Natsume Goushin Ryu 16-31 March 2004 news

16-31 MARCH 2004 NEWS

31 March 2004 (second update)

~~More later.~~ On second thoughts, I'm just too tired and too busy. It's unlikely I'll update further today. Sorry. Will possibly be busy tomorrow as well... I do note that Cospa will be selling Happy Milk (the milk that Anita drinks in R.O.D - The TV -) in early April though. I'll have to see if I can get a bottle. About 400 yen IIRC. Better than trying to win an auction for a used bottle. Currently someone's asking 8,000 yen (!) for a bottle.
The well known Waseda University (which Kasuga Kyosuke attended at the end of the Kimagure Orange Road anime) will start classes at its International College in April 2004. International College classes will be conducted largely in English, but there'll be emphasis on learning the Japanese language too. There's also a class on "Manga and anime: expressions of Japanese culture and society" - see this page. As usual (as it seems to me anyway) with these type of classes on anime or manga, there'll be guest lectures from people in the industry. However, note that not all classes listed on the website will necessarily be offered starting 2004.
Speaking of univerities, I watched volume 1 of Tokyo Daigaku Monogatari (Tokyo University Story) recently. Not bad, certainly better than I''s (this OVA is by the same maker). The more static artwork was fine (though not as good as for Golden Boy, another OVA based on a Egawa Tatsuya work), but the animation was below average - part of that blame falls on the technical director IMO. And the idol VAs were still no match for the likes of Enomoto Atsuko. Nice to see Seki Tomokazu there as well, putting in another good performance (though the animation didn't help). Apart from the gimmick of alternate soundtrack with idol seiyuu, this time there was also the option of choosing a "full mode" with one additional scene... though my DVD player seemed to have trouble dealing with this additional scene and would often skip back to an earlier scene once it had finished playing the additional scene... The concluding volume 2 should've been released recently in March.
I'm now officially extremely busy. The end of the week seems an eternity away from where I am. I'll have to leave some stuff that I was planning to write up until later.
Godannar Official Guidebook released today by Media Works, price 2,520 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 5 of the manga Jinki Extend by Tsunashima Shirou will be published by Mag Garden on 10 July 2004. There'll be a limited edition version which comes with tabletop mini art collection, price 930 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club. IIRC ADV has licensed this manga.
BTW, IIRC starting tomorrow stores in Japan will be required to quote the tax inclusive price of items.
Nice poster of Natsume Maya and Aya. In this month's issue of Megami magazine, I think (on sale about now). I'll have to get a copy.
Issue number 9 of Uppers magazine (on sale 20 April 2004) will see the end of the second series of booklet posters by Shirow Masamune. For those who couldn't be bothered buying the individual issues of the magazine, planning is underway for the second series of poster book and illustration card sets (ie presumably the same or similar format to the first series).
A little bookmark/ad that came with one of my Shogakukan manga states that the Umizaru live action movie (based on the manga) will be released theatrically on 12 June 2004.
Received my copy of volume 4 of the manga Koikaze \^_^/ Unfortunately the artwork has deteriorated IMO. Still, some nice scenes with Futaba. The TV anime commences broadcast in the early hours of 2 April 2004.
Picked up volume 7 of Ikki Tousen as well. More pics that seem similar to artwork in Tenjou Tenge.

29 March 2004 (fourth update)

The official website for the OVA Cossette no Shozou (Le Portrait de Petit Cossette) has updated. Release date for DVD volume 1 has been put back to 26 May 2004. First pressing will come with a leather sticker. Source: Moon Phase. Broadcast on AT-X remains at 11 April 2004 (there'll also be a staff interview included).
I'm going to leave it at that for today. My backlog of stuff to type up continues to increase... -_- A package arrived today from Japan, so I want to put aside a bit of time to listen to my MariMite (nice first pressing clear card), R.O.D - The TV - (great first pressing sticker) and Animation Runner Kuromi CDs, flick through the magazines and manga etc ^_^
Mezzo TV has finished broadcast. But what did the final screen mean? SD characters and the words "Next time... what!? Seriously!" Source: Rakuga Kidou.
TV Tokyo has previews up for the following TV series in its April lineup:
Aqua Kids (to commence broadcast on 1 April 2004)
Kenran Butou Matsuri The Mars Daybreak (1 April 2004)
Saiyuki Reload Gunlock (1 April 2004)
Dan Doh!! (3 April 2004)
Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog) (3 April 2004)
Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi (4 April 2004)
Marshmallow Tsuushin (Marshmallow Times) (4 April 2004)
Source: Rakuga Kidou. Furthermore, the company has pages up for previews for the following series, but I haven't been able to check them to see if they work, cos my RealPlayer has a problem reading the stream... Sorry....
Sensei no Ojikan (Doki Doki School Hours) (4 April 2004)
Get Ride! Amdriver (5 April 2004)
Madlax (5 April 2004)
Mutsu Enmei Ryu Gaiden Shura no Toki (6 April 2004)
Ragnarok the Animation (6 April 2004)
Kinnikuman II Sei (second generations) Ultimate Muscle (7 April 2004)
Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor) (7 April 2004)
Promo video for the Tales of Phantasia The Animation OVA. There are two dark blue buttons in the bottom right hand corner of the page. Click on the left if you have a narrow band internet connection, on the right if you have a broadband connection. Script by Kingetsu Ryunosuke, character design, layout and chief animation director are Matsutake Tokuyuki. Source: Rakuga Kidou. This clip will only be up until 8 April 2004. This will be a four volume OVA.
At a UFO Princess Walkure event on 28 March 2004, a third series of the anime was announced, although it's not yet clear whether this will be a TV series or OVA. Source: Magicalantique.com. Furthermore, Moon Phase points out that Kaishaku have confirmed this the BBS1 of their website.
The Tokyo International Anime Fair held the Tokyo Anime Awards on 26 March 2004. Yeah, sorry I didn't type this up earlier. I'm still behind in typing up some articles... Anyway, infoseek anime cites an NTT Publishing report that the awards have two sections: a nomination section and a general invitation section. The nomination section deals with anime which was broadcast, screened or sold between December 2002 and November 2003. Entries for the general invitation section have increased 80% since last year - a total of 182 entries, including 66 non-Japanese anime from 15 countries.
In the general invitation section, the Grand Prix award went to "Africa a.F.r.I.c.A" by Kim Yong Chan (sounds like a Korean entry), which shows African nature and the environmental problems. I won't go through the other award winners in the general invitation section, since they don't appear to be anime which fans would be familiar with. However, I will say that those awards were split between Japanese and Korean entries.
In the nomination section, the award winners were as follows:
Animation of the year: Gundam Seed
Best TV anime: Astroboy, Gundam Seed, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi (Full Metal Alchemist)
Best movie anime: Tokyo Godfathers, Nasu ~ Andulusia no Natsu (Eggplant ~ Andulusian Summer)
Best OVA: Animatrix (special edition), Macross Zero
Best foreign movie anime: Lilo and Stitch
Best director: Kon Satoshi
Best script: Aikawa Shou
Best background art: Ike Nobutaka
Best character design: Hirai Hisashi
Best seiyuu: Paku Romi
Best music: Kanno Youko
alternative-live points out that you can find the official list of winners of the nomination section here. The awards for the nomination section at least are decided by the votes of 176 people in the anime industry. See also this Impress Corporation for a further report about the awards and the fair in general. What I like about that report in particular are the pics - click on then for enlargements, particularly this figure of the castle from Hauru no Ogoku Shiro (Howl's Moving Castle) and this pic of the R.O.D - The TV - cosplayers which I mentioned earlier. If those outfits were made out of paper I'd be even more impressed ^_^
Imagica Entertainment has announced at the Tokyo International Anime Fair that a new TV series of To Heart is to be produced. Title will be To Heart ~ Remember My Memories ~. To be broadcast in the (northern) autumn of 2004, Moon Phase states October 2004. To Heart is a bishoujo love adventure game.

