Natsume Goushin Ryu 1-15 June 2003 news

1-15 JUNE 2003 NEWS

15 June 2003

Back on 25 January 2003, I promised a few projects of useless info which I would post to this website, info even more useless than usual. (Does anyone really care about the manga info which I post anyway?) Well, I'm now proud/embarrassed to announce the completion of one of my projects of wasted time and energy. AnimEigo won't be releasing its Kimagure Orange Road OVA and movie DVDs until at least October 2003, but I can't wait that long -
You've read the KOR manga (cool) and novels (book 1 fine, books 2 and 3 suck), you've watched the series and movies (cool), you've listened to the radio doramas (not bad). Now play the game! ^_^ Yes, the Kimagure Orange Road board game. Can any webpage get more useless? I think not. This game was produced in 1986-7, so I seriously doubt it's available anymore. If anyone actually has this game and actually finds my explanation of the rules useful, I'd be interested to know.
I mentioned the Slam Dunk ~ Single Collection & TV Clips ~ package of CD and DVD on 12 June 2003. Musicmarket lists the DVD as containing video clips for music from the series, ads for the series and OP and ED for the series.
Singer Gackt's DVD "Kimi ga Oikaketa Yume/Tsuki no Uta" will be released on 24 July 2003, catalogue number CRBP-10013, price 2,857 yen (excluding tax). This DVD will contain promo videos for the two songs as well as a "making of" video. Tsuki no Uta is the theme song for the TV anime Texhnolyze. Source: Musicmarket and CD Japan.
My typing on this webpage is terrible. That's "ju" as in "judo", not "ju" as in "kudo" ^_^;;

14 June 2003 (second update)

DVD release details for the upcoming Green Green TV anime from the July 2003 issue of DVD Navigator magazine (available by subscription only). There'll be (update 16 June 2003: 6 DVD volumes), one sold each month starting 3 September 2003, price 5,00 yen each. Furthermore, there'll be three Green Green Character DVDs released, one sold each month starting 19 November 2003, price 2,800 yen each. Source: Aniota BBS. The TV series commences broadcast on 12 July 2003.
Kids Station has a website up for the TV anime series Narutaru, the manga version of which is known in the West as "Shadow Star" (published by Dark Horse). Source: Moonphase. The series commences broadcast on 7 July 2003, with preview broadcast of episodes 1 and 2 on 28 June 2003.
Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of the Sakura Taisen specialty goods store "Taisho Romandou - Ikebukuro Hontenin (Ikebukuro Head Office" in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Dengeki Online reports that to mark the anniversary, an event is being held over this weeked. Two announcements made today were that the store will be renewed/refurbished during the (northern) summer vacation. Further, a "Sakura Cafe" will be created over the summer - a "concept cafe" where events such as talk shows can be held. However, the Osaka branch of the store is to be closed in September. Zannen deshita. See the linked page for some pics. The top pic shows the queue for admission this morning. Bear in mind that today only Club Members were allowed admission to the event. 100 members were allowed in at a time to allow for an orderly admission. Presumably tomorrow will be open to general members of the public. Other pics further down the page give you an idea of the number of different Sakura Taisen goods available (of course there are goods to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the store, such as telephone cards, yukata etc). See also this ZDNet Japan report, where you can also view larger pics of the Sakura Cafe logo and an artist's impression of the cafe. And there's another ZDNet Japan report here. Source: Aniota BBS and Moonphase. Not that I really care. I'm not a fan of the series, nor do I play the games.

