Anime News Service - January 16-19 Anime News

1-19-02---- Tokyo Auto Salon Images

Vtec.net has uploaded images and a report from the recently wrapped Tokyo Auto Salon. Several aftermaret manufacturers represent their latest modifications and car body enhancements at the show.

1-19-02---- 2 Anime Mentions In Sunday's NY Times

2 articles related to anime are destined for Sunday's (Jan. 20 '02) edition of the American New York Timesnewspaper. A cover story in the Arts & Leisure section of The New York Times by Dave Kehr will focus on Metropolis and a second "golden age" of the artform.

Cardcaptors TV is profiled welswhere in the paper, the differences between the U.S. and Japanese versions are probed.

1-19-02---- Akadot Updates

Our compadres at Akadot.com have update with several features this week including Luis Reyes' Top 10 Otaku Goods That Fanatical Anime Characters Would Buy, a review of Those Who Hunt Elves: Volume 1, and a fascinating in-depth piece on the director of Princess Arete - Sunao Katabuchi.

1-19-02---- 4Kids Entertainment To Acquire FOX Kids Saturday Morning Time

According to the article at Toon Zone:

Toon Zone News has learned from a press release issued today by 4Kids Entertainment, that they have won the bidding to program Fox Kids starting fall 2002 and will pay approximately $25.3 million each broadcast season.

This will most likely mean that Kids' WB! shows like "Pokemon," "Cubix" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!," all of which are owned by 4Kids Entertainment, will be heading to Fox Kids come fall. This has yet to be confirmed, but we will look for some type of confirmation. Other 4Kids shows which may air on Fox Kids come fall are "Tama and Friends," "Ultraman," and "Kinnikuman." More information will be released within the next few weeks and Toon Zone News will continue to keep you updated. The following is information released by the company today:

"4 Kids Entertainment Inc. (the "Registrant"), a New York corporation, is filing this Current Report on Form 8-K to report that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Fox Broadcasting Company to lease the television network's Saturday morning programming block.

Beginning with the September 2002 broadcast year, 4Kids Entertainment will provide all programming content for Fox's Saturday morning broadcast block, which airs from 8am to 12pm ET/PT (7am to 11am CT). Under the terms of the agreement, 4Kids will also have the right to retain all revenue from the network advertising sales during the four-hour time period. The agreement has an initial term of four broadcast years, with 4Kids having the option to extend the term for up to two additional broadcast years. 4Kids will pay a license fee of approximately $25.3 million for each broadcast year during the initial term of the agreement. The agreement provides for 50% of the fee for the first broadcast season to be paid currently, with the balance of the fee for the first broadcast season to be paid in four equal installments in September, December, February and April of the broadcast year. Fees for each subsequent broadcast year are payable 50% in the June preceeding the beginning of the broadcast year with the balance of the fee for the broadcast year payable in four equal installments in September, December, February and April. The agreement further provides that, at 4Kids option, up to $10.3 million of each year's fee may be paid in 4Kids common stock."

1-19-02---- Guardians Of Order Updates

Known for their paper-based RPG releases, Guardians Of Order has sent out their latest releases, they can be viewed at the link.

1-18-02---- Patlabor WXIII / Mini Pato Theater Release Date

An official March 30th Japanese theatrical release date has been set for Patlabor WXIII, produced by Bandai Visual (Emotion) and Madhouse Studios. The film will be accompanied by the Production I.G. created Mini Pato. Official poster art for WXIII can be viewed in the flash opening for Emotion's Patlabor site.

1-18-02---- Marvel Talks Mangaverse

The official Marvel Comics website has been updated with details on Mangaverse #1, illustrated by Ben Dunn and confirms reports by retailers of NEW DAWN #1 selling out in less than 24 hours of its release. April 3rd will see the start of the ongoing Mangaverse series:

In this 32-page issue you'll meet Marvin Elwood, timid teenager... and possible savior of Earth! Heir to alien Kree technology and the awesome Nega Bands, Marvin must face his legacy -- as Captain Marvel! But can even this cosmic crusader save the world from the gigantic threat of Galactus? And can even Megascale Metatalent Response Team Fantastic Four turn the tide?

1-18-02---- Brother DVD Edited

Courtesy Daniel for the following:

A reviewer named "John" at Amazon.com states that Sony has altered the color scheme of Brother, put their logo on Kitano's logo, and digitally erased excessively violent scenes.