28 March 2004 (fourth update)

Gotoh Keiji, Kadonosono Megumi and Kimura Hidefumi, the staff behind Kiddy Grade, are working on a TV anime titled "Uta ~ Kata" (the tilde in the middle should actually be an S-shape rotated 90 degrees to the left so that it's lying on its side - hope that makes sense). Produced by Bandai Visual, with animation production by HAL Film maker. To be broadcast by Kids Station from October 2004. Source: Moon Phase. This info comes from the Tokyo International Anime Fair.
Revealed at the Tokyo International Anime Fair, Nippon Animation is working on a TV anime Fantastic Children to be broadcast in October 2004. Nakamura Takashi (of Palme no Ki) will be responsible for the draft proposal, direction and character design. Source: Moon Phase.
Sony has announced the production of a Honoo no Shinkirou (Mirage of Blaze) OVA series. Subtitle of the OVA series will be "Minagiwa no Hangyakusha". Volume 1 will be released on 28 July 2004, volume 2 in September 2004 and volume 3 in November 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
Mangazoo has a report on the Tatsunoko Pro booth at the Tokyo International Anime Fair (TAF), which finished up today. The booth included a promo video and visual for Karas (Crow). This will be a 3D "ninja action" anime, to be released in the (northern) autumn of 2004. Source: alternative-live. Originally stated to be an OVA, but this NTT Publishing report suggests that it'll be a TV series.
The same NTT Publishing report states that Toei Animation is planning a Daiku Maryuu Gaiking Neo TV anime. The original Daiku Maryuu Gaiking TV series was produced by Toei in the 1970s. Moon Phase states that it was also revealed at TAF that Koga Gou will direct the series.
This infoseeek anime article cites an NTT Publishing report to confirm the announcement by Micott & Basara Inc. at the TAF of the production of an Appleseed 2 anime. Further the company hopes to complete its anime based on mangaka Masumura Hiroshi's Atagoul series by the (northern) summer of 2005. Furthermore, the third anime to be produced is titled Saiga, a sci-fi samurai action anime set in the near future. A princess who lives a sheltered life meets a good looking swordswoman. Director of Saiga will be Abe Yuuichi. Finally, a doll/puppet animation Komaneko is in production.
A new special issue of Young Animal magazine, Young Animal Island. To be published 27 April 2004, price 552 yen. Comes with special limited edition cover for volume 13 of the Ai Yori Aoshi manga, as well as an Ai Yori Aoshi illustration. Will include a 34 page special Ai Yori Aoshi manga and manga by Yagami Ken, Inoue Sora etc. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Website up for the anime movie Mind Game, to be produced by Studio 4ºC. 103 minutes. Music by Yamamoto Seiichi. A hybrid anime mixing 2D and 3D animation with live action. Source: Moon Phase. To be released theatrically in the (northern) summer. Director Yuasa Masaaki, based on the "hyper tension" manga by Robin Nishi.
At a live recording of Radio Big Bang yesterday, writer Akahori Satoru announced that a new Saber Marionette work is in production. Source: Moon Phase.
A comparison of the art of characters in the Inuyasha TV series depending on the animation director for the particular episode. First you see the faces of Inuyasha and Kagome from episodes where the animation director was Hishinuma Yoshihito. Hishinuma is the character designer for the series (of course, original designs by mangaka Takahashi Rumiko). The next row of faces come from episodes where Ikeda Akiko was animation director. Next where Nakajima Rie is supervising. Then Sakuma Nobukazu. Finally under Tobe Atsuo. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
infoseek anime cites a Sankei Sports report that the Japanese-Korean anime movie Shin Angyo Onshi (based on the manga of the same name by Youn In-wan and Yang Kyung-il) will be released in South Korea and Japan in the (northern) autumn. Further, BoA will (rather fittingly) sing the theme song. In November last year, there had been a report that the movie would be released in April 2004.
Forgot to mention that the Killers DVD was released on 26 March 2004. CD Japan has the details here (price is exclusive of tax). Picture is anamorphic. This omnibus movie includes Oshii Mamoru's contribution "0.50 Woman".
On 27 September 2003 I wrote about the Space Pirate Captain Harlock DVD Box. More details now: it'll be released on 21 July 2004, catalogue number DSTD-2333, price 45,000 yen (presumably excluding tax). A first pressing limited edition item. Source: Mangoah Club. Mangaoh Club doesn't mention the bonus disk which I referred to back in September, but states that the box will come with a mobile phone strap.
The fifth One Piece movie Norowareta Seiken will be released on DVD on 21 July 2004, catalogue number price 4,500 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangoah Club.
On 20 March 2004, I wrote about DVD volume 1 of Galaxy Angel The Selection. This will contain episodes 1, 3, 14, 17 and 25 from the first season. Source: Mangoah Club.
On 4 March 2004 I wrote about the three 12 Kokki no Sekai DVDs to be released on 19 May 2004. Mangoah Club now has more details: each DVD will contain digest episodes for the relevant story arc. The Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi DVD will digest the 13 episodes of that arc into three episodes. The Kaze no Umi, Meikyu no Kishi DVD will digest the six episodes of that arc into two episodes and the Kaze no Banri, Reimei no Sora DVD will digest the 18 episodes of that arc into four episodes. Furthermore, in relation to the the limited edition versions of those DVDs which come with a box: each box will hold the 12 Kokki no Sekai DVD together with the original story arc DVDs, eg the Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi box will hold the 12 Kokki no Sekai DVD and the five original volumes.
Updated 25 April 2004: see now my 25 April 2004 entry. ~~The two volumes of~~ ~~Eiken Eikenbu yori Ai wo Komete~~ ~~will be released on DVD on 23 June 2004. CD Japan has the details up for~~ ~~volume 1 (special box)~~ ~~and~~ ~~volume 2, but note that volume 1 (special box) will also come with a soundtrack CD.~~
The Steady x Study OVA will be released on 26 May 2004, catalogue number KIBA-1032, price 4,800 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangoah Club. Based on the Playstation 2 love adventure game which was released just three days ago.
Making of Cutie Honey DVD, to be released 26 May 2004, catalogue number VPBT-12067, price 2,000 yen (excluding tax). Relates to the live action movie. Source: Mangoah Club.
On 22 March 2004 I wrote about the Wind ~ a breath of heart ~ OVA series Advance Special Edition Serial No. 0 DVD. Mangoah Club states that that DVD will come with a mini CD. Catalogue number KSXA-24920.
The Panda Z TV anime starts soon. The OP & ED CD single will be released on 26 May 2004. There'll be a limited edition version (of 12,000 copies) which comes with special mascot keychain, catalogue number LACM-34133, price 1,429 yen (excluding tax). Regular edition catalogue number LACM-4133, price 952 yen (excluding tax). Source: Mangoah Club.
Sorry, didn't get around to updating more yesterday.

