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Sengoku Basara and Eagle Talon Team Up for New Products
The Sengoku Basara game franchise and Japanese flash animation Eagle Talon are teaming up once again for a special event. Parco Gallery X in Japan is currently presenting the "Sengoku Basara x Eagle Talon ~Heroes of the Sengoku Era and Shirozeme~" event. The event will be selling several collaboration goods that cross over outfits from Sengoku Basara characters worn by two Eagle Talon characters,...
Shaft's Madogatari Exhibit Inspires Cross-Over Figures
The SHAFT animation studio's 40th anniversary "Madogatari" exhibit opens in November, but the company is already gearing up for exclusive cross-over merchandise between the two franchises. The exhibit launched its own Twitter account that has revealed some of the tie-in figures. 【グッズ情報第2弾】figFIX「忍野忍&キュゥべえ」MADOGATARI ver.の彩色写真から後方からの1ショットをご紹介!詳細はこちらから http://t.co/sTyW8STDot #madogatari pic.twitter...
Plastic Memories' Isla Gets 1/8-Scale Figure
One of the stars of the tear-jerking anime series Plastic Memories will live on as a 1/8-scale figure by FREEing. Isla sits with an expression that is both cute and slightly melancholic. The figure costs 10,000 yen (US$84) and measures 110mm (4.3in) high. It is expected to ship in March.
Watch Persona 5 Designer Shigenori Soejima Draw Main Characters
Detailed video is a full hour long for 4 characters
― Shigenori Soejima, the character designer for the Persona series, draws the four main characters of the upcoming Persona 5 in this illustration video. Fair warning for the time-pressed: it's a full hour long. Soejima begins with the protagonist, then moves on to An at about the 10-minute mark, Ryuji at the 20-minute mark, and Morgana at 24:20 and ...
Resident Evil: Umbrella Corps Comes to Life in Live-Action Trailer
Capcom posted a second trailer for its upcoming competitive shooter game, Resident Evil: Umbrella Corps, on YouTube on September 17. The game was previously announced at a Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia press conference on September 15. It will emphasize multiplayer combat over gunning down zombies. Japanese model, magazine writer and bodyguard Itsuya appears in the trailer and can be seen...
Idol Fined 650,000 Yen for Dating Contract Violation
Judge: "Discovering romantic relations damages idols' image"
― A 17-year-old J-pop idol was fined 650,000 yen ($5,386) in damages by the Tokyo District Court on September 18. The court ruled that she had violated her contract with her management company by associating with the opposite sex. The girl had signed the contract in March 2013 and debuted in a six-girl idol group in July. The group dissolv...
Concept Video for Hello Kitty Men's Fashion Line Show's Fun Side
Sanrioe aimed to break stereotypes last year with the launch of its HELLO KITTY MEN Project which has so far included t-shirts by design company Nendo, and graphic designers Mina Tabei and design studio OUWN's Atsushi Ishiguro. The venture is expanding by tapping into high-fashion brands like UNDERCOVER, SISE, JAM HOME MADE, DRESSCAMP, Patchy Cake Eater, and yoshio kubo. How is Sanrio selling so...
Hatsune Miku Expo Finally Heads to Japan
Song contest to win tickets also ongoing
― The Hatsune Miku Expo, a world tour that had stops in Indonesia, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and New York, is finally bringing the virtual idol to Japan. Despite the country being Miku's home, next year will mark her first national live concert tour. The HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2016 Japan Tour will head to the following venues: March 23, 2016 Zepp Fukuoka March 24, 201...
Life-Size Trico Projection Can Even Play Ball
Trico, the giant dog-like griffin creature from SCE Japan Studio's The Last Guardian video game is currently on display at Sony's Tokyo Game Show booth. The creature is a giant projection that was shown to interact with approaching visitors. A recent video shows that Trico's AI is more impressive than previously thought. A visitor brings a giant ball up to the projection and Trico's dog instincts ...
Girls und Panzer, Sailor Moon Get Teapot, Tea Cups
The Sailor Guardians and the girls of the Anglerfish Team are taking a break from fighting evil aliens and tank battles to settle in with a nice cup of tea. The Panzer IV Ausf. D driven by the lead characters at Ōrai Girls' Academy is transformed into a teapot perfect for military aficionados. The Bandai Visual Club is selling the teapot with two traditional Japanese teacups for 11,111 yen (US$93...
Next Phantom of Kill Crossover: Anohana
Western release also announced
― At this year's Tokyo Game Show, Fuji&gumi games, the developers of the popular mobile RPG Phantom of Kill, announced at their press conference that their game will have a new crossover with the anime series anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. Jun Imaizumi, Fuji&gumi's producer, showed the new, fantasy-styled costumes that the anohana girls will wear. Menma Anaru Tsur...
Pups Suit Up in Attack on Titan Pet Costumes
If Sanrio's costumes were too cute for your adventurous pup, Online dog clothing shop Sniff has the perfect ensemble. The store is selling Attack on Titan Survey Corps uniforms and capes for small to large size dogs. The hooded cape featuring the Wings of Freedom insignia costs 3,780 yen (US$31) while a full uniform costs 7,344 yen (US$61). Shipments aren't expected until November, so unfortunate...
