ABOUT HARE & GUU The surreal and outlandish comedy series begins with 10 year old Haré, who lives with his free-spirited young mother in a small, contemporary jungle village. Haré's quiet life of school, video games, and housework is irrevocably shaken when his mother brings a seemingly innocent and charming young orphan girl named Guu into their household. The following morning, Hare is shocked to find that Guu has dropped her pretense of sweetness to reveal her true mysterious and insidious nature. Guu, in fact, seems to be some sort of mind-reading alien being that eats anything and has another entire dimension of off-kilter humans and bizarre animals living in her stomach. And her sole reason for existence centers on driving Haré insane by making light of all his character flaws and neurosis, wreaking havoc on time and space, and being an utter nuisance in the way that only a super-strong, short tempered, magic using and vaguely unsettling young girl of indeterminate age, origin and physical composition can be.
Created in 1997 by female manga artist Renjuro Kindaichi, the Haré + Guu manga serial continues to headline the monthly Japanese Shonen GanGan magazine. In April 2001, the comic was adapted into a television series that spanned 26 broadcast episodes and two made-for-home-video "OAV" series, all produced by the Shin'ei Doga production studio best known for the international smash hit anime comedy Crayon Shin-chan, and directed by veteran Crayon Shin-chan director Tsutomu Mizushima.
For images and more information about Haré + Guu, visit the Official US Haré + Guu Website at http://www.hareguu.com/.
ABOUT THE HARE & GUU RELEASE Originally titled "Jungle wa Itsumo Hare Nochi Guu," the series revised its Japanese name to simply "Hare Guu" in 2003. AN Entertainment will localize the animation for North American viewers under the title "Haré + Guu," to coincide with the series' present Japanese name. The DVD only release of Haré + Guu will tentatively begin in 2005. The official bilingual Haré + Guu DVDs will feature faithful and accurate dialogue translations, optional English subtitles, and extensive supplemental bonus features.
The 2004 film timetable starts with 2009 Lost Memories, Conduct Zero and Yesterday, with the fall schedule to be announced soon. These films were acquired from Korea, the current hotbed of film production. ADV Films is distributing Korean films at a time when filmmaking from that country is attracting worldwide attention. The New York Times, in its coverage of the Cannes Film Festival, this year said, “at the moment, the biggest boom may be happening in South Korea, one of the few countries outside the United States where domestic productions dominate the box office. …Their presence in Cannes is further evidence that both large-scale commercial filmmaking and art house cinema are thriving in Korea.” “It’s exciting to bring Korea’s number one films to an always hungry American market,” said John Ledford, president, CEO and co-founder of ADV Films. “We are tapping into the Korean film production market to bring American fans something fresh and new.”
The average amount of exported TV animation reached hours in 2001, up from 13,000 hours in 1992 and 2,600 hours in 1980, according to the latest 10-year survey by NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute and some academics.
The number of animation series aired in the United States increased from 23 in the 1980s to 42 in the 1990s and has already reached 40 during the four years through 2003, according to a separate survey by the government-affiliated Japan External Trade Organization.
The U.S. market for made-in-Japan animation was estimated at $4.36 billion in 2002, 3.2 times the value of Japanese exports of steel products to the U.S., JETRO said.
The column closes with news that "500 million yen will be used to launch an international fair in which Japanese animation creators can exhibit their works and meet potential buyers from abroad."
- Regarding the Kill Bill Anime sequel, Tarantino seems to want an anime sequel to Kill Bill, but the anime director may not be interested.
The following was mostly compiled from booths, company reps and studios, so
it could be considered rumour and speculation until confirmed:
Media Blasters has the rights to Versus 2, which will come out on dvd next
year. No word on a theatrical release.
The Snake Plissken anime depends on whenever John Carpenter's ready. A Blood
2 and GITS 3 are possible, but not desirable at the present time. If Blood 2
happens, it will be longer the first film.
ADV wants the uncut Japanese print of Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters, but
Toho wants to sell it in Japan first. When asked whether ADV had the music
or novel rights to Shin Fist of the North Star, they replied, "No comment."
