Anime Adaptation of Love Stage!!

The July edition of Asuka Ciel magazine has made my day by announcing that Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou's BL manga "Love Stage!!" is getting an anime adaptation! Details are sparse at the moment but you can be sure that I'll keep you up-to-date as they become available. In the meantime you can pick up volume three of the manga and the third "Back Stage!!" spin-off novel at CD Japan starting June 1st. Also, for those of you still waiting on the American market to publish this great series, be sure to catch up on previous chapters from the wonderful folks at September Scanlations.

Yoko Kanno to debut "PIANO ME" concert at Otakon 2013

Baltimore, MD (May 15, 2013) – The renowned composer will present the world premiere performance of her new project, "PIANO ME", at Otakon. For this concert, the simple intimacy of one performer with one instrument will be enhanced by experimental live visuals that respond to her performance. To see a sample of that performance, you can see it on our website at http://www.otakon.com/.

While studying at Waseda University, Yoko Kanno made her first debut as a member of “Tetsu 100%” which was released from CBS Sony. After the group split up, she became a composer/arranger for commercials, animation, movies, games and TV series. Known as a great master of animation music, her best works include Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Cowboy Bepop, MACROSS Frontier, Genesis of Aquarion, and The Vision of Escaflowne. She has also written and produced songs for artists such as SMAP, May’n, YUKI, Miki Imai, Maaya Sakamoto, Kyoko Koizumi, Crystal Kay, T.M Revolution, Shione Yukawa, Chitose Hajime, YOSHIKA, ORIGA and more.

Her recent performances include in 2008 the “Galaxy Tour” for MACROSS Frontier as well as in 2009 for the “YOKO KANNO SEATBELTS / Chojiku Tanabata Sonic” event of which both were sold out almost immediately.

For the recently released movie Petal Dance which came out in April 2013, she wrote a piano soundtrack which she performs herself. The piano score will be released from her own label PIANO. In summer 2013, she plans to release a score of “Song of departure, which is A Cappella Arrangements for Male Voices.”

Otakon 2013 will be held August 911 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD.

Be sure to check out her super adorable announcement video below!

Global Shinkai Day

Happy Global Shinkai Day, a world-wide online festival care of Crunchyroll, featuring the films and works of the incredible Makato Shinkai!!  From Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17th, enjoy a special Shinkai Weekend celebration that will promise heart-warming smiles and tears.

Crunchyroll will be featuring three of Shinkai's works from the past, 5 Centimeters Per Second, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, and Voices of a Distant Star, available during the weekend for all members worldwide (excluding Japan).  And not only that, Shinkai's new movie will also being joining the line-up (courtesy of Sentai Filmworks), Children Who Chase Lost Voices!  You can also watch out for daily deals and win autographed goods.

Tiger & Bunny's Life-Size Wild Tiger Head

Premium Bandai, Bandai's online shopping site, will begin taking pre-orders for a 1/1-scale Wild Tiger head from Tiger & Bunny on Monday. Unlike the rubber mask that Animate offered last year, Bandai's painted, assembled display model is made of hard ABS plastic and opens in half.

If your eyes and heart have settled on owning this cool 1/1-scale Wild Tiger head, be sure your wallet is also settled, as this awesome collectible will set you back 37,380 yen (US$470). Not that this should affect you, but there is a limit of three per customer, and the head will arrive late next February. [Source: ANN]

Fifty Evangelion 3.0 Character Goods Revealed

What better way to commemorate the release of Evangelion 3.0 You Can [Not] Redo than with just about 50 awesome character goods to be sold by theaters starting this Saturday. Well, 46 awesome merchandise to be exact.  You can expect to find the usual (and beautiful) clear file folders, stickers, pens, straps, and different mobile goodies.  But within the 46 items are some special picks that have got this EVA afficianado giving her gotta-have-it face.

If I were lucky enough to make it to theaters in Japan, my shopping list would include:

• Item 17 - Who doesn't need a letter opener?  So why not make it a spear letter opener?
• Item 22 - Sure, there are plenty of keychains out there, but this one has got that special something.
• Item 25 - Why not a monolithic way to tell time with this Seele-type clock...
• Item 31 - To all the Ritsuko lovers, you gotta have an official Nerv ashtray.
• Item 35 - And you'll definitely need a pass case when you catch the train.
• Item 38 - My personal favorite is the perennial calendar that is made to last...genius-ly styled after the Nerv elevator floor number display.
• Item 43 - Because we all get hungry eventually, why not have some cookies with Kaworu's silhouette?

Check out the entire list here and full catalog photo here.  And while you're at it, be sure to drop me a line if you find it in your heart to pick up some items for me from my wishlist :) From one Eva fan to another...

