It’s been announced that Studio Trigger’s anime series Promare which is being made in collaboration with XFLAG will be released as a movie in 2019. The anime project was first announced to be in development back in summer 2017 at Anime Expo in Los Angeles.
It is being directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima, both of who worked on Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. The duo have fans excited to see their first full-length feature film.
As well as being spearheaded by these two veterans, the production team is also made up of some of Japan’s top creators. Shigeto Koyama is working as the character designer, who worked on concept designs for the Disney movie Big Hero 6. Hiroyuki Sawano is composing the music, who has composed music for all three seasons of Attack on Titan. Kubo Tomotaka is the art director, who worked on Studio Ponoc’s Mary and the Witch’s Flower. Masashi Ichifuru is creating the title logo design who worked on packaging designs for Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. Acclaimed Japanese animation company Sanzigen is producing the 3D CG parts of the movie.
Below is the first promotional video of the anime film which dropped today on TOHO Animation’s official YouTube channel in which we get to see a closer look at what Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuki Nakashima have planned along with a music score by Hiroyuki Sawano.
Above is the first official visual teaser for the movie illustrated by Shigeto Koyama and designed by Masashi Ichifuru. It showcases the protagonist Galo with a city in flames behind him and the “Matoi” mechs.
Stay tuned for more information on the series in the coming months.
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s New Song ‘Kizunami’ to Feature as Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata’s Main Theme
2018 is the year of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who released her new song Kimino Mikata earlier this year and recently concluded her 4th world tour. Excitement and anticipation surrounding the singer has been high, and this has become even more so with the recent announcement of her first new album in four years. Titled Japamyu, the brand new record will drop on September 26.In more recent news, it's just been announced that one of the new songs on the album, Kizunami, will be used as the main theme song for the upcoming anime film Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata set for release on October 5. The film is an original anime adaptation of the hit mobile game Monster Strike which has over 45 million players worldwide. The new song Kizunami will be released as a standalone single on September 7 ahead of the album's release. The feature film was created by XFLAGTM, who produce entertainment under their slogan Ketahazure na Bouken o ("Embarking on an Exceptional Adventure"). It is produced by Orange who are one of the foremost leading studios in the production of gorgeous CG animation. The film is graced by an exceptional voice cast including Masataka Kubota who plays protagonist Kanata, Alice Hirose who plays the heroine Sora, and voice actor veteran Kōichi Yamadera who plays Senju. ■Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata Music Video The story takes place in a world where 13 years ago, part of Tokyo suddenly breaks away and floats up into the sky. Our protagonist Kanata (Masataka Kubota) is your every day high school student who began living with his grandmother after his parents passed away. He encounters Sora (Alice Hirose), a mysterious girl who came from the sky. The two of them work together to help save the citizens whose worlds are fated to war. Kanata, who still doesn't know exactly who he is, must learn to mature alongside Sora and his allies as they navigate through the war. The film's main theme song Kizunami was written by music producer Yasutaka Nakata who ensured to maintain the story's theme of strong friendship. It's an oriental and jaunty track in which you can very much feel Kyary's essence and outlook. A collaborative music video was also released that features the song together with scenes of the movie. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's CommentsIn the movie, the protagonist Kanata meets characters like Sora and the vampire siblings Tōya and Yūna who he fights and grows alongside while discovering the importance of the bond between friends. I think the lyrics [of the song] convey things like how it's good to have friends and how wonderful it is to be connected to the heart of those important to you you want to protect. I particularly love the title 'Kizunami.' I believe it's a heartwarming pop song that makes you think about the people precious to you. The full tracklist has also unveiled, including new songs like Oto no Kuni and Enka Natrium, as well as a cover of CAPSULE's famous song Koi no Hana (2001). They are all songs that Yasutaka Nakata himself has much confidence in. Digital pre-orders for the album will open on the iTunes Store on September 7 so be sure to check it out. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will hold a special live event at LakeTown's 10th Anniversary Special Live on September 30 at 4:00pm to promote the release of the album. It's time to get excited about the next big release from one of Japan's most internationally celebrated artists. ■Information “Japamyu” On Sale: September 26, 2018 ・First Press Limited Edition: CD+DVD – ¥4,800 (Pre-Tax) [WPZL-31480/1] *First press limited edition includes digipak packaging, special photo book and 23-track live DVD at “KPP Japan Iyahoi Tour 2017.” ・Regular Edition: CD – ¥3,000 (Pre-Tax) [WPCL-12900] "Kizunami" Standalone Release On Sale: September 7, 2018 Download Link: https://kyary.lnk.to/Kizunami Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata Release Date: October 5, 2018 Cast: Masataka Kubota, Alice Hirose, Kōichi Yamadera, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Aoi Yūki Theme Song: "Kizunami" by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Album Release Event LakeTown 10th Anniversary Special Live - "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Original 4th Album 'Japamyu' Commemorative Special Event" Venue: AEON LakeTown mori Date: September 30, 2018 Time: 4:00pm Location: mori 1F (Ki no Hiroba courtyard) Programme: Mini live show and handshake session *Free to watch Full Details (Japanese): https://wmg.jp/kyary/news/82084/ Tour Schedule Kyary Pamyu Pamyu JAPAMYU HALL TOUR 2018 "Hoshikuzu": http://2018hall.kyary.asobisystem.com Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Official Website: http://kyary.asobisystem.com/ -
Capcom's hugely popular video game series Monster Hunter is headed to Hollywood for a live-action film adaptation. Monster Hunter is an action role-playing game that sees players take the role of Hunters who traverse vast landscapes where they must trap and slay different monsters. The first game in the series dropped in 2004 on the PlayStation 2. Fourteen years later, the series has sold over 50 million copies worldwide (as of August 20, 2018). The latest entry of the main series, Monster Hunter World, was released worldwide on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on January 26, 2018. The game's senior producer Ryozo Tsujimoto revealed at Tokyo Game Show 2018 that the game has shipped over 10 million copies worldwide, the most sales of any of the games in the series. Details surrounding the live-action movie are sparse, but Capcom have revealed that it will tell the story of two people that come from different worlds who band together to defeat monsters. It will be written and directed by English film director, producer and screenwriter Paul W. S. Anderson who is known for his longtime work on the Resident Evil film series.
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Japanese video game developer and publisher Capcom have officially announced the first-ever Hollywood live-action adaptation of the internationally acclaimed game franchise Mega Man. Mega Man, known as Rockman in Japan, first arrived on the gaming scene in 1987 for the NES. Since then the game has spawned countless sequels and spin-offs with the entire series selling over 32 million copies (as of June 2018).
Even 30 years on, the franchise continues to be lauded and enjoy popularity with everyone from the younger generation and hardcore gamers for the character's iconic looks the tight gameplay. As well as games, the series has given rise to merchandise, comics, an anime series and movie and more. The latest game in the main series Mega Man 11 was just released worldwide on October 2 and in Japan on October 4. The live-action adaptation will be produced by Chernin Entertainment (Planet of the Apes series) along with Japanese-American actor Masi Oka (Heroes), directed and written by Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost (Paranormal Activity 3 and 4) and distributed by 20th Century Fox. Information
Mega Man (Tentative Title)
Release Date: TBA
Mega Man 11
Platforms: PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Release Date:
Worldwide – October 2, 2018
Asia – October 3, 2018
Japan – October 4, 2018
※”PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
※”Microsoft” and “Xbox One” are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation and affiliated companies.
※”Nintendo Switch” is a trademark of Nintendo Co., Ltd.
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Actress Utano Aoi will star in the film Boku no Naka ni Saku Hanabi (The Fireworks That Blossom Within Me).
The film is directed by Yuto Shimizu, who won the Best J. Horror Award at the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles 2022 at the young age of 20 for The Soloist. Set in his hometown of Gifu Prefecture, he penned the screenplay after being inspired by his own life experiences. This marks his first feature film as a director.
After a painful incident, protagonist Minoru slowly begins to open up to his family and friends and gradually starts to accept his fear of death, deciding to live entirely in the present. The film focuses on the finite amount of time we have on this earth and Minoru’s knowing that even that nature around him will someday disappear, which is all the more reason to show love while you can. The heroine, Jyuri Mizuishi, is played by Utano Aoi.
Crowdfunding for the film is currently underway.
<Comment from Utano Aoi (Jyuri Mizuishi)>“Strength and weakness, harshness and gentleness…we must juggle these extremes in order to learn how to live in the midst of unfathomable loneliness and despair. I hope to show all sides of Akari with subtlety. I want to feel the sights, smells, people, and emotions of the city. At the moment, I can already feel the power that the cast and crew are bringing to the filmmaking process. I’m also looking forward to the emotional location. I’m so excited. Please look forward to the film!”
Information
Boku no Naka ni Saku Hanabi
Director/Screenwriter: Yuto Shimizu
Producer: Ken OchiaiStarring: Iori Abe, Masaya Kato, Utano Aoi, Kokona Sumi, Nanako Sato
Planned Length: 100 min.
