Source: Sentai press release
Sentai announced today that it acquired distribution rights to EARL & FAIRY (伯爵と妖精, Hakushaku to Yōsei, 2008), based upon the light novel series of the same name by Mizue Tani, for audiences in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Nordic, Scandinavia.
Continued…
Tokyo based BIGWEST CO.,LTD. and Los Angeles based Harmony Gold U.S.A. announced an agreement regarding the worldwide rights for the legendary Macross and Robotech franchises. This expansive agreement signed by both companies on March 1, 2021, ends two decades of disagreements and will allow Bigwest and Harmony Gold to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential of both the Macross and Robotech franchises worldwide. The landmark agreement immediately permits worldwide distribution of most of the Macross films and television sequels worldwide, and also confirms that Bigwest will not oppose the Japanese release of an anticipated upcoming live-action Robotech film. The agreement also recognizes Harmony Gold’s longstanding exclusive license with Tatsunoko for the use of the 41 Macross characters and mecha in the Robotech television series and related merchandise throughout the world excluding Japan. Moving forward, both parties will cooperate on distribution regarding future Macross and Robotech projects for the benefit of both franchises.
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: mv.avex.jp/gargoyle (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired distribution rights to GARGOYLE OF YOSHINAGA HOUSE (吉永さん家のガーゴイル, Yoshinaga-san-ka no Gāgoiru, 2006), the zany, family friendly series based upon the light novel of the same name by Sennendou Taguchi.
Yoshinaga just won the local lottery! Instead of a fabulous getaway or a lifetime supply of her favorite food, she is awarded a stone gargoyle. But things get interesting when she discovers the ‘Gargoyle’ lives! Not only that, he can speak, fly and fire potentially lethal energy beams. Naturally, like any good gargoyle, he is bound to protect the Yoshinaga home from any and all threats. The once mundane, ordinary Yoshinaga household just became a place of magic, excitement and plenty of laughs!
Continued…
DORORO Available June 29th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its June slate of releases which includes Sentai Filmworks supernatural action series, DORORO, available on English dubbed Blu-ray June 29th.
Continued…
Source: Toei Animation Inc., Funimation press release
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
t’s no secret that anime fans around the globe have fallen entranced with the world of ONE PIECE. With fans fully engrossed in the Land of Wano Arc, Toei Animation and Funimation are excited to bring viewers worldwide the “ONE PIECE Wano Watch Party.” This live stream event of epic proportion will coincide with the simulcast stream of episode 971. Special guests and ONE PIECE voice actors Mayumi Tanaka (voice of “Monkey D. Luffy”), Kazuya Nakai (voice of “Roronoa Zoro”), and Director Tatsuya Nagamine will join hosts Justin Rojas (Toei Animation) and YouTuber RogersBase for the 75-minute long simulcast celebration. As always, fans can also look forward to giveaways throughout the live stream on Toei Animation’s YouTube channel and Funimation’s YouTube channel.
“ONE PIECE Wano Watch Party” kicks-off on Saturday, April 24 at 7 pm CT / 8 pm ET in the U.S. and Canada, and internationally, including 10:00 am AEST in Sydney and 12:00 pm NZST in New Zealand.
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: dororo-anime.com (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired distribution rights to the critically acclaimed supernatural action series DORORO (どろろ, 2019), based on the manga of the same name by legendary mangaka Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy, Black Jack). Sentai’s deal includes distribution rights for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Nordic and Scandinavian countries. Sentai will release the series with an all-new English dub.
During the Warring States period, the young thief Dororo encounters the enigmatic “Hyakkimaru,” a strange, sightless boy who wields fearsome prosthetics in place of his missing limbs. Parts of Hyakkimaru’s body, skin and organs were traded to a group of 12 demons by Hyakkimaru’s father in exchange for power and prosperity, but thanks to a kindly medicine man, Hyakkimaru survived his horrifying ordeal. Now he wanders the land in search of his missing body parts, and together he and Dororo will fight to survive in a demon-plagued, dangerous and unforgiving world.
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: anime.cf-vanguard.com/overdress (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired rights to Bushiroad’s CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD overDress (カードファイト!! ヴァンガード overDress, Kādofaito!! Vuangādo overDress, 2021), the latest entry in Bushiroad’s popular “Cardfight!! Vanguard” multimedia franchise, for audiences in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Sentai will begin streaming the series on HIDIVE on April 2, 2021 at 23:40 UTC.