Tokyo Gigantic Girls Sit Down to Eat in New Photo Shoot
Thankfully, these "titans" aren't out to eat humans, but are still sitting down for some lunch. The ongoing art project known as "Tokyo Gigantic Girls," previously shown off back in June, sees its newest installment entitled "EAT." This photo shoot features Japanese models as giants snacking on various food. It also shows off a special cinemagraph decorated with animated elements, like the Vine sh...
Madoka Magica Inspires New Dresses, Magiccraft Lottery Prizes Revealed
Madoka Magica has recently served as the inspiration for five new fashion pieces. The popular magical girl anime is teaming up with the LIZ LISA fashion brand and the SuperGroupies store to present these new clothes. The first piece is the rose one piece dress, which comes in pink and brown. This floral-heavy piece features five different colored roses (pink, purple, red, yellow and blue), one fo...
Ultraman Monsters Keep Getting Sexier With New Figure
Figure and toy company Surprise Next is continuing the "Ultraman Monster Personification Project" of turning the special-effects show monsters in to beautiful women. The company is taking pre-orders for its rendition of Alien Magma, a cat-like humanoid race from Ultraman Leo. Monster's original appearance Gone is the fluffy platinum blonde hair in favor of long locks. The spear-like Magma Saber ...
PlayStation & Taco Bell Team Up for Limited Edition Gold Console
U.S. gamers may be able to eat their way to a limited edition gold PlayStation 4 console. Starting on September 24, participating Taco Bell fast food restaurants will include a code with every Big Box meal. Customers can text the code to find out if they've won the top prize: a gold PlayStation 4 with one matching controller, a copy of Uncharted The Nathan Drake Collection, and a voucher for a on...
Two-Minute Anime Short Promotes Urban Innovation College Program
Asia University, a university with a pan-Asian focus based in Musashino, Tokyo, promoted its Department of Urban Innovation with a roughly two minute-long anime short. The video follows a student (played by Miho Tabata) in the department's program as she pursues her dream of building modern, comfortable cities through college lectures and interactive seminars. She goes on to study at Western Washi...
Major Errors Discovered in Sword Art Online Soundtrack Two Years After Release
Significant errors were found within Sword Art Online: Original Soundtrack Vol.2 a staggering two years after its initial release. The soundtrack came as an original bonus gift with the anime's seventh DVD and Blu-Ray release. Seventh Blu-Ray Cover According to an official apology recently issued by production company Aniplex, over 21 of the 27 tracks on the soundtrack were released with a differe...
Sailor Moon's Wands, Outer Guardians' Transformation Sticks Turned Into Pens
Sailor Moon's Moon Stick and Spiral Heart Moon Rod and Sailor Chibi Moon's Pink Moon Stick along with the Outer Guardian's transformation wands are being reimagined as ballpoint pens. The attack item pens and transformation pens are sold in separate sets of three. Each pen includes the attack or transformation phrase written on the side in English. The Outer set includes Uranus, Neptune, a and Pl...
Love Live's Rin Ready for Training in New Nendoroid
Rin's Figuarts version also debuts
― The promo girl for Sega and Acecook ramen is ready to get down to business in her training clothes Nendoroid. Rin Hoshizora from Love Live is joining the previously released training outfit Nendoroids on the Good Smile Company official site. The Nendoroid comes with two expressions: a comical, excited face and one of her crying. She comes with a bowl of ramen and...
Tōken Ranbu's Kashū Kiyomitsu Gets 1/8-Scale Figure
Hot off his debut as a noodle-warmer, Kashū Kiyomitsu of Tōken Ranbu is getting a 1/8-scale figure by Good Smile Company's Orange Rouge line. Kashū Kiyomitsu is modeled after an uchigatana crafted by his namesake swordsmith and was wielded by one of the Shinsengumi founders, Okita Sōji. Customers who pre-order the figure through the Good Smile Company shop will receive a charm of Kashū's sword. T...
Namie Amuro, Hatsune Miku Drawn for Nylon Japan Cover
The web-order limited edition of Nylon Japan's November issue features popular Japanese singer Namie Amuro and Vocaloid Hatsune Miku on the cover. Persona 3, Persona 4, and Catherine character designer Shigenori Soejima drew the magazine's cover. The magazine is highlighting Amuro and Miku's "B Who I Want 2 B feat. Hatsune Miku," song from Amuro's _genic album released in June. Sophie, a producer ...
Pepper Officially Hired at Harajuku's Futuristic Nescafe
Gackt, drone also involved
― Pepper, a robot designed to do housework, and the popular singer Gackt (Sket Dance, New Fist of the North Star) appeared at a revamped Nescafe branch in Harajuku, Tokyo on September 16 to promote the cafe of the future. The centerpiece of the cafe will be Nescafe's new Drop coffee machine, which uses a touch screen to brew coffee. It is modeled after the splash made after...
Gundam Gets Gold-Plated with New Dinnerware
Gundam receives the Midas touch with brand new plates. The popular giant robot anime franchise is teaming up with gold-plated product company Hakuza to present Gundam Gilted Glass Plates. As the fourth set of the "Discover-G" line that features Gundam on traditional Japanese products, these golden dishes feature illustrations of a traditional Gundam and a Zaku unit drawn by mecha designer Kunio O...
