SciFi Japan

    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

    New versions of Hakaider and Kikaider fight in Toei`s upcoming theatrical feature, KIKAIDER REBOOT. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © Ishimori ? Toei © 2014 KIKAIDER Film Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: kikaider.jp (Japan) Toei Co., Ltd. has provided information and new high-res photos from their upcoming theatrical feature KIKAIDER REBOOT (????? ??????, Kikaidaa Ribuuto). The movie will open in Japanese cinemas on Saturday, May 24th. In 1971, Toei kicked off the "Henshin Hero" era with the start of Shotaro Ishinomori`s MASKED RIDER (??????, Kamen Raidaa) television series. The following year, Toei and Ishinomori took the concept to another level with the android hero show ROBOTMAN KIKAIDER (?????????, Jinzo Ningen Kikaidaa, 1972 – 1973). Created by robotics expert Dr. Nobuhiko Komyoji (Hajime Izu), the android Jiro (Ban Daisuke) was installed with an incomplete "conscience circuit" with a sense of both evil and justice. As the hero Kikaider, Jiro struggled with these competing feelings as he learned what it meant to be human... all while dealing with the villainous organization

    Front and back cover designs for The Art of Japanese Monsters. Image courtesy of Sean Linkenback. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Sample Pages from the Full Color Reference Guide to Japanese Science Fiction Film Posters and Lobby Cards Source: Sean Linkenback A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Author Sean Linkenback has given SciFi Japan an advance look at pages from his upcoming hardcover book, The Art of Japanese Monsters. A complete reference guide to Japanese science fiction film posters from 1954 to present, the book will contain 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. Over 1,000 posters and lobby cards from 20 different countries will be featured in full color. Two editions of The Art of Japanese Monsters will be released. The standard edition will be available through Diamond Comic Distributors and select bookstores on May 14th, and pre-orders will start shipping May 1st. Signed copies will also

    Photos courtesy of Bluefin.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Bandai Figures to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. Bandai Tamashii Nations Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for figures and collectibles coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations in July and August 2014. Fans and collectors can purchase Bandai Tamashii Nations products from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsor Anime Jungle. S.H.Figuarts: Naruto/ S.H.Figuarts ??????? At last, one of the most requested characters in Tamashii Nations` surveys finally takes his rightful place in the S.H.Figuarts series. Naruto, as he appears in the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (??? ???) animated series, will finally be portrayed as an action figure with intricate articulation to recreate the most extreme ninja action sequences. This advanced action figure also features a full-array of optional accessories, including a total of

    It was Morphin’ Time for the POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE, who walked the orange carpet with the new Silver Ranger at Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards on Saturday. From left to right: Azim Rizk (Green Ranger), Ciara Hanna (Yellow Ranger), Christina Masterson (Pink Ranger), Cameron Jebo (Silver Ranger), Andrew Gray (Red Ranger), John Mark Loudermilk (Blue Ranger). Photo courtesy of Saban Brands. © 2014 SCG Power Rangers LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Silver Ranger Appears on Orange Carpet Alongside the Main Cast Source: Saban Brands Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Shannon Kelly On Saturday, March 29th, the stars of Saban’s POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE were joined by the never-before-seen Silver Ranger at NICKELODEON’S 27TH ANNUAL KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS. The latest edition of the ceremony featuring the biggest television, movie and music acts was held at USC’s Galen Center, 3400 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA. Played by actor Cameron Jebo, the Silver Ranger debuted on the Orange Carpet before appearing for the first time in the POWER RANGERS series on Saturday, April 5, 2014. The Megaforce Ranger team includes Andrew Gray as Troy the Red Ranger, John Mark Loudermilk as Noah the Blue Ranger, Ciara Hanna as Gia the Yellow Ranger, Christina Masterson as Emma the Pink Ranger and Azim Rizk as Jake the

    The main image for GATCHAMAN, the live-action feature film adaptation of the classic Tatsunoko Pro anime. Photo courtesy of Nippon TV. © Tatsunoko?Production/2013?Gatchaman Film Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Nippon TV Official Movie Site: gatchaman-movie.jp (Japan) Nippon TV has provided SciFi Japan with production notes and high-res images from GATCHAMAN (??????, 2013), the live-action feature film based on the classic Tatsunoko Production anime series. With the exception of international film festival screenings, the GATCHAMAN movie is currently unavailable outside of Asia. Introduction They were chosen...to become the ultimate weapons. The chosen five...Man`s last defense against evil. At the beginning of the 21st Century mankind was under attack by invaders. Within 17 days half of the civilization was annihilated. On the verge of extinction humankind`s only hope against the invaders was the mysterious crystals called the Stones. These Stones empowered certain humans who were born Receptors. Statistically there`s only one Receptor in 8 million. After combing the land for Receptors, the chosen few gathered to train as special agents. They would be

