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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

Anime fans gather for FanimeCon 2011 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, CA.

Authors: Chris Taylor and Daisy Evans
Official Site: fanime.com

Fanime is one of the largest anime conventions in North America. Held in San Jose, CA during Memorial Day weekend, Fanime is a very fan centered convention and features many fan-run panels and events, as well as some notable guests of honor. The Japanese band FLOW was particularly popular. We heard people talking about their concert all weekend. The dealer’s hall and artist alley were both quite sizable and offered a large assortment of wares.
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Kei Kishimoto (Natsuna Watanabe) battles weird aliens in GANTZ. Photo courtesy of Japan Society. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

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

Next week sees the launch of the 2011 New York Asian Film Festival and Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema. Running from July 1-14 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and July 7 – 22 at Japan Society, the combined festival will feature dozens of films, international and world premiere screenings, Q&A’s with filmmakers, and other special events.

This year’s lineup a double feature of the new live action sci-fi movies GANTZ (前編, Gantsu, 2011) and GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011). Presented back-to-back and in the original Japanese with English subtitles, the screenings will mark the New York Premiere of the subtitled GANTZ and the North American Premiere of GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER. And if that’s not cool enough, our friends at NYAFF are offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win free tickets to see both movies!
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A living god challenges those who profit from war in THE GOD OF CLAY, a new Japanese short film making its world premiere this Thursday in Los Angeles.
Concept art by the late Tetsuzo Osawa, SFX production designer for the Heisei Godzilla films. Photo courtesy of Marbling Fine Arts. © 2011 Marbling Fine Arts

Veteran Toho SFX Director Helmed New Indie Giant Monster Short, Making Its U.S. Debut This Week
Author: Steve Ryfle
Translation: Oki Miyano
Special thanks to Toshiko Iwasaki, Norihiko Iwasaki, Dennis Bartok, and Elliot Gay

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

GOD OF CLAY co-director Koichi Kawakita supervising a special effects scene for
GODZILLA VS SPACE GODZILLA. © 1994 Toho Co., Ltd.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Koichi Kawakita brought Godzilla back to life. When he took over as special effects director of the long-running film series with GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE (ゴジラ VS ビオランテ, Gojira tai Biorante, 1989), Kawakita rejuvenated a franchise that was creatively and technically moribund and introduced a new-look Godzilla that redefined the monster for a whole new generation of fans worldwide. Kawakita went on to work on a total of six Godzilla movies, the last being GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH (ゴジラ VS デストロイア, Gojira tai Desutoroia, 1995).

More recently, Kawakita was a creative force behind a project that is decidedly smaller in scale yet has much in common with the Godzilla franchise, from the antiwar theme that propelled the original GODZILLA (ゴジラ, Gojira, 1954) to the traditional Japanese analog special-effects techniques that define the entire genre it begat. THE GOD OF CLAY (ねんどの神さま, 2009/2011) is a 13-minute short film that pays homage to the classic tokusatsu films and television shows of the 1950s and 60s. The film, on which Kawakita shares co-director credit with Nobuaki Sugimoto, has never been shown publicly, not even in Japan. Its world debut will be held at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23 at the Bigfoot Crest Theater in Westwood, CA.
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Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

Photo courtesy of BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions.
© 2011 AM².

From AM² representative Chase Wang…

I am writing to see if you would be willing to help us spread the word of AM² being held July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Over this past weekend, individuals hacked into our website and put up a very incorrect and false statement claiming that our event was “Cancelled” and that all our guests were going over to a different event. THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE.

