SciFi Japan

    The S.H.Figuarts Toei hero lineup for September/October 2013. Photos courtesy of Bluefin. © Ishimori Pro ? Toei/ © Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Articulated Bandai Figures to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.Figuarts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shfiguarts (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for three S.H.Figuarts releases coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations in September and October 2013. Fans of Toei`s Kamen Rider franchise will soon be able to purchase Masked Rider Blade and Masked Rider No. 1`s Cyclone motorcycle, while Super Sentai fans can look forward to an exclusive Mighty Morphin White Ranger figure. All three items will be released both in Japan and North America. Fans and collectors can purchase S.H.Figuarts figures from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsors Anime Jungle and Toy Freakz. S.H.Figuarts - Masked Rider Blade/ S.H.Figuarts ?????????? This latest S.H.Figuarts title commemorates the 5th anniversary of the S.H.Figuarts line with an all newly evolved, enhanced action figure

    Photos courtesy of X-Plus. Godzilla 1975 TM&© 1975,2013 TOHO CO.,LTD. © PLEX 2013. Spectreman © P-Production. Ambassador Magma © Tezuka Production / Tokyo Agency / P-Production

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Final Version of Godzilla 75 and New Figures of Classic P-Production Heroes Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd. Special Thanks to Sachiko Ikenouchi A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Last week, SciFi Japan posted information and photos of the giant monster figures scheduled for release by X-Plus Co., Ltd. in late June 2013. X-Plus was still waiting on final approvals for several of the figures so SFJ ran photos of the unpainted prototypes. Toho has now approved the final Godzilla (1975 Version), so X-Plus has provided photos of the fully painted figure. X-Plus has also sent images for two additional figures; the monster-fighting heroes Spectreman and Ambassador Magma. X-Plus` monster figures can be purchased directly from the company`s official Shounen Ric website. Shounen Ric offers Limited Editions of the figures with exclusive features or bonus pieces not available from other retailers. The standard figures are also sold by stores

    The Cinefamily presents a retrospective of director Nobuhiko Obayashi`s cult classics, including over-the-top SCHOOL IN THE CROSSHAIRS. © 1981 Toho Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Rarely Screened Movies by Nobuhiko Obayashi Source: The Cinefamily press release Event Site: cinefamily.org/nobuhiko-obayashi-schoolgirls-in-the-crosshairs Special Thanks to Brendt Rioux, Marc Walkow and Miho Shimizu The Cinefamily has partnered with The Japan Foundation and the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles to bring the director of psychedelic kids’ horror mind-melter HOUSE (Hausu) to Los Angeles for the first major U.S. retrospective of his singular works -- NOBUHIKO OBAYASHI: SCHOOLGIRLS IN THE CROSSHAIRS. Throughout the month of May, The Cinefamily will show 35mm prints of several of Obayashi distinct genre of “supernatural schoolgirl” movies, most of which have never screened in the U.S. before, with themed parties, and Q&As with the director. On May 9th the Cinefamily will welcome the director for "An Evening with Nobuhiko Obayashi" -- a long-form discussion covering his early career as an experimental filmmaker, his work in the fast-paced world of

    51 years after its Japanese release, the action series THE SAMURAI comes to the US and Canada as SHINTARO THE SAMURAI. © Senkosha Productions

    Tokusatsu - FX

    1960s Japanese Hit Begins Streaming on GooHead Channel Source: Golden Media Group Official Site: GooHead Channel Special Thanks to Roy McAree In 1962, Senkosha Productions launched the black & white television series, THE SAMURAI (????, Onmitsu Kenshi). The show starred Koichi Ose (MOONLIGHT MASK) as Akikusa Shintaro, a noble wandering samurai in the service of the Tokugawa shogun. 128 half hour episodes of the series were produced through 1965. In December 1964, channel TCN-9 in Sydney, Australia began broadcasting Senkosha`s English dubbed version of THE SAMURAI. The show became a phenomenon in Australia, leading star Koichi Ose to do a promotional tour and live action shows based on the series. 6,000 fans welcomed the astonished actor when his plane landed at Mascot Airport. In 2010, THE SAMURAI`s impact in Australia was detailed in the feature length documentary SHINTARO! THE SAMURAI SENSATION THAT SWEPT

