Category > Anime
Paul over at Anime UK News.net has sent us the low down on a very interesting article they've just put on-line. Getting the views from the major players in the UK anime industry, the article recaps 2005 and gets various companies views on 2006. It's interesting to see all their separate takes on the achievements of the last 12 months.
The Otaku News Crew consider 2005 a very important year for the UK anime industry since it's the year that anime really went in the public eye, with more stores willing to stock it, more news papers writing positive and factually correct articles. Even Howl's Moving Castle got good fair write coverage too, while manga continues to be more easy to obtain in the UK. Taking into account where the UK anime scene was 3 or 4 years ago things have really progressed.
Souce: Anime UK News.net
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Network, Oricon has posted an article with the top 10 selling Anime Theme songs of 2005.
Thirty-seven anime theme songs broke into Oricon's top 10 charts this year, compared to 24 in 2004 and only 8 back in 2000.
This year's top 10 anime theme songs were:
1) *~Asterisk from Bleach (TV), by Orange Range - 628,329 copies sold.
2) Gekkouka from Black Jack, by Janne Da Arc - 321,977 copies sold.
3) Sukiyanen, Osaka/Oh! Enka/Mugendai from Nintama Rantarou, by Kan Johnny 8 - 238,826 copies sold
4) Link from Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shambala, by L'Arc-en-Ciel - 235,751 copies sold
5) Pride from Gundam Seed Destiny, by High And Mighty Color - 223,208 copies sold
6) vestige from Gundam Seed Destiny, by T.M. Revolution - 176,028 copies sold
7) Metamorphoze from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation -Heirs to the Stars-, by Gackt - 156,709 copies sold
8) Kimi wa Boku ni Niteiru from Gundam Seed Destiny, by See-Saw - 156,172 copies sold
9) Kuroge Wagyuu Joushio Tanyaki Roppyaku Hachijuu En from Black Jack, by Ai Ohtsuka - 149,134 copies sold
10) Wings Of Words from Gundam Seed Destiny, by Chemistry - 140,969 copies sold
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
Gainax, the anime studio behind Neon Genesis Evangelion (currently airing Thursday nights on Adult Swim), has announced a new contest for the latest video game spin-off for the hit series. The contest is calling for fans to design a new character for the second part of Neon Genesis Evangelion Supplementary Story: A Midsummer Night's Dream, a game designed for cellular phones.
The guidelines for the contest can be found on Gainax’s website. Unfortunately for American Evangelion fans, they are in Japanese. The few guidelines that are known is that the character must be female, and must be in the same class as EVA pilots Shinji, Rei and Asuka. Contestants will not simply be limited to only submitting designs for the physical appearance of the new character, but can also create her personality, manner of speech, and so on. There is no explicit statement saying that the contest is only open to Japanese residents. Other rules and guidelines, such as a final submission date, are not known at this time.
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
As the year 2005 is coming to an end, the list of the top Japanese films that topped the box office has been released. It’s important to notice that most of the films are based on anime or are animated features. Analyzing the data shows Toho's continued dominance over Japan's movie industry:
1. Howl's Moving Castle (Toho) 19.6 billion yen
2. Pokemon Advance Generation: Myuu to Hadou no Yuusha (Toho) 4.3 billion yen
3. Koushou Nin Mashita Seigi (Toho) 4.2 billion yen
4. NANA (Toho) 4.03 billion yen
5. Yougisha Muroi Shin Tsugi (Toho) 3.83 billion yen
6. Densha Otoko (Toho) 3.7 billion yen
7. Kita No Rei Nen (Toei) 2.7 billion yen
8. Always -Sunset on Third Street- (Toho) 2.5 billion yen
9. Lorelei (Toho) 2.4 billion yen
10. Hoshi Ninatta Shounen (Toho) 2.3 billion yen
Souce: Anime News Service
Studio Ghibli have officially announced their next movie, which is due to hit Japan in July 2006. Gedo Senki (Gedo War History) is based on Ursula K. Le Guin's Tales from Earthsea Collection. Controversially Hayao Miyazaki son, Goro Miyazaki will be directing the film.
Read More... | Souce: Studio Ghibli
Category > Anime
Central Park Media announces DVD release of sci-fi comedy Outlanders.
Read More... | Souce: Central Park Media
Category > Retail
According to Akadot, Square Enix announced earlier this month the development of a new drink based on the PS2 game Final Fantasy XII. The drink called "POTION" will be produced by Suntory and will be on sale from March 2006.
