Anime News Service - April 1-2 Anime News

4-2-02---- More On Sakura Taisen 3

ZDNet has confirmed details on the coming three episode OVA series, episode 1 will deal with Sumire's retirement. A manga version will be serialised in the manga magazine Monthly Magazine Z.

Source: Natsume Maya

4-2-02---- Sakura Taisen Super Talk Show

Over this past weekend (March 30-31st) Sakura Taisen seiyuu appeared at the Glory to Dreamcast event at the Sega Game Jam 2. Seiyuu included:

Yokoyama Chisa - Shinguuji Sakura
Takano Urara - Tachibana Maria
Nishihara Kumiko - Iris Chateaubriand
Fuchizaki Yuriko - Li Kohran
Tanaka Mayumi - Kirishima Kanna
Ikura Kazue - Reni Milchstrasse
Shimazu Saeko - Glycine Bleumer
Kozakura Etsuko - Coquelicot
Takamori Yoshino - Kitaooji Hanabi
Hidaka Noriko - Erica Fontaine

At the talk event, Sakura Taisen co-creator Hiroi Ooji asked the seiyuu their opinion of Sakura Taisen 4 in one word. Chisa Yokohama responded by expressing her disbelief with the series ending. Takano Urara mentioned she still didn't feel as if "Sakura" has ended yet. Hiro Ooji afirmed he also felt as if Sakura Taisen had not ended and said "All I feel is that Yoneda-san's [story] has ended". Later Hiro announced the release of the forthcoming Sakura Taisen 3 OVA's the story of one volume explains Sumire's retirement while another will focus on the Paris Hanagumi. A Super Kayou Show was also announced for August 15-19 at the Aoyama Gekijou.

Video from both days' events can be viewed at http://www.sega.co.jp/gamejam2/stage.html.

4-2-02---- Latest On New J-Pop Security Protocols

Fans may recall our previous mention of the Asahi Shimbun article last month which reports Avex Inc. has began to incorporate copy-protection technology in its music CDs to prevent purchasers from duplicating their favorite tracks on home computers. Avex had then been reported to be releasing two copy-protected CDs in March, marking the first time a Japanese label has fought back against rampant copying and exchange of music files on the Internet. The first was then listed as the CD single ``Every Heart'' by Korean female singer BoA, released on March 13, followed by ``Do The Best,'' a greatest hits compilation by the group Do As Infinity on March 20. Avex will use anti-piracy technology developed by Israeli firm Midbar Tech Ltd., which generates false signals when users try to copy a track on a computer.

Updating last months information, Nikkan Sports mentions Avex has indeed started using copy-protection on some of their CD's from March. These include Do As Infinity's "Do the Best" album, BoA's "Every Heart -Minna no Kimochi-" single, and Koda Kumi's "affection" album. The BoA single is from Inuyasha, and DAI has done Inuyasha as well. Avex is also responsible for providing music for One Piece, Captain Tsubasa, Initial D, and others. The latest article states that there will be 6 April releases with the copy-protection including Hamasaki Ayumi's new single. In May there will be 20 releases. By September, ALL of Avex's releases are expected to be copy protected. Warner Music Japan is going to start using the same protection in May with other labels expected to follow suit.

4-2-02---- New Megumi Hayashibara Album Announced

Seiyuu superstar Hayashibara Megumi's latest album has been announced for a 06/26 release date. Album title, number of tracks and titles are pending release. According to posts to 2ch.net, first pressings will include a special DVD featuring video footgae of the entire 500th "Hayashibara Megumi No Tokyo Boogie Night"'s event. Retail is 3780 Yen.

4-2-02---- Animejin U.K. News

Excerpted from the 197th Animejin news report (http://www.animejin.org.uk). All text in this item Copyright Jonathan Weeks.
ADV Films back in business
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After several months on hiatus, ADV Films are in the final stages of getting back to a regular release schedule. The mastering process for the first batch of releases has been completed, so we can expect to see 'Gasaraki' and 'Generator Gawl' out on VHS and DVD, and 'Dirty Pair Flash', 'Ninja Resurrection' and 'Samurai X' out on DVD, all within the next few months.
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Battle of the Planets restarts
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Last years release of Battle of the Planets by Mollin video was cut short when Mollin went out of business. BotP has now been picked up for another release by Playback (a subsidiary of Universal Studios). Their first volumes of the series will be release on VHS and DVD on 15th April.

4-2-02---- Anime.com April Edition

Thanks to Michael of Anime.com for informing us their April edition has gone online.

