SciFi Japan
    A young artist is mentored by a tough teacher in the autobiographical story, BLANK CANVAS: MY SO-CALLED ARTIST'S JOURNEY. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. ©Akiko Higashimura /Shueisha ©︎2025 Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist's Journey Film Partners Source: Warner Bros. Pictures Japan, Pony Canyon Official Site: kakushika-movie.jp (Japan)   Theatrical poster. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. ©Akiko Higashimura /Shueisha ©︎2025 Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist's Journey Film Partners Warner Bros. Pictures Japan has provided information and photos for BLANK CANVAS: MY SO-CALLED ARTIST'S JOURNEY (かくかくしかじか, Kakukaku Shikajika), a live-action film based on a true story of a real-life manga artist and her mentor that will open in Japanese cinemas on May 16th. Akiko Higashimura is an award-winning manga artist who has inspired fans across the world with for her series Princess Jellyfish and Tokyo Tarareba Girls. Her manga Blank Canvas:

    Source: IDW Publishing Special Thanks to Kim Estlund Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD. On May 6th, IDW Publishing will release the fourth trade paperback volume of their Godzilla Rivals series. An all-star cast of creators present tales of Toho monsters engaged in exciting kaiju brawls.    Godzilla Rivals: Round FourWriters: Josh Trujillo, Jake Lawrence, Tom Waltz, Dave BakerArtist: Joshua CornillonRelease Date: May 6, 2025Page Count: 184SRP: $19.99 Step into the arena as Godzilla’s most dangerous allies and scariest nemeses square off in a series of sense-shattering showdowns!   The world is pretty big. You’d think there’d be enough room for all the kaiju to claim their own stomping grounds, but even giant monsters aren’t above needing to protect their territory. Godzilla has friends and foes, and in turn, they vie against one

    Photo courtesy of Radiance Films and MVD Entertainment. ©KADOKAWA 1980 Source: Radiance Films, MVD Entertainment Special Thanks to Derek Stubinski Kadokawa's THE BEAST TO DIE (野獣死すべし, Yajū Shisubeshi, 1980) will be released for the first time on Blu-ray in a special edition from Radiance Films, 4K restored and loaded with extras. Directed by Toru Murakawa (THE GAME TRILOGY) from a venomous script by Shoichi Maruyama (YOKOHAMA BJ BLUES), this unsettling dark thriller was Yusaku Matsuda's farewell to his 1970s action hero persona. Deeply scarred by what he witnessed on battlefields across Asia, a young war photographer (Yusaku Matsuda, YOKOHAMA BJ BLUES) returns to the bustling streets of Tokyo, plotting a series of brutal murders and robberies that are mere warmups for an unprecedented bank heist. Searching for an accomplice, he finds the short-fused and equally disenfranchised Tetsuo (Takeshi Kaga, DEATH NOTE). Radiance Films' BEAST TO DIE

    Photo courtesy of Super7. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Photo courtesy of Super7. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Super7 Special Thanks to Ashley Anderson and Brian Flynn Godzilla’s reign of terror is about to get even more epic! In June, Super7 will release Toho Blind Box Wave 9, featuring Series 3 of their Shogun Godzilla ReAction Figures. Inspired by the vintage Shogun Warriors Godzilla action figure from the 1970s, these 3.75” scale, articulated Toho Blind Box ReAction Figures capture the King of the Monster’s menacing presence in five unique colorways, each complete with a lever-action flaming tongue for extra fiery destruction! The catch? You won’t know which version you’ll unbox until you do—will it be the iconic '54 Poster Godzilla, the tranquil Cherry Blossom Godzilla, the throwback Vintage Tribute Godzilla, or the Island Snow Godzilla? Or, perhaps you’ll uncover

    Hideo Gosha's GATE OF FLESH gets a limited edition Blu-ray release this month. ©NIKKATSU CORPORATION. Source: MVD Entertainment Special Thanks to Derek Stubinski 88 Films will release Nikkatsu's GATE OF FLESH (肉体の門, Nikutai no Mon, 1977) on Blu-ray this month. Hideo Gosha (YAKUZA WIVES, VIOLENT STREETS) brings a fresh eye to this oft-filmed story by Taijiro Tamura, best known from its 1964 adaptation by Seijun Suzuki, resulting in a powerful and compelling drama making its home premiere for the very first time outside of Japan courtesy of 88 Films.   In the shell-shocked, rubble-strewn wasteland of postwar Tokyo during the Allied Occupation, a group of prostitutes band to together to form a makeshift guild with the aim of pooling their resources to build a dancehall called Paradise. As their independent existence becomes threatened by the hawkish parade of gangsters, black marketeers and would-be

