Anime News Service - January 17-19 Anime News

1-19-05---- D.I.C.E. Updates

Bandai has sent us a little reminder that their newest animation property, D.I.C.E. premieres at 7:30 PM this Saturday, January 22nd, on Cartoon Network. Toys are hitting shelves across America now. Logon to http://www.diceofficial.com for more details.

1-19-05---- iDog Site

Sega Toys has launched the official website of it's virtual pet iDog, which will go on sale in April in Japan.

1-19-05---- Csupo On Anime

According to Singapore's Electric New Paper Gabor Csupo's children love anime. The man is the founder of Klasky Csupo, the animation studio that launched The Simpsons and Rugrats, more renegade from Disney you can't get. 'Anime has been penetrating the American market for 10 years; there is a cult following for that genre,' the native Hungarian said. 'My four kids too, aged two to 19, love it.' Csupo is attending the BIFF to highlight animation industry seminars.

1-19-05---- Lolicon Killer Update

The main suspect in a recent Nara kidnapping and slaying of an elementary school girl has had some of his testimony quoted in the Japanese press. Mr. Kobayashi has reportdly admitted to Nara prefectural police, "I saw X-rated video of Lolita usually, and wanted to try actually on that day". The investigation headquarters has judged that his devotion to young girls is the prime motivation behind suspect Kobayashi's psychology, leading to the kidnapping. He was arrested on homicide and illegal disposal of a body. The Nara District Public Prosecutors office is now persuing the matter. Kobayashi admitted he was interested in young girls since junior high and enjoyed lolita X-rated videos and manga. Kobayashi reportedly had two VCRs and became friends with a video distributor he met in a bar who gave him 60 videos free of charge. Source: Osaka Yomiuri

1-19-05---- Mushiking TV Confirmed

Tomus Entertainment of Nagoya City has announced it's TV animation, Kouchuu Ouja Mushikingu Mori No Tami No Densetsu TV animation will broadcast from the 19th on TV Tokyo and from April 6th on TV Aichi. The anime is based on the popular game released by Sega. Tomus hopes to raise the popularity of the work to that of Anpan Mna and Detective Conan. The 1 year TV series will be composed of 52 30 minute episodes. Source: Chunichi

1-19-05---- 1/1 Scale Scopedog Being Built

A Japanese industrial artist named Kogoro (Crata Kogoro) has been manufacturing a 1/1 scale metal replica of the Scopedog AT used by Chirico Cuvie in Ryosuke Takahashi's Armored Trooper Votoms Anime series. Images of the work in progress - 4 meter tall AT can be viewed at the above link and in Kokoro's Monkey Farm blog. The creation will be shown at Wonder Festival in Tokyo on Feb. 20th. His past works include combining a Fiat 500 on caterpillar drivetrain, dubbed the Cinque Tank.

1-19-05---- University Exam Details Leak Out On 2ch

It's been discovered in Japan that the contents of tests issued by the National Center for University Entrance Examination have leaked out onto the popular 2ch internet bulletin board. There is a possibility of the source being someone associated with the examination contents also. The leaked contents were written in English and Japanese. The issue is currently under investigation. Source: IT Media

1-19-05---- Iron Chef America In Japanese Press

Based on the hit original Iron Chef TV program produced by Fuji Televsison, Food Network has recently moved forward with their spinoff Iron Chef America. Asahi News (Japanese) reports the show began broadcast on the 16th and will run for ten episodes across the United States and Canada at 9:00PM on Sundays. Actor/Martial Artist Mark Dacascos will appear in the series. The first epiosde includes a challenge between Mexican and Southwest cuisine. Food Network contracted the idea with Fuji TV who offered their production manual and guidance.

