FINALLY, OCTAVIO HAS COME BACK TO ANIMATRIX!!!!!
It's great to be back in the news of things. Did anybody enjoy
the 4th of July Fireworks? Some went to sucky shows
and some went to the great shows. I happened to see both. Anyway,
I was at this month's meeting and I almost missed it again. I
had 2 wisdom teeth from the left side that needed to be pulled.
It was fun and painfully considering the fact that I wanted them
to numb me up rather than going to sleep. Stupid??? Yes..Very....
But I am managing it well. It's the healing process that takes
so long. And I have to go back again for the other side. AH GOD
HELP ME!!!!!!
Also, I was very surprised to some new faces. I am thinking they
might have seen us working at Wizard World. Although, I didn't
make in time to deliver the news but at least Mike can do me the
favor of getting this posted. To all those newcomers of the club,
I extend my personal welcome to all of you and hope you enjoy
the club as much as I have for more than 6yrs.
Anyway, here's the news for June-July. Enjoy....
Octavio A. Soto
------------------------------
From AnimeNewsService
Sponsered by Akadot
6-1-02---- Matrix Reloaded Release Advanced
Cinescape
states the film will come out May 15, 2003, instead of the previously
announced date of May 23.
Thanks to Daniel for the link
6-1-02---- House Of The Dead Movie Trailer
Courtesy Daniel:
Go to Jagged
Team to see the larger Quicktime teaser of the upcoming movie
which is linked there.
6-1-02---- New Websites For Large Scale Yukikaze And Blame!
Projects
The official website for the OAV Sentou Yousei Yukikaze (Battle
Fairy Yukikaze) is now online at http://www.faf.jp/.
The official Blame! Movie website is up at http://www.blamenet.com/.
A six 5 minute episode series of a web anime are scheduled for
distribution commencing 7 June 2002.
Source: Natsume Maya
6-1-02---- Shanghai Noon 2 News
Read about one of the stunts in the movie, Jackie's new salary,
and see photos at Corona.
Thanks to Daniel for the link.
6-1-02---- New Japanese Joint Developed Sportscar - Garaiya
Japanese car-accessories distributor autobachs has jointly developed
an original car, with plans to sell it in Japan in the autumn
of this year. The Garaiya was developed jointly with a British
automaker. For more info: http://www.autobacs.com/
and http://www.asl.info/.
6-3-02---- Candy Candy Trial Awards And Verdicts
As ANS originally reported several months ago, on October 25th
in Japan a final legal decision was rendered in the long running
rights dispute between mangaka Yumiko Igarashi and original story
writer Kyoko Mizuki deemed the "Candy Candy Trial".
Candy Candy is one of the most popular shoujo creations ever released
in Japan, based on a 25 year old story composed by Kyoko Mizuki
which was adapted to manga form by cartoonist Yumiko Igarashi,
an anime TV series and many related merchandise items were also
produced. A mutual working partnership existed between the two
until several years ago when Ms. Igarashi allegedly declared an
exclusive copyright and began producing merchandise based on the
work outside of the co-approval of Mizuki, Toei Animation (who
produced the anime) and herself. The origin of some goods and
works produced based on Candy Candy were put into question, and
the revenue and permission to produce them, forced a trial. Writer
Kyoko Mizuki accused Igarashi of ignoring her copyright on the
work, sueing the artist for infringement of copyright, she later
won her trial. That judgement set the following precedents: 1.
Ms. Kyoko Mizuki was ruled to have the same copyright as Ms. Yumiko
Igarashi regarding CandyCandy. 2. Ms. Yumiko Igarashi must obtain
Ms. Kyoko Mizuki 's consent when using CandyCandy in business
related matters.
However, a reconciliation between the parties was not forthcoming
after the trial with goods and illustrations allegedly being comissioned
and sold by the artist without a proper consent. The dispute has
continued on several fronts since then with numerous appeals,
actions and counter actions. In the year 2000 Ms. Igarashi sued
Toei Animation Film over the trademark of CandyCandy forcing a
broadcast freeze on the series, for some time it was feared by
some fans that due to legal battles the reprint of manga and rebroadcasting
of the Anime may not occur again. Last week's Japanese Supreme
Court ruling matched the Tokyo High Court decision issued in March
2000, and the Tokyo District Court ruling in February 1999, declaring
undisputedly on Japanese legal grounds that Kyoko Mizuki is rightfully
co-creator and copyright holder of CandyCandy and all merchandise
requires her authorization and permission, as is her right within
the law.
Update in the case comes in the form of a Kahoku
Online article which reports May 30th saw the Tokyo District
Court awarding 29,500,000 yen compensation to Mizuki Kyoko against
Igarashi Yumiko and 5 companies for breach of copyright in the
production and sale of Candy Candy related goods. Presiding Judge
Mimura Ryoichi followed the decision of the Supreme Court in October
2001 in which that court accepted that Mizuki held the copyright.
Damages were fixed at 3% of total sales by the enterprise.
Source: Natsume Maya
6-3-02---- Heart Cocktail To Become Anime
Watase Seizo's Heart
Cocktail Again will see the transition to mini TV anime shorts,
each 5 minutes long. Watase, an illustrator who has toured with
exhibitions in the U.S. has seen his "Heart Cocktail"
romantic manga selling very well in Japan.
Source: Natsume Maya
6-3-02---- New Macross Series Update
The upcoming Macross Zero OVA series will be 5 episodes long,
presumably each episode being 30 minutes in length.
Source: Natsume Maya
6-4-02---- Blade 3 Storyline
Thanks to Daniel for the item:
David Goyer, the writer we can, and should, all thank for the
first two BLADE films, is talking about his work in the upcoming
third in the trilogy, BLADE 3. According to Goyer, a prolific
comic-and-screen writer, he's decided to shift away from the idea
he floated around the time of BLADE 2's release, which was to
take place 20 or so years after the first two films and take a
DARK KNIGHT RETURNS angle on Blade's eternal fight against vampires,
and shifted towards an as yet unknown idea. "It's been modified
somewhat from the PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES approach," Goyer
said. "I'm pretty excited about it, though."...
Source: Cinescape
6-4-02---- D-VHS Revisited
As reported a few weeks ago, the first High Definition homevideo
releases are headed to JVC's D-VHS video standard. While it's
currently unknown if anime may be released via the standard,Video
Business has a report on the current status of the rollout.
6-5-02---- Austrian Court Rules Lost Sony Walkman Rights
According to Kyodo News:
The Supreme Court of Austria has ruled Sony Corporation has
lost the trademark right on its Walkman brand, now commonly used
to refer to portable cassette players, according to a ruling statement
made available Tuesday. Sony said the ruling, made in January,
is unacceptable because the brand is registered as its trademark
all over the world. The ruling started with a lawsuit the Japanese
consumer electronics giant filed in Vienna in 1994 against an
Austrian company that advertised a non-Sony portable cassette
players under the Walkman name. The top court made the ruling
on the grounds Sony had not taken steps to prevent the widespread
use of Walkman as a common noun. Sony said it will continue to
seek protection of its trademarks. But some legal experts in Austria
said the ruling may be adopted by other European courts as Austrian
trademark rights are based on criteria set by the European Union.
