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ANNCast - Shin Godzilla
Zac and Jacob do battle with Anno Hideaki's political hot take, Shin Godzilla. PLUS: Miss Hokusai, Yuri!!! on Ice, Girlish Number and much much more!
― ANNCast Episode 273: Shin Godzilla Zac and Jacob do battle with Anno Hideaki's political hot take, Shin Godzilla. PLUS: Miss Hokusai, Yuri on Ice, Girlish Number and much much more! You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download the M...
Kuromukuro Episodes 14-26 Streaming
Kuromukuro does its best to resolve its many mysteries in its action-packed second half, but does it succeed? Theron Martin investigates.
― Despite Netflix breaking the series into two 13-episode blocks for its subtitled stream, there was no break in Kuromukuro's 26-episode airing in Japan. Hence it's only natural that its second half picks up exactly where last season left off with zero recap. Where...
Attack on Titan Anthology Giveaway
We're giving away 6 copies of the New York Comic-Con Exclusive Edition of The Attack on Titan Anthology, including one copy signed by the artists and writers!
― Our wonderful friends at Kodansha Comics have given us 6 copies of the New York Comic-Con Exclusive Edition of The Attack on Titan Anthology, including one copy signed by the artists and writers! It's the “most anticipated title of the year” ...
High School DxD BorN BD+DVD
As High School DxD enters its third season, does it still have enough juice to satisfy thirsty fanservice fans? Theron Martin has the answers.
― Based on its first two anime installments, High School DxD is the standard-setter and reigning champ for raunchy harem franchises. Despite being plagued by some production and storytelling issues, its third season does little to dethrone it. The main problem...
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization delivers original story and characters for the SAO universe
Bandai Namco Games is set to launch the latest Sword Art Online video game, Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization very soon. The game launches in Japan on October 27. Fans in Europe and North America won't have to wait much longer; the game will be released in those regions on November 8. Hollow Realization is set after the events of Lost Song and takes players back to the world of Ainground, a rev...
Thunderbolt Fantasy Episodes 1-13 Streaming
Can a fantasy adventure starring a pack of puppets really capture the same thrills and chills as an anime series, even with Gen Urobuchi at the wheel? Nick Creamer aims to find out.
― When it was first announced that Gen Urobuchi would be directing a puppet drama, it was difficult to know what to expect. Having started his career in visual novels and then made his mark in anime through works like Mad...
Vice & Luna Bonus Round
Vice's scary story falls short, so it's up to Luna to bring the real terror!
― Editor's Note: Vice & Luna will return to regular story pages next week!
Friday, October 21
Drifters ‒ Episode 3
"This episode takes a hard right turn to introduce almost a dozen new players, Drifters and Ends alike tearing each other apart on the battlefield."
Flip Flappers ‒ Episode 3
"Despite the ever-present feeling of dread that sneaks into the creases around the show's colorful aesthetic, this episode is the most exuberantly joyful Flip Flappers adventure yet."
Data Suggests Pokemon Go's Fiscal Effect Was Exaggerated
Data analyst studies statistics from over 2 million businesses
― The smartphone game Pokemon Go was this summer's smash hit, drawing hordes of eager gamers onto the streets in search of Pokemon. Data suggested that businesses near PokeStops, in-game beacons that attract Pokemon, saw sales increases of $2,000 a week. Media outlets were full of stories about the game saving small businesses and boostin...
Tokyo Metro Subway Revamps Their Mascot Girl
The Tokyo Metro's mascot character, 23-year-old subway service manager Michika Ekino, just got an interesting upgrade. The company released the new Michika model along with advertisement for the "Connect! Nationwide 'Railway Daughter' Tour" that will be held from February 11, 2017 to May 31, 2018. In the event, participants collect stamps from all 32 operator staff of various new and old railway m...
Xanadu Next, Senran Kagura Bon Appétit! PC Versions Slated for November
XSEED Games announced on Friday that it will release Xanadu Next and Senran Kagura Bon Appétit! – Full Course for PC on November 3 and November 10, respectively. Xanadu Next will be available via Steam, GOG.com, and the Humble Store by Humble Bundle for US$19.99. In the game, players take on the role of an knight who seeks the legendary "Dragon Slayer" sword. XSEED Games announced last October tha...
Occultic;Nine Episodes Temporarily Removed From Crunchyroll, Daisuki
Crunchyroll announced on Friday that the first two episodes of Occultic;Nine are currently unavailable "due to a decision by the production committee." Crunchyroll stated that the episodes will return, but did not provide a return date. Episodes have also been removed from Daisuki and from Japanese streaming services. The Japanese website also notes that the removal is temporary. Aniplex of Americ...
New York Times Manga Best Seller List, October 9-15
3 One-Punch Man volumes, Tokyo Ghoul, Assassination Classroom, Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, Case Closed, Black Clover, The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Say I Love You
― Rank Prev. Rank Title Author Publisher Weeks on List Cover 1 10One-Punch Man #1 Story: ONE / Art: Yuusuke Murata Viz Media 58 2-One-Punch Man #2 Story: ONE / Art: Yuusuke Murata Viz Media 26 33Tokyo Ghoul #1 Sui Ishida Viz Media 6...
Food Wars Event Anime's Original Story Detailed
Hisako Kanemoto to play Erina in place of Risa Taneda
― This year's 47th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing on Monday that the Food Wars! The Second Plate (Shokugeki no Sōma: Ni no Sara) event anime that will screen at this year's Jump Special Anime Festa event will have an original story, in which Soma and friends are at a hot springs resort for a day off. The event anime w...
Play Ping Pong With Scorching Ping Pong Girls Voice Actresses
The official website for the Shakunetsu no Takkyū Musume (Scorching Ping Pong Girls) television anime announced on Thursday that it is collaborating with the Akiba Takkyū Style ping-pong lounge to hold a tournament-style event. Winners selected by lottery will get a chance to play a one-set match with Ayaka Imamura (pictured right), voice of Munemune, and Hisako Tōjō (pictured below left), voice o...
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Gameplay Videos Highlight Goku, Vegeta, Future Gohan
PS4/Xbox One/PC game ships on October 25
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming three gameplay videos for its Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Friday. The videos highlight moves for Goku, Vegeta, and Future Gohan. Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the game in North America on October 25 and in Europe on October 28. The company will release the game on PC...
Nintendo Switch Will Not Be Compatible With Wii U Discs, 3DS Cards
Nintendo to announce titles, specs, region-locking status in 2017
― Nintendo confirmed with video game news website Famitsu on Friday that the Nintendo Switch, its newly unveiled hybrid home/handheld system, will not be compatible with Wii U game discs or Nintendo 3DS cards. The company elaborated that the Nintendo Switch is not designed to be the successor to either earlier system. Nintendo Switch g...
ACCA TV Anime Unveils Key Visual, Anime-Original Mascot Character
Natsume Ono's "Acca-kun" to star in spinoff anime on Twitter
― The official website for the television anime of Natsume Ono's ACCA 13-Ku Kansatsu-Ka (ACCA: 13th Ward Observation Department) unveiled a new key visual and anime-original character on Friday. Ono herself illustrated both the visual and the original character, Acca-kun. Acca-kun is the mascot character for the fictional organization ACCA....
Saekano's Megumi Manages Your Life as Smartphone App
Starting this fall, you'll be able to have Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend's Megumi Katō as a personal assistant on your phone. Megumi will feature in the "voice interactive agent" app Main Heroine Katō Megumi for Android devices. Megumi: Yeah, yeah. It's OK. Go ahead and do as you like. Sony Communications unveiled the app on Thursday. Sony developed the app from the concept of an alarm...
Virtual Reality Gal Gun Game Announced
Screenshot revealed during Niconico livestream
― Inti Creates announced during its "Gal*Gun TV Returns" livestream event on Niconico on Friday that it is developing a virtual reality Gal Gun game, tentatively titled Gal Gun VR. Inti Creates will announce more information at its "Inti Creates Fan Festa 20th Anniversary" even on November 5. The staff also unveiled a screenshot of Gal*Gun: Double Peace'...
Answerman - Is Working To Death Really A Thing In Japan?
"Karoshi", or working yourself literally to death, is a phenomenon sometimes mentioned in anime, and it's on the rise in Japan - Justin goes over the basics.
― Vincent asks: There's always some sort of news about employees dying of overtime work in Japanese media. A professor at an university in Tokyo even stated that he thought it was "pathetic for someone to die just from working more than a hundr...
ANNCast - Shin Godzilla
Zac and Jacob do battle with Anno Hideaki's political hot take, Shin Godzilla. PLUS: Miss Hokusai, Yuri!!! on Ice, Girlish Number and much much more!
― ANNCast Episode 273: Shin Godzilla Zac and Jacob do battle with Anno Hideaki's political hot take, Shin Godzilla. PLUS: Miss Hokusai, Yuri on Ice, Girlish Number and much much more! You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download the M...
Suki ni Naru Sono Shunkan o: Kokuhaku Jikkō Iinkai Film's Opening Video Features Trysail's Song
2nd key visual, 2nd pre-sale ticket bonus also revealed
― The official website of Suki ni Naru Sono Shunkan o: Kokuhaku Jikkō Iinkai (I wait for the moment that you love me. Confession Executive Committee), the second anime film inspired by the HoneyWorks musical group's Kokuhaku Jikkō Iinkai ~Renai Series~ (Confession Executive Committee ~Love Series~) Vocaloid songs, posted the film's opening video...
Why the Characters in BBK/BRNK Glow
I always wondered why the characters gain glowing fluorescent highlights when they fight in BBK/BRNK, so I asked the anime's director.
Kuromukuro Episodes 14-26 Streaming
Kuromukuro does its best to resolve its many mysteries in its action-packed second half, but does it succeed? Theron Martin investigates.
― Despite Netflix breaking the series into two 13-episode blocks for its subtitled stream, there was no break in Kuromukuro's 26-episode airing in Japan. Hence it's only natural that its second half picks up exactly where last season left off with zero recap. Where...
All Out!! ‒ Episode 3
"For a show about rugby, sparking a sense of physical thrill in the viewer is essential, and All Out!! isn't quite there yet."
SPJA Appoints Ray Chiang as COO, Mark Manansala as CEO
Manansala is 5th SPJA CEO, Chiang had been acting CEO since April
― The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) announced on Thursday that it has appointed Ray Chiang as Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Manansala as as Chief Executive Officer. Chiang had been serving as acting CEO since April 4 when former CEO Marc Perez left the company. Manansala previously served as the SPJA's vice...
Live-Action Love Concierge Series Casts Kanata Hongou as Ueno
Series premieres digitally on December 1, on TV in January
― The official website of the live-action series adaptation of Hakase and Ueno's comedy manga Rabuho no Ueno-san (Love Concierge, or "Mr. Ueno of the Love Hotel") revealed on Thursday that Kanata Hongou (pictured right) will play the main character Ueno in the series. Hongou previously played Armin in the two live-action Attack on Titan films...
Variety: Legendary Hires Godzilla 2 Writers, Plans Godzilla-King Kong Universe
Krampus' Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields penning new script for March 2019 film
― Entertainment news magazine Variety reported on Thursday that scriptwriters Michael Dougherty and Zach Shields (Krampus) are penning a script for Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros' sequel film for the 2014 Godzilla movie. Variety also reported that Legendary Pictures is supporting the production of a planned Godzilla v...
Trailer For Chain Chronicle Anime Project's 1st Theatrical 'Chapter' Previews Nano's Theme Song
Daiki Yamashita, Akio Ohtsuka, more join cast for 1st of 3 films opening on December 3
― The official website for Chain Chronicle: Haecceitas no Hikari (Chain Chronicle: The Light of Haecceitas), the theatrical and television anime adaptation of Sega's Chain Chronicle smartphone game, began streaming a trailer on Friday for the anime's first theatrical "chapter." The trailer previews Nano's ending th...
Pokémon Sun & Moon Developer Wants to Add Pokémon Go Interaction
Masuda: way to connect games will "definitely come down the road"
― In an interview with the Game Informer website posted on Wednesday, Pokémon series producer and composer Junichi Masuda stated that he wants to develop a way for the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Nintendo 3DS games to interact at some point with the Pokémon Go smartphone game. He said that more people have learned about Pokémon and th...
Atelier Firis RPG's 3 Gameplay Videos Posted
Videos show atelier customization, battle, field gameplay for November 2 game
― Gust began streaming three gameplay videos for its Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey role-playing game on Thursday. The first gameplay video focuses on customizing the atelier, including background music (including tracks from Atelier Sophie), furniture, and clothing. The second video shows battle ga...
.hack//New World Smartphone Game Ends Service in December
Sale of in-game currency ends on November 18
― Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on Thursday that it will end service for its .hack//New World smartphone game on December 20. Sale of the in-game currency "kiseki" (pyroxene) will halt on November 18. The company launched the game as New World: Vol. 1 Ginrui no Otome for iOS and Android in January. The company then renamed the title to .hack//New Wo...
Kemono Friends TV Anime Reveals 1st Promo Video, Cast, Staff, January Premiere
Story, key visual also revealed for anime based on Nexon's smartphone game
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Nexon's Kemono Friends smartphone game revealed the anime's first promotional video, cast, staff, story, key visual, and January premiere on Friday. The anime will air on TV Tokyo and other channels. The anime will star: Yuka Ozaki as Serval Kana Motomiya as Fennec ...
Shuffle! Visual Novel Gets English Release on Steam in November
Release is based on all-ages PS2 release with Mayumi Thyme, Kareha routes
― Osaka-based video game developer and localization company Active Gaming Media and GREE announced via press release on Friday that they will release Navel's Shuffle! visual novel game on the PC via Steam in November. The release will include English text with the Japanese audio. Active Gaming Media's new "YumeHaven" visual nov...
NISA to Release The Silver Case PS4 Remaster in N. America, Europe
Grasshopper Manufacture announced PS4 version of remaster on Thursday
― NIS America announced on Thursday that it is collaborating with Active Game Media to release the HD remaster for Grasshopper Manufacture's The Silver Case visual novel game on PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe in early 2017. Grasshopper Manufacture had announced the PS4 version for Japan earlier on Thursday. The game wil...
Manga Creator Hiroyuki Shoji Passes Away at 46
Police suspect Shoji died due to cycling accident in Nara prefecture
― Manga creator Hiroyuki Shoji passed away on Thursday in Gose city in Nara prefecture after what police suspect is a biking accident. He was 46. According to prefectural police, a male passerby noticed a man lying face-down by the side of National Route 24 at around 9:50 p.m. on Thursday, beside a recumbent bicycle. The man was ble...
Daisuki Details Streaming Areas, Languages for Dragon Ball Super Stream
Anime streaming service Daisuki revealed the territories and languages on Friday for its upcoming stream of the Dragon Ball Super television anime series. Daisuki will stream the series in: North America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, the Scandinavian Peninsula (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland), and "some other European countries." The series will stream wit...
Gundam the Origin Brings Back Amuro, Fraw, Hayato, Kai
Characters from original Gundam series reappear in 4th episode
― The Gundam.info portal site revealed new character visuals on Thursday for Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin IV: Unmei no Zenya (Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin IV Eve of Destiny), the fourth episode of the Mobile Suit Gundam the Origin anime. Amuro Ray Fraw Bow Hayato Kobayashi Kai Shiden The series already featured an appearance by a younge...
2016 Death Note Film's English-Subtitled Trailer Streamed
Sequel film opens in Japan on October 29
― Australian distributor Madman Entertainment began streaming an English-subtitled trailer on Thursday for Death Note Light up the NEW world, this year's live-action Death Note sequel film. The video is a subtitled version of an earlier trailer streamed in September. The film will open in Australia on November 10. The new film will open in Japan on October 29....
Miss Hokusai Expands to Over 80 U.S. Theaters This Weekend
Film gets screenings in Atlanta, Chicago, Connecticut, Houston, Las Vegas, New Jersey
― Distribution company GKids' screening of Production I.G's Miss Hokusai film will begin screening in Atlanta, Chicago, Connecticut, Houston, Las Vegas, and New Jersey, as well as additional theaters in New York on Friday. The film began screening at the Angelika Film Center in New York and the Landmark Nuart in Los...
Thursday, October 20
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 480
"The first installment of the “Boyhood” miniseries is an enjoyable watch that represents one of Naruto Shippūden's better filler efforts."
