AnimeNation Anime News Blog

AD Vision has formally arranged an agreement with video hosting website Crunchyroll to allow the authorized streaming of English dubbed Welcome to the NHK episodes 1-12, two per week. The first two episodes are available from Crunchyroll now.

ADV Films has exclusively explained to Anime News Network the rationale behind the move to promote one of its current releases for free on a site that continues to illegally host streams of thousands of anime episodes.

A streaming teaser trailer for the fifth Pretty Cure motion picture, “Yes! Precure 5 GoGo! Okashi no Kuni no Happy Birthday” (Yes! Precure 5 GoGo! Happy Birthday in the Land of Sweets), the first film for the current “Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!” series, is now available from the movie’s official website. The film is scheduled to open in Japanese theatrical release on November 8th. The teaser trailer does not contain any footage from the movie.

Source: Anime News Network

Famitsu magazine has posted numerous screenshots and character images of Capcom’s upcoming arcade fighting game Tatsunoko vs Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes.

The Atlanta, Georgia based anime fan club Atlanime has informed us that they’ll be providing some of the anime programming for this year’s Sci-Fi Summer convention, held on June 6-8 in Marietta, Georgia. Programming will include an anime video room, fan panels, costume contest, and special events like the Mystery Sentai Theatre and Anime Grindhouse. Guests include Seraphina of Otaku Bellydance, Sass Parilla the Singing Gorilla, and Test Tube Laboratories.

Fan site Dragonball The Movie now hosts images of the heroes of director James Wan’s live action Dragon Ball motion picture taken from the July issue of publisher Shueisha’s Roadshow Magazine.

Question:
What do you think of live action adaptations of manga and anime series? For you, what is the most successful adaptation of a manga or anime series that has both stay loyal to the original work and expand the storyline and popularity. What significant works or series you would like to see that will be adapted into a live action show?

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Image via JapanProbe

The reason why Japanese anime production studio A.P.P.P. recently halted distribution of its Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures anime series has now come to light. A.P.P.P. and manga publisher Shueisha have temporarily ceased distribution of Hirohiko Araki’s fantasy story in response to complaints from Islamic protesters.

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Manga Club Original magazine has reportedly announced plans for a Flash anime adaptation of Munko’s 4 panel comedy manga series “Ganbare! Memeko-chan.” The “Memeko-chan” comic strip details the life of a short “office lady” (female business office employee) and her friends.

While a distribution format for the Ganbare! Memeko-chan anime has yet to be announced, numerous Flash anime series have aired on Japanese television, including Digi-Girl Pop, Hanoka, Pugyuru, Onegai My Melody Kirara, and Uchi no 3 Shimai.

Source: Anime News Network

Question:
Why are anime not episodic like American TV shows? Wouldn’t standalone episodes create a more inclusive viewing environment and encourage these newcomers to keep watching?

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The official Japanese website for the upcoming School Rumble Sangakki (School Rumble Third Term) OVA series now hosts a streaming trailer. The two episode series will be released exclusively as premium DVDs packaged with the limited edition Japanese releases of School Rumble manga volumes 21 & 22 on July 17 and September 17.

Source: Anime News Network

Toei Animation’s official website for the upcoming full CG anime television series RoboDz (pronounced “Robodees”) now hosts a streaming trailer. The series of 5 minute long episodes about the robotic life form ninjas Nejimaru, Sombrenosuke, and Drumkanbei who defend the world from an alien invasion will premier on June 2.

Source: Anime News Network

Wired Magazine now hosts a fascinating interview with 2channel creator and Nico Nico Douga co-creator Hiroyuki Nishimura. The article covers Nishimura’s perspective on Japanese internet culture, and discusses the reasons behind the explosive popularity of Japanese anonymous public message and video sharing sites.

“Japan is an unhappy culture. The people are lonely and depressed, and the Internet is a release valve.”

The Japanese Moon Phase Diary seems to be reporting that Japanese multimedia streaming websites GyaO and BIGLOBE, which have been hosting free, streaming episodes of the current Kanokon television anime, will cease offering new episodes because the content of episode 7 has been deemed too risqué.

Kotaku reports that Capcom is currently developing a 2D arcade fighting game titled “Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes.” Famitsu Magazine reportedly confirms that, so far, Ryu & Chun-Li from Street Fighter, Ken Washio from Gatchaman, and Casshern will appear in the game.

The official Japanese website for the upcoming Playstation 3 port of Aquaplus’ fantasy RPG Tears to Tiara now hosts a trailer in Windows Media 800×450 and 1280×720 resolution, and 1280×720 resolution mp4 format. The 3:20 trailer includes nearly a minute of original anime footage. The game is scheduled for Japanese release on July 17th.

Source: Rakugakidou