SciFi Japan
    Source: Kadokawa Corporation Official Site: kikaider.jp (Japan) Kadokawa Corporation is now offering the feature film KIKAIDER REBOOT (????? ??????, Kikaidaa Ribuuto, 2014) for international distribution as KIKAIDER -THE ULTIMATE HUMAN ROBOT-. Opening in Japanese cinemas on May 24th, KIKAIDER -THE ULTIMATE HUMAN ROBOT- is an update of Toei`s classic hero television series ROBOTMAN KIKAIDER (?????????, Jinzo Ningen Kikaidaa, 1972 – 1973) created by Shotaro Ishinomori. After ushering in an era of transforming heroes with the "altered human" Kamen Rider, Ishinomori took on the challenge of a new type of hero... the "artificial human", Kikaider. Jiro, a creation of robotics genius Dr. Komyoji, was built with an incomplete "conscience circuit" implanted within his body. The existence of this circuit causes inner conflict as he struggles with both good and evil impulses. This was the premise of KIKAIDER, which gained a loyal following thanks to story elements such as

    High-Res Images from Latest Chapter of the Live-Action Theatrical Series Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 2 (THE NEXT GENERATION ????????2?, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon - Patoreibaa - /Dai 2-Shoo, 2014) begins a two week limited theatrical run in Japan on Saturday, May 31, 2014. Supervised by director Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), the live-action adaptation of the MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patoreibaa) manga and anime runs for thirteen episodes, which are being released in seven theatrical chapters. The series will conclude with a feature-length film in 2015. THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 2 contains Episodes 2 and 3 from directors Tsujimoto Takanori (HARD REVENGE, MILLY films, BUSHIDO MAN) and Hiroaki Yuasa (THE WOMEN OF FAST FOOD, cinematographer on Oshii`s ASSAULT GIRLS). Naoto Takenaka, who voiced the character Shigeki Arakawa in the

    Source: Mill Creek Entertainment Official Site: ironfisttv.com Special Thanks to Chris Smith and Barrett Evans Mill Creek Entertainment has launched Iron Fist TV, a new streaming channel that features martial arts and monster films and TV shows. Iron Fist TV is now available online and on Roku, and offers both free (ad supported) and subscription ($4.99/month, no ads and wider selection) options. The channel includes over 35 martial arts and monster movies from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s as well as 150 TV episodes from ULTRAMAN, SUPER ROBOT RED BARON, IRON KING and FIGHT! DRAGON. More than 70 new films will be added over the next few months. About Mill Creek Entertainment Mill Creek Entertainment is a source of value home video entertainment. Helmed by a management team with over eighty years of experience in the consumer home entertainment

    Texas Tries a Taste of Tokusatsu Source: Mecha Gorilla press release Special Thanks Dyvontrae Johnson The first Texas Toku Taisen, organized by Mecha Gorilla and presented by Alamo Drafthouse and Alamo City Comic Con, will take place at the Westlakes Alamo Drafthouse location (1255 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227) on May 15, 2014. The Texas Toku Taisen is a film festival dedicated to showcasing the history and presence of the Japanese film genre tokusatsu (traditional FX techniques) here in the US. The festival will show 4 different movies before the premiere of Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures` GODZILLA. The festival will have a vendor’s table established for Heroes and Fantasies, a partner in organizing the event, a presentation from Monster Attack Team, as well as a live panel from Matt Frank of IDW’s Godzilla: Rulers of Earth. Texas Toku Taisen will show HENTAI KAMEN:

    Source: Kadokawa Pictures Official Site: live-movie.jp (Japan) Kadokawa Pictures has provided additional high-res photos from LIVE (???, Raivu), a new extreme suspense movie directed by Noboru Iguchi (MUTANT GIRLS SQUAD, KARATE-ROBO ZABORGAR, DEAD SUSHI) based on Yusuke Yamada`s novel of the same name. The movie opens in Japan on Saturday, May 10th. About Kadokawa Shoten Kadokawa Shoten, which forms the axis of the expansive KADOKAWA CORPORATION, is a well-established brand producing a wide variety of publications and visual contents including live-action pictures and animated films. For more information on LIVE please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: LIVE: Extreme Suspense from Kadokawa

