May 2nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

13 JinTai Fairy figures nowavailable for pre-orderSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/jintai-fairy-figures-pre-order/

By SunSoftware on May 1st, 2013

If you’re a figure collector and you like cute, tiny things, thenyou might want to get these fairy figures from the quirkyanime Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita.

The hobby store AmiAmi in now accepting pre-orders for thelatest set of JinTai Yousei-san (fairy) figures, which includesthese six mischievous, little fairies:

• Sitting

• One hand raised A

• One hand raised B

• Hanging

• Lying

• Nakata-san

They look so simple, yet so cute! With a variety ofposes, you’ll also have fun plaeing them in random spotsthroughout your home.

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These 50mm fairies will be released in late August, but youcan pre-order them now for 3,580 yen.

Also available for pre-order are these fairies doing — oh mygosh!

It’s the weird dance from JinTai’s opening animation!

That’s right, you can now reenact that catchy, funky dancewith these figures. Also thrown in for good measure is asitting figure of the turquoise fairy from the episode “TheSecret Tea Party”.

These fairies will be released at the same time with the sameprice as the previous group.

But that’s not all! You can also pre-order this figure of themain character, Watashi. Usually, anime figures are 1/7 scaleor smaller, but this figure is actual size!

Seriously, it’s actual size. This is the fairy version of Watashifrom one of the Blu-ray bonus episodes. At a whopping 100mm, it’s twice the size of the previous fairy figures. Watashiis dressed in her typical green explorer outfit, but nowthat she’s adorable and fairy-sized, she has also equippeda helmet and shovel (well, an eggshell and a measuringspoon).

Watashi also comes with a sack of cookies, and hermeasuring spoon has the number “31″ printed on it, whichfans of the anime should understand.

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The fairy Watashi figure will depart for adventure in earlyAugust and can be pre-ordered now for 3,780 yen. With allof these fairy figures, JinTai fans and figure collectors willhave many new friends this August.

Source: AmiAmi, Amiblog

‘Inazuma Eleven Go: Galaxy’premieres May 8Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/inazuma-eleven-galaxy-

premiers-8th/

By Zenko on May 1st, 2013

Inazuma 11’s next season kicks off May 8 and famouscalligraphy artist Sisyu is helping to promote it.

Although it started in 2008 as a kid’s show, Inazuma Elevenhas since expanded to several seasons and series, and thenext installment will be starting May 8th. Titled Inazuma Eleven Go Galaxy, it will continue where last season endedand will be the third installment of the Inazuma Eleven Goseries.

Tenma Matsukaze will also be returning as the maincharacter of the show. The Second Stage Children victorswill also return to the modern era to join the Raimon team,the main team of the show.

With the ban on soccer lifted as well, teams from aroundthe world can enjoy it, suggesting an appearance of morecharacters from around the world. In fact, Tenma will bespearheading a tour around the world to remind peopleabout the fun in soccer.

Because of the series message, famous calligraphy artistSisyu will be collaborating by writing the advertisement texton promotional posters. The phrases read “The destinationis the world! The rebirth of Inazuma Eleven Go!” (世世世世世世世世 世世世世世世世世世世世世!!).

Source: AnimeAnime

Like ‘Puyo Puyo!! Quest’?Then you’ll love these PuyoPuyo commemorative iPhone5 casesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/puyo-puyo-love-puyo-puyo-

commemorative-iphone-5-cases/

By KarbyP on May 1st, 2013

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I’m a guy but I’m not afraid to admit that I want one.

And although you can simply buy them from all goodretailers that carry Dezaegg products, Sega is planning togive out 24 of these cases away in a promotional contest forPuyo Puyo!! Quest.

Sega’s Puyo Puyo!! Quest (世世世世!!世世世世) iOS game app hasmanaged to rack up an impressive 500,000 downloads injust three short days after it was launched on Apple’s digitalplatform last week on April 24.

In an effort to get more of those 500,000 (and counting)users to link up their Twitter accounts to the game app andshare their progress with their friends, Sega is organising alottery contest to pick out 24 lucky gamers who will eachreceive a Puyo Puyo themed iPhone 5 case, made by thecharacter-themed case artisans over at Dezaegg.

To be eligible for the contest, all you have to do is link up yourTwitter account to Puyo Puyo!! Quest between May 1 to May7, 11.59PM Japan time (GMT+0900 hours). Winners will benotified on May 24 via a direct messsage from @puyoquest.

If picked, you’ll probably need a Japanese shipping address(or a friend who’s living there) to claim your prize – the gameis intended for the Japanese market, after all… but you’llhave plenty of time to worry about that after you’ve actuallywon the contest.

Apart from the iPhone case contest, from now till May 7,Puyo Puyo!! Quest players will also receive a free magicalstone every single day they log in.

Source: Puyo Puyo!! Quest

Mobile app ‘Kame Camera’:create action manga stylescenes out of your photosSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/mobile-app-kame-camera-create-

action-manga-style-scenes-photos/

By ellehaym on May 1st, 2013

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Ever underwent the “purikura” experience (purikura being aJapanese acronym for “Print Club” photo booth marchinesin the arcades)? Isn’t it nice how you can pick cute andbeautiful backgrounds and themes for a photo with a friendor your significant other?

Now, if you want to have an action-packed picture whereyou can fuse fantasy with reality, and pose like Son Goku orDarth Vader, Nagisa Inc.’s “Kame Camera” is a great app toplay with.

Kame Camera (which is a word play of Goku’s powerfultechnique) allows its users to decorate their photos withaction manga effect stamps. It’s a free mobile app availablefor both the iOS and Android platforms.

So what are the results after letting photos have the KameCamera treatment? Check out these samples:

The app was inspired by the Makankosappo, an internetmeme started by high school girls in Japan which eventuallybecame an internet sensation. They shot photos of whatseemed like a person launching a special attack and therest are affected by it. According to Crunchyroll, thedevelopers claim that this app was supervised by thestudents who started the Makankosappo trend (this is,however, unconfirmed).

Remember the Moji Maker Z which was released as partof the promotions for the Battle of Gods movie? I’m sureyour customised DBZ logo would perfectly match the KameCamera edited photo. Try it out!

The app is available in Japanese and English. The editedphotos can be shared via Facebook, Twitter and LINE.

via Crunchyroll

flumpool, SID to showcase J-Rock to the world in MusicMatters 2013, SingaporeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/flumpool-sid-showcase-j-rock-world-

singapore/

By Az on May 1st, 2013

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It has been revealed that flumpool and SID will beperforming in the international event 世Music Matters2013世, which is going to be held on May 22 – May 24 oneight venues all over Clarke Quay.

flumpool and SID will be appearing on the main stage onMay 23, 9:00 PM in front of an expected audience of 15,000.They will appear and perform in a segment called 世J-rockMatters presented by BARKS世.

Furthermore, these two bands will appear on Beer Marketin Clarke Quay in an invite-only live with three-man bandWEAVER, creating an intense Japanese line-up. While thesegment flumpool and SID are appearing in will be around9:00 PM, their appearance for this invitational live on BeerMarket will be on 11:00 PM.

On another note, as previously reported, flumpool guitaristSakai Kazuki will be putting a temporary cease to his visualactivities with the band until the end of June. There’s achance that he will not be appearing for this event, and willinstead have a temporary help stand in for him.

======

世Music Matters 2013世 is an international music event whichincludes various programs such as public performances,panel discussions, showcase lives, and other programs. Theevent will feature more than 50 bands from many different

countries, as well as Singapore’s very own. Admission isfree, but it is also planned to be streamed live. The venuesannounced as of now are Beer Market, China One, CrazyElephant, The Fountain Stage, Fern & Kiwi, and PaulanerBräuhaus.

For more information on the event, as well as its artist line-up, check out the Music Matters Facebook Page.

sources: natalie, Music Matters Official Facebook,Allthatmatters Official Website

New PV for ‘Soul Reviver’brings in ‘Wolf Children Ameand Yuki’ animation teamSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/pv-soul-reviver-brings-wolf-children-

ame-yuki-animation-team/

By Zenko on May 1st, 2013

To help promote the new manga by GTO artist TohruFujisawa, a 3DCG promotional video was recently released.

The video was created in 30 days by the same animationcompany for Wolf Children Ame and Yuki [Ookami Kodomoto Ame to Yuki], who previously won Japan’s AnnualAcademy Award in Animation. The entire PV is created in3DCG, and runs for 1 minute and 40 seconds (see below).

Although the initial concept and story were created byFujisawa, the character designs and art for it are being putout by Go-On!’s Manabu Akishige. The main plot is thatthose who have died can be saved and resurrected by SoulRevivers, in this case main characters Jin and Kurara whoare both seen in heavy action sequences throughout thePV. The 3 volume bundle set of the manga that the PV ispromoting will include added commentary by AKB48 andSNH48 member Sae Miyazawa.

May 2nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Mantan

New ‘Soul Sacrifice PremiumEdition’ bundle (English ver. +16GB memory card) comes toAsia May 2Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/04/soul-sacrifice-premium-

bundle-16gb-memory-card/

By KarbyP on April 30th, 2013

For a limited time period while stocks last, Sony ComputerEntertainment Hong Kong is making available an enhancedSoul Sacrifice Premium Bundle that comes with a physicalcopy of Soul Sacrifice (English version) along with a 16GBmemory card. Price? S$439 (US$356.34).

If you’ve been waiting for a killer app to get a PS Vita for, SoulSacrifice could be it – it’s been touted as one of the platform’sbiggest releases this year.

For those of you who already own a PS Vita, a hard copy ofthe game can be picked up at all good video game retailersin Singapore on May 2 for S$54.90. Alternatively, a digitallyreleased version of the game can also be purchased from thePlayStation store for S$44.90.

The Soul Sacrifice Premium Edition (English version) iseasily the best PS Vita bundle I’ve seen released in Asia yet.

Of course, previously there had already been a Soul SacrificePremium Edition bundle, released back in March in Japanand other Asian markets. But that one only featured a 4GBmemory card. And, well, the game was in Japanese.

But what’s amazing about the new bundle is that even thoughit now comes with the English version, Asia is the only regionto get it.

In fact, the only other region to receive a Soul Sacrifice(English version) bundle is France. And theirs is quitedifferent (read: worse) than ours.

Can you spot the difference?

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Answer:

Apart from the exterior of the PS Vita unit itself, the bundleavailable in France does not come with a physical copy ofSoul Sacrifice. Instead, gamers there receive a voucher todownload the game from PSN.

The new Soul Sacrifice Premium Edition bundle will beavailable in Asia beginning May 2.

Grand Theft Auto V: MeetMichael, Franklin, and Trevor[Trailer]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/04/grand-theft-auto-v-meet-michael-

franklin-trevor-trailer/

By KarbyP on April 30th, 2013

Ladies and gentlemen, Rockstar fans everywhere, themoment you’ve been waiting for is finall here.

Behold! The latest trailer for Grand Theft Auto V!

Grand Theft Auto V for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 homeconsoles is slated for release on September 17.

The game will feature three protagonists (you’ve just metthem) in a sandbox world – Los Santos – that’s said to bebigger than the settings in Red Dead Redemption, GTA: SanAndreas, and GTA IV combined.

Disgaea Legion Battle hascharacters from the entireseries – plus other NIS gamesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/04/disgaea-legion-battle-characters-

entire-series-nis-games/

By KarbyP on April 30th, 2013

Not only does Disgaea Legion Battle, a free-to-play Androidtrading card game app, contains characters from everyDisgaea instalment (1 to 4, plus D2), it also features thosefrom other Nippon Ichi Software works – such as CriminalGirls, Rhapysody: A Musical Adventure, and horror seriesHayarigami.

That’s a lot of star power. But it’s not the biggest draw thatDisgaea Legion Battle’s collaborators, Nippon Ichi Softwareand developer GMO Game Center, are touting.

Up to 15 players can form a “legion” to take on rival teams inthe game. Depending on your choice of characters, the battletactics your legion will employ are said to change drastically.

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The game was just recently launched last Friday (April 26),and to commmemorate the start of service, players who clearthe in-game tutorial will be able to redeem a complimentaryset of character cards – Disgaea’s Laharl, Etna and Flonne –to start their legion war efforts with.

You will need a GMO Game account (free registration) toplay the game on Android.

Actually, you may need a Japanese Android device too; we’renot sure if the game is region-restricted.

If you’re willing to give it a shot and see if the game works onyour Android smartphone or tablet, head over to the GooglePlay store page here to download the app.

Source: Dengeki

‘The Bureau: XCOMDeclassified’ coming tothe X360, PS3, and PCinternationally on August 23Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/04/the-bureau-xcom-declassified-

coming-x360-ps3-pc-internationally-august-23/

By KarbyP on April 30th, 2013

Sick of missing a shot with “96% accuracy” in 2K andFiraxis Games’ critically-acclaimed strategy game, XCOM:Enemy Unknown? Wish you could just take aim and pullthe damned trigger to blast the heads off those cursed aliensyourself?

Later this year, you will be able to. In The Bureau: XCOMDeclassified, a tactical third-person shooter set in the XCOMuniverse, that’s slated to be released internationally onAugust 23 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC gamingplatforms.

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified takes players back to theworld of 1962, when John F. Kennedy was still president,and the on-going Cold War has got the entire US of A livingin constant worry, not knowing when or if their peacefullives might one day be engulfed in a wartime scenario due tocommunist activity.

But communism is not the only threat America faces.Unbeknownst to the public, a far deadlier threat has begunto invade the US, and only the few members of a top-secretgovernment unit known as The Bureau knows about theirexistence – the world is not quite ready to learn the truthabout extraterrestrials.

You’ll take the role of special agent William Carter, and leada team of highly-trained, elite soldiers in this tactical shooterwhere, true to XCOM’s pedigree, you will need more thansimple sharpshooting to take down the otherworldly threat.

“The Bureau tells the story of XCOM’s mysteriousbeginnings,” said Morgan Gray, creative director at TheBureau: XCOM Declassified developer 2K Marin (also themakers of BioShock 2).

“We’re expanding the universe with a declassified tale ofgovernment conspiracy and heroic cover-ups told throughthird-person tactical gameplay.

“The team has been working hard to leverage core XCOMelements like tactical decision-making and permanent deathof squad mates in a purposeful way that makes this a uniquetactical shooter,” Gray added.

“To that end, The Bureau will challenge players unlike anyother third-person tactical shooter.”

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For more information on The Bureau: XCOM Declassified,head over to the game’s official site here.

May 3rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

After report on 「KAWAiiMATSURi!!!「 first day,「MATSURi DA TOKYO!!「Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/report-kawaii-matsuri-day-matsuri-

da-tokyo/

By Az on May 3rd, 2013

Last April 20, 21, pop culture festival 「KAWAiiMATSURi!!!「was held. The venue was in Sendagaya, TokyoGymnasium.

For the first day of this festival, the theme was 「MATSURiDA TOKYO!!「, or “IT’S A FESTIVAL, TOKYO!”. The stageand performances for this day revolved around idols andanisong, and so, that is how it unfolded. On the outdoorstage, ENNICHi, a mini live was conducted by up andcoming idols such as AOP, Love La Doll, PPP!PiXiON, andYun*chi and Kurika Maki, along with mascots of well-knownfigures in Tokyo.

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After the mini-live and the greeting done in ENNICHi stage,the event moves on to the inner main stage, KAWAii. The liveis opened by 7!!, Shiina Hikari, Haruna Luna, and trumpetplayer ‘FRESH-na-menmen’(「「「「「「「「). Next to shine onstage is the livetune x rhizomatiks x Hatsune Miku for theirspecial collaboration. Next are consecutive performancesfrom various idols such as BiS, dempa-gumi inc., LinQ, andNegicco. Their fans go wild as they sing and dance, and dofan service.

For the break in performances, popular cosplayers fromJapanese cosplay website Cure strut their cosplay on therunway, much to the cheering of the crowd.

The live then proceed to the most awaited performances –anisongs. The segment starts with powerful songs with thepowerful voice of Aoi Eir (Sword Art Online, Gundam AGE,Fate/Zero). “KAKATTE KOI! (bring it!)” shouts NakagawaShoko, the next performer, and sings enthusiastically singsher hits. Next, the stage heats up more as one of the pillarsof anisong, May’n, appears on stage.

The day’s final act, one with the key part of closing the stage,is none other than anisong legend T.M.Revolution. As heappears on stage, the crowd stands in unison and with him,raise their fists in the air. As if all their minds are connected,the crowd heats up and swells with excitement. In the endthe audience is an ocean of light sticks. They raise theirsticks as all the performers, with much passion and joy,shouts 「MATSURi DA TOKYO!!「.

Check here for the complete gallery of all the stages for thefirst day. Refer to this article for the artist line-up for bothdays.

source: KAWAii MATSURi Official Site

Atelier Premium Live, theAtelier series’ first concert,coming on May 26Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/atelier-premium-live-coming-

month/

By SunSoftware on May 3rd, 2013

The Atelier RPG series is known not only for its grippinggameplay, but also for its fascinating music. With theapproach of the latest instalment Atelier Escha & Logy, Gusthas announced the series’ first dedicated concert.

The Atelier Premium Live will take place on May 26 at PaselaResort Ginza and feature various musicians from AtelierEscha & Logy and previous Atelier games, including theartists listed below.

Haruka Shimotsuki

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Haruka Shimotsuki is a longtime partner of Gust who isknown for her fantastical melodies and has composed songsfor many of the Atelier games, as well as other games and theanime Rozen Maiden.

ACRYLICSTAB

A rock duo who not only contributed the song MugendaiChronicle to Atelier Escha and Logy, but have also writtenmusic for anime, such as the character song albumof Minamike Tadaima.

Asako Nasu

A fresh singer and pianist who debuted just last year inthe indie scene with her single Flannel, and later releasedher mini-album Landscape. For Atelier Escha & Logy, shehas contributed the world traveler theme, Kaiyuugyo noGenfuukei (Scenery of a Migratory Fish).

Mutsumi Nomiyama

The vocalist of the J-pop band Local Bus who performed thepeaceful opening theme of Atelier Ayesha, Hanashirube, aswell as Little Crown from Atelier Meruru.

People who buy a ticket to the concert will receive a freemini-soundtrack album for Atelier Escha & Logy, and ofcourse, there will be more merchandise on sale at theevent. Tickets to the event cost 4,800 yen, so fans of theAtelier games who will be in Japan this month should pre-order or buy their tickets on Gust’s online shop.

Meanwhile, the rest of us can wait for Atelier Escha & Logyto come to the PS3 on June 27. On a final note, the originalsoundtrack and vocal album for the game will be releasedone day before the game, so mark your calendars for those,as well.

Source: Dengeki

Anime merchandise shopsinvaded by Shingeki no KyojindisplaysSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/anime-merchandise-shops-invaded-

shingeki-kyojin-displays/

By hittokiri on May 3rd, 2013

Shingeki no Kyojin displays have been appearing in animemerchandise shop all over Japan since the anime adaptationbegan airing early last month. A friendly competition seemsto be going on between the shops as they try to out do eachother with their displays. The displays themselves, which areintended to promote the anime as well as the manga haveranged from impressive to amusing.

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The anime series which is turning out to be a hit series hasalready started a parody video meme late last month.

Shingeki no Kyojin is a manga by Isayama Hajime (「「 「). Itis set in an alternate middle age world where giant humanoidcreatures have been attacking and devouring humans. Toprotect themselves, humans have walled themselves inbehind 3 gigantic walls. For a hundred years, the wall keptthem safe until it was breached.

Shingeki no Kyoujin is currently being serialized inKodansha’s monthly magazine, Bessatsu Shounen Magazinewith volume 10 being it’s most recent issue. The anime

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adaptation is currently being aired and is scheduled to be 25episodes long.

Source : Natalie.mu

Possible new VOCALOID inKamui KitanoSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/vocaloid-kamui-kitano/

By Zenko on May 2nd, 2013

A new collaboration between Crypton and Hokkaido couldmean a new VOCALOID, but only if the fans are willing.

With Crypton’s headquarters being located in Sapporo,Hokkaido, it’s no surprise that they, along with the originalartist for Hatsune Miku, are collaborating on a new project.

Named Kamui Kitano (「「「「「), she will be helping topromote the local goods, history and culture of Hokkaido.Her character design is based on the fact that she is an idolthat has yet to debut, due to the company she works for goingbankrupt. Her dream, though, is to perform at the SapporoDome Arena (a venue that holds 54,000 people), and it’s stillsomething that can happen. So long as she can reach 30,000likes on Facebook and Twitter by the end of the year, there’sthe possibility that she will gain a voice of her own and jointhe VOCALOID family.

Although this goal is currently unofficial, tweets from theofficial account have heavily hinted that this may be thefinal goal for this collaboration. The counter on the officialwebsite also hints that something special may happenshould she reach 30,000 likes.

Details about Kamui Kitano are as follows:

Height: 152 centimeters [4’ 10”]Favorite Color: Pink

Hobbies and Interests: Smartphones, karaoke, visiting thehotsprings (something Hokkaido is famous for), eating, andgoing places she’s never been before.

Favorite Food: Ramen, Sweets, B Class Gourmet Food

And of course she’s also from Hokkaido. Her favorite foodsalso match up with the theme of promoting the region asramen is a signature dish of Sapporo especially, with theShirokoibito chocolate brand also located throughout theisland.

You can support the project by liking Kamui’s Facebookpage, or by following her on Twitter.

Source: Official Site of Kamui Kitano

‘Haganai: I Don’t Have ManyFriends’ author confirms live-action movie in a heartfeltaddress [Full Translation]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/haganai-friends-author-confirms-

live-action-movie-reveals-non-involvement/

By KarbyP on May 2nd, 2013

Yesterday, news of a Haganai: I Don’t Have Many Friendslive-action movie broke after Kyoto’s Ryukoku Universityposted a recruitment ad for extras or calefare actors on itsofficial Facebook page.

The Facebook post claims that the movie is beingproduced by Times In (responsible for the 2006 movieAkihabara@DEEP, which is quite different from theexcellent TV drama version), distributed by Toei, and that itis slated to be released sometime in 2014.

Today, Haganai: I Don’t Have Many Friends light novelauthor Yomi Hirasaka has confirmed, via a heartfelt addresswritten to fans that he shared on Twitter, that the rumours

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are true. Production on a live-action movie based on hisseries of light novels is indeed in progress.

In his letter to readers, Hirasaka explains why he gave hisapproval to a live-action adaptation of the series, despiteinitially objecting to it. He also mentions that the rumouredcasting list currently being circulated on the Net is fake, andthat he is taking a hands-off approach to the movie.

Find out what else Hirasaka said in our full translation of hisletter below:

To my readers,

As this time around I can’t just go “eh, whatthe heck?” and feign ignorance about everything[with regards to the Haganai live-action film], I’vewritten this slightly long response that I wouldgreatly appreciate if you could sit through withoutskimming ahead.

That the movie’s existence was outed by arecruitment ad for extra/calefare actors isincredibly “dasai” [lame] (I will not use the word“zannen” [unfortunate] here, which is an importantkeyword used throughout the Haganai series) butwhat’s happened has happened so, yes, productionon a live-action movie based on my work, Boku waTomodachi ga Sukunai, is currently on-going.

The offer to make a live-action movie based on mylight novel series first came to me in June of 2011. Atthe time, production work on the first season of theanime series was also going well, so it had been avery positive period of my life.

Personally, I’ve always thought that the scenariosdepicted in Haganai were never really meant totranslate well in a live-action medium, so if youwere to ask me if I was for or against the live-action movie, then I would say, without a doubt thatI am against it. That said, the offer came duringa period of time when I saw that the future of thelight novel industry was getting dangerously bleak,and so I thought, “rather than fight over a smallpie (marketshare) with other authors over and over,this is a rare chance me to break away from theindustry’s status quo of excellent authors foreverburying one another’s successes with their nextexcellent release. The live-action movie could bringinto the light novel market a new audience (on topof what the manga, anime, and game adaptationsare already doing), so shouldn’t I be taking a boldstep forward with this instead?” That was what Iremember to be my thought process at the time, andso after a period of deliberating I went ahead andgave my stamp of approval on it.

Now that the anime adaptation is well into itssecond season, if you were to ask me about what Ithought about the decision I made back then, well,it’s already too late as a great deal of industry folkshave already pushed forth with the project. As therereally is no point in me commenting about that[whether I should have let the movie project happenor not], I’ll refrain from doing so.

Moving on, with regards to whether or notI’m personally involved on the production ofthe live-action movie or not, this time around

the circumstances are quite different from whenHaganai was adapted into a manga, an anime,or a game. Unlike with those projects, I am acomplete amatuer when it comes to the live-actionmovie scene, and I do not know which folks are thetruly passionate people in that genre, so this timearound I’m taking a completely no-touch/hands-off approach. I’ve entrusted the project fully in thehands of the live-action movie’s production crew.

Given my personality, if I were told the details ofwhat’s going on with the project, chances are I’llfeel like opening my flap and intervening, so I’veasked the editorial department [of Media Factory/the publishing label MF Bunko J] to not keep mein the loop with regards to progress on the movie’sproduction. Accordingly, that means I do not knowanything about the script for the movie, or itscasting details. (Although I have checked with theeditorial staff, following the movie getting outed,and they have confirmed for me that the so-called“leaked” casting details currently circulating on theNet are completely false).

I have but only one thing to say to the movieproduction side: “you do not have to try and re-create the light novels’ scenes and details faithfully,if that’s not very possible. Instead, all I want isfor you to make a great and interesting movie,independently.” I eagerly await to see the finishedproduct from these professional filmmakers.

… Okay, this has went on long enough, so insummary, “I have no idea what kind of movie thelive-action Haganai film will turn out to be. To allof you my faithful readers, if you’re interested in themovie, please do watch it.” That’s pretty much whatI want to say.

Lastly, I do also need to ask something from all ofyou.

On Twitter and various other platforms, I’ve noticedthat some of you have been calling for productionof the live-action movie to be stopped. No matterhow much the news of this live-action adaptationdispleases you, I hope that rather than to try andcrush it, that instead, if possible at all, I hope thatyou would simply ignore it. This applies not only tothe live-action movie, but to the anime, manga, andthe game as well – everything that’s based on theoriginal light novels.

Even if it’s not possible for you to put a lid onyour displeasure upon seeing these adaptations [notliving up to the original work's quality], there is noneed to force yourself to accept them [as part of theHaganai franchise].

There is no need to watch something that you donot want to watch, and if it’s something you reallyhate, I think it’s okay to just continue hating it. Butplease do not go out of your way to destroy or crushsomething simply because you hate it, for that is evil,and something that I believe I’ve written about timeand time again in my novels. I have faith that you,my readers, will understand.

Personally, I’m a big fan of light novels, anime, andother 2D mediums. And so, to be perfectly honest,

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I would be lying if I said that I’m not worriedabout the live-action film. That said, as to whether Iapprove or regret my decision two years ago [to letthe movie happen], I will reserve final judgement onthat for when the film is finally complete and afterI’ve actually sat down and watched it.

2013.5.2 From the author of Boku wa Tomodachi gaSukunai, Yomi Hirasaka

Source: @hirasakayomi [via Otakomu]

List of official goods for the100%KPP World Tour 2013 INSINGAPORESource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/list-official-goods-100kpp-world-

tour-2013-singapore/

By ellehaym on May 2nd, 2013

The Singapore leg of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2013 concerttour is just around the corner. And if you want to make thisday a memorable one, how about getting the official concertgoods?

Sozo has released the official list of goods for the 100%KPPWorld Tour 2013 IN SINGAPORE.

The exact counter location will be announced soon. Stayupdated by visiting the 100%Kpp World Tour 2013 inSingapore Facebook page.

The concert starts at 7PM with the goods counter openingon 12 PM. The counter will only accept CASH as payment forthe goods.

‘Blood Lad’ backgroundsplus two more characterillustrations revealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/blood-lad-backgrounds-character-

illustrations-revealed/

By ellehaym on May 2nd, 2013

We have seen illustrations of the four characters from BloodLad, we already know that it’s about a male otaku vampire’sencounter with a human girl and the list of staff membershas been announced. Heck, even the info on theme songsand their respective performers is already out.

But until now, no new info about the cast has been revealedfor the upcoming TV anime.

So while we wait for further details on the anime adaptation,here are six backgrounds which will give you an idea of whatBlood Lad’s settings are like.

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My personal favorite, Blood Lad’s Uniqlo parody – Oniqlo:

Aside from revealing the locations, additional characterswere introduced:

Vlad D. Braz:

Deku:

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You can read up our previous post on Blood Lad for moreinfo.

Blood Lad is part of the 2013 summer anime lineup and willstart airing in Japan this July.

Source: moca news via @Ikari_Gendo

Give your phone someVOCALOID flair with SimejiSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/give-phone-vocaloid-flair-simeji/

By Zenko on May 2nd, 2013

Japanese input system Simeji is having a very Vocaloidupdate with newly released skins.

Users of Android smartphones will be happy to know thatSimeji, a free Japanese input keyboard, has released anew skin with VOCALOID fans in mind. Hatsune Miku,Kagamine Rin and Len, and Megurine Luka. The skins canbe downloaded within the application itself by hitting thegear above the qwerty and swype input section. In classicSimeji this can be done by hitting the mushroom key in thelower part of the keyboard.

The skin’s also list each VOCALOID’s statistics, and gives theoption to set one of three colors. For Miku the choices areAqua, Pink and Black. Luka gives the options of Gold, Pinkor Black. And for the Kagamine twins Aqua, Pink, and Gold.

The skins are a collaboration with piapro and will beavailable until April 22, 2014.

Source: Simeji Facebook

Gamers Akihabara to hold‘Red Data Girl Museum’ fromMay 11 to 26Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/red-data-girl-museum/

By KarbyP on May 2nd, 2013

If you’re an RDG Red Data Girl who happens to be visitingTokyo between the dates of May 11 and May 26, make sureto stop by the 7th floor event space in Akihabara Gamers’.

The folks behind the currently on-going anime series as wellas its manga counterpart (illustrated by Ranmaru Kotone)are teaming up to put together a Red Data Girl Museumexhibition where you’ll be able to look up numerous piecesof pre-production sketches, recording scripts, and more.

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In conjunction with the RDG Red Data Girl Museum, theGamers store in Akihabara is also organising an RDG fairwhere you’ll be able to pick up memorabilia based on thelight novel, manga, and anime series.

Customers who spend a minimum of 2,000 yen at the RDGRed Data Girl Museum fair will also be entitled to receivea special character print illustrated by Mel Kishada (RDG’soriginal character designer) with his signature on it.

Source: RDG anime, Gamers [via @mellco]

Sachika Misawa, μ’s, andfripSide coming to AnimeloSummer Live 2013Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/sachika-misawa-%CE%BCs-fripside-

coming-animelo-summer-live-2013/

By SunSoftware on May 2nd, 2013

Animelo Summer Live is the biggest annual anime musicfestival, and this year, they’re ready to do it justice as theyadd three more big names to the artist lineup.

Animelo Summer Live 2013 will take place on August 23,24, and 25. We already know 28 of the artists who will befeatured this year, but now that AniSummer is stretchingacross three days, 28 isn’t enough, so the producers haverevealed three more artists who will join the party.

Sachika Misawa

Sachika Misawa is a rising star who debuted as a voiceactress with her role as Yuri in the anime Shangri-La.However, that’s nothing compared to her biggest job, therole of Kuroyukihime, the heroine of the hit action animeAccel World. She went on to voice the idol Arisa from themovie Toaru Majutsu no Index: Endymion no Kiseki andhas sung the second ending theme of Accel World and a songfrom the Toaru movie

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μ’s

μ’s (pronounced “muse”) is the fictional idol unit fromDengeki G’s Magazine’s idol project Love Live. The grouphas been releasing singles and animated music videos since2010, but because of the anime series that aired this year,their popularity has skyrocketed, so you can look forward toseeing their real life counterparts performing at AniSummerthis summer. Which songs do you want to hear?

The members of μ’s are Honoka Kousaka (CV: Emi Nitta),Umi Sonoda (Suzuko Mimori), Kotori Minami (Aya Uchida),Hanayo Koizumi (Yurika Kubo), Rin Hoshizora (Riho Iida),Maki Nishikino (Pile), Niko Yazawa (Sora Tokui), Eri Ayase(Yoshino Nanjou), and Nozomi Toujou (Aina Kusuda).

fripSide

Last but not least, fripSide is a pop/trance duo consisting ofthe composer Satoshi Yaginuma (sat) and vocalist YoshinoNanjou (who also voices Eri from μ’s). After Nanjou replacedthe past vocalist in 2009, they released their first singletogether, only my railgun, which peaked at no. 3 on theOricon Weekly charts. Last year, they celebrated their 10thanniversary with their album Decade and two solo lives inTokyo and Osaka.

Furthermore, they performed the opening theme of the firstand second seasons of Toaru Kagaku no Railgun, so fanscan look forward to seeing fripSide perform songs from theanime live.

Misawa and μ’s will perform on August 23, and fripSide, onAugust 24. You can look below for the current list of artistscoming to AniSummer this year (warning: it is huge, and itis going to get bigger).

August 23:

• ALI PROJECT

• Akira Kushida

• ZAQ

• Minori Chihara

• ChouCho

• nano.RIPE

• Sachika Misawa

• μ’s

• May’n

• Momoiro Clover Z

• Ray

August 24:

• angela

• Sumire Uesaka

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• OLDCODEX

• Minami Kuribayashi

• GRANRODEO

• Zwei

• T-Pistonz+KMC

• Megumi Nakajima

• fripSide

August 25:

• Yui Ogura

• Maon Kurosaki

• Mikako Komatsu

• Kenichi Suzumura

• ST「RISH

• Sphere

• Yukari Tamura

• Hiroaki TOMMY Tominaga

• Nana Mizuki

• Mamoru Miyano

• YuiKaori

Source: AniSummer homepage

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Listen to Kirino and Kuronekoguide visitors to Bizan[videos]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/listen-kirino-kuroneko-guide-

visitors-bizan-videos/

By SunSoftware on May 6th, 2013

Machi Asobi vol. 10 was a huge success over the weekend,and as one of the festivities, visitors who rode the ropewayto Mt. Bizan were escorted by the heroines of OreImo.

Mt. Bizan is a landmark of Tokushima City, where MachiAsobi vol. 10 was held. It would have been a pity if a lot ofpeople came to the event and didn’t see the mountain, soas a treat, every year during Machi Asobi, a pair of animecharacters work as guides for Mt. Bizan’s ropeway (aka aeriallift or cable car). This year, the guides were Kirino andKuroneko from OreImo (voiced by Ayana Taketatsu andKana Hanazawa).

If you didn’t get to ride the ropeway during Machi Asobi, youcan still experience the trip with these videos.

Ropeway Guide Kirino Kousaka

Ropeway Guide Kuroneko

In addition to being escorted by these girls, visitors whorode the ropeway also received a ticket holder featuringillustrations by the original character designer of OreImo,Hiro Kanzaki.

If you want to hear more of Kirino and Kuroneko, you canwatch the second season of OreImo airing this season. If youwant to see more of Mt. Bizan, go to the travel agency of yourchoice.

Source: Machi Asobi homepage, Moe Otanews

Sword Art Online ProgressiveGirls Ops manga adaptationsto start in JuneSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/sword-art-online-manga-

adaptations-start-june/

By weiq on May 6th, 2013

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SAO fans, what if you have not one, but two mangaadaptations of your favourite light novel and anime series tolook forward to?

First up, a spin-off adaptation, titled “Sword Art Online GirlsOps”, which will feature (you guessed it) the girls-only cast ofLisbeth, Silica, and Leafa. Artist Neko Nekobyō will draw theseries and it will be published on the 32nd Vol. of DengekiBunko Magazine from June 10 onwards.

Next, the adaptation of Sword Art Online: Progressive willbe published on the August issue of Dengeki G’s Magazinefrom June 29 onwards. It will be the revised retelling ofKirito’s journey through the floating Aincrad castle from thebeginning, floor-by-floor. Kiseki Himura, doujinshi artist forseries like “Fate/Stay Night dj – Sword Dancers”, “InfiniteStratos dj – The Evidence of Guilt – Mark Three” and“Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha dj – Mahou Shoujo LyricalNanoha BetrayerS” will pen the series.

source: 0taku.livedoor.biz, yaraon.blog109.fc2.com

Momoiro Clover Z performsspecial concert for Boy’s DaySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/momoiro-clover-performs-special-

concert-boys-day/

By Zenko on May 5th, 2013

Approximately 5000 parents and children who are fansshowed up to Momoiro Clover Z’s Boy’s Day event.

As part of the festivities for Boy’s Day in Japan, MomoiroClover Z held a special event called Momoiro Hero Show,in which they appeared as Momoiro Animal Z. The full titlefor this years event was “MomoClover’s Kid’s Festival 2013:Protect! Our Battle at the Tobu Zoo! Momoiro Clover AnimalZ!” As expected from their title, Momoiro Clover Z appearedin outfits specially designed for the event before changing fora concert.

Before the concert began they put on a show for the kidsand parents that showed up, where they transformed intoMomoiro Animal Z and beat up the bad guys that aretrying to kill off all the cute animals in the zoo. The mainantagonist is a cockroach that controls an army called “BlackCockroach,” who attack the headquarters of Momoiro CloverZ in Tokyo-03. By calling on the heroes, the audience is ableto summon Momoiro Clover Z to the stage.

Apart from Momoiro Clover Z, other special guests were alsopresent to help with the performance of the songs, all ofwhich were songs the kids would know. The guests includedHiro Michio and Tanizou, who performed Momoiro CloverZ’s Coconuts (コココココ) along with five other songs.

May 6th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: AnimeAnime

The Idolm@ster: It’s IoriMinase’s birthday today! Pre-order her T-shirt!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/idolmster-iori-minases-birthday-

today-pre-order-t-shirt/

By KarbyP on May 5th, 2013

It’s Iori Minase’s birthday today! And what better wayto celebrate the self-proclaimed “everyone’s idol” than forcharacter goods maker Cospa to come out with a Iori-themedbirthday T-shirt?

Similar to the Haruka Amami birthday T-shirt that Cospaannounced last month, the front of this Iori Minase tee isdesigned to look like the front cover of a magazine, completewith Iori’s autograph. Meanwhile, the back of the shirtfeatures a close-up of the Idolm@ster character.

The shirt, officially called the Minase Iori Full Graphic T-Shirt Birthday ver. (ココココココココココココTコココ Birthday ver.), ispriced at 8,400 yen, which is fairly steep for a character tee– but it does look way better than the typical 3,000 or 5,000yen tees that you’d find in Japan.

Pre-orders for the shirt begin today, and the actual sale/delivery date is expected to be sometime in early July.Available exclusively from the TBS ishop store, where you’llalso find a slew of other items themed around Iori Minase’sbirthday.

May 6th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Dengeki

The Idolm@ster’s ErikoNakamura (Haruka Amami)made JR Tokushima’s stationmaster for a daySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/idolmsters-eriko-nakamura-haruka-

amami-tokushimas-train-station-master-day/

By KarbyP on May 5th, 2013

No no, this is not a change in career tracks for voice actressEriko Nakamura (Haruka Amami in The Idolm@ster). She’sstill going to voice all your favourite “dojikkos” and what-not.

Nakamura was made JR Tokushima station’s station masterfor a day as part of the festivities for Tokushima-based animeevent Machi Asobi (vol.10).

According to the news programme in the second video yousee above, several hundred fans (okay, over 200, accordingto Gigazine) lined up at JR Tokushima station as early as3AM in the morning for a chance to be grace be stationmaster Eriko Nakamura’s presence, as well as to buy thefollowing anime-themed train ticket vouchers (they come insets of five tickets).

Three designs for the train ticket vouchers were available:Fate/Zero (front and back pictured below), Macross (frontand back), and The Idolm@ster (front; no back shot asGigazine didn’t manage to get ahold of one).

Source: daranisuK, Gigazine (2)

Atelier Escha & Logy:new character silhouetterevealed, voiced by KanaAkutsuSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/atelier-escha-logy-character-

silhouette-revealed-voiced-by-kana-akutsu/

May 6th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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By KarbyP on May 5th, 2013

As part of Tokushima city’s Machi Asobi vol.10 event (fromMay 3 to 5), yesterday JRPG developer Gust hosted a specialtalk show where they revealed the silhouette of a new centralcharacter in their forthcoming PS3 title Atelier Escha &Logy, as well as a new trailer that explains why lead characterEscha’s “shippo” (animal tail) accessory is able to move onits own.

The silhouette you see in the image above belongs to the newcharacter in question, who will be voiced by Kana Akutsu.At the moment Gust is not ready to reveal specifics on thenew character – things like what her personality is like, orwhich part of the game would player meet her at. For thosedetails you’ll have to wait to read about it in Japanese gamemagazines sometime in June (which is awfully close to theJune 27 release date for the game in Japan).

Voice actress Kana Akutsu was present at the event, andalthough she was not allowed to touch on character specifics,she did comment that the new character is pretty cute, andthat the character type is one that she’s never played beforein all of her voice roles.

As a result of that, after the folks at Gust got her to recordthe dubs for all of the character’s scenes in the game, she wasasked to re-record the very first scene. Judging from whatshe said, Famitsu is speculating (oh, they probably know forsure) that the new character has a pretty important role inthe game’s story.

Apart from the character silhouette, Gust also showed off anew gameplay video that includes an event scene explainingthe origins of the animal tail clothing accessory that heroineEscha always wears on her.

Apprently, the tail accessory was made by Escha’s mother,and is somehow able to move on its own. The inner workingsof the accessory (as in, how it was made) are kept a secretfrom Escha herself.

Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky for thePlayStation 3 is set for release in Japan June 27, 2013.

Source: Famitsu

AKB48 releases appealvideos for this year’sSenbastu ElectionsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/akb48-releases-appeal-videos-years-

senbastu-elections/

By Az on May 5th, 2013

AKB48, or should I say the 48-group (AKB, SKE, NMB,HKT, JKT/SNH), has just released each member’s appeal for

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the 5th Senbatsu Sousenkyo Elections. The results will berevealed this June 8 in Nissan Stadium, Yokohama.

For those not familiar, before the votes are cast, the 48-groupreleases appeals for votes from each member. Each membercan use the one to two minute appeal time as they see fit anddecide on their own what to say and what to wear. Thus, itbecomes a showcase of each member’s individuality. Someopt to go for that serious, passionate appeal while some gofor that nonsensical, funny appeal.

Let’s see what last year’s top three members have to say thisyear. Here are transcripts of their videos.

コ Oshima Yuko – AKB48 Team-K, Rank 1

“I have announced my candidacy for the 5th SenbatsuSousenkyo Elections. I would now like to put all my ardorand enthusiasm into one kanji character. Of course, asJapanese, a character must be written with a brush andin ink, right? Okay. Let’s do it! (She writes the character‘matsuri, コ’ (festival) on the wall, in high-spirits no less)IT’S A FESTIVAL! (She disappears from screen while doinga festive dance and chant)

コ Watanabe Mayu – AKB48 Team-A, Rank 2

“Last year, because of everyone’s warm support, I was ableto receive this wonderful rank of 2nd. And this year, becauseof my fans’ love and presence, I was able to truly feel theheaviness of this achievement. It has been that kind of year.From now on too, I will spend my days doing my best inreturning the favor. For this year’s elections, same as I havesaid last year, I would once again aim for the top. As thevoting comes, please support Watanabe Mayu once again.”

コ Kashiwagi Yuki – AKB48 Team-B, Rank 3

“This year’s election has a candidacy system, so when I wasthinking of announcing mine, I thought of all the chancesI was given this year. I thought that I have become a littlemore confident in myself because of the fans’ support duringthe elections. I have solo debuted this year and now haveindividual activities and so I thought that I would givepriority to AKB’s dream as a whole and give what ever I have,though it may be so little, to the growth of the group. Andwith that, I have decided to join this year’s elections. I willwork so hard that you will be glad that you supported me.And for my fans, I will put you all in a daze (her signatureline)! With that said, I am now at my most motivated thisyear! Everyone, please favor me this year!

The Senbatsu Elections has always been the most tense andarguably the most looked forward to event of the AKB48year. All eyes on Oshima Yuko and Watanabe Mayu as theybattle for the top spot. We’ll know this year if the younggeneration would take over or if the veteran members standstrong. Rank 4 member Sashihara Rino (HKT48 Team H) isgarnering attention too with her sudden rise in rank despitea scandal. It will also be interesting how now researchstudent Minegishi Minami, infamous for shaving her hair asapology, will fare this year.

Here is AKB48′s Official Channel for all the videos of eachmember (totaling 248 members).

source: Oricon, AKB48 Official Channel

Kara no Kyoukai FukanFuukei 3D hits Japanesetheatres July 13, along withFate/Zero CafeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kara-kyoukai-fukan-fuukei-3d-

coming-july-13-fatezero-cafe/

By SunSoftware on May 4th, 2013

If you have been waiting for the official date for the next Karano Kyoukai movie, your wait is over — also, you have anothermovie (well, a shorter one) to look forward to.

At the Machi Asobi event that opened on Friday, animationstudio ufotable announced that Kara no Kyoukai: FukanFuukei 3D, the 3D version of Type-Moon’s first Kara noKyoukai film from 2008, will be released in theatres on July13.

But that’s not all! ufotable also revealed a movie based onanother of Type-Moon’s works. Can you figure out what it isby looking at this poster?

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… Oh, wait. You can just barely see it, but in the lower rightcorner, there is an announcement for a movie adaptation ofFate/Zero Cafe.

If you’re a Type-Moon fan and have never heard of Fate/ZeroCafe, don’t be too hard on yourself. Fate/Zero Cafe is a spin-off 4-panel manga in which the characters of Fate/Zero runa cafe and are drawn super-deformed. The manga is madeby ufotable and has been running in Monthly Newtype sincelast August.

It seems like a far cry from the serious Kara no Kyoukaiseries, but you don’t need to worry about paying for aseparate ticket, because both Kara no Kyoukai: FukanFuukei 3D and Fate/Zero Cafe will be screened together.

Also coming this autumn is Kara no Kyoukai: Mirai Fukuin,the brand new movie and epilogue, so this will be a good yearfor fans of the Kara no Kyoukai series.

Source: Yaraon

‘Saint Young Men’ bentos goon sale at Tachikawa city’sTakashimaya departmentalstoreSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/saint-young-men-bentos-sale-

tachikawa-citys-takashimaya-departmental-store/

By KarbyP on May 3rd, 2013

Saint Young Men‘s story is set in Tokyo’s Tachikawa city.So what better way to promote the upcoming Saint YoungMen anime film, than for the film’s marketing team to work with local businesses in Tachikawa city on limitedcommemorative goods – such as the Buddha inspired bento

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you see above – to get fans to visit the actual setting of themanga.

From now until May 14, the Tachikawa branch ofdepartmental chain Takashimaya will be stocking two SaintYoung Men-themed bentos -

“Maria-san’s affectionate bento” (ココココココココココ, 630 yen,pictured below) which is a lunchbox that comes packed withchicken as a main dish, and a “Buddha’s ‘leave it/him becurry” (コココココココココココ, 525 yen) that’s basically a healthyvegetable curry meal (up top).

Both bento sets are limited to 20 pieces per day, andavailable exclusively at Tachikawa Takashimaya from nowtill May 14.

Truth be told, judging from the pictures along, these SaintYoung Men bento sets are not exactly something I’d travelall the way to Tachikawa for, if I was an SYM fan living inTokyo – they look like regular bentos, really.

What might be a little more interesting, then, are a “SaintYoung Men Wrapping Bus” that will run in Tachikawacity beginning May 8. Apart from featuring SYM-themeddecorations, the voice actors for Saint Young Men’sJesus and Buddha characters, Mirai Moriyama and GenHoshino respectively, will also voice part of the recordedannouncements played back on the bus.

Fans who stop by the Orion bookstore (ココココココ) inTachikawa can also purchase a specially designed SaintYoung Men A4 clear file sold exclusively there. A seriesof anime flags have also been planted at various locationswithin Tachikawa.

So if you’re a fan of the manga-turned-anime-film, andhappen to be in the Tokyo area, you might want to make apilgrimage to Tachikawa and get in touch with your innerSaint Young Men Jesus/Buddha.

Source: Comic Natalie

Perfume, Momoiro Clover Zahead of AKB48 in NikkeiEntertainment’s ‘Top 14Female (Idol) Groups’ rankingSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/perfume-momoiro-clover-akb48-

nikkei-entertainments-top-14-female-idol-groups-ranking/

By KarbyP on May 3rd, 2013

Who are the top female idol groups in the Japanese musicindustry right now?

According to Nikkei Entertainment magazine, who has justpublished the 2013 results to their annual “Talent PowerRankings” survey in its June issue (on newsstands May 2),these 14 acts are the most popular at the moment:

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1. Perfume

2. Momoiro Clover Z

3. AKB48

4. Morning Musume

5. SKE48

6. Nogizaka 46

7. NMB48

8. HKT48

9. Fairies

10. Berryz Kobo

11. Smileage

12. Flower

13. Happiness

14. Sphere

The female idol group rankings is only one of severalpublished in the June issue of Nikkei Entertainmentmagazine. Other ranking lists include specialised ones forthe top actors, musicians, comedians, sportsman, amongother categories, as well as an overall “Talent Power(Overall) Top 100″ ranking.

Before we move on to the results in some of thoseother specialised rankings, as well as the overall top 10,it’s important to note the research methodology NikkeiEntertainment employed in its survey findings – somethingthey’ve been doing annually since 2008.

The survey was conducted independently by marketingresearch firm, Architect Co., Ltd., who assigned a “talentpower score” to each of 1251 artistes based on two criteria:familiarity (the number of survey respondents who were ableto identify an artiste’s name and face), and interest level (thenumber of survey respondents indicating that they’d liketo see, hear, and know more about the artiste). The surveywas conducted earlier this year in February.

Once the talent power scores were decided, only then are thevarious ranking lists formed, based on which artistes wouldfall under which category. In other words, just as importantas the actual rankings are the “talent power scores” listed tothe right of each artiste’s name.

With that said, let’s talk a look at some of the other rankings:

Talent Power (Overall) Top 10Haruka Ayase is at the top, most likely due to her role in thelatest NHK Taiga drama. Arashi is no.2.

Talent Power Score (Biggest Increase) Top 10Momoiro Clover Z is third on this list, having jumped from8.2 in 2012 to 23.7. Kyary Pamyu Paamyu is no.4, jumpingfrom 18.3 in 2012 to 32.8 this year in February. Looks likeappearing on NHK’s Red-White Song Contest programmereally helped to boost their stock.