Attack on Titan Anthology Giveaway
We're giving away 6 copies of the New York Comic-Con Exclusive Edition of The Attack on Titan Anthology, including one copy signed by the artists and writers!
― Our wonderful friends at Kodansha Comics have given us 6 copies of the New York Comic-Con Exclusive Edition of The Attack on Titan Anthology, including one copy signed by the artists and writers! It's the “most anticipated title of the year” ...
Reikenzan Season 2's 1st Teaser Video Reveals Title, New Staff, January Premiere
Hikaru no Go's Susumu Nishizawa directs at Studio Deen, supervises scripts
― Studio Deen posted the first teaser for the second season of the Reikenzan television anime on Thursday. The video reveals that the season, titled Reikenzan: Eichi e no Shikaku (Sacred Sword Mountain: Qualification for Wisdom), will premiere next January. The video also reveals Studio DEEN's mostly new main staff for the sec...
Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Film Gets Private Screening Cruise
The Kuroshitsuji: Book of the Atlantic (Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic) anime film will sail into theaters across Japan on January 21. Before it makes land on the silver screen, Aniplex is offering a chance for fans to experience the film through a private screening on a real cruise liner. The Kuroshitsuji Cruising Party ~Sono Shitsuji, Shukkō~ (Black Butler Cruising Party: That Butler, Sailin...
Onihei Historical Anime Casts Kenyuu Horiuchi, Romi Park, Daisuke Namikawa
Anime based on classic 'Crime Reports in Edo' novels premieres in January
― The staff of Onihei, the television anime adaptation of Shōtarō Ikenami's Onihei Crime Reports in Edo (Onihei Hankachō or Onihei, the Devilish Bureau Chief) novel series, revealed the anime's main cast and second key visual on Friday. The staff also announced that the series will premiere in January 2017. Kenyuu Horiuchi (Jok...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, October 10-16
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro film airs
― Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro aired on NTV on Friday, October 14 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 12.4% rating. The live-action drama adaptation of Tsunami Umino's Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu manga aired on TBS on Wednesday, October 11 at 10:00 p.m. and earned a 10.2% rating. Title Station Date Time Length Average Household Rating Sazae-san Fuji T...
Japan's 1st Cat Anime Magazine Features Nyanko-sensei
A special extra November issue of Gakken's Animedia magazine went on sale in Japan on October 3 under the title Nyankomedia. The issue marks the launch of Japan's first magazine dedicated to information about cat characters in anime. The magazine aims to appeal to both cat lovers and anime fans. The cover of the first issue features Takashi Natsume and Nyanko-sensei from the Natsume's Book of Frie...
Keijo!!!!!!!! ‒ Episode 3
"Marked by minor flaws in what is otherwise proving to be a consistently enjoyable and surprisingly well-thought-out series."
Sentai Filmworks Licenses Green Legend Ran OVA Series
DVD slated for February 21
― Section23 Films announced in its February release slate on Thursday that it has licensed the OVA Green Legend Ran and plans to release it on DVD on February 21, 2017. The release will include both Japanese and English audio. The series consists of three 45-minute episodes that debuted from 1992-1993 on VHS and Laserdisc. Pioneer released the OVA in the United States in 19...
Yowamushi Pedal: New Generation Anime Reveals Hakone Gakuen Character Designs
Tsubasa Yonaga, Atsushi Abe, Kenji Nojima reprise roles for 3rd season
― The official website for the Yowamushi Pedal anime updated on Thursday with the character designs for four members of the Hakone Gakuen cycling club as they appear in Yowamushi Pedal: New Generation, the third anime season based on Wataru Watanabe's original manga. The website also confirmed that the voice actors for Manami, Izu...
Piacevole! My Italian Cooking Anime's 1st Promo Introduces Main Cast
Sayaka Senbongi, Yūki Yonai, more star in January anime
― The official website for Piace: Watashi no Italian (Piacevole! My Italian Cooking), the anime adaptation of Atsuko Watanabe's Piacevole! manga, began streaming a character and cast introduction trailer on Thursday. The anime will premiere in January. (Note: the YouTube video on the website is region-locked in some territories.) The cast, in or...
Fans React to i☆Ris Voice Actress/Idol Group Skype Call Campaign
The voice actress and idol group i☆Ris announced this week that it is offering fans a chance to chat with performers via Skype. The service will be available for a fee, and fans have to apply to get a chance at a one-on-one with the idols. This is a rare opportunity for fans to interact with idols on an individual basis and in an isolated setting. While most fans are thrilled about the chance, som...
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Gameplay Videos Show Exploration, Survival
Game slated for 2017 on Wii U, Switch
― Nintendo's official website for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the newest installment in its The Legend of Zelda game series, began streaming two video previews on Thursday. The videos are titled "Kakeru" (Run) and "Ikiru" (Live). The website's front page also features videos showing the atmosphere of the game. The first video below shows changes in t...
Nintendo Confirms Switch's NVIDIA Processor, HD Display, 48 Publishers & Developers
System comes with detachable Joy-Con controllers & Switch Dock to connect to TV
― Nintendo and NVIDIA posted more details on Switch, the hybrid home/handheld system previously codenamed "NX." The Nintendo Switch offers a custom NVIDIA Tegra processor with an NVIDIA GPU, a high-definition display, detachable Joy-Con controllers, and a Nintendo Switch Dock for connecting the system to a television. A p...
Yuri!!! on Ice ‒ Episode 3
"Following a stunning debut, Yuri!!! on Ice has started hinting that it might have some thematic meat to serve alongside all the cheesecake."
Nintendo Unveils Its Hybrid Home/Handheld Game System 'Switch' for March Debut
System offers single-, multi-player gameplay with modular components
― Nintendo officially unveiled Switch, the hybrid home/handheld system previously codenamed "NX." The accompanying video demonstrates how "the mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home gaming system." The system offers single- and multi-player gameplay with modular components. The system will ship next March.
Patlabor Reboot is Everything the Name Implies and More
Patlabor is back. Perhaps a new Patlabor for a new age, but it is distinctly, unmistakablyPatlabor.
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 28
"This episode seems to mark the beginning of the end of the Twin Star's road trip, and it remains to be seen how things will pan out."
High School DxD BorN BD+DVD
As High School DxD enters its third season, does it still have enough juice to satisfy thirsty fanservice fans? Theron Martin has the answers.
― Based on its first two anime installments, High School DxD is the standard-setter and reigning champ for raunchy harem franchises. Despite being plagued by some production and storytelling issues, its third season does little to dethrone it. The main problem...
Naruto Shippūden Anime Reveals More Information About New 'Boyhood' Arc
Arc to focus on pasts of 2 characters in each episode
― This year's 47th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing more information on Monday about the new "Shōnen Jidai-hen" (Boyhood Arc) of the Naruto Shippūden anime series, which premiered with the anime's 480th episode (or 700th if you include the episode count of the original Naruto TV anime series) on Thursday. Thursday's epi...
Shun Horie, Sōma Saitō Star in Black Clover Event Anime
Anime screening at Jump Special Anime Festa event features original story
― This year's 47th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing on Monday that the Black Clover event anime that will screen at this year's Jump Special Festa Anime event will star Shun Horie (Phantasy Star Online 2: The Animation's Seiya Urisaka) as Asta and Sōma Saitō (Haikyu!!'s Tadashi Yamaguchi) as Yuno. XE...
Gintama, Isobe Isobee Monogatari Manga Have Announcements on October 31
This year's 47th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing on Monday that Hideaki Sorachi's Gintama manga will have a "big announcement" and Ryō Nakama's Isobe Isobee Monogatari ~Ukiyo wa Tsurai yo~ (Chronicle of Isobe -The Life Is Hard-) manga will have an "important announcement" in the magazine's 48th issue, which will ship on October 31. The 47th issue added that the announc...
Takara Tomy Announces Zoids Field of Rebellion MOBA Game for Smartphones
Eighting develops game featuring new characters with designs by HIRONOX
― Takara Tomy announced on Thursday that video game development company Eighting is developing a smartphone game for the Zoids franchise titled Zoids Field of Rebellion. The game will arrive this winter, and will be free to play, with in-game items costing extra. The game's official website is taking pre-registration for both the...
Takeshi Kitano to Receive French Legion of Honor
Award ceremony to be held on October 25
― The French government will award Japanese actor and director Takeshi Kitano (popularly known as Beat Takeshi) the Legion of Honor (Ordre national de la Légion d'Honneur), the highest French order of merit for military and civilian merits. Kitano's spokesperson noted that he will be given the distinction of Officier (Officer), the fourth highest distinction fo...
Naoto Inti Raymi Performs Monster Strike Anime Film's Theme Song
Teaser video featuring theme song "Yume no Arika" streamed
― The official website for the Monster Strike The Movie anime film revealed on Thursday that Naoto Inti Raymi will perform the theme song "Yume no Arika" (Where the Dream Is) for the film. The song's CD single is slated for December 7. Warner Bros. Japan began streaming a teaser featuring the theme song on Thursday. The film will open in Japa...
Japan's FSA Considers Regulating Pokémon Go's In-Game Currency
If regulated, developer may be required to disclose balance of unused currency, deposit security
― The Financial Times newspaper reported on Wednesday that Japan's Financial Services Agency is considering whether it will regulate PokéCoins, the Pokémon Go game's in-game currency, as a prepayment system, which would put the currency under the jurisdiction of the Payment Services Act. The FSA didn't st...
Chiruran TV Anime is Based on Chiruran Nibun no Ichi Comedy Spinoff Manga
Anime following Shinsengumi members in SD form premieres in January
― The staff of the previously announced television anime adaptation of Shinya Umemura and Eiji Hashimoto's Chiruran: Shinsengumi Chinkon-ka (Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem) manga opened a website on Thursday for the anime, revealing that the anime project will actually adapt Umemura and Hashimoto's official comedy spinoff manga Chirur...
Gingitsune's Ochiai Ends Hoiku no Ō-sama Manga
5th volume slated for Friday, 6th & final volume in January
― This year's 46th issue of Kodansha's Morning magazine revealed on October 13 that manga creator Sayori Ochiai (Gingitsune) will end her Hoiku no Ō-sama (Day Care King) manga in the magazine's next issue, which Kodansha published on Thursday. The manga's fifth volume is slated for Friday, while the sixth and final volume is slated for Janua...
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Game's Trailer Reveals Character 'Hit'
Hit confronts Super Saiyan Blue Goku in new video for October 25 game
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming a trailer for its Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Wednesday. The trailer reveals the character Hit confronting Goku in Super Saiyan Blue form. Hit is a legendary assassin from the Dragon Ball Super anime's Universe 6 Saga. Bandai Namco Entertai...
Live-Action Kyō no Kira-kun Film's Trailer Previews Theme Song
Shōno Hayama, Yuna Taira, Miura Reiko, Ken Yasuda join cast for February 25 film
― The official website of the live-action film adaptation of Rin Mikimoto's shōjo manga series Kyō no Kira-kun (Today's Kira-kun) began streaming a trailer and new visual for the film on Tuesday. The video reveals and previews the film's theme song "Ima Made Kimi ga Naita Bun Torimodosou" (I'll Take Back All the Times Yo...
Jump Giga Magazine Ends, Successor Magazine Revealed
New magazine will have keyword "X"
― The fourth issue of Shueisha's Shonen Jump GIGA magazine announced on Thursday that the magazine will cease publication, but revealed a new successor publication in the same announcement. The announcement hinted that the new publication will have the keyword of "X" and will surpass "G." The next issue of Weekly Shonen Jump and the Shonen Jump Plus website will pro...
Shinkai's 'your name.' Novel Sells Over 1 Million Copies, Ranks #1 for 8th Week
Book is 34th in trade paperback book chart's history to sell over 1 million
― Kimi no Na wa. (your name), Makoto Shinkai's original novel that inspired the film of the same name, has sold 1,009,000 copies as of October 16. The novel also ranked #1 on Oricon's bunko (trade paperback) book chart for the October 10-16 week — keeping its top position for the eighth week in a row. The book ranked #8 on th...
Wednesday, October 19
Crunchyroll Streams The Glass Mask Year 3 Class D TV Anime
New episodes will be available on Mondays
― Media distribution service Crunchyroll announced on Wednesday that it will stream The Glass Mask Year 3 Class D short television anime series. The first three episodes are already available in territories excluding Asia and Europe. New episodes will be available on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The Glass Mask Year 3 Class D is a spinoff based on Suzue Miuchi's...
Ghost in the Shell's Mamoru Oshii, I.G Debut 'Sand Whale and Me' Micro-Series on March 18
Kenji Kawai scores, Atsuki Sato supervises CG; Hanako Saeki, Yoshikatsu Fujiki star in Adult Swim series
― The Toonami segment of the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block announced on Wednesday the title and premiere date for the five-part hybrid live-action/CG micro-series directed by Mamoru Oshii (Patlabor, Ghost in the Shell, Sky Crawlers) and produced by Production I.G's (Ghost in the Shell, FLCL, ...
Things Get Intense in The Battle of Pokemon Go Fan Video
If you thought things were crazy when a Vaporeon caused an exodus of hundreds to take over Central Park, YouTube creator RATE VFX shows what happens when a wild Mew appears. The Pokemon Go inspired video blends the mobile game with a first-person shooter when player Rate's chances of catching a Mew are almost thwarted by Team Rocket. A rail-gun toting Pikachu, Blastoise, and Voltorb help keep enem...
Brave Witches ‒ Episode 3
"Episode 3 assures us that whatever else may happen, Brave Witches is going to be a reliable show, but that might not always be meant as a compliment."
Amazon Offers "Manga Model" of Kindle E-Book Reader, But Only in Japan
Amazon has released an e-book reader in Japan especially designed for manga fans. The "Manga Model" of the Kindle Paperwhite is an upgrade from the previous release, offering more storage space at 32GB and additional features. One feature is a "rapid page turn" that allows readers to flip through their digital manga 33 percent faster and a two-page display function so art can be displayed side-by-...
Bungo Stray Dogs ‒ Episode 15
"An unexpected nod to the fact that Bungo Stray Dogs's cast are all great authors or their creations adds a yearning to the story that it lacked before."
Girlish Number ‒ Episode 2
"If Girlish Number can either shore up its weaknesses or lean into its strengths, it will continue to be a funny and satisfying experience."
Let Hitomi's Tarot Cards Guide You Courtesy of Funimation
Funimation's successfully funded Kickstarter campaign for the Escaflowne television anime and film's home video release shipped out on Tuesday. One of the backer rewards tiers included a replica set of protagonist Hitomi's tarot cards, but for those who didn't snatch the deck up, Funimation is offering a simple browser-based tarot reading to provide guidance for all your major life decisions. Simp...
Sound! Euphonium 2 ‒ Episode 3
"Sound! Euphonium demonstrates the many valid approaches we can take to personal drama, and the complex reality of what it means to be kind."
Japanese Comic Ranking, October 10-16
Chihayafuru, Haikyu!!, Ajin, Natsume's Book of Friends, xxxHOLiC: Rei in top 5
― Rank Title Est. Weekly Copies Est. Total Copies Release Date Publisher Author Highest Rank Weeks on List 1 Chihayafuru 33 163,519 163,519 2016/10 Kodansha Yuki Suetsugu 1 1 2 Haikyu!! 23 151,932 631,248 2016/10 Shueisha Haruichi Furudate 1 2 3 Ajin 9 119,180 216,635 2016/10 Kodansha Gamon Sakurai 3 2 4 Natsume's Book of...
Nanbaka ‒ Episodes 1-3
"I'm glad that Nanbaka takes chances, but I wonder if the "goofy bishonen in prison" premise even allows for that many new ideas."
Attack on Titan Gets Adventure Game for 3DS
Players escape mysterious castle, meet characters from story
― Koei Tecmo Games revealed a new Attack on Titan game for Nintendo 3DS in this year's November 3 issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine on Thursday. The adventure game is titled Shingeki no Kyojin: Shichi Kara no Dasshutsu (Attack on Titan: Escape From the Brink of Death). The game features an original story. The player character is a member of ...
Japan's Video Game Rankings, October 10-16
PlayStation VR headset ships
― Japan's Game Ranking: October 10-16 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 4Gamer Reader Review 13DS Monster Hunter Stories Capcom October 8 67,133 207,736 50 2PS4 Rise of the Tomb Raider Square Enix October 13 21,152 21,152 3Wii U Paper Mario Color Splash Nintendo October 13 20,894 20,894 70 4PSV Kangokutō Mary-Skelter (Including Limited Editio...
