Studio Ghibli to Close down Animation Production

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August 3, 2014

Prepare your ships, the long-awaited anime adaptation of free-to-play online card game that features naval battleships (ship daughters!) that participated in World War II was finally announced at this weekend’s Yokohama Naval Review Dry Run event. Keizo Kusakawa (Akuma no Riddle, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, Sekirei) is slated to direct the Kantai Collection TV animation production with Jukki Hanada (Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, Kyoukai no Kanata, Steins;Gate) writing the series composition.

Kantai Collection will air during the 2015 winter anime season.

Confirmed casts:

Kuchikukan Fubuki “Fubuki-Class Destroyer” voiced by Sumire Uesaka (Sanae Dekomori from Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, Tamaki Kannazuki from GJ-bu, Yachiyo Inugami from Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san)
Seiki Kuubo Akagi “Akagi-Class Aircraft Carrier” voiced by Saki Fujita (Ai Server from Ai Mai! Moe Can Change!, Rin Eba from Kimi no Iru Machi, Ayano Sugiura from Yuru Yuri)
Seiki Kuubo Kaga “Kaga-Class Aircraft Carrier” voiced by Yuka Iguchi (Tsukihi Araragi from Bakemonogatari / Nisemonogatari / Nekomonogatari: Kuro / Monogatari Series: Second Season, Maria Takayama from Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai, Mako Reizei from Girls und Panzer)

Production credits include:

Planning: Takeshi Yasuda (Steins Gate Movie, Strike Witches The Movie, Tokyo ESP)
Story concept: Kensuke Tanaka
Producer: Shinichiro Inoue (Another)
Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Naomi Ide (Akuma no Riddle, Gingitsune, Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?), Mayuko Matsumoto (Arakawa Under the Bridge, Astarotte no Omocha!, Senhime Zesshou Symphogear)
Character Designs assistance: Yoshinori Shizuma, Shibafu, Konishi
Mechanical Design: Tsutomu Miyazawa (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS, Zone of the Enders: Dolores, I, Zone of the Enders: Idolo) , Kōta Morishi
Creature Design: Tsubasa Shimizu
Effects Director: Takashi Hashimoto
Art Director: Maho Takahashi (Amagami SS/Amagami SS+ Plus, Nobunagun, Seto no Hanayome)
Color Design: Shuji Kameimura
CG Director: Eiji Inomoto (Accel World, Black Lagoon, Infinite Stratos)
CG Modeling Director: Hideki Kawabata
CG Production: Orange
Director of Photography: Yasuyuki Itou (Black Rock Shooter (TV), NouCome, Akuma no Riddle)
Editing: Yuuji Oka (Campione!, Fairy Tail, Grenadier)
Sound Director: Toshiki Kameyama (Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu / Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni!, Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko, Kokoro Connect)
Sound Production: Glovision (Another, Blood-C, Date A Live)
Music: Kameoka Natsumi (Inazuma Eleven Go vs Danball Senki W Movie, Inazuma Eleven Go: Chrono Stone)
Music Production: Flying Dog (Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha., Date A Live, Space Dandy)

Kantai Collection anime character designs:

Kuchikukan Shimakaze “Shimakaze-Class Destroyer”

“I’m Destroyer Shimakaze. I won’t lose to anyone in speed. Swiftly like the island breeze. ” – Shimakaze

“I am Shimakaze, the Shimakaze-class ship that was developed as the pinnacle of destroyers, fast and armed with heavy torpedos. After all, I can go faster than 40 knots. However, we were not suited for mass production so I was the only one built.” – Shimakaze

Shimakaze has long blonde hair and a flat chest. She is typically seen wearing an outfit with a sailor collar & striped thighhighs. She is often accompanied by Rensouhou-chan, familiar-like turrets which originated from Shimakaze’s three twin 12.7 cm/50 naval gun turrets.

Seiki Kuubo Kaga “Kaga-Class Aircraft Carrier”

Kaga has long brown hair, usually done in a side ponytail. She is typically seen wearing a muneate over white and blue clothes along with a bow and arrow. Usually depicted as constantly serious.

Kaga is portrayed as emotionless and serious, to contrast with Akagi’s playful “spoiled brat” persona.

Senkan Yamato “Yamato-Class Battleship”

1st of the Yamato-class battleships, Yamato.

The armada’s trump card, I was made in utmost secrecy at the Kure Naval Yard. With the most up-to-date and sophisticated technology concentrated in my body, along with the 2nd ship, Musashi, I will do my best as the centre of the combined fleet!