6-5-02---- Exclusive Ninja Scroll Live Action Interview At
Akadot
Akadot
has conducted an exclusive interview with Larry Kasanoff of Threshhold
Entertainment about the live-action Ninja Scroll movie project.
6-5-02---- More On Utena At Gay And Lesbian Film Festival
Thanks to Corey for the following:
I thought you and your readers would like to know about a major
anime event happening in SF at the 26th San Francisco International
Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.
The Festival will be screening REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA: THE MOVIE
at the Castro Theatre on June 22 at 8:45 pm. UTENA is the latest
work from Kinihiko Ikuhara, the director of SAILOR MOON. Ikuhara
will be in attendance at the screening to discuss the film and
answer questions from the audience.
UTENA is a wild anime about the intense relationship between two
schoolgirls at Oohtori Academy, a Japanese Hogwarts as designed
by MC Escher where students vie for the mysterious power to revolutionize
the world. Co-created with popular female anime artist Chiho Saito,
Utena first broke ground as a television series, and the film
takes the story of gender-bending Utena and femme Anthy to new
heights.
Other highlights from the Festival, which has been the largest
film festival of any kind in California for the last few years,
drawing about 85,000 audience members each year, include a spotlight
on the explosion of queer characters and storylines in Asian cinema,
including FISH & ELEPHANT, the first lesbian feature out of
China, and WU YEN, Johnnie To's gender-bending period comedy starring
Anita Mui. Over 20 features and 20 shorts will be presented, many
for the first time in North America, and many with the stars and
directors in attendance. Countries represented include: Japan,
China, Korea, Hong Kong, Burma, and more.
A total of 290 films from 33 countries will screen across 18 days.
For more information: And, of course, visit the Festival website
at http://www.frameline.org/
6-6-02---- Harlock Site Vanishes
As fans may recall from last week, news came out of Japanese broadcaster
AT-X that various complications with the production of the new
Space Pirate Captain Harlock TV series would force a discontinuance
of the planned June broadcast on the network. While no formal
announcements have come out speaking to the state of production
as a whole or plans to alter the DVD release planned for September,
a curious development has occured today regarding distributor
VAP's website
for the anime. The page previously designated for the new Harlock
series has vanished. What this may mean for the release of the
series if it means anything at all is currently unknown.
Source: Natsume Maya
6-6-02---- Katte Ni Kaizo Anime Coming
Weekly Shonen Sunday's site has added a piece by author Kumeta
Kouji who has announced
that his manga Katte
Ni Kaizo, serialised in that magazine, is to be animated.
Source: Natsume Maya
6-6-02---- Megumi Ogata Birthday
A bit of a belated happy birthday greeting to Seiyuu Megumi Ogata.
Best known to Sailor Moon fans as the voice of Haruka/Uranus,
Megumi-sama is also famous for the voices of Shinji Ikari (Evangelion)
and Yukito (Cardcaptor Sakura). Other roles include Sizer (Violinist
of Hamelin), Princess Emeraude (MK Rayearth), young Keiichi (AMS).
Megumi-sama is 37 years old on the 6th.
Courtesy To Geoff for this news.
6-7-02----- Lupin AP Story
According to the Associated
Press:
"Lupin the Third" cartoon set for TV debut in United
States, Canada Tue May 28,12:26 AM ET TOKYO - "Lupin the
Third", the campy 1971 Japanese cartoon featuring a French
gentleman burglar, is headed for North America.
Japan's TMS Entertainment has agreed to sell the U.S. and Canadian
broadcasting rights to the animated TV series to Long Beach, California-based
Pioneer Entertainment, TMS spokesman Katsuki Masai said Tuesday.
Masai declined to disclose financial details of the 7-year contract.
TMS expects to earn about 14 billion yen (dlrs 112 million) from
product sales and ticket revenues of a movie, he said. Lupin,
supposedly the grandson of Arsene Lupin featured in French writer
Maurice Leblanc's 1907 book, is the leader of a band of thieves
whose bank robberies and jewelry heists worldwide have made them
wanted criminals. They are often thwarted by Lupin's streak of
morality and a double-crossing sidekick. TMS has made 228 Lupin
episodes since the series debuted in Japan. Although a video movie
was released in the United States in 1992, the TV series so far
has only been distributed in Europe. A lack of interest among
adult audiences and concerns that parents would object to violence
in the cartoon held up the North American release, Masai said.
6-7-02---- Viz To No Longer Publish Koji Suzuki's Ring
Thanks to Daniel for this news from Viz:
Due to the need to submit upcoming titles to comics and publishing
industry sources several months in advance, Viz publicized its
plans to publish Ring based on verbal agreements in order to meet
solicitation catalog deadlines. Kicking off a massive horror revival
in Japan due to the success of both the movie and novel, a movie
version of Ring is currently in production for American audiences
by DreamWorks SKG. Originally, Viz planned to publish both the
novel and graphic novels of the story to coincide with the theatrical
release.
6-9-02---- Kawashima Chiyoko Bday
Today is the birthday of seiyuu Kawashima Chiyoko who is noted
for doing several voices in Sailor Moon, such as Sakurada Haruna
and Tsukino Shingo. However, her most popular role was the Senshi
of Time, Sailor Pluto. She has also done voices in Saint Seiya,
Please Save My Earth and Captain Harlock.
6-10-02---- New Kung-Fu Comics From ComicsOne
ComicsOne has announced
the licenses for three more Kung Fu comics, expanding its Kung
Fu line to five series. According to ComicsOne, not since the
days of Jademan Comics have Kung Fu comics been so popular in
the U.S., and it's fitting that leading the resurgence of Kung
Fu titles is Tony Wong, producer of the Oriental Heroes series
that enjoyed a burst of American popularity during the 80's. ComicsOne
has licensed Mr. Wong's Weapons of the Gods, The Legendary Couple,
and Mega Dragon and Tiger: Future Kung Fu Action. ComicsOne will
publish these books, along with Wing Shing Ma's American hits,
Storm Riders and Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. "These books
are all being published under our newly created Kung Fu Comics
imprint," ComicsOne Marketing Manager Nicole Curry explained.
"However, we chose each book to add diversity to the line.
While there are definitely tons of martial arts action in every
book, some are futuristic, some are political and some are even
romantic."
