Source: Crunchyroll
Special Thanks to Amanda Geraldo

Attack on Titan Characters Show Their Holiday Spirit with Festive Costumes – Only in Attack on Titan TACTICS for iOS and Android

Today, DeNA Co., Ltd. and Crunchyroll Games announced an upcoming in-game event and special in-game rewards for ATTACK ON TITAN TACTICS, an officially licensed mobile game based on the popular anime series Attack on Titan.

To align with the holidays, players will have the opportunity to see some of their favorite ATTACK ON TITAN characters such as Eren Jaeger, Armin Arlelt, and Annie Leonhart, dressed up in festive costumes.
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Author: Bob Johnson
Source: Tsuburaya Productions YouTube Channel
Special Thanks to William Winckler, William Winckler Productions, Inc.

Ultraman Ace, Astra, Leo, Victory and Ginga ready for action! ©TSUBURAYA
PRODUCTIONS

In May of 2006, Tuburaya Productions Co., ltd. launched its own Tsuburaya Productions Channel on YouTube, featuring an eclectic collection of video clips, trailers, short episodes and specials focusing on their “New Generation” Ultraman series. These include ULTRAMAN GINGA, ULTRAMAN ORB, ULTRAMAN X, ULTRAMAN GEED and more.

The channel is designed to appeal to English speaking audiences, as well as native Japanese fans. Certain fare is offered with English subtitles. A recent offering is their first English dubbed series, ULTRA FIGHT VICTORY (ウルトラファイトビクトリー, Urutora Faito Bikutorī, 2015). ULTRA FIGHT VICTORY originally aired in 3 minute segments after the show NEW ULTRAMAN RETSUDEN (新ウルトラマン列伝, Shin Urutoraman Retsuden, 2013-16). It was compiled into one 40 minute film for home video release in Japan. In an agreement with William Winckler Productions, the compilation film was dubbed into English along with ULTRAMAN GINGA S THE MOVIE and ULTRAMAN X MOVIE, with the latter two films receiving theatrical distribution in North America.

Now on the Tsuburaya Channel, they have split the movie back to it’s original 3-minute segments, serialized with the English language track. A new 3-minute episode comes out each week.
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New Hardcover Art Book Edition Features Vivid Illustrations, Concept Sketches, And Interviews From The Beloved Film
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Ellis and Erik Jansen

Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2010 Studio Ghibli – NDHDMTW

VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, expands its renowned Studio Ghibli library with the release of a new hardcover edition of The Art of THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY on March 6th.

The vividly illustrated art book will be released exclusively in print with an MSRP of $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN. It features story notes, commentary, and artwork from THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty). Based on the classic novel by Mary Norton, the 2010 film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the youngest director to ever helm a film for Studio Ghibli. The studio’s founder, Hayao Miyazaki, also supervised the production of ARRIETTY as a developing planner. Yonebayashi has gone on to direct WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE (思い出のマーニー, Omoide no Maanii, 2014) and Studio Ponoc’s first feature film, MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER (メアリと魔女の花, Meari to Majo no Hana, 2017).
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Author: John DeSentis
Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto/Funimation Films, Keith Aiken, Christopher Oglio, Nick Adam Poling and Jim Ballard

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD IN REVIEW

On Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, Funimation Films held the second of two North American Premieres for SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016), the first of which being in Los Angeles two days prior. The NYC event was held at the AMC Empire 25 Theatres in Times Square. Press and fans alike on the East Coast were invited to get their first look on the big screen at Toho’s twenty-ninth production in the Godzilla series.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

In our final regular episode of SciFi JAPAN TV, the show’s producers JR and Jim take a look back at the series and discuss some of their favorite episodes.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

This week SciFi JAPAN TV continues its celebration of the 30th anniversary of THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (Gojira, aka GODZILLA 1985) with an extended SciFi JAPAN TV EXTRA episode of our exclusive interview with the film’s special FX director, Teruyoshi Nakano. This time Mr Nakano discusses the design and action of a new Godzilla for a new generation.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

