Anime News Service - March 4-13 Anime News

3-13-05 (11:47PM EST)---- California Court Ruling: Bloggers Must Reveal Sources

Are there possible applications for us reporters out here in the rumor rich swarm of the Aniweb??? Techwack News Reports:

In a ruling that might affect more people than just the defendants, a California judge on Friday ruled against the three independent online reporters who leaked information about the upcoming Apple products on their website. This might lead to Apple forcing the three news sources to divulge confidential sources, which gave them the leaked information.

The court ruled that there is no legal protection for those reporters who publishes a company’s trade secrets. In addition, Apple had also sued 25 of their employees who they suspected of leaking information to these online news resources claiming that the probable leaks violated nondisclosure agreements and California’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act. They also demanded that the news sources in question should reveal their sources.

3-13-05 (11:20PM EST)---- Companies Represent At TAFLA

Serving as the preview event for the Tokyo International Anime Fair Coming up in 2 weeks time, Hollywood, in the western US state of California hosted TAFLA on February 7-8. There, anime fans were treated to four major world premieres as part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Trade & Tourism Mission. In addition, industry professionals were invited to a trade fair featuring 10 leading anime companies from Japan who shared their latest works and techniques, and a panel discussion featuring Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, animation producer for Kill Bill, Vol. 1 (2003), and Kenji Kamiyama, producer of hit anime title, Ghost in the Shell. The Media and Trade portion occured February 7, 3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and February 8, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Although widely unreported on, below are the 10 companies which participated along with brief profile each was asked to give:

ANIPLEX INC.
www.aniplex.co.jp/
April 2003 brought a fresh new start for Aniplex Inc., formally called SME Visual Works Inc. Since then, we have been pouring our efforts into strengthening our business structure focusing mainly on our production division. Meanwhile, development and producing big projects have been in progress resulting in the first TV series under the new banner, "Fullmetal Alchemist" and "R.O.D-THE TV-". We will strive to expand our business focusing on the multiple opportunities offered by our quality visual products with a strong commitment to provide "dreams" and "emotionally moving experiences" to people around the globe.

BANDAI VISUAL CO., LTD.
www.bandaivisual.co.jp/e/
Bandai Visual provides a full range of visual content services, from development and production through to packaged sales and licensing, as well as marketing overseas. As Japanese leading animation package-video company, it accumulates the copyrights of high-quality visual content like "Ghost in the Shell:STAND ALONE COMPLEX."

BROCCOLI CO., LTD.
www.broccoli.co.jp
BROCCOLI is active in a wide range of fields encompassed by "communication entertainment," such as the development of character merchandise, event sponsorship, the planning and production of animation, management of the store "GAMERS," and music CD production. The company also develops its own contents such as "DiGi Charat" (animation, etc.), "Galaxy Angel" (video game, animation, etc.), and "Aquarian Age"(video game, animation, etc.), and "Aquarian Age" (trading card game).

CoMix Wave INC.
www.comixwave.com
ComixWave supports independent anime with domestic/overseas distribution.

GDH K.K.
www.gdh.co.jp/english/index.html
Animation production, content investment, product investment, copyright management, international distribution, worldwide content development, and expanding business into new media.

PRODUCTION I.G. INC.
www.production-ig.co.jp/
Production I.G have produced direct-to-video films, television series, video games, and feature length films as "GHOST IN THE SHELL" directed by Mr. Mamoru Oshii. In our showcase, we have exhibition and screening of our productions with a focus on critically acclaimed "GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX,"and "INNOCENCE" which is now on release.

STUDIO4°C
www.studio4c.co.jp/
STUDIO4°C was founded as an animation company in 1986. We are trying hard in order to produce the animation equipped with abundant originality. We challenge to various genres very eagerly, and we aim at the high image of quality.

TEZUKA PRODUCTIONS CO., LTD.
www.tezuka.co.jp/
The huge volumes of work Osamu Tezuka left are his massages to not only his contemporaries but also future generations living in 21st century. We, Tezuka Productions, having inherited this irreplaceable asset, regard it as our mission to keep delivering his massages through our various business activities. Based on Tezuka's philosophy and the film production know-how we developed with Tezuka, and incorporating new technologies befitting the times, we are widely engaged in the film production business and distribute our productions worldwide.

TOEI ANIMATION CO., LTD.
TOEI ANIMATION INC.
www.toei-anim.co.jp/
Toei Animation was established in 1956 and ever since, we have created numerous hits. Our film library consists of over 8,500 titles, where works such as "ONE PIECE," "ZATCHBELL!," "BOBOBO-BO ? BO-BOBO" and "PRETTY CURE MAX HEART" are some of our currently running popular titles. Our business operates globally in multiple aspects, such as TV broadcasting, theatrical releases, Video / DVD and character merchandizing. Organization of events for children, and distribution of our film over the network including mobile phones are among the many works that Toei Animation has achieved.