Robot Carnival getting on region 1 dvd is Kazufumi Nomura's decision.
Geneon does not currently have the rights to the Appleseed movie sequels,
just the first film. To get Appleseed nominated for Best Animated Film would
require an MPAA rating and distribution in select cities. They are currently
looking for as many theaters as possible for the film, which is why they
have not announced a release date. The problem with releasing an uncut Dog
of Flanders on dvd for them is that there weren't enough sales for the vhs.
Geneon will not re-title the live-action Tetsujin 28 "Gigantor", because the
creator does not enjoy that name, and they'd have to pay another company for
the name.
ComicsOne's name changes for Crayon Shin Chan are due to the requests of the
licensor, in anticipation of a 2005 N. American release of the anime. They
have the rights to Bride of Deimos for a few more years, so they're
currently gauging sales for it. They said they lost the rights to Tomie to
Digital Manga, but I could not get a confirmation on that from DM.
Viz wants to re-publish Black and White, and is currently working on the
author's other manga, Blue Spring, which was made into a movie heading to R1
dvd.
The second Ninja Scroll movie has been in the planning stage for about two
years, and is still currently in pre-development.
Streetfighter Alpha 2 on the other hand, is nearing completion, and will be
released in 2005. Keith will be the dubbed voice for Akuma. Manga is working
on getting commentary for the Ghost in the Shell special edition dvd.
Anime Expo, Anaheim, CA (July 2, 2004) Girls rule this December as TOKYOPOP Inc. presents three new spectacular shojo titles. America’s #1 manga publisher is pleased to introduce English-speaking fans to some of the world’s most dynamic young women taking on the challenges of schoolboy crushes, demons and mafia bosses. From a swampland fantasy world to the headquarters of Seoul’s most dangerous don, these girls deal with enough high school trials and battlefield tribulations to keep readers furiously flipping pages all winter long.
Mouryou Kiden: Legend of the Nymphs (Fantasy, Volume 1 Release: 12/07/04) The lush art of Tamayo Akiyama, formerly of CLAMP and creator of TOKYOPOP’s Hyper Rune, graces this haunting tale set in a land submerged in 1,000 years of fog. As demons and nymphs battle, a fated meeting between sworn enemies unravels a passionate story that takes Ayaka, the daughter of a deity, on a voyage of discovery and love.
My Love (Drama, Volume 1 Release: 12/07/04) A feisty and cute 15-year-old named Yenni stars in creator Sang-Eun Lee’s (Too Young to Die, Lover Discovery and The 13th Guy) delicious drama. Yenni is so obsessed with money that she runs a loan-sharking business. When her wealthy grandmother finds out, she writes Yenni out of her will-unless she marries an honest man!
Neck and Neck (Comedy/Drama, Volume 1 Release: 12/07/04) Sun Hee Lee’s teen soap opera is like the wild theatrics of The O.C. crossed with the power games of The Sopranos. Dabin Choi is a girl who takes after her father, Seoul’s most powerful crime boss. Sparks fly when she sets her sights on her hot new classmate Eugene-who happens to be the son of Dabin’s father’s long-time rival!
SAKURA PAK was officially announced at eigoMANGA's speaking event at Apple Computer retail store, "Apple Store - San Fancisco" last Thursday in San Francisco. eigoMANGA held a naming contest for the shojo series where it invited anime and manga fans to come up with names for the female-geared publication. The winners who have chosen the name for this new shojo anthology are Janine Hawkins, 17, from Ontario, Canada and Sara E., 17, from Lampasas, Texas. They will get editorial credit in this comic book series plus be drawn in its debut issue.
Some other interesting names fans suggested were "Girls 4 Girls", "Hanami", "The Secret About Girls", "Slumber Party", "Show Me Shoujo", "Dreams" among many others.