13 June 2003 (third update)

The Stratos 4 official website has updated with another two wallpapers and a screensaver to download, making a total of six wallpapers and three screensavers. However, you need to be a member of Net Charabang before accessing the goods. For some explanation of that, see my 8 February 2003, but note that it won't be so easy if you're not familiar with the Japanese language.
Looks like the marriage of Olympic gold medal judo champion Tamura Ryoko (also known as "Yawara-chan" after the judo anime series Yawara) to Tani Yoshitomi (outfielder for the Orix Blue Wave baseball team) at the end of the year will be a grand celebration. Sponichi Annex reports that Tamura has a 7.5 carat engagement ring from Tani (valued at roughly 25 million yen) and has just ordered a 25 million yen Kyoto Nishijin handwoven kimono for the wedding. Design of the kimono will incorporate the "yawara" kanji (which, as Yawara anime fans would know, is the same kanji as the "ju" in "judo") for Tamura and a bat and ball for Tani. Being handwoven by a long established store in Kyoto, the kimono will take approximately six months to make, at a rate of 10 cm per day. It's thought about 1,000 guests will be invited to the reception. Source: Tentative Name.
Title of the broadcast commencement commemoration DVD for the second series of Ai Yori Aoshi has been fixed at Ai Yori Aoshi ~ Enishi ~ Saiai (Beloved). Source: Moonphase. For release details, see my 22 May 2003 entry.
Paper Moon lists a Bomberman Jetters DVD box 1 as being released on 27 August 2003, catalogue number POBE-9501, price 15,200 yen. It'll contain four DVDs (16 episodes). The discs will be double-layer, Dolby Digital stereo sound, standard aspect ratio. Source: Aniota.
Back at the end of April 2003, I wrote about the Limited Special version of volume 1 of Di Gi Charat Nyo. At that time, details of the bonus goods were unknown, but I failed to follow up on that. Anyway, CD Japan now has a description of those goods. Although the CD Japan listing mentions "4 cards", Paper Moon points out that those are four playing cards (four aces). Since it looks like this release will be 13 volumes, I assume if you collect all 13 volumes, you'll have a full deck of playing cards. Seems to be a trend to include portion of a deck of cards in DVD releases nowadays... In addition, Paper Moon states that the Limited Special version of volume 1 will come with a case for the playing cards.
Similarly with the Kanon Fan Disc, CD Japan has a description of the contents of the fan disc, as well as the contents of the bonus disc if you buy the first pressing limited edition version. Although it's not clear, the contents of the bonus disc are what CD Japan has listed as "Special Features", ie more highlight scenes and more music clips.
Animaxis.com has an English language article on the Studio Ghibli exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, with its near-life-size models. You can get an idea of the size of the figures in the picture in this DailySports Online article, where two people are photographed next to a model of Totoro. There's also a pic of the formal opening of the exhibit in this Yomiuri Online report. Click on the pic for an enlargement.
Monthly seinen manga magazine Young Animal's website for Airmaster has a Flash typing game which you can play. If you win, you get to download a wallpaper. However, I haven't been able to download the game, so I can't explain how to play. To start off, at least, click on the fourth/bottom row of light blue coloured letters on that page.
(Update 23 June 2003: see now my 23 June 2003 entry for revised details). Release details for Legend of the Galactic Heroes:
DVD Box 1 to be released 23 October 2003, price 50,925 yen (including tax)
DVD Box 2 to be released January 2004, price 59,640 yen (including tax)
DVD Box 3 to be released April 2004, price 66,780 yen (including tax)
DVD Box 4 to be released July 2004, price 65,205 yen (including tax)
First pressing of the boxes will come with some large playing cards. If you purchase all the DVD Boxes, you'll have a complete set of playing cards.
The series will also be released as individual volumes:
Volumes 1 to 3 to be released 23 October 2003, price 5,565 yen (including tax) each
Volumes 4 to 6 to be released November 2003, price 5,565 yen (including tax) each
Volume 7 to be released November 2003, price 3,990 yen (including tax)
Then three volumes of the Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden will be released in December 2003. Volumes 1 and 2 will cost 3,990 yen (including tax) each while volume 3 will cost 5,565 yen (including tax).
Judging by the prices and release dates, I'd say the seven individual volumes of the series and the three volumes of the Gaiden make up the first DVD Box. Hope that makes sense. Since the TV series was 110 episodes, it wouldn't fit on just seven volumes. And since the Gaiden was at least 52 episodes, it wouldn't fit on three volumes.
First pressing of those individual volumes, Legend of the Galactic Heroes and Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden, will come with large playing cards as well. As with the DVD Boxes, if you purchase all the individual volumes, you'll have a complete set of playing cards.
Source: Animate Yokohama. I'm assuming that this release will be similar to, if not the same as, the pre-order only release which I mentioned back on 16 February 2002, ie that it'll contain the redone scenes etc. BTW, the official website for the series used to be www.ginei.com, but that now links to some porn website. The official website is now www.ginei.jp.
Release details for E's Otherwise:
Volume 1 to be released 18 September 2003, price 3,150 yen (including tax), first pressing will come with card case, puzzle card and mini-poster
Volume 2 to be released 16 October 2003
Volume 3 to be released 19 November 2003
Volume 4 to be released 17 December 2003
Volume 5 to be released 21 January 2004
Volume 6 to be released 18 February 2004
Volume 7 to be released 17 March 2004
Volume 8 to be released end of April 2004
Volume 9 to be released end of May 2004
Price of volumes 2 to 9 will be 4,935 yen (including tax) each. First pressing of volumes 2 to 9 will come with puzzle card and postcard each. Source: Animate Yokohama.