Choudokyuu Senkan Kongou “Kongou-Class Fast Battleship”

“Burning… Love!” – Kongou

“The super-dreadnought fitted with Western technology at Vickers in England, Kongou has arrived! Even in the Pacific Theatre, I’ll use the power of my speed to be of great use! Look forward to it!” -Kongou

Kongou has long brown hair tied into buns on either side of her head. She and her sister ships are typically seen wearing a modified shrine maiden outfit with thigh high boots. Since she was built in England and shipped to Japan, she tends to speak in broken English and loves drinking tea. She is very affectionate towards the admiral and is always trying to win his heart.

Kuchikukan Fubuki “Fubuki-Class Destroyer”

I am Fubuki, the first ship of world amazing special type destroyers that were beyond existing ship classification, designed under regulations of Washington Naval Treaty. Based on our design, a lot of following fleet type destroyers were built. Yes sir, I’ll do my best!

Seiki Kuubo Akagi “Akagi-Class Aircraft Carrier”

Akagi has long brown hair, which she leaves straight. She is typically seen wearing a chest protector (muneate) over white and red clothes along with a bow and arrow. Usually depicted as a foil to Kaga. Sometimes, she is depicted eating something (usually rice or bauxite).

Visual:

Kantai Collection: Kan Colle is an anime adaptation of the popular online, card browser game Kantai Collection. The game launched in April last year and currently has more than 1.7 million players. The game centers around naval card battles, where naval ships are represented by “Fleet Girls”. The battles are automated for the most part, where the main meat of the game being the strategy, card collecting and grinding. The game is very popular, with a slew of merchandising being released after the game’s release; from table top games to manga, and light novels to this anime adaptation. A PlayStation Vita title is currently in production.

Kantai Collection: Kan Colle synopsis from Haruhichan:

TV adaptation of the online browser card battle game.

Source: Crunchyroll

World Trigger Cast Announced

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August 3, 2014

The cast for the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Daisuke Ashihara’s Sci-Fi World Trigger manga has been announced. The anime series will be produced by Toei Animation and is set to air this October 2014 which falls under the Fall/Autumn 2014 anime season.

The cast is as follows:

Kaji Yuki (Haruyuki Arita from Accel World, Kou Mabuchi from Ao Haru Ride, Issei Hyoudou from High School DxD)
Okamoto Nobuhiko (Io Otonashi from Acchi Kocchi, Rin Okumura from Ao no Exorcist, Daichi Shijima from Devil Survivor 2 The Animation)
Kugimiya Rie (Happy from Fairy Tail, Kagura from Gintama, Shana from Shakugan no Shana)
Hideyuki Tanaka (Yusaku Kudo from Detective Conan, Jean Robert Lap from Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Issei Maebara from Konpeki no Kantai)
Nao Tamura (Ayuko Uehara from Aiura, Cosmos from Fairy Tail (2014), Minori from Log Horizon)
Jun Fukuyama (Yukio Okumura from Ao no Exorcist, Yuuta Togashi from Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch)

World Trigger manga PV:

World Trigger vomic PV:

The cover of Shonen Jump’s 28th issue featuring the manga World Trigger:

Visual:

World Trigger is a Sci-Fi manga written and illustrated by Daisuke Ashihara. The series began early last year in Shueisha’s Weekly Shounnen Jump magazine. To date there has been a total of 5 volumes released. The manga is also currently available on Viz Media’s digital Weekly Shonen Jump.

World Trigger synopsis from Haruhichan:

A gate to another dimension has burst open, and from it emerge gigantic invincible creatures that threaten all of humanity. Earth’s only defense is a mysterious group of warriors who have co-opted the alien technology in order to fight back!

Source: World Trigger official website

Video: New Digimon Cyber Sleuth Trailer Shows Persona-like Gameplay & Characters

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August 3, 2014

Bandai Namco Games Japan have released a brand new trailer for the PlayStation Vita title Digimon Cyber Sleuth. The trailer showcases new gameplay that looks very similar to Atlus’ Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series of games, with the character designs being drawn by Suzuhito Yasuda, who worked on the designs of Devil Survivor, Durarara!! and the creator of Yozakura Quartet. You can play as either a female or male protagonist in this dungeon crawler RPG, where you will be able to team up with various Digimon to defeat various enemies and bosses. You will also be able to travel around the city completing various tasks outside of dungeons.

The game is being developed by Media.Vision, who developed Valkyria Chronicles III, and will release on the PlayStation Vita early 2015. Don’t forget there is a petition for Bandai Namco to consider a localisation when it hits 50k signatures.