Tony Wong's work is familiar to a legion of Kung Fu devotees in
the U.S from his Jademan Comics days. All three of his books feature
his trademark action-packed, fast-paced storylines as well as
breath-taking art. Weapons of the Gods follows the adventures
of several Kung Fu masters, each with a different weapon and allegiance,
seeking to prevent the destruction of the world by the evil Tiger
Soul. The Legendary Couple is the story of a Kung Fu couple, reunited
after a long separation to defend the world while they rediscover
their love for each other. Mega Dragon and Tiger: Future Kung
Fu Action combines the Kung Fu and Science Fiction genres to create
wildly imaginative set pieces for some extraordinary battle scenes.
Taken together, all three series represent a significant step
forward for Kung Fu comics in America.
6-10-02---- Samurai Jack Movie News
Thanks to Daniel for this:
New Line Cinema is set to hire Todd Alcott ("Antz")
to script the live-action feature version of the popular animated
adventure series "Samurai Jack." The big-screen adaptation,
to be directed by Brett Ratner of "Rush Hour" fame,
will be based on a previously penned treatment from series creator
Genndy Tartakovsky. In the Cartoon Network series, Samurai Jack
is an ancient Japanese warrior, son of an emperor who was defeated
by an evil wizard. Jack trains to get revenge, but the wizard
sends him into the future through a time portal. The series revolves
around Jack's attempt to get back in time to free his family,
battling the wizard's loyalists. "Jack" is being produced
by Ratner and his partner, Jay Stern, through their Rat Entertainment
banner. New Line production vp Chris Godsick is overseeing for
the studio. Best known for writing the 1998 CG-animated DreamWorks
film "Antz," Alcott's credits also include the 1999
romancer "Curtain Call" and 2000's "Deadworld."
Alcott is repped by CAA, the Radman Co. and attorney Patti Felker.
Source: Holywood
Reporter
6-11-02---- New Fox TV Show Firefly Anime Inspired?
Thanks to Antonio for the tipoff on this info:
Last week's issue of the American TV Guide digest magazine mentions
a quick review of coming fall shows to USA TV. Among them is a
mention stating: "Fox will also have a futuristic space western
titled 'Firefly'." Reportedly a commercial advertisement
for the show is running on FOX now which shows scenes including
a naked girl in fetal position inside a capsule, a gun bearing
at least a passing resemblence to a caster rifle (Outlaw Star),
and a space ship resembling a type of ship that can be seen in
the Outlaw Star anime or manga.
6-11-02---- Korean Director Takes Top Honors At French Animated
Film Festival
A huge thanks to Jim who informs us Korean director Lee Sung-gang
on Saturday won the top prize at the 26th Annecy International
Animated Film Festival in France. Lee said that although his film,
Mari Iyagi (My Beautiful Girl, Mari), employed digital animation
techniques, he attempted to give it the look of a hand-rendered
film. He is the first Korean ever to win the prestigious award.
In accepting it, he commented: "I hope that this award can
be a step toward Korea being considered as an equal of Japan and
the United States in terms of originality of its animations."
Annecy is considered the world's most prestigious festival for
animated works, and past winners of the competition such as Hayao
Miyazaki, and Bill Plympton have gone on to achieve worldwide
fame.
Official Site (Korean and English): http://www.mymari.com/
More information about this film can also be found here (English):
http://www.wix.co.kr/cinema/movie/mari/default.asp
6-11-02---- Mag-Lev Trains At Seven Times The Speed Of Sound
By 2050
In the J-Tech file, the Hindu
Times is reporting groups of engineers in Japan and the U.S.
are looking into the concept of creating a global network of tubes
in which trains would travel at seven times the speed of sound
criss-crossing the entire globe. Combined with land tubes, a global
system running to several thousand kilometres is envisaged. To
ensure absolutely no physical contact between train and tube,
the system would be fitted with computers that permanently measure
clearances and then adjust the train's trajectory by fractions
of a millimetre to reflect any change in the position of the tube.
(Editors note: it is rumored that similar tunnels and train systems
as the ones mentioned in the story above have been in existance
for several decades now, bored
by various military outfits and agencies and connecting an assortment
of bases and sites, known and otherwise secret.)
6-11-02---- Tsuchiya Mieko Retires
Known for her anime role as Yuki in Gear Fighter Dendoh and game
role as Yuko in Konohana, Tsuchiya Mieko has announced her retirement
from being a seiyuu as a message to her fans at this
link.
6-11-02---- Rush Hour Sequels
Daniel informs our Mailing List:
"...RUSH HOUR 1 and 2 director Brett Ratner is talking
about what might come next in the Jackie Chan/Chris Tucker cop
comedy films.
"While talking about the trend to shooting several films
in a franchise at once (LORD OF THE RINGS, THE MATRIX, etc) Ratner
said, "When I did the first RUSH HOUR, I ended it so the
plane was headed for Hong Kong. If it worked, the plane would
land in Hong Kong (at the start of the sequel). I would love it
if we could make RUSH HOUR 3 and 4 back to back. When you're on
a roll, it's easier to keep going instead of starting up again."
| "With RED DRAGON nearing completion in the next few months,
Ratner's schedule (which includes developing a big screen adventure
based on the cartoon SAMURAI JACK) may be open enough to flirt
with the idea of two RUSH HOUR sequels at once.
"Ratner also said he wants to have RUSH HOUR 3 in theaters
in 2004."
Source: Cinescape
6-12-02---- Slayers Reissues Contain Audio Flaws
From the Software Sculpters press release:
We've got a big apology to make. Some of the "remastered"
DVD's of Slayers which we just released were found to have certain
of the same audio phase problems as the original DVD's. As far
as we currently know, two of the four discs in the "remastered"
box set still show some of these audio phase problems. Accordingly,
we have ceased the trade-in program with The Right Stuf, pending
the results of our investigation of what went wrong, and what
it will take to fix it. We'll be back to this location on our
site with more info as we get it. We're expecting to be able to
provide further info by the end of this week.
Sincerely, Richard Goffman VP of Sales and Marketing
6-13-02---- Neon Genesis Evangelion Girlfriend Of Steel Second
According to GAINAX, work
is underway on Shin Seiki Evangelion Koutetsu no Girlfriend 2nd
(Neon Genesis Evangelion Girlfriend of Steel 2nd). This will be
an adventure game for Windows XP/ME/98. Storyline could be based
on the "alternate universe" sequence of the final TV
episode of the anime, where Shinji and Asuka are childhood friends
and Rei's a new transfer student.
Source: Natsume Maya
6-13-02---- How The Joint World Cup Korea/Japan Came To Be
The American USA
Today newspaper has published a report on the prestaging of
the world's largets soccer match and the decision to host it in
2 southeast Asian countries.
6-14-02---- Dreamworks Official Links
The official site for Jackie Chan's Tuxedo is up at http://www.dreamworks.com/thetuxedo/
with a poster. You can also now access the official Ring re-make
site(http://www.dreamworks.com/ring/)
without having to search under Road to Perdition. Dreamworks has
Tuxedo scheduled for an October 11 release, and Ring for October
18.