27 March 2004 (fourth early update)

More to type up, but I've gotta go out now. More at the end of the day.
The Maxwell website has a Flash anime Project PAPO [Plant]. There are currently three parts, [Plant], [Plant2] and [Plant3], though only a preview for [Plant3] is available at present. To view, click on the icons in the "movie" box on the left hand side of the page. Source: Moon Phase. There's also to be a TV anime of Project PAPO.
Updated the Re: Cutie Honey news.
The Hatena report on the first (25 March) day of the Tokyo International Anime Fair states that Umetsu Yasuomi's anime move Kiss and Cry is scheduled for theatrical release in 2006, with production by Arms. Source: alternative-live. The movie is described as a combination of horror, action, suspense and sci-fi drama and will be a joint Japanese-US-Korean effort.
Further, at the same event, Toshiba Entertainment has announced that the TV anime based on the manga "Ninin ga Shinobuden (2 x 2 = Shinobuden) ~ the Nonsense Kunoichi Fiction" will commence broadcast in the (northern) summer. Source: Hatena and alternative-live.
This animate.tv article states that the Samurai 7 TV anime will be 26 episodes long. Source: alternative-live. The series will commence broadcast in June 2004.
Commercial for Tenjou Tenge TV anime! \^_^/ I'm going to host this file for a limited time only. Five days to broadcast (well, technically six days).
The Koikaze TV anime website states that TV Asahi will commence broadcast early morning 2 April 2004 of 12 episodes, Kids Station will commence at 0.00am on 20 April 2004 of 13 episodes. Source: Moon Phase. One more episode on Kids Station? I reckon it could just be a typo.
Sunrise's website for the Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog) TV anime is now open. The series commences broadcast on 3 April 2004.
Mangaka Ninomiya Tomoko has posted to her website that her manga "Green ~ Nouka no Yome ni Naritai ~" is to be adapted into a five episode live-action dorama series to be broadcast on NHK's general channel, with episode 1 scheduled for broadcast on 17 May 2004. Cast to include Fukuda Kyoko. Source: ultimatum.
The June 2004 issue of Monthly Shonen Ace-A (on sale 26 April 2004) will come with special comic covers for the Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog) and Girls Bravo manga. According to ultimatum, that issue will also contain a big announcement relating to Guardian Hearts, the manga by Amatsu Sae. Guardian Hearts has previously been adapted into an OVA. Further, Bochan_Bird has posted to the Evangelion Mailing List that the May 2004 isue of the magazine (on sale yesterday) states that, while the regular edition of volume 9 of the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga will be published on 23 April 2004, the limited edition version with Rei action figure will be released on 14 April 2004.
animate.tv has up a promo clip for Ragnarok the Animation. You'll see two dark blue buttons towards the bottom of the page. Click on the right hand one if you have broadband, click on the left hand button if, like me, you are cursed with a narrow band internet connection. Source: Magicalantique.com. The TV anime starts broadcast in the early hours of 7 April 2004.
Event staff in R.O.D - The TV - costume at the Tokyo International Anime Fair on during this weekend. Source: Tentative Name.
Yomiuri Shimbum English language article titled "Other countries seek to imitate Japan's anime success story".
I got a fine (and demerit points) for a traffic violation. The first in my life ;_;
A reminder that the official website for the Re: Cutie Honey OVA is now up. Staff details: chief director Anno Hideaki, series composition Nakajima Kazuki, character design Hiramatsu Tadashi (Abenobashi etc), animation production Toei Animation. Along with Horie Yui, cast will include Noda Junko and Ishikawa Hideo. The "Re:" in the title can refer to things like "return" and "renewal" but also to the OVA being a "response" to the live action movie. Tentative broadcast dates: episode 1 from 24 July 2004 (episode 1 will be 45 minutes long), episode 2 from 28 August 2004 and episode 3 from 25 September 2004. Update: GAiNAX suggests on its website that each of the three episodes will be 45 minutes long.
Too tired yesterday to update further...

