Anime News Service - March 23-28 Anime News

3-28-02---- New Robozone Forums

Robozone's newly upgraded toy discussion area have been announced. There are several different forums for viewers to choose from spanning many different toy interests. Including the following:

Action Figures - Talk about the latest and greatest in terms of vintage and new action figures as well as upcoming action figure toys.

Robot Toys - Talk about new and vintage robot toys currently out or coming out both in America and from abroad any kind of Robot Toy.

Macross/Robotech - Talk about anything Macross related. From all Anime-Related Robotech episodes to the cool toy lines. Starscream's Domain - Welcome to everything Generation one Transformers. Moderated by Starscream. Look for topics discussing anything Transformers. The toys and TV show.

Car Robots/Armada/Robots In Disguise - Come and talk about the newest Transformer Toys and shows. Robots in Disguise and Transformers Armada.

Gundam - Talk about Gundam. The Anime Show, toys, model kits. Show from Cartoon Network etc.

Toy Arena - The toy review forum!! Review any toy you want - old or new. Talk about disappointments or surprises in a particular toy. Compare old toys to new toys. If they've been re-released talk about the differences. Compare two similar toys from two different toylines. One subject per thread please. Constructive criticism encouraged :P

Robozone News - View this board for any general news that Robozone has in regards to new shippments of toys, latest website updates, what's coming out soon in Japan. We wanted to have one centralized location for any kind of toy news we may have. It's to your advantage to check this board first before checking for any updates on the website.

Wrestling Board - Here it is!! It seems that there are tons of wrestling fans out there. Here's your chance to join the wrestling debate.

Power Rangers & Japanese Sentai - Here is the board to view and discuss Power Rangers or their Japanese Sentai counterparts. Including Wildforce, Time Force, Galaxy or Japanese, Go Go Five, Time Rangers, Gao Rangers, Hurricane Rangers, Gingaman or any other Sentai Show!!

Many other boards coming as well like Japanese Anime, Forum Only Special offers.

Features: On line polls, tons of smilies, private instant messaging, customizeable forum templates to your liking, banner exchange program, activity bars.

Features to come: Fully integrated on-line chatting, integrated on-line games and many more features.

Moderators Wanted: We are currently looking for additional moderators in all of our forums. particularly Action Figures, Gundam and Macross/Robotech. If you have an interest please feel free to see me.

Currently we have over 5000 posts in our forums come and take a look for yourself.

http://www.robozone.com

3-28-02---- Oveseas Ordering For Tekken 4 PS2

Daniel has sent us info on finding out how to get a copy of the PS2 Tekken 4 at Jagged Team.

3-28-02---- New Anime Websites

Azumanga Daioh TV - www.azumanga.tv
Saishu Heiki Kanojo (She, the Ultimate Weapon): The Last Love Song on this Little Planet - www.saikano.net
Denko Chou Tokkyu Hikarian Lightning Attack Express - www.toho-a-park.com/character/hikari/

Source: Natsume Maya

3-28-02---- Kunihiko Ikuhara English Website Online

Daniel has informed us an official English website for Utena director Kunihiko Ikuhara at the following link, an Italian version is the works.

http://www.jrt.co.jp/yos/ikuniweb/ikuniweb_e/topmenu/etopmenu.html

3-27-02---- Seiyuu Selected For Next Ghibli Film Lead

The seiyuu who will voice the leading role of Haru in the upcoming Studio Ghibli movie Neko no Ongaeshi (The Cat Who Returned a Favour) has been announced: the multi-award winning 20 year old actress Ikewaki Chizuru. In the movie, scheduled for release in the summer of 2002, when 17 year old high school student Haru saves a cat (which cat turns out to be a cat prince), she's invited to the land of cats. There, Haru declares that she wants to be a cat, and a cat baron appears before her. Initial pictures can be found in this Zak Zak report. Click on the pictures for an enlarged graphic. The top picture shows some of the characters from the new movie, including Muta and the Baron from "Mimi o Sumaseba". The bottom picture is a photo of Ikewaki. Neko no Ongaeshi, directed by Morita Hiroyuki, will be a 75 minute movie, to be screened together with the 25 minute long "Ghiblies - episode 2". A Yomiuri report can be found here.

