The company behind the wildly popular Pokémon franchise says it doesn’t want its characters used for propaganda.
The Department of Homeland Security uploaded a Pokémon-themed montage of various ICE raids to social media earlier this week.
The connection to the beloved franchise was clear, as the recognizable theme song played, the original animation appeared and even its signature blue and yellow text materialized.
The video angered many fans. The Japanese gaming company said the federal agency was not authorized to use its original content.
“We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand,” wrote the Pokémon Company International in a statement to The Times. “Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property.”
The posted video included the anime theme song, with the lyrics “Gotta catch ‘em all,” playing over segments of federal agents handcuffing people and imagery of a Pokémon character and the Pokéballs used to capture monsters in the game.
It concluded with several mock-ups of Pokémon playing cards with photographs of detainees, which included their full names, crimes they have committed and details about their convictions and sentencing.
The DHS’ social media feeds are full of provocative imagery and videos that borrow from popular media.
It used Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement” last month. It reportedly received a copyright violation complaint and had to be taken down.
In July, the DHS X account posted a video montage, which used audio from 2022’s “The Batman” and displayed a Bible verse onscreen. Paintings, from artists like Thomas Kinkade, Morgan Weistling and John Gast have also been utilized by the federal agency.
Comedian Theo Von recently complained about being used in one of these videos. DHS used a video of him saying, “Heard you got deported, dude,” as he nods his head in disappointment, in one of their video edits.
On Tuesday, he posted on X, saying, “And please take this down and please keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos. When it comes to immigration my thoughts and heart are a lot more nuanced than this video allows. Bye!”
The trailer has had well over a million views in a matter of hours
10:55, 20 Aug 2025Updated 10:55, 20 Aug 2025
The anime is an adaptation of FromSoftware game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice(Image: KA/SNDP/Crunchyroll)
An official adaptation of a ‘masterpiece’ FromSoftware game will soon be available to stream and fans have just been given their first glimpse at it.
The first trailer for upcoming anime miniseries, Sekiro: No Defeat, dropped on Crunchyroll’s YouTube channel last night and amassed well over a million views in a matter of hours. It is an adaptation of FromSoft’s revered video game, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Set to release sometime in 2026 (an official release date is yet to be announced), the anime will be fully hand-drawn, with streaming service Crunchyroll teasing a “tale of loyalty and blood, set in a fantastical reimagining of Sengoku-era Japan.”
The synopsis reads: “Japan is fractured into many independent nations entangled in ceaseless war. At the center lies Ashina, a land of sacred earth and ancient mystery. Two decades after Sword Saint Isshin Ashina reclaimed the region in a brutal coup, a new threat emerges from within: The Interior Ministry.
The mini series will release in 2026(Image: KA/SNDP/Crunchyroll)
“Desperate to protect his homeland, Isshin’s grandson Genichiro turns to forbidden powers. The only hope lies in a kidnapped boy — the Divine Heir — and his silent protector: a loyal shinobi known only as Sekiro. This is the story of a lord and his retainer — and their quest to restore balance to a nation on the edge.”
One Punch Man animator Kenichi Kutsuna is at the helm as director, while the voice cast includes Daisuke Namikawa as Wolf, Miyuki Satou as Kuro/The Divine Heir and Kenjiro Tsuda as Genichiro Ashina.
“We are taking on the monumental task of animating the breathtakingly beautiful Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. In doing so, we are pouring every ounce of our artistic vision and passion for beauty into its production,” director Kenichi said.
Sekiro: No Defeat trailer
“The final product is being crafted to be a truly memorable experience, one that will leave a lasting impression on both dedicated fans of the game and those who are discovering the world of Sekiro for the very first time. Please look forward to it.”
The upcoming show was announced during Gamescom 2025, and fans flocked to the trailer to offer-up their first thoughts.
“The giant ape episode is gonna be one for the books,” one FromSoft fan predicted, as a second shared: “A million views in a day is a sign for the game makers that a sequel Sekiro 2 is badly wanted.”
Meanwhile a third penned: “There isn’t enough budget in this world to animate the mist noble fight and do it justice,” while a fourth shared: “I just hope that the Mist Noble battle gets a whole episode dedicated to it. Such an insane fight.”
Sekiro: No Defeat is coming exclusively to Crunchyroll in 2026
Holidaymakers have been urged to stop using their mobile phones for one thing at the airport. According to gaming expert, Dmitry Kandratsyeu, the mistake could be “costly”
There’s one thing you really need to avoid doing (stock image)(Image: Getty)
While many of us love the thought of going on holiday, sometimes the airport experience can be quite stressful. From the queues to worrying if you have everything packed – all sorts of things cross your mind when you travel, which means it’s not always an easy process; however, an expert has warned there’s one activity you may want to steer clear of.
It you’re hoping for a peaceful and stress-free flight there’s one thing you may want to avoid doing at the airport to make your air travel experience a lot better. It’s advice you could really want to follow if you’re known to use your mobile phone a lot, as it could actually have a big impact on your journey.
With holiday season in full swing at the moment, there are all sorts of viral tips doing the rounds. But, when it comes to looking after yourself, and your tech, there’s vital advice people need to be aware of.
