Anime News Service - August 3rd-5th Anime News

8-5-06 (11:39PM EDT)---- Black Lagoon Second Season

The Black Lagoon TV animation will get a second series. New characters include Handle voiced by Minami Oni and Gretel voiced by Tomoko Kanada.

8-5-06 (11:04PM EDT)---- Gintama Plagiarism?

On Japanese message baords there's been some contention that Hideaki Sorachi's Gintama manga may have some instances of pakuri (artistic imitation and theft). A website titled "Gintama Pakuri Summary" has been errected on the Geocities free site hosting service providing side by side panel scans of the Shonen Jump serial versus earlier published manga serials of "Kids Torein" and "Da Pump". Examples of identical text speech used under similar situations and scenes drawn with close resemblance to other works are cited as examples.

8-5-06 (10:28PM EDT)---- Hanbun No Gatsu Ganoboru Sora Drama

After running as an anime via WOWOW's Ani Tsuushin Dengeki Light Novel Gekijou, earlier this year, Hanbun No Gatsu Ganoboru Sora (Looking Up At The Half Moon) will be adapted to a latenight television drama this fall. AV Idol Miku Ishida will star in the leading role. TV Tokyo will broadacast the series from Ocotber. The eight volume original novel has become a best-seller, with over one million copies sold. It's said the role of a selfish character who has trouble communicating with others will demand strong acting ability.

8-5-06 (8:47PM EDT)---- One Pound Gospel To Be Animated?

According to info published in the latest issue of Young Sunday (vol. 36/37) it was announced that Rumiko Takahashi will resume the series in it's pages from November 22nd (Vol. 52) of this year. The five chapter serial will be entitled "Final Stories" that will end the series, which has been published on and off since 1987. ANS has learned the reason for Takahashi-sensei picking up the reigns to finish the story may lie in plans to adapt it to an anime TV series to begin airing in Japan as early as spring 2007. A 55 minute OAV based on the manga was produced in 1998. Both it and the original comics are released in America by Viz Media.

8-5-06 (5:50AM EDT)---- Sgt. Frog Facing Tough Times In South Korea

Sunrise's popular animation Sgt. Frog (Kuroro Gunso) has faced some criticism in South Korea recently, being equated to glorifying the WWII era empire and militaristic imperialist Japan. Telecast of the series begun on cable TV there last September. Although aimed at kids, Frog enjoys wide popularity among adults spawing manga, toys and even a theatrical musical. Keroro's (and the Keronians') hat featuring a red star has been compared to similar caps worn by Japanese soldiers in WWII. Also the opening song of the second story arc of the series was said to display "Kyokujitsu-ki" (Japanese War Banner). The main crticisim has come from Korean netizens and bloggers who have even gone to the lengths of seeking petitions signatures to have Kororo removed from TV. Most Koreans agree that this is an overreaction, however. This isn't the first time that anime has faced negative reaction in Korea though. In April 2005, the opening of Studio Ghibli's 'Grave of the Fireflies' was canceled there. The third work of studio Ghibli is the story of 14-year old boy who lost his parents and younger sister in World War II. The cancellation was reportedly related an anti-Japanese sentiment fueled by a net-led campaign.

8-5-06 (5:20AM EDT)---- Illustrator Hidero Horibe Dies

36 year old Japanese illustrator Hidero Horibe died on Saturday, June 17, 2006. He was found to have suffered from acute cardiac insufficiency (heart failure). Horibe's art career spanned 14 years, allowing him to be actively involved many works. Credits include many video games such as Fragments Blue (PS2) and Muragiri (PS2) a character design role in the 2004 OAV Interlude and a cover illustration for Hiroyuki Ishikawa's novel Waku no Soto Niaru Fuukei. May, 2006 saw the release of the art collection / design works compendium YOURS. covering an overview of Horibe art including his many PC Angel covers, Dojinshi arts, and more - a total of 118 color illustrations, each accompanied by commentary from the artist. A statement announcing the unfortunate news was posted to the artist's website.