The contest also allowed eigoMANGA to find out what female fans wanted to read in a shojo comic book series. Women with ages ranging between 15 to 30 and from as far as Nigeria participated in the shojo study. According to the study, women mostly want to read comics about girls who are intelligent, know what they're doing but also can be fun and daring. Not surprisingly, women who surveyed in the shojo study do not want to read about unnecessary nudity/language, sentimentality and "bimbos with big breasts". What is surprising is that the women who participated in the study have had enough of reading "comic books about boy trouble".
SAKURA PAK will be in stores nationwide starting in October 2004.
ArtsmagicDVD has recently entered the US DVD market and is set to release a number of films that have never before been released outside Japan. Although the catalogue will predominantly consist of live action films, there will also be an assortment of CGI movies as well as other anime. The first such title to see release is Keitaro Motonaga's Malice@Doll. Provisional Release Date: July 27th 2004
Story: Prostitute robot dolls roam empty streets, in their daily search for clients. But those whom they were built to service have ceased to exist: humanity was wiped itself out. Malice@Doll is one such prostitute, now in need of repair. Suffering from attack and ravishing by a grotesque tentacled bionic creature, she is mysteriously transformed into a human being. Overcome with joy and wonder, Malice seeks to transfer this gift through a loving kiss. But with every gift there comes a curse.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3791795.stm
The Apple Store is the official retail for the Apple Computer, Inc. The Apple Store - San Francisco celebrated its grand opening last May and has invited eigoMANGA to demonstrate their anime and manga multimedia projects to the store attendees, Apple professionals and invited guests.
eigoMANGA CEO Austin Osueke will candidly take the audience behind the scenes of eigoMANGA. He'll show how the company, runs entirely on Mac computers and technology from designing comic books using QuarkXpress and Adobe Photoshop, to editing their TV program using Final Cut Pro and Media 100, to publishing the website using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash using Mac computers ever since the company started.
eigoMANGA will take this opportunity to accept solicitations to preview portfolios of manga artist hopefuls as well as give away autographed copies of RUMBLE PAK Issue #1.
The eigoMANGA team will also take this opportunity to officially announce the launching of its American manga comic book series geared towards young women. eigoMANGA held a naming contest in where fans from as far as Nigeria suggested title names for the new comic book series. The winning title name has been selected and will be announced at the event.
This free event starts at 6:00pm, in San Francisco, CA on Market and Stockton.
For more information visit:
eigoMANGA http://www.eigoMANGA.com
"We are proud to be the first American anime publisher to start distribution via cell phone technology," said CPM Marketing Manager Shigeki Morii. "Zingy has a wonderful consumer base closely matching the demographics of our current anime and manga fans."
Project A-ko: A-ko is a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl with superhuman powers. She battles B-ko (her evil nemesis) daily over C-ko, the cute blonde airhead whom they both adore. " The most famous schoolgirl ever to grace anime." – Anime FX
Alien Nine: Yuri is totally bummed. She just started 6th grade and has been elected to capture the aliens that are constantly invading the school. "Funny, shocking, and totally unique" – Anime Insider Animation Runner Kuromi: Ever wonder what it would be like to work for an animation studio? Kuromi just landed her dream job at the famous Studio Petit, and boy is she in for a rude awakening! "It’s a blend of comedy, satire, and quirky fun that hit me the right way. " – The Anime Review.com
DNA2: Junta has a problem: he’s deathly allergic to girls! All this changes when a beautiful woman arrives from the future and transforms him into the super-suave Mega-Playboy. " Solid romantic comedy" – Gamepro.com
Legend of Himiko: In a world where the dead walk, and good and evil exist as palpable forces. The undead march against the cities of light, to capture the sacred fire that is the source of their power. Only one hope remains, a young girl named Himiko. " I more than recommend Legend of Himiko. " – DVDAuthority.com
Maze: Maze finds herself in a zany fantasy world, surrounded by evildoers and baby-sitting a spoiled princess. Luckily, she’s developed superpowers to help her cope! But the powers come with a strange side effect, every night Maze transforms into a love-crazed man. " Maze is a very enjoyable fantasy romp." – Anime Dream.com
Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer: In the post-apocalyptic future, the Belnar Institute is the training arena of the new superhuman youth. Of the students, Isato Kaiza is destined to be the most powerful fighter who ever lived. "A masterpiece" – AnimeonDVD.com
The World of Narue: Narue is an adorable schoolgirl with a secret. She's really an alien with powers right out of a sci-fi comic book. " Sci-fi love comedy for the masses." – Newtype USA Magazine
About Zingy: Zingy, Inc. is the leading mobile media company in the Americas. The company develops, aggregates, promotes and distributes mobile content direct to consumers through Zingy.com and through a network of media companies and mobile operator partnerships. Zingy offers ringtones, wallpapers, mobile games, MMS, horoscopes, alerts, and SMS voting. The company delivers its content to or powers the wireless media offerings of most of the major North American operators including AT&T Wireless, Boost Mobile, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint PCS and Telcel. The company also has distribution partnerships with top media companies and web portals such as AOL, Microsoft’s MSN and MTV. Through Zingy.com alone, the company has a user base currently in excess of 2 million registered users.
