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    Reiko Yamada performing “Ritmica Ostinata” in Tokyo, July 2016. Photo courtesy of The Tokyo Symphony.

    Music

    Author: John DeSentis Source: akiraifukube.org, project120chicago.org Tickets: ifukubetenthmemorial.brownpapertickets.com Special Thanks to Erik Homenick and Reiko Yamada On Saturday, December 17th, 2016, The Akira Ifukube 10th Anniversary Memorial Concert will take place at Nichols Concert Hall at The Music Institute of Chicago. The ten year anniversary mark of an individual passing away is of significant cultural importance in Japan and there were certainly many that were performed this year in honor of Mr. Ifukube, who passed away in 2006. This one will be the final of it’s kind in 2016. The concert is sponsored by Project 120 Chicago and fully supported by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago. One such memorial concert which took place in Japan this past summer featured the incredibly talented Reiko Yamada, who brought down the house with her always blistering performance of Ifukube’s “Ritmica Ostinata”. She

    Pokemon Adventures artist Satoshi Yamamoto. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.

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    Set For Release Next Year Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: pokemon.com, VIZ.com/Pokemon Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, expands its critically acclaimed art book and POKÉMON collection with the acquisition of the North American publishing rights for the Pokémon Adventures 20th Anniversary Illustration Book: The Art of Pokémon Adventures. A first-of-its-kind release, The Art of Pokémon Adventures is scheduled for a print release in Fall 2017 and celebrates two decades of POKÉMON with a vividly illustrated collection of work by the beloved manga series artist, Satoshi Yamamoto. Latest VIZ Media Publishing Acquisition: Pokémon Adventures 20th Anniversary Illustration Book: The Art of Pokémon Adventures Available Fall 2017 Beautiful full-color art from the Pokémon Adventures graphic novel series, sketches and storyboards never seen before, four pull-out

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    Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event Announces Exciting Slate Of Top Japanese Pop/Rock/Electronica/Dance Artists Source: MediaLab press release Official Site: J-POP.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has announced an exciting and diverse first line-up of music artists set to perform this year. This summer’s festival will be highlighted by an exciting 3-day slate of live music from a wide range of top Japanese pop idol, ani-pop (anime pop), electronica, and rock artists that will complement an extensive roster of attractions, participants and exhibits, and other live programming. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 6th at J-POP.com. J-POP SUMMIT 2016 starts with “Kyary Pamyu Pamyu LIVE at J-POP SUMMIT OPENING NIGHT - KPP 5iVE YEARS

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    Festival Welcomes Return Of Edgy Pop Singer For Special Live Concert Performance Source: MediaLab press release Official Site: J-POP.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, proudly presents pop princess -- Kyary Pamyu Pamyu -- for a very special live concert performance in San Francisco at the Regency Ballroom on Friday, July 22nd to kick off the weekend-long J-POP festivities. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 6th. KPP Concert Ticket BASIC and PREMIUM packages, along with KPP + J-POP SUMMIT Combo Tickets, will be available for purchase at J-POP.com. The Regency Ballroom is located at 1290 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is one of Japan’s biggest pop and fashion stars and represents

    Image courtesy of John DeSentis and Chris Oglio.

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    The Team Behind the Incredible “Ifukube 100: A Legacy of Monster Music” Needs YOUR Help for a Brand New Show! Author: John DeSentis Official Site: kickstarter.com/symphonic-fury-the-music-of-japanese-monsters On July 12th, 2014, hundreds of Japanese Tokusatsu (special effects) fans descended upon the Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge, IL for "IFUKUBE 100: A LEGACY OF MONSTER MUSIC". This historic concert was a celebration of the music that maestro Akira Ifukube wrote for Toho`s Godzilla film series. The Rondo Award-nominated event was met with praise, accolades, and recognition from Chicago to Tokyo. Friends and fans were in awe and left wanting more. The time has come to deliver just that, and John DeSentis and Chris Oglio need your help once more. One of the biggest requests by the fans was to hear some of the themes that Mr. Ifukube wrote for non-Godzilla Toho films such as ATRAGON, THE MYSTERIANS and WAR