12 June 2003 (last update for the day)

KSS has webpages up for its upcoming OVA series Moekan (Moekko Company) and Wind ~ a breath of heart ~. However, there's not much to see at either website at present. Images on both pages are from the computer games that the series are respectively based upon. Source: Moonphase. Moekan is based on an adult maid adventure computer game of the same name, while Wind ~ a breath of heart ~ is based on a school love story computer game of the same name. Both OVA series are to commence release in the (northern) winter, with Moekan being three volumes.
For fans of Urushihara Satoshi, GeneX will release a Growlanser Digital Accessory CD-ROM on 25 July 2003. This CD-ROM will include previously unpublished images as well as an original dorama episode (the dorama episode can be played in an ordinary CD player). Accessories include sound files, calendar, character clock, screensaver, mini-game, calculator. First pressing will come with reversible jacket and special postcard. For Windows 98/Me/2000/XP computers. Source: Moonphase. Growlanser is a series of Playstation computer games as well as an interactive DVD, with character designs by Urushihara.
KSS now has a webpage up for its upcoming OVA "Phantom - Phantom of Inferno". You can view character designs by clicking on the relevant pic on the homepage. Source: Moonphase. Note that the other pics currently on the website are pics from the computer game on which the anime will be based - they're not from the anime itself. This will be a third volume OVA series, to commence release this (northern) winter (Megami Magazine says December 2003).
No day would be complete without my computer crashing...
animate.tv itself has now announced that the web anime Vie Durant will commence distribution on 15 July 2003. Source: alternative-live.
As expected, the July 2003 issue of Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine (on sale today) has confirmed that the manga Hagane no Renkinjutsushi (Full Metal Alchemist) by Arakawa Hiromu is to be made into a TV anime. Source: ultimatum half edition. The Square Enix fan website Gangan Search states that the anime will commence broadcast on TBS in October 2003. Source: TA Group BBS.
The official website for the TV anime Airmaster states that those who purchase all nine volumes of the DVD and the OST CD will be able to apply for bonus goods. What those goods will be is not stated. Source: ultimatum half edition.
I must remember that it's June, not April ^_^;;
Volume 1 of the DVD release of the TV anime Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch will go on sale on 8 August 2003, price 3,045 yen (including tax). Volume 2 will be released on 18 September 2003, price 3,990 yen (including tax). As is usual, volumes 3 to 14 will follow one volume per month starting October 2003, price 3,990 yen (including tax) each. Source: Animate Yokohama. Sounds like a relatively low priced release.
Volume 2 of Texhnolyze will be released on 22 August 2003, price 5,985 yen (including tax). First pressing will come with box and character card. Source: Animate Yokohama. These release details are beginning to sound like those for Haibane Renmei. First pressing of the Texhnolyze OST "Music Only Music But Music" will also come with a character card - to be released 25 July 2003, price 2,835 yen (including tax).
A first pressing limited edition Gun Frontier DVD Box will be released on 22 August 2003, price 31,500 yen (including tax). Apart from the box itself, it'll come with postcard and poster. Source: Animate Yokohama. With Japanese, I can't tell whether that's just one postcard and one poster or more than one.
Volume 1 of the DVD release of the TV anime Tantei Gakuen Q (Detective School Q) will go on sale on 23 August 2003, price 2,100 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama. I guess it's just one episode.
Those who purchase all volumes of the DVD release of D.N.Angel, whether the Sky releases or the Peach releases, will be able to apply for a telephone card. Source: Animate Yokohama. If I didn't mention it earlier, the same applies with the Wolf's Rain series.
A Slam Dunk ~ Single Collection & TV Clips ~ package of CD and DVD will be released on 21 July 2003, price 3,200 yen (including tax). Source: Animate Yokohama.

