensing in Asia-Pacific
Stranger Things Sets All-Time Viewing Record for Streaming TV
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The evil creature Vecna may or may not succeed in taking over the world, but there's no question the Netflix horror series Stranger Things already has. The quirky series Stranger Things has smashed the record for streaming views, amassing 7.2 billion minutes of viewing for the week May 30 to June 5. That's the highest weekly total for any show … [Read more...] about Stranger Things Sets All-Time Viewing Record for Streaming TV
GAP Partners on New Lines for Eyewear, Home Products
The fashion outlet Gap has announced two major new partnerships for branded eyewear and kids' home products. The eyewear deal sees Gap partnering with the global eyewear company De Rigo, launching their first collection of Gap-branded sunglasses and optical glasses. "As a champion of individuality, Gap embodies a sense of modern American optimism that celebrates what it means … [Read more...] about GAP Partners on New Lines for Eyewear, Home Products
Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Walmart is placing its bets on metaverse technologies as it announced the acquisition of an AR developer, and launched new augmented reality shopping experiences. The latter initiative sees Walmart updating its customer shopping app with two new augmented reality (AR) solutions, which are rolling out this month on its iOS app. The new feature … [Read more...] about Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions
Amazon Marks Prime Day With Dream House in London
Ecommerce giant Amazon is launching the Prime Day Dream House in London July 6, with a slate of entertainment to mark Prime Day. Prime Day has become a cultural and retail phenomenon, rivalling Black Friday and Christmas as one of the big shopping events of the year. Amazon’s annual Prime Day event takes place on July 12 and 13 this year, and offers millions of deals globally … [Read more...] about Amazon Marks Prime Day With Dream House in London
Manga Licensing: Ukonic Secures Deal For Naruto Product Line
The anime and manga publisher VIZ Media has teamed up with Ukonic to bring "Naruto Shippuden" products into the homes of fans. The partnership, which extends through 2025, covers everything to personalize your home or office, from area rugs and furniture to small kitchen appliances. "Creating exceptional items that fans love is our passion," says Martin Butler, CEO and … [Read more...] about Manga Licensing: Ukonic Secures Deal For Naruto Product Line
Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Yuga Labs is suing a conceptual artist over allegations of copyright infringement of its Bored Ape Yacht Club line of NFTs. The case will be among the most hotly watched for legal experts in the nascent NFT sector, as courts struggle to establish clear copyright laws for non-fungible tokens. The dispute centers on Ryder Ripps, an artist … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
Light Fund Channel Swimmers Complete Epic Challenge
The Light Fund's hardy band of marathon swimmers reached France Thursday, and are feeling "euphoric, exhausted and completely humbled." Two teams of swimmers called Team Optimist and Team High Hopes set off from the English coast late at night, and arrived at around 11 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time. “An incredible achievement against all the odds, very tough, extreme weather … [Read more...] about Light Fund Channel Swimmers Complete Epic Challenge