The Misato Katsuragi News Project

On June 6th, Namco Bandai will start offering software in Japan that creates a live news program anchored by Evangelion's very own Misato Katsuragi.

The Misato Katsuragi News Project software takes the daily news from real-life politics to the economy, the anime industry, and sports. The software then uses the voice synthesis engine from Cellius to have Misato read the news blurbs in realtime as if she was the newscaster for a television program called Nerv News 24.

Users can customize the backdrop of the news program's "studio" as the secretive Nerv organization's headquarters, Misato's dining room, and other options. Users can also customize Misato's clothing and hair. [Source: ANN]

Kojima's Cryptic "Full" Famitsu Interview

Okay, now this is just too much teasing. Noone else comes to mind at this moment that can best Kojima's teases and fans are all too familiar with this. But no matter how long you've been in this "game," I doubt that anyone can decipher the below interview between Metal Gear Creator Hideo Kojima and Famistu Editor-in-Chief Hirokazu Hamamura. Apparently Kojima revealed more than he originally intended about his new project. Kojima agreed to let Famitsu run the "full" interview as long as they censored the important style. And just as ordered, this is what we're left with:

Hamamura: XXXXXXXXX's XXXXXX?
Kojima: But, XXXXXXXXX. It's XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.
Hamamura: Ah! I get it!!
Kojima: "XXXXX XXXXX XXX". Well, it's not "X", but a "X" kind of feeling. That's him. I can't say the title yet, but it's this kind of feeling. But it's the Metal Gear saga's tradition.
Hamamura: The time period is XXX?
Kojima: No, it's XXX. I'm saying everything, maybe XXXXX. I'm designing and directing all of this game.
Hamamura: Wha!
Kojima: I think the focus will be domestic, and we're launching it globally. For me, this is like "XXXX". I won't say "X", but a solid story has been created, and the MGS4 staff is making it.
Hamamura: Wow! That's great.

Kojima: This time, only the image of this guy (image) will appear. Then lighting. Just this appearing, I wan everyone to guess. This is how XX's will be appearing.
Hamamura: This...is Big Boss?
Kojima: XX's way of appearing is slightly different.
Hamamura: Eh? Different...?

Kojima: The emblem on this guy's hat is important.
Hamamura: The emblem isn't a fox. There's like a world map thing drawn.
Kojima: It's not only an emblem, but for the game, it will be a new type of system.
Hamamura: Is it XX-XXXXXXXXXX?
Kojima: Yes. You'll while XXXXXXX. XXXX, etc. are a given, so they'll be included. Ooops, I've said more than I was planning to. (laughs)
Hamamura: Hahahahaha! Well XXXXXX, it's XXXXXXX? Also, where's the game going to be set?
Kojima: The place is XXXXXXX. XXXXXXXXX happened, and it's a XXXXX type of country. There isn't XXXXXXXX in the country, but they do have XX like things and XXXX. At that time, XXXXXX come to where the guy is.

Kojima: The theme is XX. XXXXX kinda thing or XXX theme, or XXXXXXXXXXXX, or why is there X, that's where we're drawing. Maybe everyone is probably thinking, "This sermon again!" Maybe this sermon will become a genre. (laughs)
Hamamura: Ahahahaha!
Kojima: This is quite a deep interview.
Hamamura: So true!

Very revealing, isn't it?

Mini 4WD EVA-01 Special

Ever wondered what a race car that has been modified to reflect Evangelion Unit-01 would look like? Well wonder no longer for Tamiya has brought that vision to life with the Mini 4WD Pro Avante Mk.III Azure EVA-01 Special. Retailed at 1,680 yen and due out August 2009, reservations may be placed through Dengekiya.com or inquire about reserving through Tokyo Hunter here.

RYZ Pseudo's Daughter by Camilla D'errico

For those unfamiliar, RYZ is an awesomely unique brand of shoes that showcases incredible designs by a community of artists. And their collection just got even hotter with the birth of a great collaboration between Jared Nickerson and Camilla D'errico! The result is an amazing pair of shoes based on D'errico's Helmet Girls series. Not to mention it's a crisp black and white...my fav!