2014 marks the 60th anniversary of Godzilla, but also the 30th anniversary of THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (Gojira, aka GODZILLA 1985), a movie that itself marked the 30th anniversary of the original GODZILLA (Gojira, 1954). This week SciFi JAPAN TV joins the film’s special FX director, Teruyoshi Nakano, to discuss the origins of this classic film that relaunched the Godzilla franchise for a new generation.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Back in episode 3 of SciFi JAPAN TV in 2012, we featured a special photo exhibition event dedicated to the life and work of Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, held in his hometown of Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture. This week, SciFi JAPAN TV EXTRA revisits the 2012 event with lots more footage from Mr. Nakajima’s panel discussion!
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Previously on SciFi JAPAN TV, we visited the popular Akihabara district and checked out some of the more popular toy stores. This week we take you to the lesser-known Nakano Broadway, a shopping mall next to Tokyo’s Nakano Station that is filled almost entirely with collectors’ stores, where you’ll find some of the rarest items in Japan!
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

SciFi JAPAN TV presents the third and final part of our roundtable discussion to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ULTRAMAN NEXUS (ウルトラマンネクサス, Urutoraman Nekusasu). This week, producer Hiroyasu Shibuya, writer and series organizer Keiichi Hasegawa, and directors Kazuya Konaka and Yuichi Abe share some of their fondest memories and final thoughts on the series.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

This week, SciFi JAPAN TV are the filmmakers! SFJTV producers JR Lipartito and Jim Ballard present a teaser for a short horror film they’ve made in collaboration with YouTube Space and Legendary Pictures. The finished film will debut on SciFi Japan TV next Tuesday, October 28th!

Be sure to come back for new episodes of SciFi JAPAN TV every Thursday!
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

SciFi JAPAN TV presents the second part of our roundtable discussion to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ULTRAMAN NEXUS (ウルトラマンネクサス, Urutoraman Nekusasu). Featuring producer Hiroyasu Shibuya, writer and series organizer Keiichi Hasegawa, and directors Kazuya Konaka and Yuichi Abe, this week’s episode covers the production phase of the series.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

This week SciFi JAPAN TV checks out the 2014 Tokyo Game Show and talks with the producer of the upcoming Bandai Namco video game GODZILLA for PlayStation 3.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Ten years ago today, on October 2nd, 2004, the first episode of the TV series ULTRAMAN NEXUS (ウルトラマンネクサス, Urutoraman Nekusasu) was broadcast in Japan. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series, SciFi JAPAN TV presents the first in a series of interviews throughout the month, covering all aspects of the show’s development and production.

The roundtable interviews feature ULTRAMAN NEXUS producer Hiroyasu Shibuya, writer and series organizer Keiichi Hasegawa, and directors Kazuya Konaka and Yuichi Abe. In this week’s episode, “Origins”, our guests discuss the early stages of the show’s development.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

This week we present a 20 minute edition of SciFi JAPAN TV EXTRA featuring Yoshimitsu Banno, director of 1971’s GODZILLA VS HEDORAH (ゴジラ対ヘドラ, Gojira Tai Hedora), released theatrically in the U.S in 1972 as GODZILLA VS THE SMOG MONSTER. Mr. Banno also served as Executive Producer on Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA (2014).

In this exclusive video interview Mr. Banno discusses his early years at Toho Studios, the inspiration for GODZILLA VS HEDORAH, the development of this year’s GODZILLA, and much more!
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

HAIL TO THE KING: 60 YEARS OF DESTRUCTION is an upcoming independent documentary celebrating the 60-year history of the King of the Monsters, Godzilla. Produced via a successful Kickstarter campaign by Kyle Yount, the host of the Godzilla podcast Kaijucast, the new documentary will feature key members from Godzilla’s sixty-year history and explore many of the current Godzilla attractions in Japan.

SciFi JAPAN TV takes an exclusive first look at the new documentary coming November 3rd!
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

This week SciFi JAPAN TV visits Ultraman Festival 2014! The 24th event since it began in 1989, Ultraman Festival is a live stage show featuring the Ultraman heroes and their monster enemies. It is held in Sunshine City in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro every summer.
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Source: ACTV Japan
Special Thanks to Yuji Kaida and Edward Holland

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

SciFi JAPAN TV is back after a long break with the first of our “Summer of Godzilla” 60th anniversary celebration episodes! Meet renowned kaiju illustrator Yuji Kaida at a special exhibition of his work in Tokyo as he talks about his love for Japanese monsters, what makes a ‘kaiju’, and the new GODZILLA.
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A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

In this episode of SCIFI JAPAN TV, we talk to director Yoshihiro Nishimura about in his new film ZOMBIE TV, a “Monty Python with zombies”, along with his co-directors Naoya Tashiro and Maelie Makuno.
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Source: ACTV Japan