Talent Power Score (Biggest Increase) Top10Individually, the AKB48 girls lead the pack here. Butmembers of AKB’s sister groups, as well as those fromMomoiro Clover Z, are doing quite well themselves.

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Source: 2ch, Nikkei

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

‘Attack on Titan’ BD/DVD willinclude prototype manga byoriginal creatorSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/attack-titan-bddvd-include-

prototype-manga-original-creator/

By SunSoftware on May 8th, 2013

If you have been reading this site, you may have noticed thatAttack on Titan has become a sensation. If you’re a fan andwant to see one of the earliest versions of the series, youshould pre-order the first Blu-ray or DVD soon.

The first Blu-ray and DVD volume of Attack on Titan(Shingeki no Kyojin) will be released on July 17 for 6,300yen. As a bonus, the first print run will be packaged with thenever before released “unpublished volume 0″. This bonusvolume is a 65-page prototype of the Attack on Titan mangawritten by the original creator Hajime Isayama when he was19 years old (he is 26 now).

Although it hasn’t been confirmed, this is probably the one-shot that Isayama submitted to Kodansha’s Magazine GrandPrix in 2006, which received an honorable mention.

In case you aren’t familiar with the current manga, Attackon Titan is set in a world where humans have built massivewalls to protect themselves from man-eating Titans until oneTitan destroys a wall and wreaks havoc, leading to a boynamed Eren to vow revenge against all Titans. The serieswon the Kodansha Manga Award in the shounen category in2011 and has sold over nine million copies.

This bonus manga is a must-read for fans of Attack on Titan,so if you’re one of them, pre-order your Blu-ray Disc or DVDsoon. If you’ve never seen Attack on Titan and are on thefence, you can read our impressions here.

Source: Yaraon

Gargantia’s Amy and BellowsSwimsuit Figurine AnnouncedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/gargantias-amy-bellows-swimsuit-

figurine-annonced/

By weiq on May 8th, 2013

Figurine and model company Wave had just announcedGargantia’s Amy and Bellows to be the new models for theirBeach Queens series.

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Wave’s Beach Queen figurine series is all about donninganime female characters in swimsuits. Though noprototypes or dates have been revealed, we are able to catcha glimpse on the designated swimwear for the two ladiesfrom the series, which just had a swimwear episode aired lastweek.

Other characters that have been slated for release areHyouka’s Eru Chitanda and Mayaka Ibara, which theswimsuit design are based on the OVA episode.

Source: Crunchyroll, blog.livedoor.jp/wavecorp1

BBQ in Tsumagoi:Short interviews withPornoGraffitti, Perfume, andflumpoolSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/short-interview-pornograffitti-

perfume-flumpool-%E3%80%8Cbbq-tsumagoi-bokura-beat-wo-kurae-

kora-%E3%80%8D/

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By Az on May 8th, 2013

Continuing on from the previous article on the AmuseBBQ, in a short interview done by natalie, Porno Graffitti,Perfume, and flumpool share their thoughts and enthusiasmon the event.

Porno Graffitti ——————————————

Q. What was your motivation for starting 「BBQ in Tsumagoi~ Bokura no Beat wo Kurae KORA! ~「?

Shindou Haruichi (G): Every summer, we meet up withfriends in AMUSE, do barbecue, drink, talk about stuff,and just celebrate. During one of those days, around 5years ago, we started talking about making this kind ofcelebration into an event. So we match this event withAmuse’s 35th anniversary and decide to hold it in Tsumagoi,since that place is great for this kind of musical movement.It’s interesting because this special event was not born froma conference room, but from a barbecue party.

Q. What would be the highlight of this event?

SH: All the appearing artistes watch each others’ lives,connect with each other well, and know the capabilities ofeach other as an artist. Of the numerous groups some ofthem might be thinking to knock one out of the park [interms of their performance]. so I think that would be thehighlight. (laughs)

Q. What would be the unique point of interest for this event?

Okano Akihito (Vo): Each artist appearing in 「BBQ「 havetheir own special traits. As for us, we’re not really familiar

with this “fes” concept, and we don’t really have manychances to appear in the same stage with artistes likePerfume and ONE OK ROCK. Maybe a point would be hownervous we’ll be in appearing with them? (laughs) To thosewho will come, please leave the front space open, and justhave fun. Also, surely most of those that will come will get towatch an artist new to them.

——————————————————————

Perfume————————————————–

Q. What are you most excited about in the event?

Kashiyuka: This is our first time in holding an event withpeople from our agency, so even we are looking forward towhat the content will be. We’re looking forward to seeingeach artist’s stage too, and since there’s 「BBQ「 in the title,I’m thinking maybe we really could do a barbecue? I wouldlike to!

A-Chan: I can easily talk to anyone in this group, and there’sthat strong feeling of fellowship among us. This live wouldbe like sharing how we celebrate in our private time and justenjoying our work. I think it would be great if we could makethe audience feel this bond we have among us.

Nocchi: I think that all of lives in this event would definitelybe fun! Also, everyone’s MC talk is really funny. Theperformances are going to be amazing too, of course, but thetalks will also be interesting so I think you could look forwardto the lives of the artistes you aren’t even a fan of.

Q. Please give a message to the fans who are going to attendthe event.

K: I would also like the fans to interact with each other– I want them to do stuff like talk about the artistes theylike in common. I would be happy if they could all enjoytogether. They could ask each other “what songs would yourecommend?” or “how do you get into this performance?”,and by that become one with everyone.

A: Though it’s summer fes season, this is a new kind of event.We want this event to be an energetic one, and since it’s alive with colleagues, I think everyone is just so excited forthis. There’s also that feeling of “celebrate for Amuse!” andreturning the favor to the agency. It’s will live bursting withlaughter and energy. It’s going to be different from yourusual live so I want people to come and watch. The female

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performers among the group are a bit few so we’re thinkingif we should wear something a little cuter than what we wearusually. Well we’re pretty excited about this too!

N: There’s a little nervousness during your usual fes, thoughit’s still fun. However, since this time it’s a live with friends,I think you would be able to see the ‘at-home’ face of thatartist you like!

——————————————————————

flumpool——————————————————

Q. How enthusiastic are you for this event?

Yamamura Ryouta (Vo,G): We’ll be appearing for both days,so it would be nice if people come for both days too. They’llbe receiving everyone’s energy and excitement, so I feel thatwe’ll have a great live for both days.

Sakai Kazuki (G): We’re going to be holding the event with alot of seniors so while we are excited to see all the lives, wealso feel that we’re engaged in a battle here, and with thatI could give my all. Also, this photoshoot would be my lastvisual activity before I focus on my diet, so the ‘me’ that you’llsee on the event should be completely different. (laughs)Please look forward to that too.

Amakawa Genki (B): We got close to our colleagues in theagency through barbecue so I think that through this event,we would be able to close the gap between us and theaudience. Incidentally, if I were to compare us to barbecueingredients, artistes such as Perfume and Porno would bethe marbled beef so I guess we’ll be the onions here. (laughs)

Ogura Seiji (Dr): Because the artistes here get along reallywell and because this is an Amuse-sponsored event, I thinkthat the atmosphere of the live would be like no other fes. Iwould like everyone to feel that Amuse is this much fun andthat everyone gets along so well.

——————————————————————

Check out the official site of the event here.

source: natalie

PornoGraffitti, Perfume& flumpool plus 11 otherAmuse music groups hold aphotoshoot for BBQ eventSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/14-amuse-groups-

%E3%80%8Camuse-bbq%E3%80%8D-photoshoot-comments-porno-

graffitti-perfume-flumpool/

By Az on May 7th, 2013

Amuse will be holding a special summer event called 「BBQin Tsumagoi ~ Bokura no Beat wo Kurae KORA! ~「 this July13 and 14 in Tsumagoi, Shizuoka. To promote the event, allparticipating artists did a special photoshoot together.

「BBQ in Tsumagoi ~ Bokura no Beat wo Kurae KORA! ~「is an event derived from the annual BBQ Rally that PornoGraffitti holds every year. Porno Graffitti usually holds thisevent with artists they have deep connections with, butbecause it is Amuse’s 35th anniversary, it has become acelebration with 13 other Amuse groups. The confirmednumber of artistes at this point is 14 groups (totaling 41people) for the two-day event.

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The photoshoot was held on one April day when all of theartists schedules miraculously matched. Before the shoot,the artists were all making friendly talk with each other andthose with instruments even held a short jamming session.However, once the godfathers of the event, Porno Graffitti,entered, the atmosphere became a little heavier.

The photoshoot was done with three variations: one withinstruments, one without, and one with the artistes holdinga board with written messages. The photographer, MakotoOkuguchi, can only say words of amazement and wonderwith each shot as he sees all 41 members perfectly matchingeach other. The staff also gave out instructions like “let’s havea cool photo!” or “let’s take a lively one!” to which the artistesgladly obliged.

In one amusing scene, when the artistes were asked to be“loud and celebratory”, the boys among the group startedto feel shy. In the midst of the awkwardness, Perfume’sA-Chan turned around to face them and shouted, “with asmile now!”. After which, all 41 members broke out of theirshyness and the shoot proceeded smoothly.

====

Amuse 35th Anniversary BBQ in Tsumagoi ~ Bokura no Beatwo Kurae KORA! ~

July 13, 2013 – Tsumagoi, ShizuokaArtist line-up:

Porno Graffitti / Perfume / ONE OK ROCK / NICO Touchesthe Walls / flumpool / WEAVER / Takahashi Yuu /MIHIRO / MONOBRIGHT / Tawata Emi / Hemenway /Rihwa / HaKU

July 14, 2013 – Tsumagoi, ShizuokaArtist line-up:

Porno Graffitti / FLOW / Perfume / ONE OK ROCK /flumpool / WEAVER / Takahashi Yuu / MIHIRO /MONOBRIGHT / Tawata Emi / Hemenway / Rihwa / HaKU

source: natalie

ClariS receives newillustrated look fromMadoka’s studio Shaft fortheir 2nd album ‘SecondStory’ (on sale June 26)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/claris-2nd-album-new-illustration-

madoka-studio-shaft/

By KarbyP on May 7th, 2013

ClariS, an anisong duo who has never made a live appearanceand whose identities have thus far been represented asanime characters on their CD covers, is receiving a new lookfor the upcoming release of their new album, Second Story.

The new illustrated look was done by Shaft animatorHideyuki Morioka, who is said to have worked on the“original picture” for Puella Magi Madoka Magica animeseries (we’re not sure if that’s a mistake), in conjunction withthe rest of the Madoka Magica team at Shaft.

On top of ClariS’s new illustrated look, Morioka and theMadoka Magica team will also be working on the sleeve casefor one of two limited edition releases of ClariS’s secondalbum.

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Second Story is ClariS’s second full album, and it consistsof three already released singles – Wake Up (OP toMoyashimon Returns), reunion (OP theme to OreImo), andLuminous (theme song for the Madoka Magica movie, PartOne) – as well as nine brand new tracks.

Like we mentioned earlier, two limited editions – “limited-time production edition” (「「「「「「「) and a “completelimited edition (「「「「「「「) – of the album will be availableon top of a regular edition. Both limited editions willcome with a DVD containing the PV music videos for theaforementioned previously released singles as well as thelead song from the set of nine new tracks.

So what’s the difference? Well, apparently only the limited-time production edition will include the sleeve case designedby anime studio Shaft.

On the otherhand, the “complete” limited edition comeswith Grafig papercrafts (ClariS reunion version) made in thelikeness of ClariS’s animated duo instead.

Yeah, it’s almost like they’re forcing you to choose betweentwo daughters. Fortunately, you can buy both – if that’s anyconsolation.

ClariS’s second full album, Second Story, hits record storesin Japan June 26.

Source: Natalie

Make your packed lunch truly‘stand out’ with these JoJo’sBizarre Adventure DecorationPicksSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/packed-lunch-stand-out-jojos-

bizarre-adventure-decoration-picks/

By KarbyP on May 7th, 2013

Toy and figure maker Sentinel Co., Ltd are releasing a seriesof decoration picks inspired by Hirohiko Araki’s popularJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga series.

Designed with a “Stand” motif in mind – Stands, of course,being the supernatural summons that characters from Part3 and onwards in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure can call forth –these picks feature the super-deformed likeness of a Standon the gripping end, and a projectile attack, such as an arrowor a fireball, on the sharp end. In other words, essentially it’s

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like you are ordering your Stand to launch an assault on yourlunch! Talk about a snack attack.

These JoJo’s decoraction picks come in packs of three (525yen per pack), and a total of six designs are available:Sex Pistols No.1, No.2, No.3; Sex Pistols No.5, No.6, No.7;Metallica; Pearl Jam; and Bad Company.

Each pack of three is also available in your choice of any ofthree colours – blue, orange, or yellow – for a total of 18varieties.

The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Decoration Picks will hit retailstores in Japan in August.

Source: Comic Natalie

Cast of school action animeC³-bu revealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/cast-stella-jogakuin-koutouka-c

%C2%B3-bu-revealed/

By SunSoftware on May 7th, 2013

The next school action anime from the renowned studioGainax is coming this summer, and among the voice talentjoining them are big names like Miyuki Sawashiro and YuiMakino.

Stella Jogakuin Koutouka C³-bu (Stella Women’s Academy,High School Division Class C³, not to be confused withC³, the 2011 love comedy) is centered around a highschool girl named Yura Yamato who enters Stella Woman’sAcademy, where she joins a club called “C³” (“C-cube”),where members compete in military survival games withairsoft guns. The anime is based on the manga of the samename written by Ikoma and drawn by Momoka Midorito.

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The latest issue of Monthly Young Magazine revealed thecast of this upcoming anime, which you can see below.Curiously, it includes stars like Miyuki Sawashiro, as well asa complete newcomer.

• Yura Yamato: Yui Makino (Sakura from TsubasaChronicle)

• Sonora Kashima: Miyuki Sawashiro (Shinku fromRozen Maiden)

• Karila Hatsuse: Ai Kayano (Saori from Girls undPanzer)

• Honoka Mutsu: Chiwa Saitou (Homura from PuellaMagi Madoka Magica)

• Rento Kirishima: Rima Nishizima (actress/modeldebuting as voice actress)

• Yachiyo Hinata: Madoka Yonezawa (Ui from K-ON!)

Earlier this year, the studio Gainax also revealed the staff ofthe anime:

• Director: Masayoshi Kawajiri (background artistdebuting as director)

• Character Designer: Manami Umeshita (Medaka Box)

• Music Composer: Koutarou Nakagawa (Hayate noGotoku!)

• Animation Studio: Gainax (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

They also revealed a teaser video featuring girls holdingfirearms in dramatic poses and catchy jazz music.

Fans of Gainax or cute girls fighting with replica guns shouldkeep an eye on C³-bu when it airs this July.

Source: Yaraon

Sony’s Toro Inoue celebrates14th birthdaySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/sonys-toro-inoue-celebrates-14th-

birthday/

By Zenko on May 7th, 2013

Playstation Network in Japan has their own cat-basedmascots, and this past Monday one of them celebrated theirbirthday in style!

In the Aqua City building on Tokyo’s artificial islandof Odaiba, PSN mascot Toro celebrated his fourteenthbirthday. The name of the event was “Let’s spend timewith Toro! Meowful Birthday Party presented by Kuro”. Thebirthday party has become a traditional closing event on thelast day of Golden Week in Japan.

The event included serving a special cake, a fashion showstaring Toro and a special appearance by Kumamoto’smascot Kumamon. A great number of fans of the whitecat mascot showed up to congratulate him on another yearpassing.

Although originally from their own game franchise, DokoDemo Issyo, Kuro and Toro have since found their way intoseveral other franchises including Let’s Golf! and ProjectDiva. He, and his friend Kuro, have also appeared recentlyin Playstation All-Stars Battle.

Source: Famitsu

Limited edition HenNekosweets now available fromPatisserie SwallowtailSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/henneko-sweets-patisserie-

swallowtail/

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By SunSoftware on May 7th, 2013

Patisserie Swallowtail likes to collaborate with anime andmake amazing cakes, and now, they have some limitededition sweets based on Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko.

These sweets are on sale from May 5 to May 12 at PatisserieSwallowtail White Rose’s special booth located in K-BooksAkihabara.

Tsukiko Cake (680 yen)

Modeled after the heroine of the series, this cheesecakefeatures a base with mango seasoning and a surface toppedwith lemon cream and decorated with a checkered moon anda cute ribbon.

Stony Cat Statue Cake (680 yen)

Modeled after the Stony Cat statue, this cute cake sits atopa chocolate base covered in caramel mousse and chocolatecream. Just like the Stony Cat statue in the anime, this cakewill make your wish come true (maybe).

Hentai Prince’s Licky Licky Chocolate (680 yen for set of 3)

Creepy name aside, these chocolate-on-a-stick featureimages of the cute heroines Azusa, Tsukiko, and Tsukushi(aka Steel King).

As a present, customers will also get a 9-cm coaster bearinga portrait of one of HenNeko’s heroines for each cake or setof Licky Licky Chocolate.

In addition, as part of their Ai Dolce brand, PatisserieSwallowtail is selling cookies with illustrations by Kantoku,the character designer of HenNeko and member of thedoujin circle “Afterschool of the 5th Year”. Kantoku fans, doyou recognize these characters?

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Each cookie costs 630 yen and comes with a 9-cm coaster or76-mm can patch.

If you’re a HenNeko fan who’s lucky enough to live nearAkihabara, you should rush over to Patisserie Swallowtailnow before the limited edition sweets are gone.

Source: Patisserie Swallowtail White Rose homepage 1, 2

‘The Sims 4′ launching on PCand Mac in 2014Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/the-sims-4-launching-pc-mac-2014/

By KarbyP on May 6th, 2013

Maxis announced today that a new instalment of their best-selling simulation game franchise, The Sims 4, is currentlyin the works and scheduled for release on the PC and Macplatforms sometime in 2014.

Other than platforms and the vague release date, Maxis hasnot revealed any other details on the new title.

However, according to a post on their official blog, moreinformation on the game will be released later today:

The Sims franchise is fueled by the passion andcreativity of its millions of fans around the world.Their continued devotion to the franchise ignites thefire of creativity of the team at The Sims Studio,driving them to continually improve and innovateon one of the world’s most successful simulationgame that has sold more than 150 million copiesworldwide.

More information will be revealed later today hereon The Beat, so stay tuned.”

The Sims 4′s official announcement comes several days afterThe Sims Russia teased an announcement for this week, andafter Netizens discovered that a “thesims4.com” domain thatEA had previously registered (way back in 2003, might Iadd) had been updated in April 2013 – a full year before itwas due to expire in April 2014. In addition, the site hadapparently went live, re-directing users’ Web browsers toEA’s official website for The Sims series when the URL wasentered.

Source: Maxis blog [via ShackNews]

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

‘Tales of’ series nailpolishers: let the JRPGs’male leads file yourfingernails for youSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/tales-of-series-nail-polishers/

By KarbyP on May 9th, 2013

Like Tales of Xillia 2? Now you can have Nails of Xillia, too– if you use these “Tails of” series nail polishers that featurethe JRPGs’ male leads on one side.

It’s almost like you have Ludgar/Jude/any other Tales ofseries’s male leads serving you “at your fingertips”, youprincess gamer you.

(Disclaimer: if you’re a guy who takes care of your fingernailsthere is absolutely nothing wrong with you wanting thesenail polishers either.)

These “Tails of” nail polishers (they’re referred to as “nailpolishers”, but are really nail files) are made of reinforcedglass, allowing for the anime illustrations to be laser-etchedintricately on the back surface. Just look at the gorgeousdetails in that illust!

A total of 12 designs are available, sporting characters fromTales of Xillia 1 and 2, as well as those from Tales of Gracesand Tales of Vesperia.

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The Tales of nail polishers (nail filing) are priced at 1,575yen each, including tax. Available exclusively from onlineshop BrainPolice. Pre-orders start today, and end on May26. The final products are expected to ship out sometime inlate June.

Source: BrainPolice, Dengeki

Interview with hit socialRPG, Sword of Phantasia’sproducer, Shunsuke SasakiSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/interview-hit-social-rpg-sword-

phantasias-producer-shunsuke-sasaki/

By okaroll on May 9th, 2013

In a world that is producing game applications daily, socialRPG Sword of Phantasia has hit 400,000 downloads in just

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a month from its release. With such good results, we cannothelp but to wonder about the secret behind their success.

Sword of Phantasia (abbreviated as SOP below) is a socialRPG made by Pokelabo and has collaborated with Hip Hopgroup, ONE ☆ DRAFT for the theme song. This game isreleased on the iOS and is free for download in the App Store.The game play is engaging and it boasts a wide range ofcustomizable attire for your avatar.

Here is a short interview with the producer of the gamehimself, Shunsuke Sasaki.

– You seem to want SOP to hit above 400 000 downloadswithin one month of its release.

Sasaki: Actually the iOS version of SOP was released on April4 this year. It has hit 100 000 downloads on the first day ofits release and got first place in free apps ranking in the AppStore. Now, we are targeting to hit 500 000 downloads.

– It is amazing to hit 100 000 downloads just on the first dayof release! What did you do to make that happen?Sasaki: I thought that hitting 100 000 downloads is ratherdifficult on the first day. But SOP caught a lot of attention ascompared to the other games as the opening sequence andtheme song was released. Also, most of its success is due tothe large amount of reporting done by the media. So when weannounced the closed beta for this game, there were manypeople who signed up for it. As a result, this closed beta forthis game was spread by word of mouth and in the end wehad 20 000 beta testers. This has really helped in boostingthe popularity of SOP in the beginning.

– As you can see the change in the avatar when changingequipment, it must be quite fun for the ladies too.

Sasaki: Indeed. According to statistics, it seems that theconsumers tend to favor visible changes in the avatar ratherthan “very rare” equipment. The cute avatars you see in SOPare all created by our female graphic designers.

– It seems like it. The bear and rabbit masks are so cute~

Sasaki: That is a huge hit with the players. Unlike othergames with an equipment hierachy, we have a userdemographic which prefers the joy in customizing the avatarfor aesthetic appeal. I think what makes SOP so interestingis that the users are able to create their own style of playing.

– I really like cats. I want some cat related equipment!

Sasaki: There are many staff members who love cats, so thecat themed avatar might happen.*laughs*

– Yes please! Since this is a social RPG, I had no troublegetting into the game at all.Sasaki: I thought of making this become game where lightusers such as yourself can enjoy the game with your friends.Unlike regular card games, there are a total of 16 differentjob classes with different specialties and as such, users wholike speedrun games will also be able to enjoy it. You can

also enjoy the game by playing in party battle mode with amaximum of 20 players. So please check out.

– I was immediately surprised by the opening sequence ofthe game!

Sasaki: When I play consumer games, I always loved theanimated cut scenes in them. So I thought that I would wantto do an opening sequence which is attention grabbing andto show that SOP is a Social RPG. Since I asked an ex StudioGhibli staff to direct the opening sequence, we actually spentmore time on the opening sequence than the game itself.

– The theme song is really nice! Why did you decide to useONE☆DRAFT to sing the game’s theme song?

Sasaki: As we have a staff member who writes songs forONE☆DRAFT, it was easy for the song to match the themewe are going for in this game. So we decided to use them.

– What do you think about the song when you first heard it?

Sasaki: As this is the first time we were ever had a singer forour opening theme song, we felt really excited about it. Oncethe opening sequence was matched with the song, it reallyfelt like an opening for a typical anime.

Above: Proposed pet character designs

– So what direction is SOP going for in the future?

Sasaki: As we have official in-game events, we would also liketo expand a casino and pet system for the game. The casinois for the players to get rid of unwanted equipment andgamble for the item they want and as such there is mobilityin attaining more equipment. The pet system works in a waythat, it can act as a weapon which will help out during bossbattles. We are also thinking of creating a leveling systemfor the pets and to also make them show in the user’s profilepage and avatar.We are also thinking of adding on voices for the characters,so please look forward to that!

– Please do check it out once it’s released *laughs* So, anylast words to promote SOP?

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Sasaki: SOP consists of the good points about Social RPGand also the game has very high playability. It is an enjoyablegame which might make you turn into a mid-core gamer, soplease give this game a try.

Check out some screenshots of the game play!

via Dengeki Online

Actress Ayame Goriki tostar in live action movieadaptation of Ayu Watanabe’sL DKSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/actress-ayame-goriki-star-live-

action-movie-adaptation-ayu-watanabes-l-dk/

By okaroll on May 9th, 2013

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Ayame Goriki will be acting as the main female lead, AoiNishimori. She has also starred in other live action movieadaptations such as Gachaman and Kuroshitsuji. Ayamecommented that since she never tried living alone before,there were many times when she felt embarrassed justthinking about acting out the various closed-quarter fightingscenes between Aoi and the male protagonist Shuuseidepicted in the manga. Ayame also said that she wishes torecreate an Aoi that is true to the original work.

Since its release in 2009, more than 2 700 000 copies weresold till this date, making this a huge hit. Taisuke Kawamura,who has also directed Nodame Cantabile The Movie II, willbe the director for this movie. The script will be written byscriptwriter, Yuko Matsuda, who is known for her work inthe Gokusen series.

The movie is slated for release in spring 2014.

via Mantan Web

Harem action anime ‘Maken-Ki!’ gets second seasonSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/harem-action-anime-maken-ki-

season/

By SunSoftware on May 9th, 2013

Maken-Ki!, the harem action anime loaded with fanserviceand exaggerated female anatomy, is making a comebackwith a brand new staff.

The studio Xebec has opened a teaser site announcing thesecond season of Maken-Ki!, titled Maken-Ki! Two (the“two” is written as “☆”, which means “to pass through” or“street”; we’re not sure why it’s written like that).

The anime is based on a manga by Hiromitsu Takeda,which was previously animated by AIC in 2011. The story iscentered around a high school boy named Takeru Ooyamawho enters a formerly all-girls school, hoping for a happyschool life surrounded by cute girls. What he doesn’t knowwhen he enrolls is that the students have magic powers andbattle each other with weapons called Maken.

Although it hasn’t been confirmed whether the cast fromthe first season will make a return, the staff has almostcompletely changed.

• Director: Hiraku Kaneko (Seikon no Qwaser)

• Character Designer: Akio Takami (Upotte!)

• Scenario Writer: Yousuke Kuroda (Maken-Ki!,BTOOOM!)

• Animation Studio: Xebec (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san)

These staff members are also responsible for the Maken-KiOVA that will be included on a Blu-ray Disc with the limitededition of volume 11 of the manga, which will be released inlate September, so fans of the series should get that as well.

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Source: Natalie

Interview with the directorof KyoAni’s sexy swimminganime, ‘Free!’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/interview-director-sexy-swimming-

anime-free/

By okaroll on May 9th, 2013

Remember that article on “that sexy swimming anime”previously reported?Now, we have a short interview with the director, HirokoUtsumi!

Hiroko: Although the original story was set in a primaryschool, if I were to show this in an animation, I feel likecreating cool high school students as compared to primaryschool students. So I changed it.

– I totally agree on that!

Hiroko: Since I was trained in drawing, I thought that Iwould want to show an animation that features physicalbeauty. As such, I have decided on the theme, “Swimming,Friendship and Torsos” and I wish to promote the animebased on this theme.

– It is perfect!

Hiroko: This series does not show the so called fighting spiritusually featured in sports anime. I decided that it is moreimportant to show a teenage drama where friendships areformed through swimming. From there, I created the fivecharacters.

– So how are the friendships in this show going to bedeveloped?

Hiroko: I think that developing a friendship is not child’splay so I will start by creating these raw and colliding feelingsof competitiveness from swimming. Then, I wish to go in adirection where the anime shows a kind of strong passionthat everyone would want to see.

– Oh yes, please do!

Hiroko: Actually there is a part where it shows the reasonwhy Makoto and company* would want to swim was becausethey were drawn to the main character, Haruka’s* swimmingskills.As such, I have to show Haruka’s charm when swimming nomatter what.

– Who exactly is Haruka?

Hiroko: He looks cool on the outside, but he is someone withflaws who only cares about nothing but the swimming pool.But I think that this part of his personality is his charmingpoint.

– Are there any special points when creating the bodies forthe five of them?

Hiroko: Of course. While creating them, I did take note ofeach character’s bone structure, how prominent their ribcages are, and also the various body parts such as the size oftheir hands.

– Rib cages are the best! The way the muscles that weresubtly shown when wearing parkas, are very beautiful.

Hiroko: I love rib cages too.

– Let us all burn in the passion of pelvic muscles thissummer!!!!!!

*Let us take a look at the characters for this anime!

Haruka Nanase- main character

Makoto Tachibana

Nagisa Hazuki

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Rei Ryugazaki

Rin Matsuoka

via yaraon, crunchyroll

“Attack On Titan” authorappears on Internet talkshowSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/attack-titan-author-appears-

internet-talk-show/

By weiq on May 9th, 2013

Hajime Isayama, author of the “Attack on Titan” animeseries, was recently a guest on an internet TV show inJapan. The program was broadcast on NOTTV, Japan’s firstdedicated TV station for smartphones, on Tuesday.

The show is hosted by Yoshida Hisanori, a radio stationannouncer who often hosts anime event stages and is alsofamous for being a heavy anime otaku. Throughout theshow, Isayama donned a rubber mask of the Colossal Titan(which he eventually remove) and discussed his favoriteidols while leaving a few memorable quotes. Luckily forfans who had no access to the show, a photo of a livedemonstraation of Japanese calligraphy during the showthat records the quotes is posted:

From right:“Momoka is groundwork technique” (Assuming this isrelated to MomoClo)

“Mikasa is the compilation of Moe”

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“Do not get fixed on one point of view”

“I want to betray, hurt and make them suffer” (is he talkingabout his manga audience?)

“Eat them alive!!”

Every guest of the show is asked to make one drawing, soIsayama drew the titan with a peace sign:

“I received lots of money!!”

Probably will be the most sought after item for fans andcosplayers

soruce: togetter.com, tv.nottv.jp

Staff of fantasy comedyanime YuuShibu revealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/staff-fantasy-comedy-anime-

yuushibu-revealed/

By SunSoftware on May 8th, 2013

In this upcoming fantasy from the studio responsible forMinami-ke, the bad guy is defeated before the story starts,and the main character gets no fame or glory. Of course, thestory isn’t that simple…

It was announced earlier this year that the light novel seriesYuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku woKetsui Shimashita (I Reluctantly Decided to Find a JobBecause I Couldn’t Become a Hero) will join the ranks oflight novels-turned-anime with really long names. The novelseries is written by Jun Sakyou and illustrated by MasakiInuzumi, and currently has five volumes, along with twodifferent manga adaptations.

The story is centered around a boy named Raul who hasalways dreamed of becoming a hero and defeating thedemon lord. For years, he trained to become a hero, butsuddenly, news spread across the country of the demonlord’s defeat. Now that all of the heroes-in-training areunemployed, Raul gets a part-time job at a magic shop inthe royal capital, where he lives an uneventful life until thearrival of a young, arrogant, clueless job applicant — who isthe demon lord’s daughter!

“Fuhahahaha. You did well to arrive at my cashregister, o customer!”

The latest issue of Monthly Newtype has revealedinformation on the staff:

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• Director: Kinji Yoshimoto (Queen’s Blade)

• Character Designer: Tetsuya Takeuchi (YomigaeruSora: Rescue Wings)

• Series Composer: Masashi Suzuki (Minami-keOkawari)

• Animation Studio: Asread (Minami-ke, Mirai Nikki)

We don’t have any dates or cast information yet, but thestory feels like a reverse urban fantasy along the linesof Hataraku Maou-sama!, so anyone who’s interested infantasy comedies like that should keep an eye on this anime.

Source: Yaraon

Info on school fighting anime‘Kill La Kill’ by the staff ofGurren Lagann leaked onlineSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/info-school-fighting-anime-kill-la-

kill-staff-gurren-lagann-leaked-online/

By ellehaym on May 8th, 2013

The plans on Hiroyuki Imaishi’s upcoming action animewere supposed to be revealed in the June issue of NewTypemagazine which launches this Friday. But with the details

getting leaked online, we’re getting the info earlier thanexpected.

The new series entitled Kill La Kill is set in an all-girlsschool. Imaishi reunites with Gurren Lagann’s writer KazukiNakashima and character designer Sushio for this Triggerproduction (the studio formed by the former employees ofGainax).

Kill La Kill is an action anime that follows the storyof Ryuuko Matoi and Satsuki Kiryuuin. Satsuki (the oneholding the sword) tries to overthrow the student councilby force. However, the seemingly revenge-driven Ryuukointerferes with Satsuki’s plans. The story’s driving force willbe the rivalry between the two female leads.

If you previously watched Gurren Lagann, then you’llprobably have high expectations of this upcoming schoolbattle anime.

Its official site is registered at www.kill-la-kill.jp, but it isdown at the moment of writing this post.

via Crunchyroll

Super Robot Wars OG SagaMasou Kishin III: Pride ofJustice’s 1st PV streamedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/super-robot-wars-og-saga-masou-

kishin-iii-pride-justices-1st-pv-streamed/

By KarbyP on May 8th, 2013

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The first trailer for Super Robot Wars OG Saga Masou KishinIII: Pride of Justice’s first PV trailer is over six minutes long,and almost as long as its name.

Unveiled in this week’s issue of Famitsu magazine, the SRPGis coming to PlayStation 3 and PS Vita August 22 in Japan.

A sequel to last year’s Super Robot Wars OG Sega MasouKishin 2 for the PSP, Masou Kishin 3 picks up the story fromwhere the previous game ended but otherwise sports visualsthat look vastly different from part 2.

This time around, the battle cinematics are rendered in 3D,and all the robots are featured in their original propotionsrather than super-deformed dimensions – the latter isusually the case in SRW games.

But that’s only for battle cutscenes. Story event cutscenesappear to be mostly rendered in 2D.

Gamers who snag a first-print edition of Masou Kishin IIIwhen it comes out will receive a product code to downloada version of the Valsione unit from TV anime Super RobotWars OG: The Inspector.

For more on Super Robot Wars OG Saga Masou Kishin III:Pride of Justice, head over to Famitsu’s story here whereyou’ll find lots of the game’s first screenshots.

These are the 1st images ofMomiji kicking butt in Deador Alive 5 Ultimate (Autumn2013)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/1st-images-momiji-kicking-butt-

dead-alive-5-ultimate-autumn-2013/

By KarbyP on May 8th, 2013

Kicking butt? Actually I meant “kicking face”.

This week Famitsu has the exclusive first look at TeamNinja’s recently announced new Dead or Alive 5 projectfor the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 home consoles. Thegame, entitled Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, is set to be releasedsometime in Autumn 2013, and will feature at least one newplayable character, Ninja Gaiden’s Momiji, and at least onenew stage: Sky City Tokyo.

Momiji

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Stage: Sky City Tokyo

Set in a high-rise building’s rooftop garden in futuristicTokyo, the Sky City Tokyo stage is inspired by theNinja Gaiden series’s design motif. This stage will feature“dynamic attractions”, which for those of you who didn’t playDOA5, basically means you’ll be able to knock your opponentaround to various parts of the stage.

One of the dynamic attraction gimmicks in this stageinvolves a gigantic Buddha statue in the background that’sso big that it doesn’t fit within the confines of the gamecamera – so you might not actually notice its presence untilsomebody sends you flying towards it with a Power Blow.

Want to see how Momiji or the new stage plays like? TeamNinja has said that they’re currently working on a new trailerfor the game, so it may not be too long before we get aglimpse of it online.

Source: Famitsu

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

flumpool to reveal temporaryguitarist this weekend onNico Nico LiveSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/flumpool/

By Az on May 10th, 2013

After a short recruitment period, flumpool will finally berevealing their temporary guitarist on NICONICO live thisweekend, May 12, 9:00 PM (JST).

As previously reported, flumpool guitarist Kazuki Sakai hastemporarily stopped his visual activities in order to focuson dieting, his last visual activity being the photoshoot forAmuse’s BBQ event. Because of this, flumpool has arrangeda search for their temporary guitarist with the followingsearch conditions:

1. Must look like Kazuki Sakai2. Must look stylish in a jacket

3. Must be used to standing on stage

4. Not any taller than 171 cm.

5. Can be funny

6. Must be from Kansai

7. Can play the guitar at a decent level

Here’s the recruitment announcement video.

The members take a humorous swipe at Sakai, saying thathe’s so fat that he cannot fit into the doorway to his homeand so fat that he cannot even play the F chord. But ona more serious note, Sakai and the drummer, Seiji Ogura,mentioned on their comments on the band’s official sitethat their agency had also asked Sakai numerous timesto seriously diet and that this time there will be negativerepercussions (worst case is that he will be fired) if he is notable to succeed.

While Sakai has already tried to diet time and again, he neverseems to get it right and just rebounds. He has tried so manytimes that when he tells the members that he will diet, theyalready expect that it will not succeed. So this time, in orderto be more focused and determined, he announced his plansand put a pause to his visual activities.

To the fans of flumpool, please watch the reveal withconsiderate eyes and along with the members, supportKazuki Sakai as he tries to reach his goal of 64 kg. and makesa comeback by the end of June. Hopefully, we will see anew Sakai Kazuki as they hold their 5th anniversary live inBudoukan this October.

===============================================

flumpool new guitarist presentation/recital: May 12, 9:00PM (JST), livestream URL: http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv136110669

source: natalie, flumpool Official Website

Kyary’s “Pon Pon Pon”mocktail [Press Event]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kyarys-pon-pon-pon-mocktail-press-

event/

By sentinel011 on May 10th, 2013

Kyary just keeps on surprising both her fans and the mediawith her unique sense of style and fashion. The pressevent was held at the Modern Asian Diner located at TheGrandstand.

Decked out in a casual full black ensemble, with matchingjacket and dotted stockings, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will behaving her last overseas concert leg in Singapore. TheSingapore concert tickets were officially sold out yesterday

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morning, no doubt due to the marketing efforts of the localorganizers SOZO and CROONER.

A special mango mocktail drink was prepared by the residentbartender of the restaurant, and named aptly as “Pon PonPon”, Kyary’s début breakthrough single.

Here’s some fun facts and replies from Kyary’s Q&A session:

• Wants to introduce tops with puffed sleeves toSingapore’s ladies fashion scene

• Changing out costumes from Tsukematsukeru toFashion Monster very quickly during last year’sKohaku Uta Gassen Song Battle

• Feels that she is inappropriate for normal social life asshe cannot take a mundane lifestyle, and pretty muchprefers her life as an artiste and Kawaii-Harajukufashion ambassador

• Hopes to be able to work with other Japanese artistesto enhance the position of Japanese pop culture ingeneral

Stay tuned to our exclusive footage of the Q&A session in ourYoutube channel!

Sid Meier’s Ace Patrol andHaunted Hollow launched oniOSSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/launch-sid-meiers-ace-patrol-

haunted-hollow/

By bj0rN on May 10th, 2013

Sid Meier’s Ace Patrol is a new mobile strategy game basedon WWI air combat that allows players to relive history asthey pilot the skies in defence of their base camp and allies.This game challenges gamers to embrace their inner militaryaviator as Sid Meier’s Ace Patrol invites players to lead ateam of Aces through various campaigns across Europe asthey simultaneously upgrade skills, improve aircraft, andmuch more.

Be it if you are a Sid Meier enthusiast, dogfighter and/orWWI aficionado, players are sure to find Sid Meier’s Ace

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Patrol a high-quality strategy game that is fun, innovative,and true to Firaxis’ tactical core.

Key Features Includes:

• Piloting a selection of 30 vintage and historical WWIaircrafts through more than 120 missions

• Building out a team of Aces that each offer a specialskill set to expand gameplay options

• Upgrading and promoting the top fighter pilotsthroughout the course of the campaign

• Playing Turn-based Single-Player, Two-Player Hot-Pad or Asynchronous Multiplayer through GameCenter

Sid Meier’s Ace Patrol is now available to download for freefrom the App Store on iOS devices worldwide. For moreinformation, please visit the App Store or visit their forums.

Haunted Hollow is a competitive, spooky, turn-basedgame that’s sure to please gamers of all ages. Playersbuild a mysterious mansion to summon popular monsters,like vampires, mummies and werewolves, who fight theiropponent’s collection of creatures while simultaneouslyattempting to possess an unsuspecting town in order to win.

Key Features Includes:

• Build and rule a mysterious mansion that spawnsfreaky monsters, including vampires, zombies,mummies, witches and reapers

• Go head-to-head with rivals to scare townspeople,battle enemies, avoid angry mobs and seize control ofthe town

• Level-up with each monster’s own menacing skillsand powers, in addition to a selection of powerenhancements

• Play single-player or multi-player by challengingfriends, both through the Game Center and with Pass& Play

• Choose from varying Haunted House architecturestyles such as the ‘Lost Temple’ and ‘Mad Scientist’

Haunted Hollow is now available for free to downloadfrom the App Store on iOS devices worldwide. For moreinformation on Haunted Hollow, please visit the App Store.

New trailer for ‘Inu to Hasamiwa Tsukaiyou’ now liveSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/trailer-inu-hasami-wa-tsukaiyou-

live/

By SunSoftware on May 10th, 2013

The animation studio Gonzo has released a new trailerof their upcoming comedy mystery involving a murder, abookworm-turned-dog, and fist fights with books.

Inu to Hasami wa Tsukaiyou is about a high school boynamed Kazuhito Harumi who spends all of his time readingbooks — until he is shot by a robber! However, throughthe power of a bookworm, he comes back to life — asa dachshund who can’t read. The good news is, now hebelongs to one of his favorite authors, Shinobu Akiyama, akaKirihime Natsuno. The bad news is, Kirihime is a sadist whoabuses Kazuhito with scissors.

In this two-minute trailer, you can get a glimpse of themurder, supporting characters, and Kirihime announcingdramatically, “The main character… has come.”

Along with the trailer, the characters’ profiles were alsoposted on the anime’s official website.

Kirihime Natsuno (CV: Marina Inoue)

Kazuhito Harumi (CV: Takahiro Sakurai)

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Madoka Harumi (CV: Kana Asumi)

Suzuna Hiiragi (CV: Shizuka Itou)

Hami Oosawa (CV: Ai Kakuma)

Maxi Akizuki (CV: Yuu Serizawa)

Kiyoshi Inukai (CV: Wataru Hatano)

Yayoi and Sakura Honda (CV: Hiromi Igarashi and MaayaUchida)

Momiji Himehagi

Sachi Moribe (CV: Chiwa Saitou)

InuHasa was first published in 2011 as a light novel serieswritten by Shunsuke Sarai and illustrated by TetsuhiroNabeshima, and it received an excellence award in theEntame Taisho awards. The anime will start airing on July10, so fans of comedy mysteries won’t have to wait long.

Source: InuHasa homepage

GACKT to sing for Japaneseversion of ‘Silent Hill:Revelations 3D’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/gackt-sing-japanese-version-silent-

hill-revelations-3d/

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By okaroll on May 10th, 2013

Musician GACKT will be lending his voice to the Japaneseversion of Silent Hill: Revelations 3D with his songCLAYMORE.

CLAYMORE will be included in his album, BEST OF THEBEST vol. 1. This album will be released on July 3 in all majormusic stores.

GACKT commented that, he hopes that more peoplewill be able to experience his song and the moviethrough the Gothic and whimsical feel depicted in this tie-up.

The plot follows the main character, Heather Manson whohas lost her memories of when she was a child and getsnightmares every night about monsters chasing her. Shethen steps on a journey to search for her missing fatherin a mysterious place called Silent Hill. This would be onehorrifying journey beyond imagination.

So, fans of the GACKT and the Silent Hill series, please docheck this out.

The Japanese version of this movie will be out intheaters across Japan on July 12 2013.

via Mantan Web

Volks’s Moekore Plus& Charagumin kits nowavailable for pre-order onlinethrough Singapore’s ToyCoinSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/singapore-easier-pre-order-volkss-

moekore-charagumin-figures/

By KarbyP on May 10th, 2013

Volks’s Moekore Plus PVCs and Charagumin colour resin(i.e. pre-painted) garage kits are some of the most exclusivefigures around – it can be really hard to get your hands onone.

But thanks to a collaboration between Volks and Singapore’sToyCoin, now there is an easier – and cheaper – way to pre-order Volks pieces.

Save on proxy shopping feeMost of the major import stores (even the online ones) do nottypically carry Moekore Plus and Charagumin kits as Volkshas traditionally not worked with overseas partners. And sofor collectors the solution thus far has usually been to orderthem from Japan-only sites, and use proxy shopping servicesto ship them over to where you live – so that’s full retail pricefor the figure, plus shipping from Japan to where you are,plus the proxy shopping service’s surcharge.

While we know that for many of you collectors out there,affordability is really not the issue when it comes to thesehighly sough-after figures (availability is the problem), whatif you could save on the shipping and proxy shoppingsurcharge, and just pay more or less what you’d pay for if youwere buying from a Japanese retailer?

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ToyCoin ships internationallyIf you reside in Singapore, saving on proxy shopping fees isone advantage that ToyCoin is offering.

But if you do not live in Singapore, ToyCoin shipsinternationally as well. You’d have to bear the shoppingcosts, of course, but it could still work out to be cheaper thana proxy shopping service.

As a bonus, ToyCoin gets its own allotment of stocks fromVolks, so it may be easier to secure a particularly popularmodel from them than your usual Japanese online shoppingsites.

At the moment, apart from current Moekore Plus PVCs,ToyCoin are also doing pre-orders for older figures that wereinitially released years ago.

You can find the full selection over at ToyCoin’s site here.Use the handy searchbox if there’s something in particularyou’re looking for.

Otherwise, here are a few Moekore Plus and Charaguminmodels that caught our eye while browsing throughToyCoin’s selection.

Moekore Plus PVC figuresMoekore Plus Hatsune Miku

Item: Moekore Plus Hatsune MikuHeight: 23cm (1/6 Scale)

Series: Vocaloid

Preorder Deadline: 30 Jun 2013

Estimated Arrival: September 2013

Price: $108.00

Moekore Plus Kagamine Rin & Len

Item: Moekore Plus Kagamine Rin & LenHeight: 22cm (1/6 Scale)

Series: Vocaloid

Preorder Deadline: 30 Jun 2013

Estimated Arrival: September 2013

Price: $152.00

Moekore Plus Ryuubi Gentoku

Item: Moekore Plus Ryuubi GentokuHeight: 22cm (1/7 Scale)

Series: Shin Koihime Musou

Preorder Deadline: 30 Jun 2013

Estimated Arrival: September 2013

Price: $115.00

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Moekore Plus Haruka Takamori

Item: Moekore Plus Haruka TakamoriHeight: 23cm (1/7 Scale)

Series: Choukou Sennin Haruka

Preorder Deadline: 30 Jun 2013

Estimated Arrival: September 2013

Price: $115.00

Charagumin Garage KitsAs Charagumin are pre-painted garage kits designed tobe assembled from scratch, we’ve arranged our list ofrecommendations in order of easiest (least number of parts)to hardest (most).

Charagumin Aliasse

Item: Charagumin AliasseHeight: 18.5cm (1/8 Scale)

Series: Valkyria Chronicles

Preorder Deadline: 30 Jun 2013

Estimated Arrival: September 2013

Price: $120.00

Parts: 17 pieces (eye decals included)

Charagumin Takebe Saori

Item: Charagumin Takebe SaoriHeight: 19cm (1/7 Scale)

Series: Girls und Panzer

Preorder Deadline: 30 Jun 2013

Estimated Arrival: September 2013

Price: $120.00

Parts: 26 pieces (eye decals included)

Charagumin Sakura Shinguji

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Item: Charagumin Sakura ShingujiHeight: 26.5cm (1/8 Scale)

Series: Sakura Wars

Preorder Deadline: 30 Jun 2013

Estimated Arrival: September 2013

Price: $220.00

Parts: 58 pieces (eye decals included)

Kyary Pamyu Pamyumimics the SingaporeMerlion in latest GU fashioncommericialSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kyary-pamyu-pamyus-mimics-

singapore-merlion-gu-fashion-commercial/

By KarbyP on May 9th, 2013

The fourth and final instalment of GU’s Fashionable Invaderseries of commercials, which depicts Kyary Pamyu Pamyu asan alien who goes around “conquering the world” throughthe use of music and fashion, is set in Singapore and featuresour country’s national symbol, the Merlion.

But that’s not all; in the new commercial there is also acomical and surreal scene in which Alien Kyary mimics theMerlion, sprouting water from her mouth.

The commercial starts with Kyary the fashionable invader– who has large, pointed ears along with a hair partiallydyed in yellow, green and pink pastel gradations – emergingfrom her UFO after arrival in Singapore (no, no, she’s notan illegal immigrant; I’m sure she’s properly filled her alienregistration form).

Alien Kyary then gets close to the Merlion and, in an attemptto attract the attention of unwary passers-by (a Singaporeanfamily), begins to sprout water from her mouth just like theMerlion statue.

Then she strikes. A laser beam fires from the two feelerson Alien Kyary’s head towards the Singaporean family, andupon contact the beam changes the pants they’re wearing toGU’s short pants.

Happy that her mission’s accomplished, Alien Kyary thenreboards her UFO.

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Kyary said that prior to filming the commercial, she alreadyhad some ideas as to how she’d like to portray or mimic theMerlion.

She said that she wanted to be mimic the Merlion not justin terms of spirit, but also in terms of physical features. Soshe requested for the director to make changes to the videoto make her forehead portrude further, and for her mouth toopen wider.

“I’m hoping everyone who watches the commercial will geta laugh out of it,” she said cheekily.

The new commercial, entitled “Short Pants @ Singapore” isslated to air on Japanese TV on May 13.

Source: Oricon Style

Yuki Kashiwagi dresses as abride for the DVD/BD jacket ofher second solo liveSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kashiwagi-yuki-dresses-bride-dvdbd-

jacket-solo-live/

By Az on May 9th, 2013

The jacket pictures for Yuki Kashiwagii’s second solo liveDVD/BD 「2nd Solo Live Nete Mo Samete Mo YukirinWORLD ~Muchuu Ni Sarechauzo 「~「 has been revealed.This live was done in front of a crowd of 5000 last Februaryand will be released on June 19.

Since the DVD/BD will be released on June, Kashiwagiwent with the theme of “June Bride” and wore a beautifulwedding dress. All the articles she wore for the jacket areone-of-a-kind items with the head accessory being hand-crafted especially for her. The doll that Kashiwagi is holdingis actually an original character called Yukirindaruma andwas created from an illustration done by Kashiwagi. The dollis matched with Kashiwagi’s beautiful bride image and issuited with a tuxedo. The final product is a picture sure toput Yukirin fans into a daze.

