Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release Official Site: ghiblifest.com GKIDS and Fathom Events` STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2018 continues in April with Hiroyuki Morita`s THE CAT RETURNS (?????, Neko no Ongaeshi, 2002). From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (???????, Tonari no Totoro, 1988) and the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001), comes a charming and magical adventure that will delight the entire family. In theaters nationwide for three days only: April 22 (Dubbed), 23 (Subtitled) and 25 (Dubbed). The English dubbed version features an early performance by Anne Hathaway, plus Cary Elwes, Elliot Gould, Peter Boyle and Kristen Bell. Haru is walking home after a dreary day of school when she spies a cat with a small gift box in its mouth

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The Phantom Thieves of Hearts are coming to Crunchyroll and Hulu! Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: p5a.jp (Japan), P5Ausa.com (US) Special Thanks to Aiko Makino At their industry panel at Sakura-Con (Seattle, Washington), Aniplex of America announced that the highly anticipated PERSONA5 THE ANIMATION (????5???, Perusona 5 Anime) will be premiering this April 7th only on Crunchyroll and Hulu, with new episodes streaming every Saturday. The series is an anime adaptation of best-selling JRPG, PERSONA 5, by game developer, ATLUS, first released in Japan in 2016 and subsequently worldwide in 2017. Set in modern Tokyo, PERSONA5 THE ANIMATION chronicles the adventures of an eclectic group of teenagers who call themselves the “Phantom Thieves of Hearts.” Together with their metaphysical manifestations known as their Personas, the group seeks to solve crimes by reforming the source of corruption within people’s hearts. The popularity of the

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A battle royale amongst teams with guns. This is “the alternative SAO” Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: gungale-online.net (Japan), GunGale-OnlineUSA.com (US) Special Thanks to Aiko Makino Aniplex of America has announced at their industry panel at Sakura-Con (Seattle, Washington) that the newest series from Reki Kawahara’s Sword Art Online (SAO) universe, SWORD ART ONLINE ALTERNATIVE: GUN GALE ONLINE (???????????? ??????? ???????????, Soodo Aato Onrain Orutanatibu Gangeiru Onrain, 2018), will stream on Crunchyroll and Hulu starting April 7th, with new episodes every Saturday. The latest expansion is based on the original work by renowned writer Keiichi Sigsawa, creator of the popular Kino’s Journey novels, with illustrations and character design concept by Kouhaku Kuroboshi, who also provided the original character design for World Conquest Zvezda Plot. Known as an avid gun and military fanatic, Mr. Sigsawa is also credited for serving as the gun consultant

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Source: Netflix press release Official Site: Aggretsuko | Netflix Official Site (US) Special Thanks to Don Halcombe AGGRETSUKO (????????, Aguresshibu Retsuko), an animated series produced by Fanworks and featuring a character originally created by Sanrio -- known as the creator of Hello Kitty -- will premiere globally as a Netflix original. STORY Retsuko is a 25-year-old red panda who is an office associate in the accounting department of a trading company in Tokyo. All she wants is to do her job and get through the day, but when frustrations reach a boiling point, she vents through death metal. AGGRETSUKO will launch globally on April 20th, 2018 exclusively on Netflix. About Netflix Netflix has been leading the way for digital content since 1997. Netflix is the world’s leading internet television network with over 100 million members in over 190 countries enjoying

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Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: liz-bluebird.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Shochiku Co. has provided SciFi Japan with information and images for the anime feature film, LIZ AND THE BLUE BIRD (??????, Liz to Aoi Tori). Directed by Naoko Yamada (A SILENT VOICE), the film is part of the SOUND! EUPHONIUM (??! ???????, Hibike! Yuufoniamu) anime franchise based on the novels by Ayano Takeda. STORY She’s a Blue Bird. She is only happy when flying freely in the sky. But I was afraid of being left behind, alone. So I trapped her in a cage and pretended not to notice. Mizore Yoroizuka plays the oboe and Nozomi Kasaki plays the flute in Kita Uji High School’s concert band. As seniors, this will be their last competition together. The selected piece “Liz and the Blue Bird” features a solo for the oboe and flute. “This

