SciFi Japan

    Hayao Miyazaki`s SPIRITED AWAY returns to US cinemas for a special 15th anniversary event. Image courtesy of GKIDS. © 2001 NIBARIKI • GNDDTM © 2015 Disney

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    Special Event Includes Never Before Seen Studio Ghibli Short Film! Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: spiritedaway15.com Don’t miss a special 15th Anniversary celebration of Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning classic, SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001), returning to select cinemas nationwide for two days only: December 4 (English dub) and December 5 (Japanese w/ English subtitles). Enter an enchanted world of witches, dragons and spirits in the critically acclaimed story that became a worldwide phenomenon, cementing Studio Ghibli’s legacy as one of the foremost animation studios in the world. Stay after the show for an exclusive screening of the short film GHIBLIES: EPISODE 2, never before released in North America! This special event is presented by Fathom Events, GKIDS, Studio Ghibli, and Hot Topic. For theater details and to purchase tickets, please visit fathomevents.com/event/spirited-away. About GKIDS

    Country girl Mitsuha Miyamizu and city boy Taki Tachibana keep switching bodies in the box office smash anime film YOUR NAME. Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2016 “your name.” Film Partners. All Rights Reserved

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    Japanese Film Pursuing Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Feature Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: kiminona.com (Japan), funimationfilms.com/movie/yourname (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski Funimation Films confirmed today that the Japanese film YOUR NAME. (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016) has made the official Oscar consideration list in the Best Animated Feature category. The film will be vying for one of five nomination spots in its category that will be voted on for the 89th annual Academy Awards. Funimation Films acquired North American distributions rights to YOUR NAME. earlier this year from Toho Co. Ltd. in Japan. YOUR NAME. is the latest film from the critically acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai and to date has earned in excess of $17.9 Billion Yen ($170 Million USD) at the box office in Japan since opening on August 26 -- making it the #1 highest grossing

    © 2016 Toho Co., Ltd. Licensed by Funimation® Productions, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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    Matinee on Saturday October 22; Select Locations Offering Screenings Daily thru October 27 Source: Funimation Films Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Funimation Films has provided SciFi Japan with an updated list of theaters screening SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) in the United States into late October. The limited theatrical engagement of SHIN GODZILLA in the U.S. and Canada was scheduled to close October 18 but has been extended due to popular demand. A special Saturday matinee screening will take place on October 22 in 284 theaters, while the AMC national theater chain and the Gateway Film Center in OH will be offering daily screenings of SHIN GODZILLA thru October 27. To purchase tickets or find more information on SHIN GODZILLA, visit funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 MATINEE ALABAMA CINEMARK MONACO PICTURES 14 -- 370 THE BRIDGE STREET, HUNTSVILLE

    Photo courtesy of Funimation Films. © 2016 Toho Co., Ltd. Licensed by Funimation® Productions, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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    King of the Monsters to Screen on Saturday October 22 in More than 200 Theaters; Select Locations Offering Screenings Daily thru October 27 Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Godzilla, King of the Monsters, has taken over North America. The limited theatrical engagement of SHIN GODZILLA was scheduled to close tonight but in the wake of overwhelming fan response, Funimation Films announced that the movie will be extended due to popular demand. A special Saturday matinee screening of the film will take place on October 22 in more than 200 theaters across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, multiple national theater chains will be offering daily screenings of SHIN GODZILLA in select locations thru October 27. A complete list of locations for both this Saturday’s matinee as well as the new daily screenings is available via a

    Godzilla has a sense of déjà vu in Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #16, coming next week from IDW. Image courtesy of IDW Publishing. © 2014 Toho Co., Ltd.

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    Source: IDW Publishing Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE IDW Publishing has sent SciFi Japan an exclusive preview of the first five pages from Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #16. The issue brings an epic conclusion to the current story arc. Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #16 will be available from comic shops and retailers on Wednesday, September 24th. Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #16 Story: Chris Mowry and Matt Frank Writer: Chris Mowry Artists: Jeff Zornow and Matt Frank Colors: Priscilla Tramontano Letterer: Shawn Lee Editor: Bobby Curnow Cover: Matt Frank Retailer Incentive Variant Cover: Jeff Zornow In-Store Date: September 24, 2014 Pages: 32 Cover Price: $3.99 Godzilla comes face-to-face with his deadliest opponent yet! The end game of the series` most conniving foe reaches its zenith. Will Godzilla be able to survive the day? And will the Earth want him to? The stunning

