Anime News Service - June 8th - August 2nd Anime News

8-2-06 (10:26PM EDT)---- Alternative Comics Meet Alternative Manga

The LA Weekly interviews American artist Adrian Tomine and alternative manga pioneer Yoshihiro Tatsumi as they attend Comicon 2006 and talk comic arts and stories.

8-2-06 (10:12PM EDT)---- A Sanner Darkly Compared To Manga

USA Today has a review of Director Richard Linklater's new film, A Scanner Darkly. The plot is based on a book of the same name by sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner, Minority Report) and stars Keanu Reeves (Animatrix), Robert Downey Jr. and Winona Ryder. Using a process of computer interpolated rotoscoping, the animation is already being compared to manga.

8-2-06 (10:07PM EDT)---- NARUTO: UZUMAKI CHRONICLES PS2 In USA

Active Anime is running a press release for Namco Bandai Games' NARUTO: UZUMAKI CHRONICLES" headed to PS2 in America this winter.

8-2-06 (6:41PM EDT)---- RPG House Guardians Of Order Out Of Business

ICV2 reports Author George R.R. Martin has disclosed that the Canadian role-playing game publisher Guardians of Order is now out of business. Founded in 1996, Guardians of Order published a number of innovative games over its decade-long run including the first major anime RPG, Big Eyes Small Mouth; the comic book-based RPG Silver Sentinels; as well as a number of gaming/anime fan books on series such as Trigun, Fushigi Yugi, Serial Experiment Lain, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Most GOO games featured the company's own "Tri-Stat" gaming system.

8-2-06 (6:27PM EDT)---- FUNimation Acquires Robotech Shadow Chronicles

FUNimation Entertainment (www.funimation.com) announced today that it has acquired rights to the feature film "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" from Harmony Gold. In the agreement, FUNimation acquired home video, broadcast and theatrical rights to this movie that delivers the continuation that fans have been anticipating for 20 years. "Robotech is the series that introduced an entire generation to anime," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation. "It captured fans with its tremendous storylines and great storytelling. The Robotech series also ended on a cliffhanger that left fans waiting for 20 years. FUNimation is very excited to be part of the team that will bring expectant fans the ending they have been waiting for in Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles." Featuring the voices of Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), the animation of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles also takes a generational leap into the future through a technological marriage of CG graphics beautifully composited with vibrant anime characters. The heightened production values showcase high-definition video, 5.1 digital surround sound, and an incredible musical score performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. FUNimation plans to release the Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles DVD on November 21, 2006.

8-2-06 (5:37AM EDT)---- Copyrighted Anime Still Available On YouTube

Yomiuri Shimbun is running a Japanese language article on the sticky state of affairs that still exist surrounding YouTube and users who continue to upload copyrighted anime and other programming. For Japanese rights holders, the flood and frequency of new submissions seems to make checking for potential violations a rather daunting task. Coprighted video from TV is apparantly showing up on the site within hours of airing. A TV Asahi representative was quoted as saying: "Becuase of the cost, it is difficult to arrange the number of people to check it". YouTube maintains a policy that users cannot upload copyrighted material and has pulled videos following official requests by purported copyright holders and investigation into their claims.

8-2-06 (5:37AM EDT)---- Anime Attitudes And DRM

ZDnet reports on a recent Siggraph panel that let conference attendees question Sony directly about its digital rights management policies, and attendees and panelists weren't shy about expressing their views:
Singer acknowledged that there will always be unlicensed copying by "those who have more time than money", such as college students, but that Sony's aim is to make content convenient and reasonably priced and reasonably restricted enough to prevent general consumers from going to other channels. While most agreed that such an aim would probably work, Townsend warned that Sony should take cultural attitudes into account. While anime fans stopped burning and distributing the Japanese films once they were available in the US, said Townsend, it was done in large part because the fan base had a respect for the anime industry. The contempt held by most young digital consumers for large corporate content providers may carry over into their adulthood, he said.

8-2-06 (5:31AM EDT)---- Mamorukun ni Site

WOWOW has posted their official website for the forthcoming TV series Mamorukun ni at: http://www.wowow.co.jp/anime/mamoru/.

