Come Perform Onstage as Your Favorite Japanese Superhero
Source: Anime Jungle
Special Thanks to Tetsu Shiota and Yoichi Kakuma

Photo courtesy of Anime Jungle.

On Saturday, November 5th, the collector’s shop Anime Jungle in Los Angeles, CA will host their first HENSHIN CONTEST for costumers/cosplayers to perform a short onstage skit with a Kamen/Masked Rider, Super Sentai/Power Rangers, or other Costumed Heroes theme. The contest will take place at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) during the opening reception for the KAMEN RIDER VS SUPER SENTAI Anniversaries Tribute Exhibition (co-sponsored with with Q-POP) in downtown LA’s Little Tokyo.

Cosplayers who wish to participate in the Henshin Contest can register at either of Anime Jungle’s Los Angeles locations or online. Complete contest details can be found at animejungle.net/henshin. The top three performances will have their choice of three prizes, all related to Kamen Rider or Super Sentai. Anime Jungle invites everyone to come see a great show by fans, for fans.
Continued…

NARUTO Voice Actress, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS Premiere, Panel Discussions, Booth Activities And Giveaways
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

TIGER & BUNNY co-creator Masayuki Ozaki will attend.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 Sunrise/ T&B
Partners, MBS

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced a packed schedule of events, panel discussions, promotional giveaways, theatrical film premieres, and rare guest appearances for the 2011 New York Comic Con, taking place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 13th – 16th. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 932.

The annual New York Comic Con is the largest gathering on the East Coast dedicated to comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Complete details on New York Comic Con is available at newyorkcomiccon.com.

This year, VIZ Media is proud to welcome Junko Takeuchi, the Japanese voice of Naruto, who will participate in a special NARUTO SHIPPUDEN panel discussion on Friday, October 14th from 1:15pm to 2:15pm in Room 1A22. Come welcome the actress for her first-ever U.S. appearance, and hear her experiences performing the voice for the world’s most popular ninja!

VIZ Media is pleased to welcome Masayuki Ozaki of Sunrise, the co-creator and Executive Producer of the hit anime TIGER & BUNNY, currently streaming on VIZAnime.com. He will participate in a can’t-miss TIGER & BUNNY panel discussion, taking place on Sunday, October 16th from 1:15pm to 2:15pm in Room 1A03.
Continued…

Japanese NARUTO Voice Actress Junko Takeuchi to Attend Special Premiere Event Held During 2011 New York Comic Con
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: naruto.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Key art for NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © Masashi Kishimoto /2007
Shippuden © NMP 2008

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, complements its presence at the 2011 New York Comic Con with the exclusive U.S. theatrical premiere of the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN feature film, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (劇場版 NARUTO−ナルト− 疾風伝 絆, Gekijooban Naruto Shippuuden: Kizuna, 2008). The English subtitled anime will screen on Saturday, October 15th at 7:00pm at the New York School of Visual Arts Theatre. A special pre-show red carpet event featuring Japanese voice actress Junko Takeuchi, who provides the original voice for Naruto, will take place at the theatre beginning at 6:00pm.

Comic Con attendees can secure free tickets to the premiere at VIZ Media’s Booth #932. Check a schedule posted at the VIZ Media booth for the designated times for free ticket giveaways! The first 200 attendees in line for the premiere will receive a NARUTO plush toy. Premiere attendees will also receive a special VIZ Media Heroes Of Anime gift bag with an amazing assortment of goodies, including the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA IMPACT video game for the PSP (courtesy Namco Bandai), NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Collectable Card Game packs (courtesy Bandai America), NARUTO keychains (courtesy Great Eastern), and other assorted collectibles.
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A woman discovers that an old love has been reincarnated as a Kappa in UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL.
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2011 Rapid Eye Movies

Sex, Music, and Monsters in Zany New German/Japanese Movie
Source: Third Window Films press release
Official Movie Site: facebook.com/pinkmusical, thirdwindowfilms.com/underwater-love (UK)
Special Thanks to Claire Marty

On October 16th, British label Third Window Films will be hosting the UK premiere party for UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL (おんなの河童, Onna no Kappa, 2011).