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Source: HIDIVE press release Official Site: 3dkanojo-anime.com (Japan) HIDIVE announced it has acquired the streaming rights to REAL GIRL (3D??, 3D Kanojo, 2018) for the Spring 2018 simulcast season. The series will be available to USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Nordics, Spain, Portugal and Central & South America. Real Girl will begin steaming each Tuesday starting on April 3, 2018 at 19:59 UTC! Despite his disdain for real-world girls, Hikari Tsutsui can’t help but begin to fall for the beautiful social butterfly Iroha Igarashi, who, much to his surprise, not only talks to him in front of other people but also agrees to go out with him. As their relationship develops, the couple starts to learn more about each other and themselves in the process discovering what it means to truly be real. For more information on upcoming shows, visit

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Newest Film from the Hit Sports Anime Franchise Will Screen March 14th in Select U.S. Theaters Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: tm.iwatobi-sc.com (Japan), funimationfilms.com/free-take-your-marks (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto #FreeTYM The new anime feature film FREE! -TAKE YOUR MARKS- (??? Free!-Take Your Marks-, 2017) will be screened in select theaters nationwide on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 as a one-night-only event from distributor Funimation Films. The movie is presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Get your tickets now on the official website and get to your showing early to be one of the first 30 attendees and receive an exclusive souvenir postcard. SciFi Japan is pleased to share a gallery of FREE! -TAKE YOUR MARKS- images, courtesy of Funimation Films. And don`t forget to enter SFJ`s contest to

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Based on the smash hit JRPG series, PERSONA5 the Animation premieres April 2018 Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: p5a.jp (Japan), P5Ausa.com (US) Special Thanks to Aiko Makino Aniplex of America launched the official U.S. website and announced the acquisition of PERSONA5 THE ANIMATION (????5???, Perusona 5 Anime), the highly-anticipated anime adaptation of the best-selling JRPG series by game developer, ATLUS. The Aniplex of America YouTube page also released an English subtitled trailer giving fans a sneak peek into what to expect this spring season. Following the release of the anime OVA PERSONA5 THE ANIMATION –THE DAY BREAKERS–, which coincided with the Persona 5 game’s release, fans will now get to enjoy a full length TV series detailing the adventures of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Key creators of the original game reunite for the highly anticipated series, including sound composer Shoji Meguro providing

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Source: Azoland Pictures press release Official Site: initiald-movie.com (Japan), azolandpictures.com/initiald1and2 (US) Special Thanks to Erika T. Wright Los Angeles based film distribution company, Azoland Pictures is proud to announce that they will be distributing the INITIAL D LEGEND trilogy in partnership with Sentai Filmworks across North American theaters starting this February. The new films feature a retelling of the popular anime series based on the manga title originally created by author Shuichi Shigeno. Parts 1 and 2 of the story, LEGEND 1: AWAKENING and LEGEND 2: RACER, will be in theaters as a double feature on February 23, 2018 and the final installment, LEGEND 3: DREAM on March 9, 2018. Details on tickets and showtimes will be available on the official Azoland Pictures website. Fans of this high-octane franchise will enjoy an exclusive INITIAL D Movie giveaway item with every

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Source: Fathom Events press release Official Site: fathomevents.com/yu-gi-oh-the-movie For two days only this March, YU-GI-OH! THE MOVIE (????????????? ???????, Yuugioo Dyueru Monsutaazu Hikari no Piramiddo, 2004) returns to movie theaters across the nation at select locations. The digitally remastered version of the 2004 anime box office hit was inspired by the internationally popular Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game, manga and TV series. Presented by Fathom Events and 4K Media Inc., YU-GI-OH! THE MOVIE will have special showings on (subtitled version) Sunday, March 11 at 12:55 p.m. and (dubbed) Monday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. (all local times). In addition to viewing the full-length anime feature, moviegoers will be treated to a sneak peek of the first episode of the sixth Yu-Gi-Oh! anime series, YU-GI-OH! VRAINS English-dubbed premiere. Tickets for YU-GI-OH! THE