26 March 2004 (early update)

More at the end of the day. I seem to be getting behind with updating this page. Every few days I leave a couple of things out.
Studio Comet, makers of the upcoming anime Marshmallow Tsuushin (The Marshmallow Times) and Mutsu Enmei Ryu Gaiden Shura no Toki, has a 17.5 Mb Quicktime movie titled Ninpoukko Shapie (Ninja Girl Shapie) for download. Source: Moon Phase.
An anime titled Money Punch Manga Katsudou Dai Shashin will commence broadcast on WoWoW in July 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
Satelight's TV anime Valerian & Laureline will be broadcast in France in the (northern) autumn. A 40 episode sci-fi adventure, directed by Satou Eiichi. Source: Moon Phase. This is a Japanese-French collaboration between Satelight, Dargaud-Marina and Europacorp. So how does French director Luc Besson figure in things? He's the president of Europacorp.
The Re: Cutie Honey anime will be a three volume OVA, with monthly release commencing September 2004. However, there'll be an advance broadcast on a Sky Perfect TV pay per view channel commencing July 2004. Kisaragi Honey will be voiced by Horie Yui. Source: Moon Phase.
The Mahoraba anime (based on the manga of the same name by Kojima Akira) will be directed by Kimura Shinichirou, with series composition by Yamada Yasutomo and anime production by JC Staff. Source: Moon Phase.
The official website for the upcoming Broccoli/GAiNAX anime Neppuu Kairiku Bushilord will change to www.bushilord.com. Source: Moon Phase.
Pierrot has its own website up for the Saiyuki Reload Gunlock website as well. To commence broadcast on TV Tokyo late night 1 April 2004 (early morning 2 April 2004). Source: Moon Phase. Not early morning 1 April 2004 as I previously wrote. TV Tokyo seems to state broadcast times differently to everyone else... -_-
Sunrise has stated that the Bandai booth at the Tokyo International Anime Fair (which started yesterday and will continue until 28 March 2004) will screen the Gundam Seed MSV Astray promotion clip. A five minute short film. Source: Moon Phase. If you recall, about a month ago Hobby Japan magazine and Gundam Ace magazine carried some hints about an Astray anime. I have a feeling this five minute anime is what they were referring to...
GAiNAX's booth at the Tokyo International Anime Fair indicates that one of its upcoming new works Grapple Gear will be a game (not an anime). Source: Moon Phase.

25 March 2004

TV Tokyo's websites for various anime are now up: Madlax (to commence broadcast on 5 April 2004), Aqua Kids (1 April 2004), Kenran Butou Matsuri The Mars Daybreak (1 April 2004), Saiyuki Reload Gunlock (1 April 2004). Source: Rakuga Kidou. The Saikyuki Reload Gunlock as a trailer for download.
The "Wind ~ a breath of heart ~" three volume OVA series is scheduled for release by KSS in the (northern) spring of 2004, with the Advance Special Edition Serial No.0 DVD to be released on 28 May 2004 (see my 22 March 2004 entry for more release details). Now there's to be a TV anime of "Wind ~ a breath of heart ~" adaptation of the bishoujo computer game as well, to commence broadcast in the (northern) summer. Chief director Tougou(?) Mitsuhiro (who'll also do series composition), script by Horii Akiko and Kouno Takamitsu(?), character design by Yoshino Shinichi, animation production by Radix. Official website for the TV anime is here. Moon Phase states that the series will commence broadcast in July 2004.
Further, Radix will make a TV anime will be made based on the adult computer game "Tsuki ha Higashi ni Hi ha Nishi ni - Operation Sanctuary -" (The Moon is East the Sun is West - Operation Sanctuary -) by August Soft. School life love simulation game turned cartoon. Official website is here. Chief director will again be Tougou(?) Mitsuhiro (who'll take up series composition again), scenario by Satou Kazuharu and Kaneko Tsutomu, character design by Nakano Norikatsu. To commence broadcast in the (northern) summer. Once again, Moon Phase states that the series will commence broadcast in July 2004. With the Japanese tendency to shorten names, this game is often referred to as HaniHani.
New Ojamajo Doremi OVA series, but also to be broadcast commencing 26 June 2004 on a Sky Perfect TV pay per view channel. Title will be "Ojamajo Doremi Na-i-sho". Naisho means "secret". 13 episodes, to be released on seven DVD volumes. To be directed by Sato Junichi, with character design by Umakoshi Yoshihiko. Source: alternative-live. Toei Animation's website for the new series is here, with monthly DVD release to commence in the (northern) summer. Source: Moon Phase.
My order shipped from Japan. Anime and manga allsorts \^_^/
Yomiuri Shimbun reports on the Tokyo International Anime Fair. Along the way, it's stated that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry estimates that the world market for anime (including broadcasting and character goods) is worth about 2.2 billion yen and expected to expand. English billions, ie million million. Konami is now entering the anime field, with its Get Ride! Amdriver TV series being the first product. Source: alternative-live.
The Stratos 4 website has updated with details for the concluding volume 2 of the Stratos 4 OVA will be released on 27 August 2004. Titled "X-2 Dispersion", 30 minutes, Dolby Digital stereo sound, single layer DVD, standard 4:3 aspect ratio. There'll be a first pressing limited edition version which comes with a 12cm long model of the SAC-0 jet, price 7,350 yen (including tax). Assembly of the stand is required. Regular edition will cost 6,090 yen (including tax). Source: alternative-live.