Produced by Germany’s Rapid Eye Movies and Japan’s Kokuei Company, the film is a zany and whimsical tale of the romance between a woman and a sea creature. UNDERWATER LOVE was directed by pink-film veteran Shinji Imaoka (LUNCH BOX, FROG SONG), shot by Christopher Doyle – the famed cinematographer behind HERO and countless films by Wong Kar Wai – and was shot in 5 ½ days, one take only. It features an original score (in Japanese!) by the new wave/synth pop/punk rock/lo-fi, multi-lingual French-German duo Stereo Total. The movie promises to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: hagaren-movie.net (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith

Key art for FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF
MILOS. © 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/ Hagaren the Movie 2011

Following its July release in theaters in Japan, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS (鋼の錬金術師 嘆きの丘（ミロス）の聖なる星, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no Sei-naru Hoshi, 2011) now comes to the U.S.! The feature-length animated film, the second of the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST franchise, has begun its North American film festival run.

The movie, from the animation studio BONES, follows a fugitive alchemist with mysterious abilities who leads the Elric brothers to a distant valley of slums inhabited by the Milos, a proud people struggling against bureaucratic exploitation. Ed and Al quickly find themselves in the middle of a rising rebellion, as the exiled Milos lash out against their oppressors. At the heart of the conflict is Julia, a young alchemist befriended by Alphonse. She’ll stop at nothing to restore the Milos to their former glory – even if that means harnessing the awful power of the mythical Philosopher’s Stone.

All festival screenings will feature the English subtitled version of the film.
Continued…

Five SciFi Japan readers have won copies of the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition, courtesy of Mill Creek, Cheap DVD Packs, and SFJ!
Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © 2011 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Source: Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs
Special Thanks to Barrett Evans

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Our thanks to everyone who entered Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs, and SciFi Japan’s contest for the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set. We’ve received hundreds of entries, and the randomly chosen winners are:

Marcus Scoggins
Pete Quint
Zen Faulkes
Tyler Beasley
Jeffrey Jennings

Congratulations to the winners! Each of you has won a 2-disc Blu-ray collection of GAMERA: GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE (ガメラ 大怪獣空中決戦, Gamera Daikaiju Kuchu Kessen, 1995), GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF THE LEGION (ガメラ2 レギオン襲来, Gamera 2: Region Shurai, 1996) and GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999).
Continued…

An oil rig becomes the hunting ground for a sea monster in SECTOR 7, the new 3D Korean film now in limited theatrical release in North America.
Photo courtesy of CJ E&M Pictures and JK Film. © 2010 JK Film / CJ E&M Pictures

English Press Materials for New Korean 3D Monster Movie
Source: CJ E&M Pictures
Official Movie Site: sector7movie.blogspot.com (US), 2011sector7.co.kr (Korea)

Concept art for the final stage of the monster.
Photo courtesy of CJ E&M Pictures and JK Film.
© 2010 JK Film / CJ E&M Pictures

A special preview screening of SECTOR 7 in Los Angeles brought in a full house of viewers, anxious to see what happens to the crew on board the Eclipse. With a ton of action sequences and a monster that can withstand almost any assault, the audience was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film. It’s “Jaws meets The Host” said one, as the indomitable creature of the deep comes to terrorize the family-like crew stationed on Sector 7.

Having a similar premise to Bong Joon-ho’s THE HOST, this film takes the monster movie a step forward with its realistic 3-D effects and campy monster feel, which proved to be pure entertainment for all. For those who enjoy sci-fi and monster flicks, it is a “definite must-see” said fans of the genre.

With a “Really cool monster, some comedic moments, great action and special effects,” it’s a Korean film that strays from the norm and will keep you interested in finding out what is in store for the ill-fated crew on board.
Continued…

The hot new Japanese indie group, Galileo Galilei. © 2011 SME Records Inc.