“I’m happy that my second solo live turned out this way. Tothose who saw it live and those who’ll see it on DVD and Blu-ray, I’ll be glad if this will be a live that will remain in yourheart. I’m looking forward to seeing you on my third live!”,comments Kashiwagi. “There aren’t many chances wherein Icould dress up this way so I’m really happy. This has becomemy most beloved work.”

「2nd Solo Live Nete Mo Samete Mo Yukirin WORLD~Muchuu Ni Sarechauzo 「~「 contains her performanceof her debut single (and self-starring drama “MierinoKashiwagi” theme song) “Shortcake”, an acoustic version ofAKB48 song “Eien No Sakura No Ki Ni Narou”, and the songwhere Yukirin played drums, “GIVE ME FIVE” along with15 other songs totaling 18 songs including all the encores.The DVD/BD will also include a commentary by Kashiwagiin the second audio channel and a short documentary on therecording and rehearsal for the live. The first press editionof the release will have a hologram jacket and will contain arandom picture among seven different ones.

=======================================================

2nd Solo Live Nete Mo Samete Mo Yukirin WORLD~Muchuu Ni Sarechauzo 「~

1. Kuchiutsushi No Chocolate2. Enkyori Poster

3. Shonichi

4. Dragon Fruit No Tabegoro

5. GIVE ME FIVE!

6. Shortcake

7. Sakura No Ki Ni Narou Acoustic Ver. feat. Oshio Kotaro

8. Sore Demo Nakanai

9. Kazanbai

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10. Jealousy Punch

11. Class-kai No Ato De

12. Miraibashi

13. Temodemo No Namida

14. Gingham Check

Encore:1. Eien Pressure

2. Iiwake Maybe

3. Romance Privacy

Encore 2:1. Yokaze No Shiwaza

BD: 5990 Yen, DVD: 4990 Yen

source: natalie, Kashiwagi Yuki Official Website

Japan Game Music Festival2013: line-up includes Sega,Square Enix, Taito musiciansSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/japan-game-music-festival-2013-

performance-lineup-revealed/

By okaroll on May 9th, 2013

JAPAN Game Music Festival 2013 is a music festival wherebands and composers of this genre get together to performlive. Wouldn’t it be interesting to listen to something you areso familiar to being performed live?

This music festival will be held on 29 and 30 June at ZeppTokyo, with a price of 6,300 yen for one day and 10,500 yenfor two days.

The performance lineup are as follows:

Crush40

This is a collaboration unit between Sega’s guitarist, JunSenoue and HARDLINE’s vocalist Johnny Gioeli. 15 yearshas passed since 1998 when they started out by singing themain theme, Open Your Heart from Sonic Adventures. Theyhave since then performed most of the songs on the SonicAdventures series.

Known works:

Sonic Adventures 1 and 2,

Sonic Heroes

SEGA Sound Unit [H.]

They are the people behind all of Sega’s game music and theyconsists of main members Takeshi Mitsuyoshi, Hidenori,Mitsuharu Fukiyama and Hiro. They have planned for liveperformances and live streaming in the Tokyo Game Showbefore and have performed for a wide range of music events.

Known works:

BURNING RANGERS

AFTER BURNER

Ryu ga Gotoku series.

ZUNTATA

Hailing from Taito Sound Team, ZUNTATA has beenworking on many soundtracks of arcade, consumer gamesover the years. Other than that, they are also active as a bandand album producers, performing many roles in the Japanmusic scene.

May 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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The year 2012 marks their 25th anniversary as a bandand thus they have released their commemoration album,

COZMO~ ZUNTATA 25th Anniversary~

Known works:

DARIUS series

Psychic Force series

GROOVE COASTER series

The Death March (SQUARE ENIX)

This band was formed in November 2012 with Square Enixcomposer, Takeharu Ishimoto as the main member, Theystarted out by performing music from the hit NintendoDS game, The World Ends With You and has receivedgood ratings during their first sold out performance held inShibuya.

Mitsuo Suzuki (SQUARE ENIX) X Sugimoto Tomoyuki (VJ)

Mitsuo Suzuki is the man behind the soundtrack for thelatest installation in the Final Fantasy series, FFXIII-2and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. He is alsocritically acclaimed for his original works in electronicmusic. This time round he shall collaborate with VJ’sSugimoto Tomoyuki for a delightful combination of soundand imagery during this festival.

Nanaa Mihgo’s (SQUARE ENIX)

This band has an interesting mix of members consistingof violinist, Machi Okabe, pianist, Takuro Iga and FinalFantasy XI’s composer, Naoshi Mizuta on the bass. Thisband is a definite must listen for the fans who wish toexperience the game once more.

Falcom jdk BAND

They are a rock band specially created for the music used inNihon Falcom’s games. Since a change in lineup in August2007 by adding 2 female members, the new jdkBAND wasformed. What makes this new jdkBAND special is that theyhave added a violinist to their lineup.

Known works:

The Legend of Heroes Series (Sora no Kiseki, Ao no Kisekiand Rei no Kiseki)

Nayuta no Kiseki

Ys Series

LivestRow Basiscape Band

This band consists of composers under Basicscape, a musicproduction company based in Tokyo. They were formed in2013 and they are specialized in rock and electro music.

Known works:

Grand Knights Story- Assault of Brave Flame

Denpaningen RPG 1 and 2- Boss Medley

Espgaluda- Aerial- Sajin Abiru Ai

TEKARU

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Representing game music production company, NoisyCroak, this band was formed in March 2013 with composerHideki Sakamoto leading the band with the members alsofrom the same company.

Known works:

Time Travellers

EchoChrome

The Musicolors

This band has been performing live recently and theirmusical focus is on game music. With Kenji Ito on thekeyboard, Kazuko Suematsu on guitar, Chiaki Yoshiike onbass and Kiyotaka Takiyama on drums and they aim to putup a colorful performance for the audience attending thisfestival.

So have any of these bands perked your interest yet?

via JAPAN Game Music Festival 2013 official homepage,Degenki Online (1) and (2)

Ken Kutaragi, the father ofPlayStation, named ExternalDirector at Marvelous AQLSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/ken-kutaragi-father-playstation-

named-external-director-marvelous-aql/

By KarbyP on May 9th, 2013

Former Sony chairman and CEO, and the man widelyregarded as “the father of the PlayStation console”, hasbeen named an External Director at video games publisherMarvelous AQL, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei)reported today.

According to Nikkei, the move would allow MarvelousAQL to capitalise on Kutaragi’s expertise on the videogames industry to speed up developments in the company’sbusiness both in Japan and overseas.

Recently Marvelous AQL also made headlines after itacquired Atlus Online, the developer behin Shin MegamiTensei Online: Imagine, and changed the name of theirsubsidiary in the US, Xseed games, to Marvelous USA.

Kutaragi will officially assume the post in June at aMarvelous AQL board meeting.

Ken Kutaragi is also the the founder, president and CEO ofCyber AI Entertainment Inc. Although it was not mentionedin the Nikkei story, typically external directors are notrequired to leave their current jobs for the new post, sothis is unlikely to affect his duties there. He has also servedon the boards of Kadokawa Group Holdings, Inc., NojimaCorporation, and Rakuten, Inc.

Source: Nikkei

May 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Enjoy teatime with Haganai’sYozora, Sena & Kobatothrough these Cospadecorative platesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/enjoy-teatime-haganais-yozora-sena-

kobato-cospa-decorative-plates/

By KarbyP on May 11th, 2013

What’s for afternoon tea? A donut, black tea, and Meat. Ohmy, think of… all the… calories!

Teatime has never felt this sinful.

Nijigen Cospa is rolling out a series of decorative platesthemed after Haganai: I Don’t Have Many Friends Next’s (僕僕僕僕僕僕僕僕NEXT) Yozora Mikazuki, Sena Kashiwazaki, andKobato Hasegawa.

All three decorative plates measure the same dimensions(clearly not very faithful to the original work, shame on youCospa!), with a diameter of 16.3cm. Made of ceramics.

The only difference across all three plates appear to be itsillustrated design – what you see is what you get.

All three are priced at 1,050 yen each (including tax), and areexpected to ship at the end of June.

Not much else to say, except bon appetit!

May 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Yozora, Sena, Kobato

S.H. Figuarts ‘Sailor Mercury’unpainted prototype spottedin the wildSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/s-h-figuarts-sailor-mercury-

unpainted-prototype-spotted-wild/

By KarbyP on May 11th, 2013

Looks like Sailor Moon won’t be the only one from her seriesgetting Tamashii Nations’s S.H. Figuarts treatment after all!

When the figure was announced earlier this year as part ofthe plans to celebrate the franchise’s 20th anniversary series,there was no word on if the Sailor Moon release would be aone-off, or if the rest of the cast might be made as well.

There’s still no official announcement on this matter, but ifyou’re a fan of Sailor Mercury, there’s hope! An S.H. Figuartsunpainted protytpe of Sailor Mercury has been spotted inAkihabara, alongside Sailor Moon!

If you happen to be in the area, the store in question whereyou can check out the exhibit yourself is Sofmap (one of theseveral branches in Akihabara, anyway).

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Pre-orders for S.H. Figuarts Sailor Moon started earlier thisweek. The actual figure itself will begin shipping out fromJapan on August 13.

If you’re interested but still on the fence if this is one figureyou need to add to your collection (after all, they haven’tannounced if the other Sailor friends would make it), maybethis video (and pictures from AmiAmi) demonstrating all thefeatures of the S.H. Figuarts Sailor Moon might help youdecide:

May 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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[via Crunchyroll News]

All 1,000 Madoka Magica sealstamps sold out in 2 hours;other anime collabs to comeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/1000-madoka-magica-seal-stamps-

sold-2-hours/

By KarbyP on May 11th, 2013

Sales of e3paper’s Madoka Magica seal stamps were so briskthat they’re currently working on stamps based on otheranime series.

The company is also considering brining the product todistributors outside of Japan, due to having received asignificant number of orders from US and Australia animefans.

Are we witnessing the advent of a brand new era of moecharacter goods here? Imagine a world, several years fromnow, where anime fans all over Japan carry these moe sealstamps to use on legally-binding documents.

In case you haven’t heard, yes, these are actual, useable sealstamps that even the banks will accept.

And, yes, as it turns out, in real life you can actually make acontract with a Kyubey… seal stamp.

Seven illustration designs are available, which may not makesense at first – if only seven designs are available, wouldn’tanother person holding a moe seal stamp of the same designas yours be able to impersonate as you?

Getting banks and the relevant authorities to recognise thesemoe seal stamps was something e3company really wanted topush for. Eventually, they managed to come up with a way– each customer’s initials (Kanji) would be engraved on theside of the seal illustration, making it possible to distinguishbetween seals belonging to customers who had selected thesame design.

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Carving a person’s initials on the stamps is entirely optional,of course. It’s only necessary if the intended user decides toseal legally-binding documents with the moe anime stamp.

And although the Madoka Magica seal stamps were the firstto be based on an officially licensed anime series, e3paperhas actually been making moe seal stamps – based on theirown doujinshi designs – for almost a year.

The story behind e3paper’s Itaindou brand of seal stamps

Founded in October 2010, e3paper first started out as acompany dealing with website and movie creation, alongwith the digital distribution of doujinshis. They were alsoinvolved with the manga creation software ComiPo, and theinspiration behind these moe seal stamps were a result ofdiscussions – with a seal stamp production company – tocreate and sell character goods based on ComiPo, e3paperfounder Takafumi Nakagawa told ITMedia.

The seal stamp maker reached out to e3paper and asked ifthey could explore merchandising options based on ComiPo,and initially they wanted to make towels and other suchtypical character goods.

At some point, e3paper asked if the seal stamp maker if theywere willing to consider character goods apart from thosebased on ComiPo, and what they thought about carving anillustration onto a seal stamp.

As seal stamps were not something affected by fashiontrends and apparently did not require a lot of manpower tomake, e3paper and their partner thought the risk for thisventure was quite low. So they jumped straight in.

The service to make customised moe seal stamps begun inJune 2012. Prices for the doujinshi-based stamps start at1,380 yen for a circle-shaped stamp, and as e3paper was ableto work with a number of distinguished doujin artists, thecompany’s Itaindou brain of illustrated seal stamps have sofar sold fairly well.

Although e3paper’s Nakagawa declined to mention actualfigures when ITMedia if they could reveal them, he did pointto two examples of outstanding demand for the products –the Madoka Magica stamps, which sold out in two hours,and a limited edition “Blanc et noir” item set (includes a sealstamp) based on doujin artist Coffee Kizoku’s designs.

Only 50 sets of the Blanc et noir character goods set wasmade, and each went for 12,500 yen. The sets were sold outin 20 minutes, and went for as much as 60,000 yen on YahooJapan Auctions.

So buying one of these moe seal stamps isn’t just for yourown collection. It may even be an investment.

Would you buy one of these Itaindou moe seal stamps, if theywere themed after other anime series?

Source: IT Media

Magical Mirai on August 30:Experience all of HatsuneMiku in 1 daySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/magical-mirai-august-30-experience-

hatsune-miku-1-day/

By KarbyP on May 11th, 2013

Crypton Future Media and Tokyo Metropolitan Televisionhave announced Magical Mirai, a special concert-and-exhibition event that will be held August 30 at the YokohamaArena that will attempt to let visitors experience everything

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that’s great about the Hatsune Miku boom, all encapsulatedat a single venue – in just one day.

The name of the event, Magical Mirai, is not just a playon words involving the Kanji spelling of Miku’s name(which can also be read in Japanese as “mirai”), but also aportmanteau of three separate words: Maji (“serious”), Karu(short for “culture”), and Mirai (“future”).

Each separate part of the full name Magical Mirai has itsown area at the Yokohama Arena, where you’ll be able toexperience different aspects of The Hatsune Miku Lifestyle.

The Maji area is where the Hatsune Miku concert will beheld. Whereas the Karu area is an exhibition and workshoparea that’s themed around helping visitors understandingthe creative process behind Hatsune Miku derivative works.

And finally, the Mirai area showcases collaborationsbetween companies dealing with Hatsune Miku commercialgoods. No details were provided as to which ones wouldbe showcased, but chances are, you’ll get to see somemerchandise that’s coming out in the near future, hence thename of this section. The Mirai area will also double as ashop where you’ll be able to purchase Miku merchandisethat’s available now.

Specifics on what you’ll be able to do at the venue have notyet been announced, but here’s a general guideline as to whatyou can expect:

Translation:

What’s Magical Mirai?

Serious concerts (Maji), a look at the Hatsune Mikuculture from past to present (Karu), and its future(Mirai).

A Hatsune Miku concert of the biggest scale for allof her fans: the Birthday Eve Night Concert (誕誕誕誕誕誕誕誕誕誕誕).Another concert, a more casual one that would letyou invite all of your friends and family to attendand join the fun: The U-18 Priority Concert.

Everyone’s a creator. Experience the joy of creating:Workshops.

Trace the trails of the Hatsune Miku boom: SpecialExhibition(s).

Exciting plans and collaboration goods lined all theway up to your eyeballs: Commercial Booth.

Etc, etc. There’s a lot more to be announced, so staytuned!”

In the meantime, if you’re a hardcore Miku fan and can readJapanese, you might want to pick up the June edition of artmagazine Bijutsu Techo (on sale May 17), which has a featureon the future of the Hatsune Miku boom. The June editionalso comes with a Hatsune Miku GraFig.

Source: Magical Mirai via ITmedia

Pokemon X & Y: New femaleprotagonist’s 2D illustrationunveiled, protagonists’ lookscustomizableSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/pokemon-y-female-protagonist-like-

super-deformed/

By KarbyP on May 11th, 2013

Meet the new female protagonist of Nintendo’s upcomingPokemon X and Y 3DS games.

Well, okay, that’s not exactly accurate – most of you havealready seen the female protagonist before. As a super-deformed 3D character model in the debut trailer Nintendoput out, that is.

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Thanks to the upcoming issue of Coro Coro Comics, wenow have the official 2D illustration for Pokemon X and Y’sfemale protagonist to look at (there were a few fan-drawnillustrations circulating around the Net, based on detailsfrom the 3D character model).

I’m not sure if Nintendo plans to put out a new Pokemonanime that incorporates some of the content from the X andY games (oh, they probably will), but if they do, there’s achance that she might appear on the show as one of thecharacters – since Ash Ketchum is probably still going to bethe male lead, right?

The magazine scan also reveals that for the first time inPokemon game history, you will be able to customise thelook of the protagonist slightly, confirmation speculations byfans who thought that the designs this time around lookeda little generic.

On these two particular pages of Coro Coro as shown inthe image above, there was also mention that you couldride certain types of Pokemons in certain towns, which wasmentioned in a previous post we did. Check that post out formore information on the new Pokemon who are slated to beannounced next week.

Both reveals come from the issue of Coro Coro Comics dueto hit newsstands in Japan a couple of days from now. Thisis the issue to buy if you want the full scoop:

Pokemon X and Y for the Nintendo 3DS is slated to bereleased later this year in October, for all regions.

Source: Coro Coro Comics via huuraibou108

New Pokemon revealed inthis month’s Coro-CoroSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/pokemon-revealed-months-coro-

coro/

By Zenko on May 11th, 2013

Coro-Coro has leaked with more details of the upcomingPokemon X and Y games, along with 4 new Pokemon.

Along with the previously released details about Fenekin,Froakie and Chespin, four more new Pokemon can be seenin the newest scans from Coro-Coro. The one that featuresthe biggest breakthrough in terms of game mechanics isGougoat, the Riding Pokemon. As its classification suggests,players will have the ability to ride this Pokemon outside ofbattle. More details will emerge about this specific mechanicwhen the full magazine releases. It will be a Grass typeweighing in at 91 kilograms.

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Yancham, the panda looking Pokemon, is listed as theMischievous Pokemon, a play off the Japanese word yancha,which also appears in its name. It is a Fighting type weighing8kg and standing at .6 meters height.

A new type, Yayakoma, the Japanese Robin Pokemon,appears to be the Pidgey of this generation with its typing ofNormal and Flying. In a screenshot towards the middle ofthe page it also appears to be using sand-attack in battle.

The final Pokemon to be announced is Electail, and it willbe a dual Electric-Normal type, hinting it might appear earlyin the game. It weighs 6kg and is known as the GeneratorPokemon According to a small caption it will, like previouselectric types, store electric power within itself somehow,hinting at its generator status. Although slightly lizard likein appearance, it is noted in a caption that it has a dog’s ears.

Source: Serebii

Lucky Star Day Season 2:Kaori Fukuhara & Emiri Katoto throw the first pitch for theSaitama Seibu LionsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kaori-fukuhara-lucky-stars-tsukasa-

hiiragi-throw-pitch-saitama-seibu-lions/

By KarbyP on May 11th, 2013

Celebrities throw out the first pitches in baseball all the time.But Japan is probably the only country in which the voiceactors/actresses from your favourite anime series are alsoasked to do the honours – cos that’s how big a deal theanimation industry in Japan is.

Last year, Kaori Fukuhara, the voice of Tsukasa Hiiragi inLucky Star, was asked to throw the first pitch for the SaitamaSeibu Lions. In case you’re not a big fan of comedy gaganime Lucky Star, the Kasukabe city in Saitama prefecture issomewhat of a mecca to fans, since that’s where the show’sstory is set in. Hence the Saitama Seibu Lions X Lucky Starconnection.

And apparently, Kaori Fukuhara’s presence invigorated thecrowd so well last year that the Seibu Lions have asked herto do the honours again for them this year. Fukuhara willonce again throw the first pitch for the Lions’s June 23 gameagainst the Orix Buffaloes.

Not only that – this time around, Fukuhara will be joined byEmiri Kato (Kagami Hiiragi in Lucky Star). The Fire Hiiragisisters unite!

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The Saitama Seibu Lions are calling the event “Lucky StarDay Season 2″. As it just so happens to be Lucky Star’s 10thanniversary, anime fans who turn up at the baseball gamewill also be able to buy special goods, as well as limited DVDscontaining series spin-off Miyakawa-ke no Kuufuku.

Here’s a video of Fukuhara’s appearance at the “Lucky StarDay” baseball game last year:

[via Crunchyroll News]

‘Love Live!’ Blu-ray Volume4 includes bonus song andvideo of New Year eventSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/love-live-blu-ray-volume-4-includes-

bonus-song-video-year-event/

By SunSoftware on May 11th, 2013

The next Blu-ray disc for the school idol anime Love Live!will have a bonus song and a video of their most recent event,both of which you can preview right here.

Volume 4 of Love Live! will be released on June 21. Forthose of you who are unfamiliar with the series, the animerevolves around a group of girls who form an idol groupnamed “μ’s” (“muse”) in order to save their school. Theanime aired just earlier this year, but the Love Live! franchisehas been releasing CDs and music videos since 2010.

Just like the previous Blu-ray discs, the limited first pressrelease edition will include a CD with a never before releasedsong. This time, the song is Beat in Angel, a synthpop tuneperformed by the tsundere Maki and tomboy Rin (CV: Pileand Riho Iida)

Also included is part 2 of the event “μ’s New Year Love Live!2013″, featuring the voice actresses of the members of μ’s.

Luckily, the music publisher Lantis has shared a preview forboth Beat in Angel and the event, so you can listen to themboth below.

The video of the New Year event continues from part 1, whichwas included with the second Blu-ray disc, and featuresthese songs. Is your favorite song in there?

• 11. Blue~Berry僕Train (performed by Kotori Minami)

• 12. Yuuki no Reason (Umi Sonoda)

• 13. Junai Lens (Nozomi Toujou)

• 14. Koi no Signal Rin Rin Rin! (Rin Hoshizora)

• 15. Someday of my life (Honoka Kousaka)

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• 16. Daring!! (Maki Nishikino)

• 17. Kodoku na Heaven (Hanayo Koizumi)

• 18. Mahoutsukai Hajimemashita! (Nico Yazawa)

• 19. Shiranai Love*Oshiete Love (lily white)

• 20. A僕no僕ne僕Ga僕n僕ba僕re! (lily white)

• 21. sweet&sweet holiday (Printemps)

• 22. Love marginal (Printemps)

In addition, the limited edition of volume 4 will include:

• An 8-page booklet

• A deluxe card for the Loveca+ point service

• A serial code for the mobile game “Love Live! SchoolIdol Festival

Of course, the limited and normal editions will both come ina package with the adorable illustrations of Maki and Rin atthe top of this article.

The limited edition of volume 4 will be available for 7,350yen, while the normal edition will cost 6,300 yen. Those ofyou who live in Japan can pre-order it until May 15, so don’tmiss this chance if you’re a fan.

Source: Love Live! homepage

SeaA’s Valerie, Joe Inoue toappear at NHK World’s J-MeloFan Meeting on May 22Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/seaas-valerie-joe-inoue-nhk-worlds-

j-melo-fan-meeting-22/

By KarbyP on May 11th, 2013

NHK World, the international arm of Japan’s leadingbroadcaster, is giving fans in Singapore a chance to meetSeaA’s Valerie and singer-songwriter Joe Inoue – for free.

SeaA, of course, is the anisong artiste behind CarfFight!!Vanguard: Asia Circuit Hen’s ending theme as well as Toriko: Gurume Monster’s ED Deli-Deli Delicious, and JoeInoue’s work include Naruto Shippuden’s fourth OP, Closer.

Fans who’d like to attend the event will have to apply fortickets first, however, as the fan meeting will be ticketed and

there is a limit on the number of people NHK World will beable to accommodate.

The fan meeting will be held two Wednesdays from now, onMay 22, and take place 7.30PM to 9PM (doors open at 7PM),at the Singapore City Center.

Do note that in the event that there are too many ticketapplications, the organisers will randomly draw applicantsfrom a hat. Thankfully, however, each ticket admits up tothree people (1 person + 2 guests), so for the best chanceof admission, coordinate with your friends or other fans.Successful applicants will be notified on May 17.

For details on how you can get a ticket, head over to the fanmeeting application page here.

J-Melo is an English language programme on NHKWorld that invites its international audience into theworld of Japanese music. It airs every Sunday at 15:10hours UTC/GMT time (so in Singapore that’s 11.10PMSunday night), viewable online at http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/index.html and through all the other platformsNHK World is on – there’s an iOS app, for instance.

This week’s episode (May 12) puts the spotlight on J-Popgroup End of the World. And the episode following that (May19), everyone’s favourite all-girls J-rock band Scandal. J-rock group Alice Nine appears on the episode after that (May26).

May 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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New Kyoryuger game headsto 3DSSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kyoryuger-game-heads-3ds/

By Zenko on May 11th, 2013

The most recent installment of the Super Sentai series,Kyoryuger is making its way to the 3DS on August 8.

Kyoryuger, which began airing in March of this year, alreadyhas several toy lines and other merchandise associated withit. On August 8 it will be gaining one more asset when anew game comes to the Nintendo 3DS. Utilizing the interiorcamera, it will allow players to become their own KyoRed viaAR.

The main basis of the game will be fighting the Deboss Armyin an alternating scenario and battle sequence. The story andplot itself will be the same as what appears in the TV series.

During the battle sequences a movie will play on the upperscreen that displays the Zyudenchi, series key item forattacks. This will allow for power-ups during the battle.

The can also be used to trigger the various Zyuden Gianttransformations at the battle’s climax, seen in shots as themain Kyoryuzin transformation.

The game will be available as a digital download from theNintendo eStore and in stores for 4,980 yen [around $50].

Source: Dengenki News

May 14th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

FLOWER FLOWER (YUI) to“sync” with the audience inspecial live for au (KDDI)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/flower-flower-yui-sync-audience-

special-live-au-kddi/

By Az on May 14th, 2013

FLOWER FLOWER, spearheaded by former solo artist YUI,will be having a special invitational live 「au PERFECTSYNC. LIVE「 for 2000 people on June 11 in RyogokuKokugikan, Tokyo.

YUI tppl a break from showbiz at the end of last year,ending her solo career, but is now back as the lead vocalistof four-man band, FLOWER FLOWER. The band hasformally debuted in Japan Jam 2013 this May 4 and will beperforming on the Tokyo Metropolitan Rock Festival 2013on May 26. Now that they have started to roll, the band’sofficial webpage now has content and even a diary for thoseinterested. Check this article out for more details.

For those not familiar, au is a mobile services provider andcellular phone brand in Japan, marketed by KDDI. au hascreated the application ODOROKI (the official applicationname for PERFECT SYNC) which lets you start jammingsessions with friends. To better understand this concept,

check out this PERFECT SYNC commercial and applicationtutorial.

In this event, the audience, through their smartphones, willhave the experience as presented in au’s PERFECT SYNCline of commercials. For this event, FLOWER FLOWER willbe having a special live. This live won’t be you usual oneas the audience will be “in sync”. In the live, the audiencewill be using their personal ODOROKI applications, turningtheir smartphones into musical instruments, and have asession with the artist, which is FLOWER FLOWER. Theaudience will be experiencing “perfect sync” with the bandas the sounds they produce with their phones will be in totalsynchronization with the band’s performance.

For the live itself, 2000 au users will be chosen by lottery asparticipants. The application for this will be on the specialevent website from May 14 to 30. In addition to this, thisparticular live will also be livestreamed and the next day, anew line of PERFECT SYNC commercials are set to air.

======

au PERFECT SYNC. LIVE @ Ryogoku Kokugikan, TokyoJune 11, 2013 – Tuesday

Performances by: FLOWER FLOWER

source: natalie, FLOWER FLOWER Official Website

Dress like the VeteranTrainer from Idolm@sterCinderella Girls with thisCospa T-shirt (for men)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/dress-veteran-trainer-idolmster-

cinderella-girls-cospa-t-shirt-for-men/

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By KarbyP on May 14th, 2013

One of the key item cards in The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls(also known as Mobam@s, since it’s on the Mobage socialgame platform) is the Trainer card, which works a little likethe Trainer card in the Pokemon TCG – you use these cardsto power-up your Pokema’ams.

Did I say Pokema’ams? I meant Cinderella Girls idols.Oopsie.

Anyway, there are several versions of the Trainer character,one of which is the Veteran Trainer, all of whom lookremarkably similar to one another, not unlike Nurse Joyor Officer Jenny in Pokemon, but are apparently differentpeople – their ages and three sizes do not match up (they’reprobably the same person at different ages).

If there’s one common feature that ties all of them together– well, other than the part about their faces resembling oneanother – it’s that all of them wear rather laconic clothingthat feature simple (yet eye-catching) prints. After all, theirrole in the game is to train potential idols; they’re not the

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stars of the show. They’re the unsung heroes in CinderellaGirls.

But now, thanks to Cospa, at least one of those Trainers canfinally bask in the spotlight: The Veteran Trainer is gettingher very own T-shirt.

Although oddly enough, Cospa is only making the shirt sizedfor men only; so if you happen to be a female Cinderella Girlsplayer, this might be a little disappointing. Think of all thecosplay possibilities.

The Veteran Trainer Men’s T-shirt is expected to shipsometime in the first half of July, and available in M/L/XLsizes. It’s priced at 5,250 yen (including tax), and pre-ordershave started – available through Amazon as well as Cospa’sonline store directly.

Source: Dengeki

Kamen Rider: Battride Warwill add KR Wizard Infinityand Beast Hyper in June viaDLCSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kamen-rider-battleride-war-add-kr-

wizard-infinity-beast-hyper-june-dlc/

By KarbyP on May 14th, 2013

Kamen Rider Wizard Infinity and Beast Hyper, the powered-up forms of hero and sidekick riders in the currently runningKR TV show, will join Kamen Rider: Battride War’s playablecast in June (the game comes out May 23), according to thisweek’s issue of Dengeki PlayStation magazine.

Wizard Infinity will be released via DLC on June 6, whileBeast Hyper will be available June 20.

In case you’re not familiar with Wizard Infinity and BeastHyper, here’s what they look like – both powered-up formsappeared on the TV show in April:

The issue also revealed a couple more playable KamenRiders, as well as addition forms for those previouslyannounced to be playable:

• Kamen Rider Agito: Grand, Storm, Flame and Trinityforms are useable. Shining Form is also useable, but asa super.

• KR Birth (sidekick rider from Kamen Rider OOO): HisClaws weapon is useable, and the super form here is hisBirthday Mode.

• KR Meteor (sidekick rider from Kamen Rider Fourze):has unlimited use of his Galaxy weapon, which can beused in the Jupiter Hammer, Saturn Sorcery, and MarsBreaker modes. Also has his Machine Meteorstar bike.

• Kamen Rider W: Fang Joker form playable.

Kamen Rider: Battride War for the PS3 comes out in JapanMay 23, 2013.

Source: Dengeki PlayStation

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure:What’s the charm? Interviewwith director Naokatsu TsudaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/jojos-bizarre-adventure-whats-

charm-interview-director-naokatsu-tsuda/

By okaroll on May 14th, 2013

May 14th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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How did the team end up picking Yes’s Roundabout tobe the ED song for the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure animeseries? What is the show’s appeal? The anime serie’s directorNaokatsu Tsuda answers these questions and more in anAnimeanime.jp interview.

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure has ardent fans who have crossedgenerations since the start of its serialization in ShonenJump in 1987 and is still on-going in Ultra Jump, with a totalof 107 volumes published till date.

Just last year in 2012, marks the 25th anniversary of thisclassic. In the same year, October to be exact, also marks thebeginning of the anime version of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.The anime finally ended its run in Japan during April thisyear. Despite the sheer pressure from the fans, the anime hasbeen received quite well in general. Thus bringing a new kindof ‘Jojo’ to the fans who have already known the series.

Now, let us take some time to read the interview with thedirector himself, Naokatsu Tsuda (abbreviated as Tsuda)and explore the journey behind Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure(abbreviated as Jojo).

– Now that the anime ended its run, how would you reflecton your work for the past year?

Tsuda: I feel rather satisfied with myself. Although everyonehas their own idea on how the anime should go, I thoughtthat I should just present my own thoughts about Jojo in thebest way I can. I felt relieved when it received good ratingsfrom the audience. Because if I received any bad ratings, itcould possibly mark the end of my career *laughs* But ofcourse, since now I am still in this “ah, I made it.” mood, Icannot give a 100% objective reflection. Instead, I think thatit would be funnier if this question were to be asked ten yearsfrom now.

– You seem to be quite the Jojo fan yourself.

Tsuda: My experience with the series is indeed long. For me,I have been reading Shonen Jump where Jojo was publishedback when I was just a primary school kid. So, the time I readShonen Jump equals to the time I read Jojo, which is aroundover 20 years.

As this production focuses on part one and two of the originalseries, I started out by reading parts four and five. So, despiteme reading Shonen Jump countless times, I have never readparts one and two before. However, after I have reread theseries many times, I have discovered many points that Ididn’t manage to see back then. For example the way theonomatopoeia was depicted in the manga, the kind of humorused, the kiss scenes between Dio and Erina and so muchmore.

–So did you get the chance of being the director because youare a Jojo fan?

Tsuda: Well, my chance came when the COO of my company,Koji Kajita came along and asked if I liked Jojo, and I saidyes. It seems to me that Kajita himself thought of takingin staff who loves Jojo and unite them together in thisproduction team.

– It is a known fact that Jojo has quite a large fanbase, sojust that alone would have caused quite a lot of hype andexpectation from the fans. So what are some factors that youconsidered before you started on the production?

Tsuda: I thought that the fans of the original manga arereally scary *laughs*. As a Jojo fan myself, I told myself thatit would be unforgivable if I made the anime version lessexciting than the original. As I felt that one of the key pointsto this manga is the eccentricity. So, I decided to be true tothe original’s style of eccentricity for this anime.

Warning: possible spoilers ahead!

– During Caesar’s death in episode 20, that moment ofdeliberate silence was so touching that it became a classicscene in this anime.

Tsuda: I think that the battle scene between Caesar andWamuu was perhaps one of the top ten classic scenes in theseries. So I decided to give it my all and started to coordinatewith the staff for episode 20. In my opinion, the staff wereworked well and managed to link and match the scenes well,they were able to precisely show the moments when Caesarwanted to entrust and say so many things to Joseph.

– It seems that there were a lot of ‘manly’ tears shed inepisode 20.

Tsuda: That’s good. I didn’t expect to shed tears when I sawthe broadcast… as we were the ones who made this.

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– Did you do anything different between the first and secondpart of this anime?

Tsuda: The first part is set in old England more than acentury ago, so I thought that I would want to go for aclassical feel. For the second part, it is different as it is setduring World War II. At that time American art was thecraze, so I thought of expressing it more with typography.

– So did you read up on any material to draw inspirationfrom?

Tsuda: Yes, I have read up and looked at various art books.For example, if that scene was set when Art Deco waspopular, I would model the scene to emulate that trend. Itwas tough as I only used books as a source of reference andnothing from the internet. Also, Hollywood movies are alsoa good source of reference for the visuals.

– The opening and ending theme song became quite a hottopic for this anime. How did you decide on the songs?

Tsuda: We decided that we shall not do a tie-up this time.So, there were many suggestions flying around, but none ofthem really quite hit the nail on the head. Soon everyonethought a lot about what kind of music would match Jojo.Interestingly, we decided on the ending theme song first andtook Hirohiko Araki’s (the creator of Jojo) suggestion. Sincethere were many genres to English songs, we asked him whathe used to listen to when he drew the first part of the series.And from his memo, we got ROUNDABOUT by YES becausehe listens to a lot of English songs when he draws.

–What about the opening theme?

Tsuda: It was really tough thinking about the kind of openingtheme song to use. Like, should we use a female vocalist, orshould we try a cool rock style, or should we try an Englishsong, etc. It was a process of trail and error, but in the endnothing could fit in.In the end, the editorial department advised us to go fora old school anison feel instead. Since Jojo is a 1980sshonen manga, the song should go for a sweltering, hardcoreanisong sound and everyone agreed that that sound wouldbe the way to go. So we had composer, Kohei Tanaka to writefor us and he gave us Jojo ~sono chi no sadame~. We werethrilled to have such a song as our opening theme.

– When you got Kohei Tanaka to write the song, whatspecific orders did you all give him?

Tsuda: We told him to create a song where people wouldwant to shout, “Jojo!” and something karaoke friendly.

–This song did become a must-sing for every karaoke sessionas planned.

Tsuda: Thank goodness, it did happened that way *laughs*.When I first heard the song, I felt that the swelteringcoolness from this song made it perfect. I thought that I wentback in time just by listening to it.

–Who is your favorite character in Jojo?

Tsuda: I love all the characters in the story. If I have to pickone, I would choose Giorno Giovanna because he has thischarm of an upright person as someone who has the blood ofthe Joestars and Dio. Giorno is the most honest person in thestory and I think that his ‘stand’, Gold Experience Requiemis the most powerful of them all.

– Last but not least, please share with us what you think isso charming about Jojo?

Tsuda: Just like the title itself, it is indeed bizarre. Theuniverse created by Hirohiko Araki is unshakable and Jojoreally stands out on its own. With interesting lines betweenthe characters, a stylish art style, this bizarre universe seemscomedic. I thought that this work is definitely made by agenius. The charm of this series is that you can feel thepassion through the pages. Even the title, Jojo’s BizarreAdventure is so creative that it cannot be copied anywhere.And it is a piece of work that you can never get enoughof because you simply don’t want to leave once you haveentered this world of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.There is no way you cannot take this seriously as the amountof passion is simply so overwhelming, just like the fire inHirohiko Araki himself.If there was a part 3 of the anime tobe made, I would want to recreate it with the same amountof passion as the original.

Hope that you have enjoyed reading this interview!

Stay tuned to sgcafe for more related news!

via animeanime (1) and (2)

fripSide, Uta no Prince-sama,and Girls und Panzer reachtop 3 on Oricon’s chartsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/fripside-uta-prince-sama-girls-und-

panzer-reach-top-3-oricons-charts/

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By SunSoftware on May 14th, 2013

Last week, there was fierce competition between two animesingles aiming to be the best seller of the week. Plus, onesmall movie managed to sneak into Oricon’s DVD charts.

Fans of Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S should be familiar withfripSide’s song sister’s noise, which serves as the openingtheme of the anime. fripSide released the single for the songon May 8, and in its first week, the single has ranked number1 on Oricon’s weekly CD single chart with over 27,000 copiessold. This is the first time any of fripSide’s releases hasreached number 1.

For those unfamiliar with fripSide, they are a trance andpop duo consisting of the composer Satoshi Yaginuma (akaSat) and vocalist Yoshino Nanjou. Nanjou joined the duoafter the previous vocalist left in 2009, and their first singletogether, only my railgun (the opening theme of ToaruKagaku no Railgun) peaked at number 3 on Oricon’s weeklychart in November 2009, while their first album, infinitesynthesis, peaked at number 8 in December 2010.

Another anime single that reached the weekly chart is thecharacter single performed by Masato Hijirikawa (CV:Kenichi Suzumura) from Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love2000%.

The character single was released on the same day as sister’snoise and managed to outsell even fripSide’s single when itbecame the first Uta no Prince-sama single to reach number1 on Oricon’s daily chart. On the weekly chart, however, itranked number 2 with 22,000 copies sold.

On a final and more recent note, the DVD Yoku Wakaru!Ground Self-Defense Force was released on Monday, andit ranked number 3 on Oricon’s daily DVD chart, behindthe popular boy band Arashi’s Live Tour Popcorn andMarvel’s The Amazing Spiderman.

In case you’re wondering how a 65-minute educationalDVD about tanks managed to break into the top 3, or whyit’s even mentioned in this article, it’s because the moviefeatures audio commentary by Yukari Akiyama (CV: IkumiNakagami) from Girls und Panzer.

Source: Moe Otanews, Oricon

Rino Sashihara to produceSKE48′s Matsumura Kaori –Sashi-P!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/rino-sashihara-produce-ske48s-

matsumura-kaori-sashi-p/

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By Az on May 14th, 2013

It has been revealed that Sashihara Rino (Sashiko) will beproducer for SKE48 lifetime honorary research student,Matsumura Kaori. This was revealed May 12 at the beginningof the show “AKB Eizou Center”, where Sashihara hosts withLily Franky.

Sashihara received this news in a business mail from48-group producer, Akimoto Yasushi (Aki-P). “BusinessMessage. SKE48 lifetime honorary research studentMatsumura Kaori will be having her solo debut, so youproduce her for me. Since you love idols so much, I trust thatyou’ll be able to bring out her charm. You’ll also be in chargeof the arrangement and ordering of the songs. You’ll also bethe one to write them.” says Aki-P in the message to Sashiko.Sashihara has long been considered an idol-otaku and hasshowcased her wotagei (dance and cheers performed by idolfans) various times.

Akimoto highly values Sashihara’s talent and believes thatshe will someday work behind the scenes for AKB48.Sashihara is not at all a greenhorn to producing, as sheproduced 「Dai ikkai Yubi Matsuri~Idol Rinji Soukai「, anidol festival last year that had ten idol groups participateincluding Momoiro Clover Z, Idoling!!!, and Nogizaka 46.Sashiko also wrote two songs for her own solo career.

“This will be a very important song for Matsumura and herfans, so I will give it my all! Gotta seriously work hard~”Sashihara comments on her Google+ page. She reveals onGoogle+ that this matter was decided just five minutesbefore it was announced during her show.

Sashihara could be called one of the fastest rising talentsof AKB48. Even after a scandal that led to her transfer toHKT48, to which she is now stage manager of, she jumpsthrough the senbatsu ranks to a solid 「4 and has many timesbecome the host for shows or segments AKB-related. Nowshe is an AKB first: the first producer from the 48-group.It’s exciting to see if she will rise to the Top 3 in this year’ssenbatsu elections.

On the other hand, Matsumura expressed her joy towardsthis issue and her gratitude to Sashihara in her own Google+page. “I’d have to say, last election’s rank 4 sure is awesome!”says a joyful Matsumura and affectionately calls her Sashi-P.

Matsumura joined SKE48 on 2009 as a 3rd generationresearch member. She exclaimed last month that as theeldest of her batch, she wants to be the star of the researchstudents, which leads her to becoming a lifetime honoraryresearch student. The day after this, her solo debut wasdecided. Matsumura will be debuting under the indie label“Kintsuu Records”. She will be releasing 1000 copies of herdebut single. If the demand rises, additional copies will bereleased.

source: Oricon

“The real Kyary is just anormal girl” KPP press eventfootage [video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/the-real-kyary-normal-girl-kpp-

press-event-footage-video/

By sentinel011 on May 14th, 2013

As promised, we have processed the full interview session!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s concert last Friday is the last of itsworld tour. She will be performing back in Japan for quite awhile. Overseas fans like those in Singapore and the regionmight need to wait a little longer before Kyary performsoutside of Japan again.

This fan-made ‘Attack onTitan’ movie poster almostlooks like an official oneSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/fan-made-attack-titan-movie-poster-

official/

By ellehaym on May 14th, 2013

May 14th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Attack on Titan is a hot topic among the anime community.It has inspired parody videos of its opening theme and tonsof anime shops in Japan even have their own Attack on Titandisplay.

And now, concept artist Kouji Tajima has ridden the wave bysharing his own creation via the internet: an Attack on Titanmovie poster. Check it out:

(According to Crunchyroll, the release date you see on theposter is Tajima’s birthday.)

While most people are aware that a movie is currently inthe works, Tajima has made it clear that the poster is onlyfan-made. But the creativity placed into this creation wouldsurely make anyone think that it’s an official one.

Tajima has expressed his interest in making the poster forthe live-action movie adaptation of the popular shounenanime. He has worked as a concept artist for CaptainHarlock, Dragon Age, Les Misérables and Total Recall.

In related news, Japanese netizens have been usingperspective photography techniques to recreate variousscenes from the anime. From titans grabbing and devouringhumans to launching attacks on their napes, Attack on Titanhas become the latest photo meme in Japan.

And remember the site called ShindanMaker we previouslyreported? Well, it now has an Attack on Titan version.This time, the joke web service tells you the result of yourencounter with titans. I won’t be sharing the results unlikethe last time because there are minor spoilers. It’s more funto see them yourself.

via Crunchyroll and Kotaku

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flumpool’s temporaryguitarist revealed! Turns outto be comedian Yusuke InoueSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/flumpool-temporary-guitarist-

revealed/

By Az on May 14th, 2013

flumpool has finally revealed their temporary guitarist!The reveal was yesterday, May 12, on Nico Nico Live. Theguitarist turns out to be, much to the surprise of fans, acomedian from the NON STYLE comedy duo, Yusuke Inoue.

flumpool with Sakai

flumpool with Inoue

While this may be a shocking decision, Yusuke Inoue seemsto be perfectly qualified for the job. For some time now, ithas been said that Inoue closely resembles Sakai, the first

condition set by flumpool. Inoue also clears the conditions“must be from Kansai”, “must be used to standing on stage”,and “can play the guitar decently”.

Inoue also has an impressive career resume. As a halfof comedy duo NON STYLE, he is currently a regular ofthree currently airing shows. He also has dozens of TVappearances including commercials and has released nineDVDs. He has also has experience in the music industry. Hehas written and composed anime Sergeant Keroro’s tenthending theme and has released a mini-album under thename “Day of the Legend”, with all songs in the mini-albumalso written and composed by him.

All four members of flumpool have high expectations ofYusuke Inoue. “He is perfect for the spot that Kazuki leftas he stops his visual activities to diet. Inoue-san is such anatural at this that when the four of us stand side by side,there might even be some who won’t notice the difference.”comments the drummer and leader, Seiji Ogura. Kazuki alsojokingly declares, “The four of us are the judge of this search,but this decision was a unanimous one. But Inoue-san, don’tforget that this position is yours just for now. For now. I’llfinish this diet, become hot, and make the most awesomecomeback!”. Kazuki Sakai will be away until the end of Juneand will be working towards his target of 64 kg.

Inoue will also be appearing on flumpool’s next PV (to beshot on May 25) and will also be with flumpool as theyappear as the front cover in magazine 「PATi「PATi「. It willbe interesting to see what kind of visuals will come from thisnew lineup.

Though flumpool fans are shocked and have found this to beextremely funny, the news is accepted postively. “LOL TheyDO look alike!”, “Feels like ROCK!”, “Looking forward to thePV!” are just some of the reactions of the fans.

source: natalie

Results of The Idolm@sterCinderella Girls 2nd Electionand new single announcedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/results-idolmster-cinderella-

girls-2nd-election-announced/

By SunSoftware on May 13th, 2013

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Who are the most popular idols from The Idolm@sterCinderella Girls? Fans of the game have voted, and the topfive will be featured in a CD together. Look right here to findout who they are!

From April 25 to May 8, Japan Columbia Records held the2nd Cinderella Girls Election to decide the most popularidols from the mobile game The Idolm@ster CinderellaGirls. Unlike the main line Idolm@ster games, CInderellaGirls features over 100 idols.

Without further ado, here are the winners of the 2ndCinderella Girls Election, as well as a short bio for peoplemeeting them for the first time. Who’s your favorite idol?

1st Place: Ranko Kanzaki (CV: Maaya Uchida)

A 14-year-old girl who likes to wear gothic lolita attire. Sheis a chuunibyou who claims to have mystic powers, but sheis really a good girl who can’t be honest with herself.

Um… Thanks to everyone… I’ve become number 1.Thank you, Producer… u-um… Be swallowed by thedarkness!

2nd Place: Anastasia

A half-Russian, half-Japanese idol born in Hokkaido. Sheoften starts her sentences in Russian before switching toJapanese. Her nickname is Anya.

Da… Umm, I can’t believe it. Producer, will youcompliment me? Ahaha, harasho ♪ Um, thanks.

3rd Place: Kaede Takagaki (CV: Saori Hayami)

A mature and soft-spoken 25-year-old idol with keenobservational skills.

Thank you for your hard work. Tonight, I’m going tocelebrate modestly with Producer. Maybe we’ll havea toast… fufufu ♪

4th Place: Sachiko Koshimizu (CV: Ayana Taketatsu)

A rather arrogant, young girl who claims to be the cutest. Shelikes flaunting her cuteness, and her comments can come offas teasing or even sadistic.

Of course a cute girl like me would be this popular.I want to praise Producer-san as well! You workedso hard, for my sake! Fufun ♪

5th Place: Rin Shibuya (CV: Ayaka Fukuhara)

A girl who appears stiff and unfriendly, but works hard. Asone of the girls who promoted Cinderella Girls, she was thefirst idol to have a voice actress.

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I was able to come this far because I’ve worked hard.Fufu, thank you. Producer, keep raising me higherand higher.

The top five idols above will form a new unit and releasetheir debut single on May 22. It’s interesting to see thatAnastasia reached number 2 even though she doesn’t have avoice actress, which she needs before their single is recorded.Another thing to note is that the top five are all cool charactertypes in the game, except Sachiko, who is a cute type, so itwill be interesting to see how they all sound together.

In case you want to see the rest of the results, here are theidols ranked all the way from 6 to 50. The girls from the mainline Idolm@ster games aren’t included, but how many doyou recognize?

May 14th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Deremas

May 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Ace of Diamond anime to beproduced by MADHOUSE xProduction IG collaborationSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/production-ig-madhouse-

colalboration-produce-ace-diamond-anime/

By Az on May 15th, 2013

It has been revealed that popular shounen manga 「Daiya NoA「(Ace of Diamond) will be having an anime adaptation thisfall. The production will be a collaboration project betweenthe two powerhouse studios MADHOUSE and ProductionIG.

You probably already know about MADHOUSE andProduction IG. MADHOUSE is the studio behind works suchas Chihayafuru, One Outs, currently airing series Hunterx Hunter and Photo Kano, and Death Note, among manyother popular anime. On the other hand, Production IGalso has some great works under its belt such as KimiNi Todoke,Kuroko No Basuke, Prince of Tennis, and thecurrently airing much talked about series, Shingeki noKyojin.

Ace of Diamond is a manga about a pitcher from asmall school who gets scouted by an elite school and getspaired with a genius catcher. The protagonist, pitcher EijunSawamura, transfers to the elite school to follow that catcherafter being scouted. He then is determined to improve hisskills and become the ace as they head to the Koushien.

The manga is written by artist Yuuji Terajima, serializedlast 2006 on Weekly Shounen Magazine (same magazineas Fairy Tail, Code:Breaker) and is currently ongoing withmore than a hundred chapters behind it. It is a popular andwell received work, having won the Kodansha Manga Awardlast 2010, putting it on the same pedestal with the likesof Major, Cross Game, Detective Conan, Slam Dunk, andFullmetal Alchemist.

It seems that many Japanese fans have been waiting for thisanime and is now more hyped than ever as they learnedthat it will be a collaboration project by MADHOUSE andProduction IG. Even those who have not read the mangahave become excited when they learned of the studios’collaboration. Many will be looking forward to this work withall that it has going for it.

source: natalie

New details released onNvidia’s Project ShieldSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/details-released-nvidias-project-

shield/

May 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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By hikarucon on May 15th, 2013

Interested in playing PC games on a handheld? Impossibleyou might say but Nvidia thinks differently. Nvidiaannounced a handheld device called “Project Shield” at theCES 2013 in January– a console that could play PC games intheir original great quality but as a handheld.

