SciFi Japan
    All-New Spinoff Series Based on Hit Franchise MY HERO ACADEMIA Will Stream Exclusively on Crunchyroll Worldwide, Excluding Asia, With New Episodes Weekly, Same-Day as JapanSource: Crunchyroll press releaseOfficial Site: https://vigilante-anime.com/ (Japan) Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. ©H. Furuhashi, BETTEN, C.K. Horikoshi/SHUEISHA, Vigilante Project Toho Co., Ltd. has unveiled a new trailer, key art, and opening theme artist for MY HERO ACADEMIA: VIGILANTES (ヴィジランテ -僕のヒーローアカデミアILLEGALS- , Vijirante: Boku no Hīrō Akademia Irīgarusu), a brand new animated spinoff series that takes place before the events of the main MY HERO ACADEMIA anime, based on the original manga created by Kohei Horikoshi. Debuting Monday, April 7, MY HERO ACADEMIA: VIGILANTES will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll worldwide excluding Asia, with new episodes premiering weekly, same-day as Japan. The new trailer reveals the opening theme song “Kekka Orai,” performed by Kocchi no Kento, best known for his viral song ”Hai Yorokonde”.

    Photo courtesy of Super7. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Photo courtesy of Super7. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Super7 Special Thanks to Brian Flynn and Ashley Anderson Since the 1950s, Godzilla has reigned as the ultimate force of destruction, and Super7 continues to celebrate its legacy with three epic 3.75” scale Toho ReAction Figures—Godzilla ‘89 brings the raw power of GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE, Mechagodzilla ‘93 captures the mechanical menace from GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA II, and the first-ever Godzilla Minus One ReAction Figure! Each figure is intricately detailed, articulated, and packaged on a full-color blistered cardback that’s perfect for display. Whether you’re building your kaiju army or just starting out, these figures are an absolute must-have for any fan of the Monsterverse! 3 Figure Set Order Link: https://super7.com/products/toho-reaction-figures-godzilla-minus-one-godzilla-89-mechagodzilla-93 Price: $60.00

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © Benesse Corporation 1988-2025 / Shimajiro © Shanghai Hengyuan Culture Media Co., Ltd. Source: Toho Co., Ltd Official Site: https://kocha.benesse.ne.jp/kodomo/open/movie/2025/ (Japan) Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © Benesse Corporation 1988-2025 / Shimajiro © Shanghai Hengyuan Culture Media Co., Ltd. Toho Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and images from SHIMAJIRO THE MOVIE: SHIMAJIRO AND THE SONG OF COURAGE (映画しまじろう『しまじろうと  ゆうきのうた, Eiga Shimajirō Shimajirō to Yūki nō Uta). The 11th entry in the popular Shimajiro film series is once again directed by Tomohiro Kawamura (SHIMAJIRO THE MOVIE: MIRACLE ISLAND'S RAINBOW CARNATION). The computer animation is produced by Shanghai Hanyuan Culture Media Co., Ltd. and Shirogumi, with Benesse Corporation overseeing production as a co-producer. SHIMAJIRO THE MOVIE: SHIMAJIRO AND THE SONG OF COURAGE will be released in Japanese theaters on March 14, 2025. SYNOPSIS Everyone's

    Egghead Arc Resumes on April 6 Preceded by Drop of New Dubbed Episodes and Specials on March 18Source: Crunchyroll press release Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. ©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, TOEI ANIMATION Toei Animation and Crunchyroll released details on the upcoming return of ONE PIECE in North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Latin America.  The wait will soon be over for fans of the global hit episodic series, which went on a brief hiatus last October. Beginning April 6, 2025, fans can dive back into the thrilling adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates when the Egghead Arc resumes streaming with new simulcast episodes on Crunchyroll in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Latin America. In advance of the simulcast’s return, Toei Animation will release Specials 14, 15, 16, and a new block of Egghead Arc episodes from the series’ popular English dub. English dub

    Photo courtesy of CCP JAPAN. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Source: CCP JAPAN The Japanese figure manufacturer CCPJAPAN is releasing several monsters from the Ultraman franchise as part of their 1/6 scale Tokusatsu Series, which offers larger, more detailed figures that accurately reproduce the kaiju designs seen in the classic television shows. Some of these figures are brand-new while others are reissues with upgraded painting and/or sculpts. Photo courtesy of CCP JAPAN. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Photo courtesy of CCP JAPAN. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ■ 1/6 Tokusatsu Series Ancient Monster Kingsaurus III High Grade Ver. (1/6特撮シリーズ 古代怪獣 キングザウルス三世 ハイグレード Ver., 1/6 Tokusatsu Shirīzu Kodai Kaijū Kinguzaurusu Sansei Hai Gurēdo Ver.)   Photo courtesy of CCP JAPAN. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS The Ancient Monster Kingsaurus III, which appeared in RETURN OF ULTRAMAN Episode 4: SUPER ATTACK! METEOR KICK (必殺!流星キック, Hissatsu! Ryuusei Kikku), is now back

    Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime. ©SOTSU・SUNRISE Source: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Japan LLC press releasesOfficial Site: https://www.gundam.info/feature/gquuuuuux/ (Japan), https://gkids.com/films/mobile-suit-gundam-gquuuuuux/ (North America)   Amazon Prime has provided SciFi Japan with English and Japanese language press releases for the highly-anticipated new anime series, MOBILE SUIT Gundam GQuuuuuuX (機動戦士Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Kidō Senshi Gundam GQuuuuuuX). The show will be exclusively distributed worldwide in over 240 countries and regions on Prime. For MUCH more on MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM GQuuuuuuX, please see the Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Press Notes and Images From Bandai Namco Filmworks here on SciFi Japan.   Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime. ©SOTSU・SUNRISE Prime Video Announces Global Premiere of Groundbreaking Anime Series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Prime Video has announced the exclusive global premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the latest installment in the legendary mecha sci-fi Gundam series. The series will stream

    Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. Source: Third Window Films, Terracotta Special Thanks to Adam Torel Third Window Films is pleased to announce the release of TOKYO POP (1988) on Blu-ray and digital May 5th. An underseen gem of ‘80s American independent cinema by Fran Rubel Kuzui (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER), TOKYO POP takes us on a breezy tour through bubble era Tokyo, replete with knowing nods to the city’s vibrant pop culture. Bleach-blonde wannabe rocker Wendy (Carrie Hamilton, daughter of comedy legend Carol Burnett and producer Joe Hamilton) is disillusioned with her life in New York City. After receiving a postcard from Japan saying “wish you were here,” she spontaneously hops on a plane to Tokyo with dreams of making it big as a singer. Quickly finding herself broke and a fish out of water, she moves into a youth hostel for gaijin (foreigners)

    Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.  Source: Well Go USA, LBHpr  Special Thanks to Leif Helland Photo courtesy of Well Go USA. Tony Jaa (ONG-BAK, TRIPLE THREAT, THE PROTECTOR, FURIOUS 7, THE EXPENDBLES 4, ​MASTER Z: THE IP MAN LEGACY) is back in top form as Bai An, a Muay Thai expert seeking revenge against the men who brutally murdered his wife and child in the two-fisted thriller STRIKING RESCUE, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD April 15 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Directed by Cheng Si-Yu (DESPERADO aka THUG IN A SUIT, THE PAPER MAN RETURNS)​, STRIKING RESCUE also stars Hong Junjia (THE GREY MEN), Shi Yanneng, Philip Keung (SHOCK WAVE), and Chen Duoyi (STORY MACHINE).  Synopsis:       Bai An’s (Tony Jaa) wife and daughter were brutally murdered in front of him, now he’s out for revenge and the path will

    Photo courtesy of Toho. © 2025 TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Toho Co., Ltd.Official Site: https://chibigodzilla.jp/Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chibigodzi_official   The TV anime CHIBI GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (ちびゴジラの逆襲, Chibi Gojira no Gyakushū) launched a new YouTube channel, "Chibi Godzilla Official Channel", on Thursday, March 6th at 5:00pm JST.  The Chibi Godzilla official website has also changed its URL. Chibi Godzilla was introduced in 2018 as part of the lead-in for Godzilla's 65th anniversary the following year. He was designed by Chiharu Sakazaki, a popular illustrator known for Suica Penguin (Suicaのペンギン, Suika no Pengin), a character appearing on East Japan Railway Company’s prepaid IC cards, and Chiba Prefecture's mascot Chi-ba+kun (チーバくん).  Chibi Godzilla  is intended to be an "introductory Godzilla" that younger children can relate to and hopefully become the first step in creating future generations of Godzilla fans. The cute monster has been featured in a