Entitled "Pseudo's Daughter," you can preorder yours here. The shoes are $65 and are produced in limited quantities.

World Cyber Games Final at NYAF 2009

The New York Anime Festival will serve as the World Cyber Games ' USA National Final, with the winners crowned at NYAF going on to play the best gamers in the world. The WCG is a year-long, international tournament widely renowned as the Olympics of Video Games. In it, more than 1.5 million gamers from 74 countries compete for a share of more than $100,000 in cash and prizes and the chance to play in the Grand Final this year taking place in Chengdu, China.

Gamers will be able to see elite competitors live at NYAF as the WCG USA National Final will host several returning members of last year's WCG Team USA as well as the cast of the SCI FI Channel's WCG Ultimate Gamer. All will be gaming all weekend on Samsung high definition TVs, monitors, and mobile phones. PC, console, and mobile games featured in the WCG USA 2009 tournament include:

• Half-Life®: Counter-Strike™ 1.6 (5 v. 5 Team FPS)
• Starcraft®: Brood War™: (1 v. 1 RTS)
• WarCraft® III: The Frozen Throne™ (1 v. 1 RTS)
• FIFA Soccer 09 (1 v. 1 Sports)
• Carom3D (1 v. 1 Casual)
• Red Stone (4 v. 4 Team MMORPG)
• Gears of War 2® (4 v. 4 Team FPS) US title only
• Guitar Hero® World Tour (1 v. 1 Music)
• Virtua Fighter® 5 (1 v. 1 Fighting)
• Asphalt 3: Street Rules (1 v. 1 Racing)
• WiseStar (1 v. 1 Strategy)

Registration for the 2009 WCG USA Championship Tournament is open now. US citizens are invited to visit www.wcg.com/usa to register for this year's tournament and to obtain more information about the WCG USA Championship tournament, the WCG Ultimate Gamer TV show, and WCG's Team USA.

For more information about the 2009 New York Anime Festival, please visit the show's official website and blog.

ABe Announces Newest Project - "Desperant"

At this year's Sakura Con 2009 in Washington, Yoshitoshi ABe, manga creator and character designer of the gems "Serial Experiments Lain, Haibane Renmei, and Tehxonolyze, revealed the new project his is currently developing. The anime, "Desperant," is set in Japan's Taishō era about a century ago. Since Since the project has not been officially unveiled in Japan, ABe did not go into much further detail of the story, but he did present an imageboard drawing and sample work from the project. [Source: Bunka:Extend via ANN]

SH-O6A NERV Cell Phone

I really don't think I need to offer my sincerest thoughts regarding this piece of beautiful technology morphed into a phone that embues the essence that is NERV. So rather than voice my yearnings for this bad boy, I will just offer you the facts.

With the partnership of NTT docomo and Sharp, and the supervision and participation of both Anno and Khara, comes the SH-O6A NERV mobile phone, specifically designed for the new Evangelion films. In their fictional description, the "Type 5 information management and control device" was developed for personnel of the secretive Nerv organization, using MAGI System technology that has rarely been provided to civilian companies.

The 135-gram (4.76-ounce) phone features a 3.3-inch main display, a 10-megapixel outer camera, and a 0.4-megapixel inner camera. A Nerv logo hologram appears on the matte-coated casing, and the phone comes with an exclusive Frame Holder 01 case/stand and a Nerv 50% Be@rbrick mascot strap. Users can choose from several Evangelion-theme menu layouts, alert window animation sequences, clock display, and standby images. 20,000 will be available for pre-orders in the official Evangelion Store, and 10,000 more will be sold regularly, but only from June to July. For more photos, click here. [Source: ANN]

UPDATE (6/06/2009): Though this comes as no surprise, pre-orders for the 20,000 Eva phones sold out on Friday in just five hours. NTT began taking pre-orders for Sharp's SH-06A NERV phone for 90,000 yen (about US$900) on Friday at 10:00 a.m. By 3:00 p.m, NTT docomo had to announce that all phone pre-orders had sold out. 10,000 more phones will be sold in regular stores from the end of this month until the beginning of July.