Needless to say, this announcement raised some eyebrows.From its announcement until now, Nvidia has trickled someinformation about its handheld to the public but now, Nvidiareleased new, and maybe final, details on its “Project Shield”now just officially called “Shield.”

It sports a 5 inch multi touch high definition Retina display,Nvidia’s very own Tegra 4 chip, as well as a function tostream games from a PC. Nvidia had previously reportedthat the system also will be running on Android, havebuilt in speakers, Wi-Fi, 16 gigabytes of memory, GPS,Bluetooth, HDMI output, a slot for microSD cards, and thena headphone jack.

For those of you who are interested in Shield, it willbe available for preorder at New Egg, GameStop, Micro

Center, and Canada Computers starting May 20th. Theactual console will be available for purchase and releasedaround mid June for $349.99.

Magical Girls in Kyoto: NewMadoka Figure announcedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/magical-girls-kyoto-madoka-figure-

announced/

By hikarucon on May 15th, 2013

Since the release of the second Madoka movie we have notseen too much of the pink haired magical girl, aside from itsrecent Nendoroid Ultimate Madoka.Thank god, we haven’tseen the last of Madoka it seems. Good Smile Company will

be releasing a 1/8th scale figure of Madoka with her wearinga Maiko, a geisha in training, outfit.

There are a lot of Madoka figures out there but this one isespecially attractive. It captures the feel and atmosphere ofan older Kyoto– where it would be a normal sight to seeMaiko’s using a Japanese parasol while walking amidst thefalling autumn leaves. Unfortunately the release date has yetto be announced so all we can do is wait until they let us givethem our money for this beautiful figure.

May 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Limited Eevee Edition 3DS XLrevealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/limited-eevee-edition-3ds-xl-

revealed/

By bj0rN on May 15th, 2013

If you think Pikachu and Charizard were the only limited3DS available, the official Pokémon Center store in Japanwill be retailing a limited edition Eevee-themed 3DS XL laterthis month. The Eevee edition 3DS XL, just like the previousLimited Charizard Edition 3DS XL, can only be purchasedby participating in a lottery held from May 15th until June3rd for a reservation chance to purchase it at 18,900 yen.

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Visitors to Pokémon centers earlier this month were greetedwith a teaser saying, “Oh? Nintendo 3DS XL is evolving!”with Eevee above it and a “Coming Soon” printed below.

The Eevee edition 3DS XL features the stripes of the Eeveecolor scheme on the front from the 3DS XL, with a print ofEevee on the back, and a white interior.

Unfortunately, only the Pikachu 3DSXL has a US version. Nonews if the Charizard 3DS XL and Eevee 3DS XL will havea US version.

Source: @ruritokn at Twitter

Master Grade GundamRX-78-2 Ver. 3.0 to berevealed?Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/master-grade-gundam-rx-78-2-

ver-3-0-revealed-rumour-mill/

By sentinel011 on May 15th, 2013

Bandai is set to reveal their most exciting product line inless than 24 hours, but some enthusiast Gunpla blogs havereleased information along with some 3D images of what isto be revealed.

While the original source is unknown, online hobby storeHobbysearch confirmed the news with the kit released forpre-order. Bandai has made noticeable changes in engagingconsumers with their products, such as the release of OnlineStore limited items that are not available through stores orindividuals outside of Japan – unless they obtain it throughparallel imports or proxies.

Gunpla enthusiasts are divided about this ‘leaked news’, withsome embracing it while others felt that it is just a shift fromwhat many have seen in the Real Grade line ported over to1/100 scale. The 3D images show the MG RX-78-2 Ver 3.0fashioned very similarly to its RG counterpart, with exactdecals to boot.

Some argue that despite the numerous RX-78-2 kits releasedalone in the Master Grade line (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, ver. One YearWar), the 3.0 refresher is a much needed one. A couple ofenthusiasts felt that there are plenty other Mobile Suits thatneeded kit revisions, such as Sazabi, Hyaku Shiki or the GPseries. However, they were refuted by other enthusiasts that

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releasing a revision of the RX-78-2 is a much needed one,possibly backed by the good kit sales gathered with eachrevision.

Our insights over the announcement of the Master Gradetechnology refresher is a positive one, as evidently seen onthe popularity of the Master Grade Nu Gundam ver Ka.Over the past couple of years, Bandai has opt for lighteryet sturdier plastic seen on the Real Grade and recentMaster Grade lines, and invested in improving its multi-gate technology, allowing more parts of various colours tobe moulded within a single sprue. The Master Grade lineprovides the best mix of detail and posability at a ratherattractive price point, not to mention less work to be done tomake the kit look great, be it painting it or simply filling inthe panel lines.

The Master Grade RX-78-2 Ver 3.0 will be out in stores thiscoming August, retailing at 4,500 yen.

Source: Gundamguy, Hobbysearch

SRW OG Saga Masoukishin IIIPRIDE OF JUSTICE websiteofficially opened, first pressspecial revealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/srw-og-saga-masoukishin-iii-pride-

justice-website-officially-opened-press-special-revealed/

By Xak on May 15th, 2013

The website for Super Robot Wars OG Saga Masoukishin IIIPRIDE OF JUSTICE recently officially opened, and for nowfeatures some information about the story, the charactersand the robots. Nothing particularly new yet, though youcan see some screenshots of the various robots in battle. The‘About’ page has some interesting information though, suchas there being route splits and multiple endings. Also, sincethe game has a multi-platform release for the PS3 and PSVita, it confirms that you can Cross Save between the two, soif you buy both versions, you can play it on the go and in thecomfort of your home too.

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And as stated in our older post, the First Press edition of thegame will come with a download code for Valsione as seenin the anime series Super Robot Wars OG The Inspectors.We now also know that the code will not only allow you toreplace the model and attack animations of Valsione R withValsione, but that it will have attacks that Valsione R doesnot have. You can change between Valsione and Valsione Rin the intermission between missions, or at the deploymentscreen during a mission. Valsione can only be obtained usingthis product code.

Super Robot Wars OG Saga Masoukishin III PRIDE OFJUSTICE is scheduled to go on sale on 22/08/2013 for thePS3 and PS Vita, and retails at 7480yen for the PS3 and6480yen for the PS Vita (Download versions are priced thesame as retail editions).

Killer is Dead’s 4th MondoGirl, Betty, is a 256-year-oldvampireSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/killer-deads-4th-mondo-girl-

betty-256-year-old-vampire/

By KarbyP on May 14th, 2013

Unlike the other Mondo Girls, Betty is able to completelydisarm all of Killer is Dead‘s suave gigolo executioner’sadvances. There’s a reason for that: She’s a 256-year-oldvampire, this week’s issue of Dengeki PlayStation magazinereveals, so she’s probably seen it all. How do you tempt a256-year-old vamp? You just can’t.

Like we reported previously, Betty is a bonus, fourth MondoGirl, who’s so exclusive that the only way you’d get to playwith her in Killer is Dead is if you pre-order the game (whichalso gives you the Gigolo Glasses that works quite like X-rayvision for clothes). Gigolo Glasses is pre-order bonus 「1, andBetty is pre-order bonus 「2. There’s also a pre-order bonus「3.

Apart from Betty’s background, this week’s issue of Dengekialso mentions that gamers who pre-order won’t just begetting a character – you’re getting an entire episoderevolving around our mysterious vamp, entitled “NocturnalBeast”.

Details are scant at the moment, so we’re not sure if thisextra episode is the afore-teased pre-order item no.3, or ifthe character Betty and her story episode comes together andare treated as one item. We’ll update this story later if we canfind any clarification on that.

Elsewhere in Dengeki’s Killer is Dead feature, it’s alsomentioned that the Japanese release date has beenconfirmed to be August 1 (in the US it’s slated for August 27).

There’s also a brief character profile for one of the targetsyou’ll have to terminate in the game: A yakuza by the nameof Yama Hamada, who has a tattoo on his back that cantransmute into an actual tiger.

Source: Dengeki PlayStation

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CyberConnect2 president:JoJo’s Bizarre AdventureAll-Star Battle wasconceptualized 7 years agoSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/jojo-asb-conceptualized-7-years-ago-

due-to-phantom-blood/

By KarbyP on May 14th, 2013

At the recent Machi Asobi event in Tokushima,CyberConnect2 president and CEO Hiroshi Matsuyamashared that he had wanted to make JoJo’s Bizarre AdventureAll-Star Battle since seven years ago.

He also said that more characters for the game will beannounced in mid-May (so anytime now), hinting – much tothe chagrin of JoJo’s BA ASB producer Noriaki Niino – thatthis month’s character announcements are from “aroundPart 2″ in the series, and that they are likely to be antagonistsbecause “no matter how you look at it, at this point this gameis sorely lacking in terms of boss characters, right?”

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand what youmean at all!” producer Niino responded whilst sweatingbullets.

That’s not the only time the game’s producer Noriaki Niinowould sweat bullets; he would also get flustered whenMatsuyama, who had appeared at Machi Asobi cosplayingas Part 4′s Rohan Kishibe, explained that JoJo’s BizarreAdventure All-Star Battle was conceived “partly thanks to”the 2006 video game JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: PhantomBlood.

“It all started seven years ago, in 2006 when this craptasticgame called ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood’came out…” Matsuyama said, before the All-Star Battle’sproducer and Namco Bandai Games employee Niino quicklycut him off.

“That game was made by my superior. So quit yapping aboutyour opinion on the game from the perspective of a singleuser, nobody cares!” producer Niino (pictured right) yelledat Matsuyama, much to the audience’s amusement.

Matsuyama then went on to explain that it is indeed true,however, that the 2006 game was what sparked his interestin wanting to make this game.

After having played Phantom Blood, Matsuyama went toNamco Bandai Games and asked them to let his company(CyberConnect2) work on development the next time they(Namco Bandai) wanted to release a JoJo game. And thatwas how production on All-Star Battle finally began, somenearly seven years after it was first conceptualised.

Matsuyama also talked briefly about the current state ofdevelopment on the game. CyberConnect2′s JoJo team hasroughly 80 staff members working on it in total, he said,which is comparable to the size of Namco Bandai Games’Tales series development team; the comparison had beenmade in part because Tales series producer Hideo Baba wasalso present at the talk event.

Apart from the core members of the JoJo team, however,Matsuyama said that there are other CyberConnect2 staffmembers who had volunteered to help out with JoJo BA ASBon their own time.

“They would work on their own assignments during theday, and volunteer to come help out with JoJo at night,”Matsuyama ssaid.

“That’s a good working environment to have,” producerBaba (pictured) commented.

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“Everyone on the Tales staff team love the Tales series. Andbecause they have that love and passion for it, that’s howgood games get made,” Baba added.

According to Matsuyama, at the moment JoJo’s BA ASBis in the debugging phase of its development schedule. Yetthe staff are still not content with what they’re achieved,spending additional time to make further improvements tothe game’s visual effects, well on top of what’s specified inthe development blueprints. As an example, he said that theteam has taken great pains to animate the character’s facialexpressions, especially during dialogue.

Another example: as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure creatorHirohiko Araki is known for colouring his character’s hairand clothes in several different permutations, the team hasbeen hard at work ensuring that this particular quirk of themanga series “makes it into the game in some form”.

What does that mean? I’m guessing, either several colourvariations for each character that players can unlock, orsome kind of colour-edit mode.

We’ll just have to wait for more details to find out for sure.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle for the PlayStation3 comes out in Japan August 29.

Source: Inside-Games

Trailer for MIND≒0 shows offstylish mind battlesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/trailer-mind%E2%89%920-shows-

stylish-mind-battles/

By SunSoftware on May 14th, 2013

We’ve already revealed the opening movie and the maincharacters of Acquire’s upcoming PS Vita game. Now, wefinally get to see some fancy gameplay footage.

MIND「0 is an RPG developed by Acquire (Akiba’s Trip)and ZeroDiv (Class of Heroes) centered around a groupof teenagers who can travel to a parallel world calledthe “Deranged World”, where they can summon creaturesthat represent their minds. These creatures, simply called

MINDs, are used to fight against monsters and let the heroesexplore the Deranged World to uncover a mystery.

MINDs are powerful, but if they take too much damage,the result is a “Mind Break”, which leaves their ownerparalyzed. The heroes can fight without their MINDs, butthey’re weaker and more vulnerable. To win battles, you haveto manage both the humans’ and MINDs’ energy.

In the latest 90-second trailer of the game, we get a glimpseof these stylish mind battles, as well as the visual novel-stylecutscenes and some areas of the Deranged World resemblinga subway train and a dark street. You’ll also notice that visualsound effects pop up manga-style in the middle of a fight.

Furthermore, people who pre-order the game will receivean “MT Special File” containing a special illustration bookby the character designer kyo and a treasure CD containingmusic from ZIZZ Studio and voice commentary by the cast.

Acquire has revealed the treasure CD’s track list, but sincethey haven’t revealed all of the characters yet, some of thecommentary tracks remain hidden.

1. Shinen kara no Yobi Koe (The Voice Calling from theAbyss)

2. War Dance

3. Lina

4. Senti Mori

5. Akihabara (「「「) ~Wonder City~

6. Bousou Machine MIND「0 Ver. (opening themeperformed by yucat)

7. Takanashi Kei (CV: Tomokazu Sugita)

8. Sana Chikage (Rina Satou)

9. Leo Asahina (Yuuichi Nakamura)

10. Yoichi Ogata (Takehito Koyasu)

11. Kotone Shiragiku (Minori Chihara)

12. Lina Albertine (Iori Nomizu)

13. ???

14. Kanade Sakyo (Yuuki Kaji)

15. ???

16. ???

17. ???

18. ???

19. ???

20. ???

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MIND「0 won’t be released until August 1, but if you’realready sold by the game’s stylishness, it’s not too soon topre-order your copy now.

Source: Dengeki

Cycle in style with new GRSGear featuring Hatsune MikuSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/cycle-style-grs-gear-featuring-

hatsune-miku/

By Zenko on May 14th, 2013

Good Smile Racing is adding goods to their new GRS Gearline in August, featuring Racing Miku’s 2013 design.

Good Smile Racing’s new GRS Gear is aimed at cyclists,which means a line of clothing that lets you wear yourfavorite virtual idol while you work out.

One of the items to come out will be a Racing Miku 2013Cycling Shirt [EDGE Version]. Apart from the shirt it willalso come with a sleeve for water bottles, and a fastner foryour bike’s lock. It will come in a variety of sizes from XS to3L and retail for 13,440 yen.

The TEAM Version of the same shirt will feature a differentdesign and also come with a water bottle sleeve and lockfastener, as well as pockets. Like the EDGE Version, it willretail for 13,440 yen.

There is also a special edition sleeveless shirt and shorts forthose with a really intense cycling routine. Like the previous

shirts, this also comes in sizes XS to 3L and features a tanktop and shorts. It will also retail for 13,440 yen.

Offering your arms UV protection from the sun are a set ofarm covers. It will range in size from XS to XL, but will retailfor only 4,410 yen. According to the concept art they willcome in both black and white options.

To make sure you don’t lose your grip during long rides, theRacing Miku 2013 gloves are available to keep your handscomfortable. They are available for order for 5,250 yen.

All of these goods are currently available on Good Smile’sonline shop.

Source: Famitsu, GOODSMILE ONLINE SHOP

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

These are the finalists forNendoroid Snow Miku 2014,vote for your fave tonightSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/finalists-nendoroid-snow-

miku-2014/

By KarbyP on May 17th, 2013

Good Smile Company has teamed up with piapro (CyptonFuture Media’s image, music, and song lyrics sharing site)to bring Hatsune Miku fans a brand new Nendoroid SnowMiku for the upcoming Winter 2014 season.

This year’s theme for Snow Miku was decided to be “MahouShoujo” (Magical Girl), and piapro users were encouragedto come up with their cutest designs for the new Snow Mikuunder that motif, and submit them for consideration to bemade into an actual Nendoroid.

Unique to this year’s contest, in addition to a design forNendoroid Snow Miku, Good Smile Company and piaprowere also soliciting designs for a pet that would come withSnow Miku.

After a contest period of a couple of weeks and carefulconsideration from the judges, the numerous entriessubmitted by Miku fans were whittled down to just nine eachfor Snow Miku, and Snow Miku’s pet.

From this group of nine finalists, one design will be votedon and picked by fans to officially become Nendoroid SnowMiku 2014 and Snow Miku’s pet.

The voting and decision-making will be held during a NicoNico Live broadcast that will begin at 7PM Japan time(GMT+0900 hours) tonight – that’s 6PM Singapore time –and viewable from this link: http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv137133495

The livestream will also contain gameplay footage fromProject Mirai 2 (3DS) and other cool Hatsune Miku corners.So if you’re a Miku fan, make sure to tune in or watch thetime-shifted programme later.

Here are the finalists for Snow Miku 2014:

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And here are the ones for Snow Miku’s pet:

Gackt denies rape and sexualassault allegationsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/gackt-denies-rape-sexual-assault-

allegations/

By KarbyP on May 17th, 2013

J-pop star and singer-songwriter Gackt is seething in rageafter the latest issue of Kobunsha’s Flash tabloid magazinepublished what he claims to be an untrue account of himconfining and sexually assaulting a 27-year-old nightclubhostess for six hours in his own home in late 2011.

“This has gone beyond rage. I’m so shocked by thisaccusation that my jaw has fallen to the floor,” Gackt wrotein a blog entry addressed to his fans.

“The way this article was written and its contents, are justlike that of an erotic novel. It’s so ridiculous I could laugh.

“And the timing of this article’s publication, it’s coming outright in the middle of my live tour, obviously what they’reaiming to do is just to increase magazine sales… but tous (Gackt’s management) we feel like the conspirators aretrying to ruin my live tour,” Gackt wrote.

In that sense, the J-pop star went on to say, the accusationspublished are not just an affront to him, but also an affrontto concert-goers who bought tickets to his tour.

Gackt also revealed on his blog that the 27-year-old whoaccused him of confinement and rape had previously come

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to him and demanded 10,000,000 yen, threatening to tellthe world that he sexually assaulted her if Gackt refusedpayment. When Gackt consulted his lawyers, he was toldthat there was no need to pay her anything as her claims werenot true.

“Since then, I never heard from her again. Then years latershe decides to go to a magazine to blow the lid open… whatthe heck? Furthermore according to the article all she wantsfrom me is just a public apology and nothing more? Wait aminute, that’s not right, in the first place you came to extortmoney from me!” Gackt wrote.

The accusations have affected his work. Gackt said thathe has cancelled some of his upcoming TV programmeappearances, due to concerns made by the shows’ sponsors.

The popular singer-songwriter plans to sue both themagazine and the 27-year-old accuser for libel anddefamation, and currently has a team of three elite lawyersworking on his case.

Source: Yahoo! Japan News, Channel News Asia

Incoming: Arc Revolution Cup5/19 What you need to knowSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/incoming-arc-revolution-cup-519/

By hikarucon on May 17th, 2013

For those of you into competitive fighting games especiallyanything made by Arc Systems (i.e. Blazblue, Guilty Gear,or Persona 4 Arena), you probably know about the ArcRevolution Cup coming up this Sunday in Yokohama.Players from all around Japan who got past the preliminaryregional rounds will be competing in their respective games,aiming to take down their rivals and take home the glory and

joy first place. The Arc Revolution Cup will be live streamedon NicoNico as well as twitch.tv along with the Musical Live,Web Radio (Blue Radio H), things that no fan of Arc Systemswill want to miss.

Excited for the Arc Revolution Cup but don’t know what it’sall about? Well for those of you who don’t know or want aquick reminder of what exactly is going on, here’s a refreshercourse.

ARC REVOLUTION CUP -Video Game Tournament Hosting3 Arc System fighting games:

1. BlazBlue Chronophantasma

2. Persona 4 the Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena

3. Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R

WHEN

Final picks (end of the preliminaries to get into thereal tournament): May 18th, 2013 12:30pm-6:00pm(11:30pm-5amEST Friday-Saturday) Arc Revolution Cup:May 19th, 2013 (Sunday) 1:00pm- 6:00pm (12am-5amSaturday-Sunday)

STREAMS

Twitch.tv

Final Pick (5/18)

Finals (5/19)

NicoNico

Final Pick (5/18)

Final (5/19)

NOTE

- The contents of the streams will be strictly the Final Pickand Finals

- You will not be able to view every match

- Public recordings of the radio will not be available

THE GAMES AT ARC REVOLUTION CUP

The games chosen to be played at this year’s Arc RevolutionCup are Blazblue Chronophantasma (BBCP), Persona 4the Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena (P4U), and Guilty GearAccent Core Plus R (GGXXAC+R). All of these games involvestringing combos together in order to defeat your enemiesas well as incorporating a lot of metagame strategies suchas Okizeme and Bursting. For those unaware of these terms,

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an Okizeme comes from the Japanese word, “Attack” and“Wakeup.”

The basic gist of an Okizeme is attacking your opponent asthey are getting off the ground after being knocked down.If successfully done, you are able to put pressure on youropponent or do mixups so that you can hopefully confuseyour opponent into letting you get another combo in.

Bursting is a game mechanic in the 3 games where you willbe able to interrupt your opponents attack and get themoff of you, allowing you to recover and maybe even begina counterattack. Bursts only come once a round thoughso players are careful when they use them because a goodBurst can save your life. The use of a burst varies betweenthe 3 games though. In BBCP there are now defensive andoffensive bursts. Defensive bursts do what regular bursts do— they get the opponent off of you and put you back into aneutral state.

The offensive bursts though put you into “overdrive” whichboosts your offensive capabilities making every attack youland deal more damage. In P4U, you can use bursts tocontinue combos, raise the damage of them, as well as useit as a defensive technique. But in all of these cases, you canonly typically use your burst once a match. In both BBCPand P4U, the burst gauge slowly recovers during the matchso it’s possible that you can use the burst twice a match. Butusually bursts are saved until a crucial point in the matchand therefore knowing when to burst is extremely crucial forvictory.

Even if you’re walking into this live stream with little tono knowledge of fighting game terminology, you’ll still beinspired by the flashy combos, wondering when they willuse their burst, and how the players will break through theiropponent’s guard to get in some damage. So even if youjust play casually or have no idea what these games are but

have some kind of interest, you definitely won’t get bored ofwatching the matches.

BLAZBLUE CHRONOPHANTASMA

4 new characters have been added to this version of Blazbluemaking the total character roster 23. The basic layout ofBBCP is the same as any other fighting game out there.You have your special gauge that fills up every time youland an attack on your opponent. When your gauge fills upenough, usually to 50, you can your super moves and otherthings like rapid cancels. What separates Blazblue from theother games is that each character has their own “drive”which is performed just by pressing the “D” button. Drivesare special moves that are used in the same way as regularmoves but do different things than just normal attacks, sofor instance, they can transform your character into a wolflike in Valkenhayn’s case or control the wind like in Rachel’scase.

BLAZBLUE TOURNAMENT ROSTER

CHARACTERS TO BE WARY OF

VALKENHAYN and TAOKAKA

Both characters are considered to be the fastest in thegame. With Valkenhayn’s drive, he can turn into a wolf andcan change between attacking high, mid, or low, extremelyquickly. Taokaka is a cat themed character and this isreflected in her playstyle which is more speed oriented.Her movements are very fast making her hard to catch andthen her attacks also pack a punch making her a dangerouscharacter to fight against. In both characters’ cases seeing aone sided match with them is not too unusual.

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HAKUMEN

Hakumen has really long reach and a drive that can be usedto counter an enemy’s attack so even when guarding he canreverse an opponent’s pressure and turn it into his own.Hakumen has a special characteristic where instead of anormal special gauge, called Magatama. The Magatama fillsup in two ways, either you can just let it fill up or use his driveand counter moves to do it. When the Magatama is full, youcan use his special moves. Hakumen’s coolest moves are hispowerful one hit moves especially when he is in overdriveand his damage is exponentially increased. When the screenturns black get excited for something cool.

NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS

1. Conan (Tsubaki): Winner of the 2011 GODSGARDEN. Heworked hard and pushed his way to victory in the regionalgames and now faces towards the Arc Revolution Cup Finals.A smart and talented player, he’s definitely a player thateveryone should watch out for.

2. Souji (Arakune): The winner of the national BlueRevolution Tournament and the overseas NEC tournament.At one point he mained Valkenhayn but then changedcharacters to Arakune. He is very skilled at not letting theopponent touch him at all.

3. “Amae I”(Rachel): A famous player even within the GulityGear community, previously using the name N-Otoko. Heis a high level Rachel player who is great at overwhelminghis opponents. Rachel players are rare thus not manyplayers have strategies concerning her giving him a bit of anadvantage in that regard. Look forward to his progress in thistournament!

EXHIBITION MATCH SOUJI (ARAKUNE) V. GORO(MAKOTO)

PERSONA 4 THE ULTIMATE IN THE MAYONAKA ARENA

P4U incorporates both characters from Persona 4 andPersona 3 into one great fighting game. Characters in thePersona series fight by summoning their personas and thegame reflects that. Each character has their own characterspecific persona attacks which can be used as easily asregular attacks. But if the opponent is able to hit yourpersona 4 times, your character will lose the ability to usetheir persona for a short time leaving you a little morevulnerable to attack. Using a persona to attack means thatyou will end up relying on it to do combos and the likethat much more, but being able to use it opens up a lot ofpossibilities for attacks.

PERSONA4 TOURNAMENT ROSTER

CHARACTERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

NARUKAMI YUU

MITSURU CHIE

NARUKAMI YUU,MITSURU, CHIE

Narukami, Mitsuru, and Chie are said to be the strongestcharacters in the game. Narukami has great anti-airs andgood okizeme options with his persona. Mitsuru has goodreach and strong attacks making any combo she lands nottoo difficult but high damage. Chie is very fast and she canget into the opponent’s range very easily making her a morerush down character.

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KANJI

KANJI

Kanji is a grappler character meaning that he focuses onthrowing his enemies. This means at close range he is verydeadly and if he grabs you, you’re in for a world of hurt. Ifyou’re not careful, it’s possible that he could end the matchin an instant.

NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS

1. DIE (Mitsuru): Among even the top players of Mitsuru,Die is considered one of the strongest. There might actuallynot be any player who can match his win-lose ratio. He couldbe this tournament’s overall favorite to win.

2. Yume (Aegis): Yume is a veteran of fighting games andthus has a lot of experience. He’s among the top Aegisusers with a strong metagame that can easily overwhelmhis opponents. Seeing him fight in this tournament willdefinitely be something worth watching.

3. Hae (Chie): The player who took second place in a 2012tournament. Lots of great expectations have been placed inhim after seeing his strong play style that is sure to take downeven the strongest of foes.

EXHIBITION MATCH: PET (KANJI) V MITAFU (AEGIS)

GUILTY GEAR XX ACCENT CORE PLUS R

Sporting 25 characters, a huge fan base, and many updates,Guilty Gear bosts being one of the longest played video gametitles. The appeal of Guilty Gear lies in its fast paced actionmaking every match exciting and interesting. The specialtyof Guilty Gear lies in its Force Roman Cancel where thetiming to use it is very strict (2-4 frames). If done correctly,the character will go back into a neutral state which will allowthe player to continue combos that normally would not beable to be continued.

GUILTYGEAR TOURNAMENT ROSTER

CHARACTERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

ZAPPA

A character that is possessed by a myriad of spirits, all ofwhich he can use to fight his enemies. In the game you cansummon the power of 4 spirits but only use 1 at a time. Themain strategy for all Zappa strategies is to summon and gainorbs. After Zappa gets 8 orbs, he can summon Raoh whoinflicts heavy damage for about 15 seconds. Zappa is also avery fast character making him a force to be reckoned with.

JUSTICE

Tsujikawa is really the only person to use this character intournaments. He cannot dash but he has a long reach and alot of tools that he can use during the battle. Justice is alsogood at shutting down other characters making him a strongcharacter when used by the right person.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

1. Eki (Zappa): The strongest Zappa in Kansai. He’s defeatedalmost every player in his way and quite quickly too makinghim the favorite to win the tournament

2. Woshige (Miria): Another great Kansai player. He’s verygood at okizeme making him a difficult opponent to dealwith. Utilizing Miria’s great speed he also makes it a point tonot be touched by the opponent.

3. FAB (Potemkin): He is great at guarding and counterattacking. Potemkin is a very strong character so just a fewcombos can end the entire game. FAB is no stranger to thisinformation and is sure to use Potemkins strengths to hisadvantages while watching out for his weaknesses.

EXHIBITION MATCH: FAB (POTEMKIN) V NAGE(FAUST)

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Excited for the Arc Revolution Cup? Be sure to tune in to theNicoNico or twitch.tv stream, support your favorite players,and have a great time!

Kuroshitsuji live actionmovie: CanCam model MizukiYamamoto latest to be addedto actor lineupSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kuroshitsuji-live-action-movie-

camcam-model-yamamoto-mizuki-latest-added-actor-lineup/

By okaroll on May 17th, 2013

Most fans of the Kuroshitsuji series would know that a liveaction movie will be out soon. Now we have more news onthis! CanCam Model Mizuki Yamamoto will be also starringalong with Hiro Mizushima and Ayame Goriki in this liveaction film.

As we have previously reported, the events in this live actionfilm does not follow the original but take place in 2020- 130years after the events in the original series. Hiro Mizushimastars as the devilishly charming butler of the Phantomhiveestate, Sebastian Michaelis. Along with him is Ayame Goriki,who will be acting as his new mistress, Shiori Genbo.

Now a new cast member, CanCam model Yamamoto Mizukiwill be added to act as Rin, a clumsy maid who is passionatein protecting her mistress. Even though Rin is an originalcharacter, it is clear that the image of this characteris modeled closely to Mey-Rin, one of the characters in theoriginal series.

Regarding her role in this live action movie, she mentionedthat as she was a fan of the original series, she was reallyhappy when she received news that she is going to star inthe movie. She loves the character she is playing as she is agirl who does her best in everything and is extremely loyal toher mistress. As this is her first time challenging a live actionfilm, she did get a case of the nerves in the beginning. Butthe staff in this production told her, “Work hard, play hard”,thus she felt encouraged and managed to perform the bestshe can in this film. She wishes that audience would thinkthat her character is cool upon seeing the finished product.

Toboso Yana, the mangaka of this series commented thatalthough she has seen Yamamoto Mizuki in The KirishimaThing last year, the change in image this time was too greatthat she could not tell that the actress in the movie wasYamamoto herself. Toboso Yana also said, “It may be myown theory but, a cute person is always cute in whatevershe does. So I am looking forward to see a cute maid on arampage.”

Kuroshitsuji, otherwise known as Black Butler, is aboutSebastian Michaelis the butler of the Phantomhivehousehold who seems to be perfect in everything he doesto tend to his young master, Ciel Phantomhive. The reasonbehind this seemingly perfect performance seems to bebecause he is bound to his master by a supernatural contract.This series has started its serialization in Monthly GFantasysince September 2006 and is still ongoing. It also alreadyhas two seasons of anime, two drama CDs, musicals, a gamereleased for the Nintendo DS, character guide, an officialcomic anthology under its belt and now, a live action movie.

Although the live action movie deviates from the original, dolook forward to see a different side of Kuroshitsuji slated forrelease in spring 2014!

via Comic Natalie

‘A Love Song to a CertainPilot’ to receive animeadaptationSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/a-love-song-pilot-receive-anime-

adaptation/

By SunSoftware on May 17th, 2013

The publisher Shogakukan has announced an animeadaptation of Toaru Hikuushi he no Koiuta, a light novelseries about love, revenge, and airplane battles.

In case you are wondering, Toaru Hikuushi he no Koiuta (ALove Song to a Certain Pilot) is not related to Toaru Majutsuno Index. It’s the second installment of Koroku Inumura’sHikuushi series.

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The story is set in an kingdom where the prince has lost hishome and family in a revolution, left with only a desire forrevenge against the girl who led the revolution, Nina Vient,and the promise to become a pilot. The prince soon changeshis name to Karuel and lives with a kind family for five yearsbefore he enters a school on Isla, an island floating 2,000meters in the air. There, Karuel trains to become a pilot andbonds with a classmate named Claire.

Koiuta was published from February 2009 to January 2011and lasted five volumes. To get a better idea of the series,you can watch this commercial for the light novels, featuringillustrations by Haruyuki Morisawa.

The prequel to Koiuta, Toaru Hikuushi he no Tsuioku(Recollections of a Certain Pilot, aka The Princess andthe Pilot) was also adapted into an animated movie byMadhouse and TMS and released in October 2011.

We don’t know whether Koiuta will be produced by the samestudios or whether it will feature the same voice actors as thecommercial, but more details are scheduled to be announcednext month.

Source: Yaraon

Singapore: ‘Metallic Gray’PlayStation 3 controller hitsstores June 10Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/singapore-metallic-gray-

playstation-3-controller-hits-stores-june-10/

By KarbyP on May 17th, 2013

The Metallic Gray DualShock 3 wireless controller, whichSony announced a couple of weeks back would be coming outin the US in early June, and to Japan on June 20, is makingits way to Asia as well.

Stores here in Singapore will be getting the new DualShock3 controller – which complements the limited edition Godof War: Ascension DualShock 3 controller quite nicely –on June 10, available at the recommended retail price of S$59.90.

Here are the full product specifications:

Now, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from buying video gamesand peripherals over the years here in Singapore, it’s thatyou can’t always count on a product or a certain package(bundle, pre-order bonus, etc) making its way over to yourhome country.

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Just because a multi-national corporation announces that acertain game or peripheral will be released in US or in Japan,doesn’t mean it’ll come out in your home region.

And even if it does, chances are it won’t come out on the sameday (and sometimes even the same week or month) as thoseother regions.

So I’m always glad when a game company bothers to bringa certain product over to Singapore. And even more so if itcomes out on the same day as the US/Japan (in this case,Japan is getting it 10 days later on June 20).

‘Hikaru no Go’ author’s latestmanga teaches readers howto draw mangaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/hikaru-authors-latest-manga-

teaches-readers-draw-manga/

By KarbyP on May 17th, 2013

Yumi Hotta, the author and creator behind Hikaru no Go,is currently working on a new manga project that will beginserialisation in the Web publication Tonari no Young Jumpnext Friday, May 23.

Entitled Hachiman Challenge! Hajimete no Manga(Hachiman Challenge! Your First Manga or はははははははは), Hotta’s new series is about – you guessed it – howanybody, regardless of age, gender, or occupation, can getinto drawing manga right away. Just like how Hikaru no Gowas said to have increased the popularity of Go in Japan

when it was serialised, Hachiman Challenge attempts tospread the joy of manga drawing.

The way the series will accomplish its goal, however, is ratherunusual.

Each week, Hachiman Challenge readers are encouraged todraw their own manga based on a topic or scenario describedin the on-going series, and send it to Tonari no Young Jump.

A few of the reader pieces will then be picked to be publishedin the next issue, along with Hotta’s feedback on the readers’work as well as the next chapter of the manga which willfeature a new topic or scenario to explore.

From time to time, the series also plans to feature surpriseguest manga artists.

Hachiman Challenge will be published once every threeweeks. Although the first chapter is scheduled to be releasedon a Thursday, May 23, from the second chapter onwardsthe manga will be published once every three Wednesdays,starting from June 12.

In addition, to celebrate Hachiman Challenge’scommencement, the paperback version of Weekly YoungJump issue no.25 (on newsstands May 23) will also featurea special chapter of the series.

Souce: Comic Natalie, Tonari no Young Jump

‘Yahari Ore no Seishun LoveCome wa Machigatteiru’ OVAto come bundled with PS VitagameSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/yahari-ore-seishun-love-wa-

machigatteiru-ova/

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By spartanchef on May 17th, 2013

A few announcements have been announced regarding theanime Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru.

Firstly, the anime would have twelve episodes plus one“extra edition” which is a totally original story not found inthe light novels. That makes it 13 episodes total. The animewould cover up until Volume 6 of the light novels whichwould be the Cultural Festival Arc.

Also, an original story OVA is announced. It will be bundledalong the limited edition “Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comewa Machigatteiru” game. The game is exclusive for the PSVita platform and the OVA bundled with it would be in Blu-Ray. The limited edition game, along with the OVA is slatedfor release summer 2013.

Both the “extra edition” episode and the OVA are written bythe light novel author of Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comewa Machigatteiru, Watari Wataru.

The anime is an adaptation of the light novel series by WatariWataru. Its publication started March 2011 and has becomepopular ever since.

Source: Yaraon

King of Fighter’s Mai Shiranuireimagined as a guy inMMORPG Lost SagaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/king-fighters-mai-shiranui-

reimagined-guy-lost-saga/

By KarbyP on May 16th, 2013

The King of Fighters series’s Mai Shiranui is a culturalicon in gaming. She’s a sex symbol. Not only that, for overtwo decades, she’s served as a banner gal for SNK – she’soften the go-to character for any kind of collaboration thatrequires a female fighter from the fighting game maker.

But have you ever wondered what Mai would have lookedlike if, instead of being a well-endowed curvy kunoichi, shehad instead been a male ninja? Would she be as celebrateda gaming icon as she is today?

One company has dared to think the unthinkable. CJInternet Japan, who licensed and operates the Korean-developed MMORPG brawler Lost Saga in Japan, isintroducing Mai Shiranui – in both male and female flavours– as a premium character that you can buy and use in theJapanese version of the game.

Here’s what they look like. For some reason I’m thinking thatthe male version won’t prove to be very popular (he lookspretty pansy, if you ask me):

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This is not the first time a fighting game character has beenlicensed for use and introduced in Lost Saga. Previously suchas BlazBlue’s Hazama, Samurai Shodown’s Haohmaru, andKing of Fighters’ Iori Yagami, were added to the game.

All of those characters were also available in both male andfemale versions – and I think female counterparts turned outpretty well! See for yourself:

Hazama (BlazBlue)

Haohmaru (Samurai Shodown)

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Iori Yagami (The King of Fighters)

Razor Atrox arcade stickofficially launched, shipsinternationally in JuneSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/razor-atrox-arcade-stick-officially-

launched-ships-internationally-june/

By KarbyP on May 16th, 2013

Finally, after being in development for over two years,Razor’s first arcade fight stick – the Razor Atrox – is readyto ship.

Today the premium peripheral maker announced that it willbegin taking pre-orders for the Atrox arcade stick from May21. The stick will then begin shipping to customers in Japanlater this month, and to everyone else worldwide sometimein June.

“Following a huge beta testing program, we’re confident thatwe’ve built an arcade stick enthusiasts will love,” said Razerco-founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan in a statement.

“We know that the fighting-game community is huge onmodding their arcade sticks, and that is why we made theRazer Atrox extremely mod friendly. We are excited to seewhat extreme mods the Razer Atrox will be the base for.”

For modding reasons, the Razor Atrox is designed tobe easily popped open – with just a touch of a button.

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Additionally, the Atrox also features built-in storage roomfor additional joystick parts, an interchangeable top plate,and will shop with a screwdriver to facilitate modding.

All of this is on top of industry standard features you’d expectfrom an arcade fight stick these days, such as Sanwa Denshistick and buttons (Sanwa Denshi being the standard usedin Japanese arcades for fighting games; for 2D shootersSeimitsu Denshi is the preferred maker) and a 2.4mm audiojack for headset use on the Xbox 360.

• 10 tournament-grade Sanwa Denshi™ buttons

• Authentic Sanwa Denshi™ joystick with ball top

• Interchangeable top panel allows for custom artworkfinishes

• Fully accessible internals and storage compartmentsfor easy modding

• Honeycomb structure on the inside for easy screwmounting

• Storage compartments for alternative bat top joystickand more

• 13 ft / 4 m detachable USB cable

• Screwdriver included for modding

• 2.5mm audio jack for headset use (Xbox 360)

The Razor Atrox is priced at US$199. Available from theRazor online store.

Source: EventHubs, VentureBeat

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Haganai Live Action: ActorsrevealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/haganai-live-action-actors-revealed/

By hikarucon on May 18th, 2013

Despite the desperate cries from fans to cancel the liveaction adaptation of beloved light novel and anime Boku waTomodachi ga Sukunai (Haganai), the filming rolls on. Forbetter or worse it seems filming has been going smoothly andthey’ve already selected actors for the film. Maybe the filmshouldn’t be written off by fans quite yet though since it looksas if it will be graced with some talented actors. Accordingto a guy who was able to snap some photos of what seemsto be filming for Haganai has determined that, Kitano Kie,Nagareboshi, will be taking the role of Mikadzuki Yozora andKoji Seto, Koizora and lead vocalist for J-rock band Tetra-Fang, will be taking the lead as main character HasegawaKodaka.

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Mecha manga ‘Shidonia noKishi’ gets anime adaptationSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/mecha-manga-shidonia-kishi-anime-

adaptation/

By SunSoftware on May 18th, 2013

The editors of Afternoon magazine have leaked online thatTsutomu Nihei’s manga Shidonia no Kishi (Knights ofSidonia) is being adapted into an anime (on their Facebookpage, of all places).

Shidonia no Kishi is set one thousand years after humancivilization has evacuated the Earth on spaceships to fleefrom giant alien monsters called Gauna. Over time, humansdeveloped mechas called “Morito” to fight the Gauna. Themain character is Nagate Tanikaze, a poor boy who livesapart from human society until he is arrested for tryingto steal food and somehow gets enlisted as a pilot-in-training. Nagate soon discovers how to use the famousMorito Tsugumori, as well as how to behave in a societywith human photosynthesis, cloning, and human-animalmutations.

Shidonia no Kishi has been serialized since April 2009, andhas been published in nine volumes, the tenth one comingon May 23. The first two volumes have also been publishedin English by Vertical.

No further details on the anime have been announced yet,but this is a series for sci-fi and mecha fans to keep an eye on.

Source: Moe Otanews

Tokyo Ravens anime cast andstaff announcedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/tokyo-ravens-anime-staff-cast-

announced/

By spartanchef on May 18th, 2013

The cast and staff for the new Tokyo Ravens anime serieshas just been announced with Ishikawa Kaito and HanazawaKana headlining as the two main characters.

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The role of Tsuchimikado Harutora will be voiced byIshikawa Kaito, a relative newcomer to voice acting. He hasvoiced Ledo from Suisei no Gargantia as well as ManatsuSoda from RDG: Red Data Girl. Voicing TsuchimikadoNatsume is fan favorite Hanazawa Kana. She is knownfor voicing several popular anime characters like CharlotteDunois from IS: Infinite Stratos, Kuroneko from Oreno Imouto, Hasegawa Kobato from Boku Tomodachi gaSakunai and the titular Black Rock Shooter from the BlackRock Shooter series.

Kanemoto Hisako, who voices Hokuto in this series hasworked with Ishikawa Kaito before in Suisei no Gargantia asshe voices Amy. She has also voiced Kotoura Haruka fromKotoura-San, Katyusha from Girls Und Panzer , Kiriyama

Yui from Kokoro Connect and of course, Ika Musume fromShiryaku! Ika Musume.

The role of Ato Touji will be voiced by Kimura Ryohei. He hasworked with Hanazawa Kana before in Boku Tomodachi gaSakunai as her character’s older brother, Hasegawa Kodaka.He also voiced L-elf from Valverave the Liberator, FuruyaChihiro from Sankarea and Judal from Magi: Labyrinthof Magic. During the 2012 Seiyuu awards, he won bestsupporting actor.

The Drill-haired blonde, Dairenji Suzuka will be voiced bySakura Ayane. She is known for voicing Buratei Marii fromJoshiraku and Ishiki Akane from Vividred Operation.

Singer and voice actress Toyosaki Aki, who is well knownfor voicing Hirasawa Yui from K-On! is voicing Kon. She has

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won the Best new actress award during the Seiyuu Awardsin 2010. She has also voiced Kunieda Aoi from Beelzebub,Uiharu Kazari from the To Aru Majutsu no Index series, andKurokami Medaka from Medaka Box.

Meanwhile, Kyoko Kurahashi will be voiced by Kitamura Eriwho is known for voicing Otonashi Saya in Blood+. She hasvoiced Cana Alberona and Aquarius from Fairy Tail, AraragiKaren from the Monogatari series, Darjeeling from Girls undPanzer and Miki Sayaka from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.She also provided the voice for the Vocaloid, CUL.

Shimono Hiro is also announced to appear in the animeand he will be providing the voice for Momoe Pegasus. Heis known for voicing Yoshii Akihisa from Baka to Test toShoukanjuu, Satou You from Ben-To, and Katsuragi Keimafrom Kaminomi.

The staff for Tokyo Ravens have also been announcedhas announced. Taking the helm as director is KanasakiTakaomi who directed “Kore wa Zombie desu ka?!”. Theseries will be written by Hideyuki Kurata who wrote forthe anime Kannagi, ROD: Read or Die and Bamboo Blade.Atsuko Watanabe will be doing the character design. Shehas done several character designs including ones for CodeGeass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Strike Witches and HunterX Hunter. The animation will be produced by 8-Bit whichhas produced IS: Infinite Stratos, Aquarion EVOL and BusouShinki.

Tokyo Ravens is based on the light novel series by KoheiAzano and is published in Shonen Ace.

Source: Yaraon

BlazBlue is getting an animeadaptationSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/blazblue-anime-adaptation/

By KarbyP on May 18th, 2013

Arc System Works’s 2D fighting game series BlazBlue isbeing adapted into an anime series, the wraparound coverjacket band for the second volume in Fumishobo’s lightnovel adaptation of the fighting game franchise has revealed.

The news comes in from Netizens in Japan who have secureda copy of the BlazBlue light novel series’s second volume,which hits book stores today.

Could this BlazBlue anime announcement be what ArcSystem Works is counting down to on the Arc Fes portal site?

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Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the vast majority of theworld is uninhabitable due to a substance known as Seithr,BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is the story of two orphanagedbrothers – Ragna and Jin – whose destinies take a turn forthe bizarre when one day, while they were still kids, Jin washanded the Ars Magus ice blade Yukianesa. Ars Magus aremagic weapons that consume Seithr, and often impact thepsychological state of its user.

A seemingly possessed Jin then cuts off Ragna’s arm usingYukianesa, and leaves his for dead while the mysteriousman who handed Jin Yukianesa takes him and the brothers’younger sister Saya away.

Years later, Jin is now an elite military officer at theNovus Orbis Librarium (NOL) world government, afterbeing adopted into the noble Kisaragi family due to hisremarkable skill with Ars Magus.

Ragna, on the other hand, is labeled a class SS criminalresponsible for single-handedly destroying entire branchesof the NOL government. Nicknamed the “Grim Reaper”,Ragna fights with his gauntlet-shaped Ars Magus (doublingas an artificial arm), the Azure Grimoire.

The brothers re-unite when Jin makes his way to the 13thHierarchical City of Kagutsuchi, after hearing about Ragna’sintentions to destroy NOL’s offices there.

Conquering the world withher new song! An interviewwith Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/conquer-world-music-interview-

kyary-pamyu-pamyu/

By okaroll on May 17th, 2013

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, or Kyary in short, who has taken theworld by storm with her hit single, ‘PONPONPON’, is nowback with her third single this year, ‘Invader Invader.’ Asthe title of her latest single suggests, she has indeed madeher invasion around the world, even in our little sunny islandwith her latest UNIQLO g.u commercials. Now let us takesome time to read about the wonder that is Kyary and findout who are in her top three list of favorite personalities inthis interview conducted by natalie.mu.

– The song, Invader Invader is really a catchy tune.

Kyary: As this song is the theme song for the second series ofUniqlo g.u commercials, the theme is to conquer the worldwith fashion. Even the lyrics in the song say so.

– For a song that is about conquering the world, the tunedoes not sound like one.

Kyary: The arrangement has a ‘cosmic’ sound to it, Iguess? I think that the tune is really upbeat with a futuristicelectronic sound, especially at the hook that goes “Da da dada Invader”. That part just gets stuck in your head all dayand becomes highly addictive.

-- It is rare to see you being so jumpy when singing. I feel thatyour songs although always cheery and upbeat, there seemto always have a heart-rending and lonely part to it. But forInvader Invader, it seems that there is no sad part to it at all.

Kyary: Indeed. I feel that the song feels very aggressive as ithas lyrics like “Laser beams from your eyes” and “Missilesfrom your ears”. But I do love how unrealistic the lyrics are.

– How did it feel like when you were recording this song?

Kyary: During the recording, the composer Yasutaka Nakataalways tells me to sing more lightly and gently as I have putin too much feelings into the song. So I tried to sing morelightly and smoothly.

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– So do you also sing songs which do not require muchfeelings during live performances?

Kyary: Ah, I do differentiate between those two categories.

– Any examples of songs which you put your feelings into?

Kyary: ‘Furisodeshon’ is one of them. This is because thelyrics felt really close to my heart as I have just turned 20this year. Especially at the part where it goes, “Thank you,for being able to meet each and everyone of you”, I wouldalways like to look at each and everyone in the audiencewhen singing that. ‘Ninjya Re Bang Bang’ is also one ofthe songs which make me want to put my feelings in whensinging. However, in this case, I would prefer to sing it in away where I can build up to a climax.

– So the song Furisodeshon is really quite close to yourselfin real life.

Kyary: Yes. ‘Unite Unite’ might also have a similar feeling toFurisodeshon. But for my songs, I always think that it willbe good to have a balance between what is in real life andfantasy… Even though Invader Invader seem to lack mostof that balance *laughs*

– Do you feel that the coupling track, ‘Point of View’ iscloser to your real self as compared to Invader Invader?

Kyary: Yes. Since this song will also be used in FujiTelevision’s variety show, ‘Ageru Terebi’, it is a cute and lightpop tune.

– The lyrics are really positive.

Kyary: It is always a good thing to be able to take on adifferent perspective. As such, if you were to think about thenegative that happens in your life in a different point of view,wouldn’t it change for the better? That is what the song istrying to tell the audience- a positive message about facingthe adversities in life. This positive message is something Ireally love about this song.

– The theme of this song seems to be about being more openminded if you were to see things in different point of view.

Kyary: Yes, indeed. I think that ‘False Eyelashes’ and‘Fashion Monster ‘also have similar themes. I am someonewho believes in being positive despite moments of negativityhappening around me. As such, I feel that this song reallysuits my personality.

– As Yasutaka Nakata writes the lyrics for your single thistime, did you feel any form of connection to the lyrics?

Kyary: Yes, it is very important to feel connected to thelyrics of your song. There is a line that goes something like,“Wouldn’t it be great if you could create happy moments byyourself?” I felt that it really matches the kind of professionI am in right now. Of course I think that not only artistes,but normal people like students or company employees canalso broaden their perspectives if they were to see things ina different light.