1-19-05---- Yahoo Japan Auctions Adds New Rule

Those who work online auctions in Japan maybe interested to know that Yahoo has introduced a new rule for auction stores where they must have an item physically in stock before making the listing placement. The rule goes into effect noon of February 1st, 2005. The purpose of the rule addtion was made becuase there have been problems with bidders winning items that did not ship in a reasonable amount of time after the auction close. It turned out these items had to be restocked by the seller and this was the reason for the time delay. Souce: Nikkei BP

1-19-05---- Smallest Dice In The World

Nippon Style's website is now selling what it calls the smallest dice in the world. Made from brass, each die is 300 microns in size. The dice are faithfully reproduced in three dimensions. Each pip (dot) is 50 microns in size. Weight is 0.00016 grams. Produced at the Saitama Prefecture industry and technology and synthesis centers the creation of each die takes about 9 hours. Retailing at 99,750 Yen the dice sales are being limited to 10 units. A special case is included with the purcahse. Please see the above link for amazing images and ordering info.

1-19-05---- Evangelion NERV Edition iPod

Based on the secret organization that saves Tokyo 3 from an alien threat in Neon Genesis Evangelion, NERV has gotten it's very owned themed iPod. Sold via Rabbit Market and Bandai Networks from December of last year, reservations were completely filled at 2000 units. The functional side of the iPod includes a 20GB model as a base. The back of the unit is laser stamped with the "NERV" crest. Enameled specially-made case, Nerv stamped earphones, and liquid crystal display. Colored in white, the iPod is colored like the plugsuit of Ayanami Rei. Source: Famitsu

1-19-05---- Top 2 Site Launch

Bandai Games has added an official wesbite for the coming Top O Nare! 2 (GUNBUSTER) PS2 game.

1-19-05---- Tenjou Tenge Items

According to Shueisha, the Tenjou Tenge Ultimate Fight OAV will be released in Japan on March 16th. Meanwhile Toranoana has updated with a product listing for Tenjou TengexPinky: St. THE GREATEST TAG BOX. Due in late May 2005, the box will retail for at 1470 yen. Included therein are a Figure+booklet.

1-19-05---- UK Based Japan Manga Tour Launches

Japan Manga Tour 2005 - 30th March - 5th April 2005

TOUR INCLUDES:
-Entry to Tokyo International Animation Fair - the biggest animation event in Japan
-Visit to Ghibli Museum, designed by Japan's top animator, Hayao Miyazaki Academy Award winner for "Spirited Away"
-Guided tour of Tokyo: the world's busiest, wildest and wackiest city! -Visit to Akihabara: famous for dozens of animation shops and electronic goods
-6 nights hotel accommodation at a 3* hotel & Japanese breakfast daily
-Airport transfers from and to Narita Airport (Tokyo New International)
-Services of a knowledgeable, bilingual Japan Journey's guide throughout
-Lots of FUN, ADVENTURE & LAUGHS!!

PRICE: US$799 per person (land only) for a room on a shared basis

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, CALL +44 207 437 5453 OR visit www.japanjourneys.co.uk

Days 1-2: Arrive Tokyo
Passengers from Europe will arrive at Tokyo International Airport at 16.45 Japan time on 30 March 2005. You are advised to arrange your flight to land at a similar time so that you can be met and transferred to your hotel in Tokyo by private coach.

Day 3: Ghibli Museum, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine
After breakfast, we will visit the superb Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, designed by Japanfs top animator, Hayao Miyazaki, Academy Award winner for gSpirited Awayh. Then we go on to wacky Harajuku and visit the nearby beautiful Meiji Shrine.

Day 4: Akihabara, Asakusa, Shinjuku
Today we visit Akihabara ? famous for dozens of animation shops and electronic good stores. We then move on and visit bustling Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. After lunch, we move on to the buzzing district of Shinjuku.

Day 5: Ginza, Sony Building, Imperial Palace, Ultraman World
After breakfast, we visit Ginza ? home of stratospherically-priced stores. We will visit the Sony Centre where you can view and handle all Sonyfs latest goods. We walk on to the Imperial Palace, then visit Ultraman World at nearby Tokyo Station.

Day 6: Tokyo International Animation Fair
You will have most of the day at leisure to enjoy the Tokyo International Animation Fair. We then move on to the futuristic district of Odaiba, recently built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay.

