Natsume Goushin Ryu 1-15 March 2004 news

1-15 MARCH 2004 NEWS

15 March 2004 (fourth update)

I've got a couple of other things to type up, but will have to leave them to another day.
This 2 channel thread states that news was announced at an event of a Playstation 2 game based on Shinkon Gattai Godannar!! being released by Bandai in the (northern) summer. 3D fighting game. Source: Moon Phase.
A couple of new anime series to commence broadcast on TV Tokyo in April (see my other TV Tokyo news below) include Aqua Kids (at least that's how I think the katakana should be rendered), to commence broadcast on 1 April 2004, and Gyagukoro Studio (not sure how to render the katakana of the first word), to commence broadcast on 4 April 2004. Moon Phase states that the latter is a "Zettai Zetsumei Dangerous Ji-san and Corokke! new series". As far as I'm aware, Zettai Zetsumei Dangerous Ji-san is a game, while Corokke! is a manga and anime (and probably has some related game as well).
A new Oh! My Goddess anime in the works. Source: Moon Phase. Well, Afternoon magazine had said that there'd be an announcement regarding OMG in the May 2004 issue (on sale on 25 March 2004), so I assume that the announcement will relate to the new anime. I'd been half wondering if the news may be a new anime, but it's easy to say that after the fact :P Remember that the May issue is also the one which comes with the Skuld (flying version) figure. Let's just hope that the new anime is better than the movie was...
The Yomiuri Shimbun reports that for the "Agatha Christie no Meitantei Poirot to Marple" TV anime (Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple), some new elements will be added (to try to attract a broader audience), including new character Mabel, who is a 16 year old girl working in Hercule Poirot's office and hoping to follow in the footsteps of her relative Miss Marple to become a detective, and a mascot character. In addition, Poirot's friend Captain Hastings' age will be reduced to the 20s. Source: Ma-ten. To commence broadcast in July 2004.
A correction: OP for the Tenjou Tenge anime will be performed by m.c.A.T, not e.c.A.T as I wrote back on 13 February 2004. Source: Newtype magazine.
TV Tokyo has a list up of its new anime series commencing broadcast in April 2004. Source: Rakuga Kidou. Among those items, is news that the new Saiyuki series will be called Saiyuki Reload Gunlock and that it'll commence broadcast in the early hours of 1 April 2004.
175mm, 1/8 scale PVC figure of Michelle Chan from R.O.D - The TV -, price 3,200 yen (excluding tax). Source: Chara-Ani.com and Rakuga Kidou. Presumably to be released in early April 2004.
Volume 1 of Obata Takeshi's latest manga Death Note will be published Shueisha on 2 April 2004, price 390 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club. Obata is known for the manga Hikaru no Go.
For fans of artist Terada Katsuya, enterbrain will be publishing the "Terada Katsuya Graphics - 'Busin 0' Character & World Guidance" book on 31 March 2004, price 1,995 yen (including tax). B5 size, ISBN 4-7577-1852-7. Terada's character and monster designs for the Busin 0 computer game, including some designs which weren't used, a couple of interviews and a sub-story used as a basis for the world setup. Source: ultimatum.
Young Jump magazine has announced that the anime based on Okamoto Lynn's manga Elfen Lied will be a TV anime, to commence broadcast in July 2004. Source: ultimatum.

14 March 2004

I'm feeling pretty tried at the moment, but maybe I'll type up a bit more later.
The Yomiuri Shimbun has an English language article titled "Govt wakes up to anime's export potential".

13 March 2004 (second update)

On 29 May 2003 I wrote about the options available to those who purchased all six volumes of the Asagiri no Miko DVDs. The bonus goods created by author Ugawa Hiroki (author of the manga) ended being a 24 page, B5 full colour illustration collection as well as an omake CD-ROM. In any event, the application period has now passed. However, Ugawa has now posted some (but not all) of the stuff on his website. Visit his website and you'll see three links in his 12 March 2004 entry. The first link is to download a 2Mb zip file of 23 jpeg illustrations, the second is to download a 7.6Mb "original" version opening movie - nice. Note that although the opening movie had sound when included on the omake CD-ROM, this web version has no sound for various reasons. You can view screen shots of the original version opening movie at the third link. Source: ultimatum.
The Innocence Complete Storyboard Book will be published by Tokuma Shoten in late April 2004, price 3,619 yen. It'll come with a figure of a Gynoid (female android) created by Andou Kenji. Apart from storyboards, the book will also contain comments by director Oshii Mamoru and glossary, etc. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Impress Corporation reports that Sourcenext Corporation will be releasing the Detective Conan DigiCame Photo Album software on 26 March 2004 for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP computers, price 1,980 yen. The software contains about 100 frames and other items for use with your digital camera photos. Other features include magnifying glass to zoom in on photos, function to make puzzles out of your photos, colour modification, conversion to wallpaper, printing to postcards etc. The first 5,000 copies come with a Detective Conan card book. Source: Tentative Name.
Well, it's taken about five years, but I finally finished watching Magical Stage Fancy Lala. Superlative. One of the best anime I've seen in a long time.
Sankei Sports reports that the long running manga Be-bop Highschool (by Kiuchi Kazuhiro, serialised in Young Magazine) is to be adapted into a live action dorama series, to commence broadcast on TBS on 14 April 2004. Source: ultimatum. About juvenile delinquents at a high school. This is not the first time a live action adaptation of the series has been produced.
Twenty days to the Tenjou Tenge TV anime.
Toei Animation has a website up for the TV anime Kinnikuman II Sei (second generations) Ultimate Muscle. Source: Moon Phase. It suggests that broadcast will commence on TV Tokyo in the early morning of 8 April 2004, whereas the TV Tokyo website states that it'll commence broadcast in the early morning of 7 April 2004. Even so, I get the feeling that TV Tokyo sometimes states times a bit differently to everyone else, and that the series will commence in the early morning of 8 April 2004. The same applies to the start of the Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor) TV anime.