Beyblade Burst Premieres in US on Disney XD in December
Disney XD also has rights to 7 earlier series, 3 spinoffs
― Toy company Hasbro and production company d-rights' US subsidiary Sunrights announced plans to broadcast the Beyblade Burst television anime on Disney XD beginning in December. The announcement lists the series with 51 episodes. In addition, Disney XD has acquired the seven previous Beyblade television anime series and the Beywheelz, Beywarr...
Yo-Kai Watch Crowds The Kitchen at McDonald's in Japan
If there's one place you don't want to be caught with ghosts, it's in a crowded kitchen. Yo-Kai Watch characters Jibanyan, Komajiro and Komasan filled in for McDonald's employees in Japan as part of a current collaboration campaign. The three giant, ghostly cats "supervised" burger flipping and fry cooking for a special DVD that comes as part of the nationwide campaign. Starting on November 3, McD...
Dragon Ball Super to Simulcast on Crunchyroll, Daisuki, AnimeLab
Stream for US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, more begins Saturday
― Toei Animation announced on Wednesday that it will begin an English-subtitled simulcast for Dragon Ball Super on Crunchyroll, Daisuki, and AnimeLab. The simulcast will begin with episode 63 on October 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT. The streaming platforms will also offer the full Future Trunks arc (beginning with episode 47). Starting on Oct...
The Voice Thailand Contestant Belts Out Dragon Ball Z Theme
The popular singing contest program The Voice originally launched as a Dutch television program but has since spawned counterparts around the globe. The Thai version of the show is in its fifth season and one contestant is taking the internet by storm. Ditthawat Chaikaewruchikorn was the last contestant to perform during The Blind Auditions episode on October 9 and got a four-chair turn from the c...
Answerman - Do Dubs Really Contain More Swearing?
Sometimes you hear it said that english dubs contain more swearing than a faithful translation would provide; is there any truth to that? Justin looks into it.
― Eric asks: So I have an acquaintance who says he prefers to watch subbed anime over English dubs because the English translators add too many swears to the dialogue. Now I usually don't care why people prefer dubs or subs (and in this case ...
Atelier Shallie Plus PS Vita Port Heads West in January
Game gets digital release, physical collector's edition
― Koei Tecmo America announced on Wednesday that it will release Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea, the PlayStation Vita port of Atelier Shallie, in North America on January 17, 2017. Koei Tecmo Europe will release the game on January 20, 2017. The game will be available digitally and in a physical collector's edition. The PlaySta...
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization delivers original story and characters for the SAO universe
Bandai Namco Games is set to launch the latest Sword Art Online video game, Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization very soon. The game launches in Japan on October 27. Fans in Europe and North America won't have to wait much longer; the game will be released in those regions on November 8. Hollow Realization is set after the events of Lost Song and takes players back to the world of Ainground, a rev...
Persona 5 PS4/PS3 Game's English Dub Cast Revealed
Video preview streamed for game shipping on February 14
― Atlus USA announced the main English cast for its upcoming Persona 5 PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 game on Wednesday. The company also began streaming a video, highlighting the protagonist, voiced by Xander Mobus. The cast includes: Xander Mobus as the protagonist Cassandra Morris as Morgana Max Mittelman as Ryuji Sakamoto Erika Harlacher as...
Kadokawa's Training Simulation Game App Starly Girls Gets Anime
Nana Mizuki, Sumire Uesaka star in game with 12-episode anime by Toward the Terra/Hakuoki's Osamu Yamasaki
― Japan's Kadokawa Games and Shanghai-based Alpha Games announced on Friday that the two companies are forming a production committtee to make an anime of Kadokawa Games' Starly Girls -Episode Starsia- smartphone game. Friday's "Alpha Games Beijing Presentation" event revealed that Osamu Yamasak...
Anime Aooni Comes From One Creepy Little Indie Game
There's hardly anything to fear about anime Aooni: The Blue Demon, but nearly everything about the original Ao Oni game is set to send chills down your spine.
Thunderbolt Fantasy Episodes 1-13 Streaming
Can a fantasy adventure starring a pack of puppets really capture the same thrills and chills as an anime series, even with Gen Urobuchi at the wheel? Nick Creamer aims to find out.
― When it was first announced that Gen Urobuchi would be directing a puppet drama, it was difficult to know what to expect. Having started his career in visual novels and then made his mark in anime through works like Mad...
YU-NO Sci-Fi Visual Novel's PS4/PS Vita Remake Delayed to March 16
MAGES. and 5pb. Games announced on Wednesday that the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita remake of their Kono Yo no Hate de Koi o Utau Shōjo YU-NO (YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world.) science-fiction visual novel has been delayed from November 17 to March 16, 2017. The staff emphasized that the remake was able to pass its code of ethics inspection without issues, but the tea...
Toei Posts Popin Q Fantasy Anime Film's 4th Special Video
Film commemorating Toei Animation's 60th anniversary opens December 23
― Toei began streaming the fourth special video for its Popin Q anime film on Wednesday. The video features a minute of footage from the film. Toei streamed the third video on Tuesday. In addition, Toei announced that it will hold a "Super Premiere Meeting" advance screening event for the film on December 3. The voice actresses fo...
Alita: Battle Angel Film Casts Marco Polo Actor Leonard Wu
Marco Polo series regular plays cyborg Kinuba
― Entertainment news magazine Variety reported on Tuesday that Leonard Wu (Marco Polo) is joining the cast of Alita: Battle Angel, James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez's live-action film of Yukito Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita (GUNNM) manga. Wu will play Kinuba, a cyborg character who also appeared in the original manga. The film will star Rosa Salazar (Maze...
OLDCODEX Band Returns to Touring After Yorke's Accident
Concert tour to resume in Shanghai, China on Sunday
― The official website for the rock band OLDCODEX reported on Tuesday that the band will resume the OLDCODEX Tour 2016-2017 "Fixed Engine" concert series. Band painter and lyricist YORKE. (pictured right) had lost consciousness and sustained injuries during an accident at an October 10 concert at the Yamaguchi Civic Hall, resulting in a tour delay. ...
Twin Star Exorcists Anime Casts Daisuke Ono as Anime-Original Character
Ono's character Mikage Tsuchimikado serves & supports Arima
― The official website for the Twin Star Exorcists anime revealed on Wednesday that the anime has cast Daisuke Ono as the character Mikage Tsuchimikado, an anime-original character in the ongoing anime-original story arc "Rettō Ha Ran-hen" (Archipelago Battle for Supremacy Arc). Like Arima, Mikage is a member of the Tsuchimikado clan. He ser...
Izetta: The Last Witch Anime's English Dub Cast Revealed
Mallorie Rodak, Skyler McIntosh, John Burgmeier, more star in dub premiering Wednesday
― Funimation announced the cast for its English broadcast dub of the Izetta: The Last Witch anime on Tuesday. The cast, under ADR director Kyle Phillips, scriptwriter Jeramey Kratz, ADR engineer Jose Sandoval, and head writer Adrian Cook, includes: Mallorie Rodak as Princess Finé Skyler McIntosh as Izetta John Burg...
Shin Godzilla Extends Run in N. American Theaters Until October 27
200 theaters to run matinee screening on Saturday, with some offering daily screenings
― Funimation announced on Tuesday that it will extend its limited North American screenings of Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi's Shin Godzilla film. The film will have matinee screenings in over 200 theaters in the United States and Canada on Saturday, October 22. Some theater chains will also offer daily screening...
Tuesday, October 18
Natsume Yūjin-Chō Go ‒ Episodes 1-3
"There's a lot of familiarity in this setting, but with new plot twists to keep things fresh, it's clear that Natsume Yujin-cho won't run out of surprises."
Toho Projects 28% Rise in Year-End Profit Due to Shin Godzilla, 'your name.'
Toho projecting 33 billion yen profit after previous projection of 22.3 billion yen drop
― The Nikkei Asian Review website reported on Tuesday that film production company Toho is projecting a rise in its net profit by 28% to 33 billion yen (about US$317 million) for the year ending in February 2017. Toho attributes the rise to the box office performance of Shin Godzilla and your name. (Kimi no na wa...
Funimation Comments on Escaflowne Backer Reward Flaws
Funimation Entertainment issued a statement with ANN on Tuesday regarding reports of errors in the shipment of backer rewards for its The Vision of Escaflowne Kickstarter campaign. Funimation's official statement is as follows: Funimation has received inquiries from backers of The Vision of Escaflowne Kickstarter regarding errors in their reward shipments. Our customer support team is working to m...
Pokémon Itasha BMW Sports Car Cruises Through Miami
Anime and game themed itasha sell for big bucks in Japan but spotting one state-side is far less common. One rental company in Miami is changing that by offering its own Pokémon itasha to customers. It doesn't hurt that it's also a BMW i8 sports car. Veluxity Car Rentals specializes in exotic car rentals, but this completely wrapped Pokémon BMW takes the cake. The company took the vehicle to Miami...
Music Producer Porter Robinson Debuts 'Shelter' Anime Music Video by A-1 Pictures
Toshifumi Akai, Megumi Kouno worked on video at A-1 Pictures
― Music producer and DJ Porter Robinson began streaming the animated music video, created in association with A-1 Pictures (Sword Art Online, Fairy Tail, Blue Exorcist) and Crunchyroll, for his song "SHELTER" on Tuesday. Robinson was the scriptwriter and executive producer, and Toshifumi Akai (animation director on Magi: The Kingdom of Magi...
Trickster ‒ Episodes 1-3
"Sadly, Trickster's writing and direction aren't quite able to keep up with its beautiful production values."
One Piece ‒ Episode 760
"An okay episode by a lot of measures, the animation is mostly still subpar, but it's well directed in the ways that matter."
Assassination Classroom Anime Film's Runtime, New Visual Revealed
Compilation film listed at 92 minutes; Koro-sensei Q! listed with 12 10-minute episodes
― The official website for the Gekijōban Ansatsu Kyōshitsu: 365-Nichi no Jikan (Assassination Classroom The Movie: 365 Days) compilation anime film unveiled a new visual for the film on Monday. Fuji Creative's English website lists the film as 92 minutes long. Fuji Creative also lists the Koro-sensei Q! anime, whi...
North American Anime, Manga Releases, October 16-22
Cobra The Animation, Erased anime; Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Tokyo Undead manga; Attack on Titan Anthology ship
― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Cobra The Animation BDPlease Sentai Filmworks US$79.98 October 18 Cobra The Animation DVDCite Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 October 18 Durarara!! ×2 The Third Arc Volume 5 BDAnimeNewsNetwork Aniplex of America US$99.98 October 18 ...
Beat Test Stress By Channeling Your Ninja Power Poses
Research has shown that power posing, the act of assuming a confident posture like raising your arms above your head, can affect cortisol and testosterone levels in the brain and thus increase confidence. It's a quick way to give yourself a boost before a job interview, a test, or other stressful situations. Like storming Oda Nobunaga's stronghold. You see, no one knew stress quite like the ninja....
New Danganronpa V3 Game Details Voice Cast's Roles
Sayaka Kanda, Kikuko Inoue, Akio Ohtsuka, Maaya Sakamoto, Kenichi Suzumura, Megumi Hayashibara, Kouichi Yamadera, more
― This week's issue of Kadokawa's Weekly Famitsu magazine is reporting all the character roles for the main voice cast in Spike Chunsoft's New Danganronpa V3: Minna no Koroshiai Shin Gakki (New Danganronpa V3: Everyone's New Semester of Killing) PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita gam...
Pokémon Sun & Moon Anime's Promo Video Teases Z-Moves
Alola region, new partner also previewed from from 1-hour premiere on November 17
― The official Pokémon YouTube channel began streaming a "Z-Move" version of the first promotional video for the Pokémon Sun & Moon television anime on Tuesday. The video notes that the anime will premiere on TV Tokyo and its affiliated stations in Japan on November 17. The first episode will be a one-hour special. The ...
Fans Can Shape Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Character's Personality via Social Media
Bandai Namco Entertainment launched a new game project on Monday titled Jinkō Chinō Shōjo Ikusei Project CODE ZERO: PREMIERE (Artificial Intelligence Girl Raising Project CODE ZERO: PREMIERE), a spinoff of its upcoming Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game. The project will run until November 30. The game features Premiere, a character from Sword Art Online: ...
Resident Evil 7 Videos Show 'Recorder', 'Stock Up' Features
PS4/Xbox One/PC game slated for January 24
― The official Resident Evil YouTube channel began streaming two short videos highlighting the "recorder" and "stock up" features from the upcoming Resident Evil VII game. The recorder is used to save the game, and the "stock up" video shows the player gathering items. The channel streamed the first two videos in the series on Friday. The first shows a phone...
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk Game's Opening Sequence Streamed
Games ships in Japan on October 27, in N. America on February 21, in Europe on February 24
― Koei Tecmo began streaming the opening sequence or its Berserk and the Band of the Hawk (Berserk Musou) video game on Tuesday. The game will ship in North America on February 21, and in Europe on February 24. The game's full playable character roster currently includes: Guts, Griffith, Casca, Judeau, Serpico,...
Hayate the Combat Butler Manga Takes Break, Returns in November for Last Arc
Series returns in Weekly Shonen Sunday #51 on November 16
― This year's 47th issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine announced on Wednesday that Kenjirou Hata's Hayate the Combat Butler (Hayate no Gotoku!) manga will go on a break starting in the next issue. The series will return and launch its final arc in the 51st issue, which will ship in Japan on November 16. The wraparound jacket ba...
Vice & Luna Bonus Round
Vice's scary story falls short, so it's up to Luna to bring the real terror!
― Editor's Note: Vice & Luna will return to regular story pages next week!
Grab Your Popcorn, Gantz: O is One Heck of a Ride
In a word, Gantz: O is "hella entertaining." Okay, that's two words. But that's still how I would describe it.
Toonami to Run Makoto Shinkai's Children Who Chase Lost Voices on November 5
Sentai FIlmworks released film in theaters, on home video in 2012
― The Toonami segment of the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block announced on Monday that it will run Makoto Shinkai's anime film Children Who Chase Lost Voices on November 5 at 3:00 a.m. after One Piece. That night is also when the United States shifts its clocks back one hour for Daylight Saving Time. Children Who Chase Lost Voices ce...
Universal Studios Japan to Offer Evangelion, Attack on Titan Attractions in January
Park also offering attractions based on Godzilla, Sengoku period
― Universal Studios Japan announced on Tuesday that it will hold its Universal Cool Japan 2017 event on December 16 until June 25. The event will encompass four different attractions, which include two based on Neon Genesis Evangelion and Attack on Titan. The "Evangelion XR Ride" will feature virtual reality goggles to give patrons a 36...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, October 10-16
2nd live-action Assassination Classroom film sells 14,380 + 2,591, followed by Osomatsu event, Wolf Girl & Black Prince, My Hero Academia, B-Project
― The Special Edition for the live-action Assassination Classroom: Graduation (Ansatsu Kyōshitsu: Sotsugyō-hen) film sold 14,380 copies to debut at #1 on the overall DVD chart. The standard edition was #5 with 2,591 copies. Mr. Osomatsu Special Event Fes...
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, October 10-16
2nd live-action Assassination Classroom film sells 14,012 + 1,064, followed by Osomatsu event, Love Live! Sunshine!!, My Hero Academia, Three Leaves, Three Colors
― The Special Edition for the live-action Assassination Classroom: Graduation (Ansatsu Kyōshitsu: Sotsugyō-hen) film sold 14,012 copies to debut at #1 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. The standard edition was #14 with 1,064 copies. Mr. Os...
Sailor Moon -Amour Eternal- Musical's Video Shows Footage From Musical
Musical currently in initial run in Tokyo from October 15-23
― The official website for Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon -Amour Eternal-, the fourth 20th-anniversary stage musical of Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon manga, began streaming a digest video on Tuesday featuring a minute of footage from the musical. In addition, the site revealed that the musical's DVD is slated for March 15. The musical is current...
