SciFi Japan
    Godzilla Anime Information and BIG Images -- Direct from Toho! Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Polygon Pictures Official Site: godzilla-anime.com (Japan) Twitter: @GODZILLA_ANIME A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and high-res images from their upcoming movie, GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE (GODZILLA ????????, Gojira Kessen Kidoo Zooshoku Toshi). Featuring animation produced by Polygon Pictures, the second chapter in the anime feature film trilogy will be released nationwide in Japan on May 18 through Toho Animation and Toho`s ODS (Other Digital Stuff) distribution division. Netflix will distribute the movie worldwide later this year. The following text and images are courtesy of Toho, with additional content from Polygon... INTRODUCTION In 2017, Godzilla trampled over new ground with the birth of a three-part, fully animated movie series, GODZILLA (aka “Anigoji,” a portmanteau of “anime” and

    In Theaters July 3, 5 & 7 Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release Official Site: uchiagehanabi.jp (Japan), FireworksMovie.com (US) #FireworksMovie FIREWORKS (?????????????????????, Uchiage Hanabi, Shita Kara Miru ka? Yoko Kara Miru ka?, 2017), the first of five new titles announced by GKIDS presented through Fathom Events, will premiere in movie theaters nationwide on July 3 with encore showings on July 5 and 7. A film by Akiyuki Shinbo and Nobuyuki Takeuchi, FIREWORKS -- aka FIREWORKS, SHOULD WE SEE IT FROM THE SIDE OR THE BOTTOM? -- is the newest release from Toho animation and producer Genki Kawamura, following the worldwide blockbuster YOUR NAME (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016), the highest-grossing anime of all time. It will be shown in both its original Japanese version and a new English-language version produced by GKIDS. As with YOUR NAME, FIREWORKS is a tale of

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: mirai-no-mirai.jp (Japan), gkids.com/films/mirai (US) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res images from MIRAI (??????, Mirai no Mirai), the new anime film from internationally acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda (SUMMER WARS, THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME, THE BOY AND THE BEAST). The movie opens in Japanese cinemas on July 20, 2018. INTRODUCTION MIRAI is an original story by Hosoda, and produced by his animation company, Studio Chizu. The film reunites many of the creative personnel behind his previous works, including producer Yuichiro Saito (SUMMER WARS, WOLF CHILDREN">WOLF CHILDREN, THE BOY AND THE BEAST), art directors Takashi Omori and Yohei Takamatsu (THE BOY AND THE BEAST), animation directors Hiroyuki Aoyama and Ayako Hata (THE BOY AND THE BEAST), and composer Masakatsu Takagi (WOLF CHILDREN, THE BOY AND THE BEAST). The voice

    Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release Official Site: ghiblifest.com From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of SPIRITED AWAY, and Academy Award-nominated director Isao Takahata comes an action-packed ecological fable about the clash between nature and human civilization, POM POKO (???????? ?????????, Heisei Tanuki Gassen Pompoko, 1994), in theaters during a special three-day only event this month as part of STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2018! POM POKO is about the tanuki (raccoon dogs) of Tama Hills who find their fun-loving community under attack when their quiet woodlands are threatened by encroaching developers looking to create still more houses and shopping malls. Desperate to survive, the tanuki band together and learn the ancient art of transformation, shape-shifting into a comical variety of humans and spirits as they undertake a last-ditch plan to scare away the humans and save their home, in this deeply affecting, funny

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: overdrive-movie.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res photos from the racing drama OVER DRIVE (????????, Obaadoraibu). The movie opens in Japanese cinemas on June 1, 2018. INTRODUCTION A “brothers’ challenge” as depicted by Eiichiro Hasumi of the hit UMIZARU series... OVER DRIVE is a drama about two brothers who overcome their past and pursue their dream. Rally racing, competed on public streets and through nature, is a motorsport as popular as Formula One in Europe and America. This movie is a human drama about two brothers in the worldof rallies -- the older brother, a mechanic, and the young brother, a driver. The story was specifically written for the movie, which was filmed with extensive cooperation by Toyota, Japan’s largest automobile manufacturer. The plot is woven around Spica,