Source: Natsume Maya

3-27-02---- San Jose Mercury News Reporter Seeking Fan Interviews

According to a post by Anime Expo's Mike Tatsugawa to the con's message board San Jose Mercury News Reporter Dana Hull is looking for SF Bay Area High School students to interview for a story she is working on. Check the above link for further details.

3-27-02---- New York-Tokyo Music Festival Article

The Japan Times has new piece here on the New York-Tokyo Music Festival. Scheduled to take place in the Big Apple May 23-26, the event will feature live performances by a variety of Japanese artists, including Towa Tei, Ken Ishii and Mondo Grosso. The live shows are happening at various Manhattan venues, including Pier 63, the Knitting Factory and Fryingpan. Besides concerts, the festival will include a symposium at the Japan Society. Up for discussion will be how to spread the word on J-pop to what the festival organizers call the "MTV generation." Companies wishing to promote their wares and services are also being invited to rent booths at the festival.

3-27-02---- Gaming News

Thanks to Daniel for the following:
Gamespot states that Sega will be releasing ports-via THQ-of Phantasy Star 1-3, Super Monkey Ball, Crazy Taxi, and Virtua Tennis to the Game Boy Advance.

According to Gamespot , four Sega ports for the X Box are in development, and will be announced in May.

And Gamespot says that Yaumi Matsuno, developer on FF XII and Ogre Battle, will be responsible for the GBA port of Final Fantasy Tactics. FFXII itself is supposed to come out sometime next year.

3-27-02---- Weiss Kreuz Singles Cancelled - New TV series Broadcast Uncertain

Japanese music retailers have informed customers who have reserved forthcoming Weiss Kreuz Opening and Ending theme singles that their release has been cancelled due to the fact that release date has yet to be announced. Meanwhile, the latest Weiss Kreuz TV series has hit a broadcast snag in Japan with the Kids Station network listing the premiere last month. Each listed air slot was filled with the Sakura Wars TV series.

3-27-02---- Service Service Cute Anime And Game Girls Website Launches

On the heels of America's First Cute Anime & Game Girl Magazine release in April, Studio Happy Chicken, LLC today announced the release of their Service Service website at www.serviceservicemagazine.com/. According to today's release:

Service Service Magazine breaks down pre-conceived ideas about animation and video games by bringing the Cute Girl Culture to the forefront. How is that possible? Simply put, Service Service covers a wide variety of products that share one wonderful feature: they revolve around cute girls.

"What happened is we took a look at the magazines we (the studio) bought, and discovered they were all Japanese magazines that had pages and pages of cute girls." explains Company President Charles Maib "So we said, let's make an English language anime and game magazine that we'd like to buy. It was a lot of hard work, but it's finally here. It's all very Gainaxtastic."

In it's premier issue, Service Service features such anime as Alien Nine, FLCL, Tenshi ni Narumon (I Wanna Be An Angel), Cream Lemon, and the Daicon IV Opening Animation. It's games section explores titles like Space Venus staring Morning Musume for the Playstation 2, Tokimeki Memorial 2 for the Playstation, and Viper V16 and Water Closet for the PC.

Service Service also breaks new ground by covering animation and video games that were once taboo in the anime community. "There are great companies out there, like Peach Princess, Hobibox Europe, and NuTech Digital that are releasing products that companies are refusing to cover" says Charles. "Studio Happy Chicken realizes that these are important parts otakudom as a whole, and we've committed ourselves to presenting them in a tasteful manner."

Service Service Magazine is published bi-monthly by Studio Happy Chicken, LLC and distributed by Desert Moon Periodicals.

3-27-02---- English Yamato Ruling Article

Recapping our item yesterday, Asahi has posted an English article on a Tokyo District Court ruling involving Yamato creator Leiji Matsumoto and Nishizaki Hirofumi.

