Fairy Tail and Nodame Cantabile Limited Edition Tea Collaboration

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April 30, 2015

Hiro Mashima’s Fairy Tail manga and Tomoko Ninomiya’s Nodame Cantible manga have teamed up with the Coca-Cola Company of Japan in order to run a new collaboration campaign to promote their Kochakaden Royal Milk Tea beverage.

Kochakaden Royal Milk Tea is known as a relaxing and soothing drink which is very refreshing. The beverage comes in two sizes for this promotion: 280 milliliter for 124 yen ($1.04 US); and 470 milliliter for 151 yen ($1.27 US) tax not included.

These Fairy Tail and Nodame Cantabile bottles will only be available for a limited time. The promotion runs from the end of April until July of 2015.

Source: Animeanime

Obama Thanks Japan for Karaoke, Anime and Emoji

By

Swaps4

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April 30, 2015

8

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, recently visited the White House in Washington to visit the current President of the United States, Barack Obama on Tuesday. In a public address to discuss free trade between the two nations, Obama spoke about the opportunity for young Americans to thank Japan for many of their cultural activities and products. Obama listed out some of the most popular things, including Karate, Karaoke, Emoji, and even manga and anime.

Obama has been referenced in anime and manga multiple times, his “Yes we can!” quote was used by the Will Smith character Gintama:

Obama-kun and Hillary-chan showed up in the recent Yatterman revival:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=32&v=p5A-zimj0CA

He also appeared in the 44th episode of Zettai Karen Children:

His doppelganger “John Omaha” was featured in Oh! Great’s Air Gear manga:

He even appeared in Makoto Hachiya’s infamous My Neighbor Taro-kun doujinshi where POTUS moved in next door to former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, and engaged in some H-rated escapades with Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

Tokyo Ghoul Author Responds to Pepe the Frog with a Crossover Image

By

Swaps4

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April 30, 2015

6

A few days ago Tokyo Ghoul‘s author Sui Ishida received a thank you message from a fan with a Pepe the Frog image. It took him a minute to understand what the “Green Monster” was, but then he responded with a crossover image of Pepe the Frog and Rank 3 Ghoul Investigator, Saiko Yonebayashi.

@sotonami 先生がいるから嬉しくて、生きられる pic.twitter.com/5OdjesTBtL

— 🌙 (@raozaruk) April 26, 2015

メッセージありがとう。うれしいよ。ところで、このGreen monsterは何？ https://t.co/mmdPROTi5i

— 石田スイ (@sotonami) April 26, 2015

pepeか

— 石田スイ (@sotonami) April 26, 2015

pepe saiko pic.twitter.com/HFlmByvMrS

— 石田スイ (@sotonami) April 26, 2015

Source: Crunchyroll

New Dragon Ball Anime Announced for Summer 2015

By

Swaps4

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April 28, 2015

11

The official Toei Animation website today announced a completely new TV anime series from the Dragon Ball franchise titled Dragon Ball Super. The series will feature an original story by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the initial Dragon Ball manga. Dragon Ball Super will premiere in Summer 2015 on Fuji TV and will air weekly.

The story will take place chronologically after the Majin Buu Saga arc, which is currently airing in a remastered version that adheres more to the original manga. Titled Dragon Ball Kai, the TV anime began airing in April 2014 and will complete in June 2015, just prior to Dragon Ball Super. This series is a continuation of the original Dragon Ball reboot, also titled Dragon Ball Kai, which aired between April 2009 and March 2011.

In addition, some of the staff members were also revealed:

Director: Kimitoshi Chioka (Hakaba Kitarou, Kamisama Kazoku)
Producers: Naoko Sagawa (Toei Animation) and Atsushi Kido (Toei Animation)
Animation Studio: Toei Animation (Dragon Ball Z, One Piece)

The Dragon Ball Z Movie 15: Fukkatsu no F recently debuted in Japanese theaters on April 18th, here’s the most recent promotional video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0bArxJtSnM

Here is the first trailer that released earlier:

Movie visual:

Here is the synopsis of the original series from MAL:

Bulma is a girl in search of the mystical Dragonballs that when brought together grant any wish. In her search she bumps into the owner of one of these balls, a strange boy named Goku. The two then set off together, Bulma in search of the Dragonballs and Goku on a quest to become stronger.

Source: Toei Animation, Otaku Tale, MAL

Anime Trending Rankings of Spring 2015 – Week 2

By

Misaka The Railgun

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April 28, 2015

7

A lot of position changes have been swapped around this week on Anime Trending’s Spring 2015 charts! As usual, results will be updated on Haruhichan each week.

You can click here if you wish to participate in their survey.