    Source: IDW Publishing Special Thanks to Kim Estlund Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD. IDW Publishing is proud to announce the charity issue GODZILLA VS AMERICA: LOS ANGELES has raised $40,000 to help comic shops and book stores impacted by the tragic wildfires 100% of the proceeds from GODZILLA VS AMERICA: LOS ANGELES orders went to the Binc Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping bookstore and comic shop employees and owners with unforeseen emergencies. "Godzilla has always been a symbol of unstoppable force, and today, we’re channeling that energy into something positive. Thanks to the support of our readers and retail partners, IDW is proud to donate $40,000 from the sales of GODZILLA VS. LOS ANGELES to Binc," said Aub Driver, VP Marketing at IDW Publishing. "This contribution will directly support independent bookstores and comic shops

    Image courtesy of GKIDS. © 1989 Eiko Kadono/Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli, N Oscar-Winning Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Charming Tale Returns to the Big Screen Nationwide With Fathom Entertainment for 5 Nights OnlySource: GKIDS Official Site: https://gkids.com/ghiblifest/ Special Thanks to Alanna Hall and Rae D'Agnillo Image courtesy of GKIDS. © 1989 Eiko Kadono/Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli, N Tickets are on sale now for KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE – the beloved coming-of-age story of a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt. Brought to you by Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, the film returns to theatres this May for five nationwide screenings. GKIDS and Fathom Entertainment are delighted to continue Studio Ghibli Fest with the 2025 edition featuring the celebrated filmmaker’s timeless title. Audiences can look forward to Studio Ghibli Fest

    Photo courtesy of CCP JAPAN. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: CCP JAPAN   The Japanese figure manufacturer CCPJAPAN has begun accepting pre-orders for the "CCP Middle Size Series Godzilla EX [Vol. 9] (CCP ミドルサイズシリーズ ゴジラEX【第9弾】, CCP Midoru Saizu Shirīzu Gojira EX [Dai 9-dan])," retro-design soft vinyl figures of monsters from the popular "Godzilla" special effects film series, at hobby shops, mass retailers, and online stores across Japan. Based on the concept of “an old-school/new-school, yet slightly old-fashioned soft vinyl monster series,” the popular Middle Size figure line measure an average 12 cm in height and fits in the palm of a hand, making it easy to collect. This is a collection series by CCPJAPAN for soft vinyl and monster lovers, with a retro-style deformation that gives a nostalgic and somewhat “Showa-era retro” feel to the figures. EX [Vol. 9] includes four

    Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.  Source: Well Go USA, LBHpr  Special Thanks to Leif Helland   Action icons Tse Miu (EYE FOR AN EYE) and Andy On (100 YARDS, BLACK MASK 2) face off in an epic battle to take down an underground drug kingpin who holds the city in his brutal grip in the action-packed crime thriller HUNT THE WICKED (缉恶, Jī è, 2024), debuting on Digital May 20 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The non-stop martial arts action thriller from Huo Suiqiang, the director of BLIND WAR, also hits Blu-ray and DVD exclusively through Amazon on May 20. Synopsis:       When ruthless drug kingpin Wei Yunzhou tightens his grip on the city, fear and chaos spread. Law enforcement has failed to bring him down—until Huang Mingjin steps in. Determined and relentless, he takes on the criminal empire, facing brutal enforcers

    The GODZILLA SERIES COMPLETE COLLECTION offers images from the films that can be printed at Japanese convenience stores. Photo courtesy of Samurai Sword. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. ;© SAMURAISWORD Source:  Samurai Sword Co. press releaseOfficial Site: http://myseries-collab.com/godzilla (Japan) Samurai Sword Co., Ltd.(Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yoshimasa Hiki) is now selling the fourth installment of their GODZILLA SERIES COMPLETE COLLECTION (ゴジラ シリーズ コンプリートコレクション, Gojira Shirīzu Konpurīto Korekushon), printable images from the 30 live-action films in the Godzilla series. Each month, images from the Godzilla movies will be available through the “My Series IP Collaborations” (マイシリーズ IPコラボレーションズ, Mai Shirīzu IP Koraborēshonzu) convenience store print service in Japan. The images, carefully selected so that customers can enjoy the appeal of all 30 films, are available for printing at Family Mart, Lawson, and other stores nationwide. New waves of images will be released each month from January through

