SciFi Japan
    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

    Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Movie Site: hxh-movie.jp (Japan) The ultra-popular Hunter x Hunter manga, with a legion of die-hard followers, goes into it`s 15th year with an exciting new chapter! The anime feature film HUNTER x HUNTER THE MOVIE: PHANTOM ROUGE (??? HUNTER×HUNTER ?????-??????????-, Gekijoo-ban HUNTER×HUNTER Hiiro no Genei -Fantomu Ruuju-) will open in theaters across Japan on January 12th, 2013. Introduction HUNTER x HUNTER is an epic saga of adventures. Penned by Yoshihiro Togashi, it has been serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha Inc.) magazine since 1998. It follows young Gon and his friends who aim to pass the demanding tests to become a Hunter. Their hopes and dreams touched a chord with young readers, pushing the manga to be a mega-hit, selling 60 million copies to date. The story of the first HUNTER x HUNTER movie, PHANTOM ROUGE, is

    Five Full Weeks at IFC Center; November 16-December 20 Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: gkids.tv/intheaters Back by popular demand, the 25 YEARS OF STUDIO GHIBLI retrospective returns to the IFC Center in New York (323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street) from Friday, November 16 to Thursday, December 20, 2012. GKIDS, a distributor of award winning animation for both adults and family audiences, is bringing a complete retrospective of films from Japan’s renowned Studio Ghibli to The run features new 35mm prints of all fifteen Studio Ghibli feature films produced between 1984 and 2009, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award winning SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, CASTLE IN THE SKY, PONYO, HOWL`S MOVING CASTLE, and KIKI`S DELIVERY SERVICE. Films will be presented in both subtitled and English language versions (where available), with subtitled versions playing 6pm and

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: ebiten.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: EBITEN: KORITSU EBISUGAWA KOKO TENMONBU (???? ???????????, 2012)! Sometimes friendship is all about chemistry, but in this zany comedy from Director Hideki Okamoto chemistry is just about blowing things up! Featuring series composition by Yuuko Kakihara (PERSONA 4 THE ANIMATION, HEAVEN`S LOST PROPERTY), character designs by Atsuko Watanabe (OKAMIKAKUSHI, ACCHI KOCCHI) and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (CANAAN, BODACIOUS SPACE PIRATES). Take one group of rabid fan girls with tenuous grips on reality, toss out all rules of proper social behavior, mix them together in a basement with more twisted anime parodies and allusions than you can shake a schtick at, and what do you get? Well, besides a recipe for disaster, if borderline delusional Kyoko Todayama is in what passes for charge,

    Interview with David Oaks, Toy Freakz Author: Bob Johnson Special thanks to Kevin deAntonio Let’s start with you. What is your background and how did you start Toy Freakz? I spent my first ten years in Hawaii. I think I was watching KIKAIDER and MAZINGER Z before I knew who Mickey Mouse was! My love of Japanese toys comes from my older brother. He traveled quite a bit and always seemed to find the most amazing robots for me. He has since passed on, but I remember how these toys made me feel and it stuck with me. I started Toyfreakz because I think Japanese design is amazing. Unfortunately, it can be both difficult and expensive to get hold of these spectacular toys. My goal with the website is to make these toys readily available here in the U.S., without the crazy retail markup. We also ship

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: staynight.com Special Thanks to David Williams Join the battle for the ultimate prize as Sentai Filmworks’ announces their latest acquisition, FATE / STAY NIGHT TV (???????????, Feito/Sutei Naito, 2005). Directed by Yuji Yamaguchi (ANGEL LINKS TV) with character designs by Megumi Ishihara, sound direction by Kouji Tsujitani (FREEZING) and music by Kenji Kawai (TOWANOQUON). Sentai Filmworks’ release will feature an all new, high definition transfer. Raised by a mysterious sorcerer after the horrific death of his parents, Shiro Emiya has only just begun to help others using the small tidbits of magic that he’s learned. However, when he’s suddenly caught in a battle between two more powerful Magus, Shiro finds himself performing a spell above his expected ability, summoning the beautiful spirit warrior Saber to protect him! But safety is only momentary as Shiro and Saber now find themselves

    Multiple Godzilla Movies Airing in September Source: Sony Movie Channel Throughout September, the Sony Movie Channel has been airing the GODZILLA SMASH-A-THON, featuring six different Godzilla films and one Mothra movie. Of particular interest to Godzilla fans is that two of the films -- GODZILLA VS SPACEGODZILLA and GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH -- have been shown in their uncut Toho international English dubbed editions rather than the edited versions previously released on Region 1 DVD by Sony. The lineup has also included REBIRTH OF MOTHRA 3, which has never been released on home video in North America. The GODZILLA SMASH-A-THON concludes this weekend with GODZILLA 2000, GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK, GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA, GODZILLA: TOKYO S.O.S., GODZILLA VS SPACEGODZILLA, GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH and REBIRTH OF MOTHRA 3. All of the movies are also now available for viewing from Sony Movie Channel Video On