10 June 2003 (last update for the day)

I'll just add one more bit for the day. Sunrise has announced that Bandai Visual will release a Gundam Evolve + (Gundam Evolve Plus) DVD on 26 September 2003, price 4,800 yen. Duration approximately 30 minutes. Looks like this DVD will include the CG from the Evolve 1 to 4 DVDs as well as Evolve 5 with the Nu Gundam. It'll also come with an Evolve gallery of still pictures and a 12 page colour booklet. However, the DVD will only be available through convenience store chain Lawson. Preorder period is 1 July 2003 to 31 August 2003. Source: Moonphase.
Mediaworks has announced that the upcoming TV anime Sumeba Miyako no Cosmos Sou - Suttoko Taisen Dokkaida will commence broadcast on CTC (Chiba TV) on 11 July 2003. Source: Moonphase.
It's been announced on Sony's website for Submarine 707R that volume 1 of the series will be released on 26 September 2003, catalogue number SVWB-7070, price 6,300 yen (including tax). First pressing will come with box to hold both volumes and a picture labelled disc. Episode 1 will be approximately 40 minutes while the entire duration of the disc will be longer. The concluding volume 2 of this OVA series is scheduled for release in December 2003. Source: Moonphase.
Updated the Tanaka Rie info.
Yamamura Koji's short anime Atama Yama (Mt Head) has been awarded the Annecy Crystal, the grand prix at the 27th international animation film festival at Annecy. Source: Aniota. Other recognition Mt Head has received is a nomination for an Oscar in the short animation category and first place in the animation category of the 15th Dresden International Film Festival.
The official website for Nasu ~ Andulusia no Natsu (Eggplant ~ Andulusian Summer) is now open. Source: Aniota.
Newtype reports that animate.tv's vampire web anime Vie Durant is scheduled to commence distribution this June 2003. Source: alternative-live.
First pressing of volume 1 of Texhnolyze will come with a special disc and a character card. Source: Animate Yokohama. CD Japan states that the special disc is expected to contain footage from episodes 1 to 8 of the series. Release date has been brought forward to 25 July 2003 but price remains 2,000 yen (excluding tax) - it'll contain one episode. Catalogue number is PIBA-1431.
A Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto Dreamers Book will be published on 22 July 2003, price 2,300 yen (excluding tax). This A4 size book will have 96 pages and contain illustrations by Yoshizuki Kimuchi as well as anime illustrations. Yum ^_^ Apart from illustrations, there'll be character introductions, story digest, staff interviews, design works, guide to the General Bureau of Mage Labour etc. Source: CharaAni.com.
Bandai Visual will release volume 1 of Po Po Tan on 26 September 2003. There'll be a first pressing limited edition version and a regular edition. The first pressing limited edition will be known as "Anata ni A-ge-ru Box ~ Ai ~" and will come with Ai figure, catalogue number BCBA-1691, price 6,000 yen (excluding tax). Since the series is about three sisters named Ai, Mai and Mii, and the first box is named "Ai", I'm guessing that there'll be a box for each of the sisters at least (if not also their maid Mea). The regular edition DVD will cost 5,000 yen (excluding tax). In addition, both the box and the first pressing of the regular edition will come with some sort of illustrated sheet and an omake clip on the DVD. Volume 1 will contain two anamorphic letterboxed episodes (approximately 50 minutes). Source: Chara-Ani.com. The TV series commences broadcast on 17 July 2003. Remember that there'll be a pre-broadcast special DVD on sale on 27 June 2003 as well - for details of that, see my 10 and 14 April 2003 entries.
Victor Entertainment has announced on the BBS of Tanaka Rie's official website that she'll be releasing a mini-album on 10 September 2003, tentatively titled "Chara de Rie". The first pressing limited edition of the CD will come with DVD and original goods. The mini-album CD itself will contain six songs: five new versions of character songs from Chobits (where Tanaka is the seiyuu for Chii) and Gundam Seed (where she plays Rakusu Klein) and one new song. The DVD will contain a Ninyohime promo video and video of the making of the jacket for Tanaka's album "24 wishes" in Hokkaido. Source: Reinbo Actress. Paper Moon lists additional details for the limited edition: catalogue number VIZL-93, price 3,300 yen. The original goods to come with the limited edition will be a jacket sized postcard-style booklet and mini-handkerchief with autographed illustration. The regular edition of the CD will have catalogue number VICL-61200, price 1,800 yen. Source: Moonphase.