Mass Effect: Paragon Lost Limited Engagement Screening

On November 29th, there will be a one night only, exclusive screening event for Mass Effect: Paragon Lost. Show times will vary by theater.  This very limited engagement will hit the following cities: New York City, San Francisco, Edmonton (Canada), Dallas, Greensboro, and Los Angeles.  If you're in one of these cities, you won't want to miss this.

And as an extra special bonus, the first 20 people who attend the screenings will receive a FREE Mass Effect : Paragon Lost T-shirt.

Mass Effect: Paragon Lost is the result of an epic collaboration between the legendary Bioware and visionary Production I.G (Innocence, Kill Bill: Vol.1 (Animation Part), BLOOD-C The Last Dark . [Source: Funimation]

ABOUT THE MOVIE
Mass Effect: Paragon Lost is the prequel to the highly-anticipated Mass Effect 3 and follows the early career of Alliance Marine, James Vega. Vega leads an elite Special Forces squad into battle against a mysterious alien threat known as The Collectors. Stationed at a colony in a remote star system, Vega and his soldiers must protect the civilians from a ruthless invasion determined to capture the population for unknown purposes. Learn more about the Mass Effect universe with an unprecedented glimpse into the haunted past of Mass Effect's newest hero! Featuring the voices of : Freddie Prinze Jr., Monica Rial (Deadman Wonderland), Vic Mignogna (Fullmetal Alchemist).

Pre-order your copy of the movie, available on Blu-ray and DVD on 12.28.12.  If you haven't done so yet, check out the trailer below!

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can [Not] Redo Trailer

The official website for the Evangelion franchise began streaming the theatrical trailer for Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (Evangelion Shin Gekijō-ban Q), the third film in Hideaki Anno and Khara's four-part remake of Gainax's Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. Check it out below (hey, new characters!!).  The film is set to open in Japan on November 17th.

Evangelion Rei Ayanami Slide

As part of the Shiohaku Expo 2012 summer amusement event, an 18.5 meter (60 foot) long figure of Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion) will be built outside of the NTV Tower in the Shiodome area of Tokyo.

The "Gundam-sized" figure will feature a slide that attendees can slide down during the event, which will take place from July 25th through August 26th, 10 am to 6pm daily.

And if that wasn't enough, a third branch of the beautiful wallet-breaking Evangelion store will open in the nearby NTV building and will feature limited edition merchandise.  Check out the official NTV site as more details (and hopefully pics) emerge. [Source: Evangelion via ANN]

Ghost in the Shell "Tachikoma" Sneakers

Shoe maker Reebox teams up with Japanese figure maker Megahouse for a super duper limited edition run of "Ghost in the Shell" sneakers.  The design for these GiTS sneakers were inspired by the cute walker bots Tachikomas.  The "Tachikoma-blue" coloring is perfect and I love the little details such as the "Section 9" logo found on the heel side.

If these "feets of fury" tickle your fancy, get your battle face ready and shopping strategy set as you attempt to get your hands on one of the 500 pairs that will be available in the world.  Yes, just 500 pairs will be made and will be available in Japan starting next month for 21,000 yen. [Source: Megahobby via Kotaku]

Shinsei Rock Musical Bleach REprise Cast

The rock musical remake of Kubo Tite's Bleach manga is returning to Tokyo this summer in Shinsei Rock Musical Bleach REprise. This is a revival of the musical that was performed in six locations nationwide last year.

The musical will run from August 30th through September 9th at the Shinagawa Stellar Ball. The cast includes several new cast members, including a new Ichigo actor from last year's Shinsei run.

• Masashi Ōyama as Kisuke Urahara
• Eisuke Tsuda as Jūshirō Ukitake
• Kōhei Norizuki as Ichigo Kurosaki
• Miki Satou as Rukia Kuchiki  
• Kōsuke Kujirai as Renji Abarai  
• Yūya Kido as Tōshirō Hitsugaya
• Motohiro Ōta as Byakuya Kuchiki
• Isamu Ishizaka as Shunsui Kyrōraku
• Kanami Ayano as Haruka (original stage play character)
• Shinya Niiro as Niiro Shinya (original stage play character)

Check out the official website here.  [Source: Natalie via ANN]

Cowboy Bebop Play Arts Kai Figures

Check out these beauties!  Yes, that's right. You are looking at not one but two Cowboy Bebop Play Arts Kai from Square Enix's figure line, featuring none other than quirky Spike Spiegel and the hotness that is Vicious.

Listed at 6,800 yen each to be released this October, Spike and Vicious make a surprisingly beautiful appearance via Play Arts Kai.  Spike will come with a pair of alternate hands and his pistol, while Vicious will have his sword and that gorgeous black bird of his.

