Natsume Goushin Ryu 16-31 May 2003 news

16-31 MAY 2003 NEWS

31 May 2003 (fifth update)

Anime-TV has announced that Karte 3 of Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magical te will be broadcast on 30 August 2003 on TV Kanagawa and 2 September 2003 on Kids Station. Source: Tentative Name. The DVD will then be released on 10 September 2003. For release details for the DVD, see my 30 May 2003 entry.
Volume 1 of the Sonic X TV anime will be released on 23 July 2003, catalogue number POBE-5501, price 3,800 yen (excluding tax). However, there'll also be a "Hi-Spec" version released with 5.1ch sound and bonus video clip, catalogue number POBE-5601, price 4,800 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
Updated the news about the Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar Special.
Updated the news about URDA.
The fifth and final episode of the full 3D CG independent anime URDA by Romanov Higa is now available for download. This nine minute finale to the series took approximately three months to complete. Source: Moonphase. An interesting ending. I thought so, anyway. Just click on the #5 link on the left hand side of that page. As previously reported, the episode will be available for a limited time only. The high quality version (72Mb) will be available until 8.00am on 3 June 2003, while the low quality version (11Mb) will be available until 8.00am on 9 June 2003. For more details about the anime and how to view it, see my 7 and 12 May 2002 entries. Further, a DVD is planned, containing all the episodes.
In what's described as a "world first", Sanspo.com reports that there have been live commercials for a manga magazine prior to theatrical productions. The commercial took the form of a short comedy involving the manga magazine Big Comic Spirits (published by Shogakukan). Shogakukan has engaged seven theatre companies to put on five minute long plays/commercials prior to actual feature production. (Sounds like the equivalent of a trailer before a movie). Each company is free to develop its own scenario, provided only that the theme of the skit must be Big Comic Spirits. The seven theatre companies will put on 56 performances over 42 days in front of audiences totalling approximately 13,300 and each company will be paid hundreds of thousands of yen, which still works out much cheaper than the cost of a TV commercial. Planner Kono Yoshitake (37 years) explained that the theory behind this form of advertisement is that people who make the conscious effort to pay money to watch a play are more likely to absorb the live commercial than a TV viewer who may watch a TV commercial inattentively. Shogakukan is hoping this form of advertising will broaden the market of Big Comic Spirits from its mainly 30-something readership into the 20-something bracket. Source: Aniota.
On 29 May 2003, an anti-smoking conference announced the results of a poll on which celebrity the public thought would have the greatest influence to quit smoking. Nikkansports.com reports that 386 voters submitted their top three choices. And the winner is... Kimura Takuya of the multi-talented all male musical group SMAP. In fifth place was Beat Takeshi (he's not the sort of guy you'd want to refuse ^_^;; ), in sixth place was Miyazaki Hayao and in sixth place was female singer, actress, etc Matsu Takako. It's World No-smoking Day on 31 May 2003. Source: Aniota.
More details on the Saint Beast Fan Disc which I wrote about yesterday. Wonderfarm has announced that the title will be "Saint Beast ~ Seiju Kourin Hen ~ Fan Disc" and that the DVD will contain seiyuu discussions from the Saint Beast specials which were broadcast on 24 April 2003 and 1 May 2003, creditless OP, six commercials for the series as well as a digest movie for the series. To consolidate the details, this fan disc will be released on 22 August 2003, catalogue number ORS-1002, price 2,940 yen (including tax). The disc will have stereo sound and will be approximately 45 minutes in duration. Source: Moonphase.
On 20 May 2003, I wrote about the Shaman King "Hao no Maki" DVD to be released on 24 July 2003, price 2,940 yen (including tax). As expected, Neowing states that this DVD contains highlights of Hao from the TV series.
Continuing straight on from 30 May 2003... (don't forget to read yesterday's news as well, though it's mainly product news).
A sequel OVA series to the TV anime Raimu (Lime) iro Senkitan is to be made. Volume 1 is schedule for release in the coming (northern) spring. Looks like it'll be a three volume series. Source: Moonphase and Megami Magazine.
Apparently the Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar (Sugar: A Little Snow Fairy) Special to be broadcast in the (northern) summer will involve a 17 year old Saga and Greta. The special will consist of two 30 minute episodes. Source: Moonphase, alternative-live and Megami Magazine.
Volume 1 of the second OVA series of Futari Ecchi is to be released in the (northern) autumn. Source: Moonphase and Megami Magazine.
The Moekan (Moekko Company) OVA will be three volumes, with the first volume to be released in the (northern) winter. Source: Moonphase. The anime will be based on the adult computer game of the same name and Megami Magazine.
Phantom the Animation, the OVA based on the DVD player game Phantom the Inferno, is scheduled for release in December 2003. Source: Moonphase and Megami Magazine.