6-14-02---- Famed Cartoonist Nancy Seki Dies
Thanks to Yukio-san (Dead Shot
Club) for the following item:
Mr. Nancy Seki known for essayist also as an eraser wood-block
artist It died in the hospital in Tokyo on the morning of the
12th. 39 years old. Aomori graduate. Constantly [ 11 ], condition
became bad by taxi of return and it was hospitalized in the hospital
in the city of Tokyo. The cause of death is unknown. A funeral
and a farewell service are undecided. It is a variety show with
the stamp which shaved and made the eraser. It comes out with
the illustration "Atto odoroku Tamegoroh" (surprised
Tamegoroh) of a page, and is an illustration with a weekly magazine
etc. The column was written. "The face notebook of Nancy
Seki" etc. is in a work.
Source: Goo
6-14-02---- Manga Devlopments
According to Daniel-san, Manga
Entertainment will making the cable medium from June 2002
on a new Showtime science fiction series produced by Columbia/Tri-Star
this summer called "Odyssey 5." The episode is called
"Time Out of Mind" and is to air on or around July 19th.
The show begins airing in June (check your listings for details).
The series stars actor Peter Weller (Robocop) and is about five
astronauts who are on a space shuttle mission, but the Earth is
blown up by unknown attackers.
July 2002
Manga Video will be at the following conventions this month: Anime
Expo (July 4 - 7) Los Angeles. The voice actors for the Evangelion
movies will be at the Manga booth signing autographs. Wizard World
(July 5-7) Chicago.
August 2002
Manga Video will be at the San Diego Comic Con (Aug 1-4) and Anime
Expo East (Aug 31-Sept 2) New York City.
6-15-02---- Gay And Lesbian Community Journal Uncovers Anime
Out Smart Magazine, a leading American publication dedicated to
covering the Gay and Lesbian community worldwide has examined
Japanese Animation with a new piece, Sleeping
With The Anime. How does anime factor in among those in the
above groups and beyond, this article covers some ground previously
unacknowledged.
6-15-02---- Ultraman Cosmos Star Arrested
According to Kyodo News,
TV actor Takayasu Sugiura, who plays the title character on "Ultraman
Cosmos," a popular children's TV show, was arrested Friday
on suspicion of punching a vocational school student and extorting
money from him in 2000, police said.
Sugiura, 21, is suspected of making an unjust demand to the student
in Moriguchi, Osaka Prefecture, on the night of Sept 28, 2000.
Because the student refused, Sugiura asked to meet him in the
city in mid-October the same year. He is suspected of punching
him in the face and extorting 450,000 yen in cash, the police
said.
6-18-02---- Lupin III News - New TV Special And All Night
Movie Events
A huge thanks to Tzara who sends the following news:
On July 26th, at 9:03 PM, Nihon Terebi's (Japan TV) "Friday
Road Show" program will feature Lupin TV Special: "LUPIN
The Third Episode 0, First Contact"! This wil be the 14th
yearly TV special. This time around will feature the first meeting
of Lupin and Jigen, as well as his first contacts with the other
characters. Friendship and treachery, and a few plot twists and
turns". (Sources: Official Lupin the Third page: http://www.lupin-3rd.net/
and Nihon Terebi's Friday Road Show web page: http://www.ntv.co.jp/kinro/)
On July 20th and 27th, there will be all night LUPIN III screenings
in Ikebukuro Tokyo (at Ikebukuro Shinbungeiza). Both events will
also feature a special "guest talk show" (no news yet
as to who the guest/s will be). The screenings will consist of
various Lupin incarnations, including movies, episodes from the
first and second TV serries, and TV specials.
Screenings Line-up:
July 20th: Movie, "Lupin vs. the Clone"; 1st TV Series,
Episode 17; 2nd TV Series, Episode 112; TV Special, "Bye
Bye Liberty"; 1st TV Series, Episode 4; 2nd TV Series, Episode
99; 2nd TV Series, Episode 145. July 27th: Movie, "Castle
Cagliostro"; 1st TV Series, Episode 13; 2nd TV Series, Episode
26; TV Special, "The Hemmingway Papers"; 1st TV Series,
Episode 9; 1st TV Series, Episode 1; 2nd TV Series, Episode 155.
All tickets are availible in advance either at the theater window
or through Ticket Pia. There is an age requirement: 18. (Source:
http://www.lupin-3rd.net/)
6-19-02---- Para Para Paradise Coming To USA?
From list memeber / contributor Rey Albert Pilaro:
I saw an interesting lineup for the PS2 releases at http://ps2.ign.com/release.html.
We're not dealing with not one, but two Bemani games are heading
to the U.S. on PS2. First off is the American version of DDRMAX
with exclusive songs not found in the arcades or the Japanese
imports. Slated for mid-November this year.
Now this caught my attention: As I was scrolling down the list,
the next game caught me by surprise. "Para Para Paradise"
is mentioned on the release list near the bottom end of the page
and slated for a 2003 release. I don't know if this game will
arrive in America, but only time will tell.
6-19-02---- Update On Ultraman Star Arrest
A huge thanks on this item also to Yukio-san:
The ultra-man cosmos with which starring talent was arrested
is to the broadcast the speciall edit version.
The male talent of starring and A (21) are arrested on suspicion
of injury etc., and "it is a volume on the speciall edit
version" will be broadcast on the 22nd and the 29th. [ of
the TBS system "ultra-man cosmos" (after / 6-0 / Saturday)
which the close had determined as a matter of fact the middle
] The inquiry of thousands of affairs pours in the Mainichi Broadcasting
System (Osaka-city) which makes from a televiewer. It was made
to make a tale end in the form on which "A is not made to
appear as a result of deliberations." Inclusion of series
is already ended now. The reorganization collection of 49 were
broadcast until now, and 16 for un-broadcasting is carried out.
Source: Goo
6-19-02---- Fan Service Rumors Confirmed On DOA Volleyball
From Jagged
Team courtest Daniel:
Tecmo recently commented on a rumor that has been going around
the 'net about a topless mode. The post below came from the forums
at the Tecmo site: "We're creating a Beach Volleyball game
that we envisioned a long time ago. Yes, it will have beautiful
women and some objectionable material. We're creating the game
the way we want it to be, we are not striving for a Teen or Mature
rating. Whatever ESRB gives us, is what we have to live with.
We will not have any Sexual Intercourse or Penetration in the
game, that is the only thing that can make it a Adults Only game.
Having nudity will not necessarily mean will receive a Adults
Only rating. Rated R movies is like having a Mature rating in
a way. The game will not suffer in gameplay, just imagine the
fluidness of DOA3 but playing VolleyBall. Plus, it's not only
a VolleyBall game?" When asked if this was confirmation of
the mode Tecmo replied "There could be? But then again?"
So is this a hint of what's to come for the DOA girls? I guess
everyone will just have to wait and see.
