SciFi Japan
    Source: Nijigen No Mori press releasesOfficial Website: https://nijigennomori.com/godzilla_awajishima/ See a live performance of the GODZIBAN puppet show! Photo courtesy of Nijigen no Mori. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. On June 10th, the "Nijigen no Mori" anime theme park in Awaji Island Park, Hyogo Prefecture kicked off the "Awaji GODZILLA Festival", a summer fest offering exclusive events, games, exhibitions, merchandise and foods to Godzilla fans. The festival expands on the park's "Godzilla Interception Operation - National Awaji Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster" (ゴジラ迎撃作戦 ~国立ゴジラ淡路島研究センター~, Gojira Geigeki Sakusen ~ Kokuritsu Gojira Awajishima Kenkyū Sentā ~), a permanent attraction centered around a life-size Shin Godzilla, 120 meters long, which has landed on Awaji Island. Participants become members of the National Awaji Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster  (NIGOD) and take on missions such as a zipline, in which participants plunge into Godzilla's meticulously detailed body, and a shooting game in which they

    Photo courtesy of GKIDS. © 2022 Lonely Castle in the Mirror Film Partners Source: GKIDS press release, Shochiku Co., Ltd.Official Sites: https://movies.shochiku.co.jp/kagaminokojo/ (Japan), https://gkids.com/films/lonely-castle-in-the-mirror/ (North America) GKIDS, celebrating its 15th anniversary as a producer and distributor of award-winning and artist-driven animation from around the world, will bring LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR (かがみの孤城, Kagami no Kojō, 2022) to select theaters nationwide for event showings on June 21 and 22nd only. From critically acclaimed Director Keiichi Hara (MISS HOKUSAI, COLORFUL, THE WONDERLAND), the film features animation from the lauded A-1 Pictures, and is adapted from the beloved novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura. US poster for LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR. Photo courtesy of GKIDS. © 2022 Lonely Castle in the Mirror Film Partners LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR held its International Premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival – marking the first

    Photo courtesy of Bandai. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Bandai Spirits Co., Ltd. press release Premium Bandai, the official mail order site of Bandai Namco, is now accepting pre-orders for the "Ultra Replica X Devizer" (ウルトラレプリカ エクスデバイザー, Urutora Repurika Ekusu Debaizā), a replica of the transformation device used by Daichi Oozora (played by Kensuke Takahashi) in Tsuburaya Productions' 2015 series ULTRAMAN X  (ウルトラマンX, Urutoraman Ekkusu). B Photo courtesy of Bandai. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONSandai produced a DX version of the  X Devizer at the time of the show's original broadcast, but has now created a new design and sculpt for their "Ultra Replica Series" that more accurately matches the props used in ULTRAMAN X. A voice recognition gimmick, which was not included in the DX version, has been added to help fans recreate the frequent conversations between Daichi and Ultraman X that took place during the show.In addition to the device itself,

    Photo courtesy of Northern National Collectors’ Convention. © 2023 The Northern National Collectors' Convention. Super G Offers First-Ever Kaiju Convention Experiences in Canada Source: Northern National Collectors’ Convention press release Special Thanks to Avery Guerra and Tim Bean   Brimstone Games presents the Northern National Collectors’ Convention (Northern National) is pleased to announce the launch of its Super G program this fall at Caesars Windsor, from September 29 to October 1, 2023.   “Super G will represent an entire fandom dedicated to the culture of the kaiju film franchises,” says Northern National president, Jeremy Renaud. “Kaiju translates to strange beasts in the genre of Japanese giant monster movies. For fans, Super G will offer first-ever Kaiju convention experiences in Canada.”   Super G will offer fans a variety of guest celebrities and artists, direct from Japan and around the world,

    Source: Mill Creek Entertainment Special Thanks to CJ Johnsen and Spencer Kopp Photo courtesy of Mill Creek. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Mill Creek Entertainment is offering our readers a chance to win their new Blu-ray set of BATTLE KAIJU SERIES 01: ULTRAMAN VS. RED KING. This collection presents 16 episodes featuring the Skull Monster Red King from across Tsuburaya Prouctions' Ultraman franchise, starting with his first appearance in the original ULTRAMAN series and continuing through to 2019’s ULTRAMAN R/B. The sets contains both HD and SD content on Blu-ray with the original Japanese soundtracks plus English subtitles. BATTLE KAIJU SERIES 01: ULTRAMAN VS. RED KING will be available on June 27 and has a SRP of $19.99. The set can be ordered from deepdiscount.com,  amazon.com and other retailers (both online and in stores). OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES and INFORMATION Prize: A. There are five (5) prizes,