30 May 2003 (final update for the day)

WOWOW has a page up for the upcoming TV series Onegai Twins. Mizuho-sensei and Morino Ichigo will appear in this series. Source: Moonphase. Nothing to see on the above page, however. The series commences broadcast on 15 July 2003.
It's been announced on the official Submarine 707R (707 Revolution) website that the DVD included with the July 2003 issue of Animage magazine (on sale 10 June 2003) will contain promo clip for this upcoming two volume OVA series. Source: Aniota.
The July 2003 issue of CG World magazine (published yesterday) states that a sequel to Zoids/Zero will be produced. The new anime will be titled Zoids Fuzor. Source: Aniota.
In the West, people put gnomes in their garden, but in Kyoto, 35 year old Uematsu Masaki's house is attracting attention with the Totoro, Kodama and other popular characters which inhabit his garden (see this report by the Kyoto Shimbun). The fire department official started making the statues out of concrete and steel in November last year and has now made approximately 20 figures. The one metre tall Totoro took over a month to make. Uematsu is hoping to make a Catbus as well. Source: Aniota.
Release of the Raimu (Lime) iro Senkitan Special DVD Senshi no Kyuusoku (Soldier's Rest) has been put back from 23 May 2003 to 27 June 2003. Catalogue number remains KSXA-24508 and price 3,000 yen (excluding tax). This DVD will include clips of the live Raimu event held on 30 March 2003, "making of" clip, illustration slideshow, etc. Also included will be two character cards, while the first pressing will come with an additional Elf character "Raimu iro" version playing card. You can see the cards for all the DVDs released to date on this page of the official website. Source: alternative-live. However, note that since the DVDs are "director's cut" versions and more ecchi in nature, there's a bit of the nudity on the website.
It's stated on the official Mahoromatic website that Pioneer will release a first pressing limited edition Mahoromatic Tokuhou Shuu DVD (tentative title) on 26 September 2003, catalogue number PIBA-1387, price 1,500 yen (excluding tax). It'll contain promotional ads for Mahoromatic and "Mahoromatic ~ Motto Utsukushii Mono ~" (presumably from the previous limited edition DVDs which have been released) as well as a promotional clip for the upcoming "Mahoromatic Natsu no TV Special". It's stated elsewhere on the website that the DVD will come with some unspecified special items. Source: alternative-live.
Publisher Mag Garden has announced that its Blade Comics re-release of volumes 9 and 10 of the manga Mamotte Shugogetten! by Sakurano Minene will be published on 10 June 2003. As previously reported, the final volume 10 will contain chapters 67 and 68, which were not included in the previously released Enix tankoubon. Also, those who purchase all volumes of the new release will be able to apply for a figure set of Shao and Rishu. You can view pics of the figures on the page linked above. Source: ultimatum half edition.
Akita Shoten has announced that it'll publish volume 2 of the manga Koi Koi 7 by Morishige (Hanaukyo Maid Tai) on 21 August 2003. As with volume 1, there'll be a limited edition version of volume 2. This time the limited edition version will come with 20 page full colour data book, illustrated postcard holder and set of six postcards. Price of this limited edition will be 1,050 yen. Source: ultimatum half edition.
Issue number 30 of Weekly Shonen Jump (on sale around 23 June 2003) will see the start of a new manga by Watsuki Nobuhiro, who was of course the author of Rurouni Kenshin. Title will be "Busou Renkin", I think, but I'm not sure about how to read the last word/last two kanji in the title. Source: ultimatum half edition. Watsuki's manga Gun Blaze West fired blanks, so hopefully his new manga will be better.
The live action dorama based on the manga Kunimitsu no Matsuri (story by Andou Yuuma, art by Asaki Masashi, serialised in Weekly Shonen Magazine) will commence broadacst on Fuji TV on 1 July 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition.
The live action dorama based on the manga Dr. Kotoh - Shinryousho (Dr. Kotoh - Clinic) by Yamada Takatoshi (serialised in the Weekly Young Sunday) will commence broadcast on Fuji TV on 3 July 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition.
The live action Lone Wolf and Cub dorama series based on the manga of the same name by Koike Kazuo and Kojima Goseki will commence broadcast on TV Asahi on 7 July 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition. Update 5 June 2003: this will be the second season of the dorama series.
The live action dorama based on the manga Tokumei Kakarichou Tadano Jin (at least I think the name is read "Tadano Jin") by Yanagaisawa Kimio will commence broadcast on TV Asahi on 4 July 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition.
A Saint Beast Fan Disc DVD will be released on 22 August 2003, price 2,940 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama. I don't know what the contents will be.
A "Wagamama Fairy Mirumo de Pon! Magical DVD" will be released on 6 August 2003, price 1,029 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama. I don't know what the contents of this DVD will be either.
Volume 1 of the OVA series True Love Story will be released on 26 September 2003, price 5,250 yen (including tax). In addition, there'll be a first pressing limited edition version which will come with box and fan disc at the higher price of 8,190 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama. This will be a three volume OVA series based on the Playstation 2 game series of the same name.
Release details for the Triangle Heart ~ Sweet Songs Forever OVA series:
Volume 1 to be released on 24 July 2003
Volume 2 to be released on 27 August 2003, first pressing will come with poster
Volume 3 to be released on 27 November 2003, first pressing will come with box and poster
Volume 4 to be released on 26 December 2003, first pressing will come with poster
Each volume will cost 6,090 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama.
Volume 6 of Heat Guy J will be released on 25 July 2003, price 5,000 yen (excluding tax). First pressing will come with box to hold volumes 6 to 9 (as well as the usual cards). Source: Musicmarket.
Volume 2 of D.N.Angel will be released on 28 August 2003. As with volume 1, there'll be two versions available: the boys' "Sky" version costing 6,200 yen (excluding tax) and the girls' "Peach" version costing 5,000 yen (excluding tax). Source: Musicmarket. IIRC, there'll be two versions of each volume released.
More details on the first pressing limited edition release of volume 3 of the OVA Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magical te on 10 September 2003, price 6,090 yen (including tax). It'll come with a large Maugimaru stuffed toy mobile telephone strap and 12 page booklet. Source: Musicmarket.

