SciFi Japan
    Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Asmik Ace Entertainment, Inc. Official Site: 3lion-movie.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE A dramatic and moving two-part work of Japan`s very own mind sport is about to begin! Introduction March Comes in Like a Lion by Chika Umino, the bestselling comic that has swept numerous comic awards including the 4th Cartoon Grand Prize 2011 and the Grand Prize in the 18th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, has been made into a live-action film! The director is Keishi Otomo, who has been breaking new ground in Japanese cinema with his solid character portrayal and action scenes in such films as the RUROUNI KENSHIN (??????, 2012-14) series and PLATINUM DATA (???????, Puratina Deta, 2013). "I intend to capture the changing landscape of the city of Tokyo as it prepares for the Summer Olympics and depict the world of professional shogi,

    Official Site: japan-academy-prize.jp (Japan) The Nippon Academy-sho Association hosted the 40th Japan Academy Film Prize (?40?????????) in Tokyo on March 3rd. Toho`s SHIN GODZILLA -- the top grossing Japanese live-action movie of 2016 -- took top honors with awards for best picture, co-directors Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, and five technical categories. Toho had a particularly strong showing at the event. In addition to SHIN GODZILLA, the major categories were dominated by movies released and/or co-produced by the studio... San-il Lee`s drama RAGE starring Ken Watanabe, the all-star police thriller 64 (SIX FOUR) Part 1 and the anime feature YOUR NAME, Japan`s biggest box office hit of the year. The top anime feature award went to IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD, director Sunao Katabuchi`s adaptation of the award-winning manga by Fumiyo Kouno. North American distributor Shout! Factory will give the film a theatrical release in the

    Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto/Funimation Films SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming movie. Less than three months after opening in Japan, Toho`s SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) comes to North America, courtesy of distributor Funimation Films. The movie debuts this evening in 534 theaters across the U.S. and Canada. Last week, Funimation invited several SciFi Japan staffers -- and some good friends/SFJ contributors -- to both the Los Angeles and New York VIP premieres. Read on for SHIN GODZILLA reviews by four attendees of the LA event (and be sure to check out John DeSentis` review and coverage of the film`s NYC premiere here). To purchase tickets to or find more information on SHIN GODZILLA, visit funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla. The Turning Point for the Franchise Author: Edward L. Holland Whether

    Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: kizumonogatari-movie.com (Japan), Kizumonogatari-USA.com (US) Special Thanks to Alex Crum Aniplex of America announced at their industry panel at Anime Milwaukee (Milwaukee,WI), their plans to premiere -KIZUMONOGATARI- PART 3: REIKETSU (?????????, Kizumonogatari ?? Reiketsu-hen?, 2017) in the U.S. on April 7. This is the highly anticipated third and final installment of the -KIZUMONOGATARI- film series. Aniplex of America also confirmed that theater patrons will receive an exclusive giveaway item with each purchased ticket while supplies last. Ticket sales for -KIZUMONOGATARI- PART 3: REIKETSU will begin Tuesday (February 21) through the official -KIZUMONOGATARI- website. -KIZUMONOGATARIPART 3: REIKETSU will be distributed by AZOLAND PICTURES in the original Japanese language with English subtitles. -KIZUMONOGATARI- PART 3: REIKETSU features the origin story of the highly popular MONOGATARI SERIES originally created by author NISIOISIN and is a direct prequel to the BAKEMONOGATARI television series.

    Source: Madman Entertainment press release Official Site: kiminona.com (Japan), YourNameFilm.com.au (Australia) Special Thanks to Ben Pollock Madman Entertainment is proud to announce Makoto Shinkai`s YOUR NAME. (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016) will release in cinemas in 2016 for a limited theatrical season from November 24 in Australia, and December 1 in New Zealand. Mitsuha and Taki are two total strangers living completely different lives. But when Mitsuha makes a wish to leave her mountain town and for the bustling city of Tokyo, they become connected in a bizarre way. She dreams she is a boy living in Tokyo while Taki dreams he is a girl from a rural town he’s never been to. What does their newfound connection mean? And how will it bring them together? Makoto Shinkai’s YOUR NAME. has captivated audiences in Japan, where patrons have attended screenings of the