12 March 2004 (second update)

TV Tokyo has a website up for the new Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor) TV anime, though there's not much to see at present. Source: Ma-ten. The website states that the series will commence broadcast early morning 7 April 2004, though previous reports (including the official website) suggest it should be early morning 8 April 2004.
TV Tokyo also has websites up for Mutsu Enmei Ryu Gaiden Shura no Toki (to commence broadcast 6 April 2004) and Kinnikuman II Sei (second generations) Ultimate Muscle (to commence broadcast 7 April 2004). Again, not much to see at present. Source: Moon Phase.
For fans of the Green Green OVA and TV series (or of that game, for that matter), there'll be a new OVA coming out in the (northern) spring of 2004. Titled "Green Green Ero Regions", this will be an adult release. Download a two minute promo clip by clicking on the leaf at the bottom of the page. Also seems to be known as "Green Green Thirteen", it'll apparently be a sequel to the 12 episode TV series. Price 3,800 yen, duration 30 minutes (including a 5 minute omake clip). Distributor this time will be Starlink, not Pony Canyon. Source: Rakuga Kidou and Moon Phase.
Akita Shoten has published its list of manga releases for May 2004. Source: ultimatum. Among the items is the concluding volume 2 to Tomizawa Hitoshi's manga BR II/Blitz Royale, to be released 27 May 2004, price 540 yen (including tax). Tomizawa would be known in the West for manga such as Alien 9.
The official Onegai Twins website has a promo clip up for the 13th episode (which will be included on volume 7 of the DVD). Source: Magicalantique.com. Just visit the homepage and click on the pic of Miina (if you have a broadband connection) or Kare (if you have a dialup connection). Volume 7 will be released on 23 April 2004. For release details, see my 28 January 2004 entry.
Today is the birthday of seiyuu Shiina Hekiru (30 today) and Saitou Chiwa (23 today). Source: Reinbo Actress. Saitou is of course Anita in R.O.D - The TV -.
Looks like the Agatha Christie anime will indeed be 39 episodes and will be titled "Agatha Christie no Meitantei Poirot to Marple" (Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple). Source: Moon Phase. A reference of course to the author's two most famous characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. To commence broadcast on NHK in early July 2004.
In the past I've written about the independent anime by Okina-san. See my 24 August 2003 and 13 February 2004 entries. Now Okina-san has a new clip available for download at the Tech Win website, this time it's the opening movie for Yusei Hitsuji-kai Shao. The song is being sung in the alien Yusei language, I think. Shao is a 16 year old Yusei girl, IIRC.

