Author: Ichigo

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Welcome to the show. This week we review Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight, Witch Hunter Robin and Bubblegum Crisis: 2032/2040. Join us for the zany and the avalanche of fanmail. Eek!

Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Witch Hunter Robin – Wait until it hits the US and Netflix it.
Bubblegum Crisis: 2032 – Wait until it hits the US and Netflix it.
Bubblegum Crisis: 2040 – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Ike Ike by Hinoi Team from Ichigo 100%
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

New Kyo Kara Maoh OVA in production
An initial website for an upcoming five-episode Kyo Kara Maoh OVA series has been unveiled at www.maruma-ova.jp. Five DVD’s, each containing a single episode, will be released starting this fall. Limited-edition bags featuring concept designs from the new series will be given out to attendees of the Tokyo Anime Fest event later this month.

Anime Pulse Donation Drive Nets theOtaku.com $800
Our donation drive went a long way to help out theOtaku.com

Reviews

Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gakuen_Utopia_Manabi_Straight
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/manabi/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6789

Witch Hunter Robin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_Hunter_Robin
http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/robin/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=913

Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubblegum_crisis
http://bgcc.thecrisiscenter.net/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=201
http://www.animeigo.com/Products/CRISIS.t

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This episode we get all wild and review Pumpkin Scissors, Asatte no Houkou and Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Join us for the fun in episode 70 minus one.

Pumpkin Scissors – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Asatte no Houkou – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – What’s Up People?! by Maximum the Hormone from Death Note
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

South Korean Manhwa Accused of Anti-Semitism
South Korean professor agrees to correct passages seen as anti-semitic, but feels that the statements about Jews are “common knowledge.”

New Anime Details for Spring TV Season in Japan
Broadcast times and details for 6 new shows announced.

Dororo Trilogy In The Works
In spite of the fact that the Dreamworks musical Dreamgirls toppled Dororo as the Japanese box office’s #1 film this weekend, due to the phenomenal success of the film, producer Hirano Takashi has announced that two more Dororo films – to be shot concurrently – will be released in Japan in 2009.

CMX Licenses New Manga
CMX announces a host of new manga titles

Paprika Trailer Online
The Trailer for Satoshi Kon’s Paprika is now online at Apple iTunes’ trailer website. Paprika, the latest movie from the director of Perfect Blue and Paranoia Agent, premieres in theaters May 25, 2007 (it has already been screened at festivals). Anime News Network’s review of Paprika is here.

New Anime Magazine Launches
Otaku USA Magazine comes to North America this summer.

Which Anime Character Do You Wish You Could Be Friends With?
Results of Japanese “friendship” survey released; Doraemon listed at No. 1

Reviews

Pumpkin Scissors
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_Scissors
http://rikujyo3ka.com/
http://www.gonzo.co.jp/works/0621.html
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6552

Asatte no Houkou
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asatte_no_houkou
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6547
http://www.tbs.co.jp/asatteno/

Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katekyo_Hitman_Reborn%21
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6843
http://jump.shueisha.co.jp/reborn/
http://ani.tv/reborn/

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This week it’s just the unholy trinity. We review Kekkaishi, InuYasha and Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou. It’s a wacky time and we unload lots of opinions about InuYasha.

Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou – Download Now!
InuYasha – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.
Kekkaishi – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Aoki Flamme by Yoko Takahashi from Pumpkin Scissors
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

AnimeFF Scammer wanted by the FBI
Four months ago, the FBI put out a press release touting an indictment against two men for internet auction fraud. One of the two men mentioned in the FBI’s press release has a familiar name: Aaron Edward Ecker.

First Look at Claymore Anime
GA Graphic has published an article on the conclusion of dialogue recording for the first episode of the Claymore anime television series. The article includes the first released screenshots of the upcoming anime adaptation of Norihiro Yagi’s manga.

Geneon Licenses Karin
According to Geneon’s Website, they have acquired Karin and are set to release volume 1 on May 15.