9 June 2003 (second update)

Fans of the work of Anno Hideaki may be interested to know that he directed the opening title sequence for the upcoming OVA series Submarine 707R. Source: Moonphase. Anno's still my favourite director in anime ^_^
Zakzak reports that Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewellery is to sell a limited edition of gold Hello Kitty figurines from 20 June 2003. These 18 karat gold figurines will be 3cm tall, 2.3cm wide and 1.6cm thick, weighing approximately 70 grams. Apart from the gold, it'll feature 1.3cm diameter white crystal and a 0.8 carat diamond in the centre of the figure's ribbon. With a limited edition of 50 of these figurines available, price will be 400,000 yen. Source: Aniota. I don't know whether that includes tax.
There seem to be a number of Sakamoto Maaya fans out there. Anyway, it's been revealed on a radio program that Sakamoto will star in a short movie to be directed by Sugimori Hidenori. Sugimori was director of the movie Mizu no Onna (for which movie Kanno Yoko composed the music). Source: Reinbo Actress.

8 June 2003 (second update)

Maybe more later. I'm really busy -_-
Is an anime based on the manga Hagane no Renkinjutsushi (Full Metal Alchemist) by Arakawa Hiromu in the works? An announcement about the manga is expected in the July 2003 issue of Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine (to be published on 12 June 2003) as well as in the August 2003 issue of Animedia magazine (on sale 1 July 2003). Since the second magazine is an anime magazine, this suggests the announcement will be that an anime will be produced. Source: Moonphase.
The TV anime Godanner (tenative title) is to commence broadcast on AT-X in October 2003. Source: Moonphase. Sounds like one of those transforming robot anime.
The upcoming "Phantom - Phantom the Animation -" OVA series is to be three volumes. Source: Moonphase (from one of this month's anime magazines).
Japan Post has announced that one of the commemorative sets of stamps to be released this year will be technology and anime heroes and heroines. The stamps will be issued every two months from 1 August 2003. Source: alternative-live. No doubt there'll be Astroboy among the stamps.
Sponichi Annex reports that the upcoming Sailormoon series will be broadcast on TBS from October. Whereas there's been many live action shows like Kamen Rider and sentai series aimed at a target shonen audience in the past, there are almost no equivalent live action doramas for girls. CG will be employed in this Sailormoon series and Toei will be in charge of production. Toei made the Sailormoon anime series, but also made tokusatsu (special effects) shows such as Kamen Rider. Casting for the series is underway. Over 25 thousand million yen worth of Sailor Moon goods have been sold to date. Source: Tentative Name. In her announcement to the official website, Takeuchi Naoko herself poses the question whether the live action series will be like a female version of Toei shows such as the sentai Abaranger and Kamen Rider. CBC (Chubu-nippon Broadcasting Company), which was the company first mentioned as broadcasting the new Sailor Moon series, is an affiliate of TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System). CBC is based in the Nagoya region whereas TBS is based in Tokyo.

7 June 2003 (second update)

One of my favourite seiyuu Seki Tomokazu (Van in Escaflowne, Touya in Card Captor Sakura, Chichiri in Fushigi Yuugi) is to play a heroine?! I don't quite get it, but Reinbo Actress reports that Seki will play the heroine Kikaida/Jiro in the upcoming OVA Guitar wo Motta Shonen (on sale 18 September 2003). I'm assuming this OVA is related to the old live action superhero show Jinzo Ningen Kikaida, with its guitar playing (male) hero the robot Kikaida/Jiro. Kikaida has previously been animated, both as TV series and OVA. Sony's website for the previous anime is here. Seki played Kikaida/Jiro in those anime. Does that mean Kikaida/Jiro will be female in this new OVA...? Of course it's common for females to play shonen (eg Ogata Megumi as Shinji in Evangelion, Suzukaze Mayo as the older Kenshin in Rurouni Kenshin) but I'd think it's rare to get a male to play a female.
Well, it's official. None other than Takeuchi Naoko herself has announced on the official Sailormoon website that more Sailormoon is coming this October. It's going to be a live action TV series. Furthermore, it appears that Takeuchi also mentioned an autumn live action version in her essay manga in the July 2003 issue of Young You magazine (published yesterday). I just hope they didn't decide to run with the Saban idea... Source: Aniota and Moonphase.

