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Mar 18 – Site Update - Posted By Hisaishi
Anime News of the Week (3/11 - 3/17)
Short Documentary Chronicles Life in Fukushima
Two years after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, documentary studio VICE returns to the evacuation zone contaminated by the radiation of the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Plant.
Kodansha Repays American Kindness
Kodansha USA chair Kumi Shimizu promised that her company would donate 200 manga to New York libraries damaged by Hurricane Sandy. With this offering, Shimizu released a statement:
“The Japanese people will never forget all the help that the United States provided when Japan was devastated by the Great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami which took place on March 11, 2011, and we'd like to take this opportunity to repay your generosity. The books are our silent ambassadors. And we hope everything is restored as soon as possible, and that the people of Queens enjoy our books." Link
David Byrne, Sigur Ros Songs Transformed for Charity
In continued support of the victims of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, singer David Byrne of the Talking Heads and Icelandic band Sigur Ros have allowed their tunes to be turned into artistic videos in association with the charity Project Zapuni. The songs are "Psychadelic Afternoon" and "Hoppipolla," which were used in videos created by Urimi Delvi and Yutaka Yamamoto respectively. Link
Iron Man Anime Movie Trailer Posted
Excited for Iron Man 3? There's more! Marvel Studios and Madhouse are collaborating on a new Iron Man anime movie titled Iron Man: Rise of Technovore. The story takes place after Iron Man 2 as a new robotic genius named Ezekiel Stone has created biotechnology that outclasses Tony Stark’s Iron Man armor. After Tony is blamed for a terrorist act caused by Stone, he must clear his name while avoiding S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives sent to take him out.
Hatsune Miku. Diva. Program. Operatic Soprano?
In what is being called the first completely electronic opera, Hatsune Miku sings in an experience that will not be soon duplicated. Toshiki Okada and Keiichiro Shibuya present, in association with Crypton Media, Louis Vuitton, and the New York Office of Metropolitan Architecture, The End, a look into the mind of a desperate singer. While the debut happened back in December, the first public performance will take place on May 23 and 24 for three shows at the Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo.
From Up On Poppy Hill Earns Second Highest Average in Country
Studio Ghibli’s From Up On Poppy Hill premiered in two New York theaters this week, opening with $55,000 total. The $27,500 screen average makes the film the second highest average earner this week, with Spring Breakers, starring James Franco, coming in first. Several dozen cities will continue to premiere the film up until May 10th. Link
Tezuka Biography To Receive Live Adaptation
Osamu Tezuka, known as the "God of Manga," will be featured in a new TV special, which is based on a manga written by two of his closest friends. The Secret Story of the Creation of Black Jack recounts the true story of how Tezuka created Black Jack, the genius doctor that became one of his most beloved characters. According to past biographers, Tezuka was a licensed physician before becoming a mangaka and noted Black Jack was an alter ego; the doctor he wished he could be. Link
One Piece Manga Takes Short Hiatus
The latest issue of Shonen Jump will not include One Piece, despite it being listed in that issue's table of contents. Creator Eiichiro Oda suddenly became ill and took a break this week. Shonen Jump promises the manga’s return on March 24th. Link
Special 3DS XL Hits Stateside
Pokemon's adorable yellow mascot appears on more merch with the release of the limited edition Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL. The new device comes out on March 24th, the same day as the release of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity. Link
RIP Goro Naya
Voice actor Goro Naya has died from chronic respiratory failure at the age of 83. Over his illustrious career, Naya was known as the voice of Inspector Koichi Zenigata from the Lupin III franchise, dating back to 1971. Other roles included Captain Okita from Space Battleship Yamato, Yupa from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and Admiral Merkatz from Legend of the Galactic Heroes. His last role was Zenigata in 2012’s short Lupin Family Lineup, which reunited four original 1971 cast members and Kanichi Kurita, the current voice of Arsène Lupin III. Link
Anime Premieres
- Otona Joshi no Anime Time
- RDG Red Data Girl
Anime Releases
- Bleach Season 16 Uncut DVD Box Set (English)
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD (English)
- Dragon Ball Z Kai Season 4 DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
- Penguindrum Collection 2 DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
- Queen’s Blade – Season 1-2 Complete Collection DVD (English)
- Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars – Part 1 Complete Collection DVD (English)
- Trigun – The Complete Series Part 1 DVD (English)
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Blu-Ray (UK Release)
- Maria Watches Over Us Season 4 Litebox DVD (Japanese)
Manga Releases
- 07-Ghost Volume 3
- Arata: The Legend Volume 13
- Blade of the Immortal – Blizzard Volume 26
- Full Metal Alchemist Omnibus Volume 4
- His Favorite Volume 3
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin – Activation Volume 1
- Neon Genesis Evangelion Omnibus Volume 2
- RIN-NE Volume 11
- Tokyo Babylon Omnibus Volume 1
- X (3-in-1 Edition) Volume 5