8-2-06 (4:47AM EDT)---- Katekyo Hitman Reborn! To Be Animated

Based on the manga by Akira Amano and serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shounen Jump Magazine since 2004, Katekyo Hitman Reborn! is headed for it's own TV anime series adaptation. TV Tokyo will broadcast the shonen, comedy, action story from the autumn of this year in it's 10:30 timeslot. Sawada Tsunayoshi is a junior high school student that carries around a useless life with him until one day, a home tutor arrives in his house. Though he holds an appearance of a baby, Reborn is actually a professional assassination and his sole purpose is to turn his teenage pupil's life around by training him to become a Mafia boss. With the power of the Dying Will Flame at hand, Tsuna will be able to overcome his regrets in life. Viz Media holds the US release rights to the manga, release is currently set to begin in October 2006. Likewise a French manga release is set for September 2006. Story summary courtesy the excellent unofficial fan site to Amano Akira and Reborn: Sempre Famiglia.

8-2-06 (3:38AM EDT)---- Hakujaden Revives As Musical

On the occasion of Toei Animation's 50th anniversary Japan's first all color feature length animation film will become the basis for a new musical. Shirohebi Den -White Lovers- will star Ukon Ichikawa and Abe-Natsumi. The musical will playout in Ginza from November 8-26.

8-2-06 (3:24AM EDT)---- Oshii's Tachiguishi Hits DVD

September 22nd has just been announced as the Japanese date of release for Mamoru Oshii's film Taichiguishi on DVD. The original theatrical opening was April, 2006. Look for a number of cameo appearances by such anime industry luminaries as Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Toshio Suzuki, Shoji Kawamori, Kenji Kawai, Shinji Higuchi, Katsuya Terada and Kenji Kamamiya. Both a special collectors set and regular DVD will be offered. The collectors set will include a specially-made 64 page booklet, 90 minute long special disc and 120 page storyboard / scenario book. Retail on the collectors set is 10,290 Yen. Running time is 180 minutes, Dolby Digital (5.1ch stereo) sountrack and 16:9 aspect ratio included. Bandai Visual is distributing.

8-2-06 (2:24AM EDT)---- Tekkon Kinkreet Cast / Music Details

The Main Cast for Studio 4 degrees C, Aniplex, Shogakukan and Asmik Ace Entertainment's new animated film Tekkon Kinkreet has been finalized. The grand premiere is slated to occur in Shibuya on December 23rd via Shochiku and Tokyu theater affiliates and Asmik Distribution. Originally published in 1993 via Big Spirits Magazine, the original manga by Taiyo Matsumoto (Ping Pong Club) is said to have sold over one million copies as of April 2006. UK-based Ambient Techno duo Plaid will provide the soundtrack. Kazuya Ninomiya (also slated to star in Clint Eastwood's "Letters From Iwo Jima") will play the role of hero Naru with Yu Aoi providing the voice of heroine Shiloh.

8-2-06 (2:14AM EDT)---- First Guests For Sakura-Con 10

ANCEA (Asia Northwest Cultural Education Association) is proud to present the 10th annual Sakura-Con April 6-8th, 2007 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in beautiful Downtown Seattle. Member attendance for Sakura-Con 2007 is modestly projected to hit at least 9,000 individuals; with most members attending all three days. For the first announcement of this special anniversary year, the con has confirmed Voice Actor Vic Mignoga for his first Sakura-Con and returning guest, artist Doug Smith.

