Natsume Goushin Ryu 16-30 June 2004 news

16-30 JUNE 2004 NEWS

30 June 2004

Third update.
Issue number 32 of Morning manga magazine (published on 8 July 2004) will see the start of Toume Kei's new manga Hatsukanezumi no Jikan. Source: ultimatum. Toume wrote Hitsuji no Uta (Lament of the Lamb).
Speaking of mice, the mouse for my computer is now in a worse condition than the "translation" of Battle Vixens. If there aren't any further updates in the next day or so, you'll know it's because my mouse has died.
Several re-boots later... Actually, it looks like my mouse has had it. This will probably be my last update until I can get a new mouse...
This month's issue of Megami Magazine (out today) states that the upcoming Wonderfarm anime Ryuusei Sentai MusuMET will be a TV anime. Further, it'll commence broadcast on Animax in October 2004. Source: Moon Phase.
TV Osaka's website for the fourth season of Galaxy Angel is now officially open. Download a 30 second trailer by clicking on the green button at the bottom left hand corner of the page. Source: Moon Phase. Commences broadcast on 7 July 2004 at 1.30am (but 1.00am on TV Tokyo).
Fuji TV's website for the Girls Bravo TV anime. Source: Magicalantique.com. Originally Kadokawa Shoten said that the anime would commence broadcast at 2.28am on 5 July 2004. However, this Fuji TV website states it'll commence at 2.53am on 6 July 2004.
Starchild's website for Hayashibara Megumi has a series of wallpapers and a "scrian saver" ^_^;; to download to commemorate the birth of her child. Source: Reinbo Actress.
The August 2004 issue of Dragon Magazine (on sale today - that's the Japanese magazine containing text stories, not the US magazine about role-playing games) states that the September 2004 issue (on sale 30 July 2004) will contain a big announcement about Full Metal Panic. Source: Chuosha. I don't normally write about all the "big announcements" which are foreshadowed in manga magazines, but I just wonder what it'll be this time...
The August 2004 issue of Comic Birz magazine (out today) gives more details of the TV anime version of the manga Rozen Maiden (by Peach-Pit and serialised in Comic Birz). Director will be Matsu Mamoru, series composition by Hanada Jyukki, character design by Ishii Kumi, animation production by Nomad. Source: Chuosha. As previously stated, to be broadcast in the (northern) autumn.
Further to what I wrote on 28 June 2004 about the anime adaptation of Brave Story, the Mainichi Shimbun has an English language article on the news. See also this goo anime report (citing a Yuukan Fuji article) for a promotional pic.
Volume 2 of Watanabe Yoshitomo's manga Sono Mukou no Mukou Gawa will be released in October 2004 by Mag Garden. There'll be a limited edition version which comes with drama CD (an arrangement of the story from chapter 4 of volume 1 of the manga), price 1,200 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
One 19 June 2004 I wrote about the release of volume 5 of the manga Tactics by Kinoshita Sakura and Higashiyama Kazuko. However I note that I got the publication date mixed up. It should be 9 October 2004, not 10 September 2004. I've corrected the entry.
A Growlanser IV wayfarer of the time Character and Scenario Collection book will be published by Media Works today. This B5 size book is hardcover, with 400 pages (128 in colour) and costs 2,940 yen (including tax). The character section is 145 pages long and includes previously unpublished rough artwork and design works. The scenario section is 255 pages long and relates to the main text and character events in the game (approximately 450,000 characters of text). Staff interviews and description of related goods are also contained in the book. Comes with two posters (presumably illustrated by Urushihara Satoshi). Source: Mangaoh Club.
A TV anime Sensei no Ojikan (Doki Doki School Hours) Memorial Book will be published by Takeshobo on 31 July 2004, price 1,500 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
Seishinsha's website has updated. Release of Shirow Masamune's Intron Depot 4 Bullets has been put back (once again) to mid-August 2004.
Sorry, fell asleep yesterday before updating further.