24 March 2004 (third update)

I've got more to type up, but I'll have to leave it at this for today. It always seems a battle to find the time to get everything done...
According to Moon Phase it looks like the new Oh! My Goddess anime will be a TV anime with direction by Aida Hiroaki and anime production by AIC (ie the same as for the OMG movie). I don't know the source for this info, though. Could be the next issue of Afternoon magazine, which is due out tomorrow.
Gonzo has put up a page for its Chrno Crusade TV anime, in which it states that the series will be 26 episodes long. Source: Moon Phase.
Episode 3 of Hit wo Nerae! (Smash hit!) is now available for download from the official website, and will be available until 29 March 2004. Source: Moon Phase. For details on how to view the show, see my 10 March 2004 entry.
Volume 14 of the Ai Yori Aoshi manga by Fumizuki Kou will be published on 29 September 2004, price 530 yen (including tax). There'll also be a first edition limited edition version which comes with a figure of Aoi, price 2,500 yen (including tax). This is a pre-order only limited edition item, with the pre-order cut-off date of 31 May 2004 (though of course stores may pre-order lots of copies). Source: Mangaoh Club and Rakuga Kidou.
Samurai 7 was previously reported to be scheduled for broadcast in April 2004. Now the website of the Association of Japanese Animations states that the Gonzo anime will be broadcast on Sky Perfect TV on a pay per view channel starting June 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
The Mahou Shoujo Tai Arusu official website is now up. Source: Moon Phase. To commence broadcast on 9 April 2004. Note that the URL for the website is "Tweeny Witches".
A Lingerie Soldier Papillon Rose movie? ^_^;; Titled "Lingerie Soldier Papillon Rose G". Source: Tentative Name. The finale to the Papillon Rose story. For those who are not aware, please note that Papillon Rose is an adult anime. I wonder if the news of a movie is meant to be taken seriously.
Ever wished you could buy the music played as the train is leaving at Japanese train stations? ^_^ The JR East Japan - Station Departure Melody Original Sound Source Collection CD was released today, price 2,381 yen, containing orchestrations of the departure music played at JR East Japan train stations. Source: Tentative Name. Who could resist a medley titled "Shinjuku Station"? And of course, there's a Tetsuwan Atom (Astroboy) track - I can't recall if I mentioned it before, but last year the Takadanobaba station was playing the Astroboy theme song instead of the usual train station jingle, because Astroboy hails from Takadanobaba. Don't know if the station is still playing the theme song, though...
Weekly Watashi no Ojii-chan (Weekly My Grandfather) from Tosibow ^_^ Source: Magicalantique.com.
The official website for Ragnarok the Animation is now open. Source: Magicalantique.com. The TV series will commence broadcast late night 6 April 2004, early morning 7 April 2004.
Comptiq reports that Di Gi Charat Nyo will finish on 28 March 2004 with the broadcast of episode 104. Furthermore, the article points out that the Di Gi Charat Nyo Princess School Box which I wrote about on 20 March 2004 will indeed contain the final episodes of the series (79 to 104), on three DVDs. Source: Magicalantique.com.
Today is the birthday of seiyuu Tange Sakura. She is believed to be 31 years old. Source: Reinbo Actress.
The Yomiuri Shimbun has an English language article on figure/model company Kaiyodo (including some references to sculptor Bome). BTW, Kaiyodo has a website up for its 40th anniversary here.
Maria-sama ga Miteru design works which had been on auction at Mandarake. I wouldn't mind getting hold of something like that, but in the end the 53 sheets went for 70,100 yen(!). When you take into account shipping and handling costs, the price will be just under A$1,000. Out of my league ;_;
Sorry I didn't type up more yesterday. Was too busy and too sleepy. Needless to say I feel tired today too...

23 March 2004 (early update)

The Stratos 4 official website has updated with a trailer for volume 1 of the OVA series X-1 "Return to Base". Visit the OVA page and you'll see red and blue buttons for the trailer. The trailer is the same as was included on the DVD with the recent issue of Animage, though. Source: Moon Phase. Volume 1 is to be released on 28 May 2004. For release details, see my 31 January 2004 entry.
On 20 March 2004, I wrote about DVD volume 1 of Galaxy Angel The Selection. Bandai has now updated its "coming soon" list of DVD releases, confirming that the DVD will contain five episodes from the first season of the Galaxy Angel series.
DVD volume 1 of the OVA Cossette no Shozou (Le Portrait de Petit Cossette) will be released on 28 April 2004. AT-X has announced that it'll broadcast the episode on 11 April 2004. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
The official website for the Pugyuru TV anime is now open. Source: ultimatum. To commence broadcast late night 12 April 2004 (early morning 13 April 2004).

22 March 2004 (second update)

The artbook Kitadzume Hiroyuki Gashuu (Art Collection) Characters of Gundam will be released on 25 May 2004 by Kadokawa Shoten, price 2,800 yen (excluding tax). A4 size, 104 pages. As the title suggests, characters of Gundam illustrated by Kitadzume Hiroyuki. Source: Comic Toranoana.
Kodansha has posted up a list of its shonen and shoujo manga releases for May 2004. Among those items is volume 6 of Air Gear, to be published on 17 May 2004, price 410 yen (including tax).
When last I heard, the Wind ~ a breath of heart ~ three volume OVA series was to be released in the (northern) spring of 2004. KSS will release the Advance Special Edition Serial No.0 DVD on 28 May 2004, price 2,079 yen (including tax). Source: dvdcatalog.
On 6 March 2004 I wrote about a Futatsu no Spica DVD being released on 26 May 2004 containing just episodes 1, 5, 9, 12 and 16. dvdcatalog now states that the price of this DVD will be 8,190 yen (including tax).
On 2 March 2004 I wrote about a Growlanser DVD being released on 19 May 2004. dvdcatalog now states that this will be an interactive DVD. Sounds like one of those DVD player games to me...
Volume 1 of the DVD release for Yugo will be out on 25 May 2004, price 5,565 yen (including tax). It'll contain two episodes from the Pakistan arc. Source: dvdcatalog.
The official Tenjou Tenge anime website is now up \^_^/ Note the mention of Geneon USA at the bottom of each page. Interesting that the tiny screenshots on each subpage appear to be taken directly from the manga. A bit more info: OP by m.c.A T will be titled "Bomb A Head! V". This will apparently be a special TenTen version of the Bomb A Head! song which m.c.A T released back in 1993. To listen to a sample of the 1993 version, visit m.c.A T's website, click on the 1993 Bomb A Head! single towards the bottom of the page. Finally, music for the series will be by Iwasaki Yasunori.

