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Umineko When They Cry Episode 5: End of the Golden Witch Volume 2 GN 11
Umineko devolves into a tedious debate about the rules of the Golden Age mystery in a volume that's all about the genre without actually giving us much mystery.
― It's time to ask yourself, are you reading Umineko: When They Cry because you like the story and Ryukishi07's style of telling it, or are you reading it because you have a deep investment in the philosophical discussion of mystery novels, f...
My Monster Secret GN 1
My Monster Secret opens with a by-the-numbers but endearing set of harem shenanigans, full of fun characters and ridiculous faces.
― The harem bar has been somewhat raised as of late. While the harems of years past could get away with occasional hot spring shenanigans and the promise of a kiss, modern sex capers like Prison School and Monster Musume throw lust and nudity front and center, accompanyin...
Gakkyu Hotei: School Judgment GN 1
A fun and weird mix of mystery elements makes School Judgment's first volume an interesting new series, albeit it one with some disturbing pieces.
― How many of you attended or participated in mock trials in school? In the school system I attended, it was a pretty common social studies exercise in middle and high schools, and in some cases students even went to the courthouse to play out their cases....
The List - 7 Manliest Bromances
Everyone has found themselves inspired by a deeply-felt friendship between two big manly men; here are seven of them that will bro you away!
― Valentine's Day (also known as Singles Awareness Day) is sneaking up. If you're one of the many without a significant other on the sugar coma-inducing holiday, have no fear. Even if romance isn't on your to-do list for the 14th, there's plenty of room for bro...
ANNCast Episode Two Hundred and Fifty - Outlaw Star
Zac, Hope and special guest Karl Olson reach into the pantheon of Toonami classics and return with Outlaw Star, seemingly everyone and no one's favorite sci-fi action-adventure. Beware of psychic cacti.
― ANNCast Episode 250: Outlaw Star Zac, Hope and special guest Karl Olson reach into the pantheon of Toonami classics and return with Outlaw Star, seemingly everyone and no one's favorite sci-fi acti...
Honey So Sweet GN 1
A seemingly mismatched pair of high schoolers tries to sort out their relationship in this new shoujo series that is as sweet as its title.
― Spiritually, Honey So Sweet has a lot in common with Robico's My Little Monster. Both stories feature high school age heroes who frighten their classmates (and even got suspended for the same reason on the first day of school) and the girls they love, neither o...
Tuesday, February 2
Ryukishi07, More Launch New Manga in Shonen Sirius Magazine
Also: Concrete Revolutio, Odin's Sphere, Chaos;Child manga
― This year's March issue of Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Sirius announced last Tuesday that it will debut six new manga series and a one-shot manga in the coming months. The new series include an original work by Ryukishi07 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) and manga adaptations of Concrete Revolutio, Odin's Sphere, and Chaos;Child. In addition, the ...
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Slated for PC on February 18
The official English Twitter account of game developer Spike Chunsoft revealed on Monday that it will release its Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc game on the PC via Steam on February 18. Spike Chunsoft previously streamed an announcement trailer for the game's February PC release. NIS America released the PlayStation Vita ports of the first and second Danganronpa games in North America and Europe...
Sailor Moon Musical's Next Production Slated for Fall
DVD of 3rd new musical slated for February 24
― The official website of the Sailor Moon franchise announced last Friday that the next production in the Sailor Moon stage musicals will debut this fall at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo venue. In addition, the site detailed the bonus video extras on the DVD of the third Sailor Moon musical, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon -Un Nouveau Voyage-. The February 24 rel...
4th & Final Tamayura Film Delayed Until April 2
The official website for the Tamayura anime franchise announced on Monday that the fourth and final film, Tamayura: Sotsugyō Shashin Dai-4-bu Asa -Ashita- (Tamayura: Graduation Photos Part 4: Morning -Tomorrow-), has been delayed. The film will open on April 2 instead of February 20. The films' production committee explained that they decided on the delay to improve the quality of the work, as it ...
Boku dake ga Inai Machi/ERASED Manga Ends in March
Anime adaptation will portray ending of manga
― The March issue of Kadokawa's Young Ace magazine is revealing on Thursday that Kei Sanbe's Boku dake ga Inai Machi manga will end in the magazine's April issue, which ships on March 4. The magazine also notes that the manga's current seven volumes have 2.54 million copies. The story follows Satoru, a struggling manga artist who has an ability that force...
Funimation's Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood License to Expire in March
North American anime distributor Funimation confirmed on Monday that its home video and streaming rights for the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood television anime and the Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa anime film will expire on March 31. Both the television anime and film will be removed from Funimation's streaming service on that day, and Funimation will no longer reprint...
Monday, February 1
Wazamonogatari Novel Promoted with 2nd 8-Bit Game Video
NisiOisin's second light novel volume in the "Off Season" of the Monogatari Series got a second 8-bit game promotional video. The video is designated as the first in the "Kyūketsuki Quiz-Hen" (Vampire Quiz Chapter). In the video, Koyomi's sister Karen Araragi retrieves red books before Shinobu appears. The game can be played by scanning the website's QR code on a mobile device. Players traverse a ...
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir's English Trailer Previews 5 Main Characters
HD recreation of PS2 game slated for PS4/PS3/PS Vita release on June 7
― Atlus USA began streaming a "storybook" trailer for its upcoming release of Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, the HD recreation of Vanillaware's Odin Sphere PlayStation 2 game. The video introduces the main characters and their motivations with the English dub. The game will ship in North America on June 7. Atlus will offer a 64-page art...
Mr. Osomatsu ‒ Episode 17
"All of episode 17's skits share a common theme: fan-favorite space-case Jyushimatsu."
Dragon's Dogma Online Arms Characters With Potato Chip Bag Shields
Street Fighter collaboration also announced
― CAPCOM's Dragon's Dogma Online game is arming its fantasy-themed characters with a flavorful shield. Staff announced a collaboration with Calbee potato chips at Chiba Makuhari Messe at the Tōkaigi 2016 (Game Party Japan 2016) event last weekend. The announcement was made as part of overall updates for the game's 'Season 1.3.' Players will be able to obtai...
One Piece: Burning Blood Game Trailer Lists May 31 Debut in N. America
Pre-order bonuses, Collector's Edition for game's PS4 version revealed
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming an English-subtitled video to highlight the four playable female characters in the One Piece: Burning Blood PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC, and Xbox One game on Monday. The video shows the recently revealed Boa Hancock, Nico Robin, Nami, and Perona characters in action, and...
Sanrio Characters Fantasy Theater Casts Kirimi-chan as Mermaid, White Rabbit, Mercury
Sanrio's singing salmon-fillet mascot has transformed into a magical girl and garnered fans from collectors to voice actors. Sanrio's upcoming puzzle game app Sanrio Characters Fantasy Theater casts the company's stable of mascots as familiar fairy tale characters. Kirimi-chan is returning to the sea in the game as The Little Mermaid where she might woo Prince Cinnamoroll and transform into a huma...
Utawarerumono: The False Faces ‒ Episodes 16-17
"We get the full Haku origin story, and boy is it a doozy!"
Takashi Miike Gives Interview on Upcoming Terraformars Live-Action Film
Explains why all-Japanese cast was used
― The famous Japanese director Takashi Miike (Ace Attorney, Yatterman, Sukiyaki Western Django) recently gave an interview with the Japanese cinema site Eiga Natalie on his upcoming film, Terraformars. When asked why he had changed the original manga's multinational cast into one that is all-Japanese, he replied that "the best thing to do with the budget and t...
Snow White with the Red Hair ‒ Episode 16
"Things are certainly heating up, both emotionally and in terms of the plot...although this episode doesn't always do the best job of showing that."
Seisen Cerberus TV Anime Previewed in 1st Promo Video
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, M.A.O, Maaya Uchida, more star in anime by studio Bridge
― TV Tokyo is streaming the first promotional video for Seisen Cerberus: Ryūkoku no Fatalite, the Spring television anime of GREE's Seisen Cerberus mobile game. The video notes the game's fifth anniversary and introduces the story and characters: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka will voice the main character Hiiro, while M.A.O is voicin...