Here is a key visual of the game featuring the two playable characters:

You can visit the game’s official website here: http://digimonstory-cs.bngames.net/

Top 10 Fighters in Anime

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Hamza "Tomoki" Khattak

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August 3, 2014

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Nothing gets our hearts racing like a good, intense fight scene. The struggle of a physical one-on-one and the tension building as one continually inches to the edge of their seat as they watch characters they love battle it out is something many of us can understand. But what’s a fight scene without fighters? Inevitably in every fight there will be one we’ll be rooting for – some more than others. Charapedia held another survey in which they asked users to vote for their top ten favorite fighters in anime. The results are shown below!

#10: Yujiro Hanma – Baki the Grappler

#9: Shiba Tatsuya – Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

#8: Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece

#7: Kamui – Gintama

#6: Levi Rivaille – Attack on Titan

#5: Sakata Gintoki – Gintama

#4: Kamijou Touma – Toaru Majutsu no Index

#3: Kenshiro – Fist of the North Star

#2: Son Goku – Dragonball

#1: Heiwajima Shizuo – Durarara!

Yet another surprising list but as it’s based on popularity rather than strength or skill, one can see why the order is as such. If it were strength-based, many would argue Goku would win. The fighters in some of the more mainstream anime have made an appearance as expected though Levi seems to be standing out as the rest are hand-to-hand combatants (for the most part) while apart from that one kick, Levi uses weapons.

In any case, with a medium with a plethora of action shows, one can go on and on discussing the various fighters seen in shows. Are there any fighters you feel should be here? Any thoughts on the list? Feel free to provide them in the comments section!

Top 20 Summer 2014 Anime You Should Keep Watching

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August 3, 2014

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We are back again with another Charapedia poll. This time we’re taking a look at the summer 2014 anime season and letting you know the top 20 anime of the season you should keep watching!

86.2% of the voters were over the age of 30. 54.9% were male while the other 45.1% were female. 13.8% of the voters were teenagers or in their 20s.

20) Sailor Moon Crystal

19) Love Stage!!

18) Hanayamata

17) Sabagebu!

16) Glasslip

15) Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?

14) Jinsei

13) Re: Hamatora

12) Psycho-Pass RE:Start

11) Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei!

10) Ao Haru Ride

9) Barakamon

8) Akame ga Kill!

7) Zankyou no Terror

6) Aldnoah.Zero

5) Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus

4) Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun

3) Tokyo Ghoul

2) Free!: Eternal Summer

1) Sword Art Online II

Are you watching any anime series from above? if so let us know which in the comments below!

Girls und Panzer and Black Bullet Dakimakuras to Be Sold at Comiket!

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August 2, 2014

Not only are Asuna, Sinon and Kirito Sword Art Online Dakimakuras/Bed sheets and Gochuumon Wa Usagi Desu Ka? goods being sold this year. The well known girl who likes to sleep, hates mornings and hates getting out of bed is getting her own dakimakura (hug pillow). Kadowa will be selling a Mako Reizei from Girls und Panzer dakimakura (hug pillow) at this Summer’s Comiket 86 doujinshi mega-event.

Kadokawa will also have Black Bullet dakimakuras (hug pillows) which will feature Kisara Tendou and a Enju Aihara / Tina Sprout version.

Source: Crunchyroll

Steins;Gate Sequel Light Novel Announced; Set 6 Years after Series

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August 2, 2014

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5pb., the developer and publisher of the Steins;Gate Visual Novel, has announced a new light novel based on the series is being published on September 25th. Steins;Gate -The Committee of Antimatter- is set 6 years after the game and will be written by Choshirou Miwa and illustrated by Tadasu Yoshida.

Steins;Gate -The Committee of Antimatter- follows the main character of the series Rintarou Okabe as he graduates college in 2016 in Akihabara. The Future Gadgets Laboratory has been industrialised and revealed to the public where they are now earning revenue. Though only Daru, Rintarou’s best friend and member of the Lab, receives an income whilst Rintarou earns money from detective cases. One day, Nae Tennouji the building owner’s daughter requests Rintarou to investigate his father who is acting strange. He begins to have flashbacks of his experiences travelling through the different timelines, but to make things worse the sudden appearance of Suzuha Amane, who should not exist in the timeline, appears.

