Source: Aniplex of America press release Special Thanks to Aiko Makino At their Industry Panel at A-Kon (Fort Worth, TX) on June 8, Aniplex of America announced their schedule of events and special guests for Anime Expo 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The announcement revealed that they would be hosting panels and events for many of their popular shows including PERSONA5 THE ANIMATION, CELLS AT WORK!, SWORD ART ONLINE ALTERNATIVE: GUN GALE ONLINE, and the highly anticipated SWORD ART ONLINE -ALICIZATION-. Furthermore, following last year’s successful event, the immensely popular FATE/GRAND ORDER returns with their first anniversary celebration event at Petree Hall. In the SWORD ART ONLINE corner, the many special guests scheduled to appear include Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (VA for Kirito for SAO -ALICIZATION-), Ai Kayano (VA for Alice of SAO -ALICIZATION-), Tomori Kusunoki (VA for LLENN of SAO ALTERNATIVE: GUN GALE ONLINE), Keiichi Sigsawa (Creator of

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Source: HIDIVE press release Official Site: fukumenkei-anime.jp (Japan) HIDIVE has announced that it acquired exclusive streaming rights to the ANONYMOUS NOISE (??????, Fukumenkei Noizu, 2017) English-language dub, premiering on June 8, 2018, with weekly episodes released every Friday at 12:00 p.m. CDT. HIDIVE will offer the English-language dubbed version of the series to subscribers in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other select territories. As children, Momo taught Nino the joy of singing from her heart. When Momo suddenly moved away, Nino found herself lost, until she met Yuzu. He shared his musical gifts with her until he suddenly vanished, too, leaving nothing but the memory of his music. Before disappearing, Momo and Yuzu said the same thing- that she promises to keep singing because that was how they’d find her. As the trio starts high school, their paths cross again. And while Nino has kept

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Source: HIDIVE press release Official Site: land-of-the-lustrous.com (Japan) HIDIVE has announced that it acquired the streaming rights to LAND OF THE LUSTROUS (????, Hooseki no Kuni), the Fall 2017 season breakout-hit, for the U.S. and Canada territories. HIDIVE members will be able to stream the series every Sunday starting on June 17, 2018. Catch up on the series that has left everyone speechless for its refined and poignant storyline! In the distant future, new life forms known as Gems inhabit the Earth. These immortal beings find themselves under attack by the Lunarians, who use the shattered bodies of the Gems as decorations. For this reason, each of the Gems are assigned a purpose. However, being one of the frailest of the group and with no particular skill, Phos is assigned by Kong?, the master of Gems, to create an encyclopedia of natural history. The mission to

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Aspiring Voice Actor Auditions at Anime Central as Uplifting Series is Green-lit for a Season 2 English Dub Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: 3lion-anime.com (Japan), 3lion-usa.com (US) Special Thanks to Aiko Makino Attendees at Bang Zoom! Entertainment’s panel were thrilled as Aniplex of America announced their plans to produce the English dub of the second season for the heartfelt TV series MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION (???????, 3 Tsuki no Raion) at Anime Central in Rosemont, Illinois. The announcement also revealed that the Open Auditions hosted by both companies at Anime Central would be for the beloved, heartwarming series’ second season. Now in its sixth year, the Open Auditions provide a unique opportunity for fans to test out their skills as a voice actor and be in an anime series. The winner of the Open Auditions will be featured

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Source: HIDIVE press release HIDIVE announced today it partnered with AnimeNEXT to deliver exclusive “Powered By HIDIVE” promotions, anime keepsakes and special access-events for attendees. AnimeNEXT kicks off June 8 – 10 at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “Creating exciting, meaningful experiences through direct engagement of fans is at the core of HIDIVE’s strategic vision,” said Founder and President of HIDIVE, John Ledford. “Partnering with AnimeNEXT enables us to execute on that vision and promote an unforgettable experience for attendees of the event.” Vince Averello, Convention Chairman of AnimeNEXT, said, “AnimeNEXT is always trying to find creative connections that will bring new, exclusive content and guests to our attendees and partnering with HIDIVE gave us a means by which to do so. I`ve been a subscriber since

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JOJO’S BIZARRE ESCAPE: THE HOTEL, The Most Bizarre Escape Event Yet, Features An Exclusive Original Character! Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: realescapegame.com/jojo Special Thanks to Jane Lui, Erik Jansen and Kenny Yamaguchi SCRAP Entertainment, the leading pioneer of live escape entertainment, and VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, have partnered to bring a Real Escape Game set in the world of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE to the United States. The chance for fans to immerse themselves in the JOJO’S BIZARRE ESCAPE: THE HOTEL live experience hits the U.S. at FanimeCon (San Jose, CA, May 25-28, 2018) and Anime Expo (Los Angeles, CA, July 4-8, 2018). Based on author Hirohiko Araki’s groundbreaking Shonen Jump manga series, JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE follows

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Source: HIDIVE press release HIDIVE is ready to make a splash with all three English dubs of the SQUID GIRL OVAs (??!???, Shinryaku! Ika Musume, 2012-14). The first OVA will be available to stream on May 3, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. CDT with each additional OVA available on Thursdays through May 17, 2018. Return to Lemon Beach House with Squid Girl and the whole gang for three more episodes of bubbly adventures with your favorite anthropomorphic arthropod. Featuring the voice talents of Christine Marie Cabanos, Kira Vincent-Davis and Luci Christian, Earth’s most fearsome underwater invader will have audiences gasping for breath with all-new hilarious antics. For more information on upcoming shows, visit HIDIVE at HIDIVE.com and follow them on social media: Twitter: twitter.com/hidiveofficial Facebook: facebook.com/hidiveofficial Instagram: instagram.com/hidiveofficial About HIDIVE LLC HIDIVE is a streaming service offering subscribers hit titles

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Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: lunouta.com (Japan), lu-over-the-wall (US) GKIDS brings the anime hit LU OVER THE WALL (???????????, Yoake Tsugeru Ruu no Uta, 2017) to American theaters on May 11, 2018. From visionary anime auteur Masaaki Yuasa comes a joyously hallucinogenic but family-friendly take on the classic fairy tale about a little mermaid who comes ashore to join a middle-school rock band and propel them to fame. Kai is talented but adrift, spending his days sulking in a small fishing village after his family moves from Tokyo. His only joy is uploading songs he writes to the internet. When his classmates invite him to play keyboard in their band, their practice sessions bring an unexpected guest: Lu, a young mermaid whose fins turn to feet when she hears the beats, and whose singing causes humans

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Source: HIDIVE press release HIDIVE announced today it acquired streaming rights for AURA BATTLER DUNBINE (????????, Seisenshi Dambain, 1983-84), the legendary sci-fi epic restored and remastered in HD, with English dubbed and subbed episodes added every Monday starting on April 23, 2018. AURA BATTLER DUNBINE is based on the novel The Wings of Rean by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the acclaimed writer and director of the popular MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM series. The series weaves a detailed fantasy backdrop with powerful mechas and complex characters to create a timeless story. Ordinary 18-year-old Shou Zama is transported from his home in Tokyo to a new world known as Byston Well, which has been torn apart by an evil overlord, Drake Luft. Refusing to participate in Luft’s maniacal plans, Shou joins the resistance where he uses his incredible Aura Powers to fight for freedom using a lavender-colored mecha. For more information

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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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