SciFi Japan

    Win the new softcover edition of Linkenback`s The Art of Japanese Monsters. Image courtesy of Sean Linkenback. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Win the Complete Reference Guide to Godzilla and Japanese Science Fiction Posters From Around the World Source: Sean Linkenback The softcover edition of The Art of Japanese Monsters is now available from Amazon and other retailers. In celebration of the release, author Sean Linkenback is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a free copy of this great book! Written by Linkenback (Unauthorized Guide to Godzilla Collectibles) with a new cover illustration by Alex Wald (American Splendor, Japan’s Favorite Mon-Star), this reference guide to Japanese science fiction film posters from 1954 to present contains artwork from over 60 different films, including the Godzilla, Gamera, and Mothra series; RODAN, GAPPA, the Majin films, WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS, THE H-MAN, and many more. Running 208 full color pages, The Art of Japanese Monsters has a retail price of $39.99... but here is your chance to get the

    New York`s Japan Society will screen a 35mm, English subtitled print of Toho`s MATANGO as part of their `The Dark Side of the Sun: John Zorn on Japanese Cinema` film series. Photo courtesy of Japan Society. © 1963 Toho Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Monthly Film Series Highlights Lesser-known and Overlooked Works from Six Japanese Directors Source: Japan Society Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett The Dark Side of the Sun: John Zorn on Japanese Cinema October 18, 2014-February 20, 2015, at Japan Society New York, NY - Japan Society`s 2014-15 Monthly Film Series invites cinephiles to discover or re-discover Japanese cinema through the eyes of one of its most ardent fans. Maverick avant-garde composer, musician and arranger John Zorn calls upon his deep love and knowledge of Japanese cinema to spotlight lesser-known or overlooked works from six Japanese directors. The Dark Side of the Sun: John Zorn on Japanese Cinema launches with Atsushi Yamatoya`s psychedelic INFLATABLE SEX DOLL OF THE WASTELANDS (October 18), followed by Teinosuke Kinugasa`s 1928 avant-garde silent drama CROSSROADS (November 15), screened with a live improvised score by master shamisen player Yumiko Tanaka; Yoshimitsu

    A work-in-progress preview of Alex Wald`s cover art for the softcover edition of The Art of Japanese Monsters. Image courtesy of Sean Linkenback. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Sean Linkenback Unauthorized Guide to Godzilla Collectibles author Sean Linkenback has announced a new softcover edition of his latest book, The Art of Japanese Monsters, will be available starting October 13th. Featuring a new cover illustration by Alex Wald (American Splendor, Japan’s Favorite Mon-Star), this reference guide to Japanese science fiction film posters from 1954 to present contains artwork from over 60 different films, including the Godzilla, Gamera, and Mothra series; RODAN, GAPPA, the Majin films, WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS, THE H-MAN, and many more. Linkenback explains... "After the amazingly quick sell-out of the hardcover edition of The Art of Japanese Monsters (less than one month at both wholesale and retail), I`ve been fielding calls and emails from collectors all over the world who are just now hearing about the book and wondering how they can get a hold of a copy. Wanting to

    Fantasy invades reality during a theatre production of Yotsuya Kaidan in the horror film OVER YOUR DEAD BODY, from director Takashi Miike. Photo courtesy of TIFF. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Takashi Miike`s Latest to Screen at Toronto International Film Festival Source: Toei Co., Ltd., Mongrel International, Toronto International Film Festival, SEDIC International Production Notes: Giovani Fulvi, Toronto International Film Festival Official Movie Site: kuime.jp (Japan) After opening last month in Japan, Takashi Miike`s OVER YOUR DEAD BODY (??-???-, Kuime) comes to North America with the international premiere, September 11th at the Toronto International Film Festival. The cinematic master Miike outdoes himself with this new horror movie. Ebizo Ichikawa of HARA-KIRI: DEATH OF A SAMURAI 3D (??, Ichimei, 2011) and ASK THIS OF RIKYU (???????, Rikyu ni Tazune yo, 2013) plays the charismatic villain. Opposite him, Ko Shibasaki of 47 RONIN plays Oiwa, Japan`s deadliest heroine. Handsome Hideaki Ito of LESSON OF THE EVIL (????, Aku no Kyoten, 2012) plays the ugly blind man. Together they realize a tale of love, obsession and insanity.

