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K: Seven Stories R:B -Blaze-
The K franchise's transition to the big screen for the first of six films is unfortunately not off to a promising start. Lynzee Loveridge has the details.
― As a franchise, K had slipped under my radar; I knew it as little more than the colorful anime by the creators of Hand Shakers. So I quickly got myself acquainted with a story that included two television anime and a movie that bridges the gap be...
Your Daily Streaming Reviews Schedule: Summer 2018
The results are in and we have your Daily Streaming Reviews schedule for Summer 2018!
― This season's poll results have been tallied and we've put together the schedule for the Spring 2018 Daily Streaming Reviews! We may add coverage of more spring anime based on future reader interest, so let us know what you'd like to see as the season progresses! (Please note that Back Street Girls and Baki the Gr...
Answerman - Who Dominated Dubs Before Funimation?
Funimation produces a towering mountain of English dubs every year, but they weren't always the most prolific dub studio in the country. Justin gets into the history of it all.
― Samuel asked: Before Funimation was founded, what was the big-time, English-dubbing company and is it still in existence? Maybe it's because I've been in the anime business so long (20 years!!), but until I got this questio...
Shelf Life - Like the Clouds, Like the Wind
This made-for-TV romantic period piece might have been lost to time for English audiences if not for a recent license rescue. Paul enjoys this oddity along with all of this week's new anime releases.
― Since I didn't mention it last week, I'll use this space to point out that the Preview Guide for this season is up and running. In fact, by the time this column comes out, we should be just about done...
Kitaro the Vampire Slayer GN
Kitaro's no match for a groovy mod vampire in this fifth collection of Drawn & Quarterly's curated release of the classic children's horror series. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― It had to happen sometime: the great yokai Kitaro would eventually meet someone he couldn't easily defeat. As it turns out, that's an entire race of yokai – vampires. Perhaps it's his more human attributes, or simply h...
Thursday, July 19
Udon Entertainment Licenses FLCL Archives Art Book, Mega Man X: Mega Mission Manga
Release windows updated for Infini-T Force manga volumes, Atsushi Nishigori art book
― Udon Entertainment announced at its Comic-Con International: San Diego panel on Thursday that it will release the FLCL Archives book in English in February 2019. The book, which shipped in Japan in November 2016 features character and mecha designs, key visuals, and the original pitch for the FLCL anime with hand-w...
Netflix Anime Hijacks Shinjuku Station Again, This Time With Quotes
Earlier this year, Netflix decided to show off its anime streaming catalog by "hijacking" Shinjuku station where 280 pairs of anime eyes stared out at passerbyes. The company launched a new campaign, this time focusing on iconic quotes from series in its catalog. Visitors can find the ad in the station's underground promenade until July 29. The ad has approximately 100 quotes from 60 different ser...
Steins;Gate 0 ‒ Episode 14
"I hate to say it, but at this point watching Steins;Gate 0 is beginning to feel more like a chore than anything."
Dragon Ball Super: Broly Movie's Trailer Unveiled at Comic-Con (Updated)
Broly's new designs also revealed
― Toei Animation and Funimation Entertainment unveiled a trailer for the Dragon Ball Super: Broly film at Comic-Con International: San Diego on Thursday. Japanese: English dub (via IGN): The panel also shared character designs for Goku, Vegeta, and Broly (Vegeta and Broly pictured below): The film will open in Japan on December 14, and Funimation will release the fil...
Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun Characters Form Idol Unit
If you're like me, you're still holding out some small hope for more Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun anime. It's been four years, sure, but I'd gladly watch more if given the opportunity. Unfortunately, I don't have any anime news to share, but there is a unique collaboration coming up featuring the Nozaki-kun crew. The manga recently reached its 100 chapter milestone and Square Enix will release the ma...
Viz Media Licenses Pokémon Sun & Moon, Pokémon Battle Frontier, Castlevania Anime
Also: digital releases for Pokémon manga
― Viz Media announced at its Comic-Con International: San Diego panel on Thursday that it has licensed the Pokémon Sun & Moon and Pokémon Battle Frontier anime, as well as the Castlevania animated series. The Pokémon Sun & Moon television anime series premiered in Japan in 2016, and Disney XD is airing the series in the United States. The Pokémon Battle Fronti...
Viz Media to Release Rumiko Takahashi's Urusei Yatsura Manga
Also: 2 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind books
― Viz Media announced at its Comic-Con International: San Diego panel on Thursday that it has licensed Rumiko Takahashi's Urusei Yatsura manga. Viz Media will begin releasing the manga in 2-in-1 omnibus editions in spring 2019. The books will have new translations. Viz describes the series: Revisit the acclaimed romantic comedy about an unlucky human b...
This Week in Anime - What the Hell is Happening in Fate/Extra Last Encore?
F/E LE premiered on Netflix last month to plenty of head-scratching from even experienced Fate fanatics. We run down this show's often baffling plot and what went wrong in adaptation.
― Fate/Extra Last Encore premiered on Netflix last month to plenty of head-scratching from even experienced Fate fanatics. This week, Nick and Jacob run down this show's often baffling plot and what went wrong in adapta...
Persona/Catherine Video Game Character Designer Discusses Creative Process
Shigenori Soejima is well known in the gaming world for working on the Persona game franchise for Atlus. Soejima took on the role as the franchise's primary character designer starting with Persona 3, although he worked on previous games in the franchise too. In a new interview with Archipel, the YouTube channel behind the monthly Toco Toco web series, Soejima discusses the evolution of his charac...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, July 9-15
Pokémon, Anpanman films air
― Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! aired on TV Tokyo on Thursday, July 12 at 6:48 p.m. and earned a 4.0% rating. The first half of Soreike! Anpanman Buruburu no Takarasagashi Daibōken aired on NTV on Friday, July 13 at 10:55 a.m. and earned a 2.3% rating. The Gibo to Musume no Blues live-action series adaptation aired on July 10 at 10:00 p.m. an earned an 11.5% rating. The...
Godzilla Stomps Into Virtual Reality at Osaka VR Zone Arcade
Bandai Namco Entertainment's Osaka VR Zone arcade is scheduled to open this fall with attractions previously seen at the Shinjuku location, as well as some brand new ones. The arcade's official website announced it will be home to Toho's most fearsome monster. The Godzilla virtual reality attraction is unique to soon-to-open Osaka location and promises to let players experience Godzilla's overwhel...
Black Clover ‒ Episode 41
"This episode goes right up to the line between shonen cheese and something a little more special."
Pikachin-Kit Multimedia Franchise Gets Nintendo Switch Game
Adventure game slated for November 8 in Japan
― FuRyu opened a teaser website on Thursday for a Nintendo Switch game for the Pochitto Hatsumei: Pikachin-Kit multimedia franchise. The game, titled Pikachin-Kit Game de Pirameki Daisakusen! (Pikachin-Kit Great Insight Strategy in a Game), will launch physically and digitally on November 8 in Japan. The adventure game will have an original story where Ei...
Buddha Laughs Through High School in Nara Shika Tanashi Manga
Hikaru Nakamura's Saint Young Men manga imagines Jesus and Buddha as apartment dwelling guys in Tachikawa, Tokyo. The comedic exploits of the enlightened and spiritual duo is novel but Rose Yukinoshita's Nara Shika Tanashi manga is even stranger. Can you imagine Buddha's life as a Japanese high school girl? Nara Shika Tanashi follows a Buddha-faced girl named Shanako and her friend, a deer named S...
SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy Game's Trailer Teases Story, Features
Game ships on September 7 in N. America, Europe
― NIS America began streaming a features trailer for its SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy fighting game on Friday. The video previews the playable characters, battle, character customization, and photoshoot mode. The video also teases a story where the heroines awaken in a mysterious castle and are told by a mysterious voice that they must participate in a...
