SciFi Japan

    Hayao Miyazaki`s HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE was just one of the Studio Ghibli films Steve Alpert helped bring to America. Image courtesy of GKIDS. © 2005 GNDDT

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    Source: Stone Bridge Press press release Special Thanks to Michael Palmer and Peter Goodman Stone Bridge Press is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a paperback copy of Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli, the memoir of former Studio Ghibli Head of International Sales, Steve Alpert. This highly entertaining business memoir describes what it was like to work for Japan’s premiere animation studio, Studio Ghibli, and its reigning genius Hayao Miyazaki. Steve Alpert, a Japanese-speaking American, was the “resident foreigner” in the offices of Ghibli and its parent Tokuma Shoten and played a central role when Miyazaki’s films were starting to take off in international markets. Alpert describes hauling heavy film canisters of PRINCESS MONONOKE to Russia and California, experiencing a screaming Harvey Weinstein, dealing with Disney marketers, and then triumphantly attending glittering galas celebrating

    Photo courtesy of Diamond Select. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Source: Diamond Select Toys Special Thanks to Zach Oat Diamond Select Toys is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a set of Godzilla Vinimates. This set includes 4 articulated 4? vinyl figures designed by Barry Bradfield, each packaged in a full-color window box... ? Godzilla 1954 black-and-white figure from the original GODZILLA (???, Gojira, 1954) ? Mechagodzilla from GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (?????????, Gojira Tai Mekagojira, 1974) ? Godzilla 1999 from GODZILLA 2000 (???2000 ?????, Gojira Nisen Mireniamu, 1999) ? Rodan from GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA II (???VS?????, Gojira Tai Mekagojira, 1993) The suggested retail price is $9.99 per figure. OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES and INFORMATION Prize: A. There are two (2) prizes, each consisting of four (4) Godzilla Vinimates figures. B. The prizes will be shipped to the contest winners so entrants must include a valid mailing address. This contest is only open to participants

    Image courtesy of Yen Press.

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    Source: Yen Press, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Yen Press incites appetites among readers as it prepares to launch the new culinary-themed manga series -- Restaurant to Another World -- on June 23rd. Restaurant From Another World is written by Junpei Inuzuka and features artwork by Katsumi Enami, the illustrator for the popular light novel series Baccano! The new series is based on the popular light novel of the same name. An anime series is also currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation. By all appearances, Western Restaurant Nekoya is a normal restaurant serving normal people -- but unbeknownst to the regulars, it also attracts an alternative clientele. Every Saturday, all manner of fantastical beings come to dine, and what is familiar fare to humans can be downright exotic for visitors from beyond. To these customers, Nekoya is known by a different

    Logo courtesy of Funimation. ©2020 Funimation Global Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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    Source: Funimation press release Official Site: funimation.com/funimationcon2020 Special Thanks to Jennifer Cruz Funimation continues to add exciting panels and events to delight and entertain fans at its upcoming FunimationCon 2020 on July 3-4. Today, Funimation announced panels with Aniplex of America, Right Stuf, and VIZ Media programmed by our esteemed partners. Funimation also announced it is hosting an Industry Announcements Panel chocked full of exciting Funimation news. Don’t miss this opportunity to be among the first to hear about new programming, releases, and much more. Today, Funimation unveiled new products and merchandise that will be available in the shop, including three exclusive items available in celebration of FunimationCon 2020. The newly announced panels and events join a growing line-up of exciting programming for fans at FunimationCon 2020. ANIPLEX OF AMERICA The Aniplex of America Living Room Sessions - Join your favorite Aniplex of America team members Rose

    Image courtesy of Yen Press.