4-2-02---- Sony Metreon Gundam Event Release

Following is Sony Metreon's press release for the concluded Gundam event this past weekend:Metreon’s Action Theatre and Bandai Present FREE Anime Screening, Gundam Action Figure Contest and Unveiling of One-of-a-kind Giant Gundam Statue Japanese Animation Fans Take Digital Photos with New Gundam Statue Courtesy of Sony’s ImageStation Picture and Video Service
WHAT: Sony Metreon’s Action Theatre and Bandai Entertainment present a FREE advance screening G Gundam Volume 1 on Saturday, March 30, 2002. The Mobile Suit Gundam series is among the most popular in the anime (Japanese animation) art form.
A highlight of the screening celebration is the unveiling of a 6-1/2-foot tall Gundam head, the only one of its kind anywhere in the world. The Gundam head, created and constructed in Japan, is based on the character from Gundam F91. Sony ImageStation will be on hand for guests to take pictures with the Gundam head and then transmit digital images to friends.
Also, Bandai America, the leading anime toy maker, will host a Gundam Action Figure Contest. Anime fans will share their model-making work with fellow model builders and anime fans, and get new ideas for enhancing their Gundam Action Figures. Those who bring their completed Gundam action figures to Metreon the day of the screening will have a chance to win great prizes from Bandai America.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Gundam Action Figure Contest, Model Submission 3:15 p.m. - Gundam Action Figure Contest, Judging and Prize Presentation 12 p.m. - Unveiling of 6-1/2 foot tall Gundam head inside the Bandai Shop 5 - 7 p.m. - G Gundam Volume 1 (FREE Advance Screening)
WHERE: Metreon-A Sony Entertainment Center
Action Theatre is located on the Second Floor
Metreon is located at the corner of Fourth and Mission streets (101 Fourth Street) in San Francisco and is easily accessible by public transportation -- just blocks from the Powell Street BART and Muni metro stations. Public Parking is available at the Fifth & Mission Garage across the street from Metreon and the Moscone Center Garage at Third and Howard streets.
MORE DETAILS: Action Theatre at Metreon-A Sony Entertainment Center is home to an ever-changing line-up of anime and action movies. Anime is one of the hottest new entertainment options for teens and young adults around the globe, and is experiencing growing popularity in the Bay Area.
Sony ImageStation is part of Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging Product Division (DIPD). Based in San Diego, DIPD markets digital imaging products and services, including Cyber-shot® and Digital Mavica® still cameras, Handycam ® camcorders, related accessories and the ImageStationSM online imaging service. For additional information about Sony products, call (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/di.

ADMISSION: FREE PUBLIC INFO: (415) 369-6086 or http://www.metreon.com (Click on Cool Events)

4-2-02---- DVD Vision Japan April Edition

From the release:Hello DVD Vision Japan fans,
We have just finished our April edition of DVD Vision Japan. We have a lot of new features. Our April edition includes:
AN INTERVIEW WITH TERRANCE WALKER: Terrance Walker is the creator of Understanding Chaos, an independently produced computer animated film. The interview covers the making of Understanding Chaos, his life, and advance information about Shadowskin.
NEW ANIME DVD REVIEWS: DVD Vision Japan has received review copies of Understanding Chaos, from Studio ArtFX, along with copies of Macross Volumes 1 & 2, and Bubblegum Crash from AnimEigo. We also have reviews of both Vampire Hunter D films, Macross II, and other anime.
OUR NEW MESSAGE BOARD: We have a new message board. It mission to inform the DVD public about all the big things going on, both in the US and Japan. Everyone is invited to leave a message, but proper board etiquette is a must.
There are many more things going on as well. Please stop by and check us out.

Hope to see you all there, Matt Anderson DVD Vision Japan Staff http://www.cybamall.com/dvdvision

4-2-02---- Gamecube Price Cut Coming?

Nintendo Co., Ltd. may consider a price cut on their Gamecube according to the company's executive, Reuters reported. The plan is also similar depending on Sony's price cut on the PlayStation2. The complete story can be read at Forbes.

Thanks to Anjiro-san for the news.

4-2-02---- Shoujo & General Updates

The SHOUJO & GENERAL Manga refernce site has updated with the TV Anime section being tidied up and a substantial amount of new data added, filling in a lot of blanks. There are now approx. 400 TV anime entries. View one of the net's largest related databases here.

4-2-02---- BigO Season 2 Confirmed

According to a post to rec.arts.anime.misc, ToonZone has posted an overview of children's programming for Fall 2002, and "Big O 2" is listed as coming to Toonami, details can be had here

4-2-02---- Yuricon Seeks Mangaka

Yuricon, the shoujoai and yuri anime and manga convention is seeking manga-style artists and writers for their "Yuri Monogatari" (Lily Tales) project. Yuricon is sponsoring a comilation volume composed of original manga, all with a shoujoai theme. Those interested in taking part in this project can join the Yuricon Official Mailing List or contact the con at yuricon@hotmail.com.

4-2-02---- Jubei-chan Manga To Continue - Anime Not Currently In Sights

Akitaroh Daichi has relayed via his website that the manga version of Jubei-chan: Secret of the Lovely Eyepatch will continue with Jubei-chan 2 which is anticipated to start from May. The original manga series was published by Sony Magazines, with story by the mangaka and art by Mucchiri Muunii. However, Akitaroh pointed out that there is no talk of a second anime series at present.

Source: Natsume Maya

4-2-02---- Anime Love - New Love Senshi Column Posted

Daniel sends word Anime Love has a new Love Senshi column. Also, fans have until April 7 to send in applications for their new He Said/She Said column.

4-1-02--- Pioneer: X TV Series Confirmed - Armitage Website Opens

From the Pioneer Animation News Page, the X TV series has been confirmed as acquired with vol. 1 due in the fall. An official website for the new Armitage movie Dual Matrix has opened at Armitagedvd.com.

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