Week 1

37. Teekyuu 4
36. Urawa no Usagi-chan
35. Takamiya Nasuno Desu!
34. Ame-iro Cocoa
33. Vampire Holmes
32. Ghost in the Shell: Arise – Alternative Architecture
31. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid
30. Houkago no Pleiades
29. Triage X
28. Baby Steps 2nd Season
27. Show by Rock!!
26. Sidonia no Kishi: Daikyuu Wakusei Seneki
25. Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love 3
24. Etotama
23. Punchline
22. Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken 2 Sure-me
21. Gunslinger Stratos: The Animation
20. Hello!! Kiniro Mosaic
19. Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku
18. Kyoukai no Rinne
17. Nagato Yuki-chan no Shoushitsu
16. High School DxD BorN
15. Grisaia no Rakuen
14. Re-kan!
13. Denpa Kyoushi (TV)
12. Kekkai Sensen
11. Nisekoi 2nd Season

10. Hibike! Euphonium [new]

Week 1 – #12

9. Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru no Darou ka [-4]

Week 1 – #5

8. Plastic Memories [-4]

Week 1 – #4

7. Ore Monogatari!! [new]

Week 1 – #11

6. Arslan Senki [+3]

Week 1 – #9

5. Shokugeki no Souma [+3]

Week 1 – #8

4. Owari no Seraph [-1]

Week 1 – #3

3. Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (TV) [+7]

Week 1 – #10

2. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Zoku [-1]

Week 1 – #2

1. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (TV) 2nd Season [+1]

Week 1 – #2

Results regarding Anime Trending’s rankings can be found here each week so stay tuned for more updates to come!

Top 30 Anime Characters You Would Want as Your Boss

By

Swaps4

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April 28, 2015

44

Charapedia asked 10,000 anime fans the question: Which anime characters would you want as your boss? And from thousands of fans, most of the responses are from the male fans (46.1%), female fans (53.9%) and teens to adults in their 20s (73.2%) while the other 26.8% are 30 and over.

Here are the results:

30. Izaya Orihara (Durarara!!)
29. Kirito (Sword Art Online)
28. Misato Katsuragi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
27. Koushi Sugawara (Haikyuu!!)
26. Asuna Yuuki (Sword Art Online)
25. Eli Ayase (Love Live! School Idol Project)
24. Bright Noah (Mobile Suit Gundam)
23. Makoto Tachibana (Free!)
22. Sebastian Michaelis (Kuroshitsuji)
21. Daijiro Ohara (KochiKame)
20. Kiichi Gotou (Patlabor)
19. Yukino Yukinoshita (Oregairu)
18. Karasuma-sensei (Ansatsu Kyoushitsu)
17. Isao Kondou (Gintama)
16. Aoi Miyamori (Shirobako)
15. Yang Wen-li (The Legend of the Galactic Heroes)
14. Koro-sensei (Ansatsu Kyoushitsu)
13. Atsushi Dojo (Library Wars)
12. Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)
11. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)
10. Shinya Kogami (Psycho-Pass)
9. Roy Mustang (Full Metal Alchemist)
8. Hoozuki (Hoozuki no Reitetsu)
7. Toshiro Hijikata (Gintama)
6. Akane Tsunemori (Psycho-Pass)
5. Hiroshi Nohara (Crayon Shin-chan)

4. Seijuro Akashi (Kuroko’s Basketball)
3. Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)
2. Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)
1. Levi (Shingeki no Kyojin)

Evangelion Store Releases New Zippo Lighters of the Main Cast for 20th Anniversary

By

Seiba

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April 28, 2015

4

Zippo lighters of japan’s favorite anime characters have become widely popular over the years. This week, the Evangelion Store released images of new Zippo lighters of Asuka, Kaworu, and Rei. The lighters feature a black titanium coating, a scratch resistant texture and beautiful laser engraving of each character with an added serial number. The Evangelion 20th Anniversary logo is added on each lighter as well. Each lighter will cost 9,720 yen ($81.2) with tax included.

A special edition lighter is included as well, featuring an engraved Unit 01 with a finished silver etching. Each special edition ligher will cost 10,800 yen ($90.7) with tax included and currently available on the official Evangelion store’s website to be released in June of this year.

Source – The Evangelion Store

Yotsuba&! Manga to Return

By

Kaelasage

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April 28, 2015

5

On April 24th, 2015, the official blog for Kadokawa’s manga magazine, Dengeki Daioh, announced their manga lineup for the next issue. In it, surprisingly, was a new chapter for Azuma Kiyohiko’s popular comedy manga Yotsuba&!. The last time Azuma published a chapter was eight months ago, in 2014. The sole chapter to be published that year was released in Dengeki Daioh’s October issue.