8-1-06 (10:30PM EDT)---- Film That Inspired Ghibli Revives In Japan

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, in 1955 French Director Paul Grimault's Yabuniramino Boukun (La Bergere et le Ramoneur / The Shepherdess and the Chimneysweep) debuted in theaters in Japan. The all color 62 minute piece of animation was still somewhat of a new experience for many Japanese at the time and a few of those in the audience would be so inspired that they would go on to produce Japan's top animation films today. Indeed Studio Ghibli Directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki were among the wide-eyed young cinema goers at that time and the influence can even be seen in their current productions. Paul Grimault originally released the work in France in 1952 unfinished. In 1979 he added 20 mintues of new animation and rereleased a 87 minute version under the title Outotori (Le roi et l'oiseau / King And Bird). Now the rights of Outotori have been relicensed and it's being rereleased in Japan with Ghibli's support. A limited theatrical run which began at Cinema Angelica in Shibuya July 29th (running through September 22nd) will coincide with a Japanese DVD release for the first time. In a press release Takahata was quoted: "I was likely to have not considered advancement down the road of the cartoon movie involvement etc. if this was not seen". The director himself is deeply related in this release and took charge of the Japanese translation after having originally seen it during his university days. Miyazaki was said to have incorporated inspired elements into Future Boy Conan and The Castle of Cagliostro, such as trap doors, a room in a tower with an elevator, the wedding of the tyrant and the heroine, the hero crashing the wedding, etc. Additionally a "Paul Grimault Exhibition" will be held at the Tokyo Japan-France School Gallery August 14th - 31st. You can view Ghibli's official website (including commentary by Takahata and Miyazaki) for the release here and a trailer here.

8-1-06 (9:22PM EDT)---- Hollywood Stars No Longer "Japanderding"

The The Hollywood Reporter mentions Japanese and Korean actors are quickly becoming the new spokespersons for Japanese products on television. Thanks to Daniel Zelter For The Link.

8-1-06 (9:22PM EDT)---- Lupin III TV Specials Hit Cellphones

Cellphone anime and manga content delivery business models continue to evolve in Japan. Mitsui & Co. Ltd., TMS Entertainment and Nippon Television Network Corporation have teamed up to offer Lupin III animation via i-mode and the EZweb starting on August 7th. According to the deal, several Lupin TV movies will be offered. A 458kb 30 second "Lupin THE MOVIE" is currently available. Bye Bye Liberty Crisis and Angel Tactics will be 2 of the first full specials one can download. A 2006 speical is scheduled to be delivered free of charge for a limited time in the future. 3G terminals including FOMA 90Xi/70Xi series, CDMA 1X WIN series, and Vodafone are compatible with the service. 157 Yen will be charged per download.

8-1-06 (6:15PM EDT)---- Paprika And Tekkon Kinkreet At TIFF

The 19th Tokyo International Film Festival will be held October 21st-29th in Tokyo's Roppongi, and Shibuya districts. New Anime Feature Films Paprika And Tekkon Kinkreet have been announceed to screen as special invitation works. Animatrix producer Michael Arias directed Kinkreet with anime studio 4 degrees C. The national Japanese opening has been announced as December 23rd via Shochiku and Tokyu-affiliated theaters. Perfect Blue Director Satoshi Kon's latest, Paprika, produced by Madhouse has already been revealed to screen at the Venice International Film Festival. Unfortunately, the TIFF exhibition schedule in the competition section doesn't include animation, although various sub-categories have been introduced to allow for various exposure. The "Animecs TIFF1" category will include Paprika. TIFF Official Website.

8-1-06 (6:14PM EDT)---- Adult Swim "Have It Your Way" Winner Picks Anime

Adult Swim Headquarters reports on the current results of Adult Swim's annual "Have It Your Way" contest, in which one lucky winner decides what goes on the AS schedule for one night. This year's winner has a special schedule for August 5:
11PM-2AM - FLCL (entire series)
2AM-3AM - Cowboy Bebop (The Real Folk Blues, Parts 1 & 2)
3AM-4AM - Trigun (Rem Saverem, Under the Sky So Blue)
4AM-5AM - Paranoia Agent (Double Lips, Happy Family Planning)
5AM - Fullmetal Alchemist (Mother)
5:30AM - Samurai Champloo (Tempestuous Temperaments)

8-1-06 (5:36PM EDT)---- Anime And Manga Classes Take Off

New Jersey's Courier Post mentions Popularity of classes in cartooning and anime reflect a national interest in the genre.

8-1-06 (4:23PM EDT)---- ConnectiCon Report

Fredricksburg, VA's Freelance Star covers ConnectiCon 2006 and mentions some 4,000 anime fans turned out at the Connecticut Convention Center.

