SciFi Japan

    Prototype of the DRAGON WARS Limited Editon Premium Diorama. This early version is missing the Dragon`s signature long whiskers, but that feature will be included in the final product. Photo courtesy of Zero Nine Character Co., Ltd. © 2007 Younggu Art Entertainment Co., Ltd.

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    Visiting the Merchandising Company for Shim Hyung-rae`s Creations Author: Kim Song-ho Source: Zena Pictures / Zero Nine Character Co., Ltd. Special Thanks to Hong Gi-hun and Park Sang-kyu A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE There has never been a heyday for Korean monster films. Japan in the 1960s had their first "monster boom", and there have been countless movies and television programs in the decades since. The US has also produced hundreds of such films. But, until now, there have been only a handful of Korean monster films made since the 1960s. Even so, there is history of monster films in Korea. From the quintessential giant monster movie YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP (Daekoesu Yonggary, 1967) to the recent hit DRAGON WARS (D-War, 2007), Korean monster films have been produced for over four decades, sometimes experiencing ebbs and flows, or even depressions. However, merchandising

    Promotional art for the anime series BLUE DRAGON, now available on iTunes. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2007 BLUE DRAGON PROJECT/TV TOKYO Based on the Xbox 360 game

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    Special Launch Promotion Includes Free Download of the First Episode of BLUE DRAGON on iTunes Through March 10, 2009 Source: VIZ Media press release Official Site: Bluedragon.viz.com Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq VIZ Media, LLC has announced the availability of its popular animated series BLUE DRAGON on the iTunes Store in the US and Canada. As a special launch promotion, the first episode of BLUE DRAGON will be available for download for free on the iTunes Store until March 10th and can be found at itunes.com/tv/bluedragon. The BLUE DRAGON animated series, based on the popular Xbox 360 role playing game, is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through

    Decades after they first stomped across theater screens, classic movie monsters are finally available to fans and toy collectors with the Korean Monster Collection 3-pack. Photo courtesy of Hong gi-hun.

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    Fan-Made Figures of Three of Korea`s Most Well-Known Monsters Author: Kim Song-ho Source: Hong Gi-hun, Big Monster Club Can you believe that, in the 40 years since the initial releases of South Korea`s YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP (Daekoesu Yonggary, 1967) and SPACE MONSTER MAN WANGMAGWI (Ujugoein Wangmagwi, 1967), there hasn`t been any merchandise of the titular monsters? Well, it`s true. How about Pulgasari from North Korea`s PULGASARI (1985)? Very limited number of figures were released in Japan, but that`s all. Not in Korea. But now we have them because, in 2008, an avid Korean monster fan made them himself! The man in question is Hong Gi-hun. He is a graphic designer and the founder of Big Monster Club, the biggest monster film club in Korea. Mr. Hong founded the club in 1999 on the community section of now-defunct nkino.com, a Korean movie portal site. After

    Crunchyroll will simulcast next week`s brand-new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episode. © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2007 Shippuden

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    Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Official Site: crunchyroll.com Special Thanks to Chase Wang NARUTO continues his journey to assist Team Kakashi in next week`s (Thursday; February 19, 2009; 3:00 am PST) simulcast, with Japan, of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN #97 on the fully anime licensed site and leading online destination for anime - Crunchyroll. The leading online anime distributor will simulcast the newest episode for Anime Subscription Members and also provide free viewing of the previous week`s simulcast. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com/naruto. Episode Synopsis: From the results of the analysis of the crystallized Parasitic insects, the enemies currently fighting Kakashi`s team are identified as users of the Crystal Style, a rare type of jutsu. Still unclear on what Orochimaru`s objective is, Tsunade cannot hide her irritation and anxiety. Meanwhile, the search team fends off Gozu and Rinji only to find themselves in a

    Cover for The Lord of the Sands of Time, the first novel to be published under the Haikasoru imprint. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2007 Issui Ogawa; Originally published in Japan by Hayakawa Publishing, Inc.

