ANNCast - Funi Like How?
Our pals at Funimation stop by before the holidays to recap 2013, let us know what's selling and what ain't, hype up 2014 and all that stuff! Plus: a coupon code! Ho ho ho!
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Saturday, December 14
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Answerman - The Hard Life of an Anime Director
This week, the health and job security of being an anime director. Also: what other countries have tried to sell their cartoons in America?
House of 1000 Manga - Manga 2.5
Jason checks out Manga 2.5, a new service offering fully-voiced and kind-of-animated manga series including Detective Loki and Otogi Soushi.
Eureka Seven AO BD+DVD
Throughout all of the messiness, through repetitive missions, tortured sci-fi explanations, and fleeting moments of bittersweet affect, BONES makes damned sure that AO looks consistently great.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 3: Rebellion
Madoka Magica: Rebellion blasts the franchise sky high, which results in an experience about as satisfying and horrifying as that sounds. It demands to be seen by fans of the series, although not necessarily enjoyed.
The X Button - God Bothering
It's time for imports with God Eater 2, Metal Max 4, and a robot war that we don't even bother numbering. Plus Bravely Second, Granblue Fantasy, and the way that anime should embrace old games.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin GN 1 - 3
Mobile Suit Gundam the Origin is an engaging, intense read that speaks to the reason why the franchise has been able to exist for so long – it has a solid base. These first three books deliver that along with solid science fiction storytelling, making them seriously good literary entertainment.
Pile of Shame - The Sensualist
This week, a unique erotic historical fiction film that has completely slipped through the cracks.
We Without Wings BD+DVD Boxset
This anime bravely steps forward to take on some challenging ideas ... and falls completely flat on its face.
Girls und Panzer Blu-Ray
Cute girls engage in “tankery” in this late 2012 series. The concept works surprisingly well largely because the series stays focused on its main strength: involving and beautifully-animated mock tank battles.
Knack
There are worse games than Knack, but in many ways a dull game is worse than a bad one.
Press Releases
ANN has a new layout; the Press Releases are now in the "News" menu above.Space Brothers Gets Brand-New Anime Film Next Summer
Creator Chūya Koyama pens story for TV anime's director Ayumu Watanabe, A-1 Pictures
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The science-fiction manga Space Brothers is getting its first anime film next summer. Original manga creator Chūya Koyama wrote the brand-new story, and the ongoing television anime's director Ayumu Watanabe is helming the film at A-1 Pictures. Hiroaki Hirata and Kenn are reprising their roles as Mutta Nanba and Hibito Nanba, respectively. The manga's story follows two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, who made a vow as kids to travel to space. The younger brother Hibito did become an astronaut, but not Mutta. However, Mutta's life changes one fateful day.
Friday, December 13
Arcana Heart Characters Stop by Hello Kitty's Kitchen for Adorable Crossover
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Examu is working with Sanrio to put characters from their Arcana Heart fighting game into the Nintendo 3DS game Hello Kitty & Apron of Magic: Rhythm Cooking. The characters are hidden, but they can be unlocked by standing in front of the fountain in Apron Town and pressing L, R, Left, Right, Down, Up, A, B. The code will give players access To Heart Aino, Saki Tsuzura, Lieselotte Achenbach, and Kamui Tokinomiya. Here's some footage of gameplay:
Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary CG Film's Visuals Unveiled
Story of Masami Kurumada's manga from Tiger & Bunny staff to open in early next summer
― The official website for the Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary CG film unveiled a poster and new visuals on Saturday. The poster features the message "Save your Athena" and asks, "Have you ever felt Cosmo?" The image features the main characters, including Athena, as well as a panoramic view of the Sanctuary. The film will adapt the popular Sanctuary arc from Masami Kurumada's original Saint Seiya mythological fantasy manga. The website previously had the following
1st Pokémon XY Film's Teaser Confirms July 19 Opening
Hakai no Mayu (Cocoon of Destruction) film to feature Xerneas, Yvetal, Mega Evolution
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The January issue of Shogakukan's Corocoro Comic magazine is announcing on Saturday that the next Pokémon film is titled Pocket Monster XY: Hakai no Mayu (Pokémon XY: Cocoon of Destruction) and is slated for July 19, 2014. The official Pokémon channel on YouTube began streaming the film's teaser trailer which proclaims that, like the Pokémon games, "the films are entering a new dimension!" According to the magazine and teaser, the first Pokémon XY film will feature Mega Evolution just like the
NIS America Licenses P.A. Works' Nagi no Asukara TV Anime
Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea streaming now with retail release planned
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Anime distributor NIS America confirmed on Friday that it acquired the Nagi no Asukara anime series for retail release under the title Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea. NIS America describes the story in this original animation project from P.A. Works and ASCII Media Works' Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh magazine: Long ago, all humans lived in the ocean. But some who longed for the land abandoned the water, and cast off the special raiments granted to them by the sea god to adapt them to life under the sea...