    Publicity Materials from the 2000 US Release Source: Sony Pictures GODZILLA 2000 airs on the Sony Movie Channel today as part of September`s GODZILLA SMASH-A-THON. SciFi Japan thought this would make a good opportunity to take a look back at the production notes created by TriStar Pictures for the film`s US release on August 18, 2000. The following text has been slightly modified to update some information and correct factual errors. No opinions were changed, so Sony`s enthusiastic comments regarding their 1998 GODZILLA remake remain... Introduction A thick fog covers the seashore. Suddenly, as if out of a primeval dream of terror, a massive reptilian form obscures the window of a lonely lighthouse. It has razor-sharp teeth in a gargantuan mouth; claws that can cut through steel; a roar that echoes back through the centuries; dorsal fins that resemble crimson lightning bolts;

    Multiple Godzilla Movies Airing in September Source: Sony Movie Channel The Sony Movie Channel presents the GODZILLA SMASH-A-THON with six different Godzilla films -- and one Mothra movie -- airing on the HD cable channel in September. Godzilla movies will be shown each Saturday, with random airings throughout the month. The movies are also now available for viewing from Sony Movie Channel Video On Demand. All of the films will be shown dubbed in English, though GODZILLA VS SPACEGODZILLA and GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH will be presented in their uncut international editions rather than the edited versions previously released on Region 1 DVD. In a related note, GODZILLA VS MEGAGUIRUS (2000) and Sony`s American remake GODZILLA (1998) are playing this month on the Starz group of channels. GODZILLA SMASH-A-THON Lineup: GODZILLA VS SPACEGODZILLA (1994) Thursday, Sept 6: 10.00pm E | 7.00pm P Friday, Sept 7: 3.40am

    Hong Kong Host Largest Doraemon Exhibition Source: Harbour City press release Official Site: “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” Official Facebook Page While not well known in the west, the Japanese DORAEMON franchise has been a family favorite across Asia for decades. Introduced in December 1969 in the Doraemon manga series by the creative team Fujiko Fujio, the time-traveling robot cat has been featured in three anime TV series, the second of which ran for an amazing twenty-six years. Beginning in 1980, Toho began releasing Doraemon animated movies... thirty-two films have been released to date, with a new entry scheduled for March, 2013. In the Doraemon stories the character`s date of birth was established as September 3, 2112, meaning this year will be the start of a hundred year countdown to Doraemon`s birthday. Doraemon is tremendously popular in Hong Kong so this

    Writer Discusses His Role in Americanizing the Japanese Monster Classic Author: Allen Perkins In the early 1960s, Toho was approached by American producer John Beck, who had permission from RKO Pictures to pitch a film treatment about King Kong battling another giant monster. Seeing the concept as the perfect vehicle to revive their own monster star, Godzilla, Toho came to an agreement with Beck in which Toho would produce the movie in exchange for all Asian rights while Beck would own the film rights for all English-speaking territories. Released in Japan on August 11, 1962 as part of Toho`s 30th anniversary celebration, KING KONG VS GODZILLA (??????????, Kingu Kongu tai Gojira) was a massive hit, selling more than 11 million tickets during its initial run. In April 1963, John Beck sold his KING KONG VS GODZILLA rights to Universal Pictures, who commissioned the

    Source: Landmark Loew`s Jersey Theatre On Friday, June 8th, the Landmark Loew`s Jersey Theatre in Jersey City will screen the Toho classic MOTHRA (???, Mosura, 1961) at 8:00 pm. The movie will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Ishiro Honda, with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya and produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka -- the team behind the hits GODZILLA and RODAN -- MOTHRA introduced the giant monster who would quickly become one of Toho`s most famous characters, appearing in no less that thirteen movies from 1961-2004. This first film stars Frankie Sakai, Hiroshi Koizumi, Kyoko Kagawa and Jerry Ito with twins Emi and Yumi Ito as the tiny fairies, the Shobijin. MOTHRA 1961, 101 Minutes, Color, Japanese with English subtitles. June 8, 2012 8:00 pm The Landmark Loew`s Jersey Theatre 54 Journal Square Jersey City, NJ 07306 Admission Prices: $7 for Adults, $5 for Seniors

    The Fatal Game Battles have Begun Again!! Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Movie Site: kaiji-movie.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Tzeling Huang SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from a Japanese movie not yet released in the United States. DEATH NOTE`s Tatsuya Fujiwara returns in KAIJI 2 (???2 ???????, Kaiji 2: Jinsei Dakkai Geemu, 2011), the sequel to the 2009 box office hit KAIJI (???????????, Kaiji Jinsei Gyakuten Geemu). Based on Nobuyuki Fukumoto`s best-selling manga series about the ultimate gambler, KAIJI 2 was distributed theatrically in Japan by Toho on November 5, 2011. The movie will makes its US premiere at AM², running June 15-17 at the Anaheim Convention Center. SciFi Japan is pleased to present a look at KAIJI 2 with press notes and images courtesy of the film`s co-producer and international sales agent, NTV...