    Author: Oki Miyano Official Site: facebook.com/inouetokusatsu (Japan) A special exhibit of late production designer Yasuyuki Inoue will be held at the Ebina Civic Art Gallery in the city of Ebina from March 25 to April 2. Ebina is a 45 minute train ride from Shinjuku (Tokyo). Inoue is originally from Fukuoka but moved to Ebina in the early 1970’s and live there until his passing in 2012. He was a production designer who specialized in special effects. He mainly worked for Toho Studios and created miniature sets for well-known monsters such as Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and also designed creatures like Ebirah and Hedorah. He also worked for American films such as THE BIG WAVE (1961) and Frank Sinatra`s NONE BUT THE BRAVE (1965). Inoue created the Midway sea battle in miniature for Toho’s I BOMBED PEARL HARBOR (1960) and the footage was later

    Press Notes For New Movie Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Pony Canyon Official Site: survivalfamily.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res photos from their upcoming release, SURVIVAL FAMILY (??????????, Sabaibaru Famirii). The highly-anticipated latest film from acclaimed director Shinobu Yaguchi (WATERBOYS, SWING GIRLS, ROBO-G) opens in Japanese cinemas on February 11. SURVIVAL FAMILY is also being offered to foreign distributors by sales agent Pony Canyon. INTRODUCTION One day, electricity suddenly disappears?! TVs, refrigerators, smartphones and computers... Everything requiring electricity comes to a total halt! With the incomprehensible disappearance of electricity rendering even simple batteries useless, Tokyo is on the verge of falling into ruin, but one family makes their escape! What could possibly await them?! The father and head of household, Yoshiyuki Suzuki, is played by Fumiyo Kohinata, a veteran of historical dramas who

    Source: A Contracorriente Films Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), acontracorrientefilms.com/shin-godzilla (Spain) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE With the Japanese and North American theatrical runs of SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) long past, fans in both territories are now looking forward to the upcoming home video releases (Japan: March 22; America: tba). But the movie continues to open in other international markets, including Spain, where distributor A Contracorriente Films brought it to cinemas on January 20th. SHIN GODZILLA premiered in Spain this past August 10th as an Official Selection of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival 2016. The current theatrical run is part of A Contracorriente`s "CICLO SITGES TOUR", a series of five international films that wowed audiences at the 2016 Festival... the lineup also includes the South Korean Zombie blockbuster TRAIN TO BUSAN (???, Busanhaeng), the American horror films THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE (LA AUTOPSIA

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: koisaika.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE A humorous yet loving and unique tale of a family! Toho has provided production notes and high-res images from their new comedic drama, A LOVING HUSBAND (?????, Koisaika Miyamoto). The movie co-stars Hiroshi Abe (GODZILLA 2000, THERMAE ROMAE, SHIPPU RONDO) and Yuki Amami (KAIJI: THE ULTIMATE GAMBLER, THE KIYOSU CONFERENCE, DETECTIVE CONAN: THE DARKEST NIGHTMARE). A LOVING HUSBAND opens in Japan this weekend. INTRODUCTION The married couple began with divorce papers. Today, there are an abundance of films that depict young love. The up-and-coming screenwriter Kazuhiko Yukawa, who has gifted the world with his phenomenally highly rated TV dramas I`M MITA, YOUR HOUSEKEEPER (??????, Kaseifu no Mita, 2011), makes his long-awaited directorial debut with A LOVING HUSBAND, from a screenplay which he penned himself. His debut film has been nominated