8-5-06 (4:52AM EDT)---- Witchblade Anime Hits USA In April 2007

The From the Top Cow panel at WWC:
Japanese animation studio Gonzo has created 26 episodes of a "Witchblade" animated series. The 16th episode aired recently in Japan, with plans to bring the show stateside in April 2007. The show takes place within "Witchblade" continuity and is set in the year 2100 A.D. Hawkins would like Gonzo to tackle "The Darkness" for its next project.Source: Comic Book Resources

8-5-06 (3:11AM EDT)---- CLAMP Deals With Stalking

On June 1st, 2003 the all female Osaka-based manga circle CLAMP updated CLAMP-NET's information section with news that they had been receiveing frequent letters from an unknown man proclaiming the following: "I was a CLAMP member's classmate. And, it is understood that I am the model for the hero in the manga you are drawing now." CLAMP is of course from the Kansai region of Japan and have not left the area of their birth even in their high school years. Nor had any member experienced a school transfer. They maintain never having attended the school mentioned in the letters (the school's name is withheld). Such letters arrived under various names and were apparently hand delivered to their apartments and office without postmark or stamp. Their office address (now and in the past) has never been open to the public. Only their editorial department knew the office address and few answers were forthcoming upon confronting them with the issue. CLAMP admits the entire ordeal was a scary experience which has had them perplexed and has made their family worry very much. After consulting a lawyer about this matter, the group learned the various legal procedures measures available to them. They then posted their appeal (linked above) for the person to cease a desist the communication. No further official update has been made regarding the matter since then.

8-5-06 (1:29AM EDT)---- Labyrinth Manga Released This Week

Newsrama posted info on the upcoming "world manga" sequel to the Jim Henson cult classic film with David Bowie. Thanks to Daniel Zelter for the news item.

8-5-06 (1:29AM EDT)---- PMX Changes Venues

The Pacific Media Expo 2006 will now be held Oct. 28-29 at the LAX Hilton. Thanks to Daniel for the news item.

8-5-06 (12:11AM EDT)---- New Lupin TV Special Broadcast Date And Details

New info is out on the latest Lupin III television movie "Seven Days Rhapsody" (numerous references are made to the plot unfolding over 7 days making the "70's Rhapsody" translation unlikely). Nippon Television Network will broadcast the special on Friday, September 8that 21:00. The story involves Lupin and friends on the trail of a valuable Diamond. Directing is Hajime Kamegaki (Air Gear), Screenplay by Kashiwabara Hiroshi (Farewell to Nostradamus), Character Designs by Satoru Hirayama (eX Driver OVA), Mechanical Designs by Mizumura Yoshio (eX Driver OVA), Music by Yuji Ono Production and Writing: TMS Entertainment. There are a few teaser images available at the official website(click the first hyperlinked text at the top of the page).

8-4-06 (11:50PM EDT)---- Government To Promote Contents Nationwide

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has decided to establish bureaus in nine places across the country to promote it's 13.6 trillion Yen strong contents industries such as movies, anime, manga and video games. The oficial name of the post is "Contents Sangyou Shinkou Shitsu" (Contents Industry Promotion Room). The regional promotion plan will synchronize with sightseeing tourism and even allow location hunting for movies and the dramas. The government set a goal to expands the contents market scale by five trillion Yen in 10 years in June.

8-4-06 (11:46PM EDT)---- Venezuelan Japanese Boom

Nikkey Shimbun reports on Japanese Language education interests spriging up across the South American nation of Venezuela. The number of students enrolling in such classes also grows. This follows up on a current Venezuelan craze over all things Japanese such as sushi, oregami, movies, bonsai tending, Karate, Go. This latest affinity is compared with the situation in Brazil where anime and manga, magazines and music have really taken off. It's said, as a single persuit, teaching Japanese in the country is usually not enough to support one's life financially.

8-4-06 (10:26PM EDT)---- Japan Sinks To Screen In 16 Countries

Based on Sakyo Komatsu's bestselling sci-fi disaster novel, Director Shinji Higuchi's Japan Sinks will open in 16 countries outside of Japan. such as South Korea. A budget of 2 billion yen ($17.8 million U.S.), makes it the most expensive SFX film in Japanese history. Distributor Toho announced South Korea will show it on 200 screens from August 31st, making it the most widely distributed live action Japanese movie there ever (Howl's Moving Castle was shown on 237 screens).

