Natsume Goushin Ryu 1-15 October 2002 news

1-15 OCTOBER 2002 NEWS

14 October 2002

On 2 June 2002 I reported about a legal case in Australia where a marketing company sued a man for allegedly getting the company listed on an anti-spam black-list. That case has now been determined in favour of the defendant anti-spammer on a summary judgment application. That means, the Court held that the plaintiff company had no reasonable cause of action. I don't know whether the Court made this finding on the facts of the case or whether it was based on some legal principle. I'm sure this case will be reported on the internet in due course, but one report can be found on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's news website here.
A bit more information on the Happy Lesson Chara DVDs which I reported about on 20 September 2002. Each character DVD will contain introduction to the relevant character, relevant scenes, music clip etc. For release details, see the aforementioned news entry. Source: Music Market.
Similar to volumes 1 and 2 of Maou Dante (Dante the Devil), volumes 3 and 4 will also be released in three versions: regular edition, limited edition with trading card and analysis, and limited edition with T-shirt, trading card and analysis. Price for each version will be 5,800 yen, 7,800 yen and 8,800 yen respectively. Both volumes 3 and 4 are to be released on 20 December 2002. For info in relation to volumes 1 and 2, see my 4 October 2002 entry. Source: Music Market.
Volume 1 of the TV anime Piano will be released on 21 December 2002, price 5,800 yen, 60 minutes. Source: Music Market.
Volume 1 of Haibane Renmei will also be released on 21 December 2002, price 2,000 yen, 20 minutes. Volume 2 will be released on 24 January 2002, price 5,700 yen, 75 minutes. The first pressing of volume 2 will come with a DVD box. Source: Music Market.
Volume 1 of Princess Tutu will be released on 25 December 2002, price 5,000 yen, 105 minutes. The first pressing will come with a music CD focusing on ballet music. Source: Music Market.
Volume 1 of PuchiPuri Yushii will be released on 24 January 2003, price 3,800 yen. The first pressing will come with a box to hold 3 volumes. Source: Music Market.
GAiNAX will kick off its Print Soft Series of CD-ROMs on 6 December 2002 with the Shin Seiki Evangelion CD-ROM and Mahoromatic CD-ROM. Each comes with over 150 pics of characters from the respective series which fans can use to print postcards, cards, letter paper, labels etc. Each CD-ROM will cost 4,800 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
DengekiOnline.com reports that the novels Sumeba Miyako no Cosmos Sou by Achi Taro, with illustrations by Yagami Yuu (Those Who Hunt Elves manga), are to be animated in a TV series in the (northern) summer of 2003. Yagami has also created a manga based on the novels. Source: ultimatum half edition.

13 October 2002

Perhaps not confirmed yet, but rumour has it that a four volume OVA of the (adult?) manga Eiken by Matsuyama Seiji will be produced. Seven volumes of the "cute girl comedy" manga have been published by Akita Shoten to date. Director is said to be Ohata Kiyotaka, who has produced and prepared storyboards of certain episodes of various anime including Nadesico, Kodomo no Omocha (Child's Toy), Chikyu Shoujo Arjuna, Tenshi ni Narumon! and Mahou no Stage Fancy Lala. Source: Moonphase.
On 16 May 2002, I reported about artist Murakami Takashi's anime/manga-influenced work Hiropon being sold at a Christie's auction for US$380,000. Now Asahi.com reports that Murakami has displayed six 147cm tall Zaku robots (from Gundam) at an exhibition of post-war Japanese culture in a modern art museum of run by Cartier in Paris. Murakami is supervising the exhibition and has included Japanese subcultures such as anime and toys. The Zaku robots were released commercially last year at a price tag of 198,000 yen. See the Asahi report for a pic of the display. Source: Aniota.
Further, Yomiuri Online reports on the influence of Japanese youth culture in the West. Apart from Japanese street fashions, the French label Louis Vuitton revealed its 2003 spring/summer collection on 7 October 2002. Models' accessories included bags with a new design by Murakami of the "L" and "V" mark. Source: Aniota.
Sorry, I think my ISP had problems yesterday, so I couldn't get my 12 October 2002 news out. But it's up now ^_^