6-19-02---- More On New Lupin TV Movie
From Yahoo Groups' Lupin
The Third Mailing List via Daniel:
http://www.ntv.co.jp/kinro/h140726.html:
"Lupin the Third: Episode 0 'First Contact'" airs 26
July @ 9:03PM on NTV. This is the fourteenth Lupin special to
air. A quick run through the fish gives a rough outline of the
plot.
Lupin is just starting out as a thief and sets his eyes on the
treasure of a mafia boss. The treasure turns out to be a book
of alchemy that contains the secret to creating a metal that is
harder than diamond. Lupin manages to steal the book, but there
is a problem. The book is encased in a tube made out of the metal
the book describes; on top of that, the tube has no key.
The summary goes on to explain how the story will show how Lupin
meets Fujiko, Jigen, and Zenigata. Goemon even gets a mention.
6-20-02---- Ultraman Cosmos Star's Absence Creates A Vaccum
In Advertisement
Courtesy Yukio-san (Dead Shot
Club:)
Pokemon works a substitute actor instead of an ultra-man. The
incident in which the starring actor (21) of the TBS system "ultra-man
cosmos" (Mainichi Broadcasting System work) was arrested
on violence / extortion suspicion cast the shadow also over the
sweet roll popular to children. First Baking decided to substitute
CM of "ultra-man cosmos bread" for CM of the "Pokemon
bread" of company goods for 14 arrested days.
By CM of "- cosmos bread", the arrested actor had bread
in the leading role's Musashi member's figure, and there was a
scene which makes a transformation pose and appears. CM is substituting
for CM of the company goods which took in the character of the
animation "Pocket Monsters" of the TV Tokyo system with
other offices, and the "Pokemon bread" as a result of
deliberations, although it passed by the program frame of the
TBS system.
"- cosmos bread" is popular goods with which the "card"
to which it comes about an addition collects popularity, and occupies
2% of the sales of the company. Although sale and the present
campaign which made even 30 days the period continued for the
time being, the dream of the children who imitated the hero and
were eating bread was taken.
Source: Goo
News
6-20-01---- Koyanagi On New Boyz II Men Release
The Yomiuri mentions Japanese
singerYuki Koyanagi has released a new album, Intimacy, with Nathan
Morris and Sean Stockman of the American R&B group Boyz II
Men. Koyanagi first met the group on a TV program in January last
year. She accompanied them while they sang one of their songs,
this meeting led to the new project. All lyrics in the album are
in English, which reportedly proved a bit difficult even for Koyanagi,
who previously released an album of cover versions of songs in
the language. But she received a lot of support from the two producers,
with Stockman making time in his busy schedule to come to Japan
last autumn to attend the recording sessions. The album will be
released outside Japan.
6-20-02---- Production IG's Surveilance
Courtesy Daniel's post to our ML, read about Production IG's new
Surveilance PS2 videogame at this
link , and see photos at this
link.
6-21-02---- New TMNT Animation Studio News
According to Toon Zone:
"We've gotten in the TMNT story bible, which defines the
direction that the show will take, the characters that will appear
and the plot synopses for the first season. It's great stuff that
will be both warmly familiar and cooly surprising! We're very
excited about 4Kids' devotion to make the new TMNT cartoon the
best ever - and from what we've seen so far, we're confident this
will be the case! Whether you're an old school comics fan, original
Turtle toon fan, or brand new to the TMNT altogether, this show
will have something for you to dig! The animation studio that
has been signed up has worked on the "Men in Black"
and "Jackie Chan" toons (to name but two), so ya know
that the animation will be some of the best to be seen on Saturday
morning television!
Characters that will be appearing: the four original Turtles,
Master Splinter, April, Casey Jones, The Shredder, The Foot and
Baxter Stockman - sure, there's more - but some stuff has to be
a surprise."
6-21-02---- Japan For Sale Album Commercials In USA
Sony Music Japan will reportedly broadcast TV ads for their new
Japanese Pop album compilation Japan For Sale 2 from July 8th.
MTV2, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and the Sci-Fi Channel will
play host to the ads. For more info: http://www.japanforsale.net/.
6-21-02---- Slayers Disc Replacements Fixed
According to the Right Stuf,
CPM has fixed a new batch of Slayers TV replacement discs, so
TSRI has reactivated their joint Slayers: The Exchange program.
If you're a Slayers fan who still wants to exchange your DVDs,
just mail in your original Slayers DVDs along with the Slayers
Exchange Form plus $9.99 (US$13.99 in Canada) for shipping and
handling and you'll get a brand new set of remastered Slayers
DVDs! Note: Non US/Canada customers, please email TSRI customer
service for information.
6-21-02---- New Cartoon Network Exclusive Anime Pilot?
While details at this point remain sketchy and unconfirmed, ANS
has obtained a bead on a possible newly planned project which
may debut on Cartoon Network in the coming months, involving an
(again possible) unprecedented joint production between Japanese
and American animation production teams. Watch for more details
in the future.
6-22-02---- From The Pages Of Entertainment Weekly
In the June 28/ July 5 issue of Entertainment Weekly, a review
of Disney's new animated film, Lilo and Stitch, compares Stitch
to Pikachu. (They call him a cross between a koala and the yellow
mouse.) While that may not seem like a big deal at first, most
mainstream entertainment magazines tend to compare an anime to
a recent movie, not the other way around. Also, a documentary
on Bruce Lee called "A Warrior's Journey" will air on
AMC on July 2 between 8-9:30 p.m. It's supposed to have 30 minutes
of unearthed footage from Game of Death.
Source: Daniel
6-23-02---- Slayers American Broadcast Set
Without a formal announcement to date, it seems past angling and
positioning for a venue across which to broadcast the Slayers
TV series has finally seen a positive connection with the website,
TV
Tome mentioning the ABC Family network will broadcast it on
Saturdays at 9:30 AM. A note below the main listing mentions a
debut on either July 6th (Saturday) or 7th. The English dub version
is almost certain to air, featuring personalities of the self
styled American seiyuu pantheon which have become fixtures on
the convention circuit. Among the noteworthies are Lisa Ortiz
(Lina Inverse) and Crispin Freeman, who's performcance as Zelgadas
is highly praised in the fan community.
6-23-02---- Response To Nausicaa Hosoda Exodus Rumor Rebuff
In response to a recent post to Nausicaa.net,
rebuffing a recent news item posted to Anime
News Network, a site editor, Chris had the follwoing response
which was made via the Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group:
Regarding the post to Nausicaa.net about the Mamoru Hosoda
rumor [1]
Umm, ANN didn't post that item as fact. While the headline[2]
does say "Hosoda Leaves Ghibli," if you read the article
itself you will notice that we state "if Hosoda has in fact
left Ghibli, production on Howl's Moving Castle would be delayed."
with the *if* in bold to make it clear that this isn't confirmed
fact.