I am particularly in love with Vicious, and after seeing pics of these figures, I would LOVE to see a Vincent Volaju figure please...and throw in some butterflies while you're at it...

Check out the links above for more pics and preorder yours at Hobby Search.

Sengoku Basara - Moonlight Party

CAPCOM's Sengoku Basara is getting its first live-action television show next month entitled "Sengoku Basara -Moonlight Party."

It will star actor/singer GACKT as Oda Nobunaga, as well as Kento Hayashi as Date Masamune and Kōhei Takeda as Sanada Yukimura.


In addition to his role as Nobunaga, GACKT will contribute the ending theme song "Hakuro."  The TV show will premiere on July 12th on MBS.  It will run every Thursday night at 1:25 am.   [Source: Cinema Today via ANN]

Tetsuya Kakihara at Otakon 2012

Otakon announces voice actor and musician Tetsuya Kakihara as one of its guest this year.  Tetsuya, or as he is best known "Kakki" debuted as a voice actor in 2003 and won “Best Male Newcomer” at the First Seiyuu Awards ceremony in Japan. Since then, he has amassed a considerable number of leading roles in his career, voicing the likes of Fairy Tail's Natsu Dragneel, Gurren Lagann's Simon, Linebarrels of Iron's Koichi Hayase, BlazBlue's Jin Kisaragi; Hakumen, and Saint Seiya: the Lost Canvas' Pegasus Tenma. As a supporting cast member, Kakihara has been featured heavily in Blue Exorcist (Amaimon), Digimon Xros Wars Season 2 (Ryouma Mogami), Minami-ke (Fujioka), Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (Shima), and Toriko (Tom).

As a music artist on Lantis and Bandai Visual's Kiramune label for voice actors, Kakihara has released two albums, “Still on Journey” and “Continuous.” He has also performed the openings for Brave10, a Fairy Tail OAV, Sengoku Paradise Kiwami, and the Angel's Feather OAV.

Kakki is also known for his work as Akihito Takaba from Finder Series and Ishii Tetsuo in the ending theme/duet song from Okane ga nai, among many other accomplishments in his repetoire.

Otakon 2012 will be held July 27 – 29 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Kotobukiya Makinami Mari Illustrious -PLUG SUIT Style- Figure

Because even the vision impaired can kick ass!

Kotobukiya couldn't screw up if they tried as they once again create a fantastic Evangelion figure. Standing at about 10" tall with twin tails flowing, helmet in hand and tubing in glove (haha), Mari is ready to be paired with last year's previously released Rei and Asuka Kotobukiya PLUG SUIT figures. Making it even more unique, an added aspect to this version is that our Eva Unit 05 pilot's red glasses can be removed to show off those secretive blue eyes. If you are like me and prefer Mari in her green plug suit than her pink, which most figures of her are, this is a must have for your Eva collection.

Get your November preorder's in now over at BigBadToyStore for $114.99.

Makise Kurisu 1/3-scale Figure

Attention Steins;Gate fans! Attention Japanese doll collectors! Attention fans of all things awesome!  Japanese doll maker Azone International has announced a new addition to its "Hybrid Active Figure" line in the form of a whopping 1/3-scale figure of Steins;Gate's very own Makise Kurisu.  The figure will stand just under 20 inches (50 centimeters tall) and will come with not only a set of her basic street clothes and boots, but also her very own lab coat.

Preorders for Makise begins today and is scheduled to be released sometime in September.  This beautiful doll/figure will set you back a hefty 52,500 yen (or $660).  If you would be so inclined, check out Azone International for more details.

UPDATE 5/30/2012: And for those outside Japan, J-LIST has got your hook-up!!  You can preorder Makise here.

Ai no Kusabi ~retino~ DVD Volume 4

Attention "Ai no Kusabi" fans!

Feast your eyes on the very sexy cover art of Iason and Riki for the 4th DVD! “Ai no Kusabi ~retinio~” will be on sale starting April 18th in standard, Blu-ray and Blu-ray lmited editions. As with previous releases the Blu-ray limited edition will include a script, a character keychain (hello Katze!), booklet and special present. This time our bonus gift is a 3D Crystal. I’ll admit that I’m not sure what this crystal exactly is as a prototype pic has not been posted, but I am certainly intrigued.

Volumes “petere” and “pardo” are still for sale at CD Japan and volume three “congressus” will be available starting March 31st (Blu-ray LE bonus for this volume is a sleeve to hold all of your DVD collection; the perfect excuse to start your collection if you haven't already).