Comiket Questionnaire Implies Possible Move Westward in 2020
Shortage of usable facilities in Tokyo region
― A recent questionnaire distributed to dōjin circles that attend Comic Market (Comiket), Japan's largest dōjinshi convention, implied that the 2020 Comiket events might move out of the Tokyo region. The question is, "If Comic Market cannot be held in the capital region due to the 2020 Olympics, would you participate if it was held in Osaka or Nagoya?" Th...
Dimension W ‒ Episode 4
"As with all mysteries, I can't really judge the story's success until the end, but this first part is suspenseful and entertaining at least."
Atelier Shallie Plus PS Vita Port's Promo Streamed
Original PS3 game shipped in 2014 in Japan, 2015 in the west
― Game developer Gust began streaming a promotional video for Atelier Shallie Plus, its upcoming PlayStation Vita port of Atelier Shallie, on Monday. Gust previously streamed a story digest movie and introduction videos for several of the characters. Shallistera: Shallotte: Escha: Logy: Ayesha: The PlayStation Vita port will ship on March 3...
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ‒ Episode 17
"There haven't been enough Gundam battles lately and now that we're back in space, I hope this wild choreography becomes our new normal."
Crying Politician Ryūtarō Nonomura is Back
Behaves bizarrely in trial
― Hyōgo prefectural assemblyman Ryūtarō Nonomura became a pop culture sensation in Japan in 2014 when he apologized at a press conference for alleged embezzlement of public funds on trips to hot springs resorts. While politicians often make public apologies in Japan, Nonomura's was in a class of its own, thanks to his exaggerated behavior, including dramatic crying, fist pu...
Kikuko Inoue to Play Lala's Mother in To Love-Ru -Trouble- Darkness OVA
Manga's 16th volume to bundle OVA on July 4
― This year's third issue of Shueisha's Jump Square magazine will announce on Wednesday that Kikuko Inoue (Black Cat's Sephira, Ah! My Goddess' Belldandy) will play Sephie Michaela Deviluke, the mother of the Deviluke sisters, in the original video anime (OVA) that will bundle with the 16th volume of Saki Hasemi and Kentaro Yabuki's To Love-Ru -Trouble- Dar...
Atelier Series' Gust Polls Fans About Anime Collaborations
Game developer Gust (Atelier series, Nights of Azure) posted a poll on Facebook asking fans what anime they would like to see in a collaboration with a Gust title. The choices are One Piece, Naruto, Fairy Tail, One-Punch Man, Hunter x Hunter, Sword Art Online, and a blank box for "other." Since forming in 1993, the company has only released its own original IP. Source: Gematsu
Yuu Azuki Draws Sequel to Iga no Kabamaru Manga After 32 Years
New book volume this month will be 1st new story in manga since ending in 1984
― Yuu Azuki announced on Sunday that she will publish a sequel manga to her Iga no Kabamaru manga titled Iga no Kabamaru Sorikara. Shueisha will ship the book volume on February 25. The manga will be the first Iga no Kabamaru story that Azuki has drawn since ending the manga 32 years ago. The sequel's story takes place aft...
Konami Has Shipped Over 6 Million Copies of Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain
Video Game publisher Konami revealed in its third quarter financial report on Friday that its Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain game has shipped more than 6 million copies (including downloads). In addition, the report noted that Konami earned 179,251,000,000 yen (about US$1.48 billion) across the nine-month period ending with the third quarter on December 31. The earnings are a 15% increase fro...
Magus-Bride.jp Domain Registered Under Mag Garden's Name
The domain name 'Magus-Bride.jp' was registered under the name of the publisher Mag Garden on December 28. Mag Garden publishes Kore Yamazaki's supernatural manga The Ancient Magus' Bride (Mahō Tsukai no Yome) in Japan. Seven Seas publishes the manga in North America, and it describes the story: Chise Hatori has lived a life full of neglect and abuse, devoid of anything resembling love. Far from t...
Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia Anime's 1st Promo Vido Lists Summer Debut
Masamune Kuji's "battle action" story centers on boy who enrolls in academy due to his ability to power up girls
― Kadokawa began streaming a promotional video for the television anime of Masamune Kuji's light novel series Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia (Masō Gakuen H x H) on Monday. The video does not have animated footage, but it does note the summer premiere date of the anime. The "ultimat...
1st Kizumonogatari Film Earns 600 Million Yen in 3 Weeks
Kizumonogatari I: Tekketsu-hen, the first film in the trilogy adapting NisiOisin's light novel of the same name, has earned more than 600 million yen (about US$4.95 million) in its first three weeks in theaters. As of January 26, the film has sold over 450,000 tickets. Kizumonogatari I: Tekketsu-hen premiered in 108 Japanese theaters on January 8, and opened at #3 at the Japanese box office behind...
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash's 4th Episode Anime Music Video Streamed
Insert song "rainy tone" ships with ending single on February 17
― TOHO Animation began streaming an anime music video for Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash on Sunday, featuring the fourth episode insert song "rainy tone" by (K)NoW_NAME. (Note: The below video contains spoilers for the latest episode in the series.) (K)NoW_NAME is a new project founded by Toho Animation Records. The project produced the ope...
Canada's Tsukino-Con To Host Voice Actor Kensho Ono
Kuroko's Basketball, Aldnoah.Zero voice actor to appear at February 12-14 con
― Canada's Tsukino-Con announced on Saturday that voice actor Kensho Ono (Kuroko's Basketball's Tetsuya Kuroko, Aldnoah.Zero's Slaine Troyard) will be the convention's Japanese voice acting guest this year. Ono is currently starring in Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V as the protagonist Yūya Sakaki, and he also performed the anime's second ...
Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 Game Posts Marie Rose Image Video
PS4/PS Vita game slated for March 24 release
― KOEI Tecmo Games began streaming an image video for the character Marie Rose from its Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 PS4/PS Vita game on Sunday. KOEI Tecmo Games streamed the third "heart-throbbing short movie" for the game on January 20. The game is slated to release on March 24, after a delay from its original February 25 release date. Koei Tecmo will publish ...
Final Fantasy IX RPG's Smartphone Version Gameplay Previewed
Game coming to iPhone, Android, PC in English, Japanese versions
― Square Enix's "Final Fantasy no Are Kore Otsutae Shimasu Hōsō" Youtube program began streaming gameplay footage last Thursday for the upcoming smartphone release of the Final Fantasy IX game (game footage begins at 5:55 in the video). Square Enix will release the game for iPhone and Android devices, as well as for PC, "soon." The game...
Pokkén Tournament Game's Chandelure Video Streamed
Game ships for Wii U in N. America, Europe, Japan on March 18
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming an introduction video for its Pokkén Tournament fighting game on Monday. The video confirms the debut of the Pokémon Chandelure (Chandela). The video debuted at Game Party Japan 2016 in Chiba on Sunday. Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the game on the Wii U in North America, Europe, and J...
Ghibli Director Isao Takahata Declines to Join Oscar Academy
Cites "too busy at work" as reason for refusal
― Director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata declined his invitation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last Thursday. According to a source connected to the matter, Takahata cited "being too busy at work" as the reason for his refusal. The Academy extended the invitation to Takahata last June, after honoring the director with ...
Akira Himekawa's New Zelda Manga is Twilight Princess
New manga marks duo's return to Zelda manga after 8 years
― The official Twitter account of the manga creator duo Akira Himekawa confirmed on Sunday that their new manga series based on Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda games will be based on the 2006 Wii and GameCube game The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The manga will be serialized on Shogakukan's MangaONE app. The new work will be the pair's r...
Idolm@ster Game Series Director Akihiro Ishihara Leaves Bandai Namco
Director of 10-year-old idol management game series said he resigned from company amicably
― The Idolm@ster game series director Akihiro Ishihara (often credited in the games as Director 1 or Dire1) announced on the game series' official website on Monday that he left Bandai Namco Entertainment on January 31. He clarified that his resignation wasn't due to a reprimand, quarrel, scandal, or his dissat...