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: nomitori.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res photos from their new samurai comedy, FLEA-PICKING SAMURAI (?????, Nomitori Samurai), opening in Japan on May 18, 2018. INTRODUCTION After incurring the wrath of his lord, he received one order -- to be a “cat flea picker”?! Witness the birth of a hilarious comedy about a mysterious secret life! FLEA-PICKING SAMURAI is written and directed by Yasuo Tsuruhashi. His most recent film, THE BLACK WIDOW BUSINESS (?????, Gosaigyo no Onna, 2016), a comedy with the theme of marriage fraud, became a smash hit. A highly decorated drama director, Tsuruhashi has received the Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts for his film TORIDE NAKI MONO (????, 2005), as well as the Purple Ribbon in 2007, and the Order of the Rising

    Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release Official Site: ghiblifest.com From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away, and Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, comes a dazzling aerial adventure set in and above the scenic port towns of the Adriatic Sea. Watch PORCO ROSSO (???, Kurenai no Buta, 1992) in theaters during a special three-day only event on May 20 (Dubbed), 21 (Subtitled), & 23 (Dubbed) as part of STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2018! Porco Rosso is a world weary flying ace-turned-bounty-hunter, whose face has been transformed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell. When he infuriates a band of sky pirates with his heroics, the pirates hire Curtis, a hotshot American rival, to get rid of him. But with the help of the teenage girl Fio, an aspiring airplane designer, and sultry lounge singer named Gina, Porco takes to the

    FIREWORKS Debuts with Premiere Event July 3 Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events, the leading distributor of event cinema, are proud to bring five all-new GKIDS animated titles to U.S cinema audiences in 2018. The first title to be announced is Akiyuki Shinbo’s FIREWORKS (?????????????????????, Uchiage Hanabi, Shita Kara Miru ka? Yoko Kara Miru ka?, 2017) which will be released in movie theaters nationwide starting July 3, 2018, in both its original Japanese version and a new English version produced by GKIDS. FIREWORKS -- aka FIREWORKS, SHOULD WE SEE IT FROM THE SIDE OR THE BOTTOM? -- is the newest release from Toho animation and producer Genki Kawamura, following the worldwide blockbuster YOUR NAME (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016), the highest-grossing anime of all time. GKIDS will premiere

    New Anime Film Now Playing in Japan Source: Toho Co., Ltd., TMS Entertainment Co., Ltd. Official Site: conan-movie.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho and TMS Entertainment have provided information and high-res images from their new anime film, DETECTIVE CONAN: ZERO THE ENFORCER (?????? ??????????????, Meitantei Konan Zero no Shikkohito (Shikkonin)). The 22nd movie based on the Detective Conan manga by Gosho Aoyama was released nationwide in Japan on Friday, April 13th. The previous movie in the series, DETECTIVE CONAN: THE CRIMSON LOVE LETTER (?????? ???????????????????, 2017?, recorded the highest box office revenue of the franchise so far with 6.89 billion yen in Japan. It was also the top earning Japanese movie of 2017. On April 9th, TMS Entertainment President Yoshiharu Suzuki commented that: "Advance ticket sales [for ZERO THE ENFORCER] began on March 3, 2018 and already over 170,000 tickets

    The Original Godzilla Statue Returns to Join Shin Godzilla on Display Author: Daisuke Ishizuka Last week, SciFi Japan reporter Daisuke Ishizuka shared photos of the new Shin Godzilla statue unveiled in Hibiya, Tokyo. Daisuke is back this week with additional pics of the statue plus a look at the original 1995 Godzilla statue in its new home... The original Godzilla bronze statue, which was built in 1995, was removed from the Toho Plaza in Hibiya in 2017, but it has returned. The Godzilla statue is now on display in the new Toho Cinemas Hibiya, a theater complex which opened on the 4th floor of the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya building on March 29th. The building is located at the front of the plaza, which was recently renamed “Godzilla Square Hibiya”. Now, fans are able to see both the original one and the new Shin Godzilla statue at Hibiya.