KyoAni Comiket 85 Goods Offer Artbooks, Totes, and Other Merch
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As companies start gearing up for Comiket 85, which takes place at the Tokyo Big Sight from December 29-31, more and more announcements are coming out regarding special goods and merchandise. We've got an exhaustive list of Comiket goods coming out soon, but for now, here's a look at what Kyoto Animation has in store this year. For fans of the Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club anime, there will be two special items, starting with the Free! set, which includes the official
Palm Springs Festival to Show The Wind Rises Film
California festival screens film in January before wider U.S. screening in February
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The Palm Springs International Film Festival in California announced on Friday that it will screen Hayao Miyazaki's 11th and final film The Wind Rises during the January 3-13 event. The festival is screening the film in its "Modern Masters" category, which features 10 films "from some of the true auteurs of contemporary cinema." The Wind Rises centers on Jirō Horikoshi (played by Evangelion director Hideaki Anno), the designer of Japan's famed Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane of World War II. Miyazaki incorporated story elements inspired by Tatsuo Hori, the author of an earlier novel titled
ANNCast - Funi Like How?
Our pals at Funimation stop by before the holidays to recap 2013, let us know what's selling and what ain't, hype up 2014 and all that stuff! Plus: a coupon code! Ho ho ho!
New Free! Iwatobi Swim Club Anime Campaign at Animate Cafe
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The Animate Cafe in Sannomiya is launching a new Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club campaign, with character-themed foods, drinks, and limited edition goods. Visitors will have the chance to munch on different food dishes, like pineapple pizza, chocolate cake (with a hot chocolate latte with dolphin latte art), and Iwatobi-chan pancakes with strawberry ice cream and fruit. Each dish is ¥500 to take-out, and ¥880 to dine in. If you're thirsty, you can also sip on a drink inspired by various characters, like Haruka's drink, made with blue caracao, blue jellies, and kompeito; Rin's drink, made with strawberry syrup and soda, with red jellies and frozen berries; Nagisa's drink, made with mango syrup and soda, with yellow jellies and frozen manga; and Rei's drink, made with acai juice with soda, with purple jellies and blueberry puree. Each drink is selling for ¥500.
Neppu Kairiku Bushi Road's 1st TV Ad Introduces Main Cast
KENN, Megumi Han star in 3-hour special airing on December 31
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The official website for began for Bushiroad's revived Neppu Kairiku Bushi Road anime project began streaming the special's first commercial on Thursday. The commercial previews Yasuharu Takanashi's (Naruto Shippūden, Gantz, Shiki) background music, and introduces the main cast. KENN stars in the show as Yagyū Suō, Megumi Han will play Ame, Kousuke Toriumi will play Kazusa Shin, Akio Ohtsuka will play Sanda, Shūta Morishima will play Tsukiyomi,
New York Times Manga Best Seller List, December 1-7
One Piece, 4 Attack on Titan volumes, Pokémon: Black and White, Sailor Moon, Demon Love Spell, Maximum Ride, Naruto
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The New York Times newspaper listed the manga bestsellers in the United States for the week ending on December 7. Rank Prev. Rank Title Author Publisher Weeks on List Cover 1 - One Piece #69 Eiichiro Oda Viz Media 1 2 2 Attack on Titan #9 Hajime Isayama Kodansha Comics 2 3 10 Attack on Titan #3 Hajime Isayama Kodansha Comics 13 4 6 Attack on Titan #1 Hajime Isayama Kodansha Comics 26 5 - Pokémon: Black and White #10 Story: Hidenori Kusaka / Art:
Answerman - The Hard Life of an Anime Director
This week, the health and job security of being an anime director. Also: what other countries have tried to sell their cartoons in America?