Yotsuba&! depicts the everyday life of a young girl named Yotsuba. A five year old adopted girl who is energetic, cheerful, curious, odd, and quirky, Yotsuba is so eccentric that even her own father calls her strange sometimes. She also happens to know nothing about various things children usually are well versed upon, including doorbells, escalators, air conditioners, and swings. Several characters in Yotsuba&! were previously featured in a one-shot manga called Try! Try! Try! The name Yotsuba&! means “Yotsuba and.” This could symbolize the infinite possibilities that Yotsuba can explore and experience, as right now, all she has is an open space. It could also be because all the chapters follow this title, as in “Yotsuba and [Content]”.

Yotsuba&! is an ongoing Japanese comedy manga series by Azuma Kiyohiko. It is published in Japan in the monthly magazine Dengeki Daioh, although issues have become rare in recent years. Collected in twelve tankobon volumes, the series has sold over 10 million copies in Japan. It first began publishing in 2003 and slowed down after the release of the 12th volume, in 2013.

Volume Covers for Yotsuba&!:

The new chapter, chapter 89, will be released in the June issue of Dengeki Daioh, which ships on April 27th, 2015.

Source: Dengeki Daioh Blog, Yaroan

Japan’s Weekly Anime Blu-ray & CD Rankings for April 13th – 19th

By

Swaps4

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April 26, 2015

2

Oricon have released the weekly anime Blu-ray and CD rankings for April 13th – 19th. Here are the sales results:

Rank / This week’s sales by copies / Cumulative sales / Titles

Blu-ray
*1.　6,422　*6,422　Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru Vol.5
*2.　3,922　*3,922　Psycho-Pass 2 Vol.5
*3.　3,386　*3,386　Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road Vol.4
*4.　2,397　*2,397　Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu LOVE! Vol.2
*5.　1,183　*1,183　Akame ga Kill! Vol.7
*6.　1,139　*1,139　Rolling☆Girls Vol.2
*7.　1,136　*1,136　Houkago no Pleiades Limited Edition
*8.　*,559　*6,377　Soukyuu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor – Exodus Vol.3
*9.　*,494　**,494　Etotama Vol.1
10.　*,418　12,543　Shirobako Vol.4 Limited Edition
11.　*,373　36,467　Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (TV) Blu-ray BOX Vol.1 Limited Edition
12.　*,355　12,152　Omoide no Marnie
13.　*,350　**,350　Denki-gai no Honya-san Vol.5
14.　*,339　*6,353　Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Blu-ray BOX Limited Edition
15.　*,329　**,329　Garo: Honoo no Kokuin Vol.3
16.　*,275　23,501　Persona 3 the Movie 2: Midsummer Knight’s Dream Limited Edition
(cut-off 275)

DVD
*1.　3,553　*3,553　Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu LOVE! Vol.2
*2.　3,247　*3,247　Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road Vol.4
*3.　1,303　71,916　Stand By Me Doraemon Limited Edition
*4.　*,924　**,924　Psycho-Pass 2 Vol.5
*5.　*,866　19,157　Omoide no Marnie
*6.　*,602　15,669　Youkai Watch DVD-BOX Vol.2
*7.　*,528　31,051　Tonari no Totoro
*8.　*,461　**,461　Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru Vol.5
*9.　*,368　**,368　Cardfight!! Vanguard: Legion Mate-hen Vol.8
10.　*,333　**,333　Anime de Wakaru Shinryounaika Vol.1 “Muchimuchi Kikkou-hen”
11.　*,321　15,749　Majo no Takkyuubin
12.　*,312　**,312　Akame ga Kill! Vol.7
13.　*,290　*4,669　Gudetama Anime
14.　*,242　23,738　Kaguya-hime no Monogatari
15.　*,199　**,199　Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V Vol.10
16.　*,194　*9,232　Tenkuu no Shiro Laputa
17.　*,192　14,264　Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
18.　*,185　*4,252　Kamiusagi Rope: Warau Asa ni wa Fuku Kitaru tte Maji ssuka!? Vol.7
19.　*,183　*4,312　Kamiusagi Rope: Warau Asa ni wa Fuku Kitaru tte Maji ssuka!? Vol.6
20.　*,178　*2,727　Ansatsu Kyoushitsu (TV) Vol.1 Limited Edition
21.　*,169　*7,198　Gake no Ue no Ponyo
(cut-off 169)