TOSHIBA ENTERTAINMENT INC.
www.toshiba-ent.co.jp/
Toshiba Digital Frontiers ANIME & DVD production team and leading theatrical distribution company AMUSE Pictures have merged as of Oct. 1, 2003. Due to the merge together with our new production line-up Toshiba Entertainment's Anime titles have enriched both in volume and contents. -"Giant Robo.","Street Fighter IIV","Daphne in the Brilliant Blue" , "Burn Up Scramble" etc. Please take the time to stop by to see which titles are available for your territory.

3-13-05 (10:25PM EST)---- Plastic Little Creator Unveils New Project

Get your jiggle counter ready like never before. Plastic Little creator Satoshi Urushihara has collaborated with animators ARMS (MEZZO) along with EarthWork and MoonRock on his latest hentai OAV project, Front Innocent. In the works for 4 years, following a 6 year development plan, Front Innocent marks the first time Urushihara has directed and produced an original animation. The storyline occurs during the American Civil War period and seizes upon the recent housemaid craze with use of 19th century dress but as is the case with his past works, the real action takes place when the costumes come off and the boobs start bouncing. The OAV serves up 5 new nubile girls, that's ten boobs of different shapes, sizes, colors for the discerning fan. After some postponement and pusing back of the initial release the DVD was released this past Thursday, March 10th in Limited Edition and Regular Edition formats. The Limited Version retails at 7,980 Yen with the Regular Version DVD retailing at 7,140 Yen. Limited Edition DVD privileges include Outer Case and mini original picture collection. Set material designs along with creditless Ending are special features on disc. A single 30 minute episode is containted therin. Innocent Front is aimed at adults 18 years of age and older.

3-13-05 (7:45PM EST)---- First Doraemon Manga In 9 Years

The official Japanese Doraemon website, Dora World, reports that the first new Doraemon manga to be published in 9 years will be coming from Tentomushi Comics March 25th. Retail is 410 Yen.
Source: Manga News Service

3-13-05 (7:30PM EST)---- Bandai Announces Scrapped Princess Release

Bandai Entertainment announced today the release Scrapped Princess, a new fantasy adventure series from famed animation studio, BONES studios (Cowboy Bebop the Movie, Wolf's Rain, Full Metal Alchemist). The first volume of this highly popular anime series is scheduled for release on DVD home video on April 26, 2005 in both regular and limited edition formats. "We're extremely excited to introduce this BONES fantasy adventure to the North American audience. The grand visuals, music, and animation combined with an epic storyline promises to bring anime storytelling to a whole new level", proclaims Jerry Chu, Marketing Manager, Bandai Entertainment.
Based on the best selling Japanese manga series created by Ichiro Sakaki and Yukinobu Asami Scrapped Princess is directed by the talented Soichi Masui (Rahxephon), with character designs by Takahiro Komori (Cowboy Bebop, Wolf's Rain). The story of Scrapped Princess revolves around the life of young Pacifica Cassul, a girl with a date with destiny, but unfortunately it isn't a good one. Destined to be the 'Scrapped Princess', Pacifica is prophesized to be the harbinger of destruction of the world! Sentenced to death, young Pacifica grows up in secrecy guarded by her brother and sister. And as the day of the world's destruction draws near, how long can the Scrapped Princess run before time runs out-forever?

On the heels of Bandai Entertainment's highly successful release of .hack//SIGN on DVD home video, Bandai will once again release both a regular and limited edition version for each of the six DVD volumes planned for this 24 episode series. The limited edition is a must have for fans of this popular anime series and will include an exclusive statue/figure of characters from the series. The DVD release will feature both English and Japanese language tracks with an English language subtitle option, textless opening, textless endings, trailers, four page insert booklet, and more.

3-13-05 (7:25PM EST)---- Fullmetal Alchemist Tradiung Card Game

JoyRide Entertainment, a division of RC2 Corporation, announced today a licensing agreement with FUNimationR for the Fullmetal Alchemist TCG (Trading Card Game) based on the hot anime property. Scheduled to launch in August of 2005, the Fullmetal Alchemist TCG builds on the success of the top-rated animated series that airs on Cartoon Network's on Saturday evenings at 11:30 p.m. EST with a Thursday night encore.
Since its inception, Fullmetal Alchemist has sold over 13 million manga (graphic novels) in Japan. The property has also launched a hot-selling PlayStationR 2 console game, and a Japanese-language feature film debuts this July. This year, the United States market can expect to see English-language manga, novels, DVDs, toys, apparel, accessories, plush, figures, and now a TCG.
"From our first brainstorming session, we're designing this game to bring the world of Fullmetal Alchemist to life," said Edward Bolme, brand manager for JoyRide Entertainment. "We're creating all-new game play concepts to ensure a rich experience." JoyRide will conduct a comprehensive marketing campaign as well as dedicated tournaments and leagues for the new trading card game.