6 June 2003 (third update)

GAiNAX has announced that it will release a 2 CD-ROM Battleflag of the Stars computer game for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP computers in September 2003. Price 8,800 yen (excluding tax). This tactical simulation and adventure game will come packaged with a new short story by Morioka Hiroyuki (author of the novels on which the anime and game are based) and will also come with Abh language font data. Check out the various pages on the website linked above for screenshots. Although there are new characters in the game, some of the main characters from the series appear as well, such as Lafiel and Jinto. You play an Abh, of course.
ZDNet Japan reports that, in a step closer to making powered suits a reality, Matsushita Electrical Industries has established a company "Active Link" to research "wearable powered assistant technology". The new company has a start-up capital of 80 million yen. Matsushita has also established another company "Fancom" to sell products to assist the severely handicapped. Source: Aniota.
Some character designs for the upcoming anime "Phantom - Phantom the Animation -". Director will be Motonaga Keitaro, character designer will be Watanabe Kouji (who did design work on AIC anime such as El Hazard TV, Battle Atheletess and Photon). Source: Moonphase. The anime is scheduled for release in December 2003 and is based on the DVD player game Phantom the Inferno.
Age has now officially announced that the TV anime Kimi ga Nozomu Eien will be broadcast in October 2003, confirming previous statements by staff of the series. Source: Moonphase.
On 21 May 2003, Starchild released its 3 x 3 Eyes DVD Special Edition box set of the two OVA series. That limited edition box set came with a CD with six songs (together with the karaoke versions of those songs). Starchild now has samples of the six songs up on its 3 x 3 Eyes page for download. Source: Moonphase.
KSS has a webpage up for its upcoming three episode bishoujo OVA series "True Love Story: Summer Days, and yet...". Not much to see, though. Source: Moonphase. For release details for volume 1 of the OVA, see my 30 May 2003 entry.
Computer crashed. If I lost any info, too bad >_<
The official Happy Lesson website has announced that the Happy Lesson Advance TV series will commence broadcast from 1 July 2003 on Hiroshima Home TV and on other dates up to 10 July 2003 on various other TV stations across Japan. Source: Magicalantique.com. Often series will commence broadcast on different days on different TV stations, but I tend to just report on the earliest date of broadcast...
In the middle of this month, Takeshobo will release a book of the works of Miyagawa Takeshi, creator of the Natsume Maya figure which came with the limited edition version of volume 9 of Tenjou Tenge. Price 2,600 yen. Title of the book will be "Miyagawa Takeshi Sakuhin Shuu (Work Collection) T's Chronicle". The book will be 134 pages, A4 size. Source: Hobby Search. Miyagawa does cute Card Captor Sakura and Chobits figures etc.
In the lead up to the release of the "Blame! Ver.0.11: Salvage Disc by Cibo" DVD, the official website has a minute long preview movie available for download. Just click on the words "Blame! Ver.0.11 sample" on the download page linked above. Of course, with my computer I can only get audio, not video ;_; For release details of the DVD, see my 25 April 2003, but remember that the release date has been put back to 21 June 2003.
A limited edition version of volume 3 of the manga Matantei Loki Ragnarok, will be published on 9 September 2003, price 1,799 yen (including tax). This limited edition version will come with a figure. The manga is serialised by Monthly Comic Blade. Source: Animate Yokohama.
Nifty Animation Online reports that Tezuka Production will donate part of the revenue from the upcoming anime movie Boku no Son Goku (My Son Goku) towards combatting the SARS virus. The official website for the movie is here. You can view a 70 second trailer by clicking on the top left hand button after seeing off the Flash intro (I hate Flash-intensive websites >_< ) Hmm, I gotta say, Yuka doesn't sound too bad as the Stone Monkey... The movie will be released theatrically on 12 July 2003. For more info on the movie, see my 20 and 21 May 2003 entries.