8-1-06 (3:28AM EDT)---- Toei / Disney Deal Update

More info is out on the joint production deal announced today between Toei Animation and Walt Disney Television International Japan (WDTI-J). The 2 will partner on animation projects for the action adventure programming block "Jetix"shown on Toon Disney seen in 80 countries around the world and by 279 million families. Their first joint project, Robo Days / Robo Daze will be the first Toei TV anime series to use CG. The miniature robot characters who appear in the show were originally designed by a 12 year old boy. Toei President Hiroshi Takahashi mentioned the following: "Toei animation is strongly influenced from Disney's work and, I'm very glad to consider this cooperation production on the occasion of the 50th anniversary aiming at Walt Disney Television International in Japan and around the world. We are finishishing up the work that we will pass to the world. Even in the field of CG animation, we are aiming at being the leading company." Paul Candland of Disney said "The work can be produced with this conclusion and contract in cooperation with the Toei animation and I am very glad. As a result, I am convinced that the work broadcast by Jetix will be of extremely high quality."

8-1-06 (3:23AM EDT)---- Korean Singer Younha Hot In Japan

Oricon Style magazine recently devoted some coverage to the South Korean born music artist Younha who is currently enjoying wide popularity across Asia. A recent KBS documentary aired in Korea telling of her activities in Japan. Her seventh single to which will serve as the main theme tune of the South Korean produced NHK TV animation Shoujo Janggeum no Yume will release on September 6th.

8-1-06 (2:49AM EDT)---- Simoun Heads To PS2

Marvelous Interactive is preparing a tactical simulation / adventure PS2 game based on the latenight Simoun TV Tokyo anime which debuted in April 2006. Sale is scheduled for winter of 2006 with a retail price currently undecided. The plot will be original, occuring between the 9th and 14th episodes of the tv storyline. The Savage Genius will perform the OP and the ED theme of the game.

8-1-06 (2:36AM EDT)---- Manga Could Save Woman Sentenced To Die

Mainichi relates the story of one of Japan's most heinous crimes making headlines again, years later, as doubt is cast on the woman convicted of committing it. Eight years ago, insurance saleswoman Masumi Hayashi shocked Japan when she poured arsenic into a large pot of curry being served to those attending a neighborhood festival in Wakayama. Now "Go Kinjo Zankoku Jikenbo (Cruel Neighborhood Crime Files)," a manga that went on sale earlier this year, has given the convicted murderess unexpected hope of cheating the hangman.

7-31-06 (10:24PM EDT)---- Kochikame Turns 30

The stage is being set for quite a large celebration for Osamu Akimoto's Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo manga which celebrates it's 30th anniversary this year. 3 decades on the trot is no small feat in the manga world, and after 150 volumes, "Kochikame" has earned the lofty position of longest running manga serial in Japan. Serialization occurs in the pages of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. A comedy / musical theatrical play will commemorate the anniversary when it debuts on August third. Fuji Television Network that has broadcast the animation for eight years is also preparing a special for Septmeber. A Kochikame play was in the past put on in 1999, 2001 and 2003. The play will be presented at Zenrouzmi Hall in Shinjuku until the 13th. Chisato Morishita and Seto Saki perform. It's said attempts were made to get the serial adapted to animation for 10 years prior it's 1996 debut. There was apparantly some hesitation on the part of Shueisha due to the story's main policeman character Ryoutsu, who is somewhat of an anithero. Regardless, the average audience rating over eight years was about 14.3% with an 18.7% peak at the height of popularity. Men in their 20's and early 30's became huge fans although it was originally aimed at upper-grade elementary school sdtudents. Now a animation special will broadcast on September 24th. Shueisha built a monument commemorating 130 million comics circulated at the Asakusa Shrine last summer. Likewise commemorative bronze statues were set up in front of the JR Kameari Station in February this year.

