New Workplace Comedy Series from the Studio that Brought You SWORD ART ONLINE and BLUE EXORCIST Source: AniplexUSA Official Site: servantservice.org (Japan), AniplexUSA.com/servantservice (US) Special Thanks to Joanna Metoki Aniplex of America has announced that they have acquired the highly anticipated animation series SERVANT × SERVICE (?????×????, Saabanto × Saabisu, 2013), and will be streaming it as part of their summer line-up. SERVANT × SERVICE is the newest animation series produced by A-1 Pictures, the studio that produced numerous internationally acclaimed anime titles such as SWORD ART ONLINE, BLUE EXORCIST, and OREIMO 2. In addition to their streaming plans, Aniplex of America is also planning on a home release version of SERVANT × SERVICE on disc. Details about the physical release will be announced at a later date. Originally a popular four-panel manga series, SERVANT × SERVICE is a story following Lucy Yamagami, an employee of

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Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo proudly announces Producer George Wada as a Guest of Honor for AX2013! Mr. Wada has produced a number of recent hits, including the wildly popular ATTACK ON TITAN. His credits also include SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS, KIMI NI TODOKE, GUILTY CROWN, ROBOTICS;NOTES and PSYCHO-PASS. Mr. Wada is also the founder and the president of WIT studio, a subsidiary production and development studio established under IG Port, the parent company of Production I.G. Anime Expo is excited to welcome George Wada as a Guest of Honor to AX 2013, where attendees can connect with their favorite artists, voice actors, and musicians from Japan, display their amazing cosplay and other artistic creations, and enjoy the best in Japanese anime and pop

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Source: Toei Co., Ltd. press release Official Site: daisuki.net DAISUKI Inc., the Japanese Animation official distribution site, announced that it has successfully launched DAISUKI.net with the goal to become the preeminent destination for legal anime content on the Internet as well as a robust e-commerce platform. DAISUKI.net is comprised of several major players in the anime and advertising world that have partnered to form this new website and enterprise: Aniplex Inc., SUNRISE INC., TOEI ANIMATION Co., LTD., TMS ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD., NIHON AD SYSTEMS INC., DENTSU INC. and ASATSU-DK INC. “Our goal is to create a place where creators and fans can have a direct dialogue and where creator’s works can be legally enjoyed by fans around the world,” said Kunihiko Shibata, President of DAISUKI, “We want to grow and expand the Japanese Animation industry by offering authorized content and an online shop

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Top Anime Creators Depict Japan`s Unique Culture, History and Future Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: shortpeace-movie.com (Japan) Shochiku Co., Ltd. today released a new theatrical poster for SHORT PEACE (????????, Shooto Piisu), the upcoming anime omnibus film headlined by AKIRA (???, 1988) creator Katsuhiro Otomo. SHORT PEACE (????????, Shooto Piisu) features four short stories by top creators and up-and-coming talents in the anime field. In addition to Otomo, the creative team includes Koji Morimoto (THE ANIMATRIX), Shuhei Morita (FREEDOM), Katsuhito Ishii (FUNKY FOREST: THE FIRST CONTACT), Yoshiyuki Sadamoto ( SUMMER WARS), Hiroaki Ando (FIVE NUMBERS!), Hajime Katoki (MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM) and Tatsuyuki Tanaka (TOJIN KIT). SHORT PEACE opens in theaters across Japan on July 20, 2013. For more information on SHORT PEACE, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: Katsuhiro Otomo Headlines Anime Omnibus SHORT PEACE

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Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo proudly announces Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi as a Guest of Honor for AX2013! Born in Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, Mr. Furuhashi began his career as an animator, and then moved to directing with the series RANMA ½. His directorial debut was the RANMA ½ NETTO UTAGASSEN OVA. Since then, he has worked on numerous other titles such as RUROUNI KENSHIN: MEIJI SWORDSMAN ROMANTIC STORY, HUNTER x HUNTER, LE CHEVALIER D`EON, REAL DRIVE and AMATSUKI. In 2010, he began directing MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM UC (UNICORN) and is currently working on episode 7, the final episode, for that series. ?Anime Expo is excited to welcome Kazuhiro Furuhashi as a Guest of Honor to AX 2013, where attendees

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Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo proudly announces the US premiere of BLUE EXORCIST: THE MOVIE presented by Aniplex of America, with Supervising Animation Director and Character Designer Keigo Sasaki attending as a Guest of Honor! Mr. Sasaki`s vast credits include SENGOKU BASARA 1 & 2 (Design Works) and NIGHTRAID (Supervising Animation Director and Character Design), and most recently he worked on internationally popular BLUE EXORCIST and BLUE EXORCIST: THE MOVIE as Supervising Animation Director and Character Designer. This will be Mr. Sasaki’s first time appearing at an anime convention in the US. ?Mr. Sasaki will be joining Anime Expo to meet, and feel the energy of BLUE EXORCIST fans in the US, and share his thoughts and experiences on the project.