11 March 2004 (fourth update)

Mangazoo has a promo clip up for the upcoming independent OVA by Daichi Akitaroh, "Makasete Iruka!" Just go to the Mangazoo page linked above, and you'll find the button for the promo clip at the bottom of the page. Not that the promo clip actually shows any artwork or animation ^_^;; Source: Moon Phase. Furthermore, the same page states that it's planned to sell the DVD in the (northern) summer simultaneously in Japan and the US. Umi, Sora and Ao are three sisters in grade 6 primary school, living near the seaside and doing whatever jobs come up. Based on the manga previously serialised in Animage magazine.
avex has posted up info about Initial D Fourth Stage on its Initial D website, but fans may not be too keen on the broadcast schedule... 12 episodes in total, broadcast two episodes at a time - but every two months. That is, it'll take 12 months for Sky Perfect TV to broadcast the 12 episodes ^_^;; (Well, 10 months from 17 April 2004 to the first broadcast of the final two episodes. Presumably the final broadcast of the last two episodes will be about 12 months from the start of episodes 1 and 2.) Here's the schedule:
Episodes 1 & 2 - 17 April 2004 onwards
Episodes 3 & 4 - 19 June 2004 onwards
Episodes 5 & 6 - 21 August 2004 onwards
Episodes 7 & 8 - 16 October 2004 onwards
Episodes 9 & 10 - 18 December 2004 onwards
Episodes 11 & 12 - 19 February 2005 onwards
Takumi graduates and decides to join Takahashi Ryosuke's special team "Project D".
Volume 1 of the DVD will be released on 16 June 2004.
Main staff: directed by Tominaga Tsuneo, character designs by Kano Akira, music by Umehori Jun and Dennis Martin, anime production by ACGT.
Source: Moon Phase.
On 28 February 2004 I wrote about Studio Ghibli constructing "Satsuki and Mei's house" for the 2005 World Expo. Yomuri Online now reports that a model of the two storey house has been completed. Click on the pic in that report for an enlargement. The guy looking at the model is Miyazaki Goro, eldest son of the anime director and manager of the Ghibli Museum. When built, the "real" house will be 30 times bigger than the model. Source: alternative-live.
The official Komugi-chan website has announced that episode 5 of Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magical te will be broadcast on TV Kanagawa at 24.15 on 13 March 2004. Source: Magicalantique.com. The OVA will be released on 2 April 2004. For release details, see my 26 January 2004 and 16 February 2004 entries.
NTV has a webpage up for the upcoming TV anime of Monster, but it's just the one page at present, and just really has details of an advance screening of episode 1/talk show. The series itself will commence broadcast on NTV on 6 April 2004.
Fans of Shiozaki Yuji (author of the manga Ikki Tousen) may be happy to learn that volume 1 of his other manga "Battle Club" will be published on 28 April 2004, price 830 yen. Source: Comic Toranoana. About a high school (amateur) wrestling club, I think. Of course, there's a beautiful, buxom girl involved. Serialised in Shonengahosha's monthly Young King magazine.
The official Tenchi Muyo website states that on 26 May 2004 the Tenchi Muyo! Himitsu Nabe (Entertainment) DVD will be released, prior to the second half of the series. This DVD will contain an "information variety" about Tenchi Muyo presented by the seiyuu for Ryo-ohki and Fuku (approximately 30 minutes) and five mini-drama side story episodes (approximately 30 minutes). Catalogue number VPBV-12053, price 3,800 yen (excluding tax). DVD will be single layer, standard 4:3 aspect ratio, Dolby Digital 2.0ch sound. Source: Moon Phase.
The official Chrno Crusade website states that the TV anime will continue broadcast into April 2004 and beyond. Source: Moon Phase. (To explain: although the series was always going to be more than one season - 24 episodes in total, I think - recently there were concerns that only 18 episodes would be broadcast on TV and the rest of the series would only be available on DVD.)
The official website for the upcoming Appleseed movie has been renewed. Source: Moon Phase. To be released theatrically on 17 April 2004. The website has a new trailer up for you to view.
Starchild has a page up regarding the Fafnir anime, and it seems the first word in the title should be Soukyuu. So the title should be Soukyuu no Fafnir. Source: Moon Phase.
Shueisha's Flash website for Young Jump magazine states that the TV anime of GANTZ will commence broadcast in April 2004 on Fuji TV. Source: Moon Phase. Meanwhile, volume 12 of the manga will be released on 19 March 2004.
Sunrise has a webpage up for the TV series "Mai - HiME" currently in progress. Source: Rakuga Kidou. Seems to be about school girls battling it out using lovingly constructed monsters...? To be broadcast in July 2004; for staff details see my 8 February 2004 entry.

10 March 2004 (third update)

Looks like Ali Project might have let the cat out of the bag a bit early regarding the second season of MariMite, 'cos when I checked the same diary entry today, it now referred to "a certain BGM" instead of the previous "BGM for Maria-sama ga Miteru" ^_^
TV Tokyo has websites up for the following April anime (though in each case, there's just the one page up at present): Ragnarok the Animation (starts 6 April 2004), Sensei no Ojikan (Doki Doki School Hours) (which site states that it'll commence broadcast at 1.30am 4 April 2004, not 5 April 2004), Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi (starts 4 April 2004) and Dan Doh!! (starts 3 April 2004). Source: Rakuga Kidou.
gameonline reports that release of the Neon Genesis Evangelion Interactive Game (tentative title) has been put back from 7 April 2004 to 2 June 2004. Source: Rakuga Kidou. Bummer. DVD player game based on the 1996 Sega Saturn game. For more details, see my 3 February 2004 entry. Of course, sound and visuals have been redone for the DVD version.
Mangaka Shimabukuro Mitsutoshi is back. People who've been reading this website since 8 August 2002 (^_^) may remember that he was arrested due to his indecent acts with high school girls and his manga was subsequently axed from Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. Now he's back with a new manga titled "Ring", a "neo, hot blooded, sports, youth, gag story", which will commence serialisation in issue number 8 of Super Jump magazine, on sale 24 March 2004. Source: Super Jump and ultimatum.
(Updated 11 March 2004: title corrected.) Xebec now has a page up on the TV series it's working on. I guess the title should be Soukyuu ~~Aosora~~ no Fafnir (Fafnir of the Blue Sky). Looks like I got the Fafnir correct ^_^ In 2113 Earth makes first contact with extraterrestrial life, which mind-reading aliens proceed to completely destroy Japan in 2116. Years later, three boys have their illusion of an idyllic island life shattered - and they must use Fafnir to protect their friends, family and island. Yeah. The character designs are definitely Hirai (Gundam Seed) Hisashi. To be broadcast in July 2004. For more staff details, see my 8 February 2004 entry.
The official website for Hanaukyo Maid Tai La Verite has been updated and it looks like the broadcast commencement date has been put back slightly. The first station to broadcast the series will now be Chiba TV at midnight on 4 April 2004 (0.00 on 5 April 2004). Source: Magicalantique.com.
Official website for the new Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor) TV anime. Source: Reinbo Actress. To commence broadcast late night 7 April 2004/early morning 8 April 2004.
Episode 1 of the m.o.e TV anime series Hit wo Nerae! (Smash hit!) is now being distributed free over the internet. Source: Tentative Name. It'll be available until 15 March 2004, and a new episode will be available every week thereafter. To view the episode, go to this page, and click on the first yellow button from the top. This will bring up Windows Media Player together with a window. Click on the gray button in the middle of the window to receive your licence to view the episode. Then press the play button at the bottom of the window. Finally, have fun. Other things you can download from the same page are (the yellow buttons, from top to bottom) next episode previews, OP and ED.
PVC completed figures of Mi-nee and Ma-nee from R.O.D - The TV - on sale in April? I hope so ^_^
Cover for the R.O.D - The TV - OST, due out on 24 March 2004. Source: Comic Toranoana. Bland, but fits the theme of the show. For release details, see my 5 February 2004 entry.
Sorry fell asleep yesterday before updating this page further.
More R.O.D - The TV - goods coming in early April, this time from Cospa:
Kaeru-kun mug - diameter 70mm, height 75mm, price 800 yen \^_^/ I've gotta get one!
Totebag - 34cm x 37cm x 8cm, price 1,500 yen.
T-shirt - sizes M and L, price 2,900 yen.
Click on the pics for enlargements.