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z's Gameplay, Arcade Mode, Parody Videos Streamed
Keiji Inafune/Team Ninja collaboration ships in N. America Xbox 360/PS3 on March 4
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Tecmo KOEI Games Europe began streaming a gameplay footage video, an "arcade mode" trailer, and a parody trailer on Friday for the Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z game. Note: The videos below have adult language and may not be safe for work. Comcept and Team Ninja (Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive series) are collaborating with Spark Unlimited on the game. The game will star a new ninja named Yaiba, who is chasing after Ryu Hayabusa, the protagonist of the Ninja Gaiden
Mushishi Anime Special's 1st TV Ad Features Past Characters
Yuto Nakano returns as Ginko in 1-hour special about sun-eating shade
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The television channel BS11 aired a one-minute commercial on Friday for the upcoming one-hour Mushishi Tokubetsu-hen: Hihamukage (Mushi-Shi Special: Sun-Eating Shade) anime special. The preview confirms that the special will also feature past characters such as Adashino and Tanyuu. Yuto Nakano is returning to star as Ginko, and Mika Doi will again serve as the narrator. Additionally, Rio Sasaki will play Hinata, and 11-year-old Yuuna Watanabe will play Hiyori.
Golgo 13 Wants YOU for the Japanese Army
Famous manga assassin helps recruit for Iwate Prefecture's military cooperation office
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Golgo 13, a famous manga series about an assassin of impeccable skill, is currently celebrating its 45th anniversary. Last month manga artists have honored its longevity with a special issue of Big Comic, and Iwate Prefecture's Self-Defense Force Provincial Cooperation Office has launched a collaboration as well. "Recruiting self-defense officials [soldiers]: Now is the time to take that step." The office's head of public relations, Nobuaki Satou, is a fan of the manga, and explains that the military is looking for personalities like
Etsuko Yakushimaru, Yoko Kanno Make Space Dandy's Ending Song
"Welcome to the X Dimension" written by Yakushimaru, arranged by Kanno
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Etsuko Yakushimaru (Arakawa Under the Bridge, Penguindrum, The Tatami Galaxy) is contributing her new single "X Jigen e Yōkoso" (Welcome to the X Dimension) as the ending theme song for the Space Dandy television anime series. Yakushimaru herself wrote the lyrics and composed the music under the pen name "Tika Alpha," while Yoko Kanno arranged the music. "X Jigen e Yōkoso/Zettai Musshu Sei" (Absolute Musshu Rule), Yakushimaru's first new single in 15 months, will go on sale on January 29. Yakushimaru is not only contributing the ending theme for
Inazuma Eleven Now Streaming on Hulu with English, Spanish Dubs
Site streaming 1st 26 episodes of Level 5's soccer anime
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Media streaming service Hulu is currently streaming the first 26 episodes of Level 5 and TV Tokyo's Inazuma Eleven television anime series. The series is available both with an English dub and with a Spanish dub. The episodes list that Arait Multimedia is the distributor in the United States and Canada. The Inazuma Eleven soccer anime franchise is based on Level 5's game series of the same name. The original 127-episode anime series aired between 2008-2011, and has since inspired the
Critic Calls Out The Wind Rises For Perpetuating Historical Revisionism
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LA Weekly film critic Inkoo Kang denounced Miyazaki's latest film, The Wind Rises, for "perpe[tuating] Japanese society's deliberate misremembering and rewriting of history. The film is a biopic of aircraft engineer Jiro Horikoshi (1903-1982), the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, an aircraft infamous for its brutal role in World War II. In her piece, "The Trouble with The Wind Rises," Kang also says that "critics who fail to observe or protest Miyazaki's 'pussyfooting' around a regime that caused more deaths than the Holocaust aid and abet Japan's continued whitewashing of its war crimes." Kang continues to say that the film not only declines to challenge Japan's denial of wartime atrocities, but "worse, echoes Japan's morally dishonest stance that it was a victim, rather than a perpetrator, of a global war."