    Source: HIDIVE press release Official Site: https://kijin-anime.com/ (Japan)Special Thanks to Scott Barretto (AMCN Entertainment Group) Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©Motoo Nakanishi/Futabasha, KIJIN GENTOSHO Project Spring arrives early with today’s announcement from AMC Networks’ HIDIVE that the new supernatural historical fantasy series SWORD OF THE DEMON HUNTER: KIJIN GENTOSHO (鬼人幻燈抄, Kijin Gentōshō, 2025) will launch the upcoming simulcast season on the anime streaming service. Based on the  popular fantasy manga & novel series created by Motoo Nakanishi, SWORD OF THE DEMON HUNTER: KIJIN GENTOSHO will kick-off HIDIVE’s exclusive Spring 2025 line-up when it debuts with a special 60-minute first episode on Monday, March 31 at 8:30 am Eastern, which will be followed thereafter with new 30-minute episodes every Monday at 11:00 am Eastern. In addition, as part of today’s announcement, HIDIVE released the official English subtitled trailer for the show. “We’re thrilled to kick-off HIDIVE’s Spring

    Image courtesy of AnimEigo. ©2003 Nasu Film Partners Acclaimed anime film about pro-cycling arrives for first time on English friendly home media; includes limited edition slipcoverSource: AnimEigo press release Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab) Image courtesy of AnimEigo. ©2003 Nasu Film Partners Anime distributor AnimEigo and parent company MediaOCD have announced the home media Blu-ray release of NASU: SUMMER IN ANDALUSIA (茄子 アンダルシアの夏, Nasu: Andarushia no Natsu, 2003) on March 11th. From studio MADHOUSE and famed animator Kitaro Kosaka (Director of OKKO’S INN, Animation Director of SPIRITED AWAY, THE WIND RISES), comes the first anime feature film to ever compete in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival! The new Blu-ray release from AnimEigo includes a recent retrospective interview with Kosaka about his storied career, including his work with Studio Ghibli. The release is in partnership with Synergetic. Pre-orders are available now

    Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will Bring the First Film of the Epic Trilogy to Movie Theatres in North America on September 12, 2025Source: Crunchyroll press release US poster. Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. ©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, announced today the North American and international theatrical dates for the highly anticipated DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA INFINITY CASTLE (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編, Gekijō-ban `Kimetsu no Yaiba' Mugen-jō Hen). The first film in the epic trilogy from famed animation studio ufotable will come exclusively to theatres on September 12, 2025 in United States and Canada, including in IMAX and other premium large formats. The film will be available in both Japanese with English subtitles as well as dubbed in English. International release dates include (with additional dates announced later): August 14: Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan

    Photo courtesy of Shout! Studios and GKIDS ©2024 Science SARU INC./STORY Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./JR East Marketing & Communications, Inc./Lawson Entertainment, Inc. Blu-ray + DVD And Limited Edition Steelbook On May 27th And Digital Platforms April 1st Source: Shout! Studios press releaseOfficial Site: https://kiminoiro.jp/ (Japan), https://gkids.com/films/the-colors-within/ (US) Special Thanks to Lauren Blum Blu-ray. Photo courtesy of Shout! Studios and GKIDS ©2024 Science SARU INC./STORY Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./JR East Marketing & Communications, Inc./Lawson Entertainment, Inc. On May 27, the exquisite animated feature, THE COLORS WITHIN (きみの色, Kimi no Iro, 2024) will arrive on Blu-ray + DVD in a standard set and in a Limited Edition SteelBook from GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Studios. The many bonus features on THE COLORS WITHIN include interviews, scene breakdowns, and other glimpses of behind-the-scenes magic that went into the making of the film. Additionally, Naoko Yamada’s latest short film, THE GARDEN OF

    Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Bandai In February, Bandai launched a new soft vinyl figure line, "JAPAN GODZILLA," which feature designs and coloring with a uniquely Japanese "wa" motif. Wa (和) is a concept that roughly translates to "peace" or "harmony" and is considered essential to Japanese culture. Intended to be both inexpensive collectibles and Japanese souvenirs, the JAPAN GODZILLA figures are in a slightly smaller scale (average height 4.5 inches) than those from Bandai's main Movie Monster Series (average height 6.3 inches). The third figure in the line is a cherry blossom colored version of Godzilla from the blockbuster movie GODZILLA MINUS ONE (ゴジラ-1.0/ゴジラマイナスワン, Gojira Mainasu Wan, 2023). Unlike the first two JAPAN GODZILLA figures, which were wide releases, the cherry blossom Godzilla is a Godzilla Store

    Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Fields Holdings. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu,Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM ©OK!! Source: Tsuburaya Fields Holdings Inc. press release Tsuburaya Fields Holdings Inc. has announced that their consolidated subsidiary, Fields Corporation, will be releasing a new pachislot machine, "L ULTRAMAN" (L・ウルトラマン, L Urutoraman), to pachinko halls throughout Japan in June. This game will be a smart pachislot machine (スマスロ, (Sumasoro)  that allows players to enjoy quicker play. Based on the popular manga and Netflix ULTRAMAN (ウルトラマン) anime series, L ULTRAMAN is not only for pachinko and pachislot enthusiasts but a wide range of people, including movie and Ultraman series fans. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions.©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu,Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM ■ About ULTRAMAN ULTRAMAN is a popular manga series written by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi that began serialization in the first issue of the manga magazine Monthly Hero's