Saekano's Eriri Spencer Gets 1/7-Scale Figure
Tomoya's twin-tailed childhood friend Eriri Spencer Sawamura gets ready to school in a new 1/7-scale figure by Good Smile Company. One of the heroines from Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, on the surface Eriri is a beautiful, rich high school girl. Secretly, however, she's a dōjin artist. The accessories, like her sweater vest, box, and shoes are movable while her track jacket can be dr...
Code Geass-Inspired Stole Pays Homage to Protagonists
The 11th Prince of Britannia and his immortal companion have inspired a brand-new fashion piece. Front view Back view Japanese fashion store SuperGroupies will soon sell Code Geass apparel in the form of a hooded stole. Two versions of this piece are available. Dedicated to main protagonist Lelouch vi Britannia, one version comes in black. The Geass mark is stitched over the left side of the hood...
Japanese Marine Park Has Intersexed Sea Slug Moe Mascot
Umine Awashima is one of Japan's more unique new moe mascot characters: Not only does she represent the very un-moe sea slug, but she's technically intersexed. Umine is the mascot for Awashima Marine Park, an island off the coast of the Izu Peninsula that hosts an aquarium and a variety of marine biology programs. She was designed after a public survey conducted from January to March and unveiled ...
The Last Guardian's Trico Comes to Life as Interactive Projection at Tokyo Game Show
Trico, the giant dog-like griffin creature from SCE Japan Studio's The Last Guardian video game is making an appearance at Sony's Tokyo Game Show booth. The to-scale projection can interact with visitors via the game's AI and is able to sense movement and respond. 明日から開催される東京ゲームショウ2015ではトリコとのコミュニケーションを実際に体験できるスペースがあります。ゲームと同じAIで制御された実物大のトリコがお待ちしております。会場にいらした方は覗いてみてください。 pic.twitter.com/TuVWKTM2vd—...
Universal Studios Japan Adds Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Ride to Attack on Titan, Evangelion
AoT, Eva, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter return with new footage, other upgrades
― Universal Studios Japan announced that it is bringing back its Universal Cool Japan campaign next year with a new ride attraction inspired by fashion model and singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Crayon Shin-chan). The "Evangelion The Real 4D," "Attack on Titan The Real," "Biohazard (Resident Evil) the Escape," and "Monster Hunt...
Kyoto Animation Reveals Gorgeous Art for 2016 Calendars
The official store for the second Kyoto Animation and Animation Do's fan appreciation events updated with some of the special goods and calendars. Featuring the gorgeous artwork Kyoto Animation is known for, the calendars would make a great addition to any office space. Sound! Euphonium 2016 Free! Eternal Summer 2016 Gekijō-ban Kyōkai no Kanata -I'll Be Here- Mirai-hen 2016 Tamako Love Story 2016...
Sailor Pluto & Chibi-Usa Get Lip Balm and Chopsticks
Premium Bandai's Creer Beaute cosmetics brand introduced Sailor Pluto and Chibi-Usa lip balm to its "Miracle Romance" cosmetic line. They are sold together to reinforce the special friendship between the future Moon Princess and the Guardian of Space and Time. The Sailor Pluto's balm is grape-scented and Chibi-Usa's balm is pudding scented, after her favorite food. Pluto's lip balm is silver colo...
High School DxD BorN's Rias Gremory is Twice as Nice With 2 New Figures (NSFW)
Figure makers A+ and Chara-Ani both opened pre-orders this week for High School DxD's lead heroine, the devilish Rias Gremory. The figure from A+ goes the black leather route with thigh high boots and bikini while Chara-Ani's depicts her in white posing with chess pieces. The below images are not safe for work The 1/6-scale figure is shown in a white bandeau-style top, black thong, and lace-up le...
The Survey Corp Joins Levi's Battle Against Osaka Railway Bathrooms
Levi's campaign to clean the bathrooms of Osaka Loop Line train stations during the "Attack on Titan Wall Osaka" exhibit is in town is now in full swing. The campaign extends beyond just images of Levi in cleaning gear in the bathrooms. Humorous posters of the Titans with toilets, Mikasa, and the rest of the Survey Corps can be found in five different bathrooms on the train line. 野田駅 pic.twitter....
1st Footage of Idol Kanna Hashimoto in Sailor Suit & Machine Gun Remake Posted
Kanna Hashimoto bursts in with guns blazing and dressed for school for her upcoming film. The very first teaser has been posted for the popular idol's new movie Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Sotsugyō (Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Graduation) film. Her participation was announced back in June, and this marks Hashimoto's very first headlining role in a movie. The captions in the teaser reads "This no...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure's Iggy Spotted at Pet Shop
― The Japanese Twitter user @kokonoe_nn made an interesting discovery: Iggy, the Boston Terrier and Stand user from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, is for sale... in a pet shop, of course. To make the connection clear, the store posted "Dododo" (an ominous sound effect from the JoJo manga) on the window. Other Twitter users mostly agree, and the posts have been retweeted a combined 14,...
Dragon Ball Super Scouter Scans Power Levels of Arcade Discs
Tracking your enemy's power levels has never been easier. From the hit Dragon Ball franchise comes the Dragon Ball Super Rising Scouter toy. Presented by Bandai, this toy functions with special Gashapon discs sold at many Japanese convenience store locations. T he toy features three different modes: Rising Cross mode, Full Throttle mode and Battle mode. For Rising Cross Mode, by inserting a disc ...