– Did you ever feel awkward about singing your songs asthey always seem so blunt and straightforward in deliveringintended meaning?

Kyary: Ah, I do have a lot of songs which are not crypticat all such as ‘100% for you’, which tells us to be directwhen thanking or apologizing to someone. But, I do not feelembarrassed singing about something like that, I think Iwould feel embarrassed if I were to sing a love song instead.*laughs*

– But there seems to be what we would call a typical lovesong in one of your works….

Kyary: I do not have any, I guess. Although “Suki sugitekiresou” can be counted as a love song, it is more about a lovestory about a girl acting a little possessive over her lover. Andthat is not ‘typical’. *laughs*

– Have you ever thought of trying to sing a ‘real’ love song?

Kyary: Although I do talk to Yasukata about mattersregarding love…

– Ah, I see.

Kyary: When we have meals over recording, we do talk aboutthat occasionally. Then he would record down somethingthat looks like lyrics as I talk about how I would want myrelationship to be like, etc. But for some reason, those partsnever appeared in my songs, I guess he had something hewanted to write more…

– There is no love song for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu yet, I guess.

Kyary: There is no element of love in my personality at all,apart from that, I think he wanted to show the aspect of

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my personality that I am someone who is always lookingfor novelty. As a result, Yasukata did not write any songsregarding love .

– I would want to know what Yasukata Nakata writes in hisnotebook when having meals with you.

Kyary: Ah, the memo taking only takes place occasionally.Iremembered telling him about my moments with falseeyelashes and it soon became the lyrics of the song, FalseEyelashes.

Hope that all of you are enjoying the interview so far,now we shall check out who are Kyary’s top three favoritepersonalities!

– I would like to know what are Kyary’s favorite top 3personalities.

Ah, who do I like… I like the person who voiced Baikinman.

– Isn’t that a character from Anpanman?

Kyary: I couldn’t remember his name at hand, but I thoughtthat he has a really incredible voice.

– Yes, that person would be Ryusei Naoka. He voiced formany characters other than Baikinman…

Kyary: He also did Freezer (a character from Dragonball), Ithink. I have watched Disney’s Mulan recently and I heardthe same voice in one of the characters, Ling and I found outthat it was voiced by the same person. He has also showedup around seven times in my search results when I searchedfor voice actors each time I hear a good one. *laughs*

– He really has quite the ‘voice’.

Kyary: I always like to look up on people with good voices.Although the voice behind Baikinman is an old veteran, Ireally want to meet him.

– But it will still be good to meet him anyway, right?

Kyary: But I really wonder what I am going to do if I evermeet him. As he seems like a seasoned veteran when I lookedup for his pictures. *laughs*

Another one of my favorites is Naotaro Moriyama (J-popsinger who is famous for his hit song, Sakura). He is thefunniest person I met back in 2012. He was a guest in a showthat I appeared in called “Space Shower”. I only knew abouthis songs, but I have never seen him in person. But aftermeeting him, I found him really funny and he really mademe laugh throughout the recording. Therefore, I would reallywant to be friends with him.

– Which aspect of his character ‘hit’ you?

Kyary: He is just funny in whatever he says. But he does notdo it on purpose, perhaps he is just naturally comedic.

– He seems to have a polished sense of humour

Kyary: Yes, he does. I really like that. I think I would wantto try going for his live performance sometime, as he singsreally well too.

– Can you choose one more person?

Kyary: Ah… Who would that be… I do have a lot offavourites…

Staff: What about Tokimasa Hojyo (a military commanderduring the Heian period)?

Kyary: That’s not counted, it was just a dream.

– Don’t mind me asking but, may I know what happened toTokimasa Hojyo in your dream?

Kyary: Eh.. Is it okay if I say that? It was a pretty trivialincident. Well, in that dream, I was walking in the streets ofShibuya…

–Yes..

Kyary: Then suddenly a girl came up to me with a shockedexpression, so I wondered if she was my fan. But she askedme if I was Tokimasa Hojyo. I thought it was hilarious as itis so odd that I was mistaken for a historical character in thestreets of Shibuya in 2013. *laughs*

– That seems pretty surreal. *laughs*

Kyary: When I searched for his picture, I noticed that he hasa mole on his cheek.

– You immediately searched that on the internet? *laughs*

Kyary: But I totally do not look like him! Then in that samedream, oddly, I was drinking coffee even though I am not acoffee drinker. Suddenly I heard the sound of a buzzer, thenI saw the same girl riding on a horse and beating me up. Thatwas some nightmare.

– But why did you dream about him?

Kyary: I think it might be because I was reading about ShiroAmakusa (a historical character during the Edo period). Asyou can see, I like reading up on history. At that time I wasin New York when I read that he died at the age of 14. As aresult, I dreamed of that when I slept on my way back to thehotel.

–Oh I see.

Kyary: By the way, is it okay that I said that in this interview?That was quite insignificant. Is it really okay if I saidsomething as trivial as that? *laughs*

We hope that you have enjoyed this interview. Also, pleasedo check out our full length interview with her when shevisited Singapore here.

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Source: Natalie

More details revealedabout Puzzle & Dragons xEvangelion collaborationSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/details-revealed-puzdra-evangelion-

collaboration/

By Zenko on May 17th, 2013

As the release date for the Puzzle & Dragons x Eva event isjust a few weeks away, more images for special events andcharacters have been released. As we previously reportedhere, the popular mobile game Puzzles and Dragons will becollaborating with Neon Genesis Evangelion in celebrationof the BluRay release of the new movie. Clearer images, newcharacters, and a previously unmentioned event have alsobeen released.

It’s now been revealed that Shinji in his plugsuit with EvaUnit 1, and in his school uniform alongside Berserk Eva Unit01. Eva Unit 1 will be a level 4 water, while Berserk Eva 01will be level 5.

Rei and Eva Unit 00 will also be making an appearance. EvaUnit 00′s design will be from the original series rather thanfrom the series rebuild, and also feature it’s token laser gun.They will be a level 4 light elemental.

Similarly, Asuka and Eva Unit 02 will be in their originalseries designs, with Asuka in her original plugsuit. They willbe a level 4 fire element. Mari, although appearing for thefirst time in Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone, also willbe featured in what is considered her classic plugsuit designalongside Eva Unit 05. With her green coloration, it makessense that she is a 4 star earth element.

Two angels are also making an appearance. The 4th Angelwill be a level 3 shadow element, while the 6th angel will bea level 3 light element.

The Rare Egg Dragon for pal eggs will also be getting a makeover and showing off it’s own Evangelion spirit as Eva Unit01.

Until the event is released, we cannot guarantee that itwill work on phone’s outside of Japan, but hopefully usersworldwide will get to experience it starting May 27.

May 18th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Dengenki News

‘Kimi to Kanojo to Kanojo noKoi’ violent outburst displayat Akihabara’s Tora no AnaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kimi-kanojo-kanojo-koi-violent-

outburst-display-akihabaras-tora-ana/

By hittokiri on May 17th, 2013

Akihabara’s Tora no Ana recently set up a display in theirshop to promote Nitroplus’s upcoming visual novel gameKimi to Kanojo to Kanojo no Koi. The display has beengrabbing the attention of passers-by for its violent outburst.

Kimi to Kanojo to Kanojo no Koi is a visual novel set in ahigh school environment. Said to contain ero-guro (eroticgrotesque) elements, the game is expected to be dark and willcontain twists to the story line. The characters for the gameare being done by Santa Tsuji while the scenario is writtenby Vio Shimokura.

Nitroplus, the maker of the game has a reputation of makinggames which are dark and shocking. Promotion videos of thegame so far has hinted that Kimi to Kanojo to Kanojo no Koiwill be no different from the other titles by the company.

Kimi to Kanojo to Kanojo no Koi will release on 28th June.

Source : Jin115

Nintendo Direct US (May17) highlights: New Sonicgames, New Super Luigi Ustandalone packageSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/nintendo-direct-17-highlights-sonic-

games-super-luigi-standalone-wonderful-101-release-date/

By KarbyP on May 17th, 2013

In its latest Nintendo Direct online broadcast, the Kyoto-based gaming giant announced two games from Sega –Sonic: Lost World (Wii U and 3DS) as well as Mario & Sonicat the Sochi Winter Olympics (Wii U).

May 18th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Nintendo also announced that the previously unveiled NewSuper Luigi U will now be made available both as astandalone game (July 26), as well as being a DLC add-on(June 20) for customers who already have New Super MarioBros U, and shared extended gameplay footage from:

• Game & Wario

• Pikmin 3

• Resident Evil Revelations

The release date for Platinum Games’s Wonderful 101 (WiiU) has also been announced. The game will launch in Europeon August 23, Japan on August 24, and in the US onSeptember 15.

And that’s about it from Nintendo Direct this time around.The entire broadcast is about 28 minutes long, and can beviewed via the video we’ve embedded below:

Hideo Kojima looking intoreleasing ‘Metal GearRising: Revengeance’ for PC[Updated]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-pc-

port-rumour-mill/

By KarbyP on May 17th, 2013

Update: We’ve sat through the entirety of the latest episodeof Kojima Productions’s official podcast and, yes, studiodirector Hideo Kojima says he’s looking into the possibilityof releasing a PC version of the game.

The topic came up in a discussion between Hideo Kojima,Rising’s supervising producer Yuji Korekado, and actressand radio personality Yumi Kikuchi on the reasons why theX360 version of Rising did not get a domestic release inJapan. When Kikuchi asks if the X360 version would eversee a domestic release in Japan, Kojima reveals that he hasa better idea.

“Well, in the first place, most of the games developed thesedays are done completely on the PC, for those games beingworked on by a multi-platform team. Because it’s easy tothen port it over from PC to X360, and it’s also easy to portit over from PC to the PS3,” Kojima said.

“In other words, we might even already have a PC version [ofthe game stored somewhere internally].”

“There should be!” Yumi Kikuchi chimed in at this point.

“So we’re thinking of releasing a PC version,” Kojima wenton.

Kikuchi applauds, and producer Yuji Korekado adds thathe’s often heard feedback from gamers overseas that they’dlike a PC version.

That said, this is by no means confirmation that a PC versionof Rising is indeed coming.

As amazing and well-regarded Kojima is, sometimesthings are truly out of his hands. For instance, in thesame episode of the podcast, just before Kojima announcesthat he’s looking into releasing a PC version, he said that hetried his best to bring out a domestic release for the X360version of the game in Japan.

Apparently, after Zone of the Enders: HD Collection wasreleased, Kojima was alerted to the abysmal sales figuresfor the X360 version in Japan, and there was discussioninternally to can the X360 release of Rising over there simplybecause the company might make a loss doing so. Overall itwas just not a very good idea for the brand as well.

Despite those concerns, however, Platinum Games verymuch wanted to release an X360 version in Japan, and soKojima went to talk to various people within the companyand on the financial side – yet in the end Japan still had togo without a domestic X360 release.

Fortunately for Metal Gear fans in Japan, KojimaProductions was able to do the next best thing: they includedJapanese subtitles in the English release of Rising (voices/dubs was impossible due to space restrictions) , and madeit region-free, so that Metal Gear fans could buy an importcopy and play it on their domestic X360s over there.

In a similar fashion, the PC version might not materialise.But if you’re a Metal Gear Rising fan, and you’d like to seeit happen, make sure to let Kojima and Konami know viaTwitter.

Original story: We’ve yet to confirm it ourselves, butaccording to GameSpark, the latest episode of the KojimaProductions official mentions that a PC version of MetalGear Rising: Revengeance is currently in the works.

Tweets made by Platinum Games’s Creative Director JeanPierre Kellams also appear to confirm the news of a PCversion.

May 18th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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We’ll listen to the Kojima Productions podcast ourselves andverify if this is indeed true after Nintendo’s SegaNintendoDirect Web broadcast is over.

Source: Hideoblog

Nintendo Direct Japan (May17) highlights: Ryu ga Gotoku1&2 HD comes to the Wii USource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/nintendo-direct-japan-may-17-

highlights-ryu-ga-gotoku-12-hd-wii/

By KarbyP on May 17th, 2013

The Nintendo Direct Web broadcast for Japan kicked offwith a big announcement right off the bat: Sega’s Ryu gaGotoku 1&2 HD, released last year for the PlayStation 3, isheaded to the Wii U in the Japanese market.

This is the first time a Ryu ga Gotoku game (better knownas Yakuza in the West) has been announced for a non-PlayStation platform. Although the games themselves areof a fairly old vintage (they were originally released for thePlayStation 2), today’s announcement begs the question ifthis is but only the start of a beautiful working relationshipbetween Nintendo and Sega to bring more titles in theYakuza series to the Wii U.

The game will be released on August 8, 2013.

With just a few more months to go buy Sony’s PlayStation 4is out, Sega’s Ryu ga Gotoku development team might shelvenext-gen development plans in favour of developing futureinstalments of the series for both the PS3 and the Wii U –typically Sega bangs out a Ryu ga Gotoku title approximatelyonce every year.

Other than Ryu ga Gotoku 1&2 HD coming to the WiiU and the hilarious “Sega Direct” opening gag thatNintendo president Satoru Iwata pulled on viewers, theNintendo Direct broadcast for the most part contains similarfootage and announcements as the English versions of thebroadcast. There is a bit where Sega’s Toshihiro Nagoshiintroduces Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai 2 for the 3DS, butno new footage of the game was shown.

The full Nintendo Direct Japan broadcast is 36 minutes long,and can be viewed in full via the video we’ve embeddedbelow:

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu andAyame Goriki to work withJapanese mobile company aufor new summer CM: Kyary’sNoriko to norio to be imagesongSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-ayame-goriki-

work-japanese-mobile-company-au-summer-cm-kyarys-norikae-rio-

image-song/

By okaroll on May 20th, 2013

Renowned Japanese mobile phone company, au has justannounced in their 2013 summer press conference thatKyary Pamyu Pamyu and Ayame Goriki to be theirspokesperson for their upcoming summer commercial.

From left: Ayame Goriki, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and au’srepresentative director Takashi Tanaka

A talk session for the both of them was held at thispress conference along with representative director, TakashiTanaka. Some details regarding the commercial wasrevealed in this talk session. The filming merely ended a fewdays ago and it is said that Kyary will be acting as a artisteintroducing her song while Ayame acts as a host for a musicprogram.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu introducing ‘Nori Kaeru’, a frogmascot character used in the commercial

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Kyary recalled moments of filming this commercial and saidthat she is happy that she got to work with the fans in thiscommercial and to be able to join in as a part of the au family.Ayame commented that she finds Kyary is really cute singingand dancing and is looking forward to viewing the finalproduct. A frog mascot character which will also be shown inthe commercial was introduced by Kyary herself. The nameof this character is called, Nori Kaeru. Thus, making a pun onthe concept of the commercial, “au ni norikaeru (translatedas ‘Switch to au’)”

Of course, one of the most exciting parts of thisannouncement is that Kyary will be releasing a new songto be used in this commercial campaign! The song will betitled as ‘Noriko to norio’ and will be composed by YasukataNakata. Yasukata has also worked with Kyary for her otherhit songs such as ‘Invader Invader’ and ‘PONPONPON’.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (left) and Ayame Goriki (right)

Kyary graced the press conference in a dress with puffypants on the left, and a skirt on the right. This will be thedress that she is wearing in the commercial itself, she thenexplained that the side with the skirt represents “Noriko”while the side with the pants represent “Norio”. Ayame alsolooks stunning in her electric blue dress, which interestinglymatches Kyary’s bright pink and yellow get-up.

However, this does not mark Ayame and Kyary’s first timeworking with au. Ayame has been working with au forvarious commercial campaigns since January 2012, whileKyary made her first appearance earlier this year withfootage of her live performance at Zojo-ji, Tokyo featured inthe “FULL CONTROL TOKYO” commercial.

From the looks of it, there is definitely much to be expectedfrom this commercial campaign.

via Natalie

Attack on Titan gets visualnovels bundled with futureBlu-ray discsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/attack-titan-visual-novels-included-

future-blu-ray-discs/

By SunSoftware on May 20th, 2013

The anime Attack on Titan has become a huge hit thanks toits thrilling story, but fans who want even more will be ableto play two visual novels from the makers of Steins;Gate.

Production I.G. has announced that they are working withNitro+, the game developer responsible for Steins;Gate andRobotics;Notes, to make two visual novels of Attack on Titan(Shingeki no Kyojin). These visual novels will be includedwith limited editions of the third and sixth Blu-ray Discs andbe playable on any Blu-ray player.

The visual novels feature side stories centered around thetitan hunters Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Annie, Erwin, andLevi. The original creator of Attack on Titan, HajimeIsayama, is supervising the production, while the characterdesigns will be done by Nitro+’s Namaniku ATK, and thescenarios will be written by Gan Saaku, Jin Haganeya, andthe scriptwriter of the anime, Hiroshi Seko.

Production I.G. has also revealed the names of the chaptersfrom the visual novels. The first visual novel will be releasedwith Blu-ray Disc volume 3 on September 18 and includethese two chapters:

1. Lost in the cruel world (Mikasa side story, scenario byHiroshi Seko)

2. A Choice Without Regrets: Preview (Kuinaki Sentaku[Yokoku]) (Levi and Erwin’s backstory, scenario byGan Saaku)

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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The second visual novel is scheduled to be released withvolume 6 on December 18 and will include these threechapters:

1. A Choice Without Regrets (Levi and Erwin’s backstory,scenario by Gan Saaku)

2. Untitled (Eren and Levi’s side story, scenario by JinHaganeya)

3. Wall Sina, Goodbye (Annie’s side story, scenario byHiroshi Seko)

Coming sooner, the first Attack on Titan Blu-ray Disc willcome with a prototype manga from Isayama. In addition, asocial game based on the series was released for Japanesecell phones last month and a live action movie adaptation isin the works. Of course, there’s also the anime series airingright now.

Source: Moe Otanews

Hello Kitty collaborates withidol group Morning Musumein Hibiya FieldSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kitty-collaborates-idol-group-

morning-musume/

By spartanchef on May 20th, 2013

In a live event held in May 19 at the Hibiya Amphitheaterin Chiyoda, Tokyo, Sanrio’s iconic mascot character, HelloKitty danced alongside all eleven current members of theidol group Morning Musume. They danced to the group’spopular song, Love Machine and thrilled the 3000 peoplein attendance. This would mark the very first collaborationbetween Hello Kitty and Morning Musume. The iconiccharacter was called into the stage when she was asked“Kitty-Chan, will you dance with us on stage?”. The crowedroared as Hello Kitty came into the stage and danced.

Morning Musume is the main group for Hello! Projectand is signed under the Up-Front group. The group madetheir debut in 1997 as new members join in and the oldermembers graduate. The current eleven members are groupleader Michishige Sayumi, the graduating Tanaka Reina,Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Sayashi Riho, Suzuki Kanon,Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki, Kudo Harukaand Oda Sakura. (Source: Hello! Project Official website )

The event showcased not only Hello! Project’s main group,Morning Musume but also other idols under the Hello!Project name. The other groups include C-ute, Berryz Kobo, and Smileage. All 48 idols present performed with HelloKitty at the end of the event. It is also announced at the eventthat one of the idol groups, Berryz Kobo will also be going toperform during Nippon Budokan.

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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The event which celebrates the 90th anniversary of HibiyaField in cooperation with Tokyo FM is aimed at cervicalcancer awareness and prevention as women in their 20′s and30′s are falling victim to the disease.

source: Mantan Web

Nana Mizuki and TamuraYukari to have their ownnendoroidsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/nana-mizuki-tamura-yukari-

nendroids/

By spartanchef on May 20th, 2013

It is announced earlier that singer and voice actress TamuraYukari as well as fellow singer and voice actress MizukiNana will be having nendoroids released to their likeness.King Records, who have both artists signed under them willbe manufacturing the nendoroids and they will be havinga production cooperation with the Good Smile Company,manufacturer of the nendoroid line. The announcementcame from the respective websites of both artists.

In an announcement by Tamura Yukari’s official website, hernendoroid will be released in her Cute’n <3 Cute’n Heart liveevent. The ABS and PVC figure will be 100 mm in height andwill be sculpted by Shichibe. Tamura Yukari is most knownfor voicing Nanoha in the Magical Girl lyrical Nanoha seriesas well as Fear Cubrick in Cube X Cursed X Curious.

Meanwhile, as announced in Mizuki Nana’s official website,her nendroid will be released in her Nana Mizuki LIVECircus event. The ABS and PVC figure will also beapproximately 100 mm in height and will be sculpted byTsumeduka Hiroyuki. Mizuki Nana is recently experiencingsuccess in topping the Oricon charts with her collaborationwith TM revolution; the hit song Preserved Roses. She is alsoknown for voicing Kisaragi Saya in Blood C and has workedwith Tamura Yukari in the Magical Girl lyrical Nanoha seriesvoicing Fate.

Namie Amuro and her newestalbum ‘FEEL’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/namie-amuro-newest-album-feel/

By KaleNagasaki on May 19th, 2013

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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As Namie Amuro graced the cover of the magazine mina, sherevealed that her upcoming summer album will betitled FEEL. While no exact date has been set, FEEL will beNamie Amuro’s eleventh album.

One of the twelve songs on the album is ‘Contrail’, whichwas just released digitally today via Chaku Uta. NamieAmuro finished recording the music video for ‘Contrail’just last week, so keep a look out! ‘Contrail’ will alsobe the theme song for the TBS drama Soratobu KouhouShitsu. Mezamashi TV’s theme song ‘Can You Feel ThisLove” will also be on FEEL.

Here is the Japanese pop queen at the music video filmingof ‘Contrail’. From her dress alone, I think we can expect awonderful video.

If any of Namie Amuro’s past albums are indicators of thequality of FEEL, then we can definitely look forward to it.

Sources: Jpopasia

Rumour: Miyuki Sawashirogetting marriedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/rumour-miyuki-sawashiro-married/

By hikarucon on May 19th, 2013

The day might have finally come for fans to have to acceptthat popular voice actress, Miyuki Sawashiro, could begetting married. Though but a rumour, she is reported to bemarrying a stage actor by the name of Haratake who is fiveyears older to the now 27 year old Sawashiro.

Reactions have been mixed on line ranging fromcongratulations to genuine surprise and doubt. At this pointher marriage is a rumour at best, though if the rumour is trueand she does get married, will her role in the voice actingworld be the same?

Miyuki Sawashiro is a veteran voice actress, doing the voicesof popular characters such as Kanbaru from the Monogatariseries, Inaba from Kokoro Connect, and Carl Clover fromBlazBlue.

She has won the Fourth Annual Best Seiyuu Awards forBest actress and the Fifth Annual Best Seiyuu Awards forOverseas Fan Choice Award.

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Teasers released for theupcoming ‘Lupin III vsDetective Conan’ movieSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/teasers-released-upcoming-lupin-iii-

detective-conan-movie/

By KaleNagasaki on May 19th, 2013

Back in April, Shogakukan’s Shonen Sunday magazinerevealed that a Lupin III vs Detective Conan movie willbe hitting theaters in Japan this December. In 2009, atelevision special also titled Lupin III vs Detective Conanaired on NTV. Due to the high 19.5% rating, there are highexpectations for the movie.

Not much is known about the movie though, besides thatthe scenario will be different from the television version.However, the movie’s site, lupicona-movie.com, just postedthese teaser trailers:

For the Conan version, see below.

For the Lupin version, see below.

Between the thief and the case closer, which do you prefer?

Sources: Crunchyroll, Jpopasia

Black Butler musical meetssuccess at first performanceSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/black-butler-musical-meets-success-

performance/

By Zenko on May 19th, 2013

Having had its first performance yesterday afternoon,reviews are in on the Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) musical.

Described as being dark and stylish, the musical adaptationof the 2006 manga and 2009 anime series by Yana Toboso,titled Black Butler – The Most Beautiful DEATH in – TheWorld – The Thousandth Soul Fallen to the Death God (Kuroshitsuji – The Most Beautiful DEATH in – TheWorld – sen no tama to ochita shinigami [「「「「「「The MostBeautiful DEATH in -The World「「「「「「「「「「]) has beenmet with a great deal of success. For those unfamiliar withthe plot, it takes place in 19th century England, where Ciel

Phantomhive searches for his parents’ killers so that he mayseek revenge. To do so he makes a deal with the demonSebastian Michelis, who is “one hell of a butler” and agreeson the condition that he will eventually devour Ciel’s soul. Ofcourse, there are death gods who hope to stop that, mostlyout of jealousy.

The musical follows the same plot and sees the 19 year oldactor playing Sebastian making his first major performance.When he was asked about how he felt about the role afterthe premier, he said that he had felt some pressure, as it wasonly his second time around being on the stage. To makesure he could fulfill the role accurately, he read the mangaand viewed the anime to better understand Sebastian as acharacter.

A great deal of detail was similarly put into the costumes andset to ensure they felt as if they would fit the 19th century.The music was composed by Taku Iwasaki, and carries a pro-rock feel befitting Ciel and Sebastian’s character. To helpensure it would be effective for the stage’s acoustics, though,much of it was set at a simple monotone. Rather than be adownside, however, it helped save the show from being twodimensional.

The show itself will run until May 27 in Tokyo, then move toOsaka for a run from June 8 to June 9.

Source: AnimeAnime

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Xblaze Code: Embryo’sopening intro reminds usthat this game is linked toBlazBlue somehowSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/xblaze-code-embryos-opening-intro-

reminds-game-linked-blazblue/

By KarbyP on May 19th, 2013

Between the BlazBlue Alter Memory anime and Guilty GearXrd -Sign- announcements, there’s already a heck of a lot forfans of Arc System Works to cheer about.

But that’s not everything we got out of Arc Fes 2013.For those of you still paying attention to Xblaze, theadventure game (note: what the Japanese understands asan “adventure” game, we understand as “visual novel”) thatASW first announced last year, you might be interested toknow that the opening intro for the game was also shown atArc Fes 2013 (and uploaded to the Web, thanks to Famitsu).

Although it’s just two short months to Xblaze Code:Embryo’s July 25 release on the PS Vita, Arc System Worksare still not showing a whole lot of the game, presumablybecause showing would be spoiling – the game is said to tieinto BlazBlue somehow, sharing motifs and keywords, andmay possibly take place in the same universe.

There’s still quite a lot of mystery surrounding this game, butat least with the opening intro unveiled today, we finally gota glimpse of who a potential antagonist might be in Xblaze– he’s even wielding blades similar to those the Mu, Nuand Lambda wield in the BlazBlue games. That can’t be acoincidence.

Source: Famitsu

Momoiro Clover Z to release「5TH DIMENSION「 arena touron DVD/BD and the album onanalog discSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/momoiro-clover-release-

%E3%80%8E5th-dimension%E3%80%8F-arena-tour-dvdbd-album-

analog-disc/

By Az on May 19th, 2013

May 20th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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It has been revealed that Momoiro Clover Z will bereleasing 「Momoiro Clover Z JAPAN TOUR 2013「5THDIMENSION「「 on DVD and Blu-ray. It is set to be releasedon July 24.

The footage for this release will be taken from theirperformance on Nippon Gaishi Hall, Aichi last March 17.The tour predated the album release by a month, with thealbum’s release being on April 10, but the presentation ofthe album tracks were considered a first. Momoiro Clover Zmade use of special masks and presented the album from thefirst track to the thirteenth all in the same order as the albumitself. The presentation guarantees satisfaction for Momoirofans.

Moreover, the album, 「5TH DIMENSION「, will be releasedas an analog disc on August 4. Like their first albumand first analog disc, 「BATTLE AND ROMANCE「, 「5THDIMENSION「 will be coming in two collectible editions.The release date also coincides with Momoiro Clover Z’sbiggest one-man live to date: 「Summer Dive 2013「, whichis to be held in Nissan Stadium, Kanagawa. The stadium canhold up to 72,327 people and is one of Japan’s largest concertvenues. A stepping stone to the group’s goal of performingat the National Olympic Stadium.

The group just finished a successful 24-hour anniversaryspecial on Ustream and is having a blast of a year with thedigital version 「5TH DIMENSION「 topping the Oricon. Ifthey successfully pull off the planned live in Nissan Stadiumand reach National Olympic Stadium, it won’t be a surpriseif they aim for Tokyo Dome next. Perfume’s Nocchi must beproud.

source: natalie

May 21st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Master swordsmith TonySwatton forges real FinalFantasy VII Buster Sword,cuts melons with itSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/master-swordsmith-tony-swatton-

forges-real-final-fantasy-vii-buster-sword-cuts-melons/

By KarbyP on May 21st, 2013

Who’s got two thumbs and a giant real-life replica of FinalFantasy VII’s Buster Sword? This guy: master swordsmanand renowned propmaker Tony Swatton.

And we’re not talking about the sort of fake plasticky BusterSword prop some of you may have seen a Cloud Strifecosplayer wield at a random anime convention somewhere;Swatton’s Buster Sword weights around 70 to 80 pounds (hecouldn’t “carry it out of his garage without hurting his back”,according to Swatton), and has an edge sharp enough that itcan actually cut through things.

Things like, entire pet bottles, jars, melons, and… the entirefreaking table on which those melons were placed on.

This has to be seen to be believed.

Cloud Strife’s Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII isn’tthe only real sword Tony Swatton has ever forged, ofcourse. He’s also made:

Plasma-cutting Batarangs

He-Man’s Sword (from Masters of the Universe)

Sora’s Keyblade

For more of Tony Swatton’s work, check out the AWE meYouTube channel.

Source: AWE me [via Crunchyroll News]

Space Channel 5 officialTwitter account launched,some form of announcementsoonSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/space-channel-5-official-twitter-

account-launched/

By KarbyP on May 21st, 2013

Out of nowhere, Sega has launched an official Twitteraccount for Dreamcast cult classic rhythm game, SpaceChannel 5.

Judging from the Twitter account’s description, it appearsthat Sega will be making an announcement regarding theseries in the near future.

Here’s a rough translation as to what the Space Channel 5Twitter account says:

*Under construction in space* This is the SpaceChannel 5 official account. We plan to unveil whatthis is for in the near future. Morolians will alsomake pointless tweets here just for laughs. Pleasekeep that in mind. Please also direct all feedbackconcerning Channel 5 to the following URL: sega.jp/opinion/ “

What do you guys think this’ll be? I’m keeping my fingerscrossed that it’s Space Channel 5 Part 3. Given the fact that

May 21st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Sega is actively soliciting feedback from gamers with regardsto the series overall, I think we may be looking at a brandnew instalment rather than a port of the previous games.

At present, the Space Channel 5 series spans two games(SC5, and SC5 Part 2). Both games were originally releasedon the ill-fated Sega Dreamcast, but also subsequentlyported to the PlayStation 2. In addition to that, SpaceChannel 5 Part 2 was also ported over to the PlayStationNetwork, Xbox Live Arcade, and to the PC via the Steamgames delivery service.

Space Channel 5′s protagonist Ulala was most recently seenin Sega, Capcom, and Namco Bandai’s cross-over megastrategy RPG, Project X Zone.

Source: @Space_Channel5

Watch Dogs pre-orderers inthe US get ‘Signature ShotPack’ or ‘The Palace Pack’DLCSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/pre-order-watch-dogs-special-

features/

By KaleNagasaki on May 21st, 2013

Watch Dogs, to be launched on November 19, has a fewadditional features for those who pre-order.

Watch Dogs takes place in Chicago, where a man namedAiden Pierce uses his smartphone to virtually hack the entirecity in an act of vengeance. It is an open-world actiongame where players will be able to take control of securitycameras and steal classified personal information. It will bepowered by Disrupt, and developed by Ubisoft, the creatorsof Bioshock and Assassin’s Creed.

For those who reserve Watch Dogs at Gamestop in NorthAmerica, a bonus single-player mission titled ‘The PalacePack’ will be available. It also includes an ATM hackboost that increases the amount of money received after asuccessful ATM bank account bust. Gamers will also receivea poster of the cover design made by DC and Marvel comicartist Alex Ross.

For those who plan to reserve Watch Dogs through Amazon,the details are a little different. Players will get access to the ’Signature Shot Pack,’ which is a single-player mission withthe biometric assault rifle and black viceroy’s outfit as theend reward. I don’t know about you, but I would take theoutfit over the rifle any day since that jacket is all kinds ofcool.

So far, these bonus features are accessible to North America.Since Watch Dogs will be released worldwide however, let’shope for some more inclusive news in the future!

If you’re feeling left behind, catch up by watching the officialtrailer below.

Sources: Gamespot

‘Freedom Wars’ (PS Vita)supports up to 8-players co-op onlineSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/freedom-wars-ps-vita-supports-8-

players-co-op-online/

By KarbyP on May 21st, 2013

A few additional details on SCE Japan Studio’s FreedomWars, a “recapture” multiplayer action game for the PS Vita

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that’s scheduled to come out in 2014, have emerged now thatits official website has been updated.

Chief amongst those details? Freedom Wars is a co-opaction game that will support up to eight players onlinesimultaneously. That’s twice the co-op party size of MonsterHunter, God Eater, and other games of this genre. Ad-hocplay will of course be supported as well.

The PS Vita’s GPS and Near functionalities will also beutilised in some unspecified manner. That said, in one of thegame’s screenshots, you clearly see a map of Japan dividedinto many sub-sections highlighted by different colours.Another screenshot shows what appears to be a Yahoo!Japan map.

Is this somehow related to the game’s GPS functionality?How will this impact overseas players (assuming the gamewill be released in regions outside of Japan)?

The newly updated site also furnishes a little extra detail onthe game’s story, helping to address a few of the questionswatching Freedom Wars’s debut trailer might have raised.

Set in a near future where the world is in ruins to the pointthat it can no longer sustain life in most of the overworld,mankind is forced to built cities known as Panopticons whichcan sustain their livelihood.

However, at some point, even the resources required tooperate these Panopticons run dry. In order to further obtainresources and research to cultivate the harsh environment,all the separate Panopticons go into war against one another.During wartime, to better facilitiate each Panopticon’smanagement of its citizens (which are its resources), everysingle human being is sentenced to penal servitude –essentially turning Panopticons into prison cities.

Prisoners are sentenced to be “volunteers” fighting in thewar between the Panopticons.

In our previous report, we’ve said that the game is describedas a “rescue” or “recapture” multiplayer action game. Butwhat we didn’t quite understand was who or what you’resupposed to rescue/recapture, and from whom.

As it turns out, in the dystopian futuristic world of FreedomWars, there are these giant monsters, known simply asAbducters, who abduct civilians and your allies, and it is yourjob – as a prisoner – to rescue them from captivity. Eachsuccessful rescue will decrease the length of servitude you’resentenced to (that number hovering on top of your head).

Good luck trying to clear your sentence, however – yourlength of servitude is apparently 1,000,000 years long.

That’s about all the info there is for now – but we’ve barelyscraped the surface of Freedom Wars‘s intrigue. This is onetitle we’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on.

Source: Freedom Wars official site, press release

Resident Evil Revelationsgets new costumes andweapons as DLCSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/resident-evil-revelations-costumes-

weapons-dlc/

By SunSoftware on May 21st, 2013

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The HD version of Resident Evil Revelations is finallycoming out this week, and now Capcom has announced somedownloadable content to give the game some extra flair.

The HD version of the 3DS survival horror game ResidentEvil Revelations (aka Biohazard Revelations UnveiledEdition) was released today in North America for thePS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC (Japan and Europe get iton Thursday and Friday). This game takes place betweenResident Evil 4 and 5, when the protagonists Jill Valentineand Chris Redfield are trapped on an abandoned cruise ship.

The first sets of DLC are the Resistance and Enhancementweapon packs, which will each contain six different weaponupgrades and be available starting on June 4 for $1.99/200yen/160 Microsoft Points.

The Resistance Set will include:

• G18 “Speed Load”

• Python “Short Range+”

• P-90 “Sonic Assist”

• High-Roller “Speed Load”

• Wyndham “Steady Hand”

• PSG1 “Long Range+”

The Enhancement Set will include:

• PC356 “Speed Shot”

• L. Hawk “Speed Load”

• MP5 “Speed Shot”

• High Roller “Sonic Assist+”

• Hydra “Sonic Assist”

• M40A1 “Sonic Assist+”

The next DLC will be costume packs usable in Raid Mode,in which you play co-op with a friend to shoot down hordesof enemies. You’ll be able to play as Rachel Ooze, a hideousOoze version of Rachel, and Lady Hunk, a genderbent Hunkwith awkwardly slender legs.

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Rachel Ooze will also have the skills C.C. Mastery IVand Regenerate II, whereas Lady Hunk will have the skillMagnum Mastery IV. Each costume will be available on June11 for $2.99/300 yen/240 MP each.

The original Revelations on the 3DS received a lot of positivereviews, and these HD screenshots look impressive. With theaddition of DLC, there are plenty of reasons for Resident Evilfans to re-buy this.

Source: Famitsu

One piece author Oda Eiichirohospitalized, One Piece onHiatus in Weekly Jump! 27Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/piece-author-oda-eiichiro-

hospitalized-piece-hiatus-weekly-jump-27/

By spartanchef on May 21st, 2013

In an announcement in Shonen Jump’s official website, OnePiece creator Eiichiro Oda apologized to his fans as hiswidely popular manga will be on hiatus for a week due to himbeing hospitalized.

He has been diagnosed with Peritonsillar Abcess which is acomplication of tonsillitis. Peritonsillar Abscess is a diseasewhich not only causes throat pain but also pain in the neck,fever, ear ache and headaches.

The Shonen Jump! editorial staff thanked the fans fortheir continued support. They also apologized as theannouncement should have been made in the Weekly Jump!#26 however, it was too late as printing has already started.Weekly Jump# 26 will be released May 27 and it will stillhave One Piece in the manga line-up.

The Hiatus will be on Weekly Jump! #27 to be releasedJune 3. One Piece will resume on Weekly Jump! #28 to bereleased June 10.

One Piece is Oda Eiichiro’s most successful manga sellingmore than a hundred million copies worldwide since itsdebut in 1997. It is also one of Shonen Jump!’s mostsuccessful mangas ever with an anime as well as variousmerchandise like figures, t-shirts, watches, bags, amongothers.

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Encore Films to bringin ‘Hentai Kamen’ tolocal shores, potentially‘Gatchaman’ tooSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/encore-films-bring-hentai-kamen-

local-shores-potentially-gatchaman/

By sentinel011 on May 21st, 2013

Local film distributor Encore Films has a knack of bringingin controversial movies that are usually M18 or above.Fortunately, they also bring in Japanese films that cater tothe casual otaku crowd, such as Wolf Children and RurouniKenshin live action.

Encore Films’ facebook page teases its fans with only amessage that says

The Forbidden Super Hero.. Stay tune for moreupdates…

They also included an image of the Hentai Kamenpromotional poster. It is unknown when Encore Films willrelease the dates for Hentai Kamen to broadcast on localcinemas, and if the film will be heavily censored by MDA.

In addition, Encore Films teased an image of the Gatchamanlive action movie poster, posing the question to itssubscribers:

Any one wants to watch Gatchaman live actionmovie?

Much to the delight of local Japanese movie fans, theresponse has been positive so far, with over 50 likes for bothposts and at least 20 shares each at press time.

The Hentai Kamen and Gatchaman films are live actionadaptations of popular manga and anime series of thesame name respectively. They are relatively unknown to theyounger generation, with Gatchaman released in the early70s and Hentai Kamen in the early 90s.

So which of these films will you catch when they are releasedin Singapore?

Cushions, Tigrex clawback scratchers, key ringsand other Monster HunterMerchandise releasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/monster-hunter-merchandise-

released-capcom/

By spartanchef on May 21st, 2013

A few months before the much anticipated release ofMonster Hunter 4, Capcom has released several MonsterHunter goodies for the month of May. These include WallStickers to brighten up your room, two new key rings, aTigrex claw back scratcher, a wall saying, and a preparationmanual cushion to help you relax.

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Each sticker set costs about 1,050 Yen each.

Also included are these new Tigrex and Goa Magara keyrings. Made of PVC and standing about 120 mm, thesemonsters come with a hunter attached. The Goa Magara willbe making its debut in the upcoming Monster Hunter 4.These products cost an estimate of 924 yen each.

Speaking of the Tigrex, Capcom also releases the TigrexClaw back scratcher. It is about 400 mm long and its outercovering is made of polyester. This item costs about 1554Yen.

Gaining wisdom is important in aiming to become a VeteranHunter, so Capcom is releasing these Wall Sayings. Theseinclude the five basic knowledge for a hunter as well as aguide for beginning hunters. Also included is a piece of paper

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for you to write down your own piece of knowledge. Its bodyis made of wood and paper. These products cost about 1050Yen each.

Finally, Capcom is also releasing a Manual Cushion forall those tired hunters who were up all night hunting anElder Dragon or those who tired after being swarmed byVelociprey. Made of urethane and polyester, it has a heightof 330 mm with a width of about 250 mm. This product costsabout 3,465 Yen.

Capcom is set to release these products late May 2013.

Earlier this year, Capcom also released Monster Hunter 3Ultimate for the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U. They willalso be releasing Monster Hunter 4 in Japan later thisyear (summer 2013). It has not yet been announced whenMonster Hunter 4 will be released to other regions but docheck back here for more announcements about the game’srelease.

Via Dengeki Online News

Sci-fi anime film, CaptainHarlock- ONE OK ROCK fortheme song and featuring astar studded castSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/rock-sing-theme-song-captain-

harlock-feature-star-studded-cast/

By okaroll on May 21st, 2013

One might remember ONE OK ROCK from live-action film,Rurouni Kenshin’s theme song, “The Beginning.” Now, theywill be singing the theme song for Captain Harlock entitled“Be the Light.” This song is one of the 13 tracks in theirlatest album, “Jinsei X Boku =” (read as jinsei kaketeboku wa) released on March 6 2013. Other hits from this

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band include Deeper Deeper and Kanzen Kankaku Dreamerwhich was ranked top ten in the Oricon Singles Charts.

Above: Japanese rock band, ONE OK ROCK

Regarding Be the Light, ONE OK ROCK commented that thissong is about the feelings of each member in regards to thesad events happening in this world which cannot be savedby the power of mankind.

With a popular rock band singing the film’s theme song, astar studded cast such as Shun Oguri, Haruma Miura andYu Aoi, will also be lending their voices to this movie. ShunOguri is definitely a familiar name as he has acted in manypopular Japanese drama such as Hana Yori Dango, TokyoDOGS and Arakawa Under the Bridge, while Haruma hasalso acted in Bloody Monday, Gokusen 3 and Samurai HighSchool. Yuu Aoi also has many dramas and movie under herbelt too, such as acting as Takani Megumi in the live actionadaptation of Rurouni Kenshin.

For those who are unfamiliar with Sci-fi anime, this movie isa remake of classic manga “Space Pirate Captain Harlock”by Leiji Matsumoto. Leiji Matsumoto is also known forhis other works such as Galaxy Express 999 and SpaceBattleship Yamamoto. This series is serialized from 1977 to1979 and also has an anime series broadcast in 1978. It isundeniable that with such a futuristic theme featured backin its day, it has attracted many fans in both Japan and allaround the world. This classic shall be remade with the aidof modern CGI, giving it a new lease of life and perhapsattract a new generation of fans. The teaser image and trailerdefinitely looks promising.

This movie is set to open in Japanese theaters on September7 2013.

For fans who have not watched the trailer for this movie, docheck it out here:

and also listen to Be the Light by ONE OK ROCK:

via natalie.mu, animeanime.jp official YouTube channel andONE OK ROCK official YouTube channel

Read a book with AKB48today!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/read-book-akb48-today/

By okaroll on May 21st, 2013

Popular idol group AKB48 are selected as Japanesepublisher Shueisha Bunko’s advertising campaign for theiryearly summer fair- Natsuichi. Many would associateShueisha with their other publications such as ShonenJump and is one of Japan’s largest publishers since itsestablishment in 1949. Natsuichi (short for Natsu noIssatsu) is one of their niche advertising campaigns whichstarted since 1991.

Top row, from left: Haruna Kojima, Yuko Oshima, MinamiTakahshi and Mariko Shinona. Bottom row, from left:Haruka Shimazaki, Mayu Watanabe and Yui Yokoyama.

First images were revealed today for this yearly affair,featuring Haruka Shimazaki, Yuko Oshima, MinamiTakahashi, Mariko Shinoda, Yui Yokoyama, Haruna Kojima,with Mayu Watanabe as the main member. The seven ofthem were shown posing demurely with a book in hand,showing a slightly different side from their usual bubblyselves on stage.

There will be a total of 85 books featured this year alongwith the other AKB members, fans will be able to read bookreviews written by them. Also, participating bookstores inJapan will also give out specially designed book covers withthe seven featured members and Shueisha’s mascot, Hachi.

Above: Mayumi Uchida to challenge reading all 19 partsof Suikoden

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Along with the revelation of the main image today, it is alsoannounced that member, Mayumi Uchida will challenge tofinish all 19 books of Kenzo Kitakata’s version of Chineseclassic Suikoden (Water Margin, also known as Outlawsof the Marsh) and interviews regarding her thoughts ofthe book will be revealed in the official homepage. Fans ofChinese literature would definitely know this classic, butdo take note that this version is slightly different from theoriginal. This version of the historical novel is known by fansas ‘Kitakata Suiko’. This classic is also constantly referredin Japanese manga such as Fist of the North Star and SaintSeiya.

This year’s Natsuichi will begin in all participatingbookstores in Japan starting from 26 June till the laterpart of September. Previous campaign members includeAyame Goriki (2012), Yuu Aoi (2006-2008), Hiroshi Tamaki(2003-2004) and many more. AKB48 will mark themselvesas the 15th generation of campaign members for Natsuichi.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a book and read withAKB48 today and check out more photos by clicking on thethumbnails below!

via Mantan Web

May 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Kotobukiya US to import“Ghost in the Shell” JigabachimodelSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kotobukiya-import-ghost-shell-

jigabachi-model/

By weiq on May 22nd, 2013

Kotobukiya US will be importing the Jigabachi AV model,which is seen in “Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GiG“.

This new Jigabachi AV (“Digger Wasp” Advanced)prefabricated plastic model kit is a faithful recreation ofthe assault helicopter, including its deadly Gatling gunpod which can be folded forward as seen in the series.This incredibly detailed kit requires easy snap-fit assembly,and does not need to be painted out of the box, althoughcollectors may choose to customize or detail the standardgray chopper as they see fit.

At 1/72 scale, it is approximately 7 inches (about 18 cm) long,and it comes with a special base (with Ghost in the Shell:S.A.C. 2nd Gig logo) so that the completed model can bedisplayed in flight.

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While being smittended by the cool-looking Jigabachi, whocan forget about the adorable Tachikomas? As a specialbonus, each Jigabachi comes with three in-scale blueTachikomas, so collectors can recreate the action sceneswhen they face off in the series’ episodes 24 and 25.

Mentioning about the Tachikomas, with the broadcast of thenew Ghost in the Shell OVA, “Ghost in the Shell: Arise“,coming very soon in the month of June, fans with a keen eyewill remember spotting the red think tank “Logicoma” (shortfor “Logistics Conveyer Machine”) in the official trailer. Onecan’t help but wonder: is the Logicoma the first of all thethink tanks used by Section 9 before the main Ghost inthe Shell timeline? Probably this question will be answered,when the series starts and the history of Section 9 unfolds.

While the price aren’t annouced yet, Kotobukiya Japan willbe selling the kit at ￥3,360 (Tax included). The kit will beavailable at Kotobukiya US in October 2013.

Source: facebook.com/kotobukiya, crunchyroll.com/anime-news, kotobukiya.co.jp

New PV “ElectromotiveRomances” bymishmash*Julie WataiSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/pv-electromotive-romances-

mishmashjulie-watai/

By weiq on May 22nd, 2013

mishmash￥Julie Watai had finally released their latest PV,“Electromotive Romances”.

If you are unfamiliar with mishmash￥Julie Watai, theyare a musical collaboration between Julie Watai (anoted photographer, Furby hacker, model, and all-around-anime-powered scenester), and T. Mishima, former soundprogrammer for indie J-rock legend Cornelius.

While unreleased and only performed during the encore oftheir live concert, the MV is a great treat for fans. They havealso release the english version of the song, which you canwatch it here.

The wonderful character art in the video is drawn byHiroyuki Takahashi (you can view more of his awesome artat his homepage, or his Pixiv account)

Source: mishmashjp.com, crunchyroll.com

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Minori Chihara and μ’s joinNippon Ichi Software’s MakaiWars LiveSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/voice-actress-chihara-minori-%CE

%BCs-join-nippon-ichi-softwares-makai-wars-live/

By SunSoftware on May 22nd, 2013

The developer responsible for the massively popular DisgaeaRPG series is holding a concert this year, and among theartists joining them are a famous voice actress and idol unit.

As part of their 20th anniversary celebration, Nippon IchiSoftware is holding the concert “Makai Wars Live episode1:Asagi’s Counterattack” on July 13 at Yokohama Blitz. Alongwith the musicians they listed earlier, they have announcedthat the voice actress Minori Chihara will perform at theevent.

Anime fans should be familiar with Chihara for her rolesas Yuki Nagato from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhiand Chiaki from Minami-ke. Fans of Disgaea should alsobe familiar with her role as the rebel leader Barbarafrom Disgaea D2. In addition, she performed the openingtheme, Cradle Over, so if you like that song, you’ll want tohear her perform it live.

Earlier, NIS also announced that the idol unit μ’s(pronounced “muse”) will perform at Makai Wars Live. Thename μ’s should be familiar to fans of Love Live, since it’sthe name of the school idol group that stars in the anime.

Only five of the members will be joining the event,though: Emi Nitta (Honoka Kousaka), Yurika Kubo (HanayoKoizumi), Sora Tokui (Nico Yazawa), Aina Kusuda (NozomiToujou), and Yoshino Nanjou (Eri Ayase).

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In case you’re wondering why these members will befeatured at the event, it’s because they voiced the mainheroines of The Guided Fate Paradox, which NIS released inJanuary. In fact, they also starred in a character song albumthat was released last month.

On a side note, Suzuko Mimori, another member of μ’s, willalso perform at the event, so that’s actually six members ofthe idol group.

NIS has prepared a killer line-up for Makai Wars Live, sofans should come to hear their best musicians and maybe

(just maybe) an announcement on the game that NIS teasednine years ago.