29 June 2004

Second early update.
The August 2004 issue of The Sneaker magazine (on sale tomorrow) has announced that the vampire story Trinity Blood is to be adapted into an anime. Original work by Yoshida Sunao, draft character designs by Thores Shibamoto, direction by Hirata Tomohiro, series composition by Tomioka Atsuhiro, animation production by Gonzo. Source: Moon Phase.
I can't recall whether I've mentioned it before: Toei Animation's website for the Konjiki no Gash Bell!! movie 101 Banme no Mamono (Unlisted Demon #101). Source: alternative-live. Click on the "movie files" section and you'll find four trailers to view. To be released in cinemas on 7 August 2004.
The official website for the PostPet TV anime "PostPet Momo Bin" has a Flash trailer to view. Source: alternative-live. The series will commence broadcast on 4 July 2004.
Shinkai Makoto has posted up a number of pics from Hoshi no Koe (Voices of a Distant Star) on the profile page of his website (see the stack of links under the 26 June 2004 entry). You can use them as wallpapers etc, but they're meant for personal use only. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
Volume 1 of the OVA Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magical te Z will be released on 10 September 2004. The opening song will be titled "Shooting Star" and you can listen to a sample on this page of the Komugi-chan website. You'll see two large pink buttons near the top of the page. Click on which ever format is your preference. Source: Moon Phase. For release details for the OVA, see my 15 June 2004 entry. Looks like the song itself will be released on 25 August 2004.

28 June 2004

Second update.
Issue 31 of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine (on sale today) states that a Tennis no Oujisama (Prince of Tennis) anime movie will be released theatrically in 2005. Source: ultimatum. You can see the announcement if you visit the Prince of Tennis section of the page linked above. The original manga is by Konomi Takeshi.
Kyodo News reports that Fuji TV today announced that it'll be producing an anime movie version of Miyabe Miyuki's novel(s) Brave Story in collaboration with Gonzo Digimation Holdings. (Remember that Fuji TV has a stake in Gonzo.) The movie is scheduled for theatrical release in Japan in the (northern) summer of 2006. Buena Vista International (affiliated with Disney in the US) will also finance production and is planning global release including in North America, Europe and Asia. The budget for the movie is over 1,000 million yen. Director will be Chigira Koichi (Last Exile). A fantasy adventure in which 10 year old Wataru enters the phantom world to ask a goddess to save his seriously injured mother. A tale of the love between mother and child, of friendship and about growing up. Source: ultimatum.
On 25 June 2004 I wrote about the limited edition versions of volume 4 of the manga Kidou Senshi Gundam CDA Wakaki Suisei no Shouzou and volume 5 of the manga Kidou Senshi Gundam Ecole du Ciel and volume 3 of the manga Kidou Senshi Gundam Gaiden: Uchuu, Senkou no Hate ni. Now Kadokawa Shoten has a webpage up which shows the goods which will come with those items. First up is a pic of the Char figure and line art of the Haman mascot which will come with the CDA manga. Then there's a pic of the Asuna figure which'll come with the Ecole du Ciel manga. Finally there's a pic of the Miyu figure and Miyu mascot that will come with the Gaiden manga. Source: ultimatum.
The September 2004 issue of Comic Gum manga magazine (on sale 26 July 2004) will see the start of the manga version of Kita e ~ Diamond Dust Drops ~ by Tommy Ohtsuka. The same issue will see the final chapter in the Mahoromatic manga by Ditama Bow. Source: August 2004 issue of Comic Gum and Chuosha.
More details on the upcoming TV anime of Grenadier (based on the manga by Kaise Sousuke). Director will be Koujina Hiroshi, character design and chief animation direction by Inoue Hideki, series composition by Okeya Akira, and as previously stated, animation production by Studio Live. Source: August 2004 issue of Shonen Ace-A and Chuosha. To commence broadcast this (northern) autumn.
More details too on the upcoming TV anime of Kannaduki no Miko (based on the manga by Kaishaku). Director will be Yanagisawa Tetsuya, series composition by Uetake Sumio, character design and chief animation direction by Fujii Maki, mecha design by Murata Goro and animation production by TNK. Source: August 2004 issue of Shonen Ace-A and Chuosha. To commence broadcast this (northern) autumn.
The August 2004 issue of monthly manga magazine Afternoon (published three days ago) states that the Genshiken TV anime will commence broadcast in October 2004. Source: Chuosha.
Don't know if this is news but this infoseek anime report (citing Sankei Sports) confirms that Steam Boy will be released in cinemas in the US by December 2004 (so that it can be nominated for next year's Academy Awards). Further, Innocence is to be released theatrically in the US in September 2004. It's also stated that the version of Steam Boy which is screened in the US will have English subtitles. But then it states that the roles of Ray and Scarlet will be voiced by big Hollywood stars. I don't understand... Though the report does continue that there'll be two versions prepared: the US version will be the same length as the Japanese version (and aimed at Otomo fans); the "family market" version will be under two hours long (and aimed at ordinary movie goers).
Moetan T-shirts, in M and L sizes. 3,045 yen (including tax). Not sure when they go on sale, the preorder period ends 8 July 2004. I like the top design, with the pink pic of Ink-chan. On the back are the words "I cannot get interested in a female in the real world anyway" ^_^ Source: Chara-Ani.com. For more on Moetan, see my 4 April 2004 entry.
Old news, but I might as well post it up: the official Tenchi Muyo! website states that volume 4 of the third Tenchi Muyo! OVA series will be released on 15 September 2004, catalogue number VPBV-11807, price 5,040 yen (including tax). First pressing will come with a 30 minute "Radio Tenchi special issue CD". Source: Moon Phase.
Too tired yesterday evening to update further.