1-18-02---- IF Labs DBZ Figures On Schedule

Figures.com has confirmed with IF Labs that their eagerlily awaited Dragon Ball Z Movie Collection is right on schedule for release this month. Series One of the collection, which stars Battle Damaged Super Saiyan Goku, Battle Damaged Piccolo, Cooler and Lord Slug, will be making their way into select specialty stores January 22nd in conjunction with the Direct to Home Video Dragon Ball Z Feature Film "Cooler's Revenge."

1-18-02---- Ben Dun Mangaverse And Antarctic Press News

MangaverseThanks to Jim, Ben and the staff of www.ben-dunn.com for informing us Marvel Mangaverse # 1 has just released to stores Wednesday with # 2 hot on it's heels in two weeks and all the one shots next week. Spider Man, X-Men, Avengers, etc. also of interest is that Ben is now doing a Mangaverse ongoing series for Marvel starting this April. Cover art for #1 can be seen at right.

Menawhile, Antarctic Press has released the first Gold Digger episode one OAV which is now available on DVD and video and is completely written, animated and produced by Fred Perry. it's 20 minutes long and is the first in a planned series of OAV's from Antarctic Press in something the team terms "garage band anime".

For Antarctic Press fans if you've ever wanted to own a piece of your favourite Ben Dunn comic like Ninja High School, Warrior Nun Areala or Gigantor http://www.ben-dunn.com is the place to be as where auctions for original pages starting at $5.00 will be held. Mangaverse character designs will also be up for auction.

Ben's site has an art/fanart section dedicated to Ben's fans, where they can submit Ninja High School, Warrior nun etc. Some of the fanart will be printed in an upcoming Ninja High School. Anime/Manga reviews are being accepted for their Mangazine Online, an all new online anime/manga magazine based off Antarctic Press' title. In the previews section one can see a 20+ page preview of Marvel Mangaverse # 1 (now in stores) and more previews will be added later.

Fans can also find back issues, action figures, videos& DVD's, TPB's, the elusive Gold Digger gold Bricks Ninja High School Textbooks and Luftwaffe 600 page collections at the website.

Finally, Antarctic Press has announced a new import manga line which will be launching in the near future entitled "AP Japan", the series will feature works translated from their original Japanese. First up is the series "Kendero" by Masa Sato. Other works planned for an American release are "Alfin the Elf" by Star Trekker artist Kazuiki Ishida and a new "Fantastic Panic" by Ganbear. Release dates are pending.

1-18-02---- Sen To Chihiro: A Technical View

Nausicaa.net has a link that describes the software and processes used to make the blockbuster Ghibli film.

Thanks to Daniel for the item

1-18-02---- Toycom 12" Vash Preview

Figures.com has a preview image and details of Toycom's coming Trigun 12" body style Vash with loads of articulation and translucent shades, high-caliber revolver, concealed robotic gun arm, pet cat Kuroneko and a real cloth trenchcoat which can be bent and posed thanks to the fine wires running in the seams. Coming out in 2002 for an SRP of $29.95.

1-18-02---- Anime / Manga Gaming

According to Magic Box:

Japan Market Watch mentioned that Microsoft is continuing to negotiate with Square and Enix to develop for the XBox platform, because they realized the importance to have the "big-two" RPG makers to develop for the system. However, Enix mentioned that because the audience target for XBOX is different from the target players of the Dragon Quest series, so that do not have current plans to develop for XBOX, even if they do, something different might be put out for the system. On the other hands, Square mentioned that after considering the future of XBOX, they are not planning to develop for the platform.

Sony announced a new PlayStation 2 printer called Tapis MPR-505, which can be used to print game screens directly to printer. Tapis is scheduled for release in Japan on February 23, for 20000 yen. There are 3 titles which currently support the Tapis, including America Ouden Ultra Quiz from DigiCube, Marle de Jigsaw from Nippon Software and Kanon from Nec Interchannel. Several other developers have also announced support to Tapis, including Idea Factory, Irem Software Engineering, ArtDink, Sun Denshi, Dazz and Mahou.