     Source: Bandai Co., Ltd.   Photo courtesy of Bandai. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS.. In June, Bandai will release a new set of Ultraman HG figures. Named after the 34th episode of the RETURN OF ULTRAMAN (帰ってきたウルトラマン, Kaettekita Urutoraman, 1971-72) series, this set features Ultraman Jack and that episode's kaiju, the Compatibility Monster Leogon.  This set also includes Ultraman Dyna and God Jagila, a plant-based monster from ULTRAMAN DYNA (ウルトラマンダイナ, Urutoraman Daina, 1997-98) Episode 40: "Tree of Jagila". These HG figures are now available for pre-order at Gashapon Bandai Official Shop, specialty stores for Bandai's new Gashapon products, toy stores, mass merchandisers, and electronics stores throughout Japan. Gashapon (ガシャポン) is a best-selling Bandai toy brand named after the capsule containing a toy that "pops" out when the handle is turned on a "gasha" (vending machine). Since the brand's launch in 1977, it has produced a rich

    Photo courtesy of Hobby Japan Co., Ltd. © Sotsu, Sunrise Source: Hobby Japan Co., Ltd. press release Photo courtesy of Hobby Japan Co., Ltd. © Sotsu, Sunrise Hobby Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daisuke Matsushita) has announced that their model magazine Monthly Hobby JAPAN April 2025 Issue in now available in bookstores and hobby shops across Japan. The issue focuses on Gunpla (Gundam plastic models) and also takes a look at the "UA Monsters SpaceGodzilla" figure from Bandai's MegaHouse division.                       Photo courtesy of Hobby Japan Co., Ltd. © Sotsu, Sunrise Featured Article: "God is in the Details! Gunpla Detail-up Techniques 2025" This detailed explanation of Gunpla detailing introduce some easy-to-use techniques for models

    Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Source: Tsuburaya Productions press release (Japan)Official Site: https://ultraman-cardgame.com/ Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Masayuki Nagatake) will hold the first large-scale official tournament for the ULTRAMAN CARD GAME (ウルトラマン カードゲーム, Urutoraman Kādo Gēmu) at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, on Sunday, June 8, 2025. To commemorate the tournament, a campaign to support deck building will be distributed, with promotional cards featuring original designs by Marvel artists. The ULTRAMAN CARD GAME is a new trading card game inspired by the world of Ultraman featuring playability appealing to both adults and kids, as well as collectability with specially designed cards by renowned creators from around the globe. The game also offers several rare cards to collect from artists and designers who have worked on the Ultraman shows and movies. The game was released simultaneously around the world on

    Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. ©HAWKMAN,MECHA-ROOTS/MAG Garden/NOTLC Project Source: Crunchyroll press release In case you missed the celebration of Cat Day in Japan this past Caturday, February 22, an all-new trailer has been released that warns of the upcoming “nyandemic.” From executive director Takashi Miike, the animated post-apocalyptic comedy series NYAIGHT OF THE LIVING CAT (ニャイト・オブ・ザ・リビングキャット, Nyaito obu za Ribingu Kyatto) will begin streaming this July only on Crunchyroll worldwide excluding Asia. Sony Pictures Entertainment will be distributing in Asia and Japan. Please spread awareness, but help reduce panic and hiss-teria by staying cautious and vigilant. Don’t let their cute faces and fluffy coats fool you. If you see a cat lying on its back, do not touch its belly. It’s a trap! If you see a cat making fresh biscuits, do not stop in awe. Before you know it, you may be swarmed by a clowder

    Source: Seven Seas Entertainment, Inc., press releaseSpecial Thanks to Andrew Nguyen  Cover of the GODZILLA MINUS ONE Japanese novelization, which will be released in English later this year. Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Seven Seas Entertainment is thrilled to announce the license acquisition of the novelization of GODZILLA MINUS ONE (ゴジラ-1.0/ゴジラマイナスワン, Gojira Mainasu Wan) by Takashi Yamazaki. From the director of the hit film GODZILLA MINUS ONE comes the novelization packed with even more action and story to celebrate Godzilla’s 70th anniversary! In postwar Japan, the kaiju of legend has become more powerful and fearsome. Can a country in shambles withstand the might of Godzilla? After failing to carry out his suicide mission, disgraced kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima returns to ravaged postwar Japan to find his parents dead and country destroyed. Having lost both his honor and his family, he must

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