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    Source: Yen Press, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Manga publisher Yen Press has detailed the release next week of Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying, a new manga series inspired by the hit SEKIRO video game. SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE is the latest video game created by FromSoftware, the iconic studio responsible for the DARK SOULS series and BLOODBOURNE. It was one of the most successful console games of the 2019, shipping almost four million copies. SEKIRO was cited as receiving "universal acclaim" according to Metacritic and won numerous awards, including Game of the Year from The Game Awards 2019 and the Japan Game Award`s Award for Excellence. Delving into history unexplored in the game, Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying provides rich insight into the history of the game’s main character. Life beyond death...A foolish notion with which to deceive oneself. But

    Steve Alpert recounts his role in bringing PRINCESS MONONOKE and other Hayao Miyazaki films to America in the new book, Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli. Image courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. © 1997 Nibariki - GND

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    An American’s unique behind-the-scenes look at how the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki were introduced to the world. Source: Stone Bridge Press press release Special Thanks to Michael Palmer and Peter Goodman Stone Bridge Press, the Berkeley, California based publisher of books on Asia with a focus on Japan has released Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli, the memoir of former Studio Ghibli Head of International Sales, Steve Alpert. This highly entertaining business memoir describes what it was like to work for Japan’s premiere animation studio, Studio Ghibli, and its reigning genius Hayao Miyazaki. Steve Alpert, a Japanese-speaking American, was the “resident foreigner” in the offices of Ghibli and its parent Tokuma Shoten and played a central role when Miyazaki’s films were starting to take off in international markets. Alpert describes hauling heavy film canisters of PRINCESS

    Photo courtesy of Toho. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release Official Site: godzilla.com, store.crunchyroll.com/collections/cr-loves-godzilla Special Thanks to Jennifer Cruz Crunchyroll, the world’s largest anime brand, and Toho International, Inc., the subsidiary of the Japanese entertainment studio Toho Co., Ltd, are excited to announce that they’ve collaborated on an exclusive streetwear collection that showcases iconic creatures from GODZILLA. The designs in this collection feature comic paneling and vibrant colors, highlighting fan-favorite matchups and monsters with a streetwear twist. Godzilla first appeared in Toho’s GODZILLA (November 3, 1954), a classic monster movie widely regarded as a masterpiece. The work launched a monster franchise that expanded over 65 years with more than 30 films in Japan and the U.S. in live-action and animation format, now ready to roar into the world again with the new Hollywood movie Godzilla vs. Kong. The GODZILLA streetwear collection will be available for pre-order from June 11-22 and once

    Photo courtesy of NECA. ©

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    Source: NECA press release Special Thanks to Peter de Leon NECA is proud to add another kaiju to its collection. At long last, King Kong will be joining NECA’s action figure line! King Kong is an original take on the classic gorilla, with super detailed hair and battle wounds across the body and head sculpts. This massive figure stands at 8″ tall with over 30 points of articulation. Included with the figure are 2 heads with varied expressions, a pair of open hands, and closed fist hands. Window box packaging with opening 5th panel front cover. Manufacturer: NECA Release Date: September 2020 Item Number: 42749 UPC: 63448242749-1

    Image courtesy of Yen Press.

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    An Impressive Collection of Art from the Game of the Year Source: Yen Press, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Yen Press has announced the acquisition of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Official Artworks, a collection of artwork from the hit video game that includes character profiles and concept designs. Experience SEKIRO’s unique take on the blood-soaked history of Japan’s Sengoku Period with over 300 pages of storyboards, character designs, and concept art! The imagery included in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Official Artworks covers all aspects of the game including backgrounds, weapons, monsters and more. SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE is the latest video game created by FromSoftware, the iconic studio responsible for the DARK SOULS series and BLOODBOURNE. It was one of best-selling games of 2019 with over 4 million units sold and won Game of the Year 2019 by GameSpot’s The Game Awards. Sekiro:

    Image courtesy of Yen Press.

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    Source: Yen Press, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Yen Press, LLC announced its latest manga acquisitions today, which include Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle, HeterogeniaLinguistico and My Broken Mariko. All three will release in October 2020. Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle Story by Reki Kawahara Art by Shiomi Miyoshi Original Illustration by abec Though the fourth floor of Aincrad was supposed to be only a dreary, dried up riverbed, it’s been transformed into a lattice of countless canals! Kirito and Asuna will need a gondola if they want to continue forward... Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle is a continuation of the manga adaptation of Sword Art Online Progressive, a spin-off of the original light novels that tell the untold stories taking place in the first two years of the characters’ time trapped in the game world.

    Image courtesy of Yen Press.