    Source: Saban Brands, Lionsgate, Mammoth Press 1 press release, additional Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Megan Alvino Lionsgate, a leading global entertainment company, and Saban Brands, a strategic brand management company that acquires and builds global consumer brands, are partnering to develop and produce an original live action feature film based on the iconic POWER RANGERS property, it was announced today by franchise creator Haim Saban and Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. The announcement marks another step in Lionsgate’s continued commitment to build a broad portfolio of branded properties and franchises with global appeal. Saban launched MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS as a live action television series more than 20 years ago, and the series has been in continuous production ever since. It has subsequently grown into one of the world’s most popular and recognizable brands, with toys, apparel, costumes, video games, DVDs, comic books

    Source: Showgate Official Site: juon-movie.jp (Japan) Showgate has released additional high-res photos featuring the main cast from JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END (?? -???????-, Juon: Owari no Hajimari), the 10th film in the long-running THE GRUDGE J-Horror franchise. The movie opens at the Shinjuku Wald 9 and other Japanese cinemas on June 28th. For more information on JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: kikaider.jp (Japan) Toei Co., Ltd. has provided information and new high-res photos from their upcoming theatrical feature KIKAIDER REBOOT (????? ??????, Kikaidaa Ribuuto). The movie will open in Japanese cinemas on Saturday, May 24th. In 1971, Toei kicked off the "Henshin Hero" era with the start of Shotaro Ishinomori`s MASKED RIDER (??????, Kamen Raidaa) television series. The following year, Toei and Ishinomori took the concept to another level with the android hero show ROBOTMAN KIKAIDER (?????????, Jinzo Ningen Kikaidaa, 1972 – 1973). Created by robotics expert Dr. Nobuhiko Komyoji (Hajime Izu), the android Jiro (Ban Daisuke) was installed with an incomplete "conscience circuit" with a sense of both evil and justice. As the hero Kikaider, Jiro struggled with these competing feelings as he learned what it meant to be human... all while dealing with the villainous organization

    Sample Pages from the Full Color Reference Guide to Japanese Science Fiction Film Posters and Lobby Cards Source: Sean Linkenback A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Author Sean Linkenback has given SciFi Japan an advance look at pages from his upcoming hardcover book, The Art of Japanese Monsters. A complete reference guide to Japanese science fiction film posters from 1954 to present, the book will contain artwork from over 60 different films, including the Godzilla, Gamera, and Mothra series; RODAN, GAPPA, the Majin films, WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS, THE H-MAN, and many more. Over 1,000 posters and lobby cards from 20 different countries will be featured in full color. Two editions of The Art of Japanese Monsters will be released. The standard edition will be available through Diamond Comic Distributors and select bookstores on May 14th, and pre-orders will start shipping May 1st. Signed copies will also

    Bandai Figures to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. Bandai Tamashii Nations Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for figures and collectibles coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations in July and August 2014. Fans and collectors can purchase Bandai Tamashii Nations products from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsor Anime Jungle. S.H.Figuarts: Naruto/ S.H.Figuarts ??????? At last, one of the most requested characters in Tamashii Nations` surveys finally takes his rightful place in the S.H.Figuarts series. Naruto, as he appears in the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (??? ???) animated series, will finally be portrayed as an action figure with intricate articulation to recreate the most extreme ninja action sequences. This advanced action figure also features a full-array of optional accessories, including a total of

    Silver Ranger Appears on Orange Carpet Alongside the Main Cast Source: Saban Brands Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Shannon Kelly On Saturday, March 29th, the stars of Saban’s POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE were joined by the never-before-seen Silver Ranger at NICKELODEON’S 27TH ANNUAL KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS. The latest edition of the ceremony featuring the biggest television, movie and music acts was held at USC’s Galen Center, 3400 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA. Played by actor Cameron Jebo, the Silver Ranger debuted on the Orange Carpet before appearing for the first time in the POWER RANGERS series on Saturday, April 5, 2014. The Megaforce Ranger team includes Andrew Gray as Troy the Red Ranger, John Mark Loudermilk as Noah the Blue Ranger, Ciara Hanna as Gia the Yellow Ranger, Christina Masterson as Emma the Pink Ranger and Azim Rizk as Jake the