7-31-06 (7:07PM EDT)---- Navarre Q1 Income Down 66.7%

Amid weakness at retail, indie supplier Navarre Corp. posted mixed results for its fiscal 2007 first quarter. The company earned $634,000 in net income for the three months ended June 30. That marks a 66.7% drop from the amount Navarre brought in during the comparable fiscal 2006 period. At the same time, Navarre jumped 3.6% to $146.3 million in revenue, which represents a record amount of first-quarter sales for the distributor. Navarre-operated anime label Funimation proved a bright spot. Titles performing better than expected included Full Metal Alchemist, Dragon Ball Z, Samurai 7 and Desert Punk. Helping spur consumer excitement, Funimation Channel TV programming launched earlier this year and delivers anime content to about 28 million households in the U.S. Overall, Navarre's publishing unit, including Funimation, BCI and software maker Encore, reached $26 million in sales, virtually flat from last year's period. Source: Video Business

7-31-06 (7:00PM EDT)---- FUNimation Channel Goes Wider

FUNimation Entertainment is proud to announce that its FUNimation Channel will go live as part of the programming on Verizon's FiOS TV service on August 1. The FUNimation Channel is a 24-hour digital network featuring programming from top anime brands in the United States. Anime and entertainment fans will now be able to get quality anime programming as part of Verizon's FiOS TV Premier package.

7-31-06 (7:00PM EDT)---- Chat With Yu-Gi-Oh! US TCG Champion

Live Chat with Yu-Gi-Oh! US TCG Champ Austin Kulman on Tuesday August 1 at 6 p.m. EST/3 p.m. PST on www.yugioh.com. Register at http://www.4kids.tv/forum/register.php for this hour-long event and catch Austin before the 2006 World Tournament in Japan.

7-31-06 (6:46PM EDT)---- Toei Teams Up With Disney On Animation

Japan based Toei Animation has announced a deal with the Walt Disney Group that will involve animation production and distribution via Cable Television. The 2 have negotiated a deal to jointly produce animation works which then may air through Disney's various television network holdings in more than 80 countries. The coperation will extend to various products planning such as merchandise and DVD releases. The first co-production from the venture will be a Live Action / CG animated series tentatively titled "Robo Days / Robo Daze". Based around serialized short stories, cooperation will be undertaken with Walt Disney's broadcasting division in Japan.

7-31-06 (5:05PM EDT)---- Harukanaru Toki No Naka De Maihitoyo Movie

Opening August 19th in Japan is the Harukanaru Toki No Naka De Maihitoyo anime film in Japan. Running 104 minutes, Cinequanon is handling distribution, Yumeta produced the animation. Based on the popular Koei shoujo video game series. Both a manga and a popular TV Tokyo animation series have spun off from the franchise. Toshiya Shinohara (Inu Yasha Movie) directs the feature. A new, original character appears therein. The director mentioned the film will draw on beautiful pure love based on an original charm. "The Heian period used as the stage has a world layout that is very difficult for transfering to animation because of the handling of the color and clothes etc. I want bring together a powerful staff to make it." The storyline is being billed as a harmonius neo-romance based on the manga by Tooko Mizuno. It's said to follow the theme of the original game and subsequent works which drew a large female fan following in Japan. Staff includes overall supervision by Ruby Party, Screenplay by Yuka Yamada, Music by Yoshihisa Hirano, Character Designs by Aki Tsunaki. Cast is composed of Akira Ishida as Abe no Yasuaki, Kazuhiko Inoue as Tachibana no Tomomasa, Kouki Miyata as Shimon Nagareyama, Naozumi Takahashi as Inori Shigeru Nakahara as Fujiwara no Takamichi, Shinichiro Miki as Minamoto no Yorihisa, Souichiro Hoshi as Eisen Takahiro Sakurai as Oo no Suefumi, Tomokazu Seki as Tenma Morimura, Tomoko Kawakami as Akane Motomiya and Norihiro Inoue as The Emperor. The official website is: www.gamecity.ne.jp/neoromance/maihitoyo/

7-31-06 (3:19PM EDT)---- Hayao Miyazaki Begins Production On Next Film

The Official Studio Ghibli Blog has been updated by Tales From Earthsea / Gedo Senki Director Goro Miyazaki on the 29th. In what he calls his last entry to the blog, the Director says he will soon visit America to meet with Ursula K. Le Guin. It's also mentioned that remodeling on Ghibli Studio 1's 2nd floor is now complete and Hayao Miyazaki has started preparation work for his next production. Hayao Miyazaki traditionally spends around 2 years on film production, the title of his new work has not yet been revealed although announcements traditionally are made in December.