Touhou Project's 16.5th Game Announced for Release at Summer Comiket
Dōjin game slated for August 10
― Japanese dōjin developer ZUN (founder and sole member of the Team Shanghai Alice dōjin game developer circle) announced a new game for his Touhou Project series on Thursday. The game, titled Touhou Project Dai-16.5-Dan Hifū Nightmare Diary ~Violet Detector., and it will be available at Summer Comiket (Comic Market) on August 10. The game is a "bullet hell" (danmaku) ...
Roundup of Newly Revealed Print Counts for Manga, Light Novel Series (June-July 2018)
Haikyu!!, Food Wars, Snow White with the Red Hair, Seven Deadly Sins, Splatoon, more
― Publishers will often reveal how many copies of a manga or light novel series volumes are in print. The following are print counts ANN has found recently, listed in order of how many volumes are available. The numbers are for Japan totals only unless otherwise specified. Manga Manga# of Copies in Print# of Volumes ...
Robot Girls NEO Net Anime Reveals More Cast, August 18 Premiere
Rika Nagae, Kanon Narumi join cast of 3-episode series
― The official website of Dynamic Planning and Toei Animation's Robot Girls NEO net anime shorts revealed on Thursday that the anime will premiere on August 18. The anime will have three episodes, each seven minutes long. The show will stream on Animax's "Animax on PlayStation" streaming service. The site also revealed three new cast members: Rik...
Kaiju Girls (Black) Anime's Promo Video Reveals Cast, Staff
Anime gets theatrical screenings in Japan starting on November 23
― The official website for the Kaijū Girls ~Ultra Kaijū Gijinka Keikaku~ franchise began streaming the first promotional video on Thursday for the Kaijū Girls (Black): Ultra Kaijū Gijinka Keikaku anime. The video reveals the show's cast and staff. The anime will have a limited theatrical run across Japan beginning on November 23. Tsubu...
Love&Art Teases New 'WAVE!!' Project About Surfing
― Game developer Love&Art opened a website for a new project titled WAVE!! on Monday. The site reveals that the new project will have a surfing theme, and shows eight different surfboards. Love&Art developed the Meiji Tokyo Renka franchise with Broccoli, and the B-Project franchise with MAGES. The Meiji Tokyo Renka franchise began with a 2011 mobile game, which was ported to PlayStation Portable in ...
Castle in the Sky Voice Actor Fujio Tokita Passes Away at 81
Actor narrated Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi anime series for nearly 20 years
― Actor and voice actor Fujio Tokita passed away on Wednesday due to a brain hemorrhage. He was 81. Tokita's close family will hold a funeral service, and his eldest son Seiji will serve as the chief mourner. Tokita was born in Nagano prefecture in 1937, and in 1959 he formed a theatrical troupe with stage director Masakane Y...
CyberConnect2 Video Reveals 2019 Simultaneous Release for 'Trilogy of Vengeance' Games
Fuga, Tokyo Ogre Gate, Cecile games all feature vengeance themes
― CyberConnect2 began streaming a project information video for its "Trilogy of Vengeance" games on Thursday. The video reveals that CyberConnect2 is planning to release the games worldwide simultaneously in 2019 (the video does not specify if this means all three games are releasing worldwide simultaneously, or if CyberConnect2 will re...
Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun Manga Goes on Hiatus Until October
Manga to resume in Grand Jump's 21st issue
― This year's 16th issue of Shueisha's Grand Jump magazine revealed on Wednesday that Yoichi Takahashi is putting his Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun soccer manga on hiatus until the magazine's 21st issue, which Shueisha will publish on October 3. The manga last went on hiatus around the same time last July, and returned that October. Rising Sun revolves around ...
Arc the Lad Smartphone Game's Relaunch Teased With Website
ForwardWorks launched a new website for its new smartphone game for the Arc the Lad franchise on Tuesday. The site reveals a new visual, and notes that ForwardWorks will reveal more information on July 30. As with the original announcement, the site has the tagline "RPG of light and sound" for the new game. ForwardWorks and Sony originally announced the game in December 2016. The Arc the Lad serie...
Attack on Titan Season 3 Premiere, Recap Movie Screenings Earn US$377,334
Funimation screened season 3 premiere, recap film in 130 theaters on July 10, 11
― Box Office Mojo is listing a total gross of US$377,334 for Funimation's combined screenings of the the first episode of Attack on Titan season 3 and the Attack on Titan: The Roar of Awakening recap film. The July 10 screening, which screened the film in Japanese with English subtitles, earned US$225,441. The July 11 sc...
Famicom Mini Shonen Jump Version System Sells 111,000 in 2 Days in Japan
― Research firm Media Create revealed on July 13 that Nintendo's "Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer Shūkan Shōnen Jump Zōkan 50-shūnen Kinen Version" (Family Computer Weekly Shonen Jump 50th Anniversary Edition), a new edition of its Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer system, sold 111,000 units as of July 8. Because the system shipped in Japan on July 7, the number accounts for two days of ...
Kuma Holdings Licenses 2 'This Boy' Boys-Love Anime
This Boy Suffers from Crystallization, This Boy is a Professional Wizard anime get English dub
― ANN confirmed with CoMix Wave Films on Wednesday that Kuma Holdings has licensed Soubi Yamamoto and CoMix Wave Films' This Boy Suffers from Crystallization (Kono Danshi, Sekika ni Nayandemasu) and This Boy is a Professional Wizard (Kono Danshi, Mahō ga Oshigoto Desu.) anime. The company will release both ...
Viz Media Licenses Mari Okazaki's Will I Be Single Forever? Manga
Manga debuts digitally on July 24
― Viz Media announced on Wednesday that it has licensed Mari Okazaki's Will I Be Single Forever? (Zutto Dokushin de Iru Tsumori?) manga. The publisher will release the manga digitally on July 24. Viz describes the manga: Mami is 36 and unmarried, and the entire world seems to be telling her she must be miserable. But is she? Does she really need a ring on her finger ...
Yuruyuri Manga Goes on Indefinite Hiatus
Manga launched in 2008; inspired 3 TV anime seasons, OVA anime, specials
― The official Twitter account for Namori's Yuruyuri manga revealed on Tuesday that the manga will go on indefinite hiatus beginning with the September issue of Ichijinsha's Comic Yuri Hime magazine that shipped on Wednesday. The account did not state when the manga will return, but noted that it will announce the manga's return...
Valkyria Chronicles 4 Game's Opening Video Posted
Game ships in the West for PS4/Switch/Xbox One/PC on September 25
― Sega America began streaming the opening video on Wednesday for its Western release of the Valkyria Chronicles 4 game. The game will debut on September 25 in the Americas, Europe, and Australia. The game will be available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. The game's Switch version will also ship in Japan...
Black Clover: Quartet Knights Game's English Video Shows 'Crystal Carry' Mode
PS4/PC game debuts on September 14
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming a gameplay video on Wednesday for the Black Clover: Quartet Knights game for PlayStation 4 and PC. The video is an English version of the previously revealed video showing the game's "Crystal Carry" mode. In the game mode, teams must attempt to retrieve and place the crystal on a designated point on the map. The g...
Cartoon Network Debuts Mega Man: Fully Charged Animated Show on August 5
SDCC to host premiere screening of show on Friday
― DHX Media announced on Wednesday that Cartoon Network will premiere Mega Man: Fully Charged, the new animated television series of the Mega Man (Rockman) games, on August 5. The series will air on Sundays. The Cartoon Network app and various video-on-demand services will also make 10 episodes available beginning on August 3. The show will debut in C...