Sunday, January 31
Servamp TV Anime's 1st Promo Reveals July Premiere
Main Aoharu x Machinegun staff, studio reunite
― The official website of the television anime adaptation of Strike Tanaka's Servamp manga began streaming the first promotional video for the anime on Sunday. The video previews the anime's story and cast, and reveals the anime's July premiere date. The site also revealed the anime's staff. The production will reunite the main staff and studio of the Ao...
Shonen Jump Posts Preview Images of 2 New February Manga
The official website for Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine posted a preview image on Monday for the magazine's 10th issue, which will ship on February 8. The image includes previews of the two new series that will debut in the magazine in February. Tadahiro Miura's Yuragi-sō no Yūna-san (Yūna of Yuragi Manor) manga The "onsen x ghost love comedy" Yuragi-sō no Yūna-san takes place at a house w...
Barakamon Prequel Manga Handa-kun Gets TV Anime
Series centers on calligrapher Sei Handa as a teenager
― Square Enix's Gangan Online website announced on Monday that Satsuki Yoshino's Handa-kun manga is getting a television anime adaptation. The manga is a spinoff of Yoshino's Barakamon manga. Yen Press has licensed Handa-kun and is releasing it digitally and in print. The company describes the first manga volume as follows: Handsome teenage calli...
My Hero Academia Reveals Character Designs For Momo Yaoyorozu, Fumikage Tokoyami
The official website for the television anime of Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) manga revealed the character designs in and out of costume on Monday for characters Momo Yaoyorozu and Fumikage Tokoyami. This year's ninth issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine announced the voice cast for the two characters on Monday. Marina Inoue (Haganai's Yozora, Owarimonogata...
Celebrate Valentine's Day with Nana Mizuki's New Potato Chip Flavor
On January 28, 20 lucky winners of a contest held in October got to tour the factory of Calbee, a Japanese snack foods company, with a special tour guide: Nana Mizuki, the singer/voice actress who's the new face of Calbee's "Poterichi" line of potato chips. They also attended a surprise birthday party for Mizuki (she turned 36 on January 21), got to taste her homemade curry, and heard what Calbee...
Schwarzes Marken ‒ Episode 4
"While Lise's arrival and reconnecting with Theodor is the early feature, the combined mecha/naval fleet action actually forms the bulk of the episode."
Japan's KitKat Flavors Now Include Sake
Nestlé's KitKat chocolates are well known for their Japan-only flavors like grilled potato, cherry blossom, fruit parfait, and more. Many of these are only available in particular areas of the country and serve as regional souvenirs while others, like Green Tea flavor, are Japan-exclusive and popular with tourists. Green tea is seen as quintessentially Japanese, and Nestlé is looking to add anothe...
Girls Frontline Developer Responds to Mushibugyo Design Controversy
Chinese developer Wave-Games expresses disappointment in Shonen Sunday's response to alleged plagiarism
― Chinese game developer Wave-Games gave a statement to Japanese video game news website Inside Games on Wednesday regarding the similarity between a character in Hiroshi Fukuda's Jōjū Senjin!! Mushibugyō manga and a pre-existing character in the Wave-Games' game app Girls Frontline (Shōjo Zensen)....
Snow Miku Sky Town Reveals Gorgeous Miku Kimono Figure
Snow Miku Sky Town, the shopping area in The New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, is one of three retailers selling a gorgeous Hatsune Miku figure starting on February 1. The 1/8-scale figure depicts the virtual idol looking serene in a red kimono with cranes printed on the fabric. She carries a parasol by a spray of mums and roses while a bird alights on her hand. The figure is created by Stronger b...
Umineko When They Cry Episode 5: End of the Golden Witch Volume 2 GN 11
Umineko devolves into a tedious debate about the rules of the Golden Age mystery in a volume that's all about the genre without actually giving us much mystery.
― It's time to ask yourself, are you reading Umineko: When They Cry because you like the story and Ryukishi07's style of telling it, or are you reading it because you have a deep investment in the philosophical discussion of mystery novels, f...
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash ‒ Episode 4
"Grimgar had lulled us into a false sense of security (albeit one with some niggling doubts), but things are going to have to start moving from this point on."
Haikyu!! Second Season ‒ Episode 17
"One of the more satisfying episodes, allowing two second-tier characters to come to the fore."
Isetan Shinjuku Will Sell Limited Lupin the Third Ukiyo-e Prints
Custom Italian suits, kimono, trench coats also for sale
― The Isetan Shinjuku Store's Fashion Museum will hold a Lupin the Third themed event from February 3-8. "LUPINISSIMO IN ISETAN 2016" will sell Ukiyo-e prints of the famous thief and his crew. Six different designs will be available, including a print signed by creator Monkey Punch. The prints were created using the Takezasa-Do woodblocking te...
Luck & Logic ‒ Episode 4
"This plot has the depth and complexity of an after-school special, and looking pretty isn't enough to save it."
Weekly Shonen Jump Launches 2 New Series in February
Koisome Momiji artist begins series about a ghost girl
― This year's ninth issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump announced on Monday that it will debut two new manga series in upcoming issues. Tadahiro Miura will begin Yuragi-sō no Yūna-san (Yūna of Yuragi Manor, pictured in first image below) in the 10th issue on February 8, and Koyoharu Gotōge will begin Kimetsu no Yaiba (Blade of Demon Destructio...
Mr. Osomatsu Planner: We Haven't Said It Will End After Half a Year
TV Tokyo's Takayuki Hirobe comments on anime's surprising rise in popularity
― The Sunday edition of the Tokyo Shimbun paper published a feature about the success of the comedy anime Mr. Osomatsu (Osomatsu-san) among young women. The feature includes an interview with Takayuki Hirobe, TV Tokyo's 46-year-old project planner of the anime, and TV Tokyo's 42-year-old anime production department member Ma...
My Monster Secret GN 1
My Monster Secret opens with a by-the-numbers but endearing set of harem shenanigans, full of fun characters and ridiculous faces.
― The harem bar has been somewhat raised as of late. While the harems of years past could get away with occasional hot spring shenanigans and the promise of a kiss, modern sex capers like Prison School and Monster Musume throw lust and nudity front and center, accompanyin...
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4's Opening Video Streamed
Game to debut in early February on PS4, Xbox One, PC
― Namco Bandai Entertainment posted the opening intro animation for its Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 game in multiple regions on Monday. Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 will feature the largest number of fighters in the series history. That roster includes characters from the fight between Hashirama and Madara, as well as chara...
Haikyu!!'s 2nd Event Anime to Ship With Manga's Volume 21 in May
Event anime premiered last November at Jump Special Anime Festa
― This year's ninth issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that second original event anime of Haruichi Furudate's Haikyu!! manga will be bundled with a limited edition of the manga's 21st volume, which Shueisha will publish on May 2. The 22-minute event anime, titled "VS Akaten," has an original story not see...
X Japan's We Are X Documentary Wins Jury Editing Award at Sundance
Film premiered in competition at Sundance Film Festival on January 23
― The entertainment news website Deadline reported on Saturday that X Japan's We Are X documentary film won Sundance Film Festival Awards' Special Jury Award for Best Editing. Mako Kamitsuna (The World Made Straight, Blackhat) and John Maringouin (Big River Man, Running Stumbled) edited the documentary, which chronicles the band's ...
2nd Queen's Blade Grimoire OVA Slated to Ship This Spring
The March issue of Gakken's Megami Magazine announced on Saturday that Hobby Japan plans to release the second Queen's Blade Grimoire video anime episode this spring. The first OVA shipped with the Kagami no Majutsu-hime Snow White (Sorceress of the Mirror Snow White) visual book on Friday. The bundle retails for 6,499 yen (about US$53). The episode bundled on the disc is titled "Kakusei, Akazukin...
Legend of the Galactic Heroes Browser Game Starts Service
PC game developer DMM started service for its Ginga Eiyū Densetsu Tactics (Legend of the Galactic Heroes Tactics) simulation RPG browser game on Thursday. DMM conducted a pre-open service from January 21 to 28. In addition to starting service for the game, DMM has launched a "Start Dash Campaign." During the campaign, players will earn 20% more experience and will also be able to scout new charact...