Miyazaki at UC Berkeley this July

The legendary Hayao Miyazaki will be at UC Berkeley on July 25th to pick up his Berkeley Japan award. Apparently, he is contractually required by Disney to make a U.S. appearance, so folks, this is definitely an extremely rare opportunity, as you know that it is almost impossible to see Miyazaki outside of Japan. As this blog points out, Miyazaki didn't even show up to the Academy Awards to year "Spirited Away" made a splash. There aren't many details available right now, but watch this space for more updates.

Update (6/3/2009): The Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley has begun selling tickets for Hayao Miyazaki's personal appearance on July 25th. "A Conversation with Hayao Miyazaki, Legendary Filmmaker" will feature the director of the only feature-length Japanese animated film (Spirited Away) to have won an Oscar. The event will begin with an onstage interview, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Before Miyazaki's scheduled 6:00 p.m. appearance, the Institute of East Asian Studies will host "The Hayao Miyazaki Symposium" on July 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The roundtable panel discussion will feature scholars of Japanese popular culture, literature, and film. [Source: ANN]

Miyavi Special Box Set

Maru Music brings us a special and awesomely packed box set showcasing the musical sensation of Miyavi. This very limited edition box set is a chance to see one of the greatest Miyavi concerts ever. This is a specially produced DVD box set containing the legendary, 2nd live concert at Hibiya Yagai Daiongakudo.

This concert on October 19, 2003, with exceptional production quality brought Miyavi to the attention of the music mainstream. Miyavi was backed in this performance by some legendary musicans including, Petra (X-Japan), Luke Takamura (Seikma-II), Shinya (Luna Sea) and Chiolyn (hide with spread beaver). The amazing staging of this concert included a 20 meter Kabuki-runway through the center of the arena. This DVD is region free and approximately 76 min, NTSC.

This special box set, retailed at $75, also includes two photo books, documenting Miyavi throughout this time. Book 1 is 60 pages, and features live performance photos of Miyavi. Book 2 is 82 pages and features both photo session and candid photos. Both full color, hardbound books contain rare and un-published photos of Miyavi.

A Camilla d'errico Kokeshi

In a recent blog update, Camilla d'errico announces the completion of her Kokeshi. This will be part of the July's Kokeshi show, held at the JANM in Los Angeles, which opens July 11th. In her own words..."she’s a helmetgirl BUT instead of animals or lollipops, this girl is chowing down on a watermelon! I had a ton of fun coming up with the concept."

Can I say, "TOTEMO KAWAIIII!!!" Click on the link above to see more photos and information.

Tokyopop Celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month

In conjunction with Tokyopop, Macy's is holding an event at 2 of their New York Stores: Flushing and Herald Square, to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Tokyopop brings us a heavy dose of Fruits Basket: (1) Enter the costume contest and you could win a deluxe "Fruits Basket", that includes a Fruits Basket Sticker Collection, planner, T-shirt, hat, and much more; (2) Make any $100 or more purchase and get a free copy of Fruits Basket Ultimate Edition Vol. 1, Fruits Basket DVD, and Fruits Basket Fan Book; and (3) Get your picture taken with one of three Fruits Basket backgrounds.

This will take place on May 15th and 16th. For more details, click here.

Kanon Wakeshima to Make US Debut at Otakon

Rising star Kanon Wakeshima will make her US debut at Otakon 2009 on Saturday, July 18. Wakeshima brings a unique and haunting sound composed of baroque cello, strong vocals, and electronic arrangements.

Her incredible talent attracted the attention of Visual-Kei star Mana (Moi dix Mois, Malice Mizer), who became the sound & visual image producer for Kanon for her debut single "still doll" (released in May 2008) from her first album. Wakeshima's rich, haunting sound fits well with the Gothic & Lolita street fashion culture -- for which Mana (who is also the designer of his own Moi-meme-moitie apparel brand) is very well known.