"Card players and fans of the show alike will love this game," added Bob Brennan, director of licensing of FUNimation Productions, Ltd. "Even those who don't play games will want to collect these cards." "We are very pleased to have acquired the license to Fullmetal Alchemist," said Bob Bove, managing director of JoyRide Entertainment. "It's a powerful property. We're looking forward to working with FUNimation to bring this property to a new arena." Created by award-winning game designer Ian Ryan, the Fullmetal Alchemist TCG will focus on teams of heroes looking for the fabled Philosopher's Stone, which is reputed to boost the power of alchemists to awesome levels.

3-11-05 (12:50PM EST)---- Aquarian Commercial Video

So-Net has opened a special site for the coming Aquarion Sunrise TV Series. A streaming video clip of a program advertisement CM has been posted. Likewise the site is offering wallpaper and a screensaver.

3-11-05 (12:30PM EST)---- New Ah! My Goddess Manga Format

Things From Another World mentions that volume 21 of Oh My Goddess will have 176 pages, come in a 5x7 size, and be printed from right to left, just like the Japanese version. Retail is $10.95. Expect it to be available in July. Source: Jagged Team | Manga News Service Thanks to Daniel for the link

3-10-05 (3:30PM EST)---- Gilles Poitras To Preside Over Cutey Honey Screening

This weekend the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley, CA (Saturday, March 12 at 9:45 PM) and the Castro Theatre in San Francisco (Sunday, March 13 at 9:15 PM) will both have an evening showing of Hiroaki Anno's latest film, the live action adaptation of Go Nagai's famous Cutie Honey as part of the S.F. International Asian American Film Festival 2005. Gilles Poitras, author of Anime Essentials, The Anime Companion, and the upcoming The Anime Companion 2 (pictured), will be introducing the film at the Sunday night showing in San Francisco. Find the links to the film festival, theatres, and books, along with cover images and more news at http://stonebridgepress.blogspot.com

3-10-05 (3:03PM EST)---- Mamoru Nagano Production Site Online

Five Star Stories creator Mamoru Nagano has launched www.automaticflowers.ne.jp as the web home for his new production ventures.

3-10-05 (2:58PM EST)---- Go Nagai Wrestler Design In New Film

"Kabutoou Beetle" which is a wrestler with Osaka professional wrestling designed by mangka Go Nagai will be the focal point of a new movie to be produced. Titled "Kabutoou Beetle" the new film to be directed by Kantoku Kawasaki will feature the wrestler that debuted last August. A theatrical opening to the public is set in June.

3-10-05 (2:51PM EST)---- Extra Tenchi Volume Announced

According to Tenchi Web, an extra episode has been announced to be produced for the 3rd OAV series now in release. Sale of the extra volume is scheduled for September, 2005. The contents of the special epsiode story are still not revealed.

3-10-05 (2:03PM EST)---- Cameron To Bring Battle Angel To X-Box?

Gamespot reports the following:

Lost amid the hubbub of today's Microsoft keynote at the Game Developers Conference was news that James Cameron is working on a game for the next-generation Xbox. The news came in the form of a video montage of game, consumer electronics, and entertainment luminaries speaking about the future of entertainment and the power of Microsoft's next-generation console.

One of the said luminaries was none other than Cameron, director of Titanic, Aliens, and the first two Terminator films. At first, his remarks were broad to the extreme. "The technology is changing so rapidly. What's coming over the horizon the next couple of years is going to enable the imagery during the actual gameplay to look so much like the pre-rendered cinematic sections," he said. "It's going to feel like a lucid dream that you're in a movie and experiencing it and manipulating it."

But during a following segment, Cameron got much more specific. First, he told of his plans for an Enter the Matrix-like crossover game based on his next movie. "In my next film, I can only tell you what we're planning on doing which is simultaneous developing a major motion picture and hopefully a major game title that co-exists in the same world, that share characters." He continued, "Going into that world will actually inform those watching the film and vice-versa. I don't want to say anything more than that because I don't want to give away some of the cool stuff that we're working on."

Given that Cameron's comments were featured during a Microsoft presentation about the next-gen-Xbox, and given the fact he specifically mentions his work on a game version of his next project, it would stand to reason that game would be a version of Battle Angel for the Xbox Next. However, Microsoft reps would neither confirm nor deny that conclusion. "I'm not going to argue with those observations, but the fact remains we have not made any announcements," was all a representative for the company would say.

