Anime Pulse

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After long wait. Here is your Clamp Press Panel Re-Enactment. Enjoy the high-pitched voices as we do our best to mimic our heroes.

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This week we have a good show. Batou and I do the news, a few listener questions, and review TOKKO and Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora. Join us and keep the Anime love strong.

Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
TOKKO – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Nothing by dB from TOKKO
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

Manga publisher claims US releases are illegal
In a statement posted to its website, Libre, the publisher of manga magazines Be x Boy and B*Boy Gold states that Be Beautiful, the yaoi imprint of Central Park Media, has been translating and publishing some of its titles without permission. Libre is asking fans to “refrain from purchasing, loaning, or sharing any and all of these illegal publications,” and has issued a cease-and-desist order against Be Beautiful.

Production I.G. Screenwriter to Visit Eastern Europe
As part of efforts by the Japanese government to promote international cultural exchanges, Production I.G. Anime Screenwriter Sakurai Yoshiki has been selected to travel to Eastern Europe to present a series of lectures. From March 19th until the 24th, Mr. Sakurai will visit Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. The lectures will be part of multiple local events designed to introduce Japanese culture and popular culture. The events were organized by the Public Diplomacy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The title of the lecture is “The Japanese Animation Industry and Working in the Industry.”

Shirow Masamune and Production I.G. Announce Ghost Hound
Production I.G. has announced its 20^th year anniversary project, “Ghost Hound” (Shinrei Kari). Shirow Masamune, creator of Ghost in the Shell, is writing the anime. Other staff on the project include Ryutaro Nakamura (Serial Experiments Lain, Kino’s Journey), scriptwriter Chiaki Konada (Serial Experiments Lain, Big O), and character designer Mariko Oka (Jing: King of Bandits). The series is set to premiere on Wowow in Japan this fall. Wowow’s Japanese homepage is now online as well.

Dragon Ball MMO in the Works
Bandai Visual has announced that there is currently a Dragon Ball MMO in the works. According to reports, the game will be set in a world hundreds of years after the events of Dragonball and will feature both new and old characters, among other things. Fees and payment schedules have not been set as of yet. The game drops next year in Japan.

Miyazaki’s Next Film Announced
Hayao Miyazaki’s next movie, “Gake no ue no Ponyo” (Ponyo on a Cliff) will open in Japan in 2008. It’s about a goldfish princess who wants to be human, and a young boy modeled after what Miyazaki’s son Goro was like as a child. Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki states, “70 or 80% of the stage is the sea. How will we express the sea and a wave in a freehand drawing, it’s the director’s challenge.”

Makihara files suit against Matsumoto
Matsumoto claimed Chemistry’s “Yakusoku no Basho” album lifted lyrics from Galaxy Express 999. Makihara Noriyuki sues Matsumoto, demanding proof of claims.

Twelve Kingdoms Author Interview
With the first Twelve Kingdoms novel having come out in North America, ANN just posted an interview with author Fuyumi Ono. This fantasy series is popular for its world-building, characterization and tough moral dilemmas. The Twelve Kingdoms anime, already fully released here, was also well received.

Happy Feet Director Wants to Work on Anime
George Miller, director of the Oscar-winning movie Happy Feet, is interested in anime: “The minimalist style of Japanese anime really, really intrigues me so I’d like to do one of those in collaboration with a Japanese director.” Tap-dancing anime penguins? Well… probably not.

Devil May Cry Anime Voice Cast
The Devil May Cry anime site has updated with a cast list. Included are Toshiyuki Morikawa (Isshin in Bleach, Mr. Chan in Black Lagoon) as Dante, Atsuko Tanaka (the Major in GitS) as Trish, and Fumiko Orikasa (Rukia in Bleach, Seras in Hellsing) as Lady. This will be the first time that a DMC title has featured Japanese acting.

Fruits Basket Manga Ends in Japan
It’s time for Japanese readers to say “Sayonara” to the hugely successful Fruits Basket manga, which ran in Hana to Yume (an anthology magazine) from 1999 until last November. The twenty-third and final volume will be released in Japanese bookstores this week.

Reviews

Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoshiro_to_towa_no_sora
http://www.fujimishobo.co.jp/webage/kyoshiro.html
http://www.kyoshiro-sora.net/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6809

TOKKO
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokko_%28manga%29
http://www.tokko.tv/
http://www.wowow.co.jp/anime/tokko/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6276

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This week we’ve got a craptastic episode for you. But it’s an episode nevertheless, and we review Chrno Crusade, Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne and Master of Epic: The Animation Age. Join us for a mediocre episode.

Chrno Crusade – Wouldn’t kick it out of bed for crackers.
Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.
Master of Epic: The Animation Age – Wait until it hits the US and NetFlix it.

Show Notes

Music

Intro – Kimi to no Asu by Sachi Tainaka from Fate/Stay Night
Outro – Neko Mimi Mode by Dimitri From Paris from Tsukiyomi Moon Phase

News

Prince of Tennis and MAR Renewed for Toonami
Viz Media has issued a press release stating that both Prince of Tennis and MÄR have been renewed for a second season on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. Both shows will remain in their current time slots of 10 and 10:30 p.m., respectively.

Happy White Day!
One month after Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated in Japan called White Day. On March 14th men who received Valentine gifts from women return the favor by giving her candies or gifts. So for all you guys who got a present from your favorite gal, it’s time to return the favor with a little thank you gift! Happy White Day everyone!

Live Action Negima Drama in the Works?
Rumours have begun to spread that there may be a live-action Mahou Sensei Negima! drama series coming to Japanese airwaves sometime next year. The tales started with a posting on actress Ai Tanimoto’s blog and have been further fueled with Ken Akamatsu saying that there will be a surprising announcement made next month on his own blog.

Haruhi Dance Steps Available Online
A site under the title of SOS Dan has posted the dance steps for the now famous dance played at the end of every episode of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. The website offers a copious amount of stills that show how to execute each step, as well as a live-action version of the dance. Click the link to check it out.

Clannad to become TV anime
Japanese TV station BS-i has announced a Clannad anime series based on the visual novel game by Key. The Japanese homepage is available here, with additional information to be released on the 20^th. Additionally, a commercial for the series can be seen here.

‘Kekkaishi’ wins 52nd Shogakukan Manga Award
Manga creator Yellow Tanabe wins for ‘Kekkaishi’ manga.

Code Geass Sequel Announced
SUNRISE producer Yoshitaka Kawaguchi posted to the official Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion blog that a sequel to the anime is currently in the planning stages. The specific medium (i.e. OVA, series, or movie) has not been determined as of yet. We’ll keep you posted as things develop.

Yaoi-Con Announces New Guest: Hinako Takanaga
Digital Manga has announced that manga artist Hinako Takanaga will be attending Yaoi Con 2007. She is best known for her 2001 boy’s love manga, “Little Butterfly”.

Evangelion Stamps Available
In January ANN reported on Evangelion Stamps being issued by the Japanese post office. These stamps are now available internationally though J-List/J-Box.

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.

Reviews

Chrno Crusade
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrno_Crusade
http://www.advfilms.com/titles/chronocrusade/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2884

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamikaze_Kaitou_Jeanne
http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/lineup/tv/jeanne/
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=362

Master of Epic: The Animation Age
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Epic
http://moepic.com/anime/index.html
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7155

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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.