3-26-02---- JAFAX 2002 Announced

JAFAX (Japanese Anime Film and Art eXpo), a celebration of Japanese animation and Japanese culture is set to be held on June 22-23 from 10am-6pm, located at Grand Valley State University in Allendale Michigan. This event is free (No admission) for all who wish to attend. Confirmed guests include:

Doug Smith (Voice actor for Goldenboy),
Steve Bennett (Studio Ironcat, a very famous anime artist. Teaches cel painting at the event),
Robert DeJesus (popular anime artist),
James Dawsey (Popular anime artist),
Amy Howard Wilson (Voice actress for Nova in StarBlazers).

For information on events, contests, directions, etc. please visit the JAFAX website at: http://www.jafax.org

3-26-02---- Robotech Games Profiled In Print

Thanks to Steve and the crew at Robotech.com for informing us top American gamer journal Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the gaming industry's top magazines, has an exclusive 4 page spread preview on the upcoming Robotech game by TDK Mediactive and Vicious Cycle in the May 2002 issue. Meanwhile, XBox Nation has its own interview with the Robotech development team as part of a 2 page spread with some of its own exclusive images and its own exclusive interview with Vicious Cycle Inc. More details on these scoops as well as images can be viewed at Robotch.com here.

3-26-02---- When ICBM's Are Called In To Solve Ant Problems? - Greece Bans All Non Casino Videogames To Curb Illegal Gambling

Anjiro-san informs us that according to the below shortnews.com article, Greece (goverment) has banned all forms of videogames throughout their nation. This is so in an effort to eradicate illegal gamblings which is more prevalent in Greece than anywhere else in the European Union. For thourough details, hit the link below:
http://www.shortnews.com/shownews.cfm?id=19609&u_id=16365

3-26-02---- Slayers Premium R2 DVD Release Set

The Slayers Premium movie is set will arrive on DVD in Japan from Bandai Visual on July 3rd 2002. The limited edition version will come with a drama CD and cost 5,775 (including tax). The regular edition will cost 3,990 yen (including tax).

Source: Natsume Maya

3-26-02---- Anime Central New Guests Recap

Anime Central has made a new release afirming some previously announced guests:Anime Central 2002 April 19-21, 2002 Hyatt Regency OHare Rosemont, Illinois U.S.A.
With even more events than last year! Anime Central is bigger and better than ever! Join us in celebrating the wonderful world of Anime & Manga!
** GUESTS **
NEW! Hidenori Matsubara Mr.Matsubara has been an animator on many well known anime, but is best known for adapting manga artist Kosuke Fujishima's designs to the anime and game medium. American fans will best know him for his character design and animation direction on "Oh! My Goddess" and "Sakura Wars." This will be his first appearance at Anime Central.

NEW! Toshihiro Kawamoto - Toshihiro Kawamoto will be best known to US anime fans for his character designs on "Cowboy Bebop" and "Golden Boy." However, he also worked as animation supervisor for the animation for the "Ghost in the Shell" Playstation Game opening, and as the character designer on "Gundam 0083," and "08th MS Team," as well as animator on numerous other animations. This is Mr. Kawamoto's first appearance at Anime Central.

3-26-02---- American i-Mode Platform Announced - Dubbed "m-Mode"

At&t Wireless has revealed information that it plans to roll out a wireless information platform for American Mobile Phones titiled m-Mode. The service will share many of the characteristics of the Japanese counterpart and will launch in April in existing GSM markets. With the launch, details have come out that 2 dozen or so handsets, will be compatible with m-mode. All Net Devices Yahoo have excellent writeups on the news.

A new official website, Mlife has been launched by At&t.

3-26-02---- ADV Films City Hunter And Golden Boy 2 Releases

From the releases:

RELEASE DATE SET FOR CITY HUNTER: SECRET SERVICE ADV RELEASES CITY HUNTER TITLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD

HOUSTON, March 25, 2002 - ADV FILMS has set the street date of June 25, 2002 for Secret Service, the first DVD release for the internationally adored action franchise, City Hunter. This is the first time the popular anime series has been available to American fans on DVD.