Genre: Youth/Family/Human Drama
Release: Theatrical Release/At Film Festivals in Japan and Abroad
Crowdfunding Page:
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/678013?utm_campaign=cp_po_share_c_msg_mypage_projects_show
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On August 10, the apparel brand tiit tokyo released a short film titled ESCAPE starring model and talent Nagomi.
The film comes prior to tiit tokyo’s first solo pop-up shop at Shibuya PARCO, scheduled to open on August 24. The final scene of the film was filmed at Shibuya PARCO and features the location’s classic symbol–a neon ‘P.’
The story follows a woman who lives a strictly controlled life who, after witnessing an incredible scene, begins planning her escape and a new beginning. Nagomi plays the main character, a female vampire.
ESCAPE was written and directed by fashion event director and filmmaker Hajime Tsuda, who previously worked on the film Daughters. The creative director for tiit tokyo, Sho Iwata, served as fashion director.
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ESCAPE (Part One)
*Part Two will be released on August 22
Information
ESCAPE (tiit tokyo Short Movie)
Release Date: August 10, 2023 (Part One) / August 22 (Part Two)
Where to Watch: tiit tokyo’s Official Instagram / YouTube
Writer / Director: Hajime Tsuda
Starring: Nagomi
Fashion Director: Sho Iwata (tiit tokyo)
tiit tokyo Official Site
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Actress Sora Nomoto will star in the film Fanfare, set to premiere on November 17, 2023. The film tells an emotionally-charged story as two women who have graduated from an idol group struggle to pursue new careers. Sora Nomoto will play the role of Rei Sudo, the former center of the idol group Fun☆Fare who left the group to pursue a career in fashion. The film will be directed by Ryohei Yoshino, whose works include Spring Has Come (2015) and Eternally Younger Than Those Idiots(2021). The idol music, costumes, and choreography are all original to the film. Crowdfunding is also underway to support the film's nationwide release.
Information
Fanfare
Release Date: November 17, 2023 at CINE QUINTO and other theaters nationwide
Starring: Kyoka Minakami, Sora Nomoto
Noa Kita, Karin Hashiguchi, Miyu Matsuzaki, Mimi Shirai, Nene Sotohara
Director/Screenwriter/Editor: Ryohei Yoshino[Story]
Marika and Rei were members of the idol group Fanfare, and after graduating from the group, the two went on to become choreographers and stylists. One day, Yuna, a current member of the group, asks the girls to design the costumes and choreography for her graduation concert. The opportunity appears suddenly, as the two yearn to grasp their own dreams. However, trouble soon arises as the two struggle to create what they envision and begin to dredge up painful past relationships. The film follows the girls as they face themselves and attempt to move forward, from the moment they begin the exciting project to the day of the concert.Crowdfunding
https://motion-gallery.net/projects/funfare-1117©「ファンファーレ」製作委員会
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Actress Haruhi Ito will star in the upcoming film Matatakimade, which will be screened at Ikebukuro’s cinema rosa for one week only starting August 5. The film is the fourth from the independent film production company Rune Cinema and follows Kazoku Awase, which received record attendance in 2019 despite its late-night run at cinema rosa. The company’s film Arano no Hate won three awards at the Kadoma International Film Festival in 2020, including Best Film, while Tooi Raimei appeared at numerous domestic and international film festivals and won Best Director at the 2022 Asian Film Festival. Matatakimade tells the story of a family through the events that take place in a single room in an apartment. Ito will play the role of Chiho Matsui, a childhood friend of the main character Ami Tokita, a popular novelist. <Comment from Haruhi Ito (Chiho Matsui)>
“What is family? I’ve been thinking about that question since I read Matatakimade. Is it something ambiguous? Something solid, or corrupt, or something that’s warm and occasionally cold? I’ve thought about it so much, yet I haven’t found a complete answer. When you glimpse a family through a single telescope or a single book, I hope you’ll search for the answer too.”
[Summary]
Ami Tokita (Hitomi Maki), a popular novelist, is in the middle of dealing with a divorce settlement over custody of her only child, an elementary school student. One day, a mysterious man (Ryo Ikeda) appears at the apartment where she works, asking to rent a room for the night. Despite pushback from her editor, Reiko Iijima (Karin Nishina), Ami agrees to the man’s request out of curiosity. Strangely, the mysterious man intends to look through a telescope at the apartment building across the street. The next morning, Reiko casually peeks through the telescope left in her room, only to see a small child being abused. Ami’s best-selling novel, titled Snow, Moon and Flowers, tells the story of a young girl who was abused by her mother. Is what happened in the apartment across the street a coincidence? Or was it inevitable?