7-31-06 (2:50PM EDT)---- Kawaii Kon 2007

The Honolulu Star Bulletin talks Kawaii Kon 2007 in Jason Yadao's Cell Shaded Column. The event will be held April 27-29 at the freshly remodeled Ala Moana Hotel. A three-day pass is available online for $30 ($20 for ages 6-13); for more information or to preregister, visit www.kawaii-kon.org.

7-31-06 (2:48PM EDT)---- Earthsea / Gedo Senki Top Movie In Japan

Accroding to Kogyo Tsushinsha's Japanese boxoffice scan for Jul 29 - 30:
1. Tales From Earthsea
2. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:DEAD MAN'S CHEST
3. Sinking Of Japan
4. 2006 Poket Monster Advanced Generation
5. MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE III
6. Brave Story
7. CARS
8. Bart No Gakuen
9. Death Note
10. Lovery Comprex

7-31-06 (2:39PM EDT)---- Seven Seas Announces 4 New Licenses

Seven Seas Entertainment is proud to formally announce the acquisition of 4 new Japanese licenses manga series Kashimashi ~Girl Meets Girl~, Kodomo no Jikan, Neconoclasm, and the novel series Shinigami no Ballad. First announced during Seven Seas' panels at Anime Expo and the San Diego Comic-Con, each of these new titles brings something unique to Seven Seas' ever-expanding line-up of manga and novels. Kashimashi ~Girl Meets Girl~, about a boy who becomes a girl caught in an all-girl love triangle, and Shinigami no Ballad, about a young female grim reaper who reaps souls but also helps those in need, are both hit anime series that have already gained considerable buzz in North America for their high production quality. Kodomo no Jikan is a fun-filled comedy romp about a group of school girls who do nothing but try to put their innocent male teacher into compromising situations. And Neconoclasm is a can't-miss collection of gag strips featuring hilarious cat girls drawn in the super-cute spirit of Di Gi Charat.

7-31-06 (2:58AM EDT)---- Toki Meki Memorial Manga

Coinciding with the new anime series a manga story will serialize within the pages of Monthly Dengeki Comic Gao from the October Issue.

7-31-06 (2:25AM EDT)---- Mai-Otome OVA

The sales decision has been made for a new OVA based on the Mai-Otome TV animation. Titled Zwei, the Sunrise produced work is set for release in autumn of this year. The official website is http://www.my-zhime.net/.

7-31-06 (2:25AM EDT)---- MTV Launches Community Site / Channel FLUX

P2PNET reports MTV Networks will dive into the social networking morass with MTV Flux which, says Pocket-Lint, "will allow members to upload their own content on to television, be part of an online interactive community and ultimately control their very own TV channel". "Users will get a manga and Japanese animation styled basic avatar design which they will then be able to manipulate into the image they want to represent them in the Flux on-screen community," says the story.

7-31-06 (2:18AM EDT)---- Animetors Target "Family Market"

The Japan Times talks about Brave Story And Gedo Senki and how Japanese animetors are trying to recapture the "family market".

7-31-06 (2:14AM EDT)---- Goro Miyazaki Interviewed On Gedo Senki

The Daily Yomiuri has interviewed Gedo Senki Director Goro Miyazaki:
"I wanted to make the kind of thing Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata were making when I was a teenager," Goro says, preferring to call his father by his full name rather than refer to their familial tie. "When I asked myself why I wanted to make a movie, the answer was in Hayao Miyazaki's films...In a sense, I was not interested in other kinds of animated features. For example, I didn't want to make something like what Mamoru Oshii or Katsuhiro Otomo would make, even though their work is also anime."

7-31-06 (2:06AM EDT)---- Cosplay Evolves In China

BIZCHINA reports on the ChinaJoy Cosplay Carnival held in Beijing July 14th:
"The performers, called "cosers," put on unusual make-up, dress in home-made costumes and act out classic scenes from the cartoons or the games. Critics call cosplay just another meaningless habit of teenagers, disrupting their studies or careers. Others say it is only a byproduct of the cartoon and game industries and won't last long unless China's own animation market takes off."

