Sentai Filmworks has announced its acquisition of "Norn9"

Sentai Filmworks has announced its latest acquisition, Norn9, as part of the winter 2016 anime season lineup. Based on the visual novel of the same name, the story follows a 12-year-old boy named Sorata Suzuhara who finds himself transported to an alternate time, and possibly a different world. Aboard the Norn, a giant spherical ship that acts as a miniature city, Sorata joins three girls and nine young men on a journey toward an unknown destination...

The series will be directed by Takao Abo and produced by Mitsutoshi Ogura, with series composition by Natsuko Takahashi. Character designs will be provided by Yukari Takeuchi, who will also serve as director of animation along with Tomoko Sato. Production will be handled by Kinema Citrus.

Norn9 is scheduled for a January 2016 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available through select digital outlets, with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks has acquired YAMISHIBAI: JAPANESE GHOST STORIES

Sentai Filmworks has announced its latest acquisition, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories. This anthology breathes new life into the horror anime genre. Utilizing the nearly lost picture card "kamishibai" storytelling method of Showa-era Japan, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories turns everyday urban legends into the stuff of nightmares. It began airing late nights in the summer of 2013, but by the summer of 2014, it had attracted masters of the J-horror genre as guest directors, with its second season introducing even more terror and invoking its own sort of urban legends.

Tomoya Takashima directed the first season, while ILCA handled general direction for the second, with the aid of horror masters Takashi Shimizu, Noboru Iguchi and Shoichiro Masumoto. Hiromu Kumamoto was in charge of scripting for season one, and worked alongside Brazily Ann Yamada for season two. Animation production was handled by ILCA.

is currently available on Crunchyroll and will soon be available on additional digital outlets, with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks announces acquisition of UNDEFEATED BAHAMUT CHRONICLE

Sentai Filmworks has announced its latest acquisition, Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle as part of its Winter 2016 anime season lineup. Based off the original light novel by Senri Akatsuki and illustrated by Kasuga Ayumu, this series follows a young man named Lux, the former prince of Arcadia. After an accident in the bathing area lands Lux in hot water with the kingdom’s new princess, Liseshart, he finds himself forced into a duel that pits mechanical weapons against each other. Little does he know what else lies in wait when he has to join the school that trains the wielders of these ancient weapons.

Animation production will be handled by Lerche (Re: Hamatora, Monster Musume: Everyday Life With Monster Girls) with Masaomi Ando (School-Live!) taking the helm as Series Director. The role of Chief Animation Director will be shared by Mayuka Itou and Keiko Kurosawa, the latter of which is also responsible for Character Design. Yuuko Kakihara (Fairy Musketeers, Persona 4: The Animation, Heaven’s Lost Property) is in charge of series composition, and music is handled by Akito Matsuda (The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior, Sound! Euphonium).

Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle is scheduled for a January 2016 release and will soon be available through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

J-POP SUMMIT to return to Fort Mason Center in July 2016

Photo © David-Toshiyuki

J-POP SUMMIT WILL RETURN TO

HISTORIC FORT MASON CENTER

IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR 2016

The Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Announces Dates For Summer 2016 Festival At Expansive

New Home In San Francisco’s Historic Marina District

The J-POP SUMMIT Committee, the organization that presents the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, has announced that the 2016 J-POP SUMMIT will be held at the historic Fort Mason Center, the weekend of Friday, July 22nd thru Sunday, July 24th.

The Bay Area’s popular celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, food, technology, travel and film, marked its evolution into a ticketed event this year, and attracted more than 30,000 people to its first Festival staged at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district earlier this summer. It was also complemented by additional events in Union Square and at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in Japantown. Full details and images from the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are featured at: www.J-POP.com.

“As we look ahead to presenting the 8th consecutive J-POP SUMMIT, we will continue to deliver a unique showcase of Japan’s latest pop trends,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of the J-Pop SUMMIT Festival Committee and the founder of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “Every year we add new attractions and special events to highlight not only popular current trends but also emerging new aspects of Japanese pop culture. Fort Mason gives us many possibilities for future growth and we look forward to presenting another extraordinary line-up of artists and programming for 2016!”