    Source: The "Sea and Japan Project" Public Relations Office press release Official Site: https://okinawa.uminohi.jp/event/machinaka2023/   Photo courtesy of the Nippon Foundation. © TOHO CO., LTD. The Nippon Foundation's "Sea and Japan Project" is hosting their second annual Godzilla-themed event in Okinawa*. Entitled "Godzilla vs. Okinawa Raids Again" (ゴジラ対沖縄の逆襲, Gojira Tai Okinawa no Gyakushū), the event will be held from June 17 - August 20 at locations featured in the 1974 movie GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (ゴジラ対メカゴジラ, Gojira Tai Mekagojira), among them the Gyokusendo limestone cave in Okinawa World, Cape Manzamo, and the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle on Kokusaidori Street in Naha. Participants can take part in a free stamp rally at 10 stores on Kokusaidori, get limited edition "red seals" (a collectible Shinto seal stamp) available exclusive at Shuri Castle, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and other local facilities; and encounter a life-size Godzilla appearing via AR at the Manzamo Area Revitalization

    Photo courtesy of CAVITYCOLORS. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source:  CAVITYCOLORS Special Thanks to Henry Chapman CAVITYCOLORS has released their Godzilla Heisei Era Monster Series Part 2 line of shirts, featuring stunning artwork of the 1990s versions of Godzilla and his foes. These shirts can be ordered at https://cavitycolors.com/collections/godzilla-legacy-series.   Photo courtesy of CAVITYCOLORS. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. GODZILLA: HEISEI ERA - T-SHIRT Art by: Yannick Bouchard Unisex black t-shirt  XS - 5X 100% cotton $30 Available on June 13th at 5:00pm EST                         Photo courtesy of CAVITYCOLORS. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. GODZILLA: HEISEI ERA - CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT Art by: Yannick Bouchard Unisex black crewneck sweater XS

    Source: 3Y FilmSpecial Thanks to Avery Guerra  A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE We have another update on the upcoming kaiju film, HOSHI 35 (星35), courtesy of production companies 3Y Film and MRTS, with the first teaser trailer, two new posters, and a new addition to the movie's cast.   HOSHI 35 is directed by Hiroto Yokokawa (THE GREAT BUDDHA ARRIVAL, NEZURA 1964). The movie is using traditional Japanese FX techniques (aka tokusatsu), and features a cast comprised of fan favorite genre stars. It is scheduled for release in Japan in October 2023.   The film's teaser trailer offers the first look at the long-awaited return of Godzilla Heisei Series actress Megumi Odaka. In 1987, Ms. Odaka won the second Toho Cinderella Grand Prix, an competition for aspiring actresses, and soon began acting in movies and TV shows. Her most famous role was

    Photo courtesy of TOKYOPOP.  Nation’s Biggest Anime Convention Will Host Panels Powered by TOKYOPOP for LoveLove Romance Imprint and BIPOC Manga Brand Noir Caesar Source: TOKYOPOP press release Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab) Publisher TOKYOPOP heads to Anime Expo 2023 with a slate of not-to-be- missed panels, special guests and special booth activities and premiums that will be available during the convention. Anime Expo will take place July 1-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. The annual event draws more than 100,000 attendees and is the nation’s biggest dedicated anime fan convention. TOKYOPOP will be located on the main exhibit area in Booth #1615. Additional details on Anime Expo are available at: https://www.anime-expo.org. TOKYOPOP AX 2023 Panels: Noir Caesar: Powered by TOKYOPOPMonday, July 3rd at 3:00pm-4:30pmPanel Room: 404 Founded by former NBA player and self-proclaimed “Blerd,” Johnny

    Photo courtesy of Seibuen Amusement Park. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Source: Seibuen Amusement Park press release Official Website: https://www.seibu-leisure.co.jp/amusementpark/ultraman_teaser/index.html (Japan) Seibuen Amusement Park (Headquarters: Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, President: Tatsuya Yoda) has announced that "Ultraman the Ride: The Great Duel of the Century" (ウルトラマン・ザ・ライド 世紀の大決闘,  Urutoraman za Raido Seiki no Daikettō),  the world’s largest indoor ride attraction based on Ultraman, will open on Friday, July 14th.  The ride is produced by the same creative team behind the award-winning “Godzilla the Ride: Giant Monsters Ultimate Battle” (ゴジラ・ザ・ライド大怪獣頂上決戦, Gojira za Raido Daikaijū Chōjō Kessen) and is part of the park's year-long "Tobikkiri Sugo YEAR 2023!" celebration. "Ultraman the Ride" allows guests to experience heart-stopping excitement and an unprecedented sense of immersion with their entire body as they travel through the skies with Ultraman as rookie members of the Science Special Search Party (aka Science Patrol) and fight together against monsters. This

