SciFi Japan

    Hip-hop singer Funky Kato stars in SABUIBO MASK. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © Sabuibo Mask Production Committee

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: sabuibomask.com (Japan) Hip-hop singer Funky Kato stars in the feature film SABUIBO MASK (???????, Sabuibomasuku) from Toei. Described in press materials as a "masochistic comedy", the movie will blend live-action, animation and musical numbers. SABUIBO MASK opens in Japanese theaters on June 11th. In Japan, it is common for people in country towns to move to the big cities for work or a better life. As the towns empty, the shopping areas become streets of shuttered buildings. Trying to reinvigorate his dying locale, a hot-blooded youth named Haruo (Funky Kato) begins performing a daily "one man live" show on his mandarin orange box. He wears a memento of his father, a wrestling mask. The mystery of the masked singer creates a buzz among the residents, but will it be enough to save his hometown? CREDITS Japanese Release

    Denzo the ninja (Dean Fujioka) battles a monster to protect a princess in NINJA THE MONSTER. Photo courtesy of Shochiku Co. © 2015 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd., Kyoto HISTORICA International Film Festival Official Site: ninja-monster.jp (Japan) A bodyguard Ninja encounters an unidentified Kaiju. Can he protect a beautiful princess? Following screenings at internal festivals, Shochiku will give their new fantasy film NINJA THE MONSTER (??????????, Ninja za Monsutaa) a one week limited theatrical run in Japan starting February 20th. The movie is the first produced by Shochiku`s Blue Line Label, a new budget label established to develop young filmmakers and appeal to oversea markets. Directed by Ken Ochiai (UZUMASA LIMELIGHT) and written by Akihiro Dobashi (SAMURAI HUSTLE), NINJA THE MONSTER stars Dean Fujioka (I AM ICHIHASHI) and Aoi Morikawa (THE WORLD OF KANAKO, FATAL FRAME). Synopsis The time is the mid-samurai era when ninja were banned. Sachi, a beautiful princess of the Nagano clan is traveling to Edo (present-day Tokyo). Among her men is Denzo, an

    Logo for the new MASKED RIDER 1 movie, courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 2016

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: superhero-movie.com (Japan) On New Year`s Day, Toei Co. announced their 2016 "Superhero Year" project commemorating the anniversaries of the studio`s Kamen Rider and Super Sentai franchises with new movies, home videos, TV programs, and events. The first major release will be the feature film MASKED RIDER 1 (????????, Kamen Raidaa 1-go), opening nationwide in Japan on Saturday, March 26th. The movie is based on the original Kamen Rider television series, MASKED RIDER (??????, Kamen Raidaa), which aired from April 3, 1971 – February 10, 1973. The hit show sparked a "transforming hero" boom in Japan, inspiring decades of imitations and sequels up to the current KAMEN RIDER GHOST (?????????? Kamen Raidaa Goosuto, 2015-2016) series. For the new film, the hero Takeshi Hongo will wear an updated version of the classic Masked Rider costume. The following is taken

    Theatrical poster. Image courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © “Ninninger VS ToQger” Production Committee © TV Asahi · Toei AG · Toei Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: ninnin-toq.jp Toei Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with a few more images from SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER VS TOQGER THE MOVIE: NINJA IN WONDERLAND (????????????VS???????? THE MOVIE ?????????????, Shuriken Sentai Nin’ninja Tai Tokkyuujaa Za Muubii Ninja in Wandaarando). The film opens in Japanese cinemas on January 23, 2016. Please check the links below for additional information and high-res photos from SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER VS TOQGER THE MOVIE: NINJA IN WONDERLAND. About Toei Company, Ltd. Established in 1951, Toei Company is not only producing and distributing films, but it is also one of the major exhibitors in Japan. The company owns two film studios located in Tokyo and Kyoto. The films produced cover wide range of genres, exceeding 20,000 titles. ? For more information

    Ninniger`s Takaharu Igasaki (Shunsuke Nishikawa) -- aka AkaNinger -- fights alongside the Toqger`s ToQ 1Gou in SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER VS TOQGER THE MOVIE: NINJA IN WONDERLAND. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © “Ninninger VS ToQger” Production Committee © TV Asahi · Toei AG · Toei Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toei Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with a second batch of exclusive high-res photos from SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER VS TOQGER THE MOVIE: NINJA IN WONDERLAND (????????????VS???????? THE MOVIE ?????????????, Shuriken Sentai Nin’ninja Tai Tokkyuujaa Za Muubii Ninja in Wandaarando). The film opens in Japanese cinemas on January 23, 2016. About Toei Company, Ltd. Established in 1951, Toei Company is not only producing and distributing films, but it is also one of the major exhibitors in Japan. The company owns two film studios located in Tokyo and Kyoto. The films produced cover wide range of genres, exceeding 20,000 titles. ? For more information on SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER VS TOQGER THE MOVIE: NINJA IN WONDERLAND, please see