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    Source: Yen Press, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Yen Press, LLC announced its latest acquisitions today, including Sadako at the End of the World and the light novels High School DxD, Three Days of Happiness and In the Land of Leadale. All four titles will release in October 2020. High School DxD (light novel) by Ichiei Ishibumi Most of Issei Hyoudou`s perverted life has been filled with dreams about having a harem, so it`s not a great sign when one of his dates ends with his murder! He`s fortunate enough to be revived by a beautiful girl, but his luck ends after he discovers his school is filled to the brim with deadly angels and demons! Sadako at the End of the World story by Koma Natsumi, editorial supervision by

    Image courtesy of Yen Press. STAR WARS and related properties are © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

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    Source: Yen Press, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Join the Rebel Alliance as they launch an epic battle against the Galactic Empire in a pair of riveting new Star Wars manga taking place before the events of STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE. Yen Press, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, presents Star Wars Leia, Princess of Alderaan and Star Wars Rebels. Both ongoing series will be available in print and digital. Star Wars Leia, Princess of Alderaan Story by Claudia Gray Art by Haruichi Furudate A manga adaptation of the beloved YA Star Wars novel, Leia, Princess of Alderaan, by Claudia Gray. The never-before-told story of how young Leia Organa comes to join the rebellion against the evil Empire. Claudia Gray is the author of Star Wars Lost Stars, a Star Wars YA novel adapted into a manga published

    JUngle in Los Angeles is now selling the Deep Sea Monster Raiga Resin Kit. Photo courtesy of Jungle. ©2009 Crossroads Co., Ltd.

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    Source: Entertainment Hobby Shop Jungle Special Thanks to Yoichi Kakuma Entertainment Hobby Shop Jungle in Los Angeles is now selling an unassembled and unpainted resin garage kit of the titular monster from the movie RAIGA: THE MONSTER FROM THE DEEP SEA (深海獣雷牙, Shinkaijū Raiba, 2009) — released in North America as RAIGA: GOD OF THE MONSTERS. Exclusive to Jungle’s store and website, Raiga comes a bonus Bonefish resin kit. Deep Sea Monster Raiga: Unpainted Unassenbled Resin Kit Manufacturer: Image SKU: 105001979 Release Date: 2019 in Japan Raiga Height: 8 Inches Box Size: 11 x 7 x 5.5 Inches Price: $399.99 LA Jungle Special Bonus: Bonefish Resin Kit Order Link: animejungle.net/products/deep-sea-monster-raiga-unpainted-unassenbled-resin-kit

    Photos courtesy of Jungle. © Go Nagai/Dynamic Planning

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    Source: Entertainment Hobby Shop Jungle Special Thanks to Yoichi Kakuma Entertainment Hobby Shop Jungle in Los Angeles is now selling original exclusive figures of Go Nagai`s Super Robots Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger and Grendizer. These items are only sold in the U.S. at Jungle`s store and on their website. Only limited quantities are available, and the figures will not be restocked. Use the order links below to purchase the figures, or contact Jungle at: Jungle 319 E 2nd St #103 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: 213-621-1661 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mazinger Z: Jungle Mighty Mecha Series – Mazinger Z Battle Damage Ver. Manufacturer: Jungle SKU: 105001981 Release Date : 9/14/2019 in Japan Height: 17.5 Inches Box Size: 21.5 x 12.5 x 7.5 Inches Price: $429.99 Order Link: animejungle.net/products/mazinger-z-jungle-mighty-mecha-series-mazinger-z-battle-damage-ver

    Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Source: Bandai Co., Ltd. Special Thanks to Tatsuru Kaneda A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Bandai Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized, high-res photos of their new GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (?????????, Gojira Tai Mekagojira, 1974) figure set. The first of two sets based on Mechgodzilla`s introduction in the film, this release contains two "Fake Godzilla" figures depicting the cyborg monster in the midst of burning away its false skin. This item is sold internationally by the Premium Bandai website. Kaiju Out of the Law Mechagodzilla Project GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1974) First Appearance Set 1: Fake Godzilla Ver./ ???????????????????????????1974?????????????? Ver. Manufacturer: Bandai Product Size: Height Approximately 20cm (7.9 Inches), Width Approximately 10cm (3.9 Inches) Material: PVC Release Date: October 2020 (Japan) Price: ¥13,200 (Approximately $123.71 US, Tax Included) ? Set Contents Fake Godzilla Stage 1 Color Fake Godzilla Stage 2 Color