Wednesday, July 18
2nd Eureka Seven: Hi - Evolution Film's Teaser Reveals Title, New Story Set in Tokyo
November 10 film centers on Anemone as she fights "Eureka Seven" menace
― The official website for the Eureka Seven: Hi - Evolution film trilogy revealed the title, teaser trailer, teaser visual, and debut date for the second film in the trilogy, titled Anemone: Kōkyōshihen Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution (Anemone: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution). The visual above depicts the new Nirvash, the main mecha of the ...
Manga Creator Tite Kubo Offers Comments on Live-Action Bleach Film
With the release of a special video for the live-action film of Tite Kubo's Bleach manga, Kubo himself decided to provide comments on the project. He said he had a few concerns and was unable to participate in the project himself, but he seems satisfied with the end result. In a handwritten message, Kubo said he was unable to be very involved in the live-action film project for two reasons. One wa...
Japanese Comic Ranking, July 9-15
Haikyu!!, My Hero Academia, Teasing Master Takagi-san, Grand Blue Dreaming, Karakai Jōzu no (Moto) Takagi-san in top 5
― Rank Title Est. Weekly Copies Est. Total Copies Release Date Publisher Author Highest Rank Weeks on List 1 Haikyu!! 32 131,420 474,676 2018/07 Shueisha Haruichi Furudate 1 2 2 My Hero Academia 19 129,245 442,756 2018/07 Shueisha Kohei Horikoshi 2 2 3 Teasing Master Takagi-san 9 87...
Digimon Adventure tri., Gokaiger's Junya Ikeda Reveals Marriage, Child
Actor married long-time girlfriend in 2016
― Another marriage announcement in the voice acting industry came to light on Wednesday. Junya Ikeda, the voice of Jō Kido in the Digimon Adventure tri. film series, announced via his management agency that he married a long-time girlfriend. The announcement states that the two married sometime in 2016. He adds that when he first met his wife, she had a chil...
Japan's Video Game Rankings, July 9-15
Octopath Traveler game debuts at #1
― Japan's Game Ranking: July 9-15 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 4Gamer Reader Review 1NSwOctopath Traveler Square Enix July 13 110,111 110,111 75 2NSwCaptain Toad: Treasure Tracker Nintendo July 13 41,852 41,852 3NSwMario Tennis Ace Nintendo July 22 21,838 227,452 35 4NSwSplatoon 2 (Including Bundled Editions) Nintendo July 21, 201...
Live-Action Gangoose Film's Teaser Reveals November Opening
Film based on manga about 3 boys who start extortion racket stars Ryo Kato, Mahiro Takasugi, Daichi Watanabe
― The official website for the live-action film adaptation of Daisuke Suzuki and Keisuke Hiya's Gangoose manga began streaming a teaser video for the film on Wednesday. The video reveals the film's November opening. The main cast includes: Ryo Kato as Kazuki, the group's expert in tools, and w...
Kano Sisters' Mika Kano, High School DxD's Akeno, Rias Form Buxom Trio
The celebrity and lifestyle talent sisters, Kyoko Kano and Mika Kano have cultivated an otaku following, appearing in commercials for the Comic Toranoana dōjin store and the Ensemble Stars! male idol game and attending last year's summer Comiket convention. The pair were also part of the stage show for the Cutie Honey Universe television anime at the AnimeJapan 2018 event. The pair have briefly sp...
Discotek Licenses Reborn!, Tetsujin 28, Stellvia, Monkey Magic Anime
Marmalade Boy BD, Devilman/Angel Cop DVDs also scheduled
― Discotek Media announced on Wednesday that it has licensed the Reborn!, Tetsujin 28, Stellvia, and Monkey Magic anime. The company will release the first half of Reborn! and the other three full series on September 25. Discotek also announced that it will release Marmalade Boy on standard definition Blu-ray Disc and Devilman and Angel Cop on ...
Exclusive: Comixology Offers American Comic Goliath Girls Simultaneously in Japan
Preview released in Japanese, English
― Comixology announced on Wednesday that it will debut a new American comic titled Goliath Girls simultaneously in the United States in Japan on July 18. While the company has simultaneously published Japanese manga in English, Goliath Girls will be its first title to do the reverse and offer an English-language title simultaneously in Japanese. Sam Humphries is ...
Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata Anime Film Unveils Trailer, Cast, Staff
Masataka Kubota stars in film opening on October 5 in Japan
― The staff for the Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata (Beyond the Sky) 3DCG anime film unveiled a new visual and trailer on Thursday. The trailer introduces the main characters and lists the cast and staff. The cast includes: Masataka Kubota (live-action Death Note series' Light, live-action Tokyo Ghoul's Kaneki) as the "boy of destin...
Attack on Titan's Reeves Tries to Market Titan Meat
LAWSON campaign creates fake commercial, website starring merchant character
― The collaboration campaigns for the latest Attack on Titan season seem nigh impossible to stop. Levi is the poster boy for laundry detergent while the rest of the Survey Corp defeat the "mystery meat" inside Cup Noodles. As it turns out, the world of Attack on Titan was hiding its own delicious meat, this time in a collabo...
Disgaea 1 Complete Game's System Video Shows Unique Features
PS4, Switch game launches in Japan on July 26, in the West in October
― Nippon Ichi Software began streaming a system introduction video on Tuesday for Disgaea 1 Complete (Makai Senki Disgaea Refine), the HD remake of the first game in the series. The video introduces the features unique to the game, including Team Attacks, the Geo System, character creation, the high level and damage cap, and the ab...
Free's Tsubasa Yonaga Welcomes 1st Child
Voice actor Tsubasa Yonaga announced the birth of his and his wife Yuka Nishigaki's first child on Twitter on Tuesday. Yonaga wrote "I am truly apprehensive about sharing personal matters but I have been blessed with a child and my family has a new addition. Although we are inexperienced parents, we're determined to protect and nurture our child. We'll once again devote ourselves to walking the pa...
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas Anime Film's 2nd English-Subtitled Trailer Streamed
Aniplex USA to screen film in U.S.
― Aniplex of America began streaming a second English-subtitled trailer for the anime film of Yoru Sumino's I Want to Eat Your Pancreas novel on Wednesday. The video previews the song "Fanfare" by rock band sumika. The film will get a preview screening for the full film on July 24 in Tokyo. The film will open on September 1 in Japan. Aniplex of America will screen t...
Overlord III ‒ Episode 2
"This episode reinforces how great Overlord is at developing its supporting cast, turning at least some of the goblins from generic thugs into characters in their own right."
Answerman - Why Did US Anime Publishers Experiment With Western Cartoons?
Once upon a time, Funimation and ADV Films licensed western cartoons for release into the fabled "mass market". Justin gets into this bit of history.
― Taylor asked: I've gone through Funimation's catalog on DVDEmpire and watched the "not-so-hidden secret" videos from Skippy on Youtube, and from what I saw, during the mid-00s, Funimation licensed several cartoons for release on DVD and VHS (includin...
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Countdown Site Reveals TV Airing
Studio Chizu's "https://miraidematteru.com" countdown website ("Mirai de Matteru" means "Waiting in the Future") for Madhouse and Mamoru Hosoda's The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki o Kakeru Shōjo) anime film ended on Wednesday to reveal a television airing for the anime on NTV on Friday at 9:00 p.m. The site is now counting down to the broadcast, and is promising a special event after the broad...
Series Premiere: Angolmois Record of Mongol Invasion—Episodes 1-2
"If you can ignore the nagging impression that you're watching it on a dirty television screen, there's a lot to like about this entertaining period piece."
Kemono Friends' 'Yōkoso Japari Park' Short Story Series Debuts on August 12
AniTele service to stream series based on Nexon's original game
― The official website for TV Tokyo's AniTele app revealed on Wednesday that it will begin streaming the first two episodes of the "Yōkoso Japari Park" "original short story" on August 12 at 4:00 p.m. The first episode will be available to users with free memberships. The story will be set in the world of Nexon's original Kemono Friends ...
