SciFi Japan
    Source: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures Official Site: Godzillamovie.com Warner Bros. has released publicity banners from GODZILLA. An epic rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, GODZILLA is a Legendary Pictures production directed by Gareth Edwards. Slated to open on May 16, 2014, the film will be presented in 3D, 2D and IMAX in select theatres and distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. For more information on Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures` GODZILLA, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: GODZILLA RETURNS! Legendary Pictures Previews GODZILLA and PACIFIC RIM at Comic-Con Legendary Pictures Sets GODZILLA Release Date Warner Bros and Legendary Announce Cast and Start of Production for GODZILLA GODZILLA (2014) Press Release

    Special Godzilla Events on May 3rd at the Aratani Theater and Anime Jungle in Little Tokyo Source: Anime Jungle Event Site: animejungle.net/godzillavsbiollantescreening Special Thanks to Tetsu Shiota, Yoichi Kakuma and Mark Jaramillo In celebration of Godzilla`s 60th anniversary, Anime Jungle presents two special screenings of GODZILLA VS BIOLLANTE (??? VS ?????, Gojira tai Biorante, 1989) at the Aratani Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 3rd. The 3:00pm showing will be dubbed in English and the 6:00pm showing will be the original Japanese language version with English subtitles. The screenings are planned as a part of Fiesta Matsuri by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo. In attendance will be filmmakers Koichi Kawakita and Norihiko Iwasaki. Mr. Kawakita started his special effects career at Toho in 1962, working on films such as GODZILLA VS THE SEA MONSTER (??????????????????, Gojira

    Source: Monster Attack Team press release Special Thanks to Edward L. Holland Meet Haruo Nakajima, Mr. Godzilla at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan on Saturday May 17, 2014 during the matinee showing of Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA! Nakajima-san acted in countless tokusatsu films and TV programs including GODZILLA, RODAN, MOTHRA, WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS, ULTRAMAN, ULTRA SEVEN and many more. During Word War II he lived with his family in Yokosuka, joining the Japanese Imperial Army and working at the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal where major Naval aircraft were designed. During the occupation he returned to his home and helped his brother run the family butcher shop in Yokosuka. After a stint as a transport truck driver for Occupation Forces he applied to the Toho Studios acting school in Tokyo, where he did stunts in various war films and enjoyed brief roles in the Akira Kurosawa

    TOKYO S.O.S. and FINAL WARS Airing Next Week Source: Sony Movie Channel The HD Sony Movie Channel will be showing GODZILLA: TOKYO S.O.S. and GODZILLA: FINAL WARS back-to-back during the last week of January. Both films are dubbed in English. The movies are also now available for viewing from Sony Movie Channel Video On Demand. In a related note, the English dubbed versions of GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA II and GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH are playing in January and February on the Starz/Encore group of channels. " GODZILLA: TOKYO S.O.S. (2003) Monday, Jan 27: 10.00 pm E | 7.00 pm P Monday, Jan 27: 1.50 am E | 10.50 pm P Friday, Jan 31: 8.20 am E | 5.20 am P Mechagodzilla, the superior-armed, state-of-the-art, all-robot version of Godzilla, is undergoing repairs after his devastating battle against the King of the Monsters. Psychic fairies appear

    Source: Universal Pictures Official Site: 47roninmovie.com (US), 47ronin.jp (Japan) Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX trilogy, SPEED) makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 RONIN, Universal Pictures` epic 3D fantasy-adventure. Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 outcast samurai. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors. While based on the Japanese story Chushingura, the film crosses the theme of Japanese history with that of modern Hollywood cinema to expand the original story into something completely new. 47 RONIN was released in Japan by Toho Towa on December 6, and opens in the United States from Universal on December 19, 2013. For more information on 47 RONIN, please see the previous coverage here

    North American Premiere for New Studio Ghibli Film on September 11th Source: Studio Ghibli, Wild Bunch Official Movie Site: kazetachinu.jp (Japan) Studio Ghibli`s THE WIND RISES (????, Kaze Tachinu, 2013), the new film by Hayao Miyazaki, will have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. SYNOPSIS Jiro dreams of flying and designing aircraft inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical engineer, Gianni Caproni. Near-sighted from a young age and therefore unable to become a pilot, in 1927 he began working in a leading Japanese aeronautical engineering company. His talent was soon recognized and grows until Jiro becomes one of the most successful aircraft designers in the world... DIRECTOR`S STATEMENT The designer of the fighter plane `Zero`, Jiro Horikoshi, and his predecessor, Italian Gianni Caproni, share the same aspiration, united by a friendship that goes beyond time

    High-Res Photos of Upcoming Godzilla Foe Figure from Bandai Source: Bluefin Corp. S.H.MonsterArts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shma (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim The popular kaiju Battra from the film GODZILLA VS MOTHRA (???VS???, Gojira tai Mosura, 1992) joins the S.H.MonsterArts series! The figure sculpt has been master crafted in exquisite detail by Yuji Sakai, and features clear parts as part of his head for enhanced realism. Battra also features advanced articulation -- a characteristic of the S.H.MonsterArts series -- maw, wing and leg areas are also fully articulated. In addition, a special display stand has been included in this set to portray Battra in flying poses. A Tamashii Web Exclusive in Japan, this figure has been made a regular release in the US thanks to the folks at Bluefin. S.H.MonsterArts Battra/ S.H.MonsterArts ??????? Product Size: Width Approximately 320mm Material: ABS, PVC Shipping: January 2014 Distributed by: Tamashii