12 October 2002

Woohoo! The limited edition of volume 9 of the Tenjou Tenge manga by Oh!great will be published by Shueisha on 11 December 2002, tentative price 2,500 yen. As reported on 4 August 2002, this will come with a Natsume Maya figure created by Miyagawa Takeshi. The figure will be about 11cm tall. Preorder cutoff date is 5 November 2002. Of course, I've already ordered my copy ^_^ Source: Mangaoh Club.
The Do-che website has opened with details on the upcoming Hand Maid Mai OVA series. The preview volume 0 will be a limited edition release:
Volume 0-
To be released 18 January 2003 (but will also be sold at winter Comiket 63 on 28-30 December 2002)
Pre-order cutoff date 29 November 2002
Catalogue number FWDCD-000
Contains 7 minute pilot film which won't appear in the OVA proper, 3 October 2002 production announcement (with mini-drama included), interviews with main cast and director and will come with some bonus item.
Approximately 30 minutes in length, linear PCM stereo
Price 2,000 yen (including tax)
Volume 1-
To be released 18 February 2003
Catalogue number FWDCD-001
Approximately 30 minutes in length, linear PCM stereo
Price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Volume 2-
To be released 18 March 2003
Catalogue number FWDCD-002
Approximately 30 minutes in length, linear PCM stereo
Price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Volume 3-
To be released 18 April 2003
Catalogue number FWDCD-003
Approximately 30 minutes in length, linear PCM stereo
Price 6,090 yen (including tax)
A limited edition of volume 13 of the Dear Boys Act II manga by Yagami Hiroki will be published by Kodansha on 15 November 2002, tentative price 1,000 yen. It'll come with nine trading cards. Source: Mangaoh Club.
The first issue of new bimonthly manga magazine Mystery Bst (B Street) will be published on 28 October 2002. As the title suggests, it'll deal with mystery manga. A drama CD will be included as a bonus for the first issue. A5 size, 424 pages, price 590 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club and ultimatum half edition.
The official website for the Kino no Tabi ~ the Beautiful World ~ is now up. This 13 episode, letterboxed TV anime will be broadcast in the (northern) spring of 2003. Source: Moonphase. Director will be Nakamura Ryutaro (serial experiments lain). Script by Murai Sadayuki (Millennium Actress, Perfect Blue, Alien 9). Character designs by Suga Shigeyuki (based on the original designs by Kuroboshi Kouhaku). See my 10 October 2002 entry for a bit more info. Prior to the TV broadcast, a short anime DVD and booklet will be sold for 3,500 yen (including tax). Purchasing details will be available in the 18 December 2002 issue of Dengeki hp and on the Chara-Ani.com website.
The November 2002 issue of Monthly Comic Birz - on sale today - has the final chapter in the manga Hitsuji no Uta by Toume Kei. Further, the final volume 7 of the tankouban will be published on 24 February 2003. A limited edition of 10,000 copies will be sold with a Chisa figure. Tentative price will be 1,500 yen. Source: ultimatum half edition.
Movie World has more details for the Arete-hime (Princess Arete) DVD. To consolidate those details:
To be released 21 December 2002
Preorder cutoff date 3 November 2002
Catalogue number SDV-2702D
Price 6,000 yen (excluding tax)
Movie letterboxed, approximately 105 minutes, Stereo/Dolby Surround Sound, double-layer, DVD will also have a "guide movie" (approximately 15 minutes) on it, trailer (approximately 2 minutes) and design stills.
First pressing bonus item is tentatively scheduled to be a mini-diorama. Will the diorama be the one pictured in the diary on this page (10 October 2002 entry)? What's also interesting about that page is that if you look further down, there's pictures of an English subtitle script (with subtitle timing information). None of the listings for the DVD I've seen mention English subtitles. So was that script prepared for theatrical screenings, or is there a chance that the DVD could have subtitles...?
Source: Aniota.