Lupin the Third: Part 5 ‒ Episode 15
"Perhaps the story of Lupin and Fujiko's relationship will be the real central storyline of Lupin the Third: Part 5."
Suikoden V Illustrator Kaori Fujita Passes Away at 47
Fujita collaborated with author Hiroshi Ishizaki on Kuromajyo-san ga Tōru!! children's books
― The official website of Kodansha's Aoi Tori Bunko label announced on Tuesday that illustrator Kaori Fujita passed away on July 13 at 6:45 a.m. due to pancreatic cancer. She was 47 years old. The announcement said that Fujita had been battling the disease for half a year while continuing to draw. The site in...
Live-Action Bleach Film's New Video Narrated by Anime's Lead Voice Actor Masakazu Morita
Film's N. American premiere to be held in New York on July 28
― Warner Bros. began streaming a special video for the live-action film of Tite Kubo's Bleach manga on Wednesday. Voice actor Masakazu Morita, the voice actor for protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki in the Bleach anime, narrates the video. The film will open in Japan on July 20, and will have its North American premiere with two screenings on July...
Hiroyuki Ohashi's 'Ongaku' Anime Launches Crowdfunding to Finish Film
Project seeks to raise 3.5 million yen to finish, edit film
― Hiroyuki Ohashi launched a crowdfunding campaign on the Makuake website for the anime film adaptation of his "Ongaku" manga on Wednesday. The campaign seeks to raise 3.5 million yen (about US$31,000) to finish and edit the film by next year. The campaign will end on September 28. Backer rewards include a 32-page side story for the original...
Live-Action Kyō Kara Ore wa!! Reveals 4 Cast Visuals
Live-action series adapts Hiroyuki Nishimori's manga
― The official website for the live-action television series of Hiroyuki Nishimori's Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! gag comedy manga revealed a main visual and four cast visuals for the series on Wednesday. The main visual (seen below) evokes a similar illustration by Nishimori. The four main cast members with new visuals include: Kento Kaku as Takashi Mitsuha...
2018 Pokémon Film Opens at #2
Rainbow Days drops to #6, Anpanman to #7, Detective Conan stays at #8
― Gekijōban Pocket Monster: Minna no Monogatari (Pokémon the Movie: Everyone's Story), the 21st film in the Pokémon franchise, opened on July 13 in 364 theaters in Japan, and it ranked #2 in its opening weekend. The film sold 440,000 tickets and earned 500 million yen (about US$4.42 million). The film earned 3.1% less than the open...
Tuesday, July 17
Manga Explores Author's Experience With Panic Disorder
Kadokawa released the first and only volume for Ayumi Sakurakawa's Panikuru!? Panic Shōgai, "Aseranai!" ga Kiku Kusuri (Panic!? Panic Disorder, Effective Medicine for "Keep Your Cool"), an autobiographical essay manga about the author's experience with panic disorder, on Friday. The manga launched in Kadokawa's Comic Flapper magazine in December. According to the American Psychological Association...
Touken Ranbu Stage Musical Actor's Paris Performance Was Voice-Only Due to Surgery
Actor Ryō Kitazono diagnosed with retinal detachment, underwent surgery in Paris
― The official website of the Touken Ranbu stage musicals announced on Saturday that actor Ryō Kitazono was diagnosed with retinal detachment and had to undergo surgery in Paris. Due to the surgery, he did not take the stage as the character Kogitsunemaru during the performance of the Touken Ranbu - Atsukashiyama Ibun st...
CLAMP Art Takes Center Stage for New Code Geass Merch
The Newtype Anime Market store has a whole section dedicated to Code Geass merchandise. The store recently stocked six new items, all featuring original character artwork by CLAMP. The items include wall scrolls, prints, and canvas artwork. The wall scrolls retail for 5,400 yen (US$48), the canvas prints for 7,020 yen (US$62), and the prints for 15,120 yen (US$134). Print Wall Scrolls Canvas Art ...
Mary and the Witch's Flower English Dub Streams on Netflix
Studio Ponoc's 1st film opened last July in Japan
― The English dub Studio Ponoc and Hiromasa Yonebayashi's Mary and The Witch's Flower anime film is now streaming on Netflix in the United States. GKIDS and Fathom Events opened the anime in U.S. theaters on January 18. The film had earned US$1,167,431 on its January 18 opening day, and ranked #3 on that day's box office. The film earned US$1.9 millio...
Kamikaze Kaitō Jeanne, Sakigake!! Otoko Juku Creators Team Up for Salad Manga
Acclaimed manga creators Arina Tanemura and Akira Miyashita aren't two names you'd usually stick together. Tanemura is known for her shōjo titles like Phantom Thief Jeanne, Time Stranger Kyoko, and Full Moon O Sagashite. Miyashita, on the other hand, is renown for Sakigake!! Otoko Juku, a manga focusing on juvenile delinquents beating the crap out of each other. Yet, both creators came together fo...
North American Anime, Manga Releases, July 15-21
Alice & Zoroku, Long Riders, Nanbaka anime; The Bride & the Exorcist Knight, Hanger manga ship
― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Alice & Zoroku BD/DVDPlease Funimation Entertainment US$64.98 July 17 Granblue Fantasy The Animation Volume 2 BDCite Aniplex of America US$99.98 July 17 Long Riders BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$59.98 July 17 Monster Hunter Stories Ride O...
Polar Bear in Love's Seal Stars in 2 Live-Action Movie Posters
One polar bear's unrequited love for a seal reached new heights this week. Koromo's A Polar Bear in Love (Koisuru Shirokuma) manga and petit anime is collaborating with the live-action films Minus 21℃ (English title: 6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain) and Wind River. The visuals show the adorable seal shivering in a world of white snow. Minus 21℃ opens in theaters in Japan on July 21 after previous...
My Hero Academia: One's Justice Game's Subtitled Previews Battle, Story Mode
Game launches on October 26 in the West
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming an English-subtitled features and story trailer for My Hero One's Justice (My Hero Academia: One's Justice) on Tuesday. The video previews the battle system, including destructible stages and the "sidekick" system, as well as the story mode, which has a "hero side" and a "villain side." It also shows the miss...
Saburouta's Citrus Manga Ends on August 18
Manga inspired 12-episode series that premiered on January 6
― This year's September issue of Ichijinsha's Comic Yuri Hime magazine revealed on Wednesday that Saburouta's Citrus yuri manga will end in the magazine's October issue, which will ship on August 18. Seven Seas is publishing the manga in North America, and it describes the story: Yuzuko Aihara, a high school girl whose main interests are fa...
Love Live! Sunshine!!'s Chika Arms Herself for Granblue Fantasy Collab
Futari wa Precure collab also upcoming
― The official website for Cygames' Granblue Fantasy smartphone game announced on Sunday that all members of the Love Live! Sunshine!! idol group Aqours will appear in the game for a collaboration event this August. The art for Chika Takami, complete with sword and shield, is already out. The game staff also announced an upcoming collaboration event for Futari w...
Netflix Acquires Live-Action Jin-Roh Film
S. Korean remake of anime film opened in June
― Variety reported on Tuesday that Netflix has acquired streaming rights to Illang: The Wolf Brigade, Kim Jee-woon's live-action film of Hiroyuki Okiura and Production I.G's Jin-Roh - The Wolf Brigade anime film, outside of Korea. Netflix has not yet revealed a release date. The film opened in South Korea and Japan on July 25. Filming took place from Augu...
HIDIVE to Stream The Life of Budori Gusko Anime Film
Dub, subtitles to debut on Saturday
― HIDIVE announced on Monday that it will stream the 2012 The Life of Budori Gusko (Guskō Budori no Denki) anime film on July 21 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. HIDIVE confirmed with ANN that it will have both the English dub and the Japanese version with subtitles. The stream will be available in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other s...