    Photos courtesy of HIDIVE. Source: HIDIVE press release Special Thanks to Scott Barretto On July 4th weekend, HIDIVE marks its return to Anime Expo with plans for its largest fan experience to date. During the four-day weekend at North America’s largest annual anime convention, HIDIVE will showcase some of the most anticipated series from its 2023 summer and fall simulcast seasons line-ups. Fans will be treated to a range of experiences including screenings, interactive panels, photo ops and giveaways, including a record half dozen major premieres. HIDIVE kicks-off July 1 Opening Day of Anime Expo with premieres for three tops titles. Starting off is the world premiere of returning fall simulcast series THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW 2nd Season, a first ever dual world premiere featuring separate English subtitled and dub screenings of Episode 1 on July 1 and July 4 respectively — each with their own post-screening

    Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS TM & © 2023 Bandai Namco Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Partners with Tsuburaya Productions and Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures Entertainment to Bring a Variety of Ultraman Toys to North America Source: Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. press release Tsuburaya and its new U.S. entity, Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures Entertainment, Productions and Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America (BNTCA) announce a new partnership that awards BNTCA the master toy license for Ultraman and will be introducing an exciting new, much sought-after line for fans of the hit property. The upcoming Ultraman line, with toy rights exclusive to BNCTA, will include action figures, role play, playsets, and plush that encapsulate the adventurous spirit and high-quality storytelling that has made the IP a staple of the genre since the '60s. The initial lineup will include products

    Enjoy the World of Godzilla and Japanese CultureSource: Nijigen No Mori press releaseOfficial Website: https://nijigennomori.com/godzilla_awajishima/ Photo courtesy of Nijigen no Mori. ©TOHO CO., LTD. Through July 17th, the popular "Godzilla Interception Operation - National Awaji Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster" (ゴジラ迎撃作戦 ~国立ゴジラ淡路島研究センター~, Gojira Geigeki Sakusen ~ Kokuritsu Gojira Awajishima Kenkyū Sentā ~) attraction at the "Nijigen no Mori" anime theme park in Awaji Island Park, Hyogo Prefecture is hosting the "Awaji GODZILLA Festival" for fans to further enjoy the world of Godzilla and Japanese culture. During the event, visitors who purchase the "Special Set Ticket" (スペシャルセット券,  Supesharu Settoken) can enjoy two exciting games, including the "Yumiya Challenge" (弓矢チャレンジ, Yumiya Charenji), an archery competition which recreates the story of "Godzilla Interception Operation," and the "Tosenkyo Challenge" (投扇興 「とうせんきょう」ゲーム,  Tō ōgi Kyō 「Tōsen Kyō」 Gēmu), a traditional Japanese fan-tossing game.  According to their results, players will be awarded gorgeous

    Photo courtesy of Diamond Select Toys. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Diamond Select Toys Special Thanks to Zach Oat Diamond Select Toys is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a collection of three Godzilla Vinimates Two Packs. Each Pack includes 2 articulated 4″ vinyl figures designed by Barry Bradfield, packaged in a full-color window box. Godzilla Vinimates Two Pack (SKU: 84616) ● Godzilla 1954 black-and-white figure from the original GODZILLA (ゴジラ, Gojira, 1954) ● Godzilla 1999 from GODZILLA 2000 ( ゴジラ2000 ミレニアム, Gojira Nisen: Mireniamu, 1999) Godzilla Vinimates Two Pack (SKU: 84617) ● Godzilla 1962 from KING KONG VS GODZILLA (キングコング対ゴジラ, Kingu Kongu Tai Gojira, 1962) ● Mechagodzilla from GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (ゴジラ対メカゴジラ, Gojira Tai Mekagojira, 1974) Godzilla Vinimates Two Pack (SKU: 84618) ● Godzilla 1995 (Burning Godzilla) from GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH (ゴジラVSデストロイア, Gojira Tai Desutoroia,

    Source: Shogakukan Inc. Official Website: https://serai.jp/ (Japan) Cover of the July 2023 issue of Serai. Photo courtesy of Shogakukan. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.  Nostalgic but new!  The July issue of Shogakukan's Super Premium Magazine Serai (サライ, Serai) offers a feature article on FX legend Eiji Tsuburaya plus a special supplement of painted postcards depicting Tsuburaya's Ultraman characters.The main article is "Eiji Tsuburaya, Pioneer of Japanese Special Effects " (円谷英二が拓いたニッポンの特撮, Tsuburaya Eiji ga Hiraita Nihon no Tokusatsu). As the creator of the internationally renowned icons Godzilla and Ultraman, Tsuburaya became known as the "god of special effects". He was born on July 7, which is now called "Special Effects Day" in Japan. The Super Premium Magazine Serai article looks back at the history of special effects from a modern perspective  and the influence of Eiji Tsuburaya on later generations of filmmakers and artists.