Live-Action Moribito Series' Promo Video Shows Haruka Ayase as Balsa
Haruka Ayase stars as Balsa in live-action TV series premiering in March
― The official website of NHK's live-action TV adaptation of Nahoko Uehashi's Moribito novel series began streaming a video previewing Haruka Ayase (Umimachi Diary, Hotaru no Hikari, Himitsu no Akko-chan) as Balsa on Monday. To view the video, click on the image below. The text in the video reads: "Balsa! That person was strong,...
Dōbutsu Sentai Zyuohger TV Show's Full Trailer Streamed
Animal-themed 40th Super Sentai series to premiere on February 14
― Toei began streaming a trailer on Saturday for the 40th Super Sentai series, Dōbutsu Sentai Zyuohger (Animal Sentai Zyuohger). (Note: The linked video is region-locked to Japan.) Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger : Full TrailerDoubutsu Sentai Zyuohger : Full TrailerPosted by HeroShock on Saturday, January 30, 2016 The series will begin on Fe...
Bayonetta, Corrin Previewed in Action in Super Smash Bros. Game
2 new characters, new Mii Fighter costumes arrive in game on February 4
― Nintendo UK began streaming two gameplay videos on Saturday for its Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS game that previews the Fire Emblem Fates character Corrin and Bayonetta's titular character in action. Nintendo had revealed in December that the two new characters would join the game's lineup. The two characters, along with new...
Final Fantasy XV Reveals More Details on Magic, World, Characters, Battle System (Updated)
Square Enix to reveal release date at Los Angeles event on March 30
― Game director Hajime Tabata and marketing manager Akio Ofuji revealed more details about Final Fantasy XV's magic, the Niflheim Empire, and battle system during an "Active Time Report" stream on Saturday. Tabata and Ofuji also revealed that the game is close to a stage where Square Enix can announce the release date. Square Enix pl...
Adventures of Mana Smartphone Game's English Trailer Reveals February 4 Release Date
iOS/Android game remakes Final Fantasy Adventure Game Boy game
― Square Enix began streaming both an English and a Japanese trailer on Saturday for Adventures of Mana, the iOS and Android remake of the Final Fantasy Adventure (Seiken Densetsu -Final Fantasy Gaiden-) action role-playing game. Both videos reveal a February 4 release date. The English version of the game will be available for iOS and An...
Saturday, January 30
Luck & Logic Streams 3rd 'We Are Luck & Logic Club' Anime Short
1st appearance of Marie Miyake as Endō in 1-minute anime short series
― The official YouTube channel for the Luck & Logic franchise began streaming the third episode of the "Watashi-tachi, Rakuroji-bu!" (We Are the Luck and Logic Club!) short anime series on Saturday. The one-minute anime series is airing before each full Luck & Logic TV anime episode. The anime short features the three high school g...
Toei Posts 'Baton Passing' Video Ahead of Maho Girls Precure! Premiere
Final episode of Go! Princess Precure aired on Sunday
― Toei Animation posted a "A Message for Passing the Baton from Cure Flora to Cure Miracle" video on Saturday. The video features Haruka Haruno, the main character of Go! Princess Precure whose alter ego is Cure Flora. Cure Flora thanks everyone for supporting her over the past year, and then she introduces her new friend Mirai Asahina, whose alte...
Cold Snap in Japan Prompts Debate Over Proper Schoolgirl Fashion
Cuteness or comfort?
― While America's east coast struggled through a historic blizzard last weekend, East Asia faced a similar problem: a record-breaking cold snap which brought sleet to subtropical Okinawa, hypothermia to Taiwan, and snow in Vietnam. Mainland Japan also witnessed bitter cold, with temperatures dropping to -9° C (15° F) in Kansai and snow 50 cm (19.5'') deep in Kanto, sending the co...
Sanrio Boys Project Gets Manga on MangaOne App, Sho-Comi Magazine
The cute guys of "Sanrio Danshi" (Sanrio Boys) project are expanding into the world of manga. The company opened the project's official website last week with four yet to be revealed sections. On Friday, the website opened its "Manga" section and announced the characters will be adapted by Mai Andō (Amakute Zuru Iwana no Naka) on the MangaOne app beginning in April followed by a different manga ad...
BBK/BRNK ‒ Episode 4
"Each episode of this series has featured flashes of brilliance, but it continues to struggle with turning that potential into a strong finished product."
Hasbro, DMG Agree to Live-Action Transformers Attraction in China
Entertainment news website Deadline reported on Monday that DMG, one of China's leading film companies, has signed a deal with Hasbro to open a live-action Transformers attraction in China. This will not only be the first live-action Transformers attraction, but also the first major project for DMG Live, a subsidy of DMG Entertainment. S2BN Entertainment, the company that produced Spider-Man: Turn...
Asuka Nishi Wins 2015 Best Fundoshist Award
Award honors those who have done most to popularize Japanese loincloths
― Forget about elaborate kimono or ornate samurai armor: The traditional Japanese clothing that the Japan Fundoshi Association wants you to care about is the fundoshi, or loincloth. Every year the association honors the "fundoshist" that does the most to popularize the traditional underwear with the Best Fundoshist Awards. This y...
Steins;Gate Games Mark 1-Million Copy Milestone With Voice Cast Autographs
5pb. Games announced on Monday that it will celebrate the Steins;Gate game series selling 1 million copies with a Twitter promotional campaign. Those who tweet about the game on the hashtag "#シュタゲミリオン" (without quotes) will be entered into a raffle where 12 individuals can win autographs from the game's main cast. The cast that will sign autographs for the contest include Mamoru Miyano, Kana Hanaz...
Virtua Fighter Figmas Retain Classic Polygon Designs
Sega's original Virtua Fighter 3D fighting game debuted in arcades in 1993 with its line-up of polygonal brawlers. Akira Yuki , Pai Chan, Lau Chan, Wolf Hawkfield, Jeffry McWild, Kage-Maru, Sarah Bryant, Jacky Bryant, and Dural battled their way into gamers' hearts in eight titles and earned the franchise the moniker "grandfather of 3D fighting games." Good Smile Company's figma line is honoring ...
Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū ‒ Episode 4
"It's a slower episode than usual, but Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū continues to be a strong production."
Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei's Kôji Kumeta Draws 'Kumeshort' 1-Shot
Manga creator Kôji Kumeta (Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, Joshiraku) published a one-shot manga titled "Kumeshort" in this year's ninth issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine on Wednesday. Kumeta last drew a manga for the magazine three years ago, with the "Tōfū (Fu)Kenbunroku" one-shot in 2013. "Kumeshort" centers on a short-haired girl named Tomoko Nikaidō. The one-shot features two cha...
Heavy Object ‒ Episode 16
"The team's return to Alaska has proven to be one of Heavy Object's stronger story arcs thus far, which is an encouraging sign for the remainder of the season."
To Love-Ru -Trouble- Darkness Artist Creates 1-of-a-Kind Tissue Box (NSFW)
Box contains an uncensored surprise
― The tissue box has two popular uses: it's a companion when you're laid up with a cold or if you're having some private time. The latter is referenced as a joke in anime series quite often. Bachelor pads strewn with used tissues or a character staring at a blue computer screen reaches for one. The audience know the implications. To Love-Ru -Trouble- Darkness manga...
Devil Survivor, Celestial Clothes Manga to End Next Month
Übel Blatt creator began Celestial Clothes in 2010
― This year's March issue of Kodansha's Shonen Sirius magazine announced on Tuesday that Satoru Matsuba's Devil Survivor and Etorouji Shiono's Celestial Clothes manga will end in the April issue on February 26. Matsuba's Devil Survivor manga began in Shonen Sirius in 2012, and Kodansha shipped the sixth compiled volume in September. The manga adapts ...
Gakkyu Hotei: School Judgment GN 1
A fun and weird mix of mystery elements makes School Judgment's first volume an interesting new series, albeit it one with some disturbing pieces.
― How many of you attended or participated in mock trials in school? In the school system I attended, it was a pretty common social studies exercise in middle and high schools, and in some cases students even went to the courthouse to play out their cases....
