SciFi Japan

    Damaged but still fighting: the Type 98 Ingram takes aim in the live-action movie THE NEXT GENERATION PATLABOR -TOKYO WAR-. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2015 HEADGEAR/ 'THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-' PARTNERS

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Information and High-Res Images from the Live-Action Movie Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd., Tohokushinsha Film Corporation Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Mai Kato and Kentaro Yoshida A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE The live-action theatrical series THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (? ???? ???????? -??????-, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon – Patoreibaa -, 2014-2015) concludes with a feature length film opening during the Golden Week holiday. Japanese theatrical distributor, Shochiku Co., Ltd., has provided information and high-res images from the movie, which has been tentatively titled THE NEXT GENERATION PATLABOR -TOKYO WAR- (THE NEXT GENERATION ?????? ????, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon Patoreibaa Shuto Kessen) by production company and international sales agent, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation. In recent years, Hollywood studios have brought giant robots to the big screen in PACIFIC RIM and the TRANSFORMERS movies. But the genre started in Japan, and now Japanese-style Super Robot action will

    Subaru (Masaki Okada, left) leads a group of youths with superhuman powers in STRAYER`S CHRONICLE. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. © Takayoshi Honda / SHUEISHA ©

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Warner Bros. Pictures Japan, Nippon Television Network Official Site: warnerbros.co.jp/strayers-chronicle (Japan) Warner Bros. Pictures Japan and Nippon Television Network have provided information and high-res photos for their new science fiction adventure, STRAYER`S CHRONICLE (?????????????, Sutoreiyaazu Kuronikuru). The film will open in Japan on Saturday, June 27, 2015. INTRODUCTION Two groups with superhuman powers are destined to collide. Who will prevail? Hope or despair? The production team for DEATH NOTE (Desu Noto, 2006) and GANTZ (??, Gantsu, 2011) brings mystery writer Takayoshi Honda`s bestselling novel Strayer`s Chronicle to the big screen. The film adaptation is directed by Takahisa Zeze, world renowned director of HEAVEN`S STORY (???? ?????, Hevunzu Sutorii) which won the International Federation of Film Critics Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. The ultimate production crew, including Cinematographer Ryuto Kondo, Action Director Yuji Shimomura (GANTZ, LIBRARY WARS), and Light Director Isamu

    Image courtesy of courtesy of Warner Bros. UK. © Watsuki Nobuhiro/Shueisha. © 2014

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Epic Finale Opens in the United Kingdom on Friday, April 17th Source: Warner Bros. Pictures UK, Maven Publicity Official Site: kuroshitsuji-movie.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Louise Rivers Warner Bros. UK celebrates the April 17th UK release of RUROUNI KENSHIN 3: THE LEGEND ENDS (?????? ??????, Rurouni Kenshin Densetsu no Saigo hen, 2014) with six new character posters. All good things must come to an end and in Keishi Ohtomo`s live-action final chapter of Nobuhiro Watsuki`s best-selling manga. Following on from the RUROUNI KENSHIN 2: KYOTO INFERNO (????????????, Rurouni Kenshin Kyoto Taika Hen, 2014) cliff-hanger; in this final chapter, Shishio (Tatsya Fujiwara) has set sail in his ironclad ship to bring down the Meiji government and return Japan to chaos, carrying Kaoru (Emi Takei) with him. After jumping overboard into the sea,

    SciFi Japan presents a guide to THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- live-action theatrical series with information and images from Tohokushinsha and Shochiku. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2014 HEADGEAR/

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Information and High-Res Images from the Live-Action Theatrical Series Source: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com Japanese Material Translations: John Paul Cassidy Special Thanks to Mai Kato and Kentaro Yoshida A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (? ???? ???????? -??????-, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon – Patoreibaa -), the live-action series based on the MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patoreibaa) manga and anime, released its final episode on January 10, 2015. THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- is an original story set in the timeline of the anime movies. Supervised by director Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), the series ran for thirteen episodes (numbered 0-12) which were released in seven chapters. In Japan, each chapter received a two week run in theaters -- where limited edition Blu-rays were also sold -- followed by a regular Blu-ray