Black Jack Characters Join Super Dollfie Line
Dolls exhibited at Tokyo International Gift Show
― Super Dollfie, a line of ball-jointed dolls made by Volks, announced that its latest collaboration is with the classic manga and anime series Black Jack. Black Jack, Kiriko and Pinoko will be available in Super Dollfie form; the first two will be SD17 (which are meant to represent 17-year-old boys and are about 2'2'' tall), while Pinoko will be YouM...
Falcom Character Costumes Added to Dead or Alive 5LR
Nihon Falcom Co., the video game company behind Ys, The Legend of Heroes, Brandish, Popful Mail and Dragon Slayer series is partnering with Dead or Alive 5LR to add some of its characters iconic costumes. The set goes on sale tomorrow in North America as part of the larger Season Pass 2/New Costume Pass 2 DLC set for US$92.99. The World God Only Knows manga creator Tamiki Wakaki designed a set of ...
Shigeru Miyamoto Confirms Mario's Full Name During 30th Anniversary Conference
Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed during a conference for the intrepid plumber's 30th anniversary that the 1993 Super Mario Bros. film was right all along. In one scene from the film, Mario (Bob Hoskins) and Luigi (John Leguizamo) check in with a police officer. The duo explain they're the "Mario Brothers," Mario Mario and Luigi Mario. The scene is just one of many in the often mocked live-...
Get into Halloween Mood with Ghost/Dark Pokemon Accessories
Handbags, glasses, sketchbooks, and more
― With Halloween gradually approaching, Japan's character goods makers are beginning to emphasize the creepy and macabre in their merchandise. For consumers interested in a more restrained, eerie or spooky atmosphere, Pokemon Center is offering a "Mystery Mansion" line of goods featuring Ghost and Dark-type Pokemon in monochrome art emphasizing black, gold an...
Mountain Setting of Yowamushi Pedal Movie Erupts
It's a good thing the Sohoku High School Bicycle Club wasn't racing during this. A recent NHK report has stated that Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, suddenly erupted at 9:49am (JST) on September 14. The volcano served as the main setting for the recent high-grossing Yowamushi Pedal film, in which Sakamichi and his club face off against expert bicycle teams from around the country. ...
U.S. MegaBots Team Surpasses Kickstarter Goal for Kuratas Face-Off
The U.S.-based MegaBots company surpassed its US$500,000 Kickstarter goal to fund its upcoming duel with Suidobashi Heavy Industry's million-dollar Kuratas robot. The campaign has raised US$502,489 with three campaign days left. Creators Matt Oehrlein and Gui Cavalcanti are teaming up with Howe & Howe Technologies to renovate the Mk. II by building a track base that would allow the robot to move a...
Prison School's Meiko Figure Keeps Reiji Under Her Heel (NSFW)
The busy Hachimitsu Academy vice president Meiko Shiraki is showing off her domineering side in a new figure by Union Creative. Part of the Hdge technical statue line, Meiko poses with a torn uniform, riding crop, and a pedestal sculpted to look like Reiji "Andre" Andō. The pictures below are not safe for work The figure retails for 14,500 yen (US$120) and is slated to ship in January. Furyu show...
Characters Chosen for Banpresto's DBZ, One Piece Figure Coliseum
Last month, Banpresto opened voting to choose which characters contestants would create into figures for the Banpresto Figure Colosseum – Figure King Summit Showdown and Tenkaichi Budokai Dragon Ball competitions. The company has published the results this week and the winning characters are: Banpresto Figure Colosseum – Figure King Summit Showdown 1. Tralfagar Law 2. Urouge 3. Bartolomeo Tenkaic...
Zora's Domain, Temple of Time Get Fan-Made Unreal Engine 4 Remake
Animator Michael Eurek has steadily recreated environments from Nintendo 64's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time using Unreal 4 Engine. He started with The Temple of Time last year and recently released Zora's Domain. When you first enter as kid Link, the place looks like this. Eurek's version is decidedly more lush. The Temple of Time's face lift is still impressive, if not quite as detailed as...
Kotobukiya Teases Mononoke Figure Before Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair
On September 19-20, anime and manga fans will descend on Miyako Messe in Kyoto, Japan for the fourth annual Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair. Last year brought 32,000 attendees for industry panels and a showroom of the latest merchandise. Kotobukiya will have a display at the event. The company teased one of its items, an impressive prototype of the medicine seller from the Mononoke anime...
WBA World Champion Freaks Out at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Night
Zombies, ghouls and mutants take over park on weekend nights
― In September and October, Universal Studios Japan customizes the park for Halloween. Its Halloween Horror Nights are not for the faint-hearted: hordes of zombies, bloodied murderers, deformed monsters, and various creepy ghouls throng the walkways and do their utmost to scare the wits out of any visitors they come across. It's like a gian...
Ryō Katsuji is Very Adamant That His Friends Play Destiny with Him
Noted gamer actor introduces other actors to FPS in commercial
― Japanese actor Ryō Katsuji (Ogisu in Crows Explode, Shinjūrō in Un-Go, Agito in Origin ~Spirits of the Past~) is a big fan of video games in his spare time. But it can be hard for gamers to encourage more casual players to give their favorite games a try. In a new commercial for the upcoming Destiny expansion pack, Destiny: The Taken Ki...