    The heroes of the two most recent Super Sentai television series share the screen in the upcoming film, SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER VS TOQGER THE MOVIE. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © “Ninninger VS ToQger” Production Committee © TV Asahi · Toei AG · Toei Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    A Look at the Next "Super Sentai VS Series" Movie Source: Toei Co., Ltd. A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toei Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with production credits and exclusive high-res photos from SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER VS TOQGER THE MOVIE: NINJA IN WONDERLAND (????????????VS???????? THE MOVIE ?????????????, Shuriken Sentai Nin’ninja Tai Tokkyuujaa Za Muubii Ninja in Wandaarando). Opening in Japanese cinemas next January 23rd, the latest film in the "Super Sentai VS Series" brings together the casts of the 40th anniversary Super Sentai series, SHURIKEN SENTAI NINNINGER (????????????, Shuriken Sentai Nin’ninjaa, 2015-16), and the popular RESSHA SENTAI TOQGER (????????????, Ressha Sentai Tokkyuujaa, 2014-15). In the film, the Toqgers and Ninningers must protect the Ninja Land of Dreams from the mad scientist Dr. Maburo, an evil genius with a childish personality and a fixation on ninjas. Maburo is played by Ryota Yamasato from the comedy duo

    GODZILLA: FINAL WARS and VERSUS director Ryuhei Kitamura will appear at Stan Lee’s Comikaze in Los Angeles this Halloween.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Stan Lee’s Comikaze press release Special Thanks to Mark Jaramillo, Jessica Tseang and Chris Eaton Famed film director Ryuhei Kitamura will make a rare appearance at Stan Lee’s Comikaze on October 31, 2015 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. An autograph session from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm will take place, followed by a spotlight panel at 5:00 pm, moderated by Jessica Tseang and Chris Eaton of The Kaiju Kingdom Podcast. Mr. Kitamura rose to fame with his breakout Yakuza vs. Zombies movie VERSUS, which propelled him to a highly sought-after director. His reputation won him the helm of GODZILLA: FINAL WARS, Toho’s 50th anniversary film of the iconic movie monster. Other popular franchises in which Kitamura has taken the director’s chair are ALIVE, AZUMI, LUPIN III, and the live action scenes for the hit video game METAL GEAR SOLID: THE TWIN SNAKES. In 2008, he directed

    Kamen Riders Drive and Ghost battle the Leonardo da Vinci Ganma in the new feature film, KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER GHOST & DRIVE: SUPER MOVIE WARS GENESIS. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © “Ghost & Drive” Production Committee © Ishimori Pro · TV Asahi · ADK · Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: movie-taisen.com (Japan) Toei Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res images for their new film, KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER GHOST & DRIVE: SUPER MOVIE WARS GENESIS (??????×?????? ????????? ?MOVIE???????, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Goosuto & Doraibu Choo Muubii Taisen Jeneshisu). This 7th entry in the "Movie War" series brings together the characters and casts of the two most recent Kamen Rider television series -- KAMEN RIDER DRIVE (??????????, Kamen Raidaa Doraibu, 2014-15) and KAMEN RIDER GHOST (?????????? Kamen Raidaa Goosuto, 2015-16) -- and will open in Japanese cinemas on December 12, 2015. INTRODUCTION While in pursuit of a common enemy, Kamen Rider Ghost (Takeru Tenkuji) and Kamen Rider Drive (Shinnosuke Tomari) are caught in a sudden space-time distortion and thrown a decade into the past. The time travel has unexpected

    Photo courtesy of Bluefin © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Bluefin Corp., MediaLab Bandai Tamashii Nations Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, offers STAR WARS fans and ardent collectors something unique as it highlights a variety of super-detailed figures from the Movie Realization STAR WARS (?? MOVIE REALIZATION ???????) line by Bandai Tamashii Nations. The Meisho Movie Realization STAR WARS line pays homage to the Samurai aesthetic and artfully reimagines several Empire characters from the legendary films with feudal-style Japanese armor and weaponry. Each figure is exquisitely crafted by some of Japan`s top sculpting talent and constructed with hybrid materials featuring up to 15 points of articulation to create endless posing possibilities. The newest addition to the Meisho Movie Realization STAR WARS product line is the “Ronin” Boba Fett, which debuts in December and depicts