    Source: NTV, Nippon Connection Official Site: ookamikodomo.jp (Japan), funimation.com/wolf-children (US) Additional Material: FUNimation, GKids Mamoru Hosoda is one of the top animation directors in the world today. In THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME (??????? Toki o Kakeru Shojo, 2006), he portrayed the coming of age of a female high school student with a supernatural power to leap through time. In SUMMER WARS (???????, Samaa Uozu, 2009), he used on his own experiences with his in-laws to depict the bond between a big extended family and a high school student who lives both in cyberspace and the real world. Hosoda`s long-awaited third film WOLF CHILDREN (???????????, Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki) was released in 2012. Its theme is "parent and child," the next step beyond the "coming of age" and "marriage" themes of his two previous films. The film reveals the meeting

    Screening July 20th in NYC Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd., Japan Society Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett The slow-burn bank heist drama FLY WITH THE GOLD (????????, Ogon wo Daite Tobe, 2012) will have its US Premiere on Saturday, July 20 during Japan Cuts: The New York Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema. The screening will take place 7:00 pm at Japan Society (333 East 47th Street - Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium, New York, NY 10017). FLY WITH THE GOLD is adapted from Naoki Prize-winning author Takamura Kaoru`s crime suspense debut novel about six wily men who attempt to steal gold bullion from the underground vault of a megabank in Osaka. Kota (Satoshi Tsumabuki), who has been working for underworld figures as a procurer, is reunited with his university friend Kitagawa (Tadanobu Asano) and decides to take part in his plan for a ¥1.5 billion

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: kinmosa.com (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams The British are coming! The British are coming! Coming to Sentai Filmworks that is! Sentai’s latest acquisition is KINMOZA! (????????, Kin`iro Mozaiku, 2013), a 12 episode series directed by TENSHO, featuring character designs by Kazuyuki Ueta, with series composition by Yuniko Ayana, sound direction by Jin Aketagawa and music by Ruka Kawada. When Shinobu was still in middle school, she had the amazing opportunity to study in England while living with a host family as an exchange student. And while that was several years ago and she still doesn’t do all that well in English class, Shinobu has had warm feelings for everything English ever since. So when Shinobu learns that the daughter of her host family, Alice Cartelet, is coming to stay with her and study in Japan, she’s thrilled. But

    Prolific Artist Promotes New Retrospective Art Book with Special Live Freehand Drawing and Autograph Session Source: MediaLab press release Official Site: j-pop.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, the popular yearly San Francisco summertime Japanese Pop Culture celebration, has announced the appearance of one of Japan’s greatest illustrators -- Katsuya Terada -- as a special Guest of Honor. The popular annual weekend event, which returns for its 5th year to San Francisco’s Japantown district, celebrates Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, and film and will place on Saturday and Sunday, July 27th - 28th, 2013. Katsuya Terada’s special J-POP Summit appearance will also promote his new art book, Katsuya Terada 10 Ten - 10 Year Retrospective, published by PIE International. The artist will meet attendees during an autograph session on Saturday, July 27th from 11:30am to 1:30pm, and

    Uncovering the Truth Behind a Legendary Independent Film Author: Mark Jaramillo Special Thanks to Shizuo Nakajima and Tetsu Shiota My name is Mark Jaramillo. I have been a fan of Japanese giant monsters since I first saw Godzilla films on television as a child. I don`t remember exactly which film was my first, but I must have been about three or four years old. I grew up discovering not only new Godzilla movies, but other characters such as Gamera, Ultraman, and Giant Robot. I watched every science fiction film that would air on TV, even scanning the TV Guide for the upcoming week, circling the movies I wanted to see in pen. I never lost my love for these films as I grew older, and my interest was reignited with the making of new Godzilla films in 1984 and 1989. I wanted to

    An Action-Packed Science-Fiction War Movie of the Near Future Source: TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) Official Movie Site: toshokan-sensou-movie.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Eriko Miura and Yuhka Matoi ‘With our own hands, we will preserve freedom...’ Their battle for books and the freedom to know begins now. On April 27, 2013, Toho released the live action feature film LIBRARY WARS (?????, Toshokan Senso). The movie is based on the Library War young-adult fiction by best-selling novelist Hiro Arikawa, previously adapted as an anime series in 2008 and the animated film LIBRARY WAR: THE WINGS OF REVOLUTION (????? ??????, Toshokan Senso Kakumei no Tsubasa) in 2012. LIBRARY WARS is now being offered for international distribution by TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System). TBS has kindly provided the following English text as well as photos and artwork for the movie... Production Notes Library War is the first novel