The story is written by Choshirou Miwa, who also wrote the Steins;Gate Hiyoku Renri no Anderlingen novels that were based on the Hiyoku Renri no Darling video game. The novel will feature illustrations from Tadasu Yoshida who drew the new mature designs of the characters, which have been released:

Rintarou Okabe, age 24 – the founder and leader of the Future Gadget Laboratory. He is currently in a long distance relationship with Kurisu Makise and has made his laboratory public with Daru. Though he spends most of his time helping others in the local area.

Mayuri Shiina, age 22 – Rintarou Okabe’s childhood friend who helps out with the Future Gadget Laboratory and is quite critical of his and Kurisu’s relationship. She is currently a kindergarten teacher.

Itaru Hashida, age 24 – most commonly referred to as Daru, he is a member of the Future Gadget Laboratory and Okabe’s best friend. He develops smartphone applications and online security programs and is currently dating cosplayer Yuki Amane, whom he met at Comiket

Kurisu Makise, age 24 – A graduate from Victor Condoria graduate school who is working at the institution’s neuroscience research team. She is in a long distance relationship with Rintarou Okabe, though their relationship has made little progress due to their clumsiness towards each other

Moeka Kiryuu – she is a writer for Arch Rewrite and a part timer at the Braun Tube Workshop. She has issues directly talking with people and prefers using her phone, but with the time spent with the Future Gadget Laboratory and working, she has started improving.

Rumiho Akiha, age 23 – more well known by her stage name Faris Nyannyan, she is the most popular maid and owner of the May Queen Nyan-Nyan cafe. She is also now the head of the Akiha family who oversee the entire Akihabara area.

Ruka Urushibara, age 22 – he is the son of the local shrine’s head priest who is overwhelmingly feminine, but he’s a dude. Ruka is currently in University and serves as the shrine’s priestess.

Suzuha Amane, age 18 – a girl who works at Shop Brown and loves to ride bicycles. Though she should not exist in the current Steins;Gate timeline…

Nae Tennouji, age 17 – she is the daughter of Yuugo Tennouji, who owns the building that the Factory Gadget Laboratory resides in. She is quite friendly to everyone, but is known to get very angry at times, which earns her the nickname “Flat-Out Princess”

Steins;Gate is a visual novel developed by 5pb. and Nitro+ and is the second instalment in their Science Adventure series. The game originally released on Xbox 360 in Japan in 2009, before being ported and re-released on various other platforms. The game received strong sales with over 300,000 sales across three platforms as of June 2011. The game received many manga adaptations and video game sequels and spinoffs in the following years. An anime adaptation of the series was produced in 2011 from White Fox (Jormungand, Tears to Tiara) and received widespread acclaimed. An anime sequel film titled Steins;Gate: Fuka Ryouiki no Déjà vu released in Japan on April 30 2013.

Here is a synopsis of the series from Haruhichan:

The eccentric mad scientist Okabe, his childhood friend Mayuri, and the otaku hacker Daru have banded together to form the “Future Gadget Research Laboratory,” and spend their days in a ramshackle laboratory hanging out and occasionally attempting to invent incredible futuristic gadgets. However, their claymore is a hydrator and their hair dryer flips breakers, and the only invention that’s even remotely interesting is their Phone Microwave, which transforms bananas into oozing green gel. But when an experiment goes awry, the gang discovers that the Phone Microwave can also send text messages to the past. And what’s more, the words they send can affect the flow of time and have unforeseen, far-reaching consequences—consequences that Okabe may not be able to handle…

Steins;Gate -The Committee of Antimatter- will be releasing in Japan on September 25 and will cost ¥1,300 (~ 13.00 USD).
You can visit the novel’s website for more information: http://steinsgate.jp/antimatter/

Source- Steins;Gate -The Committee of Antimatter- Website, Crunchyroll, Radio Kaikan, Yaraon

Video: Digimon All-Star Rumble Announced for PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360

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August 2, 2014

The first announcement trailer for Digimon All-Star Rumble has released. The game will be an arena brawler featuring a total of 12 Digimon, from Digimon Adventure to Digimon Fusion, and all their evolutions, as well as a total of 10 playable stages. A total of 8 Digimon have been confirmed so far: Agumon, Biyomon, Dorulumon, Gabumon, Gatomon, Shoutmon, Tentomon, and Veemon. There will be an in-depth story mode where you will be able to travel across the Digital World as you climb the rankings of the Digimon Evolution Tournament.

Digimon All-Star Rumble will developed by Prope and published by Bandai Namco Games. It will release on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on November 11 in North America and later this Fall in Europe.