Super Sonico Anime's 1st Ad Reveals January 6 Premiere
Anime to feature opening theme song by Nitroplus mascot girl
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Pony Canyon began streaming the first television commercial for the upcoming anime adaptation of Nitroplus's Super Sonico mascot, SoniAni -Super Sonico the Animation-, on Friday. The ad features the opening theme song "Beat Goes On!" by the title character. In the video, Super Sonico introduces herself and reveals that the anime will premiere on January 6 on the AT-X, Tokyo MX TV, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, TV Aichi, and BS 11 channels. It will also be available on the
Infinite Stratos 2: Ignition Hearts PS3/PS Vita Game's Promo Streamed
Game revolving around girls trying to get back Ichika's memory to be released on February 27
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5pb. Games began streaming a promotional video for the Infinite Stratos 2: Ignition Hearts PlayStation 3 and PS Vita game on Friday. The video features the song “coloration” by Minami Kuribayashi. Yōko Hikasa narrates the video as her character Houki Shinonono, who says that she will retrieve the memories of Ichika. The promo also advertises the stories of Cecilia, who becomes Ichika's fiance, Charlotte, who becomes a married couple with him, and Tatenashi and Kanzashi, who join the fray.
Tonari no Seki-kun's New Promo Videos Bring Back Robot Family
Takuma Morishige's comedy of girl who sits next to intricate distraction maker to premiere on January 4
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The official website for the anime adaptation of Takuma Morishige's Tonari no Seki-kun comedy manga began streaming two new promotional videos on Friday. In the third promo featuring the Robot Family, the robot son says he doesn't like spinach, but his father tells him that it will make him strong. However, the son tells him that since they're plastic, it won't make a difference, to which his mother tells him not to be selfish. Kana Hanazawa is
Maken-Ki! Two Anime's Promo, TV Spot Streamed
Videos promote "love-comedy filled with action and breasts" premiering January 15
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Kadokawa began streaming a promotional video and TV spot for the Maken-Ki! Two television anime on Friday. Both videos feature the series' opening theme "Cherish" by voice actress group sweet ARMS. The promotional video is narrated by Haruko (voiced by Noriko Shitaya) and Takeru (Tomoaki Maeno). Haruko explains that the academy the two attend may appear normal at first, but it's actually a school for people with superpowers (“elements”). She adds that while the school is their precious place, there are people who wish to use the elements for evil. Haruko states that she won't forgive anyone who steps on her and her friends' place they belong and their feelings. Takeru describes the anime as a love-comedy filled with action and breasts, and that the “mysterious light” (an effect used to censor nudity) is no longer needed.
Singer Ayumi Hamasaki Engaged to UCLA Medical Student
Engaged to 25-year-old "ordinary" student on Thursday
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The official fan club of Ayumi Hamasaki announced on Friday that the 35-year-old singer is engaged to a 25-year-old male medical student at the University of California, Los Angeles. She added to her fans, "As my partner is an ordinary student, I would be very happy if you could watch over us quietly." The couple had gotten engaged on Thursday. According to a source linked to Hamasaki, she is not pregnant. The two had met during the New Year's holidays through a friend, and began dating around spring.
Bishōjo Gag Comedy Manga Angel's Drop to End in December
Chizuna Nakajima's manga inspired TV anime from AIC Frontier
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G-mode's Comic Meteor website announced on Wednesday that Chizuna Nakajima's bishōjo gag comedy manga Angel's Drop (Tenshi no Drop) will end in its 85th chapter on December 25. The story centers on Botan and Shinobu, two childhood friends who enroll in St. Azumaria Girls' Academy. Their encounter with an "angel" named Un-chan lead to strange things happening in their lives. The manga openly describes itself as covering yuri, hentai, omorashi, and other elements of fetishism not usually seen in shōnen manga.