8-4-06 (9:13PM EDT)---- Gyagumanga2 Web

Kids Station has launched the official website for it's Gyagumanga2 TV series. Broadcasting starts from Saturday, August 5th at 22:30.

8-4-06 (8:00PM EDT)---- Conan Comes Alive In New Drama

The Daily Yomiuri Reports:
Meitantei Conan (Mondays, 7:30 p.m., NTV network) will become more "animated" this autumn. The cartoon hero will really come alive to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series. NTV's birthday present to Conan will be to give him human form in a special called Kudo Shinichi e no Chosenjo. Shun Oguri has the role of the teenage Kudo. Tomoka Kurokawa plays his girlfriend, Ran, while Takanori Jinnai portrays Ran's ditzy dad. No exact date or time has been announced yet, but the drama will focus on the life of the famed teen sleuth before he drank the criminal gang's poison potion that turned him into a squeaky-voiced, pint-sized detective in short pants and a bow tie with an awesome skateboard.

8-4-06 (8:09AM EDT)---- EVA After 10

GAINAX's 26 episode TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion originally aired between October 4, 1995 and March 27, 1996 via TV Tokyo-affiliates. The show was a grassroots brakeout hit worldwide and still ranks very high on most fans favorites lists. With the 10th anniversary having come and gone in Japan it's been hard to tell it's really been that long since the original broadcast. On the big occasion of the anniversary a slew of commemoration goods were put on the market last year. Additionally, Yoshiyki Sadamoto's manga adaptaion is still ongoing within the pages of Kadokawa Shoten's Shonen Ace. The manga itself has exceeded 15 million circulated copies in total. A live-action Hollywood film is still in the works. Despite the rather Gundamesque model of the show, the deep pschological elements helped it to achieve a kind of cult popularity as a more adult oriented story. Among animation in Japan Evangelion is regarded among many as a social phenomenon - the third revolutionary anime work following Yamato and Gundam.

8-4-06 (6:03AM EDT)---- Suzumiya Haruhi Computer Viruses

Everyone pretty much knows the popularity of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya has taken on viral proportions but this is just rediculous. First identified in Japan sometime in July, 2006, 2 new computer viruses have been on the spread, using omake images from the breakout hit anime. Also known as TSPY_HARADONG.A and TSPY_DENUTARO.J, the malicious programs are usually acquired through filesharing networks or websites. In the case of TSPY_HARADONG.A upon execution it makes a screen shot of the infected computer's desktop and saves it as a file. The program up-loads file to a FTP site by using a specific user account. it then displays several different image still from the Haruhi Suzumiya TV anime. At the same time a whole host of files with popular media and web-related extensions are deleted in whatever folder the program happens to reside. Trend Micro Japan has logged descriptions of the viruses and you can view them here and here.

8-4-06 (5:31AM EDT)---- Anime Heroine Makes PC Magazine Cover

Makoto Konno, the fictional high school heroine of Madhouse's current animated film Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo has appeared on the cover of Japanese personal computer information magazine "Weekly ASCII". The magazine, which hit Japanese shelves on August 1st usually appoints photos of real life popular female talents, models and actresses to the cover. This instance actually marks the first time since it's founding in 1997 that an animation character has decorated the cover. Character Designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto penned the image. Originally created by Yasutaka Tsutsui in his 1972 novel, the character, as she appears in the movie and on the cover (with various electronic gadgets) has been totally modernized. Weekly ASCII No.8/15 Official Website

8-4-06 (4:38AM EDT)---- Fullmetal Alchemist Movie Wins Fantasia Prize

FUNimation Entertainment has announced that "Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa" won the Best Animated Film award at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival. "This is outstanding news for an outstanding movie," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "The Fullmetal Alchemist series is very popular in the United States and for the movie to win such a significant award at the Fantasia International Film Festival demonstrates the highest level of artistic quality that fans have come to appreciate from Fullmetal Alchemist." Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa is the conclusion of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series. Taking place two years after the stirring finale of the series, Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa again joins the dramatic adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric, this time in alternate worlds. One world is dominated by science and one is dominated by alchemy, but both are headed for war. The Elric brothers search for a way to reunite and to stop a terrible battle. Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa will be released theatrically at limited engagements nationwide on August 25. Fans can find theatre locations in their area by visiting www.funimationfilms.com. FUNimation plans to release Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa on DVD on September 12, which will be available at major retailers nationwide in the USA.