Source: Famitsu 1, 2

Good Smile Company’s newLove Live! Nendroid PetitesAnnounced and Kotobukiya’s1/8 Maou Pre-Order startSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/good-smile-companys-love-live-

nendroid-petites-announced-kotobukiyas-18-maou-pre-order-start/

By spartanchef on May 22nd, 2013

Good Smile Company has announced that they would bereleasing the performance Costume versions of the LoveLive! characters Kotori, Umi, and Honoka. This comesafter the release of the Uniform versions of the three. Thisnews was announced via twitter by the Love Live! staffthemselves. Honoka, Umi and Kotori are wearing theirConcert Performance Costumes with Honoka in Pink, Umiin Blue and Kotori in Green. No release date has beenannounced so far.

Meanwhile, Kotobukiya’s 1/8 scale Demon King or Maoufrom “Maoyuu Maou Yuusha” is now ready for Pre-Order.

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The Maou figure was first announced in Wonder Festival2013 (Winter) earlier this year. The figure comes with herdetachable horns and is also sporting her *ahem* “uselessmeat”. This figure stands approximately 240 mm and ismade of PVC. The figure is sculpted by Masato Abe and looksvery well proportioned and beautifully painted. The figure isset for release in October 2013 and the pre-order costs 7990Yen. (from Hobby Search)

Image credits: amiami

Square and Ubisoft announcegames for new Xbox OneSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/square-ubisoft-announce-games-

xbox/

By Zenko on May 22nd, 2013

While the press conference may have been lacking in gamesoutside of the sports genre, Ubisoft and Square are lettingfans know there’s hope for the new console’s library.

For those who may have missed Microsoft’s press conferencelast night, their next generation console the Xbox Onewas revealed. Since then, fans have taken to Twittercomplaining of the lack of game announcements, andgeneral support from 3rd party companies outside of EA’sSports division. UbiSoft is resurrecting hope for the console,though, with their most recent announcement: Watch Dogsand Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag will be making theirway to the console in it’s first year. Square has also recentlyannounced that the next installment to the Thief series willbe making its way to the Xbox One as well, and will demo atthis years E3 conference.

Although Ubisoft’s official website still lists the two gamesas exclusive to the PS3, PC, Xbox 360 and Wii U, UbisoftCEO and co-founder Yves Guillemot has been quoted assaying “Our teams are using the innovations in connectivity,immersion and social gaming included in Xbox One to createoriginal and memorable next-gen gaming experiences.”

For those unfamiliar with the games, Assassin’s Creed IV willsee the continuation of Assassin’s Creed III, with player’staking the helm of their own ship as Captain EdwardKenway. Like past installations, it is based on historicalhappenings, in this case the actual privateering and piratingworld of Britain and the Caribbean.

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The much anticipated Watch Dogs will also be making itsway to the newest console. The game is slated for releaseNovember 19, which may give a hint as to when we canpossibly expect the Xbox One to make it’s way to themarket. Watch Dogs itself focuses on the interconnectedsociety people have created through social media, and setsthe player in modern day Chicago. It will give players theultimate control of this computer networking system, bygiving them the role of Aiden Pearce, who, using hackingskills and a smart phone, will gain the ability to control theentire city.

Stephane D’Astous, the general manager of the companybehind the THIEF franchise has also said that “The team atEidos-Montreal is thrilled to confirm that THIEF is comingto Xbox One. The next generation of home consoles allowus to create the best and the most immersive THIEF gameever.” Whether this means the use of the new Kinect motioncontrols or it’s voice commands will be revealed at theupcoming conference in June.

THIEF is a game that also focuses on stealth, and sets theplayer stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Thistime the player will take control of Garrett, a master thief inVictorian England. Due to the increased difficulty from pastgames by a heightened AI knowing of possible hiding places,it will also feature a Focus mode that allows players to findsolutions to possibly difficult problems and pickpocket moreeffectively.

Source: New Era,Square

flumpool goes on Nico NicoLive once more – new PVand single details + currentstatus of Sakai’s (G) dietSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/flumpool-nico-nico-live-pv-single-

details-current-status-sakais-g-diet/

By Az on May 22nd, 2013

flumpool, who was a member short after Kazuki Sakai’s (G)pausing of activities to diet, is going to be live online in NicoNico Live again this weekend, May 25. It is their secondonline live broadcast this month, the last one (aired May 12)being the announcement and reveal of their temporary helpguitarist, NON STYLE’s Yusuke Inoue. Check these articlesfor more details: (1) (2)(3).

The live broadcast this weekend will feature the setting offlumpool’s first music video with Yusuke Inoue and moredetails on their latest single, which is to be released thissummer. Note that while Sakai is out of the public eye, hestill continues behind-the-scenes non-visual work such asblogging, radio hosting, songwriting, and recording. While itwill be Inoue in the PV and maybe even the CD jacket, it willbe Sakai who will perform for the recording.

Speaking of Sakai, he will be on the broadcast on Saturday –just not where you could see him. Part of the stream will bethe weighing of Sakai; seeing how close (or how far) he hascome to his goal of weighing 64 kg. or less by July. It betterbe close as his career is on the line here.

As apology for making non-stop news concerning his diet,there will be a segment for Sakai’s special, ground-breaking,never-before-heard, 64-hour-limited present to the fans.What this seemingly awesome present is, only flumpoolknows. It will be revealed on the broadcast itself. Therewill also be a program after the show exclusive to flumpoolpremium fan club members.

The live broadcast would be on Saturday, May 25, 10 PM.Music videos will be played starting 10:30 and the members’entrance will be on 11.

The Nico Nico Live URL for this show: http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv137804607

sources: Oricon, flumpool Official Website, Nico Nico Douga

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Kotobukiya teams up withsword expo for stamp rallySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kotobukiya-teams-sword-expo-

stamp-rally/

By Zenko on May 22nd, 2013

Fans of Evangelion will be happy to know that a new limitededition set of figures is out, but there’s a catch about how toget them.

Anime goods store Kotobukiya is teaming up with Fukuoka’sSword Exhibit to hold a special stamp rally. The event itself,called “Evangelion and Japanese Sword Exhibit”, will startMay 24 and run until June 23 The theme of the event ismeant to duplicate the fictional setting of Evangelion, aswell as to make swordsmiths around the nation aware that itexists. To help push this along, a Lance of Longinus createdusing traditional swordcraft techniques will be on display.

The stamp rally itself with start at the Solaria Stage, locatedin the Western Tenjin Station Building and include threestamp points all together. It will include the exhibition beingheld in Nishitetsu Hall and Fukuoka’s Kotobukiya store.

Upon completion of the stamp rally, a postcard with the firsttype of design along with a set of four 1/6 scale Kotobukiyafigures of Rei, Asuka, Kaworu, and Mari will be offered. Forthose who decide to complete it a second time, they willreceive the second style of postcard.

Source: AnimeAnime

So you think you know allabout Gundams? Check outthe weekly trivia page fromGundam.infoSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/gundams-check-weekly-trivia-page-

gundam-info/

By sentinel011 on May 22nd, 2013

One may have watched every single Gundam series to date,but does that necessary make one a great fan of Gundam?Gundam.info recently released a weekly column dishing outGundam questions and trivia to all Gundam fanatics!

Topics that question one with ‘what makes a Gundam?’ torandom trivia on the many mask men throughout Gundam’sUniverse, the Gundam School column has reached up toPart 15 as of press time. They even touched on technologicaladvancements of the Mobile Suits.

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The writer of the column, funnily is known as ‘Ema Baba’,which we assume is a pseudonym and a joke directed atEmma Sheen from Zeta Gundam. ‘Baba’ in Japanese means‘Grandma’ .

Will you be getting your weekly dose of Gundam trivia with‘Ema Baba’? Read all 15 articles, starting from 1, here!

1/1 scale image credits to: allanchan@dA

Yahoo buys out Tumblr for 1.1billion dollarsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/yahoo-buys-tumblr-1-1-billion-

dollars/

By hikarucon on May 22nd, 2013

Yahoo! has just purchased popular blogging site Tumblr for1.1 billion dollars. According to Yahoo!, they will not changethe current CEO of Tumblr, David Karp.

Tumblr was started May 1st, 2007 and has accumulatedover 108 million blogs with more than 300 million monthlyunique visitors and 120,000 signups every day. WithYahoo!’s help, the users could grow approximately 50%-more than a billion visitors per month.

The strange thing about this whole business deal is thatTumblr’s revenue is maybe at best a tenth of what Yahoo!makes and yet they paid 1.1 billion dollars for it. It’s notthe first time that a company has bought a smaller site fora lot more than it’s worth but it doesn’t mean that it’s anyless surprising. It is possible that Yahoo! is trying to get intothe social networking game and compete with Facebook andGoogle+.

Yahoo! reports that they do not intend to make Tumblr anyless innovative and enjoyable than it already is but desiresto employ some changes to make it better. For example,Tumblr can employ Yahoo!’s personalization options andsearch options in order to search for more blogs and contentthat they are interested in. Tumblr brings 50 billion blogposts to Yahoo!’s own media and search network.

May 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Kirino and Kuroneko in one-piece dresses now availablefor pre-order [1/8 scalefigures]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kirino-kuroneko-piece-dresses-pre-

order/

By SunSoftware on May 21st, 2013

With summer quickly approaching, now is the time forladies to put on some light, refreshing dresses. Like the twoheroines of OreImo.

Courtesy of Alphamax, you can now pre-order these 1/8scale figures of Kirino Kousaka and Kuroneko from theanime Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai,both of whom are beautifully dressed in delicate summerdresses.

Kirino comes in a pastel, sleeveless one piece and socks. Thedress looks adorable with its frills and bows, and the highhemline gives you a good view of her slender legs.

With that innocent expression, Kirino may well be modelingfor a photo shoot. She seems to be timidly averting her gazefrom you, but if you want to look her in the eyes, all you haveto do is look at her from a side angle, and you’ll also see thegentle curve formed by her waist.

May 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Kuroneko won’t let Kirino hog the spotlight, though, as shehas traded her typical cosplay ware for a gothic lolita onepiece. Her black, strapless one piece is decorated with a bowand frills, not unlike Kirino’s dress. However, Kuroneko isaiming for a darker style with a rosary around her neck andlong stockings accentuating the shape of her legs (this is adefinite turn-on for fans of zettai ryouiki).

From the expression on Kuroneko’s face, she is certainlyfeeling tsuntsun, but if you prefer a cuter vibe, you can alsoswitch her rose-adorned headband with a pair of adorablecat ears.

May 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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If you are moonstruck over these enchanting girls, you canpre-order Kirino and Kuroneko right now from AmiAmi,Alphamax, or your other retailer of choice for prices of 6,780yen and up, and these ladies will be delivered to your homethis December.

Source: Alphamax 1, 2

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

BlazBlue: Chronophantasma –New characters trailerSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/blazblue-choronophantasma-

characters-trailer/

By hikarucon on May 23rd, 2013

A new trailer has been released for the upcoming consolerelease of BlazBlue Chronophantasma. In it, we get tosee two new characters, Kagura Mutsuki and Yuki Terumiin action. With the addition of these two characters,the BlazBlue roster has been bumped up to 26 playablecharacters.

For those of you familiar with the mythos of BlazBlue,Kagura Mutsuki is an officer of the Novus Orbis Librariumwho is secretly plotting to overthrow them. Yuki Terumi is amember of the six heroes but he is better known as Hazamain the previous versions of BlazBlue. The game will see arelease in Japan on October 24, 2013. The regular gamewill cost 7,140 yen while the limited edition version will be10,290 yen.

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Also shown in the trailer is another teaser for BlazBlueAlter Memory, the anime version of the popular fightinggame. Check back on the write up by KarbyP here formore information on the upcoming anime release in Autumn2013.

Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku’snew song to be Pikachu theMovie’s ending themeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/shiritsu-ebisu-chugakus-song-

pikachu-movies-theme/

By Zenko on May 23rd, 2013

Girls idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku will be providing thetheme for the latest Pikachu movie this July.

The Pokemon movie Extreme Speed Genesect: MewtwoAwakens will be hitting theaters July 13, and of coursethere’s a Pikachu movie being released to go along with it.Titled Pikachu and Eevee Friends, it will star the iconicPokemon on an adventure with all of the “eeveelutions”,including the newest edition Sylveon (Ninfia).

Much like the Meleotta movie from last summer had a themeperformed by Momoiro Clover Z, this movie will featureEbisu peforming a new song and cosplaying in celebration.They are already involved with Pokemon as they performPokemon Best Wishes 2’s latest ending them “Take myHand” (te o tsunagou). But there’s no need to wait untilthe movie to hear what the full version will be, as they willperform it on this Sunday’s Pokemon Smash! program.

When they were asked what they thought about thecollaboration, they replied that it worked out well with therebeing 9 eeveelutions and 9 members of the band. They alsoenjoyed coming up with colorful costumes for the charactersthey picked.

Source: AnimeAnime

‘Prisma☆Illya’ card-battlingaction game coming to 3DSSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/prisma%E2%98%86illya-card-

battling-action-game-coming-3ds/

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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By SunSoftware on May 23rd, 2013

Are you excited for Type-Moon’s latest anime coming thissummer? Well, you might not have seen this coming, but a3DS game adaptation has flown in out of nowhere.

The latest issue of Weekly Famitsu has revealed thatKadokawa Games is developing a 3DS game adaptationof the magical girl anime Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya,which is a spin-off of Type Moon’s Fate/stay night seriesstarring the small aristocrat Illyasviel von Einzbern (Illya forshort), who is re-imagined as an ordinary high school girlwho is suddenly forced to become a magical girl.

The game adaptation, currently titled just Prisma☆Illya,contains action and card-battling elements in which you useElement Cards to fight monsters. On the top screen, you cansee the characters and their attack animations, while you usethe touch screen to select cards from your deck and activatemagic attacks.

In the screenshots below, you can see what appears to be abarrier spell and an ice attack, as well as a glimpse of someother cards that you can use.

Just like the anime, the game stars Illya and her rival,Miyu Edelfelt, voiced by Mai Kadowaki and Kaori Nazuka.Presumably, it will feature other main characters like Rinand Luvia.

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Unfortunately, that’s all the details Famitsu has revealed,but Prisma☆Illya is scheduled to be released this summer,the same season as the anime. In the meantime, you can readmore about the anime in our previous article.

Source: Famitsu

Is Nisekoi finally going to getanimated?Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/nisekoi-finally-animated/

By spartanchef on May 23rd, 2013

Popular Romance manga Nisekoi may finally be getting ananime adaptation. This news comes as the domain for themanga has been acquired by Shueisha Inc. which owns andpublishes Weekly Shonen Jump! An announcement whichwill hopefully be about the series being animated will comein two weeks via Weekly Jump! where Nisekoi is serialized.

Nisekoi follows the story of Ichijo Raku, a normal and sweetboy who is incidentally born into a violent and notoriousYakuza family, the Shuei-Gumi gang. In his childhood, hehas promised a certain girl that they will meet again in thefuture and they will get married. He keeps that promise inhis heart and keeps a locket and remembers that the girl keptthe key so that they will identify each other when they meet.

One day, Raku bumps into transfer student Kirasaki Chitoge.They start hating each other afterwards. It turns out thatChitoge is his new classmate. To make matters worse,Chitoge is the daughter of a rival group’s leader. To keep thepeace between the rival yakuza factions, Raku and Chitogeare forced by their fathers to “fake” dating.

It turns out that Chitoge has a key that may open Raku’slocket, however, things get complicated as Onodera Kosaki,Raku’s classmate and long-time crush also has a key… Andthen, the Police Chief’s daughter, Tachibana Marika appearsalso claiming to be the one Raku promised to marry… andshe also has a key!

Nisekoi is a manga series written and drawn by Komi Naoshiand serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump! It started its runNovember 2011.

source: Yaraon

Life-sized Hatsune Mikufigure wears Louis Vuitton in“The End” opera premiereSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/life-sized-hatsune-miku-figure-

wears-louis-vuitton-the-end-opera-premiere/

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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By spartanchef on May 23rd, 2013

In the premier of the Vocaloid Opera titled “The End”last night, May 22, 2013, a life-sized figure of the popularVocaloid, Hatsune Miku was presented wearing LouisVuitton. The figure standing 158 cm (about 5’1 feet) wasunveiled in Bankamura Orchard hall where the concert washeld. It was not mentioned who sculpted the figure.

The black and white dress was designed by a team ledby acclaimed American fashion designer Marc Jacobs. Theblack and white dress sports the Damier Pattern which iswidely associated with Louis Vuitton. The dress is also a partof the 2013 Spring/ Summer collection.

The Opera “The End” is written by musician KeiichiroShibuya in collaboration with renowned Japaneseplaywright and theater director, Toshiki Okada. It is visuallydirected by artist YKBX (Masaki Yokobe). However, thiswould not be the first Vocaloid Opera as “The End” startedits first run last December 2 and 3 with both dates sold out.

“The End” boasts a completely new style of Opera andis completely Human-Free. The entire story is told bycomputer-made visuals and sounds.

The second run premiered last night, May 22 andwould continue May 23-24. All performances are held inBankamura Orchard Hall in Shinjuku. It is also announcedthat the opera will be hitting the road later this year. “TheEnd” will have its first ever international run in Paris,France. The performances will be held at the ChateletTheater with the performances scheduled for November 13and 15.

Source: Mantan-Web and The End official

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Gackt wants to appear onIndonesia’s BIMA SatriaGarudaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/gackt-indonesias-bima-satria-

garuda/

By ellehaym on May 23rd, 2013

We might be seeing Gackt in a brand new tokusatsu seriessoon.

Recently, Gackt has expressed his interest in BIMA SatriaGaruda (BIMA The Garuda Knight) via Twitter. He sent thisreply to a tweet that the show’s executive producer, ReinoBarack, has posted:

And as you can see, Gackt’s suggestion was not ignored. Infact, even Barack likes the artiste’s idea.

The singer-songwriter had prior experience contributingto a tokusatsu series. He performed Journey through theDecade, NEXT DECADE and Stay the Ride Alive for KamenRider Decade. He also starred as Joji Yuki in the theatricalfilm Kamen Rider Decade The Movie: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker.

BIMA Satria Garuda is a joint project of Indonesia’s MNCand Japan’s Ishimori Production. The story goes likethis: VUDO, an evil force from a parallel world led byRasputin, goes to Earth to steal its natural resources. Ahuman by the name of Ray was chosen to protect the worldfrom the evil entity’s invasion.

You can watch an English-subbed trailer here:

via JEFusion

StylipS to sing ending themesong for ‘Fate/kaleid linerPrisma Illya’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/stylips-sing-theme-song-fatekaleid-

liner-prisma-illya/

By KaleNagasaki on May 23rd, 2013

Voice actress super group StylipS will have their song“Prism Sympathy” featured as the ending theme song for theupcoming summer anime Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya.Choucho will sing the opening theme song.

While Yui Ogura and Kaori Ishihara left StylipS just lastmonth, Miku Ito and Moe Toyota have recently joined to singalongside Arisa Noto and Maho Matsunaga.

Originally, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya was a mangawritten by Hiroshi Hiroyama that was serialized inKadokawa Shoten’s Comp Ace magazine from 2007 to2008. It places Fate/stay night‘s main character Illyasvielvon Einzbern in an alternate universe and recastsher as a magical girl. Since then, two sequel mangahave been made: Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya Zwei!(2009-2012), and Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya Drei!!(2012).

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SILVER LINK’s Shin Oonuma, whose resume includes Bakaand Test – Summon the Beasts and Dusk Maiden ofAmnesia, will direct the anime, while Nozomi Ushijima, theanimation director behind Baka and Test – Summonthe Beasts 2, C³, and Dusk maiden of Amnesia, willbe responsible for the character designs. From Fate/staynight and Fate/Zero, Mai Kadowaki and Kana Ueda willcontinue voicing Illya and Rin.

Kaori Nazuka, (Code Geass’ Nunnally and EurekaSeven’s Eureka) will be the voice of Miyu Edelfelt.

Shizuka Ito, (A Certain Magical Index’s Kaori Kanzakiand Hayate the Combat Butler’s Hinagiku Katsura) will bethe voice of Luvia.

Naoko Takano (Nadesico’s Megumi Reinard and Brighterthan the Dawning Blue‘s Midori Tooyama) will be the voiceof Magical Ruby.

Miyu Matsuki (Hayate the Combat Butler’s IsumiSaginomiya and Hidamari Sketch’s Yoshinoya) playsMagical Sapphire.

If you haven’t heard of Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya yet,check out the promotional video below before adding it toyour summer anime watch list. Fate/kaleid liner PrismaIllya will premier online on Niconico before its televisionbroadcast in July.

Source: Yaraon!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu torelease a new album named☆Nandakorekshon☆on JuneSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-release-album-

named-%E3%80%8Cnandakorekshon%E3%80%8Don-june/

By Az on May 22nd, 2013

It has been revealed that Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s will bereleasing a new album called ☆Nandakorekshon☆ (a pun on“nanda kore [what the heck is this]?! and “collection”) onJune 26. This is Kyary’s second album. It’s been a year anda month since her last album, ☆Pamyu Pamyu Revolution☆.

This new album will include her hit singles ☆FashionMonster☆, ☆Kimi ni 100%☆, ☆Furisodeshon☆, and latestsingles ☆Ninjari Ban Ban☆ and ☆Invader Invader☆, all ofwhich were performed in her concert at SCAPE. The albumwill also include the au CM song ☆Norikotonorio☆ andcurrently airing Kentucky Fried Chicken Crushers CM song☆Kura Kura☆ plus five new songs, totaling twelve songs forthis collection.

The first press limited edition of the album is also aphotobook, hence the long jacket, and will include a DVD.The DVD includes four music videos: ☆Fashion Monster☆,☆ Furisodeshon☆, ☆Ninjari Ban Ban☆, and ☆InvaderInvader☆.

“I’ll be releasing my second album soon! I’ll be happy ifyou guys to make comebacks and go ‘what the heck?!’ whenyou see me in the first press limited edition jacket! The

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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CD contains many different songs from the rock number☆Fashion Monster☆ to the beep beep blip blop alien soundsof ☆Invader Invader☆, so please look forward to it! Without adoubt, this won’t be an album that would disappoint. I wanteveryone to listen to it soon!” says Kyary on her new album.

=====Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 2nd Album ☆Nandakorekshon☆

1. Nandakorekushon2. Ninjari Ban Ban

3. Kimi ni 100%

4. Super Scooter Happy

5. Invader Invader

6. Mi

7. Fashion Monster

8. Saigo no Ice Cream

9. Norikotonorio

10. Furisodeshon

11. Kura Kura

12. Otona na Kodomo

<First Press Limited Edition DVD>1. Fashion Monster (MUSIC VIDEO)

2. Furisodeshon (MUSIC VIDEO)

3. Ninjari Ban Ban (MUSIC VIDEO)

4. Invader Invader (MUSIC VIDEO)

source: natalie

AKB48 5th senbatsuelections: first day vote countis out! A shocking 1st rank!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/akb48-5th-senbatsu-elections-day-

vote-count-out-sashiko-ranks-1st/

By Az on May 22nd, 2013

AKB48 has started accepting votes for the general electionsthis year, ☆AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo ☆HitoriJa Yume Wo Mirarenai☆☆ (AKB48 32nd single senbatsugeneral elections ~you can’t envision a dream alone~), sinceyesterday.

AKB48′s management usually does a count after the first dayof voting, and the results for this year’s preliminary count isin!

AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo – First Day FlashReport*(Senbatsu – 1-16)====================================================

1. Rino Sashihara ☆HKT48 Team H / HKT48 StageManager☆2. Watanabe Mayu ☆AKB48 Team A☆

3. Yuko Oshima ☆AKB48 Team K☆

4. Jurina Matsui ☆SKE48 Team S / AKB48 Team K☆

5. Yuki Kashiwagi ☆AKB48 Team B☆

6. Rena Matsui ☆SKE48 Team E☆

7. Haruka Shimazaki ☆AKB48 Team B☆

8. Aya Shibata ☆SKE48 Team KII☆

9. Yui Yokoyama ☆AKB48 Team A☆

10. Miyuki Watanabe ☆NMB48 Team N / AKB48 Team B☆

11. Akari Suda ☆SKE48 Team KII☆

12. Sae Miyazawa ☆SNH48 / AKB48 Team K☆

13. Sayaka Yamamoto ☆NMB48 Team N☆

14. Tomomi Itano ☆AKB48 Team K☆

15. Mariko Shinoda ☆AKB48 Team A☆

16. Yuria Kisaki ☆SKE48 Team S☆

17. Kaori Matsumura ☆SKE48 Lifetime Honorary ResearchStudent☆

18. Minami Takahashi ☆AKB48 Team A☆

19. Ami Kobayashi ☆SKE48 Team KII☆

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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20. Haruna Kojima ☆AKB48 Team B☆

21. Madoka Umemoto ☆SKE48 Team E☆

22. Ayaka Umeda ☆AKB48 Team B☆

23. Shu Yabushita ☆NMB48 Team BII☆

24. Haruka Kodama ☆HKT48 Team H / AKB48 Team A☆

25. Makiko Saito ☆SKE48 Team S☆

26. Minami Minegishi ☆AKB48 Research Student☆

27. Anna Iriyama ☆AKB48 Team A☆

28. Akane Takayanagi ☆SKE48 Team KII☆

29. Masana Oya ☆SKE48 Team S☆

30. Yuka Nakanishi ☆SKE48 Team S☆

31. Kei Jonishi ☆NMB48 Team N☆

32. Rina Matsumoto ☆SKE48 Team KII☆

33. Rina Kawaei ☆AKB48 Team A☆

34. Airi Furukawa ☆SKE48 Team KII☆

35. Tomu Mutou ☆AKB48 Team K☆

36. Haruka Katayama ☆AKB48 Team B☆

37. Aki Takajo ☆JKT48 Team J / AKB48 Team B☆

38. Rie Kitahara ☆AKB48 Team K☆

39. Miki Yakata ☆SKE48 Team S☆

40. Kyoka Isohara ☆SKE48 Team S☆

41. Aika Ota ☆HKT48 Team H☆

42. Tashima Meru ☆HKT48 Research Student☆

43. Yukiko Kinoshita ☆SKE48 Team E☆

44. Miori Ichikawa ☆AKB48 Team B / NMB48 Team N☆

45. Nana Yamada ☆NMB48 Team M☆

46. Oba Mina ☆AKB48 Team B / SKE48 Team KII☆

47. Yukari Yamashita ☆SKE48 Team KII☆

48. Shiori Kaneko ☆SKE48 Team E☆

49. Madoka Moriyasu ☆HKT48 Team H☆

50. Ami Maeda ☆AKB48 Team K☆

51. Mio Tomonaga ☆HKT48 Research Student☆

52. Reina Fujie ☆AKB48 Team B☆

53. Ayaka Kikuchi ☆AKB48 Team A☆

54. Asuka Kuramochi ☆AKB48 Team K☆

55. Saho Iwatate ☆AKB48 Research Student☆

56. Haruka Ishida ☆AKB48 Team B☆

57. Naoko Okamoto ☆HKT48 Research Student☆

58. Maria Abe ☆AKB48 Team K☆

59. Fuuko Yagura ☆NMB48 Team M / AKB48 Team A☆

60. Suzuki Shihori ☆AKB48 Team K☆

61. Sakura Miyawaki ☆HKT48 Team H☆

62. Misaki Iwasa ☆AKB48 Team B☆

63. Yuka Tano ☆AKB48 Team A☆

64. Kanon Kimoto ☆SKE48 Team E☆

Pretty shocking, isn’t it, with all these new names in the list.Surprisingly (or maybe not as surprising to some), Sashiko(last year’s rank 4) is on top here, with last year’s queenYuko dropping down to a relatively low rank 3 and Mayuyustaying second. Sashiko received almost the same numberof votes with Yuko and Mayuyu’s combined. Maybe becauseof how she’s is now stage manager of HKT48 and now idolproducer? Even the idol she is in charge of, lifetime honoraryresearch student, ranks high as the Undergirls’ center.

SKE48′s W-Matsui (Jurina and Rena) enters Kami-7. Asurprising ☆8 with Aya Shibata too. NMB48 aces MiyukiWatanabe and Sayaka Yamamoto both get in with ranks 10and 13 respectively. Senbatsu regulars Minami Takahashi,Haruna Kojima, Minami Minegishi, and Kitahara Rie dropout the senbatsu at this count, and many from SKE, NMB,and HKT climb the ladder. See the vote numbers foryourselves below.

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Even if it’s only the first day preliminary count, the changein ranking is too drastic. Checking last year’s results, thereisn’t much disparity between the preliminary count and thefinal result, save maybe for a new members. But then again,it IS the first day only; there’s still more than two weeks ofvoting until the deadline of June 7, 3:00 PM.

It’s also exactly because these results are released thatchange will happen. Fans of those who ranked low in thepreliminary count will be pumped and vote more in an effortto put his/her oshi back in the game. Who knows? Maybethere are even fans who wait for this announcement in orderto judge if their oshi needs saving, then only will they vote.

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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The official counting and reveal will be on June 8, in NissanStadium, Yokohama.

Source: natalie

Shin Megami Tensei IV: 10minutes of gameplay footageSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/shin-megami-tensei-iv-10-minutes-

gameplay-footage/

By hikarucon on May 22nd, 2013

Excited for the upcoming continuation to the muchacclaimed Shin Megami Tensei series? Well here’ssomething to get even more excited for- a 10-minute videoof game play from the game itself from Japanese video gamewebsite 4gamer.net

May 23rd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Similar to Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, players will beable to communicate with demons and possibly convincethem to join their team. As expected though, negotiatingwith demons is no easy feat. Depending on the demon,players will have to give Macca, the currency of the demonworld, take damage, or give items in order to convince thedemons that you are a worthy partner to fight alongside.

Along the journey, players will come across artifacts that canbe picked up. Artifacts that players pick up can be broughtto stores and be exchanged for Macca.

When players level up, they go through the same process ofbeing able to increase certain parameters in order to maketheir character grow in a way they want, so if you want acharacter with lots of strength and health, you can do that.

New to the experience though is that when players level up,they gain Application Points which they can use to level upapplications on their gauntlet, the device players will use tosummon demons and access various abilities. For example,players can choose to level up their persuasion ability so thatconvincing demons to join their team will be much easier.

The players’ actual skills, magic such as Agi for example, areleveled up through a special event called “Whisper Events.”In these events players will be able to learn skills from theirdemons

Of course, Shin Megami Tensei wouldn’t be Shin MegamiTensei without demon fusion which is back in this editionof SMT in all of its glory- effectively a digital floating headof an old man. The fusion process has been made easiernow that the players will be given suggestions of what theycan fuse with the demons on hands (similar to Persona 4:the Golden’s system). Players will also be able to search forrequirements on certain fusions that they might want to doso that they know what they have to do to get the demon theywant.

In old versions of Shin Megami Tensei, players had to keepcancelling fusions and starting them up again in order to getthe skills they want- no more. Skills for fused demons willalso no longer be random. Instead, players can choose theskills that their newly fused demons will have making thefusion process all the more fun and strategic.

A new aspect of the battle system is that sometimes, specialenemies will appear in large packs. These special enemies’attack power increases when they’re in large packs so unlessthe player defeats all of them quickly, the chance of themdying just becomes that much higher.

Additionally, in the event that the main character dies butthe demons are still alive, instead of an instant game over,the game will continue until the party is completely wipedout or vice versa. But if your party does die, do not worry.Atlus has incorporated another new system into the game.

When the entire party has fallen, instead of an instant K.O.the player is taken to the Sanzu river, similar to the RiverStyx, and is confronted by a man named Karon. If the playerso wishes, he can pay Macca to be revived and put back intothe action. For the more hardcore players, this feature canbe turned off but of course, if the game becomes so hard thatyou need this useful feature, turning it on is just a buttonclick away.

Fans of the Shin Megami Tensei series and people looking toget into this great franchise should be sure to pick up Shin

Megami Tensei IV coming out May 23rd and July 16th inJapan and America respectively.

May 25th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

New Project Diva art bookand arcade game release thisweekendSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/project-diva-art-book-arcade-game-

release-weekend/

By Zenko on May 24th, 2013

A new art book gives insight to Project Diva F and f game,and the next installment to the arcade series are heading outthis weekend.

Released fairly close to each other Project Diva f for thePS Vita and Project Diva F for the PS3 are a continuationof the popular Project Diva rhythm game series featuringCrypton’s Vocaloid line-up. To commemorate this pair ofgames, a special art book called “Hatsune Miku Project DIVAf & F Memorial Fanbook”, containing profiles of certainsongs and a promotional video art section is being releasedMay 26.

Senbon Zakura is used as the sample page, and shows thatthe song’s history as well as costume choice will be someof the things discussed in the book. Specifically, the pagespread features a section on the producer behind the song.

The book will also feature not just the standard images foundin the game, but those available from downloadable contentas well.

The release of book coincides with the release of the nextarcade installment that ties into the games titled Project DivaFuture Tone. The new update to the cabinet game will test inAkihabara this weekend. New features to the game includean update to the module graphics and PV’s throughout thegame, and the addition of songs from the f and F games.

An update to the control system itself, which has beenrunning the same system for several years, will also beincluded, with a touch screen swipe bar above the main fourbuttons. Left and right arrows on the screen will indicatewhich way to swipe on the touch bar.

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Of course, the module and costume select screen will alsofeature an update. Accessories will be included now as well,such as cat ears to add onto already existing costumes.

Both the artbook and the game update will be making theirway to customers this weekend.

Source: Diva Station

Momoiro Clover Z’s 24 hourstream met with recordbreaking numbersSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/momoiro-clover-zs-24-hour-stream-

met-record-breaking-numbers/

By Zenko on May 24th, 2013

As part of their anniversary celebration, Momoiro CloverZ held a 24 hour live stream on May 16 and had a virtualaudience of over one million.

Momoiro Clover Z recently hit a landmark when the groupturned five. Of course, to celebrate a momentous occasion, amomentous party is in event, so the group members vowedto stay up for24 hours straight from May 16 to May 17. Tomake sure fans got something out of it, and that they couldbe sure the group did good on their promise, they opened upa special MomoClo TV channel on USTREAM Asia.

The streaming service is largely crowd funded, with anoptional “tip” service available to reward good streamers.Because of the largely free content, MomoClo TV and theidol group themselves were able to reach an audience ofover 1,600,000 people. By sheer numbers alone they havemanaged to win the Ustream Top Award for 2012, despite itbeing 2013.

They are still hosting content from the stream on theirUSTREAM site, including the concert that they performed atthe end of their 24 hour livestream.

Source: AnimeAnime

‘Master of Chaos’ featuresnew song by Luna SeaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/master-chaos-features-song-luna-

sea/

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By KaleNagasaki on May 24th, 2013

When the trailer below played on televisions across Japanthis past Wednesday, a new and unknown song by Luna Seawas partially revealed.

Narrated by popular voice actor Akio Otsuka, the trailerfor the game Master of Chaos tells us that the player willexperience a dungeon-like RPG filled with action. The playerwill have to fight off demons in order to save the dark world.Apparently, you can even create your own character to dothe job. Master of Chaos can be played on the iPhone andAndroid.

I guess we will have to wait to figure out all the detailsabout Luna Sea’s new song, but in the meantime Masterof Chaos can be bought from the Apple app store and theAndroid marketplace.

Source: Jpopasia

SID’s new song: ‘SummerLover’!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/sids-song/

By KaleNagasaki on May 24th, 2013

Yesterday, at Music Matters 2013 in Singapore,after performing alongside Flumpool and Weaver, SIDannounced that we should expect a new single soon. Titled‘Summer Lover’, the song is in season as it will be releasedJuly 24. ‘Summer Lover’ can be yours in three different ways:Limited Edition Type A and B both cost 1700 yen and includea CD and DVD, while the Regular Edition, which includesthe CD only, will cost 1250 yen.

To commemorate the occasion, SID decided to post somecelebratory photos on their Facebook page.

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Don’t forget to keep a look-out for SID’s tenth anniversarytour this summer! SID will be hitting Fukuoka July 27,Sendai August 3, and Osaka August 10, before closing withtwo shows in Yamanashi on August 24 and 25. For moredetails on locations and how to buy tickets, check out theirofficial site.

Source: Jpopasia

Hyperdimension Neptuniathe Animation — morecharacters, music by nao andAfilia SagaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/hyperdimension-neptunia-

animation-characters-designs-music-nao-afilia-saga/

By SunSoftware on May 24th, 2013

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The anime adaptation of Compile Heart’s popular RPGseries is finally coming this summer, and along with threemore characters from the games, the former vocalist offripSide and an all-girls vocal group are joining the crew.

We have already seen pictures of the goddesses ofGamindustri from Dave Production’s anime adaptation ofthe Hyperdimension Neptunia series. Now, with the animeairing less than two months from now, they have revealedthree supporting characters whom fans of the games shouldbe familiar with.

5pb.-chan (CV: nao)

A star in Gamindustri who leisurely makes one hit afteranother. Her career is centered in Leanbox, but she’s popularin the other countries, as well. Normally, she is extremelyshy, but when she steps onstage, she becomes a completelydifferent person. Her voice actress performed the openingtheme of Chaos;Head RabuChu☆Chu!, a game developed by5pb. (see what they did?)

Arfoire (CV: Chiaki Takahashi)

A traditional villain who is out to defeat the goddesses andtake over Gamindustri. She holds great fighting power, aswell as the ability to take different forms, but she doesn’tseem to be good at interacting with subordinates. Sheis known as Majekonnu in Japan and first appeared inHyperdimension Neptunia MKII.

Pirachu (CV: Niiko)

A strange mouse-like creature and the self-proclaimednumber 3 mascot of the Mouse World. He is a minion ofArfoire, whom he refers to as “middle-aged lady”.

Furthermore, David Production has revealed the names andrelease dates of the opening and ending singles.

The opening song is titled Dimension tripper!!!! and isperformed by nao, who not only voices 5pb.-chan, but is alsothe former vocalist of fripSide who performed the openingtheme of Hyperdimension Neptunia V. The opening singlewill be released on July 24 and also include 5pb.-chan’simage song from the anime.

Dimension tripper!!!! was also featured in the anime’s firsttrailer. If you haven’t heard this catchy synthpop tune yet,watch the trailer below:

The ending theme, titled Neptune☆Sagashite, is performedby the vocal group Afilia Saga, with lyrics and compositiondone by Haruko Momoi and Kousuke Oojima, who regularlywork with the group.

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Afilia Saga is also responsible for the opening theme ofCompile Heart’s next game, Hyperdimension Idol NeptuniaPP. The song, Next Stage! will be included in the anime’sending single, which is even further incentive for fans to buyit when it’s released on August 7. Here’s the catch, though —there are five different editions of this single!

All editions include Neptune☆Sagashite and Next Stage!,but there are three normal editions labeled “A”, “B”, and“C”, which include an extra version of Neptune☆Sagashiteperformed by different members of Afilia Saga. Then there’sthe DVD edition, which comes with bonus footage for fansof the group. Finally, there’s the Neptunia CollaborationEdition made for fans of the game series, which has a specialNeptunia CD cover and a serial code to download a schoolswimsuit costume (modeled after the ones Afilia Saga wears)in Neptunia PP.

Compile Heart previously revealed the opening movie of thegame, so in case you want a sample of Afilia Saga’s singing,watch the movie below.

Hyperdimension Neptunia the Animation will start airing onJuly 12. Are you excited to hear these artists?

Source: Dengeki

Silver Spoon anime’s voicecast announcedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/silver-spoon-animes-voice-cast-

announced/

By spartanchef on May 24th, 2013

The cast for Hiromu Arakawa’s farming anime “SilverSpoon” has been announced! The cast is headlined byKimura Ryouhei and Miyake Marie who play the maincharacters.

Silver Spoon is very unlike Manga artist Hiromu Arakawa’smost popular work Full Metal Alchemist. It is set in afictional school named Oezo Agricultural High School in

Hokkaido and is about Hachiken Yugo, a student fromSapporo who is not interested in farming but thinks he canbe the top student in Oezo Agricultural High School. Thestory is very much influenced by Hiromu Arakawa’s lifegrowing up in a dairy farm in Hokkaido. The original Mangawon the 2013 Manga Taisho awards.

Main protagonist Hachiken Yugo is voiced by KimuraRyouhei who has voiced Takakura Shouma from MawaruPenguindrum, Judal from Magi: The Labyrinth of magic,Hasegawa Kodaka from Boku Tomodachi ga Sakunai and L-Elf from Valverave the Liberator.

The role of Yugo’s love interest and Equestrian Clubmember Mikage Aki will be voiced by Kimura Ryouhei‘sMawaru Penguindrum cast mate, Miyake Marie. She hasvoiced Mawaru Penguindrum’s Oginome Ringo and Hiiro noKakera’s Kasuga Tamaki.

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The role of Komaba Ichiro, Yugo’s closest friend and Aki’schildhood friend and neighbor shall be voiced by SakuraiTooru who has voiced Chapatsu from the daily Lives of HighSchool Boys.

Rich (but fat) girl Inada Tamako will be voiced by TakagakiAyahi who has provided the voices for Nene from Beelzebub,Feldt Grace from Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and Lizbeth fromSword Art Online.

One of Yugo’s classmates who wants to become aveterinarian, Aikawa Shinnosuke will be voiced byShimazaki Nobunaga. He has voiced several charactersincluding Tanaka Taichi from Tari Tari and Itsuka Shidofrom Date A Live.

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Tokiwa Keiji, one of Yugo’s friends will be voiced by ShoujiMasayuki.

Rounding out the voice cast are Nishikawa Hajiro voicedby Takanashi Kengo, Beppu voiced by Noboyuki Kobushi,Inada voiced by Ono Yuuki who voiced Hitoyoshi Zenkichifrom Medaka Box and Kagami Taiga from Kuroko no Basket,Okawa voiced my Mizushima Takahiro who also voicesFuruichi Takayuki from Beelzebub and Yaegashi Taichi fromKokoro Connect. Yoshino Mayumi will be voiced by IzawaShiori who has voiced Midoriko Sono from Girls Und Panzerand the Earthland Hughes from Fairy Tail. Kachiken Shingowill be voiced by Konishi Katsuyuku who voiced LaxusDreyar from Fairy Tail.

For the teachers, the role of Nakajima-Sensei will be voicedby Masutani Yasunori. Sakuragi-Sensei will be voiced byKawahara Yoshihisa, Niwatori Sensei will be voiced byNishimura Tomohiro, Todoroki-Sensei will be voiced byUtsumi Kenji and finally, the Principal of Oezo AgriculturalHigh School will be voiced by Mitsuya Yuji.

Silver Spoon will be directed by Tomohiko Itou who hasdirected several episodes for Sword Art Online and Ano

Hana. The screenplay is written by Takashi Kishimoto.Animation Production will be done by A-1 Pictures.

Source: Silver Spoon Official Website

Cast of school comedy‘Kitakubu Katsudou Kiroku’revealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/cast-school-comedy-kitakubu-

katsudou-kiroku-revealed/

By SunSoftware on May 24th, 2013

Coming this summer is a comedy anime about a somewhatstrange club with a somewhat strange cast.

Kitakubu Katsudou Kiroku (Go-Home Club ActivityRecords) is based on an online manga written by Kuroha.The story revolves around a group of girls in a Go-HomeClub. Normally, a “go-home club” isn’t a real club, but aterm used for students who go straight home after school.However, this anime features an actual club literally calledthe Go-Home Club. What kind of activities does this club do,you ask? Good question.

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Among the voice actresses joining the cast, the biggestname is Ibuki Kido, the voice of Akiko Himenokouji, theprotagonist of Onii-chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankeinai yone! Remarkably, the rest of the voice actresses are all obscurenames, possibly even newcomers.

Since we don’t have any background information on mostof the voice talent, we’ll have to wait until the anime airsto judge them. Who knows? One of them could be the nextNana Mizuki.

Natsuki Andou (CV: Ibuki Kido)

A first-year student and newcomer to the Go-Home Clubwho was invited by her friend Karin. She often serves as thestraight man in funny scenes, and her charm point is herhuge ahoge (the lock of hair sticking up from her head).

Karin Touno (CV: Mitsuki Yuina)

A first-year student and the cute supervisor of the go-homeclub. She’s also an airhead and a big wad of girliness.

Sakura Doumyouji (CV: Miharu Kobayashi)

A second-year student, a free spirit, and the president ofthe go-home club. Compared to Botan and Claire, she isrelatively normal.

Botan Oohagi (CV: Sae Aiuchi)

A second-year student who is a successor of an ancientmartial arts school. She is in charge of the club’s militaryforce (?). She is also extremely powerful and has many heroictales of valor.

Claire Kokonoe (CV: Ayaka Senbongi)

A second-year student whose family owns a major businessconglomerate. She serves as the treasurer of the go-homeclub but is out of touch with social norms.

Azarashi (CV: M・A・O)

A cute creature. That’s it.

Kitakubu Katsudou Kiroku is produced by Nomad, thestudio responsible for Kyouran Kazoku Nikki and the firsttwo seasons of Rozen Maiden. The manga is being serializedon Gangan’s website as well as published in book form.

The anime will start airing this July, so fans of schoolcomedies — and anyone who wants to witness the next waveof rookie voice actresses — should give it a try.

Source: Moe-Otanews

Fire Emblem: Awakening wasalmost the last Fire EmblemgameSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/fire-emblem-awakening-fire-

emblem-game/

By hikarucon on May 24th, 2013

Fire Emblem: Awakening could have very been the last wesaw of the Fire Emblem series. A strange thought of courseconsidering that its overall commercial success (it sold over400,000 copies in just Japan since its release in June and

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then more than 240,000 copies in America) as well as itscritical success has convinced many that this could very wellbe the best Fire Emblem game not just of recent times butof the whole series.

The co-producer for Fire Emblem: Awakening, HitoshiYamagami, told Spanish magazine Hobby Consola that whendevelopment began on Fire Emblem: Awakening, there wasserious consideration of it being the last entry in the series.

Yamagami explained that Fire Emblem was not doing verywell in terms of sales so the sales manager of Nintendo,Shinji Hatano, said that if Awakening’s sales did not surpass250,000 copies, any further work on future entries of theseries would not be considered. Working under the pressureof this being the possible last game of Fire Emblem, thedevelopment team put their all into making Awakening thebest entry in the series.

The rest of the story is as we all know- Awakening had asmashing success and the series will live on. It will evenhave a crossover with Shin Megami Tensei IV if that is anytestament to how successful it is. So no need to worry now,Fire Emblem will live to see another day.

“Final Fantasy XIV: A RealmReborn” release date andCollector’s Edition announcedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/final-fantasy-xiv-realm-reborn-

release-date-collectors-edition-announced/

By weiq on May 24th, 2013

After a long wait, Square Enix finally announce FinalFantasy 14: A Realm Reborn‘s release date and details!

Fans will remember the numerous bugs and glitchesfrom the original version, which makes the game felt“unfinished” and resulted in bad receptions across the gamereview boards. After at least two apologies, a reshufflingof development team and streaming of various gameplaypreviews, the revamped title will hit the shelves (while pre-

orders are now available) worldwide for Windows PC andPlayStation 3 on August 27.

As with the original version, Final Fantasy 14: A RealmReborn will comes with both Collector’s, and the StandardEdtion.

The Collector’s Edition (which will only be produced inlimited quantities) comes with the following items:

• Art of Eorzea – An 80-page hardcover art bookfeaturing a host of artwork made for the developmentof FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn by ArtDirector Akihiko Yoshida and his team of artists..

• The Waning of the Sixth Sun – A special bonus videodisc that takes a cinematic look at the events leading upto the realm being reborn.

• Sounds of Eorzea – Exclusive soundtrack featuresbeautiful music from the cities and fields ofLimsa Lominsa, Ul’dah and Gridaniat composed byrenowned Final Fantasy series composers.

• Art Cards – Five collectable art cards featuringstunning, highly detailed CG art brought to life bySquare Enix Visual Works.

• In-game bonus items – Helm of Light, Baby BehemothMinion, Coeurl Mount and Behemoth Barding.

• Themed Security Token - A device for displaying One-Time Passwords, which dramatically improve accountsecurity.

click to view in full size

Those that pre-ordered the game will also get the followingadvantages:

• Early Access – Gain access to FFXIV: A Realm Rebornbefore the official launch of service!

• Cait Sith Doll Minion – Adventurers can often be foundwith their own personal minion by their side as theytame the wilds of Eorzea. (Minions are vanity pets thatdo not have any affect on a player’s stats.)

• Mog Cap – Show your love for the fluffy Moogle bywearing this cap as you adventure through Eorzea! Thisheadpiece can be equipped by all classes at level one.

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The price of the game is as listed -

Collector Editon:

• PlayStation 3: $79.99 (Package)

• Windows: $69.99 (Package), $49.99 (DigitalDownload)

Standard Edition:

• PlayStation 3: $39.99 (Package)

• Windows: $29.99 (Package/Digital Download)

A free 30-day trial is also included for new accounts.Monthly subscriptions for new accounts will cost $12.99.

Owners of the Windows’ original version need not topurchase the new version, as they’ll get to download it forfree. Owners of the Collector’s Edition will also get the digital

items included in the new Collector’s Edition free of chargeand delivered directly to their Moogle mailbox. If you wantthe physical items as well you’ll have to purchase the newCollector’s Edition.

Players who want the PlayStation 3 version of the game willhave to purchase it, whether they had the Windows versionof the original game or not, but once activated they’ll stillbe able to use their old characters (if they had the originalWindows game). Only one copy of the PlayStation 3 versioncan be tied to a single Sony Entertainment Network account,so if you want multiple copies you’ll also need multiple PSNaccounts.

Players with Legacy status (those that paid for more thanthree months in the original game) will also get to participatein the Early Access.

A Collector’s Edition Digital Upgrade Service will also bemade available on a dedicated website, and it will allowplayers to upgrade their Final Fantasy XIV standard editionto collector’s edition status (for a yet unspecified fee) andreceive the items mentioned above.

You can also register to join the Beta test before decidingwhether this will be a keeper. But from the looks of it (theofficial trailer, concept arts, gameplay previews showing thebeautiful redesigned Eorzea, and the live “Letter from theProducer” videos on the official youtube channel), I believeit will be money well spent.

Additional details of the game (such as on the PlayStation3 digital download version) will be available on the officialhomepage or official Twitter account at a later date.

source: finalfantasyxiv.com, dualshockers.com

Character designs for‘WataMote’ RevealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/character-designs-watamote-

revealed/

By KaleNagasaki on May 24th, 2013

Designs for the main characters of Watashi ga Motenaino wa Dou Kangaete mo Omaera ga Warui!, or forshort, Watamote, have finally been revealed for theupcoming summer anime.

Also known as It’s Not My Fault That I’m Not Popular!,WataMote will air in July and is based off the mangaby Nico Tanigawa. It was first featured in SquareEnix’s Gangan website last year, and the fourth compiled

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volume will be released June 22. For those of you whoknow this already though, take in these well-done characterdesigns.