Manga/Manhwa -What’s the Difference? It’s all in how you look at it… literally. As manga is created in Japanese and the manhwa is created in Korean, the direction in which you have to read it changes. Korean titles, like English, read in a left to right fashion, while manga reads from right to left. Other than that singular core difference, the range of creativity in manhwa and Korean animation is every bit as wide and varied as within titles originating from Japan. Driven by each creator’s unique personal style, drawn in a wide variety of styles and using a huge palette of techniques, both sets of mediums tackle almost any genre and subject matter. Of course, since there can be inherent cultural differences that may affect how a story is told, even if it is in a genre, such as science fiction, where there may be no obvious Korean and Japanese cultural artifacts. “It’s like asking what the difference is between and British and American motion pictures,” adds Armogida. “While some films are obviously one or the other, the interchange of creative artists has become so pervasive that it is really hard to draw a solid line between them anymore. Much the same can be said for manga and manhwa and Japanese and Korean animation. The one thing that is clear is that our fans are raving about both BASToF Syndrome and The Ruler of the Land.”
Korean Anime and Live Action ADV Films released the first volume of the new Korean animated series, BASToF Syndrome, this May. Based on the hit Korean online game, BASToF Syndrome (“BASToF” stands for “Be A Stranger To Fear”) is set in the high-tech world of virtual gaming and is currently airing on Japanese television proving, once again, that animation really is the most international of film mediums. Of course, that doesn’t mean that animation is the only type of high quality film that South Korea produces, and while the company will be releasing a number of other exciting new animated Korean titles, in future months ADV Films will also release an astonishing roster of live action Korean features as well. Expect the first of these live action titles to be announced very soon.
BASToF Syndrome: Fear and Lemons (SRP $29.98) includes five complete episodes. Includes an English-language 5.1 version, and a Korean-language 2.0 version with English subtitles. Includes clean opening and closing animation, and ADV previews. Visit the BASToF Syndrome fansite at http://www.advfilms.com/titles/bastofsyndrome to view a trailer and to sign up for updates. Manhwa
ADV Manga's first Korean manhwa is the best selling smash The Ruler of the Land, written by Jeon Keuk-Jin and Yang Jae-Hyun. A vanguard in the new wave of Korean films and comics hitting the United States, The Ruler of the Land is creating a real buzz among in-the-know fans. A monster hit in its homeland, this 31-volume epic was the first graphic novel to sell over three million Korean, going on to sell a staggering five million copies in a country of 48 million people. The Ruler of the Land vol. 1 (of 31) is a 200-page paperback. It is rated for readers ages 13 and up and has a suggested retail price of $9.99.