Also, Bandai Namco Games have released some new screenshots and renders of the game:

Anime Trending Rankings of Summer 2014 – Week 3

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Misaka The Railgun

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August 2, 2014

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Chart results are officially up for week 3! With outcomes rapidly changing between each week, we are definitely in for a hot season. Next week also begins Anime Trending’s side-category poll, you can there vote for your favourite characters, OP, ED and couple ship but the results will only be published here at the end of the season. Nobunaga Concerto has also been added to the poll as of last week and is now an option for voting.

If you wish to participate in Anime Trending’s short survey, you can do so here.

37. Strange+ 2nd Season

Week 1 #33
Week 2 #35

36. Ai Mai Mii: Mousou Catastrophe

2 Weeks at #36

35. Shounen Hollywood

Week 1 #31
Week 2 #33

34. Nobunaga Concerto

33. Fran♥cesca

Week 1 #34
Week 2 #33

32. Yama no Susume 2nd Season

Week 1 #35
Week 2 #34

31. Space Dandy 2

Week 1 #32
Week 2 #31

30. Momo Kyun Sword

Week 1 #26
Week 2 #29

29. Bakumatsu Rock

Week 1 #29
Week 2 #30

28. Sengoku Basara: Judge End

Week 1 #30
Week 2 #26

27. Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei!

Week 1 #25
Week 2 #24

26. Sabagebu!

2 Weeks at #20

25. Himegoto

Week 1 #22
Week 2 #23

24. Majimoji Rurumo

Week 1 #24
Week 2 #25

23. Futsuu no Joshikousei ga [Locodol] Yatte Mita.

2 Weeks at #27

22. Persona 4 The Golden Animation

Week 1 #21
Week 2 #22

21. Shirogame no Ishi: Argevollen

2 Weeks at #28

20. Jinsei

Week 1 #23
Week 2 #21

19. DRAMAtical Murder

Week 1 #15
Week 2 #19

18. Hanayamata

Week 1 #17
Week 2 #14

17. Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?

Week 1 #19
Week 2 #17

16. Re:_Hamatora

Week 1 #12
Week 2 #13

15. Love Stage!!

Week 1 #16
Week 2 #18

14. Kuroshitsugi: Book of Circus

Week 1 #14
Week 2 #16

13. Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance

Week 1 #18
Week 2 #15

12. Rail Wars!

Week 1 #13
Week 2 #9

11. Glasslip

Week 1 #5
Week 2 #8

10. Free!: Eternal Summer

Week 1 #11
Week 2 #12

9. Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun

Week 1 #7
Week 2 #6

8. Tokyo ESP

2 Weeks at #10

7. Ao Haru Ride

Week 1 #6
Week 2 #7

6. Barakamon

Week 1 #9
Week 2 #11

5. Tokyo Ghoul

Week 1 #1
Week 2 #4

4. Aldnoah.Zero

Week 1 #8
Week 2 #5

3. Akame ga Kill!

Week 1 #2
Week 2 #1

2. Zankyou no Terror

Week 1 #4
Week 2 #3

1. Sword Art Online II

Week 1 #3
Week 2 #2

Greatest Improvements:

+7 Shirogane no Ishi: Argevollen
+5 Barakamon
+4 Futsuu no Joshikousei ga [Locodol] Yatte Mita.
+3 Love Stage!!

Poorest Demotions:

-3 Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
-3 Glasslip
-3 Rail Wars!
-3 Re:_Hamatora
-3 Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei!
-4 Hanayamata
-6 Sagabebu!

The iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls Visuals & Promotional Videos Released

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August 2, 2014

The official website of the The iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls anime has released a few new key visuals for the upcoming series scheduled to air this Winter. Also, some new promotional videos have also released.

A total of 4 key visuals have been released so far. The latest visual can be seen above and other 3 are:

In addition to the visuals, the website has also released a new video promoting the series’ second anniversary DVD and Blu-rays. The discs will contain a special music video of the song Please Cinderella, a special cut of The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls 1st Live Wonderful M@gic!! live concert, among other bonuses and specials. The IDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls Animation First Set DVD & Blu-ray will release in Japan on November 5th.

Another promotional video was also released, this time for the Blu-ray release of the entire Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls 1st Live Wonderful M@gic!! live concert that was held in April this year. The Blu-ray will release in Japan this late November.