I am extremely disappointed that there are individuals out there that are so willing to stoop to such levels to disrupt and harm our event after all the work and planning that has been done to bring as much fun to our attendees as possible. We’ve beefed up our security a bit to prevent this issue from happening again. Sorry for the inconvenience and scare. AM² is NOT cancelled. It is still happening and it will rock. See you there!
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Huge Festivals Return to New York City with Screenings of 70 Asian Films
Source: Subway Cinema, Japan Society
Special Thanks to Kristen Osborne, Grady Hendrix, and Shannon Jowett

Beginning July 1st, New York City once again plays host to America’s leading large-scale festival of popular Asian cinema. Subway Cinema’s New York Asian Film Festival (July 1-14) and Japan Society’s Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema (July 7-22) combined will feature 70 different movies, world and US premieres, exclusive Q&A’s with filmmakers, and other special events. This year also marks the fifth annual collaboration between Japan Cuts and NYAFF, who will co-present several films at the Japan Society from July 7-10.
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Vash the Stampede is still getting into trouble in TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE, playing in theaters across the United States starting next month.
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

Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment are bringing TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE (トライガン The Movie 公式サイト, 2010) to the big screen in theaters across North America in Summer 2011. The film will be shown in Canada on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, and open in the United States beginning in July. The initial US release schedule has just been announced, with another wave of theaters to be revealed early next month.
Continued…

Quad poster for the upcoming UK theatrical release of award winning comedy SAWAKO DECIDES. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2010 PFF Partners

Source: Third Window Films, The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: kawasoko.com (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/sawako-decides (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Yuya Ishii’s award winning comedy SAWAKO DECIDES (川の底からこんにちは, Kawa no Soko Kara Konnichi Wa, 2010), comes out in cinemas this July at the ICA in London and various other regional UK sites. SAWAKO DECIDES was the 19th Pia Film Festival scholarship winner and was picked as official selection for both the Berlin Film Festival and London Film Festival (among many others). It made its North American premiere at the 2010 New York Asian Film Festival/Japan Cuts, and won awards for ‘Best Film’ and ‘Best Actress’ at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

The film stars the critically acclaimed actress Hikari Mitsushima, who started her career as a child star in REBIRTH OF MOTHRA II (モスラ2 海底の大決戦, Mosura Tsuu Kaitei no Daikessen, 1997) before moving on to genre favorites such as ULTRAMAN MAX (ウルトラマンマックス Urutoraman Makkusu, 2005) and the DEATH NOTE films (2006). In recent years she has established herself with quirky performances in cult hits like LOVE EXPOSURE (愛のむきだし, Ai no Mukidashi, 2009) and KAKERA: A PIECE OF OUR LIFE (カケラ, Kakera, 2010). Mitsushima continues that trend with SAWAKO DECIDES, a touching story about “normal” life and trying to assert oneself in society.
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25 Years of Storytelling and Pioneering New Paths in Global Entertainment
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui, Candice Uyloan, and Erik Jansen

Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 VIZ Media, LLC

VIZ Media, the largest distributor of anime and manga in the North America, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary on July 7th, 2011. Over its 25 year history, VIZ Media has led the transformation of manga and anime from a niche category sold only at specialty retailers into a mass media phenomenon popularized on Cartoon Network, Hulu and iTunes, and available at Barnes & Noble and Walmart. Today, VIZ Media is North America’s largest distributor of anime and manga, and is leading the global anime and manga industries to their digital futures. To celebrate 25 years of pioneering new paths in global entertainment and publishing, later this year VIZ Media will be unveiling new properties, marketing programs, and distribution partnerships.

“For 25 years, VIZ Media has been telling stories that resonate with audiences and fans all over North America,” said Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. “Even after two-and-a-half decades of explosive growth, we still see tremendous potential to adapt, grow and leverage our library of world-renowned and beloved characters. With a full slate of new anime and manga releases planned this year, VIZ Media has something for everyone.”
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Anime Film Blasts into Canada on June 22nd
Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/trigun (US), trigun-movie.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

Poster art for TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE. Photo courtesy
of Eleven Arts. © 2010 Yasuhiro Naito/ Trigun the Movie
Production Committee

Cineplex Entertainment, Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment are bringing TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE (トライガン The Movie 公式サイト, 2010) to the big screen at participating theaters across Canada on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 7 p.m. local time. The film will open in the United States in July, with US theaters to be announced in two weeks.