    Image courtesy of Madman. © 2016 TOHO CO., LTD.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Source: Madman Entertainment Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), godzilla.com.au (Australia) Special Thanks to Ben Pollock Two days after smashing North America, SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) surfaces in Australian cinemas (with New Zealand following October 20), courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. Tickets and theater listings are available from godzilla.com.au. A God Incarnate. A City Doomed. It`s a peaceful day in Japan when a strange fountain of water erupts in the bay, causing panic to spread among government officials. At first, they suspect only volcanic activity, but one young executive dares to wonder if it may be something different; something alive. His worst nightmare comes to life when a massive, gilled monster emerges from the deep and begins tearing through the city, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. As the government scrambles to save the citizens, a rag-tag team of volunteers cuts through a web of red

    Godzilla frightens birds from the tree tops in an exclusive new SHIN GODZILLA photo courtesy of Funimation Films. © 2016 Toho Co., Ltd. Licensed by Funimation® Productions, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

    Godzilla - Toho

    King of the Monsters Returns to Big Screen in 534 Theaters Across U.S. and Canada October 11 - 18 Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto The signature roar of Godzilla, King of the Monsters, will echo throughout North America tonight when SHIN GODZILLA opens in theaters. Funimation Films® will be screening the Japanese kaiju film in 534 theaters across the U.S. and Canada during its limited theatrical engagement from October 11 – 18. SHIN GODZILLA is the 29th film produced by Toho Co., Ltd. in the iconic science fiction monster franchise and is co-directed by Hideaki Anno (creator of EVANGELION) and co-directed by Shinji Higuchi (director of Toho’s 2015 ATTACK ON TITAN live action movies). The movie has been a huge box office hit in Japan -- grossing more than $68M at the box office in the

    SHIN GODZILLA opens in theaters across the United States and Canada this evening. © 2016 Toho Co., Ltd.

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    Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) The North American theatrical run of Toho`s SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) kicks off today, courtesy of Funimation Films. Check back with SciFi Japan later today for the latest Funimation press release plus multiple SHIN GODZILLA reviews, updates, and exclusive photos from last week`s VIP premiere in Los Angeles! To purchase tickets to or find more information on SHIN GODZILLA, visit funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla. For more information on SHIN GODZILLA/GODZILLA RESURGENCE, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: GODZILLA RESURGENCE: Exclusive High-Res Photos from Toho GODZILLA RESURGENCE: More Exclusive High-Res Photos from Toho Exclusive! Funimation Licenses GODZILLA RESURGENCE SHIN GODZILLA Press Release from Funimation Films Toho`s SHIN GODZILLA International Sales Materials SHIN GODZILLA: Exclusive High-Res Photos from Golden Village Pictures Funimation Films Promo Materials SHIN GODZILLA International

    After stomping Japan, Toho`s SHIN GODZILLA is coming to the Americas. Photo courtesy of Funimation Films. © 2016 TOHO CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Toho Produced Film to Screen on October 11 – 18 in More Than 440 Theaters Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Following weeks of rumors, fan speculation, a "leaked" poster design and a listing on Fandango, official word on the American theatrical release of SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016) has been provided by Funimation Films. After finalizing details with Toho, Funimation has issued a press release with theatrical release information, a link to the film`s new official website, and word on two theatrical premiere events. And, in an exclusive to SciFi Japan, the company offers a first look at the American poster art and logo which will replace the temp image as seen on Fandango. From the press release... “SHIN GODZILLA” STOMPS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

    Five graduates begin the hunt for the careers they believe will define their lives in SOMEONE, Toho`s adaptation of the award-winning novel by Ryo Asai. Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2016 “SOMEONE” Film Partners

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    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: nanimono-movie.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Can I become a ‘somebody’ if I join a good company? Who do I want to become? Toho has provided press notes and high-res images from their upcoming film, SOMEONE (??, Nanimono). The movie opens in Japan on October 15th. INTRODUCTION Someone (a.k.a. Nanimono), an original novel by Ryo Asai, won the 148th Naoki Prize, making Asai the first author born in the Heisei era to win the award. Asai is talented in creating a modern atmosphere, and has contemporary sensibilities, but is also capable of cutting deep into the universal theme of good and evil, depicted through his human dramas, solidifying his position as a new talent that represents the new generation. The story shows psychological descriptions that penetrate the duality of human nature, represented by the dual personalities