Btooom Author Elected Tourism Ambassador of Shimanto City
Survival action manga creator Junya Inoue was elected as tourism ambassador for the city of Shimanto in Kōchi prefecture. The city is the hometown for the Btooom! creator. The city has a population of roughly 36,000 and is the home of Nakamura Castle, Dragonfly Natural Park, and several prominent shrines. Inoue;s Btooom! manga and anime adaptation follows a group of strangers who find themselves t...
Sword Art Online's Asuna, Leafa Figures Hang Out Under Parasols
Pre-orders are open for two parasol-posing Sword Art Online figures. Genco's releasing Asuna and Leafa in their ALfheim Online forms donning bathing suits and ready to swim. The 1/7-scale Asuna figure is wearing a red and white bikini with a sheer, removable cover-up. The umbrella is also removable, lending the figure to more purposes like holding on to your pen for you or precariously balancing ...
Sherlock Hound Dresses Bring Retro England to Life
The 1984 canine detective sees a nostalgic dedication in the form of a new clothing line. Japanese online clothing store Sukiyaki is primed to release a new fashion collection that draws inspiration from the 1984 anime Sherlock Hound, which adapted the classic "Sherlock Holmes" character as an anthropomorphic dog. The line includes five pieces, including four dresses and accessories The first pie...
Baby & Me Tops Best of Hana to Yume Poll
My Navi's Woman section published the results of its recent poll asking what is the best manga series ever published in Hana to Yume magazine. The magazine, which began serialization in 1974, focuses on manga series targeting female readers. The poll ran in August and garnered 170 valid responses from women aged 22-34. Marimo Ragawa's early 1990s series Baby & Me topped the poll. Fans cited its "b...
Infinite Stratos's Charlotte Dunois Gets Lingerie Figure
Figure manufacturer WAVE, the makers of the popular Beach Queens figure line, is adding Infinite Stratos' Charlotte Dunois to its "DreamTech Lingerie Style" line-up. The IS Representative Candidate of France poses in a white babydoll, stockings, and a hair fascinator with ribbons. Her amulet is the Rafale Revive Custom II, the IS that Charlotte pilots. Pre-orders are now open for the 1/8-scale fi...
Evangelion Theme Song Writer Makes Over Hundred Million Yen in Royalties
And yet she still hasn't seen the anime
― On September 10, the songwriter Neko Oikawa appeared on Out × Deluxe, a Japanese variety program, to discuss her enduring classic, "Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis" ("Cruel Angel's Thesis"), the theme song to Neon Genesis Evangelion. It is the most popular anime song in karaoke — so much so that karaoke patrons are getting tired of hearing it — and wide...
Attack on Titan Osaka Exhibit Turns Japanese Comedians into Titans
Japanese comedians get "Titan-ized" for a brand-new exhibit in Osaka. At the "Attack on Titan Wall Osaka" exhibit, the Japanese comedy team "Yoshimoto Shinkigeki" are presented stalking the streets of Osaka as Titans. Various posters The campaign, known as "Shinkigeki no Kyojin" (a pun on the show's Japanese title, Shingeki no Kyojin), converts members Mr. Okure, Kazutoyo Koyabu, Morimizato, Ichin...
Takeshi Kitano to Launch Online Magazine
Publication will collect poems, column, manga
― Director, comedian, and actor Takeshi Kitano, popularly known as Beat Takeshi, will launch an online magazine featuring his own manga, poems, and an "agony uncle" column. The magazine is titled Owarai KGB and is scheduled for distribution sometime this fall. Kitano previously published essays in the Tokuma Shoten's Asahi Geino, and they were later colle...
Baccarat Celebrates Doraemon's Birthday with US$400 Statue
French crystal company Baccarat is well known for its high-end glassware, whether its bank-breaking One Piece glasses or US$800 ice buckets. The company has decided to make something special for Doraemon's birthday this month by recreating the cat out of clear crystal for 50,000 yen (US$414). Interested parties can contact the Baccarat shop in Marunouchi. Despite the high price tag, Doraemon is s...
Free Drinks for Flood Victims at Gundam Theme Bar in Utsunomiya
Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures were pummeled by heavy rains related to Tropical Storm Etau on September 10. The Kinu River flooded, sweeping away buildings and causing landslides. At least 6,900 houses have been damaged, 22,000 residents have been affected, and 800,000 were evacuated. Travel disruptions and power outages have affected nearby areas. Flood damage in the neighboring city of Kanuma I...
Pre-Orders Open for Pullip's Sailor Saturn Articulated Doll
The Sailor Soldier of death and rebirth joins the rest of the Sailor Guardians in the Pullip figure line. Modeled after the "Dal" line of the Pullip franchise, Sailor Saturn makes her appearance as a doll with pre-orders currently open on the Premium Bandai website. She was preceded by Sailor Pluto just last month. With the joints fully articulated, a variety of poses can be set up with Saturn. S...
Aniplex Unveils Illustrations of Saekano Girls in Kimono
Merchandise available at Kyoto Anime Fair
― Aniplex has posted illustrations on Twitter of three girls from Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend clad in their best kimono. Each is illustrated by the original character designer, Kurehito Misaki. Eriri Utaha Megumi Aniplex also posted an illustration of Rin from Fate/stay night by ufotable. Merchandise featuring these drawings will be available a...
