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On August 7, 2017, the news came out that Haruo Nakajima, beloved Godzilla and Kaiju suit actor and a pioneer of the art, had passed away. Word spread through fandom quickly via social media and the outpouring a affection, grief and shock was amazing and heartfelt. At SciFi Japan, we felt a fitting tribute needed to be done and it was something that should not be rushed or thrown together. Over the last month we have been talking to people who worked closely with Mr. Nakajima to bring him to the US and around the world, to meet his fans and share his stories of the golden years of suit acting in Japanese films.
We start off with an overview of his life and career, written by author Ed Godziszewski, followed by remembrances from a variety of colleagues that traveled with him over the last few years. Continued…
Product Info and GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their giant monster figures scheduled for release in October and November 2017. Continued…
Godzilla of GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS shows his face!! The true form of Godzilla is finally revealed! Powerful battle scenes also revealed to the public! Visuals and preview trailer released!!
Toho Co., Ltd. and Polygon Pictures have released some updates for their upcoming anime film, GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS (GODZILLA 怪獣惑星, Gojira Kaijuu Wakusei) featuring the new poster art, details on additions to the voice cast, another batch of high-res images, and two edits of the latest theatrical trailer. Continued…
Toho Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and high-res images from their upcoming anime film, GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS (GODZILLA 怪獣惑星, Gojira Kaijuu Wakusei). Produced by Polygon Pictures, the first-ever high quality animation of the iconic monster roars onto screens in Japan this November from Toho, and worldwide exclusively on Netflix in late 2017/early 2018. Continued…
Funimation Entertainment is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a SHIN GODZILLA prize pack containing the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and a promotional poster. Continued…
Exclusive Large Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their Event Exclusive figures for the Tokyo hobby show, Wonder Festival. These items will be available at the X-Plus booth (#4-01) this Sunday, July 30th at Makuhari Messe exhibition center. Continued…
Product Info and GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd., Bandai Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto and Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized, high-res photos of two new Godzilla figures scheduled for this October. Released in collaboration with Bandai, the limited edition figures are based on Toho’s blockbuster hit SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016). Continued…
20th Pokémon Film Now Playing in Japan
Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: pokemon-movie.jp (Japan)
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Toho has provided press notes and high-res images from the 20th feature-length Pokémon anime, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: I CHOOSE YOU! (劇場版ポケットモンスター キミにきめた！, Gekijoo-ban Poketto Monsutaa Kimi ni Kimeta!), opening in theaters across Japan this weekend. Continued…
Starting in mid-June, the official Twitter page for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ KONG: SKULL ISLAND has been running weekly video updates revealing the history of Monrarch, the government organization introduced in GODZILLA (2014) and featured prominently in SKULL ISLAND. The videos provide background information and also tease upcoming additions to the shared Godzilla/Kong “MonsterVerse”. Continued…
Godzilla, King of the Monsters, is headed to Austin for “Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts” art show and exhibition at Guzu Gallery — a special SHIN GODZILLA inspired edition of the annual event celebrating the film’s North American home video release on August 1. Funimation is sponsoring “Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts” and its Opening Night Party which will take place on Friday, July 28 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy new and original works of kaiju art from 14 local, national and international artists, including, legendary sci-fi and fantasy artist Bob Eggleton who will also be appearing in-person as a celebrity guest.
As part of the opening event, Funimation will be distributing a select number of limited-edition posters of a commissioned Godzilla artwork created by nationally-renowned kaiju artist and Austin-area resident Matt Frank. The art show and exhibition will also feature a special display of Bandai and X-Plus Japanese import Godzilla action figures courtesy of toy distributor Bluefin. Some of these figures will be available for purchase. “Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts” will be on display from July 28 – August 21, 2017. Continued…
Product Info and GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto and Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their giant monster figures scheduled for release in September 2017. Continued…
ONE NATION UNDER GODZILLA
Source: El Rey Network press release
Special Thanks to Adriana Baco
Join El Rey Network for 96 hours of stomps, screams and slaughter. Watch Godzilla prove his title as King of the Monsters — with the El Rey premieres of GODZILLA (1998) and GODZILLA 2000 — as he faces mutant creations, three headed monsters, and more. This is one firecracker you don’t want to miss. Continued…
After opening in Japan last summer, Toho’s SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016) has played in cinemas around the world. The film’s international release continues this July in Italy. SciFi Japan previews this event with information, photos, poster art and a trailer, courtesy of Italian distributor, QMI / Stardust. Continued…
Following the global success of 2014’s GODZILLA and this year’s KONG: SKULL ISLAND, comes the next chapter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ cinematic MonsterVerse: an epic action adventure that pits Godzilla against some of the most popular monsters in pop culture history. Continued…
Last month, North American distributor Funimation Entertainment and Australian distributor Madman Entertainment announced they would be releasing Toho’s SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016) on home video in their respective territories. Both companies have now provided SciFi Japan with additional details as well as large, high-res packaging artwork for the various upcoming editions of the film. Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto
In July 2016, X-Plus and Bandai partnered on the first “Toho Tokusatsu (Special Effects) Museum” Limited Set, featuring palm-sized, high quality soft vinyl figures of the original 1954 Godzilla and the 2004 version from GODZILLA: FINAL WARS (ゴジラ ファイナルウォーズ, Gojira Fainaru Uoozu). This September sees the release of a second set, this time featuring the titular monsters from the classic MOTHRA VS GODZILLA (モスラ対ゴジラ, Mosura Tai Gojira, 1964). Continued…
Product Info and GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto and Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their giant monster figures scheduled for release in August 2017. Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of their giant monster figures scheduled for release in July 2017. Continued…
Source: NECA press release
Special Thanks to Summer Mullins
NECA continues to celebrate the most famous kaiju of all time! This version of the beloved monster is based on Godzilla’s “Atomic Blast” attack in the 2001 movie GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (ゴジラ・モスラ・キングギドラ 大怪獣総攻撃, Gojira, Mosura, Kingughidora: Daikaiju Soshingeki), a spectacular battle between Godzilla and some of his most famous foes. Continued…
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of their latest collaboration with Bandai; a limited edition figure of Mechagodzilla (aka Kiryu) from GODZILLA: TOKYO SOS (ゴジラ×モスラ×メカゴジラ SOS, Gojira Tai Mosura Tai Mekagojira Tokyo Esu Oo Esu, 2003). Continued…
Full-Color Releases For CASTLE IN THE SKY And PRINCESS MONONOKE Capture The Magic Of These Extraordinary Films
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, received cheers from thrilled attendees this past weekend during its official panel at Chicago’s premier pop culture and comics convention C2E2, where it announced the winter release of a pair of full-color picture books for the famed Studio Ghibli films CASTLE IN THE SKY (天空の城ラピュタ, Tenkuu no Shiro Rapyuta, 1986) and PRINCESS MONONOKE (もののけ姫, Mononoke Hime, 1997). Continued…
Press Notes For New Manga Adaptation
Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Fuji Television Network, Inc.
Official Site: teiichi.jp (Japan)
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Toho Co., Ltd. and Fuji Television Network, Inc. have provided information and large, high-res photos from their upcoming release, TEIICHI – BATTLE OF SUPREME HIGH – (帝一の國, Teiichi no Kuni). Toho is releasing the manga adaptation/political satire opens in Japanese cinemas on April 29, while Fuji Television is handling sales to foreign distributors. Continued…
Bonus Features Include Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes and AFI Fest Q&A with Director Michael Dudok de Wit
Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Jane Ayer Public Relations press release
Official Movie Site: red-turtle.jp (Japan), sonyclassics.com/theredturtle (US)
Special Thanks to Irene Dean and Lauren DeAngelis
A remarkable collaboration between Academy Award-winning director/animator Michael Dudok de Wit (2000, Best Animated Short Film, FATHER AND DAUGHTER) and the legendary animation house Studio Ghibli (2003 Academy Award-winner, Best Animated Feature SPIRITED AWAY; MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO), THE RED TURTLE arrives on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital on May 2 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji and Shingo Fujimoto
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Let’s try this one more time!
Earlier this month, SciFi Japan posted a look at X-Plus’ giant monster figures for June 2017 that included information and exclusive photos provided by the manufacturer. X-Plus has since added several more items to their lineup, so we’re back with an update covering all (hopefully) of June’s giant monster figures with more than 60 HUGE high-res pics! Continued…
MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION – Part 2 (3月のライオン 後編, Sangatsu no Raion Kohen) opens this weekend in Japan, courtesy of distributors Asmik Ace and Toho. The film completes the 2-part live-action adaptation of the bestselling manga by Chika Umino. Part 1 was released on March 18th. Continued…
25th Shin-Chan Anime Film Opens in Japan This Weekend
Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: shinchan-movie.com (Japan)
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Toho has provided information and high-res images from their new anime film, CRAYON SHIN-CHAN 2017, opening in Japan this Saturday, April 15th. The movie is the 25th feature film based on the manga series created by Yoshito Usui. Continued…
Source: Splendid Film GMBH, More Publicity
Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), das-monster-kommt.de (Germany)
Special Thanks to Sabine Meiger
German film distributor Splendid Film GMBH has provided the theatrical trailer for SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016). The movie will be released in Germany and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) starting May 3rd.
New Anime Film Opens in Japan This Saturday
Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: conan-movie.jp (Japan)
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Toho has provided information and high-res images from their upcoming anime film, DETECTIVE CONAN: THE CRIMSON LOVE LETTER (名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌（からくれないのらぶれたー）, Meitantei Konan Kara Kurenai no Renka (Kara Kurenai Nora Buretaa)). Opening in Japan this Saturday, April 15th, the movie is the 21st feature film based on the manga series by Aoyama Gosho. Continued…
Funimation Films released its opening weekend results for the North American debut of its theatrical release of (君の名は。, Kimi no Na wa., 2016). The critically acclaimed anime film from director Makoto Shinkai brought in an excess of $1.7 Million at the box office from some 303 theater screens during its opening weekend. The movie, with a per screen average of $5,281, placed 4th among new releases and 13th place in overall box office gross among all films in the United States.
“We are thrilled that anime and indie film fans, theatrical exhibitors and critics alike, have all embraced YOUR NAME. and helped deliver such a successful opening weekend,” said Michael DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. “The vivid artistry and moving story telling of YOUR NAME. combined with our successful track record and proven expertise in anime marketing and fan engagement on limited event-style theatrical releases, like DRAGON BALL Z: RESURRECTION F and SHIN GODZILLA, made this opening possible.” Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji and Shingo Fujimoto
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of the first giant monster figure in their new DefoReal Series. Continued…