Games expert Dmitry Kandratsyeu, Head of Product at Solitaires.com, explained: “As a games expert with an interest in gaming habits, I’ve noticed that a lot of popular mobile games are designed to keep your brain on high alert. Fast-reaction titles like Candy Crush, Stack or Duet are all about quick thinking, bright visuals and constant rewards. It’s a recipe for staying engaged, but also for feeling overstimulated.
“In my view, when you play these kinds of games for long stretches during a flight, you’re not giving your mind much chance to switch off. Instead of helping you unwind, they can leave you feeling wired and restless. Your brain is processing rapid taps, colourful animations and pop-up messages all at once.
“That flood of stimulation doesn’t exactly set you up for a smooth nap or an easy adjustment to a new time zone, which can have a negative effect on jet lag symptoms.”
An expert has issued vital advice (stock image)(Image: Hinterhaus Productions via Getty Images)
The expert added: “There’s also the matter of blue light from your phone or tablet. Research has shown that blue light can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps signal when it’s time to sleep.
“Combined with cabin lighting and the general disruption of your usual sleep routine, it’s easy to see how hours of fast-paced gameplay could make jet lag feel even worse.
“Of course, games can be a great way to pass the time on a long-haul flight. But it pays to think about what kind of experience you’re choosing. I’d recommend mixing in slower-paced options like Solitaire, word puzzles or audiobooks.
“These still help you stay occupied, but they don’t demand the same intense focus. If you do prefer fast-action games, try limiting your sessions and giving your eyes and brain regular breaks. Even something simple – like turning off your screen an hour before landing – can help you feel calmer and more rested when you step off the plane.
“Ultimately, it comes down to balance. Games are a fantastic way to make travel feel shorter but, in my opinion, it’s wise to be aware of how certain titles affect your mental state.
“Even just switching off your screen an hour before landing could make you feel noticeably more refreshed and ready to adjust to your destination.”
So, there you have it, how you use your phone at the airport can actually hinder your travel experience, espeically if you play games. While fast-paced games can overstimulate your brain, making it harder to relax during a flight, bright screens and quick reaction gameplay may disrupt your body’s natural sleep cues.
Choosing calmer games or offline puzzles could help you wind down and arrive feeling fresher, which means they are often the better choice if you feel the need to keep your brain active.
The games for PS4 are DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2, and Lies of P will be free for those who have a PS4 or PS5.
Lies of P is an action role-playing game, which reimagines The Adventures of Pinocchio – an 1883 children’s fantasy novel by Italian author Carlo Collodi.
The game follows the life of a puppet in a fictional city plagued by an epidemic and a puppet uprising.
My Hero One’s Justice 2 is a fast-paced 3D arena fighter based on the hit anime My Hero Academia, featuring intense battles where gamers control their heroes and villains with special moves.
DayZ is a survival game where up to 60 players fight to survive in a zombie-infested wasteland.
4
PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to keep the games foreverCredit: Alamy
Why it’s a good buy: You’ll experience lifelike sound, and with two hidden microphones equipped with AI-enhanced noise rejection technology, your friends will hear you loud and clear.
Specs:Compatible with: PlayStation 5 consoles, PlayStation Portal remote player, PC/Mac; Connectivity: PlayStation Wireless/Bluetooth
Best PS5 game deal
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, £22.97 (was £44.97)
You’ll bag a popular game that delivers an action-packed adventureCredit: Currys
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, £22.97 (was £44.97) from Currys
The game currently costs just £22.97 when purchased from Currys.
Why it’s a good buy: For that price, you’ll bag a popular game that delivers an action-packed adventure, great visuals, and a gripping storyline.
Specs:Rated: 16+; Release date: 2020
PS5 game deals
Astro Bot, £48.95 (was £59.99)
You can explore planets, volcanoes, undersea cities, and moreCredit: Amazon
Astro Bot, £48.95 (was £59.99) from Amazon
What’s the deal? Looking to bag the award-winning Astro Bot game? We’ve found an Amazon offer you won’t want to miss.
Now discounted to £48.95, Astro Bot takes gamers on a galactic quest in search of ASTRO’s lost crew.
Why it’s a good buy: If you’re shopping for a title that offers high-quality gameplay, you’ll want to take a closer look at Astro Bot.
You’ll explore planets, volcanoes, undersea cities, and more in this playful space adventure that’s packed with creative levels.
Specs:Rated: 7+; Release date: September 2024
TopSpin 2K25, £6 (was £55.99)
Go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennisCredit: GAME
TopSpin 2K25, £6 (was £55.99) from GAME
What’s the deal? We’ve spotted a fantastic discount at GAME.
If you want to go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennis, TopSpin 2K25 should be on your list, and it’s now available for just £6.
Why it’s a good buy: TopSpin 2K25 is a solid choice for tennis fans thanks to its in-depth career mode, realistic gameplay, and selection of pro players.
There are over 24 playable pros to choose from, and you can even customise your look on the court.
Specs:Rated: 3+; Release date: April 2024
More PS5 game deals:
Disney Dreamlight Valley: Cozy Edition, £34 (was £44.99) from GAME – buy here
PJ Masks Power Heroes: Mighty Alliance, £11 (was £34.99) from GAME – buy here