Preliminary Results for 2015 Newtype Awards Are In
Good results for Fate/stay night, The IDOLM@STER
― Although this year's Newtype Anime Awards will be held between October 10 and 12 at the Machi Asobi vol. 15 event on Mt. Bizan in Tokushima, preliminary results are already in. The voting is conducted by readers of Monthly Newtype magazine and will close on September 14. The eligible anime were those broadcast between October 2014 and July 2015. Char...
Japanese Viewers Pick Is the order a rabbit?? as Most Anticipated Fall 2015 Anime
Vote in ANN's own poll!
― Anime fans around the world are getting ready for October with the next wave of anime. The season promises everything from cute slice-of-life, vampires, young savant doctors, fanservice action, mystery, Gundams, and of course magical high schools. The Charapedia website asked its readers what anime they are looking forward to the most next month. The answer: cute girls in a ...
Sanrio's Kirimi-chan Video Turns Its Fillet Mascots Into Pretty Boys
Free's Tsubasa Yonaga voices Kirimi-chan with Takuma Terashima, Daiki Yamashita, Takuya Satō, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Kenjiro Tsuda
― Sanrio posted the promotional video that revealed the latest incarnation of its salmon fillet mascot Kirimi-chan. As Sanrio first announced at Sanrio Expo last week, it is anthropomorphizing Kirimi-chan., and it is also transforming Kirimi-chan's friends into pretty boys: ...
Attack on Titan's Levi Now Head of Bathroom Improvements in Osaka Railway
The most powerful soldier in the Survey Corps is taking his penchant for neatness to Osaka's railways. Caption: "You'd better start fixing up these toilets!" Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan has become the poster boy for a renovation campaign for the Osaka Loop Line train stations. As part of the Attack on Titan x Osaka Loop Line Remodeling Project, posters have been placed in the bathrooms of f...
BOME Asuka Figure Gets US$7,000 Price Tag
The limited edition Asuka figure by BOME that debuted at this summer's Wonder Festival is now on sale for a whopping 864,000 yen (US$7,165). Pre-orders opened on Thursday but are already closed. Asuka's plug suit is based on the design from the Neon Genesis Evangelion films. The figure measure 550mm (21.6in) high. Bome is a sculptor working predominately with Kaiyodo to create anime figures. The ...
Salaryman Pikachu Plush Gets Demoted for Western Release
The monthly Pikachu plushes are heading West, but not before the iconic monster gets a demotion. The "Fresher Pikachu" that debuted the series in April shows Pikachu sporting a traditional businessman suit with glasses and a briefcase to complete the can-do salaryman aesthetic. The word "fresher," in Japanese business lingo, refers to a new hire. The plush is now crossing over to U.S. Pokemon Cen...
Japanese RWBY Dub Adds Yuko Kaida, Kikuko Inoue, Tomoaki Maeno
Theatrical screenings also planned
― The Japanese dub of Rooster Teeth's anime-style RWBY web series is adding three new cast members and early theatrical screenings. Yuko Kaida (Gintama's Tsukuyo, Bodacious Space Pirates's Ririka) joins the cast as Cinder Fall, Kikuko Inoue (Durarara's Mimizu, Fairy Tail's Minerva) as the Mysterious Narrator, and Tomoaki Maeno (Seraph of the End's Kureto, Death Para...
Goddess Hestia Gets Even Smaller in Nendoroid Form
Hestia and her string are shrunk down to cute proportions for Good Smile Company's Nendoroid. The goddess comes with three expressions: smiling, confident, and upset. She's paired with a 'Jyagamaru-kun' prop while her ribbon is designed to accentuate any pose. The Nendoroid retails for 3,889 yen (US$32) and is scheduled to ship in January. Hestia has previously been offered as a lottery prize in ...
Tiger & Bunny Tops Most-Wanted Original Anime Sequel Poll
The website Anime! Anime! held a poll from August 26-31 asking its readers which original series is most deserving of a sequel. A total of 13,752 people responded to the poll, 80% of which were women. Tiger & Bunny topped the results by an overwhelming majority with more than 30% of respondents wanting more Barnaby and Kotetsu. The anime series, which aired in 2011, did receive two compilation fil...
Evangelion's Kaworu Promotes Beauty Salon's Perfect Skin Campaign
Evangelion continues its hair removal tie-ins, moving on from razors to professional hair removal. Kaworu Nagisa of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame is headlining a new campaign for Musee Platinum, a Japanese hair removal salon. The collaboration, entitled "Eva x Musee Beauty for Mankind Strategy: For Unparalleled Skin", kicked off on September 9 in Japan. Anyone who applies for appointments with part...
Love Live's Rin Officially The Face of Sega's Puyo Puyo Game
Rin Hoshizora's campaign to be the face of every Sega franchise took its next step on Wednesday. The official Love Live! site unveiled official artwork of Rin and the blobs from the Puyo Puyo puzzle game series. The collaboration was chosen via a poll opened in April. The collaboration is launching a retweet campaign where three users who retweet the official Sega post (seen below) before Septemb...
Love Live's Kayo Ready for Training in New Outfit Nendoroid
Is the Order a Rabbit's Chino Also Coming Soon
― The rice-loving idol girl from μ's is primed and set to begin training as a new Nendoroid. Hanayo Koizumi (aka Kayo) from Love Live is joining the previously released training outfit Nendoroids on the Good Smile Company official site. As the name suggests, it features Kayo in her idol training outfit. The Nendoroid comes with two expressions: one with...