This Week in Anime - Did FLCL Progressive Live Up to its Predecessor?
FLCL Progressive came to an end last weekend, and fans are still divided on the results. This week, Nick and Steve parse their gut feelings on this highly anticipated sequel.
― FLCL Progressive came to an end last weekend, and fans are still divided on the results. This week, Nick and Steve parse their gut feelings on this highly anticipated sequel. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the...
Series Premiere: Holmes of Kyoto—Episodes 1-2
"Holmes of Kyoto is working toward a winning formula, with episodic mysteries that advance the overall plot and characters."
Series Premiere: Hanebado!—Episodes 1-3
"If you were anticipating Hanebado! specifically for the promise of intense drama, it might deliver even more strongly than you may expect."
K: Seven Stories R:B -Blaze-
The K franchise's transition to the big screen for the first of six films is unfortunately not off to a promising start. Lynzee Loveridge has the details.
― As a franchise, K had slipped under my radar; I knew it as little more than the colorful anime by the creators of Hand Shakers. So I quickly got myself acquainted with a story that included two television anime and a movie that bridges the gap be...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, July 9-15
Gundam The Origin VI sells 8,165, followed by Yo-kai Watch Shadowside film, Precure Super Stars! film, Impossibility Defense film & drama, Kyuranger Final Live Tour
― The DVD Regular Edition for the live-action film of the Impossibility Defense manga landed at #25 on the overall DVD chart with 820 copies. The dTV original drama tie-in was #36 with 569 copies. "Uchū Sentai Kyuranger Final Live Tour 20...
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, July 9-15
Gundam The Origin VI sells 29,856, followed by [email protected] Cinderella Girls concert, Love Live! Sunshine!!, Granrodeo, Precure Super Stars! film
― "The [email protected] Cinderella Girls 5th Live Tour Serendipity Parade!!! @ Shizuoka" sold 11,596 copies to rank #4 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. "Granrodeo Live 2017 G12 Rock☆Show"/"Granrodeo Live 2017 G7 Rock☆Show" landed at #9 with 2,328 copies. The Blu-...
Risa Itou Launches Oruchuban Ebichu Manga Sequel After 11 Years
Original hamster comedy manga ended in 2007, inspired Gainax anime
― This year's 15th issue of Futabasha's Manga Action magazine revealed on Tuesday that manga creator Risa Itou will launch Oruchuban Ebichu Chu~, a new Oruchuban Ebichu manga sequel, in the magazine's 17th issue on August 7. The manga will be the first new manga in the franchise since the original manga ended 11 years ago in 2007. As ...
Shonen Jump Issue Posted for Free for Limited Time Due to Flooding in Japan
Shueisha posts last week's issue due to delivery problems after record rainfall
― The official website of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Tuesday that the site has made a digital version of this year's 32nd issue available online for free from Tuesday to July 31. The announcement explained that Shueisha made the issue free as an "emergency measure" for those who were not able to pu...
Mob Psycho 100 Sequel Stage Play Reveals 4 Cast Visuals
Play runs in September
― The official website for the stage play based on ONE's Mob Psycho 100 manga revealed visuals of four cast members in costume as their characters on Tuesday: Setsuo Ito as Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama (Ito previously played the character in the manga's television anime adaptation) Gaku Matsumoto as Ritsu Kageyama Yūta Hoshino as Hikaru Tokugawa Takeshi Nadagi is similarly reprising h...
Galaxy Express 999's Maetel Appears in Live-Action Gintama 2 Net Series
Mizuki Yamamoto plays iconic character from Leiji Matsumoto manga
― The official Twitter account for the tie-in live-action Gintama 2: Yo ni mo Kimyō na Gintama-chan show announced on Tuesday that the character Maetel from Leiji Matsumoto's Galaxy Express 999 manga will appear in the show. Mizuki Yamamoto is playing the character. Galaxy Express 999 recently inspired its own live-action television ad...
Granblue Fantasy Project Re: Link Game Gets Localized in 5 Languages
Cygames, Platinum Games' project to be localized in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish
― Games website Gematsu confirmed with game developer Cygames on Monday that Granblue Fantasy Project Re:LINK, Cygames and Platinum Games' PlayStation 4 game based on Cygames' Granblue Fantasy smartphone game, will be localized in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. However, Cygames emphasized tha...
Monday, July 16
Muv-Luv Rights Holder Ixtl Changes Name to anchor
Game developer Age announced on July 6 that its rights management company Ixtl will change its name to "anchor." The company's URL has changed to ancr.jp and the website teases a "New project coming soon." Age founded Ixtl in 2011 as a rights management company for its intellectual property, particularly for the Muv-Luv franchise. Avex Pictures acquired a controlling stake in ixtl in 2017 after pr...
Attack on Titan Season 3 to Premiere on Toonami on August 18
Subtitled streaming premieres July 22
― The official Facebook page for Adult Swim's Toonami block announced on Monday that it will air the third season of Attack on Titan beginning on August 18. The new season will premiere in Japan on July 22 at 24:35 (effectively July 23 at 12:45 a.m.) on NHK (the show will air at 25:15 in the Kansai region). Funimation has acquired the home entertainment, video on...
New Pokémon Engagement Rings Feature Pikachu, Poké Ball Box
Earlier this year K. Uno's character jewelry and accessory brand U-Treasure revealed a Mew engagement ring and wedding bands for the beloved Pokémon fan in your life. Now the company is upping the ante with a new Pikachu design. The engagement rings come in two different designs and are available in 18-karat white gold and 18-karat yellow gold, 18-karat white gold, 18-karat yellow gold, platinum ...
One Piece ‒ Episode 845
"I'm going to be waiting patiently for an episode that can bring Big Mom's rampage to life the way it exists in my imagination, but this is the kind of slow-burn shonen that I can eat right up."
Konami Shuts Down Fan Remake of 'P.T.' Horror Game
17-year-old developer was offered internship
― 17-year-old developer "Qimsar" posted a blog entry on Game Jolt last week, saying that Konami asked him to take down his PC remake of of "P.T." (Playable Teaser), Konami's demo for its cancelled Silent Hills game. However, Qimsar claimed Konami is offering him merchandise and an internship. According to Qimsar, the Konami representative who called him sa...
Your Daily Streaming Reviews Schedule: Summer 2018
The results are in and we have your Daily Streaming Reviews schedule for Summer 2018!
― This season's poll results have been tallied and we've put together the schedule for the Spring 2018 Daily Streaming Reviews! We may add coverage of more spring anime based on future reader interest, so let us know what you'd like to see as the season progresses! (Please note that Back Street Girls and Baki the Gr...
Laid-Back Camp Anime's Curry Ramen Becomes Real
Remember in Laid-Back Camp when Rin helps Nadeshiko and gives her curry ramen? Fans will soon be able to recreate the scene with real instant curry noodles inspired by the anime. The real-world version of the curry ramen will have a tonkotsu (pork belly and pork-bones) powder soup base. The noodles will be made with a 48-hour low-temperature mist process. Each pack will bundle one of five Laid-Bac...
Schoolgirl Strikers Twinkle Melodies Game Ends Service in September
"Preserved version" to launch after service ends
― The official website for Square Enix's Schoolgirl Strikers Twinkle Melodies, the "idol rhythm action" game spinoff of Schoolgirl Strikers announced on Friday that the app will end service on September 13. The staff noted that it has had difficulty providing a high level of service to customers. The game has already ceased sales of its in-game currenc...
Let an Elder Dragon Help You See Clearly with New Monster Hunter Glasses
Capcom announced a collaboration between Monster Hunter: World and the ALOOK glasses brand back in April, and the companies revealed more details and designs for the collaboration at the "Monster Hunter: World Hunting Thanksgiving 2018" event in Tokyo on Sunday. ALOOK will start selling Monster Hunter: World-themed glasses starting on July 28. The glasses will feature six designs including: Nergig...