Held since 2009, the J-POP SUMMIT is a one-of-a-kind, yearly event that has developed a unique festival format to present a diverse array of the latest in pop-influenced culture and artists from Japan. J-POP SUMMIT began as an annual street fair-style outdoor festival held in San Francisco’s Japantown and has drawn as many as 125,000 people in past years. Previous notable J-POP SUMMIT headliners have included Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, May’n, Tadanobu Asano, Takako Tokiwa, Tomomi Itano, Eir Aoi, Gacharic Spin, Tokyo Girls Style, and JAM Project.

About J-POP SUMMIT
The J-POP SUMMIT is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration held in San Francisco, CA that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows and events, food and spirits, art, and celebrity appearances. Details on J-POP SUMMIT are available at www.J-POP.com.

NARUTO's popularity continues to spread across Latin America

VIZ MEDIA CONTINUES TO SPREAD

THE POPULARITY OF NARUTO

ACROSS LATIN AMERICA

Venerable Ninja Action Adventure Anime Series

And Feature Films Attract Legions Of Ardent

Fans Across Pan-Latin American Market

VIZ Media continues to popularize the NARUTO anime franchise throughout Latin America, and has incubated a fervent and growing fan base for the venerable ninja action adventure property.

“NARUTO has become immensely popular internationally and resonates strongly with audiences across Latin America,” says Stephane Hellin, Senior Animation Licensing Manager, Latin America. “The Naruto character’s resilience and determination, combined with the series’ potent mix of action and adventure, have garnered legions of ardent fans and we see significant opportunities to grow the property across the entire region. We look forward to continuing to spread the popularity of the show and to developing additional new markets for NARUTO across Latin America.”

This past summer, VIZ Media premiered the tenth climactic anime feature film in the NARUTO franchise – THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE – on 465 theatre screens across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru. More than 230,000 people attended.

VIZ Media has also licensed the NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series to an array of prominent Spanish/Portuguese-language national broadcasters as part of its ongoing campaign to localize the series for the Pan-Latin American market. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is currently syndicated in Brazil on PlayTV, in Chile on Etc.TV, in Columbia on CityTV, and in Nicaragua on TN8. Other Pan-Latin American regional streaming partners include, Claro Video and Netflix

VIZ Media will continue to cultivate the growth of NARUTO across Latin America and plans to add additional broadcast territories next year and also will develop the property for a wide range of officially licensed consumer products across the region.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

VIZ Media is the master licensee for NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series and feature films in North and Latin America territories. Additional information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.

For more information on manga titles available from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Sentai Filmworks has licensed TONARI NO SEKI-KUN: THE MASTER OF KILLING TIME

Sentai Filmworks has announced its latest acquisition, Tonari no Seki-kun: The Master of Killing Time. The series was directed by Yuji Muto, with character design by Masae Otake. Shinji Kawai (STUDIO UNI) acted as Art Director.

During class, a schoolboy named Seki-kun is always creating things to entertain himself. All he cares for is creating things with an artist’s level of perfectionism and a craftsman’s attention to detail. Real dominos, shogi with original rules, a flip book with sounds…

Even Yokoi-san, who sits next to Seki-kun, always gets sucked into watching his games!

Based on the unique original work by Takuma Morishige – Japan’s one-and-only manga about not paying attention in class – this anime is about the silent battles the two have practically all the time. Please look forward to seeing the games Seki-kun breathes life into and seeing Yokoi-san’s reactions!  

Tonari no Seki-kun: The Master of Killing Time will be available on select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

MOJIN: THE LOST LEGEND reviewed; opens in North American theaters today, Friday, December 18th

Well Go USA

Presents

Mojin: The Lost Legend

Directed by Wuershan

China, 2015

Mojin: The Lost Legend (a.k.a. The Ghouls) is a supernatural fantasy action adventure film from  China that opens today, Friday, December 18th, in roughly twenty major cities in the United States and Canada. (For cities, theaters and showtimes, go to: www.Mojin-Movie.com.)