CD Single
*3.　28,814　28,814　Uta no☆ Prince-sama♪Maji Love Revolutions OP “Shine” by Mamoru Miyano
*5.　24,882　24,882　Detective Conan Movie 19: The Hellfire Sunflowers ED “Oh! Rival” by Porno Graffitti
*6.　24,735　24,735　Crayon Shin-chan Movie 23: Ora no Hikkoshi Monogatari – Saboten Daisuugeki ED “OLA!!” by Yuzu
*7.　19,871　19,871　The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Animation Project 06 “ΦωΦver!!” by * (Asterisk) [Miku Maekawa (CV: Natsumi Takamori) x Riina Tada (CV: Ruriko Aoki)]
12.　*8,676　41,081　Uta no☆ Prince-sama♪Maji Love Revolutions ED “Maji Love Revolutions” by ST☆RISH
19.　*3,621　*3,621　Prince of Tennis Character Song “Empty Sky” by Kuranosuke Shiraishi (CV: Yoshimasa Hosoya)
20.　*3,568　21,720　The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Animation Project 05 LET’s GO HAPPY!! by 凸-lation [Rika Jougasaki (CV: Nozomi Yamamoto) x Kirari Moroboshi (CV: Rei Matsuzaki) x Miria Akagi (CV: Tomoyo Kurosawa)]
26.　*2,071　24,390　The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Animation Project 04 Happyx2 Days by CANDY ISLAND [Anzu Futaba (CV: Hiromi Igarashi) x Kanako Mimura (CV: Yuka Ootsubo) x Chieri Ogata (CV: Naomi Oozora)]
28.　*1,699　*6,897　Pankis! 2-jigen ED “Coffee ga Nomemasen” by M!LK
34.　*1,419　29,817　The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Animation Project 03 -LEGNE- Adanasu Tsurugi Hikari no Senritsu by Rosenburg Engel [Ranko Kanzaki (CV: Maaya Uchida)]
42.　*1,193　28,587　The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Animation Project 02 Memories by LOVE LAIKA [Minami Nitta (CV: Aya Suzaki) x Anastasia (CV: Sumire Uesaka)]
48.　**,920　14,714　Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid ED “Pleasure treasure” by Yukari Tamura (incl. in “Sukidatte Ienakute”)
49.　**,912　**,912　High School DxD BorN OP “BLESS YoUr NAME” by ChouCho
53.　**,880　*4,418　Kuroko no Basket 3rd Season OP “ZERO” by Kensho Ono
67.　**,670　62,069　The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Animation Project 01 “Star!!” by Cinderella Project
72.　**,623　53,592　Kantai Collection: KanColle ED “Fubuki” by Shiena Nishizawa
73.　**,608　29,568　Doraemon: Nobita’s Space Heroes ED “360°” by miwa
77.　**,584　56,558　Kantai Collection: KanColle OP “Mi-iro” by AKINO from bless4
89.　**,430　*1,925　Kuroko no Basket 3rd Season ED “Ambivalence” by SCREEN mode
90.　**,425　*9,415　Anime de Wakaru Shinryounaika ED “Karappo Capsule” by Maaya Uchida
(cut-off 425)

CD Album
*4.　31,537　*31,537　ClariS “ClariS ~SINGLE BEST 1st~”
*6.　11,087　*11,087　”noitaminA FAN BEST” by Various Artists
*7.　*7,938　*58,193　miwa “ONENESS” (incl. Doraemon: Nobita’s Space Heroes ED “360°”)
20.　*2,618　448,878　Sekai no Owari “Tree” (incl. Crayon Shin-chan Movie 21: Bakauma! B-Kyuu Gourmet Survival Battle!! ED “RPG”)
28.　*1,979　**1,979　Gundam: G no Reconguista OST by Yugo Kanno
31.　*1,900　*19,951　Suzuko Mimori “Fantasic Funfair”
32.　*1,883　**1,883　Tantei Kageki Milky Holmes TD Insert Songs Album “Treasure Disc” by Milky Holmes
40.　*1,356　**6,573　Nisekoi BEST SONGS by Various Artists
57.　**,944　*11,681　”J-Anisong Kamikyoku Matsuri ~Happiness~” by DJ Wa
67.　**,837　**7,115　”J-Anisong Kamikyoku Matsuri ~Matome~” by DJ Wa
75.　**,771　*21,514　Kantai Collection: KanColle Character Song “KanMusu no Uta” Vol.1 by Various Artists
82.　**,716　***,716　Yun*chi “Ani*Yun ~anime song cover~”
92.　**,662　115,601　Love Live! “μ’s Best Album Best Live! collection” by μ’s
93.　**,658　*15,678　OLDCODEX “pledge” (incl. Q Transformers: Kaette Kita Convoy no Nazo OP “physical”)
(cut-off 658)

View the previous week here.