    Images courtesy of GKIDS.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: gkids.tv/losangeles The American Cinematheque and NY Int`l Children`s Film Festival present LOS ANGELES CHILDREN`S FILM FESTIVAL, the best new films from around the world for ages 3-18. The festival runs April 26-May 5, 2013 at the Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA. The series is programmed by Gwen Deglise and Grant Moninger, and co-produced by Ashley Drysdale. For additional information and to purchase tickets, go to gkids.tv/losangeles or americancinematheque/los-angeles-international-childrens-film-festival. A LETTER TO MOMO (??????, Momo e no Tegami) Japan, Hiroyuki Okiura, 2011, 120 min Recommended Ages: 8 to Adult (Subtitled) Friday April 26, 7:30pm The last time Momo saw her father they had a fight, and all she has left to remember him by is a letter he had begun that says only “Dear Momo.” Moving with her mom to the remote Japanese island

    Photo courtesy of Hobby Search. © Ishimori Pro ? Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Hobby Search Megahouse Official Site: megahobby.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Ryo Negishi Chess Pieces Collection R Kamen Rider Vol.1/ ????????????R ?????? Vol.1 The Chess Piece Collection R Series from MegaHouse will introduce its first Kamen Rider set, featuring five Kamen Riders plus a Ghoul from KAMEN RIDER WIZARD (???????????, Kamen Raidaa Uizaado, 2012-13). The PVC pieces faithfully replicates the characters with realistic designs and colors, and the display stands come in both black and white. The complete six piece set is now available for preorder from Hobby Search. Manufacturer: MegaHouse Product Size: Height Approximately 90mm (Approximately 3.54 Inches) Material: PVC Shipping: Late August 2013 Price (Individual Figure): ¥950 (Approximately $9.75 US) Price (Set): ¥5,700 (Approximately $57.25 US) ? Set Contents ?Kamen Rider Wizard - Flame Style (King)/ ????????????????????????? ?Kamen Rider Fourze - Base States (Queen)/ ???????????????????????? ?Kamen Rider 000 - Tatoba Combo

    The S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider lineup for August 2013. Photos courtesy of Bluefin. © Ishimori Pro ? Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Articulated Bandai Figures to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.Figuarts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shfiguarts (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for three S.H.Figuarts figures coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations in August. Fans of Toei`s Kamen Rider franchise will soon be able to purchase new Masked Rider No. 1 and Shocker Combatman figures, while Masked Rider V3 will be reissued. All three items will be released both in Japan and North America. Fans and collectors can purchase S.H.Figuarts figures from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsors Anime Jungle and Toy Freakz. S.H.Figuarts - Masked Rider No. 1/ S.H.Figuarts ???????1? At last the timeless classic, the original Kamen Rider from MASKED RIDER (?????? Kamen Raidaa, 1971-73), joins the advanced S.H.Figuarts action figure line-up. Special rider kick effect parts are included along

    Photos courtesy of Bluefin. Super Saiyan Goku © BIRD STUDIO / Shueisha ? Fuji Television ? Toei Animation. Blue & Black Overdrive Rangers © Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Bluefin Corp. Official Site: Bluefin Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has previewed two exclusive items coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations in August. The FiguartsZERO - Super Saiyan Goku statue and the S.H.Figuarts - Blue & Black Overdrive Rangers set will be released both in Japan and North America. FiguartsZERO - Super Saiyan Goku/ ???????ZERO ??????????? At last, your favorite DRAGON BALL characters will join the high-detail FiguartsZERO statue line-up! The first title will be Super Saiyan Son Goku from DRAGON BALL Z KAI (????????????, Doragon Boru Kai). This meticulously crafted sculpt faithfully captures details such as Goku’s battle damage, and depicts brilliant battle effects and Saiyan hair with translucent parts. The set also includes a special display stand. Made especially for the Western markets, this item will be available as a Web Shop Exclusive in Asia. Height: Approximately 160mm Material: ABS, PVC Shipping:

    Yellow Buster, Gokai Red, Kamen Rider Beast, Kamen Rider Wizard and Kyoryu Red stand together in the upcoming film, SUPER HERO TAISEN Z. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 'Super Hero Taisen Z' Production Committee © Ishimori Pro · TV Asahi · ADK · Toei AG · Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: superhero-movie.com (Japan) Toei Materials Translated by: Elliot Gay The following article is translated from Toei`s press release for their new movie, SUPER HERO TAISEN Z, opening in Japan on April 27th... SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from a new movie. Official English Title: SUPER HERO TAISEN Z Original Japanese Title: ??????×??????×???????????????Z (Kamen Raidaa x Suupaa Sentai x Uchuu Keiji: Suupaa Hiiroo Taisen Zetto) Literal Translation: Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Wars Z Space War! A new all-star hero film is born. INTRODUCTION Kamen Rider and Super Sentai; the proud heroes of Japan. Last spring’s KAMEN RIDER X SUPER SENTAI: SUPER HERO TAISEN (??????×?????????????????, Kamen Raidaa × Suupaa Sentai: Suupaa Hiiroo Taisen, 2012) film was the first time both properties truly stood together onscreen. Last fall also

    7 DAYS OF HIMAWARI & HER PUPPIES. © 2013

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Shochiku Co., Ltd. has announced their theatrical releases schedule for 2013 and early 2014... 7 DAYS OF HIMAWARI & HER PUPPIES ????????7?? (Himawari to Koinu no Nanokakan) Release Date: March 16, 2013 Director: Emiko Hiramatsu Cast: Masato Sakai, Miki Nakatani Based on a miraculous true story, a film filled with love is born. From the crew who have worked for Yoji Yamada. That dog had quickly grown in an environment filled with the love of Grandpa and Grandma. But they both died all too soon, and she became all alone. She survive in the midst of nature with her strength, but had completely closed her heart towards humans. She gave birth to puppies, and soon they got captured at the Public Health Center. Shoji, an employee at the center, has done his best to raise his two kids as well since his

    Meru (Anna Aoi) sleeps in the Promised Land. Photo courtesy of Tohokushinsha Film Corporation. © 2012 Keita Amemiya / Tohokushinsha Film Corporation

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation Official Movie Site: garo-project.jp/SOUKOKU (Japan) Additional Material: Dan Ross and Keith Aiken Special Thanks to Tommy Nobuki Ohnakatomi A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE From ancient times a type of demons known as “Horrors” have preyed upon mankind. But throughout history there has been a secret society of mystical warriors who have protected the human race. Only the Makai Knights whose powers are passed through family lineage have the strength to defeat the Horrors. A mysterious young man, Kouga Saejima, living in an old castle using the inherited sword and armor of the Golden Knight Garo, shines as one of the greatest Makai Knights. When fighting Horrors as Garo, Koga has a time limit of 99.9 seconds. When the time limit ends he must shed the armor or become a beast himself. Thus starts the ongoing saga of Garo and

    Saburo Sawai and Shigeru Amachi with 1950s sex symbol Michiko Maeda in REVENGE OF THE PEARL QUEEN, one of eight films screening at Japan Society`s `Shintoho Mind Warp` film series. Photo courtesy of Japan Society. © C.E.C.-Centro Espressioni Cinematografiche

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Film Series Highlights Rare Japanese Cult Classics from Famously Rogue Studio Source: Japan Society Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett and Pauline Ceraulo `Into the Shintoho Mind Warp: Girls, Guns & Ghosts from the Second Golden Age of Japanese Film` February 27-March 10, 2013, at Japan Society, Followed by a North American Tour Born of the fires of dissidence, pioneering Japanese film studio Shintoho was founded in 1947 by employees of the Tokyo-based Toho Company during a strike (Shintoho literally means “New Toho”). The fledgling studio promptly established itself as one of the major film producers of the second golden age of Japanese cinema, specializing in low- to no-budget productions that have become absolute cult classics. Japan Society’s 2013 Globus Film Series `Into the Shintoho Mind Warp: Girls, Guns & Ghosts from the Second Golden Age of Japanese Film` offers rare screenings of eight