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Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo proudly announces voice actor Kazuhiko Inoue as a Guest of Honor for AX2013! Mr. Inoue has a prolific and memorable body of work extending from the 1970s through today, including seminal anime series like CANDY CANDY and SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, to contemporary hits like Naruto and Fruits Basket. Mr. Inoue`s roles include Anthony in CANDY CANDY, Joe Shimamura in CYBORG 009, Hatake Kakashi in NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, Hatori Sohma in FRUITS BASKET, Jerid Messa in MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM, Champ in ZILLION, Prince Eric in THE LITTLE MERMAID, Flit Asuna in GUNDAM AGE, Dusty Attenborough in LEGEND OF GALACTIC HEROES, Shingo Tachibana in MAGICAL ANGEL CREAMY MAMI, Akira Yamamoto in SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Keiichi Tamaru in THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA,

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Double Feature Event Includes North American Premiere Of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II with Exclusive Gift Pack Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: berserkfilm.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media reminds anime fans of the upcoming special double-feature theatrical presentation of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING (????? ?????? ????, Berserk Oogon Jidai-Hen I: Haoo no Tamago, 2012) and the exclusive North American premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY (????? ?????? ???????, Berserk Oogon Jidai-Hen II: Doldrey Kooryaku, 2012) taking place on Saturday, May 11th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue in San Francisco’s Japantown at 1746 Post St. Two double-feature screenings (presented with

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Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo announces character designer and illustrator Noizi Ito as a Guest of Honor for AX2013! Ms. Ito began her career as a graphic designer, illustrator and character designer. Her work includes “Shakugan no Shana” by Dengeki Bunko, the “Haruhi Suzumiya” series by Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko, and most recently,“The Guided Fate Paradox” by Nippon Ichi Software, Inc. Anime Expo is thrilled to welcome Noizi Ito as a Guest of Honor to AX 2013, where attendees can connect with their favorite artists, voice actors, and musicians from Japan, share the amazing cosplay, art, and AMVs that they create, and enjoy the best in Japanese anime and pop culture. This July, join us at the Los Angeles Convention Center for our twenty-second year!

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Source: Japan Foundation, Sydney press release Official Movie Site: evangelion.co.jp (Japan), madman.com.au/nge (Aus) Special Thanks to Evon Fung and Amanda Thompson In collaboration with Madman Entertainment and NTV Films, The Japan Foundation, Sydney is pleased to host the 2013 EVANGELION ART EXHIBITION from Friday May 10 to Saturday May 18 at the Japan Foundation Gallery. This exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into the renowned EVANGELION franchise. In the exhibition, a collection of original concept and production art, character drawings and key artifacts will be on display, offering an insider’s view into Japanese anime film production. A limited selection of exclusive merchandise will also be available. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Japan Foundation is excited to welcome guest Yuko Miyamura, an anime voice actress best known for her

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Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo proudly reveals the cover to our 2013 program guide! Max, the official mascot of Anime Expo, is depicted in a boldly energetic piece illustrated by our artists in Japan and evokes the exciting experience awaiting attendees at our annual convention. Our current Guest of Honor lineup for AX 2013 includes: Voice Actors Eric Vale, Kyle Hebert, Christopher Sabat, and Johnny Yong Bosch with his band Eyeshine, Screenwriter Mari Okada, and Japanese electro/club scene DJ Ram Rider. We also welcome as industry guests J-Pop group Starmarie. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels, because we have more guest announcements on the way! Fan favorites such as Masquerade, AX Dance, Karaoke, Table Top and eGaming,

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Second Chapter of Anime Film Trilogy to Screen on May 11th Source: Warner Bros. Pictures Japan, VIZ Media Official Site: berserkfilm.com (Japan), facebook.com/BerserkFilm (US) Special Thanks to Jane Lui This is a tale of lustful men... On May 11, 2013, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY (????? ?????? ???????, Berserk Oogon Jidai-Hen II: Doldrey Kooryaku, 2012) will have its North American theatrical premiere at NEW PEOPLE Cinema in San Francisco, courtesy of VIZ Media. That same day, the movie will air on the 24-hour, subscription-based anime channel, Neon Alley. Additional screenings and events will follow, leading up THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY`s release on DVD and Blu-ray. The BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC (????? ?????) anime film trilogy was produced in Japan by Studio 4ºC and is based on the Berserk manga by Kentarou Miura, serialized in Hakusensha`s Young

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Top Anime Creators Team Up for New Film Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: shortpeace-movie.com (Japan) Publicity Materials Translated by: Elliot Gay Nine years following STEAMBOY (???????, Suchiimubooi, 2004)... twenty-five years after AKIRA (???, 1988)... Katsuhiro Otomo is back at the forefront of Japanese animation with SHORT PEACE (????????, Shooto Piisu), a new omnibus film of four short stories depicting Japan`s unique culture, history and future. The film takes its title from Otomo`s 1976-79 manga series, Short Peace. SHORT PEACE brings together a mix of top creators and up-and-coming talents in the anime field to demonstrate the potential of animation to visually express the themes of each short story. Studio 4°C founder Koji Morimoto rose to international prominence for directing segments of ROBOT CARNIVAL (??????????, Robotto Kaanibaru, 1987), MEMORIES (?????, Memoriizu, 1995) and THE ANIMATRIX (????????, Animatorikkusu, 2003). Shuhei Morita, director of the