10 October 2002

Fixed a couple of links from 8 October 2002 about manga releases. Sorry for any confusion.
The next anime by Studio Fantasia (AIKa, Najica) will be... well, I can't work out the katakana, but converting the characters literally, it'd be "Sutorasuto Fo". Make of it what you will. No details yet on whether it's an OVA or TV series. Source: Moonphase.
The Kadokawa Shoten magazine Comptiq has announced that the manga .hack//Tasogare no Udewa Densetsu is to be animated as a TV series. The manga (story by Hamasaki Tatsuya, art by Izumi Rei) is of course serialised in Comptiq. Source: Moonphase.
The November 2002 issue of Tokuma Shoten's magazine Animage reports that the title of the Gunparade March TV anime will be Gunparade March ~ Arata naru Kougun Uta ~ (A New Marching Song). Source: TA Group BBS.
Mediawork's magazine Dengeki hp has announced that a TV anime will be produced based upon the series of novels Kino no Tabi (Kino's Journey) ~ the Beautiful World ~ by Shigusawa Keiichi (with illustrations by Kuroboshi Kouhaku). Source: Moonphase. Kino and his talking motorbike Hermes travel to various countries, meeting people here and there.

9 October 2002

Nikkei Net reports that food company Lotte is releasing the Ginga Tetsudo (Galaxy Express) 999 Figure Collection - a sports-drink-flavoured ramune confectionary with a figure from the Galaxy Express 999 movie included. Each packet will include one 10cm size figure modelled by Kaiyodo. There are six figures to collect, including Hoshi Tetsuro and Maetel. See the pic of the box in the above link. Source: Ma-ten.
Famitsu.com reports that Marvelous Entertainment will be releasing a Rikujyou Bouei Tai Mao-chan (Ground Defense Force Mao-chan) adventure game for the Playstation in December 2002. Price has yet to be determined. Source: Ma-ten.
Fuji TV's websites for Kiddy Grade, Haibane Renmei and Hungry Heart are now up. Source: Moonphase.
Groove Corporation has a couple of pages up for Maou Dante (Dante the Devil). Source: Moonphase. This page shows some bonus items lined up, however it's not made expressly clear with most of them where they'll appear. Going clockwise from the top right hand corner there's a DVD jacket that folds out into a 18x81cm poster, an original T-shirt available only with the DVDs, limited edition clear case and Maou Dante animation analysis (booklet?). Finally, those who purchase all seven volumes of the DVD will be able to apply for the figure in the top left hand corner. For more details on the release of volumes 1 and 2, see my 4 October 2002 entry.
A DigiGirl TV anime is to be created. Source: Moonphase. Hyper robot DigiGirl is part of the five person team at the Orange & Lemon Laboratory (the world's number one hardware and software company), in a secret project to fight for the world's love, peace and harmony.