The City Hunter franchise has generated millions of dollars in revenue worldwide with comic books, movies, a television series, and other merchandise. The City Hunter graphic novel series by Tsukasa Hojo sold millions of copies every week, while the television series scored big ratings all over the world. City Hunter also spawned a hit film starring international movie star Jackie Chan.

The Story: James McGuire's life is so dangerous he has to hire bodyguards for his secret service agents. It doesn't help that his chief agent is actually his long-lost daughter. Luckily for him, Joe Saeba and his sexy assistant Kaori are behind on the rent and need the work! Eighteen years ago, McGuire's life was stolen from him and he was sentenced to rot in jail. But now he's a free man and on his way to saving his country from tyranny. But a dark secret from his past threatens to destroy him and his lovely daughter Anna, who is now an agent with the Japanese secret service. Will he live to rescue his country? Will his resentful daughter learn to love him again? Will Joe finally get some action? Find out the answers in this exciting City Hunter adventure!

ADV's release of the feature-length City Hunter: Secret Service ($29.98 SRP) comes with the English-language version, as well as the Japanese language version with English subtitles. DVD extras include a City Hunter omake extra, TV spots in the English-language version and the original Japanese-language version, clean credit animation, and ADV previews.

CITY HUNTER: SECRET SERVICE Running Time: 90 Minutes; Age Rating: 15+ Pre-Book Date: 5/28/02 Street Date: 6/25/02 Format SRP DVD $29.98

RELEASE DATE SET FOR GOLDEN BOY: BOUND FOR GLORY

RELEASE MARKS THE FIRST TIME GOLDEN BOY HAS BEEN AVAILABLE ON DVD

HOUSTON, Mar. 25, 2002 - ADV FILMS has set the street date of June 18, 2002 for the outrageously bawdy Bound For Glory, the final volume of the DVD premiere of the hilarious Golden Boy series directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo (Jojo's Bizarre Adventures).

The English-language version of Golden Boy features a vocal performance by Doug Smith in the role of lead character Kintaro Oe. Smith worked as a graphic designer at ADV while recording Golden Boy. Smith left ADV in 1999 and joined comic book publisher Studio Ironcat as a graphic designer.

The Story: How does he do it? Whether he's an idiot or a genius, you have to give Golden Boy Kintaro Oe credit for always knowing how to turn the ladies on. The problem is, once he's turned them on, he doesn't know how to turn them off! Whether he's out-stroking an Olympic swimmer, overheating a motorcycle-obsessed racer or taking charge of an entire animation studio, the Golden Boy always seems to end up surrounded by both beautiful women and impossible tasks! Watch him take them all on in the second and final collection of Golden Boy!

ADV's release of Golden Boy: Bound For Glory ($29.98 SRP) collects the final three episodes of the popular anime comedy in the English-language, as well as the Japanese language version with English subtitles. DVD extras include clean credit animation, an image gallery, and ADV previews.

GOLDEN BOY: BOUND FOR GLORY Running Time: 90 Minutes; Age Rating: 17+ Pre-Book Date: 5/21/02 Street Date: 6/18/02 Format SRP DVD $29.98

3-26-02---- Resident Evil Week 2 Box Office

Daniel has relayed for the previous weekend DVD File states that Resident Evil went down to number 6 with $6.6 million in box office returns.

3-26-02---- Uzukmai From Tidepoint In Spring

Thanks to Daniel for mentioning the April Fangoria references Viz and Tidepoint Pictures' plans to release the Uzumaki movie sometime this spring.