New Kite Anime Announced
The Arms Corporation anime studio has formally announced that Yasuomi Umetsu, the creator and director of the Kite OVA series, will helm a new anime titled, “Kite Liberator.”

Sky Girls TV Series Announced
The official Sky Girls homepage has published an announcement confirming that the 2005 OVA will be further developed as an anime television series.

2 Meter Tall EVA Unit 01 Figure For Sale
Since February 17th, visitors to Kotobikiya’s Radio Hall location in Akihabara have been able to check out the biggest (literally) addition to the world of Evangelion merchandise: a giant model of the Unit 01 robot from the series. The figure itself is manufactured by Akiyama Studio for Gainax. The figure measures 2 meters 9 centimenters (over 6 feet 9 inches) in height and retails for over 1 million yen (10,000 US Dollars). The figure is currently on display only at Kotobikiya. The store is maintaining displays of Evangelion merchandise in anticipation of the new Evangelion movies, the first of which hits theatres in September. Images of the figure can be found here.

Keiichi.net Radio Announces Online Dance contest
Keiichi.net Radio will host The JRHorse Side Project Poster Model Contest to recognize anime fans that enjoy expressing themselves through dance. Contestants in anime themed costumes dance and/or demonstrate their physical flexibility on video which will be hosted online. The best performers will receive a custom-made remix CD by Keiichi.net Reload’s DJ Celes and a $100 gift certificate for the J-List online store. The Side Project Poster Model Contest is now open for entries. Submissions are due by Sunday, April 8th. Please visit the competition’s official site for specific rules and entry guidelines.

First Evangeliwon Shin Gekijouban Teaser Trailer Released
The official Yahoo Japan webpage for the upcoming first “Evangelion New Motion Picture” hosts executive director Hideaki Anno’s official confirmation that the film will be released theatrically on September 1, and the film’s first teaser trailer. The streaming trailer does not contain any footage from the anime.

Osamu Tezuka Exhibit in San Francisco
Asian Art Museum of SF to hold exhibit starting in June

Funimation Controls US Anime Market for 6th Straight Year
According to Nielsen Videoscan data collected from 2001 to 2006, Funimation has been the anime market share leader for the sixth consecutive year, controlling 23.2% of the market.

Studio Ghibli Lines up Art Staff for New Film
Famed background artist and Studio Ghibli veteran Kazuo Oga visited the Ghibli office earlier this month to discuss working on Hayao Miyazaki’s next film. The title of the new film is expected to be revealed in March.

Reviews

Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Majin_Gakuen_Kenpucho:_Tou
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7123
http://www.majin.tv/

InuYasha
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuyasha
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=159
http://websunday.net/inuyasha/
http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/yasya/
http://www.viz.com/inuyasha/index.php

Kekkaishi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kekkaishi
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6806
http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/kekkaishi/
http://www.ytv.co.jp/kekkaishi/index.html

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This is a good week. We’ve got lots of folks around, and we review Sumomo mo Momo mo, Yoshinaga-san’chi no Gargoyle and Kimi wa Petto. Be sure to tune in!

Sumomo mo Momo mo – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.
Yoshinaga-san’chi no Gargoyle – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.
Kimi wa Petto – Download Now!

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Hero’s Come Back by NobodyKnows+ from Naruto – Shippuden
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

Anime on iTunes
Anime News Network has confirmed that an announcement will be made later this week about the availability of North American licensed, English dubbed anime on iTunes (US downloads only). Individual episodes will be sold for an “affordable price,” in the standard iTunes download to own, DRM protected format. This will be the first time that full episodes of anime are available on iTunes for the North American market.

New Evangelion Movie Premieres September 1
Director Hideaki Anno has announced that the first new Evangelion movie will premiere September 1 in Japanese theaters.

Gainax and Animate Introduce Evangelion Drinks
On April 12th, fans of the legendary Gainax series Shin Seiki Evangelion (Neon Genesis Evangelion) will have the chance to “drink” the anime as well as watch it. Gainax, Movic and retail store Animate have announced that they will be selling special cases of Neon Genesis Evangelion soft drinks. The drinks can be purchased at Animate stores or from the EVA store on the Gainax website.