    Photo courtesy of Seismic, LLC. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Jirahs - Comics Version, Megadon - Video Game Edition, and Sevenger - Glow in the Dark available now!  Source:  Seismic, LLC. Seismic is continuing both of its popular toy lines: the Dawn of the Monsters toy line and Ultraman Vinyl Oddysey with three new releases. First is Jirahs - Comics Version. This new colorway is based on the character's design in The Trials of Ultraman from Marvel Comics. Seismic's signature translucent effectl and metallic paints are on vivid display in this new figure, limited to 150 pieces. Jirahs is 9 inches tall and is sculpted by Michael Lambert, featuring header card art by Bill Couture. Each figure will come with a limited edition

    Source:  Ghost X Ghost press release Special Thanks to Brock Otterbacher  The King of the Monsters comes to the stage in the next METALCROPOLIS t-shirt from Ghost X Ghost! With art by Jason Edmiston and logo by Christophe Szpaidel, it is available for pre-order until Friday, June 16 at Noon PST. Ghost X Ghost! also have their first pin of the King himself, designed by Christian Gonzalez.   ■ Godzilla METALCROPOLIS T-Shirt  Photo courtesy of Ghost X Ghost. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Godzilla, the King of the Monsters, has been reimagined as a metal band! This is the latest in our METALCROPOLIS series of designs- taking your favorite characters, and making them METAL! Screen printed on a 100% soft spun cotton black t-shirt. This is a pre-order timed edition, available from Friday, June 9th until Friday, June 16th at noon PST.  

    Source: HIDIVE press release Official Site: https://darkgathering.jp/ (Japan)Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ⒸKenichi Kondo/SHUEISHA, Dark Gathering Anime Production Committee Anime fans are in for a truly scary good time this summer with today’s news that HIDIVE has acquired Pony Canyon’s highly anticipated new horror-supernatural series DARK GATHERING (ダークギャザリング, Dāku Gyazaringu, 2023). Based on Kenichi Kondo’s popular shounen manga series of the same name, the DARK GATHERING anime adaptation was first revealed last summer and is now set to premiere this July in Japan and as an exclusive summer simulcast on HIDIVE’s streaming service. “We’re proud to have acquired this one-of-a-kind series from Pony Canyon and eager to premiere DARK GATHERING as a HIDIVE exclusive series in July,” said John Ledford, President of HIDIVE. “Japanese horror is truly unique in the genre as well as a true rarity in anime, so we’re thrilled

    Photo courtesy of SCRAP. ©SCRAP © KADOKAWA Experience the terror of Sadako, Japan's great horror icon, in English or Japanese! Source: SCRAP press release Official Site: https://mysterycircus.jp/sadako/ (Japanese), https://mysterycircus.jp/s/sadako/en/ (English)  TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is now hosting SADAKO AND THE CURSED VIDEO (貞子 呪いのビデオからの脱出, Sadako Noroi no Bideo Kara no Dasshutsu), a new Real Escape Game featuring the world famous J-Horror icon. Sadako was introduced in Koji Suzuki's 1991 novel Ring (リング, Ringu), which told the story of a cursed video that kills whoever sees it. The story was first adapted for Japanese television before finding international acclaim with the 1998 feature film version. The climactic scene of Sadako crawling out of a TV screen to murder one of her victims sent shockwaves through Japan and led to a series of sequels (the most recent being 2022's SADAKO DX) as well as a

    Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. © Daisuke Aizawa, KADOKAWA / Shadow Garden First-Ever Dual World Premiere Event of Episode 1 in Both Sub (July 1) and Dub (July 4) Source: HIDIVE press release Official Site: https://shadow-garden.jp/ (Japan)Special Thanks to Scott Barretto HIDIVE, AMC Network’s fast-growing anime streaming service and home to some of Japan’s hottest new series, announced today that it will host the world premiere of THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW 2nd Season (陰の実力者になりたくて!, Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!) in Los Angeles, Calif. at next month’s Anime Expo, the largest annual anime convention in North America. Presented in partnership with Kadokawa, this first-ever dual world  premiere event features separate English subtitled and dub premieres of THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW 2nd Season Episode 1 on July 1 and July 4, respectively. Each premiere will include a post screening Q&A session. The July 1 subtitled premiere will include Japanese cast member

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