3-26-02---- Yamato Legal News

In Japan, Space Battleship Yamato creator Matsumoto Leiji's legal action to prevent Nishizaki Hirofumi describing himself as author of the anime Uchuu Senkan Yamato has been dismissed. Nishizaki was producer of the anime series. Judge Iimura Toshiaki of the Tokyo District Court today held that Nishizaki's detailed participation in the creation process entitled him to be known as author of the film work pursuant to article 16 of the Copyright Act. Manga author Matsumoto Leiji's role in the creation of the movie was said to be a partial role. Matsumoto has said that the decision is unfair and that he will appeal - without his presence, not one frame of the anime could have been produced. In 2000, Nishizaki was sentenced to 5 years 6 months jail for drug and possession of illegal arms offences, the matter is presently the subject of an appeal.

Source: Asahi News
Courtesy to Natsume Maya for the news

3-26-02---- Anime Iowa Items

Thanks to Aric Stewart for sending us some items on this year's Anime Iowa Con, to be held in Ceder Rapids, Iowa on August 23-25th. Last year Anime Iowa drew over 900 paid attendees and this year they are looking at having as many as 1200 con-goers attend their convention. More information can be found at http://www.animeiowa.com.

3-26-02---- Blame Web Anime

With the movie version of the manga Blame! to screen in Japan the winter of 2003, a web anime version will commence distribution on the internet on 7 June 2002. The web anime version will consist of six episodes, each of five minutes' length.

Source: Natsume Maya

3-26-02---- Seiyuu Speaks On Cultural Stranglehold Of Western Influence In Japan

The Voice Actress for Saya in Blood: The Last Vampire, Youki Kudoh has posted a two page writeup on the encroachment and side effects of western culture's domination in Japan. You can check it out at Time Asia

Thanks to Leon of Aniway Magazine for posting the item to out mailing list

3-26-02---- Bandai Announces Escaflowne Movie Release

From the release:

JULY 2002 RELEASES

Escaflowne Movie UPC:669198044595 TRT: 110 min. MPAA: Rated PG-13 SRP: $29.98 STREET DATE: 7.23.2002

Gaia � a mythical realm ruled by sword and sorcery and immersed in blood and violence. Thrust into a conflict she doesn�t quite understand, Hitomi helps aid the young Prince Van as they embark upon their journey of discovery. The battle over a legendary suit of dragon armor, Escaflowne, has begun.

* Based on the best selling Escaflowne animated television series
* The Escaflowne TV series broadcast on the Fox Kids Network
* Available for the FIRST TIME on DVD Home Video!
* Official Selection for the 2001 AFI Film Festival
* FIRST TIME EVER Features for an anime DVD release
* Overlapping Realtime Storyboards
* Isolated Score Audio Track
* Genre: Fantasy/Action

Based on the story by Shoji Kawamori (Macross Plus) Character Designs by Nobuteru Yuki (X, Record of Lodoss Wars) Directed by Kazuki Akane (Ronin Warriors) Music by Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop, Brain Powered)

DVD Features:

* Interactive Animated Menus
* English/Japanese w/ English subtitles
* DTS Audio
* Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio
* Widescreen Letterbox
* Extras: Overlapping Realtime Storyboards
* Extras: Isolated Score Audio Track
* Extras: Theatrical Movie Trailers
* Extras: Bandai Entertainment Previews

Escaflowne Movie LIMITED Ultimate Edition DVD Box Set UPC: 669198044694 TRT: 300 min. MPAA: Rated PG-13 SRP: $54.98 STREET DATE: 7.23.2002

Ultimate Edition DVD Features: DISC 1 DISC 2 - bonus materials not rated * Interactive Animated Menus * Production Art Gallery * English/Japanese w/ English subtitles * Staff and Cast Interviews * DTS Audio * Escaflowne Premiere Event Interviews * Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio * EXCLUSVIE Musical Performance by Maaya Sakamoto (In Japanese & Korean) * Widescreen Letterbox * Anime Expo Premiere Footage * Extras: Overlapping Realtime Storyboards * The Making of the Escaflowne Theatrical Poster Gallery * Extras: Isolated Score Audio Track * Extras: Theatrical Movie Trailers DISC 3 * Extras: Bandai Entertainment Previews Original Escaflowne: The Movie CD Soundtrack