    Source: TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) Official Movie Site: real-kubinagaryu.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Eriko Miura and Yuhka Matoi SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming movie. Back in January, SciFi Japan previewed the upcoming Kiyoshi Kurosawa film REAL (?????????????, Riaru Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi). With the movie opening in Japan on June 1st, we are pleased to present the English production notes and new images from the film courtesy of international sales agency, TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System)... The latest offering from one of Japan’s best-known filmmakers, director of TOKYO SONATA, RETRIBUTION, and BRIGHT FUTURE.? Psychological reality invades the realm of space-time in this elaborate SF fantasy puzzle. Production Notes Beginning with CURE (???, Kyua, 1997) and continuing through such films as PULSE (??, Kairo, 2001), BRIGHT FUTURE (???????, Akarui Mirai, 2003), DOPPELGANGER (????????, Dopperugenga, 2003),

    Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Movie Site: tsunagu-movie.net (Japan) SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from a Japanese movie not yet released in the United States. On October 6, 2012, Toho released UNTIL THE BREAK OF DAWN (???, Tsunagu) to theaters across Japan. NTV is now offering the film for international sales and has provided SciFi Japan with high-res images and English production notes... Introduction Who do you want to see one more time? Year 2011... It was perhaps a year that dramatically changed people’s values. Feeling the limits of a material society, they contemplated what is truly important. They sought to be connected with other people and realized the importance of human bonding and the warmth of family... This seems to be how many people feel today. The movie is based on a moving novel of

    Both Series Debut this Week Source: Anime Network press release April is starting off on a high note, with two amazing new show premieres: the long awaited debut of DETROIT METAL CITY and the earth shattering first episode of TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0. Both shows are set to premiere on Anime Network Online as well as Anime Network VOD this week. Don`t miss them! DETROIT METAL CITY Rated: TV-MA Language: Subtitled VOD: Thur April 4, 2013 Online: Fri April 5, 2013 Get ready for the ear-splittingest, skull-smashingest band to ever assault your senses! They`re Detroit Metal City, the hottest ticket on the concert circuit! There`s just one catch. Beneath the makeup, these ultimate head bangers are hired doppelgangers who don`t even LIKE what they do! Jaggi is actually Wada, who wants to play Glam Rock; Camus is Nishida, an anime fan with an appalling weakness for curry and

    Source: TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) After a five year break, director Kiyoshi Kurosawa returns to the silver screen with the mystery REAL (?????????????, Riaru Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi). The film is based on Rokuro Inui`s 2011 novel A Perfect Day for Plesiosaur (Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi), which won the grand prize at the annual This Mystery is Excellent! (???????????! Kono Misuterii ga Sugoi!) mystery fiction competition. Toho will release REAL in Japan on June 1st. Kurosawa directed such highly regarded films as CURE (???, Kyua, 1997), SEANCE (??, Kourei: Ushirowo Miruna, 1999) and CHARISMA (????, Karisuma, 2001) before coming to international attention with the J-Horror hit PULSE (??, Kairo, 2001). His last movie before REAL was the Cannes Prix Un Certain Regard winner TOKYO SONATA (????????) in 2008. Heading the cast of REAL are Takeru Sato and Haruka Ayase. Sato previously starred in MASKED

    Source: TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) Official Movie Site: toshokan-sensou-movie.com (Japan) Toho will release the live action feature film LIBRARY WARS (?????, Toshokan Senso) on April 27, 2013. The movie is based on the Library War novels written by Hiro Arikawa, previously adapted as an anime series in 2008 and the animated film LIBRARY WAR: THE WINGS OF REVOLUTION (????? ??????, Toshokan Senso Kakumei no Tsubasa) in 2012. In 2019, public anger at media excess has led to censorship of television, newspapers, the internet, books, movies, and music under the `Media Betterment Act`. To fight the armed `Betterment Squads` that go around destroying objectionable materials, the nation`s libraries have formed their own para-military `Library Corps`. Iku Kasahara is a new recruit to the corps, where her instructor and squad leader is Atsushi Dojo. At first repelled by his by-the-book approach to leadership, she is gradually won over

    Latest Psycho Thriller from the Director of AUDITION, 13 ASSASSINS and ICHI THE KILLER Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Movie Site: akunokyouten.com (Japan) Internationally renowned director Takashi Miike -- the filmmaker behind ICHI THE KILLER, AUDITION, 13 ASSASSINS, HARA-KIRI: DEATH OF A SAMURAI 3D, ACE ATTORNEY and FOR LOVE`S SAKE -- returns to the classroom with the bloody thriller LESSON OF THE EVIL (????, Aku no Kyoten, 2012). Adapted from Yusuke Kishi`s 2010 novel of the same name, the movie stars leading man Hideaki Ito (252: SIGNAL OF LIFE, SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO, THE LAST MESSAGE- UMIZARU, KAMUI), playing against type as a psychotic high school teacher. Prior to the movie`s release, the four episode television mini-series LESSON OF THE EVIL OPENING CHAPTER (???????, Aku no Kyoten Josho) aired on the mobile TV broadcasting service, BeeTV. The program introduced many of the characters and

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