Nobuyuki Fukumoto's Kaiji Manga Inspires Chinese Live-Action Film
Adaptation starring Li Yifeng, Michael Douglas opened in June, will stream on Netflix
― Animal World (Dòngwù Shìjiè), a Chinese live-action adaptation of Nobuyuki Fukumoto's Kaiji manga, premiered at the Shanghai International Film Festival on June 16. The film then opened theatrically in China on June 29. The film had a simultaneous release in select theaters in other countries in territories; it is...
Witness the Evolution of Splatoon's Art at Shibuya Tower Records Exhibit
Shibuya Tower Records is currently holding an exhibit for Splatoon, the beloved squid-based shooter game series. The exhibit takes you through the entire production history of the games, with staff commentary accompanying the designs every step of the way. The staff first revealed in 2015 that the early Splatoon prototype initially portrayed its characters as tofu blocks, a decision which the exhi...
Spice & Wolf Gets VR Anime in Early 2019
Anime from Project Lux developer will have English subtitles
― Independent development circle Spicy Tails announced on Monday that it is developing a virtual reality anime based on Isuna Hasekura's Spice & Wolf novels. Hasekura is writing a new scenario for the anime. It will have English subtitles. The television anime's voice actors Ami Koshimizu (Holo) and Jun Fukuyama (Kraft Lawrence) are returni...
Brave Fencer Musashi Game Series Celebrates 20 Years with Special Video
Today marks 20 years since Square's (now Square Enix) Brave Fencer Musashi game debuted on the PlayStation console in Japan. To celebrate, Square Enix released a 20th anniversary video. The video features original artwork and music from composer Tsuyoshi Sekito (Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children). Tetsuya Nomura of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts fame drew the main character desig...
One Piece/Food Wars! Spinoff Manga About Sanji to Run in English Shonen Jump
Eiichiro Oda collaborates with Yūto Tsukuda, Shun Saeki
― Viz Media's English-language digital edition of Weekly Shonen Jump announced on Monday that it will publish "Shokugeki no Sanji," a one-shot manga crossing over One Piece and Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, in its next issue on July 23. One Piece's Eiichiro Oda and Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma creators Yūto Tsukuda and Shun Saeki are collaborati...
Answerman - Who Dominated Dubs Before Funimation?
Funimation produces a towering mountain of English dubs every year, but they weren't always the most prolific dub studio in the country. Justin gets into the history of it all.
― Samuel asked: Before Funimation was founded, what was the big-time, English-dubbing company and is it still in existence? Maybe it's because I've been in the anime business so long (20 years!!), but until I got this questio...
Shelf Life - Like the Clouds, Like the Wind
This made-for-TV romantic period piece might have been lost to time for English audiences if not for a recent license rescue. Paul enjoys this oddity along with all of this week's new anime releases.
― Since I didn't mention it last week, I'll use this space to point out that the Preview Guide for this season is up and running. In fact, by the time this column comes out, we should be just about done...
Super Dimension Convention to Host Voice Actress Run Sasaki
Torrance, CA convention takes place on September 15
― Torrance, California's Super Dimension Convention announced on Friday that it will host voice actress Run Sasaki as a guest. She will host a panel and a meet & greet session. Sasaki played the role of the bridge officer Vanessa Laird in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross anime and The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? film,...
Kitaro the Vampire Slayer GN
Kitaro's no match for a groovy mod vampire in this fifth collection of Drawn & Quarterly's curated release of the classic children's horror series. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― It had to happen sometime: the great yokai Kitaro would eventually meet someone he couldn't easily defeat. As it turns out, that's an entire race of yokai – vampires. Perhaps it's his more human attributes, or simply h...
Space Battleship Tiramisu Stage Play Reveals Cast Visuals
Play runs in Tokyo, Osaka in late July, early August
― The official website for the stage play adaptation of Satoshi Miyakawa and artist Kei Itō's Uchū Senkan Tiramisu (Space Battleship Tiramisu) manga revealed the play's main visual and cast visuals on Friday. The play stars: Kentarō Menjō as Subaru Ichinose Gaku Takamoto as Isuzu Ichinose Yūsuke Ueda as Vulgar Hummer Kotarō Itō as Subaru-B Ryūko Is...
Vancouver's Anirevo Event Hosts Composer TeddyLoid
Composer headlines rave, hosts autograph sessions for August 3-5 event
― The Anirevo convention in Vancouver announced on July 11 that it will host composer TeddyLoid. He will headline the event's Akiba Night Rave on August 4, and will also host autograph sessions. Teddyloid began his career as sound producer and DJ for musician Miyavi. He collaborated with m-flo's Taku Takahashi to compose the sound...
Chūgaku Hijiri Nikki Live-Action Series Reveals Cast, Staff, October Premiere
Kasumi Arimura plays protagonist in adaptation of Junko Kawakami manga
― The staff of the live-action series adaptation of Junko Kawakami's Chūgaku Hijiri Nikki (Middle School Hijiri Diary) manga revealed the show's cast, staff, and October premiere on Monday. Kasumi Arimura (seen below) will play the main character Hijiri Suenaga. Ayuko Tsukahara, Kentarō Takemura, and Toshio Tsuboi are directing th...
Non Non Biyori Vacation Film's Visual Celebrates Marine Day
― The official website for Non Non Biyori Vacation, the upcoming anime film of Atto's Non Non Biyori manga, unveiled a special visual for the anime on Monday to celebrate Japan's Marine Day holiday. The film will open in 27 theaters in Japan on August 25. The main cast and staff are returning from the previous two television anime seasons. nano.RIPE is returning for the film's opening theme song "Ao...
Archimedes no Taisen Live-Action Film Casts Masaki Suda
Stand By Me Doraemon's Takashi Yamazaki directs film opening in summer 2019
― The staff of the live-action film adaptation of Norifusa Mita's Archimedes no Taisen (The Great War of Archimedes) manga revealed the film's main cast member and director on Monday. The staff also revealed the film's summer 2019 premiere date. Masaki Suda (right in picture above) is playing the main character Tadashi Kai. T...
Dies Irae Game Gets Switch Version With New Scenario
Switch version ships on September 27 with new prequel scenario for smartphone game
― Developer Light revealed on Friday that its Dies irae ~Amantes amentes~ visual novel will get a Switch version that will ship on September 27 in Japan. The new version will have new scenario titled "Saoshyant Desantile: Kami Naru Za ni Resshi Tsutawaru Kyūseishu" (The Savior That Sat Upon the Throne of Gods) that wil...
Sengoku Basara Gets New Manga, 2 New Stage Plays
Manga by Satsuki Urushiji debuts in September, 2 stage plays debut in December
― Capcom announced on Saturday that its Sengoku Basara franchise will get a new manga and two new stage productions. The manga by Satsuki Urushiji is titled Sengoku Basara -Sarutobi Sasuke Eininden- (Sengoku Basara -Sarutobi Sasuke Hidden Shadow Chronicle-, visual pictured right), and will debut in the October issue of Squ...
Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] Game Gets PC Release on August 20
― Steam is currently listing a PC version release for French Bread's Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] fighting game. The game is listed with an August 20 release date, with Arc System Works as the publisher. The arcade version of the game launched in July 2015 in Japan, and Arc System Works released the game on the PS3 and PS4 in Japan last July. Aksys Games released the game for the PS4 and PS Vit...
Memories Off -Innocent Fille- Game Gets Switch Version in October
Taiwanese version also slated for PS4, Vita, Switch in October
― The official website for the Memories Off game series revealed last Friday that the Memories Off -Innocent Fille- game will get a Nintendo Switch version that will ship in Japan on October 25. In addition, the game will get a Taiwanese version release for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Switch on October 25. MAGES. president Ch...