    Source: Nippon TV Official Movie Site: gatchaman-movie.jp (Japan) Nippon TV has provided SciFi Japan with production notes and high-res images from GATCHAMAN (??????, 2013), the live-action feature film based on the classic Tatsunoko Production anime series. With the exception of international film festival screenings, the GATCHAMAN movie is currently unavailable outside of Asia. Introduction They were chosen...to become the ultimate weapons. The chosen five...Man`s last defense against evil. At the beginning of the 21st Century mankind was under attack by invaders. Within 17 days half of the civilization was annihilated. On the verge of extinction humankind`s only hope against the invaders was the mysterious crystals called the Stones. These Stones empowered certain humans who were born Receptors. Statistically there`s only one Receptor in 8 million. After combing the land for Receptors, the chosen few gathered to train as special agents. They would be

    The Curse that Froze the World with Fear Returns Source: Showgate Official Site: juon-movie.jp (Japan) Five years after the release of the JU-ON: WHITE GHOST/JU-ON: BLACK GHOST double-feature in Japan and THE GRUDGE 3 in America, the long-running J-Horror franchise returns with JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END (?? -???????-, Juon: Owari no Hajimari), opening at the Shinjuku Wald 9 and other Japanese cinemas on June 28th. The 10th film in the JU-ON/THE GRUDGE series* is written and directed by Masayuki Ochiai. No stranger to the J-Horror genre, Ochiai had previously directed PARASITE EVE (????????, Parasaito Ivu, 1997), HYPNOSIS (??, Saimin, 1999), INFECTION (??, Kansen, 2004) and SHUTTER (?????, Shattaa, 2008). JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END brings the story back to the cursed house where the Saeki family came to their gruesome end and unleashed a terrifying curse that kills all who

    Limited Signed and Numbered Edition of Japanese Science Fiction Film Poster and Lobby Card Reference Guide Source: Sean Linkenback Anticipation for Sean Linkenback’s new poster-art book, The Art of Japanese Monsters had already been building in advance of its scheduled May 14th arrival date and now Linkenback has announced a deluxe version that is sure to whet the appetite of collectors: The Art of Japanese Monsters Leatherbound Deluxe Edition • Limited to 100 numbered copies • Each copy will be hand-bound in heirloom-quality leather • 20 Additional pages of posters (a whopping 250 pages total!) • Exclusive print from Hugo-Award winning artist Bob Eggleton • Each print will be autographed by Akira Takarada and Haruo Nakajima "This is something I had wanted to put together for a long-time," Linkenback told SciFi Japan. "I had been working for a while trying to get the logistics figured out,

    Images from Upcoming Live-Action Theatrical Series Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com Shochiku has released new high-res photos from THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (? ???? ???????? -??????-, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon - Patoreibaa -, 2014). Supervised by director Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), the live-action adaptation of the MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patlabor) manga and anime will run in 7 theatrical chapters starting April 5th. A feature film will follow in 2015. For more information on THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-

    Source: Toei Co., Ltd. Official Site: superhero-movie.com (Japan) Toei has provided press notes and photos for their latest "Super Hero Taisen" movie: HEISEI RIDER VS SHOWA RIDER: KAMEN RIDER TAISEN FEATURING SUPER SENTAI (????????????? ???????? feat.??????, Heisei Raidaa Tai Showa Raidaa Kamen Raidaa Taisen feat. Suupaa Sentai). The film opens in theaters across Japan on March 29, 2014. The soul of Kamen Rider has been handed down over generations, from the Showa franchise that started with MASKED RIDER (?????? Kamen Raidaa, 1971-1973) to the Heisei relaunch with MASKED RIDER KUUGA (????????? Kamen Raidaa Kuuga, 2000-2001). The latest Kamen Rider series, KAMEN RIDER GAIM (?????????????, Kamen Raidaa Gaimu, 2014), is the 15th entry in the second cycle... and now the culmination of that miraculous history begins! Entering a new era of innovation, the heroic image has been explored and redefined for a new generation. 30 heroes from both