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. The story and designs have been renovated for this animated film so that not only longtime fans, but people who haven’t read the original manga or seen the animated TV series could enjoy the work.
Continued…

Photo courtesy of BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions. © 2011 AM².

Passports, New Guests of Honor, Movie Premieres, and More at Animation, Manga, and Music Festival
Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press releases
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

AM², the highly-anticipated animation, music and manga convention coming this 4th of July weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California, has announced some new additions to the festival lineup and revealed the cover design for the 3 Day Passport which gives holders exclusive access to events plus major discounts to Disneyland, Best Buy, Macys, and other Southern California venues, retailers, and restaurants.

Akihiko Yamashita and Miho Shimogasa, the celebrated Character Designers of GIANT ROBO: THE ANIMATION-THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, CUTEY HONEY FLASH, GRAVITATION, THE PRINCE OF TENNIS, POWERPUFF GIRLS Z and Animation Directors of SAILOR MOON SUPERS, SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS, SAILOR MOON SUPERS PLUS-AMI’S FIRST LOVE, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, PONYO, Studio Ghibli’s latest animated feature FROM KOKURIKO HILL are added to the Guests of Honor. Yamashita-san and Shimagosa-san join current Guests of Honors Scandal, Sadie, Kanon Wakeshima, kanon x kanon, heidi., Gashicon, IBI and MINT with more to be announced soon!
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Source: FanimeCon press releases
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le

Rock star Yoshiki will attend for a panel and autograph session on Saturday, May
28th.

FanimeCon 2011 takes place this Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30, 2011) at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113). Registration opens 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27, and Closing Ceremonies ends at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 30. In between, the fun continues nonstop for people with full-weekend memberships (available for $60 at the convention). Guests of Honor for 2011 include GAINAX co-founder Hiroyuki Yamaga, Japanese rock legend Yoshiki, popular idol Halko Momoi, musical performer Yuya Matsushita, pop band FLOW, prolific voice actor Tohru Furuya, designer GASHICON, manga creator Ryusuke Hamamoto, anime director Seiji Mizushima, and animator/artists Takahiro Yoshimatsu, Fumio Iida, and Mamoru Yokota.
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Manga Entertainment celebrates its 20th anniversary with Katsuhiro Otomo’s masterpiece AKIRA on DVD and— for the first time ever in the United Kingdom—Blu-ray.
Cover art courtesy of The Associates. © 1988 Akira Committee

The Anime Classic Gets a Major UK Re-release
Source: The Associates press release

Key art for AKIRA. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 1988 Akira Committee

To coincide with Manga Entertainment’s 20th anniversary celebrations, in June 2011 the company will be releasing on Blu-ray— for the first time ever in the United Kingdom— the movie that started it all and defined the Manga brand as one of the world’s leading anime distributors… Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic AKIRA! Prior to the Blu-ray release, the film will also open at selected UK cinemas, giving fans the chance to see this “lavish animation extravaganza” (Variety) in all its big screen glory.

AKIRA (cert. 15) will open at selected UK cinemas on 24th June 2011 and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on 27th June 2011. A special limited edition collectors’ SteelBook containing both the DVD and the Blu-ray disc will also be available from 27th June.

Special Features include: Digitally Remastered Feature; 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation; English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, English Stereo 2.0 and Japanese Stereo 2.0 audio options; optional English, Norwegian, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish and Swedish subtitles.
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Concert to Feature the World’s First Digital Diva Performing in 3D
Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release
Official Site: anime-expo.org
Special Thanks to Jim Yeager and Roberta Silverman

Hatsune Miku. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © SEGA.
© Crypton Future Media, Inc.