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    First-Of-Its-Kind Imprint Launches This Summer To Publish The Best In Contemporary Japanese Science Fiction Novels Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of a brand-new imprint called Haikasoru (meaning “High Castle”), which will publish an array of contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences. This is the first time an imprint with a dedicated focus on Japanese SF has launched in North America. Haikasoru is scheduled to publish twelve books a year and launches in the summer of 2009 with four titles: The Lord of the Sands of Time by Issui Ogawa, All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, ZOO by Otsuichi, and Usurper of the Sun by Housuke Nojiri. Haikasoru will be helmed

    Ad for VIZ`s free streaming episodes of the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2007 Shippuden

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    VIZ Media To Provide Near Simultaneous U.S.-Japan Release Of New NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Animated Episodes Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen Last November, VIZ Media, LLC, one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announced an innovative and unprecedented multimedia plan to provide near-simultaneous Japan-U.S. release of NARUTO, one of the most popular Japanese animated and manga properties in the world. This campaign is the latest expansion of VIZ Media’s ongoing strategy to utilize the web to its maximum potential to stream a variety of hit animated properties. Beginning this Thursday, January 15th the latest episode of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (English-subtitled) animated series will be available for free viewing on the ultimate destination for anything NARUTO – the official NARUTO website, www.naruto.com, within days of its original airdate in Japan. A new English-subtitled

    The acclaimed Toei anime series GALAXY EXPRESS 999 and CAPTAIN HARLOCK are now available on Crunchyroll. Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. © Leiji Matsumoto/Toei Animation © 1978 Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

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    Online Streaming, Subscription and Download-To-Own of Classic Toei Animation Titles Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Special Thanks to Chase Wang The Japanese anime production studio Toei Animation Co., Ltd. continues their partnership with the online media distribution giant Crunchyroll to provide streaming, subscription and download-to-own options for GALAXY EXPRESS 999 and CAPTAIN HARLOCK beginning today. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com. Mr. Kanji Kazahaya, Director of Toei Animation Co., Ltd.`s International Department, states, "We are excited and thrilled to be continuing our digital business developent with Crunchyroll. This is the new frontier for the anime industry and Crunchyroll is an ideal company to work with because of its international reach and strong community base." "We are extremely pleased to be continuing our strong partnership with Toei Animation," states Crunchyroll CEO Mr. Kun Gao. "Working with Toei Animation allows us

    NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is now available on Crunchyroll. © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2007 Shippuden

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    Online Anime Distribution Leader Launches One of the Most Popular Anime Titles of All Time Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Official Site: www.naruto.com Special Thanks to Chase Wang Crunchyroll, the world`s largest anime-focused content and social networking service, takes a huge and bold step in making a decisive transition from a platform for user-uploaded content to a platform of professionally-produced content with the historic launch of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN. The first eight episodes of the beginning of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN can be accessed immediately, with eight more catalog episodes added every week Friday. In addition, simulcast of the most recent episode one hour after Japan broadcast will be available starting January 8, 2009. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com/naruto. Crunchyroll will be offering episodes of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series, as well as a lineup of other blockbuster anime titles, as a

    The hit football anime EYESHIELD 21 has been added to the Crunchyroll lineup. © 2005 NAS, TV Tokyo, Shueisha

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    Online Media Distribution Leader to Start Broadcasting EYESHIELD 21 and NEO ANGELIQUE ABYSS plus movies KAEDE NEWTOWN and YONNA IN THE SOLITARY FORTRESS Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press releases Special Thanks to Chase Wang The online media distribution distribution giant Crunchyroll has announced a new partnership with CoMix Wave Films to provide streaming and subscriptions for the Japanese entertainment company`s popular anime titles KAEDE NEWTOWN (available now) and YONNA IN THE SOLITARY FORTRESS beginning in January 2009. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com. Mr. Kazuki Sunami, Director of CoMix Wave Films states, "We are extremelyexcited to present KAEDE NEWTOWN and YONNA IN THE SOLITARY FORTRESS to Crunchyroll`s huge global community of passionate anime fans. Moving forward, we hope to continue to work closely with Crunchyroll to bring the wonderful world of CoMix Wave Film`s creations to this amazing global community." Crunchyroll members will

    The popular THE TOWER OF DRUAGA characters return in the new series THE SWORD OF URUK. © 2008 NBGI/Izumi Project

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    Online Media Distribution Leader to Broadcast Anime Sequel on January 8, 2009 Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Official Site (Japanese): druaga-anime Special Thanks to Chase Wang On April 1, 2008, Gonzo animation premiered THE TOWER OF DRUAGA- ­THE AEGIS OF URUK (Doruaga no To -ji Ijisu obu Uruku), a 12 part anime television series based on Namco`s popular THE TOWER OF DRUAGA video games. The hit show was also simulcast online in Japanese and with English subtitles. Now fans can return to the exciting world of THE TOWER OF DRUAGA in the sequel to ­THE AEGIS OF URUK with the Crunchyroll Anime Membership. Following on the suspense of the original title, the sequel THE TOWER OF DRUAGA-THE SWORD OF URUK promises to continue with many surprises in store. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com. Crunchyroll Anime Membership will begin on January 8,

    NARUTO UNCUT Box Set Vol. 13 will be one of the first VIZ releases distributed by Warner Home Video. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha Inc.