Escaflowne TV Series Limited Edition DVD Box Set (10,000 units numbered) UPC: 669198043895 TRT: 700 min. RATED 13UP SRP: $199.98 STREET DATE: 7.23.2002

Hitomi Kanzaki is a typical high school girl, with typical high school problems. But when a vision of a young man battling a dragon becomes a reality, her life changes forever. Drawn into a strange vortex with the swordsman, Van, Hitomi is thrust into the strange world of Gaia. Entangled in a struggle over life and death, Van must learn to master the suit of armor, Escaflowne. Chased by the Empire of Zaibach, Van and Hitomi will encounter both allies and enemies in an effort to unlock the secrets within Escaflowne.

* The Escaflowne TV series broadcast on the Fox Kids Network
* Limited to ONLY 10,000 units -- Each box will be inidividually numbered
* EXCLUSIVE Escaflowne Action Figure available ONLY with this DVD box set
* "Collector's Only" DVD Box
* Genre: Fantasy/Action

Story by Shoji Kawamori (Macross Plus) Character Designs by Nobuteru Yuki (X, Record of Lodoss Wars) Directed by Kazuki Akane (Ronin Warriors) Music by Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop, Brain Powered)

DVD Features:
* Interactive Animated Menus
* English/Japanese w/ English subtitles
* Dolby Digital Audio
* Character Gallery
* Extras: Escaflowne Music Videos
* Extras: Club Escaflowne Featurette
* Extras: Interviews with Creators
* Extras: Bandai Entertainment Previews

3-26-02---- Japanese Internet Video Series On Doujinishi

On April 6th a new weekly internet video program "Kaneda Tomoko's Comic Master Tomo Channel" begins, the focus of the program is the making of doujinshi. Seiyuu Kaneda Tomoko (Marie in Onegai Teacher) will be editor. To view the previews Goto the ITV24.com website and click through to the Tomo Channel page.

Courtesy to Natsume Maya for the news

Source: ITV24

3-26-02---- Manga News

The 3X3 Eyes manga ends in Japan around May, YanMaga is releaseing a reissue manga box set from the beginning, check these sites in Japanese for details:

http://www.yanmaga.kodansha.co.jp/ym/top.html
http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/yoyaku/comics/3_3eyes/

3-26-02---- Sakura Con Announces Norio Shioyama

From the release:

Sakura-Con is honored to welcome Norio Shioyama. Mr. Shioyama is a veteran of the animation industry in Japan. He has worked on numerous well known anime projects including stints as the character designer for the well known Ronin Warriors (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers) series. Born in Kumamoto Japan in 1940 He is a veteran of the animation industry in Japan working as a character designer and animation director at Sunrise studios. He is credited for his designs in many of the popular "giant robot" shows from the early eighties up to today's most recent hit anime series. More recently, Mr. Shioyama has served as key animator for the popular Gaogaigar and Infinite Ryvius series by Sunrise studios as well as the lead monster designer for Inu Yasha. This is his first convention appearance here in the United States.

3-26-02---- Crayon Shinchan Appears In Brief Advert On FOX In The U.K.

In an advertisement break on Fox Kids U.K. Monday, a short clip of dubbed Crayon Shin Chan played and a "title-card" with "Shinchan" appeared. No other details such as a possible future broadcast date were revealed.

3-26-02---- Playstation 3 Plans Advance

Avid reader Anjiro-san has sent in this link concerning Sony's plans for PlayStation3, check it out here.

3-26-02---- Anime Piece At Spinner Rack

Allen at Spinner Rack has mentioned the following:

I just wanted to let everyone know about a new anime column at SpinnerRack.com by our anime reviewer Doug Jacobs. In case you didn't know, Spinner Rack is a comic book site that also has anime content. We're not trying to compete with existing anime sites. We just want to share our interests and hopefully encourage casual fans to develop their own interest in anime or comics or whatever. Until now, we've only had reviews (most of them are positive reviews) but this new column is the first step in expanding our anime section.