Japanese Government: “Promote Anime and Manga”
On February 9th, the Japanese Government announced the second 5 year agenda for the promotion of Japanese Culture in other nations. Among the top priorities outlined in the plan, one is to increase the amount of cultural exchange between Japan and other nations – an effort in which Anime and Manga will play a significant role.

Dororo Records Third Straight Japanese Box Office Win
The live action film based on Osamu Tezuka’s Dororo manga is once again the winner of the Japanese box office weekend, marking the film’s third straight win since its debut.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Dub Cast Announced
The English dub cast, and ADR director for Bandai’s upcoming release of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, has been announced in The Adventures of the ASOS Brigade: Episode 002, which was uploaded to the ASOS Brigade website last night.
ADR Director – Eric P. Sherman
Haruhi Suzumiya – Wendee Lee
Mikuru Asahina – Stephanie Sheh
Yuki Nagato – Michelle Ruff
Kyon – Crispin Freeman
Itsuki Koizumi – Johnny Yong Bosch
Ryouko Asakura – Bridget Hoffman
Tsuruya-san – Kari Wahlgren

New Anime Series Sites Opened
Right Stuf has opened its official English language homepage for the domestic DVD release of To Heart. Viz has opened its official English language homepage for the Death Note anime television series.

Idolmaster Xenoglossia Trailer Released
Japanese multimedia site @nifty now hosts a 90 second streaming trailer for the upcoming Idolmaster Xenoglossia anime television series. The trailer is available in small and large resolution versions.

Reviews

Sumomo mo Momo mo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumomo_mo_Momo_mo
http://www.tv-sumomo.com/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6555

Yoshinaga-san’chi no Gargoyle
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6582
http://www.avexmovie.jp/lineup/gargoyle/index.html
http://www.garkun.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinaga-san%27chi_no_Gargoyle

Kimi wa Petto
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimi_wa_Petto
http://www.tbs.co.jp/kimipe/
http://www.jdorama.com/drama.665.htm

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This week we have a different sort of show. We go through news and review Bleach. Then we give over the rest of the show to an interview with Adam, the man behind theOtaku.com. He takes us through how Anime FF ran a scam to defraud the Susan B. Korman Breast Cancer foundation. Listen in.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – XTC by Psychic Lover from Witchblade
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

theOtaku.com suspends news reporting
Adam over at theOtaku.com has suspended normal reporting in order to break the story behind Anime FF and Anime Tour for the Cure.

Sakura-Con Announces Four New Guests
Seattle, Washington based Sakura-Con has announced four new guests who will attend this year’s convention: Hideyuki Kurata, Kouta Hirano, Yashuhiro Nightow and K.T. Gray.

World Cosplay Summit 2007 to be Held in Nagoya
The 2007 World Cosplay Summit will be held this summer in Nagoya, Japan. This year’s event will feature teams from Brazil, China, Italy, Thailand, Germany, Singapore, France, Mexico, Spain, and Japan. A Brazilian team won the 2006 title.

Split Infinity Anime Film in the Works
The anime adaptation of Piers Anthony’s Split Infinity series will be a film, according to Anthony’s site. He originally announced the adaptation on his site in October.

Switch Manga, Rin Yoshi Accused of Plagiarism
Shueisha suspends the publication of all manga by Rin Yoshi

Bandai Entertainment Licenses Tide-Line Blue and My-Otome
Bandai Entertainment has sent out a press release announcing that they have acquired My-Otome and Tide-Line Blue. The first volumes will be released in June and summer respectively. At Anime Expo 2006, Bandai Entertainment announced that they were in negotiations for the license to My-Otome.