CONTROL TOWER Inspired by and Named After Song by Indie Teenage Sensation Galileo Galilei
Source: Twisted PR press release
Official Movie Site: galileogalilei.jp/eiga (Japan)
Special Thanks to Tom Smith

Japanese poster art for CONTROL TOWER. © 2011 SME
Records Inc.

Hokkaido’s hottest new talent, Galileo Galilei, prepares for success in Britain as a film inspired by their music gets its European premier at London’s Raindance Film Festival 2011 on 9 October.

The four-piece indie-rock group blasted into the mainstream after dominating Japan’s ‘Senkou Riot’ teenage talent festival. Since then, their debut single has surpassed one million download sales and their first major label album gained top five success in the country’s Weekly Oricon Album chart.

Now, a film named after the first song they ever wrote, CONTROL TOWER (管制塔, Kanseitou, 2011), sets to capture the emotion behind the chords and translate the lyrics’ message in a medium that transcends the language barrier. Upon first hearing the song live in concert, director Takahiro Miki knew that he wanted to make a film from it.

“We were surprised and thrilled when we first heard about the project,” says vocalist Yuuki Ozaki. “Kanseitou was about those feelings we had as teenagers, battling against an overwhelming sense of hopelessness as time inevitably ticks on.”
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Korean 3D Monster Movie Opens in Select Cities in US and Canada
Source: CJ E&M Pictures
Official Movie Site: sector7movie.blogspot.com (US), 2011sector7.co.kr (Korea)

English language promotional art for SECTOR 7. Photo
courtesy of CJ E&M Pictures and JK Film. © 2010 JK Film
/CJ E&M Pictures

In a surprise move, the new Korean 3D monster movie, SECTOR 7 (7광구, Chil gwanggu) is now playing in limited theatrical release in North America. The US branch of the film’s Korean co-producer and distributor, CJ E&M Pictures, held a special preview screening of last week in Los Angeles before launching the film in eleven theaters across the United States and Canada.

North American Release Date: September 16th, 2011
Directed by: Kim Ji-hoon
Running Time: 112 minutes
Rating: NR not rated by the MPAA (US Rating) / 15+ (KOR Rating)
Language: Korean with English subtitles

Director: Kim Ji-hoon
Screenplay: Kim Hwee, Yoon Je-kyun
Production: CJ E&M, JK Film
Distribution: CJ E&M
Continued…

Iris and Gamera face off in a publicity shot for GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS. © 1999 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Get the Blu-ray Box Set for Free, Courtesy of Mill Creek, Cheap DVD Packs, and SciFi Japan!
Source: Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs
Special Thanks to Barrett Evans

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Contents of the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition Blu-ray
box set. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © 2011
Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

On September 27th, GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS and the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition will be released on Blu-ray in North America by Mill Creek Entertainment. Now, Mill Creek and their friends over at Cheap DVD Packs are offering SciFi Japan readers an early chance to win the GAMERA TRILOGY Blu-ray set, free of charge!

The GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition includes all three movies from the acclaimed 1990s Gamera series on two Blu-ray discs…

GAMERA: GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE (ガメラ 大怪獣空中決戦, Gamera Daikaiju Kuchu Kessen, 1995)
GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF THE LEGION (ガメラ2 レギオン襲来, Gamera 2: Region Shurai, 1996)
GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999)

Each movie is presented in a brand-new high-def transfer from original film elements provided by Kadokawa Pictures, owner of the Gamera franchise. Language options are Japanese 5.1 DTS HD audio, English dubbed 5.1 Dolby Digital audio, and English subtitles. The set also features a wealth of extras from all three films, including trailers, deleted scenes, cast and crew interviews, behind the scenes footage, FX tests, and much more! The complete running time is 6 hours and 26 minutes.
Continued…

A sampling of the many great Godzilla T-shirt designs you can win from Impact Merchandising and KAIJUCAST’s new “Feel The Impact” contest.
© 2010 Impact Merchandising/Toho Co., Ltd.