29 May 2003 (final update for the day - extra)

One last thing I'll mention is that three Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collection CD/DVD sets will be released on 16 July 2003, price 1,800 yen (excluding tax) each, one for each of the characters Rikku, Yuna and Paine. Each CD will contain two songs four versions. Each DVD will include CG footage from the game (fight scenes etc) and recording scenes with the particular seiyuu behind the character. For more information, see the CD Japan listings for the Rikku, Yuna and Paine CD/DVD packs.
Like the music from the 3D CG independent anime URDA? You can download musical pieces from episode 2 to the final episode 5 from this page. Source: Moonphase.
A 14.5Mb DiVX preview of the 3 minute "dramatic music clip" AELO (Air Element Lady Object) is now available for download. This work is an independent anime production. Source: Moonphase.
More upcoming Sega toys:
Metal keyrings for the Initial D fan here and here (to be released in October 2003).
Rei and Askua UFO catcher dolls dressed up as the third Angel (to be released in November 2003).
And more pics of the SD Evangelion mini display figures - Christmas collection (to be released on October 2003). Click on the photos for enlargements.
Source: Ma-ten.
The TV anime of D.C. ~ Da Capo ~ will commence broadcast on TV Kanagawa on 5 July 2003. Source: TA Group BBS.
It's been announced on the official website for the TV anime Narutaru, based on the manga by Mohiro Kitou, that the series will commence broadcast on 7 July 2003. Source: TA Group BBS. Episodes 1 and 2 will be previewed on 28 June 2003, however.
It was originally announced that those who purchase all six volumes of the Asagiri no Miko DVDs would be able to apply for a book containing storyboards by director Moriyama Yuji and illustrations by Ugawa Hiroki (author of the original manga). However, Ugawa has now written on his website that his illustrations will not be contained in that book. Instead, it looks like those who purchased all volumes have two options: either send in the application and a 1,000 yen postal order to King Records (makers of the DVD) by 30 May 2003 (tomorrow ^_^;;) to get the previously mentioned book plus a book of Ugawa illustrations, or send in the application only to Shonengahosha (publishers of the manga) by 31 July 2003 to get the book of Ugawa illustrations only. For more details see Ugawa's website. Source: ultimatum half edition.
Fujisawa Tooru will have another manga series serialised in Young Jump magazine starting with the issue number 27, on sale 5 June 2003. That makes it three manga which he's currently working on: Rose Hip Rose in Young Magazine Uppers, Tokko in Afternoon, and now this new manga in Young Jump.
Young Sunday magazine has now announced that a Umizaru movie will be produced as well as a second Umizaru live action dorama, so there'll be two new instalments of this story of the maritime safety officer. Umizaru is a manga by Satou Shuuhou. The movie is scheduled for theatrical release next year. Source: ultimatum half edition.
The August 2003 issue of Dengeki Comic Gao! (on sale 27 June 2003) will contain the final chapter of Koge Donbo's manga Pitaten. Source: ultimatum half edition.
Issue 15 of Akita Shoten's manga magazine Young Champion (on sale 10 June 2003) will see the start of Tomizawa Hitoshi's new manga "BR II/Blitz Royale". Source: ultimatum half edition.
Way too tired yesterday.
Pioneer's website for the upcoming anime version of Tsuki-hime is now up. The title of the TV anime will be "Shingetsutan Tsuki-hime". Source: Magicalantique.com. Not much to see at present, though.
Looks like release of the "Blame! Ver.0.11: salvaged disc by Cibo" DVD has been put back to 21 June 2003.
A Comic Party OVA is in the works. See this page for the announcement. The pic you see is the flier enclosed with the Comic Party DC Edition computer game by Aquaplus. Source: Moonphase. That game is not an adult game.
Mainichi Broadcasting System has a webpage up for the live action dorama version of Kubonouchi Eisaku's manga Chocolat, broadcast of which started on Monday. Source: ultimatum half edition. The manga is serialised in Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits magazine.

27 May 2003 (last update for the day)

Anno Hideaki's live action movie Love & Pop was released on DVD back in 2000. Now, GAiNAX has announced that a new digital video new master version will be released on 24 July 2003: the "Love & Pop SR version". Among the extras on the disc will be previously unreleased promotion video. The original DVD release was apparently 126 minutes long. This DVD will be 160 minutes long. A 16 page booklet will also be enclosed. Finally, this new version will cost 3,800 yen - cheaper than the 4,700 yen of the original version. Source: Moonphase. Anno's other live action movie Shiki-jitsu will be released on DVD on the same day. Since that DVD will have English subtitles, is it too much to hope that this new version of Love & Pop will have English subtitles as well...? For release details of Shiki-jitsu, see my 6 May 2003 entry.
On 9 May 2003, I gave CD Japan's details for the King of Bandit Jing TV series DVD box. The official website has updated to confirm that information save that there's no mention of a trading card. Instead, there'll be a special crystal pendant head included with the box. Source: Moonphase.
On 16 May 2003, I pointed out that CD Japan had listings up for the two versions of D.N.Angel volume 1, the Peach version and the Sky version. The official D.N.Angel website has now updated and confirms this information, save that it looks like the Peach version will come with the postcards, not the Sky version. Source: Moonphase.
Cute Christmas Eva figures in this report by ZDNet Japan. Those and other toys are some of the products which Sega and Taito exhibited on today. The toys will appear as prizes from games machine between October and December 2002. Source: Moonphase.
AT-X's website for the upcoming TV anime Cinderella Boy is now open. Source: Moonphase. This series by Monkey Punch (Lupin III) commences broadcast on AT-X on 21 June 2003.
TV Asahi has a list of 20 best anime and 50 best lines in anime. Source: Aniota. However, being TV Asahi, the anime shows listed aren't the sort of shows that the average Western anime fan may be interested in, and many are relatively old, so I won't bother going through them.
It's World No-smoking Day on 31 May 2003. Yahoo Japan reports that the Northern Welfare Health Centre at Nagoshi on Okinawa yesterday released the results of a study into scenes of smoking on television. 32 TV programs which young people may watch were examined. Of those, 15 had scenes related to smoking. Dorama shows had an average of 3.2 tobacco related scenes per episode, anime shows an average of 1.4 scenes, variety shows 0.9, music shows 0.4 and children's shows 0. Source: Aniota.
The Last Exile website has a ten minute long digest movie available for download now. (Click on the top "movie start" button). Also available on that page (from top to bottom) are a commercial for the opening theme song, TV ad for the series and 2 minute 23 second trailer for the series. Source: Aniota.
More Shirow information... On 24 May 2003, I wrote about Ghost in the Shell 1.5 being released. Yes, it's a reprint, but Playstation.com reports that it's a reprint of the four chapters of Ghost in the Shell which didn't make it into the tankouban: "Fat Cat" published in 1991, "Drive Slave" published in 1992, "Mines of Mind" published in 1995 and "Lost Past" published in 1996. To consolidate the release information, this book will be published on 23 July 2003, price 2,381 yen, 184 pages. Furthermore, it will come with a CD-ROM (including screensaver). Source: Aniota.
nikkansports.com reports that Studio Ghibli has today announced that Miyazaki Hayao is to make a series of four commercials for House Foods Corporation, based upon a theme of family at the table in the mid-1950s to mid-1960s. These will be the first commercials by Miyazaki. The insert song for the commercial will be sung by Kamijo Tsunehiko, who was one of the seiyuu in Porco Rosso. The commercials will commence broadcast across Japan from 1 June 2003. Source: alternative-live.
Kimono designed by Amano Yoshitaka, on show at the 30th anniversary fashion show by Sagami, a company making kimono. Source: Ma-ten.
Computer software make Age has confirmed that the TV anime Kimi ga Nozomu Eien will be produced by Studio Fantasia. Furthermore, character design for the series will be carried out by Kikuchi Yoko (Noir, Arc the Lad etc). Source: TA Group BBS. This wouldn't be the first time Kikuchi has worked with Studio Fantasia. For example, Yamauchi Noriyasu (of Studio Fantasia) and her appear to have been the main character designers for AIKa. And many years before that, she worked under Yamauchi on Idol Densetsu Eriko (Legendary Idol Eriko). I presume Age is the company which created the original Kimi ga Nozomu Eien computer game.
Sorry, going to write more yesterday, but fell asleep. Have been snowed under with work recently.
Shueisha has a website up for the baseball manga Mr Fullswing by Suzuki Shinya. Source: ultimatum half edition. Not all the sections are up yet, though, such as the game etc.
Got another shipment from Japan \^_^/ Alien 9 Complete by Tomizawa Hitoshi comes with a new 18 page final chapter and also a few colour pages at the beginning. At 646 pages, this is one thick volume.
Got the sequel Alien 9 Emulators as well. More weirdness...
Received the latest issue 25 of Weekly Shonen Magazine too, with chapitre 1 of the manga Tsubasa - RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE -. Rougher artwork than for the manga Card Captor Sakura, which seems to be the norm when CLAMP produces shonen manga, though the linework this time isn't as rough as it was with Angelic Layer. The lines are bolder this time too. Chapitre 2 is due out tomorrow (issue number 26 of the magazine).
Issue number 25 of Weekly Shonen Magazine also has the concluding chapter of the short manga Afghanistan de Okotta Koto by Saegusa Yoshihiro about the Japanese doctor Nakamura Tetsu and his work in post-Taliban Afghanistan, with reference to topical issues such as the Northern Alliance, the terrorist attack on the US on 11 September, etc.
More info on the booklet poster collections in the manga magazine Young Magazine Uppers. And some corrections as well: seems like most of my March info was correct, but some of the changes I then made in my April entries were incorrect, so just ignore most of what I wrote in April on the topic ^_^;; I've gone back and updated my March and April entries.
Okay, the Shirow booklet poster which kicked off the second series (issue number 11, published 20 May 2003) is titled "Galgrease 004 Wild West Quest", with main character Phara L. Olyn in a modern (1999) jungle adventure setting. The second title in this second series will be "Hellcat". Presumably as with the first series of booklet posters, there'll be three titles. I'm still presuming the third title will be "Galhound II". It looks like Shirow has decided to change the title of the "Hyakki Shou" series to "Hellhound", so I'd think the six titles will be: Wild Wet West, Hellhound, Galhound I, Wild Wet Quest, Hellcat and Galhound II. The overall title of the booket poster series will be "Galgrease".
Furthermore, it's been announced that the first three Shirow booklet poster collection artbooks are all in the works: "Galgrease 001 Wild Wet West", "Galgrease 002 Hellhound" and "Galgrease 003 Galhound". Alongside this information is the word "summer" followed by a question mark, suggesting that release of those books is tenatively scheduled to start from the (northern) summer. Galgrease 001 Wild Wet West will be a full colour 48 pages, B4 in size (ie same size as the Intron Depot books). A total of six volumes of the booklet poster artbooks are planned. (I'd earlier suggested that there'd be six Intron Depot books - rather, there will be six booklet poster artbooks. However, there is at least a fifth Intron Depot book in the works).