The anime’s production crew was earlier revealed and are as follows:

Director and Storyboard Artist: Noriko Takao (The iDOLM@STER, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya)
Series Composer: Tatsuya Takahashi (The iDOLM@STER Movie: Kagayaki no Mukougawa e! Screenplay)
Character Designer and Animation Director: Yuusuke Matsuo (Black★Rock Shooter OVA, The iDOLM@STER)
Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures (Sword Art Online, Aldnoah.Zero)

The iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls is a mobile social game developed by Mobage and published by Bandai Namco Games. The game involves the player to interact with other players, where they need to perform various tasks. The game features a total of 100 idols to be collected, who are represented as trading cards in the game. The game acts out like other social games where you will need to use a form of stamina to do a task – where it is refilled over time. The game has been reported to earn 1 Billion Yen (~ 10 Million USD) per month from in-game purchases of items and idols, and has over 4 million users as of April this year. A live concert of the game with all the voice actresses, Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls 1st Live Wonderful M@gic!!, was held at the Maihama Amphi Theater in Chiba Prefecture where the anime adaptation was announced.

The iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls will be airing in January next year, during the Winter 2014/2015 anime season. Additional information and footage of the series will release soon.

You can visit the anime’s website here: http://imas-cinderella.com/
And follow their Twitter here: @imas_anime

Source – The IDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls Website, Crunchyroll

Asuna, Leafa, Lisbeth and Sinon Figures from Sword Art Online Go on Sale

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August 2, 2014

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With Sword Art Online II currently airing and being the popular show of the season due to its large fanbase, it’s a good time for some Sword Art Online merchandise to hit the stores. Below are the newest Sword Art Online figures to hit the market!

Asuna 1/10 Figure Swimsuit version – Sword Art Online – Height: 16cm (6.3in) Price: $100 – Preorder item scheduled for release in September 2014 on J-List.

Top figure maker Chara-ani presents this excellent rendition of moe heroine Asuna in a bikini version of her Sword Art Online (SAO) costume. She comes in a cute pose with a very special base. Her skirt can be removed to have a better view of her bikini bottom. A must-have for Asuna fans.

Leafa 1/7 Figure Swimsuit version – Sword Art Online – Height: 16.5cm (6.5in) Price: $115 – Preorder item scheduled for release in September 2014 on J-List.

Fans of the hit anime Sword Art Online (SAO), check out this amazing figure of adorable elf girl Leafa. We just can’t get enough of her elf ears and super hot two-piece swimsuit. Everything about her is sculpted to perfection from her kawaii face and dynamite body. A great addition to your SAO figure collection. By Griffon Enterprises.

Lisbeth 1/10 Figure Swimsuit version – Sword Art Online – Height: 17cm (6.7in) Price: $90 – Preorder item scheduled for release in October 2014 on JList.

Trapped in an online world might not be so bad if you are surrounded by the fun characters that are found in Sword Art Online. This figure is of the master blacksmith Lisabeth, from the Sword Art Online world of Aincrad. She replaces her armor and mace for a pair of nice bikini and beach ball to have some fun at the beach. Great for SAO fans! By Chara-ani.

Sinon 1/8 Figure – Sword Art Online II/Gun Gale Online -Phantom Bullet- Height: 22.5cm (8.9in) Price: $130 – Preorder item scheduled for release in December 2014 on J-List.

A wonderful 1/8 scale figure of Sinon from the hit anime Sword Art Online II. She comes in a sweet pose, carrying a long sniper rifle while striking a badass pose. With an amazing level of detail and all the presence and beauty you expect from a first-rate figure, this item is the perfect addition to your Sword Art Online collection. Great for SAO fans! By Kotobukiya.

So which Sword Art Online babe would you purchase? I have a feeling everyone will want the Leafa 1/7 Figure Swimsuit version figure but personally I would want the Sinon 1/8 Figure. Cute girls with a gun is a yes from me.

Video: Ghost in the Shell: Arise – Border: 4 Ghost Stands Alone Trailer

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August 2, 2014

The trailer for the 4th installment in a prodigious series of films Ghost in the Shell: Arise – Border: 4 Ghost Stands Alone has been uploaded.

Ghost in the Shell: Arise – Border: 4 Ghost Stands Alone Trailer:

Key visual:

Ghost in the Shell: Arise – Border: 4 Ghost Stands Alone synopsis from Haruhichan:

The upcoming installment’s story takes place amidst signs of postwar reconstruction in the winter of 2028. Tensions are rising in New Port City as demonstrations are held concerning the interests of foreign cartels. This leads to a shooting incident involving riot police. It all started with a cyberbrain infection released by the terrorist “Fire Starter.” An independent offensive unit led by Makoto Kusanagi entrusts the suppression of the situation to their ghosts and aims for their own justice. Below the surface of the incident, lies the “tin girl” Emma and the “scarecrow man” Burinda Junior. As Kusanagi deals with the incident, she draws near to what those two ghosts were seeking.