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    Latest News Includes Partnerships with Warner Home Video and Canadian iTunes Store Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences

    Crunchyroll launches their online partnership with Pony Canyon by streaming the popular STEEL ANGEL KURUMI anime. © Kaishaku/Kadokawa Shoten/Pony Canyon

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    Online Media Distribution Giant Partners to Begin Online Streaming, Subscription and Download-To-Own of Anime Titles Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Special Thanks to Chase Wang The Japanese based multi-media entertainment company Pony Canyon Inc. has struck a partnership with online media distribution giant Crunchyroll to provide streaming and subscriptions for some of the company`s most popular anime titles. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com. Pony Canyon Inc.`s Deputy General Manager Hideyuki Saida states, "Crunchyroll helps create a new business model for online monetization and we are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them. We want fans abroad to know that we are here for them and want to bring them great anime titles for years to come." Vince Shortino, Crunchyroll General Manager comments, "Crunchyroll is proud to be working with Pony Canyon Inc. We are working

    Cover for Wrath of the Titans: Cyclops. Photo courtesy of artist Matt Frank. © 2008 BlueWater Productions and Ray Harryhausen

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    Monster from SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD Stars in One-Shot Comic Source: Matt Frank In 2006, comic book publisher BlueWater Productions signed a licensing deal with special effects legend Ray Harryhausen to create new comic series based on Harryhausen`s classic films. The "Ray Harryhausen Signature Series" line launched in mid-2007 with titles such as 20 Million Miles More (a sequel to the 1957 film 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH), Back to Mysterious Island, It Came from Beneath the Sea... Again, Jason and the Argonauts: The Kingdom of Hades, and Sinbad, Rogue of Mars. One of the most popular of these comics was Wrath of the Titans, which continued the story of Perseus and the other characters from Ray Harryhausen`s CLASH OF THE TITANS (1981) while adding elements and creatures from SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (1958). The success of Wrath of the Titans series has led to a

    Cover art for the BLEACH Posterzine. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV TOKYO, dentsu, Pierrot

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    Edition Features 11 Full-Color Posters Inspired by Hit Animated/Manga Series and 2 Original Exclusive Creations Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press release Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has announced the upcoming release of a special BLEACH Posterzine, which features 11 massive full-color posters inspired by the smash hit manga and animated series (rated `T` for Teens) created by Tite Kubo. Available exclusively through participating newsstands nationwide beginning December 2nd, the Posterzine carries an MSRP of $9.99 and includes two original creations made especially for this unique release. Each poster in the collection folds out to 16” x 22” and depicts the heroic Soul Reaper Ichigo and his friends as well as villains rendered in beautiful detail. This special publication will also include 2 free BLEACH sticker sheets and an iTunes gift card valid for a free download of episode

    VIZ will release subtitled episodes of the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series within days of their Japanese premiere. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto /2007 Shippuden

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    VIZ Media Announces Unprecedented Campaign To Provide Near Simultaneous U.S.-Japan Release Of New NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Animated Episodes Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press release Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has announced an innovative and unprecedented multimedia plan to provide near-simultaneous Japan-U.S. release of NARUTO, one of the most popular Japanese animated and manga properties in the world. This campaign is the latest expansion of VIZ Media’s ongoing strategy to utilize the web to its maximum potential to stream a variety of hit animated properties. Beginning on January 15th the latest episode of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (English-subtitled) animated series will be available for free viewing on the ultimate destination for anything NARUTO – the official NARUTO website, www.naruto.com, within days of its original airdate in Japan. A new English-subtitled episode will be added every Thursday thereafter. On January 2nd, VIZ

    The complete DEATH NOTE anime can now be Downloaded-To-Own. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2003 Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata, Shueisha, DNP, VAP, Madhouse