26 May 2003

Volume 2 of Fujiwara Kokoa's manga "dear" will be published by Square Enix on 27 September 2003. There'll be a regular edition (price 552 yen) and a limited edition (price 1,429 yen). The limited edition tankoubon will come with a Kotobukiya figure (cute!) and special bookcover. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 5 of the manga Mahoraba by Kojima Akira will also be published by Square Enix on 27 September 2003. There'll be a regular edition (price 552 yen) and a limited edition (price 1,429 yen). The limited edition tankoubon will come with a Yujin figure and some sort of Tarot (card?). Mahoraba is to be distinguished from Maburaho - the latter is a manga/novel and soon-to-be anime series. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 7 of the manga Keroro Gunso by Yoshizaki Mine will be published by Kadokawa Shoten at the end of September 2003. There'll be a first edition limited edition Keroro Shoutai Shuketsu Pack (Keroro Platoon Muster Pack) available, price 1,500 yen, which will contain volume 7 of the tankoubon with a different cover to the regular edition and a platoon of five figures. Source: Mangaoh Club. Keroro Gunso has always seemed like a pretty silly manga to me...
Website for Daft Punk and Matsumoto Leiji's Interstella 5555 - the 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem. You can view a couple of clips and a number of stills. Source: Aniota BBS.
On 24 May 2003, I wrote about the Gekijoban Lupin Sansei DVD Limited Box (Movie version Lupin III DVD Limited Box). Just a bit more info. Impress Corporation reports that the catalogue number will be TDV-2735D. Furthermore, each of the three movies will also be released separately on the same day of 24 October 2003, price 4,800 yen: "Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo" catalogue number TDV-2736D, "Lupin III: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon" catalogue number TDV-2737D, and "Lupin III: The Fuma Conspiracy" catalogue number TDV-2738D. However, if you buy the DVDs separately, you presumably won't get the bonus 4th DVD which comes with the Limited Box containing the "Lupin III: Secret Files 1 & 2". File 1 contains a Lupin pilot film as well as a movie trailer collection, while File 2 contains TV series eyecatches as well as 14 OP & ED songs (27 versions). Source: alternative-live.
It's been announced in monthly manga magazine Comic Gum (on sale on the 26th of each month) that the TV anime version of Ikki Tousen will commence broadcast on 30 July 2003. Source: TA Group BBS.