Source: Oricon Youtaiju, MAL

Hiro Mashima Sketches a Female Version of Natsu Dragneel

By

Swaps4

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April 26, 2015

22

Fairy Tail‘s author Hiro Mashima is back once again but this time with a female version of Natsu Dragneel:

His other recent sketches include:

His recent ideas for the new 19th ending theme song “Never ever” by TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE, were a bit too ecchi according his his thoughts:

He also recently attempted to redraw the end card of episode 48 featuring Kagura Mikazuchi on the beach:

In addition to this, he also shared a recent sketch featuring Erza Scarlet and Lucy Heatfilia spending some quality time together.

His previous drawings include Natsu Dragneel and Erza Scarlet in a one piece swimsuit with cat ears:

Source: Hiro Mashima

Kanako Mimura Is Rather Elegant While Eating Cake

By

Swaps4

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April 26, 2015

2

Kanako Mimura from the popular The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls anime series receives a wonderful figure by Kotobukiya which shows her sitting on a cushion and enjoying a slice of cake. She’s shown wearing her school uniform while rocking a beautiful smile.

The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls – Kanako Mimura 1/8 Figure – Pre-orders are currently available on JList and is scheduled to be released in September 2015.

Kanako Mimura can be pre-ordered here.

Lupin III Anime Trailer Streamed

By

Swaps4

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April 26, 2015

3

The official website for the 2015 Lupin III anime began streaming the first promotional video on Thursday. In addition to this, the original May broadcast has been pushed forward to the Fall/Autumn 2015 season, airing in October instead.

A new visual for the upcoming Lupin III TV anime series was also revealed earlier:

The new upcoming Lupin III anime will be set in Italy and San Marino and will star Lupin back in the main role. Franchise and manga creator, Monkey Punch, has commented on the news stating that he is very excited for the upcoming animation and is looking forward to Lupin’s next adventure.

The anime’s staff that will produce the series was also revealed and are as follows:

Chief Director: Kazuhide Tomonaga (Key Animator for Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin III vs. Detective Conan The Movie)
Director: Yuichiro Yano (Moyashimon, Fran♥cesca)
Script Writer: Yuuya Takahashi (Donten ni Warau Series Composer)
Animation Studio: Telecom Animation Film (Moyashimon, Lupin III: Blood Seal – Eternal Mermaid)

The official website for the upcoming anime has launched, and with it some messages from the staff of the anime. Tomonaga, the Chief Director, mentions that the audience for the original Lupin III anime that aired 40 years ago had a major impact on his generation. It was radically different to previous anime aimed at children and that it is very important to the adult anime fans of today. Tomonaga wants to recreate the amazement that his generation experienced that current anime fans have not. He wants to produce an exciting anime that is realistic yet sprinkled with fantastic elements with hard-boiled yet comical, cool yet tongue-in-cheek elements.

Lupin III (Lupin the Third) is a manga created by Monkey Punch back in 1967. The original series began serialization from 1967 to 1969 in Futabasha’s Weekly Manga Action magazine for a total of 14 compiled volumes. A sequel manga titled Lupin III: The New Adventures was published from 1977 rill 1981 in the same magazine for a total of 21 volumes. The series received an anime adaptation in 1971 from TMS Entertainment (Detective Conan, Yowamushi Pedal) as Lupin IIIPart I, which was soon followed by Lupin III Part II and Lupin III Part III in 1977 and 1985 respectively. Since its release, the series has exploded in popularity in Japan and the rest of the world. The series has influenced many manga artists, anime directors and writers, and even gave Hayao Miyazaki, of Studio Ghibli fame, his debut directing role for Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro. Since the 1985 anime, numerous spin-off films, OVAs, specials and video games have been made.

Here is a synopsis of the original series:

Arsene Lupin III is the grandson of the master thief Arsene Lupin. With his cohorts Daisuke Jigen and Goemon Ishikawa XIII and his love interest Fujiko Mine, he pulls off the greatest heists of all time while always escaping the grasp of Inspector Koichi Zenigata.

You can visit the anime’s website here: http://lupin-new-season.jp/
And follow the Tumblr: http://lupinnewseason.tumblr.com/

Love Live! School Idol Project Movie Trailer Streamed

By

Swaps4

-

April 24, 2015

13

Lantis began streaming a new 90-second trailer for the upcoming Love Live! School Idol Project Movie on Friday. The movie will release on June 13th of 2015.