    Yui (Nozomi Sasaki) crosses the threshold of the cursed house in JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END, the latest chapter in THE GRUDGE franchise. Photo courtesy of Showgate. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    The Curse that Froze the World with Fear Returns Source: Showgate Official Site: juon-movie.jp (Japan) Five years after the release of the JU-ON: WHITE GHOST/JU-ON: BLACK GHOST double-feature in Japan and THE GRUDGE 3 in America, the long-running J-Horror franchise returns with JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END (?? -???????-, Juon: Owari no Hajimari), opening at the Shinjuku Wald 9 and other Japanese cinemas on June 28th. The 10th film in the JU-ON/THE GRUDGE series* is written and directed by Masayuki Ochiai. No stranger to the J-Horror genre, Ochiai had previously directed PARASITE EVE (????????, Parasaito Ivu, 1997), HYPNOSIS (??, Saimin, 1999), INFECTION (??, Kansen, 2004) and SHUTTER (?????, Shattaa, 2008). JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END brings the story back to the cursed house where the Saeki family came to their gruesome end and unleashed a terrifying curse that kills all who

    A signed, Leatherbound Deluxe Edition of The Art of Japanese Monsters will have a print run of only 100 copies. Cover image courtesy of Sean Linkenback. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Limited Signed and Numbered Edition of Japanese Science Fiction Film Poster and Lobby Card Reference Guide Source: Sean Linkenback Anticipation for Sean Linkenback’s new poster-art book, The Art of Japanese Monsters had already been building in advance of its scheduled May 14th arrival date and now Linkenback has announced a deluxe version that is sure to whet the appetite of collectors: The Art of Japanese Monsters Leatherbound Deluxe Edition • Limited to 100 numbered copies • Each copy will be hand-bound in heirloom-quality leather • 20 Additional pages of posters (a whopping 250 pages total!) • Exclusive print from Hugo-Award winning artist Bob Eggleton • Each print will be autographed by Akira Takarada and Haruo Nakajima "This is something I had wanted to put together for a long-time," Linkenback told SciFi Japan. "I had been working for a while trying to get the logistics figured out,

    Labor pilot Akira Izumino (Erina Mano) at the controls of the AV-98 Ingram No. 1 in THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2014 'THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-' Production Committee

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Images from Upcoming Live-Action Theatrical Series Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com Shochiku has released new high-res photos from THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (? ???? ???????? -??????-, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon - Patoreibaa -, 2014). Supervised by director Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), the live-action adaptation of the MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patlabor) manga and anime will run in 7 theatrical chapters starting April 5th. A feature film will follow in 2015. For more information on THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-

    Masked Rider 1 and Kamen Rider Gaim battle in the new film, HEISEI RIDER VS SHOWA RIDER: KAMEN RIDER TAISEN FEATURING SUPER SENTAI. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 'Kamen Rider Taisen' Production Committee © Ishimori Pro · TV Asahi · ADK · Toei AG · Toei Video · Toei Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: superhero-movie.com (Japan) Toei has provided press notes and photos for their latest "Super Hero Taisen" movie: HEISEI RIDER VS SHOWA RIDER: KAMEN RIDER TAISEN FEATURING SUPER SENTAI (????????????? ???????? feat.??????, Heisei Raidaa Tai Showa Raidaa Kamen Raidaa Taisen feat. Suupaa Sentai). The film opens in theaters across Japan on March 29, 2014. The soul of Kamen Rider has been handed down over generations, from the Showa franchise that started with MASKED RIDER (?????? Kamen Raidaa, 1971-1973) to the Heisei relaunch with MASKED RIDER KUUGA (????????? Kamen Raidaa Kuuga, 2000-2001). The latest Kamen Rider series, KAMEN RIDER GAIM (?????????????, Kamen Raidaa Gaimu, 2014), is the 15th entry in the second cycle... and now the culmination of that miraculous history begins! Entering a new era of innovation, the heroic image has been explored and redefined for a new generation. 30 heroes from both

    White Power Ranger suit from Morphsuits. TM & © 2014 SCG Power Rangers LLC. ©2011-2014 Morphsuits.com. AFG Media Limited

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Disguise, Rubie’s and Morphsuits to Produce Power Rangers Costumes for Fans of All Ages through 2017 Source: Saban Brands, Burson-Marsteller press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Gretchen Toy Saban Brands strengthens its POWER RANGERS costume business through licensing renewals with Disguise Inc., Rubie’s Costume Company and Morphsuits. Each partner will continue producing character-inspired costumes through 2017. As superheroes remain a top performing Halloween costumes for kids and adults, Power Ranger fans can suit up as their favorite Ranger year after year. Disguise Inc., the Halloween costume division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc., and Rubie’s Costume Company will continue to produce classic MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS costumes as well as all-new styles from the current and upcoming POWER RANGERS seasons for both children and adults. Power Rangers costumes from Disguise will be available throughout North America, while Rubie’s will be available in Europe, the Middle East,