9 March 2004 (early update)

More news from this month's issues of Newtype, Animage and Comptiq: Project PAPO (about a robot with speakers) is to be made into a TV anime. A manga version Project PAPO "Resonance" will start serialisation in monthly Magazine Z with its May 2004 issue (on sale 26 March 2004). Source: Moon Phase.

8 March 2004 (third update)

News from this month's issues of Newtype, Animage and Comptiq:

A new series of Saiyuki coming this April 2004. Title of the new series is uncertain, but could be Saikyuki Gunlock.

Akahori Satoru's "Kashimashi" is to be adapted into a TV anime, with a manga to commence serialisation in the (northern) summer. (Akahori would be known for Bakuretsu Hunters and Maze).

Xebec is working on a TV series to be broadcast in July 2004. I'm not sure of the title: "?? no Fafnir" ^_^;; and I'm making a bit of a guess about how to render the last word ^_^;; Directed by Habara Nobuyoshi, series composition by Yamabe Yasuo, character design by Hirai Hisashi, music by Saitou Tsuneyoshi.

Sunrise is working on a TV series "Mai - HiME" to be broadcast in July 2004. Directed by Ohara Masakazu, series composition by Yoshino Hiroyuki, character design and animation direction by Hisayuki Hirokazu (whose art is beautiful), music by Kajiura Yuki.

Gonzo's Bakuretsu Tenshi (Exploding Angel) will commence broadcast on TV Asahi on 6 April 2004.

The Bee Train anime Madlax will commence broadcast on TV Tokyo at 25.30 on 5 April 2004 (1.30am on 6 April 2004).

Source: Moon Phase.
Website up for the new OVA series "Re: Cutie Honey", though the site won't be open until 26 March 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
This month's issue of Animage comes with a DVD with promo clips for roughly twenty anime. Source: Moon Phase.
Ali Project has stated on its online diary (today's entry) that tomorrow it'll be recording the BGM for the second season of Maria-sama ga Miteru. (Nine stringed instruments, piano, flute and clarinet). Source: Moon Phase.
I watched the Oscar-winning Harvie Crumpet (by Adam Elliot) on SBS tonight, of course, as all patriotic Australian fans of animation would do.
Impress Corporation reports that, to commemmorate the sale of the GiTS:SAC computer game, Playstation's website for the game has a Tachikoma screensaver available for download for Windows 2000/XP computers. Visit the website and click on the first link below the word "news". A window will pop up. Click on the small box of text to the right ~~left~~ of the Tachikoma graphic to download the 2Mb screensaver. I haven't tried the screensaver myself but apparently you can alter the movement of the Tachikoma in the screensaver by moving your mouse. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
GAiNAX has a website up for its upcoming Ikari Shinji Ikusei Keikaku (Ikari Shinji Rearing Project) game. To be released in the (northern) summer of 2004 for Windows-based computers. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
KSS has opened a website for its upcoming two volume OVA series Natsuiro no Sunadokei. For release details, see my 26 January 2004 and 7 February 2004 entries, but note that the price of the regular edition of volume 1 has gone up to 6,090 yen (including tax). Source: alternative-live.