Kadokawa to Sell BitTorrent Films in US
Over 200 titles, including The Ring

Sunadokei becomes TV Drama
Live-action adaptation of Ashihara Hinako manga comes to Japanese TV

First screenings of 5 Centimeters per Second Announced
Latest feature from director of The Place Promised in our Early Days debuts on March 3rd in Shibuya

Hellsing OAV Episode 3 Delayed
Production on the third Hellsing OAV episode is behind schedule, delaying its release until later this year. It was originally scheduled for a February 9 release in Japan.

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Welcome back. We’re officially old enough to retire. This week we review Ray the Animation, the Detective Conan Live Action OVA and Get Backers.

Ray the Animation – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Detective Conan Live Action – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Get Backers – Download Now!

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Peach Headz Addiction by Breath Frequency from Black Lagoon
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

Normally there would be news here, but since ANN is down. Not this week.

Reviews

Ray the Animation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_the_animation
http://ray.tv/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6163

Detective Conan Live Action
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detective_Conan
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=454
http://www.ytv.co.jp/conan_drama/index_set.html

Get Backers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Backers
http://www.advfilms.com/titles/getbackers/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1840

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This week we’re a bit zany. We review Shuffle! Memories, Ragnarok The Animation and everything Ghost in the Shell. Join us and revel in the wacky.

Shuffle! Memories – Even if you receive it as a present, burn the disc and piss on the ashes.
Ragnarok The Animation – Even if you receive it as a present, burn the disc and piss on the ashes.
Ghost in the Shell Movie 1 – Download Now!
Ghost in the Shell Movie 2 – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 1 – Download Now!
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: 2nd Gig – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Shangri-La by Angela from Soukyuu no Fafner
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

TokyoPop to Publish Juuni Koki Novels
According to an article from The Comic Book Bin, TokyoPop has licensed and plans to distribute the Juuni Koki (e. The Twelve Kingdoms) novel series that inspired the 45-episode anime of the same name. The series is planned to span seven novels with the first, Sea of Shadow, set to be released in March. This will be Tokyopop’s first hardcover novel of its new Pop Fiction line.

Gedo Senki Wins Raspberry Awards
According to an article from ANN, Goro Miyazaki’s debut film, Gedo Senki (e. Tales of Earthsea) was the recipient of the 2007 Bunshun Raspberry Award from the Shukan Bunshun. The award, much like America’s Golden Raspberry Awards, exists to recognize what critics in Japan to be the worst film of the year. In related news, Miyazaki also received the Raspberry Award for Worst Director of the Year.

Shinobi Movie Coming to Theatres
According to an article from ANN, the Shinobi: Heart Under Blade movie licensed by FUNimation will be making its way to theatres starting January 31. The movie is an adaptation of Futaro Yamada’s famous book, The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, from which the manga/anime Basilisk also takes its base. Click the link for a list of theatres.

FUNimation Snags Ragnarok the Animation
According to an article from AnimeNation, FUNimation has announced that they have acquired Ragnarok the Animation for distribution in America. The 26-episode series is set to start coming to DVD this fall. Click the link to check out the official site.

FUNI Acquires Shuffle, Aquarion, My Santa
FUNimation has announced that it has acquired the rights to distribute the Shuffle, Aquarion and Ken Akamatsu’s My Santa anime in North America. Shuffle is set to start being released this summer, while Aquarion and My Santa are set to be released in the fall.

Live-Action Mushishi Film Receives Distribution Offers
Live-action film based on the manga making a big splash at Sundance

I.G Posts About Ghost in the Shell Movie in English
Production I.G has updated their English website with the announcement over their agreement to represent Kodansha in negotiations towards the production of a live-action Ghost in the Shell movie.

Solid State Society in July
Manga Entertainment has stated that Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society will be released on DVD on July 3, 2007. According to Manga, reports that it would be released on Blu-ray were incorrect.

NHK Anime World Announces Broadcast Dates for New Anime
Times announced for Denno Coil, Kaze no Shojo Emily and Seirei no Moribito

Fox Subpoenas YouTube for User Details
Twentieth Century Fox has been granted a subpoena against YouTube for the identity of a user who uploaded episodes of The Simpsons prior to the episodes’ premiere on Fox. More details are available from Google Watch.