5 June 2003

The official website of monthly manga magazine Afternoon now has a page up for the CD-ROM which will be enclosed with the August 2003 issue (on sale 25 June 2003), showing thumbnails of the wallpapers which will be included on the CD-ROM among other desktop accessories. For more information see my 25 May 2003 entry. Source: ultimatum half edition.
For some time now, animate.tv has been working on a web anime Vie Durant, an eight episode series about seven vampires. Previously, one of the companies working on the anime stated that the anime was to commence distribution in May 2003. However this didn't happen and animate.tv itself has now stated that the distribution date has yet to be fixed. However, a promo clip is now available for download on this page. You'll see two dark blue buttons towards the bottom of that page. To see the clip, click on the left hand button if you have a narrowband connection. Click on the right if you have a broadband connection. Source: alternative-live. Needless to say, with my poor internet connection, I can't view the clip ;_;
The manga Yugo (original story by Makari Shinji, manga by Akana Shuu, serialised in Afternoon magazine) is to be made into a TV anime to be broadcast starting January 2004. The anime will be produced by Artland with series composition by Kanemaki Kenichi. This ties in with Kanemaki stating on his website that he'll be doing the series composition on a series to be broadcast in January, the script of which has been completed. Source: Moonphase. Yugo is the story of a young but skilled negotiator dealing with shadowy organisations and government departments. For more info on the series, see Kodansha's English language summary.
On 30 May 2003 I wrote about a live action Lone Wolf and Cub dorama series in July 2003. Miyuki-chan has written to Anime News Network to point out that this will in fact be the second season of the series. Sorry for any inconvenience caused m(_ _)m I'll update my May entry.

4 June 2003 (second update)

Maybe more later. Right now I'm going to go shopping on the net ^_^
NTT Publishing reports that Konami has announced plans to produce body pillows (160cm long, 45cm wide, thickness 20cm) with prints of characters from its Tokimeki Memorial computer game series. First up, male fans can select from a pillow of Hinomoto Hikari or Yae Kaori, while female fans of the "Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side" game can choose from Hazuki Kei or Himuro-sensei. The body pillows will be released 12 September 2003, price 9,850 yen and are made of cotton and polyester-cotton. However, exchangeable pillow covers will also be available for 4,950 yen. However, in order to start producing the body pillows and pillow covers, Konami must receive at least 300 orders for the body pillows by 22 June 2003. Source: Aniota BBS. I've seen various body pillows for male fans during my surfing on the net in the past, but rarely have I seen body pillows for the female fan to hug ^_^
The official Submarine 707R website has announced that Ozawa Satoru's new manga Shin (New) Submarine 707 will be serialised in the new magazine Nikkei Characters (published by Nikkei BP). The first issue of the magazine will be published on 10 June 2003. Source: Moonphase. The Submarine 707R OVA series is based on Ozawa's original Submarine 707 manga.
Today's issue of Shogakukan's manga magazine Big Comic Original has announced that the TV anime of Takahashi Rumiko Gekijo (Theatre) will commence broadcast on TV Tokyo on 5 July 2003. This will be a 13 episode series. Source: TA Group BBS.
Nikkan Godo Tusin (Tsuushin) reports that a Sailor Moon production by Dentsu and others is to be broadcast on CBC from October 2003. It's not clear what sort of production it will be. Fan speculation is that it could be a live-action dorama, or new anime series or musical. Source: TA Group BBS.

3 June 2003 (second update)

For Tenchi Muyo fans, a sixth image from the upcoming third OVA series is now up at the official website. Source: Moonphase.
A minor clarification to my previous news about the Galaxy Angel AA Vol. 1-3 Limited Special Pack, to be released on 22 August 2003: this first pressing limited edition item will contain volumes 1 to 3 of the series together with Music Collection 2 DVD. That DVD will contain a previously unbroadcast episode and 8 music clips. Catalogue number is BCBA-1697. For further details, see my 20 May 2003 entry. Source: Mangoah Club. The first Music Collection DVD was a DVD that was sold separately, and had similar contents to this Music Collection 2 DVD.
This website Moonlight Fantasia looks at Western anime fandom in a series of articles including anime fandom by country, sexiest anime babe, favourite Japanese words, anime confessions, etc. All in Japanese, however. The latest article is on the cute/fan-service aspect of anime, with reference to various posts to various Western forums including AoD forums, Anime-Forums.Net, AnimeNfo, ANN Forums, etc. A few of the names cited there sound familiar, including Sojiro the Tenken, Piano Cello Conducting, Nuriko, Ibby and others ^_^
Hopefully I won't have much to type up today :)

