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Jun 03 – Anime - Posted By Hisaishi
Anime News of the Week (5/27 - 6/2)
Controversial Manga Law Challenged
An amendment to child pornography laws in Japan is being heavily scrutinized by the anime industry. The bill makes it illegal to possess manga depicting the sexualization of children. Many, including Love Hina's Ken Ameratsu, say the bill goes too far. Link
A Town Where You Live First Anime Trailer
Studio Gonzo is back with a new anime. Based on the manga of the same name, A Town Where You Live will be directed by Shigeyasu Yamauchi (Casshern Sins) and premieres July 13.
Haganai Dub Cast Announced
FUNimation announced at A-Kon the cast of Haganai. Based on Yomi Hirasaka and Buriki's light novel, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukanai, the cast includes Jerry Jewell, Whitney Rodgers, and Jad Saxton. No release date as been announced at this time.
A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane
In honor of its 100th anniversary, Morinaga & Co., in association with STUDIO 4°C, have created a short animation honoring the Morinaga Milk Caramel candy. The short tells of a struggling new mother who remembers the days her own mother struggled.
Grudge Director’s Special Delivery
Last month, there were rumors of a supposed live-action adaptation of Kiki’s Delivery Service. The rumors are true! The film will be directed by Takashi Shimizu (The Grudge) and written by Satoko Okudera (Summer Wars, Wolf Children), with Fūka Koshiba debuting in the role Kiki. Link
Light Finds His Misa
Actor Tatsuya Fujiwara, best known for his role as Light Yagami in the live-action Death Note film, has announced that he is now married. The unknown woman met Fujiwara in 2004 and has no association with the entertainment industry. Link
Nagai Tribute in Los Angeles
Go Nagai is considered one of the most important mangaka of the 1970’s. This past Saturday, the creator behind Mazinger Z and Cutey Honey was honored with an exhibition at Los Angeles’ Q Pop gallery. Artists included Glen Murakami (Teen Titans), Junko Mizuno (Hell Babies, Japanorama), and Ciro Nieli (TMNT). Link
The Old Age of Japan
On May 24th, Jiroemon Kimura of Kyotango, Japan celebrated his 116th birthday. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, he is confirmed to be the last living man from the 18th century, making him the oldest man in recorded history. Coincidentally, Misao Okawa of Okinawa, Japan was recently named the oldest woman at 115. Link
RIP Yoshinari Matsushita
Competitive motorcyclist Yoshinari Matsushita was killed in a qualifying round crash at the Isle of Man TT race in Ballacrye at the age of 43. He only recently joined the Vocaloid sponsored club, Team Mirai. Matsushita previously placed fifth in the TT Zero race in 2011 and, according to race clerk Gary Thompson, “…was a genuine and friendly character…he will be sorely missed.” Link
Anime Releases
- Phi Brain: Puzzle of God Season 1 Collection 2 DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
- Supernatural: The Anime Series DVD (English)
- Grave of the Fireflies DVD/Blu-Ray (UK Release)
- Kiki's Delivery Service DVD/Blu-Ray (UK Release)
- Okamikakushi: Masque of the Wolf Complete Collection DVD (Japanese)
Manga Releases
- Are You Alice? Volume 1
- Black God Volume 19
- Blood Lad Volume 3
- Btooom! Volume 2
- Disgaea 3: School of Devils Volume 1
- Durarara!! Saika Arc Volume 2
- Fairy Tail Volume 26
- GTO: 14 Days in Shonan Volume 9
- Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix Volumes 1 & 2
- Omamori Himari Volume 10
- Soul Eater Volume 14
- The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan Volume 4
- Umineko WHEN THEY CRY Episode 2: Turn of the Gold Witch Volume 1