1-18-02---- AnimeXtreme 5th Year Anniversary

AnimeXtreme is celebrating their 5th Year anniversary showing. Nearly 1100 members and 86 shows later, AnimeXtreme is Toronto's Largest Anime Club and host to CNAnime (the Canadian National Anime Expo):

AnimeXtreme's first 2002 Showing will mark our 5th year Anniversary! If you're friends haven't been to AnimeXtreme yet, they WILL want to catch our first show of 2002 which will make great use of Toronto's Bloor Cinema! !!!Please note the starting time of *12:30*!!! Don't miss our next show, Saturday January 19, 2002!

*12:30* Ah! My Goddess Movie (AP. 100 min)
2:30 Macross: Do You Remember Love: Perfect Edition (AP. 120 min)
4:30 Vampire Hunter D: Gekijo Koukai *new* Movie (AP. 100 min)
See you at the Bloor Cinema!
AnimeXtreme Staff

http://www.animextreme.ca/

1-17-02---- Twilight Gemini First Lupin Movie Release From FUNimation?

Courtesy Daniel:

According to a poster at Anime On DVD's Forums, an insert on one of the Blue Gender dvd's indicates that Lupin: Secret Twilight of the Gemini may be the first Lupin movie coming out from FUNimation. It's been given a Spring 2002 release date. According to www.lupinencyclopedia.com, Gemini came out in late 1996. I think the review summarizes the film best:

"Lupin is giving half of a diamond called Twilight by an old man who is on the verge of death. It is a key to the treasure of the Gemini in Morocco. There he will also find the other half of the diamond, because it needs to be combined in order to open the treasure. On the way, Lupin is attacked by Zenigata...and an unexpected....man....with a whip....and lipstick on O_O

"This is only the beginning of Lupin's adventure in order to find the other half of the key and open the treasure of the Gemini. There are so many laughs in this that you would think it would loose its Lupin spirit, but it still keeps the Lupin feel to it."

1-17-02---- Ichi The Killer (Koroshiya-1) Update

Ichi The Killer, based on the best selling manga series from Shogakukan, Takashi Miike's Ichi The Killer (Koroshiya-1 - litteraly translated "Hitman 1") was released nationwide in Japanese theaters on December 22nd with an R-18 rating. Directed by Takashi Miike, original story by Hideo Yamamoto. Production: Funding by Sabu - Yamamoto Hideo - Shogakukan - Koroshiya - 1 Production Comiission 2001.

1-17-02---- Tatsunoko Productions At 40: Subject Of Japanese TV Listing Guide Special Issue

The 1-19 2.1 issue of the popular Japanese TV listings companion, TV Bros., will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Tatsunoko Productions, a studio who's alumni include many of the leading talents in the industry today and whose creations include Gatchaman, Speed Racer, Tekkaman, Mospeada, Zillion, and more recently Generator Grawl. Tatsunoko Pro. is profiled heavily throughout in rich pictures and articles. Retail for the issue is 180 Yen, the magazine goes on sale bi weekly on every other Wednesday in Japan.

1-17-02---- Asia AICN Items - Many Anime Movies - Live Action Initial D Details

Daniel has compiled a list of noteworthy Asia Ain't It Cool News items and posted them to our Anime News Service Mailing List. Sany passes along the URL link for the official Tree Of Palm anime site, directed by Takashi Nakamura, as http://www.palmenoki.com/.

China/HK:

1)"Time Online has written up an extremely interesting article on Zhang Yimou's "Hero" with Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi, and Jet Li. Click here for a good read: The Whole Story Is Here(linked to AICN ) [Note from Daniel: Check out the Jet Li interview to find out that he will most likely make another studio atrocity on par with Kiss of the Dragon; and see his ego inflate as he's led to believe he's "succeeded" in the United States compared to Chow Yun Fat. Yes, two bombs in one year and a low-rated cable show are true signs of success.]

2)"Meanwhile, Donnie Yen (who was shooting a cameo) has injured his eyes during the shooting for "Hero" in China. Yen's right eye was hurt during a sword fight rehearsal when he was practicing with Jet Li's double. Yen is now resting in HK and would go back to US in the next few days.

3)"Jackie Chan will executively co-produce the live-action version of the Japanese manga "Initial D", starring Edison Chan as the car racing genius and Andy Lau (!!!) as his ex-racer father secretly teaching his son (while under disguise) racing skills for the big championship. Media Asia will finance $60 million HKD for the film, and the female lead is still being determined. The role will probably go to an actress from Japan or Korea.