The first two commercials were streamed last February:

The production team includes:

Director: Kyougoku Takahiko (Love Live! School Idol Project)
Character Designs: Murota Yuuhei (Love Live! School Idol Project)
Scripts: Hanada Jukki (Love Live! School Idol Project, Kyoukai no Kanata)
Art Directors: Okazaki Erika (Psycho-Pass, The iDOLM@STER Background Artist) and Moriyasu Yasunao (Ginga e Kickoff!!, Pokemon: The Origin)
Music Composition: Yoshiaki Fujisawa (Love Live! School Idol Project, Akuma no Riddle)
Production Studio: Sunrise (Code Geass, Gintama)

A new visual was also revealed:

Past visual:

The premier pre-reservation tickets for the movie went on sale on January 7th, 2015. The first round of special pre-reservation tickets each have one of ten special illustrations on both the ticket, as well as a bonus clear file folder for keeping the ticket safe. They have been selling rapidly at various Japanese movie theaters.

Love Live! School Idol Project Movie synopsis from Official Website:

The story of the film begins after the events of the second season, at the graduation ceremony of the third-year students. Knowing that the graduation of the third-year members means the end of μ’s, the nine girls take a walk around the school filled with memories. However, when the students attempt to leave the school gates, a single email is sent to them, and the curtain on a new story for μ’s begins.

Love Live! School Idol Project is an original anime produced by Sunrise studios that aired in January 2013. The conception of the anime project was started in 2010 by Dengeki G’s Magazine. The editors wanted parts of the project to be heavily influenced by fans, parts such as the costumes, hairstyles and names of the idols. While this project was taking place, a manga of the project called Love Live!, written and illustrated by Sakurako Kimino and Arumi Tokita, began serializing. An anime series soon premiered, followed by an app and an OVA. The second season titled Love Live! School Idol Project 2nd Season aired from April 6, 2014 to June 29, 2014 for a total of 13 episodes.

Love Live! School Idol Project synopsis of the series from Haruhichan:

Otonokizaka High School stands on the border of three cities: Akihabara—a pop culture mecca that’s evolving by the minute; Kanda—a conservative, cultured city where history and tradition reign supreme; and Jinbo—a quiet area reserved for a more mature, sophisticated population. Amidst this culture clash, the school now faces closure due to the enrollment of fewer and fewer students.

With the school planning to close within three years, nine female students come together with one thing in mind—form a pop idol group to revive the school’s popularity and keep it from shutting down. “In order to protect our beloved school, there’s only one thing we can do… become pop stars!”

Source: Love Live Official Website, Love Live Official Twitter

Assassination Classroom 2nd Anime Season & Live-Action Film Sequel Revealed

By

Swaps4

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April 24, 2015

22

The official website for Yusei Matsui’s Shonen Jump hit Assassination Classroom (Ansatsu Kyoushitsu) has announced that the anime and the live-action film adaptation of the manga will both receive a sequel.

The sequel live-action film titled, Ansatsu Kyoushitsu~Sotsugyou-hen~ (Assassination Classroom ~Graduation Edition~), will open in Japan in 2016. The first live action film of the series was produced and released in Japanese cinemas on March 21st earlier this year. The film was directed by Eiichirou Hasumi (Umizaru and Wild 7 Live Action Films) with Tatsuya Kanazawa (Lucky Seven, Saru Lock The Movie) writing the film’s script.

The first film stars Ryousuke Yamada (Kindaichi in Kindaichi Case Files) as Nagisa Shiota, Masaki Suda (Tadakuni in Daily Lives of High School Boys Live Action Movie) as Karma Akabane and Kippei Shiina (Tenzen from SHINOBI – Heart Under Blade) as Tadaomi Karasuma.

The television anime series premiered in Japan on January 9 and is listed with a total of 22 episodes.

Anime visual:

Assassination Classroom is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui. The series began serialization Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from July 2012 and is licensed in English by Viz Media. The series follows the daily lives of an extremely powerful octopus-like teacher and his students dedicated to the task of assassinating him to prevent Earth from being destroyed. As of March 2015, thirteen tankobon volumes have been released in Japan with a circulation of ten million copies.

A single original video animation adaptation by Brain’s Base based on the series was screened at the Jump Super Anime Tour on October to November 2013. This was followed by a television anime adaptation by Lerche, which began airing on Fuji TV in January 2015. This adaptation has been licensed by Funimation for release in North America. The series was obtained by Madman Entertainment for digital distribution in Australia and New Zealand. A live action film adaptation was released on March 21, 2015.

Assassination Classroom (Ansatsu Kyoushitsu) synopsis from Haruhichan.

The students of class 3-E have a mission: kill their teacher before graduation. He has already destroyed the moon, and has promised to destroy the Earth if he can not be killed within a year. But how can this class of misfits kill a tentacled monster, capable of reaching Mach 20 speed, who may be the best teacher any of them have ever had?