My Neighbor Totoro Musical Ferris Wheel

It's hard not to be smitten by the world of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's films with their fanciful (and downright cute!) characters, and the beautiful melodies of composer Joe Hisaishi. As a collector of Ghibli music boxes, I always love to keep an eye on what new creative piece is out there. While I am still short a "Porco Rosso" and wondering if "Nausicaä" will ever get an anniversary edition release or something, "My Neighbor Totoro" is never in short supply and rarely fails to impress.

Take for example the 2011 "My Neighbor Totoro" musical ferris wheel. Standing at 10" tall, you can watch Mei, Chu-Totoro, Shu-Totoro and the sootballs (and a hearty stock of acorns and corn) take a ride on the magical forest tree. And, of course, no forest party is complete without our wondorous ride conductor Totoro and an appearance by the Cat Bus!

Instead of having a a classic wind-up arm, the wheel is controlled by an ON/OFF switch powered by 3 AA batteries (sorry, batteries not included) and plays the "Tonari no Totoro" theme. I do wish that one day Ghibli switches up the song in their "Totoro" pieces (perhaps with "The Wind Forest") as the theme is ALWAYS used.


It's not easy to quickly get your hands on Ghibli music boxes and they are certainly not cheap (trust me, I know), but searching auction sites like eBay and Japanese specialty sites like JBOX are always good places to start. But in the case of this featured ferris wheel and rare items, check out Love Ghibli, an online store dedicated only to the finest Ghibli items.

Hatsune Miku Live Party 2011 One-Night Only Screening

To commemorate the November 16th release of "Hatsune Miku Live Party 2011" on Blu-ray/DVD/Live CD, distributor Live Viewing Japan will be screening the live in theaters worldwide.  The set includes both 39's LIVE IN TOKYO (that took place on March 9th) and 39's LIVE IN SAPPORO (that took place on August 16-17th).

Three locations in Japan will screen the Live Party on Nov 15th.  Other screening locations include Thailand, Brazil, Singapore, France, England, and the US!  That's 9 US cities on November 10th to be precise:

1. Baltimore, MD
2. Boston, MA
3. Chicago, IL
4. Houston, TX
5. Los Angeles, CA
6. New York, NY
7. Orange County, CA
8. San Francisco, CA
9. Seattle, WA

Check out the full list for specific theater information on the official Live Party Event site.  [Source: Live Viewing]

Junjo Mistake Anime Adaptation

Excuse any typos as I tremble while attempting to type this out.

The December issue of Ciel Tres Tres magazine will be announcing tomorrow, the anime adaptation of Shungiku Nakamura's Junjo Romantica manga spinoff Junjo Mistake!!!! Yes, you heard me.....Junjo Mistake in anime form!!!!

Junjo Mistake takes place ten years before the main Junjo Romantica storyline. It follows Ryuichiro Isaka (senior managing director of Marukawa Publishing, and Haruhiko's childhood friend in the main Romantica storyline), and his assistant Kaoru Asahina. In "Mistake," Isaka aspires to be a novelist, despite his keen abilities on the business realm. Asahina finds himself working for the Isaka family, and becomes something more to Isaka.

Say it with me....A-SA-HI-NA!!!!

(now to re-read for any typos...) [Source: Otakomu]

Akira Live Action Greenlit

After what has seemed like an endless loop of rumors (with names like Leonardo DiCaprio to Keanu Reeves being placed in the mix) and a massive developmental nightmare (with re-budgeting, for example), Warner Bros. has officially given its live-action remake of Katsuhiro Otomo's anime cult hit "Akira" the greenlight. Spanish director Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan, Unknown, House of Wax) will helm the newly-budgeted $90 million movie about biker Tetsuo Shima, and his incredible psychic powers and the biker gang member Shotaro Kaneda, who tries to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira. According to Variety, shooting will begin in late February/early March 2012. Garrett Hedlund (TRON: Legacy) seems to be the front runner for the lead role as Kaneda.

Twitch reports that Gary Oldman has been offered the role of Colonel; while Helena Bonham-Carter has been offered Lady Miyako. This, at the very least, has me intrigued simply because you just happen to have two of my all-time personal favorite actor/actress!

With a smaller budget, and the mere fact that I hate seeing my beloved anime titles in the hands of Hollywood, I don't know if this movie could be a hit. There's a reason why specific titles, such as Akira, have taken the mediums of manga and anime. There are things that only anime can do. Can a live action movie adapation capture the violence, the gritty, the supernatural, gruesome nature of Akira and leave us in complete awe of all the epicness? I am clinging on to the fact that Otomo will exec produce Akira. But does doing an awesome job, mean that instead of making a movie that closely resembles the anime we all love, it will instead be a recreation -- another way of telling the story...