    A special campaign tag featuring Ultraman that will be attached to Ethical Steel products. Photo courtesy of Kyoei Steel, Ltd. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Source: Kyoei Steel, Ltd. press release Kyoei Steel Ltd. (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President and CEO: Yasuyuki Hirotomi) has decided to use Ultraman as a mascot to create awareness of the "ethical steel" (エシカルスチール,  Eshikaru Suchīru)  that the company is promoting. Special content will be released on the company's website from June 2025, and products that qualify as "ethical steel" will be shipped with special campaign tags featuring Ultraman for a limited time. Details of the campaign will be announced in the coming months.   ■What is "Ethical Steel"? For over 35 years, Kyoei Steel has been engaged in the business of manufacturing steel while detoxifying medical and industrial waste by melting it in an electric furnace. In order to raise awareness of

    Source: IDW Publishing Special Thanks to Kim Estlund Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD. IDW Publishing has released the trade paperback of Godzilla Skate or Die, going down-under with Australian skater punks versus Varan and the King of the Monsters in this collection of the Godzilla miniseries   Godzilla Skate or Die TPBAuthor/Artist: Louie JoyceRelease Date: April 29, 2025Page Count: 128SRP: $17.99   Four years ago, four best friends and die-hard skaters found the perfect location for a DIY skatepark. After months of hard work, they created the world’s sickest spot that they could enjoy for the rest of their lives… That is, until the ferocious Varan appeared in the middle of central Australia and started making a beeline for their beloved park.   Why is Varan on a rampage? Why did Godzilla

    The new game SUPER ROBOT WARS Y will be released August 28th. Photo courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment. Please see article for copyright notifications. Source: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. (US), BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. (Japan) Official Site: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/super-robot-wars-y (US), https://34.suparobo.jp/ (Japan) Special Thanks to Ryan Yuen The US and Japanese branches of BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. have provided SciFi Japan with information and images for their upcoming tactical RPG SUPER ROBOT WARS Y (スーパーロボット大戦Y, Sūpā Robotto Taisen Y). The latest title in the “Super Robot Wars” series will be released on Thursday, August 28, 2025 for PlayStation5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.   Reideen. Photo courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment. Please see article for copyright notifications. Wing Gundam Zero. Photo courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment. Please see article for copyright notifications. ■ Introduction Photo courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment.

    Image courtesy of AnimEigo. ©AnimEigo New series features interviews with North American anime industry luminaries; Episode 3 available now on YouTubeSource: AnimEigo press release Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab) Anime distributor AnimEigo and parent company MediaOCD have announced the debut of Episode 3 of THE ANIME BUSINESS, a first-of-its-kind documentary series featuring interviews with a variety of pioneers of the Western anime industry. The newest segment of the ongoing series features Pater Tatara, an entrepreneur who launched Anime NYC and helped to build the annual event into North America’s second biggest anime convention. As anime has grown from modest beginnings into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, THE ANIME BUSINESS provides insights from many notable people that played important roles in helping to popularize the genre in North America at various stages of its evolution. Episode 3 is available now on the official

    Photo courtesy of Shout! Studios and GKIDS ©Akiyuki Nosaka / Shinchosha, 1988 Source: Shout! Studios Special Thanks to Lauren Blum   Studio Ghibli’s GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (火垂るの墓, Hotaru no Haka, 1988), the acclaimed Japanese animated historical war drama directed by Isao Takahata (POM POKO, THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA) will be released in stunning Blu-ray on July 8th from GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Studios. The standard edition of the heartbreaking saga and the GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (Limited Edition Steelbook) will each include a Blu-ray+ DVD, and special features will include storyboards, image galleries, an interview with Director Isao Takahata, an interview with film critic Roger Ebert, and more. When an American air raid kills their mother in the final days of World War II, 14-year-old Seita and his 4-year-old sister Setsuko are left to fend for themselves in the devastated

