SciFi Japan

    In 2010, the giant idol Majin returned in the late night television series DAIMAJIN KANON. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. © 2009 DAIMAJIN KANON Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    An Exclusive Look at the 2010 Series with Photos and Details from Kadokawa Authors: Keith Aiken, Elizabeth Ellis and Alicia Ashby Source: Kadokawa Pictures Translations and Additional Materials: Elizabeth Ellis and Alicia Ashby Official Site: dm-kanon.com Special Thanks to Naoko Sato, Asako Suzuki and Chiyako Tasai A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Characters and Cast Episode Guide Credits SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for a recent Japanese television series not yet available in English speaking countries. Characters and Cast ? Daimajin Performed by Makoto Itou Voice performed by Tsunehiko Kamijo The great warrior Bujin-sama is an enormous supernatural being standing 20 meters tall. As the stone idol Daimajin— the first and strongest of the Onbake— Bujin long ago came to the aid of people who were attacked

    44 years after his last film, the giant idol Majin returned in the new late night television series DAIMAJIN KANON. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. © 2009 DAIMAJIN KANON Partners

    Tokusatsu - FX

    An Exclusive Look at the 2010 Series with Photos and Details from Kadokawa Authors: Keith Aiken, Elizabeth Ellis and Alicia Ashby Source: Kadokawa Pictures Translations and Additional Materials: Elizabeth Ellis and Alicia Ashby Official Site: dm-kanon.com Special Thanks to Naoko Sato, Asako Suzuki and Chiyako Tasai A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE History of Daimajin Return of Daimajin War Gods and Yokai Daimajin Girl Concepts and Design Works Special Effects SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for a recent Japanese television series not yet available in English speaking countries. DAIMAJIN KANON is the story of Kanon Misaki, a young woman who forges through a series of dramatic changes in her life while surrounded by a menagerie of fantastic creatures... and all under the imposing presence of Daimajin. MAJIN is a Japanese period

    The original Space Sheriff Gavan (left) and his successor, Gavan Type-G (right), leap into action. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 'Gavan' Production Committee. © Toei

    Tokusatsu - FX

    A Preview of the Upcoming Metal Hero Film Author: Alicia Ashby, with Additional Text from Toei Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: gavan.jp (Japan) Translations: Jim Ballard and Elliot Gay SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming movie. From "legend" to "immortal". The space sheriff returns... 30 years ago, in the golden age of tokusatsu heroes, a new hero shot down to us like a meteor. His name: "Space Sheriff Gavan". To protect the Earth from the evil hands of the space criminal organization Makuu, Gavan adorned a dazzling combat suit and operated a variety of super machines. He was the ultimate warrior, fighting a life or death battle inside an alternate dimension, "Makuu Space". The show featured non-stop action eclipsing traditional tokusatsu hero shows, plus stylish mechanics, magnificent scale and a heartwarming story. As the pioneer

    Toei will release their latest Kamen Rider/Super Sentai double feature -- this time featuring Fourze and the Go-Busters -- on August 4th. Photo courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © 2012 The Movie 'Fourze ? Go-Busters' Production Committee

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Double Feature Opens in Japan on August 4th Author: Alicia Ashby Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: fourze-gobus.jp (Japan) Additional Translations: Elliot Gay SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming movie. Japanese heroes, let’s go super wild! Since 2001, Toei has marked the approach of fall by releasing a feature film that double bills a short subject starring that year`s Super Sentai team with an hour-long feature starring that year`s Kamen Rider. This year`s entry into this long line of Toei henshin hero double features pairs up this year`s astronaut-themed Kamen Rider, Fourze, with the superspy Sentai Go-Busters. Note that the double bill is not a crossover, and that Fourze and the Go-Busters will not appear alongside each other. Generally the Sentai film in the fall double bills is designed as a stand-alone adventure that often feels

    This past weekend Legendary Pictures released details about their upcoming films GODZILLA and Pacific Rim. © 2012 Legendary Pictures.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Author: Gary Teetzel Source: Legendary Pictures Every year, attendees of San Diego Comic-Con look forward to viewing previews of upcoming genre films presented by the big studios, often with top-name stars and directors present to answer questions. Many fans camp out overnight in the hopes of being one of the lucky 6,500 to get into the fabled "Hall H", where the presentations are held. Media outlets from around the world monitor and analyze audience reactions, hoping to be able to predict the next big hit. This year, much of the focus was on the Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. panel held on Saturday, July 14. Zack Snyder`s much-hyped Superman "reboot" MAN OF STEEL and Peter Jackson`s THE HOBBIT received the bulk of the attention, but for fans of giant monsters, two other films stole the spotlight. First, there was director Guillermo del Toro`s PACIFIC RIM.

