Ask John: Is Haibane Renmei Coming to America?

Question:
I know Haibane Renmei just finished airing in Japan, but do you think it will be imported any time soon? I noticed it was a Pioneer show, but does Pioneer import everything their Japanese counterpart produces?

Answer:
Based on the fact that Pioneer USA is listed in its credits, and the fact that a Pioneer representative “accidentally” screened a brief clip of Haibane Renmei animation at an anime convention last year, it’s been widely assumed that Pioneer Animation will be distributing the 13 episode Haibane Renmei TV series in America. However, there’s been no conclusive evidence from Pioneer entertainment to support this theory. Considering that Haibane Renmei features character designs by Yoshitoshi Abe and is based on his original story, it may be assumed that Pioneer has acquired this series for American release because Pioneer is the official English language distributor of the other two anime titles Yoshitoshi Abe has been involved in- Serial Experiments Lain, and NieA_7. However, Pioneer USA does not distribute all of the titles owned by Pioneer Japan. For example, titles including Ima Soku ni Iru Boku (Now and Then, Here and There), Tokyo Jyushouden, Shin Shirayukihime Densetsu Pretear, Strange Dawn, Gokudo-kun Manyuki, Oh! Super Milk-chan, and the live action Shirayukihime are all owned by Pioneer LDC in Japan, but distributed by companies including Central Park Media, Urban Vision, AD Vision, and Media Blasters in America. In essence, evidence suggests there’s reason to believe that Haibane Renmei will be coming to America from Pioneer Animation, but until an official confirmation is released, there’s also enough evidence to advise not jumping to conclusions.