4)"Nicholas Tse, Edison Chan, Josie Ho and Joey Yung have all shot a cameo appearance for Jackie Chan's "Highbinders".

Japan: 1)"20th Century Fox has chosen to distribute it's first ever Japanese film (in Japan only), titled "Out". The suspense/thriller will be directed by Hideyuki Hirayama and filming is set to begin next month. While the casting isn't fully complete, actor Mieko Harada has already been confirmed for the leading role.

2)"Toho has its release schedule for the first half of 2002. Here it is.

January
"Honogurai Mizu No Soko Kara" directed by Hideo Nakata("Ring")

Feburary
"Seoul" directed by Masahiko Nagasawa. The world premiere took place this week in Seoul.

March-April
"Suketatichiyasukeroku" directed by Kihachi Okamoto who makes a comeback after 6 year. It is set to be a rare genre film: the samurai comedy! "Doraemon-Nobita to Robot Okoku" - a new anime. "Mr.Rookie" - a baseball comedy. "A Tree Of Palm" directed by Takashi Nakamura.

May
"Conan-Baker Gai No Borei" - another anime. "Nurse No Oshigoto:The Movie" - based on the popular TV series.

June
"The Copy Cat" directed by Yoshimitu Morita. "Neko No Ongaeshi" Studio Ghibli's newest anime, directed by Hiroyuki Morita. This film will also have an added short (possibly anime), titled "Giveliease Episode 2".

July
"Pocket Monsters 2002" - do we still care?

August
"Returner" directed by Takashi Yamazaki. A big budget sci-fi film which looks like a combination of "Leon" and "The Terminator"."

1-17-02---- AIC Updates

AIC Anime has updated their recently unveiled English Language website with news that the AIC online comic "Marine Tsushin" is now showing #76: "Give and Take.", The comic can be viewed at: http://maho-yugi.lycos.co.jp/.

Also, New illustrations of "Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki" 3 OVA series and "Tenchi Muyo! GXP" appeared in February "Newtype" anime magazine's "Come on New Facest" section.

New bussiness associate and boardcasters partners in other countries now have posted links in the AIC Links Section.

1-17-02---- Chieri Site Online

Longtime Japanese pop artist Chieri has a new site online where fans can hear clips of 2 new single tracks.

1-17-02---- Fantastic Plastic Machine News

Eclectic Japanese DJ Tanaka Tomiyuki aka: Fantastic Plastic Machine is currently releasing his music is throughout America via Emperor Norton Records, his last album Beautiful was released by the label in May.

1-17-02---- Anime.Com

Owned by Vanguard Media, the uber anime domain Anime.Com has maintained the same front splash page for several years now where fans can add their names to the site's mailing directory. According to a message there, the site is destined for development at some point:

Your ultimate resource for Anime on the Internet, coming soon!

1-17-02---- UNSW Anime Club

The University Of New South Wales Anime Club's website is online and can be viewed at the link.

1-17-02---- Gundam Project Update

Newtype Asylum has confirmed the end of the Gundam Project website with the following info posted to their site:

We are sad to learn that Gundam Project, the most well-known, resourceful, and authoritative English-language Gundam fansite for many years, will be shutdown this Saturday, January 19, 2002. On behalf of Newtype Asylum, we wish GP's webmaster Mark Simmons all the best in his future ventures and look forward to have his continuing support of Gundam fandom.

1-17-02---- Kinnikuman 2 World

Based on the modern classic of 20 years ago which featured the incredible voice talent of Akira Kamiya, a sequel Kinnikuman series: Kinnikuman 2 World recently debuted in Japan on January 9th on TV Tokyo. The first opening single: Hustle Muscle goes on sale from January 26th via NEC interchannel. The ED theme "Love" streets on February 28th. Shueisha Publishing, Toei Co., Ltd. and TV Tokyo Channel 12, Ltd. comprise the production group.

1-16-02---- Enter Hikaru Utada: The Seiyuu

Following up on yesterday's Blackjack streaming animation updates, as it's previously been announced, J-pop Superstar Hikaru Utada was cast as the voice of the Doctor's young female assistant. A complimentary Japanese website to the project has opened up with a diary / images and streaming behind the scenes video of Utada portraying her role, you can view it here.

1-16-02---- Gundam Project Shutting Down

Gundam Project, a longtime resource to fans is reportedly closing down for good this weekend.