Suntory commented that the idea for producing the item which in FFXII is used to restore character's health, came up because many of their workers are Final Fantasy Fans.
"The drink has tentatively been named FINAL FANTASY XII POTION. A FINAL FANTASY XII POTION PREMIUM BOX will also go on sale - this box includes original design POTION bottles and a card. The drink is still being developed, but will contain "divine" herbs, and is to have a refreshing taste."
Souce: Akadot
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Service the new Pokemon Movie out in 2006 will be titled: Pokemon Ranger and the Prince of the Sea. The announcement was made on TV Tokyo's kodomo TV show, Oha Star. The story is about the discovery of a mysterious "legendary" Pokemon who comes from deep in the ocean. The Movie opens in July 2006 in theatres across Japan. For more details check out the Official Website.
Souce: Anime news service
Finally, some concrete news on the production with Battle Angel - Based upon Battle Angel Alita, a great anime flick, and an even greater manga serial most would agree.
Mali Finn Casting have recently posted up an advert auditioning for the main lead, which will be held until the 19th December 2005. They also state that 'no prior film experience is necessary'. What are you waiting for? Submit your sisters and daughters!
Souce: VFXWorld News
Category > Anime
Bandai announces new DVD label Honneamise, to distribute anime in North America.
Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Events
We've got news of a new anime convention in Northern Ireland, at the University of Ulster's Magee Campus in Londonderry. Tomo-Dachi is set for 7th 8th and 9th of July 2006 and looks like it's going to be great! With guests including veteran voice actress Tiffany Grant and writer, translator and man of many talents Jonathan Clements. The convention is the first of it's kind in Northern Ireland and has some really nice touches like anime related presents in everyone's room! We reckon it's worth going to for the "What Stupid People Say About Anime" segment alone, since we've heard many people say stupid things about anime! So clear your calendars for that week and get over to Londonderry! ^_^
Read More... | Souce: Tomo-Dachi
Category > Anime
According to Akadot a hotel located in Takarazuka the place where the popular manga-ka Ozamu Tezuka (Black Jack) was born and raised, has made a christmas cake dedicated to Black Jack.
It costs 3300 Yen per cake and the hotel hopes to make a profit out of the popularity of the anime series Black Jack. "The cake is 15cm in diameter with ¾ covered in whipped cream and the rest with chocolate. The stitches on Black Jack's face have been recreated by chocolate as well."
Souce: Akadot
According to Akadot, TVTokyo have announced the opening of an anime portal site within the year. The station will distribute it's programs online in exchange for 100 yen an episode.
TV Tokyo are known for broadcasting anime shows such as Pokemon, Naruto and Bleach and are responsible of showing approximately 37 of the 60 or so animated shows that air per week in Japan. By entering the market through an online fan community they are expecting to expand their business in the anime industry.
Souce: Akadot
Category > Anime
The Nintendo DS Wi-fi service has now been fully launched! DS owners can go online with certain games for free by locating wireless hotspots. Alternatively they can simply connect using their home wireless connection or by buying a USB adapter for their home PC and use standard internet connections.
Read More... | Souce: Nintendo Wi-fi
Category > Anime
Good News for Anime Fans as in 2006 there will be plenty of anime and live-action movies to watch.
Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Fandom
The Scotsman are currently running a story focusing on the economic force behind the otaku. It's very similar to articles we've featured before. It explains what an otaku is, the fun places in Akihabara, including it's electronic shops, and maid cafes. It also mentions the otaku test we've covered before, along with how keen otaku are with the test.
What makes this article a bit different from a recap of all the articles featured before is a new phrase we've never read about "otaku mum", the parent of one otaku is actually into anime too and even has models of characters from her favourite movie! Now don't you wish your parents were like that? Then again, maybe not since they would only "borrow" most of your DVDs! ^_-
Souce: The Scotsman
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Service Takeo Yamashita who wrote the music for the first Lupin III TV series has passed away on the 21st of November. He died of Cerebral Thrombosis at the age 75 years. His close relatives and friends have already held a funeral.
Yamashita worked on the title songs and soundtracks of various Classic Japanese TV Dramas and animation including Shichinin No Keiji, Oooka-Echizen, Playgirl, Super Jetter, Giant Robo and Ganba No Bouken. He wrote about 7000 songs and at the end of 1990 most of his work was re-released. In the year 2000 his popular selling compilation CD "Yamashita*Deluxe" was released.