    © Japan Film Society

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: LA EigaFest press release Official Site: laeigafest.com Special Thanks to Joy Moh LA EigaFest, Los Angeles’ preeminent Japanese film festival, returns for its 5th year on September 25th-27th at the LA Live Regal Cinemas. LA EigaFest is presented by the Japan Film Society to showcase Japanese and Japanese influenced films that appeal to the broad American audience, introduce and promote new and upcoming filmmakers/talent to Hollywood and enhance the relationship between the US and Japanese film industries. “We`re very excited to celebrate our 5th anniversary at L.A. LIVE Regal Cinemas, which is a big milestone for us. Our film festival has grown over the years and we believe L.A. LIVE is a great location to showcase the festival`s young and energetic vibe,” says Hayato Mitsuishi, President of the Japan Film Society and LA EigaFest Festival Director, “We have a great line-up of films that are mostly

    Director Hideo Nakata and actress Haruka Shimazaki at the world premiere of their new Japanese horror film, GHOST THEATER. Photo courtesy of Frédéric Ambroisine.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Interviewer: Fabien Mauro Translator: Shoko Takahashi L’Étrange Festival Official Website: etrangefestival.com/2015 (English) Official Movie Site: gekijourei.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Hideo Nakata, Haruka Shimazaki, Xavier Fayet & Estelle Lacaud, Frédéric Ambroisine J-Horror master Hideo Nakata (THE RING 1 & 2, DARK WATER) and singer/actress Haruka Shimazaki from AKB48 attended the World Premiere of GHOST THEATER (???, Gekijourei) on September 11th at the 21st édition of L’Étrange Festival at Le Forum des Images in Paris. This film is an update of Nakata`s 1996 movie, GHOST ACTRESS (???, Joyuurei, aka DON`T LOOK UP). Nakata-san and Shimazaki-san were welcomed by a standing ovation in a packed screening room. The director and the star share some secrets about the film, which will be released in Japanese theaters on November 21. HIDEO NAKATA Fabien Mauro: Twenty years after GHOST ACTRESS, why did you choose to reinvent this

    Director Shinji Higuchi and stars Haruma Miura and Kiko Mizuhara greet fans at the world premiere of Toho`s ATTACK ON TITAN in Hollywood. Photo by Richard Pusateri. © 2015

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Shinji Higuchi Feature Film of Manga/Anime Phenomenon Thrills Fans Author: Richard A. Pusateri Source: FUNimation Entertainment, Anderson Group Public Relations Official Site: shingeki-seyo.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto, Whitney Peterson and Caitlin Owens SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details from a new movie. Two weeks before Toho`s ATTACK ON TITAN (?????, Shingeki no Kyojin, 2015) topped the Japanese box office in its opening weekend, the live-action feature film had its world premiere in Hollywood, CA. Hosted by the movie`s North American distributor, FUNimation Entertainment, the event began at 3:00pm on Tuesday, July 14 with a cast and crew press conference at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. The festivities then moved to the Egyptian Theater for the red carpet walk at 6:00pm, followed by the 7:30pm screening of the film. SciFi Japan`s Richard Pusateri attended the premiere. We are pleased to present his ATTACK ON

    Image courtesy of Diamond Comic Distributors. © BANDAI 2015

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Leading Toy Manufacturer Signs with Diamond to Distribute and Market Its Products in the U.S. Source: Diamond Comic Distributors Special Thanks to Deborah Moreland Diamond Comic Distributors has finalized negotiations with Bandai America Incorporated to become a Master Distributor for the leading toy manufacturer. The deal makes Diamond the preferred distributor on behalf of Bandai America to select retailers throughout the United States. Bandai America is home to some of the most powerful entertainment toy brands, including Power Rangers, Big Hero 6, GODZILLA, and SprüKits, as well as extremely successful Japanese hobby and collector lines. “We have a long standing strategic partnership with Diamond,” said Michael Ciminera, Bandai America’s Vice President of Sales. “We fully believe in their ability to distribute and market Bandai products far and wide into the U.S. market.” “We’re gratified by the trust Bandai America has placed in us to be their

    Photo courtesy of Fantasia. © Watsuki Nobuhiro/ Shueisha. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Fantasia International Film Festival press release Official Movie Site: warnerbros.co.jp/rurouni-kenshin (Japan) Special Thanks to Ted Geoghegan Even as Fantasia 2015 enters its final week of films, it`s not done offering up surprises! The Japanese mega-blockbuster RUROUNI KENSHIN: THE LEGEND ENDS (?????? ??????, Rurouni Kenshin Densetsu no Saigo hen, 2014) will celebrate its North American Premiere in Montreal on August 4th! The RUROUNI KENSHIN trilogy has laid waste to box office records since beginning in 2012, becoming three of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Japanese cinema. The acclaimed first film and its stunning sequel, KYOTO INFERNO, have both screened to sold-out crowds at previous editions of Fantasia, and the festival is immensely proud to celebrate the North American Premiere of this action-packed trilogy`s conclusion. Adapted from Nobuhiro Watsuki’s hit manga, the saga of a killer who will not kill, the live-action RUROUNI KENSHIN films have