Steins;Gate's Divergence Meter Clocks Get 30-Unit Run for US$660
Asahi Living's nixie tube recreation of Rintarō Okabe's Divergence Meter clock from Steins;Gate now has a price tag and a very limited run. The company is only making 30 clocks in total, 10 extended edition and 20 standard edition units. The standard edition retails for 74,600 yen (US$617) and the extended edition retails for 79,800 yen (US$660). Pre-orders will open at the Kiban Honpo Shop page ...
Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar's Usuta Draws One Piece, Dragon Ball, More for Jump+
Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san artist Kyosuke Usuta took over Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ manga app on Tuesday, drawing the link images for One Piece, Dragon Ball, Hetalia, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, and Onsengai no Medusa. The comedic doodles replaced 24 series' usual cover images to celebrate the launch of Usuta's new manga, Food Fighter Tabelu. The series' is Usuta's first new work in a...
Detective Conan Film's Korean Release Changes Bills, Newspapers
The Korean release of a Japanese animated film has had Chinese net users in a bit of a tizzy. Detective Conan (known as Case Closed in the US) released its recent film, Sunflowers of Inferno in South Korea. Upon its release, users on the Chinese Twitter equivalent "Sina Weibo" noted that many minor elements of the film were changed to befit a Korean setting as opposed to its Japanese setting. Sina...
Character Designer Mel Kishida Voices Masked Swordsman in Wooser Episode
Character designer Mel Kishida, known for his work on the Atelier game series and strange antics, got his second voice acting role in an episode of Wooser's Hand-to-Mouth Life: Phantasmagoric Arc. Kishida appeared in episode 10 as a mysterious masked swordsman manning a booth at Comiket. He challenges Wooser to a sword fight when the yellow mascot character requests three drawings of girls in scho...
Evangelion's Yurishito Angel Mascot Gets Its Own Puzzle RPG App
The Evangelion Store's Yuru-Shito mascot is getting his own puzzle RPG mobile game as part of the anime series' 20th anniversary. Starring cute versions of Lilith, the Third Angel, Ramiel, Sahaquiel, and more, the Angel Drop match-three game tasks players with powering up Sachiel in cute environments to fight other angels. The game features changing elements based on the season and phone wallpape...
Kotobukiya Offers Food Wars' Meat-Loving Ikumi Mito Figure
While figure makers MegaHouse and Alphamax focused on the intimidating queen bee of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy, Kotobukiya opened pre-orders for for a 1/8-scale figure based on Ikumi "Nikumi" Mito. The protein-focused chef poses with three knives ready to carve up a carnivorous meal. The figure costs 9,000 yen (US$75) and is slated to ship in February. Customers who pre-order through the Kotobukiya...
Gothic Fashion Brand Sixh Creates Resident Evil Parka, Tote, Arm Warmers
Gothic fashion brand Sixh has some zombie-hunting inspired items in the works. Sixh is working on a "combat parka", "assault arm covers", and a "survival tote bag" based on Capcom's Resident Evil (Biohazard) video game series. The parka will retail for 18,000 yen (US$150), the arm covers for 4,500 yen (US$37) and the tote 8,000 yen (US$67). They go on sale on Friday. The collaboration fits with S...
Goku Cosplayer on Flying Nimbus Spotted at Dragon Con
Dragon Con in Atlanta welcomed a unique Goku cosplayer last weekend. Wearing the orange gi and spiked hair, the unidentified cosplayer also covered an electric board in fluffy yellow material to replicate Goku's flying nimbus cloud. He maneuvers through the crowded hallway, impressing onlookers as he passes, before turning and shooting his own Kamehameha. May 9 was officially recognized as Goku Da...
Himouto! Umaruchan's Recent Episode Features Several Anime Spoofs
For a show that follows a genius otaku, it's no surprise Himouto! Umaruchan tackles its references with a great deal of humor. Episode 9 of Himouto! Umaruchan featured a number of anime and game spoofs to tickle the fancy of the comedy anime's more knowledgeable viewers. The majority of them can be seen when protagonist Umaru and her frenemy Sylphynford visit their local anime shop together. The s...
Pets Can Now Cosplay as Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pom Pom Purin
Sanrio's official shop is debuting costumes for pets so they too can show their love for Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Pom Pom Purin. The items are available for preview now in sizes small and extra small and will officially go on sale on September 9 for 3,024 yen (US$25). The company is also releasing a series of harness backpacks, costumed animal keychains, and general pet goods for the complete ...
Japanese Fans Choose Most Charming Busty Characters in Anime & Manga
As any survey of fanservice-heavy anime will make clear, well-endowed girls are popular in Japan, and all the more so if they have attractive personalities to match. The Japanese character encyclopedia, Charapedia, surveyed 10,000 anime and manga fans to determine the top 20 most charming busty characters. The survey was conducted from August 27 to September 2, with the results announced on Septem...
Keep a Lid on Your Cup Noodles with Prison School, Tōken Ranbu Figures
Meiko, Kiyomitsu, Ōkurikawa versions under development
― Ever make a cup of instant noodles, but can't keep the lid shut to let them steam properly? Anime figure makers have the remedy: an anime character to keep the lid down and your noodles cooked! At the 41st Prize Fair in Tokyo held on September 3, toy and figure makers exhibited the latest prizes (mostly intended for arcades) they hope to have ...