Her highly anticipated first album, Shinshoku Dolce, was released in February 2009. A record-breaking in-store performance at France's biggest CD retailer, FNAC, paired with a sensational concert in Paris, put her on the road to international stardom. [Source: Otakon]

VAMPS U.S. LIVE 2009 - Baltimore

Otakon week will be insanely busy to say to least...not to mention insanely INCREDIBLE. VAMPS, featuring HYDE and K.A.Z. will be making a stop in Baltimore's SONAR July 16th as part of their VAMPS US Tour 2009!! Words can't describe my excitement - what an awesome way to kick off Otakon. (Thanks for the heads up, Sam)

VAMPS is the result of 2 collaborating geniuses -- L'arc~en~Ciel's HYDE and Oblivion Dusts' K.A.Z. Their first Nationwide tour of Japan, "VAMPS LIVE 2008", kicked off at Zepp Tokyo. Between August 1, 2008 and October 28, 2008, VAMPS played 46 shows at the prestigious Zepp live houses throughout Japan. The tour was totally organized by VAMPS and the venues were custom decorated by spray art such as the now-famous VAMPS castle. The band played 6 to 10 shows at each Zepp venue and every single show was sold out.



The sensation continues in the U.S. This concert is sure to be memorable!

See below for the rest of their tour schedule:

• Saturday, July 11, 2009: New York NY, The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
• Sunday, July 12, 2009: Hartford CT, Warped Tour New England Dodge Music Center
• Tuesday, July 14, 2009: Columbia MD, Warped Tour Merriweather Post Pavilion
• Thursday, July 16, 2009: Baltimore MD, Sonar Baltimore
• Sunday, July 19, 2009: Seattle WA, The Showbox at the Market
• Monday July 20, 2009: Portland OR, Hawthorne Theatre
• Saturday, July 25, 2009: San Francisco CA, Regency Grand Ballroom
• Monday, July 27, 2009: Las Vegas NV, Wasted Space at the Hard Rock Hotel“
• Wednesday, July 29, 2009: San Diego CA, SOMA
• Saturday, August 1, 2009: Los Angeles CA, The Wiltern Theater

UPDATE (6/1/2009): While this isn't an official Otakon event, Otakon members can enter to win free passes to the show. In addition, they are throwing in some passes that will allow you to bypass the Otakon pre-reg line so you can get your VAMP on. Winners will be randomly selected on June 17th. HYDE and K.A.Z. will also participate in a special virtual Q&A session, in which they'll select and answer questions submitted by fans. Enter here by June 15th.

Dawn: The Worlds of Final Fantasy HC

Yoshitaka Amano's "Dawn: The Worlds of Final Fantasy HC" is now available for pre-order. At 116 full color pages, Amano and Square Enix, Inc. have permitted the artwork that inspired the designs of the Final Fantasy games to be published. Witness the development of the first 4 games through Amano's paintings, detailed line art, and preliminary sketches. In a special afterword, learn about the development of this "history-making collaboration." The hard cover book also includes 2 full-color 32" gate folds! Retailed at $29.95, pre-order "Dawn" now at TFAW and save 20%. "Dawn" is due out June 3rd.

Nendoroid Sebastian Michaelis

Goodsmile whips out a set of gorgeous photos of our favorite butler a la Nendoroid. Kuroshitsuji's Sebastian Michaelis gets the Nendoroid treatment and comes with totally cute poses and expressions. Due out this July, Sebastian is retailed at 3,500 yen. Normal, gleeful, and sideways glances, as well as the cute cat paws, are included. Goodsmile, you've outdone yourself! [Source: Goodsmile]

TOKYOPOP T-shirts at Target

Target is now exclusively carrying TOKYOPOP T-shirts. There are currently 3 different prints available -- Dramacon Roses, Girl Icon, and Sketchy Angel. And to commemorate this release, TOKYOPOP wants to know what you think about their shirts, contest style. Email fancontent@tokyopop.com (with the subject line: "TOKYOPOP T-shirt Contest") and tell them what you think about the shirts. Five randomly selected winners will win a TOKYOPOP gift bag that includes a free T-shirt, a Gakuen Alice tote bag and 5 new TOKYOPOP manga. The last day to enter the contest is April 3rd.