Popin Q Anime Film Casts Wakako Shimazaki, Daisuke Ono, Michio Hazama
New special video for December 23 film also streamed
― The official website for the Popin Q film announced additional guest cast members for the film on Tuesday. The new characters are all members of Isumi's family. Wakako Shimazaki as Eriko, Isumi's mother Daisuke Ono as Junpei, Isumi's father Michio Hazama as Genji, Isumi's grandfather Toei also began streaming a third new special video with a minu...
Shinkai's 'your name.' Tops Box Office For 8th Weekend
Gantz:O opens at #6, A Silent Voice drops to #5, Shin Godzilla drops off chart in 12th weekend
― Makoto Shinkai's your name. (Kimi no Na wa.) anime film ranked #1 for the October 15-16 weekend — and maintained its top position for the eighth straight weekend. The film earned 468 million yen (about US$4.5 million) and sold 347,000 tickets over the weekend. The film has earned 15,414,488,300 yen (about...
Shin Godzilla Earns US$455,036 More Over the Weekend
Film now has US$1.5 million total at 440 U.S. theaters during October 11-18 run
― Funimation's limited screening of Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi's Shin Godzilla film earned US$455,036 over the October 14-16 weekend, with a per-screen average of US$13,383. It now has a total of US$1,501,390 at the U.S. box office. Funimation hosted two premieres for the film in Los Angeles on October 3 and in New Y...
Pokemon: The First Movie Returns to 200 U.S. Theaters on October 29, November 1
Screenings will include "Pikachu's Vacation" short again
― The official Pokémon U.S. website announced on Monday that over 200 Cinemark theaters will screen the Pokemon: The First Movie anime on October 29 and November 1. The screenings will include the "Pikachu's Vacation" short, just as the film's original run did 17 years ago. Pre-sale tickets are already available. Warner Bros. first released the...
Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club Anime's Cast, Staff, Visual Unveiled
Reina Ueda, Yuki Hirose, Natsumi Fujiwara, Natsumi Takamori, more star in January J.C. Staff anime
― The staff of the upcoming television anime of Noriyuki Matsumoto's Minami Kamakura Kōkō Joshi Jitensha-Bu (Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club) manga opened the anime's official website on Tuesday. The site revealed the anime's cast, staff, and main visual. The anime will premiere in Januar...
Monday, October 17
DAYS ‒ Episode 15
As our coverage of DAYS ends for the season, Lauren Orsini breaks down where this soccer anime succeeded and where it stumbled.
Toei Launches The Animal Family Animation Crowdfunding Project
Campaign aims to fund stop-motion version of Randall Jarrell's children's novel
― Japanese film production and distribution company Toei and director Tomoyasu Murata (Mr. Children's "Hero" music video) announced on Monday that they are launching a crowdfunding campaign to fund a stop-motion animated version of Randall Jarrell's The Animal Family children's novel. The campaign is slated to run on the ...
New Lingerie Exemplifies Hatsune Miku's Softer Side
We can't verify if this lingerie set is an accurate replica of Hatsune Miku's undies, but it sure looks like something the virtual idol might wear on a night in. The otaku mail-order fashion site SuperGroupies created a bra and panty set and a camisole inspired by Hatsune Miku. Both designs focus on the idol's minty-green hair color. The camisole's pleated skirt also references Miku's iconic outf...
Funimation Addresses Audio Issues on Code Geass R2 Release
Funimation Entertainment confirmed with ANN on Monday that the audio on its Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Blu-ray Disc and DVD is only monoaural instead of stereo. Funimation offered the following comment addressing the issue: Customers, who purchased the home video and are experiencing this issue, are asked to contact Funimation directly at [email protected] and the company...
3D CG High School Girl Saya Gets Video Movement Footage
Freelance 3D CG artist pair TELYUKA uploaded to their Twitter a facial expression test video of their realistic 3D CG high school girl Saya. Saya began last October as part of a "virtual human project". The creators are entirely self-taught, having no formal training in computer graphics. Originally, the creators released only still images of her to the public, but at recent exhibit "CEATEC JAPAN ...
Yen Press Adds Spice & Wolf Short Story Collection, Sequel Novels
Volume 18: Spring Log, New Theory: Parchment and Wolf ship in 2017
― Yen Press announced at Isuna Hasekura's panel at New York Comic Con on October 7 that it will publish a Spice & Wolf short story collection and sequel novels. The publisher plans to release Spice and Wolf, Volume 18: Spring Log and the first volume of Spice and Wolf New Theory: Parchment and Wolf in 2017. Yen Press describes the nov...
Seven Deadly Sins Characters Guest-Star in Mobile RPG Hortensia Saga
Sins team up with Knights of Ober to defeat Hendrickson
― Characters from The Seven Deadly Sins -Signs of Holy War- are currently making an appearance in Sega's smartphone RPG Hortensia Saga. The crossover characters are six of the Deadly Sins (Escanor is omitted as he hasn't appeared in the anime yet) and Elizabeth. Melodias and Elizabeth are appearing as UR units, while the rest are SSR units. The ...
Persona 4 Arena Director Wants to Make Persona 5 Arena
Persona 4 Arena and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax director Kazuhisa Wada appeared at the Toushinsai 2016 arcade game tournament over the weekend and mentioned that he would like to make a Persona 5 Arena game. "To be honest, we've been working hard on Persona 5 and we haven't really talked about i much yet," Wada said regarding Persona 5 Arena. "But I think I definitely want to make it." He asked that f...
Akiba's Beat PS4/PS Vita Game to Offer Dual Audio
North American game publisher XSEED Games announced at AkibeFest in Los Angeles on Saturday that it will offer both English and Japanese audio tracks on its Akiba's Beat game for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. Both tracks will be available on the PlayStation 4 disc, while the Japanese voiceovers will be available via free downloadable content for PlayStation Vita. XSEED Games plans to release...
Live-Action 'Museum' Launches Japan's 1st Film VR Website
The live-action film adaptation of Ryōsuke Tomoe's Museum (Museum - The Serial Killer is Laughing in the Rain) manga will open in Japan on November 12. Fans can get a sneak peek into the world of the film by checking out its virtual-reality (VR) website that launched on Wednesday. The site is Japan's first VR website for a film. The VR website is separate from the film's main website, and users m...
Date A Live Website Launches Countdown
Fujimi Shobo's official website for Koushi Tachibana's Date A Live light novel series launched a countdown page on Monday. The page features a ticking analog clock and the words "Date A Time." The countdown will end on Saturday. Tachibana launched the light novel series in March 2011 with illustrations by Tsunako. Fujimi Shobo's Fantasia Bunko imprint published the 15th volume on September 16. The...
Power Rangers, Justice League Crossover Comic Series Announced
1st of 6 issues slated for January 11
― Saban Brands and Boom! Studios announced on Friday that they are collaborating on a six-issue mini crossover comic combining Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers and Justice League. Tom Taylor (Injustice: Gods Among Us) is writing the comic and Stephen Byrne (Justice League of America Rebirth: The Ray) is illustrating. Karl Kerschl will draw the main covers for all th...
New Akihabara Hair Salon Caters to Anime Fans
Get your hair styled in an anime-friendly environment
― Tokyo's electronics district, Akihabara, has earned a reputation for catering to the anime fan market with its used video game stores, hobby shops, and maid cafes. OFF-KAi!!, which opened on October 1, offers something even more niche: a hair salon for anime fans. OFF-KAi!! proclaims itself to be "of otaku [anime fans], by otaku, for otaku." The...
Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Film's 2nd Promo, Additional Cast Unveiled
Ryohei Kimura, Tomoaki Maeno, Tatsuhisa Suzuki join cast
― The official website of Kuroshitsuji Book of the Atlantic (Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic), the upcoming Black Butler anime film, added additional cast members and a second promotional video on Tuesday. In addition, the website unveiled a new key visual by character designer Minako Shiba. The promotional video previews the theme song "Gla...
Tekken Producer Harada Wants to Make an Anpanman Action Game
"If I were to say I wanted to direct the game, I don't think I'd be allowed to make it."
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ‒ Episode 28
"Iron-Blooded Orphans never lets you forget the high stakes of every combat instance, now that there are children fighting on both sides."
The Royal Tutor Comedy Manga Gets Anime
Higasa Akai's story of teacher for 4 trouble-making princes
― The November issue of Square Enix's Monthly G Fantasy magazine is announcing on Tuesday that an anime adaptation of Higasa Akai's The Royal Tutor (Ōshitsu Kyōshi Heine or Königliche Familie Lehrer) manga has been green-lit. Yen Press began releasing the manga as e-books in English in 2015, and it describes the story: Accepting the post of ...
Gust's Blue Reflection PS4, PS Vita Game Streams 'Concept Image' Video
"Heroic RPG" centers on high school heroine who fights as magical girl to achieve wish
― KOEI Tecmo Games' Gust brand began streaming a "concept image movie" on Monday for its Blue Reflection - Maboroshi ni Mau Shōjo no Ken (Blue Reflection - The Girl's Sword That Dances in Illusion) PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game. The video combines live-action and game footage, and features the narration, ...
Nights of Azure 2 Game's 1st Promo Video Reveals Main Cast
Sayaka Senbongi, Ai Kayano, Mikako Komatsu star in game shipping for PS4, PS Vita on December 22
― Koei Tecmo Games' Gust brand began streaming the first promotional video on Monday for the Nights of Azure 2 (Yoru no Nai Kuni 2~Shingetsu no Hanayome~) PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game. The game will ship in Japan on December 22. Those who pre-order the game will receive a download code for a fa...
Summer Lesson VR Game Gets English-Subtitled Release in SE Asia in 2017
Game released in Japan on October 13 as PlayStation VR launch title
― Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia announced on Monday that it will release its PlayStation VR game Summer Lesson: Hikari Miyamoto in Southeast Asia in early 2017 as a digital download via the PlayStation Network. The game will have English subtitles. Bandai Namco Entertainment released the game in Japan on October 13 as a launch titl...
Dansui! Swimming Manga Gets Live-Action TV Series, Stage Play
Series about high school men's swimming club stars Ryō Matsuda, Shūto Miyazaki, more
― Hakusensha announced on Monday that Tatsuya Kiuchi's Dansui! swimming manga is inspiring both a live-action television series and a stage play in 2017. Both adaptations will star the same cast members: Top row (from left to right): Ryō Matsuda as Shuhei Sakaki, Shūto Miyazaki as Daiki Shinoduka, Shintarō Anzai as L...
SID Performs Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Film's Theme Song
"Garasu no Hitomi" song will be SID's 3rd theme song for Black Butler franchise
― The official website of Kuroshitsuji Book of the Atlantic (Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic), the upcoming Black Butler anime film, announced on Monday that the band SID will perform the film's theme song "Garasu no Hitomi" (Glass Eye). This will be the third theme song the band will perform for the anime franchise, a...
Mind Game Art Director Toru Hishiyama Passes Away
Artist also worked on Berserk film trilogy
― The official Twitter account for Studio 4°C posted on Monday that anime art director and background artist Toru Hishiyama passed away on October 15. The Twitter post added, "Hishiyama was with our company for a long time, and drew wonderful background art for us for many of our works. [Hishiyama] was always telling jokes, and we thought [Hishiyama] would r...
Tawawa on Monday Net Anime Streams on Nico Nico
2nd episode features Yasuaki Takumi, Ai Kayano as office worker and subordinate
― Artist Kiseki Himura announced on Monday that the short anime of his Getsuyōbi no Tawawa (Tawawa on Monday) illustrations will now stream on Nico Nico Video. The second episode is already available, along with the first episode. (Click on image below to watch video.) The second episode centers on an office worker and hi...
Star Ocean Game Franchise Gets Smartphone Game
Akiman draws main visual for Star Ocean anamnesis iOS, Android game
― Square Enix announced on Monday that it is developing a smartphone game for the Star Ocean video game franchise titled Star Ocean anamnesis for iOS and Android. The company didn't give a timeframe for a release. Akiman drew the main visual for the game (pictured below). The game's official website features two pieces of background ...
Shinkai's 'your name.' Film Surpasses 15 Billion Yen
Film earnings approach Ponyo's 15.5 billion yen mark
― Makoto Shinkai's your name. (Kimi no na wa.) anime film has earned 15,414,488,300 yen (about US$148 million) as of Sunday, after 52 days at the Japanese box office. The film has sold 11,842,864 tickets. The film won the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 49th annual Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in Spain on Saturday. The film ...
Taito Announces 'NESiCAxLive 2' Arcade Game Platform
SNK's The King of Fighters XIV will be 1st game on platform
― Japanese video game arcade company Taito announced at the end of its "Tōshinsai" fighting game tournament on Sunday that it is launching the temporarily titled "NESiCAxLive 2," a new version of its "NESiCAxLive" arcade game distribution system. The first game announced for the new system is SNK's The King of Fighters XIV. Taito will announ...
The [email protected] Cinderella Girls Gets New Web Manga in November
Kyōno's The [email protected] Cinderella Girls U149 focuses on idols without producer
― Bandai Namco Entertainment announced during the second and last day of "The [email protected] Cinderella Girls 4th Live TriCastle Story" concert series on Sunday that the company will launch a new The [email protected] Cinderella Girls manga titled The [email protected] Cinderella Girls U149 on Cygames' Cycomi manga website in November. A "c...
Miss Hokusai Anime Film Earns US$25,042 After NY, LA Screenings
Film began screening in 2 theaters on Friday, wider N. American release begins on October 21
― Distribution company GKids' screening of Production I.G's Miss Hokusai film earned US$25,042 over the weekend. The film began screening at the Angelika Film Center in New York and the Landmark Nuart in Los Angeles last Friday. A wider release in North America will start on October 21. GKids' website has a l...
Sunday, October 16
Shin Godzilla Film Earns US$1 Million in 3 Days
Film screening in 440 U.S. theaters October 11-18
― Funimation's limited screening of Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi's Shin Godzilla film earned US$1,039,305 from October 11 to 13, with a per-screen average of US$2,469. Funimation hosted two premieres for the film in Los Angeles on October 3 and in New York on October 5. The film began a wider screening from October 11 to 18 in over 440 theaters in ...
AKB48 Producer Yasushi Akimoto Launches New Idol Group That 'Crosses Dimensions'
Group features anime designs by Masayoshi Tanaka & Yukiko Horiguchi, with voice actresses performing
― AKB48 founder and producer Yasushi Akimoto announced on Sunday that he will produce a new idol group with the concept of "idols that cross dimensions." The group will have eight anime idol characters, with their respective voice actresses performing as idols in the real world. A different character ...
Galaxxxy Fashion Brand Collaborates With Adventure Time
Japanese fashion label Galaxxxy is no stranger to collaborations with famous works of Japanese popular culture. The brand already teamed up with Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Sailor Moon, Dr. Slump, Nanbaka, and even the Sega Dreamcast. But this time, the company is joining forces with the American animated series Adventure Time to release a new line of shirts. The shirts features characters ...
Voice Actress Sachi Kokuryu Marries Stage Actor
Voice actress Sachi Kokuryu announced on Twitter on Friday that she has married stage actor Kōsei Shiozaki (X-Quest). They entered their names into the family registry. Kokuryu told her fans that "I'm still inexperienced, but I'm going to contentrate [on my work] without changing, so please support me from here on, too." Shiozaki said, "I think something like this is once in a lifetime, and I'll b...
Poco's Udon World ‒ Episodes 1-2
"Funny, emotional without being cloying, and well-paced, this show deftly combines the familiar with the unexpected."
Occultic;Nine ‒ Episodes 1-2
"In terms of story construction, Occultic;Nine is so busted up that it repels most of its audience."
ClassicaLoid ‒ Episodes 1-2
"This isn't the kind of anime that will set the world on fire, but if you're just looking for a rockin' good time, ClassicaLoid will give you that and then some."
Kiss Him, Not Me ‒ Episodes 1-2
"In spite of its undeniably troublesome aspects, Kiss Him, Not Me is a fun little series that has a lot more to offer than the standard reverse harem send-up."
Maroon 5 Parodies Pokemon Go in New Music Video
Group wears Pokemon-esque costumes
― While the initial fervor over the smartphone game Pokemon Go has calmed down over the months, it's still one of the year's biggest entertainment crazes. The American rock band Maroon 5 takes on the game in its latest music video, "Don't Wanna Know," which draws a connection between the crowds of eager Pokemon Go players and celebrity stalkers. The video stars Maro...