California's AOD Convention to Host Musician Lotus Juice, Hatoful Boyfriend Creators
Light novelist Isuna Hasekura, voice actress Yuu Asakawa also to attend Santa Clara event on February 13-14
― The AOD convention in California announced on Tuesday that it will host Japanese rapper Lotus Juice and Hatoful Boyfriend creators Hato Moa and Damurushi. Lotus Juice is a rapper who has contributed songs to Atlus' Persona 3 and Persona 2 Innocent Sin role-playing games, as well as multiple s...
Dagashi Kashi ‒ Episode 4
"Dagashi Kashi pulled off its most consistently funny episode by far this week, featuring two half-episode stories that were each more compelling than almost any of its prior material."
GATE ‒ Episode 16
"With so much going on and interacting so neatly, the faults are few."
Top 39 Grossing Domestic Japanese Films of 2015 Listed
12 anime films, 12 live-action manga-based films on list
― The Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan listed the top 39 grossing domestic films in Japan in 2015 on Tuesday. The films, from highest to lowest, include: Yo-kai Watch: Tanjō no Himitsu da Nyan! (7.8 billion yen, about US$65 million) The Boy and the Beast (Bakemono no Ko) (5.85 billion yen, about US$48.6 million) HERO (4.67 billion ...
The List - 7 Manliest Bromances
Everyone has found themselves inspired by a deeply-felt friendship between two big manly men; here are seven of them that will bro you away!
― Valentine's Day (also known as Singles Awareness Day) is sneaking up. If you're one of the many without a significant other on the sugar coma-inducing holiday, have no fear. Even if romance isn't on your to-do list for the 14th, there's plenty of room for bro...
Chinyūki Live-Action Film's Trailer Previews Theme Song
Rip Slyme performs "Drop!" theme song for February 27 comedy film
― The official website of the live-action film adaptation of Gatarō Man's Chinyūki ~Tarō to Yukai na Nakama-tachi~ manga began streaming a trailer for the film on Tuesday. The trailer previews the film's theme song "Drop!" by Rip Slyme. Ken'ichi Matsuyama (live-action Death Note movies, Gantz, Bunny Drop) plays the protagonist Tarō Yam...
Junji Ito's Manga Short Stories Get Live-Action Chinese Adaptation
Adaptation of Shibito no Koiwazurai, other short manga streams this year
― A live-action Chinese adaptation of horror manga creator Junji Ito's manga short stories has been green-lit. The adaptation will premiere this year on the iQIYI Chinese streaming video service. The drama will adapt the following stories: "Sōichi no Katte na Noroi," "Dassōhei no Iru Ie," "Rōjiura," and "Umeku Haisuikan," as wel...
Shirobako Twitter Account Posts About 'Unrelated' Movie Project
The official Twitter account of P.A. Works' Shirobako anime posted on Thursday that the team is "working on a movie," but clarified that it is unrelated to Shirobako. The post then adds that the movie project is starting to involve more people, and that it is tackling a different subject than the "TV version." The post does not clarify which "TV version" it is specifying. The Shirobako anime premi...
Disney XD's Doraemon Adaptation to Run in Japan With Bilingual Tracks
Japanese viewers can watch English dub, or re-recorded Japanese dub of English adaptation
― The Doraemon anime's recent English-dubbed adaptation, which premiered on the Disney XD channel in the United States in 2014, will now run on Japan's version of the Disney Channel. This adapted version of Doraemon will premiere on February 1, and it will air from Monday to Thursday every week at 6:30 a.m. and ...
Street Fighter V Game's New Trailer Previews 6 Different Modes
Fighting game ships on February 16 in N. America, Europe
― Capcom UK began streaming a new trailer on Saturday for the Street Fighter V fighting game that previews the game's different modes, including: Tutorial Mode, Story Mode, Survival Mode, Training Mode, Network Battles, and Capcom Fighters Network. The video adds that more modes will be available for free post-launch. Capcom revealed earlier th...
Fire Emblem Fates Game's Video Highlights Consequences of Big Decision
Game's Western release slated for February 19
― Nintendo began streaming a commercial on Friday for its upcoming Fire Emblem Fates turn-based strategy game for the Nintendo 3DS. The video highlights what happens after the protagonist makes the pivotal decision that casts players into either the Hoshido or Nohr faction. Nintendo streamed a "Two Kingdoms" trailer on Friday that highlighted the decision...
Fairy Tail Stage Play Reveals Atsushi Shiramata in Costume as Gray
Play to run in Ikebukuro from April 30-May 9
― The official website for the stage play of Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail manga revealed a visual of Atsushi Shiramata in costume as Gray Fullbuster on Saturday. The website previously unveiled a visual of D-BOYS actor Shuuto Miyazaki in costume as the protagonist Natsu Dragneel earlier this month. The show's full cast includes: Shuuto Miyazaki as Natsu Dragn...
One Piece Burning Blood Game's English Video Reveals Western Release in June
PC version announced, Western pre-order bonuses & special edition previewed
― Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe began streaming an English-subtitled video on Friday highlighting the four playable female characters in the One Piece: Burning Blood PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC, and Xbox One game. The video shows the recently revealed Boa Hancock, Nico Robin, Nami, and Perona characters in action....
Starchild Label Restructured as King Amusement Creative
Label handles production, music production for King Records anime
― King Records announced on Friday that its Starchild Records label will be restructured as King Amusement Creative on February 1. Starchild's official website, Sutacha Mania, will also close. The works and artists pages on Starchild's website will continue to be available for a short time, but King Records plans to close them soon. We...
Rise of Mana Smartphone/PS Vita Game Ends Service in March
Square Enix launched RPG for smartphones in 2014, PS Vita in 2015
― Seiken Densetsu: Rise of Mana producer Masaru Oyamada announced on the game's official website on Friday that service will end on March 31. Oyamada said that discussions within the company concluded that continuing to offer game service that satisfies fans would become difficult. Normal gameplay will be available until March 31 at 2:...
Friday, January 29
Sony Sells 8.4 Million PS4s in 3rd Quarter
SCE, SNEI merged to form Sony Interactive Entertainment
― Sony's latest quarterly financial report revealed on Friday that the company sold 8.4 million PlayStation 4 units during the quarter, which lasted from October 1 to December 31. Sony announced earlier this month that the console's total number of units sold worldwide reached 35.9 million after the holiday season. During the third quarter, the ...
UPPERS PS Vita Action Game's Promo, Prologue Videos Streamed
Brawler game set on island where brawling is entertainment slated for April 21
― Marvelous began streaming a promotional video for its upcoming UPPERS brawler action game on Tuesday. The company additionally streamed a 10-minute prologue movie on Friday. The promo video previews the game's characters and "queens," who will cheer the player character on. The video previews the game's theme song "Oh, N...
Former Sailor Uranus VA Megumi Ogata Reacts to New Sailor Moon Crystal Cast
"Enjoy the differences between the old and new anime"
― Just in time for Sailor Uranus's birthday, the new cast members of Sailor Moon Crystal were announced on January 27. Among these was Junko Minagawa as Haruka/Sailor Uranus. Megumi Ogata, who played the role in the original Sailor Moon anime series, reacted to the announcement on Twitter. Ogata admitted to being surprised at the volume of message...
Project Diva X Celebrates Megurine Luka's 7th Birthday With Medley Video
The official YouTube account for Sega's Project Diva game franchise began streaming a medley video from the Hatsune Miku Project Diva X game on Friday to celebrate Megurine Luka's seventh birthday. Crypton Future Media first released Megurine Luka as the third Vocaloid2 software on January 30, 2009. The video features the following songs: "Ai Dee" by Mitchie M "Akahitoha" by Kurousa P (White Flame...
Chaos;child's PC Port Slated for Japan on April 28
5pb. Games announced on Friday that its PC port of Chaos;Child is slated for April 28 in Japan. The PC game will have both a digital edition through DMM.com and a physical edition bundled with a hardcore remix of the game's music on a CD. In the psycho-suspense story, after a magnitude-7.8 earthquake hits Tokyo's Shibuya ward on November 6, 2009, a black fire spreads and causes mass panic on the d...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, January 18-24
Live-action Fragile drama, Kiki's Delivery Service film air
― Kiki's Delivery Service aired on NTV on Friday, January 22 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 18.8%. The live-action drama based on Saburō Megumi's Fragile - Byōrii Kishi Keiichirō no Shoken (Fragile - The Finds of Pathologist Keiichirō Kishi) manga aired on Fuji TV on Wednesday, January 20 at 10:00 and earned a 10.0% rating. Title Station Date Tim...