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    Group Supports Latest Album With North American Concerts in Chicago, Los Angeles and Anaheim Source: Epic Records Japan, MediaLab press releases Official Site: scandal-4.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Epic Records Japan recording artist, SCANDAL (???????, embarks next month on its most extensive world tour to-date in support of the release of the band’s 20th single -- “image” -- from its latest album Hello World. SCANDAL is one of Japan’s most popular rock acts, capturing millions fans with an astute mix of power driven pop-rock. The all-girl, four-piece band also has garnered substantial fan bases across North America, Europe and Asia. Mixing the melodic styles of pop, rock and alternative music with hip fashion sensibilities and unstoppable girl star power, SCANDAL is at the forefront of the burgeoning “J-Pop” and “Japan Cool” global

    Image courtesy of Aniplex of America. © Olympus Knights/Aniplex, Project AZ

    Music

    Original Soundtrack to Feature the Music of Composer Hiroyuki Sawano Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: aldnoahzero.com (Japan), aldnoahzerousa.com (US) Special Thanks to Joanna Metoki Aniplex of America has announced their plans to begin distributions for the ALDNOAH.ZERO Original Soundtrack (IMPORT) on February 10th. Fans can now enjoy the powerful music from this science-fiction anime series even on the go with this album of original songs. Pre-orders are now being accepted on the official homepage and through official retailers. Aniplex of America has also confirmed that this product will be available at a very limited amount and will be sold only while supplies last. The ALDNOAH.ZERO Original Soundtrack will feature the unique sounds of Hiroyuki Sawano, who is in charge of the music for the anime series. Sawano’s one-of-a-kind composition style has captured the hearts of many fans since the series premiered last summer

    CD cover art. Photo courtesy of Shochiku. © 2014 Space Battleship Yamato 2199 Production Committee

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    Author: Tim Eldred, Cosmo DNA Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: yamato2199.net World-famous violinist Taro Hakase has participated in the theme song for the anime movie SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO 2199: THE STAR-VOYAGING ARK (???????2199 ?????, Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Hoshi Meguru Hakobune), which will be released December 6th. The film is based on the 2012 television series, and is a completely new story in the hit SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO 2199 franchise. SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO 2199: A VOYAGE TO REMEMBER (???????2199 ?????, Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Tsuioku no Kokai) was released in theaters on October 11th, a special compilation of YAMATO 2199 episodes 1-7 told from a new perspective. In addition to Taro Hakase`s contribution to the main theme for THE STAR-VOYAGING ARK, the music label HATS -- for which Hakase acts as General Music Director -- will release a cover album of YAMATO

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    Source: Live Viewing Japan, MediaLab press releases Official Site: larcenciel2014lvj.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Live Viewing Japan, a famous distribution company dedicated to introducing Japanese artists of various genres globally, is very pleased to share the spectacular stage presence of world-famous Japanese rock juggernaut, L’Arc~en~Ciel, with 10 major cities all over the United States, in the form of a delayed satellite broadcast of their long-awaited L`ARC~EN~CIEL LIVE 2014 AT NATIONAL STADIUM. Chosen as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, the iconic National Stadium only played host to four most influential Japanese music bands’ performances as of 2012, with L’Arc~en~Ciel included. Being the band’s second time to play at this enormous venue as well as their very first show since the last world tour, the significant

    Music

    Festival to Showcases the Best in Modern Japanese Film, Food, Fashion, Music and Entertainment Source: MediaLab press release Official Site: j-pop.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, and the J-POP Summit Festival Committee have announced the dates for the 2014 J-POP Summit Festival. The popular annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, and film will return to San Francisco’s Japantown and will also present another special J-Pop concert in Union Square the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th, 2014. The J-POP Summit Festival is the Bay Area’s premier annual Japanese pop culture celebration featuring a variety of live bands and artists, pop culture panel discussions,

    Music

    World’s Most Popular Virtual Pop Singer Celebrates Her Birthday with a Thrilling Live Concert from Yokohama, Japan Source: MediaLab press release Special Thanks to Erik Jansen Live Viewing Japan, a distribution company focused on bringing Japanese entertainment media to an international audience, has announced the New York City and Los Angeles theatre locations that will screen the East and West Coast premieres of the HATSUNE MIKU MAGICAL MIRAI 2013 CONCERT on August 31st. This special film celebrates the 6th birthday of the world’s renowned virtual idol, Hatsune Miku, by capturing a special commemorative live concert scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 30th at the Yokohama Area in Yokohama, Japan. The film will presented to U.S. fans and J-Pop lovers the next day in this special delayed broadcast film premiere.