ADV Manga already has many new Korean titles slated to street this year, including the smash-hit The Boss, hugely popular in Korea, a 30-volume epic melodrama of high school rivalries, gang warfare and flying fists. When Guk-Do Jun returns to school after a one-year suspension, he plans to take over the school. Sophomore Sang-Tae, a good-hearted fighter who always defends the weak and helpless, stands in his way--thus begins the ultimate high school saga! Additional Korean titles planned include Sweet & Sensitive (10-volumes, high school romance comic); Saint Marie (four volumes, psychic warfare between good and evil set in a private catholic school); Sky Blade, Sword of the Heavens (13 volumes, saga of medieval sword-fighting warriors); Fantasy Land (six volumes, unhappy 18-year-old girl is whisked to a fantasy land); and Gadirok (eight volumes, strange story that takes Korean historical characters and transplants them into a semi-modern setting).
For more information, visit http://www.anime-expo.org.
"The U.S. premiere of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST at Anime Expo 2004 will give anime fans a sneak peak at two original episodes a few months in advance of its debut on the Cartoon Network," said Jennifer Pon, chief executive officer of SPJA. "The series has already won over a loyal and devoted audience in Japan. And its premiere at Anime Expo is sure to build excitement and anticipation for its American debut in October." The complete English-dubbed series will also be available on DVD in early 2005.
The story of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST begins after Alphonse and Edward Elric lose their mother and attempt to bring her back to life using the forbidden science of human alchemy. However, this carries a heavy price. Ed loses his leg, and Al loses his life. Ed is able to seal Al's soul inside of a huge suit of armor, at the cost of his arm. Years later, Ed (now with two mechanical limbs) and Al (still trapped in the armor) leave their childhood home, each brother concerned with the other's happiness. They are searching for any information on the fabled Philosopher's stone, hoping it will allow them to regain their old bodies. Ed, who has a natural talent and skill for alchemy, soon becomes nationally certified. He is soon known everywhere as the "Fullmetal Alchemist." In addition, SPJA and FUNimation Productions also announced the exclusive premiere of Season 3 of Beyblade. The screening will include the first 2 episodes, plus Beyblade: Behind the Revolution, a 30-minute special that goes behind the scenes on the making of the series, plus an in-depth feature from the Beyblade North American Championships.
Beyblade airs in the U.S. on ABC Family Channel. The story follows thirteen-year-old Tyson Granger (Takao Kinomiya), along with his fellow teammates, Kai Hiwatari, Max Tate (Max Mizuhura), and Ray Kon (Rei Kon), strive to become the greatest beybladers in the world. With the technical help of the team's resident genius, Kenny (Kyoujyu), and with the powerful strength of their bit beasts, the Bladebreakers armed with their tops (a.k.a. blades) attempt to reach their goal. AX2004 serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the animation and comics industry by serving as a key meeting place for members of the industry to conduct business.
Sponsors include Viz Comics, Animerica, ADV Films, Geneon, Tofu Records, Newtype USA and Anime Network. Sponsor hotels include Anaheim Hilton, Anaheim Marriott, or Anaheim Coast Hotels. The cost to attend the three-day expo is $45; One Day Pass: $25; Two Day Pass: $40; Children: $20 (12 years and under; 5 and under free if accompanied by member). Parental advisory: Some anime and manga content contains adult themes.
ShootFighter Tekken: Round 1 High school student Kiichi is on the fast track to martial arts super-stardom. An expert in the deadly Nanshin Shadow Style, he faces the challenge of his life: the long-awaited grudge match with his father’s arch-nemesis, the champion of World Pro-Wrestling. Fists fly and blood spills as a new breed of fighter takes to the ring. Catch the cool ShootFighter Tekken: Round 1 trailer at www.ShootFightertekken.com.
Running time: 46 minutes Genre: Action/Martial Arts Rating: 16UP Catalog #: USMD 2433 SRP: $19.99
Odin: Starlight Mutiny From Yoshinobu Nishizaki (producer of Star Blazers). The year is 2099, and reckless space cadet Akira Tsukuba has landed his dream job as the pilot of the spaceship Starlight. He’s in for the adventure of his life when the crew rescues a beautiful amnesiac. Lured by the psychic call of a paradise planet, she leads the Starlight into a realm of genocidal robots. Now, Akira must face his worst nightmare for the chance to find paradise itself.