The Dresscodes Band Member Gears Up in Gantz:O Garb
This year's 46th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine released a feature on Thursday for GANTZ:O, the upcoming full 3D CG anime film based on Hiroya Oku's Gantz manga. The feature includes a picture of The Dresscodes band member Ryōhei Shima in a Gantz bodysuit. The Dresscodes are performing the film's theme song "Ningen Video" (Human Video). The magazine feature includes the band's reac...
Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash PS4 Game Reveals 6 Character Designs
Game shipping on March 16 to feature over 30 characters
― The official website for Marvelous's Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash PlayStation 4 game unveiled the new character designs for six returning characters from the game's Hanzō National Academy on Tuesday. The cast is as follows: Hitomi Harada as Asuka, a second-year student. Asuka considers everyone she meets her friend. She is the central memb...
Voice Actress/Idols Offer Chance to Speak with Them for Three Minutes Over Skype
May cost up to 9,500 yen
― Skype has allowed people in vastly different time zones to video chat with each other easily, but it's not always as easy to meet and chat with celebrities. Luckily for their fans, the voice actress/idol groups i☆Ris and Sunmyu are now offering the chance to Skype chat with one of them for three minutes... if the fans are willing to pay up. An explanation of how to register...
Dragon Dentist TV Special by Evangelion's Studio Previewed in 1st Video, Visual
Animator Expo's 1st short inspires 2-part February special from Khara
― The official website for The Dragon Dentist, the feature-length version of the first short from the Japan Anima(tor)'s Exhibition (Japan Animator Expo) project, posted the first promotional video and a new visual on Monday. The website describes the story: The story takes place in Dragon Country. Nonoko is a newly appointed denti...
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Game's TV Ad Previews Frieza
Game's open beta for PS4 started on Friday
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a "Frieza Version" television ad for its Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Saturday. The game's open beta on PS4 started on Friday. Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the game in North America on October 25 and in Europe on October 28. The company will release the game on PC ...
FuRyu Reveals New 'The Alliance Alive' 3DS RPG (Updated)
"Ensemble RPG" slated for 2017 has 9 protagonists in divided world ruled by demons
― This year's 46th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that game developer FuRyu Corporation is developing a new game for the Nintendo 3DS titled The Alliance Alive. The game is slated for release in spring 2017. The game is described as an "ensemble RPG" and a "simple RPG with multiple p...
Prince of Tennis Gets New Anime Film Project Set After Original Manga
Creator Takeshi Konomi is executive producer on "untold" story set before Shin manga
― The third and last session of the "Tenipuri Festa 2016 ~Kassen~" event ended on Sunday with an announcement that a theatrical film project has launched in the Prince of Tennis franchise. The original manga's creator (and self-described "happy media creator who sometimes draws manga") Takeshi Konomi personally made ...
The [email protected] Cinderella Girls Gekijō 5-Panel Manga Gets TV Anime
[email protected] director Mankyū, studio Gathering reunite for 2017 anime
― The second and last day of "The [email protected] Cinderella Girls 4th Live TriCastle Story" concert series ended on Sunday with an announcement that an anime adaptation of Bandai Namco Games and Kuma-Jet's The [email protected] Cinderella Girls Gekijō (The [email protected] Cinderella Girls Theater) manga has been green-lit for "broadcast around 2017." ...
3rd Prism Nana OVA Episode Previewed in Music Video
Suzuko Mimori, Asami Imai, Eri Kitamura star in music video for Halloween-themed episode
― The official website for the Magical Suite Prism Nana OVA project began streaming a music video on Saturday for the third episode in the project. The video features the insert song "T・H・N・P (Tottemo Halloween Nana Party)." Voice actresses Suzuko Mimori (Itaru Washioka/Heat Nana), Asami Imai (Asuka Asagi/Earth N...
Music Producer Porter Robinson Teases 'Shelter' Animation Project With A-1 Pictures
Music producer and DJ Porter Robinson posted on Twitter on Friday a teaser for a "Shelter the Animation" project with anime studio A-1 Pictures. Porter Robinson & A-1 Pictures present: Shelter the Animation. Tuesday, October 18. pic.twitter.com/IeghgSpqTm— porter robinson (@porterrobinson) October 14, 2016 Robinson additionally posted a Twitter post about the project in Japanese that lists the sta...
Shinkai's 'your name.' Film Wins Best Animated Film at Spain's Sitges
Film has earned 14.9 billion yen in 50 days in Japan
― The 49th annual Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in Spain announced on Saturday that Makoto Shinkai's your name. (Kimi no na wa.) film won the festival's Best Animated Feature Film award. Shinkai's latest film has ranked #1 for seven straight weekends since opening, and it is already 2016's highest-grossing film in Japan. As of Octobe...
Actor, Voice Actor Gary Dubin Passes Away
Fist of the North Star, Cowboy Bebop actor also had roles in The AristoCats, Jaws 2
― Entertainment news website The Hollywood Reporter reported on Thursday that actor and voice actor Gary Dubin passed away on October 8 after a battle with bone cancer. He was 57. In anime, Dubin voiced roles in Fist of the North Star (Bat), Cowboy Bebop (George), Giant Robo (Ivan the Terrible), The Guyver: Bio-Booste...
Sae Okamoto's Mecha-Ude Anime Kickstarter Campaign Reaches Goal
Initial US$25,000 goal aims to build production team for 25-minute pilot episode
― Animator Sae Okamoto's Kickstarter campaign for the Mecha-Ude (Mechanical Arms) anime project reached its initial US$25,000 goal on Saturday. The campaign launched on October 1 and will end on November 5. The campaign aims to build a bigger production team for the project, which will produce a 25-minute pilot episode. ...
Yu Aida's 1518! Manga Goes Back on Hiatus Until Spring 2017
3rd compiled book volume of manga from Gunslinger Girl author ships in late November
― This year's 47th issue of Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits magazine is announcing on Monday that Yu Aida's 1518! (pronounced Ichi Go Ichi Hachi) manga is going on hiatus until next spring. The manga's third compiled book volume will ship in Japan in late November. Aida launched the manga in Big Comic Spirits in Augus...
Sentai Filmworks Reveals English-Dubbed Trailer, November Theatrical Release for Girls und Panzer der Film
Film originally premiered in Japan in November 2015
― Sentai Filmworks began streaming an English-dubbed trailer on Saturday for the Girls und Panzer der Film anime film. The video reveals that the film will screen in theaters in North America in November. Sentai Filmworks announced its license of the film last month, and plans to reveal more details on "distribution, release date, and streaming offe...
Saturday, October 15
Izetta: The Last Witch ‒ Episodes 1-3
"A solid, entertaining effort that still shows a lot of potential going forward."
Aniplex USA Licenses Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga Anime Series
Sequel series premieres in January
― Aniplex of America announced at the Akiba Fest event in Los Angeles on Saturday that it has licensed the Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujō Ō-hen) sequel anime series series for its winter lineup. The anime will adapt the "Kyoto Impure King Arc" that started in the fifth volume of Kazue Katō's original Blue Exorcist manga. Aniplex of America des...
Aniplex USA to Release Import of Persona 5 the Animation -The Day Breakers- Special
Import Blu-ray Disc release includes subtitled program featuring interviews with staff, cast
― Aniplex of America announced at the Akiba Fest event in Los Angeles on Saturday that it will release an import Blu-ray Disc of the Collector's Edition of the Persona 5 the Animation -The Day Breakers- anime special on February 14, the same day the Persona 5 game ships in the Americas. Aniplex of America is ...
March comes in like a lion ‒ Episodes 1-2
"March excels at bringing its world to life through little moments and various smart dramatic choices."
Magical Girl Raising Project ‒ Episodes 1-3
"It may be another week or two before Magical Girl Raising Project really shows its hand."
PlayStation VR Protects Hatsune Miku From Upskirting
Voyeuristic photography is a prevalent problem in Japan, so much so that cell phones make a shutter sound to warn people that a photograph is being taken. However, that fails to prevent all unwanted panchira, or glimpsing of a woman's underwear. Busy places like escalators often feature warning signs to keep the public wary of illicit photography, including upskirt shots. These days, anime and man...
WWW.WAGNARIA!! ‒ Episodes 1-3
"Whether you call it a spinoff, a sequel, or a reboot, WWW.Wagnaria can live up to the standards of the original while remaining 100% newbie-friendly."
Haikyu!! 3rd Season ‒ Episodes 1-2
"Thus far, the show is doing a very good job of keeping viewers as tense as possible."
Lostorage incited WIXOSS ‒ Episodes 1-2
"Whether or not WIXOSS can balance out its crueler elements with the girls' emotional strengths and weaknesses will be its ultimate test."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 29
"This is the kind of stuff Crazy Diamond was designed for."
Watch Power Rangers Take on Voltron in Live-Action Fan Short
Clash of the transforming titans
― Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Voltron share several similarities: both are American action shows created from Japanese templates, and both involve teams of young mecha pilots combining into a single, giant, fearsomely powerful mecha. So it's only natural to ask: who would win in a fight, Power Rangers' Megazord or Voltron? Danny Shepherd and Jeremy Le at the pop ...
Tōken Ranbu Stage Play's Cast Visuals Revealed
2nd run of stage play debuts in December
― The staff of Butai Tōken Ranbu Kyoden Moeyuru Honnōji, the stage play adaptation of DMM's Tōken Ranbu online browser game, revealed the character visuals on October 6 for the stage play's second run. The cast includes: Hiroki Suzuki as Mikazuki Munechika Yoshihiro Aramaki as Yamanbagiri Kunihiro Yoshihide Sasaki as Sōza Samonji Yūsuke Seto as Kōsetsu Samonji...
Illusion Reveals VR Kanojo Adult VR Game
"VR girlfriend experience" game for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive arrives in January
― Game developer Illusion opened an English website on Thursday to reveal its upcoming VR adult game VR Kanojo. Illusion describes the game as a "virtual reality girlfriend experience." The company is also streaming two English-subtitled videos for the game. The videos show high school girl named Sakura Yuhi interacting with...
Pupa's Sayaka Mogi Launches New 'Japanese-Style Fantasy' Manga in December
New manga centers on mountain demon brothers persecuted by other mountain demons
― The 34th issue of Kodansha's Itan magazine revealed on October 7 that manga creator Sayaka Mogi is launching a new manga in the magazine's next issue. The magazine describes the manga as a "Japanese-style fantasy" centering on two mountain demon brothers who have different mothers, and are persecuted by other mountain ...
Underwater Girls in Knee Socks Model Tentacle Mecha
Designer and filmmaker Manabu Koga unveiled the newest installment in his Suite Underwater Knee-High Girls project. In the project's second Salvage collection, models appear underwater in knee socks with tentacle mecha. Figure designer and artist Masahiro Shimamoto is collaborating on this wave of the project. Shimamoto's Haute Couture MoMo (MoMo stands for "Mobil-Movementess") robot project provi...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Anime Premieres Tonight on Toonami
Adult Swim's Toonami block will debut Part 1 of the the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure television anime series tonight at 12:30 a.m. (technically on October 16 at 12:30 a.m.). Viz Media had announced at Anime Expo in July that it will release Part 1 (Phantom Blood) of the new JoJo's Bizarre Adventure television anime series on Blu-ray Disc. The Blu-ray Disc release will include an English dub. Warner Br...
Tohru Furuya Apologizes for Misleading Fandom with Tweet
Tweet uses common Japanese "coupling" expression
― Accomplished voice actor Tohru Furuya (Amuro in Mobile Suit Gundam, Pegasus Seiya in Saint Seiya, Tuxedo Kamen in Sailor Moon) got into a bit of water on October 11 when he posted this tweet regarding another of his roles, Case Closed's Tohru Amuro: Today's Case Closed news is the Shuuichi Akai & Tohru Amuro Secret Archives and the Case Closed DVD Co...
2nd Hetalia Stage Musical's Poster Visual Unveiled
The official website of Hetalia ~The Great World~, the second stage musical adaptation of Hidekaz Himaruya's Hetalia - Axis Powers manga, revealed a new poster visual for the play on October 4. The visual shows the main cast. The musical will run from November 10-20 at Tokyo's Theatre 1010 and November 25-27 at Osaka's Morinomiya Piloti Hall. The cast of the first musical reprise their roles, exce...
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Musical Reveals 6 More Cast Members
Ai Nonaka reprises role as Towa Herschel from Falcom game
― The official website of Nega Design Works' stage musical adaptation of Nihon Falcom's Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel (Eiyū Densetsu: Sen no Kiseki) role-playing game revealed additional cast members on Tuesday. The additional members include: Ai Nonaka as Towa Herschel. Nonaka voiced the character in the game. Keisuke Minami (Persona...
Shogakukan's Shogaku Ninensei Magazine Ceases Publication
Only Shogaku Ichinensei magazine remains of elementary school magazine line
― Shogakukan announced with the November issue of its Shogaku Ninensei magazine on October 1 that it will cease publication of the magazine due to low circulation. The magazine's last issue will be its combined February-March 2017 issue, which will ship in December. The magazine is part of a series of magazines aimed at eleme...
J-Novel Club Publisher Launches to Release Light Novels in English Digitally
Occultic;Nine, Brave Chronicle, more titles available now
― The new digital publishing company J-Novel Club founded to release light novels in English worldwide launched its first releases on Saturday. The company plans to release the novels in weekly installments for J-Novel Club members on its website and on its app for iOS and Android. The company also plans to release finalized books on e-book re...
Square Enix Announces 'Stormblood' Expansion for Final Fantasy XIV Game
New expansion releases in early summer 2017, will stop PS3 support with release
― Square Enix announced a new expansion for the Final Fantasy XIV MMORPG called "Stormblood" at the "Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2016" event in Las Vegas on Friday. The game's official YouTube channel is also streaming a teaser video for the expansion. The expansion is slated for early summer 2017, and is the second ex...
1st Yo-kai Watch Films Screen in U.S. Theaters on Saturday
Level-5 and Eleven Arts are screening Yo-Kai Watch: The Movie, the first Yo-kai Watch anime film, in U.S. theaters for a one-day event on Saturday. Fathom Events is listing the theaters that will show the film. All screenings will be at 11:00 a.m. local time. Eleven Arts describes the film: In YO-KAI WATCH: THE MOVIE EVENT, Jibanyan, Whisper, and Nate meet a heroic Yo-kai named Hovernyan, and must...
Urara Meirochō Anime Reveals Staff, Key Visual, January Premiere
Shimoneta's Youhei Suzuki directs series at J.C. Staff
― The Twitter account for Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara magazine revealed the staff and January premiere on Friday for the anime adaptation of Harikamo's Urara Meirocho four-panel manga. Houbunsha also revealed a key visual for the anime, drawn by Harikamo. Youhei Suzuki (SHIMONETA: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist, T...
Denpa Ningen/The Denpa Men RPGs Get New Smartphone Game in February
Game series has been downloaded 2.8 million times
― The November issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comic magazine revealed on Saturday that developer Genius Sonority's The Denpa Men (Denpa Ningen) game series will get a new installment for smartphones titled New Denpa Ningen no RPG. The game will arrive in February, and it will be free to play. The magazine noted that the game series has been downloade...
Yo-kai Watch 3 3DS Game Streams Video for 'Sukiyaki' Version
New version of game ships in Japan on December 15
― Level-5 began streaming a promotional video on Friday for the newly announced Yo-kai Watch 3: Sukiyaki Nintendo 3DS game. The game will ship on December 15 in Japan, and will include additional content, all of which will be available in the original two versions of the game via an online update on the same day. The physical version of Yo-kai Watch 3...
Death Note Light up the NEW world Film Streams 'Message from Kira' Videos
Tatsuya Fujiwara, Ken'ichi Matsuyama reprise roles for film premiering on October 29
― The official website for Death Note Light up the NEW world, this year's live-action Death Note sequel film, began streaming two more commercials and two "message from Kira" videos on Friday. "Kira Virus + Message From Kira" video "Message from Kira" video "Justice Version" ad "Panic Version" ad The website also str...
'Mobile Police Patlabor Reboot' Short Anime's New Promo Video Streamed
8-minute short debuted in 1-week screening event on Saturday
― Bandai Visual began streaming a new promotional video on Thursday for the Japan Anima(tor)'s Exhibition's (Japan Animator Expo) "Mobile Police Patlabor Reboot" anime short. The video commemorates the short's opening in Japanese theaters on Saturday. The eight-minute short is screening as an extra during Japan Animator Expo's one-week scre...