Anyway, check out the first installment titled "Copies, Fansubs and Bootlegs: The Greyer Side of Anime in America" at:

http://www.spinnerrack.com/columns/animetedfan/dj020325.php

3-25-02---- Sakura Taisen Movie DVD: Special Edition Version

Details have been released on the R2 DVD of Sakura Taisen the movie: Special edition version. The set comes with color booklet, bonus DVD features (pilot film used for press conference, collection of staff and cast greetings at various theatres, trailers, footage of the 5th Sakura Taisen live musical etc), movie official CD-ROM, carton box Price 9800 (excluding tax)

Meanwhile the Regular edition comes with same booklet and bonus DVD features Price 7800 (excluding tax) Both versions are to be released on November 22 2002.

Source: Natsume Maya and Sakura-Taisen.com.

3-25-02---- Wild 7 Another Broadcast Start Delay

The broadcast of ATX's Wild 7 Another TV Series has been delayed in Japan almost 1 month from April 6 to April 27. Episode 2 is then tentatively set to air on May 18.

Thanks to Natsume Maya for the info

3-25-02---- New Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Game

Read about the Godzilla videogame(GODZILLA: DESTROY ALL MONSTERS MELEE) from Infogrames-which is coming out on the GameCube in November-at Cinescape.

You can see more pics and info on the game at Cube Europe.

Thanks to Daniel for the info.

3-25-02---- Yuricon Dates

Yuricon, a celebration of shoujoai and yuri in anime and manga, is inviting fans to to join them on June 13-15, 2003 at the Gateway Hilton in Newark, New Jersey for a three-day festival of all things shoujoai and yuri.

Confirmed guests include Japanese shoujoai mangaka Rica Takashima, author of "The Adventures of Rika and Miho" an ongoing series in "Anise" magazine and Canadian shoujoai mangaka Kathryn Williams, author and publisher of "A Shadowlander's Dream."

For information on volunteering for Yuricon 2003, 2002 events and appearances or shoujoai and yuri in general, please visit their website at http://www.yuricon.org or email at yuricon@hotmail.com

3-24-02---- TIME Interviews Ayumi Hamasaki

An interview and article about J-Pop sensation Ayumi Hamasaki including photo essay is running in the current issue of the American published Time Magazine, you can check it out here. Thanks to Matt for the news.

3-23-02---- Viz Hiring

Daniel has posted the following to our mailing list:

Viz needs a new Director of Marketing and Sales. Go to the update at www.viz.com if you're interested.

3-23-02---- Big O Season 2 Plans?

On the current status of a second planned season of the Big O TV series, last week several Japanese websites picked up on bits of information suggesting a possible run in the U.S. before Japan, these intial reports filtered down to English language websites and to this point stand unconfirmed. Information in an official capacity regarding The second Big O TV series may be forthcoming next week, stay refreshed with ANS for some possible exclusive details.

3-23-02---- Ninja Scroll Press Conference

A Japanese press event surrounding the recent licensing deal between Threshold Entertainment and Madhouse is currently sceduled to occur in Tokyo in April. Masao Maruyama of Studio Madhouse and Hikaru Sasahara of Digital Manga are scheduled to be on hand along with Larry Kasanoff of Threshold Entertainment. ANS will be posting exclusive images and coverage of the event.

3-23-02---- WNYU Ceases J-Pop Monday Broadcasts

From the announcement:

With WNYU ceasing it's Internet broadcast effective April 5, 2002, J-Pop Monday will hold a trivia contest on each of its final two Internet broadcasts (March 25, 2002 and April 1, 2002). Join me, Roehl Sybing, as I give away two $50 gift certificates good for purchases at The Right Stuf International. Just be the first to call in and correctly answer three anime trivia questions when they are announced on the air, it's that simple!

J-Pop Monday airs each and every Monday, starting live at 12N Eastern time. The show can be heard (RealPlayer required) on http://www.wnyu.org, or on NYU Campus Cable, channel 16. For more information, contact the show at wnyujpop@hotmail.com or visit the show's website at http://jpop.infinitedeferral.com. In advance, the studio line to call is 212-998-1818.