Directed by Wuershan (Painted Skin: The Resurrection), the film centers on the exploits of three tomb raiders: Shirley Yang (the always watchable Shu Qi, The Assassin), Hu Bayi (Chen Kun, Snowgirl and the Dark Crystal), and Wang Kai Xuan (Huang Bo, Lost in Thailand). It also features Angelababy (the stage name of Angela Yeung WIng, Tai Chi Zero and Tai Chi Hero) as Ding Sitian.

Seeing the Twin Towers was unexpected, but appropriate for the film's time frame

In 1988, after one of their capers turns out badly, the Shirley, Hu and Wang retire from tomb raiding and flee to New Yo0rk City. As a New Yorker who was present when the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place, I was briefly taken out of the movie when, at about eight and a half minutes into it, there was a view from Brooklyn looking across the East River with the Twin Towers in the background. I forgot the time period being depicted for a moment, and only later realized that it was necessary because a significant flashback occurs roughly twenty years earlier, during Mao's Cultural Revolution.

Shirley leads Hu (behind her right arm), Wang (behind her left shoulder) and others in the quest for the Equinox Flower

Ms. Ying Caihong, the President of Global Mining Company  and leader of the Global Holy Disciplinary Institution, a strange cult, seeks the Equinox Flower, which is said to only exist at the limbo of Yin and Yang and which is believed to connect the living and the dead, to open the gate to the underworld and bring the dead back to life. When Wang decides to go back to China to locate it for her, Shirley and Hu follow.

Corporate and cult leader Ying Caihong (in white) with her followers

There are vast sets and loads of adrenaline pumping action. CGI is employed rather extensively, but it's of a very high quality. There's also some very fine make-up work done on one of the characters.

One of the film's vast sets

I came to think of Mojin: The Lost Legend as a Chinese blending of the Tomb Raider (Angelina Jolie, 2001 and 2003) and The Mummy  (Brendan Fraser, 1999, 2001, and 2008) series. All-in-all, it was a very enjoyable watch.

AsianCineFest Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; recommended

VIZ issues final digital manga update for 2015

DRAGON BALL © 1984 by BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA COMPLETES 2015 WITH A FINAL

DIGITAL MANGA UPDATE FOR THE YEAR

Two Exciting Digital Manga Series Debut As Well As A WEEKLY

SHONEN JUMP Promotion, New Holiday Flash Sale And Other

Special Bundled Manga Content Available For A Limited Time!

VIZ Media finishes 2015 with a second digital manga update for December, which rounds out the month’s new content.

New titles include the launch of BOYS OVER FLOWERS SEASON 2, which debuts digitally on December 22nd and resumes creator Yoko Kamio’s acclaimed shojo manga story set two years after the conclusion of the original series. Eri Sakondo’s modern-day spin on a classic Japanese folktale, MOMOGUMI PLUS SENKI, arrives on December 29th and completes the new series debuts for the month.

Readers are invited to take advantage of the second-half of December’s selection of Digital Manga Starter Bundles that offer the opportunity to dive into multiple collected volumes from a wide collection of acclaimed series at special savings over buying the volumes individually. Bundles are available to readers for a limited time exclusively from VIZManga.com and ComiXology.

VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP also holds a digital promotion that runs until January 31st, 2016, offering special annual membership pricing of only $19.99 (regularly priced at $25.99) for an entire year of the hottest manga content straight from Japan. As part of this promotion, new and current annual subscribers will receive a digital version of the NARUTO Yearbook, available December 28th. The 64-page digital supplement features the climactic final chapter of the hit manga series along with the opening chapter of NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING, an interview with creator Masashi Kishimoto, fan art galleries and much more!

Continuing for a series of limited 2-day periods throughout the remainder of December, VIZ Media’s manga Holiday “Flash Sale” will offer $2 off select titles across all of its major imprints. “Flash Sale” titles are available at VIZManga.com and via the VIZ Manga app, and readers are invited to check the site each week for the rest of December to see which favorite titles will be marked down from the following imprints:

Shonen Jump & Shonen Jump Advanced
VIZ Signature
Shojo Beat
Shonen Sunday
VIZ Media & VIZ Select

New Manga Series Digital Debuts for the Second-Half of December:

HANA NOCHI HARE © 2015 by Yoko Kamio • Leaf Production/SHUEISHA Inc.