2 June 2003 (second update)

Tohokushinsha Film Corporation has announced that the "Fuujin Monogatari ~ Windy Tale" (I'm guessing about the first word "Fuujin") first prize proposal in last year's first Anime Plan Grand Prix will be made into an anime. Production IG will produce the anime while Oshii Mamoru will direct. The anime will be two or three 30 minute episodes and is expected to be completed in the (northern) spring of 2004. It'll be broadcast on TV and sold on DVD. Source: Aniota BBS.
The website of the bishoujo sci-fi anime Divergence Eve has announced that the series will commence broadcast on 2 July 2003. Source: Moonphase.
Official website for the Triangle Heart ~ Sweet Songs Forever ~ OVA series. Source: Moonphase. For release details, see my 30 May 2003 entry.
Neowing states that the "Wagamama Fairy Mirumo de Pon! Magical DVD" to be released on 6 August 2003 will contain episode 1 of the second series (not the first series) together with highlights of the first series. For release details, see my 1 June 2003 entry.
Shueisha has published its July 2003 manga release list. Volume 1 of the manga R.O.D - Read or Dream - by Kurata Hideyuki and Ayanaga Ran (serialised in monthly manga magazine Ultrajump) will be published by Shueisha on 18 July 2003, ISBN 4-08-876484-6. Source: ultimatum half edition.
Shueisha has also announced that Yamashita Kazumi's manga Tenshi Mitai is to be adapted into a live-action dorama series, to be broadcast on NHK commencing 5 July 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition.
Fujisawa Tooru's new manga in Young Jump magazine will be titled Himitsu Sentai Momoida. Sakura Momo is an office lady, but in reality she's... Starts with issue number 27, on sale 5 June 2003. Source: ultimatum half edition.

1 June 2003 (third update)

Sorry if my writings have had more typos than usual recently. The computer has been slow and the screen doesn't update what I type quick enough...
Sponichi Annex reports that the Bulgari Brilliant Dreams Awards 2003 were held on 27 May 2003 for the individual and the organisation which has given people and society a dream. This time, in the organisation category, the award went to Studio Ghibli for its movie Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away). Producer Suzuki Toshio and seiyuu Natsuki Mari were there to accept the award. Natsuki is pictured on the right in the report linked above. She doesn't look 51 years old... Source: Aniota BBS.
Kanemaki Kenichi has written on his website that he'll be doing the series composition for the upcoming TV anime Kimi ga Nozomu Eien. Further, the anime is scheduled for broadcast in October 2003. Although the anime is based on an adult computer game, being a TV series there'll be no H scenes. Source: Moonphase.
The Studio Ghibli commercials for House Foods Corporation commence broadcast today. The company has a webpage up on its website for this Studio Ghibli campaign. You can view the four clips on this page of the House Foods website. Below each clip there are two links. The upper link is for narrowband internet connections. The lower link is for broadband connections. Source: Aniota BBS. The four ads took ten months to complete.
Fujimishobo has announced on its Full Metal Panic website that the Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu series will commence broadcast on Fuji TV on 4 August 2003.
The Asahi Shimbun has an English language article on the strength of the Astroboy phenomenon.
The "Wagamama Fairy Mirumo de Pon! Magical DVD" to be released on 6 August 2003 will contain episode 1 of the series together with highlights of the first series. Catalogue number VBPY-11790, price 1,029 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
In the past 17 months or so, I've written over 0.75Mb of text on this news page (1.5Mb if you measure by html). How's that for a collosal waste of time? Instead of watching anime or reading manga, I've been writing about it on this page instead. I've now got a backlog of 28 anime DVDs and just over 30 anime LDs to watch, not to mention a number of live action shows ;_; And with a backlog like that, I've pretty much stopped trying to watch fansubs. Still manage to watch the odd show or read the odd manga now and then, though. Finished volume 2 of Ikki Tousen yesterday \^_^/ I think the manga version of that will be better than the upcoming July anime.
On 30 May 2003, the Chunichi Shimbun announced that for the 2005 World Expo in Aichi Japan, seven companies including the Chunichi Shimbun plan to construct an exhibit titled "Chunichi Shimbun Produce Kyoudoukan ~ Nijyuichi Seiki no Chikara". 600 square metres of wall, floor and ceiling in the hall will have screens broadcasting 3D images of flora and fauna, so that the visitor will feel as if he or she is immersed among nature. See the anouncement linked above for an artist's impression of the project. Oshii Mamoru (director of anime movies such as Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor etc) will oversee this production. To convey the Expo's theme of "Nature's wisdom", hundreds of images are being prepared, which will be broadcast to contrast the natural world with the 20th century world broken by mankind. The project is expected to cost 2.5 thousand million yen. Source: Aniota BBS.

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