21 March 2004 (third update)

I'm pretty busy at the moment. Don't know if I'll update again today. Could be pretty busy for the next couple of days too...
Thanks to Zhou for pointing out an error in one of my details. The voice actor for Bunshichi in the TenTen anime should be Yao Kazuki, not Nao Kazuki. I've correct the couple of incorrect entries.
This ITmedia report on the post recording of the Tenjou Tenge TV anime states that the 30,000 first limited edition copies of volume 9 of the manga (which came with figure of Natsume Maya) sold out in a flash. (Overall, in excess of 43 million copies have been sold of the ten volumes published to date.) Anyway, some of the staff and cast were interviewed at the post-recording. Director Kawase Toshifumi states that he was concerned to try to reproduce the mix of eroticism, action and beautiful style/form of the original work, while also trying to clear the density of the artwork. As to the fight scenes, he says with a laugh that he's been working hard to make them not too comic in style, yet also not too real either. Chihara Minori, who voices Natsume Aya (and is making her seiyuu debut, BTW), says that she believes the anime will be able to express the Tenjou Tenge work extensively. While Hisakawa Aya (seiyuu for Natsume Maya) stated 'My first impression was that the anime is just like the manga. Maya's transformation scene [from chibi form] is just as it is [in the manga]. It's great.' Shiraishi Ryouko (seiyuu for Bob's girlfriend Kounoike Chiaki) asked fans of the manga who may be wondering about "that scene" to look forward to the anime. This sentence came just after the Hisakawa Aya's remarks, but I presume Shiraishi is referring to the scene with Chiaki at the end of volume 1 of the manga, rather than to Maya's transformation scene. Miki Shinichirou (voicing Bob Makihara) says that the show is full of highlights and hopes for a long association with the work. And in closing Yao Kazuki (voice actor for Tawara Bunshichi) believes that the anime isn't inferior to the manga - the anime being speedy, it'll make a powerful image. He wants both those who've read the original work and those who haven't to enjoy the anime. Source: alternative-live. All in all, the seiyuu cast which has been assembled has some impressive names IMO, though Chihara may be a question mark. Bear in mind that the comments of the various seiyuu are after the first post-recording only - not after the post-recording of the entire series has been completed. Despite all this, I still have a bad feeling about this anime. Oh yeah, almost forgot: see the report for a promotional pic for the anime.
Almost forgot this too ^_^;; note that the bottom of the ITmedia report, copyright is attributed to avex and Geneon USA. I don't see any reason why ITmedia would refer to a mere licensee of the work (and a licensee outside Japan at that), which implies that Geneon USA is co-producing the anime.
From the avex mode email magazine comes news that the official Tenjou Tenge anime website will open on 22 March 2004. For staff details for the Tenjou Tenge anime -
Chief animation director: Umehara Takahiro (who's also doing character designs)
Art director: Kaneko Hidetoshi
Editing: Seiyama Takeshi
Colour design: Ono Harue
Source: TA Group BBS.
Fell asleep yesterday before updating some more.
The Asahi Shimbun has an English language article on Lolita dressers - not to be confused with the concept of lolicon.
The blurb at the intro of chapter 11 of Araki Hirohiko's manga Steel Ball Run (serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump manga magazine) states that the new Jojo's Bizarre Adventure anime will be a movie. Source: ultimatum.