The next installment in the Cardfight!! Vanguard series is here with CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD overDress, an anime series based on the latest set of collectible trading cards released in the “Cardfight!! Vanguard” multimedia project. The series chronicles 15-year-old Yu-yu as he discovers the nocturnal amusement park known as Wonder Hill, where the members of Team Blackout gather to play Vanguard each night. Soon Yu-yu finds himself drawn into epic battles and thrilling action, and as he and Team Blackout fight to maintain their territory, he’ll make new friends and compete for Vanguard supremacy.
Continued…
Source: Aniplex of America press release
Official Site: sao-alicization.net (Japan), sao-alicization.com (US)
Special Thanks to Aiko Makino
Aniplex of America is delighted to announce the next home video release of the SWORD ART ONLINE ALICIZATION series, with the SWORD ART ONLINE ALICIZATION WAR OF UNDERWORLD Complete Blu-ray Set coming June 22, 2021! The complete Blu-ray set comes with six Blu-ray discs and includes all 23 episodes plus 2 recap episodes in both English and Japanese audio, housed in a stunning box featuring art by abec (Original Illustrator/ Character Design Concept). The set also includes bonus content such as trailers, commercials, textless openings and endings, as well as audio commentary by Japanese cast and staff members, along with a special booklet and an original soundtrack CD by the acclaimed composer, Yuki Kajiura. SWORD ART ONLINE ALICIZATION WAR OF UNDERWORLD Complete Blu-ray Set is now available for pre-order at RightStuf Anime.
SWORD ART ONLINE ALICIZATION WAR OF UNDERWORLD (ソードアート・オンライン アリシゼーション War of Underworld, Sōdo Ato Onrain Arishizēshon War of Underworld, 2019) is the final chapter of the thrilling ALICIZATION arc, the longest and most glorious battle of the SWORD ART ONLINE series.
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: swordgai-anime.com (Japan), netflix.com/SWORDGAI The Animation (US)
Sentai announced today that it acquired distribution rights to brutal action series SWORDGAI THE ANIMATION (ソードガイ The Animation, Sōdo Gai The Animation, 2018) for audiences in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Latin America.
In this world, sentient, powerful swords rain death on a powerless populace. Gai Ogata’s parents are murdered by Shiryu, a cursed blade with an endless thirst for blood. From childhood, Gai is transfixed on Shiryu, training as a blacksmith in hopes of someday surpassing the sword’s deadly guile with a creation of his own. But when another tragic turn of events costs Gai his arm, his master repurposes Shiryu into an unconventional prosthetic, binding Gai to the bloodthirsty weapon permanently. Now Gai must learn to control the sword’s most violent impulses before he faces Zsoltgewinn, the legendary sword so powerful that no mere human can wield it — and only one of these legendary blades will come away from the clash victorious.
Continued…
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Lauren Blum
Studio Ghibli and GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Factory, will issue THE WIND RISES and THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY, from the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, on Steelbook on June 22, 2021, in limited edition SteelBook packaging with striking new art. Each SteelBook will house a Blu-ray & DVD combo pack, presenting the film alongside hours of bonus features and a booklet with stunning art and statements from the filmmakers.
Continued…
Features Variety of Products Including S.H.Figuarts, S.H.MonsterArts, Metal Build and S.I.C. for Gundam, Godzilla, Kamen Rider and Dragon Ball
Source: BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin) press release
Official Site: tamashiinations.com/popup/ny2021
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin) and Bandai Spirits Collectors Department are excited to announce that we are on the road again and headed to New York City to open the Tamashii Nations Pop-Up Shop. Fans from New York / New Jersey and surrounding areas are invited to head to Midtown Manhattan and check out the store. Products available for purchase include characters from Star Wars, Evangelion, Gundam, Godzilla, Monster Hunter, Dragon Ball, Marvel, Street Fighter, Kamen Rider, Fate/Grand Order, Ultraman and Demon Slayer from our S.H.Figuarts, S.H.MonsterArts, FiguartsZERO, Figuarts mini, Meisho Movie Realization, S.I.C., Gundam Universe, Fix Figuration and Metal Builds lines.