True, that we never mentioned that Hosoda was not a regular employee
of Ghibli, but that is a detail that even after I became aware
of it I did not feel deserved an update. Fact is that he was with
Ghibli (temporarily) and that if he did leave... well, he left.
And it appears that his departure would have been premature as
it is unlikely that Howl is complete.
We also state that "... Ghibli has made no official announcement..."
Also, while the rumour has been around for a while, we never posted
anything until there was something semi-concrete in the form of
Kakudoh's diary.
My biggest disappointment however is with the statement that we
reported it as fact.
[1]: http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/newspro/latest_news.shtml#newsitem102464899
[2]: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/article.php?id=2193
6-24-02---- WWE Wrestler To Do Anime Voice
According to circulating rumors, WWE professional wrestler Mick
Foley (formerly Mankind) may be lending his voice to a future
English anime dubtrack.
6-24-02---- Alien 9 Acquired
ANS has learned courtesy "Jack Daniels", that the 4-part
Sci-Fi / Comedy OVA series Alien 9 has been acquired for eventual
release in America by a party who will make themselves known in
the near future. JC Staff (Utena) produced the anime based on
the manga by Hitoshi Tomizawa, Yasuhiro Irie (Cowboy Bebop, Vision
of Escaflowne) supervises, Yuri Fujimoto directs. Story by Hitoshi
Tomizawa. In Japan, Alien 9 played as the centerpiece of many
fan events and is heavily supported by seiyuu fans.
In Alien 9, a sixth grade female student, Yuri Otani is elected
to post of Alien Countermeasure Team in her class. In that role
she must defend her school from Alien Invaders.
6-25-02---- Slayers Maybe Not On ABC Family?
Thanks to Grant for this info:
The hype is on TV Tome http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-6707/
having Slayers listed to be on July 6 or 7. This is not going
to happen. ABC Family has been showing commercials for their new
summer lineup to start on July 6 and Slayers in not shown. Furthermore,
here's a link to the actual ABC Family Channel Lineup for July
6th and 7th: http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/news/june02/21.html
6-25-02---- Latest On Gerry Anderson Anime Collaborations
Courtesy to Justin
on this news:
The latest SFX carries news that Gerry Anderson, in-between working
on revamping Captain Scarlet for the *actual* 21st Century, currently
has two CGI/cel-animation animated series in early production
with Japanese studios - Stormforce and Eternity. Not too many
details yet, but Stormforce has the premise of an alien-backed
terrorist organisation on Earth (to be fair, Mr. Anderson states
that he can't say more than that for fear of giving too much away),
while Eternity will, interestingly, be a CGI series, CGI film
- and live action film.
6-26-02---- In Wake Of Matsumoto Decisions VAP Pulls Plug
On New Harlock
As has previously been reported, AT-X cancelled its planned broadcast
of the new series Space Pirate Captain Harlock: The Endless Odyssey
due to Matsumoto Leiji objecting to certain production calls.
The aliens in the show, who are portrayed as "the origin
of evil", attack the Earth using a weapon which appears to
bear the Star of David on it, raising concerns in Matsumoto of
anti-Semitism, something contrary to his beliefs. Matsumoto is
reported as saying that it is his motto that the hearts of those
who believe in religion should not be injured and that the profaning
of a religious symbol should not be allowed. According to new
information supplied by Natsume Maya-san, VAP has made this
announcement on its website stating that as a result of Matsumoto's
objection, it will stop the production and sale of the Captain
Harlock work alltogether.
6-26-02---- Cute Reigns Supreme In Japanese Culture
The American Business Magazine, Business Week has compiled an
article on all things cute in Japanese culture at this
link.
6-27-02---- Production Of New Gundam Series In Japan Confirmed
Kodansha's ongoing behind the scenes Japanese language look at
the gundam phenomena continues with Chapter
6 of The Men Who Made Gundam. This installment features an
interview with Executive Producer Yoshii Takayuki. Confirmed here
are fetails on a new Gundam work to commence broadcast in Japan
this fall. Directing will be Fukuda Mitsuo (Gear Senshi Dendoh,
Yami no Matsuei).
Source: Natsume Maya
6-27-02---- Cardcaptors Dematerializes
Following our report on May 30th which mentioned the Kids WB network
had completely revamped their web site at http://www.kidswb.com/,
removing all apparant references to the Cardcaptors TV series,
coupled with listings fo the show dropping from schedules, The Right Stuf has published
the following today:
In quite a shocking announcement this morning, Pioneer informed
us that Cardcaptors 10: Toying Around TV Version has been totally
canceled for both VHS and DVD. Does this spell the end for the
English version of the show?
6-27-02---- Minaguchi Yuko Birthday
Courtesy Geoff Winn, June 26th was the birthday of voice actress
Minaguchi Yuko, the voice of Tomoe Hotaru/Sailor Saturn. She also
did the voices of Pan in Dragon Ball Z, Nadeshiko (Sakura's mom)
in Cardcaptor Sakura and Lanally in the Final Fantasy anime (the
one based on FFV). Minaguchi-san is 36 years old.
6-27-02---- Anime Music Videos Down
The site AnimeMusicVideos.org,
an online archive of hundreds if not thousands of anime music
videos has reportely been hacked and is now down. No word on when
it may return.
6-28-02---- Live Action Harlock Movie Rumor
Courtesy ML contributor Nick O'Malley:
I wouldn't take this too seriously: There`s some rumor circlation
that a Japanese live version of Captain Harlock is in production
and that Takeshi Kaneshiro would probably play the lead role of
Albator/Captain Harlock in this live action adaptation.
From KFC Cinema.
6-28-02---- Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon RPG
Phantagram, a developer who has released titles like Shining Lore
and Phantom Crash, have announced a massively multiplayer RPG
based on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The relatively small
developer will not be using the rights from the movie though,
instead they will base the game on the original novels of Wang
Du Lu, which are now in public domain.
According to Phantagram, the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon game
is being planned for a late 2004 release.
Source: Jagged
Team courtesy Daniel
6-28-02---- All Tenchi Muyo Characters Present In Upcoming
GXP Episode
According to the "project report section" on Tenchi-web.com, all characters
in Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-ohki will appear in the episode 17 of "Tenchi
Muyo! GXP." Seinan will back to earth to visit Masaki family,
and YES! Tenchi, Ryoko, Washu, Ayeka, Sasami, Mihoshi, Yosho and
Ryoohki will be there to welcome Seinan.
Source: AIC
Anime
6-28-02---- Japanese Elements Of Quentin Tarantino's New Film
Kill Bill
What went on at the Japanese set of Kill Bill-including some photos-can
be found at AICN.
Of note is that Japanese all-girl punk band The 5,6,7,8's will
have a cameo, and Aki Maeda (Noriko Nakagawa of Battle Royale
fame)will have a part in the film.