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas Film's Trailer Previews sumika Songs
Emi Wakui plays Sakura's mother in September film
― The official website for the anime film of Yoru Sumino's I Want to Eat Your Pancreas novel began streaming a new trailer for the film on Sunday. The trailer previews two songs by the rock band sumika that will feature in the film, titled "Fanfare" and "Shunkashūtō" (The Four Seasons). The video also reveals that actress Emi Wakui will voice Sakura's...
Sunday, July 15
Children of the Sea Manga Gets Anime Film by Studio 4°C
Project is 1st anime film adaptation of Igarashi manga
― Studio 4°C (Mind Game, Tekkonkinkreet, Harmony) announced on Monday that it is producing an anime film adaptation of Daisuke Igarashi's Children of the Sea (Kaijū no Kodomo) manga. The film will be the first long-form anime film adaptation of an Igarashi manga. Viz Media published the manga in English, and it describes the story: When Ruka was ...
Montreal's Fantasia Festival Screens Saku Sakamoto's Aragne: Sign of Vermilion Film
Festival also screened Shinya Sugai, Production I.G's "Walking Meat" short
― The Fantasia Festival in Montreal, Canada screened Saku Sakamoto's Aragne: Sign of Vermilion (Aragne no Mushikago) film, as well as Shin'ya Sugai's "Walking Meat" short anime on Sunday. The screening of Aragne: Sign of Vermilion at the festival was the film's world premiere. Fantasia Festival describes Aragne: Sign of Vermil...
Gintama ‒ Episode 355
"Silver Soul continues to fire on all cylinders, deftly weaving its trademark comedy into action-packed moments of this increasingly hard-fought final battle."
DARLING in the FRANXX's Zero Two Gets Nendoroid Figure
DARLING in the FRANXX's Zero Two is getting her own Nendoiroid figure from Good Smile Company. The figure costs 5,000 yen (about US$45), and it is slated for release in December. In addition to Zero Two's regular smiling face, the figure comes with a flirtatious face that can show her sucking a lollipop or sticking out her tongue, as well as an innocent smiling face. Zero Two can also appear with...
Tokyo Big Sight Transit Station's Long Name Gets Easier in March 2019
Kokusai-tenjijō-seimon Station is where visitors to Tokyo Big Sight convention center typically disembark. The station is named after Tokyo Big Sight's official name of Tokyo Kokusai Tenjijō (Tokyo International Exhibition Center). However, that is about to chance as the station is set to receive a new name next March. The station's tongue-twisting name will change to Tokyo Big Sight Station next ...
Gegege no Kitaro Anime's Mook Features Character Design Evolutions, Interviews, Original Designs by Shigeru Mizuki
San-ei Shobo Publishing released a special edition "mook" (magazine book) on Friday for the anime based on Shigeru Mizuki's Gegege no Kitaro manga. The Gegege no Kitaro Daikaibō (Large Analysis) mook celebrates the 50th anniversary of the anime adaptations. The mook features a gallery of the evolution of the character designs of characters such as a Kitaro, Medama-Oyaji, Nezumi-Otoko, and others f...
GeGeGe no Kitarō ‒ Episode 16
"If there's something that people in this show need to learn, it's not to open random sealed jars/doors/rocks/whatevers."
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Railway Collaboration Offers Special Prizes
The Tokyu Corporation railway company launched a collaboration with the Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card anime on Thursday. The project's visual shows Sakura and Syaoran seeming to enjoy a day out together. The collaboration's stamp rally will run from August 1 to September 24. Depending on how many stamps fans collect, they will be able to receive postcards and clear files. People who collect all th...
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 52
"The past few episodes of My Hero Academia have been taking it pretty easy, but this was the first episode in a while where the straightforward direction started to bring me down."
Celebrate Pokémon Nostalgia with Sepia-tone Goods Line
Sepia tones often emit a nostalgic feeling, so what better way for adult Pokémon fans to revel in the nostalgia of their beloved franchise than with a new round of goods in the "Sepia Graffiti" goods line. The new goods, appropriately, feature the first generation of Pokémon, with starters Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu, as well as Lapras and Mew. The full line features 31 items, inc...
Solid Gold Mega Man Medal Will Set You Back 350,000 Yen
Capcom began taking taking pre-orders on Friday for a solid gold medal to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Rockman/Mega Man game franchise. The medal is shaped like a coin, and also comes with a chain attachment so buyers can also wear it as a necklace. The medal is 26mm (about an inch) in diameter, and weighs 20 grams (0.7 ounces). But the real kicker is the price. The 18-karat gold medal...
B-Project Anime's 2nd Season Reveals Title, Visual, January Debut
1st visual features Kitakore duo
― The official website for the B-Project anime revealed on Sunday that the anime's second season is titled B-Project: Zecchō Emotion (Summit Emotion), and the anime will premiere in January 2019. The site also revealed the first "unit visual" for the anime. The visual features the group Kitakore. Returning staff members include MAGES head Chiyomaru Shikura (Steins;Gat...
Yomawari: Night Alone, Yomawari: Midnight Shadows Games Get Bundle Release for Smartphones
Both games also get Switch release in the West in October
― Nippon Ichi Software announced at a 25th anniversary event on Sunday that it will release its Yomawari: Night Alone (Yomawari) and Yomawari: Midnight Shadows (Shin Yomawari) games together for smartphones as one app. Nippon Ichi Software had originally announced that it was working with ForwardWorks on the smartphone versions, but is now dev...
Disgaea Smartphone Game Revealed in Teaser Video
Lahar's voice actress Kaori Mizuhashi narrates teaser video that shows gameplay footage
― Nippon Ichi Software announced at a 25th anniversary event on Sunday that it is working with ForwardWorks to develop a tentatively titled Makai Senki Disgaea smartphone game. The basic game will be free to play, with some charges inside the app. Kaori Mizuhashi, the voice of Laharl in the franchise, appears at t...
Video Game Designer, Illustrator, Manga Creator Hiroshi Kajiyama Passes Away
Illustrator worked on Golden Sun, Shining Force games; Seven Senses of the Reunion anime; Curse Blood manga
― Video game illustrator, designer, and manga creator Hiroshi Kajiyama's son posted on Kajiyama's Twitter account on Saturday that Kajiyama has passed away. The notice did not reveal when he passed away, the cause of death, or how old he was. The editorial department of Tokuma Shoten's Comic Ry...
New York Comic Con, Anime Expo Partner to Debut 'Anime Fest @ NYCC x Anime Expo' Event (Updated)
Event takes place during same October 4-7 dates as NYCC
― ReedPOP and The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) announced on Saturday that New York Comic Con (NYCC) and Anime Expo are partnering to launch the "Anime Fest @ NYCC x Anime Expo" event. The event is taking place at Pier 94 in New York on October 4-7, the same days as New York Comic Con. Calling all NYCC Otakus, this Octob...
God Wars 2 Sequel Game Announced
1st game launched in June 2017, more information on sequel to be announced next week
― Voice actor Shō Karino and voice actresses Moa Tsukino and Yū Serizawa all revealed on Twitter on Saturday that Kadokawa Games announced the God Wars 2 game during a God Wars event in Tokyo on Saturday. All three voice actors were present at the event. Karino added that the event also revealed a new character, and ...
07th Expansion Reveals Umineko: When They Cry Saku Compilation Game, All-New When They Cry Work
Both games slated for simultaneous release this winter
― The official Twitter account for game developer 07th Expansion announced on Sunday that it is developing a new game in the Naku Koro ni (When They Cry) franchise, tentatively titled ●● no Naku koro ni. The company also announced it is working on an Umineko no Naku Koro ni Saku game. The game will be a compilation disc of all previous Umineko ga...