    Source: TNT Official Site: Godzillamovie.com (US), godzilla-movie.jp (Japan) Following the theatrical run, the home video and digital release, Video on Demand, and pay cable runs on Cinemax and HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA (2014) will make its basic cable debut on Friday, October 28th. The film will premiere at 8:00 PM (EST) on Time Warner`s TNT, with additional screenings on the network scheduled into November. GODZILLA Rated: PG13 for ADULT CONTENT, VIOLENCE, ADULT LANGUAGE Running Time: 150 Minutes TV-14 The government tried to destroy him in 1954, dropping nuclear bombs into the Pacific Ocean under the pretense of weapons testing. Instead, mankind, in its ignorance, awakened a new terror. Now, Godzilla rises again to restore balance as humanity stands defenseless. Friday, October 28 8:00pm Saturday, October 29 8:00pm, 10:30pm Sunday, October 30 8:00pm (preceded by PACIFIC RIM) Wednesday, November 2 8:00pm

    Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: kiminona.com (Japan), funimationfilms.com/movie/yourname (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) announced Sunday, December 4 that YOUR NAME. (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016) was selected as Best Animated Film for 2016. The critically acclaimed anime film from director Makoto Shinkai, CoMix Wave Films and Toho Co Ltd is the third anime film to ever win this prestigious award. Runner-up for the award was THE RED TURTLE from Studio Ghibli. Since 1975, the LAFCA, comprised of LA-based, professional print and electronic media film critics, gathers annually to vote on the “outstanding cinematic achievements” of the past year. The association will present the awards at its annual dinner on January 14, 2017 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Century City, Calif. “We consider Makoto Shinkai’s YOUR NAME. a true masterpiece and its selection for the prestigious Best

    Press Notes For New Movie Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Pony Canyon Official Site: honnoji-hotel.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res photos from their upcoming release, HONNOUJI HOTEL (??????, Honnouji Hoteru). Described as "a spectacular epic inspired by one of the greatest mysteries in Japanese history", the film opens in Japanese cinemas on January 14. HONNOUJI HOTEL is also being offered to foreign distributors by sales agent Pony Canyon. INTRODUCTION The most infamous incident in Japanese history remains shrouded in mystery -- The Honnouji Incident. In feudal era Japan, Nobunaga Oda had nearly accomplished his goal of unifying Japan. Why did his trusted general, Mitsuhide Akechi, betray him? Nobunaga allegedly committed ritual suicide, but his body was never found. What became of it? How was it that Nobunaga’s loyal retainer, Hideyoshi Hashiba, so quickly

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: doraeiga.com/2017 (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and high-res images from their upcoming release, DORAEMON THE MOVIE 2017: GREAT ADVENTURE IN THE ANTARCTIC KACHI KOCHI (??????? ?????????????, Eiga Doraemon Nobita no Nankyoku Kachikochi Daibooken), opening in Japan on March 4, 2017. GREAT ADVENTURE IN THE ANTARCTIC KACHI KOCHI is the 37th 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 the 35th anniversary release, DORAEMON THE MOVIE: NOBITA AND THE BIRTH OF JAPAN 2016 (??????? ??????????, Eiga Doraemon Shin • Nobita no Nihon Tanjo, 2016), earning a record ¥4.85 billion ($46.3 million US) at the Japanese box office. The new film is written and directed by Atsushi Takahashi, a veteran animator whose credits include LUPIN

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: bokuasu-movie.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE The miraculous tale following 30 days of the lives of two lovers destined to be separated. Toho has provided production notes and high-res images from their upcoming sci-fi romance, MY TOMORROW, YOUR YESTERDAY. (?????????????????, Boku wa Ashita, Kinou no Kimi to Date Suru). The movie opens in Japan on December 17th. INTRODUCTION A newly story first released as a paperback novel in August 2014, the book My tomorrow, Your yesterday. has kept its place at no.1 on the “bookmeter” web page and has sold more than 1 million copies to date. The melancholy love story of two young lovers, with shocking reveals intertwining, and a separation scene driving viewers to tears has been made into a feature film as a new genuine love story. The director is Takahiro Miki (WE