27 June 2004

Early update.
The official website for the PostPet TV anime "PostPet Momo Bin" has a second wallpaper to download. Source: Moon Phase.
Official website for CG anime Kidou Senshi Gundam MS IGLOO - Ichinen Sensou Hiwa - (One Year War Secret Story). Source: Moon Phase. The first part commences screening at Bandai Museum on 19 July 2004.
The official Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) website has a page up for the fourth OVA series Le Nouveau Paris. It's got additional release details to those I posted up yesterday. Volume 1 catalogue number: HSB-0018 (first pressing limited edition version), HSB-0019 (regular edition). Volume 2 will also cost 6,090 yen (including tax). Each of the three volumes will have a first pressing limited edition version release. Director Yamamoto Yuusuke, series composition Kawasaki Hiroyuki, music Tanaka Kohei, animation production by Radix. Source: Moon Phase.
The official website for My - HiME has updated with a second 30 second trailer for download. Source: Moon Phase. To commence broadcast in July 2004.
More Gunsmith Cats manga! I never thought it'd happen. The September 2004 issue of monthly manga magazine Afternoon (on sale 24 July 2004) will see the start of "Gunsmith Cats - Burst -" by Sonoda Kenichi. Source: ultimatum. The September issue is the one which comes with the Bellbandy figure (see my 25 June 2004 entry).

26 June 2004

Fourth early update. Probably no more updates until the end of the day.
The KaleidoStar OVA (episode 52) is titled "KaleidoStar ~ Aratanaru Tsubasa ~ Extra Stage 'Warawanai Sugoi Ohime-sama'". Furthermore, Chara-Ani will be selling an advance limited edition version of the OVA from 24 September 2004. This advance limited edition version comes with velvet case, liner notes, picture labelled disc, creditless OP & ED on the DVD, original telephone card and original B2 size poster. Price 7,140 yen (including tax).
The official website for the TV anime Soukyuu no Fafnir - Dead Aggressor has updated with a new preview clip. The new clip is at the top of the linked page. There's a short version and a long version. Source: alternative-live. On the older clips, see my 21 April 2004 entry. The anime will commence broadcast at 1.30am on 5 July 2004.
The Re: Cutie Honey website has updated with character designs. Visit the staff and cast page and you'll see two columns, one headed "cast". Click on the different characters' names there to view the designs. Note that there are three designs for Kisaragi Honey. Source: alternative-live. For broadcast and DVD release details, see my 27 March 2004 and 6 May 2004 entries respectively.
JVC Music has a website up for the TV anime Kurau Phantom Memory, which commenced broadcast early yesterday morning. Source: alternative-live.
ITmedia reports that yesterday Sega and Pony Canyon officially announced the fourth Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) OVA series "Le Nouveau Paris". Three volumes, with volume 1 to be released on 20 October 2004. Price 6,090 yen (including tax). A limited edition first pressing version will come with bonus DVD (same price). Volume 2 to be released in December 2004, volume 3 in March 2005. Source: alternative-live.
On 5 June 2004, I wrote up the release details for Front Innocent Episode #0, the preview DVD to Urushihara Satoshi's adult OVA. Moonrock's website for the OVA now also has details for Episode #0, described as just "Front Innocent #0". This will be a first pressing limited edition preview DVD. To consolidate the details, to be released 13 August 2004 (slightly earlier), catalogue number HODA-00003, price 3,6765 yen (including tax). Contains promo for the OVA, clip on Urushihara's workplace, description of the setting of the OVA (ie the US Civil War period), "Alpha" quiz (Alpha being an Urushihara project in conjunction with Megami Magazine), explanation about the prototype Lady Innocent. Approximately 30 minutes duration, stereo sound, standard 4:3 aspect ratio, adult. Comes with the Lady Innocent drama CD and mini-calendar for 2005. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
Official website for the TV anime of the manga Kannaduki no Miko by Kaishaku is up, although none of the sections are open yet. Source: Rakuga Kidou. I've previously referred to this manga as "Kaminatsuki no Miko", which I believe is how the kanji would normally be read, but it looks like the official rendering is "Kannaduki no Miko". To commence broadcast this (northern) autumn. (Updated: although the first word can be rendered "kannadzuki" or "kannaduki", I note the URL uses the latter, so I'll adopt that spelling from now on.)
Toei Animation has a website up for its Animeister label, which is releasing anime such as the OVA Interlude and the upcoming Iriya no Sora, UFO no Natsu. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
animate.tv has a promo clip available for streaming download for the OVA series Happy Lesson the Final, volume 1 of which was released on 28 May 2004. To view, visit this page. There are two dark blue buttons in the bottom right hand corner of the page. Click on the left hand one for narrow band internet connections, on the right for broadband. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
Computer game maker Aquaplus has posted up info about the bishoujo TV anime "To Heart ~ Remember My Memories" to commence broadcast in the (nothern) autumn of 2004. Director will be Motonaga Keitaro, character design and chief animation director Hirayama Madoka, script by Kano Kiichi(?), animation production by AIC ASTA. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
The 16th Lupin III TV special: Nusumareta Lupin (Stolen Lupin). To be broadcast on NTV on 30 July 2004 at 9.03pm. Director Ueda Hidehito, script Ookawa Toshimichi, character design Hirayama Satoshi, music Oono Yuuji. Source: ultimatum.
Hakusensha's list of manga publications for August 2004 is now up. They include volume 1 of the manga version of Kono Miniku mo Utsukushii Sekai (This Ugly and Beautiful World) by Morimi Ashita. To be published 27 August 2004, price 530 yen. Source: ultimatum.
The WWII naval manga Zipang by Kawaguchi Kaiji is to be animated. Announced in issue number 30 of Morning manga magazine, on sale on 24 June 2004. Source: ultimatum.
An issue of seiyuu magazine Hyper hm^3 (I think that's the title) goes on sale on 26 July 2004. There'll a feature article on Bindume Yousei (Bottle Fairy) and there's reference to a second series (presumably of the anime). Source: ultimatum.
Sorry, have not been updating as much recently as I'd like to. Haven't been online as much recently. Watching a few Euro 2004 matches has upset my sleeping patterns... I've got a list of various minor things to write about, stretching back to some time in May. Still no time to get around to those, though... Maybe I never will.