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    Two of the Hottest Animated Series in North America are Now Available for Download-To-Own Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press release Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC has announced the availability of the hit animated action series BLEACH and DEATH NOTE (both Uncut and English dubbed) on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment console from Microsoft. Fans in the U.S. will now have the ability to watch these episodes on a Download-To-Own (DTO) basis through Xbox LIVE for 160 Microsoft Points per episode. BLEACH features episodes 1-41 dubbed in English with more to be added, and DEATH NOTE features the full 37-episode series dubbed in English. The two series join NARUTO Uncut, which has been offered on Xbox LIVE since November 2007 and currently features episodes 1- 52 dubbed in English as well as episodes 1 – 24 subbed (with English

    Imagi Studios presents the new CGI ASTRO BOY film. © 2008 Summit Entertainment Ltd, Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd, Imagi International Holdings Ltd.

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    Studio and ASTRO BOY Distributor, Summit Entertainment, Also Unveil Global Marketing Alliances Source: Imagi Studios press release Official Website: Imagi Studios Imagi Studios announced that it has signed worldwide licensing agreements with American Greetings, Penguin Group (USA) Inc., Jazwares Inc., D3Publisher and IDW Publishing for ASTRO BOY, its upcoming CG-animated film based on the adventures of the superhero icon. The studio’s agreement with American Greetings also extends to future Imagi films. ASTRO BOY, slated for domestic release on October 23, 2009, is being distributed worldwide by Summit Entertainment except for Imagi’s reserved territories of Japan, Hong Kong and China. “The strategic partnerships with these product category leaders speak volumes about Astro Boy and its reach to fans of all ages around the world,” said Erin Corbett, President, Imagi Studios U.S. “In addition, the ongoing relationship with American Greetings reflects a shared vision for

    SLAM DUNK is one of several Toei Animation series now available on Crunchyroll. Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. © Takehiko Inoue/I.T. Planning/Toei Animation

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    Online Media Distribution Giant and Leading Animation Production Studio Begin Online Streaming, Subscription and Download-To-Own of Many Titles Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Special Thanks to Chase Wang One of the most prolific animation production studios, Toei Animation Co., Ltd., is partnering with online media distribution giant, Crunchyroll, to provide streaming, subscription and download-to-own options for some of the several popular anime titles to begin October 27, 2008. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com. Toei Animation Co., Ltd. is responsible for some of the most famous anime series including DRAGONBALL Z, ONE PIECE, and SAILOR MOON.“A partnership with Toei Animation is fantastic for Crunchyroll and the anime industry in the U.S. and international markets,” states Mr. Kun Gao Crunchyroll CEO, “it is great validation to have one of the oldest, largest Japanese animation studios using our platform to bring anime to a much

    Cover of the December issue of SHONEN JUMP. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © VIZ Media, LLC

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    Source: VIZ Media press release Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq Exciting December Issues Highlight Hot New Video Game Titles And Trends Of 2008 And Will Offer Holiday Sweepstakes To Win Free Wii Game Platforms; December SHOJO BEAT Contains Extensive Coverage Of Super-Popular Shojo Series Vampire Knight VIZ Media, LLC has announced special December issues of its magazines, SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, highlighting a variety of the latest video game titles and trends. Each magazine will also feature a holiday sweepstakes for a Nintendo Wii video game system. In addition, SHOJO BEAT includes a special supplement, the official guide to the hit shojo (girls) manga series Vampire Knight (rated T+ for older teens). The December issues of SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT go on sale nationwide on November 4th and 18th respectively. There is a strong inter-relationship between manga, anime and video gaming, as one

    Anime Network video can now been seen on iPhone and iPod Touch. Photo courtesy of Rhythm NewMedia. © 2008 Rhythm NewMedia

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    Anime Clips Available with Free vSNAX Videos App Source: Rhythm NewMedia, ADV Films Special Thanks to Lisa Friedrichs The best shows from Anime Network, America’s #1 Anime Channel, are now available on the Anime channel of vSNAX Videos, a free app for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. vSNAX is the destination for video on the iPhone, aggregating and refreshing short video clips from over 25 premium media partners every day. Anime Network titles, including AZUMANGA DAIOH, SAIYUKI and MYTHICAL DETECTIVE LOKI, are now accessible on the iPhone with updates throughout the day so that Anime fans will always have their favorite shows with them. The shows are available as short three to five minute clips, which are perfect for the mobile environment as a snack sized bite of entertainment on the go. Anime fans can download the FREE vSNAX Videos app at phobos.apple.com. “We chose

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