8 October 2002

Just a reminder that the episodes 13 of Rizelmain and Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi Pure (Steel Angel Kurumi Pure) are now available for streaming download at m.o.e's page here. For each show, there's a button to watch with a narrowband or broadband connection, either as .ram or .asx. Episodes 13 will be up until 15 October 2002, when episodes 14 of both shows become available. Previews for episodes 14 and 15 are also available for streaming download at the bottom of the page.
A limited edition version of volume 3 of the Kidou Senshi Gundam The Origin manga by Yasuhiko Yoshikazu will be published by Kadokawa Shoten on 19 November 2002. Price 760 yen (excluding tax). It'll come with design works collection including character illustrations by Yasuhiko, mecha by Ogawara Kunio etc. A regular edition will be published on 26 November 2002, price 560 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
A limited edition version of volume 1 of the Kidou Senshi Gundam Ecole du Ciel manga by Mikimoto Haruhiko will be published by Kadokawa Shoten on 19 November 2002 as well. Price 1,000 yen (excluding tax). It'll come with CD-ROM with different versions of colour illustrations from Gundam Ace magazine, illustration descriptions etc). A regular edition will be released on 26 November 2002, price 560 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
A limited edition version of the final volume 40 of the 3 x 3 Eyes manga by Takada Yuzo will be published by Kodansha on 6 November 2002. Price 1,580 yen (excluding tax). It'll come with CD-ROM with original game. A regular edition will be released on the same day, price 514 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club, ultimatum half edition and Kodansha.
A special edition version of volume 25 of the Oh! My Goddess manga by Fujishima Kosuke will be published by Kodansha on 15 November 2002. Tentative price 2,000 yen. It'll come with CD-ROM with calendar, mini-game and desktop accessories. A regular edition will be released on the same day, price 438 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club, ultimatum half edition and Kodansha.
More details on the DVD enclosed with the November 2002 issue of Japanese Newtype (to be published 10 October 2002). It will be 63 minutes long and include: Aquarian Age Saga II collection (promotion anime, world navigation etc), Panyo Panyo Digi Charat collection (previously unbroadcast episodes 44 and 45, information), Millennium Actress promotion anime, Sakura Taisen movie promotion anime etc. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 1 of Spiral ~ Suiri no Kizuna ~ will be released on 18 December 2002, catalogue number SVWB-1547, price 1,800 yen (excluding tax). Will contain just the one episode. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 1 of the TV anime series Fortune Dogs will be released on 11 December 2002. The limited edition version (catalogue number ZWVD-98016, price 4,200 yen) will come with a character soft toy. Regular edition will cost 3,200 yen (catalogue number ZWVD-98004). Source: Animate.
A Weißkreuz Gluhen Tokubetsu Hen will be released as a limited edition DVD on 21 December 2002 with box and special Weiß scarf included. Catalogue number MMBV-1005, price 2,667 yen. Source: Animate.
Cafe Creators has a website up for the new TV series of Platonic Chain (24 three minute episodes), which commenced broadcast on 4 October 2002. Source: Moonphase. As previously reported, the 2001 Platonic Chain work (5 episodes) is available for streaming download from Cafe Creators at this page, but you'll need to register with the site first (free, but in Japanese). For more info about the series, see my 8 August 2002 entry.
Chara-Ani.com reports that the DVD release of Galaxy Angel A (the third season) will commence on 21 December 2002. Further, three versions of volume 1 (four episodes, approximately 50 minutes) will be available. Details-
Limited Special super limited edition
Catalogue number BCBA-1417
Price 9,800 yen (excluding tax)
Comes with box to hold volumes 1-6, desktop accessory CD-ROM with special wallpaper included, two special Angel T-shirts, Purupuru Nomad soft toy, special CD1 Millefeuille version (approximately 30 minutes) and application form (see below).
Limited Special (also limited edition)
Catalogue number BCBA-1487
Price 6,800 yen (excluding tax)
Comes with box to hold volumes 1-6, Purupuru Nomad soft toy, special CD1 Millefeuille version (approximately 30 minutes) and application form (see below).
Regular edition
Catalogue number BCBA-1475
Price 5,800 yen (excluding tax)
Comes with application form.
Future volumes of the DVD release will also have a Limited Special edition and a regular edition (but not a Limited Special super limited edition). The application form is for a special DVD. It's not made clear but I presume you'll have to buy all the DVD volumes to apply for the special DVD. Also, of those who apply, 1,200 people will be invited to a second Galaxy Angel "secret live" event. Source: Moonphase.
Also among the upcoming releases by Bandai is DVD volume 1 of the TV anime Get Backers on 25 January 2003. It'll contain two episodes and cost 3,800 yen. First pressing will come with a clear file.