25 June 2004

Second update. I'm going to leave things at this point for today. But I hope to update further in a few hours' time...
On 17 June 2004, I typed up the release details for DVD volumes 1 and 2 of GANTZ. Unfortunately I got the year wrong - It should be August 2004, not 2005 ^_^;; Thanks to Azstraph for pointing that out. I've now corrected the entry.
Old news, but DC has confirmed that it has licensed various manga including Tenjou Tenge.
On 26 May 2004, I wrote about the "Aa Megami-sama terzetto version" figures which will come with future issues of Afternoon monthly manga magazine. The official website for Afternoon now has a pic of the Belldandy figure which will come with the September 2004 issue (on sale 25 July 2004). Should be pretty obvious which pic I mean. See my 26 May 2004 entry for more details.
The Keroroland Summer Issue magazine will be published by Kadokawa Shoten on 23 July 2004, price 680 yen (including tax). This Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog) magazine will contain film comic for episode 1 of the TV anime, anime and manga info, announcement of a big project, new comic etc. In addition, it'll come with pencil board, fan, mask and two postcards. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 3 of the manga Kidou Senshi Gundam Gaiden: Uchuu, Senkou no Hate ni by Natsumoto Masahito will be published in January 2005. There'll be a limited edition version, to be published in early January, price 1,995 yen (including tax), which will come with Miyu figure, Miyu "ball chain mascot" and different cover othe regular edition. Regular edition of the manga will be published on 26 January 2005. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 5 of the manga Kidou Senshi Gundam Ecole du Ciel by Mikimoto Haruhiko will be published in December 2004 by Kadokawa Shoten. There'll be a limited edition version, to be published in early December, price 1,785 yen (including tax), which will come with Asuna figure and different cover to the regular edition. Regular edition of the manga will be published on 25 December 2004. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 4 of the manga Kidou Senshi Gundam CDA Wakaki Suisei no Shouzou by Kitazume Hiroyuki will be published in December 2004 by Kadokawa Shoten. There'll be a limited edition version, to be published in early December, price 1,995 yen (including tax), which will come with Char figure, Haman "ball chain mascot" and different cover to the regular edition. Regular edition of the manga will be published on 25 December 2004. Source: Mangaoh Club.
Volume 1 of the OVA Ajisai no Uta will be released on 19 August 2004, price 2,079 yen (including tax). Source: dvdcatalog. For more info on this series, see my 6 June 2004 entry.
DVD volume 1 of Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi will be released on 25 August 2004, price 2,079 yen (including tax), containing two episodes. Source: dvdcatalog. Kodomo anime.
A Marshmallow Tsuushin (Marshmallow Times) DVD will be released on 25 August 2004, price 2,940 yen (including tax). Preorders receive four playing cards. Source: dvdcatalog. Presumably this is volume 1 of the series, and presumably if you collect the whole series, you'll have a complete set of playing cards. Kodomo anime, I think.
DVD volumes 1 to 3 of Midnight Horror School (each containing three episodes) will be released on 27 August 2004, price 3,990 yen (including tax) each. Source: dvdcatalog. Kodomo anime, I think.
DVD volume 2 of Sensei no Ojikan (Doki Doki School Hours) will be released on 1 September 2004. It'll contain two episodes. Further, as with DVD volume 1, it'll contain a previously unbroadcast episode. Source: dvdcatalog. CD Japan's listing merely refers to "unbroadcast footage" rather than an unbroadcast episode, though.
A Maria-sama ga Miteru Premium Book will be published on 27 July 2004, price 580 yen (including tax). This anime mook will be bunko size (ie the size of a small manga volume: 10cm x 15cm) and although details of the contents are still unclear, it'll include a new 21 page text story, description of the anime using screenshots (ie film book), seiyuu discussion, and part of the Hibiki Reine manga which appeared in Cobalt magazine. Source: Mangaoh Club.
On 20 June 2004, I gave the details for DVD volume 1 of the upcoming anime DearS, containing one episode. Mangaoh Club states that this will be a seven volume release.
DVD volume 1 of the TV anime Aishiteruze Baby will be released on 21 October 2004. There will be a first pressing limited edition Special Edition and a regular edition. The Special Edition will come with box to hold all five volumes in the series, Yuzuyu doll and bento box, catalogue number DSTD-6811, price 6,090 yen (including tax). Regular edition catalogue number DSTD-6801, price 2,940 yen (including tax). Source: Mangaoh Club.
Kodansha has put up its list of shonen and shoujo manga releases for August 2004. Among the items is volume 7 of the manga Air Gear by Oh! great. To be published 17 August 2004, price 410 yen (including tax).
Was going to update more yesterday, but fell asleep.