    Disguise, Rubie’s and Morphsuits to Produce Power Rangers Costumes for Fans of All Ages through 2017 Source: Saban Brands, Burson-Marsteller press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Gretchen Toy Saban Brands strengthens its POWER RANGERS costume business through licensing renewals with Disguise Inc., Rubie’s Costume Company and Morphsuits. Each partner will continue producing character-inspired costumes through 2017. As superheroes remain a top performing Halloween costumes for kids and adults, Power Ranger fans can suit up as their favorite Ranger year after year. Disguise Inc., the Halloween costume division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc., and Rubie’s Costume Company will continue to produce classic MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS costumes as well as all-new styles from the current and upcoming POWER RANGERS seasons for both children and adults. Power Rangers costumes from Disguise will be available throughout North America, while Rubie’s will be available in Europe, the Middle East,

    Author: Edward L. Holland Source: Monster Attack Team Official Site: toei-heroworld.jp Special Thanks to Ishimori Productions and MAT Sgt. First Class Noriyuki Kawabata Families and adult fans can now visit an indoor park dedicated solely to Toei Company`s vast history of tokusatsu hero characters. Toei Hero World Namco Action Museum (??????????, Toei Hiiroowaarudo), located sixty plus minutes east of Tokyo in Makuhari New City Mihama ward Chiba at the massive Aeon Mall, is the first and only place on earth celebrating Toei’s hero shows and films. The park opened December 20, 2013 and features interactive heroes, Kamen Rider motorbikes, Super Sentai robots, five attractions and rides, a café, and Heroes Shop stocked with the latest collectibles. Hero World focuses on Toei’s heroes from 1971 like Shotaro Ishinomori’s Kamen Rider Ichigo and Nigo (Kamen Riders 1 and 2) and other non-related Ishinomori characters from

    Deal to Include Licensing and Broadcasting of Latest POWER RANGERS Seasons and DIGIMON FUSION Source: Saban Brands, Burson-Marsteller press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Gretchen Toy Saban Brands and Cartoon Network have announced that POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE, POWER RANGERS SUPER MEGAFORCE and DIGIMON FUSION have been licensed to Cartoon Network Latin America for broadcast beginning in 2014. Additionally, Cartoon Network Latin America will serve as licensing and merchandising agents for both the POWER RANGERS franchise and DIGIMON FUSION. MarVista Entertainment, the series’ exclusive international distributor, negotiated the agreement in partnership with Saban Brands. “POWER RANGERS and DIGIMON are popular global franchises, making them a natural fit for Cartoon Network’s programming slate,” said Kirk Bloomgarden, SVP of Saban Brands Global Consumer Products. “With this new partnership, we’re excited to deliver fans in Latin America the newest seasons and products for these iconic brands.” “We are thrilled

    Bandai Figures to be Sold in Japan and America Source: Bluefin Corp. Bandai Tamashii Nations Official Site: tamashii.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Xavier Lim Distributor Bluefin Corp. has provided product specs and high-res photos for figures and collectibles coming from Bandai`s Tamashii Nations in May and June 2014. Fans and collectors can purchase Bandai Tamashii Nations products from authorized Bluefin dealers, including SciFi Japan`s sponsor Anime Jungle. Chogokin Hello Kitty/ ??? ?????? In what promises to be the ultimate Hello Kitty commemorative masterpiece, Tamashii Nations is proud to announce the release of Chogokin Hello Kitty. Celebrating the double 40 year anniversaries of the adorable Hello Kitty and awesome diecast robot line -- Chogokin (means "super alloy"in Japanese), this is the ultimate combination of Japan cute and cool! Chogokin Hello Kitty portrays this beloved character as a robot that

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