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The movie that brought SWORD ART ONLINE fans together worldwide now available for digital download! Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: sao-movie.net (Japan), sao-movie.net/us (US) Official Twitter: twitter.com/sao_anime Special Thanks to Aiko Makino Aniplex of America Inc. announced that the fan-favorite anime blockbuster SWORD ART ONLINE THE MOVIE – ORDINAL SCALE – (??? ???????????? -???????????-, Gekijooban Soodo Aato Onrain -Oodinaru Sukeeru-, 2017) is now available for digital release, launching on iTunes, Vudu, and the Microsoft Store. The film, which takes place after the high-stakes events of SWORD ART ONLINE, will also be available on Amazon Video and Playstation Video at a later date. Now fans unable to purchase the package release can experience the action, giving a budget-friendly, censored option just in time for the next season of SWORD ART ONLINE. Links to download the film can be found at sao-movie.net/us/#digital_hd. Based on the

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Nationwide Event Brings Magical Girl Anime Film for Limited Screenings Source: Screenvision Media press release Official Site: crunchyrollmovienight.com Special Thanks to Michael Riggio and Caitlin Wiig Screenvision Media, a national leader in cinema advertising, in association with KAOS Connect, renowned event cinema creators, and Crunchyroll, the world`s largest destination for anime and manga, announce ticket availability for their next event cinema release, CARDCAPTOR SAKURA: THE SEALED CARD (?????????????? ????????, Gekijoo-ban Kaadokyaputaa Sakura Fuuin Sareta Kaado, 2000). Kicking off the 2018 series of `Crunchyroll Movie Night,` screenings for CARDCAPTOR SAKURA: THE SEALED CARD will take place on January 31, February 3 and February 4 in hundreds of theaters nationwide. A small number of exclusive, limited edition Sakura postcards have been made available to participating theatres and will be given away to event attendees, while supplies last. Fans can

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Renton Returns For A Trilogy! Source: Showgate Inc., Funimation Films Official Site: eurekaseven.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/eureka-seven-hi-evolution (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto The hit mecha anime EUREKA SEVEN (???????????, Kookyooshihen Eureka Sebun, 2005) is returning for the first movie in a high-flying trilogy! Funimation Films presents EUREKA SEVEN HI-EVOLUTION 1 (???????????????????????1, Kookyooshihen Eureka Sebun Hai Eboryuushon 1), featuring 30 minutes of never before seen footage, in select theaters across the United States this February. Relive the most epic moments of the series in theatrical surround sound like never before. Plus, see the parts of the story left untold, starting when Renton`s father disappeared. Don`t miss this limited theatrical release, screening subbed or dubbed February 5th and 7th. For theaters and showtimes visit funimationfilms.com/eureka-seven-hi-evolution. SYNOPSIS

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Source: Netflix Official Site: devilman-crybaby.com (Japan), Devilman Crybaby | Netflix Official Site (US) Special Thanks to Ami Yamaguchi Netflix has provided additional images from their new anime, DEVILMAN Crybaby. The series is now available globally exclusively on the streaming service. About Netflix Netflix has been leading the way for digital content since 1997. 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. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connected

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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release The magical life of Negi Springfield makes his way to the Sentai Filmworks collection of titles. As a 10-year-old wizard-in-training, his final test to become a Master Wizard will be to become the English teacher in an all-female boarding school. With 31 students complicating everything and a life that includes evil wizards, magical objects and difficult tests, NEGIMA! and NEGIMA!? will fill our days with comedy, romance, action and lots of adventures. Be on the lookout for details on the release of these powerful shows on home video, television, and select digital outlets. NEGIMA! (???!, 2005) Episodes: 26 Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural Rating: PG-13 Premiered: Winter 2005 Producers: Starchild Records Studios: Xebec