Source: Kyle Yount
Official Site: Kaijucast.com

Kyle Yount— an old friend of the SciFi Japan crew— recently contacted us about a great new Godzilla-themed contest we think SFJ readers will be interested in. Kyle runs the the informative and entertaining Japanese monster movie podcast called KAIJUCAST, and he’s teamed up with Impact Merchandising to give fans a chance to win $100 worth of product from Impact’s line of Godzilla shirts.

“I am a regular visitor to my local comic book shop and noticed a fair amount of new Godzilla shirts,” Kyle told SciFi Japan. “For a long time, I had no idea who was producing them, but they were well-designed and looked fantastic. Eventually I discovered that this company, who was giving Godzilla a LOT of attention, was named Impact Merchandising. I found their website and they were quite enthusiastic about getting the opportunity to spread the word about their selection. In turn, I was also excited to host a much larger scale contest with the KAIJUCAST. The result is the Feel The Impact contest.”
Continued…

The 3D version of the Korean box office smash THE HOST will make its world premiere next month at the Busan International Film Festival.
© 2006 Chungeorahm Film

Primary Korean Film Festival Puts Two Monster Movies on This Year’s List
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: Busan International Film Festival

The 3D version of Bong Joon-ho’s THE HOST (괴물 / Gwoemul, 2006) and Kim Ki-duk’s classic YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP (대괴수 용가리 / Daegoesu Yonggary, 1967) will be shown at this year’s Busan* International Film Festival (BIFF, October 6~14). The event is known to be one of the most prosperous Asian film festivals in the world, first launched in 1996.

THE HOST 3D will makes its world premiere as an entry in the Gala Presentation category of BIFF. YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP was chosen as one of nine movies for the festival’s Korean Cinema Retrospective category.
Continued…

Source: Japan Society
Official Site: filmsforhope.org
Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett

FIVE NUMBERS! (Norageki!). Photo courtesy of Japan Society.
© Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

New York, NY – Conceived and developed in response to the disasters following the March 11 earthquake in Japan, Films for Hope is a showcase of thrilling, diverse short animated films from around the world celebrating the creativity of artists inspired by Japanese animation techniques and storytelling.

Taking place Sunday, September 11, at Japan Society, Films for Hope commemorates the half year point after the earthquake, as well as the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

“This is a time of mourning and remembrance in the U.S. and Japan, with rebuilding efforts in both countries still underway,” notes curator Justin Leach. “This series of films captures the spirit of possibility and the incredible invention that ushers us through seemingly insurmountable challenges and makes us more resilient on the other side of tragedy.”

With over 30 shorts from countries such as France, Spain, the U.K. Germany, Poland, Taiwan, China, Canada, the U.S. and Japan, the festival features the East Coast premiere of Pixar’s latest animated short film, LA LUNA. Director Enrico Casarosa appears in person to discuss the creation and production of LA LUNA, as well as his efforts to help Japan through grassroots fundraising.

In addition, Dai Sato presents his new animated feature FIVE NUMBERS! (Norageki!), a U.S. premiere, and discusses his efforts to help those impacted by the earthquake and share his thoughts on how the disasters will impact Japan’s animation industry in the years to come.
Continued…

This September and October, the Korean Cultural Service New York is hosting free screenings of (left to right) BLEAK NIGHT, END OF ANIMAL and MOSS,
three new highly-regarded Korean films. Photos courtesy of the Korean Cultural Service

Free NYC Screenings of Acclaimed New Korean Films
Source: Subway Cinema press release
Official Site: koreanculture.org

For some reason, a lot of really amazing movies never make it out of Korea. Critics go nuts for them, but for one reason or another they never get any love from overseas distributors. The Korean Cultural Service aims to correct that with this series of three amazing movies from 2010 and 2011 that deserve bigger audiences. The free screenings start tonight at Tribeca Cinemas.
Continued…

Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Special Thanks to Shio Toyoda and Erik Jansen

Three SciFi Japan readers have won a GANTZ DVD and
poster from NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. Photo
courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku
/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Thank you to everyone who entered NEW PEOPLE Entertainment and SciFi Japan’s GANTZ DVD + Poster Prize Pack contest. The three randomly drawn winners are:

Kevin deAntonio
Shannon Dagesse
Philip Kramer

Congratulations to the winners! Each of you will receive the GANTZ 2-Disc DVD Edition and poster. The prizes will be shipped soon so keep an eye on your mailboxes.