Hōzuki no Reitetsu Anime's Promo Streamed With English Subtitles
English site opens for TV anime of Natsumi Eguchi's supernatural comedy manga
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Starchild began streaming the third promotional video for the Hōzuki no Reitetsu television anime with English subtitles on Friday. The video features the opening theme song "Jigoku no Sata mo Kimi Shidai" (You Also Dictate Hell's Judgment) by Jigoku no Sata All Stars (Hell's Judgment All Stars), a group of the series' main cast members. (The song title is a parody of the Japanese saying "Jigoku no sata mo kane shidai" or "Money also dictates hell's judgment.")
Crayon Shin-Chan Faces Robo-Dad in Film by Gurren Lagann Writer
Kill la Kill's Nakashima pens April 19 movie teased in 1st trailer
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The official website for the Crayon Shin-chan films began streaming the first teaser trailer for the latest installment, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan: Gachinko! Gyakushū no Robo Tō-chan (Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Fight! Robo-Dad's Counterattack), on Friday. Narrator: In the year 2014, the "father revolution" breaks out throughout the land. In these troubled times, this man will rise. Shinnosuke "Shin-chan" Nohara: Robo Dad! Robo Dad: Shinosuke! Let's combine!
Thursday, December 12
Spice Up Your Workspace with a Kantai Collection Keyboard
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Whether you use your desktop for homework, work, web surfing, or other activities, you can give it a boost of moe with battle-damaged Kantai Collection (KanColle) keyboards. Made by Surfers Paradise, these Windows USB keyboards are printed with artwork from the free-to-play browser social card game, KanColle. Each keyboard costs ¥10,500, with a scheduled release date of January 2014, and advance sales at Comiket 85. Fans can choose between Kongo, Shimakaze, Atago, Haruna, and Yamato.
Fumiko Fumi's Manga Gets Live-Action Films in 2014
"Girl's Hole" & "Bundled With Love" adapted by Usotsuki Paradox's Yoshida, Tokyo U. of the Arts
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Live-action film adaptations of Fumiko Fumi's Onna no Ana (pictured right) and Koi ni Tsukimono manga have been green-lit for release next year. The wraparound jacket band on Fumi's fourth Bokura no Hentai manga volume made the announcement on Friday. Kōta Yoshida (Usotsuki Paradox film) is directing the film Onna no Ana, while Koi ni Tsukimono will be a three-part omnibus from Tokyo University of the Arts' School of Film and New Media. The official website of
Anime Hashtags Dominated Japanese Twitter in 2013
See what the top ten Twitter hashtags were in Japan for 2013.
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The blog for Twitter Japan looked at 2013's most popular hashtags, and anime-related properties dominated. Here's the Top 10: #艦これ (#kancolle)
#あまちゃん (#amachan, a Japanese TV drama that premiered April 1)
#lovelive (A catch-all for the Love Live! franchise)
#wbc (World Baseball Classic)
#shingeki (Attack on Titan)
#ff14 (Final Fantay XIV)
#tv_free (Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club)
#railgun (A Certain Scientific Railgun)
#vividred (Vividred Operation)
Square Enix Posts 5 More Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Shorts with Remastered Music
Auron, old friends, Kimahri, Aeons, Yuna's wedding highlighted
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Square Enix UK began streaming five additional short movies on Thursday to showcase the enhanced graphics and background music in its Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster release. Auron (with the HD Remaster arrangement of "Auron's Theme") Old Friends (with HD Remaster's "Movement in Green") Kimahri (with HD Remaster's "Bravely Forward") Aeons (with HD Remaster's "A Contest of Aeons") Yuna's Wedding (with HD Remaster's "Assault") Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD, a high-definition
Silver Spoon Manga Wins Japan Food Culture Contents Award
Moyashimon, Oishinbo, Anpanman, Shin-chan also win at inaugural event
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the winners of the first Japan Food Culture Contents Award on Tuesday. The Ministry honored the winners in a ceremony in Tokyo on Sunday. The Ministry created the awards to recognize achievements of anime and manga in spreading awareness of Japanese food culture. The selection committee chose the winners from a pool of around 250 nominated or self-nominated works. The committee chose the the winners based on five criteria: cultural relevance, originality, novelty, story and reach.