    Author: Daisuke Ishizuka Many Tokusatsu fans have visited the Toho Plaza in Hibiya, Tokyo to see the Godzilla bronze statue, which was built in 1995 to commemorate the monster`s death and the (temporary) end of the film series in GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH (???VS??????, Gojira Tai Desutoroia). But the statue was removed from the square in 2017 (it will be placed inside Toho Cinemas Hibiya in late March), and in 2018, the Godzilla bronze was born again. The new statue was unveiled on March 22, with the design based on the latest live action film, SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016). A plaque for the statue contains a quote from the movie`s protagonist, Rando Yaguchi (played by Hiroki Hasegawa), which reads: "Man must live with Godzilla." In addition, the square where Shin Godzilla is displayed was renamed “Hibiya Godzilla Square”. Spring has come for Tokusatsu fans.

    Two High School Geniuses Fall In Love — But Refuse To Admit It — In This Clever New Romantic Comedy Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Elizabeth Ellis and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, announces the release of the new romantic comedy Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War on March 6th. The series, by creator Aka Akasaka, is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be published under the SHONEN JUMP imprint. Volume 1 carries a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War also launches digitally via viz.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and Google Play stores. Future volumes of the series will be published by VIZ Media on a bi-monthly basis. As leaders of their prestigious

    Author Steve Ryfle Gives New Insights into Japan`s Most Famous Movie Monster Maker at Japan Society Source: Japan Society press release Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett Directing Godzilla: The Life of Filmmaker Ishiro Honda Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 6:30 pm, at Japan Society New York, NY – GODZILLA, MOTHRA, THE MYSTERIANS -- Japan’s most celebrated monster movies and sci-fi classics were brought to the screen by filmmaker Ishiro Honda. A long-overlooked and underappreciated talent, Honda is now considered one of the most influential directors of Japanese cinematic history, wowing audiences with fantastical special effects while expressing the anxieties of Japan’s postwar reality. In "Directing Godzilla: The Life of Filmmaker Ishiro Honda", Steve Ryfle, noted scholar of Japanese science fiction cinema and co-author of 2017`s Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, From Godzilla to Kurosawa, the most comprehensive English biography of the director written to date, draws back

    Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: maryflower.jp (Japan), gkids.com/films/mary-and-the-witchs-flower (US) After an incredible first run (GKIDS biggest release to date!), GKIDS is bringing back Studio Ponoc`s dazzling debut film, MARY AND THE WITCH`S FLOWER (????????, Meari to Majo no Hana, 2017) for two encore shows nationwide, with special filmmaker interview and other surprises! Did you miss the action-packed, sold-out premiere shows, or just want to experience it all again? Find your theater and get tickets now! Saturday, February 24 - English Dubbed Version Monday, February 26 - English Subtitled Version About Studio Ponoc Studio Ponoc is the new home of the next generation of creative minds behind films from the award-winning Studio Ghibli, which has delighted audiences with its breathtaking films for over 30 years including SPIRITED AWAY and PONYO. Studio Ponoc’s Oscar-nominated founder Yoshiaki Nishimura (THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: inorinomaku-movie.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res photos from THE CRIMES THAT BIND (?????????, Inori no Maku ga Orirutoki), opening in Japan on January 27, 2018. Based on the novel of the same name by author Keigo Higashino, THE CRIMES THAT BIND is reportedly the final chapter in Higashino`s best-selling ‘Detective Kyoichiro Kaga’ series. TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System Television) has adapted the stories in the television series NEWCOMER (???, Shinzanmono, 2010), TV movie AKAI YUBI (???, Akai Yubi - Shinzanmono Kaga Kyouichiro Futatabi!, 2011), feature film THE WINGS OF THE KIRIN (??????????????, Kirin no Tsubasa: Gekijoo-ban Shinzanmono, 2012) and the TV movie NEMURI NO MORI (?????????????, Nemuri no Mori - Shinzanmono Special, 2014), all starring Hiroshi Abe (GODZILLA 2000, THERMAE ROMAE, SHIPPU RONDO) as Kaga. The film co-stars Nanako