1-16-02---- Tokyo Pop Profiled In New Article

Animation Magazine just posted an article today on Tokyo Pop's recent acquisition announcements which it will reportedly be showcasing to television execs at the coming Natpe trade show. The article points out Initial D garnished a 47% share in Japan for its time slot, sold over 30 million books to-date, spawned a theatrical animated film and generated more than $300 million in retail sales. Other TOKYOPOP properties include Real Bout High School, GTO, Vampire Princess Miyu, Spring and Chaos, Stray Sheep, Street Fury and FMW.

1-16-02---- Viz April Releases

From the press announcement:

Viz Communications, Inc. today announced its April product releases, which include the titles below. For complete information on these products, including series, title, author and pricing information, please read the full releases at http://www.viz.com/news/pressreleases/.

COMICS
* Ongoing Monthly Series'

* The Big O, Part 1 #3 - Plotting to get the Big O out of the way once and for all, Beck enlists the help of a mad scientist who is an expert on the smallest things in Paradigm City - the lightning bugs that thrive in Paradigm's night air. Using their combined genius, Beck turns these tiny insects into a weapon that is the equal of a 20-story robot! But an innocent young girl with memories of a better time may become a victim of the struggle.

* Medabots Part 1 #1 & Part 1 #2 - Currently airing on the Fox Kids network, Viz will mark the English-language debut of the comic series with two-issue releases per month. From backyards to playgrounds to stadiums: kids and their pet robots called Medabots compete against each other in Robattles, hoping to ultimately earn the title of World Robattle Champion. Medabots are robots armed with an A.I. and an impressive collection of weaponry ready to Robattle and win! In fact, the more a Medabot battles, the more powerful it can become.and the more it stands to lose. Medabots that lose a battle yield some of their Medaparts to the winner, so every battle counts!

GRAPHIC NOVELS
* Dance Till Tomorrow, Volume 5 - Mr. Tachimi's plan to set-up Suekichi with Miyuki is progressing beyond anything he expected, but now he wants her to take it to the next level. When Miyuki bursts into Suekichi's apartment to tell him that she is pregnant, nothing could be more devastating to the college student especially since Aya showed up just minutes before to tell him the same thing. Then, faced with pregnancy and his feelings towards Miyuki, Suekichi decides to marry her. But with Aya and the gang around, can this possibly be a normal marriage?

* Eagle: The Making of an Asian-American President, Book 5 - A labor strike turns Seattle into the latest political hot seat, and Yamaoka wants to use the situation to gain valuable electoral votes in November. Can the Senator make his move before his Republican opponent General Grant? And, as racial tension continues to grow in the South, so do the number of violent incidents against Yamaoka! But is he merely the innocent victim he appears to be? And, in the end, is there more to Yamaoka than his political platform and campaign promises? The moment of truth arrives when the nation casts its votes on Election Day.

* Galaxy Express 999, Volume 5 - A dark explosion rips apart the very fabric of space at Manmuto's Utopia as Darqueen selfishly destroys the next station for the Galaxy Express. But is the might of Space Battleship Yamato enough to seal the black hole caused by this explosion? Then, a giant battleship that nullifies all its surrounding space attacks the Three-Nine's next station, planet Aphrodite. Despite the odds against them, the remaining Space Knights of Aphrodite decide to make a valiant last stand against the black ship to attempt Three-Nine's escape!

* Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Volume 1 - Zeon ace pilot, Commander Char Aznable, thought he could foil the Federation's plan to build a mobile suit by attacking their research base on colony Side 7. He was wrong. With a prototype already active, the besieged Federation forces strike back using their new weapon, the mobile suit Gundam, with devastating consequences. Amidst the fighting, young electronics wizard Amuro Ray is determined not to let his friends and family die in the crossfire. But what can one boy do to repel a squad of mobile suit-clad invaders?

* Magical Pokémon Journey, Volume 5: Going Coconuts - Arbok asks Wigglytuff out on a date like no other - a run around an obstacle course! Can Arbok go the distance, or will Wigglytuff's challenge have it making tracks in the opposite direction? Plus, Hazel and Bulbasaur go to a health spa; Christmas for the Pokémon; Machamp in love; and more!