    New York`s Japan Society will screen 35mm prints of war films starring two of the most powerful actresses in Japanese cinema, Shirley Yamaguchi and Setsuko Hara. Photos courtesy of Japan Society. Setsuko Hara portrait © The Pacific War Photos of Pfc Glenn W. Eve.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    From WWII Propaganda to Postwar Reincarnations, Film Series Reveals How Roles of Two of Japan`s Greatest Actresses Transformed with the Nation Source: Japan Society All Film Descriptions Written by Markus Nornes Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett The Most Beautiful: The War Films of Shirley Yamaguchi & Setsuko Hara March 21-April 4, 2015, at Japan Society New York, NY -- Japan Society continues its Stories from the War series, marking the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, with the 2015 Globus Film Series The Most Beautiful: The War Films of Shirley Yamaguchi & Setsuko Hara, Saturday March 21 through Saturday, April 4, at Japan Society. The series title, a reference to an early Kurosawa film of the same name, pays tribute to two of the most powerful actresses in Japanese cinema: Shirley Yamaguchi (aka Pan Shuhua, Ri Koran, Li Hsianglan, Yoshiko Yamaguchi, and

    The director of CHAW returns with a new creature feature in 2015. CHAW © 2009 Polygon Entertainment LLC/Soo Jack Films

    Tokusatsu - FX

    "Burnt Rodent" Coming from the Director of CHAW Author: Kim Song-ho Source: Taewon Entertainment Jung Woo-sung stars in the new Korean creature feature JAKSEOUI BYEON: MULGOEUI SEUPGYEOK (??? ?: ??? ??). The official English title is not yet available, but can literally be translated into "THE INCIDENT OF BURNT RODENT: ATTACK OF THE STRANGE CREATURE". The film is helmed by Shin Jung-won, who brought us CHAW (??, Chaw, 2009), in which a giant killer boar terrorizes a small mountain town. Shooting begins at the end of February. Taewon Entertainment is producing. JAKSEOUI BYEON is a hybrid of the creature film and the period drama. Set in 1527, the 22nd year since Jungjong, then the king of Joseon Dynasty, began ruling the nation. A strange creature appears in the palace where the king resides, and there are also threats of treason. The film is

    PACIFIC RIM Action Figure Visual Guide, courtesy of NECA, Inc. © 2013 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC. © NECA, Inc.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: NECA, Inc. Official Site: necaonline.com/licenses/pacific-rim Official Movie Site: pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com The action figure line for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures` PACIFIC RIM continues to go strong. As a special holiday treat for collectors, NECA has created a brand-new visual guide for the line. Enjoy! About NECA, Inc. NECA Inc. operates as a media and entertainment company worldwide. It now operates in three segments: Consumer Products, Traditional and New Media Entertainment and Online Retailing/Digital Distribution. For more information on PACIFIC RIM, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: Legendary Pictures Previews GODZILLA and PACIFIC RIM at Comic-Con Warner Bros. Previews PACIFIC RIM Japanese Trailer and Images for PACIFIC RIM PACIFIC RIM Production Notes and Images PACIFIC RIM Final Credits PACIFIC RIM: Warner Bros. and Legendary Organize Monster-ous Sized Beach Clean-Up

    Photos courtesy of Bandai Co., Ltd. © 2014 Ishimori Pro · TV Asahi · ADK · Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Bandai Co., Ltd. Official Site: summon-ride.bngames.net Bandai Namco`s new KAMEN RIDER SUMMONRIDE! (????????????, Kamen Raidaa Samonraido) for the PlayStation 3 and Wii U uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to link the game with physical Kamen Rider figures and toys. When a NFC-enhanced figure is set upon the (separately sold) Rider Gate, that Kamen Rider is imported into the virtual world of the game. Each figure also represents one of five different elements (light, darkness, wind, water or fire) which impact how that Kamen Riders can be used in the game. A bonus feature are the Ride Chips, which allow a Kamen Rider to either change to a more powerful form or bring in another Kamen Rider character as an ally. This month, Bandai released several sets of Kamen Rider Summonride! Figures and Chips. Most sets include two figures, two chips and