    Gokai Red (right) battles Red Buster (left) in the new Super Sentai movie, GO-BUSTERS VS GOKAIGER. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 2012

    Tokusatsu - FX

    A Look at the Latest "Super Sentai VS Series" Movie, with Information and Images from Toei Author: Alicia Ashby Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: gobus-gokai.jp (Japan) Toei Materials Translated by: Jim Ballard SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from a new movie. Editor`s Note: This article uses the official English titles created and used by Toei Co., Ltd. for international sales and promotion of the Super Sentai movies, shows and videos. Official English Title: GO-BUSTERS VS GOKAIGER Original Japanese Title: ????????????????????????THE MOVIE (Tokumei Sentai Goobasutaazu Tai Kaizoku Sentai Gookaijaa Za Muubii) Literal Translation: Special Ops Sentai Go-Busters vs. Pirate Sentai Gokaiger The Movie INTRODUCTION Since 1975`s GORENGER (??????????, Himitsu Sentai Gorenjaa), the Super Sentai series has continued uninterrupted. 2011`s GOKAIGER (???????????, Gaizoku Sentai Gookaijaa), produced to commemorate the 35th anniversary, aimed to make a definitive statement

    Solitude breeds a new horror in THE COMPLEX. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2013 The Complex Film Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    AKB48`s Atsuko Maeda Stars in Tale of Isolation and Terror Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd., Nikkatsu Corporation Official Movie Site: kuroyuri-danchi.jp (Japan) SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming Japanese movie. In 1998, director Hideo Nakata stunned audiences with THE RING (???, Ringu), the acclaimed horror hit that spawned multiples sequels and two American films. He delivered another J-Horror classic with DARK WATER (????????, Honogurai Mizu no Soko Kara, 2002) before moving on to direct KAIDAN (??, 2007), DEATH NOTE: L, change the worLd (L??????, L no Hontou no Himitsu, 2008) and THE INCITE MILL ?7 DAY DEATH GAME? (?????????????????, Inshite Miru: 7-Kakan no Desu Gemu, 2010). Nakata now returns to J-Horror with THE COMPLEX (??????, Kuroyuri Danchi). Described as a tale of terror, madness and despair born from solitude and isolation, the film stars Atsuko Maeda, former

    Fa Hai (Jet Li) battles White Snake (Eva Huang) in THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE, coming to theaters in America this February. Photo courtesy of Magnet Releasing. © 2011 Juli Entertainment Media Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Now On Demand; Theatrical Run Starts February 8th Source: Magnolia Pictures Official Movie Site: magnetreleasing.com/thesorcererandthewhitesnake SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from a new movie. Jet Li stars in the martial arts fantasy THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE (???????, 2011), coming to the United States from Magnet Releasing, a division of Magnolia Pictures (THE HOST, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, MONSTERS, TROLLHUNTER). The film is now available on Video On Demand and starts a limited theatrical run on February 8th. Check the theatrical release schedule for theater locations and dates. The following press notes and images are courtesy of Magnet Releasing/ Magnolia Pictures... SYNOPSIS Action director Ching Siu-Tung helms this fantasy film based on an old Chinese legend about an herbalist who falls in love with a thousand-year-old White Snake disguised as a woman. Jet Li

    Naoto Date (Eiji Wentz) becomes a masked hero and defender of children in TIGER MASK. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2013 'Tiger Mask' Film Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Shochiku Updates Classic Anime/Manga Hero in New Movie Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming movie. The fictional masked professional wrestler and timeless hero, Tiger Mask, is back in a new Marvel superhero-inspired costume for a new generation of movie lovers! The movie TIGER MASK focuses on the untold story of young Naoto Date`s early life leading up to his legend as Tiger Mask. This is how it all begins! --Shochiku publicity materials for TIGER MASK Created by manga writer Ikki Kajiwara and artist Naoki Tsuji, the Tiger Mask (???????, Taigaa Masuku) manga told the story of Naoto "Tiger Mask" Date, a former orphan who has become star of the Tiger`s Cave, a league of evil wrestlers. But Tiger Mask renounces his ways and fights for good in order to become