* Mobile Suit Gundam 0079, Volume 4 - Amuro and Ranba Ral face off in an air-to-air mobile suit battle for supremacy and only one can come out alive! Then, while en route to the gritty Eastern European front, the White Base encounters one of Zeon's most deadly teams of mobile suit pilots - the fearsome Black Tri-Stars. Clad in the most advanced enemy mobile suits yet, can Amuro, Kai and Hayato work together to defeat the Black Tri-Stars so the White Base may pass?

* Pokémon Adventures, Volume 5: Making Waves - Yellow's adventures take the young trainer and Pikachu seaside where they must solve a Pokémon migration mystery; take on the last remnants of Team Rocket; enter a surfing contest; battle Lance and his new Pokémon Dragonair; and finally find the secret base of the ultimate evil group of Pokémon masters, the Elite Four! Yellow has the help of Blue, Green and the good gym leaders, but will they be enough?

TRADE BOOKS
* Pokémon Gold and Silver Tales - Each book stars a different character, making the series irresistibly collectible. Written and illustrated in color by some of Japan's greatest writers and artists, Pokémon Gold and Silver Tales is created with the care and attention given to any classic children's books and will delight Pokémon-loving kids and parents alike.

1-16-02---- Tezuka News

The Right Stuf International is reporting on Astroboy's revival in America mentioning the computer animated Astro Boy movie in 2004, a coming original manga comic release from Darkhorse and hinting at a future DVD release of the original animation series. A USA Today piece has been written on all the above and more.

1-16-02---- Pioneer Dates

http://www.pioneeranimation.com has updated with the following new releases for June:

Available June 11, 2002

Adventures of the Mini-Goddess:
Vol.3 "The Urd Files" Bilingual DVD Running Time: 100 min Rating: 13 up SRP: $29.98

Sailor Moon Super S:
Vol: 5 "Mina's Rescue" Dubbed Unedited VHS Running Time: 70 min Rating: 13 up SRP: $14.98

Sailor Moon Super S:
Vol 6: "Dark Pegasus: Dubbed Unedited VHS Running Time: 70 min Rating: 13 up SRP; $14.98

Sailor Moon Super S
Pegasus Collection 3 Bilingual DVD Running Time: 140 min Rating: 13 up SRP: $24.98

SoulTaker
Vol. 3 "Blood Betrayal" Bilingual DVD Running Time: 75 min Rating: 16 up SRP: $29.98

Sherlock Hound
Case File 3 Bilingual DVD Running Time: 70 min Rating: 7 up SRP: $29.98

1-16-02---- Manga Masters Remembered

Kuri-chan Veteran Japanese cartoonist Susumu Nemoto who released the first volume of his famed classic manga series 'Kuri-chan' around 1950 passed on January 7th, he was 86. Nemoto faced complications from ischemic heart disease and died at his home Tokyo's Minato Ward.

On Nov. 7th, 2001, manga pioneer Ryuchi Yokoyama was announced to be hospitalized in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture with a stroke, he later was announced to have passed on the 8th at 92. A wake, composed of friends, family and his longtime fans was held at a temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture on the Friday following. Yokoyama-sensei was born in 1909 Born in Kochi City, began drawing his own cartoons by 1928 and later teamed with Hideo Kodon in 1932 to form an organization called Shin Mangaha Shuudan (New Comics Group) which published many satirical comics. In 1936 the serializing of one of the artist's most famed works, 'Edokko Ken-chan' began in the Asahi shimbun. In this series, Fuku chan makes his first appearance and becomes so popular that the series is restarted with the title 'Yoshi no Fuku-chan' (Addopted son, Fuku-chan). 'Otogi Production', which plays the pioneering role in the field of Japanese Animation was co-founded in 1956. 1971 saw the Finish of his famed Fuku chan work, which set a record of 5534 published editions. Yokoyama was recognized with several high awards and honors throughout his life, a museum recently completed construction in Kochi that hosts a permanent collection of his works. This museum will serve as a national focal point for cartooning. This buidling is 14 floors in total (11 above ground, 3 below) and will include the Yokoyama Gallery, an open gallery, lecture halls and studios to be used for community art education.

1-16-02---- Adult Marketed Toys Examined

Asahi has compiled some thoughts on adult marketed toys in Japan which include Gundam in this artilce.

1-16-02---- Techno Star's Enviromtentally Sound Music

Asahi has profiled Japanese techno wizard Susumu Hirasawa in an article published today.