Running time: 96 minutes Genre: Science Fiction Rating: 13UP Catalog #: USMD 2398 SRP: $19.99
At last, the biggest Japanese Rock Festival in the U.S., JAPUNKS PANIC JAMBOREE
7 is on the way ! With a great amount of helps and supports from people all
over the world, again we were able to hold this great rock event. This time we
are featuring the finest, best 6 bands in the past JAPUNKS history: some are
from the real Tokyo underground music scene, and others are from the hottest
rock scene in the U.S.. YOU JUST CAN`T MISS THIS !! We are 100% sure that you
will see more than what you expected. DON`T EVEN BLINK AT ALL THE BANDS !!
BLUE III ( King of Kung-fu Action R`n R) GITO GITO HUSTLER (Girls Madness from Japan) TECHMA ! ( Sing-along Techno Pop Dictator) THE SPUNKS ( Kamikaze Rock`n Roll from NYC) 54 NUDE HONEYS ( Bad Chicks Heavy R`n R) PEELANDER-Z ( Action Comic Punk Rock)
Thursday, 05/20 @ THE KHYBER, 56 S.2nd St., Philadelphia, PA, 8pm door / 830pm start Friday, 05/21 @ THE SAINT, 601 Main St., Asbury Park, NJ, 7pm door / 730pm start Saturday, 05/22 @ CBGB`s 313 Bowery St, NYC, NY, 7pm door / 730pm start
We will provide FREE GOODIE BAG for the 1st 50 people each night ! Supplies are really short, so PLEASE DON`T BE LATE to show up. Also tons of merchandises in cheap price, such as JAPUNKS SPECIAL T-SHIRTS for your exciting nights. Plus special Cosplay girls on the stage ! Don`t forget to tip them ! See you there!
For more information, please visit the website:
THE KHYBER: http://www.thekhyber.com THE SAINT: http://www.thesaintnj.com CBGB`s: http://www.cbgb.com
Sponsors - KAIJU BIG BATTEL, KIM`S VIDEO, OTAKU UNITE, KARATERICE, YARD`S BEER,CREAMY FIST MAGAZINE, G-MART, OKAMOTO, UPSTAGE MAGAZINE, SEARCH & DESTROY VINTAGE CLOTHING, CITIZINE, PHILLYFESTS, ASBURY PARK ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE, HARDCORE CHOCOLATE
To add to the anime enthusiasm, singing sensation MIQ will also be added to the Guest of Honor roster. MIQ (formerly known as MIO), is renowned for her anime theme titles. With songs such as "Hey You" from Sentou Mecha Xabungle, "Fly Dunbine" and "Can't You See Byston Well" opening and ending themes from Aura Battler Dunbine, and "Time For L-Gaim" and "Starlight Shower" opening and ending themes from Heavy Metal L-Gaim, and "Burning Spirit" from Super Robot Taisen 64.
Hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, AX2004 takes place July 2-5, and is the largest anime convention in the United States devoted to Japanese animation and manga (comic books).
For the first time ever, in an effort to promote Japanese culture and art, AX2004 will be hosting a 3-day Japanese festival event. During each of the three days, a raffle will be held and proceeds will be donated to a local charity organization. Anime Expo will generously match a percentage of each day's proceeds. The Japanese festival will feature games and food organized by local and international organizations. For more information, visit http://www.anime-expo.org.
"This is one of the biggest acquisition announcements of 2004. FUNimation is bringing Fullmetal Alchemist to Licensing Show 2004 and we are pursuing a full line-up of Fullmetal Alchemist merchandising. The series is currently scheduled to make its broadcast debut in October 2004 and the DVD release of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series is expected at the beginning of 2005."