Continued…
Special Guest Ian Sinclair (English Voice of “Whis”) Will Join Fans for Hour-Long Livestream Countdown of the Top 10 Greatest Fights in the Acclaimed DRAGON BALL SUPER Series
Source: Toei Animation Inc., Funimation press release
Last December, fans were asked to name the greatest DRAGON BALL SUPER fights of all times and the response was overwhelming. The answers have now been tabulated, and “the winners” will be revealed on Saturday, March 27 at the special global fan event “Dragon Ball Super: Battle of the Battles” announced today by Toei Animation and Funimation together with a promotional video. Special guest and DRAGON BALL SUPER voice actor Ian Sinclair (English voice of “Whis”) will join co-hosts Justin Rojas (Toei Animation) and Lauren Moore (Funimation) for an hour-long livestream countdown of the Top 10 greatest DRAGON BALL SUPER fights of all time as chosen by fans. Starting with #10, each legendary fight will be unveiled with an English dub video clip from the series, which the hosts will react to and discuss while also talking about their love for the series.
Continued…
Source: Netflix
Official Site: netflix.com/pacificrim
Special Thanks to Shigeko Watanabe and Patrick Sebastian Henkel
Netflix has provided SciFi Japan with the new trailer for the Netflix Original Anime Series PACIFIC RIM: THE BLACK. The seven episode first season will be released worldwide this Thursday, March 4.
Source: Netflix
Official Site: netflix.com/pacificrim
Special Thanks to Shigeko Watanabe and Patrick Sebastian Henkel
Netflix has provided SciFi Japan with pics, a Japanese poster and the Japanese main trailer for the new Netflix Original Anime Series PACIFIC RIM: THE BLACK. Based on the 2013 live-action film PACIFIC RIM, directed by Guillermo Del Toro, and its 2018 sequel PACIFIC RIM UPRISING, the series is produced by Legendary Television with animation by Polygon Pictures, the Japanese studio behind the 2017-18 Anime Godzilla Trilogy.
Continued…
Source: Netflix press release
Special Thanks to Sophia Shin
Netflix and Skydance have announced a new anime series based on the globally successful TERMINATOR franchise, the first animated TV adaptation of the franchise. The series is produced in partnership with Production I.G (GHOST IN THE SHELL: SAC_2045, B: THE BEGINNING) who Netflix has a Production Line Deal with since 2018.
Continued…
Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: tohostage.com/spirited_away
Special Thanks to Sarah Allen
Toho Co., Ltd. is delighted to announce the world premiere of a new theatrical production based on Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning film SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi). This production will be the first ever stage adaptation of the 2001 animated masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki which became a massive box office hit in Japan and earned worldwide acclaim including Academy Award for Best Animated Feature of 2002. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning director and Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, John Caird (Les Misérables, Nicholas Nickleby, Daddy Long Legs), who has been an admirer of the film for years will write and direct the stage adaptation
Chihiro, the heroine of the story, is a 10-year-old girl moving with her parents to their new home. They lose themselves in a mysterious world of fantastic spirits, ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba, who turns Chihiro’s parents into pigs. After a series of bizarre and dangerous challenges, including the loss of her identity, Chihiro must use all her wits to survive in this strange place and return to the human world. The story of her struggle and resilience is a timeless gift to all of us, but especially to those striving to live through these present difficult times.
Continued…
Adding to its robust anime arsenal, Tubi secures seven series and six films from Toei Animation for the US, Canada and Mexico including global franchise phenom ONE PIECE
Source: Toei Animation Inc. press release
Official Site: tubitv.com
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
Tubi, a division of FOX Entertainment, is continuing to expand its robust animation portfolio by entering a significant licensing agreement with Toei Animation, the industry-leading anime studio and pioneer in Japanese animation. With the deal including seven television series totaling nearly 500 episodes, as well as six TV specials, viewers will soon have access to six TV special installments of the internationally popular ONE PIECE franchise — including 3D2Y, EPISODE OF SABO, ADVENTURE OF NEBULANDIA, HEART OF GOLD, EPISODE OF EAST BLUE and EPISODE OF SKYPIEA — as well as episodes from the ONE PIECE television series currently streaming on Tubi. Additionally, Tubi viewers will also now enjoy episodes of the classic and popular anime series TORIKO, SAINT SEIYA: SAINTIA SHO, SAINT SEIYA: HADES, GE-GE-GE NO KITARO, SLAM DUNK, and DR. SLUMP.