    Izumi (Tomomitsu Yamaguchi), Sakamaki (Hiroki Narimiya), Nagachika Narita (Mansai Nomura) and Tanba (Koichi Sato) defend their castle against 20,000 invaders. Photo courtesy of Asmik Ace Entertainment. © 2011

    Tokusatsu - FX

    A Force of 20,000 VS an Army of Just 500... Fools or Heroes? Source: Asmik Ace Entertainment, TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) Official Movie Site: nobou-movie.jp (Japan) Directors Shinji Higuchi (SINKING OF JAPAN, Gamera trilogy) and Isshin Inudo (ZERO FOCUS) team up for THE FLOATING CASTLE (?????, Nobo no Shiro), based on Ryo Wada`s novel of the same name, which has sold more than 1.3 million copies since 2007. Originally scheduled for theatrical release in Japan on September 17, 2011, THE FLOATING CASTLE -- which features a flood as a key story point -- was delayed in aftermath of the March 11th, 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and finally saw release this past November. The movie is also now playing at international film festivals. Feudal Japan in the year 1590... nearing the end of Japan’s long period of civil war, the all-powerful warlord Hideyoshi

    Three kind-hearted monsters protect humans but are never accepted by them in the movie HUMANOID MONSTER BEM. Sayuri Ueno (Arisa Mizuki). © ADK/ 2012 “HUMANOID MONSTER BEM” Film Partners.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Cult 60`s Anime Comes to the Silver Screen with a New Live Action Adaptation Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Movie Site: bem-movie.jp (Japan) The Creatures Return! No one knows when and where these creatures were born. In murky silence, a cell divided and created 3 lives. They are neither human nor beast, but their hideous appearances belied a sense of justice as strong as the most noble man. "Someday we`ll become humans!" They long to be human, a longing never to be fulfilled. HUMANOID MONSTER BEM (??????, Yokai Ningen Bemu) was originally a 26 episode animated series broadcast on Fuji TV from October 7, 1968 - March 31, 1969. Written by Akira Adachi (PRINCE PLANET) and produced by Daichi Doga, the anime followed the adventures of three subhuman creatures -- Bem, Bela and Belo -- who protect people from evil creatures in

    Teaser image for the SADAKO 3D sequel. © 2012

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Kadokawa Pictures On May 12, 2012 Kadokawa relaunched the RING J-Horror franchise with the novel S (??) by author Koji Suzuki and the film SADAKO 3D (????) by director Tsutomu Hanabusa. Now the undying curse of the psychic girl Sadako Yamamura will continue in 2013 with a movie sequel, tentatively titled SADAKO 3D 2 (????2). The saga began with Suzuki`s novel Ring (???, Ringu), first published by Kadokawa Shoten in 1991, and exploded in popularity with director Hideo Nakata`s THE RING (???, Ringu) in 1998. The franchise would quickly expand to include three additional novels, three Japanese movie sequels, a TV movie and two series, a Korean remake and two big budget American films. Shortly before the release of the US remake of THE RING in 2002, the Japanese film series was symbolically laid to rest with a Tokyo funeral service for Sadako. But by

    POWER RANGERS star Johnny Yong Bosch will be a Guest of Honor for AX2013. Photo courtesy of Anime Expo.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo, North America`s largest anime and Japanese pop culture convention, announces Johnny Yong Bosch and Eyeshine as Guests of Honor for AX2013! Johnny got his start as Adam Park, the Black Ranger in the original MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS -- a role that he played for three-and-a-half seasons on TV, two motion pictures and two special guest appearances in subsequent seasons. Johnny is also well-known for voice acting work in numerous anime titles, including Vash the Stampede in TRIGUN, Kaneda in AKIRA, Renton in EUREKA SEVEN, Claus in LAST EXILE, Sakaki in WITCH HUNTER ROBIN, Kiba in WOLF`S RAIN, Itsuki in THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, Ichigo Kurosaki in BLEACH, Lelouch Lamperouge in CODE GEASS, Izaya in DURARARA, and Yukio in BLUE EXORCIST. Johnny’s voice can also be heard in numerous video

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