20 March 2004 (sixth early update)

The Tenchi Muyo! official website has a third promo clip up for the Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-ohki 3rd OVA series. Visit the news page and see the top news item (at present). You'll find the links next to the Windows Media and RealPlayer icons. Source: Moon Phase.
DVD volume 1 of Kono Miniku mo Utsukushii Sekai (This Ugly and Beautiful World) will be released on 4 June 2004, catalogue number GNBA-1007, price 5,250 yen (including tax). First pressing limited edition version will come with box to hold all six volumes in the series, together with two clear cards and a stand to hold twelve cards. Furthermore, those who purchase all six volumes can apply for some bonus item, planned to be an anime DVD. Source: Paper Moon and Rakuga Kidou. The TV series commences broadcast on 1 April 2004.
Also, the OST 1 for KonoMini will be released on 4 June 2004, catalogue number GNCA-1014, price 3,059 yen (including tax). There'll be a first pressing limited edition version which will come with clear case to hold OST 1, OST 2 and the OP&ED (the latter of which is to be released on 28 April 2004). Source: Paper Moon and Rakuga Kidou. BTW, you can download ads for the OP and KonoMini.
DVD volume 1 of Galaxy Angel The Selection (a first pressing limited edition item) will be released on 25 June 2004, catalogue number BCBA-1907, price 8,190 yen (including tax). Not sure what the contents will be, but from the sound of it, perhaps it's some "best of" collection. Anyway, it'll come with three figures (Millefeuille, Ranpha, Vanilla and Nomad) and a GA illustration collection. Source: Paper Moon.
On 21 February 2004 I wrote that volume 1 of the four volume OVA series Teizokurei Daydream (Vulgar Ghost Daydream) will be released on 26 June 2004, price 5,250 yen (including tax). Now Paper Moon states that the first pressing of the DVD will come with pinup and CD containing ED, BGM and message from Misaki. Catalogue number BCBA-1770.
A Di Gi Charat Nyo Princess School Box will be released on 25 June 2004. I'm not sure of the contents - could it contain volumes 11 to 13 of the DVD release? Catalogue number BCBA-1703, price 24,150 yen (including tax). In any event, this will be a first pressing limited edition set and will contain Dejiko goods, special DVD (sound drama, live clip, character files etc), booklet, special playing cards (four each of the jack, queen and king, and two jokers) and reversible jacket(s?). Source: Paper Moon.
My computer is working slowly today for some reason >_<
Bones has a webpage up for its upcoming TV anime Kenran Butou Matsuri The Mars Daybreak, to commence broadcast on 1 April 2004. Source: TA Group BBS. Director Mori Kunihiro, chief writer Asakawa Miya, character design and animation direction Ousaka Kouji, mecha design Sato Michiaki, music Wada Kaoru.
The Milkberry website has photos from webmaster Minadzuki Juni's visit to Nagano - fans of the Onegai Twins anime may recognise some spots. See the 17 March 2004 entry. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
The foot mouse (ie computer mouse which you control with your foot). Price 54,800 yen (including shipping, excluding tax) for the USB type, 49,800 yen (including shipping, excluding tax) for the PS/2 type. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
George Asakura has announced on his website that his manga series Koibumi Hiyori is to be adapted into a live action movie to be released theatrically in October 2004. The movie will be an omnibus of four stories relating to love letters (the title has been translated as "A Perfect Day for Love Letters"), one of which stories will be an original story. Furthermore, there has been a call for extras in the movie. Firstly, for one of the stories, they need 120 guys and girls who look high school age. You need to be available for at least one day from 20 to 28 March 2004. For another story, they need 30 people from 29 to 31 March 2004 to be store customers, passersby etc. No mobile phones allowed. Do not ask the cast for autographs or photos. To apply, contact Digital Hollywood Entertainment (details at the bottom of this page) with your name, contact details, available dates and age. Source: ultimatum. See Kodansha's bilingual (Japanese and English) preview for the manga here.
Toho's website for the live action dorama series based on Yuki Kaori's manga Yorugata Aijin Senmonten - Bloodhound - (published in Hakusensha's monthly magazine Bessatsu Hana to Yume). Looks like the title of the dorama series will be "Vampire Host ~ Yorugata Aijin Senmonten ~" while the English title will be "The Vampire Gigolo". Source: ultimatum. To commence broadcast on 4 April 2004.
The pinup for the May 2004 issue of Ultrajump magazine will be by Kim Hyung Tae, the popular Korean illustrator. Source: Ultrajump and ultimatum. It is only easier to get a hold of Kim's artbooks. If anyone knows how I could get a copy of those, I'd be much obliged ^_^ Here's Kim's teasing pic of Evangelion's Asuka Langey from a Korean website.
Big Comic Original manga magazine has a webpage up for the upcoming Monster TV anime. Source: ultimatum. The series will commence broadcast on 6 April 2004 (early morning 7 April 2004).
Kinnikuman 25th anniversary official website. Source: ultimatum.
Looks like the Tenjou Tenge TV anime has been co-produced by Geneon USA, if not then at least licensed by the USA company. I'll still get the R2 DVDs though ^_^ (and maybe the R1 DVDs). But I assume people will still distribute fansubs of the show -_-
Asahi Shimbun English language article on Haruurara, the racehorse the Japanese love, which has now failed to win all 105 of the races it has entered.
I don't think I've mentioned it before: the Hikaru no Go TV Special which was broadcast on 3 January 2004 will be released on DVD on 19 May 2004, price 4,800 yen (excluding tax). First pressing will come with a slipcase for the DVD. Source: Musicmarket.
KSS's website for the upcoming two volume OVA series Natsuiro no Sunadokei has a promo movie available for download (in Real format) for a limited time - until 22 March 2004. Volume 1 of the OVA will be released on 23 April 2004. 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).
GAiNAX is hiring. They've currently got two types of position to fill: animator (douga man) and animation runner. The job of a douga man is to draw douga (the inbetween cels). To give an example, the Animation Runner Kuromi 2 OVA was about 45 minutes long IIRC - that required approximately 11,000 douga to animate. The job of an animation runner is, well, to do Kuromi-chan's job ^_^ Anyway, some more details on the job requirements:
Douga man -
Age irrelevant, gender irrelevant, previous experience would be preferred, travelling expense allowance of 15,000 yen. Send your resume with photo and samples of your work (rough drawings, pencil illustrations, sketchbook etc) to the address at the bottom of this page. GAiNAX will contact the applicants it's interested in for an interview. Your work will be returned at the end of the process (I don't know about if you live outside Japan, but then again you probably wouldn't be applying if you were outside Japan).
Animation runner -
Age 18-25, gender irrelevant, should have (driving?) licence, no previous experience required, but must be in good health ^_^;; Employment will be on a trial basis for two to three months before being made permanent. Salary details to be discussed at interview. Send your resume with photo and an essay (roughly 800 characters - presumably in Japanese language) about yourself to the address at the bottom of the page linked above. GAiNAX will contact the applicants it's interested in interviewing. Your applications will not be returned to you.
VAP has a website up for the TV anime of Elfen Lied, based on the manga by Okamoto Lynn, but there's just the one page to view at present. The series will commence broadcast in July 2004.
The May 2004 issue of Ultrajump magazine will come with an alterative version cover for volume 11 of the Tenjou Tenge manga. Both the May issue of Ultrajump magazine and volume 11 of the Tenjou Tenge manga will be published on 19 April 2004.
An interesting article by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) on how Al Qaeda uses the internet for its terrorist purposes.