1-16-02---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Bloomberg reported that Square's president Yoichi Wada commented that Nintendo GameCube is ease of game development. Analyst predicts that Nintendo GameCube could gain a larger market share than Nintendo 64, by 2005 GameCube can acquire 30% of the market in Japan, PlayStation 2 will have roughly 60% and the remainder will be shared by other platforms (this does not include handheld game market).

Here are some new screens of Overworks / Red Company's Dreamcast adventure game Sakura Taisen 4: Maidens fall in Love, scheduled for release in Japan on March 21, for 6800 yen. This time the story background will move back to Japan, there will be 13 playable characters, and 2 hours of anime movie sequences throughout the game. The developer mentioned that the degree of trust amongst the characters is still an important element in the game, you will get more out of the game if you stick with one character (your favorite).

Source: The Magic Box

1-16-02---- Sakura Taisen Seiyuu Movie Appearance

This Saturday, the 19th, at Tokyo's 19 Shinjuku Toei Palace 2 the following Sakura Taisen Seiyuu will appear post show:

Yokoyama Chisa
Fuchizaki Yuriko
Suyama Akio
Takano Urara
Nishihara Kumiko
Ikura Kazue

1-16-02---- Bones On Rahxephon

One of the leading unit talents in the anime industry in Japan today, Bones, recently unveiled their new project entitled Rahxephon, a Scifi TV anime series to begin airing on Fuji TV. The show's staff will be headed by premium talents as well including Director / Rahxephon Designer Yutaka Izubuchi (Mechanical Designs: Patlabor OVA), Chara Designer Akihiro Yamada (Illustrator: Lodoss War), and Mecha Designer Michiaki Sato (Producer: Earth Girl Arjuna). The plot occurs on Earth in Japan where in the year 2012 an "intruder" appears in Tokyo's sky called the "MU". An autonomous region called " TOKYO JUPITER " is formed in response to the threat and the viewers are flashed forward to the present: 2027. Tokyo Jupiter consists of a dome type, self contained city 150km in diameter centered from Tokyo Haneda airport and extending out over open sea. A high school student must meet his challenge in this world threatened by unknowns. Broadcast is set for Mondays from January 21st at 4: 25 on Fuji TV. Seiyuu include Maaya Sakamoto (Escaflowne).

1-16-02---- 8 Bit Theater Needs Voice

Daniel sends us this item:

There's this flash series called 8 Bit Theater that parodies the first Final Fantasy game. (An example would be at Newgrounds) Anyway, here's what the author has to say: "If you have a good mic, good voice acting skills, and a Con-Artist/Thief type voice, then take one of the lines from this movie (a thief one) and send it to me in the form of a .wav (Karui_Kage@hotmail.com)"

1-16-02---- Service Service: New Magazine

The folks at Studio Happy Chicken and Service Service Magazine have contacted us regarding their new publication, who's first issue has just been released in North America. Service Service will focus on cute anime and game girl related material. Single issues retail at 5.95 and subscriptions for 24.00.

1-16-02---- Blackjack Online Animation Updates

http://cinema.tezuka.jp has uploaded their 11th and 12th installments of the montly Flash Blackjack stories. The final episode of the 6 month long run which began in August is slated to be uploaded in February.

1-16-02---- Turn A Gundam Movie

Newtype Asylum which has recently switched to it's own domain reports:

Sunrise (Japan)'s http://www.turn-a-gundam.net/new.html - the official website for promoting the upcoming Turn-A Gundam motion pictures double release - reveals the latest Turn-A related audio and limited edition Gundam model releases for February 2002:
- Turn-A Gundam the Movie Soundtracks (King Records, Feb 6, 2002; Ľ2800) - the 24-track CD OST features new compositions by Yoko Kanno, the famous music composer / director for Turn-A Gundam TV series, Macross Plus, and Cowboy Bebop animations; and
- Bandai's 1/100 Turn-A Gundam model kit [color crystal version] (Limited edition release sold only at the threatres premiering the Turn-A movie across Japan; Feb 9, 2002; Ľ2500).

The Turn-A Gundam motion picture will be released as a 2-part motion picture release - part 1 "Earth Light", and part 2 "Moonlight Butterfly". The Turn-A movies are scheduled to be premiered in Feburary 9, 2002 across Japan.

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