The full press release can be viewed below:
Fort Worth, TX - In conjunction with a great E3 event involving Square Enix and Aniplex, FUNimation Productions, Ltd., one of the nation's leading brand management and home video entertainment companies, has announced the acquisition of the hot action property Fullmetal Alchemist(c). "Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the hottest series in Japan right now and it will be one of the hottest series and brands in the United States," says Gen Fukunaga, president of FUNimation Productions, Ltd. "Fullmetal Alchemist's has unique elements that make it a perfect fit for the U.S. market and merchandisers. It's rare blend of action, comedy and fantasy is combined with a remarkable storyline."
Fullmetal Alchemist is a series about 15 year-old Edward Elric, who is a prodigy known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. Alchemy, the precursor to modern chemistry, is the science of matter and transmutation. Due to an experiment gone wrong when they were younger, Edward and his younger brother Alphonse paid a heavy price for messing around with the natural laws of science. Now the brothers are on an adventurous quest of the utmost importance: to find the fabled Philosopher's Stone.
Fullmetal Alchemist is currently scheduled to make its broadcast debut in October 2004 and the DVD release of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series is expected at the beginning of 2005. For more information on the Fullmetal Alchemist series, stop by www.fullmetalalchemist.com. Interested fans and media can view the trailer and sign up for email updates on the latest news and developments with the Fullmetal Alchemist brand.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 8, 2004) -- San Francisco-based productions company, Project 760 Productions and the Japantown Merchants Association are pleased to announce the initial Guests of Honor for the Second Annual JapanTown Anime Faire (JTAF2) (www.jtaf.com).
Aeire Artist/Writer The JapanTown Anime Faire is pleased to welcome comic artist Aeire to our convention. Aeire is the talented creator and artist of the comic Queen of Wands (Keenspot). This will be Aeire's first visit to JTAF.
Carol Jacobanis Actress/Singer We are pleased to welcome back actress, singer, and voiceover artist Carol Jacobanis to this year's JapanTown Anime Faire. Ms. Jacobanis has been in a wide variety of theater productions in London, Los Angeles, and New York. She has lent her voice to Anime roles in such titles as Revolutionary Girl Utena, Pokemon, BoogiePop Phantom, Comic Party, His and Her Circumstances, and The Irresponsible Captain Tylor. This will be Ms. Jacobanis' second visit to JTAF.
r*k*milholland Artist/Writer We are pleased to announce and welcome r*k*milholland to the Second Annual JapanTown Anime Faire as one of our guests of honor. Mr. Milholland is the creator, writer, and artist of the comic Something Positive. This will be Mr. Milholland's first visit to JTAF.
Moulann Singer/Songwriter Versatile and multi-talented, 22-year-old singer/songwriter/pianist Moulann is an artist to watch out for. Delivering a union of pop, rock and electronica, her sincere lyrics and smooth vocals keep you hanging onto every note, every word, every breath. Project 760 Productions is pleased to sponsor and present Moulann as one of our guests of honor at this year's JapanTown Anime Faire. This will be Moulann's first appearance at JTAF.
Brett Weaver Actor Mr. Weaver has lent his vocal talent to Anime titles such as Sorceror Hunters, Excel Saga, Original Dirty Pair, Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040, Slayers, and many others. This is Mr. Weaver's first visit to JTAF.
JTAF2 is a two-day Japanese animation convention held on September 11-12, 2004 at the historic Japantown location in San Francisco, California. The event will be held at four locations in Japantown: The Radisson Miyako Hotel, the Peace Plaza at Japan Center.
A full weekend pass for the JapanTown Anime Faire is $18.00 until August 30, 2004. A single day pass is $10.00. Public registration hours are 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 8 AM to 3 PM on Sunday.
If you would like to reserve media passes for Japan Town Anime Faire, please contact us at press@jtaf.com.
Additional information on Japan Town Anime Faire, including event details, registration and hotel information can be found on the JTAF website. Please visit www.jtaf.com
Azumanga Daioh: An acclaimed anime series that premiered in early 2002 in Japan, Azumanga Daioh follows the day-to-day adventures of a comical group of high school girls and their equally eccentric friends and teachers.