24 June 2004

Third update.
Kadokawa Shoten's manga magazine Shonen Ace-A has announced (in the August 2004 issue, on sale 26 June 2004) two new TV anime this (northern) autumn. A TV anime of the manga Grenadier(? - katakana is Gureneda) by Kaise Sousuke is to be animated by Studio Live and a TV anime of the manga Kaminatsuki Miko by Kaishaku (which commence serialisation in March) is to be animated by TNK. Source: Moon Phase. No surprise that a Kaishaku manga would be adapted into anime. BTW, the September 2004 issue of Ace, on sale 26 July 2004, will come with a Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog) drama CD.
TV Tokyo's website for the TV anime Maria-sama ga Miteru ~ Haru ~ is now up. Not much to see at present, though. Source: alternative-live. To commence broadcast on 4 July 2004.
Maria-sama ga Miteru website counter graphics. Source: Rakuga Kidou.
AT-X will broadcast episodes 1 and 2 of the OVA Cossette no Shozou (Le Portrait de Petit Cossette) on 11 July 2004 and again on 17 July 2004. Source: Rakuga Kidou. Volume 2 will be released on DVD on 28 July 2004. CD Japan has the details here.
For the Godzilla fan: the Godzilla Final Box. This 50th anniversary (of the birth of Godzilla) box will contain 30 DVDs, of which 27 are the movies and 3 are Godzilla Special Archives. Packaged with digipaks and picture labelled discs. Although the DVD for the final Godzilla movie Godzilla Final Wars is not included, an empty digipak for that movie will be included so that you'll later have uniform packaging. Comes with full colour A4 size pictorial booklet and vinyl Godzilla head. All in a box that recalls the skin of Gozilla. This is a preorder only item. Your for only 99,750 yen (including tax). Source: dvdcatalog. Rakuga Kidou cites this Impress Corporation report which states that the box will be released on 22 April 2005. Preorder cutoff date is 11 January 2005. The Godzilla Final Box basically collects together the previous DVD releases for the movies. That is, the contents on the DVDs is the same as for the previous individual releases. Note however that in the past the individual releases have sometimes come with a bonus disc with special features - the Godzilla Final Box comes with only the main disc from that release, not the special feature disc as well. Godzilla Final Wars will be released theatrically on 4 December 2004.
The Char Senyou Blog notes that on 15 June 2004 Sunrise registered the domains gundam-seed-destiny.net and gundam-seed-d.net. What's the meaning of this...? Source: Rakuga Kidou.