    Is SHIN GODZILLA coming to your city? Photo courtesy of Funimation Films. © 2016 TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Toho Produced Film to Screen on October 11–18 in More Than 440 Theaters Source: Funimation Films Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Funimation Films has provided SciFi Japan with a list of theaters screening SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) in the United States, October 11–18. Don`t see a cinema near you? Be sure to check your local listings and find theater locations on the official film website. Updates will be made in the coming weeks. Corrections and additions are appreciated; please contact SciFi Japan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ALABAMA WYNNSONG 14 -- 2111 E. UNIVERSITY AVE., AUBURN AL 36830-3334 CARMIKE 12 -- 4883 MONTGOMERY HIGHWAY, DOTHAN AL 36303 PATTON CREEK 15 -- 4450 CREEKSIDE AVE., HOOVER AL 35244 CINEMARK MONACO PICTURES 14 -- 370

    The Carmike Cinemas chain has announced SHIN GODZILLA screening details at their theaters nationwide. © 2016 TOHO CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

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    Written and Directed by Anime Superstar Hideaki Anno Source: Carmike Cinemas press release Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Gina McKenzie The creators of Godzilla are unleashing their newest monster SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) on 60 Carmike Cinemas locations next month. The Japanese sci-fi flick is co-directed by anime superstar Hideaki Anno (EVANGELION) and Shinji Higuchi (ATTACK ON TITAN) and it is set for a limited release for one week starting on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. with encores set for Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 15 at 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available via carmike.com. While there have been a few U.S. based Godzilla films, the real classic series has come from Toho, a Japanese based media company. Toho produced the first Godzilla movie in 1954; the first of what has

    Image courtesy of Aniplex of America. © NISIOISIN/ KODANSHA, ANIPLEX, SHAFT

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    Part 2 of Highly Anticipated Trilogy to Hit Theaters Across the U.S. Starting on October 22 Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: kizumonogatari-movie.com (Japan), Kizumonogatari-USA.com (US) Special Thanks to Alex Crum Aniplex of America has confirmed their plans to release the theatrical feature -KIZUMONOGATARI- PART 2: NEKKETSU (?????????, Kizumonogatari ?? nekketsu-hen?, 2016) in 33 U.S. theaters starting on October 22. This is the highly anticipated second installment of the -KIZUMONOGATARI- film trilogy. Aniplex of America premiered the first film, -KIZUMONOGATARI- PART 1: TEKKETSU this past February across the U.S. and also in Canada last month. Fans can now visit the official U.S. website to get details on participating theaters, their respective showtimes, and how to purchase tickets. Aniplex of America has also confirmed that patrons will receive a special giveaway item with each purchased ticket at the theater while supplies last. -KIZUMONOGATARI- PART 2:

    A rookie reporter is paired with a shifty paparazzo in Toho`s SCOOP! Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2016 “SCOOP!” Film Partners

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    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: scoop-movie.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Paparazzi photographer and novice reporter. A scandalous new buddy movie is born. Toho has provided press notes and high-res images from their film, SCOOP! (????!, Sukuupu!). The movie is based on the 1985 motion picture OUT OF FOCUS (?? 1?250?? OUT OF FOCUS, Tosha 250 Bunno 1 Byo/Out of Focus) written and directed by Masato Harada. INTRODUCTION SCOOP! will be actor Masaharu Fukuyama’s first foray into movies since the 2013 Cannes award-winning release, LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON (???????, Soshite Chichi ni Naru). In SCOOP! he plays Shizuka Miyakonojo, a gifted paparazzi photographer whose love of gambling has got him deep in debt. He`s supported by a notable and truly "cinematic" cast including Fumi Nikaido (WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL?, HIBI ROCK: PUKE AFRO AND THE POP STAR, WOLF GIRL

    Academy Award nominee Ken Watanabe heads a high profile cast in RAGE, the latest collaboration from the creators of the award-winning VILLAIN. Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2016

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    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: ikari-movie.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE How well must you know someone to have trust? Three couples touched by a horrible murder learn that beyond trust, there lies anger. Toho has provided press notes and high-res images from their new crime drama, RAGE (??, Ikari). The movie will have its world premiere this week at the Toronto International Film Festival. INTRODUCTION Director San-il Lee (VILLAIN, UNFORGIVEN) and the prize winning novelist Shuichi Yoshida (Villain) reunite with renewed passion for RAGE and aim for another landmark in Japanese cinema. RAGE promises to showcase Lee’s pluckiness and talent for distilling great realism from characters in emotionally-heightened circumstances. The treatment of three different relationships and multiple protagonists all struggling for a place to direct their emotions is quite fluent but unpredictable. A master at telling moving stories that penetrate