    Win SNOW GIRL AND THE DARK CRYSTAL on Blu-ray from Well Go USA! © 2015 International Media Group Co

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Li Bingbing & Chen Kun Star in the Romantic Fantasy Epic From Co-Directors Peter Pau & Zhao Tianyu Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications Official Movie Site: zk.youxi.com (China) Special Thanks to Leif Helland Well Go USA Entertainment is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win their Blu-ray edition of the romantic fantasy epic SNOW GIRL AND THE DARK CRYSTAL (?????????, Zhong Kui fu mo: Xueyao moling, 2015). Academy Award winning cinematographer Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, 2000) makes his third bow as a director (alongside co-director Zhao Tianyu) with the story of legendary hero Zhong Kui, a fabled warrior with mysterious powers, who is forced to conquer the realms of Heaven and Hell to save his people and the woman he loves. The film stars Chen Kun (YOUNG DETECTIVE DEE: RISE OF THE SEA DRAGON, FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)

    Lionsgate Home Entertainment will release a collection of Halloween-themed POWER RANGERS episodes in September. Image courtesy of Lionsgate Entertainment. © 2015 SCG Power Rangers LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Lionsgate, Bender/Helper Impact press release Official Site: powerrangers.com It’s all tricks and treats in Saban’s POWER RANGERS: TRICKSTER TREAT, arriving on DVD and Digital HD on September 15th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. From the top-rated kid’s live-action series, these fright-fueled, spine-tingling Halloween adventures follow the Rangers as they have a strange encounter with a mysterious medium who conjures “visions” of monsters past! The Saban’s POWER RANGERS: TRICKSTER TREAT DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98. It’s Halloween, and the Power Rangers’ biggest foes are determined not to let them ruin any of their ghastly mayhem! And there’s no time for treats, as the team must outwit Trickster’s nightmare-inducing dream beams, visit a mysterious fortune teller who summons visions of past opponents and escape the haunted forest, all while battling the creepiest of creatures and keeping humanity safe. But is there a

    The 2015 SDCC exclusive PACIFIC RIM – Replica Mini-Figures Box Set. Photo courtesy of NECA, Inc. © 2013 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC. © NECA, Inc.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: NECA, Inc. press release Official Site: necaonline.com/licenses/pacific-rim Official Movie Site: pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com During the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International, NECA will be offering an exclusive set of five mini-figures from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures` PACIFIC RIM. The sets will be available for purchase at booth #3145. However, there are TWO ways to procure one DURING Comic Con WITHOUT GOING TO Comic-Con... if you’re ready for a little excitement, that is! 1. IN STORE: From July 9th through 12th, NECA will seed a very small number of sets in random Toys ‘R’ Us and Hastings stores all across the U.S. Which ones? That would ruin all the fun... 2. ONLINE FLASH SALE: During the show (exact time will be announced soon), a small amount will be available online at necaonline.com -- and once they’re gone, the sale’s over! Please note that you will not be able

    FUNimation Entertainment will theatrically release Toho`s ATTACK ON TITAN in North and South America. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2015

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: shingeki-seyo.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto On Monday, FUNimation Entertainment announced their distribution of the theatrical, home entertainment, video on demand and broadcast rights to the feature film ATTACK ON TITAN (?????, Shingeki no Kyojin) across the Americas (North America, Central America and South America). FUNimation has now provided SciFi Japan with a selection of high-res images from the live-action movie directed by Shinji Higuchi (Gamera trilogy, Godzilla 2016). About FUNimation Entertainment FUNimation Entertainment is the leading anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet, and home video sales and distribution. For

    Bluefin Distribution will be selling several exclusives at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. Photos courtesy of Bluefin.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Leading Toy And Hobby Distributor Offers Special Products For Star Wars, Iron Man, Batman, Dragon Ball, Gundam, And More! Source: Bluefin Corp., MediaLab press release Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, has announced a wide array of exciting new and exclusive products to be showcased and also available for purchase at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International. San Diego Comic-Con is North America’s largest dedicated pop-culture convention and takes place July 8th-12th at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Each year, manufacturers create a variety of show exclusive collectibles and other limited edition products that attendees specifically seek out. More details are available at comic-con.org. Bluefin products will be located on the Main Hall in Booths #3545 and #140. Bluefin will delight Comic-Con

    Page 9 of 25

    SciFi Japan
    4WeHelp Movers Cincinnati
    Copyright © 2026 | SCIFI JAPAN
    © 2026 Your Company. All Rights Reserved. Designed By JoomShaper