Zegapain ADP Compilation Film's 1st 5 Minutes Streamed
Film opened on Saturday in Japan, is available for streaming
― The official website for Zegapain ADP (Zegapain Adaptation), a compilation film of the Zegapain television anime with new footage and characters, began streaming the film's first five minutes on Friday. The video ends with a trailer featuring Akino Arai's theme song "Hane yo Senaka ni." The new characters and their cast members for the fi...
Friday, October 14
Drifters ‒ Episodes 1-2
"Its zeal for violence above all else is both Drifters's greatest strength and biggest shortcoming so far, but this show obviously knows what its audience wants."
Tokyo Otaku Mode Launches Full-Graphic Evangelion Kimono Project
Retailer Tokyo Otaku Mode is taking feedback on designs for its Evangelion x Full Graphic Kimono project until October 31. The project currently includes six possible designs to vote on, all featuring images from the Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo anime film. The kimono design with the most votes will be turned into a 100-unit limited run exclusive to the store. Designs feature characters Rei...
Flip Flappers ‒ Episodes 1-2
"I have no idea what to expect from Flip Flappers next, but that's also my favorite thing about it."
Crayon Shin-Chan's 25th Anime Film Revealed
2017 film features alien invasion
― The staff of the Cryaon Shin-chan anime announced the franchise's 25th anime film on Friday. The film will be titled Eiga Crayon Shin-Chan Shūrai! Uchūjin Shiriri (Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Invasion! Alien Shiriri) and will open on April 15, 2017. As the name suggests, the film will feature aliens. The staff shared a teaser video that begins by looking back on th...
MediBang's 2nd Manga Contest Collaborates With Weekly Shonen Magazine
If you've ever wanted to become a manga creator, MediBang and Kodansha unveiled an opportunity that could jumpstart your career. The MediBang manga creation app's second international manga contest is offering a chance for publication in Magazine Pocket, the manga app of Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine. The contest is accepting aspiring manga artists' entries from October 13 to January 12. Manga...
Ushijima the Loan Shark Manga Starts Final Arc
Black market-themed manga began in 2004, inspired live-action films, TV series
― This year's 46th issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine announced on Saturday that Shohei Manabe's Ushijima the Loan Shark (Yamikin Ushijima-kun) will begin its final arc in the next issue on October 17. The manga has been running in Weekly Big Comic Spirits since 2004, and Shogakukan published the 38th ...
New York Times Manga Best Seller List, October 2-8
Yona of the Dawn, Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, 2 Tokyo Ghoul volumes, Assassination Classroom, Black Clover, The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Berserk, Twin Star Exorcists, One-Punch Man
― The New York Times newspaper listed the manga bestsellers in the United States for the week ending on October 8. Rank Prev. Rank Title Author Publisher Weeks on List Cover 1 -Yona of the Dawn #2 Mizuho Kusanagi V...
All Out!! ‒ Episodes 1-2
"Hopefully, the series' obviously limited resources will still give us the chance to experience the thrill of a full-contact sport."
Makoto Shinkai Denies Plans to Work for Ghibli
Since acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki retired in 2013 the animation industry and fans have pointed fingers and upcoming directors, hoping to find the Oscar-winner's heir. Some have Summer Wars and The Boy and the Beast director Mamoru Hosoda but others have begun eyeing Makoto Shinkai. The director's latest feature, your name. has found enormous financial success in Japan. The film has earned en...
Amazon Adds Ghibli/Polygon's Ronja the Robber's Daughter Anime
The X-Files' Gillian Anderson narrates English dub
― Amazon announced on Friday that it has ordered Goro Miyazaki and POLYGON PICTURES' Ronja the Robber's Daughter television anime and plans to debut the series later this fall as an Amazon Original Kids Series on its Amazon Prime streaming platform. The Studio Ghibli International Twitter account announced on Friday that David Freedman adapted and di...
Spike Chunsoft: Western Release Planned for Cyber Danganronpa VR Demo
Spike Chunsoft's English Twitter account announced on Thursday that the company is working to bring Cyber Danganronpa VR Gakkyū Saiban (Class Trial) virtual reality demo to the west. The demo launched on Thursday in Japan and Hong Kong for PlayStation 4. An English version is available in Hong Kong. In the virtual reality demo, players take part in a class trial similar to those in the original Da...
Pokémon Sun & Moon Anime Promo Shows Alola Region Adventures
Series premieres with 1-hour special on November 17
― The official Pokémon YouTube channel began streaming a promotional video for the Pokémon Sun & Moon television anime on Friday. The video reveals that the anime will premiere on TV Tokyo and its affiliated stations in Japan on November 17. The first episode will be a one-hour special. Satoshi (Ash) narrates the video, saying he is beginning his ad...
Makoto Shinkai Bewildered When Kevin Spacey's Nine Lives Film Jumps on your name. Bandwagon
Makoto Shinkai, director of your name., posted a link on his Twitter to an official parody video of Kevin Spacey's Nine Lives film with a your name. twist. His post read a bewildered "nyan-da kore.....", a "nya" cat sound pun on "nanda kore" or "what is this?" Nine Lives came out on August 5 in the U.S. and revolves around a stuffy billionaire body-swapping with his family's cat, whereas your name...
TBS, Kisai Takayama Unveil Original Anime Project Seiren
Anime to premiere on TV in January
― TBS announced on Saturday that its new original anime project with artist Kisai Takayama is titled Seiren and it will premiere in January 2017 on TBS and BS-TBS. The website revealed a key visual and teaser video. TBS launched a teaser website for the project in August. Takayama is a character designer who has worked on Enterbrain's visual novels, such as True Lov...
Pokémon Sun & Moon Games' Trailer Reveals More Evolutions, New Trainers
Grimer, Muk's Alola forms also revealed in video
― The Pokémon Company International YouTube channel began streaming a trailer introducing new Pokémon and trainers for its upcoming Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon games on Tuesday. The trailer also introduces the following new evolved Pokémon. Silvally, a Normal-type that evolves from Type-Null Hakamo-o, a Dragon- and Fighting-type that evolves from Jang...
Yo-kai Watch 3 3DS Game Gets New 'Sukiyaki' Version in December
New version includes new game mode, new Yo-kai, character from upcoming 3rd film
― The November issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comic magazine revealed on Saturday that Level-5's Yo-kai Watch 3 Nintendo 3DS game will get a third version titled Yo-kai Watch 3: Sukiyaki on December 15. The game will include additional content, all of which will be available in the original two versions of the game via ...
Dies irae TV Anime's Director, Fall 2017 Premiere Revealed
Mardock Scramble, K's Susumu Kudo helms anime of Light's adult visual novel
― The official website for developer Light's Dies irae adult visual novel announced on Friday that Susumu Kudo (Mardock Scramble, Ghost in the Shell: Arise 4, K) is directing the television anime adaptation with a Fall 2017 premiere slated. GENCO will produce the series, and the game's original scenario writer Takashi Masada ...
37th Doraemon Film Opens in Japan on March 4
Movie gets manga, Nintendo 3DS game adaptations
― The November issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comic magazine announced on Saturday that Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Nankyoku Kachi Kochi Daibōken (Doraemon the Movie 2017: Great Adventure in the Antarctic Kachi Kochi), the 37th film in the Doraemon franchise, will open in Japan on March 4. The film will get a manga adaptation by Shintarō Mugiwara, as well...
2016 Death Note Film Also Brings Back Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light
He joins L's Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Misa's Erika Toda, Ryuk's Shidou Nakamura, Tōta Matsuda's Sota Aoyama
― Tatsuya Fujiwara will reprise his role of the self-righteous killer Light Yagami in Death Note Light up the NEW world, this year's live-action Death Note sequel film. A video during NTV's airing of Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro made the announcement Friday evening, and the official website o...
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 479
"Episode 479 makes a decent denouement to the Fourth Ninja World War, but it would have made a much more effective series finale."
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk Game's 7-Minute Gameplay Video Streamed
Games ships in Japan on October 27, in N. America on February 21, in Europe on February 24
― PlayStation Japan began streaming a seven-minute gameplay video on Friday for Koei Tecmo Games and Omega Force's Berserk and the Band of the Hawk (Berserk Musou) video game. The video features Guts playing through a mission and fighting a boss. The game will ship in North America on February 21, and in Europe...
Ghibli’s Newest Film Tells a Fantastical Story with No Dialogue
The Red Turtle may not be an anime, but the Ghibli-produced film is still an experience right at home with the studio's Japan-made titles.
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro Film Gets MX4D Screenings in Japan in January
Film's 2014 remastered version serves as base for new screening
― Hayao Miyazaki's 1979 Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro anime film is getting MX4D screenings in Japan starting on January 1. With the 4DX or MX4D systems, certain theaters have motion seats that move in sync with certain action sequences onscreen. Similarly, effects such as scents, wind, and mist will operate in accordance with the ...
Kuroko's Basketball Last Game Film's 2nd Teaser Video Reveals Visuals for Team Jabberwock
Film adapting Kuroko no Basuke Extra Game manga opens in spring 2017
― The official website for Gekijōban Kuroko no Basuke Last Game (Kuroko's Basketball The Movie: Last Game), the anime film adaptation of Tadatoshi Fujimaki's Kuroko no Basuke Extra Game sequel manga, began streaming the film's second "super teaser trailer" on Friday. The teaser reveals the visuals for Nash Gold Jr. and Jason Silver,...
Animator Sae Okamoto Launches 'Mecha-Ude' Anime Kickstarter Project
Campaign seeks US$25,000 to expand team to produce 25-minute anime short
― Animator Sae Okamoto launched a Kickstarter campaign for an anime project titled Mecha-Ude (Mechanical Arms) on October 1. The project seeks to raise US$25,000 to build a bigger production team for the project, which will produce a 25-minute pilot episode. The campaign will end on November 5. As of press time, the campaign has...
Monster Strike Anime Film Casts Nana Mizuki, Kouichi Yamadera
Prequel film opening on December 10 features Ren, Haruma as elementary school students
― The official website for the Monster Strike The Movie anime film announced two more cast members for the film on Friday. Nana Mizuki as Arthur Kouichi Yamadera as Genome (a film-original character) The film's previously revealed cast includes: Maaya Sakamoto as Ren Homura (elementary school student) Tomo Muranaka...
Hand Shakers Anime's New Promo Video Introduces Teams
2 new key visuals revealed for original anime premiering in January
― The official website of Hand Shakers — the original anime project with animation studio GoHands, production company Frontier Works, and publisher Kadokawa — began streaming a new promotional video for the anime on Friday. The first video below is region-locked and can't be viewed in the U.S., Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. The...
Live-Action Oboreru Knife Film's Music Video Previews Theme Song
The Dresscodes re-recorded "Comic Generation" theme song for November 5 film
― GAGA Communications began streaming a music video for the the live-action film of George Asakura's Oboreru Knife manga on Friday. The video previews the film's theme song "Comic Generation" by The Dresscodes, which the band has re-recorded for the movie. The film's official website previously streamed a trailer in August. ...
Singer Eir Aoi Goes on Indefinite Hiatus After Budōkan Concerts on November 4-5
Fate/Zero, Sword Art Online singer cites poor health as reason for hiatus
― The official website for singer Eir Aoi announced on Friday that due to her poor health, she will be going on indefinite hiatus after her planned 5th Anniversary Special Live 2016 concerts at Tokyo's Nippon Budōkan venue on November 4-5. The announcement stated that after several consultations, Aoi herself decided on the inde...
Viewster Also Streams Girlish Number, Matoi the Sacred Slayer Anime
Both series available for free in HD
― Streaming service Viewster announced on Tuesday and Wednesday that it is streaming the Matoi the Sacred Slayer and Girlish Number anime series. Viewster is streaming both series for free in HD immediately after their Japanese debut, and no registration is required to watch the shows. Viewster is streaming Girlish Number in the United States and Canada. Anime Net...
Pokkén Tournament Fighting Game's Video Introduces Scizor
New Pokémon will be playable in game's arcade version on October 20
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming an introduction video for its Pokkén Tournament fighting game on Friday. The video introduces Scizor (Hassam), who will be playable in the game's arcade version starting on October 20. Bandai Namco Entertainment and Nintendo released the game on the Wii U in North America, Europe, and Japa...
Live-Action Higurashi Sequel Series Reveals New Cast Member, November 25 Debut
Toshiki Seto cast as Satoshi Hōjō in sequel series covering Meakashi-hen, Tsumihoroboshi-hen
― The staff of the live-action television series based on Ryūkishi07 and 07th Expansion's popular When They Cry - Higurashi (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) horror visual novel revealed on Thursday that the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai sequel series will premiere on BS SKY PerfectTV on November 25 at 9:00 p.m. Th...
Miss Hokusai Film's New English-Dubbed Trailer Streamed Before Friday Opening
Film opens in New York, Los Angeles on Friday with wider U.S., Canada release later this month
― Distribution company GKids began streaming an English-dubbed trailer for Production IG's Miss Hokusai film on Thursday. GKids is screening the film in New York and Los Angeles on Friday. A wider release in North America will start on October 21. GKids' website has a list of theaters and premiere dates. An...
Trailer for One Piece Kabuki Play's Theatrical Screening Highlights Appeal
Theatrical screening opens on October 22
― Japanese entertainment news website Cinema Today began streaming a video for the the theatrical screening for the Kabuki stage play based on Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga on Friday. The video shows footage from the play itself, and highlights the appealing aspects of the play, including that it is friendly for Kabuki beginners, the appearance of familiar ch...
Sailor Moon S Voice Actress Susan Aceron Passes Away
Sailor Pluto's English dub actress had been battling nasopharyngeal cancer
― Voice actress Susan Aceron (Susan Aceron Gray) passed away on October 9 due to nasopharyngeal cancer. She was 44. Aceron is best known for voicing the character of Sailor Pluto (Trista Meioh) in Cloverway, Inc.'s English dub of the Sailor Moon S anime. She also voiced Xenian Flower in the English dub of Sailor Moon R Movie: ...
4th Digimon Adventure tri. Anime Film's Visual Unveiled
The official website for the Digimon Adventure tri. six-part anime film series unveiled the visual on Friday for Digimon Adventure tri. Sōshitsu (Loss), the fourth film in the series. The film will open in Japan on February 25. Crunchyroll began streaming Digimon Adventure tri. Kokuhaku (Confession), the third film, on the same day it opened in Japan. The film opened in Japan for three weeks on Se...
Gundam the Origin 4th Episode's English-Dubbed Trailer Streamed
New episode concluding Char, Sayla's story debuts in Japan on November 19
― The Gundam.info portal site began streaming an English-dubbed trailer on Thursday for for Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin IV: Unmei no Zenya (Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin IV Eve of Destiny), the fourth episode of the Mobile Suit Gundam the Origin anime. The video is an English-dubbed version of the anime's second trailer. The ...
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Game's Video Shows Goku Black in Action
Frost, Kyabe included in game's 1st DLC pack
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming a trailer for its Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Thursday. The trailer shows the character Goku Black in action. Goku Black is a character that appears in the currently running "Future Trunks" arc in the Dragon Ball Super anime. The character is available as a pre-ord...
Live-Action 'Museum' Film Reveals Satoshi Tsumabuki as 'Frog Man'
New trailer streamed for film about frog-masked serial killer
― The Japan premiere event in Roppongi Hills for the live-action film adaptation of Ryōsuke Tomoe's Museum (Museum - The Serial Killer is Laughing in the Rain) manga revealed on Thursday that actor Satoshi Tsumabuki is playing the film's serial killer, "Frog Man" (pictured left in image below). Tsumabuki trained for about two-three months ...
Kodansha Acquires Ichijinsha, Makes It Into Subsidiary Company
Ichijinsha publishes Monthly Comic Zero-Sum, Comic Rex, Comic Yuri Hime
― Japanese publisher Kodansha announced on Friday that it has acquired publisher Ichijinsha, purchasing all of the company's stocks and making Ichijinsha into a wholly-owned subsidiary. Kodansha made the announcement during a press conference on Friday. Kodansha stated in the announcement, "We believe this decision will foster th...
Thursday, October 13
Keijo!!!!!!!! ‒ Episodes 1-2
Keijo!!!!!!!! will never be one of the best shows of the season, but if the first two episodes are any indication, it could definitely be amongst the most fun shows of the season.