Hatsune Miku, a Japanese virtual pop idol whose computer-generated singing and holographic performances have sparked a new form of musical entertainment, will thrill U.S. audiences for the first time when she performs live in concert at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration in Los Angeles from July 1 – 4, 2011. In addition to her live concert, Hatsune Miku will be Anime Expo’s first Virtual Guest of Honor.

A digital diva famous worldwide for her ankle-length aqua-colored pigtails and distinctive voice, Hatsune Miku will light up the stage at Nokia Theatre on July 2nd in her U.S. live concert debut presented by The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, Crypton Future Media, Inc., SEGA Corporation, Tokyo Kawaii Magazine (ASCII Media Works) and Toyota Motor Sales, USA.

“Fans in North America have been clamoring for Miku to perform here and we have listened,” said Marc Perez, Chairman and CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo. “We’re extremely excited to be able to present this 21st Century star at Anime Expo in what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”
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Animation director, character designer, illustrator, game creator, and manga artist Fumio Iida— whose credits include EVANGELION: 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT)
ADVANCE— is the latest Guest of Honor added for FanimeCon. © 2009 Khara

New Guest of Honor and Featured Charities Announced
Source: FanimeCon press releases
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le

FanimeCon has provided some press updates regarding this year’s event, taking place Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30, 2011) at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113).
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Concerts, Fashion Shows and Masquerade Dates and Times Revealed! Priority Seating for Passport Holders!
Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

Photo courtesy of BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions.
© 2011 AM².

AM², the highly-anticipated animation, music and manga convention this coming 4th of July weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California, announces their Main Event schedule with date and information regarding events such as the Masquerade and the daily schedule of concert acts involving the superstars of Japan including heidi., Kanon Wakeshima, kanonxkanon and Scandal! “With only 1,500 Main Event seats, attendees will be ‘up close and personal’ with artists moreso than ever in an intimate setting”, states Chase Wang AM² representative.

Entrance to the event is free, but attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by obtaining 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.

Chase Wang explains, “Fans should obtain their Passports to increase their chances of obtaining a seat at their favorite concert or main event. Get your Passports today and experience the difference!”
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The popular UK label Manga Entertainment celebrates their 20th Anniversary with new DVD/Blu-ray releases, product lines, and events.
Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 2011 Manga Entertainment, LLC

UK Anime Label Celebrates Two Decades as Market Leader
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: manga.co.uk

Manga Entertainment, the UK’s leading purveyor of Japanese animation, celebrates two decades as film producers, market leaders and video distributors for such acclaimed animation classics as AKIRA, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE. The first and best anime distributor in the UK, Manga Entertainment remains at the forefront of modern media, part of a whirlpool of social networking trends and new forms of fun.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of AKIRA on UK video, Manga Entertainment is releasing Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic in an all-new Blu-ray edition. But that’s not all!
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Old-school Japanese monster action is back on the big screen in THE GOD OF CLAY, the new short film by FX crew members from the Godzilla and Ultraman series.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Bartok. © 2011 Marbling Fine Arts

Daikaiju Double Feature on June 23rd
Source: Bigfoot Crest Theater
Special Thanks to Dennis Bartok

On Thursday, June 23, the Bigfoot Crest Theater in Westwood, CA (near UCLA) will present a special giant monster/Godzilla-themed film event featuring the World Premiere of the Japanese giant monster short film THE GOD OF CLAY produced by Marbling Fine Arts, co-directed by Godzilla FX master Koichi Kawakita and featuring a veritable Who’s Who of some of the greatest names in Japanese monster special effects. Also on the schedule is a 35 mm screening of the classic Toho movie GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER.

Between the films there will be short discussion on the making of THE GOD OF CLAY and the history of Japanese giant monster movies with producer Norihiko Iwasaki of Marbling Fine Arts, Godzilla expert Steve Ryfle (Classic Media’s Toho Master Collection, Sony’s ICONS OF SCI-FI: TOHO COLLECTION) and film restoration expert Oki Miyano (RASHOMON).
Continued…

Photo courtesy of FanimeCon. © 2011 FanimeCon.