    Film and Director Selected for Best Animated Feature – Independent and Directing in an Animated Feature Production Categories Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: kiminona.com (Japan), funimationfilms.com/movie/yourname (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, announced the nominations for its 44th Annual Annie Awards™ which recognize the best in the field of animation. YOUR NAME. (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016), the hit film from Toho Co. Ltd. which is being distributed in North America by Funimation Films, picked up a nomination for Best Animated Feature - Independent as well as a nomination for Directing in an Animated Feature Production for the film’s director Makoto Shinkai. ASIFA - Hollywood voting members will begin voting on January 2, 2017. Winners will be announced on February 4, 2017 at a black tie ceremony in Royce Hall at UCLA. YOUR NAME. has earned in excess

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: movie.orange-anime.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho has provided more than two dozen images from their new anime feature film, ORANGE -FUTURE- (???? -??-, Oranju -Mirai-). The movie is a sequel to the recently concluded, 13 episode ORANGE series based on the manga by Ichigo Takano that has sold more than 4.7 million copies. The manga and anime tell a bittersweet, adolescent sci-fi love story connecting the "present" and "future." Naho Takamiya, a high school sophomore in Matsumoto City, receives a letter written by herself 10 years in the future. The message states that she will fall in love with a transfer student from Tokyo named Kakeru, and that he would die a year later. At first Naho thinks the letter is a prank, but as events it describes come true one after another, she begins

    Special Event Includes Never Before Seen Studio Ghibli Short Film! Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: spiritedaway15.com Don’t miss a special 15th Anniversary celebration of Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning classic, SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001), returning to select cinemas nationwide for two days only: December 4 (English dub) and December 5 (Japanese w/ English subtitles). Enter an enchanted world of witches, dragons and spirits in the critically acclaimed story that became a worldwide phenomenon, cementing Studio Ghibli’s legacy as one of the foremost animation studios in the world. Stay after the show for an exclusive screening of the short film GHIBLIES: EPISODE 2, never before released in North America! This special event is presented by Fathom Events, GKIDS, Studio Ghibli, and Hot Topic. For theater details and to purchase tickets, please visit fathomevents.com/event/spirited-away. About GKIDS

    Japanese Film Pursuing Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Feature Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: kiminona.com (Japan), funimationfilms.com/movie/yourname (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski Funimation Films confirmed today that the Japanese film YOUR NAME. (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016) has made the official Oscar consideration list in the Best Animated Feature category. The film will be vying for one of five nomination spots in its category that will be voted on for the 89th annual Academy Awards. Funimation Films acquired North American distributions rights to YOUR NAME. earlier this year from Toho Co. Ltd. in Japan. YOUR NAME. is the latest film from the critically acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai and to date has earned in excess of $17.9 Billion Yen ($170 Million USD) at the box office in Japan since opening on August 26 -- making it the #1 highest grossing

    Matinee on Saturday October 22; Select Locations Offering Screenings Daily thru October 27 Source: Funimation Films Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Funimation Films has provided SciFi Japan with an updated list of theaters screening SHIN GODZILLA (??????, Shin Gojira, 2016) in the United States into late October. The limited theatrical engagement of SHIN GODZILLA in the U.S. and Canada was scheduled to close October 18 but has been extended due to popular demand. A special Saturday matinee screening will take place on October 22 in 284 theaters, while the AMC national theater chain and the Gateway Film Center in OH will be offering daily screenings of SHIN GODZILLA thru October 27. To purchase tickets or find more information on SHIN GODZILLA, visit funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 MATINEE ALABAMA CINEMARK MONACO PICTURES 14 -- 370 THE BRIDGE STREET, HUNTSVILLE

    King of the Monsters to Screen on Saturday October 22 in More than 200 Theaters; Select Locations Offering Screenings Daily thru October 27 Source: Funimation Films press release Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), funimationfilms.com/shingodzilla (US) Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Godzilla, King of the Monsters, has taken over North America. The limited theatrical engagement of SHIN GODZILLA was scheduled to close tonight but in the wake of overwhelming fan response, Funimation Films announced that the movie will be extended due to popular demand. A special Saturday matinee screening of the film will take place on October 22 in more than 200 theaters across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, multiple national theater chains will be offering daily screenings of SHIN GODZILLA in select locations thru October 27. A complete list of locations for both this Saturday’s matinee as well as the new daily screenings is available via a

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