Source: ANN, Otaku Tale

Psycho-Pass Opening 1 Cover by PelleK

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Swaps4

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April 24, 2015

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PelleK is a Norwegian rock and metal vocalist who covers a wide range of music genres on his YouTube Channel and on the 19th of April he covered Psycho-Pass‘ opening theme song, “abnormalize” by Ling Tosite Sigure:

He recently covered Kuroko no Basket 3rd Season‘s second opening theme song, “ZERO” by Kensho Ono:

Aldnoah.Zero‘s third ending theme, “aLIEz” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki:

Death Parade‘s opening theme, Flyers by BRADIO:

Nanatsu no Taizai‘s second opening theme, Seven Deadly Sins by MAN WITH A MISSION:

and many more on his YouTube channel.

Top 20 Ship Girls

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Swaps4

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April 24, 2015

38

Japanese website Goo has recently asked their users: Which ship girl is your favorite from the Kantai Collection series? A total of 500 people responded, 250 male and 250 female.

Here are the results:

20, 19. Torpedo Cruiser Kitakami and Light Cruiser Ooyodo
18. Destroyer Yuudachi
16, 17. Torpedo Cruiser Ooi and Destroyer Inazuma
11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Battleship Mutsu, Aircraft Carrier Zuikaku, Light Cruiser Jintsuu, Destroyer Akatsuki and Destroyer Mutsuki
8, 9, 10. Battleship Yamato
8, 9, 10. Destroyer Hibiki
8, 9, 10. Heavy Cruiser Atago
7. Destroyer Ikazuchi
6. Aircraft Carrier Kaga
5. Battleship Kongou
4. Battleship Hiei Top 20 Ship Girls Kantai Collection Battleship Hiei
3. Destroyer Shimakaze
2. Aircraft Carrier Akagi
1. Destroyer Fubuki

Selector WIXOSS Anime Movie Green-Lit

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Swaps4

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April 23, 2015

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The official twitter account for the Selector Infected WIXOSS franchise revealed on Sunday at a fan event for the franchise that production of a new movie has been green-lit.

【速報】先ほど、イベントで発表させて頂きましたが、selectorの劇場版の制作が決定いたしました！！まだまだselectorは終わりません！
引き続き、selectorをよろしくお願いします(*^◯^*) (つかやん)#selector_anime #WIXOSS

— TVアニメ『WIXOSS DIVA(A)LIVE』公式 (@wixoss_anime) April 19, 2015

In addition to this, an announcement video was streamed which featured clips from Selector Infected Wixoss and Selector Spread Wixoss before revealing the text: “And now a film version has been decided.”

Here are some visuals of the anime:

Selector Infected WIXOSS is an original anime series animated by J.C. Staff (Toradora!, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo) and directed by Takuya Satou (Steins;Gate, Seitokai no Ichizon). A card game based on the series titled WIXOSS was produced from Takara Tomy in April this year.

Here is a synopsis of the series from Haruhichan:

WIXOSS is a card game that’s popular with teenagers. Supposedly there exist “LRIG Cards,” female character cards with wills of their own. Special girls can hear the voices of the LRIGs, and those who possess them are called Selectors. These Selectors have card battles in a dimension that other humans cannot access. It’s said that whoever triumphs in these battles will have their wish granted. Ruko Kominato is the latest girl to find an LRIG card. She names her card Tama, and without any further explanation is thrown into her life as a Selector.

Source: ANN, yaraon

Newtype – May 2015 Posters

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April 23, 2015

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Today we’ll be taking a look at NewType’s May 2015 issue from JList which features a few unique Project Itoh posters! This issue contains a total of 4 great posters along with previews, character profiles, articles, manga, and other great content.

This issue can be purchased here, more info on where to purchase the magazine will be at the bottom of this post.

Don’t forget to view our Megami – May 2015 issue and NyanType- May 2015 issue posts! View our posts of older issues here.

Hello!! Kiniro Mosaic

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica

Harmony

Project Itoh

If you are currently learning or plan to learn Japanese, I highly recommend you to try a copy of this magazine to study with. It is not only packed with posters, it’s also packed with previews, character profiles, articles, manga, and other great content which is great for studying and practicing with and can be viewed HERE.

My favorite posters from this months issue would have to be Hello!! Kiniro Mosaic and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica.

You can purchase the issue I covered in this post here or you can subscribe to JList‘s NewType subscription service for $11~$15/month here. All sales made through JList help us continue to bring unique content to the site as well as supporting us!

