AnimeNation Anime News Blog

The PR Newswire reports that Imagi Animation’s new Astro Boy motion picture set a new record for opening weekend success for a CG-animated feature film in mainland China. The opening weekend gross record for a CG animated movie in China had been held by Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, which opened with RMB30 million. Astro Boy earned RMB40 million in its opening weekend.

Astro Boy opened in America with a 6th place box office rank. The film only managed a 10th place opening weekend in Japan.

Article provided by Daniel Zelter

Question:
I have seen some anime like the old school and some new ones one like Dragon Ball, Macross, Robotech, Bleach, One Piece, Bubblegum Crisis, D-Gray Man just to name a few. Then one of my friends recommended me to watch Speed Grapher and Gantz. To my impression when I first saw them I thought it would be one of those action drama stuff but then in the following episodes it showed some sex scenes. I was “what the!?” So my two questions are: what kind of category do they fit in and are those the only two that have ever been showed that?

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The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), organized in 2002, has announced plans to begin monitoring unauthorized web distribution of select Japanese video programs including anime, with an aim of reducing unauthorized web distribution. In mid-November the initiative will begin monitoring 10 to 15 selected titles, including Ponyo and Mobile Suit Gundam 00, on major Chinese video-sharing websites. The system will later expand its monitoring to video hosting sites outside of China. When the system detects specific video content available without authorization, website administrators will be automatically notified and requested to remove the copyright infringing content. As of 2007, CODA had 22 company and 20 organization members including anime production studios Ghibli and Sunrise.

I respect and applaud any and all efforts to reduce video piracy, but doesn’t this seem like too little, too late?

Source: Anime News Network

Japan’s NTT Docomo mobile communications provider has launched a new promotional campaign featuring Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s iconic robot Tetsujin 28. The promotional site promoting Docomo’s wireless service for personal computers is now streaming the first of a series of 30 second TV commercials featuring Tetsujin 28 being remote controlled by a laptop with a Docomo provided wireless connection instead of a traditional remote control. Choose the website’s “04″ section to access the streaming commercial.

Some fans may remember NTT running a series of ultra-cool TV commercials featuring anime & live action Gatchaman characters back in 2000.

Source: Anime News Network

The official website for the Bakemonogatari anime series has announced that production delays have pushed back the scheduled online premiere of unaired episode 13 from October 28 to November 2. The series’ 12 episode broadcast concluded in September. The series’ final 3 episodes will premiere online for free.

Source: Anime News Network

Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine has formally revealed that Rikiya Koyama (Jubei in the Ninja Scroll TV series, Hakuoro in Utawarerumono) will take over the role of detective Kogoro Mouri in the Detective Conan anime franchise. Akira Kamiya played the role from the series’ premiere in 1996 until unexpected announcing his departure from the series last month.

Koyama will make his debut as Kogoro Mouri on episode 553, which will air on October 31st.

Source: Anime News Network

The DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, will host a free public screening of the live action Mushishi motion picture on Friday, October 30th at 6:30 pm at the Japan Information and Culture Center in Washington, DC. Seating is limited, so reservations are required.

One of the fictional in-game TV channels in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City video game will roll a satirical add for the anime series “Princess Robot Bubblegum.” Check it out below. The game hits stores this Thursday.

Article provided by Daniel Zelter

The English language version of Taiwanese anime-inspired MMORPG Bright Shadow has just entered its open beta testing phase. The game is free to play. Players have the option to purchase special in-game items.

“Bright Shadow offers online gamers a breath of fresh air, something truly new and fun, with a captivating storyline and peculiar adventures for any type of player to relish,” said Thomas Lee, senior director of business and marketing, Gamepot (USA), Inc. “Our players will delve into the mysteries of Soul Power and witness first-hand some of the most quirky, fairytale-ish monsters ever seen in an online game. We are excited to offer Bright Shadow to our growing community and hear their feedback on the fantastical adventure.”

Anime News Network has published a new, exclusive interview with anime creator/director Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Gundam, Xabungle, Zambot 3, Brain Powerd, Dunbine, and numerous other series.

Koei has revealed the full title of next January’s new HaruToki anime, Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei (Within the Expanse of a Distant Time 3: Endless Destiny). However, it’s still unclear if the production will be a single episode, special, or full TV series.

Source: Moon Phase

Anime fans should find a lot to like in the new trailer for Banpresto’s upcoming PS3 RPG Ar Tonelico 3. The game hits Japanese stores on January 28, 2010.

Source: Rakugakidou

The official website for director Koji Ito’s documentary film about famed manga artist Kazuo Umezu, Gwashi! Umezu Kazuo Desu, now features a streaming trailer. Ito documented the life and work of 73-year-old Umezu for three years to compile the footage for the documentary. The film will open theatrically on November 23rd.

Also seen in the trailer are book designer Shin Sobue, manga creator and editor Kentaro Takekuma (Even A Monkey Can Draw Manga), and Monthly Ikki magazine editor-in-chief Hideki Egami.

Source: Nippon Cinema

Voice actor Yasuo Iwata died of lung cancer on October 24th. He was 67. Iwata is most famous for playing the voice of Sazae-san supporting character Nanbutsu Isasaka from 2002 until earlier this month, when the role was taken over by Kotaro Nakamura. Iwata also played minor parts in anime including Darker Than Black, Escaflowne, Last Exile, Comet-san, Tokyo Mew Mew, Detective Conan, Zenki, Atashinchi, and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig. Iwata is survived by his wife, Michiko.

Source: Tokyograph

Question:
Why does the anime community show such contempt and/or resentment for anime aimed at guys?(I’m not just referring to ero anime, either.) I can’t help but notice that every male oriented anime release comes under heavy attack.

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