6 October 2002

While the Anime Daisuki domain (or similar) may have returned towards the end of last month, it's being run by someone else. However, it looks like purara, the maintainer of the original Anime Daisuki website, has developed a mail magazine instead. For more details, see this thread posted by Z28 on the Animeondvd forums. Addendum: sorry if I wasn't clear in my previous entry, as I'm afraid I may have caused a bit of confusion with a couple of people. The "Anime Daisuki" which I mentioned on 3 October 2002 is simply a website which has the same(similar?) URL as the original Anime Daisuki site. I don't think this new site run by Anime-Fansubs is otherwise connected to original site. However, this new "Anime Daisuki" does expressly state that it's a translation of the Japanese language anime schedule maintained by cyan of Moonphase and it's likely that purara, maintainer of the "real"/original Anime Daisuki and now the mail magazine, also has reference to the same schedule maintained by cyan. Hope that's all clear now... ^_^;;
A correction to my 3 October 2002 news. It had been reported that the Mahoro figure will come with the limited edition version of volume 7 of the Mahoromatic manga. Instead, this should be volume 6. Only five tankouban of the manga have been published to date. Sorry for any inconvenience. I've now updated my earlier entry. Source: Mangaoh Club.
In the past I've had difficulty playing the Futari Ecchi Janken Game on monthly manga magazine Young Animal's website. However, it seems to work now. Basically, you play janken (rock-paper-scissors) against Yura. If you win, you can elect either to proceed to the next round of janken or download a Futari Ecchi wallpaper. Note that if you elect to download the wallpaper for that round, the game will end and you'll have to start from the beginning for an opporunity to play the second and third rounds. Hope that makes sense. There are three rounds of janken and three wallpapers to download. To play this Flash game, just go to this amusement page on the Young Animal website and click on the Futari Ecchi graphic. The rest shouldn't be too hard to work out. Futari Ecchi is a manga by Katsu Aki serialised in Young Animal and recently animated as an OVA.
Impress Corporation reports that Bandai will release a Ojamajo Doremi Dokan! game "Nijiro Para-dice" on 28 November 2002 for the Playstation, price 4,800 yen. Up to four people can play simultaneously. First pressing will come with an Ojamajo Rubik's Cube. Source: Ma-ten.
Champion Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe (aka the "Thorpedo") will make his first appearance in a dorama in the upcoming You're Under Arrest live action series (to commence on 17 October 2002 on TV Asahi), according to Nikkansports.com. Source: Aniota. In a scene involving a wallet which has been found, Thorpe explains his situation in English to an uncomprehending Miyuki and Natsumi (Hara Sachie and Itou Misaki) leading to a humorous exchange. TV Asahi had exclusive broadcast rights for the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Yokohama in August 2002 and this guest role was arranged through that connection. Thorpe, who's a celebrity in Japan (as well as in Australia), also had a role in an episode of Daichi Akitaro's TV anime series Atashi'n chi in August. For more information on that role, see my 16 August 2002 entry.
Fuji TV's webpages for Chojushin Gravion and Uchuu Dai Sakusen Chocovader are now up here and here respectively. The former commences broadcast on 7 October 2002, the latter on 12 October 2002. There's a trailer for Chocovader if you click on the reddish pic on the webpage. Source: Moonphase. For more information about Chocovader, see my 20 September 2002 entry.

5 October 2002

Famitsu.com reports that Banpresto will be releasing an action adventure DVD-ROM Lupin III game for the Playstation 2 on 28 November 2002, price 6,980 yen. The title of the game will be Lupin III Majutsu-ou no Isan (Inheritance of the Magic King). Source: Ma-ten.
Too tired yesterday. WOWOW's website for the Tokubetsu Hen (special story arc) of the baseball anime Kyojin no Hoshi (Hoshi/Star of the Giants) is now up. Source: Aniota. This isn't a remake of the 1968 anime but rather the animation has been re-organised and edited and new scenes added to create a new 13 episode story. The original series told the tale of Hoshi Hyuma of the Yomiuri Giants. This series will provide the viewpoint of his rival Hanagata Mitsuru.
Kodansha has announced that Chrono Eyes Glancer, the manga by Hasegawa Yuuichi (author of Maps) and serialised in monthly manga magazine Magazine Z, is to be animated. Source: Moonphase.
Sankei Web reports that on 3 October 2002, police searched the Ikebukuro head office of publisher Shobunkan and arrested company president Kishi Motonori, chief editor Takada Kouichi and mangaka Suwa Yuuji (pen name Beauty Hair) on suspicion of the sale of obscene manga magazines. Some 9,000 magazines were seized. Kishi is alleged to have sold approximately 20,000 copies of the obscene manga magazine Mitsushitsu (Honey Room) to 16 distributors for 12 million yen between 13 and 15 April this year. The magazine was then onsold to approximately 1,900 bookstores across Japan for release on 18 April 2002 at 920 yen a copy. Shobunkan has pointed out that the magazine is sold sealed in plastic. Source: Tentative Name.