Day 7: Free Day
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 8: Depart Japan
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Narita Airport (Tokyo New International Airport) by private coach from where you will depart. Passengers from Europe will depart at noon on 5 April.

PRICE INCLUDES:
Scheduled return non-stop Economy class flights with Japan Airlines (European passengers only) 6 nights hotel accommodation at a centrally located 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo and Japanese breakfast every morning Private air-conditioned coach transfers to/from Tokyo airport Sightseeing and entrance fees to all temples, shrines, museums and other attractions on tour Services of a knowledgeable Japan Journeys Guide throughout

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

Travel Insurance We recommend that you are adequately insured as soon as you book your holiday.

PRICE: US$799 per person for a room on a shared basis

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$330 To make a booking, a deposit of 10% per person is required. The balance of the price of the trip must be made 8 weeks prior to departure.

TO BOOK NOW, CALL +44 207 437 5453 OR EMAIL info@japanjourneys.co.uk Japan Journeys Limited Victory House, 14 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BZ UNITED KINGDOM

Tel: +44 207 437 5453 Fax: +44 207 287 7827 www.japanjourneys.co.uk

1-19-05---- Mr. Moto Review

The Daily Vanguard takes a look at the Portland, Oregon Japanese restaurant Mr. Moto in which anime posters decorate the walls.

1-18-05---- Biohazard II Japanese Movie Site

Sony Pictures has created a website for it's release of Biohazard (Resident Evil) II: Apocalypse.

1-18-05---- 59th Mainichi/Sponichi Movie Prize Winners

The Sponichi and Mainichi Newspapers in Japan have annouced the winners of their jointly sponsored 59th Movie Prize. Kumonomukou took the animation movie prize while Director Masaaki Yuasa's 'Mind Game' was chosen under the special Makoto Oto Shou award. Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle was slected as the winner of the Japanese Movie Fan Prize. The award is the oldest prize exisiting that commends Japanese animation work. Past recipients include Millenium Actress and MEMORIES.

1-18-05---- Full Metal Alchemist Film Trailer

Shochiku's website has uploaded a new video trailer showcasing Bones' animation work in the coming Full Metal lchemist Movie.

1-18-05---- Oshii Announces Aichi Expo Attraction

At a press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday, Director Mamoru Oshii announced the Mezameno Hakobune theme theater attraction to be present at this year's Aichi Expo in Nagoya from March 25th. The director has taken charge of the integrated production of the theater project to be installed in a corporate pavilion in the Nagakute hall. 139 statues which will personify fish, birds, and dogs will fill a cylindrical theater of 20 meters in height. Music relating ideas such as the Sea, Emptyness and Earth will flow through the hall. The theme will be changed every two months. Source: Mainichi (Japanese)

1-18-05---- Broccoli Deficit

According to Nikkei News Broccoli has announced a consolidated pretax loss of 345 million Yen for the term ending in February, 2005. The expectation for the same period was a surplus of 10 million yen or less conventionally. A slump in related product sales such as game software, comic books etc.. is being cited.

1-18-05---- PokePark Expounded Upon

More details are out on the coming Pokemon theme park to open from March in Nagoya. The location of the facilities is on an old bamboo grass island freight station site in Nagoya City, Nakamura Ward. The park is expected to draw many guests from foreign countries as well as Japan's children who grew up watching the show and playing the games. It will open around the time of the Aichi Expo in March. The park is a joint enterprise of Nagoya City and 7 companies. A special CD theme to the park as well as an exclusive 3D film will be made in conjunction with the opening. The Pokemon TV series has broadcast in 68 countries around the world. Public relations for the park have been planned in Hong Kong, United States and Taiwan as of the end of last year. The homepage of the Pokepark established last October achieved 3.56 million accesses by the 17th, and 40% of visitor have viewed the English language version from foreign countries.
Source: Chunichi

1-18-05---- Steamboy English Voices

English voices for Sony Pictures' American release for Steamboy have been decided. Anna Paquin (Rogue/X-Men) will voice Ray Steam, Alfred Molina (Doc Ock/Spiderman 2) plays Eddie Steam and finally Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean Luc Picard/Star Trek: TNG) will take on the English role of Lloyd Steam. Also the site mentions Steamboy has recieved a PG-13 rating.