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, October 3-9
March comes in like a lion debuts in top 10
― Lupin III vs. Detective Conan The Movie aired on NTV on Friday, October 7 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 10.3% rating. Title Station Date Time Length Average Household Rating Sazae-san Fuji TV October 9 (Sun) 18:30 30 min. 12.3 Chibi Maruko-chan Fuji TV October 9 (Sun) 18:00 30 min. 8.8 One Piece Fuji TV October 9 (Sun) 09:30 30 min. 6.9 Detective Conan NTV Oc...
J.C Staff Goes Way Back for 30th Anniversary Commemorative Video
Animation studio J.C. Staff celebrates their 30 anniversary with a special video that travels through time to all of their beloved anime. How many do you recognize? Tomoyuki Miyata founded the studio in 1986 and its first release was theYōtōden OAV the following year. Since then the staff had many hits to their name with series like Shakugan no Shana, The Familiar of Zero, A Certain Magical Index,...
Brave Witches ‒ Episodes 1-2
"Overall, the series has yet to do anything special beyond the battle scenes, but it's proving at least competent."
Hetalia's Hidekaz Himaruya Launches New Manga About Movies
Himaruya gives own perspective on movies through manga
― This week's issue of Gentosha's Denshi-Birz magazine is launching Hidekaz Himaruya's (Hetalia) new manga about movies on Friday. Himaruya's new manga, Be, Betsu ni Kou iu Eiga ga Suki na Wake Janain Da Kara Ne! Daisuki Dakedo Koe o Dai ni Shite wa Osusume Shinai Osusume Eiga (I-It's Not Like I Particularly Like This Kind of Movie!: Movie Recomm...
Latest Sleeping Bag Pikachu Plushes Add Lapras, Lucario, More
Bandai's Ichiban Kuji lottery unveiled the latest additions to its Pikachu Nebukuro Collection line of sleeping bag plushes. Starting November 5, various bookstores and specialty shops throughout Japan will begin offering the new Pikachu set. Pokémon lovers can try their luck for 620 yen (about US$5.95) per prize ticket. The new prizes are: Prize A: Pikachu Fluffy Sleeping Bag Pikachu Prize B: La...
Funimation Announces Premiere Dates for Fall English Dubs
Funimation Entertainment announced the premiere dates for its Fall English dubs on Thursday. The schedule is as follows (all time ET): Izetta: The Last Witch: Wednesday, October 19 at 10:00 p.m. 91 Days: Sunday, October 23 at 9:00 p.m. Orange: Monday, October 24 at 9:30 p.m. Yuri!!! on ICE: Monday, October 24 at 10:00 p.m. Keijo!!!!!!!!: Tuesday, October 25 at 10:00 p.m. Joker Game: Tuesday, Octob...
Eiichiro Oda to Editor: 'Die for One Piece'
One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda is known for his work ethic. He claims to only sleep from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., take no time off, and work on his manga for basically all his waking hours. Since launching the series in 1997, Oda has only rarely put the manga on hiatus to take care of himself. Oda would apparently like to see that same hard-working determination in all Shueisha staff members that w...
Ai Yori Aoshi's Fumizuki Ends Boku to Rune to Aoarashi Manga
Manga about artist began last year
― This year's 20th issue of Hakusensha's Young Animal magazine announced on Friday that Kou Fumizuki (Ai Yori Aoshi) will publish the final chapter of Boku to Rune to Aoarashi (Me and René and the Fresh Wind) in the next issue on October 28. Fumizuki launched the manga in October 2015, and Hakusensha shipped the second compiled book volume on July 29. The story foll...
Cyber Danganronpa VR Launches for PlayStation 4
Spike Chunsoft released Cyber Danganronpa VR Gakkyū Saiban (Class Trial) for PlayStation 4 on Thursday to coincide with the release of the PlayStation VR headset. Users with a Japanese PlayStation Plus account can download the demo in Japanese and users with a Hong Kong PlayStation Plus account can download the demo in English, Chinese, and Japanese. The demo is free. In the virtual reality demo, ...
Bungo Stray Dogs 2 - Episodes 13-14
"Although I was not initially thrilled that the second season of Bungo Stray Dogs wasn't going immediately jump back to the story where we left off, further reflection and an excellent episode two (technically fourteen) have changed my mind."
Beet the Vandel Buster Manga Goes on Hiatus (Updated)
Riku Sanjo, Kôji Inada's manga ends 'Baron Arc' on Friday
― The autumn issue of Shueisha's Jump SQ CROWN magazine is revealing on Friday that Riku Sanjo and Kôji Inada's Beet the Vandel Buster manga is taking a break. The issue added that the "adventure is continuing its fight" and asked fans to "wait until spring 2017 for further information." The issue is publishing the final chapter in the manga's...
Live-Action Hirunaka no Ryūsei Film Casts Shohei Miura, Mei Nagano, Alan Shirahama
Film based on manga about high school girl who moves to Tokyo opens on March 24
― The staff of the live-action film adaptation of Mika Yamamori's Hirunaka no Ryūsei (Daytime Shooting Star) manga revealed the cast and unveiled a visual showing the cast in costume on Thursday. The film stars (from left to right): Shohei Miura (live-action Gokusen) as Satsuki Shishio, the homeroom teacher Suzume falls i...
Live-Action One Week Friends Film's Stills Show Yūki, Kaori's 1st Meeting
Haruna Kawaguchi, Kaori Fujimiya star in February 18 film
― The staff of the live-action film of Matcha Hazuki's One Week Friends (Isshūkan Friends) manga unveiled three new stills from the film on Thursday. The stills portray Yūki and Kaori's first meeting, and Yūki asking Kaori to be his friend. The film's official website previously streamed a teaser video for the film in August. The story of the ...
Genocidal Organ Anime Film's New Teaser Video Streamed
Film opens in Japan this winter after premiering at Tokyo Int'l Film Fest on October 31
― The official website for the anime film of Project Itoh's Genocidal Organ novel began streaming a new teaser video for the film on Thursday. The video previews EGOIST's theme song "Reloaded." The film will premiere at this year's Tokyo International Film Festival on October 31. The film will then open in Japan t...
The Case of Hana & Alice's Shunji Iwai Directs illion Music Video
Video based on JaeHoon Choi illustrations, new illion album P.Y.L shipped Wednesday
― The official Youtube channel of illion, the solo project of RADWIMPS band songwriter and guitarist Yōjirō Noda, began streaming a preview of the animated music video of his new song "Miracle" on Wednesday. Shunji Iwai directed the video, which is based on illustrations by JaeHoon Choi. The new track features in illi...
Shueisha Establishes New Department Focused on Dragon Ball
New "Dragon Ball Room" focuses on new content ideas, expanding brand
― Japanese publisher Shueisha announced during a "new publications project presentation" in Tokyo on Wednesday that it had created a new department called the "Dragon Ball Room" in June that focuses specifically on Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball property. Akio Iyoku, the editor-in-chief of Shueisha's V Jump magazine (where Toriyama an...
Kochikame's Akimoto Wins Kan Kikuchi Prize
Manga creator won award for serializing manga without breaks for 40 years
― Osamu Akimoto, the creator of the Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo (Kochikame) manga, received the 64th Kan Kikuchi Prize on Thursday. The annual prize is awarded to notable literary, film, theatrical, sports, newspaper, and broadcast creators. Akimoto was awarded for "launching the Kochikame manga in 1976, a...
Kanae Hazuki's Say 'I Love You'. Manga Ends in 18th Volume Next Summer
Series about 1st love inspired anime, live-action film
― The 17th volume of Kanae Hazuki's Say "I love you". manga revealed on Thursday that the manga's 18th volume will be its last. The volume is slated for "around" summer 2017. The 17th volume's wraparound jacket band also revealed that the series has almost 7.2 million copies in print. The story of first love centers around Mei Tachibana, a girl w...
'Tawawa on Monday' Net Anime's 1st Episode Restored After Being Removed
Video was removed on Monday, creator says video's restoration is not planned "relaunch"
― Artist Kiseki Himura announced on his Twitter account on Thursday that the first episode in the short anime of his Getsuyōbi no Tawawa (Tawawa on Monday) illustrations has been restored. Himura clarified that this is not the "relaunch" that he mentioned for the anime on Tuesday. YouTube had removed the video fro...
Jump Special Anime Festa Event to Screen 'Special Anime' For ēlDLIVE Manga
TV anime adaptation based on Akira Amano manga premieres in January
― This year's 46th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing on Monday the Jump Special Anime Festa event will screen a "special anime" for Akira Amano's ēlDLIVE manga. The manga is already getting a television anime adaptation in January. Viz Media published the first three chapters of the manga in English digital...
Assassination Classroom Anime Film's Original Story Details Revealed
Original story takes place on day before class reunion 7 years later
― This year's 46th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing more plot details on Monday about the original story included in the Gekijōban Ansatsu Kyōshitsu: 365-Nichi no Jikan (Assassination Classroom The Movie: 365 Days) compilation anime film. The original story takes place the day before the class reunion dep...
Naruto Shippūden Anime Debuts New 'Boyhood' Arc on October 20
New arc returns to Naruto's childhood days
― This year's 46th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing on Monday the name of the new Naruto Shippūden arc that will premiere with the anime's 480th episode (or 700th if you include the episode count of the original Naruto TV anime series). The new arc is titled "Shōnen Jidai-hen" (Boyhood Arc), and it will return to Naruto's childhoo...
Hoshino's D.Gray-man Manga Takes 1-Issue Break
The autumn issue of Shueisha's Jump Square Crown magazine will not publish a new chapter of Katsura Hoshino's D.Gray-man manga on Friday. The issue will feature a message from the editorial department that apologizes to fans who were waiting to read the new chapter. The editorial department doesn't state in the message if the manga will return in the winter issue or if it is on a longer hiatus. Wh...
Mr. Osomatsu Gets Web Anime, TV Anime Special Collaboration With JRA
1st episode of net anime now available with new episodes every Thursday; TV special airs in December
― The Mr. Osomatsu anime launched a collaboration campaign with the Japan Racing Association titled "Hashire! Oumatsu-san" on Thursday, with a new website outlining the collaboration. The collaboration includes a new series of six new anime shorts titled "Mutsugo to Ouma no Monogatari" (The Story of t...
Wednesday, October 12
Yuri!!! on Ice ‒ Episodes 1-2
"Pretty, sharp, and sexy to boot, I'm happy to say that this premiere has met all of my expectations."
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 27
"After weeks of Rokuro and Benio's Basara Bashing Bonanza, this time with Mayura was a perfect little palate cleanser."
Gantz:O Gun Gets High-End 1/1-Scale Replica
Fight off the Yōkai Army with MegaHouse's 1/1-scale replica of the X Gun from the 3DCG Gantz:O film. That is, as long as you have the cash to afford it. The replica is part of the company's Master Product line. It measures 250mm (9.8in) long and weighs approximately 700g (1.5lbs). When the gun's trigger is pulled it will play one of 30 different sounds, activate the gun's LED lights, and opens up...
Hayao Miyazaki Gets NHK TV Special on His New CG Short
NHK TV will feature Hayao Miyazaki on November 13 in a special about his upcoming full CG animation short, Kemushi no Boro (Boro the Caterpillar). The special will include the first exclusive interview with Miyazaki in two years and will focus on his struggle to master CG animation for the first time in his career. Despite his earlier retirement announcements, Miyazaki confirmed that he will conti...
Magical Girl Raising Project Creator's Hometown Spotted as Inspiration for Anime's Locales
Landmarks and everyday spots of Jōetsu city in Niigata Prefecture, Japan inspired many settings in the newly aired anime Magical Girl Raising Project. The novels' creator Asari Endō's hometown is Jōetsu and landmarks that appear in the anime can be found in Jōetsu, as well. According to the original novels' publisher Takarajimasha, while Endō never specified the location in the series' original li...
Japanese Comic Ranking, October 3-9
Haikyu!!, Natsume's Book of Friends, Nisekoi, Toriko, March comes in like a lion in top 5
― Rank Title Est. Weekly Copies Est. Total Copies Release Date Publisher Author Highest Rank Weeks on List 1 Haikyu!! 23 478,598 479,316 2016/10 Shueisha Haruichi Furudate 1 1 2 Natsume's Book of Friends 21 225,320 225,320 2016/10 Hakusensha Yuki Midorikawa 2 1 3 Nisekoi 25 157,830 157,830 2016/10 Shueisha Naos...
Girlish Number ‒ Episode 1
"Girlish Number tempers its sharp jabs at the anime industry with a lot of charming character and comedy."
Japan's Video Game Rankings, October 3-9
Monster Hunter Stories, BlazBlue: Centralfiction games ship
― Japan's Game Ranking: October 3-9 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 4Gamer Reader Review 13DS Monster Hunter Stories Capcom October 8 140,603 140,603 2PS4 BlazBlue: Centralfiction (Including Limited Editions) Arc System Works October 6 20,608 20,608 3PS4 Persona 5 (Including Limited, Bundled Editions) Atlus Se...
Britney Spears' Son Dresses as Frieza for Halloween
Pop diva and mother of two Britney Spears showed off one of her sons' Halloween costume on her official Twitter account on Wednesday. The boy opted to spook things up as one of Goku's most nefarious adversaries, Frieza. By the looks of it, he's got some impressive moves in store for any cardboard Z Fighters he comes across. My son is Lord Frieza pic.twitter.com/J0aaUmUEej— Britney Spears (@britney...
Fake Browser Update Redirect
We're angry about the redirects that some of you are getting, and you can help us get rid of them...
― We're aware that a small number of ANN's US based readers have been redirected to fake-browser-update websites while visiting ANN. These redirects can look something like this: If you receive one of these messages, most importantly: do not install anything!. Today we've made a change to the way cert...
World of Final Fantasy Game's Opening Movie Streamed (Updated)
PS4, PS Vita game gets demo next week in Europe, N. America, Japan before launch
― Square Enix's North American YouTube channel streamed the World of Final Fantasy game's cinematic anime opening on Wednesday. Aoi Mizu (also known as mizuki from her performance of the second Aldnoah.Zero opening theme) performed the opening theme song "Innocent²," composed by Ryo Yamazaki. Square Enix will release a d...
Bamboo Blade Writer Launches Master Grape Manga
Akira Takahashi draws weapons-based fighting manga
― The November issue of Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday launched Masahiro Totsuka (Bamboo Blade) and Akira Takahashi's Master Grape manga on Wednesday. Totsuka is in charge of the story, and Takahashi is drawing the series. The manga's first chapter includes an opening color page. Monthly Shonen Sunday's official website describes Master Grape as ...
Director of Kaiju Girls, Re:Zero Gag Anime Shorts is a Veterinarian By Day
Minoru Ashina is the creative mind behind a bevy of comedic shorts like Kaiju Girls, Re:Zero and Macross Delta and the ONA episodes for Lord Marksman and Vanadis. Despite all of his animation ventures, he had another very different job by day. He's a veterinarian at Tsukuba Minopu Animal Hospital in Tsukuba city, Ibaraki Prefecture. He started animating in the early 2000s when he made flash animat...
Sound! Euphonium 2 - Episodes 1-2
"I'm still not totally on-board with the new drama of this season, but it was still full of smartly framed and beautifully executed scenes."
XSEED Games to Release Corpse Party 3DS Port on October 25 (Updated)
North American game publisher XSEED Games announced on Wednesday that its release of the Nintendo 3DS port of Corpse Party is slated for October 25. The company will release Exile's End for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita on the same day. Corpse Party will get a "Back to School Edition" physical release for US$49.99 and a digital release via the Nintendo eShop for US$29.99. The physical release...
OLDCODEX Band Reveals More of Yorke's Injuries, Delays Concert
Painter/lyricist had concussion, rib fracture, injuries to hand & leg
― The official website for the rock band OLDCODEX reported on Wednesday more details on the injuries that band painter and lyricist Yorke (pictured right) sustained in a fall during Monday's concert. The website also announced that the band is delaying a concert that was scheduled for Saturday. The band was performing on Monday at ...