Denver Anime Club Celebrates 25 Years
25th Anniversary Meeting to Feature Old Favorites

Paprika Coming to Theatres in May
According to an article from ANN, Satoshi Kon’s latest movie, Paprika, will be making its way to US theatres May 25. The movie, a psychological thriller revolving around Atsuko “Paprika” Chiba, will have a limited release in select cities stateside. You can visit the official site, which hosts a trailer, by clicking the link.

Hentai Featured in Upcoming Ben Affleck Movie
Adult Source Media has announced that three of its pornographic movies, including the anime Daiakuji, will be featured in the upcoming Hollywood movie, Smokin Aces, starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Piven and directed by Joe Carnahan.

FUNi Grabs Suzuka
According to an article from ANN, FUNimation has announced that they have acquired the Suzuka anime for American distribution. The manga is currently being distributed by Del Ray Manga and there are reportedly “talks of cross promotion” in the works. The series is set to come to DVD this spring.

Reviews

Shuffle! Memories
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7059
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuffle%21
http://www.project-navel.com/navel/shuffle/

Ragnarok The Animation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragnarok_The_Animation
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3563
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/ragnarok/
http://tv.sbs.co.kr/ragnarok/

Ghost in the Shell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_in_the_Shell
http://www.ghostintheshell.tv/
http://www.kokaku-s.com/
http://www.production-ig.com/contents/works_sp/47_/index.html
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=465

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Welcome. This week we review Sci-Fi Harry, Yoshinaga-san’chi no Gargoyle, Futari wa Pretty Cure and the Live Action Utena musical. It’s a great show, so check it out.

Revolutionary Girl Utena: Musical – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.
Sci-Fi Harry – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.
Yoshinaga-san’chi no Gargoyle – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.
Futari wa Pretty Cure – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for Crackers.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Bravin’ Bad Brew by Riryka from Venus Versus Virus
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

Hare+Guu Television Broadcast Scheduled
The Hare+Guu television series will air five nights a week at 10:30PM (EST) on the FUNimation Channel beginning January 29th.

Production I.G. Enters Negotiations for Live-Action Ghost In The Shell
Production I.G. meeting with movie studios in Hollywood to develop live-action film

AnikiCon Cancelled
Germany’s AnikiCon has been cancelled due to lack of interest. The event was to be held April 6-8 in Bonn.

May 5 is Free Comic Book Day
IDW’s Transformers live action movie prequel comic and Tokyopop’s Choose Your Weapon sampler and are among the selections announced for this year’s annual Free Comic Book Day. The event will be held May 5.

Domo-Kun Premieres This Fall
This fall Nickelodeon will premiere Domo-Kun, a series of 2-minute shorts co-produced with Polygon Pictures. The series’ official website, domonation.com, will launch “in the coming weeks,” and a Domo-Kun Face t-shirt is already available from Hot Topic.

Ghibli Museum To Support Animation Research Project
Museum to offer up to 300,000 yen to one researcher of Animation. The Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, in association with the Tokuma Animation Culture Foundation, has announced their annual grant for any student, graduate student, or researcher focusing on Animation. Proposals for research projects can focus on either Japanese animation or western animation, but only one will be selected to receive the grant of up to 300,000 yen (approximately $2700 US Dollars). Applicants for the grant are also limited to people ages 35 and under. This will mark the 4th time the museum has offered the grant.

Reviews

Sci-Fi Harry
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1016

Comedie Musicale Utena la fillette revolutionnaire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolutionary_Girl_Utena

Futari wa Pretty Cure
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futari_wa_Pretty_Cure
http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/precure/
http://www.asahi.co.jp/precure/
http://www.prettycure.org/
http://www.usagi.org/~doi/precure/index.html
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3434

Yoshinaga-san’chi no Gargoyle
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6582
http://www.avexmovie.jp/lineup/gargoyle/index.html
http://www.garkun.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinaga-san%27chi_no_Gargoyle