8-4-06 (3:40AM EDT)---- World Masterpiece Theater Revives After 9 Years

Fuji Television Network's "World Masterpiece Theater" animation series is returning to the airwaves after an interval of 9 years. The series was scrubbed in the past due to a decrease in audience rating. The newly produced 24th work has been announced as Les Miserables - Shoujo Cosette, based on the book of the novel by Victor Hugo. Chinese CCTV will co-produce the 52 episode work. Broadcasting schedule is currently undecided. Bandai and Nippon Animation have been traditional partners in the production of World Masterpiece Theater although their involvement with the new project remains undetermined as Les Miserables itself remains unannounced. The official website currently makes no mention of the new animation and the only proof to it's existance comes from a teaser image (pictured) and some acknowledgements by associated staff. Past shows in the series include the highly acclaimed Heidi, Girl of the Alps, which among Japanese, remains as one of the most popular animations ever made there. Studio Ghibli Directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata both worked on several of the series. The World Masterpiece Theater lasted for 23 seasons prior to the last hiatus.

8-4-06 (2:02AM EDT)---- Worldwide Castlevania Animation Rights Acquired

Project 51 Prods. has acquired the worldwide animation and related rights to video game series "Castlevania," a popular story of valiants and vampires that sprawls over six centuries with no end in sight. Eric Gardner of Panacea Entertainment represented Project 51 and its principal Kevin Kolde in the deal and will executive produce all related projects with him. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Konami said that more than 20 million games in the series have been sold. Analysts also credit fan loyalty to "Castlevania" as being instrumental in the success of the Nintendo DS hand-held game system, which exceeded 20 million units sold. Source: The Hollywood Reporter Special Thanks To Daniel Zelter For News Submission.

8-4-06 (1:56AM EDT)---- Misc. North American DVD Releases

Central Park Media has the second UY movie, Beautiful Dreamer: SE, re-priced for $19.95, the Complete Shamanic Princess re-priced for $9.95, the entire Spirit Warrior collection re-priced for $49.95, and all scheduled for Oct. 24. Scheduled for Oct. 3 from Manga, according to Anchor Bay is a Street Fighter 3-pack which includes the first two volumes of SF 2V and SF Alpha for $19.98. Thanks to Daniel for the news.

8-4-06 (1:52AM EDT)---- Solid State Society Trailer Premiere / First Images

To commemorate the "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" collaboration between Production I.G. and Nissan, Nissan will hold a special public exhibition at the Nissan Gallery in Tokyo. Event: Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. meets NISSAN Venue: The Nissan Ginza Gallery 5-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Dates: Aug. 5, 2006 (Sat) to Aug. 14, 2006 (Mon) Time: 10:00-20:00 Exhibits: Japan premiere of the Nissan Sport Concept Premiere screening of the promotional trailer for "Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. - Solid State Society" Collaborative displays, including related goods, original drawings and script.