Continued…
Source: Netflix Japan
Official Site: godzilla-sp.jp (Japan), Godzilla Singular Point | Netflix (US)
Official Twitter: twitter.com/GODZILLA_SP (Japan)
Special Thanks to Shigeko Watanabe
Netflix Japan has provided SciFi Japan with US and Japanese teaser trailers for the Netflix original anime series GODZILLA SINGULAR POINT (ゴジラ S.P ＜シンギュラポイント＞, Gojira S.P < Shingyura Pointo >). The series will premiere worldwide (excluding Japan) on Netflix Thursday, March 25 and in Japan on Tokyo MX, KBS, BS11 and SUN on Thursday April 1.
Continued…
AHIRU NO SORA Available May 25th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its May slate of releases which includes Season 3 & 4 of Sentai Filmworks hit series, AHIRU NO SORA, available on Blu-ray May 25th and also included in the Season 1-4 Limited Edition Premium Box Set!
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: baki-anime.jp (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired BAKI (グラップラー刃牙, Gurappurā Baki), the brutal martial arts anime series, for release in a home video complete collection. Sentai’s release will feature the original Japanese with English subtitles together with an all-new English dub.
Five vicious convicts escape death row. They make their way to Tokyo intent on committing violent blood sport. Now they’re after Baki Hanma. With the onslaught looming, Baki must enlist Kaoru Hanayama, Doppo Orochi, Sea King Retsu and Goki Shibukawa, each with his own unique combat ability, if Baki wants to live to brawl another day.
From the mind of the series’ original creator, Keisuke Itagaki, BAKI adapts the “Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga” of the second manga series. BAKI is produced by TMS Entertainment (GUGURE! KOKKURI-SAN, MEGALOBOX , LUPIN THE 3rd) and directed by Toshiki Hirano (VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU, MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH, MAGIC KAITO).
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: babylon-anime.com (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired rights to the suspense-filled thriller BABYLON (バビロン, Babiron, 2019), the anime series based on Mado Nozaki’s popular light novels. Sentai plans to release the series on Blu-ray as well as digital sell-through via select outlets.
Zen Seizaki, dedicated prosecutor with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, is assigned a seemly cut-and-dry case of false advertisement on part of a pharmaceutical company. But what starts as a routine investigation soon turns into something much darker, the strange details of the case painting a portrait of corruption and deceit that permeates the mayoral election being run in the newly formed Shiniki District. Soon Seizaki discovers depravity that puts at risk the very fabric of the Japanese justice system — not to mention Seizaki’s own sense of right and wrong.
Continued…
Source: Netflix
Official Site: netflix.com/pacificrim
Special Thanks to Shigeko Watanabe
Netflix has provided SciFi Japan with English and Japanese promotional artwork for the new Netflix Original Anime Series PACIFIC RIM: THE BLACK. Based on the 2013 live-action film PACIFIC RIM, directed by Guillermo Del Toro, and its 2018 sequel PACIFIC RIM UPRISING, the series is produced by Legendary Television with animation by Polygon Pictures, the Japanese studio behind the 2017-18 Anime Godzilla Trilogy.
Netflix will release the seven episode first season worldwide on March 4. In Japan, the show will have the title PACIFIC RIM: THE DARK CONTINENT (パシフィック・リム: 暗黒の大陸, Pashifikku Rimu: Ankoku no Airstrike).
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: karakuri-anime.com (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it will release KARAKURI CIRCUS (からくりサーカス, Karakuri Sākasu, 2018-19), adapted from Kazuhiro Fujita’s manga of the same name, for home video this spring. Hailed as one of the best series from the Fall 2018 season, the 36-episode series blends unique artwork, characters and storytelling with gripping action all set within a complex, enigmatic world.
Following his father’s untimely demise, Masaru Saiga inherits the family fortune as well as his father’s company. Too bad he also inherited a target on his back since his unscrupulous relatives want to murder Masaru and take what’s rightfully his! The only thing standing between Masaru and assassination is a sickly clown named Narumi Kato, a white-haired girl name Shirogane who claims she’s Masaru’s guardian, and the mysterious puppet left to Masaru by his father upon his death.
Continued…
Source: Well Go USA, ddPR
Official Site: wellgousa.com/films/ne-zha (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Helland
Well Go USA Entertainment is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a Blu-ray of the animated-feature JIANG ZIYA (姜子牙, 2019), the acclaimed follow-up to the international blockbuster NE ZHA (哪吒之魔童降世, Nézhā zhī Mótóng Jiàngshì, 2019).Produced by Beijing Enlight Pictures and written and directed by Yang Yu (aka Jiao Zi), JIANG ZIYA is the second chapter in the magical Fengshen Cinematic Universe, a fate-defying, action-packed legendary tale retold through vibrant Chinese animation.