Get Your Heart Pounding with The Top 20 Anime & Manga Love Confessions
If you're trying to get in a romantic mood for Valentine's Day or get some inspiration for your own love confession, Charapedia has compiled the Top 20 anime and manga love confessions based on user votes. Which moments were the most heart-pounding? Check out the answers below but Beware of Spoilers. The Most Heart-Pounding Anime & Manga Love Confessions Hitagi Senjōgahara to Koyomi Araragi (Monog...
Gundam Thunderbolt Anime's 2nd Episode Previewed in Video
Gundam Fan Club app released the episode today, wide digital release slated for February 12 in Japan
― Bandai Visual began streaming a longer promotional video for the second episode of the anime adaptation of Yasuo Ohtagaki's Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt manga on Friday The second of four 18-minute episodes will begin streaming on February 12 at 12:00 p.m. JST. However, the Gundam Fan Club app beg...
New York Times Manga Best Seller List, January 17-23
4 One-Punch Man volumes, Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring, Twin Star Exorcists, Tokyo Ghoul, My Monster Secret, Blue Exorcist
― The New York Times newspaper listed the manga bestsellers in the United States for the week ending on January 23. Rank Prev. Rank Title Author Publisher Weeks on List Cover 1 1One-Punch Man #4 Story: ONE / Art: Yuusuke Murata Viz Media 3 22Naruto: The Sevent...
Dark Souls Game Series Gets Comic in April
George Mann to write, Alan Quah to illustrate comic
― Comic publisher Titan Comics announced last week that it will launch a comic book series based on Bandai Namco Entertainment's Dark Souls video game series. The first issue, written by George Mann and illustrated by Alan Quah, will ship in April. The comic book will not adapt the games, but instead tell new stories set in the same universe. The fi...
Pirated Manga Artist Gujira Not Quitting After All
Lands deal for English-language version with FAKKU
― Last weekend, we reported on the erotic manga artist Gujira, who threatened to quit after discovering that his manga had been downloaded illegally 25,000 times. The news prompted a debate on Twitter over piracy and how to fight it, as well as lamentations from Gujira's fans and fellow dōjinshi artists about his impending departure. Gujira clarified...
ANNCast Episode Two Hundred and Fifty - Outlaw Star
Zac, Hope and special guest Karl Olson reach into the pantheon of Toonami classics and return with Outlaw Star, seemingly everyone and no one's favorite sci-fi action-adventure. Beware of psychic cacti.
― ANNCast Episode 250: Outlaw Star Zac, Hope and special guest Karl Olson reach into the pantheon of Toonami classics and return with Outlaw Star, seemingly everyone and no one's favorite sci-fi acti...
Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! Stage Play Reveals Yumoto, En, Atsushi in Costume
Play to run March 10-13 in Tokyo
― Marv's official website for the stage play adaptation of the Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! anime updated with visuals of three of the cast members in costume on Friday: Tomoru Akazawa as Yumoto Hakone Maasa Igarashi as En Yufuin Yūki Ochi as Atsushi Kinugawa In addition, the website announced two more cast members who will play original characters. The characte...
Lupin the Third (TV 2015) ‒ Episode 17
"This series in general has excelled in never letting audiences get bored, but this is one of the most fast-paced, eyes-glued-to-the-screen segments so far."
Answerman - Should FUNimation Be On NASDAQ?
One questioner thinks it's time for anime companies like Funimation to go public on the stock market, along with all the risk and reward that could entail. Justin has a few thoughts about that.
― CastMember1991 asks: Now with Funimation launching a streaming service that serves as the anime industry's answer to Netflix, I think it's time for Funimation (or its parent company G1200 Media) to file for...
King of Fighters XIV's 5th Trailer Introduces K', Benimaru Nikaido, Robert Garcia
Game with 50+ fighters slated for this year
― The official PlayStation YouTube channel posted a fifth trailer for SNK Playmore's upcoming The King of Fighters XIV PlayStation 4 game on Friday. The video introduces returning playable characters K', Benimaru Nikaido, and Robert Garcia. The game will feature more than 50 playable fighters, including new characters to the franchise. Previously announced ...
New Idol Group 'Lilygirl' Appeals to Yuri Fans
Mika Ichinose & Haruhi Nakajima star as high school drama students
― A new project, Lilygirl, will showcase idol groups that express yuri (schoolgirl homosexual) relationships. A short film was made that features Mika Ichinose (also of the idol unit Kamiyado) and Haruhi Nakajima (also of the idol unit Junes Princess). They play sophomore students at a girls' high school who are both in the drama club...
Karuna Kujo's Aphorism Manga Ends
Yen Press published manga's 2nd English volume digitally on Tuesday
― Karuna Kujō published the final chapter of her Aphorism manga on Thursday. Square Enix will ship the manga's 14th and final compiled volume in Japan on March 22. Yen Press is publishing the manga digitally, and it describes the story: Can you see the island in the sky...? Most people think it's just a metaphor or some weird hoax, b...
La Corda d'Oro 4 Gets Limited Edition PS Vita Consoles
Different schools featured on 4 different designs
― The Sony Store opened preorders for special edition La Corda d'Oro 4 PlayStation Vita systems on Friday. The systems come in four engraved design options featuring characters from different schools: Seisō Gakuin version: Shiseikan High School version: Jinnan High School version: Amane Gakuen version: They will also include an original La Corda d'Oro...
Freezing Creators End Monochrome Teito Ninpō Chō Manga
Manga about modern day ninjas launched last March
― Writer Dall-Young Lim and artist Kwang-Hyun Kim ended their Monochrome Teito Ninpō Chō (Monochrome Imperial Capital Ninja Scroll) manga on January 20. The manga had 16 chapters, and an epilogue chapter. Shogakukan will publish the manga's second compiled volume this spring. The manga is set in a world where the various ninja clans who had supported ...
Persona 3 Manga's Finale Extended to 10th Volume
Manga adapting Atlus' RPG began has been running for over 9 years
― The author's notes in the ninth compiled volume of Shuji Sogabe's Persona 3 manga has a message that reads, "It hasn't finished. I'm sorrrrrrrry ... In the next volume, P3 will really finish." The ninth volume shipped on Wednesday. The author's notes in the eighth volume teased in March 2015 that the manga "probably" would end in the...
Girls Beyond the Wasteland ‒ Episode 4
"Four episodes in, Girls Beyond the Wasteland has yet to show me what it has to offer."
Amuro, Char Narrate Gundam Breaker 3 Game's Promo
"Mirrors" song by BACK-ON, 150 model kits, customization also previewed for March 3 game
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a second promotional video on Friday for its upcoming PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game Gundam Breaker 3. The video features narration by the characters Amuro and Char, referencing lines from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. The video also previews the gam...
Honey So Sweet GN 1
A seemingly mismatched pair of high schoolers tries to sort out their relationship in this new shoujo series that is as sweet as its title.
― Spiritually, Honey So Sweet has a lot in common with Robico's My Little Monster. Both stories feature high school age heroes who frighten their classmates (and even got suspended for the same reason on the first day of school) and the girls they love, neither o...
Show By Rock!! Short!! Short Anime Series Premieres in July
Staff, cast return for "carefree enjoyable" series featuring Plasmagica, ShinganCrimsonz, more
― The official website for the Show By Rock!! anime franchise revealed on Friday that Show By Rock!! Short!!, a new short anime series, will premiere on Tokyo MX in July. The website also revealed the show's returning staff and cast, as well as a key visual (pictured below). The anime will center on the ban...
Nights of Azure Gameplay Videos Streamed, Limited Edition Detailed
Europe, N. America both get limited editions of PS4 game
― Koei Tecmo America began streaming two gameplay trailers and an ad on Tuesday for Gust's Nights of Azure (Yoru no Nai Kuni) PlayStation 4 game. NISA Europe additionally detailed the game's limited edition in a series of Twitter posts on Wednesday and Thursday. The limited edition is available in both Europe and North America. Apart from the g...