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

SciFi JAPAN TV returns with a look at the revival of the Ultraman franchise in the mid-1990s. In this episode , TV producer Yoshihiko Marutani and director Takeshi Yagi take us on a brief tour of “Ultra-Town” in Tsuburaya Productions’ old hometown of Shoshigaya-Okura, then sit down at the Ultraman goods shop Shot M78 to reflect on the productions of the Heisei series ULTRAMAN TIGA, ULTRAMAN DYNA , ULTRAMAN GAIA, and ULTRAMAN COSMOS!
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A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Author: Jim M. Ballard

About The Episode

SciFi JAPAN TV is back, celebrating its first anniversary this month with episode thirteen! We’ve given the show a bit of a revamp too! As always, we want to keep pushing to make it bigger and better.

In this episode – which we actually shot way back in March (note the cheery blossoms) – our associate producer Hiro Sono met up with THE BIG O and KING OF THORN director Kazuyoshi Katayama in Ginza to talk about monsters, anime and all things otaku. This episode was great fun to shoot, and the energy of these two professional fanboys makes this episode a joy to watch.
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Special Thanks to Jim Cirronella, Eliot Brodsky and Brad Warner

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

About The Episode

In April this year, the stars of the original ULTRAMAN (ウルトラマン　空想特撮シリーズ, Urutoraman: Kuso Tokusatsu Shirizu, 1966) TV series Bin Furuya, Susumu Kurobe and Hiroko Sakurai made their way to Burbank, CA for a reunion at Monsterpalooza — and SCIFI JAPAN TV there to capture the action!
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Aniplex of America Adds New Content for the Innovative Console-Based 24-Hour Anime Channel
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: NeonAlley.com
Official Series Site: fate-zero.jp (Japan), FateZeroUSA.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Key art for FATE/ZERO. Image courtesy of VIZ Media.
© Nitroplus/Type-Moon, ufotable, FZPC

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has announced that Aniplex of America, Inc. has become a content partner for the recently-launched Neon Alley 24-hour anime channel. VIZ Media will premiere the hit Aniplex anime action series, FATE/ZERO (フェイト/ゼロ, 2011-2012), on Neon Alley this Spring.

Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s new 24-hour, subscription-based anime channel available for the PS3 game console and Playstation Network, and soon to be available for the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. The platform features the world’s best titles (dubbed in English and uncut), presented in HD (when available), for a low monthly subscription rate of only $6.99.

FATE/ZERO is based on a Japanese light novel, written by Gen Urobuchi and illustrated by Takashi Takeuchi. This is the story that goes back to zero, back to the beginning. The ultimate battle royal, in which seven Masters vying for control of the miracle-granting Holy Grail summon seven Servants and fight until only one remains… The Holy Grail War!
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A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

SciFi JAPAN TV crew at Monsters Inc with Shinichi Wakasa, Tsutomu
Kitagawa, Matt Frank and Morgan Baumbach.

This time on SciFi JAPAN TV, we bring together two of the biggest figures from the most recent series of Godzilla movies, suit actor Tsutomu Kitagawa and suit maker Shinichi Wakasa! The pair brought Godzilla to life in five feature films from 1999 to 2004.

In this episode, the creative duo discuss how they came to be involved in the legendary franchise, and share some personal stories from behind the scenes.
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A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Texas-based comic book artist Matt Frank is perhaps best known among genre fans for his work on IDW Publishing’s Godzilla series, including GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS, GODZILLA: GANGSTERS AND GOLIATHS and GODZILLA: LEGENDS.

This past November, Matt and his girlfriend Morgan made their first trip to Japan. SciFi JAPAN TV caught up with the pair to talk monsters, art and explore Tokyo — meeting some kaiju celebrities along the way!
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Takeru Sato as Kenshin Himura. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. © Watsuki Nobuhiro/ Shueisha. © 2012 “Rurouni Kenshin” Production Committee

The Best Selling Comic Series Finally Becomes a Live Action Film
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures Japan
Official Site: warnerbros.co.jp/rurouni-kenshin (Japan)
Translations: Elliot Gay

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming movie.

Theatrical poster for RUROUNI KENSHIN. Image courtesy
of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. © Watsuki Nobuhiro/
Shueisha. ©2012 “Rurouni Kenshin” Production Committee

A kind smile and a caring heart. A slender build like a young boy and long hair.

Yet he has vowed to never take a life, no matter how evil his opponent may be.

Based on the best selling manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the live action feature film RUROUNI KENSHIN (るろうに剣心) hits theater screens across Japan on August 25th.