23 June 2004

DVD volume 2 of the anime Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog) will be released on 24 September 2004, price 3,990 yen (including tax). As with volume 1, first pressing will come with special Keroro goods and will contain four episodes. Source: dvdcatalog.
Episode 8 of the m.o.e TV anime Love Love? is available for download from the official website until 28 June 2004. For details on how to view the show, see my 6 May 2004 entry.
Bandai has a website up for the OVA series Teizokurei Daydream (Vulgar Ghost Daydream). Source: ultimatum. Volume 1 will be released on 25 June 2004. For release details, see my 20 March 2004 entry.
The company Nakid has announced that Momoi Haruko (seiyuu and singer for the group Under 17) was hospitalised yesterday as a result of migraine causing breathing difficulties and other problems. Although no particular complications were found, she'll be undergoing further examination and getting some rest. As to her schedule, she'll have to put off upcoming performances, including at Anime Expo 2004, where Under 17 are one of the Guests of Honour. Source: Tentative Name.
Greboruri has posted to the AoD forums about the DVD release details for the movie Innocence. See this thread for details. The details originate from the Australian store Cartoon Gallery.
Unconfirmed report at Grotesque Anatomy that DC has licensed various manga including Tenjou Tenge.
No news yesterday cos I was too tired.

21 June 2004

On 14 April 2004 I wrote about the "Special Character DVD Hikaru no Go ~ Memories ~". I forgot to state the release date: 30 June 2004. TV Tokyo's website for the anime has updated with further details of the contents of the DVD: 11 creditless opening and ending sequences (including the special version for the final episode, and for the New Year special), digest of all 75 episodes, nine character music clips (set to character songs) and video/DVD jacket art collection. Source: alternative-live. As previously stated, catalogue number AVBA-14966, price 3,675 yen (including tax).
The Sankei Shimbun reports that Yamamura Koji's 10 minute long anime Atama Yama (Mt Head) was awarded the Grand Prix (in the grand competition section) of the 16th Zagreb International Animation Film Festival in Croatia, held on 14 to 19 June 2004. There were 77 entries from around the world in the grand competition section. Animator Miyazaki Hayao also received a merit award. Source: alternative-live. If you recall, last year, Atama Yama was awarded first place in the animation category of the 15th Dresden International Film Festival, nominated for an Oscar in the short animation category and awarded the Annecy Crystal (the grand prix) at the 27th international animation film festival at Annecy.
As I wrote on 27 May 2004, animate.tv has a promo clip available for streaming download for the upcoming TV anime version of "Ninin ga Shinobuden (2 x 2 = Shinobuden) ~ the Nonsense Kunoichi Fiction". Now that page has updated with an additional two promo clips. You'll see six dark blue buttons at the bottom right hand corner of the linked page: three rows of two. The top row is the original promo clip. The lower two rows are the two new promo clips. To view, click on the buttons in the left hand column if you have a narrow band internet connection. Click on the buttons in the right hand column if you have a broadband connection. Source: Moon Phase. To commence broadcast at 2:25am on 8 July 2004 on CBC.
Bandai has a website up for the TV anime Panda Z The Robonimation. Source: Moon Phase. For release details for DVD volume 1, see my 22 May 2004 entry.
Production IG's website for the upcoming TV anime Otogizoushi has updated with a few screenshots for episode 1. Source: Moon Phase. To commence broadcast on 6 July 2004.
VAP's website for the Monkey Turn TV anime has updated with a TV commercial for the sale of DVD volume 3 of the series. You can view the ad on this page, click on the top screenshot on the left hand side of the page. The new season Monkey Turn V will commence broadcast on TV Tokyo at 0.55am on 4 July 2004.

20 June 2004

Tired. Going to lie down. More later if I don't fall asleep...
TV anime Crayon Shin-chan is the TV show which Japanese parents of primary school children hate the most. See this Mainichi Shimbun report.
DVD volume 1 of the upcoming TV anime DearS will be released on 27 August 2004, catalogue number BCBA-1909, price 3,990 yen (including tax), containing one episode. First pressing will come with a bonus DVD. Source: Mangaoh Club. The series commences broadcast on 4 July 2004.