1-18-05---- To Heart: Remember My Memories DVD Release

The To Heart: Remember My Memories TV series is set to release on DVD in Japan courtesy IMAGICA over 7 volumes. The animation is based on the lovesim released by AQUAPLUS for PSX in 1999. 1 omake feature is the set is the mini-animation addition of "Heart Fighters" only available with this DVD. Volume 1 of this special is "Tomoko VS Remi". In addition, a picture disc and eight page color manual are enclosed as extras. Vol. 1 is due on January 26, 2005 at 2625 Yen. You can view the jacket image, screen grabs and other volume release dates at IT Games.

1-18-05---- Eien No Aseria OAV

The release date for the first episode of the coming Eien No Aseria OAV has been decided in Japan for An eternal Aseria the first sale has been decided for May 27th, 2005.

1-18-05---- Girls Bravo 2nd Season

WoWoW's Girls Bravo 2nd season website is online nad has updated with a streaming video trailer that can be accessed from the main page.

1-18-05---- Bandai Revives Space Warp

Bandai has announced that rerelease of their popular popular "Space Warp" toy, released in the 80's. It will renter the market on February 26. Retitled Space Warp 5000, 80,000 units are scheduled to be sold by the end of December targeting men 30-50 years old. The retail price is 5250 Yen. The original was released in 1983 and sold one million units total over four years. For more information: http://www.tanomi.com/shop/html/items02152.html

1-18-05---- MSX / PC8801 Emulation Project

Project X1 represents one Japanese hobbyist's attempt to emulate the classic MSX2 and PC8801 hardware platforms using a single microprocessor.

1-18-05---- Pokepark Exclusive Pokemon 3D Film

On March 18th the Pokemon theme park, "Pokepark", finally opens in Nagoya. The Multiplex Cinemas adjacent to the park will screen a special the Pokemon 3D movie, the first in the world. "Pokemon 3D Adventure Myuuwo Sagase" will be an exclusive experience to these theaters. Details are forthcoming but so far the 109 Cinemas Nagoya are signed on to run the feature from March 18th - September 25th of 2005. The official website for the Pokepark is www.poke-park.jp. Source: Pokemon2005.jp