    Rina Takeda as Keiko and Kentaro Shimazu as Tuna-man fight to the death in Noboru Iguchi’s DEAD SUSHI. Photo courtesy of Walker Pictures. © 2012 Walker Pictures

    Tokusatsu - FX

    It Will Take More Than Soy Sauce To Put This Sushi Down! Source: Office Walker Official Movie Site: deadsushi.com Special Thanks to Marc Walkow Noboru Iguchi (THE MACHINE GIRL, KARATE-ROBO ZABORGAR) is back with DEAD SUSHI (?????, Detdo Sushi), the first film from the new Japanese production company, Walker Pictures. The movie reunites the director with actress Rina Takeda, who had a supporting role in in the superhero TV series DOGOON FIVE but now takes center stage. The World Premiere of DEAD SUSHI will be held this coming Sunday, July 22nd, at 7:10pm at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal. The Asia premiere will follow soon after in Korea at the Puchon Fantastic Film Festival, on July 26th and 27th. Noboru Iguchi and Rina Takeda will be present for both events. DEAD SUSHI will be released in Japan in late 2012 or

    Hajime Saito (Hiroyuki Ikeuchi) kicks alien ass in SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, making its North American premiere this month at the Japan Cuts film festival in New York City. Photo courtesy of Japan Society. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Winners will See a Great Japanese Movie on the Big Screen for Free, Courtesy of Japan Society and SciFi Japan Source: Japan Society Official Site: Japan Cuts 2012 Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett Thank you to everyone who entered Japan Society and SciFi Japan`s contest for free passes to see SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, CURE or ZOMBIE ASS: TOILET OF THE DEAD at Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema. All three screenings will take place at Japan Society, located at 333 East 47th Street between First and Second Avenues in New York City. The randomly drawn winning entries are: Vince Averello: ZOMBIE ASS on Tuesday, July 17 at 7:30 pm. Daniel Martinez: SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO on Saturday, July 28 at 9:00 pm. Sigmund Shen: CURE on Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 pm. Congratulations to the winners! Each of you has won two (2) tickets to see your

    Saban Brands will be celebrating 20 years of POWER RANGERS at Comic-Con International 2012. POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE © 2012 Power Rangers LLC.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Cast Appearances, Press Events, Activities and Merchandise to Celebrate the Iconic Franchise Source: Shout! Factory, Saban Brands press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Tom Chen Saban Brands’ Power Rangers will be back again at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International 2012, taking place July 12-15. The brand will have a bigger presence at SDCC than ever before, with POWERED Up news and events to celebrate the past, present, and future of the Power Rangers brand. “Power Rangers fans are going to be thrilled with the announcements and our lineup at Comic-Con this year,” said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. “We have a lot up our sleeves and are excited to share a few exclusives and unveilings with our super fans.” Following its introduction, POWER RANGERS quickly became the most-watched children’s television program in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and

    Japan Society is giving SciFi Japan readers a chance to win free tickets to the North American premiere of the hit SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO. Photo courtesy of Japan Foundation. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    See a Great Japanese Movie on the Big Screen for Free, Courtesy of Japan Society and SciFi Japan Source: Japan Society Official Site: Japan Cuts 2012 Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett The 2012 New York Asian Film Festival/Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema is now in full swing. Running through July 12 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and July 12 - 28 at Japan Society, the combined festival will feature dozens of films, international and world premiere screenings, Q&A`s with filmmakers, and other special events. Our friends at Japan Society are offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win free tickets to see one of three films on their schedule... the North American premiere of Takashi Yamazaki`s live action SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, a 35mm screening of the suspense classic CURE by award-winning director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (PULSE, BRIGHT FUTURE) or the New York premiere of

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Huge Festivals Return to New York City with Screenings of More than 70 Asian Films Source: Subway Cinema, Japan Society Special Thanks to Kristen Osborne, Gillian Osborne, Ted Geoghegan, Grady Hendrix, and Shannon Jowett Beginning this Friday, June 29th, New York City hosts a month-long festival of popular Asian cinema. Subway Cinema`s New York Asian Film Festival (June 29- July 15) and Japan Society`s Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema (July 12-28) combined will feature nearly 80 different movies, world and US premieres, exclusive Q&A’s with filmmakers, and other special events. This year also marks the sixth annual collaboration between Japan Cuts and NYAFF, who will co-present several films at the Japan Society. Festival Venues Film Society of Lincoln Center`s Walter Reade Theater: June 29- July 12 165 West 65th Street, Upper Level (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) Box office: (212) 875-5601 America`s pre-eminent