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Fathom Events and Toei Animation Bring Three Movies to the Big Screen on February 1, May 10 and September 20 Source: Fathom Events press release Official Site: digimon-adventure.net (Japan), fathomevents.com/digimon-adventure-tri (US) Special Thanks to David Syatt In 2016, DIGIMON ADVENTURE tri.: REUNION (??????????? tri. ?1?????, Dejimon Adobenchaa Torai Dai 1-shoo `Sakai`, 2015), the first English-dubbed Digimon feature to be released in the U.S. in 16 years, made its U.S. premiere in cinemas nationwide to rave reviews. In 2018, Fathom Events and Toei Animation Inc. will partner again to bring three exciting new Digimon titles to U.S. big screens with DIGIMON ADVENTURE tri.: LOSS (Thursday, February 1), DIGIMON ADVENTURE tri.: COEXISTENCE (Thursday, May 10) and DIGIMON ADVENTURE tri.: FUTURE (Thursday, September 20), each at 7:30 p.m. local time. In addition to the anime features, moviegoers

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New Anime series is chicken soup for the FATE universe soul! Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: emiya-gohan.com (Japan), facebook.com/EmiyasMenuUSA (US) Special Thanks to Aiko Makino Aniplex of America announced on their livestream that they will begin streaming Today’s MENU for EMIYA Family (????????????, Emiya-sanchi no Kyoo no Gohan, 2018) on Crunchyroll beginning January 25th. The series, which originated as a spin-off manga by TAa/TYPE-MOON, will be produced by FATE series dream team, Hikaru Kondo and the prestigious studio ufotable, both credited for the success of FATE/STAY NIGHT [UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS], FATE/ZERO, and most recent smash hit film, FATE/STAY NIGHT THE MOVIE [HEAVEN’S FEEL] I. PRESAGE FLOWER. Two more heavy hitting veterans within the FATE franchise, Takahiro Miura (FATE/STAY NIGHT [UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS]) and Tetsuhito Sato (THE GARDEN OF SINNERS, GOD EATER), will be serving as directors for the series. The series’ character design

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Newest Film from the Hit Sports Anime Franchise Will Screen March 14, 2018 in Select U.S. Theaters Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: tm.iwatobi-sc.com (Japan), funimationfilms.com/free (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Building on the success of the Internet breaking, hit animated series FREE!, Funimation Films in association with Asahi Broadcasting Company is bringing anime’s favorite swimmers to U.S. theaters as they face their future and the graduation of teammates in the new film FREE! -TAKE YOUR MARKS- (??? Free!-Take Your Marks-, 2017) from creators Kyoto Animation and Animation Do. The movie’s storyline follows after the events of Season 2 (FREE! -ETERNAL SUMMER-) and leading up to Season 3 of the series, which will premiere this summer. FREE! -TAKE YOUR MARKS- will be screened in Japanese

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Source: Toei Animation Co., Ltd. press release Dragon Ball’s 20th feature film has been revealed! News of the film was announced at Jump Festa 2018 in Japan. The film is currently in production, which will serve as a commemoration for decades of legendary titles. Since 1986, the series has introduced many memorable and beloved characters to countless die-hard fans. The recent years have witnessed a new wave of renaissance for the Dragon Ball series. DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF GODS, released in 2013, was a welcomed return to the big screen for the first time in 17 years. DRAGON BALL Z: RESURRECTION ‘F’ followed that up with more success in 2015. From then on, Dragon Ball has continued to further expand their world; leading to the current acclaimed broadcast, DRAGON BALL SUPER. The team behind the new film will be making intensive efforts to ensure that the

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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: tbs.co.jp/anime/takunomi (Japan) Special Thanks to Kelly Fay This Winter 2018 season is full of great food and drinks for all the fans of Sentai Filmworks. They`re happy to announce that they have acquired the adaption of Haruto Hino`s manga, known as TAKUNOMI (?????, 2018). TAKUNOMI follows the story of Michiru Amatsuki, a 20-year-old woman who just moved to Tokyo to change jobs. She lives in apartment 101 of Stella House Haruno, an all-female boarding house. There, she meets other women of different ages, jobs, and personalities. They all have something in common though: their love for good food and drinks. The series will start in the Winter 2018 season and will be available for streaming exclusively on HIDIVE starting in January 2018. TAKUNOMI comes to Sentai from Production IMS’ studio. It is directed by Kobayashi, Tomoki (AKAME GA KILL!)

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