Valkyria Chronicles Remastered RPG's Character Introduction Video Streamed
HD remaster for PS4 ships in Japan on February 10, in the West this spring
― Sega began streaming a character introduction video on Thursday for its Valkyria Chronicles Remastered PlayStation 4 game. Text: Character introduction Text: Principality of Gallia Alicia: It's been a while since I made anything. I was worried I might be getting a bit rusty. But the oven was free, so I helped myself! Welkin:...
Rose to Tasogare no Kojō PS Vita Game Ships on April 26
Game by htoL#NIQ director, composer was revealed earlier this month
― The official website for the Nippon Ichi Software's Rose to Tasogare no Kojō (Rose and the Old Twilight Castle) PlayStation Vita game announced on Friday that the game will ship on April 26, two days earlier than originally announced. Nippon Ichi Software stated in the announcement that the change was in order to assure a "stable s...
Walmart Considers Dedicated Graphic Novel Section in Stores
Viz Media expands titles available through retail chain
― Trade journal Publishers Weekly reported on Tuesday that retail chain Walmart is considering a dedicated graphic novel section in its stores, and is currently "in talks" with distributor Diamond Book Distributors about the deal. The potential deal comes after manga publisher Viz Media closed a deal with Walmart earlier this month to expand the...
Live-Action Your Lie in April Film Opens in September
The official Twitter account of Kodansha's Comic Plus portal site revealed on Friday that the live-action film adaptation of Naoshi Arakawa's Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso) manga will open in Japan in September. Kento Yamazaki (Orange live-action film's Kakeru, Death Note live-action series' L) and Suzu Hirose (Chihayafuru: Shimo no Ku's Chihaya, Umimachi Diary live-action film's Suzu...
Momokuri Anime Adds Kensho Ono, Yasuaki Takumi to Cast
NicoNico to stream special program celebrating launch of exclusive streaming app
― The official website of the anime adaptation of Kurose's Momokuri manga revealed on Friday that Kensho Ono and Yasuaki Takumi are joining the cast of the anime. Kensho Ono (Kuroko's Basketball's Tetsuya Kuroko, Aldnoah.Zero's Slaine Troyard) as Seiichiro Usami Yasuaki Takumi (Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans' A...
Punch Line PS4/PS Vita Game's Teaser Reveals April Release Date
Sora Amamiya performs opening theme, Iketeru Hearts performs ending theme
― The official website for 5pb Games.' upcoming PlayStation 4/PlayStation Vita game adaptation of MAGES.' Punch Line anime began streaming a teaser movie for the game on Friday. The movie reveals the game's April 28 release date. (Note: The video on the website is region locked) In addition, the website revealed that the charac...
Fire Emblem Fates 3DS Game's Ad Highlights Pivotal Decision
Game's Western release slated for February 19
― Nintendo began streaming a commercial on Thursday for its upcoming Fire Emblem Fates turn-based strategy game for the Nintendo 3DS. The video highlights the pivotal decision that casts players into either the Hoshido or Nohr faction. The Nintendo 3DS game will ship in the West on February 19. Like the Japanese version, the game will come in three differ...
Project-H Kickstarter for Vanilla Essence Erotic Manga Anthology Reaches Goal
1st stretch goal of dust jackets for 5 other Yamatogawa manga also reached
― Digital Manga's hentai manga imprint Project-H's Kickstarter campaign to localize Yamatogawa's erotic manga anthology Vanilla Essence reached its US$27,000 goal on Thursday. As of press time the project has earned US$29,880. The campaign has also reached its first stretch goal, which was at US$28,300 for dust jackets for all...
Thursday, January 28
Bandai Namco Releases Digimon Heroes! Smartphone Game
Free-to-play game with match-3 card battle system available for iOS and Android
― Bandai Namco Entertainment released its Digimon Heroes! card battle game for Android devices on Monday, and for iOS devices on Wednesday. Bandai Namco Entertainment describes the game: Digimon Heroes is an exciting and free-to-play Card Battle Adventure featuring an all-star cast of more than 1,000 of your favorite DIGI...
Crunchyroll Adds Live-Action Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store
1st episode available, new episodes every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. EST
― Media distribution service Crunchyroll announced on Thursday that it has added the live-action television series of Matsukoma and Hashimoto's Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store (Nietzsche-sensei ~Konbini ni, Satori Sedai no Shinjin ga Maiorita~) manga. Crunchyroll is streaming the first episode, and will stream new episodes of ...
Participants Dismantle 180,000-Brick Dragon Quest Builders Wall in 3.5 Hours
The Dragon Quest monsters depicted on the 80-meter wall covered in Lego-like bricks in Shinjuku Station were dismantled in about three and a half hours by fans. The wall was part of an advertising campaign for the launch of Dragon Quest Builders for PS3, PS4, and PS Vita on Thursday. Passer-byes could remove the 180,000 blocks to "defeat" the depicted monsters and reveal a mural underneath. When t...
Assassination Classroom ‒ Episode 26
"The journey from idea to disastrous result in the episode's first half is entertaining enough on its own."
One Piece FamilyMart Lottery Includes Kimono Nami, Robin Figures
FamilyMarts across Japan will launch a One Piece lottery campaign early next month with a variety of prizes. Two standouts are figures of Nami and Robin in kimono but lucky customers can also win a Furoshiki style handbag, desktop figures, party plates, and handkerchiefs. The lottery prizes include: Prize A: Nami figure Prize B: Robin figure Prize C: Furoshiki style handbag Prize D: Party plate P...
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 446
"This re-imagining of events is laughable instead of memorable, shallow instead of moving."
Sailor Moon Crystal Stationery Shows All 10 Sailor Guardians
The official website of the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal anime unveiled the visual for the anime's third season on Monday, followed by cast announcements on Wednesday. The key visual was the first look fans got of the characters drawn by the series' new character designer Akira Takahashi. Fans get a look at some more images for the series that were created for an campaign with AEON retail ...
Japanese Comic Ranking, January 18-24
Kingdom, Magi, Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, Fairy Tail, Giant Killing in top 5
― Rank Title Est. Weekly Copies Est. Total Copies Release Date Publisher Author Highest Rank Weeks on List 1 Kingdom 41 396,557 397,338 2016/01 Shueisha Yasuhisa Hara 1 1 2 Magi 28 261,121 262,598 2016/01 Shogakukan Shinobu Ohtaka 2 1 3 Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto 4 167,127 337,516 2016/01 Kadokawa Nami Sano 2 2 4...
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest Opening Movie Streamed
Game's western release slated for February 19
― The GameXplain Youtube channel began streaming the English opening for Nintendo's upcoming Fire Emblem Fates game for Nintendo 3DS. The footage is from the "Conquest" version of the game. The Nintendo 3DS game will ship in the west on February 19. Like the Japanese version, the game will come in three different versions, each following different stories...
Dengeki G's Announces Love Live! Sunshine Mini-Units Name Poll
The original Love Live! starred nine girls who made up the idol group μ's. Within the group itself were mini-units of three girls each with their own name designations and singles. The group "Printemps" includes the characters Honoka, Kotori, and Hanayo, lily white includes Umi, Rin, and Nozomi, and BiBi includes Eli, Nico, and Maki. Dengeki G's Magazine will run a poll starting on February 1 for ...
Sentai Filmworks Licenses Nurse Witch Komugi R Anime (Update)
Spinoff magical girl series currently streaming on Crunchyroll
― North American anime distributor Sentai Filmworks announced on Thursday that it has licensed the anime Nurse Witch Komugi R. The company plans to release the series digitally and on home video. The anime premiered on January 10, and Crunchyroll is streaming the series in some territories as it airs in Japan. Sentai Filmworks describes t...
ERASED ‒ Episode 4
"The problem with Satoru is that even as an adult, he wasn't an adult."