7 March 2004 (second update)

If I lived in Japan, I'd be tuning in to TV Asahi on Fridays mornings at 2.12am, starting 2 April 2004. First there's the Koikaze anime at 2.12am. Then that's followed by the Tenjou Tenge anime at 2.42am.
As I previously wrote, the new Shin Getter Robo OVA series will be broadcast on Animax per per view commencing April 2004. The broadcast times have now been announced:
Episodes 1 & 2 - 9 to 15 April 2004
Episodes 3 & 4 - 14 to 20 May 2004
Episodes 5 & 6 - 11 to 18 June 2004
Episodes 7 & 8 - 9 to 15 July 2004
Episodes 9 & 10 - 13 to 19 August 2004
Episodes 11, 12 & 13- 10 to 16 September 2004
Source: Moon Phase.
DVD volume 4 of Maburaho will be released on 23 April 2004. As with the previous volumes, there'll be a first pressing limited edition version. However, instead of a Mabu-can as with the first three volumes, the first pressing limited edition of volume 4 will be a Mabu Box. It'll come with box to hold four volumes, key holder, three pinups, key holder case, 2-nen B-gumi newsletter and picture labelled disc. Price 7,800 yen. Regular edition will cost 5,800 yen. Source: Musicmarket.
23 April 2004 also sees the release of "Enzai Girudiasu no Inbou", the first release from the new boys' love label "Adonis". This is an adults only boys' love anime release. Catalogue number ADNV-1, price 6,500 yen. Source: Musicmarket. I'm not sure how to render the katakana of the second word, so I've left it as "Girudiasu". A young man sentenced to gaol for a murder he didn't commit. Directed by Sakurai Toshiyuki, character designs by Kawano(?) Hotaru, 30 minute duration. Based on the boys' love game of the same name, I presume.
Managed to get some online shopping done. Cut my DVD order backlog in half ^_^