SciFi Japan has another contest lined up for September (Here’s a hint: it involves Blu-rays and a giant flying turtle). Check back soon for the official announcement!
Continued…

New Website to Promote Creative Life in Japan
Author: Keith Aiken
Official Site: gaijinchannel.com
Special Thanks to JR Lipartito and Jim Ballard

Logo for the new Gaijin Channel website. © 2011

SciFi Japan would like to alert our readers to a great new website. Debuting Thursday, September 1st, Gaijin Channel has been brought together by JR Lipartito (FOX BACKSTAGE PASS, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE) and a team of talented contributors in Japan to become a premiere creative community for Japanophile entertainment.

Gaijin Channel’s mission is to spread unique views on life in Japan as can only be told by those who come from or have been heavily influenced by other cultures. There is something unique about Japan that inspires the creative spirit, and Gaijin Channel is specifically designed to enable Japan-based creators to reach a global audience… not only by showing their work, but by sharing the creative process as well to connect with other creative minds in Japan.
Continued…

Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Special Thanks to Shio Toyoda and Erik Jansen

Win a GANTZ Prize Pack containing the poster and DVD.
Photo courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya
Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

On August 30th, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment is bringing the Japanese live action science fiction adventure GANTZ (前編, 2011) to DVD and Blu-ray in North America. The film is based on the hit manga series created by Hiroya Oku, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and was previously adapted in a 26 episode anime series. Directed by Shinsuke Sato (THE PRINCESS BLADE) and starring Kazunari Ninomiya (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) and Kenichi Matsuyama (DEATH NOTE, DETROIT METAL CITY), GANTZ made its world premiere in the U.S. with screenings held at over 330 theaters nationwide. The movie went on to top the Japanese box office for four consecutive weeks, grossing over $40 million.

To celebrate the upcoming release, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment is giving SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a GANTZ Prize Pack containing the 2-Disc DVD Edition and a poster.
Continued…

Striking quad poster design for the upcoming UK theatrical release of the Japanese Academy Award winning thriller VILLAIN.
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2010 Toho Co., Ltd., Amuse Inc.

Source: Third Window Films, Rabbit Publicity
Official Movie Site: akunin.jp (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/villain (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel and Davide Previti

Lovers Yuichi Shimizu (Satoshi Tsumabuki) and Mitsuyo Magome (Eri Fukatsu) are
on the run. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2010 Toho Co., Ltd., Amuse Inc.

With over twenty companies bidding for the film adaptation rights, and many of Japan’s top directors vying for the project, Lee Sang-il’s adaptation of Shuichi Yoshida’s award-winning novel Villain was one of the most hotly anticipated films of 2010. A critical hit at festivals both at home and abroad, VILLAIN swept the board at the Japan Academy Awards, receiving fifteen nominations in thirteen categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Score, and winning awards in all four acting categories. VILLAIN was also selected by the famous Kinema Junpo critics’ organization as best Japanese film of the year.

Directed by Lee Sang-il, whose inspirational and hugely popular HULA GIRLS (2006) won Best Picture at the Japanese Academy Awards, VILLAIN boasts a stellar cast headed by Satoshi Tsumabuki (THE MAGIC HOUR) and Eri Fukatsu (who won the Best Actress award at the 2010 Montreal World Film Festival for her stunning performance), with support from Hikari Mitsushima (LOVE EXPOSURE), Kirin Kiki (STILL WALKING), Akira Emoto (APRIL BRIDE), and Masaki Okada (CONFESSIONS). The music is composed by world-renowned Joe Hisaishi, who has scored many films by Hayao Miyazaki and Takeshi Kitano. VILLAIN will open in cinemas in the UK on August 19th through Third Window Films.
Continued…

MOTHRA 50th Anniversary Film Festival
Author: Tom Dougherty, Clawmark Toys

Actress Maya Fujisawa poses with a prop from REBIRTH OF MOTHRA.