Thanks to Daniel for the news
6-28-02---- Kirby Anime USA TV Premiere
Kirby the animated series premieres on September 14 2002 on FoxKids.
You can check out NintendoPower magazine for their Kirby comic
based on the show.
Thanks to Miceal for the link.
7-1-02---- Cardcaptors First Hand Info
Michael of http://www.michaelsfavorites.com/
sends us the following:
On June 28, 2002 I emailed Pioneer Animation because of news
reported on animeondvd.com
about Pioneer cancelling Cardcaptors Vol. #10: Toying Around for
VHS and DVD. This is the response I got on the same day:
Thank you for your interest in Cardcaptors. Our producers have
chosen not to disclose the details of the cancelation at this
time. Perhaps at next week's Anime Expo at the Long Beach Convention
Center they will enlighten the public. Future continuation of
the series is always a possibility.
Animemaster
On July 1, 2002 I emailed them again because I didn't want the
videos cancelled. Since KidsWB isn't showing the series anymore,
all we have left is the videos. Here's the response I got today
(and this has different information than the previous email):
The decision to cancel Cardcaptors will stand for now, however
it is not impossible that it may continue in the future. That
is up to our producers to decide. An official statement about
the Cardcaptors future will probably be made at this week's Anime
Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Animemaster
7-1-02---- Matrix News
From http://www.whatisthematrix.com/
courtesy Daniel:
It's coming. The first sequel related poster. Sooner rather
than later. Look for the first teaser poster to THE MATRIX sequels
in theaters over the July 4th weekend. For those who want to see
it ahead of the pack, we're putting it up at TheMatrix.com a few
days early. For those interested, you might want to click back
on July 1st.
Other news has our web team continuing to sit with cast and crew.
A cluster of three new interviews will be released midweek. Among
them, Kym Barrett, the costume designer for all three MATRIX films.
7-1-02---- Last Samurai Date
Movie
Poop Shoot states the Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise will
come out next year. Thanks to Daniel for the link.
7-2-02---- Fan Support Drives VAP In Reinstating Harlock Production
After previously announcing a ceasure in production of a new Leiji
Matsumoto anime: Space Pirate Captain Harlock: The Endless Odyssey,
overwhellming fan encouragement for the project has convinced
VAP to announce
a resumption on production. Beyond fan support, creator Matsumoto-sensei
has given his approval to the go ahead on production, it is apparently
this approval which has applied the most weight on the move. It
is not known at this time if elements he objected to which were
previously mentiond will remain or be edited or completely redone.
While the first episode was originally scheduled for sale on 19
September 2002, the new release date has yet to be announced.
Source: Natsume Maya
7-3-02---- Ikuhara Screening Reports
You can read about what it was like for Ikuhara to attend the
San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival-as well as other festivals
Utena will be screened at here.
Thanks to Daniel for the link.
7-3-02---- Road To Perdition Japanese Arts Influences
The author of the Road to Perdition graphic novel, Max Allen Collins,
is interviewed at Movie
Poop Shoot. In the interview, he mentions how he was inspired
by Lone Wolf and Cub. Also mentioned is that Collins will be doing
a Batman comic with art by Kia Asamiya. Thanks to Daniel for the
link
7-3-02---- Ultraman Star Released Without Being Charged
According to Kyodo News,
Osaka public prosecutors on Tuesday released the 21-year-old actor,
who played the title character in "Ultraman Cosmos,"
a popular children's TV show, without indicting him on assault
and extortion charges that police arrested him for last month,
the prosecutors said. The actor's release comes after a 20-year-old
man who had filed the case with police submitted a letter to the
prosecutors in which he retracted his earlier allegations that
the actor assaulted him and extorted money from him. At the time
of his arrest, the Osaka police said the actor, at the age of
19, was suspected of beating the younger man, a vocational school
student, and extorting 450,000 yen from him from September to
October 2000. Mainichi Broadcasting System Inc., which broadcast
Ultraman Cosmos, stopped airing the show after the actor was arrested
June 14. The program premiered in July last year and was to continue
through September. The broadcaster has received about 3,000 letters
and e-mails from viewers who are unhappy that the show is no longer
on the air and requesting it be reinstated.
7-3-02---- Anime AICN Report
You can read about the King of Fighters manga coming from Comics
One and the Spirited Away artbook coming from Viz at AICN.
Daniel, who graciously supplied us with the link also mentions
Anime AICN has a link to a new DBZ movie poll where you can vote
for the following actors for the role of Goku:
Brad Pitt
Jackie Chan
Jet Li
Keanu Reeves
Robin Shou
The Rock
Tom Cruise
7-4-02---- Anime Reactor: New Major Anime Convention Planned
For Chicago 2003
For years, the Japanese Anime and American comic book cultures
have lived in separate realms. Enter Anime Reactor, the newest
fan-based anime convention, created to primarily promote understanding
and education of these two cultures to provide both fan groups
the opportunity to explore similarities and influences.
"We are excited about bringing this revolutionary bridge-building
convention to life," says Anime Reactor Executive Director
James Alsup. "Anime Reactor blends fan ambitions with
the essence of manga and comic book cultures."
Created for fans by fans, Anime Reactor reaches beyond current
Anime trends to introduce emerging artists and premiere Japanese
Anime products. Creative fan panels, seminars, and social activities
make Anime Reactor attractive to both new and experienced fans.
Anime and American comic book cultures influence each other, both
directly and indirectly. Some of the hottest Japanese artists
cite American artist styles as key influence points, and the same
can be said of American artists. Anime Reactor provides fans with
the opportunity to enjoy both artforms in a revolutionary approach
to the "fan con."
One of the first announced Anime Reactor guests is world-renown
manga creator Kia Asamiya. "Our convention wants to provide
stellar guests and programming to fans," says Alsup.
"Asamiya is one of the most popular figures in contemporary
anime culture, and we are honored to have him as a confirmed guest.
Many additional Japanese and American guests will be announced
soon." Launching in October 2003, Anime Reactor will
strive to create the ultimate fan experience. For more information,
visit http://www.animereactor.org/.
Anime Reactor is a non-profit organization.
7-4-02---- Anime Reactor First Guest Announcement: Kia Asamiya
Anime Reactor, a premiere convention that aims to bridge Japanese
Anime and American comic book cultures, has secured manga legend
Kia Asamiya as its first guest. "It is an honor to have
Kia Asamiya as our first announced Anime Reactor guest,"
says Anime Reactor Executive Director James Alsup. "Fans
of comics and anime hold him in the highest regard. He is one
of the true revolutionaries in anime, and it is appropriate for
him to serve as our flagship guest." Kia Asamiya is one
of Japan's premiere manga artists. He is internationally known
for his work on the popular series Silent Mobius, Dark Angel and
Steam Detectives. He continues to excite fans with his cover art
for magazines and novels, as well as comic book adaptations of
live-action movies, most recently, the manga version of "Star
Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Asamiya is also the founder
of the renowned Studio Tron, and continues to publish cutting-edge
manga works through various mediums. Steam Detectives, Gacha Gacha
Evil-kun, and the manga version of Batman are currently published
in Japan. He will share information with Anime Reactor guests
about his new projects, as well as participate in fan-oriented
panel sessions.