18 March 2004 (fourth update)

Will have to leave the rest for tomorrow or the weekend.
Writer Yoshioka Takao has written on the BBS of his website that the TV anime of Elfen Lied will be directed by Kanbe Mamoru, while Yoshioka himself will do the series composition. Source: Moon Phase. The series will commence broadcast in July 2004.
Shueisha's Flash website for Young Jump magazine states that the TV anime of GANTZ will commence broadcast on 12 April 2004 on Fuji TV. Source: Moon Phase. Apparently at 26:28, which would make it 2:28am on 13 April 2004.
The Tokyo International Anime Fair has announced that chief director on the Re: Cutie Honey anime will be Anno Hideaki (who's also director for the live action movie). Source: Moon Phase. The live action movie will be released theatrically on 29 May 2004.
The new Appleseed movie will be released theatrically on 17 April 2004. Even before the movie screens, the Tokyo International Anime Fair has announced that on 26 March 2004 the Micott & Basara Inc. press conference will announce the production of an Appleseed 2 anime using its "3D live anime" technique. The company will also announce the production of an anime based on mangaka Masumura Hiroshi's Atagoul series along with other anime. Source: Moon Phase.
The official website for the Massugu ni Ikou (Let's Go Straight) TV anime now has 15 second and 30 second trailers available for download. Check out the top right hand corner of the homepage, where you'll see buttons marked "broad band" and "narrow band". Source: Rakuga Kidou. The five episode second series will commence broadcast on 27 March 2004.
The Samurai Champloo official website has updated with the news that the TV series will commence broadcast at 26:28 on 19 May 2004 (2:28am on 20 May 2004) on Fuji TV. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
The official website for the "Ma" series of novels by Takabayashi Tomo is now up. Source: ultimatum. The TV anime Kyou Kara Ma Ou, based on the novels, will commence broadcast on 3 April 2004.
According to this post to 2 channel, (presumably this month's issue of) Ultrajump monthly manga magazine gives more seiyuu details for the upcoming Tenjou Tenge TV anime:
Tawara Bunshichi: ~~Nao~~ Yao Kazuki (updated 21 March 2004)
Kounoike Chiaki: Shiraishi Ryouko
Takayanagi Mitsuomi: Morikawa Toshiyuki
Isuzu Emi: Terada Haruhi
Ryuuzaki Tsutomu: Hamada Kenji
Sagara Kouji: Miyake Kenta
Hmm, no mention of Shin... From the cast details, it looks like the TV anime will focus on the first few volumes of the manga.
The live action dorama TV series Ace wo Nerae! (Aim for the Ace!) finished broadcast this week. Now TV Asahi announces that the DVDs will go on sale on 23 July 2004. I'm assuming it'll be a DVD box set, which is pretty common with dorama series.
Seishinsha's Shirow Masamune information page has a brief statement that the release date for Intron Depot 4 Bullets is approaching.
If I haven't mentioned it before, those who purchase DVD volumes 6 to 9 of R.O.D - The TV - from Animate will be able to apply for a special item. I don't know what the special item will be, but for volumes 1 to 5, it was an 1/8 scale PVC figure of Anita. Source: Animate. I'm guessing that the same will apply if you purchase the DVDs from Gamers.
Volume 1 of the new Memories Off OVA series "Memories Off 3.5 ~ Omoide no Kanata e ~" will be released on 12 May 2004. CD Japan has details up for the first pressing limited edition version (which comes with two figures) and the regular edition. Prices are exclusive of tax. This series will be four volumes in total.
Animate suggests that the bonus goods for the SutePRIX first pressing limited edition version of DVD volume 10 of Scrapped Princess will be similar to those for SutePRIX volume 9, namely a fan DVD, alternative jacket, full colour booklet and 12 eyecatch cards. To be released 25 May 2004, price 8,190 yen (including tax).
First pressing of DVD volume 10 of Tantei Gakuen Q will come with a box to hold the final four volumes of the series. To be released on 25 May 2004, price 4,935 yen (including tax). Source: Animate.
Happy Lesson the Final OVA volume 1 will be released on 28 May 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 character book and character sticker. The regular edition will cost 6,090 yen (including tax) and will come with just the character sticker. Source: Animate.
The final volume 3 of the OVA Shin Hokuto no Ken (New Fist of the North Star) will be released on 28 May 2004, price 7,140 yen (including tax). First pressing will come with a case of some sort. Source: Animate.
Took the day off yesterday, ie I fell asleep.

16 March 2004 (second update)

Too tired. Will try to catch up on a few minor items in the next few days.
The Samurai 7 website has updated with more faces of the characters. Source: Moon Phase. Personally, I think this anime sounds like a bad idea.
TV Osaka has a website up for the TV anime of Marshmallow Tsuushin (The Marshmallow Times), which is set to commence broadcast on 4 April 2004 on that station as well. Source: Moon Phase.
m.o.e has announced that the DVD release of Hit wo Nerae! (Smash hit!) will be similar to that for Chou Henshin Kosu-pureiya (The Cosmopolitan Prayers). That is, there'll be a four volume release in which each volume will include two TV broadcast episodes and a new episode linked to the two episodes: 45 minutes for each volume. Further, the double layer DVDs will contain two versions of each episode: one with superior picture quality and Dolby Digital sound and the other with superior linear PCM sound but lesser picture quality. And again the the jacket will have a sheet (or two) so that you can change the clothing of the character on the front. There'll also be a standard (less risque) jacket. Each volume will also come with a reversible card and a picture labelled disc. Price for each volume is 3,990 yen (including tax). Release schedule:
Volume 1 - 19 May 2004
Volume 2 - 2 June 2004
Volume 3 - 16 June 2004
Volume 4 - 30 June 2004
Source: alternative-live.
Meanwhile, episode 2 of Hit wo Nerae! (Smash hit!) is now available for download from the official website, and will be available until 22 March 2004. Source: Moon Phase. For details on how to view the show, see my 10 March 2004 entry.
Preview for the Koikaze TV anime now available for download. Click on the left hand "play" button for broadband connections, on the right hand one for narrow band connections. Just a short 20 second preview. Source: Rakuga Kidou. To commence broadcast early morning 2 April 2004. Voice for Nanoka wasn't what I envisaged for her character. IIRC, she'll be voiced by a 15 year old.
Shueisha's websites for You magazine (both the main website and the Flash website) have announced that the manga Rikon Yoteibi (Scheduled Date for Divorce) by Kasuya Noriko is to be adapted into a live action dorama series. Source: ultimatum.
The Mainichi Shimbun has an English language article on a dispute over Shinsen Gumi which turned brother against brother.

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