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Director of WOLF CHILDREN, SUMMER WARS and THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME Source: Madman Entertainment Special Thanks to Ben Pollock Madman Entertainment, in conjunction with NTV Films are pleased to announce multiple award-winning filmmaker, Mamoru Hosoda (WOLF CHILDREN, SUMMER WARS, THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME) will tour Australia this month. Joined by his long-time collaborator, Yuchiro Saito, animation producer and co-founder of Studio Chizu with Mamoru Hosoda -- the studio responsible for WOLF CHILDREN -- Hosoda-san will be coming to Australia in mid-April, appearing at very special event screening and Q&A sessions for WOLF CHILDREN in Sydney (Dendy Newtown, April 15) and Melbourne (Cinema Nova, April 17). Tickets are on sale now and strictly limited. Hosoda-san will also be appearing at Supanova Pop Culture Expo on the

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VIZ Media Brings a Double Dose of Medieval Action on May 11th Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: berserkfilm.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings a very special anime theatrical presentation with a double-feature premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING (????? ?????? ????, Berserk Oogon Jidai-Hen I: Haoo no Tamago, 2012) and the North American theatrical premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY (????? ?????? ???????, Berserk Oogon Jidai-Hen II: Doldrey Kooryaku, 2012). The double feature event will be held on Saturday, May 11th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture

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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: ookamikodomo.jp (Japan), funimation.com/wolf-children (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski FUNimation Entertainment has announced the following US screenings for WOLF CHILDREN (???????????, Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki, 2012), the latest film directed by Mamoru Hosoda (SUMMER WARS). WOLF CHILDREN has won the 2013 Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year, the 2012 Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film and the 2013 Animation of the Year award at TAF. It has also won two awards at the Oslo Films from the South festival in Norway: the main award, the Silver Mirror, and the audience award. Most recently in 2013 it won the Audience Award at New York International Children`s Film Festival. Screening dates, times & locations are listed below...

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Opens March 15 in New York, March 22 in Los Angeles and Toronto, Additional Cities on March 29 Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: gkids.tv/intheaters GKIDS is extremely proud to present FROM UP ON POPPY HILL (???????, Kokuriko-Zaka Kara, 2011), the highly anticipated new film from Studio Ghibli, creators of SPIRITED AWAY, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, KIKI`S DELIVERY SERVICE, PONYO, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY and many other animated masterpieces. Written by legendary studio founder Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Goro Miyazaki, FROM UP ON POPPY HILL marks the first feature film collaboration between father and son. The results are stunning -- a pure, sincere, nuanced and heartfelt film that signals yet another triumph for the esteemed studio. The top-grossing Japanese film of 2011 and winner of the Japan Academy Prize for

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Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: dragonball2013.com (Japan) Toei has just released several high-res images from their new movie, DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF GODS (???????Z ???, Doragon Booru Zetto: Kami to Kami), opening in theaters across Japan on March 30th. For more information and pics from the film, please see the previous coverage on SciFi Japan.

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Latest Installment of Multi-Part Interview with Famed FINAL FANTASY Character Designer Source: MediaLab press release Official Site: newpeople.jp/travel/eng Special Thanks to Erik Jansen NEW PEOPLE, Inc, a San Francisco-based entertainment company bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, has just posted its latest edition of NEW PEOPLE Travel, an intriguing free Japanese pop culture web magazine. Readers are invited to catch the latest installment of an ongoing multi-segment interview with famed anime creator, character designer, and pop culture artist Yoskitaka Amano. The interview is available now at newpeople.jp/travel/eng/amano.html. NEW PEOPLE Travel is a unique web magazine that introduces Western audiences to a variety of Japanese creators that work across borders and the diverse scenery of Japan and journeys they have experienced. It provides an opportunity to see Japan through the eyes of artistic visionaries recognized around the world. In the latest

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Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo is happy to announce our first Guest of Honor from Japan: Mari Okada! As an award-winning screenwriter, Ms. Okada has helped contribute to the world of anime since 1998 and worked on some of our favorite titles, from TORADORA! and BLACK BUTLER to our newest love, AKB0048! You should recognize a couple of the other anime she’s worked on: BASILISK, anohana: THE FLOWER WE SAW THAT DAY, CANAAN, DARKER THAN BLACK, ROZEN MAIDEN, TRUE TEARS, VAMPIRE KNIGHT, and the increasingly popular HANASAKU IROHA ~ BLOSSOMS FOR TOMORROW ~. If you don’t recognize these titles, be sure to come by our film rooms and introduce yourself to the work of the lovely Mari Okada! So join us

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