SciFi Japan 2018: Year in Review

12 Months of Exclusive Content Direct From Studios and Distributors!
Author: Keith Aiken

SciFi Japan is proud to remain the one and ONLY English language website devoted to Japanese fantasy films and TV that is officially press registered with all five major Japanese studios (Toho, Toei, Shochiku, Nikkatsu and Kadokawa), several Japanese production companies, plus their distributors and licensees. While other sites will run information and images taken from Japanese news sources and publications, SciFi Japan regularly posts content provided directly to us by the companies and people making and releasing Japanese movies, programs and merchandise. This allows us to present our readers with accurate, verified information rather than rumors and speculation, and also run larger and higher quality photos and artwork than can be found elsewhere.

Thanks to all our writers, contributors, sources and readers for your support! Be sure to check back with SciFi Japan often in the weeks and months ahead… we’ve got even more exclusives lined up for 2019!

■ Asmik Ace, Inc.

Asmik Ace is engaged in production and distribution (theatrical, video & DVD, and TV sales).

LOVE X DOC
• LOVE X DOC Info and Photos from Asmik Ace

■ Kadokawa Pictures

Kadokawa Pictures, a subsidiary of the giant Kadokawa Corporation, produces live action pictures and animated films. Kadokawa acquired Daiei (the studio that created the Gamera and Daimajin series) in 2002.

THE ANTIQUE
• THE ANTIQUE Info and Photos From Kadokawa

It’s Boring Here, Pick Me Up
• It’s Boring Here, Pick Me Up Production Notes

When I get home, my wife always pretends to be dead.
• When I get home, my wife always pretends to be dead. Info and Photos From Kadokawa

■ Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading internet television network with over 100 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films.

AGGRETSUKO
• Netflix and Sanrio Present AGGRETSUKO

DEVILMAN Crybaby
• DEVILMAN Crybaby Now Streaming Worldwide on Netflix
• DEVILMAN Crybaby Image Gallery from Netflix

GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS
• GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS Now Streaming Worldwide on Netflix

GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE
• GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE Debuts Worldwide on Netflix July 18th
• GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE English Dub Credits

GODZILLA: THE PLANET EATER
• GODZILLA: THE PLANET EATER — Updated English Dub Credits List

■ Nikkatsu Corporation

As one of the oldest Japanese production and distribution company, Nikkatsu has celebrated its 100th anniversary in year 2012. Today, Nikkatsu’s diverse business activities include operation of the production studio, overseas film acquisition, distribution, a cable TV channel (Channel NECO) and a Film Course at Josai International University. It is also a member of the Yomiuri-Nippon TV group, the leading media conglomerate in Japan.

SUNNY
• SUNNY Info and Photos from Nikkatsu

■ Pony Canyon Inc.

Pony Canyon is a part of Fuji Media Holdings Inc. which is Japan’s largest and most influential media conglomerate. The company co-produces films and also develops digital software, utilizing the latest interactive and multimedia technology.

IMPOSSIBILITY DEFENSE
• IMPOSSIBILITY DEFENSE Press Notes, Photos and Trailer

KASANE -BEAUTY AND FATE-
• KASANE -BEAUTY AND FATE- Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

SSSS.GRIDMAN
• SSSS.GRIDMAN Update from Pony Canyon and Tsuburaya Productions
• SSSS.GRIDMAN World Premiere at Anime Expo 2018
• SSSS.GRIDMAN Info and Images From Pony Canyon and Tsuburaya Pro

■ Shochiku Co., Ltd.

Shochiku traces its origins to 1895 when Takejiro Otani presented his first stage play. They also produced the first color motion picture in Japan, and have expanded into TV dramas, video contents, Kabuki presentation, theater operations, and real estate. Shochiku handles theatrical distribution in Japan for Tsuburaya Pro’s Ultraman movies.

A BANANA? AT THIS TIME OF NIGHT?
• A BANANA? AT THIS TIME OF NIGHT? Info and Photos From Shochiku

THE HOUSE WHERE THE MERMAID SLEEPS
• THE HOUSE WHERE THE MERMAID SLEEPS Info and Photos from Shochiku

INFINI-T FORCE THE MOVIE
• INFINI-T FORCE THE MOVIE Info, Trailer and High-Res Images from Shochiku

LAUGHING UNDER THE CLOUDS
• LAUGHING UNDER THE CLOUDS Info and Photos from Shochiku

LIZ AND THE BLUE BIRD
• LIZ AND THE BLUE BIRD Info and Pics From Shochiku

LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! THE SCHOOL IDOL MOVIE OVER THE RAINBOW
• LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! THE SCHOOL IDOL MOVIE OVER THE RAINBOW Info and Pics From Shochiku

MAGICAL GIRL LYRICAL NANOHA DETONATION
• MAGICAL GIRL LYRICAL NANOHA DETONATION Info and Pics From Shochiku

OUR DEPARTURES
• OUR DEPARTURES Info and Photos From Shochiku

RAINBOW DAYS
• RAINBOW DAYS Info and Photos From Shochiku

ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE: CONNECT THE WISHES!
• ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE — Info and Large Photos from Tsuburaya Pro
• ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE: CONNECT THE WISHES! Update from Tsuburaya Pro

■ Showgate Inc./Hakuhodo DY music & pictures Inc.