25 May 2003 (third update)

The official Sora no Stellvia website has various desktop accessories to download. There's a screensaver, three mouse pointers and three wallpapers (two sizes of each), for Windows as well as Mac computers. To download, select the "Information" menu on the website and select the first/new option. You'll be asked to enter a password. Type in "MISSION" in capital letters in the white box and click the login button to the right of it. You'll then need to answer six questions about the show (how often you watch it, your thoughts, your age etc). Don't worry, you don't need to be able to type Japanese. For each question, there's a pull-down menu of answers you can select. There are seven questions, but you're only required to answer the six with the red asterisk next to them. Then click on the left hand grey button and you'll then be able to download the accessories. Source: Ma-ten. To install the screensaver on Windows, run the screensaver program that you download. A setup wizard window will popup with a row of three buttons at the bottom. Just click the right hand button three times to install. I haven't tried installing the screensaver myself, so don't blame me if something goes wrong ^_^;;
It's been mentioned on an animator's website that the broadcast of the TV anime Kimi ga Nozomu Eien, originally scheduled for this (northern) autumn, has been put back. Further, it seems this anime will be produced by Studio Fantasia (Stratos 4, AIKa etc). Source: Moonphase. The anime is based on the computer game of the same name.
A post to the Aniota BBS states that Pony Canyon has the scheduled the following anime releases:
Green Green (TV, I presume), one volume per month starting 3 September 2003, total six volumes.
Ningen Kosaten Human Scramble, six volumes starting 1 October 2003.
Kidou Shinsen Gumi Moeken, four volumes starting this (northern) autumn.
I don't have any other confirmation of these details, though. Presumably the Moeken anime is to be based on the game of the same name with character designs by Takahashi Rumiko.
Australia's Governor-General His Excellency the Right Reverend Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE tendered his resignation today. Australia is a monarchy and its head of state is of course Queen Elizabeth II in her legal capacity as "Queen of Australia and Her other realms and territories". But since Her Majesty isn't often in Australia, the Governor-General is her representative in Australia and exercises her powers when she's not in the country (ie most of the time), so it's an important if merely ceremonial role. A little bit of trivia: succession to the role of head of state of Australia is determined by United Kingdom law. Section 1 of the United Kingdom's Act of Settlement (passed in the year 1701) effectively provides that the only people eligible to be the King or Queen of Australia are the lineal descendants of Sophia, Electress and duchess-dowager of Hanover (1630-1714, the twelfth child of Frederick V, king of Bohemia). You have to be Protestant as well. That rules me out.
Was going to update more yesterday, but was too tired.
Today is the 34th birthday of Ayukawa Madoka from Kimagure Orange Road \^_^/ The character's fictional year of birth is 1969. Source: Wave Studio's Abcb BBS.
The August 2003 issue of monthly manga magazine Afternoon (on sale 25 June 2003) will come with a CD-ROM. The theme of the CD-ROM will be summer and swimsuits, so the CD will contain manga swimsuit wallpapers, as well as screensaver, desktop clock and desktop sticker (whatever that is). This will be a hybrid CD-ROM, so it can be used by Mac users as well.
Meanwhile, the July 2003 issue of Afternoon, on sale today, contains chapter 2 of Fujisawa (GTO) Touru's new manga, titled "Tokko". Fujisawa currently also has another manga, Rose Hip Rose, serialised in Young Magazine Uppers.
Filming still start soon on a Umizaru 2 live action dorama, based on the manga of the same name by Satou Shuuhou (Say Hello to Black Jack) about a young sea rescue/safety officer. The first Umizaru dorama was broadcast on NHK last year. Shogakukan has announced that a movie version will be produced. It's not clear whether Umizaru 2 will be this movie or whether it's a separate dorama. Source: ultimatum half edition.

24 May 2003 (third early update)

Further to yesterday's release information for Ai Yori Aoshi ~ Enishi ~, Dengeki Online reports that:
- the second series will take place one year after the first TV series;
- the title of the new anime on the special DVD will be "Aoi Santa no O-hanashi";
- the special DVD will include music clips;
- the first pressing of the special DVD will come with bonus item(s).
Source: Moonphase. I've updated my 22 May 2003 entry to collate all the DVD release information.
Volume 1 of the Triangle Heart ~ Sweet Songs Forever OVA will be released on 24 July 2003, price 6,090 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama. I guess this anime series is based on the (adult?) computer game.
The top animated gif on the UFO Princess Walkure official website states that the Special DVD will be released on 23 August 2003. This DVD, to be released prior to the second series of the TV anime, will contain episode 1 of the second series, price 5,040 yen (including tax). Source: Moonphase. It'll apparently also contain a digest of the first series, but I don't know what else it'll contain (if anything). Title of the DVD is said to be "Shichitenbattou Hanayome Shuugyou".
Yomiuri Online reports that a live action movie of Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor) is to be made (using CG for the robot, of course). Producers are still casting for the lead role of Kaneda Shotaro, the young boy who controls the massive robot Tetsujin 28. If you're between 10-14 years of age, male, height up to 160cm, then send your application and photo to the Japanese address in the link above by no later than 31 May 2003 ^_^ Previous acting experience is not required. Filming begins in mid-July 2003. The movie is scheduled for theatrical release next year. The Tetsujin 28-go manga on which the movie will be based was authored by Yokoyama Mitsuteru and commenced serialisation in the monthly Shonen magazine in 1956 and was later animated as a TV series. Source: Ma-ten.
For Lupin fans, sale and rental store Tsutaya states that the Gekijoban Lupin Sansei DVD Limited Box (Movie version Lupin III DVD Limited Box) will contain "Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo", "Lupin III: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon", and "Lupin III: The Fuma Conspiracy". Also included will be a "Lupin III: Secret File 1 & 2" DVD with movie trailer collection and OP & ED collection. Finally, there'll be pocket sized reproductions of the movie pamphlets and a booklet to go with the box. To be released 24 October 2003, price 13,800 yen (excluding tax). As the name of the product suggests, this is a limited edition product. Source: Aniota BBS.
Kodansha's manga release list for July 2003 is now up. Among the manga scheduled for release are:
Mahou Sensei Negima! (Magister Negi Magi!) volume 1 by Akamatsu Ken (Love Hina), to be published 17 July 2003, price 390 yen (volume 2 may be out by 17 August 2003).
Air Gear volume 2 by Oh! great, to be published on 17 July 2003, price 419 yen.
Rikujyou Bouei Tai Mao-chan volume 1 by Ran/Kuroda Yosuke/Akamatsu Ken, to be published 17 July 2003, price 390 yen (presumably the release date was put back from the original date of 16 May 2003).
Wolf's Rain volume 1 by Iida Toshitsugu/Bones/Nobumoto Keiko, to be published 23 July 2003, price to be determined.
Ghost in the Shell 1.5 by Shirow Masamune, to be published 23 July 2003, price 2,381 yen (apparently this is just a reprint in a larger format). Update 27 May 2003: see now my 27 May 2003 entry for more information.
Koikaze volume 3 by Yoshida Motoi, to be published 23 July 2003, price 514 yen.
Nasu ~ Andulusia no Natsu (Eggplant ~ Andulusian Summer) by Kuroda Iou, to be published 25 July 2003, price to be determined.
xxxHolic (pronounced "Holic") volume 1 by CLAMP, to be published at the end of July 2003, price to be determined.
There's also various Gundam stuff to be published. Source: ultimatum half edition.