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    Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo proudly announces CELL as Industry Guests for AX2013! Formed in July 2012 with Kon (ex-La`Mule, NightingeiL), SIN (ex-La`Mule), NAO (ex-La`Mule) and YUKI, they will be making their first US appearance live at Anime Expo! CELL`s themes and imagery of "blood" and "red" come from the cells that compose all living creatures, which in turn means "life" and “infinite possibilities”. Vocalist Kon and the band bring out the strongest human emotions such as life, love, anger, frustration, and strength. CELL will be joining the lineup of our special Visual Kei event also featuring Kaya and Moon Stream on Friday, July 5th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Tickets available soon on the official website.

    Bandai`s S.H.Figuarts wlii release action figures of Daft Punk`s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter this December. Photo courtesy of Bluefin. TM&© 2013 Daft Punk

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    Source: Bluefin Corp. press release Official Site: tamashii.jp/special/daftpunk (Japan), Bluefin (US) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Appropriately timed with the group`s new album (Random Access Memories) announcement and supervised by the artists themselves, high-end action figures of Daft Punk have been confirmed for release under the S.H.Figuarts advanced action figure series from Bandai Japan’s premium collector`s label, Tamashii Nations! The total figure height is approximately 15cm, and as with all S.H.Figuarts figures, these Daft Punk figures feature precise articulation for recreation of a variety of poses. The helmet areas will feature a shiny metallic finish for enhanced realism. Sold separately, both figures include 7 sets of interchangeable left/right hands for recreation of dynamic posing. S.H. Figuarts - Daft Punk Thomas Bangalter/ S.H.Figuarts??????? ?????????? Height: Approximately 15cm Material: ABS, PVC Shipping: December 2013 Distributed by: Tamashii Web Shop (Japan), Bluefin (United

    Action figures of Daft Punk`s Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo will be released by Bandai`s S.H.Figuarts. Photo courtesy of Bluefin. TM&© 2013 Daft Punk

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    Source: Bluefin Corp. press release Official Site: tamashii.jp/special/daftpunk (Japan), Bluefin (US) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Appropriately timed with the group`s new album (Random Access Memories) announcement and supervised by the artists themselves, high-end action figures of Daft Punk have been confirmed for release under the S.H.Figuarts advanced action figure series from Bandai Japan’s premium collector`s label, Tamashii Nations! The total figure height is approximately 15cm, and as with all S.H.Figuarts figures, these Daft Punk figures feature precise articulation for recreation of a variety of poses. The helmet areas will feature a shiny metallic finish for enhanced realism. S.H. Figuarts - Daft Punk (S.H.Figuarts???????) Height: Approximately 15cm Shipping: November 2013 Distributed by: Tamashii Web Shop (Japan), Bluefin (United States) Price: TBA About Daft Punk In similar company with new-school French progressive dance artists such as Motorbass, Air, Cassius, and Dimitri from Paris, Parisian duo Daft Punk

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    Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Anime Expo announces J-Pop artists STARMARIE as Industry Guests for AX2013! Featuring members Shino Takamori, Nozomi Kishita, and Shiori Aoki, their musical concept is to tell wonderful stories of fantasy through song. STARMARIE recently released their second album "Fantasy World 2", and have also collaborated with designer and stylist Yanagi Nobuto, and gothic lolita brand "Opera the?Dream House". They will be making their US live debut at Anime Expo 2013! STARMARIE`s singles “Mitsuboshi Restaurant Paul kara no Shoutaijyou” (“The Three-Starred Restaurant / Paul`s Invitiation”) and “Mogura Mystery Tour” are now available on iTunes in the US. Anime Expo presents the best in global music entertainment, featuring concerts from major J-Pop, Ani-Song, Japanese rock, and Idol Performers, providing attendees the opportunity to

    The experimental silent movie/music event SANGUIVOROUS is coming to five cities in the Midwest and East Coast in late March and early April. © Tidepoint Pictures, LLC 2013