1-17-05

- Chunichi Shinbum reports on a recent accoustical concert in Japan where 120 people including kindergarteners gathered to hear anime themes. The four musicians in the group performed songs featured in Hayao Miyazaki works including Laputa: Castle in the Sky and My Neighbor Totoro.
- T.M. Revolution lead vocalist Takanori Nishikawa will voice the elite pilot "Heine Vestenfls" in Sunrise's Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny TV series. His MS will be an orange Zaku variant named "Gouf Ignited". Source(images): Sunrise
- The Japanese edition of Asahi news profiles Japanese actress Keiko Toda. Her career began in her 20's and her roles range from anime such as Anpanman to dramas.
- A new book on the media contents business is out in Japan entitled "Odoru Contents Business No Mirai". The cover features 3 prominent anime works. Within it's pages, authors Katakeyama Kenji and Kubo Yuuichi cover anime film such as Hayao Miyazaki's works and Pocket Monsters. The question is posed to the reader asking if Japan's content industries might surpass that of consumer electronics or autos. Sources in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Agency for Cultural Affairs are all interviewed on the issue in the book. Producer Masakazu Kubo of "Pokemon" also gives his thoughts.
Source: Fuji Sankei Business
- Toho has been riding a wave of success in recent months, owing some portion of credit to success of Howl's Moving Castle. As of February the company's profits will about 10% up since September. In 2004 the company brought in 203.2 billion Yen according to the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan. Howl's drew more than 5 million viewers to theaters in just 16 days after the film's opening. Source: Fuji Sankei Business
- A Kite making rally was held in Fukuchiyama City and Maizuru City on the 16th, where parents and children turned out to produce a variety of handmade fliers. Animated characters were popular finds on the kites as decorations. Source: Kyoto Newspaper
- The Japanese singer Linda Yamamoto (Tenchi In Tokyo OP, Rejienzu Soeru Ryuuou Densetsu) held a sales commemoration event for her newest work "Dounimotomaranai Non Stop" at HMV Shibuya in on the 16th. About 300 people crowded the hall including parents and children. Source: Sanspo.com
- The well known Japanese voice actress Nobuyo Oyama (Doraemon) appeared at Club Sega Shinjuku West Exit Shop on Saturday, January 15, 2005. This event was in commemoration of the opening in December of last year. Oyama appeared in an honorary role as the "manager for a day" of the shop. Although the day was plagued by rain, many fans streamed into the area to catch a glimpse of the activities taking place. She appeared saying "Hello" in the familiar voice of the character Doraemon. The grand climax came she played the classic arcade game Araknoid.
Source: GPara
- Broadband Watch reports Yahoo Japan's Bandai animation channel has been amking big headway into online streaming of anime works. Managing of 15 animated cartoon works such as Full Metal Alchmist, Dunbine, Gunbuster and Rahzephon commenced on January 14. Delivery comes in 300kbps, 500kbps, and 1Mbps streams via Windows Media format.
- The website for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has released an official announcement on courtesy the Industrial Bureau of Labor on the Tokyo International Animated Cartoon Fair 2005. The event will occur at Tokyo Big sight March 31- April 3rd of 2005 and represent a international business venue for the discussion and promotion of anime related licenses. The TAF Executive Committee will sponsor the fair. The commitee will hold a discussion event leading up to the fair on Monday, January 24, 2005. The meeting will be open to the public.
- The Shoujo Arts Society and YuriKon LLC have announced their brand-new, all-encompassing convention highlighting all manga and anime by, for, and about women: Onna! Onna! will take the ideas behind Shoujocon and Yuricon, two separate conventions focusing on women in anime and manga, and promote them in a single setting. Onna! will showcase anime and manga of all types: shoujo, Boys' Love, shoujoai, josei, shounen, and yuri, from the sweetest of fluff to the darkest of melodrama and everything in between. Onna! will also offer a Western track of programming, featuring women's comics and animation from the US and Canada, as well as women who work in these and other related fields. Onna! will be open to all ages, and both men and women who are interested in anime, manga, or comics with a positive female perspective. For Shoujo Arts Society and Yuricon LLC, the partnership reflects their shared interest in women's roles in animation and manga, as well as a means for both organizations to continue to bring fans of women's manga and anime a convention based on the East Coast. Onna! happens Columbus Day weekend, October 8 to 10, 2005, at the Hilton Gateway in Newark, NJ. To register, volunteer , or get more information about Onna!, visit http://www.onnafest.com. For more information about Yuricon, visit http://www.yuricon.org. For more information about Shoujo Arts Society, visit http://www.shoujoarts.org.