    Maser tanks confront Godzilla in the short film, GODZILLA APPEARS IN SUKAGAWA. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Author: Benjamin Chaffins It was reported in 2018 that a new short film would be released during Godzilla’s 64th anniversary. Indeed, a 14 minute video was created -- although not available to the public. In Eiji Tsuburaya’s hometown of Sukagawa, a few crew members were able to produce this special video in honor of the late Eiji Tsuburaya. So, what exactly does this mean? On January 11, 2019, the Eiji Tsuburaya Museum held an exhibit where attendees were able to witness the achievements of Tsuburaya along with this special video titled,“GODZILLA APPEARS IN SUKAGAWA (?????????, Gojira Sukagawa ni Genru). This special video contains live-action footage where Godzilla suddenly appears, attacking Sukagawa, and eventually battling with the maser tanks as seen in the Heisei and Millennium series. During Godzilla Fes 2018 in midtown Hibiya, the newly replicated Shodai (original) Godzilla 1954 suit made by

    Image courtesy of Amazing Figure Modeler. ©2020 Amazing Publications & Communications, Inc. Godzilla TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Source: Amazing Figure Modeler Official Facebook: facebook.com/amazingmodeler Special Thanks to Terry Webb and David Fisher Fans of Godzilla and other Toho monsters should be sure to pick up Amazing Figure Modeler #69. The latest issue of the world`s number one sci-fi, horror and fantasy figure modeling publication is packed with articles and photos devoted to kaiju kits, figures and dioramas. Among the highlights is a history of Godzilla Super-Deformed kits by Stan Hyde. Next, take a tour of Japan with a unique diary photo journal by Robert Troch that escorts you from Osaka to Tokyo with a stopover at the world famous Wonder Festival. Kurt Krause shows how to refurbish the classic Aurora Godzilla model, while Dave Prosser builds an incredible Mechagodzilla 2002 diorama. The magazine also contains two artists profiles. First, AFM editor Terry Webb throws the spotlight on Resin Chef’s sculptor

    Image courtesy of Aniplex.© Aniplex Inc. All rights reserved.

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    ANIPLEX.EXE releases demos ahead of June 2020 release Source: AniplexUSA press release Special Thanks to Aiko Makino ANIPLEX.EXE is excited to announce demos for ATRI -My Dear Moments-, developed by the creators of The Fruit of Grisaia, Frontwing and Makura, and Adabana Odd Tales, developed by Liar-soft, the makers of Gahkthun of the Golden Lightning and Kindred Spirits on the Roof, are now available on Steam ahead of the June 2020 release. Both games are suitable for all ages and will be available in English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, with ATRI -My Dear Moments priced at $20.99 and Adabana Odd Tales available for $17.99. ATRI -My Dear Moments-, written by Asuta Konno, one of the authors of If My Heart Had Wings, transports players to the near future in which a sudden and unexplained sea rise has left much of human civilization underwater. After losing

    Photo courtesy of NECA. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary.

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    Source: NECA Special Thanks to Peter de Leon NECA has announced that their Mothra (2019) 12” Wing-to-Wing "Poster Version” Action Figure is rolling out from their warehouse this week and will soon be available from retailers. Based on the monster’s appearance on the theatrical poster for GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, this Mothra figure features blue-green coloration and articulated wings. It includes a themed display base with support rod for simulated in-air poses. The figure measures approximately 12 inches in wingspan and comes in window box packaging with opening flap. Manufacturer: NECA Item Number: 42897 Release Date: May 2020 Price: $24.99 About NECA, Inc. NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) provides wholesale merchandise based

    Image courtesy of Yen Press

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    Source: Yen Press, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Yen Press expands its renowned light novel catalog with the release of Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai. The high school rom-com is written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Keji Mizoguchi and debuts today in-print and digitally. Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai notably inspired a hit anime adaptation, which currently streams on Hulu and Funimation.com, as well as a bestselling manga series and a live-action feature film that was released in Japan last year. Summary Out of sight, out of mind! Bunny girls do not live in libraries. This is simply common sense. And yet, that`s exactly where Sakuta finds one in the wild. More bewildering is who the bunny girl is: Mai Sakurajima, a girl one year older than Sakuta, famous at their school for her acting career

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