22 May 2003 (final update for the day)

Today was an even longer day than yesterday in some respects...
The Ai Yori Aoshi website has now updated with news of the second series. Title will be "Ai Yori Aoshi ~ Enishi ~" (not Midori - I've updated yesterday's entry now). Further, it's stated that the second series will be broadcast in the (northern) autumn of 2003. To celebrate the broadcast, a memorial CD and DVD will be released:
Ai Yori Aoshi no Natsuyasumi drama CD
     To be released 19 July 2003
     Catalogue number MMCC-7032
     Price 2,800 yen (excluding tax)
     Will include one new vocal song
     First pressing will come with an as yet undetermined item
Ai Yori Aoshi ~ Enishi ~ Housou Kaishi Kinen Ban (Broadcast Commencement Commemmoration Edition) DVD
     To be released 26 September 2003
     Price 3,800 yen (excluding tax)
     Includes a new anime (update 24 May 2003: "Aoi Santa no O-hanashi") based on the "Aoi Santa Hen (story arc)" in volume 5 of the manga. (Update 24 May 2003: the DVD will also include music clips).
     (Update 24 May 2003: first pressing will come with bonus item(s)).
Source: Moonphase.
Studio Orphee has stated in its diary that not only will the DVD included with the July 2003 issue of Animage magazine (on sale 10 June 2003) contain a promo clip for Onegai Twins, it'll have a promo clip for R.O.D The TV as well as a clip of the creators discussing matters. Source: Aniota BBS. Studio Orphee is involved with the production of both anime.
Hokkaido TV's mascot character On-chan will star in a TV special to be broadcast in Hokkaido on 5 August 2003. Titled On-chan Yume Power Daibouken (On-chan Dream Power Big Adventure), On-chan and friends travel to Earth, where they meet brother and sister Kenta and Haruka, who are in the midst of moving from Tokyo to Sapporo. Source: TA Group BBS.
animate.tv reports that the sci-fi bishoujo TV anime Divergence Eve will commence broadcast on AT-X on 2 July 2003. Source: TA Group BBS.
A DVD box set for the TV anime Kikou Sennyo Rouran will be released: 22 October 2003, price 31,290 yen (including tax). Of if you can't wait, you can get the individual volumes:
Volume 1 to be released 6 August 2003, price 6,300 yen (including tax), first pressing comes with booket
Volume 2 to be released 3 September 2003, price 6,300 yen (including tax), first pressing comes with booket
Volume 3 to be released 1 October 2003, price 6,300 yen (including tax), first pressing comes with booket
Volume 4 to be released 6 November 2003, price 7,875 yen (including tax)
Source: Animate Yokohama. I don't know what extras (if any) the DVD box set will have.
Volume 3 of the OVA Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magical te (yeah, I figure the title should be Magi-karte, but I'm used to writing it as "Magical te" and the mix of katakana and hiragana in the title suggests that latter...) will be released on 10 September 2003, price 6,090 yen (including tax). Animate Yokohama lists the DVD as being a first pressing limited edition item. No mention of what bonus items may come with the DVD.
A couple of Tennis no Oujisama (Prince of Tennis) special DVDs will be released on 26 September 2003, each priced at 2,625 yen (including tax):
Tennis no Oujisama DVD Fandisc Seigaku Character Remix
Tennis no Oujisama DVD Fandisc Best Play Remix
From the titles, I assume they're cut-and-pastes of highlights from the TV anime. Source: Animate Yokohama. I've only seen one episode of this series, and frankly, that was enough for me.
A Tetsuwan Atom (Astroboy) Book CD will be released on 16 July 2003, price 1,785 (including tax). First pressing will come with Atom picture book. Source: Animate Yokohama.

21 May 2003 (fourth update)

It's been a long day...
The July 2003 issue of Animage magazine (on sale 10 June 2003) will come with a DVD. Among the contents will be a promo clip for Onegai Twins.
The manga version of Onegai Twins (original story by Please!, manga by Akikan) will commence serialisation in the August 2003 issue of Media Works' magazine Dengeki Daioh (on sale 21 June 2003). Source: Moonphase.
It'll be officially announced in the next issue of manga magazine Young Animal (on sale 23 May 2003, but some advance copies are now circulating) that a second season to the anime series Ai Yori Aoshi will be produced. Title of the new series will be "Ai Yori Aoshi ~ Enishi ~" (title updated 22 May 2003). The magazine had previously advertised that a big announcement would be made in relation to the manga/anime series. As expected, it's a second TV series. Source: Moonphase. The announcement also refers to sale of a DVD at the end of September 2003. Personally, I'm assuming that'll be some preview DVD, but I can't be certain of that.
CD Japan now has the RahXephon movie DVD on its listings. The DVD will be released on 23 August 2003. You'll find details of the first pressing limited edition release here and details for the regular edition here. Source: Aniota BBS.
The Yomiuri reports that the anime movie Boku no Son Goku (My Son Goku) will be released theatrically in Japan on 12 July 2003. The popular idol Yuka will be seiyuu for Son Goku (ie Monkey). This will be the second seiyuu role for Yuka, though her first time voicing a male character. This movie has been in the works for five years. Source: Ma-ten. For more details on the movie, see my entry yesterday.
JVC Music has announced that Sakamoto Maaya's "Single Collection+ Nikopachi" CD will be released on 30 July 2003, catalogue number VICL-61158, price 2,500 yen (excluding tax). This CD will contain 17 tracks including her songs from anime such as the RahXephon movie and TV series, Wolf's Rain, Escaflowne movie and Chikyu Shoujo Arjuna (Earth Girl Arjuna). In addition, a limited edition version with DVD will be available, catalogue number VIZL-85, price 3,800 yen (excluding tax). The DVD will contain promotion videos and a secret omake clip. Only 30,000 units with the DVD will be available.
Volume 1 of the TV series Texhnolyze will be released on 8 August 2003, catalogue number PIBA-1431, price 2,000 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club. For that price, I presume it'll only contain the one episode.
I wrote yesterday about the Galaxy Angel AA Vol. 1-3 Limited Special Pack. Mangaoh Club now lists the Vol. 1-3 Special Pack as being a first pressing limited edition item with a box containing new clip, music clip and music collection 2. Catalogue number is BCBA-1697. No details yet on what will come with the Vol. 4-6 Special Pack.
My thoughts on the live action Evangelion movie which ADV Films has announced. As an Eva fan, I hope it's a great movie. I'll watch it when it comes out. But while I hope it'll do well, I have a bad feeling about it... Some things are better left in their original format. The Love Hina manga was better than the anime, I thought (although I was reading the manga before the anime came out, so that may colour my view on that topic). But the Love Hina novel was *definitely* a bad move. The live action Sailor Moon was also aborted (thankfully). Sometimes one of the benefits of manga/anime is the fact that the cartoon depiction of the characters can help with one's "suspension of disbelief". If Evangelion was live action, I think it'll be harder for the viewer to bridge that gap of disbelief. Personally as well, one of the main things I liked about the series was the direction by Anno Hideaki. I'm concerned that a live action movie will concentrate more on telling the basic story (with some emphasis on special effects) and that without particularly distinctive direction, it'll turn into just another robot story. Did I mention that I ordinarily don't like robot stories? Of course, that's all just my pessimism of the movie at this point, but I just have a bad feeling about it :)