19 June 2004

Third update.
Ojamajo Doremi Na-i-sho will commence broadcast on Sky Perfect TV on 26 June 2004. Maker Toei Animation has a promotion movie available for download. However you need to be a member of the company's Club@Pero club. Registration is free. Here's what you do: first, visit this page to register. Type in your email address (which doubles as your ID), password (between six to eight characters), name, the year you were born, gender (select between male and female), nickname (up to 15 characters) and address (select the prefecture in which you live - default is Hokkaido). Then click on the left hand button at the bottom. Click the button on the next page to confirm the details. An email will be sent to your email address. Open up the mail and click on the URL contained therein. Registration is complete. To view the promo movie, now visit this page. Scroll down to the pink screenshot - that's Doremi Na-i-sho. Click on either the WMA or Real icon below the screenshot according to your preference. Type in your ID (email address) and password and click on the pink button. Enjoy the clip.
animate.tv reports that the DVD release of Saiyuki Reload Gunlock will comprise seven volumes, with there being a first pressing limited edition version of each volume. In addition, those who purchase all seven volumes will be able to apply for an original clock illustrated by Minekura Kazuya (author of the manga). Source: Moon Phase. For release details for DVD volume 1, see my 30 May 2004 entry.
TV Tokyo's website for the TV anime Soukyuu no Fafnir - Dead Aggressor is now up. Source: Moon Phase. Hmm, like Starchild they've used the "Fafner" spelling, instead of the "Fafnir" used by Xebec. To commence broadcast at 1.30am on 5 July 2004.
Furthermore, the August 2004 issue of Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh magazine (on sale 21 June 2004) will see the start of the Soukyuu no Fafnir - Dead Aggressor manga by Akitsu Mikami. Source: Moon Phase.
Production IG's upcoming TV anime Otogizoushi is planned to be 26 episodes. Broadcast will commence in the early hours of 7 July 2004.
Bandai Visual's Net Radio program "Onegai Hour" has announced that Onegai Friends will be a drama CD side-story to Onegai Twins, to be released by Lantis in August. Main characters will be Sagawa Akina and Mashita Futaba. Source: Moon Phase. No mention of any anime. As I pointed out before, it seemed to be fan assumptions that Onegai Friends would be an anime - there's never been any confirmation of that. Whether the drama CD is the precursor to an anime (which isn't too uncommon) we shall have to wait and see.
Another bishoujo TV anime based on a computer game. The August 2004 issue of Tech Gian magazine (computer game mag) states that "TV Animation Kakyuusei 2" (Underclassmen 2) will commence broadcast in the (northern) autumn of 2004. Based on the computer game by Elf. Directed by Morino Yousei, script by Kageyama Shigenori, character design by Kurashima Takeyasu based on designs by Kadoi Aya, animation production by Arms. 13 episodes. Source: Moon Phase.
Promotion movie for the TV anime Kita e ~ Diamond Dust Drops ~. Actually there are two versions, each 15 seconds long. Download from this page. The two version of the promo movie are at the top. Source: alternative-live. There are a few more clips to download from that page, but I think they may be for the game.
New four panel moe manga magazine Comic Gyutto! from publisher Heiwa Shuppan. First issue will be published 23 July 2004, B5 size, price 380 yen. Source: ultimatum.
The official website for Kenran Butou Sai The Mars Daybreak has updated with a second 15 second TV commercial to download, as well as a two minute promo video. Visit this page. Source: ultimatum.
The August 2004 issue of Ultrajump magazine (on sale 17 July 2004) will come with "remixed version cover" (ie alternative cover) for volume 1 of the manga "Tengoku ~ Heaven's Prison" by Utatane Hiroyuki, (which manga went on sale a few days ago). BTW, as previously stated, the July 2004 issue of Ultrajump (on sale today) will come with three 2D anime version Tenjou Tenge character stands. You can view the figures here.
Volume 5 of the manga Tactics by Kinoshita Sakura and Higashiyama Kazuko will be published in October ~~September~~ 2004. Comic Blade Masamune magazine has announced that there'll be a limited edition version which comes with mini-drama CD, to be released 9 October 2004 ~~10 September 2004~~, price 1,143 yen. Source: Chuosha. The TV anime version will commence broadcast later this year. (Updated 30 June 2004.)
Back in early November last year, I wrote about the super robot adventure game Kishin Houkou Demonbane (Deus Machina Demonbane) for the Playstation 2 which would come with OVA. It'll now be released on 1 July 2004. There'll be a limited DX pack (comes with bonus Nitro+ DVD, design works booklet and cards - price 10,290 yen including tax) and a regular edition (price 8,190 yen including tax). Source: Chara-Ani.com. You can also download a trailer for the OVA and movie clip for the game by visiting the Chara-Ani page which I have linked. In the middle of the page you'll see four links, arranged two by two. The links in the left hand column are for best quality (ie larger size files). The top links are a movie clip from the game. The bottom links are a trailer for the OVA. If you wish to check out more movie clips for the game, visit this page on the official website. ultimatum also refers to this Dengeki Online.com report which has a promotion movie for the OVA to download. I don't know if it's the same trailer as on the Chara-Ani.com site - I haven't bothered to download both myself. Anyway, to try the Dengeki Online.com movie, visit the page linked. There are two links in the middle of the page: the top one is better quality but double the file size (29Mb).
Sorry I didn't update further yesterday. Fell asleep... ^_^\