Kamisama Hajimemashita Gets 2nd Season

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August 1, 2014

A scan from the upcoming 17th issue of Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume magazine is announcing on Tuesday that Julietta Suzuki’s Kamisama Hajimemashita (Kamisama Kiss) manga is inspiring a second television anime season, Kamisama Hajimemashita 2.

The series’ first season is based off of the manga written by Julietta Suzuki and began airing October 2, 2012 to December 25, 2012 during the fall 2012 anime season. The series also received an OVA which aired August 20, 2013.

Kamisama Hajimemashita synopsis from Haruhichan:

Nanami Momozono is alone and homeless after her dad skips town to evade his gambling debts and the debt collectors kick her out of her apartment. So when a man she’s just saved from a dog offers her his home, she jumps at the opportunity. But it turns out that his place is a shrine, and Nanami has unwittingly taken over his job as a local deity!Nanami has all kinda of new responsibilities she doesn’t understand, dangers she’s unaware of, and a cranky ex-familiar who’s… actually pretty hot. What’s a new-fledged godling to do?

Source: yaraon, ANN

New Digimon Adventure Anime Announced for Spring 2015

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August 1, 2014

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The official website of the Digimon Adventure 15th Anniversary project has announced that a new Digimon Adventure Anime will be airing in Spring 2015.

The newly announced anime will be produced by Toei Animation (Sailor Moon Crystal, One Piece). The series will follow 17 year old Taichi “Tai” Kamiya who is currently in high school with Agumon. The series will be a brand new story and adventure. Toei Animation released the first teaser video about the new series:

In addition to the new series, two Blu-ray box sets were announced: one for all of Digimon Adventure and the other for all the Digimon films.

Digimon Adventure 2015 will air in April next year during the Spring 2015 anime season. The anime’s official website has launched, which contains a mini game where you rub the digi egg once per day. When the counter reaches 0 more information about the series will be revealed: http://digimon-adventure.net/

Tenchi Muyo! Love Broadcast Date, Character Design, Visual and Production Crew Revealed

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August 1, 2014

The upcoming anime series Tenchi Muyo! Love will have a total of 50 episodes, 5 minutes each and will begin airing on Tokyo MX, Monday to Friday 21:55 – 22:00 every week from October during the fall 2014 anime season. The franchase Tenchi Muyo! by creator Hitoshi Okuda is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this new project.

Production crew:

Creator: Kajishima Masaki (Photon)
Director: Negishi Hiroshi (Bakegyamon, Bounty Dog: Getsumen no Ibu, Shadow Skill)
Character Design: Yasuda Suzuhito (Devil Survivor 2 The Animation, Durarara!!, Gundam Build Fighters)

Masaki Tenchi

Kawanagare Momo

Kinojyou Beni

Visual:

Tenchi Muyo! Love synopsis from Haruhichan:

The franchise is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this new project.

Source: otakomu, ai-tenchi official website

Digimon Adventure & Digimon Movies Blu-Ray Box Set Announced

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August 1, 2014

This year marked the 15th anniversary of Digimon Adventure, the first anime series produced in the Digimon franchise. Earlier today a livestream event was held at the Odaiba Cinema, where various voice actresses, actors and singers from the series made special appearances. The final moments of the event revealed that there will be Blu-ray box sets of the first series of Digimon, Digimon Adventure, and of all of the Digimon Movies.

The Blu-ray box set of Digimon Adventure will contain the entire series that aired from 1999 till 2000. The series will feature update visuals of the anime in 1080i resolution, though it will be at a 4:3 aspect ratio. In addition to the anime series, it will be bundled with a new special drama CD for a limited time. There will also be an art book, 2 special booklets; one titled Memories Of Our Digimon Adventure and the other titled Summer Adventure Vacation Diary. The boxset will also feature uncredited versions of the opening and commercials of the anime. The box set will release next year on March 3rd and will cost ¥54,800 (~ $548.00 USD).

