SciFi Japan

    Fuka Koshiba stars as a teenage witch in KIKI`S DELIVERY SERVICE. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Press Notes and High-Res Photos from the Upcoming Movie Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: majotaku.jp (Japan) Toei has released information and new high-res photos from their upcoming live action film, KIKI`S DELIVERY SERVICE (??????, Majo no Takkyuubin, 2014). The movie is based on the novel series Kiki`s Delivery Service by author Eiko Kadono, the first volume of which was published January 25, 1985 by Fukuinkan Shoten. In 1989, the story was first adapted in the hit Studio Ghibli anime film of the same name by director Hayao Miyazaki. Four years later, theater director Yukio Ninagawa brought Kiki`s to the stage as a musical. In 2009, discussions began for a live action movie version, which will be released nationwide in Japan on March 1, 2014. 13-year-old Kiki hopes to become a full-fledged witch. Abiding by the rules of her training, she must leave

    A classic Japanese legend gets a Hollywood makeover in Universal Pictures` 47 RONIN. Images courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2013 Universal Studios

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Universal Pictures, Toho Towa Official Site: 47roninmovie.com (US), 47ronin.jp (Japan) Universal Pictures has released production notes and photos for 47 RONIN. The movie will open in North America on December 25, 2013. Distributor Toho Towa will release the film in Japan on December 6th... Universal Pictures presents -- in association with Relativity Media -- Keanu Reeves in 47 RONIN, starring Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi, Ko Shibasaki. The music is by Ilan Eshkeri, and the costume design is by Penny Rose. 47 RONIN is edited by Stuart Baird, ACE, and its production designer is Jan Roelfs. The director of photography is John Mathieson, BSC, and the executive producers are Scott Stuber, Chris Fenton, Walter Hamada. 47 RONIN is produced by Pamela Abdy, p.g.a., and Eric McLeod. The film’s screenplay is by Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini, and the screen story is by Chris Morgan &

    Photos courtesy of Bluefin.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Bandai Figures and Accessories to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. Bandai Tamashii Nations Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for figures and collectibles coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations. All items will be released in Japan in March 2014 and North America in April 2014. Fans and collectors can purchase Bandai Tamashii Nations products from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsor Anime Jungle. S.H.Figuarts: Kamen Rider Kabuto (Rider Form)/ S.H.Figuarts ????????? ???????? "Walking the path of Heaven; the man who will rule over all." The continually evolving S.H.Figuarts series has achieved yet another milestone in action figure technology! Kamen Rider Kabuto rejoins the S.H.Figuarts series, this time featuring enhanced articulation without compromising the accuracy of the design. By capturing the proportions

    Kamen Riders Gaim (left) and Wizard (right) battle side by side in the new film, KAMEN RIDER GAIM & WIZARD. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. 'Gaim & Wizard' Production Committee © Ishimori Pro · TV Asahi · ADK · Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Latest Kamen Rider "Movie Wars" Film Opens in Japan on December 14th Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: movie-taisen.com (Japan) Translation: Elliot Gay Official English Title: KAMEN RIDER GAIM & WIZARD Japanese Title: ??????×?????? ???????? ????????MOVIE???, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Gaimu & Uizaado Tenkawakeme Sengoku Muubi Daigassen (Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: Decisive Sengoku Movie Wars) INTRODUCTION The latest Heisei Rider series, KAMEN RIDER GAIM (?????????????, Kamen Raidaa Gaimu), is the 15th entry in the franchise since 2000. This newest project -- KAMEN RIDER GAIM & WIZARD -- takes advantage of that momentous occasion by bringing the full lineup of Heisei Riders to the screen! In the KAMEN RIDER WIZARD portion, characters from the TV series make appearances and the story continues in some surprising new ways. In the KAMEN RIDER GAIM portion, Riders and Sengoku Period generals

    Director Mamoru Oshii with the main cast of THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-: Toshio Kakei, Erina Mano, Seiji Fukushi, Rina Ohta and Shigeru Chiba. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2014 'THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-' Production Committee

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Live Action Theatrical Series Based on the Anime/Manga Franchise Coming in 2014 Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com Translations: Elliot Gay The hit anime and manga MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patlabor) goes live-action with THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (? ???? ???????? -??????-, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon - Patoreibaa -) in 2014. Created by Headgear -- the manga/anime group made up of Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), Kazunori Ito (GHOST IN THE SHELL, the Gamera Trilogy), Masami Yuki (Birdy the Mighty), Yutaka Izubuchi (RAHXEPHON, Gundam series, DYNAMAN) and Akemi Takada (GATCHAMAN, URUSEI YATSURA) -- PATLABOR began as a manga series in 1988 and has continued with two OVA series, an animated television series, and four anime films. Rather than remaking any of the existing PATLABOR stories, THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- will be an original story set in the timeline of the anime