Please join me for two hours of J-Pop, anime news and a really cool trivia giveaway!

3-23-02---- Anime Toy News

First unveiled at the 2001 Tokyo Toy Show, Kaiyodo's Spike Spiegel action figure is now being offered for advanced preorder in the April issue of Diamond Previews. Sculpted for Kaiyodo by Enoki Tomohide, this figure of Spike stands 6� tall and features eight points of articulation. Comes with a Jericho custom gun, three cigarettes, and a base depicting the rose on the ground from Spike�s memories. Blister card packaging and scheduled to ship in July 2002 for a SRP of $11.99. An image can be seen at Figures.com

In 2002, Hasbro, Inc. teams up with Pokemon USA, Inc. and 4Kids Entertainment to launch a brand new theme. Since its introduction last year, Pokemon fans have given the fourth season Johto League Champions story line rave reviews, and this year, 4Kids is primed to launch the all-new fifth season "Pokemon: Master Quest". With the advent of this all-new season of Pokemon adventures, Hasbro introduces the all-new Master Quest-themes products that bring the Pokemon fantasy to life as like never before! For example, expert or novice fans can play all day with their POKEMON ELECTRONIC VIRTUAL TRAINER, readying their POK�MON for the most-supreme battles! It's all about building the strength of your Pokemon by being the best trainer you can be � just like Ash and Pikachu.

Hasbro's POKEMON 2002 line features:

*POKEMON ELECTRONIC ATTACK LAUNCHERS:
The new electronic Attack Launcher allows kids to launch their Pokemon figures into battle against their friends! It comes with an electronic Pokemon figure that attaches to the Pok� Ball launcher, and when the figure rolls forward, an attack sound is heard. When figures collide, a touch point on the body triggers the eyes to go from normal to disabled, just like the show!
Approximate retail price: $9.99 each.
Availability: NOW: Pikachu and Bulbasaur. FEBRUARY: Ariados and Heracross. JUNE: Crocanaw and Quilava.
*POKEMON ELECTRONIC BATTLE FIGURES:
These new battle figures feature some of the biggest and most powerful Pokemon characters! Deluxe action combat figures are now larger in size, and have awesome battle attack and electronic sounds.
Approximate retail price: $14.99 each
Availability: NOW: Feraligator and Scizor. MAY: Typhlosion.
*POKEMON VIRTUAL TRAINER BASIC FIGURE PACKS:
These basic figure pack assortments include "Rival Packs" and "Capture Packs." The Rival Packs may include Johto & Indigo League Gym Leaders and Rival Trainers who can battle against the child, who must defeat these Pokemon rivals to earn badges using the VIRTUAL TRAINER. Capture Packs expand game play by allowing the child to simulate capturing Pokemon and increasing trainer points. All figures work with VIRTUAL TRAINERS.
Approximate retail price: $5.99 each.
Availability: FALL
*POKEMON ELECTRONIC VIRTUAL TRAINER:
Become a Pokemon Master Trainer! This hand-held electronic Virtual Trainer lets you obtain all eight Gold, Silver and Crystal badges by battling other trainers and increasing trainer points. Collect other trainers or capture packs from basic assortment to increase trainer points to become a Pokemon master.
Approximate retail price: $14.99.
Availability: FALL

Source: Figures.com

3-23-02---- Misc. News Items

You can read the details of a John Woo/Chow Yun Fat collaboration on a western at Corona.

Check out the April issue of Fangoria, which has articloes on the Resident Evil movie, the Godzilla: GMK movie, and a short blurb and still for Millenium Actress.

You can read a poorly-structured interview with Oshii-on Avalon-at AICN.

Check out a review of the Jackie Chan movie at Cinescape.

Upcoming News has just mentioned a rumour that "Kung Fu Soccer" will be pushed back to the fall. It would make sense, considering there's no official website for the movie yet.

Thanks to Daniel for the news

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