Souce: Anime News Service
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Network, it was reported on Afternoon Magazine by Kodansha that a second TV series of Ah my Goddess will air in early 2006 on TBS.
Also a third series of Maria-Sama released under the title Maria-Sama Ga Miteru OAV is set for sometime in 2006. For more details check out the Official Maria-Sama website.
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Network, a temporary store focusing exclusively on Paradise Kiss opened in Tokyo's Odaiba district. The store is set to remain open until the 31st March and features items for sale that are related to the Paradise Kiss Anime and Manga.
There is also a Paradise Kiss online store which features items on sale in store including a recreation of the Butterfly Ring featured in the manga. Plus a clothing line inspired by the Manga.
The store’s Grand opening Party is open to the General Public and will feature as guest star Tommy February, singer of the anime's theme song.
If you can read Japanese why not check out their on-line store?!
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
Adult-version of NewType magazine, NewWords will be released in November.
Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
VIZ Media, LLC announced that they have made a deal with toymaker Mattel to produce toys based on hit anime series "Zatch Bell!".
Read More... | Souce: VIZ Media, LLC
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Network, it is reported that Hayao Miyazaki’s Son, Goro Miyazaki will direct the next Studio Ghibli Movie. Goro Miyazaki has been the director of Ghibli Museum until recently. The film is to be released in summer of 2006 and other details will be released on Dec 13th. The announcement was made by Toshio Suzuki at Meiji University and he reported Hayao Miyazaki to be "fiercely against the idea."
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
Some good news for FMA fans as it is reported on Anime News Service that the release of the movie "Conqueror of Shambala Gekijyouban Hagane no Renkinjutsushi - Shanbara wo Yuku Mono" is expected on the 25th of January 2006 in Japan. Sony Music announced that there will be three versions of the movie: a Complete Production Limited Edition DVD (8,925 Yen), Regular Version DVD (3,990 Yen) and UMD Video Version (3,990 Yen) will be sold. It is important to note that the limited edition version is English subtitled, contains 2 omake discs and a guide book. During its theatrical run the film drew 1.1 million in attendance, and a profit of 1.3 billion Yen. Manga sales for 12 volumes on the market has exceeded 19 million copies and of the 13 volumes of the TV anime put on the market, sales have exceeded one million units.
Souce: Anime News Service
Category > Anime
The magical girl Tenchi Muyo spin off " Pretty Sammy" is returning in a new super cute series. Tenchi Muyo regulars Washu and Mihoshi also look set to feature.
Souce: Sasami Club Website
Category > Anime
As reported previously on Otaku News, Anime News Network have discovered, a new digital speciality station called Rapture announced at the London Expo that it will begin airing Full Metal Alchemist & Wolf’s Rain on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The official launch of the station is on the 14th of November.
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Technology > Robotics
Japanese Toy maker Kyosho have produced a robot that can be assembled by the general public. The robot has been named Manoi is able to walk on two feet and kick a soccerball. Standing 40cm high the robot is marketed as being 1/5th the size of a human and is designed by Tomotaka Takahashi, who it appears has modelled the machine after Astroboy.
Manoi retails for around 150,000 Japanese Yen, which works out at $1270 US. However unlike Astroboy he cannot fly!
Souce: Kyosho
Category > Anime
FUNimation announced that they will release Negima! on DVD sometime in 2006.
Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Network the second movie from the Zeta Gundam Saga premiered last weekend at Japanese theatres. ‘Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation II-Lovers’ made it at the number 5 spot whilst the first movie, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation -Heirs to the Stars- opened in third spot in late May and broke daily box office records at six Japanese theaters.
The final installment of the Zeta Gundam Saga- "Love is the Pulse of the Stars" will be released to theaters Saturday, March 4th, 2006. Some official promotional material will be released and a small image of a promotional poster for Zeta 3 is hosted on the official website.
Souce: Anime News Network
Fans of anime games should be pleased to hear about Atari and Bandai's Christmas game line up. They've got the following for PS2:
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi
- One Piece: Grand Battle
- Digimon World 4
Along with Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 for Nintendo DS and Ghost in the Shell®: Stand Alone Complex for PSP.