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: doraeiga.com/2018 (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided another round of high-res images from their upcoming release, DORAEMON THE MOVIE: NOBITA`S TREASURE ISLAND (??????? ??????, Eiga Doraemon Nobita no Takarajima). The 38th entry in the anime film series opens in Japan on March 3, 2018. About Toho Company. Ltd. Founded in 1932, Toho Co., Ltd. is one of the leading entertainment conglomerates in Japan. Toho is best known worldwide as the producer of the Godzilla films, as well as most of the films by the world-renowned director, Akira Kurosawa. Besides film production, Toho also distributes Japanese films (earning the highest box office receipts for decades in Japan) as well as foreign films through its subsidiary, owns first class movie theaters

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: usoai.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res photos from THE LIES SHE LOVED (??????, Uso wo Aisuru Onna), opening in Japan on January 20, 2018. The film is a love story inspired by news reports about woman who discovered her husband had fabricated everything she thought she knew about his life. In 2015, award-winning commercial director Kazuhito Nakae submitted the treatment Who was your husband? to the Tsutaya Creator`s Program Film, an event held to uncover new filmmaking talent. His story won the grand prize out of 474 entries, allowing Nakae to develop it into his feature film directorial debut, THE LIES SHE LOVED. Yukari Kawahara, the film`s heroine, is portrayed by Masami Nagasawa. She played one of Mothra`s twin fairies in both GODZILLA: TOKYO SOS (???×???×????? SOS, Gojira

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: doraeiga.com/2018 (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res images from their upcoming release, DORAEMON THE MOVIE: NOBITA`S TREASURE ISLAND (??????? ??????, Eiga Doraemon Nobita no Takarajima), opening in Japan on March 3, 2018. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson`s classic Treasure Island, NOBITA`S TREASURE ISLAND is the 38th entry in the film series based on the manga created by Fujiko Fujio (Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko). The movies have become increasingly popular with families and anime fans, with last year`s DORAEMON THE MOVIE 2017: GREAT ADVENTURE IN THE ANTARCTIC KACHI KOCHI (??????? ?????????????, Eiga Doraemon Nobita no Nankyoku Kachikochi Daibooken) earning a series high at the Japanese box office. Kazuaki Imai, a director on the DORAEMON television series, makes his feature film directorial debut. The screenplay was written by Genki Kawamura,

    New Anime Film Opens in North America and Australia on January 18th Source: Toho Co., Ltd., GKIDS Inc., Madman Entertainment, Fathom Events Official Site: maryflower.jp (Japan), gkids.com/films/mary-and-the-witchs-flower (US), madmanfilms.com.au/mary-and-the-witchs-flower (Australia) MARY AND THE WITCH`S FLOWER (????????, Meari to Majo no Hana, 2017) -- the first film from Studio Ponoc -- opens in theaters in North America (from GKIDS and Fathom Events) and Australia (Madman Entertainment) on January 18, 2018. Please visit the movie`s official website`s (listed above) for ticket and theater information. SciFi Japan is pleased to share the film`s English Production Notes from GKIDS, along with images and promotional artwork provided by GKIDS, Fathom Events, Madman and Japanese distributor, Toho... SYNOPSIS From Academy Award-nominated Hiromasa Yonebayashi -- animator on Studio Ghibli masterpieces SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001), HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE (???????, Hauru no Ugoku Shiro, 2004), and

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Fuji Television Official Site: good-morning-show.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. and Fuji Television have provided information and high-res photos from their new collaboration, GOOD MORNING SHOW (???????????, Guddo Mooningu Shoo). The feature film comedy opens in Japan on October 8th. INTRODUCTION A winner at Montreal and the Japan Academy Prize, veteran director and screenwriter, Ryoichi Kimizuka, (BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN series, NOBODY TO WATCH OVER ME) brings his thorough knowledge of the television industry and experience as a teleplay writer to bear with the subject of his latest film: the morning variety show. Combining news, sports, entertainment, food fashion trends, and daily life information, the so called “morning wide show” format offers viewers a little bit of everything to jump-start their day. Serving as main host of one such show is Shingo Sumida, a former television

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