    ToQ 1Gou explodes into action in the new KAMEN RIDER GAIM/RESSHA SENTAI TOQGER movie double feature. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. ©

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Toei Publicity Materials for New Double Feature Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: gaim-toq.jp (Japan) Translations: John Paul Cassidy For the fourteenth year in a row, Toei has released a theatrical double feature starring the current incarnations of their top henshin hero franchises; the Super Sentai and the Kamen Riders. The 2014 entry pairs the heroes of the new Super Sentai television series RESSHA SENTAI TOQGER (????????????, Ressha Sentai Tokkyuujaa, 2014-2015) with a soccer-themed adventure for the characters of KAMEN RIDER GAIM (?????????????, Kamen Raidaa Gaimu, 2013-2014). As is customary for the Toei hero double features, the two films are separate stories rather than a crossover between Kamen Rider Gaim and the Toqgers. Generally the Sentai film in the fall double bills is designed as a stand-alone adventure that often feels like a big-budget TV episode, while the modern Rider films tend to

    Bluefin Distribution will be selling several Bandai exclusives at 2014 San Diego Comic-Con. Photos courtesy of Bluefin.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.Figuarts Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Bluefin Distribution has announced their exclusives for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con. The company will once again have 2 booths at the convention -- Booth #140 and Booth #3545 -- each offering their own Bandai exclusives. Booth #3545 S.H. Figuarts: Vegeta Original Animation Colors In this classic S.H.Figuarts rendition of Vegeta, he appears as you’ve only seen him in the original DRAGON BALL anime! Flash back to when Vegeta had reddish-brown hair and a completely different green and orange coloring for his Saiyan combat suit. Set comes with a rich variety of accessories for the ultimate action figure experience! Parts include folded arms, four interchangeable hand sets, including a special interchangeable “scouter crushing” hand part, three interchangeable face parts and head part with attachable scouter, tail parts,

    In 1868, time traveling school teacher Mikako Kawabe (Satomi Ishihara) amazes the Shogun’s Navy Commissioner, Katsu Kaishu (Hiroshi Tamaki), with 2014 technology. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 2014 TIME TRIP APP Production Committee

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd., Fuji Television Network, Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival Official Site: bakumatsu-kokosei.jp (Japan) Toei and Fuji Television have released a plot synopsis and several high-res photos from their new movie, TIME TRIP APP (?????, Bakumatsu Kokosei, 2014). The film will have its world premiere at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea on July 18th, with the Japanese theatrical run beginning on July 26th. STORY The year is 1868, Year 1 of Japan’s ‘modern’ period of history. The nation faces one of the most dramatic times in its history, with forces loyal to the Shogun pitted against modernizers who wish political power restored after many centuries to the Emperor. This new imperial army has defeated the Shogun’s forces near Kyoto, and now plans a full-scale assault on his capital of Edo -- modern Tokyo -- to take

    Logo for the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. Image courtesy of NEW PEOPLE.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Week-Long Live-Action and Anime Festival at NEW PEOPLE Cinema in Conjunction with 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Source: MediaLab press release Official Site: jffsf.org Special Thanks to Erik Jansen The 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, the only fully-dedicated annual Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area, returns for its second consecutive year and kicks off during the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival. Set to open on Saturday, July 19th and running thru Sunday, July 27th, the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) will showcase a variety of unique programs, many as first-run U.S. premieres. The 2014 JFFSF takes place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE J-POP entertainment complex at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Tickets are $15.00 for most films, unless otherwise noted. Film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets are available at jffsf.org. The

    Photo courtesy of Bluefin. © Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Bluefin Corp. press release Special Thanks to Xavier Lim From the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS, Tamashii Nations is proud to announce the release of the great Green Ranger (aka Dragon Ranger from ZYURANGER)! He is the first Ranger to make his debut in the FiguartsZERO statue series, portrayed in splendid detail from his armor down to the vivid green coloring in the dynamically cracked earth display base. Green Ranger is impressively posed, holding his trusty Dragon Dagger as a flute just as he summons the mighty Dragonzord! This Tamashii Web Exclusive has been created with the U.S. market in mind and will be available through U.S. affiliated Bluefin retailers. FiguartsZERO Green Ranger/ ???????ZERO ????????? Product Size: Height Approximately 160mm (Including Display Stand) Material: ABS, PVC Shipping: November 2014 (Japan), December 2014 (United States) Distributed by: Tamashii Web Shop (Japan), Bluefin (United States) Price:

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Huge Festivals Return to New York City with Screenings of More than 70 Asian Films Source: Subway Cinema, Japan Society Special Thanks to Ted Geoghegan, Goran Topalovic and Shannon Jowett Beginning Friday, June 27th, New York City once again will host a month-long festival of popular Asian cinema. Subway Cinema`s New York Asian Film Festival (June 27-July 14) and Japan Society`s Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema (July 10-20) combined will feature more than 70 different movies, world and US premieres, exclusive Q&A’s with filmmakers, and other special events. This year also marks the eighth annual collaboration between Japan Cuts and NYAFF, who will co-present several films at the Japan Society. Festival Venues Film Society of Lincoln Center`s Walter Reade Theater: June 27-July 10 165 West 65th Street, Upper Level (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) Box office: (212) 875-5601 America`s pre-eminent film presentation organization,

    DORAEMON © Fujiko Pro. GIOVANNI’S ISLAND image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. © JAME

    Tokusatsu - FX

    FREE Screenings in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 5th Source: Anime Jungle, Japan Plus Inc. press release Special Thanks to Tetsu Shiota and Stephen Tang Entertainment consortium Japan Plus Inc. (NPO) has announced that the first two episodes of the beloved and iconic children’s anime TV series DORAEMON and the critically acclaimed 2014 animated theatrical GIOVANNI’S ISLAND will both make their U.S. premiere screenings at the Aratani Theater in the Little Tokyo area of downtown Los Angeles. The free screenings are a featured part of the events and activities slated during the all-day Anime De Summer Festival taking place on the plaza grounds of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) on Saturday, July 5th. “DORAEMON has long been such a pop cultural phenomenon in Asia and we’re grateful to be able to debut the first few episodes during the Anime De Summer Festival, before its

    A giant balloon of the Red Ranger (center) from MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS will join this year`s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 1993 Power Rangers LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    New Giant Balloon of Iconic MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS Hero Source: Saban Brands, Burson-Marsteller press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Gretchen Toy This Thanksgiving, the legendary Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger will make his epic debut as he morphs into a giant helium balloon for the 88th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 27. Marking the first-ever Power Ranger balloon, the Red Ranger will captivate millions of spectators and television viewers nationwide as he flies across the skies of New York during the holiday event. “We look forward to creating a larger than life Mighty Morphin Power Ranger balloon that will entertain generations of fans while sharing the Power Rangers core values of teamwork, responsibility and helping others,” said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. “Seeing the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger soar in the Macy’s Parade will truly be legendary.” “The super-sized

    International sales flier for KIKAIDER -THE ULTIMATE HUMAN ROBOT-. © Ishimori ? Toei © 2014 KIKAIDER Film Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Kadokawa Corporation Official Site: kikaider.jp (Japan) Kadokawa Corporation is now offering the feature film KIKAIDER REBOOT (????? ??????, Kikaidaa Ribuuto, 2014) for international distribution as KIKAIDER -THE ULTIMATE HUMAN ROBOT-. Opening in Japanese cinemas on May 24th, KIKAIDER -THE ULTIMATE HUMAN ROBOT- is an update of Toei`s classic hero television series ROBOTMAN KIKAIDER (?????????, Jinzo Ningen Kikaidaa, 1972 – 1973) created by Shotaro Ishinomori. After ushering in an era of transforming heroes with the "altered human" Kamen Rider, Ishinomori took on the challenge of a new type of hero... the "artificial human", Kikaider. Jiro, a creation of robotics genius Dr. Komyoji, was built with an incomplete "conscience circuit" implanted within his body. The existence of this circuit causes inner conflict as he struggles with both good and evil impulses. This was the premise of KIKAIDER, which gained a loyal following thanks to story elements such as

    THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 2 features two episodes of the new live-action series. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2014 'THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-' Production Committee

    Tokusatsu - FX

    High-Res Images from Latest Chapter of the Live-Action Theatrical Series Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 2 (THE NEXT GENERATION ????????2?, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon - Patoreibaa - /Dai 2-Shoo, 2014) begins a two week limited theatrical run in Japan on Saturday, May 31, 2014. Supervised by director Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), the live-action adaptation of the MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patoreibaa) manga and anime runs for thirteen episodes, which are being released in seven theatrical chapters. The series will conclude with a feature-length film in 2015. THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 2 contains Episodes 2 and 3 from directors Tsujimoto Takanori (HARD REVENGE, MILLY films, BUSHIDO MAN) and Hiroaki Yuasa (THE WOMEN OF FAST FOOD, cinematographer on Oshii`s ASSAULT GIRLS). Naoto Takenaka, who voiced the character Shigeki Arakawa in the