Established in 1990, Showgate Inc. (aka Hakuhodo DY music & pictures Inc.) develops, produces and distributes a wide range of film and animation titles. They also handle worldwide sales of Japanese features and animation.

EUREKA SEVEN HI-EVOLUTION 1
• EUREKA SEVEN HI-EVOLUTION 1 Coming to Select US Theaters

IMPOSSIBILITY DEFENSE
• IMPOSSIBILITY DEFENSE Press Notes, Photos and Trailer

THE MANY FACES OF ITO
• ITO-KUN A TO E Info and High-Res Images

MY DAD IS A HEEL WRESTLER
• MY DAD IS A HEEL WRESTLER Info and Photos From Showgate

■ Toei Co., Ltd.

Established in 1951, Toei is one of the Japanese majors in cinema, covering production, distribution and exhibition through its own theater chains. The company owns two film studios and has a library of over 20,000 titles including feature films, TV series and animation.

• Toei Official English Title List – Update 2018

THE BLOOD OF WOLVES Info and Photos from Toei
• THE BLOOD OF WOLVES Info and Photos from Toei

DRAGON BALL SUPER: BROLY
• 20th Dragon Ball Feature in Production

HUG! PRETTY CURE THE MOVIE ALL STARS MEMORIES
• HUG! PRETTY CURE THE MOVIE ALL STARS MEMORIES Info, Pics and Trailer From Toei

KAMEN RIDER AMAZONS THE MOVIE
• KAMEN RIDER AMAZONS THE MOVIE Press Materials from Toei

KAMEN RIDER BUILD THE MOVIE / LUPINRANGER VS PATRANGER EN FILM
• KAMEN RIDER BUILD THE MOVIE / LUPINRANGER VS PATRANGER EN FILM Press Materials from Toei
• KAMEN RIDER BUILD THE MOVIE: BE THE ONE / LUPINRANGER VS PATRANGER EN FILM Update from Toei

KAMEN RIDER HEISEI GENERATIONS FOREVER
• KAMEN RIDER HEISEI GENERATIONS FOREVER Press Materials from Toei
• KAMEN RIDER HEISEI GENERATIONS FOREVER Update From Toei

LOCK-ON LOVE
• LOCK-ON LOVE Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toei

PRETTY CURE SUPER STARS! THE MOVIE
• PRETTY CURE SUPER STARS! THE MOVIE Info and High-Res Images

PUNK SAMURAI SLASH DOWN
• PUNK SAMURAI SLASH DOWN Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toei

RUN! T HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CLUB
• RUN! T HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CLUB Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toei

SAKURA GUARDIAN IN THE NORTH
• SAKURA GUARDIAN IN THE NORTH Info and High-Res Photos from Toei

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS -PRISONERS OF THE SKY-
• THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS -PRISONERS OF THE SKY- Info and Pics From Toei

■ Toho Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1932, Toho Co., Ltd. is one of the leading entertainment conglomerates in Japan. Besides film production, Toho also distributes Japanese films (earning the highest box office receipts for decades in Japan) as well as foreign films through its subsidiary, owns first class movie theaters throughout Japan, produces legitimate plays and musicals, and has more than 100 entertainment-related subsidiaries.

AFTER THE RAIN
• AFTER THE RAIN Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

CAFE FUNICULI FUNICULA
• CAFE FUNICULI FUNICULA Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

CHIHAYAFURU Part.3
• CHIHAYAFURU Part.3 Info and High-Res Photos from Toho

CRAYON SHIN-CHAN THE MOVIE: BAKUMORI! KUNG FU BOYS -RAMEN PANIC-
• CRAYON SHIN-CHAN THE MOVIE: BAKUMORI! KUNG FU BOYS -RAMEN PANIC- Press Notes and High-Res Images From Toho

THE CRIMES THAT BIND
• THE CRIMES THAT BIND Info and High-Res Photos from Toho

DETECTIVE CONAN: ZERO THE ENFORCER
• DETECTIVE CONAN: ZERO THE ENFORCER Press Notes and High-Res Images

DORAEMON THE MOVIE: NOBITA’S TREASURE ISLAND
• DORAEMON THE MOVIE: NOBITA’S TREASURE ISLAND Info and High-Res Images from Toho
• DORAEMON THE MOVIE: NOBITA’S TREASURE ISLAND — More High-Res Images from Toho