3-10-05 (1:49PM EST)---- Usagi No Glass To Go Nationwide In Japan From May

Based on the best-seller by Toshiko Takagi, a production announcement event for the animated film Rabbit Of Glass was held at a hotel in Tokyo on the tenth. The story tells the true life account of Takagi who survived the Tokyo fire bombings by the allies in World War II. Actress Keiko Takeshita has been announced to serve as the 12 year old lead role in the movie. The film will run 84 minutes and is almost completed, it will screen in theaters nationwide in Japan from May.

3-10-05 (1:45PM EST)---- Robin Williams: The Anime Fan

The Argus Leader reprinted a USA TODAY interview with the actor Robin Williams on his new voice role in the American CG Animated film ROBOTS and uncovered the following jewel:
Q: Did you always like cartoons?
A: I was always a hard-core Warner Bros. fan. Elmer and Daffy and (animator) Tex Avery. I collect a lot of Japanese anime. I am waiting to see "Steamboy." The Japanese are very aware that animation isn't just for kids to the point of making pornography. They make deeply dark movies, science-fiction movies.

Williams' character in the Hollywood film One Hour Photo bought the little boy of a family he was stalking a Neon Genesis Evangelion action figure.

3-9-05 (5:27PM EST)---- Saikano: Another Love Song OAV Details

Toei Video announced the DVD release of it's original video animation series "She: The Ultimate Weapon: Another Love Song" will be released in Japan August 5. Being a 2 volume series, the second installment arrives on September 21. Two versions will be sold, the regular version at 3,990 Yen and a special limited edition for 7,140 Yen. Currently the special features of the special limited edition are undecided. Saikano is based on the manga by Shin Takahashi, serialized from January, 2000 to October, 2001 by weekly "Big Comic Spiritts" which is published by Shogakukan. The manga sold 3.5 million copies total over all seven volumes. Later the series was adapted to TV animation by CS and CBC in July, 2002 and released to DVD over five volumes. The story is said to be a continuation of the TV series featuring many battle scenes and continuing the love story.

3-9-05 (5:27PM EST)---- CLAMP Profiled

The Daily Yomiuri English Edition has the report "Manga's future in female hands". They mention in 1989, the year the godfather of Manga, Osamu Tezuka died, Osaka based CLAMP first burst on the scene with their unique style and contribution to the art.
Manga News Service

3-9-05 (4:01PM EST)---- ADV Films Announces MADLAX Vol. 1

From the creative team the set the animation world on fire with Noir comes an anime masterpiece chock-full of murder, mystery, and blazing girls-with-guns action! ADV Films, the #1 producer-distributor of anime in North America, is brimming with excitement at the release debut of MADLAX! The first volume, MADLAX: Connections, will blast its way to stores across North America on April 12, 2005! Get ready for the intense action series where the babes are hot, the action is searing, and nothing is what it seems! Directed by Koichi Mashimo (Noir, .hack//sign, Sorcerer Hunters) and designed by the full Noir team of Satoshi Osawa, Minako Shiba, Satoko Miyachi and Kinji Teraoka, MADLAX was produced by animation powerhouses Bee Train (Noir, .hack//sign) and Victor Entertainment (Excel Saga, Ghost In the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, RahXephon). Female gun-for-hire Madlax is a super-sexy and super-deadly mercenary who makes her living in a nation embroiled in civil war. Margaret, a rich orphan who lives almost a world away, attends school like any normal girl her age. Both of these women live completely different lives but share a strange similarity: they have no recollection of their past. What is the connection between these two beautiful strangers, and what do they have to do with the mysterious international criminal organization and intelligence network known only as "Enfant"? MADLAX: Connections (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and closing animation, Japanese promo spots, phone calls from Three Speed, design sketches, unused opening sequence and ADV Previews. Collector's Edition Available! The first volume of MADLAX is also available as a Collector's Edition, which includes the Volume 1 DVD and an attractive custom series art box to house volumes 1-7 (SRP $39.98).

MADLAX: CONNECTIONS Volume: 1 of 7 Running Time: 100 Minutes Age Rating: TV 14 (V) CAT: DMAD/001 (DVD), DMAD/BX1 (Collector’s Box) UPC: 702727117626 (DVD), 702727134524 (Collector’s Box) Pre-Book Date: 03/15/05 Street Date: 04/12/05 Format: DVD SRP: $29.98 (DVD), $39.98 (Collector's Box)

3-9-05 (3:43PM EST)---- Mandarake To Open Sapporo Branch

The Japan-based Anime goods shop Mandarake has announced it will open store branch on the northern Island of Hokkaido in the city of Sapporo. The 10th addition to the store chain opens on March 19. With the openin, Mandarake with a branch in all five of Japan's major metro areas (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo). An Utsunomiya City shop is planned for April and plans for a Kumamoto branch has been hinted at.