    Satoshi Miki`s IT`S ME, IT`S ME will receive a limited US theatrical release next month. Photo courtesy of Pictures Dept. Co. Ltd. ©2012 J Storm Inc.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Pictures Dept. Co. Ltd. press release Official Site: ore-ore.jp (Japan), ore-ore.jp/english (US) Additional Material: Japan Society Special Thanks to Ted Geoghegan I`m Hitoshi. One day, I met another me. He told me that he`d met another Hitoshi last week. Now it looks like everyone`s turning into me -- and some of them have decided to get rid of the others... by any means necessary. Pictures Dept. is proud to present IT`S ME, IT`S ME (??, Ore Ore, 2013), the Japanese sci-fi sensation that`s blown away festival audiences worldwide! Coming to select US theaters on November 8th, this dreamy, otherworldly adventure from acclaimed director Satoshi Miki (ADRIFT IN TOKYO) delivers dark turns, clever comedy, and stunning special effects in a brilliant, genre-defying tale of multiplicity. Kazuya Kamenashi of a popular boy-band, KAT-TUN, stars as the protagonist, Hitoshi, who is at ?rst disoriented in

    HK / FORBIDDEN SUPER HERO is one of twenty new films added to the 17th Japanese Film Festival lineup. Photo courtesy of T-Joy. © Keishu Ando/ Shueisha ? 2013

    Tokusatsu - FX

    New Films Coming to Sydney and Melbourne Source: Japan Foundation, Sydney press release Official Site: japanesefilmfestival.net Special Thanks to Amanda Thompson The 17th Japanese Film Festival’s two flagship cities Sydney and Melbourne have extended their line-up to include an extra 20 titles, including internationally acclaimed dramas, wacky ‘only in Japan’ comedies, several thought-provoking titles, and ‘so hot right now’ releases. In addition to the national program, 13 box office hits have been announced, with 7 more to be announced on Tuesday, 8th of October. For full details of titles released to date, please go to japanesefilmfestival.net. Only in Japan! Just when you thought you’d seen it all… crime fighting takes an eccentric turn in this nonsensical parody in HK / FORBIDDEN SUPER HERO (HK ????, HK Hentai Kamen, 2013), where the raunchy meets the ridiculous. Ryohei Suzuki, also starring in GATCHAMAN, plays

    Photos courtesy of Bluefin.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Bandai Figures to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. Bandai Tamashii Nations Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for figures and collectibles coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations. All items (except for the Predator Wolf figure) will be released in Japan in January 2014 and North America in February 2014. Fans and collectors can purchase Bandai Tamaashii Nations products from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsors Anime Jungle and Toy Freakz. S.I.C. Kamen Rider No. 1 (New)/ S.I.C. ???????1? The exquisitely sculpted S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) series welcomes its 15th year with a special commemorative product: Introducing a complete remake of Kamen Rider No.1 (Shinichigo) from MASKED RIDER (??????, Kamen Raidaa, 1971-1973)! Portrayed in superb proportion, and aesthetically crafted by sculptor Kenji

    Photo courtesy of Bluefin. © Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Articulated Bandai Figure to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.Figuarts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shfiguarts (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim It`s time for some Breakdance-jitsu! The original Black Ranger from MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS (aka the Armored Mammoth Ranger from ZYURANGER) joins the S.H.Figuarts line-up with a full array of accessories and special bonus parts! Following the release of the Red and Pink rangers, the S.H.Figuarts Mighty Morphin Black Ranger will usher in the release of the Yellow and Blue Rangers, with a special part for construction of the legendary Power Blaster. The upcoming S.H.Figuarts Yellow and Blue Ranger releases will then feature the additional parts needed to complete this ultimate weapon! S.H.Figuarts Mighty Morphin Black Ranger also features additional accessories for the Power Axe, Thunder Slinger, and Blade Blaster; as well as interchangeable hand parts (4 right, 3 left). Whether it`s Zach,