Information
Matatakimade
Release Date: August 5 – August 11 at cinema rosa in Ikebukuro (Late-night screenings)
Starring: Hitomi Maki, Ryo Ikeda, Karin Nishina, Yusuke Takahashi, Haruhi Ito, Yasuhiko Fujita, Harumi Shuhama
Writer/Director/Cinematographer: Tomofumi HasegawaOfficial Site: https://runecinema.com/matataki/
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On July 7, the film Sensei! Kuchisake-onna desu!, starring Gai Ueno, will open in theaters. The coming-of-age battle and horror film focuses on the unlikely relationship between an urban legend and a group of high school punks. After three punks steal a motorcycle, they realize that the owner of the bike is none other than a Kuchisake-onna–in Japanese folklore, this is an evil woman with her mouth slit from ear to ear. Gai Ueno plays the role of F1, a member of the high school gang and a hotwiring genius.
<Comment from Gai Ueno (F1)>
“I’m Gai Ueno, and I play the role of F1. Sensei! Kuchisake-onna desu! is truly a film that I want everyone to see. The characters are somehow cute and you’ll immediately love them–I’m confident that this is the cutest-ever Japanese film focused on high school delinquents. Even now, I wonder if I can personally get fired up and serious about the smallest things. Working on this movie reminded me to have the power to believe in myself. Please enjoy the movie and take the time to think back to your high school days! I’ll be waiting for you at the theater.”<Comment from Director Yuu Nakamoto>
“I guess it’s been about 10 years since I lived in Hiroshima, where I grew up. I’m really interested in motorcycles, and one day, I was just mindlessly driving along the country roads at night. Then, from the other side of the road, I heard a noise…and suddenly, there was a woman wearing a mask walking nearby. I had this intuition...I thought “she’s not from this world,” and in that moment, I lost consciousness. Before I knew it, I was here, directing this film. Hmm…strange, isn’t it?”【STORY】 High school students Takeshi (Taisei Kido) and F1 (Gai Ueno) work part-time stealing motorcycles and selling them to a gang of delinquents for cash. One day, Ayaka (Reina Kurosaki) decides to join after transferring to the boy’s school, and business booms. While trying to steal a bike parked at a deserted apartment, the group is discovered by a masked woman who seems to be the motorcycle's owner. In a panic, Takeshi and his friends rush to escape but are quickly overtaken by the woman, who seems to have unbelievable physical abilities far beyond any other human. This woman running 100 meters in 6 seconds is actually the Kuchisake-onna, her mouth slit from ear to ear! What will happen to the group of high schoolers?! And just who is this Kuchisaka-onna?! Information
Sensei! Kuchisake-onna desu!
Release Date: July 7, 2023 nationwide
Starring: Taisei Kido, Reina Kurosaki, Gai Ueno, Ririka, Masanari Wada/Naomasa Musaka, Shigeo Osako, Hiroko Yashiki, etc.
Director/Screenwriter/Editor: Yuu Nakamoto (Shiryou Gundan Ikari no DIY, Fukuyama Shichou ni Ichinichi Micchakushitemita)Official Site: https://kuchisake-onna.jp/
（C）2023REMOW
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The film Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia will be released on March 3, 2023. The 42nd Doraemon movie follows Doraemon, Nobita, and his friends as they venture off to find Utopia, a perfect land in the sky where everyone lines in joy and happiness. They do so using an airship with a time warp function on their adventure, and to commemorate the film’s release, the Flying Doraemon Project began on January 14. A real-life 17-meter-long Doraemon blimp will soon appear in the sky, and fans are being asked to decide on a name for the craft. The blimp, inspired by the Doraemon movie, will feature popular characters including Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo, and Gian. The blimp is the largest unmanned airship in Japan.
The message of the Flying Doraemon Project is to convey the feeling that in this day and age, children and adults alike can once again look upward and move forward toward their hopes and dreams.
Fans are asked to contribute ideas for the blimps name during the application period. Check the website for more details!
Information
Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Official Site: https://doraeiga.com/2023/Won’t You Think With Us? Secret Blimp Naming Conference
Application Period: January 14 – February 15, 2023 (Until 23:59)
How to Enter: Please apply using the online application form or by postcard.
Application Form: https://ssl.toho-movie.com/senden/23dora_cp01/
Official Site: https://doraeiga.com/2023/airship/