3-8-05 (6:45PM EST)---- TMS Announces More Details On New Fist Of The Northstar

TMS made their announcement on the new Fist Of The Northstar Animation project for which they are collaborating with North Stars Pictures. New details include the projected animation length. The 3 films are currently scheduled to run 90 minutes in length each, with the 2 OVA's coming in at 60 minutes each. This will be the first time Hojo Tsukasa will design a charter (Reina) outisde of one of his original works. TMS mentions they are discussing directly investing in the series' production. They are currently producing the animation.

3-8-05 (6:45PM EST)---- Bandai Says They Will Build Real Doraemon By 2010

Bandai unveiled their "Real Dream, Doraemon, Project" (RDDP) at the "Solution Cubic Japan SGI Forum 2005" held last week. There, Bandai Robotics lab chief Haga Yoshinori spoke on the company's ambitious plans to revolutionize the the home robotics market. 3 Goals were mentioned: "Basic Research of The 21st Century", "Challenge Of Creating A New Category", and "The Dream Is Provided For The Child". 5 people are currently engaged in shaping Bandai's robotics lab which first got started in 1980. They marketed their first offering from this new effort, The Doraemon Robot (DTR-01B) in March, 2004. A new version that features enhanced expressions and voice recognition will be released at the end of 2005. The next evolution, the "Doraemon Robot":"Doraemon Friend. " is slated for release in 2007. By 2010 they are hoping to incorporate some basic A.I. Bandai recently announced they adopted the "Evolution Robotics Software Platform Of The Evolution Robotics" (ERSP) that will be incorporated into this effort.

3-8-05 (5:50PM EST)---- Yukie Nakama Earning 2 Million Yen Per Episode On Gokusen

Japan Today Reports Nippon TV's Saturday night drama "Gokusen" is proving to be a big hit for the network and a big money earner for popular actress Yukie Nakama who is earning 2 million yen an episode. Audience rating for the drama, which first aired in 2002, reached a record high of 27.3% on Feb 19. Network executives say Nakama's popularity is keeping the show above the 25% mark. Based on a popular manga, "Gokusen" features Nakama as Kumiko Yamaguchi (Yankumi), an unfashionable high school teacher in charge of a class of delinquents. In reality, Yankumi is heir to a powerful yakuza group and it is her yakuza-style mannerisms that help her control the class and win their respect, despite her best efforts to keep her yakuza links a secret.

3-8-05 (6:12PM EST)---- Marianne Faithful DVD Revival in Japan

Marianne Faithful who is the actress suspected by many fans as the model mangaka Monkey Punch based his Lupin III charcter Fujiko on is getting a big revivial on DVD in Japan. First up the 1968 French movie Girl On A Motorcycle, which co-stars Alain Delon is set for release on May 11 at 7140 Yen. The film is screening in Tokyo at the Shibuya Cinema Society at midnight on April 22.

3-8-05 (5:50PM EST)---- New PS2 YuYu Hakusho Coming

Banpresto announced on May 19th it will release the game "YuYu Hakusho: FOREVER" for Playstation 2. Several details on the title such as Game System, Character Introduction and Story Outline are available at the just established official website.

3-8-05 (5:46PM EST)---- Nikkatsu Tackles Japanese Claymation Project

Nikkatsu Corporation has adapted Namco's videogame "taiko no tatsujin" (Expert of the drum) to TV animation with the series "kureianime taiko no tatsujin". The claymation work begins airing on Kids Station April 4th.

3-8-05 (6:12PM EST)---- Marianne Faithful DVD Revival in Japan

3-8-05 (2:15PM EST)---- ADV Films Announces Colorful

Panty lovers everywhere are sure to be satisfied as the wacky two-hour romp of anime irreverence Colorful! hits the streets April 5, 2005! Get ready to laugh yourself silly with over 50 animated vignettes of politically incorrect, sacred cow-tipping humor that takes particular aim at the randy idiocy of the human male. Based on Torajiro Kishi's manga of the same name and originally aired as part of the Japanese late-night television program "Wonderful," Colorful! was directed by Ryutaro Nakamura (Sakura Wars, Kino's Journey, Serial Experiments Lain) and features the animation work of Triangle Staff (Sakura Wars, Catnapped!, Macross Plus).
Two horny college slackers and a beautiful professor, a frustrated TV reporter, a sexy track star and her tempted coach, and a high school "girl"-zilla that's the size of the Empire State building- to name a few. Colorful! contains over 50 vignettes of men, women, and the pursuit of- well, you'll just have to see. From hotties on subways and perverted cabbies, to panty-obsessed video geeks, sexy mall babes, and the furry phenomenon, Colorful! is a strange, deranged, racy and hilarious parade of perversion! (And if live action is more your style, check out the behind-the-scenes documentary that shows the twisted, demented cast and crew that bring Colorful! to vivid life!)

Colorful! (SRP $24.98) is a DVD-only release, including 16 episodes made up of over 50 vignettes in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions with English subtitles. Extras include: Behind-the-Scenes documentary, clean opening and closing animations, original Japanese artwork, Colorful! trailer, actor bios and ADV Previews.