The Ginza area of Tokyo is known as an entertainment district and it is only fitting that it was the site for a 50th anniversary celebration of the creation and release of the first ever Mothra movie in 1961. And what more fitting for a celebration of this exciting Japanese Kaiju film than an entire day devoted to Mothra films and the exciting stars that helped make the magic.

I had attended Kaiju film festivals in this Ginza Theater before and so I knew I was going to be in for a treat. The Cast Co. of Japan’s Nagata Daisuke and his wonderful hard working staff along with several other movers and shakers in the Japanese Kaiju movie fan world came together and made sure this was going to be a fitting MONSTER celebration! Since the earthquake, tsunami and related disaster, much of Tokyo is either doing without air conditioning or living with reduced air conditioning to save power. The theater was no exception and I was very glad I had worn my handy dandy light weight Clawmark Toys Tee shirt for the occasion! It was going to be warm, but lots of FUN!
Continued…

The shoulder to shoulder crowds of Wonderfest. Photo courtesy of Clawmark Toys.

Clawmark Does Wonderfest
Author: Tom Dougherty, Clawmark Toys

WONDERFEST! The name says it all! I have had the good fortune to experience many Japanese Toy and Model shows in both Osaka and Tokyo over the years, but nothing quite compares to Wonderfest. An enormous event like Wonderfest is of course held in the enormous complex called Makhuhari Messe. I only had to ride a train for about two and a half hours through Tokyo and past Disneyland to arrive at the station and begin the walk.
Continued…

Pop Culture Celebration Features Japanese Fashion Designers, Film & Anime Premieres, and the “Vocaloid” Phenomenon
Source: MediaLab press release
Official Site: J-pop.com
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

Logo for the 2011 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL. Photo courtesy of
NEW PEOPLE, Inc. © 2011 NEW PEOPLE, Inc.

NEW PEOPLE, San Francisco’s dynamic entertainment destination showcasing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture, has announced the expansion of its annual J-Pop Summit Festival. The 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival will take place August 27th- 28th across the city’s Japantown.

The weekend-long celebration brings back many popular attractions that have made the J-Pop Summit Festival a must-attend event for fashion, film, anime and music fans as well as hipsters, pop culture enthusiasts, Bay Area residents, and as tourists visiting the city. A dedicated web site is now available at J-pop.com and will feature regular updates.

“The expansion of the J-Pop Summit Festival is a result of the overwhelming support from our partners and sponsors and strong attendance by a wide array of people from all backgrounds and interests,” says Seiji Horibuchi, president of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “From rock music to fashion shows, film premieres, interactive video game displays, and a special focus this year on the ‘Vocaloid’ music phenomenon, there will be something for everyone at this year’s event! We look forward to announcing more details and additional participants and sponsors in coming weeks.”
Continued…

Curated Digital Artwork Created with Autodesk SketchBook Apps will be Unveiled at VIZ Media 25th Anniversary Event at Comic-Con
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

ART FOR HOPE illustration by Sirron Norris. Photo courtesy
of VIZ Media.

VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, has announced a collaboration with Autodesk, Inc. to create a limited edition digital art book anthology that will be sold through VIZ Media’s Manga App, with 100% of VIZ Media’s net proceeds going to support disaster relief efforts in Japan. All of the artwork in the collection, titled ART FOR HOPE, will be created using Autodesk SketchBook digital paint and drawing software applications.