4 October 2002

A few more details on Ogata Megumi's upcoming compilation album Aitai ~ passed, and next 1992-2002 ~ . To summarise, this will be a 4 CD, 60 track, "best of" album. To be released 4 December 2002, catalogue number LACA-9015, price 6,000 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
For Two-Mix fans, a limited edition 4 CD single collection with photo booklet will be released on 20 November 2002, catalogue number WPC7-10161, price 6,800 yen (excluding tax). Tentative title is "Two-Mix Collection Box". Source: Mangaoh Club.
suzaku at the Australian Madman discussion board has pointed out that Shoujo Kakumei Utena is to be broadcast in Australia by the national public broadcaster ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) on its fly tv channel for youngsters, at 7.30pm on Thursdays (presumably Eastern States time?) However, the show will be known as "Ursula's Kisses" and will only be available to those with access to digital TV, Optus pay TV or Austar pay TV. For more details, see the thread here.
CDJapan has details up for volumes 1 and 2 of Maou Dante (Dante the Devil). Two limited edition versions of each volume are available. The various versions are:
Volume 1 limited edition with trading card and T-shirt
Volume 1 limited edition with trading card
Volume 1 regular edition
Volume 2 limited edition with trading card and T-shirt
Volume 2 limited edition with trading card
Volume 2 regular edition
IIRC, this TV anime series has been licensed by Media Blasters in the US.
A bit more info on the Rikujyou Bouei Tai Mao-chan (Ground Defense Force Mao-chan) soundtrack CD which I wrote about yesterday. Neowing (the Japanese language version of CDJapan) reports that the CD-ROM will contain a screensaver and voice data.
First pressing of the Gundam Seed OST 1 CD will come with a Gundam plastic model package box. To be released 4 December 2002, catalogue number VICL-61000, price 3,045 yen (including tax). Source: Neowing.
Kids Station's webpage for Piano, the upcoming TV anime series with character designs by Fujishima Kosuke, is now up. Source: infoanime.com. Episodes 1 and 2 together with a special will be broadcast tomorrow but the series will commence normal broadcast on 11 November 2002. For more info on the anime, see my 31 August 2002 and 12 September 2002 entries.
J C Staff's webpage for the currently airing TV anime series Spiral ~ Suiri no Kizuna ~ is now up. Source: Ma-ten.
TV Tokyo's page for Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children is now up. The TV series goes to air tomorrow. Source: Ma-ten. To view the trailer, click on the button with the green border.
Similarly, TV Tokyo's page for Pecola is also up. That series will commence broadcast on 6 October 2002. Source: Ma-ten. To view the trailer, click on the speech bubble.