MegaHouse Offers Food Wars' Erina, One Piece's Nami, Dragon Ball's Bulma
The Japanese toy and figure maker MegaHouse is developing new high-quality figures in its World Uniform Operation line, which includes such famed school uniform wearers as the Sailor Guardians, various Pretty Cure characters, and Mikoto of A Certain Scientific Railgun. The latest character to be sculpted will be Erina Nakiri of Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, who holds a dish of soup while striking...
Studio Deen Uploads Second MV for Waanabi.jk Manga
Studio DEEN posted second animated music video on Friday for its four-panel manga Waanabi.jk. This music video promotes Kenichi Kuroi's web manga, Waanabi.jk, which has its third volume coming out soon. The featured song is entitled "STAY of SUMMER" and was sung by Vocaloid artist Nako Eguchi (the voice behind Aoki Lapis). The lyrics describe having fun during the summer and features the main prot...
Young Women Abandon 'Duck Mouth' for 'Hamu Hamu Pose'
New expression said to convey loneliness cutely
― The "duck mouth," a pout named for its resemblance to duck bills, is soooo last decade. The new trend among young women in Japan (apparently) is called the "hamu hamu pose," which involves biting the lower lip while looking distraught. It's named for the sound that (supposedly) precedes it, although to Japanese "hamu" sounds more like "ham" or "hamste...
Is Japan's Fascination with Yo-Kai Watch Watch Over?
Distribution insiders admit franchise is struggling
― The children's-oriented video game and anime Yo-kai Watch has taken Japan by storm, overtaking longtime favorite Anpanman in a recent poll and displacing Pokemon at McDonald's. It even earned a slot at The Red and White Song Contest, a popular New Year's program, which seemed to cement its status as Japan's biggest new popular culture franchise. ...
Max Factory Offers Gargantia's Chamber Robot as Figure Kit
Max Factory opened pre-orders for its PLAMAX SG-01 Machine Caliber K6821 Chamber figure kit based on the robot in Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet on Thursday. The kit comes ready to assemble and recreates the robot in 1/48th-scale. Decals are included. Once assembled, the cockpit can be opened and closed. A scaled Ledo figure is also included so he can ride along. It also comes with a 40-page b...
New Manga Focuses on 29-Year-Old Women Drinking Beer
Promotes a regional beer this week
― The manga Nomi Joshi ("Drinking Girls") by Ukatsu ("Careless") debuted in the magazine Manga Club on July 4. It features three friends, all women aged 29, who get together and socialize regularly and indulge in their common passion: drinking. Michiko Takase, the office lady heroine, prefers beer; Misono Miyauchi, a short-haired, muscular book store worker, likes s...
Cute High Earth Defense Club Cast Cosplay for Seiyū Grand Prix Magazine
The voice actors of Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! put on their cosplay uniforms again for the October issue of Seiyū Grand Prix magazine. 声グラ10月号ポスター公開! #boueibu pic.twitter.com/Z0GeMms3xS— 美男高校地球防衛部LOVE! 公式 (@boueibu) September 2, 2015 Kazutomi Yamamoto, Yuichiro Umehara, Kōtarō Nishiyama, Yusuke Shirai, and Toshiki Masuda put on their Binan High School uniforms and posed for the cover of th...
Milky Holmes Voice Actress Izumi Kitta Acts as The New Face of Gyoza
Cordelia Glauca's voice actress is lending her face to represent gyoza. Best known for her role in the Tantei Opera Milky Holmes anime franchise, Izumi Kitta is now acting as a spokesperson for the Utsunomiya Gyoza company from Marushin Foods. Gyoza package Her face is now featured on packaging for frozen gyoza. One 500 yen pack (about US$4) contains 20 pieces of gyoza. According to a PR represent...
Extras Flee in Apparent 'Shin Godzilla' Movie Scene Filmed in Tokyo on Sunday
Earlier this week a notice posted at the Kamata bus station in Tokyo revealed that buses would not stop as usual at the station on Sunday morning, due to the filming of a movie titled "Shin Gojira" (New Godzilla). Now it seems one local resident near the station has captured what appears to be a scene of extras fleeing down the street alongside taxis and other cars. See the video below. ゴジラの撮影なんだっ...
Maken-Ki's Aki Nijō Plays Nurse for NSFW Figure
The romantic comedy Maken-Ki! stars Takeru Ōyama in a high school full of students using superpowers to battle one another. Aki Nijō is the busty and naive school nurse, but the 1/7-scale figure of her by Orchid Seed is far more revealing than her usual panty shot fanservice. The lab coat is removable for an even more revealing figure. Customers who pre-order through Orchid Seed will get a B5-siz...
Card Captor Sakura Characters Appear as Petit Chara Figures
Sakura may as well have used the Small card to be as tiny as these new figures. Chibi figure design company Petit Chara is releasing a brand new set of figures for magical girl classic, Card Captor Sakura. Dubbed the "Everything Will Be Alright" set—named for the "secret spell" that Sakura uses to overcome her challenges—this set will include Sakura in two different costumes. Pictured above is he...
Final Fantasy XII's Fran Gets Play Arts Figure
Pre-orders opened this week for Final Fantasy XII's Viera archer Fran PVC figure. The mysterious character is part of Square Enix's Play Arts line and can be posed with or without her weapon. The figure comes with two extra sets of hands for using her bow. Fran retails for 12,960 yen (US$109) and will ship in January.
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