    The hit live-action film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO will screen in North American theaters next month. © 2010 SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO Production Committee. Licensed by ELEVEN ARTS, INC. All Rights Reserved.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release Official Movie Site: elevenarts.net/space-battleship-yamato (US) Special Thanks to Erika T. Wright The news that the live-action film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO (???????, Supeesu Batorushippu Yamato, 2010) will finally receive a limited theatrical release in North America has caught the attention of fans. Beginning October 19, 2013 in Los Angeles, the movie will then screen in Honolulu, San Francisco, and Canada. In response to SciFi Japan reader requests, theatrical distributor Eleven Arts Entertainment has provided some additional information... • LA, SF, and Honolulu are the only markets confirmed at this moment for the United States, though more cities may be added based on demand from fans. • The Canada screening locations may be confirmed this week. • Following the theatrical run, SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO will be released on home video in North America. Check back with SciFi Japan for details soon. The following

    The hit live-action film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO will screen in North American theaters next month. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release Official Movie Site: elevenarts.net/space-battleship-yamato (US) Special Thanks to Erika T. Wright SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO (???????, Supeesu Batorushippu Yamato, 2010), the live-action film adaptation of the legendary sci-fi anime series of the same name, will be released in limited theaters beginning Friday, October 19, 2013 in North America, distributed by ELEVEN ARTS. Beginning in Los Angeles, the film will then screen in Honolulu, San Francisco, and Canada. The film will be widely available at more than 20 Cineplex theaters in Canada on November 11, 2013. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, and featuring the most influential star in Asia, Takuya Kimura cast as the lead role, with the supporting heroine of the film being played by Meisa Kuroki. The film, originally released in Japan, earned over $40 million from Japanese box. North American fans of the series will finally get

    Photo courtesy of Bluefin. © SOTSU · Sunrise

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.Figuarts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shfiguarts (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Bluefin Distribution will be attending New York Comic Con 2013 from October 10-13. Visit Booth #1612 for new products on display and product unveilings by Tamashii Nations and Bandai Shokugan. • The last U.S. regional event for the GunPla Builders World Cup, an international Gundam model competition will be at NYCC! Details for this contest are available at the NYCC website and Bluefin website. • New upcoming GunPla products including GunPla Build Fighters series, All Gundam Project, and possibly MG Sazabi Ver. Ka on display! • All Exclusives that have not sold out will be available from Bluefin`s Premium Site directly in the future at a higher price. Retailers may purchase exclusives, but must do so at the Bluefin booth at NYCC at the same price as attendees just like in previous years. •

    Xenorama #16 is now on sale. Image courtesy of David McRobie. © David McRobie

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Monster Magazine Publishes First New Issue in 12 Years Source: David McRobie David McRobie`s fanzine Xenorama: The Journal of Heroes and Monsters took a 12 year break before returning this past July with issue #15. Now, a mere two months later, comes Xenorama #16. The latest issue features an in-depth SPACE GHOST episode guide plus articles on DOCTOR WHO, Gamera and the kung fu classic AVENGING WARRIORS OF SHAOLIN (aka SHAOLIN RESCUERS). Writer Christopher Elam takes a look back at the POWER RANGERS on their 20th anniversary with his latest "Ranger Report", which he started writing for Xenorama 20 years ago as well. There`s also a fun look at THE CREATURES THE WORLD FORGOT, the "lost" dinosaur movie from Hammer Films, written by new contributor John LeMay. And, as always, Godzilla makes an appearance as well. SciFi Japan`s Dan Ross once again provides the great cover

    LIBRARY WARS will make it`s Australian premiere at the 17th Japanese Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Japan Foundation. ©

    Tokusatsu - FX

    The 2013 Lineup Unfolds! Source: Japan Foundation, Sydney press release Official Site: japanesefilmfestival.net Special Thanks to Amanda Thompson The 17th Japanese Film Festival is proud to present a national program for the first time in festival history. 12 of the latest box office hits plus 5 classics will tour all 5 cities: Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. 11 of these are Australian premieres. The festival opens in Sydney from 14 – 24 November at Event Cinemas George Street and in Melbourne from 28 November – 8 December at Hoyts Melbourne Central & ACMI Cinemas, Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Opening + Closing Films Opening the festival is a tribute to the world of words. THE GREAT PASSAGE (????, Fune wo Amu, 2013) is a celebration of a vision to create the best Japanese dictionary starring two of Japan’s leading

    Strong performance overseas has lifted PACIFIC RIM`s total box office to more than $400 million. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. © 2013 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. press release Official Site: pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com Guillermo del Toro’s widely praised action adventure PACIFIC RIM has crossed $400 million dollars at the worldwide box office, becoming the director’s highest grossing film ever. The announcement was made August 30 by Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, and Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures; and Legendary Pictures. Internationally, PACIFIC RIM is still in release in a number of territories and has grossed $302 million thus far. In China alone, the film is the biggest of any Warner Bros. Pictures release ever and the fifth-biggest MPA film gross in China’s cinema history. The film’s record-breaking release in China also furthers Legendary’s growing presence in the territory. “The worldwide performance of PACIFIC RIM is a clear testament to the quality and originality of Guillermo’s world-building,” said Jon Jashni, President and Chief