Read More... | Souce: Atari
Category > Retail
For many anime fans November is that month before Christmas where you get your giftlist ready and figure out what you're going to give to your fellow otaku. As the author of the Pirate Anime FAQ, I'd like to remind our readers that November is bootleg anime calendar month. What's this? A new national holiday! No, not really, but it's a good way of spotting the swarm of bootleg calendars that come out each year - In order to compete with legitimate calendars they start with dates two months before each year. In other words, it'll be November 2005 - December 2006. They are often advertised as this too. It's a sneaky way of beating out competition from official calendars too, since people are more likely to buy calendars with two extra months on, making the need for calendars that start in 2006, more redundant.
So if you see an anime calendar that starts in November instead of January on eBay, or from some certain retailers, then be careful, it's more likely to be bootleg one.
Souce: The Pirate Anime FAQ
Category > Anime
Turner Classic Movies will be airing anime films by Hayao Miyazaki in January.
Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Events
The Mainichi Daily News has some great photos from the Akihabara Entertainment Festival. It's set to promote Japanese cultural items like anime and video games! Apparently Sony was also showing off the PS3 there too, although it's rumoured that it was not a working version, but a mock-up. Pikachu made an appearance too!
Souce: Mainichi Daily News
Category > Anime
The new Apple iPod can play video files and Central Park Media have announced that they are the first anime company to provide content for it. This is an adventurous move, since CPM have also started to release content on the PSP to download too. It's always good to see that anime companies are willing to experiment with new platforms to show anime.
Read More... | Souce: Central Park Media
Category > Anime
VIZ announces plan to launch new video line featuring Shonen Jump titles.
Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network
UK fans of the Ghost In The Shell Standalone Complex Series should be pleased to hear that a game based on the anime will be released on PSP this Friday. Atari have sent us the details. The game sounds really good, not only do you get to play as the main cast members, each with different abilities, but you also get to command Tachikoma, that is surely worth the price of the game alone! You even get to train and customize them (*hums Tachikoma themetune* ^_-).
Read More... | Souce: Atari
Category > Anime
Good News for Nana fans as there are plans for a sequel to the hugely successful Live-Action which was released a couple of months ago. The filming will start next summer and Director Kentaro Otani will work along the original cast and staff. The Sequel will be released in 2007 according to the official website.
Nana the Live-Action made huge success with two two singles (Mika Nakashima starring NANA "Glamorous Sky" and Yuna Ito's "Endless Story")topping the charts, and with the 13th volume of the series bringing comic sales up to 25million copies.
It seems that the sequel will continue to expand the Nana craze.
Souce: Akadot
Category > Anime
We’ve had a message from ADV Films UK regarding the polls on its website. It seems the response has been far too low for ADV to gauge your opinions accurately; they are taking the responses seriously and significant responses will effect what they release. Launching new series in the UK can be expensive, and the choice of series can often be difficult for the British companies so ADV want to make sure they are in tune with fans requests.
We encourage every British fan to regularly take part in the polls, as well as encouraging other fans to do so especially for any series they feel strongly about.
The current poll asks which of the following series fans would like to see;
Gatchaman (known widely in it’s edited form as Battle of the Planets)
Gilgamesh
Samurai Gun
Area 88
Yugo the Negotiator
I’ve already voted for Gatchaman, Battle of the Planets was a childhood favourite and I’m looking forwards to seeing it uncut.
Souce: ADV Films UK
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Network, Gainax has announced that it will release a number of Evangelion Angel Figures.
In a statement released by Gainax it was said: "As the 10th anniversary of Evangelion approaches, humanity's enemy has taken on a new form. The 'angels' have taken on a new concept and design, which Gainax and Wave announce. And so the new images begin..."
The figures are designed by Yoshizaki Mine and will be released in December for 2604 yen each (US$23) and are 14 cm tall.
For Images go to the official website.
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
ADV UK have sent us their October Press release with info concerning:
- Martian Successor Nadesico: Complete Chronicles
- DNAngel volume 2
- Divergence Eve volume 2
- Gravion volume 3 (final)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum Edition 0:5
- Last Exile volume 6
Read More... | Souce: ADV UK
Category > Anime
For all those lucky otaku who are planning to go to Japan there will be an interesting Gundam art Exhibit called "Kitaru Beki Mirai no Tame ni," which has already been displayed in Osaka.