To earn his place with the gods, commander Jiang Ziya must vanquish the fox demon behind a brutal clan war. Upon learning the creature’s fate is tied to that of a young girl, he faces an impossible choice: can he sacrifice one to save many?
Continued…
Bluefin announces import and distribution of extensive product line in popular construction block category
Source: BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin) press release
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
Bandai Namco Collectibles dba Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, has announced a new exclusive partnership with Japan based company, Kawada Co., Ltd., makers of the popular micro construction brick product line, Nanoblock.
Continued…
HERO MASK Available April 27th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its April slate of releases which includes Sentai Filmworks’ action packed series, HERO MASK, available on Blu-ray April 27th.
Continued…
Hit the books with your favorite anime franchises and characters!
Source: The Loot Company press release
Special Thanks to George Roush
Mobile Suit Gundam is one of the most popular anime franchises ever created and Loot Crate is honoring this groundbreaking anime with the release of the limited-edition Mobile Suit Gundam Life Crate Series. This collection takes the global Gundam fandom to the next level by delivering officially licensed exclusive lifestyle goods and gear that haven’t been available in this or any other universe!
Continued…
From Legendary Television & Inspired By Legendary’s SKULL ISLAND and Square Enix’s Iconic Video Game Franchise
Source: Netflix press release, Legendary
Special Thanks to Sarah Jarvis
Netflix and Legendary Television announce two new anime series, the first based on Legendary’s SKULL ISLAND and the second on Square Enix’s Tomb Raider global franchise. Netflix and Legendary Television are also currently in production on the previously announced anime series PACIFIC RIM: THE BLACK.
Continued…
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Official Site: gkids.com/films/earwig-and-the-witch (US)
Special Thanks to Shannon Meehan
EARWIG AND THE WITCH (アーヤと魔女, Āya to Majo, 2020), the first new release in four years from the legendary Studio Ghibli, will be released on digital platforms on March 23, as well as in both a Limited Edition Steelbook and a Blu-ray + DVD combo on April 6 from GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Factory. Directed by Goro Miyazaki (TALES FROM EARTHSEA, FROM UP ON POPPY HILL) and produced by studio co-founder Toshio Suzuki, with planning from Academy Award-winner Hayao Miyazaki, the feature is based on the children’s novel Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones (Howl’s Moving Castle), and marks Studio Ghibli’s first entirely 3DCG animated feature.
The all-star voice cast for the English dub features the voices of Richard E. Grant (CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, GOSFORD PARK), Kacey Musgraves (“Golden Hour,” “Same Trailer Different Park”) and Dan Stevens (EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA, FX’s LEGION), as well as Taylor Paige Henderson as “Earwig”. In addition to her debut voice acting role as “Earwig’s Mother,” six-time Grammy Award winner Kacey Musgraves sings the English language version of the film’s theme song, “Don’t Disturb Me.” The EARWIG AND THE WITCH Blu-ray + DVD Combo is packed with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes interviews with director Goro Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki and Japanese cast and crew, and feature-length storyboards.
Continued…
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: heromask.jp (Japan), HERO MASK | Netflix Official Site (US)
Sentai announced that it has acquired home video rights to the action thriller series HERO MASK (ヒーロー・マスク, Hīrō Masuku, 2018), a Studio Pierrot (TOKYO GHOUL, BLEACH) production, through a worldwide licensing arrangement (excluding Asia).
Detective James Blood, member of an elite police unit, pushes the edges of law enforcement to bring down the criminal threats and terrorist organizations plaguing a beautiful metropolitan city. When the murder of Crown Prosecutor Monica Campbell crosses his desk, Blood finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy involving LIVE, a two-faced corporate conglomerate with ties to the sordid underworld of human experimentation. With Sarah Sinclair — the only witness to Campbell’s death — at his side, Blood will have to face an army of mask-wearing superhumans to uncover the truth and stop LIVE before its plans can come to dark fruition.
Continued…
© 2006-2020 SciFi Japan
Site Development and Maintenance by Jim M. Ballard. Site Design by Humuhumu.
SciFi Japan RSS Feed.