You can find more information on the box set here: http://www.happinet-p.com/digimon/

The next major announcement is that all the Digimon films will be compiled and reproduced by Toei Animation into a single Blu-ray box set. A total of 8 films were released from 1999 to 2006:

Digimon Adventure (Film)- 1999
Digimon Adventure: Our War Game! – 2000
Digimon Adventure 02: Digimon Hurricane Touchdown – Supreme Evolution!! The Golden Digimentals – 2000
Digimon Adventure 02: Diablomon Strikes Back – 2001
Digimon Tamers: The Adventurers’ Battle – 2001
Digimon Tamers: Runaway Digimon Express – 2002
Digimon Frontier: Revival of the Ancient Digimon – 2002
Digital Monster X-Evolution – 2005
Digimon Savers: Ultimate Power! Activate Burst Mode!! – 2006

The box set will contain all movies on four discs, as well as a bonus disc containing additional content. All the films will be outputted at 1080p with support for 5.1 Dolby TrueHD sound. The bonus disc itself will contain information about the prominent directors of the film, namely Mamoru Hosoda who directed the first three Digimon films (and went on to direct The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Wolf Children). The disc also contains other special content that hasn’t been revealed yet. It will also be available in 3D. Additional content with the box set includes the soundtrack to Digimon: Our War Game! The combined times of the films is 295 minutes. The Digimon The Movies Blu-ray box set will release in Japan on January 9th and will cost ¥25,000 (~ $250.00 USD).

You can find out more information on the box set here: http://www.toei-video.co.jp/BD/digimon.html

Digimon (Digital Monsters in Japan) is a large multimedia franchise that was based on Bandai’s Digivice products, which first released in 1997. The toys were based on Tamagotchis, which were also produced by Bandai. The toys were seen as more female orientated products, so Bandai created a new line of products for a male equivalent. .The first anime adaptation, Digimon Adventure, was produced in 1999 by Toei Animation. A film and TV anime were released alongside each other in 1999, the movie being a 20 minute anime produced by Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time). Since then there has been numerous anime series, toys, figures, manga, video games and trading card games in the franchise. And this year, will mark the 15th anniversary of Digimon Adventure.

The Digimon Adventures Blu-ray box set will release on March 3 2015 and will cost ¥54,800 (~ $548.00 USD). Digimon The Movies Blu-ray box set will release on January 9 2015 and will set you back ¥25,000 (~ $250.00 USD). In addition to the Blu-ray box sets, Bandai will also be releasing a pair of 15th Anniversary Digivices.

Digimon Adventures Blu-ray box set website: http://www.happinet-p.com/digimon/
Digimon The Movies Blu-ray box set website: http://www.toei-video.co.jp/BD/digimon.html

Source – Happinet, Otakomu, Toei video

Video: Digimon 15th Anniversary Digivices Previewed

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August 1, 2014

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Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Digimon anime, Bandai will be producing limited edition anniversary digivices. A new video has launched that previews the digivices that are currently available for order on Premium Bandai. There will be two different 15th anniversary Digivice models available for purchase, an orange one based on Tai’s (Taichi) Digivice and the other blue one based on Matt’s (Yamato) Digivice from the 1999 anime. The devices aren’t just a reproduction of the original Digivices, they have been completely remade and redesigned from the ground up, only made to look like the first generation. Each digivice will set you back ¥9,900 (~ $99 USD).

The Digimon/Digital Monsters/Virtual Pets in the Digivices are now able to digivolve through their entire evolution chain, all the way to their Mega Forms. For instance, Agumon will be able to digivolve into Greymon, then MetalGreymon and finally WarGreymon. When you do get the Digivice you are able to receive one of many Digimon to raise and take care of. The currently confirmed list of Digimon (in their rookie state) are: Agumon, Gabumon, Biyomon, Tentomon, Gomamon, Palmon, Patamon and Gatomon. Additionally, Wizardmon will randomly appear in the Digivice as a boss – although Gatomon and Wizardmon debuted in the second generation of Digivices.

Video: The Seven Deadly Sins Commercial

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August 1, 2014

The first commericial for the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Nakaba Suzuki’s manga The Seven Deadly Sins has recently been uploaded. The anime series will debut this October and air throughout the fall 2014 anime season. The cast was also announced today and can be seen here.

The Seven Deadly Sins Cast Commercial:

Visual:

The Seven Deadly Sins synopsis from Haruhichan:

The “Seven Deadly Sins,” a group of evil knights who conspired to overthrow the kingdom of Britannia, were said to have been eradicated by the Holy Knights, although some claim that they still live. Ten years later, the Holy Knights have staged a Coup d’état and assassinated the king, becoming the new, tyrannical rulers of the kingdom. Elizabeth, the king’s only daughter, sets out on a journey to find the “Seven Deadly Sins,” and to enlist their help in taking back the kingdom.

Source: yaraon

The Seven Deadly Sins Cast Announced

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August 1, 2014