Happy Lesson: The light-hearted, laugh-out-loud anime series that follows the beloved shounen tradition of Oh My Goddess! and Love Hina. Happy Lesson tells of Chitose, a teenager who suddenly finds himself surrounded by a bevy of beauties. But these ladies aren’t vying for Chitose’s romantic affection—they all want to be his mother!
Hello Kitty & Friends: The first Hello Kitty & Friends home video release, Fairy Tale Fantasy, features the adorable, instantly recognizable Hello Kitty in the beloved classic fairy tale Cinderella and Snow White.
Kaleido Star: Kaleido Star is a charming animated series aimed at tweens and teens, combining playful elements of children’s anime with the sophisticated vision of Cirque du Soleil. Kaleido Star combines a sense of fun and play—such a crucial element of Sailor Moon—with a believably positive storyline that emphasizes empowerment through bravery and determination.
Noir: The series, which premiered in Japan in 2001, was directed by Koichi Mashimo (Dirty Pair, Dominion). Viewers praise NOIR’s spectacular animation, the use of music, its exotic settings (largely in western Europe) and an enduringly complex storyline, based on a relationship between a duo of female assassins who cannot trust one another, but who need each other to survive.
Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat: Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat is a loosely-structured tale of a young princess named Dejiko who devotes her time to making people happy. A cast of friends and other characters are along for the ride, of course. Throughout the title, the emphasis is on great fun, and on an ever-growing series of in-jokes.
Pretear: A mahou shoujo series, Pretear combines elements of the fairy tales Cinderella (new stepmother and evil stepsisters) and Snow White (seven knights instead of seven dwarves). On its 2001 Japanese release, the title was lauded for its intense animation, in-depth characterizations, exciting battle scenes, and its beautiful soundtrack. The opening song “White Destiny” is sung by Japanese singing sensation Yoko Ishida.
Princess Nine: A highly entertaining anime series that Anime on DVD said was “definitely a recommended title for any shoujo fan…” Princess Nine follows the story of a group of nine young women who defy the male-dominated tradition of Japanese sports—not to create a league of their own, but to take on the boys on their own artificial turf and prove there’s nothing a man can do that a woman can’t do just as well! The hallowed stadiums of Japanese baseball become a battlefield as the bats crack, the sweat flies and every hard-earned run becomes another step in the long road-trip to victory.
Super GALS! : Without losing any time for shopping, high-school gossip, and teen romance, the SuperGALS!—the three hippest girls in Shibuya—keep their eyes out for adventure in the first five episodes of the initial volume, GALS Gotta Have Heart.
Wedding Peach: A charming magical girl series championing the power of love over evil. Armed with a makeup compact, lip liner and wristwatch, schoolgirl Momoko and her two best friends take on love-hating demons. But before they can do anything, they have to go through a quick costume change—into wedding dresses!
German Anime magazines Koneko and Anime Party have announced themselves as official sponsors of the "Pinky Design Contests 2004", the first German Action Figure Design competition, which is organized by Action Toys (Germany) and Steven House Design Production (Hong Kong). The contest is looking for the best drafting of a 3D-Action Figure, which will go afterwards into series mass production. At the same time the 100 best drafts will be made part of a special exhibition in Germany, Switzerland and in China. To participate and check your eligibility visit the official contest link at http://www.actiontoys.de/pinky/. The latest info on the Design Contest and a review of new Toys from Asia can be found in the latest current issue of Koneko, which hit German newstands last week since last week.Mamoru Oshii responded that he was extremely proud to have his film earn this distinction, stating, “I am very grateful to the Cannes Film Festival for honoring me and my film in this way. I am proud to be in the company of all the nominees. The inclusion of ‘Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence’ is further recognition of Japanese animation-anime-as an important movie genre, standing alongside all other genres. The only drawback is having to wear a tuxedo, but I know that’s part of my job as a director.” “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence” is the story of a solitary cyborg who desperately wants to hold on to what’s left of his humanity in a world where the worth of the human soul is fading almost into obscurity. Mamoru Oshii again wrote and directed “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence,” which is the second animé feature to be released under the Go Fish Pictures banner, a division of DreamWorks Pictures.
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