    Photos courtesy of Bandai Co., Ltd. © 2014 TV Asahi · Toei AG · Toei Co., Ltd. © 2014 Ishimori Pro · TV Asahi · ADK · Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Bandai Co., Ltd. Celebrate the holidays with Chara Deco (Character Decoration) Christmas cakes based on Toei`s hero shows RESSHA SENTAI TOQGER (????????????, Ressha Sentai Tokkyuujaa, 2014-2015) and KAMEN RIDER DRIVE (??????????, Kamen Raidaa Doraibu, 2014-2015). Available in a variety of flavor combinations, the cakes will be sold by Japanese retailers, convenience stores, pastry shops and Bandai`s premium mail order site, Chara Deco SHOP, in late December. Chara Deco Christmas Ressha Sentai ToQger/ ?????????? ???????????? The Chara Deco Christmas Ressha Sentai ToQger set contains an ornament with a removable hyper special grade figure of the team`s red ranger, ToQ 1Gou. Also included is a "Christmas Ver." of the original Red Ressha, which can be connected with other ToQger Ressha toys (sold separately). Contents ? Cake (Diameter Approximately 15cm) ? ToQ 1Gou Figure Ornament ? Ressha Sentai ToQger Side Paper ? Ressha Sentai ToQger

    Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 2014 'Drive & Gaim' Production Committee © Ishimori Pro · TV Asahi · ADK · Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    New Photos from Upcoming Kamen Rider Movie Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: movie-taisen.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE SciFi Japan has additional high-res images from Toei for their latest Kamen Rider "Movie War" film, KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER DRIVE & GAIM: MOVIE WAR FULL THROTTLE (??????×?????? ????&?? MOVIE?????????, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Doraibu & Gaimu Muubii Taisen Furusurottoru). The movie opens in Japan on December 13, 2014. For more information on KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER DRIVE & GAIM: MOVIE WAR FULL THROTTLE, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER DRIVE & GAIM: MOVIE WAR FULL THROTTLE

    Photos courtesy of Bluefin.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Bandai Figures and Collectibles 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 January and February 2015. Fans and collectors can purchase Bandai Tamashii Nations products from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsor Anime Jungle. Tamashii Stage Act: Ring Corner/ ?STAGE ACT.??????? Did you ever wonder which of your favorite action figures would come out the champion in the ring? Well, now you can, with the Tamashii Stage Act. Ring Corner! Attach the special support arm (x2) to the ring post to show off spectacular aerial techniques. With this arm, you will never have to worry about botched flying techniques. The two included clip

    LEGENDARY GIANT BEAST WOLFMAN VS GODZILLA. Photo courtesy of Mark Jaramillo. © SFA. Godzilla TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Official Site: kaijugaiden.com Kickstarter Campaign Page: Kaiju Gaiden Special Thanks to Mark Jaramillo A new documentary entitled KAIJU GAIDEN is currently in production and in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign. KAIJU GAIDEN is a documentary film spotlighting independent kaiju films and the filmmakers behind them. Many of these films are relatively unknown, obscure, or exist only as a rumor even among hardcore tokusatsu fans. It is the first time that the public will hear from the filmmakers and actually see footage from their films. KAIJU GAIDEN began as part of the Independent Kaiju Project, an endeavor by producer Mark Jaramillo to track down, catalog, and promote independent and amateur tokusatsu films such as LEGENDARY GIANT BEAST WOLFMAN VS GODZILLA and GAMERA 4: TRUTH. Directors Shizuo Nakajima and Shinpei Hayashiya were brought to events in the United States to meet fans and screen

    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

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