Many other special guests announcements are in the works for Anime
Reactor. Created for fans by fans, Anime Reactor reaches beyond
current Anime trends to introduce emerging artists and premiere
Japanese Anime products. Creative fan panels, seminars, and social
activities make Anime Reactor attractive to both new and experienced
fans.
Launching in October 2003, Anime Reactor is striving to create
the ultimate fan experience. For more information, check out http://www.animereactor.org/.
7-4-02---- Update: 3 Dead In LAX Shooting
A few fans passing through Los Angeles International Airport Thursday
on their trek south to AX 2002 and the LBC Convention Center have
relayed some first hand reports of a situation involving a shooting
at ticket counter which has left 3 dead. MSNBC
has the details at the link. The shooting occured in the international
flights terminal and displaced a great number of travellers to
the adjoining vehicle landing. International flights have been
delayed and redirected so it's currently unknown if any Gust Of
Honor arrivals coming in from Japan may have been delayed by the
situation.
7-6-02---- Ultraman Cosmos Fate
Thanks to Chris for passing this on from Henshin
Online:
In response to the arrest of ULTRAMAN COSMOS star Takayasu
Sugiura (because of which the series was pulled from the schedule
and shelved), the Public Relations Department of Mainichi Broadcasting,
issued this comment: "Until a formal determination can be
made [by the courts], MBS is declining to comment on the situation."
This is also due to the fact that the Osaka District Attorney
has released the actor on his own recognizance pending any further
action.
MBS prematurely ended its 64-episode run of ULTRAMAN COSMOS, which
was to conclude in September, with two special episodes aired
on June 22nd and June 29th -- with all footage of the "offending"
actor excised without his being convicted of any crime. To fill
in ULTRAMAN COSMOS's timeslot, MBS is replacing the series with
ULTRAMAN NEOS, the direct-to-video series produced by Tsuburaya
Productions and Vap Video in 2000.
Meanwhile, Shochiku Motion Picture Company, which is a co-producer
and distributor of the upcoming theatrical feature ULTRAMAN COSMOS
2: THE BLUE PLANET, issued this statement: "We have completed
the task of removing all of the star's scenes from the film, and
it is ready for release on schedule. After the release, we will
have to determine whether to issue the original uncut version
of the film sometime in the future."
Meanwhile, viewers and fans, including children, were aware when
the case broke last month that Ultraman Cosmos himself did no
wrong, and the cancellation was due to the actor's personal life.
Many feel no shame in wearing Cosmos clothing (jackets, t-shirts
and pajamas) or owning associated merchandise. What most them
are puzzled by is whether Sugiura is innocent or guilty. Now some
of the truth is coming to light. Many fans on the Japanese BBS
said that they are willing to buy more Cosmos merchandise to help
support Tsuburaya Productions. Other fans are rightfully very
upset at MBS' and Shochiku's censorship.
Strong comments came from Sugiura's office in Osaka: "Of
course we believe that our client is innocent of the alleged extortion
and other false claims [Assault and Battery]. While he has been
released, it is extremely regretful that the program was cancelled
and the movie is to be censored. We are very upset that the investigation
by the police was handled most unprofessionally."
Whether Sugiura's attorneys file claims against the police, the
alleged victim's family, the network and Shochiku is uncertain
at this time. It's amazing to this author that in a modern industrialized
and civilized nation, such as Japan, a person can be stigmatized
through hearsay, before being proven guilty by due process of
law. If this happened in the States, Sugiura's attorney would
have filed numerous and righteous lawsuits against a myriad of
parties, and would most likely win all of them.
The others who are being damaged by all of this, of course, are
the fans throughout Japan, mostly children, who all of this adult
business means nothing to, and Tsuburaya Productions, which has
lost major revenue from producing ULTRAMAN COSMOS, and whose reputation
has been unjustifiably dragged through the mud due to this scandal.
A scandal, which seems to have turned a 180-degrees from Sugiura's
alleged violence and strong-arming, to the grievous mishandling
of the case; by not only the Osaka Police, but MBS and Shochiku
as well.
Only in Japan...
LATE BREAKING NEWS!! The latest word from MBS this morning (July
5, 2002) is that they will broadcast the remaining episodes of
ULTRAMAN COSMOS. No word as to when though. They are committed
to finishing the run of ULTRAMAN NEOS first, but will schedule
COSMOS for a later date.
7-6-02---- Anime Popularity Taking Off In Costa Rica
Courtey Jay of Anime
Club De Costa Rica:
The anime is getting stronger in Costa Rica. Channel 7, one
of the main tv channels in the country is broadcasting the classic
of the 70´s Heidi. Many people, specially grown up people,
is really happy to see this cute girl again the tv screens. There
are several plans to broadcast more classic anime like Marco or
Mazinger in the future. This channel is broadcasting Sakura Card
Captor too, and this anime is really popular among the fandom
here.
The anime club had good achivements this last week too, and we
are working with 979 conexion, one of the most popular radio stations
among young people, to produce a radio show about anime. Last
wednesday Esteban Mata, (anime club magazine designer) and me
were invited to this radio station, and for the first time ever,
5 popular anime songs were broadcasted. The show was really successfull
and there is a plan to make a weekly presentation of anime music
sponsored by the anime club.
We also had an invitation from channel 15, the universitary channel,
to participate in a show called Musica x Inclusion, a music video
show. They broadcasted the famous anime music video " Asuka-
Engel", made by Erick Cadwell and it was a complete success,
and they ask us to keep the video, because viewers just love it.
Today, saturday july 6th, the exhibition the tsuiko hen, the first
set of ovas of rurouni kenshin, was really successfull. We had
a "full house" and a lot of fun.
7-7-02---- Macross Zero Details
Courtesy Daniel-san:
As for Macross Zero, the story takes place 1-2 years before
the original Macross, the film will be a mix of 2-d and 3-d animation,
and the Outlaw Star character designer will be doing the characters
for Zero. Unfortunately, Kanno will not be doing the music for
the anime, because Kawamori felt it would be too similar to Macross
Plus, and he likes to begin each Macross fresh. And while no singer
for the anime has been announced, it will definitely be a woman.
The songs themselves will have environmental themes. Unfortunately,
the Macross Panel could not comment on the recent Big West/Tatsunoko
dispute.
7-9-02---- Sailor Moon To Return To American Cable In August
Courtesy to Nick for news that Sailor Moon is not scheduled to
broadcast on Cartoon Network's schedule for the remainder of July.
The series will reportedly return in August with the episode "Cherry
Blossom Time".