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Dec 16 – Anime - Posted By Hisaishi
Anime News of the Week (12/9 - 12/15)
Kuroko’s Basketball Suspect Confesses To Crime
The worst may be over in a story that has gripped the anime community for over a year. Police have arrested 36 year-old Hirofumi Watanabe in connection with a series of chemical threats based around the popular series Kuroko’s Basketball. In his statement to police, he stated, “I’m sorry. I’ve lost." The attacks can be traced back to October 2012, and have considerably marred the reputation of the series. Link
Golden Globes Recognize The Wind Rises
Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises is now an official contender for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. Strangely, it was not nominated for Best Animated Film. Link
San Diego, Boston Film Critics Award Animation Prize to Miyazaki
Both the San Diego and Boston Film Critics Societies awarded The Wind Rises the title of Best Animated film of 2013, raising the film’s current award total to nine. Link 1 Link 2
La Critic Accuses Film of “Whitewashing” History
On a sour note to The Wind Rises, LA Weekly film critic Inkoo Kang has taken a harsh stance against, claiming it is “shockingly insensitive” and “repellent." At the head of the argument is the portrayal of the Japanese Imperial Army, whose history of war crimes and association with Nazi Germany is only slightly touched upon due to focus on the character Jiro Horikoshi. This debate has garnered reaction and discussion. Link
Gee, I Wish I was Back In The Army
The official website for the anime Sgt. Frog has made an announcement that will please fans of the comedy series. A new flash anime series titled Keroro, named after the main character, has been greenlit and will reunite the cast of the first series, which ended in 2011. Expect it in Spring 2014. Link
First Official Trailer for Kiki’s Delivery Service
As the anticipation for the live-action adaptation of Kiki’s Delivery Service grows exponentially, the official YouTube channel for MadigiTV has uploaded the first official trailer.
First Trailer For Mushi-shi Special
The newest adaptation of Yuki Urushibara’s Mushi-shi premiered its first trailer, which highlights the return of past characters. The special, titled Mushi-shi: Sun Eating Shade, premieres January 4. Link
Otakon Vegas Shoots For The Stars
In its first year of inception, Otakon Vegas has announced a new addition to the panel of voice actor Ian Sinclair and ADR Director Zach Bolton. As both worked on the upcoming anime Space Dandy, con goers will get the chance to see the first episode hours before the Toonami premiere. The event takes place January 4. Link
Silver Spoon Honored by Foodies
Hiromu Arakawa’s manga Silver Spoon has been awarded the Grand Prize in a pool of 250 nominees at the Japan Food Culture Contents Awards. The organization, which helps to spread the tradition of Japanese cuisine, noted Silver Spoon for its cultural influence and the detailing of a realistic farming environment. Also victorious was the manga Moyashimon for the portrayal of organisms and agriculture. Link
Age Is Only A Number
At the age of 91, manga-ka Shigeru Mizuki has revealed that he will pen two new works in the coming months. The first is a new chapter in his acclaimed manga Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro, which began in 1959 and spawned a massive franchise. The second is an entirely new story called My Everyday, an autobiography detailing his post WWII life and the poverty his family experienced. LInk
Fight the Power With Your Own Basami
Ever wanted to avenge your loved ones...in style? Manga and anime chain Toranoana is offering a lottery to anyone who buys the Japanese DVD/Blu-Ray set of the smash hit Kill la Kill. Winners will receive a Basami scissors sword akin to that used by main character Ryuko Matoi. The set go on sale January 8. Link
Ring in the New Year With Anime Champagne
Through a limited edition deal between retailer Rakuten and French champagne maker Cattier, you too can toast to 2014 with elegance. A series of bottles of 2013 cuvee Brut based on Neon Genesis Evangelion have gone on sale for $305 each. Each bottle is etched to illustrate a character and is embedded with a Swarovski crystal. In addition, the bottle comes with a charm and display case. Link
Anime Premieres
- Kaiketsu Zorori Mamoru ze! Kyōryū no Tamago
Anime Releases
- Bleach Season 19 Uncut Box Set DVD (English)
- Btooom! - Complete Collection DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
- Kokoro Connect - OVA Complete Collection DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
Manga Releases
- Arata: The Legend Volume 16
- Hetalia! [Print On Demand Edition] Volumes 4 & 5
- Itsuwaribito Volume 10
- Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic Volume 3
- Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin - Jaburo Volume 4
- No. 6 Volume 4
- Tiger and Bunny Comic Anthology Volume 4
Video Game Releases
- Anpanman to Asobo: New Aiueo Kyuoshitsu (3DS) (JPN)
- Doki Doki Universe (PS4/PS3/VITA) (USA/EU/AUS/JPN)
- Karameki Waku Waku Sweets (3DS) (JPN)
- Life With Horses (3DS) (USA/EU)
- Order Land! (3DS) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Wii Fit U (WiiU) (USA/EU/JPN)