    One of Many U.S. Film Premieres Happening this June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton! Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Official Site: am2con.org Official Movie Site: gyakutensaiban-movie.com Special Thanks to Chase Wang The ever popular ACE ATTORNEY (????, Gyakuten Saiban-2012/Mystery, Drama/Approx. 130 min) manga and video game comes alive in this live action feature film to be screened EXCLUSIVELY at this summer`s most anticipated Anime, Manga and Music event AM². Two screenings will be available -- one EXCLUSIVELY for Passport holders ONLY and the second for Passport holders preferred (with general attendees as seating permits). More info and attendee registration can be found at am2con.org. First released in 2001 for the Nintendo Game Boy, ACE ATTORNEY was ported for the DS, PC, Wii. With four games in the series, Ace Attorney has sold over 4.2 million copies worldwide. The

    New 35mm Prints of 15 Titles to Screen at IFC Center from December 16 to January 12 Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: gkids.tv/intheaters Special Thanks to Sara Groves, Eric Beckman and Dave Jesteadt GKIDS, a distributor of award winning animation for both adults and family audiences, is bringing a complete retrospective of films from Japan’s renowned Studio Ghibli to the IFC Center in New York (323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street) from Friday, December 16 to Thursday, January 12. The run will include US premiere theatrical engagements for several titles. Newly-struck 35mm prints of all fifteen Studio Ghibli feature films produced between 1984 and 2008 will be screened, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award winning SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, CASTLE IN THE SKY, PONYO, HOWL`S MOVING CASTLE, and KIKI`S DELIVERY SERVICE.

    Source: Barbican Centre, Sarah Harvey Publicity press release Special Thanks to Liz Parkinson The Barbican in London will be screening Akira Kurosawa`s classic THRONE OF BLOOD in June... THRONE OF BLOOD (????, Kumonosu jo) (12A) (Japan, 1957, Dir. Akira Kurosawa 109 min) + ScreenTalk with Yukio Ninagawa – Saturday 2 June, 2pm THRONE OF BLOOD is Kurosawa`s unforgettable transposition of Macbeth to the ghostly forests and grim castles of medieval Japan in the Age of Warring States. Kurosawa`s samurai Macbeth is not a strong, heroic figure, but a frightened, ambitious man who is fearful of the witches’ spell and kills to save his own blood. Laced with superb performances by Toshiro Mifune in the title role, alongside the wonderful Isuzu Yamada as Lady Macbeth, Kurosawa mixes the Japanese with the Jacobean, drawing upon the imagery of Noh in this indelible dark treasure. Even the sound of

    35mm Showing of Toho Favorite at the Plaza Theatre Author: Steve Johnson Official Site: silverscreamspookshow.com For the past five years or so, the Silver Scream Spook Show has been bringing classic horror and sci-fi films to the beautiful and historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Headed up by your Ghost Host with the Most, the fanged philanderer Professor Morte, the Silver Scream Spook Show is a 30 minute (or so) stage show featuring a creepy cast of characters, not to mention the gorgeous dancing Go Go Ghouls, followed by a classic film in all its original 35mm glory. Everyone from local artists and actors to school teachers and professional wrestlers are a part of the cast that bring to life to all sorts of rampaging monsters, ghosts and goblins. Several of the members of the show have a fondness for kaiju eiga, and

    Two Full Length POKÉMON Films Packaged as a Special 2-Disc DVD Set! Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: VIZ.com/Pokemon Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of a special POKÉMON movie double feature set, including the latest POKÉMON films, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK—VICTINI AND RESHIRAM and POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE—VICTINI AND ZEKROM. The 2-Disc DVD set is now available under the company’s VIZ KIDS imprint and carries an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $19.98 CAN. Both movies are rated ‘A’ for All Ages. When Ash and his friends enter a battle competition in Eindoak Town, they meet the Mythical Pokémon Victini, who becomes their newest friend. But disaster strikes when the misguided wanderer Damon seizes Victini for his own plans! Can Ash prove himself

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