- India's Business Standard reports Mumbai-based producer of animation film and television programmes, Animation Bridge, has entered into co-production agreements with French, Japanese and UK producers of animation entertainment products. This apart, it is also looking at acquiring rights of popular comic book characters for producing animated films and television programmes based on them. Animation Bridge has also entered into co-production of a 26-episode action-oriented 2D series called Guardians of Luna with a Japanese producer. This series is likely to go on air in August 2006. Michael Reaves of Batman: The Animated Series fame is the story-editor for the series and the key animation is being done in Japan, he added. The character design is being done by Osamu Tsuruyama, Sho Murase and John Nevarez in the anime style. Guardians of Luna is a $6.5 million project.
- Sunrise reports Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino will appear at the 28th Kitasato University alumni association, where he will conduct a special lecture. The event will take place in the school's convention hall 2:00PM-3:00PM, Saturday, January 22, 2005. The topic will center on 25 years of Gundam. Admission is free. Tomino has recently been working on the coming Gundam Zeta film remakes.
- IT Media has a piece on a new 5.1 Channel speaker system being released in Japan by Yamaha. The catch here is there is just one rectangular speaker component in the set. It's mentioned that this isnt the older method of "virtual surround" used in the past but the technology involved is newly researched.
- Dengeki Online reports a new typing game based on Ragnarok is coming to the PS2.
- DollShow has details of new doll figures based on the popular FATE STAY/NIGHT property. The extrmely limited production run of 280 each will have the "Saver" doll complete with armor andweapons retail at 23,000 Yen. "Lin Enzaka" will retail at 17,000 Yen.
- 4Gamer.net has some details and images of new Y's action figures soon to release in Japan. Due in March, 2005, the characters Olha, Esha, Fena, the rhea, and Lillia etc.. who appear in latest work are collected. The size of the figures are 120-130mm, and the price is 525 Yen a piece. The set of six plus a secret figure will retail at 1,800 Yen.
- The FOXBOX website now has a One Piece "making of" you can look through, as well as a poll for the "baddest pirate".
- Furuta will be releasing a new set of 6 Golgo13 figures in March that will retail at 315 Yen a piece. Click here for an image of the set.
- In commemoration of the release of the Kannon DVD BOX a special wallpaper is being offered for free at the link.
- The official website for GAINAX's Top O Nare! 2 has updated with 2nd episode details and some info on new figures: www.top2.jp.
- The official Square/ENIX website for the coming RPG Radiata Stories (due January 27 on ps2) will stream the recently reported on Tv commercials featuring animation by Production I.G. for a limited period (Jan17-31). The theme "Fortune" by Namino Tamaoki plays in the as the BGM for the commercial. A 15 and 30 second video clip commercial spot can be viewed.
- CLAMP has released details for the Tsubasa - Resevoir Chronicle TV series to broadcast on NHK from April. Animation production is being covered by Betoran, Direction by Mashita Kouichi (.hack//SIGN), Character Designs by Chiba Minako (.hack//SIGN, Noir), OP theme by Kin'Ya. After being out of anime related music for sometime (her last contribution was in 2003), Maaya Sakamoto will soon release her ED theme single to "Tsubasa". The single with her track contribution, look for it in April. Source: CLAMP
- ATLUS just uploaded it's official website for Growlanser Chronicle.
- Toei's Xenosaga site has updated with some new set data.
- Character details are out on the the new TV series adaptation of Izumo - Takeki Tsurugi No Senki. Originally debuting from Studio e-go! in 2001, in Dreamcast and OVA format, IZUMO2 is coming to broadcast this spring acorss Japan.
- The Super Eurobeat artist Matteo Setti (Matt Land) mentions to ANS he just signed onto a new independent Italian label called Factory Playing Music (FPM) who will be promoting him across Italy. Three new songs will be coming via this collaboration soon that will represent his first solo project.
- www.streamload.com , the leading Internet service for transfer and storage of personal digital entertainment, announced today they are now offering 10 GB of free online storage to everyone who signs up, an increase from 1 GB per month. For as low as $4.95 per month, Streamloaders enjoy unlimited storage and never have to worry about running out of space again and have anywhere, anytime access to their stored files. Streamload is the ideal complementary service for owners of DVRs, digital camcorders, MP3 players, Microsoft Media Center PCs, Portable Media Centers (PMC) and digital cameras, and enthusiasts of music, anime and digital photography.
- Box Office Mojo earnings details for AppleSeed's theatrical release. According to the site, the earnings were $101,000 for the weekend of Jan. 14-17.. Big thanks to Daniel for the link.
- TV Shows On DVD reports Sony Home Entertainment has announced a DVD release for Astro Boy - The Complete Series, containing all 50 episodes of the show, including 29 that were produced for the USA but have not aired up to this point. Astro Boy - The Complete Series blasts onto store shelves on March 29th, in a 5-DVD package that costs $49.95 SRP. The running time is 1010 minutes, according to Sony.

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