VIZ Media and Autodesk have already started working with artists to create works that deliver a message of hope to victims of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Artists interested in submitting work to be considered for the collection can email artforhope@viz.com. The VIZ Media editorial team, together with Autodesk’s team, will select and curate the selections for the digital anthology, which will be released later this fall exclusively through the VIZ Manga App, available on iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. VIZ Media will donate 100% of its net proceeds to the disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in Japan.
Continued…

VIZ Media Celebrates 25th Anniversary With a Full Slate of Activities, Panels, and Special Giveaways at Comic-Con
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

25th Anniversary logo for VIZ Media. Photo courtesy of and © 2011 VIZ Media.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, gears up for the 2011 Comic-Con International with a packed agenda of exciting events, product giveaways, panel discussions, interactive activities, and convention exclusives. Comic-Con is the nation’s largest comic book, science fiction and pop culture event, and takes place July 20-24 at the San Diego Convention Center, CA. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2813. Complete details on Comic-Con are available at comic-con.org.

VIZ Media’s Booth (#2813) will be a hub of continual activity on the main show floor. The VIZ MANGA APP is the latest technological innovation for digital manga comics for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Fans that drop by the booth and show the App installed on their Apple device will receive a special free tchotchkie as a ‘thank you’ from VIZ Media while supplies last.
Continued…

Eriko Ayukawa (Ayumi Ito) struggles with the mystery of GANTZ. Photo courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Japanese Sci-Fi Live-Action Film and New Sequel Set to Screen During 2011 San Diego Comic-Con
Source: MediaLab press release
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. that focuses on the licensing and distribution of Japanese films and media, has announced a series of special theatrical screenings of the live action sci-fi thriller GANTZ (前編, Gantsu, 2011) and its sequel, GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011), at the Pacific Gaslamp 15 Theatres in San Diego, CA.

GANTZ screens on Friday, July 22nd at 6:00pm and 9:00pm, while GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER screens on Saturday, July 23rd at 6:00pm and also at 9:00pm. Both films will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. The film screenings will take place during the 2011 Comic-Con International, the country’s largest comic book, science fiction and pop culture event, which takes place at the nearby San Diego Convention Center.
Continued…

Amelia returns in TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE, now playing in theaters across the United States. Photo courtesy of Eleven Arts.
© 2010 Yasuhiro Naito/ Trigun the Movie Production Committee

Anime Film Begins US Run on July 7th
Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/trigun (US), trigun-movie.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

The US theatrical run of the anime film TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE (トライガン The Movie 公式サイト, 2010) continues with several new theaters and screening dates announced by distributors Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment. The following screenings will be in addition to those listed in the previously announced schedule.

Set on a remote planet in the near future, TRIGUN is a popular sci-fi action anime series created by Yasuhiro Naito. It portrays the life and actions of a wanted man named Vash, an extreme pacifist by nature with the unique nickname the “Human Typhoon”. The movie TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE debuted on April 24th 2010 in Japan, and was a box office hit.
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Kei Kishimoto (Natsuna Watanabe) and Masaru Kato (Kenichi Matsuyama) confront a big threat in GANTZ. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Winners will See Both Movies for Free, Courtesy of NYAFF and SciFi Japan
Source: Subway Cinema/New York Asian Film Festival
Special Thanks to Kristen Osborne and Grady Hendrix

Thank you to everyone who entered New York Asian Film Festival and SciFi Japan’s contest for free passes to see GANTZ and GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER at NYAFF. The screenings takes place at the Japan Society on Saturday, July 9 starting at 12:30 pm. Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street (between First and Second avenues), New York, NY 10017. Their box office number is 212-832-1155.

The randomly drawn winning entries are:

Dylan Bach
Greg Cordaro

Congratulations to the winners!

Each of you has won a pair of tickets to see the double feature of GANTZ and GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER. Your passes will be available on the day of the show at the NYAFF table in the lobby of the Japan Society. Winners must present a photo ID in order to claim their prize.
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The Amano Monochromes; 1: Girl’s Profiile, 2: Boy, and 3: Lady with Sword will be auctioned to support Japanese disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Photos courtesy of NEW PEOPLE. © 2011 Yoshitaka Amano

3 New Bush Works by the Acclaimed Artist to be Auctioned at Special Event on July 9th
Source: NEW PEOPLE, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

Don’t miss a rare opportunity to own an original artwork by pop and anime artist Yoshitaka Amano as NEW PEOPLE presents Yoshitaka Amano: FOR JAPAN, a very special art exhibition and auction event at the venue’s SUPERFROG Gallery to fund ongoing Japanese disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. The special auction event is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Guests must RSVP here to attend. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post St. in San Francisco’s Japantown. Additional details are available at newpeopleworld.com/arts/yoshitaka-amano-for-japan.