THE FOREST OF WOOL AND STEEL
• THE FOREST OF WOOL AND STEEL Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE
• GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE Press Notes From Toho
• GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE Debuts Worldwide on Netflix July 18th
• GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE English Dub Credits

GODZILLA: THE PLANET EATER
• GODZILLA: THE PLANET EATER Press Notes, Trailer and Pics From Toho
• GODZILLA: THE PLANET EATER — Updated English Dub Credits List

INUYASHIKI
• INUYASHIKI Info and High-Res Photos from Toho

KASANE -BEAUTY AND FATE-
• KASANE -BEAUTY AND FATE- Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

THE LIES SHE LOVED
• THE LIES SHE LOVED Info and High-Res Photos from Toho

MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER
• MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER Production Notes and Images

MILLION DOLLAR MAN
• MILLION DOLLAR MAN Info and Photos From Toho

MIRAI
• Mamoru Hosoda’s MIRAI Press Notes and High-Res Pics from Toho

MY HERO ACADEMIA: TWO HEROES
• MY HERO ACADEMIA: TWO HEROES Image Gallery From Toho
• Funimation and Toho Announce Super Hero Sized World Premiere of MY HERO ACADEMIA: TWO HEROES at Anime Expo 2018

MY LITTLE MONSTER
• MY LITTLE MONSTER Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

OVER DRIVE
• OVER DRIVE Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

PENGUIN HIGHWAY
• PENGUIN HIGHWAY Press Notes and High-Res Pics from Toho

POKÉMON THE MOVIE: THE POWER OF US
• POKÉMON THE MOVIE: THE POWER OF US Info and High-Res Images From Toho

STOLEN IDENTITY
• STOLEN IDENTITY Press Notes and High-Res Photos from Toho

SUNNY – OUR HEARTS BEAT TOGETHER
• SUNNY – OUR HEARTS BEAT TOGETHER Info and Photos From Toho

■ Toho-Towa Company Ltd.

Founded in 1928 by Japanese film pioneer Nagamasa Kawakita, Toho-Towa Company Ltd. is proud of its history of presenting the best international movies to audiences for more than 80 years. Toho-Towa is Japan’s oldest and leading motion picture importer and distributor. Toho-Towa is a subsidiary of Toho Company, Ltd., Japan’s pre-eminent entertainment corporation, the activities of which span motion pictures (production, distribution, and exhibition), television, video, music, stage and related fields. Since 2007, Toho-Towa has theatrically been distributing Universal titles in Japan.

PACIFIC RIM UPRISING
• PACIFIC RIM UPRISING Japanese Publicity Materials

■ Tsuburaya Productions

Tsuburaya Productions, creator and copyrights owner of the superhero ULTRAMAN series was founded in 1963 by Eiji Tsuburaya, world-renowned special effects wizard also known for his special effects work on the Godzilla series. In addition to production, the company also handles character licensing and program distribution and staging live stage shows both domestically and internationally.

• Tsuburaya Productions’ Official English Title List – Update 2018

• Tsuburaya Productions Releases Statement Over Ultraman Rights Win

• ULTRAMAN Teams Up With MR. OSOMATSU: “We are the six Mr. Ultra-Matsu brothers!”

KAIJU MUSUME 6
• Tsuburaya Pro Launches KAIJU MUSUME 6 Restaurant in Tokyo
• New KAIJU MUSUME 6 Photos from Tsuburaya Productions

KAIJU STEP
• KAIJU STEP Info and Pics From Tsuburaya Productions
• KAIJU STEP Official Instagram From Tsuburaya Productions

TSUBURAYA CONVENTION 2019
• TSUBURAYA CONVENTION 2019: Tsuburaya Productions Announces Global Fan Event

ULTRAMAN (Anime). Image courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

ULTRA HEROES EXPO 2019
• ULTRAMAN — ULTRA HEROES EXPO 2019 Begins December 29th

ULTRAMAN (Anime)
• ULTRAMAN Anime Gets Worldwide Release on Netflix in Spring 2019
• ULTRAMAN Anime Debuts Worldwide On Netflix In April 2019

ULTRAMAN ARCHIVES
• Tsuburaya Productions Announces ULTRAMAN ARCHIVES Project
• ULTRAMAN ARCHIVES: New Details From Tsuburaya Productions
• ULTRAMAN ARCHIVES: ULTRA Q Episode 19: CHALLENGE FROM THE YEAR 2020 Blu-ray & DVD Set On Sale February 20

ULTRAMAN: DARKNESS HEELS
• Tsuburaya Productions Announces ULTRAMAN: DARKNESS HEELS Event in Tokyo

ULTRAMAN FESTIVAL 2018
• ULTRAMAN FESTIVAL 2018 Opens in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro on July 20