    Fans Are Encouraged to Indulge in All Things ANI-MAY With Activations Available Across Retail, AVOD, Crunchyroll Games, Home Entertainment, Crunchyroll Store, and More Source: Crunchyroll press release Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, is kicking off the third annual Ani-May celebration with global retail, digital, and streaming activations. New and exclusive products and promotions will be available at Hot Topic and Uniqlo in the United States, Liverpool and Suburbia in Mexico; JB Hi-Fi and EB Games & Zing Pop Culture in Australia and at several retail locations across Europe and the Middle East, including HMV in the UK and Virgin Megastore Dubai, among many others. New and exclusive product launches and exciting promotional deals will also be available on the Crunchyroll Store all month! “Anime isn’t just an entertainment medium; it’s a lifestyle. To celebrate anime’s explosive growth, we’re giving fans a variety of

    Photo courtesy of Toho. © TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Toho International, Inc. Official Site:  https://godzilla.com/ Official Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Godzilla_Toho Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/godzilla_toho/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tohogodzillaofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Godzilla_Toho Special Thanks to Liberty Galindo   With Mother’s Day on the horizon, Toho International is pleased to share some epic gift offerings from their Godzilla line and iizo’s anime-inspired collections, perfect for the fierce, fandom-loving moms out there. From bold Godzilla apparel to anime-themed collectibles and accessories, Toho offers a range of unique gifts that help celebrate Mom’s powerful spirit and her love of pop culture.    Monstrously Memorable Mother’s Day Unleash the roar of appreciation with Godzilla apparel that’s larger than life! Perfect for the ultimate fan moms who’ve conquered chaos with style, these legendary looks bring the power, pride, and a little monstrous love to Mother’s Day. Products can be purchased at: Godzilla.com  

    Photo courtesy of Arrow Films. ©KADOKAWA CORPORATION 1970 Source: Arrow Films, MVD Entertainment Special Thanks to Derek Stubinski Daiei's fantasy film THE INVISIBLE SWORDSMAN (透明剣士, Tōmei Kenshi, 1970) will be released in June in a limited edition Blu-ray from Arrow Films. Photo courtesy of Arrow Films. ©KADOKAWA CORPORATION 1970 Mysterious sprites, eery supernatural goings on and heroic sword-fighting action abound in this mystical tale of vengeance and adventure from the makers of the Zatoichi, Daimajin and Yokai Monsters films. In Edo-era Japan, Sanshiro diligently hones his sword-fighting technique at the kendo dojo, but no amount of practice can hide the fact that he is both clumsy and cowardly. When his samurai father falls prey to a gang of murderous phantom thieves while on night watch duties, Sanshiro is drawn to the banks of the Sanzu River that separates the worlds of the living

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co. ©2025 STUDIO CHIZU Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Sony Pictures Entertainment   Sony Pictures Entertainment has co-produced and co-financed, with Studio Chizu and Nippon Television Network Corporation, the long-awaited new film from director Mamoru Hosoda (MIRAI, BELLE, WOLF CHILDREN, SUMMER WARS), his first in four years, SCARLET (果てしなきスカーレット,  Hateshinaki Sukāretto). Toho will distribute the film theatrically in Japan, and SPE will distribute it worldwide. SCARLET will open in Japan on November 21 and in the United States on December 12, 2025. At a press conference for the film,  Steven O'Dell, President of SPE International Distribution, stated, "SCARLET is a work that combines all the greatness of cinema. The original story spun by Director Hosoda makes  SCARLET a movie that can be delivered to the whole world. This work has epic action, a great adventure, and at the core of the story

    Ceremonial First Pitch Will Be a Historic Moment for the ONE PIECE Franchise  Source: Toei Animation Inc. press release Special Thanks to Scott Barretto Photo courtesy of Toei Animation. ©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, TOEI ANIMATION Anime’s favorite pirates, Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hats crew, return to Beantown this weekend for Boston Red Sox x ONE PIECE Theme Day. This year’s ONE PIECE celebration sold out in record time and is now the second successful partnership between the legendary studio Toei Animation and the Boston Red Sox.  On Saturday, May 3, Monkey D. Luffy and Chopper character mascots will welcome a throng of 6,300 anime fans to Fenway Park for Boston Red Sox x ONE PIECE Theme Day. New this year, and a first for the ONE Piece franchise, a Monkey D. Luffy character mascot will throw the ceremonial first pitch in pregame ceremonies preceding the

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