8-4-06 (12:36AM EDT)---- Nissan Concept Cars In GIS: SAC - Solid State Society

TOKYO, A.D. 2034 - It's been two years since Motoko Kusanagi left Section 9, the special police force of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission. Togusa is now the new leader of the considerably expanded unit. Section 9 confronts a string of mysterious cases, and investigations reveal that a wizard hacker named the Puppeteer is behind all of them... This is the opening setup for the science fiction full-length animated feature "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society," directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Production I.G, one of the world's leading animation studios (http://www.production-ig.com). In a rare collaborative event between an animation studio and an automaker, the feature will introduce animated versions of two concept vehicles ? The Nissan Sport Concept and Infiniti Kuraza. The Sport Concept, unveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, and Infiniti Kuraza, shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, are driven by Section 9's team members. The movie will premiere in Japan on the SKYPerfecTV! satellite television network on September 1st, and successively released on DVD on November 24th. The DVD release in the US and Europe is expected in 2007. "This film is more than a simple combination of our animation with Nissan concept cars; it's the first full-scale collaboration by the creative people in both companies," said Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, president & CEO of Production I.G. "The zealous effort by our highly motivated creators, from the director right down the staff roster is noticeable in the film. Take a close look at the cars in the film. I'll bet you find them every bit as cool as the actual cars."

"This is a revolutionary collaboration made possible by direct exchanges between both young and more experienced creative talents from both companies and is different from product placement," said Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's senior vice president and chief creative officer. "Japanese animation is being taken more seriously as art every year around the world, and the concept cars in this film are rendered with particularly high quality; they're just wonderful. We hope that besides contributing to a great film experience, these very exciting images will bring the Nissan brand to a new spectrum of customers." The Sport Concept is a three-door hatchback with a full-custom look to appeal to younger drivers. The dynamic shape of the car's fenders and spoilers, as well as its large wheels, evoke the supercars of video games. Infiniti Kuraza is designed for total comfort for six people and suggests new directions for sport utility vehicles. The car's luxurious interior combines traditional Japanese design principles, natural materials and state-of-the-art technology. Images (C) Shirow Masamune - Production I.G/KODANSHA

8-4-06 (12:36AM EDT)---- Gedo Senki Opening Weekend Numbers

The weekend of July 29-30 saw Studio Ghibli's Gedo Senki ascend to the top boxoffice position drawing in around 670,000 people to 435 screens, and turning a profit of 900 million Yen. Toe to toe, Gedo Senki's performance is in effect down around 13.9% versus Spirited Away's opening weekend. South Korea premieres the film on August 10th, followed by around 50 countries.

8-4-06 (12:20AM EDT)---- Yoko Kanno In South Korea

Famed anime music composer Yoko Kanno will be in Seoul, South Korea next weekend at Gravity Festival 2006. On August 12th she will hold an autograph session. Most recently the Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus scorer composed all songs (around 90 tracks total) on the soundtrack to PC MMORPG "Ragnarok Online 2". In writing the songs Kanno drew from the fantasy world of the game based on old Europe. The Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra performs much of the music.

8-3-06 (11:23PM EDT)---- Bartender To Be Animated

The manga Bartender by Araki Jo & Kenji Nagatomo, serialized In Shueisha's Super Jump is headed to an anime TV series. Few details exist at this time but Fuji Television Network has commited to broadcast beginning this autumn. The story follows a genius bartender that has won a championship in a worldwide contest in the past and decides to work for a hotel Bar. The manga began in 2004. 5 tankabon volumes are currently on the market.

8-3-06 (9:06PM EDT)---- Death Note Anime Broadcast Start Details

The TV Anime adaptation of Tsugumi Ooba and Takeshi Obata's Death Note manga has been given a Midnight October 3rd broadcast start date on Nippon Television Network in Japan. Other new information: studio Madhouse will produce the animation directed by Araki Tetsuro (Galaxy Angel, Otogi-Jushi Akazukin). Script by Toshiki Inoue, Character Designs by Masaru Kitao, Art Direction by Mio Ishiki, Sound Direction by Tomoaki Yamada (Black Jack), Color Scheme by Masaru Hashimoto.

8-3-06 (8:38PM EDT)---- New Eien No Hou Trailer

The official website for the coming anime film Eien No Hou (www.eien-movie.jp) has upadted with a second trailer. The nationwide Japanese premiere is Saturday, September 30, 2006.

8-3-06 (8:25PM EDT)---- Gin-iro no Olynsis To Be Animated

Writer Amemiya Hitomi and Illustrator Hirai Hisashi's seinen light novel Gin-iro no Olynsis (gin'iro no orinshisu) has been confirmed to be adapted to an anime TV series. The Toei Animation produced work will debut on ABC from October 2006. Staff include director Tokoro Katsumi (One Piece), Composition by Takeda Yuuichirou (Banner Of The Stars 1-2, Infinite Ryvius) and Character Designs by Hisashi Hirai (Gundam SEED, Gundam SEED DESTINY). The story originally serialized in the young men's magaizne Dengeki Maoh.