Gatchaman Crowds Insight's English Dub Cast, Preview Clip Unveiled
Chelsea McCurdy, Bryson Baugus, Jay Hickman join returning cast members
― Sentai Filmworks announced the English dub cast for Gatchaman Crowds Insight on Wednesday, and began streaming a dub clip featuring J.J. Robinson and Tsubasa Misudachi. The main English cast members are returning from the first season. Kyle Jones is again directing the dub, and Jones and George Manley are co-writing the dub scr...
One Piece Manga Gets New 'Holographic' Anime in 2017
2014 Holographic Battle Theater project also returns in enhanced update
― A new One Piece VR Theater production has been green-lit for next year. The project is the first effort in the collaboration between the anime of Eiichiro Oda's pirate manga and DMM VR Theater, a venue that uses "holographic" technology for virtual concerts and other events. To celebrate the new project, the theater is screenin...
Kyoto Animation's A Silent Voice Film Sells 1.25 Million Tickets for 1.63 Billion Yen
Filmgoers get postcards with art by character designer Futoshi Nishiya
― Kyoto Animation's anime film of Yoshitoki Ōima's A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) manga has sold 1,253,393 tickets for 1,634,327,300 yen (about US$15.787 million) as of October 11. (Monday was a national holiday.) The film ranked #4 in the Japanese box office in its fourth weekend. Starting October 15, participating theaters will...
Your Daily Streaming Reviews Schedule: Fall 2016
The results are in and we have your Daily Streaming Reviews schedule for Fall 2016!
― This season's poll results have been tallied and we've put together the schedule for the Fall 2016 Daily Streaming Reviews! Due to lack of interest in the show, Lauren Orsini will be wrapping up her reviews of DAYS this Saturday. We may also add coverage of more fall anime based on future reader interest, so let us ...
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Heads to Smartphones This Winter
2007 Nintendo DS game ported to iOS, Android
― Capcom announced on Tuesday that it will release its Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney courtroom battle game on iOS and Android devices this winter. Capcom first released Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney under the title Gyakuten Saiban 4 on the Nintendo DS in Japan in 2007. Capcon then released it in English in 2008. As the English title indicates, this was the f...
God Eater Online Game's Opening Anime Footage by ufotable Posted
New Japanese rock band "touch my secret" performs "Get Your World" theme
― The official website for God Eater Online, the first smartphone game in the God Eater franchise, posted the game's opening animation sequence on Wednesday. The footage features animation by the franchise's frequent collaborating studio ufotable. It also features the song "Get Your World" by the new Japanese rock band touch my ...
Iron Man & Space Brothers Crossover Manga Printed in Women's Magazine
Space Brothers creator draws 17-page Marvel collaboration for FRaU
― Manga creator Chūya Koyama published a 17-page crossover one-shot between his Space Brothers manga and Marvel Comics on Wednesday. The collaboration ran in the November issue of FRaU, Kodansha's monthly magazine for women's fashion, culture, and lifestyle. The "#Special Tony to Mutta" (#Special Tony & Mutta) manga is part of the mag...
DAYS Soccer Manga Gets 1st Spinoff Manga
DAYS Gaiden omnibus manga focuses on a different character in every chapter
― Manga creator Saori Otowa launched DAYS Gaiden (DAYS Side Stories), the first spinoff manga of Tsuyoshi Yasuda's DAYS manga, in Kodansha's Magazine Pocket manga app on Wednesday. The manga is an omnibus of stories, switching its focus between different characters to tell the pasts and private lives of characters in the main...
Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters 3DS Game's Video Reveals December Release
New childhood friend character Naoto also revealed
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a promotional video for its Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters Nintendo 3DS game on Wednesday. The video reveals the game's December 1 release date, and also shows some parts of the game, including Appli Battles and the Applink feature, as well as a new character named Naoto, the protagonist's childhood frie...
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Game's Video Previews Online Play
Comedians demonstrate co-op gameplay for October game
― The official website for Bandai Namco Entertainment's Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC began streaming a promotional video for the game on Wednesday. The video shows comedians Natsu Andō, Kaz Laser, Yoshio Kojima, and Dandy Sakano creating characters and playing the game cooperatively. Bandai Namco Entertainment p...
Oscar-Nominated Tonko House Streams 'Moom' CG Short's 1st 90 Seconds
13-minute short adapts writer Genki Kawamura's picture book
― Tonko House — Daisuke "Dice" Tsutsumi and Robert Kondo's studio that produced the Oscar-nominated animated short "The Dam Keeper" — began streaming the first one and a half minutes of "Moom," the studio's 13-minute CG-animated short based on Genki Kawamura's (Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast producer) picture book of the same title. Th...
Crunchyroll Also Streams Girlish Number Anime
Anime premiered in Japan on October 6
― Crunchyroll announced on Tuesday that it will stream the Girlish Number television anime. The stream will begin on Wednesday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m. EDT, and will be available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Latin America. The show premiered in Japan on October 6. The Anime Network service is...
Alita: Battle Angel Film Casts X-Men: Apocalypse Actress Lana Condor
X-Men's Jubilee actress to play Koyomi
― Entertainment news magazine Variety reported on Tuesday that Lana Condor (X-Men: Apocalypse) is joining the cast of Alita: Battle Angel, James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez's live-action film of Yukito Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita (GUNNM) manga. Condor will play Koyomi, an orphaned teenage photographer in the manga. The film will star Rosa Salazar (Maze Runner:...
Tuesday, October 11
World of Final Fantasy Game Adds Rikku
Marika Matsumoto returns to voice Rikku in PS4/Vita game
― Kadokawa's Weekly Famitsu Magazine is confirming on Thursday that Square Enix's World of Final Fantasy PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game is adding the Final Fantasy X character Rikku. Marika Matsumoto returns to voice the "treasure-loving, energetic girl." Sōma Saito will play Lann and Sora Amamiya will play Reynn, the game's twin prota...
Collect All 9 of Naruto's Tailed Beasts from MegaHouse's GEM Figures
The tailed beasts and Naruto himself can be yours courtesy of MegaHouse's GEM line of figures. These super-deformed versions of the Chakra Monsters are extra cute and can be positioned to sit round-table style. The set includes a total of 11 figures, 10 tailed beasts (Shukaku, Matatabi, Isobu, Son Gokū, Kokuō, Saiken, Chōmei [two versions], Gyūki, and Kurama) and Naruto. Naruto measures 70mm whil...
Lovely Muco's Real-Life Counterpart Gets Photo Book
Shiba Inu are a popular dog breed known for both their undying loyalty and their high-profile meme status as "Doge". One particular Shiba has gained fans in Japan due in part to getting her own short anime series, Lovely Muuuuuuuco! The anime stars Muco, the pet of glassworker Komatsu, who lives in Akita Prefecture. The real Muco is the mascot dog for glass studio VETRO and has her own Twitter acc...
AKB48 Spawns STU48 Sister Group in Setouchi Region
New group representing 7 prefectures launches next summer
― The female idol group AKB48 announced during its "Unit Single Sōdatsu Janken Taikai" event in Kobe on Monday that it will spawn STU48, a new sister unit based in the Setouchi region. The new group will represent seven prefectures: Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Ehime, Okayama, Hyogo, Kagawa, and Tokushima. The new group will launch next summer. STU48...
Voice actress M.A.O Puts On Gantz Bodysuit to Promote Anime Film
Voice actress M.A.O suited up in a skin-tight black bodysuit to promote Gantz:O, the 3DCG anime film. M.A.O voices Anzu Yamasaki in the adaptation of the Osaka arc from Hiroya Oku's Gantz manga. The image appears in this year's 46th issue of Weekly Young Jump magazine. The issue also includes a gravure image of model Ayana "Ayanan" Takeda inspired by the film, although she opted for a bikini to fi...
Shinkai's 'your name.' Film Earns 14.56 Billion Yen to Top Last Samurai, E.T. in Japan
Also earns more than Armageddon, Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban at Japanese box ofice
― Update: Shinkai's your name. sold 513,000 tickets for 700 million yen (US$6.7 million) over Saturday and Sunday. (Monday was a national holiday.) Frozen was #1 for five weeks before being replaced by Detective Conan: Dimensional Sniper — only to return to the top for seven more weeks. Shinkai's your name. ...
North American Anime, Manga Releases, October 9-15
Wish Upon The Pleiades anime; How To Build A Dungeon: Book Of The Demon King manga ships
― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Hakuoki Season 1 BDPlease Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 October 11 Level E BD/DVD S.A.V.E. EditionCite Funimation Entertainment US$29.98 October 11 Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine BD/DVD Anime ClassicsAnimeNewsNetwork Funimation Entertainment US$44...
One Piece ‒ Episode 759
"Both Dogstorm and Cat Viper are pretty cool dudes, but I'm hoping we get some forward momentum again soon."
Sony Pictures Animation is Going Forward With Emoji Film
Sony Pictures Animation dropped nearly a million dollars last year to bring the likes of "thumbs up" and "poo" emojis to life on the big screen. Now the company is moving forward and has cast James Corden (Into the Woods), T.J. Miller (Big Hero 6, Deadpool), and Ilana Glazer (Broad City) into the film that is ultimately titled Emojimovie: Express Yourself. The movie is set for release on August 11...
Studio Ghibli Color Designer Michiyo Yasuda Passes Away
Lifetime Achievement Award winner worked on Nausicaä, Spirited Away, The Wind Rises, more
― Studio Ghibli color designer Michiyo Yasuda passed away last Wednesday due to an illness. She was 77. Yasuda began working with Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata on 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother (From the Apennines to the Andes) in 1976. She served as color designer on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and ...
Princess Maker Game Gets VR Version in 2017
Game based on Princess Maker 2 PC game allows players to interact with daughter
― South Korean game developer MGame announced during the Korea VR Festival 2016 event on Sunday that it is developing a Princess Maker game compatible with virtual reality headsets, tentatively titled Princess Maker VR, and slated for release in 2017. MGame is aiming to release the game on the PC and consoles. The game is...
Criminal Girls: Invite Only PC Release Confirmed, Slated for January
NIS America announced on Tuesday that it will release Criminal Girls: Invite Only on PC via Steam on January 11, 2017. NIS America released Criminal Girls: Invite Only — the PlayStation Vita version of the original Criminal Girls PlayStation Portable game — in the West in February 2015. The company announced in February that it planned to release the game for PC in April, but delayed the release. ...
Pokémon Prism is Next Fan Game Set for Release
Pokémon Prism is a fan-game that's a long time coming. Nsomniart and TPP Devs, as well as a staff of artists, musicians, developers, and designers have labored over the Pokémon Gold hack for eight years. The game serves as a sequel for Pokémon Brown, a 2004 Pokémon Red rom hack. In the fan game, the main character is the child of the Elite 4's Lance and ends up in the Naljo region after playing in...
Akiba's Trip 2 Game Gets Anime Edition for PS4
New version includes 1st episode of upcoming anime
― Game developer Acquire announced on Tuesday that it will release a new PlayStation 4 edition of its Akiba's Trip: Undead and Undressed (Akiba's Trip 2) game as a collaboration with the upcoming television anime adaptation. The new version, Akiba's Trip 2+A, will ship on January 5 in Japan with a download ticket for the anime's first episode. The ga...
OLDCODEX Artist/Lyricist Yorke Recovers From Losing Consciousness in Concert
Yorke fell off stage during encore performance on Monday
― Voice actor and OLDCODEX band vocalist Tatsuhisa Suzuki (pictured left in photograph) reported on his website that OLDCODEX's painter and lyricist Yorke (pictured right) fell and lost consciousness during a concert on Monday. During the encore performance of the song "kick out" at the Yamaguchi Civic Hall, Yorke fell off the stage and lost co...
Higanjima Vampire Manga Gets Net Anime Shorts
Sho Hayami voices all roles in 1st 3 episodes, before others voice all roles in last 9
― Higanjima X, a short anime adaptation of Kōji Matsumoto's vampire manga franchise Higanjima (Nirvana Island), will debut on the YouTube streaming service this Saturday, October 15. Each of the 12 anime shorts tells a self-contained, stand-alone story. The episodes adapt key scenes and dialogue from the manga with...
City Hunter Manga Gets New Chinese Live-Action Film
American Dream in China's Huang Xiaoming stars in film slated for December 2018 or later
― A live-action film adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo's detective comedy manga City Hunter has been green-lit for December 2018 or later in China. Huang Xiaoming (American Dream in China) stars, and Cheng Jiake (Detective Chinatown) is writing the script. Stanley Tong is serving as executive producer. The manga's right...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, October 3-9
Live-action Wolf Girl & Black Prince sells 5,715 + 2,475, followed by live-action Tesagure! Bukatsu-mono, B-Project, Arslan, Gintama event
― The first Premium Edition for the live-action film of Ayuko Hatta's shōjo manga Wolf Girl & Black Prince (Ōkami Shōjo to Kuro Ōji) sold 5,715 copies to debut at #1 on the overall DVD chart. The regular edition was #6 with 2,475 copies. The live-action Tesagure! ...
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, October 3-9
Love Live! Sunshine!! sells 4,839 more, followed by Love Live! μ's, Wolf Girl & Black Prince, Phantom World, Thunderbolt Fantasy
― Love Live! μ's Final Love Live! ~μ'sic Forever ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪~ Blu-ray Memorial Box sold 4,442 more copies for a new total of 75,627. It dropped from #1 to #7 in its second week on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. The live-action film of Ayuko Hatta's shōjo manga Wolf Girl & Bl...
Tawawa on Monday's Creator Comments on Anime's Removal From YouTube
Sword Art Online: Progressive manga artist Kiseki Himura will announce new stream when it is decided
― Kiseki Himura posted statements his Twitter account on Tuesday regarding the removal of the first episode in the short anime of his Getsuyōbi no Tawawa (Tawawa on Monday) illustrations. Kimura apologized for the late statement, and stated that he will not reupload the episode on his personal YouTube...
Shinkai's 'your name.' Tops Box Office For 7th Weekend
A Silent Voice drops to #4, Ushijima the Loan Shark to #9, Shin Godzilla to #10
― Update: Shinkai's your name. sold 513,000 tickets for 700 million yen (US$6.7 million) over Saturday and Sunday. (Monday was a national holiday.) Frozen was #1 for five weeks before being replaced by Detective Conan: Dimensional Sniper — only to return to the top for seven more weeks. Shinkai's your name. is now project...
Pokémon Go Players Account For 144 Billion Steps Taken in U.S.
Game may lead to increase in average life expectancy
― Microsoft Research published a study on October 6 that revealed that players of Pokémon Go account for an estimated 144 billion steps taken in its first 30 days of release in the United States. The study had a sample size of 1,500 players. The players queried for the study had an average age of 33, with 36.5% overweight and 28.2% obese. Typical u...
CLAMP's Tsubasa Manga Gets 2 Guidebooks, Art Book
Character guidebook, art book slated for November, story guidebook slated for December
― This year's 46th issue of Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine is announcing on Wednesday that CLAMP's Tsubasa, RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE manga will get two new guidebooks, as well as an art book. The first guidebook will center on the characters in the story. It will contain details on both main and minor characters, lis...
Voice Actor Kazunari Tanaka Passes Away at 49
Played roles in Haikyu!!, Planetes, Code Geass
― Talent agency Aoni Production announced on its website on Tuesday that voice actor Kazunari Tanaka passed away on Monday due to a hemorrhage in his brain stem. He was 49. Tanaka voiced roles in such anime as Haikyu!! (Keishin Ukai), Planetes (Hachimaki), Marmalade Boy (Tsutomu Rokutandou), Hell Teacher Nube (Katsuya Kimura), Code Geass: Lelouch of the ...
Boom Boom Satellites' Vocalist Michiyuki Kawashima Passes Away
Singer/guitarist on Kiznaiver, Gundam UC, Appleseed songs had been fighting 4th brain tumor relapse
― The official website of the band Boom Boom Satellites announced on Tuesday that vocalist/guitarist Michiyuki Kawashima (top in image right) passed away on Sunday, October 9 at 5:12 a.m. The singer had been suffering from partial paralysis as an aftereffect of his fourth brain tumor relapse. Family an...
Dragon Ball Super Begins Running in Europe, Middle East, Africa
Offered in Israel, Portugal, France, Italy, Spain, English-speaking Africa this fall & winter
― Toei Animation Europe announced on Monday that the Dragon Ball Super anime begins airing in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa between fall and winter. The show already launched in Israel through Nickelodeon, and in Portugal through SIC. The show will then air on Toonami in France, on Italia 1 and Italia ...
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