6 March 2004 (eighth update)

Post number 504 of the 2 channel thread on the TV anime version of Monster states that the series will be one and a half years long. Source: Moon Phase.
The TV anime of Marshmallow Tsuushin (Marshmallow Times) will commence broadcast on TV Tokyo on 4 April 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
avex has announced that the Tenjou Tenge anime will commence broadcast on TV Asahi late night 1 April 2004 (actually early morning 2 April 2004). The announcement also confirms the seiyuu which I mentioned earlier today. Further, a couple more seiyuu will be:
Natsume Maya: Hisakawa Aya
Natsume Aya: Chihara Minori
Source: Moon Phase. Hmm, personally, I don't know if Hisakawa's voice would be the best choice for Natsume Maya... But I'm happy with Seki Tomokazu as Takayanagi Masataka.
The official website for the Midori no Hibi TV anime states that the series will commence broadcast on Chiba TV, TV Saitama and KBS Kyoto late on 4 April 2004, early on 5 April 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
Volume 1 of the OVA Aoi Umi no Tristia (Tristia of the Deep Blue Sea) will be released o 23 April 2004. Prior to that, ufotable's website for the anime states that the episode will be broadcast on a pay per view basis by Sky Perfect from 2 to 8 April 2004. Source: Moon Phase. For more release details, see my 26 January 2004 and 7 February 2004 entries.
2004 is GAiNAX's 20th anniversary. The company has some webpages up for this anniversary, with news about events etc. There's reference to a new work coming out in the (northern) summer of 2004: Grapple Gear. Involves fighting, has input from Yoshizaki Mine (Keroro Gunso). I don't see any express statement whether it'll be a game or an anime, but Moon Phase seems to categorise it as an anime.
This month's comment on the official Dezaki Osamu Fan Club refers to storyboarding on a work titled "Air". This has been taken by fans as a semi-official announcement of an "Air" movie, based on the bishoujo computer game by Key. Source: Moon Phase.
Toei has a trailer for the upcoming Konjiki no Gash Bell!! movie 101 Banme no Mamono (Unlisted Demon #101). Visit this page and then scroll down to the pic of Konjiki no Gash Bell!! Source: Moon Phase. The movie will be released theatrically on 7 August 2004.
ITmedia reports that Pony Canyon has announced that m.o.e's next short series Hit wo Nerae! (Smash hit!) will be distributed free over the internet starting 9 March 2004, one episode per week. The episodes will stream at 500kbps. Source: Ma-ten. TV broadcast on TVK starts the day before.
TV Tokyo has a website up for the upcoming TV anime version of Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog), though there's nothing to see at present. Source: Ma-ten. To commence broadcast on 3 April 2004.
Ribon magazine has announced that the role of Yuzuyu-chan in the upcoming TV anime version of Aishiteruze Baby will be played by a nine year old girl. Source: Rakuga Kidou. I'm not sure how to read the kanji of the seiyuu's name, so I won't hazard a guess here ^_^;; However, IIRC the girl also played the role of Abigail Breslin in the Japanese dub of the movie Signs.
TV Tokyo has a website up for the upcoming TV anime Get Ride! Amdriver. Source: alternative-live. For more info on the series, see my 27 February 2004 entry. For young boys. To commence broadcast 5 April 2004.
Monthly Shonen Magazine has confirmed the details regarding the TV anime version of Shura no Toki which I posted up on 29 February 2004. Official title of the anime version will be "Mutsu Enmei Ryu Gaiden Shura no Toki". Source: ultimatum. To commence broadcast on 6 April 2004.
Issue number 15 of Morning manga magazine (on sale 11 March 2004) will see the start of Anno Moyoco's new manga Hataraki Man. Source: ultimatum.
Production IG has some pages up on its Japanese website for the upcoming TV special Windy Tale Fuujin Monogatari. Staff and cast details here, three pages of design works here. Director will be Nishimura Junji, character design by Arakawa(?) Shinji, music by Kawai Kenji. Oshii Mamoru won't be director, but will have a supervising role. A number of characters, starting with Nao, high school girl and head of the school's digital camera club (which only has two members). And there's a flying cat. Source: ultimatum. To be broadcast in the (northern) summer of 2004.
After many years, I finally got around to finishing the Saint Tail anime. Kouda Naoko was excellent as villain Rosemary/Kabako. It's a bit disappointing that TokyoPop couldn't even get the names of some of characters right in the credits. Now for Fancy Lala ^_^ - a great series that I've never gotten around to finishing.
anime@nifty has a photo report of the Wonder Festival 2004 Winter event. Among the sections are cosplayers and figures. Source: Tentative Name. Here's someone cosplaying a certain director...
Air Gear goods available from Animate. The top item is a clear pencil board, below are two different types of clear file. I've placed my order for them, together with some R.O.D goods \^_^/
NHK has announced that the manga Hikeshiya Komachi (Beautiful Firefighter) by Ousaka Mieko (previously serialised in Big Comic Original magazine) is to be made into a live action dorama series (20 episodes) commencing broadcast on 28 June 2004. Source: ultimatum. As the title suggests, about female firefighter Minami Natsuko.
NHK has also announced the animation of Agatha Christie's mystery novels. That series will commence in July 2004. Source: ultimatum. There's reference to a 39 "book" series being planned. I assume that means 39 episodes, a different mystery each episode...? This is the second instalment of NHK's "new anime work development project" - aimed at creating anime which can be watched by young and old alike. For a bit more on this project, see my 30 October 2003 entry. The first instalment is Tezuka Osamu's "Hi no Tori" (Phoenix), which is to commence broadcast in April 2004.
Shueisha has published a list of its April 2004 manga releases. Manga no Mori has also published a list of general manga releases for April 2004. Source: ultimatum. Among those are:
Tenjou Tenge volume 11, to be released 19 April 2004, ISBN 4-08-876601-6, price 530 yen.
Full Moon wo Sagashite Illustration Collection - Tanemura Arina Collection, to be released 15 April 2004, ISBN 4-08-855106-0, price 1,800 yen.
Group TAC's website for Futatsu no Spica (Twin Spica) states that a DVD box will be released on 22 July 2004 (tentative date), containing all 20 episodes. Further, there'll be another DVD box released on 26 May 2004 (tentative date), containing just selected episodes 1, 5, 9, 12 and 16. Well, actually the site doesn't expressly state it's DVD (as opposed to VHS), but I assume it's DVD. Source: ultimatum.
There's now a portal site for the Raimu (Lime) iro Senkitan series of game, anime, radio program, novel, novels, manga etc. Source: ultimatum.
Furthermore, the portal site has details on Raimu (Lime) iro Senkitan OVA series Nankoku Yume Roman. The bonus goods for the limited edition version of volume 1 are different to what I posted earlier, so I'll set things out again here. Firstly, it's confirmed to be a two volume release:
Volume 1:
To be released on 23 April 2004. There'll be a limited edition version (catalogue number KSXA-24903, price 7,800 yen excluding tax) and a regular edition (catalogue number KSXA-24901, price 5,800 yen excluding tax). The limited edition version will come with a bonus DVD (approximately 30 minutes in duration) and a music CD (rather than a "talk" CD as previous reported).
Volume 2:
To be released June 2004.
NHK has a website up for the upcoming TV anime Kyou Kara Ma Ou, though it's just the single page at present. Source: ultimatum. Animation by Studio Deen. Director will be Nishimura Junji. As I've previously written, based on the novel series by Takabayashi Tomo, with draft character designs by Matsumoto Temari. To commence broadcast on 3 April 2004.
KSS has announced a new three volume Happy Lesson OVA, Happy Lesson the Final, with volume 1 to be released on 28 May 2004. Source: Magicalantique.com.
On 2 March 2004, I wrote that those who purchase all five DVD volumes of Gokusen will be able to apply for some bonus good(s). VAP's website for the anime now refers to a "Yankumi Red Jersey" present campaign, so I presume that's what the bonus item will be. Also, it looks like you'll need to buy first pressing copies of the DVD volumes. For DVD release details, see my 26 January 2004 entry.
The CD single for the ED for the upcoming TV anime of Sensei no Ojikan (Doki Doki School Hours) will be released on 28 April 2004. Titled "Furare Kibun de Rock 'n Roll", performed by Drops. There'll be a limited edition version which comes with DVD, catalogue number KICM-91105, price 1,800 yen (excluding tax). The DVD will contain music video, clip on the shooting of the jacket for the CD single, etc. Regular edition catalogue number KICM-1105, price 1,000 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangaoh Club. The series commences broadcast on TV Tokyo late night 4 April 2004 (early morning 5 April 2004).
New York Times article "Push-button nursing", republished in the International Herald Tribune. A move towards a Roujin Z future? The motorised pants sound interesting :)
An Appleseed Complete Box will be released on 5 April 2004, just prior to the theatrical release of the movie on 17 April 2004. The Complete Box comprises an A4 size guidebook (containing introductions to the movie storyline, characters, mecha and background art, design works, interviews with the director and producer, introductions to the original manga and anime etc), limited edition Briareos figure (approximately 80mm tall, produced by Yamato), A3 size original poster. To be published by Takarajimasha, price 2,590 yen (excluding tax). Plus, if you purchase through Comic Toranoana mail order, you'll receive a bonus unpainted Briareos figure. Source: Comic Toranoana.
Animaxis.com has an English language article on the worldwide release of the upcoming 3D CG Appleseed movie by Geneon Entertainment.
A post to Oh! great fansite Sa-i gives a partial list of seiyuu for the upcoming Tenjou Tenge TV anime:
Nagi Souichirou: Hoshi Souichirou
Bob Makihara: Miki Shinichirou
Takayanagi Masataka: Seki Tomokazu ^_^
No guarantee is given that this information is correct. (Update: the info has now been confirmed).
GAiNAX's website for the upcoming Cutie Honey live action movie states that the movie will be released theatrically on 29 May 2004.
The Innocence movie is released in Japan today. The Yomiuri Shimbun has two English language articles in relation to the movie:
The age of Innocence
The dolls that inspired the creator of 'Innocence'
The new One Piece movie is theatrically released today as well.
Tired yesterday. Still tired today, but it's been half a week, so I'll update this page anyway...