Saturday, July 14
CLAMP Designs Seal Books for Temple Pilgrimage Route's 1,300th Anniversary
Creator team CLAMP is teaming up with a project to celebrate the 1,300th anniversary of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. CLAMP provided two designs for temple seal books for the collaboration. The front and back of both of the books have inverted colors. The temple seal books are special editions of seal books that pilgrims and other people can use to collect seals from a variety of Shinto shrines a...
Happy Sugar Life Anime Listed With 12 Episodes
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Tomiyaki Kagisora's Happy Sugar Life manga is listing that the anime will have four home video releases with 12 total episodes. The series premiered on TBS and MBS on July 13 at 25:55 (effectively July 14 at 1:55 a.m.). The show is airing in the "Animeism" programming block. The series will stream online only on Amazon Prime Video inside ...
Shonen Jump Exhibition's New Café Menu Showcases Modern Manga
The third wave of the three-part art exhibition honoring the 50th anniversary of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, "Weekly Shonen Jump Exhibition VOL. 3: The Present of the Evolving Ultimate Magazine," will debut on July 17 and run through September 30. Accordingly, the third part of the related café will open at Cafe THE SUN in Tokyo's Mori Arts Center Gallery on July 14. The main dishes wi...
Final Fantasy VIII's Rinoa Joins Dissidia Final Fantasy NT PS4 Game
Character also joined arcade game on Thursday
― Square Enix began streaming a character trailer for Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, the PlayStation 4 version of the Dissidia Final Fantasy arcade game, on Thursday. The video reveals and previews the character Rinoa Heartilly from Final Fantasy VIII as the game's next DLC character. She will fight with her dog Angelo at her side. Rinoa will debut in the gam...
PERSONA 5 the Animation ‒ Episode 15
"Persona 5 has always excelled at directing the numerous dialogue scenes of the story in interesting ways, and this is just another successful example of that."
Pop-Up Book Showcases Yu Suzuki's 80s Sega Game Cabinets
Darren Wall and his team are holding a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for their SEGA Arcade: Pop-Up History book project. If funded, the book will feature pop-up paper sculptures of five of Yu Suzuki's iconic "body sensation" video game cabinets: Hang-On, Space Harrier, OutRun, After Burner, and Thunder Blade. The crowdfunding campaign's goal is to raise 40,000 pounds sterling (about US$52,796)...
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition Game's Anime Expo Trailer Streamed
Remastered game launches for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC this winter
― Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe began streaming a new trailer on Wednesday for the Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition game. The company first showed the trailer at Anime Expo last Sunday. The game is a remastered version of Bandai Namco Entertainment's Tales of Vesperia role-playing game. The company will release the remastered...
Comedian Yūsuke Inoue Cosplays as Kirito for SAO x Monster Strike Collab Commercial Series
The upcoming Sword Art Online: Alicization anime is the latest anime to collaborate with XFLAG's Monster Strike game, and comedian Yūsuke Inoue from the NON STYLE duo donned a full Kirito cosplay outfit for a commercial advertising the event. In the "episode 1: Forming a Party Version" ad, Inoue is introduced as the "Black MonSt Swordsman Kirito Inoue." Instead of Kirito's dual swords, he holds a ...
Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts Celebrates Metal Gear's 31st Anniversary with Video, 31 Days of Fan Art
Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island), who is directing the upcoming live-action adaptation of Konami and Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid game, is taking the next month to celebrate the franchise's 31st anniversary. Vogt-Roberts will post "concept art he created with a series of 'next-gen artists'" over the next 31 days to celebrate the milestone. He also posted a video announcing the ...
Disgaea 1 Complete Game's 2 Ads Highlight Etna, Laharl
PS4, Switch game launches in Japan on July 26, in the West in October
― Nippon Ichi Software began streaming a character commercial on Thursday for Disgaea 1 Complete (Makai Senki Disgaea Refine), the HD remake of the first game in the series. The video highlights the character Etna (voiced by Tomoe Hanba). Nippon Ichi Software streamed a similar video last week for Laharl (Kaori Mizuhashi). The game...
Fathom Events Streams English Video for 'Night is Short, Walk On Girl' Anime Film Screenings
Film screens with English subtitles in U.S. on August 21-22
― Fathom Events began streaming an English video on Friday for it and GKIDS upcoming screening of Masaaki Yuasa's The Night is Short, Walk On Girl anime film. The two companies will screen the film with English subtitles on August 21 and 22. Tickets are available on GKIDS' website. GKIDS will also host a limited theatrical release independen...
Black Clover Smartphone Game's 1st Promo Video Streamed
Game where players can create their own squad launches this year
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming the first promotional video on Thursday for its Black Clover: Mugen no Kishidan (Dream Knights) smartphone game. Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the game for iOS and Android devices this year. The game will be free to play, with the opportunity to purchase some in-game items. In the r...
Super Neptunia RPG Game's Opening Movie Streamed
Game launches in Japan on PS4 on September 27, in the West on PS4/Switch this fall
― Compile Heart began streaming the opening movie on Thursday for the Super Neptunia RPG (Yūsha Neptune: Sekai yo Uchū yo Katsumoku se yo!! Ultimate RPG Sengen!!) PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch game. Eri Sasaki performs the opening theme song "Dia vo Lhizer." Idea Factory International will release the game in North...
Live-Action Bleach Film's 2 New Ads Streamed Before July 20 Premiere
Film's N. American premiere to be held in New York on July 28
― Warner Bros. began streaming two new ads on Thursday for the live-action film of Tite Kubo's Bleach manga. Protect Version Action Version The film will open in Japan on July 20, and will have its North American premiere with two screenings on July 28 at the Japan Cuts Festival in New York. The cast includes: Sōta Fukushi (live-action Str...
Gakuen Basara TV Anime's 1st Promo Video Previews Takanori Nishikawa's Theme Song
New visual also revealed for series premiering on October 4
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Gakuen Basara, a high school spinoff project based on Capcom's Sengoku Basara game franchise, began streaming the show's first promotional video on Saturday. The video previews Takanori Nishikawa's (T.M. Revolution) theme song. The video also reveals that the show will premiere on...
Octopath Traveler Nintendo Switch Game's Overview Launch Trailer Streamed
Game by Square Enix launched on Friday
― Nintendo began streaming an overview launch trailer on Friday for Octopath Traveler, Square Enix's new original role-playing game project for the Nintendo Switch. The video introduces the game's eight protagonists and different game systems. The game shipped worldwide on Friday. At the beginning of the game, the player will choose one of the characters to foll...
Studio Chizu Launches Countdown Website Featuring The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Anime Film
― Studio Chizu launched a countdown on Friday on the "https://miraidematteru.com" website ("Mirai de Matteru" means "Waiting in the Future") that features a logo, video, and insert song for Madhouse and Mamoru Hosoda's The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki o Kakeru Shōjo) anime film. (Note: The website is meant to be accessed through smartphones.) The image on the website and on Studio Chizu's Twitt...
Yo-Kai Watch 4 Nintendo Switch Game Launches this Winter
― Level 5 revealed on Saturday that its Yo-kai Watch 4 Nintendo Switch game will launch this winter 2018. The game's official website also confirmed that the game will "connect" the three "worlds" of original franchise protagonist Keita, Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu film protagonist and Keita's daughter Natsume, and the upcoming protagonist of the Yōkai Watch: Forever Friends film Shin...
Future Card Buddyfight Ace English Dub Debuts on YouTube
Bushiroad also streams series with English subtitles
― The official English Facebook account for Bushiroad's Future Card Buddyfight franchise announced that the English dub of the Future Card Buddyfight Ace (Future Card Shin Buddyfight) anime began streaming on its YouTube channel at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 13. The anime premiered on TV Aichi, TV Tokyo, BS Japan, and other networks on June 2. T...
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