Special Cardcaptor Sakura Artbooks at Comiket 85
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Here's a delightful treat for Card Captor Sakura fans—Anime Style is releasing three very special books as part of their ANIMESTYLE Archive line of artbooks, and they'll only be available at Comiket 85. The first is Card Captor Sakura: Revised Key Frames by the Animation Director, an A5-size, 448-page book that also includes an interview with director Morio Asaka. The book is selling for $35, and is meant to be used by aspiring animators as a reference book. (Click for full-size image)
Madoka Magica PS Vita Game's Character Videos Streamed
5 magical girls fight together in Madoka Magica: The Battle Pentagram 3D action game
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Dengeki Online began streaming character videos for Gekijō-ban Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magica: The Battle Pentagram (Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: The Battle Pentagram) PlayStation Vita game on Wednesday. The videos showcase Madoka, Mami, Sayaka, Kyoko, and Homura's abilities in battle. Dengeki Online is hosting additional screenshots. The channel also added three battle videos featuring Homura, Madoka, and Sayaka versus Gertrud the Rose Garden Witch and Mami versus Charlotte the Dessert Witch.
Kenji Kamiyama, I.G's 'au Unlimited Future Laboratory' Anime Short Posted
Jun Fukuyama, Ai Kakuma, Ayane Sakura star in 8-minute short
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Japanese phone service and internet provider au began streaming the "A.U.F.L." (au Unlimited Future Laboratory) anime short on Wednesday. au collaborated with Production I.G and Kenji Kamiyama's Steve N' Steven company to create the ad and animation for au and KDDI's "au Mirai Kenkyū-jo" (au Future Laboratory) website. Kamiyama wrote and directed the short, and Yuugo Kanno (Library War, Psycho-Pass) handled the music. The short's cast includes
New Smartphone Game Lets You Foster Your Own Stable of Idols
Tokyo 7th Sisters to include original songs, up-and-coming voice actresses
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After 16 months and 150 million yen (or $1.5 million) in the making, Japanese mobile game company Donuts is set to release its rhythm and simulation game, Tokyo 7th Sisters, for iOS platforms early next January. The player will take on the role of the new manager in a studio called "777" (pronounced "Three Seven") and scout for promising young idols. It mixes an emphasis on story and character development with a rhythm game aspect, since the idols will compete to win admiration from fans and develop their ability by singing original songs written by young artists "of the Vocaloid generation."
Nanana's Buried Treasure Novel Gets Noitamina Anime from A-1 Pictures
Bunny Drop's Kanta Kamei directs supernatural series premiering in April 2014
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Fuji TV's Noitamina late-night programming block announced on Thursday that a television anime adaptation of Kazuma Ōtorino and artist Akaringo's Ryūgajō Nanana no Maizōkin (Nanana's Buried Treasure) novel will air on the block in April 2014. A-1 Pictures will animate the series. The studio previously animated a promotional video for the novel in December 2011. Kanta Kamei (Bunny Drop, Tales of Vesperia ~The First Strike~, Oreshura) will direct the series, and
Top Dengeki Bunko Anime Adaptation Rankings
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Website Anikore compiled a list of the 15 best ranked anime adaptations of Dengeki Bunko's light-novel line. The rankings are based on overall user reviews. Top 15 Light Novel Adaptations Rank Anime 1 A Certain Magical Index II 2 A Certain Magical Index 3 Sword Art Online 4 Oreimo 5 Durarara!! 6 Spice and Wolf 7 Spice and Wolf II 8 The Pet Girl of Sakurasou 9 Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl 10 Heaven's Memo Pad 11 Baccano! 12 The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Netflix to Stream Knights of Sidonia Anime in Summer 2014
12-episode sci-fi series gets stream in all Netflix territories in subbed, dubbed formats
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The media streaming and rental service Netflix announced on Thursday that it will stream the television anime adaptation of Tsutomu Nihei's Knights of Sidonia manga in all Netflix territories in summer 2014. The company noted that it will stream the complete 12-episode "firstly and exclusively" on Netflix, and it will include both the Japanese audio with English subtitles and in "dubbed local language dialogue." The series will debut in Japan in spring 2014.