4 March 2004

Unlikely to be any news today because my brother decided to waste time on my computer.
No news yesterday cos I fell asleep.

2 March 2004 (third update)

Actually, I'm going to leave it at this today.
Online store HappyMarket lists a doll for a new and original Sailor Senshi as being released by Bandai at the end of April 2004, price 1,280 yen (excluding tax). See here for the listing and an image/silhouette of the new Senshi. Furthermore, the site states that the live action dorama series Pretty Guardian Sailormoon will see the appearance of this new Senshi character, helping out the other Senshi in a time of need. An original storyline will commence in the TV series in April 2004. Source: Ma-ten.
Sunrise has a website up for the upcoming TV anime of Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog), though there's not much to see at present. Source: ultimatum. The anime will commence broadcast on TV Tokyo on 3 April 2004.
NTT Publishing reports that the TV anime of Midori no Hibi will commence broadcast on Chiba TV on 4 April 2004. Source: Magicalantique.com. Volume 4 of the manga by Inoue Kazurou will be published by Shogakukan on 17 April 2004, price 390 yen.
Starchild has a page up for the upcoming TV anime of Sensei no Ojikan (Doki Doki School Hours), though there's not much to see. Source: Reinbo Actress. The series commences broadcast on TV Tokyo late night 4 April 2004 (early morning 5 April 2004).
Episode 8 of the anime TV series Chou Henshin Kosu-pureiya (The Cosmopolitan Prayers) is now available for streaming download from the m.o.e website (until 8 March 2004). Source: Tentative Name. For further info about what's available on the download page, see my 31 January 2004 entry.
A post to the BBS of Oh! great fansite Sa-i states that it looks like the Tenjou Tenge TV anime will commence broadcast on 4 April 2004. No source is cited, however.
Firstly some product news...
DVD volume 1 of Mousou Dairinin (Paranoia Agent) will be released on 28 April 2004, catalogue number ACBA-10206, price 5,800 yen (excluding tax). Contains two episodes. First pressing will come with box to hold all six volumes in the series. Volume 2 will be released on 12 May 2004, catalogue number ACBA-10207 for the same price and will also contain two episodes. Source: Mangaoh Club.
On 28 April 2004, the Chou Henshin Kosu-pureiya (The Cosmopolitan Prayers) Complete Album will be released, price 2,940 yen (including tax). This two CD set will include full size, TV size and karaoke versions of the OP and ED. Furthermore, the first pressing comes with a box to hold all four volumes of the DVD release. Source: Animate.
Animate states that the SutePRIX first pressing limited edition version of volume 9 of Scrapped Princess (to be released 25 April 2004, price 8,190 yen including tax), will come with fan DVD, alternative jacket, full colour booklet card folder and 12 eyecatch cards. On the other hand, CD Japan states that volume 9 will come with a figure as usual (no mention of a fan DVD). I'm more inclined to believe the Animate listing...
Those who purchase all DVD volumes of Gokusen will be able to apply for some bonus good(s). Source: Animate. I don't know what the bonus item(s) will be. For DVD release details, see my 26 January 2004 entry.
Those who purchase all DVD volumes of Monkey Turn will be able to apply for some bonus good(s). Source: Animate. I don't know what the bonus item(s) will be. For release details for volume 1, see my 20 February 2004 entry.
DVD volume 1 of the TV anime B-Densetsu! Battle B-Daman will be released on 21 April 2004, price 2,079 yen (including tax). There'll be 18 volumes in the series. Source: Animate.
A DVD titled Growlanser Arata naru Densetsu (Growlanser a New Legend) will be released on 19 May 2004, price 7,140 yen (including tax). Source: Animate.
The third and final volume of the OVA "True Love Story: Summer Days, and yet..." will be released on 23 April 2004. There'll be a first pressing limited edition version and a regular edition. The first pressing limited edition version will cost 8,190 yen (including tax) and will come with special CD, mousepad, bookmark and liner notes. The regular edition will cost 5,250 yen (including tax). Source: Animate.
On 29 February 2004 I wrote about the Takahashi Rumiko Gekijo Mermaid's Forest DVD Box and individual volumes. Animate states that the DVD Box will come with full colour illustration collection, while the individual volumes will each come with a postcard of the jacket illustration. Furthermore, those who purchase the DVD Box will be able to apply for a colour reproduction of an original artwork (although I assume you'll need to pay some fee).
On 19 May 2004 a series of "12 Kokki no Sekai" DVDs will be released. There'll be one for each of the following story arcs:
Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi
Kaze no Umi, Meikyu no Kishi
Kaze no Banri, Reimei no Sora
Furthermore, for each there'll be a limited edition version which comes with box. The DVDs for the first two arcs will cost 2,730 yen (including tax) each. The DVD for the third arc will cost 2,940 yen (including tax). Source: Animate.
Quick artbook release info from Mangaoh Club: a Kimi ga Nozomu Eien Film Complete book will be released by Media Factory on 9 April 2004, price 2,000 yen (excluding tax). A Gadguard Complete Works book will be published by Softbank Publishing in early April 2004, price 2,300 yen (excluding tax).