18 June 2004

DVD volume 2 of the Tenjou Tenge anime will be released on 25 August 2004. CD Japan has the details up here. Note that, as with the first volume, first pressing will come with a bonus disc.
VAP's website for the elfen lied TV anime has updated its gallery section with a new pic/wallpaper.
GAiNAX has a website up for its upcoming sequel OVA Top wo Nerae! 2. In addition, it has revamped its Gunbuster website.
Sorry I didn't update further yesterday. Feeling too tired.
Yay! My Media Watch "Stay Brave and True" fridge magnet arrived ^_^ For those who don't know, Media Watch is the best program on Australian television.

17 June 2004

Second early update.
This Newtype report states that the Matsumoto Leiji TV anime Uchuu Koukyoushi Maetel ~ Ginga Tetsudo 999 Gaiden ~ (to commence broadcast on 6 August 2004) will be 13 episodes in length. Source: Reinbo Actress.
WOWOW's website for the TV anime series Monkey Punch Manga Katsudou Dai Shashin is now open. In addition, TMS Entertainment has a page up for the variety anime. Source: Moon Phase. To commence broadcast on 31 July 2004.
Kadokawa Shoten has a page up for Girls Bravo, the manga by Mario Kaneda soon to be a TV anime. Interesting that the anime is referred to as "Girls Bravo - first season". Source: alternative-live. The show will commence broadcast on 5 July 2004.
Toei Animation is producing an anime version of the sci-fi novel series Iriya no Sora, UFO no Natsu (author Akiyama Mizuhito). The company's website for the anime is here. Said to start in January 2005, but it's not expressly stated whether this will be a TV series or OVA (perhaps OVA with advance broadcast). Source: ultimatum. This is an anime which fans of the novels have been hoping for for years. Boy meets mysterious girl.
Young Animal magazine now has a website up for the manga Aa Tantei Jimusho (Aa Detective Office) by Kanzaki Shummi. Source: ultimatum. The live action dorama series based on the manga will commence broadcast on 2 July 2004.
DVD volumes 1 and 2 of GANTZ will be released on 25 August 2004 ~~2005~~, catalogue numbers DA-346 and DA-347 respectively, price 6,090 yen (including tax) each. Duration of volume 1: 69 minutes. Duration of volume 2: 46 minutes. Source: Musicmarket. (Updated 25 June 2004.)
To confirm the details for DVD volume 2 of Koikaze: to be released 25 August 2004, catalogue number GNBA-1040, price 6,300 yen (including tax), first pressing comes with box (illustrated by mangaka Yoshida Motoi) and "memorial photo card". Contains three episodes. Source: Musicmarket.
The DVD for Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed Kokuu no Senjyou (first part of the Gundam Seed Special Edition, broadcast in March) will be released on 27 August 2004. The second part of the Special Edition, "Kokuu no Senjyou Orb Hen" will be broadcast in the (northern) summer. CD Japan has details up for two further Gundam Seed Special Edition DVDs: Harukanaru Akatsuki and Meidou no Sora. But no mention of a DVD for Kokuu no Senjyou Orb Hen. So how does this all fit in...? I don't know. Perhaps Kokuu no Senjyou Orb Hen will itself be composed of two parts Harukanaru Akatsuki and Meidou no Sora...? Anyway, the DVD for Harukanaru Akatsuki will be released on 24 September 2004. The DVD for Meidou no Sora will be released on 22 October 2004. Note that there'll be two first pressing limited edition versions of Meidou no Sora. Each will come with box to hold all three volumes of the Special Edition DVD release: one box will be illustrated by Nakata Eiji, the other by Hirai Hisashi. For full release details, see the pages linked above, but note that prices do not include tax. Note also CD Japan's comments that both these parts will feature new scenes and new post-recording.
The October 2004 issue of monthly Dengeki Comic Gao! magazine (to be published on 26 August 2004) will come with a 115mm figure of Ren from the manga (and upcoming anime) DearS. Source: Hobby Search. The anime will commence broadcast in early hours of 4 July 2004.

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