Four Days of Japanese Anime and Pop Culture in San Jose this Memorial Day Weekend
Source: FanimeCon press releases
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le

FanimeCon is Northern California’s largest anime convention. Packed with videos, costumes, music, games, parties, tournaments, panels, and guests from around the world, this annual celebration of Japanese art and popular culture entertains a colorful spectrum of fans and friends. Over 16,000 enthusiasts joined FanimeCon 2010, and FanimeCon will return to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113) during Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30, 2011.
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Hayao Miyazaki’s classic PORCO ROSSO is among the films and anime series screening at this year’s AM² convention. © 1992 Nibariki • TNNG

Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

AM², the highly-anticipated animation, music and manga convention taking place July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California, has revealed some of the titles (with more to come) that will be screened at this year’s event.
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Source: Subway Cinema press release
Special Thanks to Grady Hendrix

DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME. Photo courtesy
of Sushi Typhoon. © 2010 H Brothers Media

America’s leading large-scale festival of popular Asian cinema celebrates its tenth anniversary with the New York Asian Film Festival 2011. Taking place at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater (July 1 – 14) and Japan Society (July 7 – 10), the festival will once again feature dozens of movies, world and US premieres, exclusive Q&A’s with filmmakers, and other special events. This year also marks the fifth annual collaboration between JAPAN CUTS and NYAFF.

The full line-up and Star Asia Awards recipients will be announced May 26.
Continued…

Vash the Stampede is back in the new anime film TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE, opening in North American theaters this June.
Photo courtesy of Eleven Arts. © 2010 Yasuhiro Naito/ Trigun the Movie Production Committee

Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/trigun (US), trigun-movie.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

Poster art for TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE. Photo courtesy
of Eleven Arts. © 2010 Yasuhiro Naito/ Trigun the Movie
Production Committee

Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment are bringing the feature length followup film to the popular TRIGUN anime series, TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE (トライガン The Movie 公式サイト, 2010), to the big screen in theaters across North America in Summer 2011.

Eleven Arts is the company that has brought you such celebrated Japanese films as MEMORIES OF TOMORROW starring Ken Watanabe and Yoji Yamada’s LOVE AND HONOR. FUNimation Entertainment is known for releasing quality anime titles to the American market, and they have handled such popular titles as DRAGON BALL and FULL METAL ALCHEMIST. This past January, Eleven Arts and FUNimation partnered for the North American theatrical release of EVANGELION: 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE (Evangelion Shin Gekijoban: Ha, 2009).

TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE will open in June, 2011 in Canada and July, 2011 in the US. The film will be shown both in Japanese (with English subtitles) and English dubbed versions.
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Photo courtesy of BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions. © 2011 AM².

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

Located in Anaheim, California, ­ AM² is a 3-day, 24 hour event with no general attendance/badge purchase requirement and is aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. Established in 2010, AM² will be held on July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. AM² current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, World Cosplay Summit, Rum Party Pirates, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, AniMaid Café, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more! Entrance to the event is free, but attendees can avoid the huge lines by obtaining 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.
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Director Takashi Miike remakes the classic 1963 samurai period action-drama THE THIRTEEN ASSASSINS. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 13 Assassins Film Partners

Takashi Miike’s Violent Samurai Tale Opens in Cinemas May 6th
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: 13assassins.jp (Japan), 13assassins.com (US)

Takashi Miike, the director responsible for such uncompromising and unforgettable movies as AUDITION and ICHI THE KILLER indelibly stamps his trademark style on the Samurai genre with the ultra-violent, all-action, blood-spattered epic 13 ASSASSINS (十三人の刺客, Jusan-nin no Shikaku, 2010).

Nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the 2010 Venice International Film Festival, 13 ASSASSINS was also nominated for 10 Japanese Academy Awards including those for Picture of the Year, Director of the Year, Screenplay of the Year and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Koji Yakusho).
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