3 October 2002 (final update for the day)

Sorry, updated the links for today's entry about "Anime Daisuki".
Studio Pierrot's page for the Naruto TV anime series is now up. Source: Moonphase.
TV Asahi's website for the upcoming live action dorama series of You're Under Arrest has been renewed by adding sub-pages for each of the cast members and a discussion (in Japanese) between mangaka Fujishima Kosuke and stars Hara Sachie and Itou Misaki. Source: Moonphase.
I reported back on 30 April 2002 that Studio Hibari, which has worked on various anime (including a number of Studio Ghibli movies), was working on an original anime planned for distribution over the internet. The Flash opening for an "Internet Original Character Animation" can now be viewed on their site here, but it's a very brief animation and doesn't show much. Source: Moonphase.
The official website for the I''s anime is now up, although it's still under construction. Morino Yosei (One ~ Kagayaku Kisetsu e ~) will direct, Kageyama Shigenori will provide the script and Rin Shin (Words Worth) the character designs. Then again, it'll be produced by Studio Pierrot, although in collaboration with Studio Arms. Source: Moonphase. For more information on the OVA, see my 12 and 27 September 2002 entries.
Big West's Macross Zero website is now up. Source: Aniota.
Furthermore, the Kyoto Shimbun reports that the Tokyo High Court yesterday dismissed an appeal by Tatsunoko Pro from the decision of the Tokyo District Court (delivered 25 February 2002) that copyright in the characters of Super Dimension Fortress I Macross resided with Studio Nue. Source: Aniota.
TV Tokyo now has a page up for the Pia Carrot e Youkoso!! movie "Sayaka no Koi Monogatari" as well, though the trailer appears to be the same. Looks like the movie will be 50 minutes in length. Source: infoanime.com.
Slow Train reports that Otomo Katsuhiro's movie Steam Boy, scheduled for release in the (northern) autumn of 2003, will cost 2 thousand million yen, comprise 1,850 cuts and 180,000 cels. By that time, the movie will have taken eight years to produce since the initial planning commenced in 1995, with changes and problems with investment and sponsorship etc. The story is set in a post-Industrial Revolution 19th century England, where young inventor Rei (Ray?) is sent a mysterious metal ball from this grandfather in the US. His grandfather tells him that the ball, which is a new form of energy that could power an entire nation, must be guarded against the forces of evil. Source: infoanime.com.
Sorry, need to make a correction to yesterday's news about the Wonderfarm anime. I didn't check the katakana carefully ^_^;; Anyway, the new anime will be Hand Maid Mai, not Hand Maid May. But the anime is from the same company and it'll still involve Cyber Dolls ^_^;; I've now corrected yesterday's news. Sorry for any inconvenience caused... -_-
Further, Wonderfarm's page for Hand Maid Mai is now up. Source: Reinbo Actress. Looks like it'll be a 3 (or 4?) volume OVA. Volume 0 will be available at the end of this year. Volume 1 out 18 February 2003, then volume 2 out 18 March 2003 and volume 3 out on 18 April 2003. This time, the story centres on Ozu Hideo, an aspiring film director who lives in the warehouse of an adult video company.
Wani Books will be releasing a limited edition version of (edit 6 October 2002: volume 6) of the Mahoromatic manga in January 2003. The price has yet to be determined but will be less than 2,000 yen. The limited edition will come with a 10cm figure of Mahoro. Pics of the figure can be viewed here and here. A regular edition of the tankouban will be published at the same time. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Bandai's Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex homepage is now up. Not much to see at present, though.
The soundtrack to Rikujyou Bouei Tai Mao-chan (Ground Defense Force Mao-chan) will be released on 4 December 2002. It'll include OP, ED and BGM. This will be a limited edition release with bonus CD-ROM. Source: Musicmarket.
I note that Anime Daisuki is back, or at least the same/similar(?) domain. Anime-Fansubs now has the page and has put up a translation of Moonphase's schedule of upcoming anime TV series, OVAs and movies (a few of the series listed are live-action doramas, not anime, however). I was thinking of doing something like that, but it's cool that someone else has decided to do it instead of me ^_^ As you'll note, Moonphase is a Japanese fan site where I, and many other people, get their anime and manga news.
The monthly manga magazine Young Animal now has an Ai Yori Aoshi Flash love simulation game up for you to play. Basically a choose-your-favourite-female-character type game. It's in Japanese, of course, though. Source: ultimatum half edition.

2 October 2002 (further update)

This news is a couple of weeks old, but Kodansha International is releasing Nagai Go's Devilman manga in bilingual format. Volume 1 was released a few days ago in September. The remaining four volumes will be released one volume per month. Price 1,600 yen (excluding tax).
Furthermore, the same company is also releasing volume 1 of the Chobits manga in bilingual format on 11 October 2002. Price 950 yen (excluding tax). The volume will be 13.2cm x 18.8cm in size, 192 pages. ISBN 4-7700-2959-4.
The 30 September 2002 entry in this Wonderfarm diary of Arisugawa Kei suggests that (edit 3 October 2002: a Hand Maid Mai) is to be made, with Kobayashi Sanae playing Cyber Doll Mai and a Suzumura-kun as the male lead Ozu Hideo. Looks there'll be an announcement early in October 2002. Source: Moonphase. HMM was produced by Wonderfarm. Arisugawa was responsible for planning for the OVA series Cosplay Complex, another Wonderfarm anime.
Shueisha's November 2002 manga release list includes a volume titled "UJ Megamix 1" under its Aizo Ban Comics label. This volume will contain works by various authors including Oh!great. Sounds like an anthology manga of course. The UJ would presumably refer to the monthly manga magazine Ultrajump where Tenjou Tenge ^_^ is published. UJ Megamix 1 is to be published 20 November 2002, ISBN 4-08-782780-1. Source: ultimatum half edition. Hmm, what Oh!great work will this be? IIRC, the only manga of his which has been published by Shueisha is TenTen. His other manga were published by other companies. Could this be a new short story...?
TV Tokyo's website for Sister Princess Re Pure is now up, as is its page for Bomberman Jetters. Source: Moonphase. To view the preview for Sister Princess Re Pure, click on the long pick button on the website. For Bomberman Jetters, go to this page to view the trailer. Both TV anime series commenced broadcast today.
A promotional clip and a 15 second trailer for Heat Guy J are now available for download from the official website. Click on the Download button. Source: Moonphase. The series commenced broadcast yesterday.