House of 1000 Manga - Manga 2.5
Jason checks out Manga 2.5, a new service offering fully-voiced and kind-of-animated manga series including Detective Loki and Otogi Soushi.
Eureka Seven AO BD+DVD
Throughout all of the messiness, through repetitive missions, tortured sci-fi explanations, and fleeting moments of bittersweet affect, BONES makes damned sure that AO looks consistently great.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 3: Rebellion
Madoka Magica: Rebellion blasts the franchise sky high, which results in an experience about as satisfying and horrifying as that sounds. It demands to be seen by fans of the series, although not necessarily enjoyed.
Tales of Zestiria Gets Worldwide Release for PS3
20th anniversary title to feature animation from ufotable
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Namco Bandai Games announced on Thursday that the 20th anniversary Tales of game, titled Tales of Zestiria, will get a worldwide release for the PlayStation 3. Tales of series producer Hideo Baba said in the announcement, "Over the past few years the TALES OF team has taken great strides to strengthen our relationship with players across North America and Europe. To respond to their love and support I am honored to open a new chapter of the TALES OF series together with Japanese and overseas fans."
The Wind Rises Earns Golden Globe Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film
No anime nominated in Best Animated Feature Film category
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The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced its nominees for the 71st Annual Golden Globes on Thursday, and Hayao Miyazaki's 11th and final film The Wind Rises is nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. The film is competing alongside France's Blue is the Warmest Color, Italy's The Great Beauty, Denmark's The Hunt, and Iran's The Past. The Wind Rises was one of 58 total films (and two animated films) that made the shortlist for the Best Foreign Language Film category last month. Also included on that shortlist was
Aniplex of America Offers Japanese Madoka Magica: Rebellion Merchandise Set
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Did you miss out on the North American Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion premiere? Are you still coveting some of the limited edition goods that Japanese theater goers received? No worries—Aniplex of America is offering fans to purchase all of the items for $200. The "complete merchandise box set" includes the Japanese program guide, a Kyubey cell phone stand, a Charlotte cell phone stand, canvas art, a bandanas, a cell phone strap, and pile up figures.
Blood Lad's Kodama, 428's Kitajima Preview Hamatora Anime in 2nd Video
Livetune & Galileo Galilei's Ozaki perform for "Super-powered mystery x battle entertainment"
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Avex began streaming the second promotional video for the television anime of Hamatora, the "super-powered mystery x battle entertainment" mixed-media project, on Thursday. The video features the opening theme song "Flat" by Livetune featuring Yūki Ozaki (from Galileo Galilei). It begins with the character Koneko announcing that a client is coming for a case. The story revolves around "Minimum" or "minor miracle"— special hereditary powers discovered only in an extremely limited number of humans. Those who possess such powers are known as "Minimum Holders."
Horror Manga Creator Kazuo Umezu Helms 1st Feature Film
Kabuki actor Ainosuke Kataoka plays Umezu & Kimie Shingyōji plays his Mother
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77-year-old horror manga creator Kazuo Umezu (Drifting Classroom, Makoto-chan) makes his feature directorial debut in Mother, a film opening on September 27, 2014. 41-year-old Kabuki actor Ainosuke Kataoka dons Umezu's signature red-and-white striped shirt to play the creator himself. Kimie Shingyōji plays Ichie, Umezu's mother who holds the key to the story. Umezu wrote the script for this autobiographical story that will "reveal the secrets of the 'Umezu World' that have captivated readers in various works." Kataoka acknowledged that when he heard about the role, he worried whether he would be for right for it since "I look nothing like him." He added that his generation have read
2nd Seitokai Yakuindomo Season's 1st Promo Video Posted
Seitokai Yakuindomo＊ school comedy to premiere on January 4
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The official website for Seitokai Yakuindomo＊, the second anime season inspired by Tozen Ujiie's school comedy manga, began streaming the first promotional video on Thursday. The tongue-in-cheek video begins with seemingly unrelated English footage — leading the narrator to wonder if the videocassette recorder taped the wrong show. Eventually, the narrator spots students in the familiar Ōsai Academy uniforms. "Seitokai Yakuindomo … what is that punctuation mark? I can't pronounce that!"