7-31-06 (2:00AM EDT)---- Azumi Hollywood Premiere

The Japan Times covers the Hollywood premiere (three years after its release in Japan) of the the popular action film "Azumi". The director Ryuhei Kitamura and producer Mataichiro Yamamoto attended, appearing on the red carpet of the Egyptian Theater. The film is based on the "manga" comic by Yu Koyama, "Azumi" and grossed about $ 7.5 million in Japan. Its popularity inspired the 2005 sequel "Azumi 2: Death or Love." Kitamura said he and producer Yamamoto created "Azumi" for an international audience with the hopes of rekindling the popularity of Japanese action films.

7-31-06 (1:51AM EDT)---- Indian ANIMAX Grows Up

This month the Indian version of the anime dedicated ANIMAX television channel will premiere four new series that are more youth & young adult focused. Animax is said to be punching into a different market segment to better attract 15 to 24 years olds. Full Metal Alchemist, Ghostfighter, Count of Monte Cristo and Samurai 7 are among the new shows to broadcast.

7-31-06 (1:42AM EDT)---- Anime Expo Spotlighted

Asian Week Magazine has given the cover of it's current issue (vol. 27 #49) to the "Otaku Obsession" witnessed at Anime Expo earlier this month.

7-31-06 (1:27AM EDT)---- Chinese Manga Fans Tackle Japan Releations Issue

Swissinfo carries a Reuters piece on youth being key to conflict or conciliation between Japan and China. A few Chinese manga fans are interviewed and their opinions on the issue are offered:
"Jia, who majored in dynamic mechanical engineering, says his fascination with manga and anime have created something of a bond with the Japanese people, but not with their government. "We can't deny that when we watch Japanese anime and read manga, we feel closer to the Japanese. But politics is politics and people are people," said Jia, whose manga, anime and game club boasts some 1,500 members -- many at the elite Tsinghua and Peking University -- as well a library of 3,000 volumes. "Sometimes we hate the policies of the Japanese government," he added, switching from Chinese to Japanese. "The people have some responsibility for their government's decisions, but maybe individual Japanese don't have so much responsibility." Not all his fellow youth, he admits, would agree."Chinese kids say, 'I like manga, but not the Japanese'," he said. "And some fear they are being invaded by Japanese culture."These Chinese and Japanese young people have never met, but they know their futures are inextricably intertwined, given the deep economic ties between their countries. Jia now works for a Japanese game firm, Wei has visited an observatory in central Japan as part of her studies and Shioya took up Chinese language study to improve his job prospects."

7-31-06 (1:16AM EDT)---- Nagasarete Airantou TV

Based on the shounen / comedy manga by Takeshi Fujishiro, serialized in Shounen GanGan magazine, plans are on the table to adapt Nagasarete Airantou to an animation TV series in Japan. Debut is expected next spring, the 26 episode series will follow the story of a 14 year old boy runaway who stows away onboard a ship. After falling into the ocean and being being caught up in a storm he finds himself washed ashore the remote island of Airantou. The only inhabitants of the island are teen girls who have never seen a boy.

7-30-06 (7:09PM EDT)---- New Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha Series

Marking the 3rd animation series iteration, a new Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha project is in the works in Japan. Taking on an OVA format, the sequel is said to focus plotwise on the character Hayate. Japanese release currently scheduled for this winter.

6-8-06 (11:39AM EDT)---- Japanese Military In Space? Real Gundams Soon?

According to United Press International: Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has drafted a bill to allow Japan's military into space. The calls for the military to venture into space within the parameters of self-defense rights. That would be a drastic change from the current civilian-based limitations that Japan has placed on space ventures. The bill calls for diverting funds from space research and development into security and engineering. Kyodo News reports the bill should be ready for consideration in the Japanese parliament by fall.

It's interesting that Defense Industry Daily has done a writeup on this news including a image of Gundam Seed Destiny with the caption "Not Yet".

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