3-8-05 (2:15PM EST)---- Red Hot Ticket: Satsuki And May's House

Based on the house featured in Hayao Miyazaki's film My Neighbor Totoro, tickets to Satsuki and May's house which is opening as part of the Aichi Expo are selling so good the number of voucher substitution tickets that are able to be reserved are being limited. Instead of a single person being able to reserve 6 tickets the limit has been cut down to 4. The 2 story house is based on a European design from circa 1955.

3-8-05 (2:10PM EST)---- Japanese Weekend Box Office

Kogyo Tsushinsha posted it's ranking numbers for this past weekend's Japanese Box Office. March 5th and 6th just happened to mark the start of spring vacation for most school kids and accordingly movie companies traditionally serve up blockbuster calibur titles that will appeal to a young audience. The mangaesque live action submarine film Lorelei topped the charts at #1 on it's opening weekend. Shark Tale, featuring the voice of SMAP's Shingo Katori came in second, with the 6th One Piece film debuting at #3. Howl's Moving Castle which was at #2 last week was knocked down to 5th.

3-8-05 (1:45PM EST)---- Pretty Cure Movie Music News

Singer Shizuka Kudo (34) will provide the theme to the Pretty Cure: Max Heart film which opens on 16th of April in theaters across Japan. The song was recorded in Tokyo on the sixth. She mentioned her daughter is a big fan of the series. Her own personal favorite anime is Devilman. Titled "kokoro no chikara", the song will be featured on a single to go on sale on April 27.

3-8-05 (1:40PM EST)---- TV Tokyo Announces 2nd Naruto Movie

TV Tokyo has updated it's website with details the second Naruto Movie will be released in Japanese Toho affiliated theaters on Saturday, August 6. The date of course falls during the traditional school summer vacation period.

3-8-05 (1:33PM EST)---- GONZO Announces Project Solty

Takeshi Mori (Vandread: The Second Stage - Kaleido Star) has been revealed as the Director on the new GONZO animation TV series being codenamed Project Solty.

3-8-05 (1:26PM EST)---- Yoshimoto Kougyou 10 Billion Dollar Yen Fund With Eyes On US Market

Yoshimoto Kougyou announced in April it will establish a fund of 10 billion Yen that will serve as capital in various software business venture expansion initiatives. This will include online image and music distribution, CD, DVD etc... The operation period is set at seven years. A company will be established in the United States, with the goal of bringing Yoshimoto's artists to those shores via an internet-based interface. The company has mentioened strong plans to further advance into the USA market in the future.

3-8-05 (10:24AM EST)---- Yuricon Tokyo Event Announces 2 Guests

Yuricon, a celebration of yuri and shoujoai in anime and manga, is pleased to announce two more special guests who will be joining us for our historic Yuri Revolution event in Tokyo, Japan, on April 16, 2005! Hagiwara Mami, the editor of Japanese lesbian and bisexual lifestyle magazine, "Anise" will be joining us, with years of experience and stories about the Japanese yuri manga community. Manga artist Morishima Akiko, veteran artist of many shoujo manga series, and artist with yuri doujinshi circle "Girlish," will be sharing her thoughts and ideas on yuri manga and anime in Japan and the US.

3-7-05 (4:56PM EST)---- Geisha Casting Row Continues

Monkey Peaches has linked a series of articles in it's left bar which quote various comments from industry people for or against the casting of Chinese actresses for Japanese roles in Memoirs of a Geisha. Thanks to Daniel for the news.

3-7-05 (3:31PM EST)---- Puffy Tours USA

PUFFY AmiYumi has announced a special commercial coming up with proceeds going to support the vicitms of the great Sumatra earthquake. This will appear on March 7 on Cartoon Network Japan. The group has also affirmed their new North American tour which will include west coast engagements in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The "HiHi Puffy AmiYumi ROCK SHOW *** GO WEST" will kickoff on April 22 in Portland. The East Coast schedule is planned for the summer. The Japanese release of the "HiHi PUFFY AMIYUMI" TV Series soundtrack hits the streets in Japan on May 11.

3-7-05 (2:41PM EST)---- New One Piece Movie Opening Report

On Saturday the sixth One Piece Movie "Omatsuri Danshaku To Himitsu No Shima" opened in theaters across Japan. Director Mamoru Hosoda and the voice cast held a special screening for fans at the Marunouchi TOEI1 in Tokyo. About 100 stayed up all night queued in line for the first tickets. The original manga has sold 100 million copies in Japan. The movie is expected to make about 2 billion Yen in the theatrical run.