The man in charge of making a faithful big screen adaptation of the original manga is the director of the hit drama RYOMADEN (龍馬伝, 2010), Keishi Ohtomo. Ohtomo quickly cast RYOMADEN actor Takeru Satou (MASKED RIDER DEN-O, ROOKIES, GOEMON) in the lead role as Himura Kenshin, with the blessing of the original comic writer/artist Nobuhiro Watsuki. Director Ohtomo proclaimed that, “If we’re making a live action version, the only man fit for the job is him.”
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Contents of the Curse of Sadako: SADAKO 3D Blu-ray box set. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. © 2012 “Sadako 3D” Partners

Source: Kadokawa Pictures
Official Website: sadako3d.jp (Japan)

Sadako enjoys a day off in the Sadako’s Holiday photo
book, included in the Curse of Sadako: SADAKO 3D
Blu-ray Box Set. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures,
Inc. © 2012 “Sadako 3D” Partners

Kadokawa has announced that SADAKO 3D (貞子３Ｄ) — the latest film in the RING J-Horror series — will be available on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan on October 31st. The film opened in Japan on May 12th, 2012, earning ¥1.5 billion (approximately $19 million US) during its theatrical run.

Three different editions of SADAKO 3D will be released on home video. The primary release will be the Curse of Sadako: SADAKO 3D Blu-ray Box Set (貞子３Ｄ　貞子の呪い箱, Sadako no Noroi Hako), limited to 4,444 copies (the number 4 is pronounced ‘shi’ in Japanese, making it a homonym of the Japanese word for ‘death’) . This three disc set features the film in both 3D and 2D, plus nearly 2 hours of bonus content, including behind the scenes footage, trailers and a music video.

In addition, the Curse of Sadako: SADAKO 3D Blu-ray Box Set will include the 32 page photo book, Sadako’s Holiday (写真集 　貞子の休日, Sadako no Kyujitsu). A parody of the typical photo books produced for Japanese actresses and models, Sadako’s Holiday depicts the undead icon taking a day off to enjoy the sights and sounds of Tokyo.

SADAKO 3D will also be released in a two disc set with the film in 3D and 2D on Blu-ray, and bonus features on DVD. Lastly will be the single disc DVD edition, with the film in 2D only.
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Source: Shout! Factory, Click Communications
Special Thanks to Scott Neumyer

On July 31, 2012, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will debut TRANSFORMERS PRIME – ONE SHALL STAND DVD, featuring the compelling story behind the most iconic Autobot ever, Optimus Prime, and an epic tale of deception, sacrifice, loyalty and triumph. This highly collectible DVD is priced to own with a suggested retail price of $14.97.
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Source: Shout! Factory, MPRM Communications press releases
Official Movie Site: sector7movie.blogspot.com (US), 2011sector7.co.kr (Korea)
Special Thanks to Leif Helland

Korea’s first 3D sci-fi thriller, SECTOR 7 (7광구, Chil gwanggu, 2011), is now available from retailers across North America on DVD (SRP: $19.99) and Blu-ray (SRP: $29.97). Released by Shout! Factory, the Blu-ray includes the movie in both high-definition 3D and high-definition 2D. Both the Blu-ray and DVD editions boast English and Korean audio tracks, English subtitles, a “Making Of” featurette and the theatrical trailer.
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Ai Saotome (Emi Takei) and Makoto Taiga (Satoshi Tsumabuki) are young lovers from opposite sides of the tracks in Takashi Miike’s violent musical FOR LOVE’S SAKE.
Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. © 2012 “Ai to Motoko” Film Partners

Source: Kadokawa Pictures, FilmPressPlus, Loaded Films Ltd.
English Press Notes Translated by: Jason Gray
Official Website: aiandmakoto.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Richard Lormand and Tom Mes

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming Japanese movie.

On Saturday, June 16th, FOR LOVE’S SAKE (愛と誠, Ai to Makoto) opens in theaters across Japan. Based on the popular 1970s manga Ai to Makoto is a wild high school musical entertainment from the director of 13 ASSASSINS, HARA-KIRI: DEATH OF A SAMURAI and the cult classics AUDITION and ICHI THE KILLER.

SciFi Japan is pleased to present an advance look at FOR LOVE’S SAKE with press notes and images courtesy of the film’s distributor and international sales agent, Kadokawa Pictures. These English notes were translated and written by Jason Gray of Loaded Films.
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