SciFi Japan
    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

    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

    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

    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).

    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

    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

    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

    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...

    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

    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".

    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

    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,

    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.

    Monsters Enter the World of the Curry Kingdom this June 15-17 at the Anaheim Convention Center Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Official Site: am2con.org Official Movie Site: kaibutsukun-movie.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Chase Wang The extremely popular and highly anticipated sequel to the legendary manga-based TV drama series comes to life in KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE (???????, Eiga Kaibutsu-kun, 2011) will be screened EXCLUSIVELY at this summer`s most anticipated Anime, Manga and Music event AM². Two screenings will be available -- one EXCLUSIVELY for Passport holders ONLY and the second for Passport holders preferred (with general attendees as seating permits). More info and attendee registration can be found at am2con.org. “With our growing guest list, screenings and activities AM² will be the place to be this summer in Southern California for all that is anime and manga,” states Chase Wang of

    Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Site: Always 3 Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Tzeling Huang SciFi Japan is pleased to present an early look at ALWAYS- SUNSET ON 3RD STREET- 3 (ALWAYS ??????`64, Always San-Chome no Yuhi `64), the latest chapter in the smash hit ALWAYS movie series. The following photos and detailed production notes are courtesy of NTV. Toho will release the film to theaters across Japan on January 21, 2012. SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for a new movie. INTRODUCTION Released in Japan in November 2005, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET (ALWAYS ??????, Always San-Chome no Yuhi) enjoyed a long theatrical run, won countless awards (including numerous Japan Academy Awards), and became one of the most successful films in recent memory. Two years later, the sequel, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- 2 (ALWAYS ????????, Always Zoku San-Chome no

    Authors: the SciFi Japan team Photos: Daisuke Ishizuka The staff of SciFi Japan to thank all of our readers, contributors, news sources and sponsors for their help and support this past year. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a wonderful holiday season as we head into 2012. In keeping with the holiday spirit, the following photos from Daisuke Ishizuka show the Super Sentai and Kamen Rider Christmas displays at Akihabara in Tokyo. Enjoy!

    EATRIP, DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER in the The Bay Area on Dec 17th Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab press release Special Thanks to Erik Jansen NEW PEOPLE, the nation’s only entertainment complex dedicated to Japanese popular culture, has announced a trio of Japanese live-action films to screen on Saturday, December 17th at the venue’s SF Film Society|NEW PEOPLE Cinema. The screenings will include the culinary documentary EATRIP, which plays at 1:00pm, the newly released music biopic, DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED, which plays at 3:00pm and again at 8:30pm, and finally the action-packed conclusion of the celebrated GANTZ sci-fi saga with a showing of GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER 5:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 each per film. Information and advance tickets are available at newpeopleworld.com. The SF Film Society|NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat subterranean theatre located at 1746 Post Street in San

    Festival of Nuclear Reactions, Retro, Anime and Horror Kicks Off November 18th in London Source: Zipangu Fest, Third Window Film press releases Official Site: zipangufest.com The second Zipangu Fest— celebrating the best of cutting edge and avant garde Japanese cinema— will be held at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and Café Oto from November 18th to 24th, before moving to venues around the UK. The festival will showcase a selection of Japan’s finest features, documentaries, shorts, animation and experimental films... most of which have never been seen before in the UK and this festival will probably be the only chance to see them in the near future. In the aftermath of this year’s tragedy in north-eastern Japan, the issues surrounding nuclear energy have resurfaced and Zipangu Fest will show two documentaries on the subject. Hitomi Kamanaka’s ASHES TO HONEY (?????????????, Mitsu-bachi no

    Come Perform Onstage as Your Favorite Japanese Superhero Source: Anime Jungle Special Thanks to Tetsu Shiota and Yoichi Kakuma On Saturday, November 5th, the collector`s shop Anime Jungle in Los Angeles, CA will host their first HENSHIN CONTEST for costumers/cosplayers to perform a short onstage skit with a Kamen/Masked Rider, Super Sentai/Power Rangers, or other Costumed Heroes theme. The contest will take place at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) during the opening reception for the KAMEN RIDER VS SUPER SENTAI Anniversaries Tribute Exhibition (co-sponsored with with Q-POP) in downtown LA`s Little Tokyo. Cosplayers who wish to participate in the Henshin Contest can register at either of Anime Jungle`s Los Angeles locations or online. Complete contest details can be found at animejungle.net/henshin. The top three performances will have their choice of three prizes, all related to Kamen Rider or Super Sentai. Anime Jungle invites

    Primary Korean Film Festival Puts Two Monster Movies on This Year`s List Author: Kim Song-ho Source: Busan International Film Festival The 3D version of Bong Joon-ho`s THE HOST (?? / Gwoemul, 2006) and Kim Ki-duk`s classic YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP (??? ??? / Daegoesu Yonggary, 1967) will be shown at this year`s Busan* International Film Festival (BIFF, October 6~14). The event is known to be one of the most prosperous Asian film festivals in the world, first launched in 1996. THE HOST 3D is a surprise entry, as its existence was not known by the majority of Korean filmgoers or press before the festival announcement on September 8. Because the movie was produced before the 3D boom caused by James Cameron`s AVATAR (2009), it was post-converted from 2D. Production studio Chungeorahm Films had previously announced that the sequel (which has been in development for years) might

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