    Direct from Toho, SciFi Japan has high-res images from GODZILLA RESURGENCE. Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2016 TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Press Notes and Images from Toho< Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Summer 2016: Godzilla is "born"... Toho Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and high-res photos from their upcoming film, GODZILLA RESURGENCE (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira). We are pleased to share a mix of images -- some new, some previously released -- in larger sizes and higher quality than has been seen before. Since the release of the original GODZILLA  in 1954, nearly 100 million people have bought tickets to see Godzilla in Japanese cinemas. The monster`s popularity has spread far beyond Japan, resulting in the 2014 Hollywood version of GODZILLA which grossed approximately ¥57 billion ($529 million) worldwide, making him the international "King of the Monsters". The Japanese government`s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has even presented Godzilla as

    Ryoma Takeuchi and Tao Tsuchiya star in the manga adaptation YELL FOR THE BLUE SKY. Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2016

    Godzilla - Toho

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: aozorayell-movie.jp (Japan) Toho has provided promotional materials for YELL FOR THE BLUE SKY (?????, Aozora Eeru), the new live-action adaptation of the manga of the same name. The movie was directed by Takahiro Miki (WE WERE THERE, HOT ROAD) and stars Tao Tsuchiya (ULTRAMAN ZERO: THE REVENGE OF BELIAL, RUROUNI KENSHIN series), Ryoma Takeuchi (KAMEN RIDER DRIVE), Mirai Shida (ARRIETTY, THE WIND RISES), Fujiko Kojima (LESSON OF THE EVIL) and Yuki Yamada (GOKAIGER). YELL FOR THE BLUE SKY opened in Japan on August 20th. Toho is now offering the film for international distribution. INTRODUCTION A gem of a story about adolescence, featuring two young people who support each other and mature together. The live-action film adaptation of long-running hit comic! Not a "couple," but "partners." Yell for the Blue Sky is a long-running comic serialized in the

    Click on the image for a look at the completed Retailer Incentive cover for issue #2 of Godzilla: Rage Across Time. Image courtesy of Aaron John Gregory. © 2016 Toho Co., Ltd.

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    Author/Source: Aaron John GregoryOfficial Site: IDW PublishingSpecial Thanks to Bobby Curnow A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Artist Aaron John Gregory has offered SciFi Japan readers an exclusive step-by-step look at the making of his cover illustration for Godzilla: Rage Across Time. Godzilla: Rage Across Time is a five part comic book mini-series debuting this week from IDW Publishing that features Godzilla and other Toho monsters during different eras of Earth’s history. Each issue is produced by a different creative team and comes with multiple cover variants. Aaron has created artwork for the Retailer Incentive cover of the second issue, which will be available from comic book shops and retailers on September 21st. While Godzilla: Rage Across Time is Aaron`s first comic book assignment, he is no newcomer to the art world. Class valedictorian from the Academy of Art, University in San

    Akira Takarada (foreground) with Toshiaki Suzuki, Momoko Koichi and Takashi Shimura in the classic GODZILLA. Photo courtesy of Rialto Pictures. © 1954 TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Interviewer/Translator: Kim Song-ho Special Thanks to Akira Takarada, Cho Young-ho (The Japan Foundation Seoul), Yeon Ji-mi (simultaneous interpreter), Hiroaki Iwasaki (Takarada Planning) and Hong Gi-hun (Big Monster Club) Editor`s Apology: Reporter Kim Song-ho submitted this interview to SciFi Japan months ago. It should have run at that time, and the reasons it didn`t are completely my fault. There are no excuses. I apologize to Song-ho, Akira Takarada, and everyone who contributed to this wonderful article. -- Keith Aiken From December 20, 2015 to March 6, 2016, The Japan Foundation Seoul, The Korean Association of Cinematheques, Busan Cinema Center and Korean Film Archive jointly organized a massive retrospective of Mikio Naruse, one of the most prolific and respected directors of the Japanese cinema. As a special event for the retrospective, actor Akira Takarada, who starred in several of Naruse`s works, visited Korea and showed three films of his

    Taki Tachibana (Ryunosuke Kamiki) and Mitsuha Miyamizu (Mone Kamishiraishi) in your name., the new anime film from acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai. Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2016 “your name.” Film Partners. All Rights Reserved

    Godzilla - Toho

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: kiminona.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho has provided additional high-res images from your name. (?????, Kimi no Na wa.), the upcoming anime film from director Makoto Shinkai (THE PLACE PROMISED IN OUR EARLY DAYS, THE GARDEN OF WORDS). The movie opens in Japan on August 26th. About Toho Company. Ltd. Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Tokyo, Toho Company, Ltd. is one of the leading entertainment conglomerates in Japan. Toho is best known worldwide as the producer of twenty-nine Godzilla motion pictures, based upon a character the company unleashed on the world back in 1954, and masterpiece films directed by Akira Kurosawa. Toho has been the number

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