1 March 2004 (third update)

I'm going to leave it at that for today.
Episode 1 of the OVA Aoi Umi no Tristia (Tristia of the Deep Blue Sea) will be released on 23 April 2004, but before that Sky Perfect will be broadcasting it on a pay per view channel on 2 April 2004. Source: Moon Phase. For release details, see my 26 January 2004 and 7 February 2004 entries.
I've finally reached the halfway mark of Christopher Tolkein's four volume history of the Lord of the Rings. I started reading maybe two years ago, and was hoping to finish by the time I saw The Return of the King, but at present, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli have only just arrived at Edoras...
Guy Gavriel Kay's new book "The Last Light of the Sun" was due out in Canada today, IIRC. Whereas here in Australia we'll probably have to wait another month or so ;_;
On 22 February 2004 I wrote about the Innocence model home theatre projector by Epson. Impress Corporation reports that Epson now has another 50 units of the projector available for online ordering. Furthermore, the price has dropped 37,000 yen from 165,000 yen to 128,000 yen. However, this time, the GiTS movie DVD and Innocence "press book" won't come packaged with the projector. Instead, you'll receive a numbered CG background PiezoGraph, signed by director Oshii Mamoru, and a DVD containing an Innocence Studio Ghibli promo clip. Source: alternative-live.
Kadokawa Shoten has listed its manga releases for April 2004. Source: ultimatum. They include volume 9 of the manga Neon Genesis Evangelion by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki, to be published 23 April 2004, price 540 yen (excluding tax). Remember that there'll be a limited edition version of volume 9 which comes with Ayanami Rei action figure (see my 26 October 2003 entry).
Kids Station has announced some of the anime it'll be broadcasting in April 2004. They include Koikaze, to commence late night 19 April 2004, early morning 20 April 2004. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
My thanks to Pelianth at the AoD forums for pointing out to me that the Nekobus (see my 27 Feburary 2004 entry) was a feature at the Burning Man events of 2001 and 2002. Pelianth also pointed me to several other websites (here, here and here) with pics of the Nekobus, but please note that some of the sites contain mature content.
Ishibashi Mitsuyuki has up on his website a couple of short anime, which were created together with, among others, Osada Yuukou: there's the 64 second first episode of Salaryman (30Mb) and the 4 min 43 sec promo video for the song "Jack Nicholson" by the "bloodthirsty butchers" (100Mb). Source: ultimatum. The latter at least is up for a limited time only.
At the start of the Steel Bull Run chapter in issue 14 of Shonen Jump magazine (on sale today), it's announced that that a Jojo anime is to be produced. Source: Moon Phase. Araki Hirohiko is the author of both Jojo's Bizarre Adventure as well as Steel Ball Run.
Looks like the Dan Doh!! anime will commence broadcast on 3 April 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
Finally watched The Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King, over the weekend. It was good, but certainly not great. While the CG work can't be faulted, the events had gotten to a large scale and the movie never gave one an opportunity to really empathise with the main characters, save perhaps Sam. Nothing new was added to the characters such as Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn. And with the books so rich in detail, the movie was forced to resort to having the characters basically explaining things to an uninitiated audience. And what was with that storyline about Arwen?! In all those respects, I thought this finale was weaker than both The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. I was hoping for more, and to this extent this third movie was a disappointment.
The spring issue of Comic Blade Masamune will be published by Mag Garden on 15 March 2004, price 724 yen. It'll come with Matantei Loki Ragnarok pin badges (set of 5) and clear file. Source: Mangaoh Club.
The May 2004 issue of Dragon Magazine will be published by Fujimishobo on 30 March 2004, price 752 yen. It'll come with a 14cm tall figure of Yuuna from Maburaho. Source: Mangaoh Club. Bear in mind that, as far as I'm aware, Dragon Magazine is a text story magazine, not a manga magazine (such as Dragon Age magazine).

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