Miyazaki Planning Next Movie

Interesting discoveries and updates were made in the latest episode of Toshio Suzuki's radio talk show, Ghibli Asemamire, at Tokyo FM. Takashi Murakami, this week's guest, announced that a special "Making-of" on Miyazaki's "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" will be released, either by Studio Ghibli or NHK). The making-of will be 14 hours long, and will include edited videos NHK shot during a two-year period.

The juicy news that followed should ease any worries of Miyazaki fans. Suzuki noted that Miyazaki is currently planning his next movie!!! No further details were provided, but this is exciting news nonetheless. I'm ecstatic to hear that Miyazaki is not planning for retirement just yet, especially as he had already unsuccessfully tried to in the past. Yatta! Miyazaki...Miyazaki...WE WANT MORE! [Source: Ghibli World]

Yoko Kanno, Blue Dragon, + EVA on iTunes

A couple of big releases on the Apple iTunes Store to announce. First up, we have Yoko Kanno's newest album, CM Yoko 2. Now available in iTunes Stores in numerous countries including Japan and the U.S., the digital release arrives 2 months before the planned April 22 release on standard CD. This particular CD contains a collection of her commerical themes.

Next up is the Blue Dragon anime series, adapted from an Xbox 360 RPG co-created by
FF's Hironobu Sakaguchi and designed by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. Viz Media has announced that the first episode of the Blue Dragon anime series is available for free until March 10 on Apple's iTunes Store. The free offering marks the availability of the first 13 episodes in the series on the online digital media store. Blue Dragon, at one point, was being broadcasted on Cartoon Network but has since regrettably been pulled from the line-up. But good news for those who missed it, the story of Shu is now just a click away.

On the apps forefront, the Appliya software company has announced that the official Evangelion Clock and Picture Stamp applications are now available in the iTunes App Store in the United States. This is truly the icing on the cake for every EVA fan. The Evangelion Clock emulates the NERV headquarters timer screens of the anime to tell the time with optional sound effects and "emergency" countdown timer. The Evangelion Picture Stamp is modeled after the photo booths that are popular in Japan; users can take photographs and decorate them with Rei hairstyle overlays, mecha and characters from the anime, and backgrounds -- definitely a source of hours of fun. [Source: ANN]

Four Celestial Guardians

Now I've seen some incredible hand-crafted figures and mods that have knocked my socks off, but this one easily tops it all. A guy from Hong Kong has created 4 stunning figures based on the 4 Celestial Guardians in Chinese Mythology. These 4 symbols - Azure Dragon of the East, Vermillion Bird of the South, White Tiger of the West, and Black Tortoise of the North -- represents a direction and a season of the year.

This obviously talented guy has put in a lot of time, effort and passion into modding his Gunpla into forms of the 4 Celestial Guardians. Anyone can appreciate the excruciating attention to detail all the way down to the weaponry, and the work it took to customize and perfect each part from scratch. This has given me renewed motivation to take up customizing kits again.

You've just got to check out all the photos, they are truly awe-inspiring.
[Source: DannyChoo]

• Black Tortoise
• Vermilion Bird (Red Phoenix)
• Azure Dragon (Green Dragon)
• White Tiger
  

GelaSkins x Camilla d'Errico

GelaSkins has always served up an awesome array of custom artwork for our favorite hardware. From skins for iPods, iPhones, Nintendo DS, PSPs, and PC/Mac laptops, there is sure to be a style that fancies you. It comes to no surprise, then, that GelaSkins has teamed up with Camilla d'Errico, to offer up some beautiful skins with the infamous Yuuta and Iguana. Check out the entire d'Errico collection here.