    The ruthless Hirobumi Teraoka (Hideo Ko) is possessed by evil aliens in GOKE, BODY SNATCHER FROM HELL. © 1968 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Winner will See Both Movies for Free, Courtesy of NYAFF and SciFi Japan Source: Subway Cinema/New York Asian Film Festival Special Thanks to Kristen Osborne and Gillian Osborne Thank you to everyone who entered New York Asian Film Festival and SciFi Japan`s contest for free passes to see ZERO MAN VS THE HALF VIRGIN and GOKE, BODY SNATCHER FROM HELL at NYAFF. The screenings will take place at the Film Society of Lincoln Center`s Walter Reade Theater, located at 165 West 65th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues in New York City. The randomly drawn winning entry is: Shigeko Okano Congratulations to the winner! You have won a pair of tickets to see both films (4 passes total). Your passes will be available on the days of the shows at the Lincoln Center`s Walter Reade Theater Will Call (check back here for screening dates and times).

    47 RONIN stars Rinko Kikuchi, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki and Keanu Reeves with director Carl Erik Rinsch. Photo courtesy of Toho Towa. © 2012 Universal Studios

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Source: Universal Pictures, Toho Towa press releases Official Site: 47ronin.jp (Japan) From ancient Japan’s most enduring tale, Universal Pictures` epic 3D fantasy-adventure 47 RONIN is born. Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX trilogy, SPEED) leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) who killed their master and banished their kind. 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. Using the latest CG technology, 47 RONIN will be transformed into a spectacular fantasy in the vein of CLASH OF THE

    Plane crash survivor Mrs Neal (Kathy Horan) is attacked by the alien Gokemidoro in GOKE, BODY SNATCHER FROM HELL. © 1968 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    See Both Movies for Free, Courtesy of NYAFF and SciFi Japan Source: Subway Cinema/New York Asian Film Festival Special Thanks to Kristen Osborne and Gillian Osborne This month sees the launch of the 2012 New York Asian Film Festival and Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema. Running from June 29-July 12 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and July 12 - 28 at Japan Society, the combined festival will feature dozens of films, international and world premiere screenings, Q&A`s with filmmakers, and other special events. Our friends at NYAFF are once again offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win free tickets to see two films on their schedule... this time out one is a North American premiere while the other is a sci-fi/horror cult classic. Both will be screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center`s Walter Reade Theater. located at 165 West 65th

    The live action monster comedy KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE will have its US premiere at AM² in June. Photo courtesy of NTV. © 2011 “Kaibutsu-kun: The Movie” Film Partners. © Fujiko Studio, Shogakukan Inc.

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Live-Action TV Version of Popular Monster Manga Comes to the Big Screen Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Movie Site: kaibutsukun-movie.com (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. KAIBUTSU-KUN: THE MOVIE (???????, Eiga Kaibutsu-kun , 2011) is the live-action feature film adaptation of the hit manga series about a monster prince. Distributed theatrically in Japan by Toho, the movie opened nationwide on November 26, 2011. KAIBUTSU-KUN: 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 KAIBUTSU-KUN: THE MOVIE with press notes and images courtesy of the film`s co-producer and international sales agent, NTV. In the “Kingdom of Curry,” an unbelievable adventure is about

    ACE ATTORNEY, Takashi Miike`s live action film version of the Capcom game and manga series, will make its US premiere at AM² in June. Photo courtesy of NTV. © 2012 Capcom/ Ace Attorney Production Committee

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Takashi Miike Directs Live Action Film Adaptation of Hit Game Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Movie Site: gyakutensaiban-movie.com 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. Internationally acclaimed director Takashi Miike is back with ACE ATTORNEY (????, Gyakuten Saiban, 2012), the live-action feature film adaptation of the hit computer game series. Distributed theatrically in Japan by Toho, the movie opened nationwide on February 11, 2012. ACE ATTORNEY will makes its US premiere at AM², running June 15-17 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and also play at the New York Asian Film Festival in July. SciFi Japan is pleased to present a look at ACE ATTORNEY with press notes and images courtesy of the film`s co-producer and international sales agent, NTV...