Yoshitaka Amano has donated three striking new brush works on canvas to be auctioned for the tsunami and earthquake victims of Japan. Fully 100% of all proceeds will be received by the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund by JCCCNC.
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Woody Harrelson, Josh Hartnett, and Gackt star in the martial-arts action fantasy film BUNRAKU, which will have a sneak peek at AM² this weekend.
Photo courtesy of BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions.

3-Day Anime, Music, and Manga Event in Anaheim this 4th of July Weekend
Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press releases
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

Schoolgirls and maids will be back for the AniMaid Café. Photo courtesy of BAM!
Marketing, Publicity & Promotions. © 2011 AM².

AM² kicks off its 3-day, 24 hour event July 1st at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. Current Guest of Honors include Masao Maruyama, Sunao Katabuchi, Akihiko Yamashita, Miho Shimogasa, Scandal, Sadie, Kanon Wakeshima, kanon x kanon, heidi., Gashicon, IBI and MINT.

AM² activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, World Cosplay Summit, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Rum Party Pirates, Masquerade, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, AniMaid Café, AniMaid Café Host Club, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Entrance to the event is free, but attendees the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today.
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Dual language Anime Expo logo, courtesy of Anime Expo. © 1992-2011 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation.

New Guests, Musical Performers, and Events Added for Anime and Manga Festival
Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press releases
Official Site: anime-expo.org

Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration, has announced some new guests when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 1 – 4, 2011. Tetsuro Araki, Masayoshi Tanaka and Kentaro Hashimoto of Madhouse Studios will attend as Guests of Honor. The trio will be present for a special July 2nd screening of the acclaimed zombie apocalypse series HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD and will host a creator’s panel. Video game producer and developer Sohei Niikawa amd voice actress and singer Miyuki Sawashiro are also Guests of Honor while Takanori Aki, President of Good Smile Company, will be an industry guest. Additional Guests of Honor include the production team behind LASTEXILE -FAM, THE SILVER WING-, giving fans of the series a chance to meet and hear from Koichi Chigira, Makoto Kobayashi, Takaaki Suzuki from GONZO and Hiroyuki Birukawa from flyingDOG. They all join the Anime Expo 2011 guest line-up that includes chart-topping Japanese pop trio Kalafina, Japanese TV Host and blogger Danny Choo, voice actor Vic Mignogna and video game developer Sohei Niikawa, as well as Anime Expo’s first ever Virtual Guest of Honor, Digital Pop Idol Hatsune Miku.

Themed the “Year of the Fan,” Anime Expo 2011 will fully immerse guests into the world of Japanese animation, manga, music and fashion. Anime Expo is a non-stop marathon of Japanese pop culture that’s been likened to Halloween in July.
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Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/trigun (US), trigun-movie.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

Photo courtesy of Eleven Arts. © 2010 Yasuhiro Naito/ Trigun the Movie
Production Committee

Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment will launch a fun WANTED campaign on Facebook in advance of the US release of TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE (トライガン The Movie 公式サイト, 2010) opening from July 8th. Fans can visit the TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE Official Facebook Page today at noon to have their Facebook profile picture put in a TRIGUN “WANTED” frame.

Set on a remote planet in the near future, TRIGUN is a popular sci-fi action anime series created by Yasuhiro Naito. It portrays the life and actions of a wanted man named Vash, an extreme pacifist by nature with the unique nickname the “Human Typhoon”. The movie TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE debuted on April 24th 2010 in Japan, and was a box office hit.
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