First, we have the star of the otaku comedy herself, TomokoKuroki:

We follow her as she struggles to develop a social life in highschool. Then, there is her younger brother Tomoki Kuroki:

While he doesn’t care too much for his sister’s problems,perhaps there is a nice guy under the unapproachableexterior. This brings us to the last main character, YuNaruse:

Yu is Tomoko’s friend from middle school and theirfriendship continues into high school. However, as you canprobably already tell, Yu’s easy-going personality and beautymakes her quite popular.

If you’re a fan of the manga, it seems that these characterdesigns stay true to Nico Tanigawa’s original vision. If youhaven’t read the manga yet, there is still time to catch upbefore July! And if you are the type that doesn’t like to read,then we won’t be too mad if you just watch the anime.

Source: Crunchyroll

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

New visual released forGintama the Movie: FinalChapter – Be ForeverYorozuyaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/visual-released-gintama-movie-final-

chapter-yorozuya-yes-final/

By Az on May 27th, 2013

A new visual for Sorachi Hideaki’s Gintama movie “Gintamathe Movie: Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya” has justbeen revealed today, May 27.

The new key visual is quite thought provoking. In the visualis the trio of Yorozuya Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagurasmiling at us, as if to say goodbye. Below that is a grown-up, future version of Shinpachi and Kagura, without anytrace of a future Gintoki at all. All that’s left of the so-calledwhite demon is his trademark Lake Toya wooden sword,which Shinpachi carries, and his very familiar white kimonowith blue design, worn by Kagura. Could something havehappened to Gin so that only mementos of him are left?

Advanced selling of the movie tickets will start on June 1.A special clear folder using the new visual will be given asa special promo to those who buy in the advanced selling.However, the folder is limited in number so not all who buywill be given one. The special promo for the folder ends assoon as the final folder is given away. The folder itself is theone in the image above.

=====

Gintama the Movie: Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuyastarts showing on July 6. This is a special movie all writtenby the manga artist Sorachi Hideaki himself and as withthe movie title, this is the final chapter, putting an end tothe anime series as well. For those who can’t get enoughGintama, the manga is still ongoing so Gintama as a wholeisn’t ending yet.

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The series ran for a good four years too, and spawnednumerous light novels, CDs, and video games. You did good,Gintoki, you did good.

Gintama the Movie: Final Chapter – Be Forever YorozuyaTrailer

Kamen Teacher gets drama,cast includes Kis-My-Ft2Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kamen-teacher-drama-cast-includes-

kis-my-ft2/

By okaroll on May 27th, 2013

The title might be familiar to some, if you follow TooruFujisawa – the creator behind the evergreen manga series,GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka). Kamen Teacher will nowbecome a drama, set to air this July in Japan.

Main cast: Fujigaya Taisuke (left), Aya Oomasa (right)

Starring in this highly anticipated drama series is FujigayaTaisuke, member of Kis-MyFt2. This will be Fujigaya’s firsttime challenging the Tokusatsu genre, the role of a teacherand motorcycle stunts on set. Despite what seems like atriple challenge for him, he expressed that he liked maskedheroes when he was young and seems really enthusiastic andearnest about portraying the main character – Gota Araki.Despite this being his first role as a teacher, Fujigaya is notnew to dramas at all. He has acted in various dramas such as,the Japanese version of Ikemen desu ne/You are Beautiful(2011), Misaki number 1!! (2011), Risou no musuko (2012).

Aya Oomasa will be acting as the English teacher in thisdrama. She has also starred in the same drama as Fujigaya-‘Misaki number 1!!’ . She has won best supporting actress inthe 13th Annual Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix for BestSupporting Actress in drama, Yamamoto Nadeshiko ShichiHenge. And of course, what is a high school delinquentdrama without a ringleader? The ringleader will be acted bySexy Zone’s Fuma Kikuchi. This drama also features othermembers from Johnny’s Jr.- Jesse Lewis, Taiga Kyomotoand Yuuta Kishi.

Regarding working with the other members of the samemanagement company, Fujigaya has expressed that despitethat he is not very good in talking to the junior members inhis company, he wishes to become a admirable senior justlike how his character, Araki Gota is to his students.

Producer Hiroyuki Ueno commented that the productionteam intends to produce a new kind of hero never beforeseen in dramas. So they decided on using up and rising starFujigaya to portray this hero and thus offered him the roleof the main character.

Kamen Teacher follows main character Gota Araki as he isassigned to a new high school to teach class 2C- the mostnotorious class in the school. Naturally, he did not receivethe warmest of welcome from the students. Despite thebeating he got on the first day, he did not want to use thepower of the mask to teach the students a lesson. However,for the sake of changing these tough students for the better,he took the mask in hand and another classic tale of teacherversus delinquents unfolds…

This drama will set to air on July 6, every Friday nights at12AM JST.

via Mantan Web. Pictures from Aya Oomasa’s profile pageand Kis-My-Ft2′s Official Homepage

Nisekoi anime finally officialSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/koto/

By spartanchef on May 27th, 2013

It would seem that the official Nisekoi anime came earlierthan expected. Last week, we announced that Nisekoi mayget an anime adaptation because its domain has been boughtby Shueisha Inc, and now, in the color page of Weekly Jump!#27, it would seem that it is finally official.

Weekly Jump #27 will be on sale June 3. Weekly Jump #27will also be issue where One Piece will be on hiatus becauseof author Oda Eiichiro’s hospitalization.

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Nisekoi is a manga series serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump!and written and drawn by Komi Naoshi. It is about a boyborn into a Yakuza family named Ichijo Raku who made apromise with a girl in his childhood that one day, they wouldmeet in the future. Raku keeps s locket while the girl keepsa key so that in the future, they would know one another.However, that girl can be one of three possible girls; KirasakiChitoge, daughter of a rival gang, Onodera Kosaki, his long-time crush and Tachibana Marika, the daughter of the chiefof police!

source: Yaraon

LiSA and Natsumi Okamototo perform for ‘Genei woKakeru Taiyou’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/lisa-natsumi-okamoto-perform-

genei-wo-kakeru-taiyou/

By SunSoftware on May 27th, 2013

This upcoming bishoujo fantasy will feature theme songsperformed by the popular artist LiSA and the award-winningnewcomer Natsumi Okamoto.

Genei wo Kakeru Taiyou (The Sun Penetrates the Illusion) isan original anime produced by AIC and Aniplex with a storyby sole; viola and character designs by Gomoku Akatsuki.The story is set in a world that is controlled by two typesof tarot cards: the Diaboros Tarots that devour the soulsof innocent humans, and the Elemental Tarots that opposethem. Using the power of the Elemental Tarots, a groupof chosen girls must hurl themselves into a battle that isinvisible to the rest of the world.

The official website of the anime has announced thatLiSA, the singer known for performing the opening themesof Fate/Zero and Sword Art Online, will sing the openingtheme, träumerei (pronounced “troy-meh-rai”), and thesingle will be released on August 7.

The ending theme, -Mirage-, will be sung by NatsumiOkamoto, the winner of Animax’s sixth Anison Grand Prix.The ending single will be released on July 24 as Okamoto’sdebut single.

In case you’ve missed the trailer that was revealed earlier,you can watch it below:

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Mai Kadowaki (Illya from Fate/stay night) will voice AkariTaiyou, the owner of the Sun Tarot.

Eri Kitamura (Sayaka from Madoka Magica, Ami fromToradora!) will voice Seira Hoshikawa, the owner of the StarTarot.

Sora Tokui (Nero from Milky Holmes, Nico from Love Live!)will voice Luna Tsukuyomi, the owner of the Moon Tarot.

Yuiko Tatsumi (Mio from Little Busters!) will voice GinkaShirokane, the owner of the Temperance Tarot.

Genei wo Kakeru Taiyou will start airing on July. Therewill also be a manga serialized on Gangan Online’s websitedrawn by Kouki Katou and a novel written by Michiko Itouthat will be serialized by Monthly Newtype. They will bothbe released in June, so anyone interested in this bishoujofantasy can preview it before the anime comes.

Source: Yaraon

flumpool: full details for thesingle and Sakai’s currentweight revealed + chorus upfor free downloadSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/flumpool-single-revealed-weight-

update-dieting-guitarist-kazuki-sakai/

By Az on May 27th, 2013

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It has been revealed that flumpool’s new double-A single,#Taisetsu na Mono wa Kimi Igai ni Miataranakute / BinetsuRefrain# is set to be released on July 3.The announcementwas made last Saturday, May 25, during their special livebroadcast on Nico Nico Live. The chorus and lyrics of the titlesong #Taisetsu na Mono wa Kimi Igai ni Miataranakute#is up for free download for a limited time until May 28,3:40 PM JST) on flumpool’s official website. This is the 64-hour limited present the Sakai prepared as apology for allthe news he made. The chorus has already reached over100,000 downloads as of May 27, 12:00 AM. The second Asong #Binetsu Refrain# is a CM song for ice cream MeijiEssel Super Cup. The chaku-uta version (for ringtones andsuch) has been up for distribution since yesterday, May 26.

The limited edition of the single will also include a cover ofMayday song #OAOA# with added Japanese lyrics by RyotaYamamura (Vo, G). It will also include a DVD containing astudio live video of the second A side #Binetsu Refrain#. Butthe regular edition doesn’t lose in terms of content eitheras it contains more tracks than the limited one. The regularedition CD will include 9 live-tracks from the #EARTHx HEART LIVE 2013# on April 17. I guess getting botheditions isn’t so bad a deal now, is it?

On the other hand, during the same live broadcast that thesingle was announced, flumpool also reported an update onthe current status of the dieting Sakai. His dieting startedsometime around the end of April with a weight of 80kilograms. It was revealed during the update that Sakai iscurrently 69 kg. Only 5 kg. away from his goal of 64 kg.and with still another month left to lose it. While he may belosing weight at very fast rate, this point seems to be the mostcritical.

“When I focus on dieting, I usually lose this much this fast.But from this point, I just can’t seem to lose any more. Everytime I diet, it’s at this point that I start to rebound. The realbattle starts now,” says Sakai.

flumpool #Taisetsu na Mono wa Kimi Igai niMiataranakute / Binetsu Refrain#Limited Edition=====

1. Taisetsu na Mono wa Kimi Igai ni Miataranakute2. Binetsu Refrain

3. OAOA

4. Taisetsu na Mono wa Kimi Igai ni Miataranakute(instrumental)

5. Binetsu Refrain (instrumental)

6. OAOA (instrumental)

Limited Edition DVD1. Binetsu Refrain Studio Live Video

flumpool #Taisetsu na Mono wa Kimi Igai niMiataranakute / Binetsu Refrain#Regular Edition=====

1. Taisetsu na Mono wa Kimi Igai ni Miataranakute2. Binetsu Refrain

3. Kotoshi no Sakura (live version)

4. labo (live version)

5. Hello (live version)

6. Kimi wo Tsurete (live version)

7. Harukaze (live version)

8. Touch (live version)

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9. Vega ~Kako to Mirai no Hokkyokusei~ (live version)

10. Ii Janai? (live version)

11. Hoshi ni Negai wo (live version)

source: natalie, Barks

Listen to a preview ofSuzuko Mimori’s next single‘Yakusoku Shiteyo? IsshoDayo!’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/listen-preview-suzuko-mimoris-

single-yakusoku-shiteyo-issho-dayo/

By SunSoftware on May 26th, 2013

The rising voice actress behind Sherlock Shellinford andUmi Sonoda is developing her solo career with a brand newsingle and her first photo collection.

Anime fans should be familiar with Suzuko Mimori for herrole in the Tantei Opera Milky Holmes series, where shestars as the cute detective Sheryl and performs the openingthemes with the rest of the main cast. She’s also knownas Umi Sonoda, a member of the idol unit μ’s from LoveLive! She sang plenty of songs for both of those anime, butlast month, she launched her solo career with her debutsingle Aitai yo… Aitai yo!, which peaked at number 10 onOricon’s charts.

Next, Mimori is releasing her second single on July 3. TitledYakushoku Shiteyo? Issho Dayo! (It’s a Promise, Right?We’ll be Together!), the song is a lively pop tune mixed withthe feeling of longing to be with that special someone, fit forthe bittersweet summer time.

You can listen for yourself with this short preview:

The single will be available in a limited edition that includesa DVD with a music video and making-of video, as well as alight novel written by Masaki Hiramatsu, the scriptwriter ofthe Kara no Kyoukai films, depicting a love story designedto supplement the lyrics of the song.

In addition, Mimori also recently announced her firstphoto collection and image Blu-ray/DVD. These will includepictures from her photo shoots in Vietnam, ranging inlocations from Hanoi to the scenic Ha Long Bay. Of course,Mimori herself will appear in a variety of expressions, suchas this slightly sexy pose at a poolside.

The photobook will be released on July 17, and the imagedisks, on August 7. Mimorin fans, are you excited to witnessher rise to fame?

Source: Mimorin’s official website, Famitsu

MMO Tales Weaver teams upwith SAO for Thanks Festival2013Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/mmo-tales-weaver-teams-sao-

festival-2013/

By Zenko on May 26th, 2013

At the conference held on Saturday, popular MMO gameTales Weave announced that they’ll be teaming up withSword Art Online for exclusive content.

Starting on June 12 and running throughout the summer,special SAO content will be made available to players ofthe game. The characters that will appear in the gameinclude Asuna, Silica and Lizbeth, who will assist the playerin various ways. This will include a four floor dungeon, where

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the top floor will include a special prize, much like how inthe original SAO story the players were rewarded with goinghome.

The story will be released in two sets: the Aincrad arc and theFairy Dance arc, and will be largest scale event the game hasever held. Judging from sprite art in appears that Kirito willalso appear at certain parts in the game to advance questsrelated to the SAO series. In addition to this event, severalother high level events will launch at the same time so thatveteran players won’t feel left out of all the fun.

All this will culminate in the launch of a new area in Augustthat will allow players to have the ability to dual wieldswords, much like Kirito in SAO. The name of the area,Heroine Inlet, will focus around Tales Weaver’s own story“The Runes of Children: Winter’s Sword.” Players across theworld expressed a desire for SAO character designer RekiKawahara to team up with the MMO game, and can expectto have fun because of this agreement.

Source: News Dengeki

‘Ghost in the Shell: StandAlone Complex’ directorcreates new short film‘Silicon;BootDrive’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/ghost-shell-stand-complex-director-

creates-short-film-siliconbootdrive/

By KaleNagasaki on May 26th, 2013

Kenji Kamiyama, co-director of Ghost in the Shell: StandAlone Complex and 009 Re:Cyborg, collaborated againwith writer and director A.T. to create their newest shortfilm Silicon;BootDrive.

If Kamiyama’s resume by itself isn’t enough to make youwant to click the play button below, maybe a short summarywill change your mind. Silicon;BootDrive takes place in theyear 2020, apparently five years after a dramatic meteorevent known as ‘God’s Needle’ occurred and sent the humanrace into the next stage of evolution. Want to know more?Click below to find out.

Let us know what you think. Does Silicon;BootDrive standup to Kamiyama’s previous films? If you’ve neverexperienced a Kamiyama film before, these may be goodplaces to start: click here for the opening of Ghost in theShell: Stand Alone Complex.

Click here for promo of 009 Re:Cyborg.

May 27th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: ph9

K movie announced for 2014Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/movie-announced-2014/

By spartanchef on May 26th, 2013

According to the KaieKaryou and xxbluetearxx twitteraccounts, the anime K project will be having a movie in 2014!It will be a direct sequel to the anime. Unfortunately, nofurther details have been released as of the moment. Thesetweets came from people who attended the K event ealier,May 26, in Tokyo.

Translated, the two tweets are announcing that K will behaving a movie released 2014 and its going to be a sequel tothe anime.

K is an anime that started airing October 2012 and has a totalof 13 episodes. GoHands produced the anime and SuzukiShingo not only directed the anime but also designed thecharacters.

It is set in the technologically advanced Shizume City. Thestory revolves around Isana Yashiro, a seemingly normalstudent who attends Ashinaka High School. Things getcomplicated when a HOMRA member gets murdered bysomeone who looks exactly like Yashiro. Now, members ofthe Red Clan and HOMRA are out to get him.

Due to its success, ‘K’ also has two manga prequels and twolight novels released.

Source: Yaraon

Chara-Ani Kirino SwimSuit Ver. and Kuroneko“Shironeko” Ver. pre-orderstartSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/chara-ani-kirino-swim-suit-ver-

kuroneko-shironeko-ver-pre-order-start-max-factory-figma-kurapika-

details/

By spartanchef on May 26th, 2013

As summer is rapidly approaching, Chara-Ani has nowannounced that summer versions for Ore no Imouto gaKonna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai characters Kosaka Kirinoand “Kuroneko” Gokou Ruri are now up for pre-order.Firstlet’s start with THE imouto, Kirino. This figure is 1/8 scaleand stands about 175 mm. The figure is made of PVC andABS and is manufactured by Chara-Ani. No sculptor hasbeen named so far. This figure is due for release August2013. Kirino is wearing a green two-piece bikini with pink

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sunglasses on her forehead and is holding a dolphin watergun.

Source: Hobby search

Now, let’s talk about “The dark one”… only this time,she’s not as dark as usual. This is Gokou Ruri’s newestincarnation, Shironeko. Like Kirino, this figure is 1/8 scaleand stands about 175 mm. The figure is made of PVC andABS and is manufactured by Chara-Ani. No sculptor hasbeen named so far. This figure is due for release August 2013.She is sporting the straw hat that she is seen wearing duringthe anime’s opening credits. The hat is removable. Also, sheis wearing WHITE which would transform Kuroneko (BlackCat) into Shironeko (White Cat).

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Source: Hobby Search

May 28th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Vividred Operationholds live event calledVividred Operation: SpecialOperations LIVE!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/vividred-operation-holds-live-event-

called-vividred-operation-special-operations-live/

By spartanchef on May 28th, 2013

Vividred Operation held a live event titled “SpecialOperations LIVE!” in Zepp Music Hall in Tokyo just two daysback.

The event featured live performances by the maincharacter’s voice cast. Sakura Ayane (who voices IshikiAkane), Murakawa Rie (who voices Futaba Aoi), OotsuboYuka (who voices Saegusa Wakaba), Uchida Aya (who voicesShinomiya Himawari), Uchida Maaya (who voices KurokiRei), Oogame Asuka (who voices Ishiki Momo) and AmazakiHaruka (who voices Amagi Mizuha) were all present at theevent.

In the events first part, the voice cast presented a “look back”of the events which happened in the anime, which involveda lot of teamwork in the cast’s part.

The second part of the event presented us with the castperforming the anime’s soundtrack and they opened it withthe song “Vivid Shining Sky” which is the fifth end song ofthe anime. Sakura Ayane and Rie Murakawa sang “We areOne”, Sakura Ayane and Ootsubo Yuka sang “Stereo colors”,and “Stray Sheep Story” by Sakura Ayane and Uchida Aya.They also sang “Maelstrom”, “Arifureta Shiawase” by UchidaMaaya, an encore of Vivid Shining Sky and they sang theopening song “Energy” last.

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Lastly, two limited mail order books were sold at the event.These are “Final Visual Collection” and “Final Cels”.

There is no word if the event will ever have a DVD release,like some other series such as K-On!, YuruYuri and InfiniteStratos.

source: Dengeki News

Nana Mizuki’s newest singlecoming this July to includeSymphogear G, Yamato 2199theme songsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/nana-mizukis-newest-single-coming-

july/

By SunSoftware on May 28th, 2013

One of the biggest superstars in the anime industry isreleasing her next single to go along with her next voiceacting role this summer.Nana Mizuki’s 29th single, currentlyuntitled, is scheduled to be released on July 31. It willfeatures three songs, including the opening theme of theupcoming anime Senki Zesshou Symphogear G and theending theme of Space Battleship Yamato 2199 Chapter 7,which will open in theatres this August.

Senki Zesshou Symphogear G is the second season ofSenki Zesshou Symphogear, which is centered around girlswho have the power to summon combat armor calledSymphogear and fight an alien race called Noise. In additionto performing the opening theme, Mizuki will play the roleof Tsubasa Kazanari. The anime will also feature the voiceactresses Aoi Yuuki and Ayahi Takagaki, so if you want tohear them singing while beating up aliens, you can check outthe anime this July.

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Apart her single coming out this summer, Mizuki will alsohold her solo tour, “Nana Mizuki Live Circus 2013″ in eightcities, and she will perform in this year’s Animelo SummerLive (as she does every year). Apparently, Mizuki is going tobe very busy this summer.

Source: Natalie, Nana Mizuki homepage

(1/2) Power Push interview:Perfume’s thoughts on Magicof Love shoot, reverse-motiondance & moreSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/power-push-interview-perfume-1/

By Az on May 28th, 2013

Perfume’s new single “Magic of Love” is a catchy pop tunefreely sprinkled with the girls’ own brand of flavour. Comingwith it is the coupling track “Handyman”, a tune with anoriental sound that feels like it will be positively acceptedeven by fans overseas. They also have coming up the concertDVD “Perfume WORLD TOUR 1ST”, containing footage ofthe Singapore-leg of their first overseas tour last fall, on salesimultaneously with the single.

Japanese pop culture news site Natalie.mu conducted aninterview with Perfume on their much talked about “Magicof Love” PV and the “reverse-playback dance” that comeswith it and happenings behind the scenes of the shoot. Theyalso talked about their upcoming ‘battle’ tour this month andtheir thoughts on the European tour they will hold on July.

Oh! I’ve sung like this before!========================================================

—Your last two singles were on very different extremes;“Spending All My Time” is hard and heavy while “MiraiNo Museum” is light and catchy. But this single, “Magic ofLove”, is spot-on Perfume sound.

N (Nocchi): Exactly. It’s the first perfectly Perfume singlewe’ve had in a while. It’s a cute, cheerful tune that once heardon Pure’s CM, you’ll instantly know is Perfume’s.

A (A-Chan): It’s astonishing that such a beautiful piece ofmusic could be made from the CM’s theme of “eat PureGummi and a magical love could ensue”. The melody justflowed straight into it, so the recording went smoothlywithout problem.

K (Kashiyuka): The tune really adheres to the [Perfume tune]principles. I thought that it’s been a long time since we’vehad light, floaty lyrics like this one. Like we’re singing aboutsomething abstract, intangible.

N: There’s this nostalgic feeling when singing lyrics like “theseasoning of love” or “your heart is a butterfly”. Like, “oh I’vesung like this before!”

—It certainly must have been like that. Also, the lyrics arelike a cool but difficultly indirect way of expressing theemotions in a girl’s heart. Thinking that way, I felt like eventhe lyrics of “Magic of Love” are very much Perfume-like.

K: I think so too. However, instead of giving the feeling of“overflowing with hope” or “think positive and do your best”in the end, it instead leaves you hanging – it’s realistic andleaves you wondering. I think that creating a gap like that inthe lyrics is very much (Yasutaka) Nakata-style.

Seki-san gets the miracles happen on-the-spot and makes ithis work========================================================

—Speaking of Perfume-like, working with director KazuakiSeki after a long time, the video of “Magic of Love” is alsovery Perfume-like.

A: Creating cool videos on analog broadcast is Seki-san’sspecialty so I thought, “if we’re going to use magic andtricks, then it’s Seki-san!” (laughs) There are many directors

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who usually just decide on what they would take or do anexact storyboard and go like “we’ll be doing this” and rigidlystick to it until the end, but Seki-san needs only the generalframework, just does things based on the atmosphere ofthe shoot, and whatever miracles happen on the spot, heincorporates it. What I’m saying is that he listens to theinsights of others and adopts those to the work.

—Ah, you could see that from his work too.

A: In this PV too, you could see on every part how he usedthose insights. In the interlude, there’s this scene that’s likecoming out of many doors. Not having decided how to shootthat part, Seki-san directs, checks how we respond, andshoots it. Then in the final product, we see in that scene thatit’s just us three being friendly with each other; I was deeplyimpressed. That’s not even “directing” anymore; it’s like hedrew everything from us.

—And it’s also because you have known Seki-san for a longtime that you can do this.

A: Right. There are also scenes where we sing individually.Even in those scenes, what was shot was the Yuka-chan andNocchi as how Seki-san thought they should be. In reality,there are more times when things won’t go as smoothlyas that, but to adapt to the situation is just like Seki-san(laughs). It’s been a while since we had him direct so afterfinally watching it, it’s like, “yes, yes, this is how Perfumeoriginally is!”

We practiced too much for the ‘reverse-playback dance’========================================================

—There’s also a part in the PV where the scene in reverse-playback, right? About that, besides the choreography, didyou also move your mouth in such a way that it wouldmatch the rewind?

N: You know, when Seki-san suggested that we do areverse-playback dance, while we were watching the originalchoreography on reverse-playback and memorizing thedance, he also told us that it would be great if we could matchour mouths too. We already had our hands full even with justthe reverse choreography so we told him that as expected,it’s [matching the mouths] impossible. So the three of us justmoved our mouths in one way or the other (laughs).

K: We just flapped our mouths as how we felt like moving it.It looked awful as it didn’t match at all (laughs).

A: You’ll understand if you try it out yourself. It’s seriouslyhard (laughs). As for why it’s hard, to start with, the melodysounds weird on rewind so as a tune it’s impossible toremember. And then for the dance, the rhythm is just lost.

—Ah, I see. The familiar beats would just disappear.

A: We can’t get a grasp on the rhythm so we just didn’t knowwhen to bust the moves. If you do it like that, you’ll come upwith a stiffy stiffy dance completely devoid of groove. Andeven if you try to remedy this by creating a groove, once youwatch the reverse-playback, you’ll see that you’re movingweird – like a person who can’t dance at all.

—Now that you’ve said it, it certainly seems very difficult.

A: Nocchi fell victim to that. You see, our former managerhas this unique little point in his dancing, and Nocchi’sdancing looked exactly like that. “Watch out, she becomingIwai-san!”, we said (laughs). MIKIKO-sensei also said thatit’s impossible and gave up halfway. While things continuedlike that for us, Yuka-chan suddenly went, “Huh? I think I’mdancing it correctly.”

N: She was the one who got it first (laughs).

K: I was the pioneer of new possibilities you know (laughs).

A: The both of us then memorized the choreography bywatching Yuka-chan dance. Also, during that time, Nocchiwas soooo focused on studying the dance, that even withouthearing the rhythm, she could do the counting for us so thatwe could get it.

—Ohh! Amazing!

A: I’m weak at learning a choreography by watching so Ireally couldn’t do it. But these two really stuck it out for meso I was able to completely rely on them and was finally ableto dance it.

N: The reverse-playback scene was the last part we shot.But we only successfully finished that at already 5-6 in themorning. Meaning before we finally finished, we danced thereverse choreography over and over.

A: We even forgot how the original dance went, huh (laughs).

K: When we danced it again, everyone was just so sloppy.We were just like, “Left? Right? Which one?” “Hmm.. It’sthe reverse of the reverse so..” “Ah! Nocchi may be doing itright!”

A: And so, the hard part ended. But when we watched how itwent… “Huh? Doesn’t it looked like we were just barely ableto pull it off?”, we reacted like that.

K: It may be that we just practiced too much, but when weplayed the reverse-playback scene, it looked normal. Like,“Would we be able to show that this was done in reversethrough this?” “Somehow, it seems dull.”

A: If that impression doesn’t get through, it would simplylook like three unskilled dancers dancing; and we didn’twant that, so we really didn’t know what to do.

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K: After shooting it, we prepared the same scene but thistime not in reverse, just in case. We weren’t able to decideon which to use until just before the very end.

—And in the end, you used the footage with the reverse-playback.

N: Yes, we did. It was like “Well, we already shot it anyway[so let's use it].”

A: We had a weird way of just finally settling for it, sayingthat the fact that we challenged ourselves to do this wouldmake it to the news (laughs). But the whole while, Seki-sanwas really pushing for the reverse-playback, saying that it’svery interesting. We put our whole faith in him and now, werealize that he was right.

“Sorry for being so sudden…” We sent out videos to otherartists========================================================

—You have set the lives that you will do one after the other.First, let’s talk about the “battle” type of live tour in Tokyoand Nagoya starting the end of this month, “Zutto SukiDattanjakee~ Sasurai no Menkata Perfume FES!!” It’s saidPerfume borne this project themselves, but just how muchit is from your own thoughts?

A: This project started with us saying that we want to do it, soI’d have to say almost everything. We shot a video message,sent it to artists we’d like to appear with, confirm if it’s anOK or not…

—Video message?

K: For the request and offer, we three faced the artist himselfin the video messages we sent out. “It’s Perfume. Sorry forbeing so sudden.”

N: We sent those out. Fufufu (laughs)

A: Most of the videos we sent were to people we haven’t metyet so we did a formal introduction at the start. “Ah, umm.We three are called Perfume.” That kind of introduction(laughs). I thought that if we do that, maybe we could expressour thoughts directly. We received very polite replies fromeveryone. We received replies such as “umm, should wereply to you by way of video message too?” (laughs) Whenwe were having our offers sent, we felt that since we’vecome to this point, we should just be cheeky about it. Sowhen the participants we’re decided, we were like, “YEAH,THEY ANSWERED TO OUR DESIRES!”, and we felt like wewanted to do this project as soon as possible (laughs).

K: If our pleas we’re rejected, there would be no tour (laughs)so this is really all because they accepted.

—Why did you think of doing a ‘battle’ type of tour in thefirst place? If you really wanted a FES kind of live, I thinkit’s very much possible with how you are now.

A: We were told that doing a FES alone would be tough –that we were too young and putting things together wouldstill be impossible for us, so we thought of doing a ‘battle’type first. We haven’t done battles before so we really felteven from before that we wanted to do this. As we thoughtto ourselves that it would surely be awesome if we did this,many others thought, “looks good, I’d go for this!” – and wewere truly happy about that. I’m very glad that this projectcame to fruition even with just that, so just by thinking thatpeople are waiting for this, I get into high spirits.

=====

Click here for part two.

source: natalie (1)(2)

Danbo cardboard robot from“Yotsuba&!” inspires bagdesignsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/yotsubas-danbo-cardboard-robot-

inspires-tote-bag-designs/

By weiq on May 28th, 2013

Love the cardboard robot “Danbo” from the “Yotsuba&!”manga series? Here’s a chance for you to bag it (punintended)!

Featured dominantly Danbo’s ‘face’, the bagss are acollaboration between Yotsuba‘s author Kiyohiko Azuma,and the “YOU’RE SUCH A NERD” brand by “ANIMATIONADDICT STORE”.

The designs include a tote bag big enough for A4 sizenotebook and documents, a pouch, and a “carton bag,” whichis a box-shaped lunch bag specially sized to fit 8 of Yotsuba&!pun-ny manga series. All three bags are made of a specialtype of Japanese paper called “Naoron,” by Tadashi papermanufacturer, is soft, yet hard to break. The finish productshave an authentic cardboard look, thanks to the materialused, and most important of all – they are water-resistant.

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The carton bag and the tote bag are 5,250 Yen (about US$52)and the pouch is 2,940 Yen (about US$29). Pre-orders arenow available until June 28. You can visit the here to viewmore photos.

Source: natalie.mu, ani-cyu.jp

Tamako Market’s bonus‘Occhoko Choi-chan’ promostreamedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/tamako-markets-bonus-occhoko-

choi-chan-promo-streamed/

By weiq on May 28th, 2013

Kyoto Animation had streamed a short promo video of abonus series for Tamako Market on their Youtube channel.

The promo video gave us a short preview of Choi-channarrating, to the Prince, her trip to the bath house with therest of the girls. Titled “Occhoko Choi-chan”, it is the firstepisode for the bonus “Pettanko” short series which will bebundled with the fourth Japanese release of the Blu-ray andDVD volumes.

Other extras for the fourth volume are:

First-Pressing Extras

• Episode 2 and 12′s insert song “O.S.T Girl Next Door(Zizzania)” by Franco Casa and Paul Bennett (first CDrelease of the song)

• 24-page, full-color special booklet

• Special postcard with exclusive Yukiko Horiguchiillustration

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• Special sleeve/Digipak packaging

Video Extras

• “Occhoko Choi-chan” episode 1

• Production location report “Director Yamada’s,~Takeda-iro ni Someraretai~”

• Web preview videos

Audio Extras

• Mochi-Mochi radio drama #7 – 8

• Cast commentaries

• Staff commentaries

Other Extra

• Japanese subtitles

The Blu-ray and DVD will ship with “Tamako Market”episodes 7 and 8 on June 19. Both the Blu-ray and DVD willretail at 7,140 Yen (about US$71) and 6,300 Yen (US$62)respectively. Later episodes of the bonus “Pettanko” shortseries will continue with later releases of the Blu-ray andDVD volumes.

Source: youtube, tamakomarket.com

Cast and staff announced forTetsuo Hara’s ‘First of theNorth Star’ spin-off animeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/cast-staff-announced-tetsuo-haras-

first-north-star-spin-off-anime/

By KaleNagasaki on May 28th, 2013

Are you a fan of First of the North Star and its maincharacter, the dramatic persona that is warlord Keiji Maeda?If so, then it’s time to get excited. Artist and creator TetsuoHara’s spin-off manga series Gifu Dodo!! Naoe Kanetsugu -Maeda Keiji Tsuki-gatari-, which was published in 2010, ingetting an anime adaptation that will premier this July.

Gifu Dodo is about Keiji Maeda’s friend, head of theUesugi clan, Naoe Kanetsugu. It will be directed by Hetaliaand Gravitation‘s Bob Shirahata, while character designswill be by Hetalia’s Masaaki Kannan. Tetsuo Hara willsupervise animation, and Studio DEEN will produce GifuDodo.

Naoe Kanetsugu (left) and Keiji Maeda (right)

Daisuke Namikawa (Shōta Kazehaya in Kimi ni Todoke,Waver Velvet in Fate/Zero) will be the voice of maincharacter Naoe Kanetsugu. Takuya Sato (JoJo’s BizarreAdventure’s Caesar Zeppeli) will be the voice of belovedreturning character Keiji Maeda.

Naru Kawamoto, who played Takashi Kawamura of Princeof Tennis, will be the voice of Mosuke. HozumiGoda, who voiced Leorio of Hunter x Hunter, will playJirobi Nakanishi. Hiroki Yasumoto, who was Germanyin Hetalia, will be the voice of Kagekatsu Uesugi. YojiUeda, who voiced Kagero Usui in Sayonara ZetsubouSensei, will have to fill the huge historical shoes of ToyotomiHideyoshi. Spice and Wolf’s Arnold, KoseiHirota will voiceToshiie Maeda. Masaki Terasoma and Kazuki Katou willvoice Kenshin Uesugi and Mitsunari Ishida respectively.

With such a stacked voice and creation crew, GifuDodo should probably be on your watch list.

Source: Crunchyroll

Shiseido’s Tadashi Haradashares pictures from his‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’live-action photoshootSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/shiseidos-tadashi-harada-shares-

pictures-jojos-bizarre-adventure-photoshoot/

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By KarbyP on May 28th, 2013

Actually, the picture you see above, of 15 models styled andmade-up by renowned Shiseido hair and make-up artistTadashi Harada to resemble characters from Parts 3 to 6of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, did not come from a singlephotoshoot.

Rather, they were compiled from five separate photoshootsdone over two years. Each time, Harada’s team of four – aphotographer (Tohru Koike), stylist (Tsuyoshi Takahashi),photo retoucher (Eri Katou), and hair/make-up artist(Harada himself, who also did the creative and art directionroles) – would aim to do the shots for three characters at ago.

A big fan of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventuremanga series (as well as the Araki’s previous work, Baoh),Harada said that he grew up reading the JoJo manga seriespretty much “in real-time” as it was being serialised inShueisha’s Weekly Shounen Jump magazine, and that hewas greatly inspired by the hairstyles, fashion, and poses asseen in the manga series.

He was so inspired that, as a beautician or make-up artist, hewanted to see what he could do if he were to apply his skillsto recreating those iconic looks from the manga series in away that would make sense in reality.

That said, the photoshoots were not just about simplyreplicating JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure looks in reallife. Harada decided that this was going to be his way of doinga homage to the manga series that he loved so much.

It’s not exactly cosplay (as you can probably tell from thepicture above of Jean Pierre Polnareff from JoJo’s BizarreAdventure Part 3, and Rohan Kishibe from Part 4); Haradaset out to do a live-action photoshoot for the well-lovedmanga series in a way that only he could do it – throughthe way the models’ hair and make-up were done. This wasmeant aHarada decided that this was going to be his way ofdoing a homage to the manga series that he loved so much..

Harada and his team first begun to do the photoshootssometime in 2010. In March 2011, when the Tohoku disastershook the world, Harada and his team took a break from theproject as they felt it was not the right time to be pursuingart and creation.

When Harada heard that a Hirohiko Araki JoJo Exhibitionwas going to be held in Sendai and Tokyo in 2012, workon Harada’s JoJo live-action photoshoot sprung back to lifeagain. He was hoping to get it featured as one of the exhibitsin the showcase.

The photoshoots for all 15 characters in the series werecompleted in March 2012, some two years after the projectfirst started. Alas, for reasons Harada did not go into, hisproject could not be included in the JoJo exhbitions.

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That was going to be the end of Harada’s dream. He was notgoing to be able to show the public his interpretation andhomage to the manga series he loved so much.

Or so he thought.

Fortunately, in October 2012, at the Japan HairdressingAwards, where Harada was named the Grand Prix winnerfor the second time in his career, an event manager chancedupon some pictures from the JoJo live-action photoshoot,and offered to help Harada organise a one-man exhibition,using the JoJo pieces used as a centerpiece, to be unveiledat the showcase.

The exhibition, entitled “Tadashi Harada Everythingver.5.0″ (### ## ver.5.0) was held earlier from March 30to April 2 this year, at Tokyo’s Meguro district.

On his official website, Harada has shared quite a number ofphotos shown at the exhibition. You can view all of it on hissite over here – the JoJo pieces are numbered 69 to 104.

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List of characters portrayed

• Part 3: Jean Pierre Polnareff

• Part 4: Josuke Higashikata, Rohan Kishibe and AkiraOtoshi

• Part 5: Giorno Giovanna, Bruno Bucellati, LeoneAbbachio, Guido Mista, Secco, Melone, Diavollo

• Part 6: Jolyne Kujo, Hermes Costello, Foo Fighters(F.F.), Weather Report

Source: Tadashi Harada’s blog

Shonen Jump launches itsglobal manga competitionSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/shonen-jump-launches-global-

manga-competition/

By ellehaym on May 27th, 2013

Aspiring manga authors from around the world finallyhave the chance to be recognised by Japan’s major mangapublisher, Shueisha.

In celebration of Weekly Shonen Jump’s 45th anniversary,the magazine has officially launched the “Shonen JumpManga Competition”. The contest is open to theinternational community with entries accepted in threedifferent languages: Chinese, English and Japanese.

The shonen magazine is already taking applications via theirspecial contest page. Artists are to submit their original andunpublished shonen manga pieces by October 1.

Here’s how the selection goes: Finalists will be picked bythe editorial department of Weekly Shonen Jump and theeditors-in-chief from the North American Weekly ShonenJump, China’s OK! Comic (to be launched) and Taiwan’sFORMOSA YOUTH. The final entries will be translated intothe three languages and will be posted on shonenjump.comfor the online popularity poll.

A total of four awards will be given away:

• Grand Prize for the most popular manga

• Top Prize for the most popular entry in Japanese

• Top Prize for the most popular entry in English

• Top Prize for the most popular entry in Chinese

Each winner will receive a 500,00 JPY (6238.00 SGD) cashprize. The winning works will be published on the mangamagazines previously mentioned.

Source: Shonen Jump Manga Competition website

Touhou Kishinjou ~DoubleDealing Character~ demoreleasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/touhou-kishinjou-double-dealing-

character-demo-released/

By Zenko on May 27th, 2013

The latest installment of the latest Touhou game wasdistributed at this year’s Reitaisai convention.

As promised earlier this month, Team Shanghai Alicehas released another installment to the main storyline ofthe Touhou danmaku (bullet hell) shooter games. CalledTouhou Kishinjou ~ Double Dealing Character~, the gamecontinues where the thirteenth installment left off and wassold for 300 yen. The story is that Marisa, Reimu andSakuya’s instruments began to suddenly work on theirown, setting off shots of their own. During this time theyoukai that are usually calm have started to cause trouble in

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Gensokyo. The girls must find a way to stop this, as well asfigure out just what it is that’s causing their weapons suchtrouble.

Sakuya was previously only available as a playable characterin the seventh installment, Perfect Cherry Blossom andthe eighth Imperishable Night. Popular ‘strongest’ characterCirno is not playable, but will appear as the first stagesmidboss.

Before the game was released ZUN had mentioned that hewould be making the game somewhat easier by changing themechanics of battles. For instance, as the plot of the story isthat the three main protagonists weapons are acting up, theoption to select weapon, rather than spell, missile, or partnertype is being used. Each will come with its own propertiesand spell (bomb) attack.

The life bar for bosses has also been moved to be aroundthem rather than in the upper left hand corner to allow easierreadability during battles and spells.

Another interesting feature is that the dialogue sequenceshave been moved from a more visual novel style to a moremangaesque one, with speech bubbles appearing alongsidethe characters.

New characters that appear in the game include a mermaidnamed Wakasagihime. Her two spell cards are Tail Fin Slapand Wrathful Hurricane.

The stage two boss is a rokurokubi, a windy necked woman,who of course has the ability to make her head seem as ifits floating. Her name is Sekibanki. Matching her name, herbullet patterns wind like the depictions of the rokurokubi’sneck. Her spell cards include “Flying Head”, “Rokurokubi’sFlight” and “Dullahan’s Night: Flying Head.”

The final stage released in the demo features the werewolfKagerou Imaizumi. Her stage changes background severaltimes rather than keeping a constant stream of maple orginkgo leaves. Her spell cards include “Canine Teeth Underthe Moon”, “Star Fang”, “Full Moon’s Howling”, “High-Speed Pounce.”

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The full version of the game will most likely make its wayonline sometime in August during the summer Comiket. Fornow, and English patch is available for the demo here.

Source: ZUN, Youtube

An interview with Valvrave’sdesignersSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/interview-valvraves-designers/

By spartanchef on May 27th, 2013

As mecha anime Valvrave the Liberator is making wavesnot only on TV but also the music scene with its hittheme song “Preserved Roses” by TM Revolution and MizukiNana, Japanese Blog Site Master File Blog has conductedan interview with the anime’s designers; Kansai Ryoji, aproducer for the show, Sunrise’s Ikeya Hiroshi and BandaiHobby Division’s Nishizawa Junichi. The untranslatedinterview can be found here

Here are some of the important points discussed in theinterview:

Mr. Kansai talked about the production of the anime. Whenasked what was the aim of the concept of the mecha,Mr. Kansai answered that the series’ director Matsuo Kouwanted an emphasis on the “Human Form”. They alsowanted to emphasize on the internal frame so that the wholebody would be strong and rigid.

According to Mr. Kansai, designing the Valvraves took aconsiderable amount of time even under the supervisionof Nitroplus’s Ishiwata Makoto and the director. Also thearrangement of the clear parts, the “Hard Afterglow”, thedifferences in the gimmicks of each Valvrave as well as thesilhouettes made designing each Valvrave difficult.

According to him, the production used cell animationto emphasize the 3D CG and Director Matsuo was veryparticular about it. They talked about how 3D makes theValvraves movements more specific such as drawing theKatana.

Meanwhile, the anime’s graphics were discussed by Mr.Ikeya. He discussed the challenges in giving life to theValvraves by using the model data. They have to activelyregulate the size and shape of some parts in order toemphasize the movement.

Bandai’s Nishizawa Junichi meanwhile talked about the1/144 Valvrave I plastic model. He explains that before the3D data was even completed, they have already received a setof line drawings to promote the design. Also, as mentioned

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by Mr. Kansai earlier, the Internal Frame was important inmaking it stable. Making the joints was also difficult.

According to Mr. Kansai, who had meetings with Mr.Nishizawa regarding several factors of the designs such asjoints or the flying pose, he had to trust Bandai’s “know-how”when it comes to plastic models and they did not disappoint.

According to Mr. Nishizawa, focusing on the design was veryimportant. There were difficulties like having the cover partof the arm set while following the movable part of the arm.

This is just the first part of the interview done by Master FileBlog. Stay tuned for more.

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

The Last of Us Digital Editionpre-order beginsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/digital-edition-pre-order-begins/

By spartanchef on May 29th, 2013

As PlayStation 3-exclusive video game “The Last of Us”is nearing its release in June 14, 2013, Naughty Dog hasannounced that the game’s Full digital edition can now bepre-ordered on the PlayStation store. The game will be aDay 1 digital download which means that you can get it rightaway as the clock strikes midnight in June 14. The downloadinstaller for the game is unique as you can actually startplaying the game even if the download is still not done half-way through.

There will be three DLC packs for the game as well. If you getall thee DLC’s, you will get the Season Pass. The Season PassDLC can now be pre-ordered at the PlayStation Store for US$19.99 for the three packs.

Unique for the Season Pass DLC will be these bonuses:

• Increased Crafting speed

• Increased Healing speed

• 9mm Reload Speed Upgrade

• Rifle Clip Capacity Upgrade

• “Grounded” which is an exclusive 90 minute “Makingof The Last of Us” documentary

One of the DLCs will be a single player DLC, while the othertwo offers multi-player content such as multiplayer mapsand other expansions. Naughty Dog has announced thatmore Multiplayer announcements will be made in the futureas we go towards the game’s release.

There are also Limited Edition packs for the game. DetailsHere.

The Last of Us is a game produced by Naughty Dog Inc(NDI) which is known for giving us the highly acclaimed“Uncharted” series as well as “Crash Bandicoot”. It is a gameset in post-apocalyptic America and follows hardened black-marketeer Joel and fourteen-year old Ellie.

Sega and Banpresto highlightSpring Prize fairSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/sega-banpresto-highlight-spring-

prize-fair/

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By spartanchef on May 29th, 2013

Prize companies showcase their latest prize figures in theSpring Prize Fair. Highlighting the event are Sega andBanpresto boasting the two largest displays in the event.Many anime series, video games and characters wereshowcased as Vocaloid, Danganronpa, Sword Art Online,Accel World, Hello Kitty, One Piece, Kamen Rider, MedakaBox, Girls und Panzer and many others were on display! Theevent did not just feature Figures and Plush toys but a varietyof other goods like watches, bags, key chains, pillows andmany more! These prizes can be won through games likeCranes and can also be bought as is.

SEGA

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BANPRESTO

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FURYU

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TAITO

For more photos from the event, visit the Dengeki Website

BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma— Here comes a new NPC,Hibiki KohakuSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/blazblue-chrono-phantasma-non-

player-character-hibiki-kohaku/

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By KarbyP on May 29th, 2013

In the pages of Famitsu magazine this week, which officiallyhits newsstands in Japan tomorrow, Arc System Worksis revealing for the PS3 version of BlazBlue: ChronoPhantasma a brand new story character (read: non-playable)who appears in the story mode scenes for actually-playablecharacter Kagura Mutsuki.

Described as a pretty boy with a bit of a poison tongue, HibikiKohaku is voiced by Mitsuhiro Ichiki (Tomohiko Kazami inAnother, Lias Falken in Atelier Meruru), and is an assistantof sorts to Kagura, always providing support and back-up forhim from a nearby distance.

Hibiki, being the poison tongue he is, is quick to badmouthKagura from time to time. That said, he secretly holdsKagura in nothing but the highest regard.

Although currently Hibiki has been unveiled to be nothingmore than a simple story NPC – for now – one has to wonder:How long before Arc System Works turn him into a full-fledged fighter?

‘Cause, you know, Makoto Nanaya, Tsubaki Yayoi,Valkenhayn, and a whole bunch of currently-playableBlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma characters all started off asstory NPCs in previous iterations.

You could say that BlazBlue’s story characters are sort of ArcSystem Works’s way of testing the waters to see how populara particular character might be before they actually put in thehard work to make him or her into a new playable character.Lest they end up with Super Street Fighter IV’s Hakan (sorry,Hakan players – but you know he’s not popular).

So how long before Arc System Works get to convertingHibiki into a full-fledged fighter?

That depends; how badly would you want to play as prettyboy Hibiki?

BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma for the PlayStation 3 is slatedfor release in Japan October 24, 2013.

Source: Famitsu (pic)

‘Sonic: Lost World’ gets debuttrailer, looks like Super MarioGalaxySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/sonic-lost-world-debut-trailer-super-

mario-galaxy/

By SunSoftware on May 29th, 2013

Sonic games have been trying a lot of gimmicks in the pastseveral years. For the next game on the Wii U and 3DS,they’ve taken a page (or maybe the whole book) from acertain Nintendo platformer.

In a way, Sonic: Lost World looks a lot like past Sonic games.It involves a lot of running and jumping, and the level in thetrailer looks like an HD version of Neo Green Hill. At thesame time, the game look extremely different from any of thepast Sonic games, with platforms that twist and turn in alldirections and defy gravity, like in Super Mario Galaxy.

In fact, if you were being cynical, you might even say it’s arip-off of Super Mario Galaxy. Judge for yourself with thetrailer below.

Although the level designs are similar to Galaxy’s, SonicLost World keeps the high-speed action that is Sonic’sdistinguishing feature, and combined with elements fromone of the greatest platformers of all time, who’s tocomplain?

One control change that’s not obvious in the trailer is thatyou no longer start running just by tilting the analog stick.You can just walk around until you tap the run button, andanother button will make him roll into a ball in a burst ofspeed. There is also a “Parkour system”, that lets you keeprunning after you run into an enemy, instead of coming to acomplete stop.

In addition, the wisps are making a return from Sonic Colors,and you’ll control them with the touch screen to accesshidden paths. On the Wii U, there will also be a SupportMode in which one person can play as Sonic with the Wiiremote and Nunchuk while another person helps with theGamePad, like in New Super Mario Bros. U.

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Sonic Lost World is scheduled to be released sometime thisyear. It will also be featured at E3 this June, so we’ll get moreinformation and footage then.

Source: IGN

Deluxe Version of BlueExorcist: The Movie ReleasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/deluxe-version-blue-exorcist-movie-

released/

By SkerryK on May 28th, 2013

A limited-edition, deluxe version of Kazue Kato’s BlueExorcist: The Movie is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.Today, on its release date, each purchase includes a limited-edition jacket image. If you can’t get your hands on it so soon,don’t worry— there are more than enough exciting extras tomake the deluxe version worth it.