1 October 2002

m.o.e has released details here and here of the limited edition versions of volumes 6 to 8 of Rizelmain and Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi Pure (Steel Angel Kurumi Pure). Details for Rizelmain -
Volume 6 limited edition version: catalogue number PCBG-50331, to be released 20 November 2002, comes in slim case with special soundtrack CD 1 not sold separately.
Volume 7 limited edition version: to be released 18 December 2002, comes with special soundtrack CD 2 not sold separately.
Volume 8 limited edition version: to be released 16 January 2003, comes with box to hold volumes 5 to 8 and a complete box to hold the first series box and second series box.
Price 5,500 yen (excluding tax) for limited edition versions, 4,500 yen (excluding tax) for regular editions.
Details for Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi Pure -
Volume 6 limited edition version: catalogue number PCBG-50323, to be released 20 November 2002, comes in slim case with special DVD (not sold separately) of film-like version of volume 1.
Volume 7 limited edition version: to be released 18 December 2002, comes with special DVD (not sold separately) of film-like version of volume 2.
Volume 8 limited edition version: to be released 16 January 2003, comes with box to hold volumes 5 to 8 and a complete box to hold the first series box and second series box.
Price 5,500 yen (excluding tax) for limited edition versions, 4,500 yen (excluding tax) for regular editions.
Source: Moonphase.
Looks also like m.o.e is going to stream the second series of both Rizelmain and Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi Pure over the internet. One episode each of both series will be available for viewing every week. Episodes 13, the start of the second season, will be available during the week 8 to 15 October 2002. Episodes 14 will then be streamed in the week commencing 15 October 2002. You'll be able to view the shows on this page.
The official Aquarian Age website has announced that the DVD enclosed with the November 2002 issue of Newtype (on sale 10 October 2002) will contain various reports about Aquarian Age including a promo anime for Aquarian Age Saga II. Source: Moonphase.
KSS's website for Happy Lesson has now formally announced the fourth volume of the OVA series. This fourth volume is said to be scheduled for release in the (northern) spring of 2003. Source: Moonphase.
VAP's website for Hanada Shonen Shi has now more content, with character designs, staff and cast lists etc. For more info on this anime, see my 2 September 2002 entry. Source: Moonphase.
TV Tokyo's website for Spiral ~ Suiri no Kizuna ~ is now up. You can view a trailer by clicking on the red button. Source: Moonphase.
According to Asahi.com, a new Gegege no Kitarou anime is in the works. The original 1968 anime was based on the manga by Mizuki Shigeru. Source: TA Group BBS.
New R.O.D wallpaper from the official website. This time it's for the months of February and March.
Nikkei Net sets out the results from a character popularity poll taken by character business marketer Character Databank in the months of May and June 2002:
Male respondents:
1. Winnie the Pooh
2. Gundam series
3. Snoopy (Peanuts)
4. Mickey Mouse
5. Hello Kitty
6. One Piece
7. Yu-gi-oh Duel Monsters
8. Ampan-man
9. Pokemon
10. Thomas the Tank Engine
Female respondents:
1. Winnie the Pooh
2. Hello Kitty
3. Mickey Mouse
4. Hamtaro
5. Disney characters
6. Ampan-man
7. Snoopy (Peanuts)
8. Miffy
9. Pokemon
10. Ojamajo Doremi series
As you can see, most popular among both males and females was Winnie the Pooh, known as Kuma no Pooh-san. 1,350 males and females, aged up to 39 (mothers answered for respondents 12 years old or younger), across Kanto and Kansai were polled. Source: Ma-ten.
ZDNet Japan reports that Broccoli will be releasing a Chobits game for the Playstation 2. This will be a simulation and adventure game in which you have to train/raise Chii. Release date and price are presently undetermined. Source: Aniota.

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