20 May 2003 (third update)

Anime goo cites a Sankei Shimbun report that the anime movie "Boku no Son Goku", based on a Tezuka Osamu work, will be released in the (northern) summer. Boku no Son Goku (My Son Goku) was a manga of Tezuka's which was serialised for seven years and, as the name suggests, is a version of the Chinese tale known variously as The Journey West, Monkey, Saiyuki etc. Former Speed member Imai Eriko will sing the main theme "Butterfly" (she also wrote the lyrics for the song). Furthermore, she'll also make her voice-acting debut as the love interest for Monkey (ie Son Goku).
It's been announced on the Chojushin Gravion website that a Chojushin Gravion manga is to be serialised in the bimonthly Super Robot Magazine (published by Futabasha), starting with the 19 July 2003 issue. Source: Moonphase.
CLAMP's new manga "Tsubasa - RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE -" commences in issue 25 of the manga magazine Weekly Shonen Magazine (on sale tomorrow). The cover of the issue is a CLAMP illustration. The blurb says it's about a "Syaoran and Sakura". Source: Moonphase. Heh, while subbing the Card Captor Sakura anime series, I sometimes wondered what it would be like if CLAMP ever did a manga after the two card captors had grown a bit older. Maybe we'll now find out :P I wouldn't say for certain this manga is about the same two characters, but by giving the characters the same names I guess CLAMP at least wanted readers to make some sort of connection. Then again, this is to be a "parallel adventure", so I guess it may be like those alternate universe Tenchi Muyo or El Hazard storylines. Syaoran and Sakura are torn apart. What must Syaoran do to regain the heart of Sakura? I wish I could afford to subscribe to Weekly Shonen Magazine >_< Oh! great and CLAMP! This first instalment of Tsubasa will be 61 pages. The next issue (on sale 28 May 2003) will have a further 40 pages \^_^/
Something went wrong with internet connection yesterday, so I gave up trying to update the site and went to bed ^_^ If I've forgotten any news in the meantime, too bad :P
Issue number 11 of 2003 of Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Uppers went on sale today. That issue will see the start of the second series of Shirow Masamune's "Booket Posters".
Also, I note this month's issue of Shueisha's monthly manga magazine Ultrajump (on sale today), has Chibi Maya and Aya on the cover. Further, there's one or two colour pages for the instalment of Tenjou Tenge, which of course suggests that another tankoubon will be published in the next few months :)
Volume 2 of the Complete (full digital) Edition of the manga Bastard!! by Hagiwara Kazushi will be published by Shueisha on 30 May 2003, price 2,800 yen (excluding tax). To commemorate this, Shueisha yesterdat opened a website for the manga where you can, among other things, watch a Flash digest movie and play a game. If you finish the game, you can download a screensaver. I haven't been able to play the game, though... A wallpaper will also be available for download in future.
A Shaman King "Hao no Maki" DVD will be released on 24 July 2003, price 2,940 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama. I don't know what the contents will be, but I'm guessing it'll be a highlights DVD...
Release details for Submarine Super 99 on DVD:
Volume 1 to be released 20 August 2003
Volumes 2 & 3 to be released 25 September 2003
Volumes 4 & 5 to be released October 2003
Volumes 6 & 7 to be released November 2003
Each volume will cost 5,040 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama.
After the six volumes of Galaxy Angel A, the next DVD release of the series will be known as Galaxy Angel AA. Release details are as follows:
Volumes 1, 2 & 3 to be released 22 August 2003
Volumes 4, 5 & 6 to be released 28 November 2003
Each volume will cost 6,090 yen (including tax). Furthermore, the six volumes will be released as two limited edition special packs:
Galaxy Angel AA Vol. 1-3 Limited Special Pack, to be released 22 August 2003, price 22,260 yen (including tax)
Galaxy Angel AA Vol. 4-6 Limited Special Pack, to be released 22 August 2003, price 22,260 yen (including tax)
Source: Animate Yokohama. I don't know what bonus items (if any) will come with the special packs.
Toranoana has confirmed that the Alien 9 Complete book which was published on 15 May 2003 (price 1,400 yen excluding tax) was in fact a compilation of the three previous tankoubon. However, this compilation includes a new chapter. Dammit, I already had the separate volumes, now I have to get this volume as well >_<
Interestingly, of the five manga recommended by Toranoana on the page linked above, four of them I either have or have on order: Alien 9 Complete, Alien 9 Emulators, Air Gear volume 1 and Ibara no Ou (King of Thorn) volume 1. I've only scanned through Ibara no Ou (by Iwahara Yuji), but I've found it an enjoyable sci-fi romp. People are being struck down by the "Medusa" disease which turns them to stone. Main character Kasumi has been infected and is put into cold sleep with 159 other patients in the hope of finding a cure. But when the cold sleep patients wake up, the cold sleep centre is a crumbling ruin overrun by thorny vines and dinosaur-like creatures roam the environs.