Tales of Zestiria Game Announced for PS3
Ai Kayano, Ryohei Kimura star & ufotable to once again provide animation footage
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Namco Bandai Games announced on Thursday that it will release the next Tales of role-playing game, Tales of Zestiria, on PlayStation 3. The story is set on the land of Greenwood, and the main characters in the franchise's 20th anniversary title are Aleesha and Slay, played by Ai Kayano and Ryohei Kimura, respectively. Namco Bandai Studio's Daigo Okumura designed Aleesha, while Kousuke Fujishima designed Slay. Mutsumi Inomata is also returning to contribute character designs along with
Miyazaki's The Wind Rises Wins San Diego Film Critics Society Award
Film previously won critic prizes in Boston, New York
― The San Diego Film Critics Society announced on Wednesday that The Wind Rises, the 11th and final feature film from Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, won the honor of Best Animated Feature for 2013. The film beat out Despicable Me 2, Frozen, Get A Horse, and The Croods The film has already won awards for the best animated feature from The National Board of Review, The New York Film Critics Circle, and The Boston Society of Film Critics. The New York Film Critics Circle gave Miyazaki's
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 Game's Battle Video Posted
PS Vita remake of Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 ships in Japan on March 20
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Compile Heart began streaming a battle video for Chō Jijigen Game Neptune Re;Birth 2 Sisters Geenration (Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 Sisters Generation), the PlayStation Vita remake of the Chōjigen Game Neptune mk2 (Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2) PS3 game, on Wednesday. The video shows the game's cast battling against antagonist CFW Magic. The game will ship in Japan on March 20, 2014. Compile Heart released a PS Vita remake of its 2010 Hyperdimension Neptunia
Ghibli Adapts Joan G. Robinson's When Marnie Was There Novel Into Anime
Arrietty's Hiromasa Yonebayashi directs next summer's film based on English children's classic
― Film distributor TOHO announced its 2014 lineup on Thursday, and revealed that Studio Ghibli's next film will be an adaptation of Joan G. Robinson's English children's novel classic When Marnie Was There (Omoide no Marnie) next summer. Hiromasa Yonebayashi is returning to direct his second film after 2010's The Secret World of Arrietty. Amazon posted a publisher's description of the novel: Anna hasn't a friend in the world - until she meets Marnie among the sand dunes. But Marnie isn't all she seems...An atmospheric ghost story with truths to tell about friendship, families and loneliness. Anna lives with foster parents, a misfit with no friends, always on the outside of things. Then she is sent to Norfolk to stay with old Mr and Mrs Pegg, where she runs wild on the sand dunes and around the water. There is a house, the Marsh House, which she feels she recognises - and she soon meets a strange little girl called Marnie, who becomes Anna's first ever friend. Then one day, Marnie vanishes. A new family, the Lindsays, move into the Marsh House. Having learnt so much from Marnie about friendship, Anna makes firm friends with the Lindsays - and learns some strange truths about Marnie, who was not all she seemed...
GARNiDELiA Duo to Perform Kill La Kill Anime's New Opening
Vocalist Maria, composer Toku to debut under Sony Music's DefSTAR in early 2014
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GARNiDELiA, the duo formed by female vocalist Maria and composer Toku, is contributing their song "ambiguous" as the new opening theme song for the Kill la Kill television anime. The song will be released early next year as the duo's debut under a major label, Sony Music Entertainment's DefSTAR. Maria gained fame (and two million views) through her vocal and dance work on video-sharing sites, and she served as a guest vocalist at live concerts for Jin (Shizen no Teki-P) and other artists.
Tekken Revolution's New Eliza Character Showcased in Video
Sleepy vampire joins roster of 26 playable characters in free-to-play game
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The official Tekken Channel began streaming a video showcasing Tekken Revolution's new character Eliza on Wednesday. The sleepy vampire character joins a roster of 26 playable characters. When the game launched in June the game offered eight playable characters. The game is available for download on PlayStation 3 via PLAYSTATION Network.
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