8-3-06 (7:40PM EDT)---- China Set To Release Most Expensive Animated Film

"Thru the Moebius Strip" (www.moebiusstrip.net), the most-expensive animated film ever made in China, which features more than 400 artists from eight countries, will hit screens in China on Friday. The 16.25-million-U.S.-dollar animation, about a resourceful boy's adventure, is thoroughly western in terms of visual style, content and characterisation, Teresa Cao, assistant to the general manager of the Institute of Digital Media Technology (Shenzhen) Limited (IDMT), the movie's producer, told Xinhua on Thursday. "We spent five years making the three-dimensional film," Cao said, adding that many famous foreign artists appear in the credit list, including director Glenn Chaika ("Mulan 2"), animation supervisor Kelvin Lee ("City of Angels" and "Stuart Little") and Bob Koch ("Toy Story 2" and "A Bug's Life"). Overseas distribution rights for the movie have been sold to more than 10 countries. Merchandising products such as illustration albums, novels, clothes, accessories and toys will go on sale later, she said. The film was made in English with Chinese as second language, a first for China-made films. Source: Xinhua via The Hindu

8-3-06 (7:23PM EDT)---- GAINAX Bounces Back With GURREN-LAGANN

11 years since their smash hit science fiction robot anime television series Neon Genesis Evangelion GAINAX is back with their newly announced anime Maiking Break-Through GURREN-LAGANN. Spring 2007 is the targeted debut and Konami and Aniplex have signed own to co-produce the project which will boast a roster of budding and spirited creators, incredible music and a hopefully sellout - must have toyline. At the kickoff production symposium event at the Imperial Hotel in Saiwai-cho, Tokyo on July 11, GAINAX representative director Hiroyuki Yamaga spoke on the aims of the project: "Our interests are to pursue a pure robot animation." 1972's Mazinga Z is commonly seen at starting the genre with Gundam and Evangelion marking milestones in the development of giant robot franchises. That said, finding a work that exceeds the popularity, eminence and product sales of Gundam and EVA is very hard indeed. 35 year old Hiroyuki Imaishi will direct, Kazuki Nakashima will handle series compostion, writing the scenario will be Kazuki Nakashima, lead character designer will be Atsushi Nishigori, mechanical designer will be Yoh Yoshinari. Producer Yasushi Takeda says their team is seeking to produce a definitive robot animation of the 21st century. DVD and overseas sales are already being pursued. Soundtrack composition is being headed up by Sony Music Entertainment and the same team that scored Fullmetal Alchemist. Established toy companies such as Bandai, Takara and Tommy have been passed up to allow relative newcommer Konami Digital Entertainment the oppertunity to undertake toy development and marketing single-handedly. Yojiro Kudo, President of Konami's Toy & Hobby devision mentioned "Cooperation with GAINAX is also good, and product ideas have gathered fast". Episode run is currently set for 26 episodes. Aniplex's director, Koichi Natsume, also stated that Gurren-Lagann might get multiple sequel series. The official website is www.gurren-lagann.net

8-3-06 (5:51PM EDT)---- Contents Copyright Portal Planned

As many American licensors of anime and manga will tell you, going after the rights to potential hot property has not always been as straightforward as it seems. In the past, due to the way rights to a project were distributed in Japan, one could find themselves going through a labyrinth rights holders only to come out with no license and total confusion. The Japanese Federation of Economic Organizations is holding a conference this week to try and solve these kinds of headaches. Around 60 companies (Japan Phonograph Record Association, Major TV Networks and Publishing Houses) are onboard a proposal to manage a one stop portal site where info on Japanese movies, television programs and music can be retrieved by interested parties in seconds. The beta version will go live in December and will be free to access.