The Exhibit will be open from November 6th till the 25th December and will be held at the Ueno Royal Museum in Tokyo. The three main themes covered in Gundam on which the exhibit will be focused are war, evolution, and life. For pictures of items that will be exhibit visit: http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0507/14/news104.html
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
According to Mainichi Daily News the director of the popular Live-action film ‘Nana’ Kentaro Onani said that it was tough to adapt from the best-selling comic book of the same name as there were too many popular scenes to choose from.
Read More... | Souce: Mainichi Daily News
Category > Events
With the competition deadline edging ever close, the nice folks at IMAF have sent us some more details for their London event.
Highlights include Sweatdrop Studios, a special screening of Millennium Actress, along with the Europe Premiere of Streetfighter - Alpha Generation. Even Garnier will be their with its Manga haircare range. The IMAF is certainly worth attending to see the wonderful range of entrants.
Read More... | Souce: IMAF
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Service, Toei Animation Co announced that the Live-Action movie of Saikano (She the Ultimate Weapon) will premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival on the 29th of October.
The Lead Actress portraying Chise, the deadly war cyborg disguised as a student is Aki Maeda who took part in Battle Royale.
The Japanese Theatrical release is set to be in February 2006. For more check out the offical website.
Souce: Anime news service
Category > Anime
According to Manganews the controversial Oav ‘Boku Wa Imouto ni koi o Suru’ will be adapted into a drama Live-Action. The Story is about a guy named Yori who is in love with his twin sister, Iku. Auditions for Misc. characters have already started.
Another series that will be turned into a Live-Action is the Horror flick ‘Kami No Hidarite Akuma No migite ’ which is by Umezz Kazuo. The Main character will be played by Shibuya Asuka who is the leader of Bishoujo Club 31.
Souce: Manga News
Category > Fandom
UK Anime Magazine Neo, are currently taking votes for their first Neo Awards "the only UK awards ceremony to celebrate the best in Asian Pop Culture" which will be held on Saturday 29th October.
Neo rightly point out that what makes the awards important is that the winner of each category is voted by the fans.
To vote all you have to do is download this PDF file, print it out, fill it out and post it to the address on the form. All voting forms have to be sent in by Friday 7th October to be counted.
Please note that the form is in PDF format, so if you have problems printing the file try downloading Adobe Acrobat.
Souce: Neo
Category > Anime
I've had my eye on the manga for years, and when hearing the recent news of the anime being in production, well, now I've got to read the manga ASAP!
Anyway, the anime is being produced by Madhouse, and th site recently opened the music section. UK anime fans might be happy to hear British rockers Franz Ferdinand's hot single "Do You Want To", will be the ending theme for this highly anticipated series!
Souce: Paradise Kiss TV Official Website
Category > Fandom
With the Tokyo Games Show well under way, so are the cosplayers that have invaded the event. The Mainichi Daily News has some excellent photos of the people there, including some really good Final Fantasy Advent Children and Naruto Cosplayers.
Souce: Mainichi Daily News
Category > Anime
Viz are set to enter the European anime and manga market,partnering with Copyright Promotions Ltd they will form Viz Media B.V. Titles appearing in the press release include Bleach, Deko Boku Friends and Mar.
We at Otaku news have also noticed one title surprisingly not mentioned in the press release has already appeared on the CPLG website, with a page now listing the Inu Yasha anime.
Souce: AnimeUKNews
Category > Anime
According to Anime News Network, the popular J-Pop band 'Do as Infinity' parted ways. The Band was responsible for various anime themes including songs for Inuyasha.
In a press release given on Sept 14, the members said that they wanted to pursue new projects and feel that breaking up is a natural step.
Vocalist Ban Tomiko (26) will record solo, guitarist Owatari Ryo (34) will continue his work singing and strumming with the band Missile Innovation, and songwriter Nagao Dai (34) will work as a producer and composer, particularly for the Avex female artist Amasia Landscape.
More details can be found here.
Souce: Anime News Network
Category > Anime
According to Gamespot, the famous Japanese composer Yoko Kanno will compose the music tracks for Gravity’s Upcoming online role-playing game Ragnarok Online 2.
Kanno was best known in the gaming industry for composing music for Koei's‘Uncharted Waters and Nobunaga's Ambition. She is also known as the composer behind various anime series including Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand alone complex, Escaflowne and Wolf’s Rain.
The new MMORPG will be playable at the Tokyo Game Show
Souce: Game Spot
Category > Anime
Cowboy Bebop sells over one million copies in the U.S.
Read More... | Souce: Bandai Entertainment