    Bandai`s S.H.Figuarts will release a 2 figure POWER RANGERS NINJA STORM Blue & Yellow Wind Ranger Set in January 2014. Photo courtesy of Bluefin. © Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Articulated Bandai Figure to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.Figuarts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shfiguarts (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Following the release of S.H.Figuarts` Red Wind Ranger, the Blue and Yellow Wind Rangers (aka Hurricane Blue and Hurricane Yellow) arrive to complete the core team from POWER RANGERS NINJA STORM (HURRICANEGER)! Offered only as a Tamashii Web Shop exclusive in Japan, this limited 2 figure set will be made available to fans in North America courtesy of Bluefin Distribution. The set also features a full array of accessories and interchangeable parts, including the Yellow Wind Lion Hammer, Blue Wind Sonic Fin, and Ninja Swords (2 sets each), as well as interchangeable hand parts (5 right/6 left sets for each figure). Ideal for displaying with the S.H. Figuarts Red Wind Ranger (sold separately) and S.H.Figuarts` Crimson Thunder Ranger & Navy Thunder Ranger Set (coming

    Osaka University of Arts students prepped and filmed a daikaiju battle for a course on traditional live-action Japanese special effects techniques. Photo courtesy of Dream Planet Japan Inc.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Author: Daisuke Ishizuka Special Thanks to Koichi Kawakita Mr. Kazuki Omori was the director and screenwriter of GODZILLA vs BIOLLANTE (???VS?????, Gojira tai Biorante, 1989) and GODZILLA vs KING GHIDORAH (???VS??????, Gojira tai Kingu Gidora, 1991). Now, he is a professor at Osaka University of Arts` Image/Picture department. In 2013, the University established a new “Tokusatsu” (traditional live-action special effects) course run by Mr. Omori. Developed by generations of filmmakers, Tokusatsu is now a part of Japanese culture that has included Godzilla and monster movies, hero franchises like Ultraman and Super Sentai, and big FX films. Mr. Omori invited Mr. Koichi Kawakita to be a visiting scholar for the course. Mr.Kawakita was the Tokusatsu director of six films in the Heisei Godzilla series produced from 1989-1995. He often worked with Mr. Omori at that time. Mr. Kawakita has lectured the class about the

    Members of the girl “geek-idol” group DEMPAGUMI.inc star in the new fantasy INNOCENT LILIES from TV Asahi and Toei. Image courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 2013 Innocent Lilies Film Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    New Toei/TV Asahi Fantasy Gets Worldwide Streaming Release in this September Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: shiromajo.jp (Japan) Worldwide Streaming Site: viki.com/20570c-innocent-lilies Introduction Time has rejected innocent virgins. There seems to be no place left for girls suffering from broken hearts. But there are hands reaching out for them: the hands of the legendary White Witch. They say the Witch was once a girl, deeply hurt and now carrying a never-ending pain. For only the ones who know real pain can acquire the power of witchcraft... TV Asahi and Toei, the team who brought live-action movie series such as the Kamen Rider and Super Sentai/Power Rangers to great success, took on the challenge of making the long-awaited “Action-Fantasy Heroine Movie”, INNOCENT LILIES (?????, Shiro Majo Gakuen). The scriptwriter to come up with a unique “girls witchery” story that has never been told

    The masked hero Tiger Mask battles dangerous foes and defends innocent children in the manga adaptation THE TIGER MASK. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2013 'Tiger Mask' Film Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Live Action Anime/Manga Adaptation Begins International Screenings Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: tigermask-movie.jp Additional Material: Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival This past January, SciFi Japan profiled Shochiku`s upcoming superhero movie, THE TIGER MASK (???????, Taiga Masuku). After a long stretch with little activity to report, the film has finally began public screenings: the International Premiere was held at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in July, the North American Premiere will take place August 4, 2013 at the Fantasia International Film Festival, and the Japanese theatrical release is scheduled for November 2013. THE TIGER MASK is based on writer Ikki Kajiwara and artist Naoki Tsuji`s popular manga about a masked wrestler superhero, originally serialized from 1968-1971. Toei Co., Ltd. also produced a TIGER MASK anime series, which ran for 105 episodes between 1969-1971. The show was a hit, with a peak rating

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