18 May 2003 (second early update)

The Computer Graphics World website has a report on the CG movie Kaena: The Prophecy. Although at first glance it appears to be a French movie, I've written about it here because apparently Namco is also involved with the movie. Source: Aniota.
The National Tax Administration Agency has released its lists of highest income tax payers for the 2002 financial year. In the "others" section, where people in the anime/manga industry are most likely to appear, Takahashi Rumiko takes 8th place with income tax of 172,140,000 yen - down from 1st place last year (her income tax paid is down too). Relevant persons in the "others" section this time around are:
3. Komuro Tetsuya (song writer and producer to a number of singers and bands) (tax 240,200,000 yen) - last year in 4th position
7. Tsunku (music producer of groups including Morning Musume) (tax 172,350,000 yen) - last year in 5th position
8. Takahashi Rumiko (tax 172,140,000 yen) - last year in 1st position
10. Konomi Takeshi (mangaka - author of Tennis no Oujisama/Prince of Tennis) (tax 159,170,000 yen) - debut on the list
Again, note that this only in the "others" section. People in the anime/manga industry do not figure in the overall lists. Takahashi does not make the top 100 overall. This year, the highest income tax payer overall in Japan was Hashimoto Hiroshi, chairman of a pharmaceutical company, who paid income tax of 1,705,100,000 yen.
In the writer's section, Ono Fuyumi - author of the 12 Kokuki novels - takes 10th position with income tax paid of 39,890,000 yen.
Taxes for other relevant persons:
Miyazaki Hayao - 26,840,000 yen.
Satou Shuuhou (mangaka - author of Black Jack ni Yoroshiku (Say Hello to Black Jack) - 36,890,000 yen.
Source: Aniota. For last year's results, see my 17 May 2002 entry.
Furthermore, the Asahi Shimbun has an English language article about the fact that the economic slump in Japan has reduced the levels of income tax paid by Japan's wealthy.
No update yesterday cos I was watching Matrix Reloaded. Some good special effects (some not so good). The movie definitely lacked something, though.
It's been announced that the TV anime of Takahashi Rumiko Gekijo (Theatre) will be broadcast starting July 2003. Source: TA Group BBS.
On 16 May 2003 I wrote about episode 1 of Gunparade March being distributed free over the internet by animate.tv starting on 20 May 2003. Animate.tv now has an article up on this fact, stating that the episode will be available from 20 May 2003 to 3 June 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition. On 20 May 2003, the episode will be available for download on this page. All the buttons up on that page are currently for previews for each episode, the left hand blue button being for narrowband connections, and the right hand being for broadband. I assume when the time comes a new pair of buttons will be inserted on the page.

16 May 2003 (final update for the day)

Animaxis.com has an English language article up on the results of the 27th Kodansha Manga Awards.
Meanwhile, Sankei Web reports that mangaka Hirokane Kenshi shared the grand prix (a prize of 500,000 yen) with Ishii Hisaichi at the 32nd Japan Cartoonists Association Awards, held on 7 May 2003. Hirokane was recognised for his manga "Tasogare Ryuuseigun", serialised in Shogakukan's magazine Big Comic Original. Ishii won for his manga Nono-chan, which is serialised in the Asahi Shimbun. Source: Ma-ten. In contrast to most manga which makes its way West, the main characters in Tasogare Ryuuseigun are elderly. Hirokane is also the author of the series of manga on businessman Shima Kosaku. The Nono-chan manga was previously called Houhokekyo Tonari no Yamada-kun (My Neighbours the Yamadas) and is the manga which the Studio Ghibli movie is based on.
Yahoo Japan, citing the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, reports that Itochu Fashion System, the producer of the TV anime Firestorm, hopes to market the anime for broadcast overseas by the (northern) summer of 2004. Target markets are North America and Europe. Work will begin on an English language version of the anime at this end of this month. Source: Aniota.
On 9 May 2003, I wrote about the first pressing limited edition "SutePRIX" versions of the DVD releases of Scrapped Princess. Volume 1 will come with a figure of Pacifica. You can find a pic of the figure here. Source: Moonphase.
Animation company Pierrot now has a webpage up for the TV anime E's Otherwise. Source: Moonphase.
KSS has confirmed that it will be producing OVAs based on the "Wind - a breath of heart -", Phantom of Inferno and Moekan (Moekko Company) computer games. The first is a school love story game, the second an adventure game and third an adult maid adventure game. Source: Ma-ten.
It's been announced on the official website for Gunparade March that episode 1 of that series will be distributed free over the internet by animate.tv starting on 20 May 2003. Source: Magicalantique.com.
Asahi.com reports that otaku artist Murakami Takashi's artwork "Miss ko2" was sold for US$567,500 at an auction at Christie's in New York on 14 May 2003. The artwork is an approximately 2 metre tall fibreglass figure of a girl. For a pic of the figure and a few more details, see the bottom part of this page. Source: Tentative Name. In May 2002, another of his works was sold for US$380,000 - see my 16 May 2002 entry. Murakami has also recently done work for Louis Vuitton (see my 27 February 2003).
Starchild has announced on its website for seiyuu Horie Yui that her third CD album will be released on 24 July 2003 and will contain 13 tracks including the OP and ED to Rikujyou Bouei Tai Mao-chan. Catalogue number KICS-1023, price 3,000 yen. First pressing willl come with photo booklet and special case. Source: Reinbo Actress.
On 1 May 2003 I posted info from Animate about the DVD release of Matantei Loki Ragnarok. It seems that the offer of a mobile telephone strap (for those who purchase volumes 1 to 5) is not limited to will be released on Animate sales: Source: Musicmarket.
On 6 May 2003 I posted info about volume 1 of the TV anime D.N.Angel to be released on 24 July 2003. There'll be two versions: "Peach" and "Sky". Musicmarket listed the former as being for girls and costing 5,000 yen (excluding tax) and the latter as being for boys and costing 6,200 yen (excluding tax). CD Japan now has details up for both the Peach version and the Sky version and further states that each version is a first pressing limited edition release. Also, those who purchase all volumes of the DVD release will be able to apply for a bonus item - don't know what it is, though.
DVD release details for Dear Boys:
Volume 1, to be released 6 August 2003, price 3,360 yen (including tax)
Volume 2, to be released 3 September 2003, price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Volume 3, to be released 8 October 2003, price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Volume 4, to be released 5 November 2003, price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Volume 5, to be released 3 December 2003, price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Volume 6, to be released 7 January 2004, price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Volume 7, to be released 4 February 2004, price 6,090 yen (including tax)
Source: Animate Yokohama.
Shogakukan has announced that the live action dorama series based on the manga Chocolat by Kubonouchi Eisaku will commence broadcast on TBS on 26 May 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition.
The official website for the TV anime version of Da Capo is now up. Not much to see at present, though. The series is set to commence broadcast in July 2003.
A manga version of Onegai Twins has been announced on the official website for the TV anime. The manga will be serialised in Media Works' magazine Dengeki Daioh. Source: Moonphase.
Production company Bones has a webpage up for Scrapped Princess, but there's not much of interest there except cast and staff details and episode summaries (all in Japanese). Source: Moonphase.
It's stated in the production diary of the official website for Tokyo Godfathers that they're aiming for theatrical release in November 2003. Source: Aniota.
Couldn't update on Wednesday because of some problem with internet connection >_< Was busy anyway. Then didn't updated on Thursday cos I couldn't be bothered :P

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