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    Movie Screens with Live Jazz Accompaniment Source: Tidepoint Pictures, LLC press release Official Movie Site: sanguivorous.com Special Thanks to Tetsuki Ijichi SANGUIVOROUS (Kyuketsu, ??, 2012), the first silent Japanese vampire movie, goes for the jugular in a feeding frenzy through New York, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Hudson and Washington, DC. With live musical accompaniment by Japanese percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani and saxophonist Edward Wilkerson, Jr., this unprecedented event combines experimental filmmaking, cutting-edge contemporary music, dance theatre -- and fangs. SANGUIVOROUS is written and directed by Japanese filmmaker Naoki Yoshimoto and features the renowned avant-garde butoh dancer Ko Murobushi. A young woman suffering from mysterious physical ailments is horrified to discover that she’s descended from generations of vampires. When with her boyfriend, she struggles to control her peculiar appetite. But it’s in her blood... Presented by Tidepoint Pictures, the Santa Fe-based Asian motion picture distributor, SANGUIVOROUS promises

    Image courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Inc. © 2013 INTERNET Co., Ltd.

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    New VOCALOID3 Megpoid English Launch Event Offers Hot Beats, Live Vocaloid Dancers and Vocaloid Workshops Source: MediaLab press release Official Site: newpeopleworld.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen NEW PEOPLE, Inc, a San Francisco-based entertainment company bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, celebrates the latest wave of the Vocaloid music phenomenon as it presents a special FREE Megpoid Launch Event featuring Vocalekt Visions on Sunday, March 3rd. The all-day VOCALOID3 Megpoid English launch event commences at 12:00 noon, and will offer a variety of dance and Vocaloid performances, free VOCALOID3 Megpoid English software workshops, demos, and other activities that will run thru 6:00pm. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post St. in San Francisco’s Japantown. Vocalekt Visions, a unique Bay Area-based Vocaloid performance troupe, will present two special Vocaloid holographic performances inside the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, at 2:00pm and 4:30pm, which

    The American Godzilla puts his foot down in New York City. © 1998 TriStar Pictures/ Toho Co., Ltd.

    Music

    1998 Movie Soundtrack Reissued as Limited Edition 3 CD Set Source: BUYSOUNDTRAX press release Special Thanks to Matti Keskiivari BUYSOUNDTRAX Records presents GODZILLA: THE ULTIMATE EDITION, featuring music composed by David Arnold (STARGATE, INDEPENDENCE DAY, CASINO ROYALE) for the 1998 action film produced by Sony Pictures, directed by Roland Emmerich and written by Dean Devlin (STARGATE, INDEPENDENCE DAY, THE PATRIOT), starring Matthew Broderick, Maria Pitillo, Hank Azaria, Kevin Dunn and Jean Reno. BUYSOUNDTRAX Records, under license from TriStar Pictures, presents the GODZILLA: THE ULTIMATE EDITION on 3 CDs, including the complete score to the film, along with a selection of bonus tracks and the original planned album arrangement of David Arnold’s score, previously only available as a promotional release. Following the 1993 box office success of JURASSIC PARK, American producers were on the hunt for similar properties to develop. With the failure of

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    Thousands Expected To Visit Japantown For 4th Annual Weekend-Long Event Celebrating Japanese Fashion, Film, Music, Anime, Technology And Pop Culture Source: MediaLab press release, NEWPEOPLEWORLD.com Official Site: j-pop.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen The colorful sights, styles, sounds and flavors of Japanese pop culture returns to the Bay Area as the 2012 J-POP Summit Festival commences next weekend -- Saturday and Sunday, August 25th and 26th. The annual Festival, now in its fourth year, is organized by NEW PEOPLE, San Francisco’s dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue, and presented in association with the Japantown Merchant Association. Complete details on participants and a comprehensive schedule of events at the 2012 J-POP Summit are available at j-pop.com. The theme for 2012 is “Cyberpop Overload!,” and the all-day, weekend-long celebration will offer many unique attractions that

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    Annual Weekend-Long Pop Culture Celebration to Present Video Game-Inspired Artists and DJs Source: MediaLab press release, NEWPEOPLEWORLD.com Official Site: j-pop.com Special Thanks to Erik Jansen NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, invites the Bay Area to get its dance groove on at this year’s 2012 J-POP Summit Festival as the company continues to expand the event’s roster of live programming. Celebrating the Festival’s theme of “Cyberpop Overload,” a just-announced full slate of video game-inspired artists and DJs will feature mesmerizing and danceable sets from Random Encounters, The Glowing Stars, SpaceKraft, DJ Amaya and Vex Mode. More performers and artists will be announced next week! The annual J-POP Summit Festival, now in its fourth year and presented

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