If you want us to review a different type of magazine each month, let us know. Also if you had the chance to win a poster or two from above, what would it be and why? I’m curious to know what posters anime fans would want on their wall. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Teekyuu’s 5th Season OP Song by Kana Hanazawa Previewed

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Swaps4

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April 23, 2015

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Following up on the announcement for the fifth TV anime adaptation of Roots and Piyo’s comedy manga series Teekyuu earlier this month, the fifth season’s theme song titled “Qunka!” performed by Kana Hanazawa has been previewed in a recent CM.

Before the general release on May 27, the limited edion of the CD single will be sold at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on May 3, the first venue of Hanazawa’s “Live 2015 ‘Blue Avenue'” tour.

Here’s the CD single jacket illustration:

Teekyuu 4 Visual:

Teekyuu is a sports comedy manga series, serialized in Earth Star Entertainment’s Comic Earth Star since February 2012. Its name is a pun on the Japanese word for tennis, teikyū (庭球?). The manga has been adapted into an anime television series, which ran for four seasons in 2012 and 2015. A fifth was recently announced.

Teekyuu synopsis from Haruhichan:

Teekyuu is based on a sports comedy manga of the same name featuring four high school girls who belong to a tennis club.

Source: Crunchyroll

Lupin III Anime Visual Revealed

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Swaps4

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April 23, 2015

3

A new visual for the upcoming Lupin III TV anime series has been revealed. The new Lupin III anime will be airing in May this year, during the Spring 2015 anime season. This will be the first full Lupin III anime series in over 30 years.

The new upcoming Lupin III anime will be set in Italy and San Marino and will star Lupin back in the main role. Franchise and manga creator, Monkey Punch, has commented on the news stating that he is very excited for the upcoming animation and is looking forward to Lupin’s next adventure.

The anime’s staff that will produce the series was also revealed and are as follows:

Chief Director: Kazuhide Tomonaga (Key Animator for Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin III vs. Detective Conan The Movie)
Director: Yuichiro Yano (Moyashimon, Fran♥cesca)
Script Writer: Yuuya Takahashi (Donten ni Warau Series Composer)
Animation Studio: Telecom Animation Film (Moyashimon, Lupin III: Blood Seal – Eternal Mermaid)

The official website for the upcoming anime has launched, and with it some messages from the staff of the anime. Tomonaga, the Chief Director, mentions that the audience for the original Lupin III anime that aired 40 years ago had a major impact on his generation. It was radically different to previous anime aimed at children and that it is very important to the adult anime fans of today. Tomonaga wants to recreate the amazement that his generation experienced that current anime fans have not. He wants to produce an exciting anime that is realistic yet sprinkled with fantastic elements with hard-boiled yet comical, cool yet tongue-in-cheek elements.

Lupin III (Lupin the Third) is a manga created by Monkey Punch back in 1967. The original series began serialization from 1967 to 1969 in Futabasha’s Weekly Manga Action magazine for a total of 14 compiled volumes. A sequel manga titled Lupin III: The New Adventures was published from 1977 rill 1981 in the same magazine for a total of 21 volumes. The series received an anime adaptation in 1971 from TMS Entertainment (Detective Conan, Yowamushi Pedal) as Lupin III Part I, which was soon followed by Lupin III Part II and Lupin III Part III in 1977 and 1985 respectively. Since its release, the series has exploded in popularity in Japan and the rest of the world. The series has influenced many manga artists, anime directors and writers, and even gave Hayao Miyazaki, of Studio Ghibli fame, his debut directing role for Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro. Since the 1985 anime, numerous spin-off films, OVAs, specials and video games have been made.

Here is a synopsis of the original series:

Arsene Lupin III is the grandson of the master thief Arsene Lupin. With his cohorts Daisuke Jigen and Goemon Ishikawa XIII and his love interest Fujiko Mine, he pulls off the greatest heists of all time while always escaping the grasp of Inspector Koichi Zenigata.

The new Lupin III anime will be airing in May this year, during the Spring 2015 anime season. The anime will debut first on Italian channel RTI. Further information about the series will release in the upcoming months.

You can visit the anime’s website here: http://lupin-new-season.jp/
And follow the Tumblr: http://lupinnewseason.tumblr.com/

Source: Yaraon

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Lupin III Anime Trailer Streamed

Love Live! School Idol Project Movie Trailer Streamed

Assassination Classroom 2nd Anime Season & Live-Action Film Sequel Revealed

Psycho-Pass Opening 1 Cover by PelleK

Top 20 Ship Girls

Selector WIXOSS Anime Movie Green-Lit

Teekyuu’s 5th Season OP Song by Kana Hanazawa Previewed

Lupin III Anime Visual Revealed

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