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Reveals 3 DLC Packs
Sound Four available as playable characters; Naruto and Sasuke's next generation costumes offered
― This year's ninth issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump will detail three DLC packs on Monday for the upcoming Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 (Naruto Shippūden Narutimate Storm 4) PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC game. The DLC packs, which will be available in Japan, are: ナルティメット4 pic.twitter...
Haruchika – Haruta & Chika ‒ Episode 4
"It's encouraging that HaruChika is willing to dispense with the formula to try out new plots related to other characters already in the band."
Dragon Quest Heroes II Reveals New Protagonists
5 new characters designed by Akira Toriyama
― This year's ninth issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump will unveil five new characters for Square Enix's Dragon Quest Heroes II: Futago no Ō to Yogen no Owari (Dragon Quest Heroes II: The Twin Kings and the End of the Prophecy) action game for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PS Vita on Monday. Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) returned to design the new ch...
Studio Colorido Animates 2nd Puzzle & Dragons TV Commercial
Studio Colorido (Taifū no Noruda) animated a second 30-second TV commercial for the hugely popular mobile phone game Puzzle & Dragons. The commercial began streaming on Wednesday and is titled "Fuyu no Seishun" (Winter Youth). The commercial follows the same boy who transferred into a new school in Tokyo in the first commercial. It's now winter and he realizes one of his female classmates is inter...
Zakuro Creator/Penguindrum Designer Lily Hoshino Gets Married
Congratulated by Loveless creator Yun Kouga, Utena/Penguindrum creator Kunihiko Ikuhara
― Zakuro manga creator and Penguindrum character designer Lily Hoshino announced on Monday that she had gotten married. Loveless manga creator and Mobile Suit Gundam 00 character designer Yun Kouga sent her congratulations, followed by Utena/Penguindrum creator Kunihiko Ikuhara's surprised congratulations (with a ...
Active Raid ‒ Episode 4
"Sena and Kuroki's conflict is already well-established, and the actual episodic conflict here wasn't particularly exciting, so there just wasn't too much to hold onto."
Nitroplus Blasterz PS4/PS3 Game's Video Previews Saber
XSEED Games offers PS4/PS3 crossover fighting game in N. America on February 2
― North American publisher XSEED Games began streaming a character spotlight video for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 crossover fighting game Nitroplus Blasterz -HEROINES INFINITE DUEL- on Wednesday. The video highlights the character Saber from the Fate/stay night franchise, specifically the Gen Urobuchi-written preq...
The Idolm@ster: Platinum Stars for PS4 Previewed in 1st Promo Video
Producer shepherds 13 idols at training camp as they aspire for a major concert
― Bandai Namco Entertainment debuted the first promotional video for its PlayStation 4 game The Idolm@ster: Platinum Stars during a Niconico Live stream on Thursday. The video features the song "Happy!" Voice: Producer-san, please make us into top idols! Text: The stage finally moves to the PlayStation 4 The game centers ...
KonoSuba – God's blessing on this wonderful world!! ‒ Episode 3
"While the episode does still have a fair amount of humor, it is nowhere near the laugh-fest that episode 2 was."
Myriad Colors Phantom World ‒ Episode 4
"It took four episodes, but Phantom World finally got a story worthy of its pretty artistry."
Yōjo Senki Light Novel Series Gets TV Anime
Series centers on office worker reborn as young female sorceress
― The wraparound jacket band on Carlo Zen and Shinobu Shinotsuki's fifth Yōjo Senki (The Military Chronicles of a Little Girl) light novel volume is revealing on Saturday that a television anime adaptation of the novel series has been green-lit. 『幼女戦記』TVアニメ化企画進行中 pic.twitter.com/oI7OQysnci— IEEE802.11 (@IEEE80211) January 28, 2016 The n...
Marina Inoue, Yoshimasa Hosoya Join My Hero Academia Anime's Cast
TV anime of Kōhei Horikoshi's superhero manga premieres in April
― This year's ninth issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is announcing on Monday that Marina Inoue will voice Momo Yaoyorozu, and Yoshimasa Hosoya will voice Fumikage Tokoyami in the television anime of Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) manga. The magazine is also showing the character designs for bot...
Valkyria Chronicles Remastered RPG's Web Commercial Streamed
HD remaster for PS4 ships in Japan on February 10, in the West this spring
― Sega began streaming a web commercial on Thursday for its Valkyria Chronicles Remastered PlayStation 4 game. Sega will release the game in North America and Europe this spring. The remastered edition features: HD "CANVAS" Graphics Engine - The stunning, painterly graphics return, but this time in 1080p/60fps high definition ...
Bravely Second: End Layer Game's English Jobs Trailer Streamed
Sequel game with 12 new jobs ships in N. America in April, in Europe in February
― Nintendo UK began streaming a trailer on Thursday for the Bravely Second: End Layer Nintendo 3DS role-playing game. The trailer previews the 12 new job classes in the game. Nintendo will release the game in North America on April 15 and in Europe on February 26. Nintendo is releasing a Collector's Edition in both terri...
Kamen Rider Battride Genesis Game's Video Introduces Heisei-Era Riders
2000-2006 Kamen Riders highlighted for game shipping on February 25
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a new promotional video on Thursday for the Kamen Rider Battride War Genesis crossover game. The video introduces the Heisei-Era Kamen Rider characters who starred in various Kamen Rider TV series from 2000-2006. The video previews the following Kamen Riders in action: Kamen Rider Kūga Kam...
Mr. Osomatsu Anime Gets Novel Adaptation, Smartphone Game, 3 Browser Games
Yū Mitsuru penning novel, with anime character designer Naoyuki Asano drawing illustrations
― The official website for the Mr. Osomatsu (Osomatsu-san) television anime series announced on Thursday that the series is getting a smartphone game adaptation (pictured at right) as well as three PC browser games. DLE and Churapps are developing the games. Additionally, online retailer Amazon is listing a no...
Mages Cancels Rail Wars PS Vita Game
Game with original story was slated to ship in November 2014 before delay
― Mages and 5pb. Games announced on Thursday that they have cancelled their Rail Wars -Karuizawa Yori Satsui wo Nosete- PayStation Vita game. The companies explained that the development of the game fell behind schedule, and due to "various circumstances" they have decided to cancel the game. The game was originally slated to s...
Wagakki Band to Perform at Austin's SXSW, New York's Irving Plaza
Band to promote latest album YASOEMAKI
― Japanese band Wagakki Band announced on Monday that they will perform in the United States in two locations in March. The band will perform at Irving Plaza, New York on March 14, and they will also perform at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, which will be held from March 11 to 20. The band will promote their newly released album YASOEMA...
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Videos Showcase Battle Actions, Boss Battle
PS4/PS Vita game slated for Western release this fall
― Dengeki Online began streaming two gameplay videos on Thursday for Bandai Namco Entertainment's Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization PlayStation 4/PlayStation Vita game. The first video shows the actions players can perform in combat. The second video shows a boss battle. Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the game in the Americas and Europ...
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Video Shows Kaguya in Action
Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Tsunade, Kushina, Mei also featured in video
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a battle video for the upcoming Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 (Naruto Shippūden Narutimate Storm 4) PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC game on Thursday. The video features Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Tsunade, Kushina Uzumaki, and Mei Terumii (fifth Mizukage) fighting Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. Narut...
Original Kamen Rider 1 Actor Returns in Trailer for March Film
Hiroshi Fujioka, Kamen Rider Ghost both appear in film opening in Japan on March 26
― Toei announced on Thursday that Hiroshi Fujioka, who played the original Kamen Rider/Takeshi Hongō character in the 1971 Kamen Rider TV series, will return to star in the new Kamen Rider 1-Gō (Kamen Rider 1) film. The film is due out in Japan on March 26. The film's website began streaming a teaser on Monday showing...
Mamoru Oshii's Garm Wars Film to Open in Japan on May 20
Toshio Suzuki, Gen Urobuchi produce dub starring Romi Park, Haruhiko Jo, Takanori Hoshino
― Toei revealed on Thursday that it will distribute Mamoru Oshii's live-action film Garm Wars: The Last Druid in Japan, and will release it on May 20 with a Japanese dub. Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki — who last worked with Oshii 12 years ago on Ghost in the Shell: Innocence — is producing the Japanese ve...
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