ULTRAMAN FESTIVAL in Hirakata Park 2018-2019
• ULTRAMAN FESTIVAL in Hirakata Park 2018-2019

ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE: CONNECT THE WISHES!
• ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE — Info and Large Photos from Tsuburaya Pro
• ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE: CONNECT THE WISHES! Update from Tsuburaya Pro
• ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE: CONNECT THE WISHES! Coming to Japanese Blu-ray and DVD

ULTRAMAN HIT SONG HISTORY: NEW GENERATION EDITION
• ULTRAMAN HIT SONG HISTORY: NEW GENERATION EDITION On Japanese DVD

Ultraman JET
• The Ultraman JET Takes Flight From Okinawa

ULTRAMAN R/B. Image courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. © TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. © ULTRAMAN R/B PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM・TV TOKYO

ULTRAMAN NEW GENERATION CHRONICLE
• ULTRAMAN NEW GENERATION CHRONICLE Info and Pics From Tsuburaya Productions

ULTRAMAN R/B
• ULTRAMAN R/B — Press Notes and Photos For New TV Series From Tsuburaya Pro
• ULTRAMAN R/B (RUEBE) Update From Tsuburaya Productions
• ULTRAMAN R/B Update — New Characters Announced!
• ULTRAMAN R/B (RUEBE) Blu-ray Box I Japanese Release November 22
• ULTRAMAN R/B Cast Update

ULTRAMAN R/B THE MOVIE ～ SELECT! THE CRYSTAL OF BOND
• ULTRAMAN R/B THE MOVIE ～ SELECT! THE CRYSTAL OF BOND Opens March 2019
• ULTRAMAN R/B THE MOVIE Info and High-Res Photos From Tsuburaya Productions

ULTRAMAN THE LIVE ULTRA HEROES EXPO 2018
• ULTRAMAN THE LIVE ULTRA HEROES EXPO 2018 BATTLE STAGE On Japanese DVD

ULTRAMAN THE LIVE ULTRAMAN FESTIVAL 2018
• ULTRAMAN THE LIVE ULTRAMAN FESTIVAL 2018 On Japanese DVD In 2019

ULTRAMAN USA
• ULTRAMAN USA (aka ULTRAMAN: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS) Anime Film Coming to Blu-ray in Japan

■ Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

20th Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the divisions Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios.

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL
• ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL Trailer and Photos from Twentieth Century Fox
• ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL Products Available from Fox Consumer Products

■ Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios, part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU
• Legendary and Universal Begin Principal Photography on POKÉMON’S DETECTIVE PIKACHU

■ Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures Japan

Warner Bros. Pictures produces and distributes a wide-ranging slate of some 18-22 films each year, either fully financing or co-financing the films it produces and maintaining worldwide distribution rights. Their subsidiary Warner Bros. Pictures Japan also co-produces and distributes films in Japan.

BLEACH
• BLEACH (Live Action 2018) Press Notes and Photos From Warner Bros. Japan

COLOR ME TRUE
• COLOR ME TRUE Press Notes, Photos and Trailers

GINTAMA 2: RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN
• GINTAMA 2: RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN Info and Photos From Warner Bros. Japan

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS
• GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS Trailer and Production Info From Warner Bros.
• GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS Official Photos From Warner Bros.
• New GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS Poster From Warner Bros. Pictures
• New GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS Trailer From Warner Bros. Pictures
• New GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS Monster Posters From Warner Bros. Pictures

GODZILLA VS. KONG
• Cameras Roll on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Entertainment’s GODZILLA VS. KONG

LAST WINTER, WE PARTED
• LAST WINTER, WE PARTED Info and Photos From Warner Bros. Japan

MARMALADE BOY
• MARMALADE BOY Info and Photos From Warner Bros. Japan

MONSTER STRIKE THE MOVIE: JOURNEY BEYOND THE SKY
• MONSTER STRIKE THE MOVIE: JOURNEY BEYOND THE SKY Trailer & Images from Warner Bros. Japan

POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU
• POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU Update From Warner Bros.
• POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU Event Photos
• POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU Production Update
• POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU Trailer and Poster

RAMPAGE
• RAMPAGE Production Notes and High-Res Photos
• RAMPAGE Japanese Poster, Photos, Logo and Trailer
• RAMPAGE Arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD

REAL GIRL
• REAL GIRL Press Notes, Trailer and Photos From Warner Bros. Japan

WAITING FOR SPRING
• WAITING FOR SPRING Press Notes and Photos From Warner Bros. Japan

■ X-Plus

The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus produces high quality figures and statues based on the giant monster franchises of Toho, Tsuburaya Productions and Kadokawa (Daiei). X-Plus has provided SciFi Japan with exclusive previews of their latest releases since early 2013.