8-3-06 (5:51PM EDT)---- Mushiking Summit Draws International Players

Sega will soon hold their international exchange event for children interested in the anime / cardgame franchise 'Beetle King Mushiking' in Singapore. Mushiking Summit 2006 will bring together players from allover the world including representatives from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, the United States, and Britain. The anime TV series just began running in April this year in Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong to much fanfare. The event dates are August 18th-21st in August. Official Website.

8-3-06 (6:08AM EDT)---- Goro And Hayao Miyazaki Haven't Spoken In 1 Year

Livedoor interviews Gedo Senki Director Goro Miyazaki and confirms August 1st marks 1 year to the day since he and his father Hayao Miyazaki last exchanged words. Their last discussion is said to have been loud and heated with the father viemently opposed to the son picking up the director reigns on the film based on Ursula K. Leguin Earthsea novel series. The elder reportedly said to the prospective young Director "It is a blasphemy to the animation that you who possess no experience decides to produce!" Excluding a sketch book drawn at the initial project stage, during the production process Goro received neither words of advice nor support. Likewise, there was also apparantly no fore-notice of Hayao Miyazaki's first viewing of the film although 3 days after he had seen it Goro heard the impression of his father from aquaintances: "It was basic faithful and good".

8-3-06 (4:04AM EDT)---- 350,000 Yen 1/12 Scale Gundam Model To Be Marketed

Their latest large-scale size model, Bandai plans to market their HY2M HYPER HYBRID MODEL 1/12 RX78-2 GUNDAM in Japan for 350,000 Yen from December 6th. Standing 1.5m in height and weighing 40kg, Bandai assumes men in their 20's-40's will be the main buyers for the 350,000 Yen Model. They hope to sell 1000 units. Their HYPER HYBRID MODEL 1/12 MS06S ZAKU II sold 1500 units in 2001 carrying a 207900 Yen pricetag. Improvements on the giant sized line include lit eyes, increased degrees of articulation (14 points total), and added sound effects (15 total). Over 200 parts make up the Gundam and standard time for assembly is estimated at around 4 hours. Protoypes have been displayed in the past although the finished version will e shown for the first time at the C3x HOBBY Carahobby 2006 held at Makuhari Messe on the 19th and August 20th. It's worth noting that at this price scale of collecting on the otaku strata, 350,000 Yen can routinely net you a full 35mm print (complete with film can) of a current anime movie.

8-3-06 (3:12AM EDT)---- Fist Of The North Card

Courtesy Northstar Pictures Now being offered in Japan are 2 distinctively illustrated SEIKIMATSU KYUSEISHU DENSETSU HOKUTO-NO-KEN VISA Credit Cards. Thanks to Daniel for the link.

8-3-06 (2:24AM EDT)---- World Cosplay Summit 2006 This Weekend

Presented by TV Aichi, the main ceremony of The World Cosplay Summit 2006 will occur on the 5th and 6th of August in Nagoya. The summit is a competition / exhibition focusing on international cosplayers dressing up as Japanese anime and manga characters. Television Aichi announced the outline of the event on Wednesday at the Tokyo Anime Center in Akihabara. 22 lucky cosplayers from 9 countries including Japan, Germany, Spain, France and China are participating. The group will march in the Osu Costume Play Parade in Nagoya on the 5th before appearing in the "World Costume Play Championship" on the sixth. The non-Japanese winner gets an airline ticket to return to Japan and a Japanese winner will get a ticket to visit any of the participating countries. The 2nd place runnerup gets 50,000 Yen in and the 3rd place runnerup will get 30,000 Yen in goods. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs that recently announced new aims at cultural exchange with the world through the anime and manga is looking to attract tourists from foreign countries to Japan this year. Television Aichi has sponsored the summit since 2003, and held it at the Aichi Expo Hall last year where 3000 spectators gathered. Go Nagai (Mazinga-Z, Devil Man, and Cutie Honey) will participate in WCS 2006 as a judge. There will be no representatives from the USA this year due to what organizers describe as a regrettable mix up in the planning towards the US representative's preliminary contest. In it's place, the 9th country to participate at World Cosplay Summit 2006 will be Singapore.

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