3-7-05 (1:53PM EST)---- Sony Announces World's Largest Screen

Nagoya TV mentions Sony will unveil a huge 2005 inch (10 meter by 50 meter) wide video screen in a theater at the main pavillion of the Aichi Expo. A special camera was used to record the High Definition contents which will be displayed on the high-definition quality screen. Sound is expressed with an 81 speaker system. You can view a video of it in action at the above link.

3-7-05 (11:39AM EST)---- Animator Takashi Wada Dies

JC Staff animator Takashi Wada died on the 5th of acute heart disease. He was 39 years old. Also being a University senior, Wada most recently served as Art Director on several epsiodes of the TV series Starship Operators. Past projects he had collaborated on include 1989's Arislan, Yu Yu Hakusho TV, Alice SOS, Sorcerous Stabber Orfen, Yamamoto Yohko and the 2000 Minerva OVA where he was a character designer.

3-7-05 (8:54AM EST)---- One Piece Kubrick Line To Commemorate New Film

A new line of Kubrick figures will be released in conjunction with the release of the latrest One Piece Animated feature which just opened this past weekend in Japanese theaters. The "DEVILOCK" pirate logo has been printed in each Kubrick. A set A and B are being marketed and when you buy both you can send off for a secret additional figure. Retail at 5,250 Yen. Height is 60mm, manufacture begins at the end of April, delivery is expected between the end on July and the middle of August.

3-7-05 (8:21AM EST)---- GAINAX Hosts Wonderful Days Screening

GAINAX is producing and distributing the Japanese release of the South Korean Animated film Wonderful Days (Sky Blue) and last week they held a special preview / talk event at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography. The production for Wonderful days is quoted as being 1.3 billion Yen and it took five years to complete. GAINAX took on the project as part of their 20th anniversary advancement. Director Moon Saeng Kim and Hiroyuki Yamada were on hand to talk about the film and answer questions. Yamada mentioned he first saw Wonderful Days at a South Korean trade show and he was so enchanted by the quality of detail that he wanted to pursue the acquistion. He admitted at the time he had no idea on the story or dialogue becuase it was of course dubbed in Korean. The Director mentioned with this work he wanted to create an animation in his own way, persuing a form of realism that surpassed other works.

3-7-05 (8:10AM EST)---- Japanese And Korean Pop Idols Set Trends For Chinese Teens

The International Herald Tribune has a report on the degre to which China's eastern neighbors are influencing the music scene domestically.

3-7-05 (7:58AM EST)---- Live Action Cutey Honey In SF

A subbed print of the Hideaki Anno directed live-action Cutey Honey will be playing at 2005 SF International Asian American Film Festival on the 12th and 13th of March. Thanks to Daniel for the news.

3-7-05 (7:52AM EST)---- Studio Plug And Play Sued By Shogakukan

According to the post to www.studioplugnplay.com:

BECAUSE OF OUR RECENT LEGAL TROUBLE WITH SHOGAKUKAN, INC. OVER ILLEGAL USE OF THEIR INUYASHA PROPERTY AND THE SUBSEQUENT FINE WE MUST PAY, STUDIO PLUG'N PLAY WILL NOT BE MAKING DOUJINSHI IN 2006. WE WILL FINISH OUR NEXT 5 BOOK SERIES OF WOLF'S RAIN AND OUR 5 BOOKS SERIES FOR TRIGUN. WE WILL MAKE OUR FINAL APPEARENCE AS A CIRCLE AT YAOICON IN 2005 AND USHICON IN 2006 - BUT WE WILL NO LONGER BE MAKING FANBOOKS AS OF 2006. WE HAVE ENJOYED MAKING THESE BOOKS TO TRADE WITH OTHER CIRCLES AND TO SELL TO FANS AND WE SO APPRECIATE THE POPULARITY YOU HAVE DELIVERED TO US. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND OUR LEGAL TROUBLES IS NOT WITH VIZ - THEY SIMPLY HOLD LICENSE - WE WERE CHARGED BY THE TRUE COPYRIGHT HOLDER SHOGAKUKAN, INC. ALL WE CAN SAY TO OTHER CIRCLES IS PLEASE BE CAREFUL. AS FOR THE STUDIO ITSELF - WE WILL STILL BE MAKING WORKS IN 2006 - ONLY THEY WILL BE PRO WORKS AND WE WILL GIVE YOU THE LINKS AS TO WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE AS THEY ARE PUBLISHED. ^_^ THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS - Studio Plug'n Play - 2005

Source: Manga News Service Thanks to Leon of AniWay Magazine (www.aniway.nl)

3-5-05 (7:53AM EST)---- Megumi Hayashibara 700th Heartful Station Recording

Alot of fans have been wondering what perhaps the most well known anime seiyuu, Megumi Hayashibara, has been up to lately. The weekly radio program which she is involved with, Heartful station at King Record's studio is headed for it's 700th broadcast. The show has run for 14 years. Commemorating this a public recording will be held on April 17 at the Kobe Oriental Theater. Both children and adults are invited to write in for invitations. Starchild has further details.