    Three SciFi Japan readers have each one free copies of Directory of World Cinema: Japan, World Film Locations: Tokyo and Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2 from Intellect Books. © 2010-2012 Intellect

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Official Site: intellectbooks.co.uk Special Thanks to James Campbell and John Berra A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Thank you to everyone who entered Intellect Books and SciFi Japan`s Intellect Books Japan contest. The randomly drawn winners are: Robert Baird Charles Hedrick Lynn Bentley Congratulations to the winners! Each of you will receive a Gift Pack containing the books Directory of World Cinema: Japan, Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2 and World Film Locations: Tokyo. The prizes will ship soon so keep an eye on your mailboxes. All three books are now available from the publisher or can be purchased in book stores and from online retailers. Each of these excellent film studies books would be a worthwhile addition to any Japanese movie aficionado`s library. About Intellect, Ltd. Intellect is an independent academic publisher in the fields of creative practice and popular culture, publishing

    Tokusatsu - FX

    THE RING Director Hideo Nakata Presents the "Definitive Psychological Battle Movie" Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Site: warnerbros.co.jp/incitemill (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. “What happens beyond this point is neither reasonable nor logical. Only those who are still interested should proceed.” In late 2010, Warner Bros, Japan released THE INCITE MILL ?7 DAY DEATH GAME? (?????????????????, Inshite Miru: 7-Kakan no Desu Gemu), a new thriller directed by Hideo Nakata (THE RING, DARK WATER, L change the WorLd) and starring Tatsuya Fujiwara (BATTLE ROYALE, DEATH NOTE, KAIJI) and Haruka Ayase (CYBORG SHE, ICHI). Based on the novel The Incite Mill by mystery writer Honobu Yonezawa, the film was promoted by its producers as the "definitive "psychological battle movie".

    Turner Classic Movies` June schedule features several Japanese monster/FX films. GODZILLA, RODAN, MOTHRA and HOUSE © Toho Co., Ltd. THE MANSTER © 1958 United Artists Japan. THE GREEN SLIME © 1968 MGM

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Lineup Includes US Television Premiere of GOJIRA Source: Turner Classic Movies This June the cable station Turner Classic Movies will be airing a selection of Japanese sci-fi and horror films. The lineup features the US television premiere of the original Japanese version of GODZILLA (1954) as well as returning favorites like RODAN, THE H-MAN, THE MANSTER and HOUSE. Check the TCM website for their complete June 2012 schedule. TCM Japanese Sc-Fi/FX Movie Schedule for June, 2012 Friday, June 15 8:00 PM EST- GOJIRA (Godzilla) (1954) American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast. Director: Ishiro Honda. Cast: Takashi Shimura, Momoko Kochi, Akira Takarada, Akihiko Hirata. BW-96 mins, Japanese with English subtitles. 9:40 PM EST- RODAN (1956/1957) Miners uncover the nest of a giant pterodactyl. Director: Ishiro Honda. Cast: Kenji Sahara, Yumi Shirakawa, Akihiko Hirata. C-72 mins, TV-PG, CC. 11:00

    Tomokazu Miura and Joe Odagiri in ADRIFT IN TOKYO, profiled in the new book Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2007 Adrift in Tokyo Film Partners

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    New Contest for Gift Pack of Directory of World Cinema: Japan Volumes 1 and 2 plus World Film Locations: Tokyo Official Site: intellectbooks.co.uk Special Thanks to James Campbell and John Berra A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE On April 15th, Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2 will be released in America. To celebrate this latest installment in their Directory of World Cinema series, publisher Intellect Books is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win one of three Japanese cinema book sets including Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2, the original volume of Directory of World Cinema: Japan and World Film Locations: Tokyo. Each of these excellent film studies books would be a worthwhile addition to any Japanese movie aficionado`s library. And here`s your chance to win all three for free! Directory of World Cinema: Japan From the revered classics of Akira Kurosawa,

    Pitcher Jubeh Yakyu (Tak Sakaguchi) leads The Gauntlets, a ragtime reformatory baseball team, in the splatter comedy DEADBALL. Photo courtesy of Sushi Typhoon. © 2011 Sushi Typhoon/Nikkatsu

    Tokusatsu - FX

    Grab Your Bat and Hold Onto Your Balls... It`s Game Time!! Source: Sushi Typhoon Official Movie Site: sushi-typhoon.com/jp/deadball (Japan), sushi-typhoon.com/deadball-movie (US) Special Thanks to Marc Walkow Baseball prodigy Jubeh Yakyu (Tak Sakaguchi) is the most feared and dangerous juvenile delinquent in all of Japan. After accidentally causing the death of his father with a super-powered, deadly fireball pitch, Jubeh swore off baseball and became a criminal and now, at 17, has been sent to the Pterodactyl Juvenile Reformatory for hardened criminals. Headmistress Ishihara (Miho Ninagawa), the granddaughter of a World War II Nazi collaborator, runs the institution with an iron fist and the enthusiastic help of her sadistic assistant, Ilsa. After arriving at the hellhole, Jubeh soon learns from governor Mifune (Ryosei Tayama) that his long-lost, younger brother Musashi had also done time there after a murder spree, but had since died mysteriously.

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