The package includes illustrations of the Okumura twinsand their gang, as well as over 20 original characters fromthe movie. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’salso a deluxe booklet, with manga drawn specifically for thelimited-edition package located on the front and back pages.Other goodies offered by the deluxe package include:

• a collection of concept art for the movie

• illustrated postcards

• raw film

• an April Fool’s Day collaborative work

Fans who crave a little more storytelling will be happyto know that Aya Yajima’s novella, Souvenir in BLUEEXORCIST THE MOVIE: Okumura Yukio’s Worst ThreeDays, is also included. Worried you might not have enoughenergy to read it all? Don’t be. The novella comes with anaudio version attached.

Source: natalie.mu

Voice actress Yuu Kobayashidraws 3 pigeons, imageretweeted over 15,000 timesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/voice-actress-yuu-kobayashi-drew-3-

pigeons-image-retweeted-15000-times/

By hittokiri on May 28th, 2013

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Voice actress Yuu Kobayashi shared a drawing on hertwitter account this morning. Since then her tweet has beenretweeted over 15,000 times.

According to the tweet, she had been seeing a lot of pigeonsof late.

Today, she saw three pigeons and found the sight to belovely. She had wanted to capture the moment but felt takinga picture of it might frighten the birds. As such she decidedto draw it out instead.

The drawing, meant to be three pigeons, has beenconsistently retweeted throughout the day.

This is not the first time she has shared her drawings.Previously she had posted some of her works on her blog.She had also drew on variety shows and anime behind thescene specials.

Yuu Kobayashi is known for her husky voice and zanypersonality. Her best known roles are the cross dressingShido Mariya from Maria Holic and the myopic, masochistickunoichi Sarutobi Ayame from Gintama. This season, shecan be heard in Shingeki no Kyojin as Sasha Braus.

Source : Seiyu Fan, Kobayashi Yuu’s Twitter

One OK Rock will be hittingEurope this fallSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/rock-hitting-europe-fall/

By KaleNagasaki on May 28th, 2013

One OK Rock has announced a European tour this October!If you were planning on visiting Germany, the UK, or France,this may be the perfect excuse for a side-stop. If you weren’tplanning on visitin”g these countries, this may be an evenbetter excuse to start making plans.

The official dates are as follows:

• October 24 – Cologne, Germany at Werkstatt

• October 26 – London, UK at Garage

• October 27 – Paris, France at Le Bataclan

Tickets go on sale June 1st at 10:00 AM (BST), so make sureto stop by B7 Klan’s official website.

If you aren’t familiar with One OK Rock, here’s a quick recapto keep you up-to-date. One OK Rock first appeared on themusic scene in 2005, and their heavy metal music made theirclimb in popularity steady and swift.

To hear some of their music, check out their latestalbum Jinsei Kakete Boku Wa, released just this past March.Here is a song from this album titled “Deeper Deeper,” whichreached number two in the Oricon chart.

Source: Jpopasia

Golgo 13 and Yomeishucollaborate in promotionalcampaignSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/golgo-13-yomeishu-collaborate-

promotion-campaign/

By hittokiri on May 28th, 2013

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A promotional campaign by Yomeishu in collaboration withGolgo 13 is currently underway. The campaign titled Golgo13 Gastrointestinal Crisis presented by Yomeishu recentlylaunched a campaign website by the same name.

The website which is located here offers its’ visitors achance to test their Gastrointestinal Crisis Level vie aseries of questionnaires which are broken up every fewquestions by a page informing the users the importanceof maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal condition. At theend of the questionnaire, the users are informed of theirGastrointestinal Crisis Level and is given an advice by Golgo13′s main character Duke Togo.

The campaign is also giving out 13 attaché cases to 13visitors of the website who sign up for it’s lucky draw duringthis promotion campaign. The attaché cases which are byRIMOWA will contain 2 bottles of Yomeishu and will be heldin place by urethane cushion.

Golgo 13 is a manga series by Takao Saito. It has been inserialization since 1969 and is currently ongoing. The mangahas been compiled into 168 volumes. Golgo 13 has beenadapted into two live action movies, an animated movie, oneOVA, and two anime television series.

Source : natalie.mu, Golgo 13 Gastrointestinal Crisis

Fan-suggested cast forShingeki no Kyojin live actionadaptationSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/fan-suggested-cast-shingeki-kyojin-

live-action-adaptation/

By hittokiri on May 28th, 2013

Fans of Shingeki no Kyojin have scoured the internet lookingfor the ideal people to take on the roles of the characters fromthe popular series. The resultant list is impressive to say theleast.

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It is not often that one can find real world people whobare a striking resemblance to anime characters. Sadly thelikelihood that the suggested people will be involved in thelive action adaptation of the series appears to be low. The listconsists of primarily Hollywood based actors and actresseswho are very much expected for a list such as this. Amusinglyhowever the list also contains 2 professional soccer playersand a software freedom activist.

A live action adaptation for Shingeki no Kyojin is currentlydue for release in 2014. It was previously slated for arelease in autumn 2013 and was to be directed by TetsuyaNakashima. This however was delayed to the later dateas Nakashima left the project. There has been no newinformation regarding the project since.

Source : Seiyu Fan

(2/2) Power Push interview:Perfume’s thoughts on Magicof Love shoot, reverse-motiondance & moreSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/power-push-interview-perfume-2/

By Az on May 28th, 2013

[This is part two of natalie's Power Push interview onPerfume. Click here to read part one.]

“Won’t it be meaningless for us to go?” we consulted Nakata-san========================================================

—And in the midst of this tour, it’s also decided that youwill perform in ULTRA KOREA. I think that the genre of

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Perfume is dance music, but you have not yet participatedin this kind of event before, right?

N (Nocchi) : Yes, that’s right. I thought of wanting to appearin “WIRE” and the likes before, but there haven’t been anychances until now. So this time, we feel like challenging todo entirely new things. Before, we were thought of as uniqueidols who appear in rock festivals, but now I want it to belike, “ah, there’s more to them, they (referring to Perfumehere) appeared in something more.”

—And since this time it’s a dance music festival, what theaudience would be looking for would be a little differentfrom before.

A (A-Chan): Meaning that this is really a new kind ofevent for us. We’ve never appeared in such an event beforeso everyone’s getting cold feet. Our staff has also beengiving us advice like it would be better if you just keepthe music flowing non-stop, or you should also change thearrangement in such a way that the audience could get intoit easily; things like that. But we’re don’t know much eitherso we talked among ourselves, saying that since we’re notfamiliar with the event and we can’t really make the properjudgement, why don’t we ask Nakata-san? We even thoughtthat if we change the arrangement the way the staff told usto, it would be too different from our usual style. “Won’t itbe meaningless for us to go? If that’s the case, then maybeit would be better for Nakata-san to appear instead?” wethought.

—I see.

A: And so, we consulted Nakata-san. His advice went like,“It’s a stage performance this time too, so you should justgo for it without losing your identity; just do things whilekeeping your own style. But remember that this is also a clubevent; if the music stops in the early stages, the audiencewon’t get fired up. So maybe it would be best if you do onebig performance, hitting the audience with one great shot.”Upon hearing that, I felt that he was telling us that it’s okayfor us to go. I was enlightened then, like I can now see thepath. We were extremely nervous before, but now we feelvery excited about it.

“Since when were you three this hardcore?”========================================================—And then you will have your second world tour in July.You have finally reached Europe.

K (Kashiyuka): I was really troubled at first during the Asiatour, but there are many people there who love Japan andsurprisingly, can understand Japanese. I felt so relieved andwe were able to do almost everything in Japanese. You see,when we landed in the other countries, we greeted themusing their own language. Surprisingly, that backfired asour feelings weren’t conveyed; the greeting in Japanese wasmore understood by the majority (laughs). However, wethink that the same can’t be said for Europe; and while thatmakes it exciting, it’s also what makes it worrying.

—There seems to be a big difference in impression betweenhow Perfume is as the Japanese see them, and how Perfumeis as the Europeans and Americans see them.

K: We’re not sure if there are many idols there. I think thatthree girls who sing and dance without playing instrumentsat all would be a rare act there. I’m curious to see how we’llbe received.

N: You said it. Since we’re clueless on what kind of imagethey have for the Japanese or what kind of girls they’reexpecting.

—It’s a fairly tough schedule you have for this tour, havingonly a gap of one day for each country before flying againand finishing everything within six days.

N: Yes, it is. Well you understand, the expenses are a little[too high]… (laughs) That’s the only reason. But we reallywanted to do something like this since way before.

A: Even our rocker friends said the same thing. “Isn’t thisschedule like a rock band’s?” “Since when were you threethis hardcore?” (laughs) Artists who tour around the worldalso told us that our schedule wouldn’t lose to theirs even.To think that we’re doing the same thing as they are makesme very happy. I really like this “hardcore” image of ours.

—I know what you mean (laughs). And in passing, is thereany other matter you’re excited about besides the live?

K: I want to eat a galette (laughs). I’m pretty positive thatthe staff are looking forward to enjoying the beer they havethere.

N: Kashiyuka here said something to the lines of, “aww, ifGermany was our last stop, we could have drunk beer there,”I think (laughs). Germany is our first stop, you see.

K: I did, I did (laughs)! The tour only spans for a week sobesides the live, we won’t have time for any other activitieslike sightseeing. So we ended up looking forward to the food.

—Now that you have successfully finished you Asiatour, have you learned any trick or secret to overseasperformances?

K: “If we try to convey [our feelings and thoughts], it will beconveyed.”

—Ohhh. Very nice words.

K: During the first tour, Singapore was, compared to othercountries, the one where Japanese got through the least.So we tried to insert English words in the middle of oursentences, and Nocchi then, turned completely into RuOshiba [a comedian speaks uses a lot of English words in hisJapanese] (laughs). But even with that kind of English, ourfeelings were properly conveyed. So I thought that the desireto convey your thoughts is important too (laughs).

We’d be happy to be the topic========================================================

—A Perfume performing in the center of techno, Germany,has been many of your fans’ dream for you since before.Which is to say that even if they’re staying in Japan, unable

May 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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to watch, they would be praying for the success of this tour.I think that maybe they would also be worried about howyou will be received there. As Perfume, do you have anyspecial motivation or fighting spirit for this in you?

A: First, one of the very reasons why we want to expandoverseas is because we want people to see how cool Japanesemusic is. This started with us thinking that we want othersto see that with Nakata-san’s music and our performances,combined with state-of-the-art technology and techniques,we could provide this kind of splendid entertainment. Wewant them to see that these kinds of acts are happening inJapan right now. We want them to know and to love whatwe have.

—Right. It’s as you said.

A: When the Asia tour was decided, things like “going all-over the world would be tough” or “we’re touring Asiabecause we’re touring for the Asians” were said to us. Wewere thinking that, “yeah, they have a point, we’re touringAsia first because even they don’t know about us yet” duringthat time but when we arrived, a lot more people thanwe expected turned up and they were all very passionate,shouting things like “We’ve been waiting for you! You’vefinally come!” In all of the stages we performed in, you couldfeel the overflowing desire of the people to enjoy that one andonly night we were there. Until that moment, I never reallyunderstood what it means to go out to the world. But now, Iknow that there are people waiting for us so I now think thatwe should strike out more and more to the world.

—Indeed.

A: To perform in the center of techno is one our biggestgoals. On top of that, we’ve been hearing people say stuff like“people in this country listen to your songs too” and the like;we’ve also been receiving fan letters and watching uploadedvideos of people trying to cover our dances. Now that weknow they’ve been waiting for us, we now feel that it’s finallythe time for us to go to them. Also, since we now actuallyknow that more and more people are supporting us in placeswe didn’t even think of, we can feel that a lot more peoplenow are telling us to go for it; so now more than ever, there’san “ahhh we absolutely have to give our all” kind of feeling.We’re thinking now that it would be great if people therewould talk about us, like, “Ah, these girls are interesting.Ohhh, so they’re called Perfume…” or, “You know, there’sthis interesting act the other day. A group called Perfume.”We’d be happy to be the topic.

Perfume is more aggressive now than ever before========================================================

—Let me ask one last question. It has been a year sinceyou released your first single under a new label and go fullthrottle in your advance to the world; an entirely historical

year even for Perfume, in my opinion. During that span oftime, do you feel that you yourselves have changed too?

K: We now talk to our staff more than ever and there’s afeeling of wanting to be proactive or assertive in producingour own plans. We ourselves proposed the battle tour in ameeting, and we want to do things that way even more. I feelthat now, we are asking for more and more from our labeland agency. Though our thoughts end with a “we want to trythat, but how do we do it,” kind of feeling, we make sure toexpress if we want to do something, and just ask. Like, “wedon’t have any concrete plans on how to do this, so pleasekindly tell us how.”

N: I don’t really feel that I’ve changed that much though(laughs). But we certainly do experience a lot whatKashiyuka has just said. I think that we’ve become a lot moregreedy compared to how we were before. Beyond all ouractivities we can now see what they call ‘the world’, and westart to ponder once more who and what “Perfume” is.

Perfume Live Information========================================================

Perfume WORLD TOUR 2nd

July 3, 2013 – GLORIA, Cologne, GermanyJuly 5, 2013 – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London,England

July 7, 2013 – Le Bataclan, Paris, France

Zutto Suki Dattanjakee~Sasurai no Menkata PERFUMEFES!!

May 29, 2013 – Zepp Diver City TOKYO, TokyoMay 30, 2013 – Zepp Diver City TOKYO, Tokyo

Performers: Perfume / Kazuyoshi Saito

June 4, 2013 – Zepp Nagoya, AichiJune 5, 2013 – Zepp Nagoya, Aichi

Performers: Perfume / Tamio Okuda

June 16, 2013 – Zepp Namba, OsakaJune 17, 2013 – Zepp Namba, Osaka

Performers: Perfume / MAXIMUM THE HORMONE

Amuse 35th Anniversary BBQ in Tsumagoi ~Bokura noBeat wo Kurae KORA!~

July 13, 2013 – Tsumagoi, ShizuokaPerformers: PORNOGRAFFITTI / Perfume / ONE OKROCK / NICO Touches the Walls / flumpool / WEAVER /Yuu Takahashi / MIHIRO～Mairo～ / MONOBRIGHT / EmiTawata / Hemenway / Rihwa / HaKU

July 14, 2013 – Tsumagoi, ShizuokaPerformers: PORNOGRAFFITTI / FLOW / Perfume / ONEOK ROCK / flumpool / WEAVER / Yuu Takahashi /MIHIRO～Mairo～ / MONOBRIGHT / Emi Tawata /Hemenway / Rihwa / HaKU

Perfume – Magic of Love========================================================

=====

source: natalie (1)(2)

May 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Pre-Order for NendoroidMorizono Ricca and YagamiHayate: Unison Editionstart; Sonic the HedgehogNendoroid re-releasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/pre-order-nendoroid-morizono-

ricca-yagami-hayate-unison-edition-start-sonic-hedgehog-nendroid-re-

released/

By spartanchef on May 30th, 2013

There are three new Nendoroids coming up! The Good SmileCompany is giving us the re-release of Sonic the Hedgehognendroid and two brand new nendoroids; Yagami Hayate:Unison Edition from Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The Movie2nd A`s and D.C.III -Da Capo III-’s Morizono Ricca.

The first one would be the re-released Sonic the Hedgehognendoroid! The nendoroid is produced by FumitoshiNakamura and stands approximately 100 mm. It was madefor Sonic the Hedgehog’s 20th Anniversary. It comes witha chaos emerald, an item box, a ring and a half-way pointmarker. It can be posed in Sonic’s iconic running pose. TheSonic Nendroid is made of PVC and ABC and will be re-released in October 2013.

May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Hobby Search

Fresh from the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The Movie2nd A`s is the latest nendoroid from the Mahou ShoujoLyrical Nanoha line is Yagami Hayate Unison Edition! Thisnendroid is produced by Isao Shirasaki and stands about100 mm. This nendoroid comes with her intelligent device“Schwertkreuz” and a cute nendroid Reinforce. This newnendoroid will be released October 2013.

May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Hobby Search

Finally, we have D.C. III -Da Capo III-’s Morizono RiccaNendoroid. This 100 mm Nendroid figure is producedby Shichibe. This nendoroid comes with two bodies;one wearing her Hatsunejima uniform and the other inher Kazamidori uniform. The “official” newspaper clubpresident’s new nendoroid also comes with her own capeand pointy stick. Like the other two, this nendoroid will bereleased October 2013.

May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Hobby Search

Takanori Jinnai becomes theoldest Kamen RiderSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/takanori-jinnai-oldest-kamen-rider/

By spartanchef on May 30th, 2013

At age 54, actor-singer Takanori Jinnai becomes the oldestKamen Rider in history. He surpasses Watanabe Hiroyukiwho became Kamen Rider Gaoh from kamen Rider Den-Oat age 51. He will portray Prime Minister Orma or KamenRider Sorcerer in the upcoming Kamen Rider Wizard movie.He will play the main antagonist of the movie.

His character, also known as the “Golden Wizard” is said tobe a powerful character and possibly stronger than Wisemanand the White Wizard. He will meet Kamen Rider Wizard/Souma Haruto in the “Land of Magic” where magic is

developed more than science. He plans to recreate the worldand rebuild the “Land of Magic”.

Jinnai admitted that he watched the original Kamen Riderseries as a boy and comments that he had to be careful of“adult diseases” in order to prepare himself for his debut asthe oldest Kamen Rider in history. He mentions that he hasbecome addicted to wearing the suit and he could not turnoff his vanity.

Kamen Rider Wizard the Movie (Kamen Rider Wizardin Magic Land) will premiere August 3 in Japan. It willbe double-billed along with Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger theMovie. The movie will star Shiraishi Shunya as the titularKamen Rider Wizard/ Souma Haruto.

May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: Cinema Today Japan

Beautiful mod of War for Fallof Cybertron Grimlock doneby local kit builderSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/beautiful-mod-war-fall-cybertron-

grimlock-local-kit-builder/

By sentinel011 on May 30th, 2013

You have probably seen beautiful model kits done up bywonderful kit builders. But how about modifications doneon existing toys?We look at local kit builder Waylandersprucing up a Fall of Cybertron Grimlock toy.

Based off the video game of the same series, the FoCGrimlock that Hasbro created is decent, but lacks quite a bitof posability in is robot form. The toy feels hollow, is hollowat certain areas like its feet and shoulders, and really needssome modifications to make it look better.

As a result, Waylander took upon himself the task tomake the already great toy even better. Increasing the neckarticulation by extending the peg and creating a peg andsocket add-on to increase the hip and torso articulation isone of the several mods he has done.

Aside from that, he filled up the hollow areas with putty andplastic plates. The fist has also been replaced with a 1/100scale kit, and its feet replaces with Master Grade Freedom’s,inclusive of some piston details.

May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Waylander used UV reactive fluorescent pink paint tosimulate the glowing areas as depicted in the game. Onething about the toy is all the necessary masking, which is achore to do but the results are very rewarding if done right.

We are anticipating a full photo showcase of the completedGrimlock – it is full UV reactive paint glory – soon fromWaylander!

More work-in-progress images can be seen throughWaylander’s Grimlock post.

Source: Waylander

Anime One’s male Spring2013 character rankings areup, and the #1 is…Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/anime-male-spring-2013-character-

rankings-up-1-is/

May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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By spartanchef on May 30th, 2013

With the voting deadline finally over and the final results in,Japanese anime website Anime One has finally released themost popular MALE anime characters for Spring 2013! Andthe #1 Male character for Spring is…

#1 Maou Sadao, (Hataraku Maou-Sama!) 508 Votes

#2 Alsiel, (Hataraku Maou-Sama!) 493 Votes

#3 Hikigaya Hachiman, (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comewa Machigatteiru) 435 Votes

#4 Eren Jaeger, (Shingeki no Kyojin) 334 Votes

#5 L-Elf, (Valvrave the Liberator) 280 Votes

#6 Kuze Hibiki, (Devil Survivor 2 the Animation) 260 Votes

#7 Gareki, (Karneval) 208 Votes

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#8 Armin Arlett, (Shingeki no Kyojin) 205 Votes

#9 Sagara Miyuki, (RDG: Red Data Girl) 193 Votes

#10 Houtsuin Yamato, (Devil Survivor 2 the Animation) 172Votes

#11 Yokodera Yuto, (Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko) 171Votes

#12/13 Levi, (Shingeki no Kyojin) 163 Votes

#12/13 Haimura Kiri, (Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge) 163Votes

#14 Totsuka Saika, (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come waMachigatteiru) 159 Votes

#15 Susumu Kodai, (Space Battleship Yamato 2199) 145Votes

#16 Urishihara Hanzo/ Lucifer, (Hataraku Maou-Sama!)143 Votes

#17 Ledo (Suisei no Gargantia), 141 Votes

#18 Sagara Yukimasa, (RDG: Red Data Girl) 138 Votes

#19 Tokishima Haruto, (Valvrave the Liberator) 135 Votes

#20 Shijima Daichi, (Devil Survivor 2 the Animation) 132Votes

#21 A-Drei, (Valvrave the Liberator) 128 Votes

#22 Ayasaki Hayate, (Hayate no Gotoku! Cuties) 125 Votes

#23 Kamijou Touma, (To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S) 124Votes

#24 Mukojima Takuro, (Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san) 122Votes

#25/ 26 Kosaka Kyousuke, (Ore no Imouto ga KonnaniKawaii Wake ga Nai) 110 Votes

#25/ 26 Hinohara Arata, (Arata Kangatari) 110 Votes

#27 Yasaka Mahiro, (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san) 95 Votes

#28 X-eins, (Valvrave the Liberator) 94 Votes

#29 Kasuga Takao, (Aku no Hana) 91 Votes

#30 Itsuka Shido, (Date-A-Live) 89 Votes

#31 Ittoki Otoya, (Uta no#Prince-sama# Maji Love 2000%)84 Votes

#32 Shima Daisuke, (Space Battleship Yamato 2199) 81votes

#33 Q-Vier, (Valvrave the Liberator) 77 Votes

#34 Nai, (Karneval) 74 Votes

#35 Zaimokuza Yoshiteru, (Yahari Ore no Seishun LoveCome wa Machigatteiru) 63 Votes

#36 Maeda Kazuya, (Photo Kano) 43 Votes

#37 Yagyuu Muneakira, (Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Bride)31 Votes

#38 Sanada Shiro, (Space Battleship Yamato 2199) 30 Votes

#39 Suruga Ataru, (Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince) 20Votes

#40 Asagi Toshikazu, (Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince) 19Votes

#41/ 42 Tsukishima Jinbee, (Mushibugyou) 18 Votes

#41/ 42 Hitachi Izuri, (Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince) 18Votes

#43 Mugai, (Mushibugyou) 17 Votes

The vote was open for EVERYONE, even people outside ofJapan. There was a total of 6241 votes all in all.

May 30th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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First trailer of ‘Aoki Haganeno Arpeggio’ now liveSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/trailer-aoki-hagane-arpeggio-live/

By SunSoftware on May 30th, 2013

The sci-fi naval anime Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio wasannounced just earlier this week, and the studio Sanzigenhas already revealed a 70-second trailer featuring warshipsand laser beams.The anime Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio(Arpeggio of Blue Steel) is based on the manga of the samename by the duo Ark Performance. The story is set at thebeginning of the 21st century, 17 years after the mysterious“Fog Fleet” appeared and conquered the oceans with theirotherworldly weapons. The protagonist is a military cadetnamed Chihaya Gunzou, who becomes the captain of asubmarine named the I-401(#401) in order to fight the FogFleet.

In the following trailer, we get to see the Fog Fleet, theI-401, and Iona, a girl who is actually the I-401′s computerterminal.

Some of the staff members were also listed in the trailer:

• Director: Seiji Kishi (Angel Beats!, Persona 4 theAnimation)

• Series Composition: Makoto Uezu (Devil Survivor 2the Animation, Seikon no Qwaser)

• Music Composition: Masato Kouda (Monster Hunterseries, Conception: Give Birth to My Children!)

• Animation Studio: Sanzigen (009:Re:Cyborg,Black★Rock Shooter)

We don’t know when Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio will air yet,or who voiced Iona in the trailer (it could be Aoi Yuuki, whovoiced her in the drama CD), but it already looks like it mightbe an exciting military sci-fi anime.

Source: Moe Otanews

Japan’s CartoonistAssociation releases astatement regarding theChild Pornography BillSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/child-pornography-draft/

By spartanchef on May 30th, 2013

As the debate for the controversial Child Pornography bill inJapan intensifies, the Japan Cartoonist Association releasedtheir opinion regarding the issue. In the statement, theytalked about how the Japanese government and culturenourished the comic and animation industry like no othercountry in the world. It is highly likely that the regulatory billwill deteriorate the booming anime and manga culture thathas flourished in Japan. There is a fear that the problem willoverlook the perspective of the creators.

The statement goes on in saying that as the ones responsiblefor protecting all children, the bill was meant to preventsexual damage and to protect the children to what is likelyhazardous to them, and with that, they do not disagree withthe bill in its entirety.

However, the association adds that the bill will likely targetthe regulation of anime and manga, the world of fiction,which is included in the bill as a “consideration”.

Also, the bill might regulate the simple possession of animeand manga which will have adverse effects on works inthe future. And now, manuscripts of past work will resultin a conflict with the new regulations. And if the pastmanuscripts are extensive, to check the place would beinappropriate. If the law forbids it, the creator will have toget rid of his past manuscripts. The statement also questionsif the bill would lead to so-called “Book Burnings”.

The statement also adds that the bill will not only affectmangas but also literature, videos, texts and e-mails, andthe like. The statement goes on in saying that though thebill is designed to protect the children, it will cause harm tofreedom of expression as creators will be regulated and willnot be free to choose the appropriate materials in which theycan full express themselves. The statement also says that notonly will the creators be affected but also the readers andthey will be infringing on the people’s “Right To Know”.

The statement then says that the regulations will haveunnecessary effects and it will lead to chaos. The statementthen goes on to urge readers to oppose the regulation ofanime and manga and also urges people to study the termsof the bill even further.

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This statement comes after House of Councilors memberTaro Yamada announces that he has passed the bill in theNational Assembly via Twitter.

This debate all began when Japan’s ruling party, theLiberal Democratic Party (LDP) along with co-sponsors NewKomeito Party and Japan Restoration Party all proposedamendments to the existing Child Pornography laws. Thebill seeks to make the possession of child pornography acrime. The amendment would give individuals caught withpossessing sexual images of children below 18 years of agea one million yen fine plus less than a year’s imprisonment.The draft of the bill does not differentiate between realchildren and images of children. It also has a provision foran investigation into the relationship of anime, manga andCG images and Human Rights violations against children.

The LDP previously proposed a petition to amend the ChildPornography law in 2011. They sought to apply it to Anime,manga and video games.

One of the most vocal opponents of the bill is Akamatsu Ken.He is the manga author of Negima?! and Love Hina. Thebeloved mangaka tweeted earlier that the bill will lead to thefeared “Book Burnings” and in another tweet, he mentionedthat that the bill is “Evil”.

“Fate/Hollow Ataraxia” Saberswimsuit and “Fate/EXTRACCC” Caster GothLoli outfitfiguresSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/fatestay-night-saber-swimsuit-

fateextra-ccc-caster-goth-loli-outfit-figuries/

By weiq on May 30th, 2013

Saber and Caster from the Fate series now in gorgeous outfit!

Once in a while, it’s refreshing for our mind (and eyes) tosee our favourite characters in a outfit that we won’t get tosee them be in at their universe. Well, popular figure makersAlter and Phat! have scheduled to release Saber and Casterfigures respectively in the last quarter of 2013.

First, is the all time favourite Saber, who is corrupted byAngra Mainyu and becomes Saber Alter in the Heaven’s Feelroute of the visual novel. Figure make Alter has donned herin a cool black swimsuit, with matching black hair ribbon forher hair while she enjoys a popsicle (cooling off after a battle,maybe?).

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Next, is Caster from “Fate/EXTRA CCC“. Not to be outdoneby Saber Alter, she comes in a gorgeous goth-loli outfit(courtesy of the good fellows in Phat!) instead of her usualjapanese-style costume. With a slight bondage appeal and atiny top hat, that’s a cute waifu, isn’t her?

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The Saber Alter figure is in 1/6 scale (13 cm) and price at6,630 yen (about US$65.47), while the Caster gothloli figureis in 1/8 scale (20 cm) and price at 7,542 yen (about US$74.48).

Both Saber Alter and Caster’s figures are scheduled to bereleased on October and November respectively, and areavailable for pre-orders now.

Source: alter-web.jp, goodsmile.info, hobbysearch

Trailer for 6th ‘Yamato 2199′movie releasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/trailer-6th-yamato-2199-movie-

released/

By KaleNagasaki on May 30th, 2013

A trailer for the 6th movie of Space Battleship Yamato2199 has been posted by the distributor Shochiku. The titleof the 6th movie is ‘Arrival at the Great Magelanic Galaxy’and is the second to last installment in the sci-fi animeremake.

If you haven’t heard of or seen the rest of the SpaceBattleship Yamato movies, there is still time to catch up.‘Arrival at the Great Magelanic Galaxy’ is coming to theatersin Japan June 15 and will be released on Blu-Ray July 26.Until then, catch up on the first five movies, so you will beready for the sixth, and even more ready for the seventh andfinal movie coming to theaters August 24.

The last movie will cover episodes twenty-three throughtwenty-six, and will be available on Blu-Ray September 25.

Source: Crunchyroll

Nisekoi light novel releasedate announcedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/nisekoi-light-release-date-

announced/

By SkerryK on May 30th, 2013

Fansof Naoshi Komi’s manga Nisekoi have a lot to be excitedabout. Just as we predicted after Shueisha Inc purchasedNisekoi’s domain, the series is getting an anime.

On top of that, it has been announced that Nisekoi: Urbana,a novelized version of the manga, will be released on June4. You don’t need to look any further than the novel’s coverto see that plenty of exciting surprises are tucked inside thisvolume, thanks to the imaginative writing of Hajime Tanaka.In the novel, a mysterious virus causes Onodera Kosaki tosprout— you guessed it —cat ears.

That’s not the only eye-opener. In Nisekoi: Urbana, KirisakiChitoge wears a kimono, and Marika Tachibana— thedaughter of a police chief —has become a killer-for-hire.If you need to see it to believe it, don’t worry. Komi hasgraciously included plenty of illustrations, drawn specificallyfor this volume.

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To commemorate the novel’s release, Shonen Jump’s officialwebsite has been posting photos of a cat-eared Onoderafigurine in a series called “Today’s Neko-Dera.” If you headover to the site, you can check out this adorable chibi-style figurine (which comes with its own supporting stand)for yourself. You can even sneak a peek at some of thepreliminary artwork for the novel’s illustrations.

Source: http://natalie.mu/comic/news/91557

Alice Nine to release secondBest of the Best albumSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/alice-release-album/

By KaleNagasaki on May 29th, 2013

Alice Nine announced today that their second CompleteCollection will be released August 21. This album, which istitled Alice Nine Complete Collection II 2010~2012, will befollowing the 2010 release of Alice Nine Complete Collection

I 2006~2009. The album will cost 2800 yen and will includethe following tracks:

1. Senkou

2. Le Grand Bleu

3. Stargazer

4. Shinkirou

5. Karma

6. GEMINI-0-eternal

7. GEMINI-1-the void

8. GEMINI-2-the luv

9. Blue Flame

10. Zankyou White Out

11. Heart of Gold

12. Ray

13. Niji no Yuki

14. NEMESIS

15. Subete e

Are all of your favorite songs included? If you’ve fallenoff the Alice Nine fan club recently or wasn’t on to beginwith, perhaps it is best to check out the video below for thesong ‘Gemini-0-eternal’. After listening to this great rocksong, I’m sure you’ll want to secure for yourself Alice NineComplete Collection II 2010~2012.

Source: Jpopasia

May 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Artbook featuring YoshikazuYasuhiko’s Mobile SuitGundam production artworksreleasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/artbook-featuring-yoshikazu-

yasuhikos-mobile-suit-gundam-production-artworks-released/

By hittokiri on May 31st, 2013

An artbook featuring Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s Mobile SuitGundam production artworks has been released. The bookwhich is titled Yoshikazu Yasuhiko Animation GengashuKidou Senshi Gundam (安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安)or Yoshikazu Yasuhiko Drawings for Animation fromMobile Suit GUNDAM the movies & the original TV serieswent on sale today.

Edited by director Hideki Anno of Neon GenesisEvangelion and Ryuusuke Hikawa an anime critic, the bookconsists of a selection of production artworks selected fromover a thousand pieces of work that Yasuhiko created duringthe production of Mobile Suit Gundam’s television animeseries as well as the three movie adaptations. The book alsofeatures essays related to the production and pictures ofproduction studio.

An exhibition featuring Yasuhiko’s works is also scheduledto be held at Gundam Front Tokyo (安安安安安安安安安安) inOdaiba. The exhibition titled Birth of Mobile Suit Gundam

and Animator Yoshikazu Yasuhiko Exhibition (安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安) will be held from June 7 until July 31.Talks are also scheduled for July 12 and 26.

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko is a Japanese animator and mangaartist. He was the director and character designer for MobileSuit Gundam and worked as the character designer forMobile Suit Zeta Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam F91. Hewas also the writer and illustrator for Mobile Suit Gundam:The Origin, a manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam.

Source : natalie

Grab three Phoenix Wrightgames as a bundle on theApp Store starting todaySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/grab-phoenix-wright-games-bundle-

app-store-starting-today/

By Zenko on May 31st, 2013

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD is finally availablefor download after delays.

Do you have a product that connects with the App Store?Have you wanted to play Ace Attorney but could never findthe games? Lucky for you the newly released Ace AttorneyTrilogy 3D on the App Store is there for you.

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Trilogy HD was previouslydelayed until July this summer, but was moved back againto May 30, which means the games are available for playingright now. The bundled set features the games Ace Attorney,Ace Attorney Justice for All and Ace Attorney Trials andTribulations in an HD remake with two different playingstyles. One will allow players to zoom in on an object byplaying horizontally. The other will allow the original DS

May 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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view by playing vertically. As an added bonus, players willalso have the new Everyone Object! mode that allows playersto send sound clips from the game via twitter.

The game features not only an updated playing style, buta rerendering of the orignal graphics in high definition,brining it up to speed in terms of graphics.

If you are still on the fence about buying the bundle, fearnot, there is a free download option for the first two chaptersof Ace Attorney. The rest of the game will be $6. Justice forAll and Trials and Tribulations will be available for $7 each.If that seems expensive, there is a package download of allthree games available for $17.

Source: Joystiq, CAPCOM

Gyrozetter Wings of Albatrosssees main character debut asidolSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/gyrozetter-wings-albatross-sees-

main-character-debut-idol/

By Zenko on May 31st, 2013

According to new screenshots, Gyrozetter Wings ofAlbatross has revealed a new update to a main character.

Rinne, one of the main characters in Gyrozetter andresponsible for piloting the Delphin, is receiving an updatefor Wings of Albatross. She has stated in the show that herwish is to become an idol, and that dream is coming true in

the new game, where she can be seen on stage with anotheridol.

The reason for her update and idol debut comes as a plotpoint in the new game. In 2053, Japan experiences a massiveearthquake, and to help cheer up Rinne who has recentlyappeared, Yuki, the protagonist of the game, and his friendsdecide to help her reach an idol debut. Surprisingly, they’resuccessful when she is seen performing at Osaka City Dome.She then teams up with the new character Sena and the twotogether form their own idol group and release a single called“Love Drive.”

Kakeru, the protagonist of the anime who was recentlytransported to the same dimension the game takes place induring an episode, may question whether she really gainedher idol spot through hard work or simply because they areon another world. This could cause conflict, not only becausethey are friends, but also because she is often seen as atalented figure skater in the show, hinting at her hard worktowards her dream.

Gyrozetter Wings of Albatross will be available in retail andthrough the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DSstarting June 13, for 5000 yen.

Source: Famitsu

May 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Unbreakable Machine Doll2nd PV video publishedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/unbreakable-machine-doll-2nd-pv-

video-published/

By spartanchef on May 31st, 2013

Upcoming 2013 anime The Unbreakable Machine Doll hasjust released a new preview and so far, it is looking prettygood with a lot of action. The anime is based on the lightnovel written by Reiji Kaito and illustrated by LLO. It isserialized by MF Bunko J/ Media Factory.

Here is the second PV released by the official website.

We are also presenting you the very first PV released byMedia Factory.

The Unbreakable Machine Doll follows Raishin Akabane, astudent of the Royal Academy. He has a goal of becominga Wise Man. He is also accompanied by his puppet weaponYaya. It is set in an early 20th century-like environmentwhere both science and magic are utilized for weaponry. TheLight Novel series is currently at 11 volumes as volume 11 wasjust released May 24.

The cast and staff for the anime were also announcedpreviously. Click Here for more details on the staff and cast.

Source: Unbreakable Machine Doll official website

Dating sim ‘Grisaia noKajitsu’ coming to PS Vitathis AugustSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/dating-sim-grisaia-kajitsu-coming-

ps-vita-august/

By SunSoftware on May 31st, 2013

The award-winning dating sim Grisaia no Kajitsu is beingadapted into an anime, but just in case that isn’t enough,Front Wing is releasing an enhanced PS Vita port thisAugust.

Grisaia no Kajitsu -Le Fruit de la Grisaia- (The Fruit ofGrisaia) is originally an adult dating sim developed byFront Wing as part of their 10th anniversary celebration andreleased for the PC in 2011. In the 2011 Moe Game Awards,it won the Gold Award and the top award for the User’sChoice, Scenario, Main Theme Song, and Pure Love Workcategories. It later spawned two sequels and a recent port forthe PSP that was released in February.

The story takes place in Mihama Academy, an elegant schoolwith luxurious facilities, a vast dormitory, and a huge wallseparating it from the outside world. There are only fivestudents, who are all girls. The hero is a boy named YuujiKazami who has lost his aim in life, until he is enrolled intoMihama Academy.

To survive is their punishment. That place is agirl’s orchard. Those girls are the fruit of repentenceborne from the tree of regret. For the sake of thosegirls, what in the world can I do…? That is theeternal wish of one boy.

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Weighty story aside, the gameplay system of Grisaia noKajitsu is typical for a dating sim. Like any visual novel,the game consists of reading and selecting choices atbranching plot points. The Vita version will have all ofthe improvements you would expect, including enhancedgraphics and touchscreen controls. Like every other adultdating sim that is ported to a home gaming system, theexplicit scenes will be cut out, although Grisaia no Kajitsu isstill rated D by the CERO.

Since this is a dating sim, you’re probably more interestedin the characters, so here’s an introduction for each of them.Who are you most interested in?

Yuuji Kazami

The hero of the game who has suddenly transferred toMihama Academy. As a child, he suffered the loss of hisparents and sister, and with no relatives, he was adopted by aGerman couple. In addition to attending Mihama Academy,he also works as a janitor at his mother’s workplace.

Yumiko Sakaki (CV: Ryouko Tanaka)

A girl who absolutely hates anything that disrupts hernormal routine. She looks calm and beautiful, but she avoidsother people, is very distrustful, and is predictably bad atsocializing. Aside from that, she behaves like a rich girl, butshe likes junk food.

Amane Suou (CV: Hiroko Taguchi)

The school’s only third-year student. She has an older sister-like personality and often helps Yuuji in one way or another.She is quite popular and seems very level-headed, but she’sactually a natural airheard and sometimes plays childishpranks. Because her family owns a restaurant in Ginza,she is confident in her cooking skills. She is a stylish, andsometimes lewd, young lady.

Michiru Matsushima (CV: Kaori Mizuhashi)

A cheerful, yet stubborn mood maker who is terrible atstudying. She doesn’t like sour things, yet she consumesan excessive amount of vitamin C. She died her hairblonde using bleach (!) and regularly practices acting like atsundere.

Makina Irisu (CV: Tomoe Tamiyasu)

A shy girl who looks like a child because of her smallbody and awkward speech. She’s an innocent and outgoinggirl who lovingly calls Yuuji “onii-chan” (big brother). Shenever wears matching socks, and her family might own a

May 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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huge business conglomerate that controls Japan behind thescenes.

Sachi Komine (CV: Ai Shimizu)

A girl who is always mistaken for a maid when she meetssomeone for the first time. Not only does she dress like amaid outside of class, but she is diligent, gentle, and modest,like an actual maid. Because of this, she’s also the classchairman.

Chizuru Tachibana (CV: Natsumi Yanase)

The governor’s daughter and the headmistress of MihamaAcademy who is often mistaken for a middle school girl.

Yuria Harudera (CV: Erika Narumi)

Yuuji’s foster mother and boss when he’s at his part-time job.Her former name is Julia Bardera, and people call her “JB”for short.

For a preview of Grisaia no Kajitsu, here is the openinganimation of the original PC version.

With a portable version and anime adaptation of thispopular dating sim coming this year, fans of Grisaia noKajitsu have a lot to celebrate.

May 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Source: 4Gamer

Asuka’s cap, badges andjersey seen in “Rebuild ofEvangelion 3.0″ now availablefor purchaseSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/asukas-cap-button-jersey-rebuild-

evangelion-3-0/

By weiq on May 31st, 2013

Previously we had reported about the nekomimi hoodies andheadphones, now the official Evangelion store’s homepagehave updated three new products for you fans to get.

Evangelion female fans whom have watched Evangelion3.0 (or Evangelion 3.33 for the home media release), willnoticed two headgears with cat-ears like protrusions thatAsuka worn seperately in the first 30 minutes of the film.While the helmet is not made available (would be the itemfor bikers), you can get the nekomimi cap that she is shownwearing on board the battleship, AAA Wunder!

The cap’s design will be as shown in the film, comescomplete with the metal badges. It is measured with a headcircumference of 56 cm, with a stretchable band attached atthe back. The jersey, too, is faithful to the design presented– simple red overall and white stripe polyester material with

no addition design. Strangely enough, it only comes in ‘S’and ‘L’ size (hopefully a ‘M’ size would be added for futurerelease).

The metal badge can be purchased as a single item, insteadof two seperate designs.

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While the casual apparel would be complete with theeyepatch, it unfortunately got sold out when it is releasedearly this year.

The cap is priced at 3,150 yen (about US$31), the badge 525yen (about US$5.20), and the jersey at 7,140yen (about US$70.75). Fans, you might want to get them before they gotsold out too!

Source: evastore.jp, pixiv.net (topillustration), crunchyroll.com

Suisei no Gargantia to have aspin-off based on BellowsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/suisei-gargantia-spin-off-based-

bellows/

By spartanchef on May 31st, 2013

Sci-Fi anime Suisei no Gargantia is announced to have aspin-off! The new spin-off will be a prequel as it will focuson a younger Bellows, the red haired salvager of the series.According to Famitsu, the spin-off will explore her originsand how she became a salvager as well as how she foundLedo and Chamber in the bottom of the ocean. The spin-off will be titled “Bellows of Garagantia on the VerdurousPlanet”

The original is by Oceanus and the manga is by Shoe withstory cooperation by Hiroki Uchida and original charactersby Naruko Hanaharu. The series will be supervised byProduction I.G.

The original series, Suisei no Gargantia is set on a“Waterworld” where the planet is entirely covered inwater. There, a pilot named Ledo and his humanoidmobile weapon, Chamber crash and are discovered by thefleet known as Gargantia where they meet Amy and herfriends. Ledo’s mission is to destroy alien beings known as“Hideauze” who pretty much look like octopuses and squids.His strict military upbringing causes him trouble as the fleetis more upbeat and relaxed than what he was used to. Theoriginal series is currently ongoing as of this moment andpremiered last April 2013.

Source: Famitsu

Kin-iro Mosaic on-airschedule announcedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/kin-iro-mosaic-on-air-schedule-

announced/

By hittokiri on May 30th, 2013

May 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

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Up coming slice of life anime Kin-iro Mosaic recentlyannounced its’ on-air schedule for the upcoming season.The television anime series will begin airing on July 6, overthe anime specialty channel AT-X. It will then be availableon terrestrial television stations Tokyo MX, Sun-TV, KBSKyoto, TV Aichi, TV Tokyo and BS11.

Kin-iro Mosaic is a four panel manga written and illustratedby Yui Hara and is serialized in Hobunsha’s monthlymagazine Manga Time Kirara MAX. Shinobu Oomiya (安安安), a first year high school student who plays host to herfriend Alice Cartalet (安安安安安安安安安安) whom she stayed withduring her home stay in England while she was in middleschool. The manga series revolves around the daily lives ofShinobu and Alice together with Shinobu’s classmates AyaKomichi (安安 安) and Yoko Inokuma (安安 安安) as well as Alice’schildhood friend Karen Kujo (安安 安安安).

The television anime series will be directed by Tenshou(安安) with Yuniko Ayana (安安 安安安) as series coordinator.Character designs are by Kazuyuki Ueda (安安安安) while themusic is by Ruka Kawada (安安 安安). Animation productionwill be by Studio Gokumi who had previously worked on AChannel and Saki: Achiga-hen.

Kin-iro Mosaic will feature the voice talents of Asuka Nishi(安 安安安) who played Hakata Kanamori in Ebiten: KouritsuEbisugawa Koukou Tenmonbu, Manami Tanaka (安安 安安安) who will be playing her first major role as Alice, RisaTaneda (安安 安安) who played Asami Oikawa in Suki-tte Ii nayo, Yumi Uchiyama (安安 安安) who played Momiji in Binbou-gami ga, Nao Touyama (安安 安安) who played Chiho Sasakiin Hataraku Maou-sama, Yukari Tamura (安安 安安安) whoplayed Tenten in Naruto, and Satomi Satou (安安 安安) whoplayed Ritsu Tainaka in K-On!

Source : Yaraon! Kin-iro Mosaic Official Website

Super Heroine Chronicle(PS3, PS Vita): Battlecutscenes are a mix of 2Dand 3D [Teaser PV]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/super-heroine-chronicle-teaser-pv-

ps3-ps-vita/

By KarbyP on May 30th, 2013

Namco Bandai Games Inc has announced Super HeroineChronicle, a simulation RPG for the PlayStation 3 and PSVita that, in a nutshell, is sort of like Super Robot Wars butwith anime heroines doing combat with tentacle monsters,evil salarymen, maverick robots, and other such naturaladversaries for women in anime, instead of mecha.

Today am official website for the game along with a teasertrailer was put up, giving us a taste of what the combatanimations in the game will look like, as well as announcinga partial list of featured anime and characters. Rena Ryugufrom Higurashi When They Cry, Houki Shinonono fromInfinite Stratos, Di Gi Charat, Super Sonico… it’s almost likeNamco Bandai can read their fans’ minds. Talk about a greatcast of anime heroines.

Although traditionally Super Robot Wars games haveemployed 2D animated custscenes with super-deformedmodels in their battle cutscenes, with the more recent titlesswitching to 3D regular-proportion character models, inSuper Heroine Chronicle it looks like the developers havechosen to pick a mix of 2D and 3D, super-deformed andregular-proportion models for its cutscenes.

In the order they appear within the teaser promo video:

• From Kaitou Tenshi Twin Angel — Red Angel (CV:Yukari Tamura) and Blue Angel (CV: Mamiko Noto)

• Kyousogiga — Koto (CV: Rie Kugimiya)

• Di Gi Charat — Di Gi Charat (CV: Asami Sanada)

• Senki Zesshou Symphogear — Hibiki Tachibana (CV:Aoi Yuuki)

• Super Sonico — Super Sonico

• Higurashi When They Cry — Rena Ryugu (CV: MaiNakahara)

• Aria the Scarlet Ammo — Aria H. Kanzaki (CV: RieKugimiya)

• Infinite Stratos — Houki Shinonono (CV: YoukoHikasa)

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• The Familiar of Zero F — Louise Françoise Le Blanc deLa Vallière (CV: Rie Kugimiya)

• Dream Hunter Rem — Rem Ayanokouji (CV: NaokoMatsui)

No price or release date details for Super Heroine Chroniclehave been revealed yet.

安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安安

With new album in hand,Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to havea nationwide hall tourSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/05/album-hand-kyary-pamyu-pamyu-

nationwide-hall-tour/

By Az on May 30th, 2013

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has just announced that she will behaving a nationwide hall tour starting September.

The announcement was made just today, May 30, in anadditional performance for 安100% KPP WORLD TOUR安in Shibuya Public Hall, Tokyo. After journeying the world,Kyary will now tour within her home country of Japan.

The tour will kick off in Isehara Cultural Assembly Hall,Kanagawa on September 7 and will consist of 23 lives in21 locations. Members of the official Kyary Pamyu Pamyufanclub, 安KPP CLUB安, will have the privilege of advancedtickets. KPP CLUB will be accepting applications for thetickets starting June 7.

Kyary will also be releasing a new album on June 26. Thealbum, produced once again by Yasutaka Nakata (capsule),is called 安Nandakorekshon安 and will feature many of herhit songs such as 安Ninjari Ban Ban安, 安Invader Invader安,

安Furisodeshon安, and 安Fashion Monster安. Check this articlefor more details and a comment from Kyary.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Hall Tour (title undecided)====================================

September 7, 2013 – Isehara Cultural Assembly Hall,KanagawaSeptember 10, 2013 – Astere Plaza Great Hall, Hiroshima

September 12, 2013 – Shunan Cultural Assembly Hall,Yamaguchi

September 14, 2013 – Oryx Theater, Osaka

September 15, 2013 – Oryx Theater, Osaka

September 20, 2013 – Kobe International Assembly Hall –International Hall, Hyougo

September 21, 2013 – Okayama City Hall, Okayama

September 23, 2013 – Nagoya International Conference Hall– Century Hall, Aichi

September 24, 2013 – Shizuoka-shi Shimizu CulturalAssembly Hall – Marinart Hall, Shizuoka

September 28, 2013 – Fukuoka Sun Palace & Hall, Fukuoka

September 29, 2013 – Fukuoka Sun Palace & Hall, Fukuoka

October 1, 2013 – Himegin Hall, Ehime

October 12, 2013 – Ichikawa-shi Cultural Assembly Hall,Chiba

October 13, 2013 – Colony Cultural Hall, Yamanashi

October 16, 2013 – NHK Hall, Tokyo

October 18, 2013 – Sendai Sun Plaza Hall, Miyagi

October 20, 2013 – Swany Rokkasho Cultural ExchangePlaza, Aomori

October 27, 2013 – Hokuto Cultural Hall, Nagano

November 2, 2013 – Nitori Cultural Hall, Hokkaido

November 2, 2013 – Niigata Assembly Hall, Niigata

November 2, 2013 – Takarayama Hall, Kagoshima

November 2, 2013 – Citizen Hall Sojo University Hall,Kumamoto

November 2, 2013 – Omiya Sonic City, Saitama