    Image courtesy of Mill Creek. © 2014 Iron Fist TV

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Mill Creek Entertainment Official Site: ironfisttv.com Special Thanks to Chris Smith and Barrett Evans Mill Creek Entertainment has launched Iron Fist TV, a new streaming channel that features martial arts and monster films and TV shows. Iron Fist TV is now available online and on Roku, and offers both free (ad supported) and subscription ($4.99/month, no ads and wider selection) options. The channel includes over 35 martial arts and monster movies from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s as well as 150 TV episodes from ULTRAMAN, SUPER ROBOT RED BARON, IRON KING and FIGHT! DRAGON. More than 70 new films will be added over the next few months. About Mill Creek Entertainment Mill Creek Entertainment is a source of value home video entertainment. Helmed by a management team with over eighty years of experience in the consumer home entertainment

    Image courtesy of Mecha Gorilla. © 2014 MECHA GORILLA

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Texas Tries a Taste of Tokusatsu Source: Mecha Gorilla press release Special Thanks Dyvontrae Johnson The first Texas Toku Taisen, organized by Mecha Gorilla and presented by Alamo Drafthouse and Alamo City Comic Con, will take place at the Westlakes Alamo Drafthouse location (1255 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227) on May 15, 2014. The Texas Toku Taisen is a film festival dedicated to showcasing the history and presence of the Japanese film genre tokusatsu (traditional FX techniques) here in the US. The festival will show 4 different movies before the premiere of Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures` GODZILLA. The festival will have a vendor’s table established for Heroes and Fantasies, a partner in organizing the event, a presentation from Monster Attack Team, as well as a live panel from Matt Frank of IDW’s Godzilla: Rulers of Earth. Texas Toku Taisen will show HENTAI KAMEN:

    Runners are targeted by killers in LIVE, Noboru Iguchi`s adaptation of the best-selling novel. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Kadokawa Pictures Official Site: live-movie.jp (Japan) Kadokawa Pictures has provided additional high-res photos from LIVE (???, Raivu), a new extreme suspense movie directed by Noboru Iguchi (MUTANT GIRLS SQUAD, KARATE-ROBO ZABORGAR, DEAD SUSHI) based on Yusuke Yamada`s novel of the same name. The movie opens in Japan on Saturday, May 10th. About Kadokawa Shoten Kadokawa Shoten, which forms the axis of the expansive KADOKAWA CORPORATION, is a well-established brand producing a wide variety of publications and visual contents including live-action pictures and animated films. For more information on LIVE please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: LIVE: Extreme Suspense from Kadokawa

    The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers will be re-imagined for a new feature film from Lionsgate and Saban Brands. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 1993 Power Rangers LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Saban Brands, Lionsgate, Mammoth Press 1 press release, additional Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Megan Alvino Lionsgate, a leading global entertainment company, and Saban Brands, a strategic brand management company that acquires and builds global consumer brands, are partnering to develop and produce an original live action feature film based on the iconic POWER RANGERS property, it was announced today by franchise creator Haim Saban and Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. The announcement marks another step in Lionsgate’s continued commitment to build a broad portfolio of branded properties and franchises with global appeal. Saban launched MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS as a live action television series more than 20 years ago, and the series has been in continuous production ever since. It has subsequently grown into one of the world’s most popular and recognizable brands, with toys, apparel, costumes, video games, DVDs, comic books

    Imge courtesy of Showgate. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Showgate Official Site: juon-movie.jp (Japan) Showgate has released additional high-res photos featuring the main cast from JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END (?? -???????-, Juon: Owari no Hajimari), the 10th film in the long-running THE GRUDGE J-Horror franchise. The movie opens at the Shinjuku Wald 9 and other Japanese cinemas on June 28th. For more information on JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END

    Page 11 of 24

    SciFi Japan
    4WeHelp Movers Cincinnati
    Copyright © 2025 | SCIFI JAPAN
    © 2025 Your Company. All Rights Reserved. Designed By JoomShaper