3-4-05 (3:24AM EST)---- Filming Starts On Live Action Touch Movie

Toho has recently began recruiting extras for it's live action Touch film. Filming just began in the Omiya Ballpark (Saitama City Omiya Ward). Saitama City launched a campaign in September, 2002 to raise it's visibility as an attractive location to film in. In an unusual move to this end, the prefecture and Saitama City are doing alot of the legwork in the extra casting promotional efforts. Extras will be asked to participate as a spectator in the regional preliminary gold medal game scene of the Koshien University that will form the climax of the movie. 300-2700 people are expected to be recruited daily until they fill their need.

3-4-05 (2:31AM EST)---- New One Piece Movie Reviewed

Toei Animation's latest One Piece Film "Omatsuri Danshaku To Himitsu No Shima" opens nationwide in Japanese theaters this Saturday. The director is Mamoru Hosoda. Japanese press reviews are already proliferating online as Toei had a special advance preview screening on the 2nd. Eiga Kawaraban's K. Hattori was on hand and has issued his review headlined "The Movie Is Regrettable In Various Ways". Hosoda, who directed the Digimon films was also at one time slated to direct Howl's Moving Castle when it was being planned by Studio Ghibli. It's a bit ironic that One Piece movies in the past have screened as a double feature with Digimon. The reviewer mentions they cannot help calling this latest film a complete failure where the happiness of the series is not felt at all. That said the touch of Mr. Hosoda is said to be strongly obvious in all areas. The mood is described as dark, the characters brooding and even the imagery different from the "usual" ONE PIECE. The script is done by Masahiro Ito who a writer of variety programs for Fuji Television Network in the past. Opening nationwide in Toei-affiliated theaters March 5. Running time: 1 hour 31 minutes.

3-4-05 (1:54AM EST)---- New Fist Of The North Star Update

North Stars Pictures has had a special studio setup in Tokyo for the production of it's coming new Fist Of The North Star Animation Films and OAV's. The actual production on the first film due in a year's time began in October 2004.

3-4-05 (12:50AM EST)---- Suginami Animation Museum Opens Doors Saturday

The 500 square meter Suginami Animation Museum opens it's doors to the Japanese public on the fifth. Special guests got a sneak peek on the 3rd. Based on the Suginami Animation Pavilion first established in 2003, the current extrapolation has increased in sized by five times. Suginami Ward contains much of Japan's anime industry, claiming both the "Suginami Animation Takumi Cram School" and 70 of the nation's 430 anime companies. The museum will represent Japanese Animation dating all the way back to 1917. From the opening, it will include 86 exhibits from anime such as Astroboy and Sazae-san, hosting a data base archives room and a projection room. The first major exhibition theme will be that of Mobile Suit Gundam, indeed Sunrise is also located within Suginami. Mangka an Animator Shinichi Suzuki has been appointed the superintendent of the museum.

3-4-05 (12:45AM EST)---- Garnet Crow and Miho Komatsu On MAR TV

After being serialized in Shogakukan's Shonen Sunday from 2003, Shin Anzai's MAR is headed to animation. The sales of the eight original comic volumes have exceed 3.5 million issues in total. Now the BARKS J-Pop artists, Garnet Crow and Miho have been announced to provide them music to the new series to be broadcast on TV Tokyo. Komatsu's opening theme has been decided as "I Just Wanna Hold You Tght". Garnet Crow will provide the ED with "kun no omoi egai ta yume shuu meru Heaven".

3-4-05 (12:00AM EST)---- Ruling Against 2CH For Unauthorized Manga Reprint

The manager of the famous Japanese BBS 2ch was ordered to pay compensation in an appeal hearing before the by the Tokyo High Court after it was found that coprighted manga work was reprinted without permission by a user online. A lawsuit was filed by Miyuki Kitagawa and Shogakukan requesting compensation for damages of three million Yen from the manager of of the bulletin board. The presiding jusge mentioned "There is an obligation to correct promptly if the manager commited piracy". An order was made for the payment of 1.2 million yen in total. The original hearing before the Tokyo District Court ended in the dismissal of the lawsuit stating "It was the user /poster that violated the copyright and not the manager of the bulletin board". Source: Manga News Service

3-4-05 (12:00AM EST)---- Marvelous Entertainment TSE Listing

Marvelous Entertainment (who we had reported on earlier as being one of the 27 firms signing onto Sony's PSP video format) has announced it will be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange 2nd Section with issue beginning trade March 9. The company was established in 1997 and listed on the JASDAQ in 2002. As of March the company reported sales of about 7.9 billion Yen, and a current profit of 670 million Yen. Marvelous deals strongly in animation releases and was responsible for the Pretty Cure music release in 2004.

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