    The Main Hall of Toei Hero World Namco Action Museum. Photo courtesy of MAT. © Ishimori Pro • TV Asahi • ADK • Toei AG • Toei Company, LTD.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Author: Edward L. Holland Source: Monster Attack Team Official Site: toei-heroworld.jp Special Thanks to Ishimori Productions and MAT Sgt. First Class Noriyuki Kawabata Families and adult fans can now visit an indoor park dedicated solely to Toei Company`s vast history of tokusatsu hero characters. Toei Hero World Namco Action Museum (??????????, Toei Hiiroowaarudo), located sixty plus minutes east of Tokyo in Makuhari New City Mihama ward Chiba at the massive Aeon Mall, is the first and only place on earth celebrating Toei’s hero shows and films. The park opened December 20, 2013 and features interactive heroes, Kamen Rider motorbikes, Super Sentai robots, five attractions and rides, a café, and Heroes Shop stocked with the latest collectibles. Hero World focuses on Toei’s heroes from 1971 like Shotaro Ishinomori’s Kamen Rider Ichigo and Nigo (Kamen Riders 1 and 2) and other non-related Ishinomori characters from

    Images courtesy of Saban Brands. POWER RANGERS TM & © SCG Power Rangers LLC. DIGIMON FUSION © 2013 Akiyoshi Hongo, Toei Animation. TM Saban Properties LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Deal to Include Licensing and Broadcasting of Latest POWER RANGERS Seasons and DIGIMON FUSION Source: Saban Brands, Burson-Marsteller press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Gretchen Toy Saban Brands and Cartoon Network have announced that POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE, POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE and DIGIMON FUSION have been licensed to Cartoon Network Latin America for broadcast beginning in 2014. Additionally, Cartoon Network Latin America will serve as licensing and merchandising agents for both the POWER RANGERS franchise and DIGIMON FUSION. MarVista Entertainment, the series’ exclusive international distributor, negotiated the agreement in partnership with Saban Brands. “POWER RANGERS and DIGIMON are popular global franchises, making them a natural fit for Cartoon Network’s programming slate,” said Kirk Bloomgarden, SVP of Saban Brands Global Consumer Products. “With this new partnership, we’re excited to deliver fans in Latin America the newest seasons and products for these iconic brands.” “We are thrilled

    Photo courtesy of Bluefin. © 1976, 2014 SANRIO CO.,LTD.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Bandai Figures to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. Bandai Tamashii Nations Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for figures and collectibles coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations in May and June 2014. Fans and collectors can purchase Bandai Tamashii Nations products from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsor Anime Jungle. Chogokin Hello Kitty/ ??? ?????? In what promises to be the ultimate Hello Kitty commemorative masterpiece, Tamashii Nations is proud to announce the release of Chogokin Hello Kitty. Celebrating the double 40 year anniversaries of the adorable Hello Kitty and awesome diecast robot line -- Chogokin (means "super alloy"in Japanese), this is the ultimate combination of Japan cute and cool! Chogokin Hello Kitty portrays this beloved character as a robot that

    Saban has announced that POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE will be folowed by a new series, POWER RANGERS DINO CHARGE. Image courtesy of Saban Brands. TM & © 2014 SCG Power Rangers LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    New POWER RANGERS Season to Air Next Year on Nickelodeon Source: Saban Brands, Burson-Marsteller press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Gretchen Toy Saban’s POWER RANGERS get charged in the next season of the iconic franchise, POWER RANGERS DINO CHARGE. Debuting on Nickelodeon in February 2015, this new season will deliver all-new dino-fueled action and adventure to fans of all ages. The series will roll out globally in more than 150 markets later that year. In addition, Bandai America Incorporated will continue to act as the global master toy licensee for the franchise, creating an all-new dinosaur themed product line. Now entering its 21st season, the POWER RANGERS franchise remains one of the top-rated and longest running boys live-action series on television. The new season POWER RANGERS DINO CHARGE will deliver thrilling action, adventure, humor and excitement in addition to core themes

    Key art for the new series. Photo courtesy of Saban Brands. © 2014 SCG Power Rangers LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Launching the Most Super-Charged Season with Special Keys to Unlock the Power of Every Ranger EVER Source: Saban Brands, Burson-Marsteller Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Gretchen Toy, Becky Coulter and Kelsey Lynch Saban Brands and Nickelodeon have announced that the all-new season of POWER RANGERS, Saban’s POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE, will premiere on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 12:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Following its debut, the show will air regularly Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, with encores airing Saturdays from 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET beginning Feb. 22 on Nicktoons. Now entering its 21st season, the POWER RANGERS franchise remains one of the top-rated and longest running boys live-action series on television. The new series will deliver super mega action, humor, excitement and entertainment, in addition to the core themes of friendship, teamwork, fitness and helping others. In the

    Photo courtesy of Bluefin. © Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Articulated Bandai Figure to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.Figuarts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shfiguarts (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Angel Grove`s resident brainiac joins the S.H.Figuarts line in the form of the highly anticipated Blue Ranger from the original MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS (aka Tricera Ranger from ZYURANGER)! As with the previous Black Ranger figure, the Blue Ranger will feature the second special piece needed to construct the legendary Power Blaster. The upcoming S.H.Figuarts Yellow Ranger release will then feature the final part needed to complete this ultimate weapon! The S.H.Figuarts Mighty Morphin Blue Ranger also features the character`s signature Power Lance weapon in both separated (two parts) and connected variations. To top it off, the genial genius then includes the Thunder Slinger and Blade Blaster; as well as 3 sets of interchangeable hands to take signature combat poses. Preorder yours today;

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