BOYS OVER FLOWERS SEASON 2, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available December 22nd!
Twelve years after the conclusion of the original smash-hit rom-com series, Yoko Kamio brings readers BOYS OVER FLOWERS SEASON 2! Set two years after the members of the legendary "F4" clique have graduated from Eitoku Academy, a new group called the "Correct 5" is around to rule the school.

MOMOGUMI PLUS SENKI, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
DIGITAL MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available December 29th!
After transferring to a new school, Yuuki, a distaster-attracting young student, is told that his is actually the reincarnation of Momotaro from Japanese foklore. What's worse, he was cursed by demons in his previous life! And if he doesn't break the curse, he will die on the day he turns eighteen. Luckily for Yuuki, he won't have to battle these demons alone--his three mystical minions, Yukishiro, Masahiko and Sawa will be there to instruct and protect him every step of the way!

The Following Digital Manga Bundles Are Available Throughout The Entire Month Of December:

• YUYU HAKUSHO Vols. 1-10 $20.00
• YUYU HAKUSHO Vols. 1-19 $38.00
• BOYS OVER FLOWERS Vols. 1-10 $25.00
• BOYS OVER FLOWERS Vols. 1-20 $40.00
• BOYS OVER FLOWERS Vols. 1-36 + JEWELRY BOX Vol. 37 $74.00

Manga Bundles Available From Dec. 14th-20th:

• BIOMEGA Vols.1-6 $24.00
• NANA Vols. 1-10 $20.00
• TERRA FORMARS Vols. 1-5 $25.00

Manga Bundles Available From Dec. 21st-27th:

• CROSS MANAGE Vols.1-5 $10.00
• DRAGON BALL Vols. 1-16 $48.00
• DR. SLUMP Vols. 1-18 $36.00
• ONE PIECE Vols. 1-11 $44.00
• SHAMAN KING Vols. 1-15 $60.00
• SHAMAN KING Vols. 16-32 $51.00
• TORIKO Vols. 1-15 $30.00

Manga Bundles Available From Dec. 28th-Jan. 3rd:

• BLACK BIRD Vols.1-9 $30.00
• D. GRAY MAN Vols. 1-24 $72.00
• DRAGON BALL FULL-COLOR Vols. 1-3 $24.00
• NARUTO Vols.1-16 $64.00
• OTOMEN Vols. 1-5 $17.50
• YU-GI-OH! Vols. 1-7 $21.00

Additional notable digital manga updates for the second-half of December include new volumes for CHEEKY ANGEL (Vol. 16) and HANAKO AND THE TERROR OF ALLEGORY (Vol. 3), along with the exciting series finales for CHOCOLATE COSMOS (Vol. 4), CRAZY FOR YOU (Vol. 6), EUREKA SEVEN: GRAVITY BOYS & LIFTING GIRL (Vol. 2), SABER MARIONETTE J (Vol. 5), SAMURAI GIRL REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL (Vol. 6) and WELCOME TO THE N.H.K. (Vol. 8).

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the ComiXology, iBooks and Google Play Stores.

Most manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

Two NARUTO print releases set for January 5th

NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING Copyright: 

NARUTO GAIDEN -NANADAIME HOKAGE TO AKAIRO NO HANATSUZUKI- © 2015 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES A NEW ACTION-PACKED

NARUTO MANGA EPILOGUE AND THE RELEASE OF

THE FINAL MANGA SERIES BOX SET EDITION

NARUTO Box Set 3 Contains Series’ Exciting Concluding Volumes;

Find Out What Happens Next In

NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING 

Spin-Off Manga

VIZ Media has announced plans to kick off 2016 with a pair of exciting NARUTO releases.

Set for release in print on January 5th, NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING is the post-series spin-off to the world’s most popular ninja manga. A digital version is currently available via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. Also set for release on January 5th will be the NARUTO Manga Box Set 3, which contains the thrilling concluding story arcs to the worldwide smash hit manga (graphic novel) series. Also included is an exclusive double-sided poster and a bonus booklet featuring a special NARUTO story and an interview with series creator Masashi Kishimoto. Both releases are rated “T” for Teen.

NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING

MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available January 5th!

Digital Edition Available Now For $6.99

In the years since the great ninja war, peace has bloomed in the ninja world, and a new generation has begun to take root. Naruto’s work as Hokage seems to be pretty mundane, but his son, Boruto, is constantly demanding attention. Luckily for Naruto, he can make clones of himself to babysit his son. But Sasuke’s daughter, Sarada, could be the target of a mysterious figure who has connections to the Uchiha clan!

NARUTO Manga Box Set: NARUTO © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

 NARUTO Manga Box Set 3

MSRP: $185.99 U.S. / $214.99 CAN • Available January 5th!

The third and final NARUTO Box Set contains the thrilling conclusion to one of the most popular manga series of all time. The set features Volumes 49-72 at a substantial savings over buying them individually, along with exclusive premiums.

Manga author/artist Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Like many kids, he was first inspired to become a manga artist in elementary school when he read DRAGON BALL. After spending time in art school, he won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his story, Karakuri. After considering various genres for his next project, Kishimoto decided on a story steeped in traditional Japanese culture. His first version of NARUTO, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in the world. The series would also spawn multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded the series in late 2014, Masashi Kishimoto has kept himself busy this year with the side story, NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING, and writing the story for the latest NARUTO movie, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, both of which focus on the title character's son, Boruto.

VIZ Media is the North American master licensor for NARUTO and publishes the bestselling NARUTO manga series in print and digitally and also distributes the NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series and feature films. Additional information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.

Shojo manga HONEY SO SWEET coming January 5th, 2016

HONEY © 2012 by Amu Meguro/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA OPENS 2016 WITH THE LAUNCH OF

SHOJO MANGA SERIES HONEY SO SWEET

An Act Of Kindness From Her Past Leads To

An Unlikely Romance Between A Nice Girl And

Her High School’s Most Notorious Delinquent

VIZ Media will deliver its first shojo series of the new year with the launch of HONEY SO SWEET on January 5th.

Manga creator Amu Meguro delivers an endearing romantic comedy about an unlikely relationship that blossoms between a pair of seemingly mismatched high school students. HONEY SO SWEET is her first title to be published in English.

The series is rated ‘T’ for Teen and will be published in print under the Shojo Beat imprint with an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. HONEY SO SWEET also launches digitally on January 5th via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. New volumes will be released on a quarterly basis.

Little did Nao Kogure realize that back in middle school when she left an umbrella and a box of bandages in the rain for injured delinquent Taiga Onise she would meet him again in high school. Nao wants nothing to do with the gruff and frightening Taiga, but he suddenly presents her with a huge bouquet of flowers and asks her to date him – with marriage in mind! Is Taiga really so scary, or is he a sweetheart in disguise?

“Enchanting, fanciful artwork and an endearing ensemble cast make HONEY SO SWEET a special new series for our readers,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor. “Amu Meguro is a talented new force on the shojo manga scene and fans will not want to miss the debut of this heartwarming romance.”

Newcomer Amu Meguro debuted with her one-shot manga, A Kiss for a Bright Red Apple. HONEY SO SWEET is her current series and runs in the Japanese shojo manga magazine Bessatsu Margaret. For additional information on HONEY SO SWEET or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

SAILOR MOON R SET 2 coming December 29th

©Naoko Takeuchi/PNP, Toei Animation

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF

SAILOR MOON R SET 2

Second Season Of The Legendary Anime Series Continues In

Episodes 69-89, Set For Release This Month As A

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack And Standard Edition DVD Set

VIZ Media has it announced the exciting news that the home media release of SAILOR MOON R Set 2 will take place on December 29th.

The latest set features the exciting second-half of Season 2 of the legendary anime series and will be released as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and also as a Standard DVD edition. Fans can expand their SAILOR MOON home media collections with 21 uncut episodes with many never-before-seen extras. Uncut English dubbed as well as Japanese subtitled dialogue options are available on both formats. SAILOR MOON R is rated "TV-PG.”

The SAILOR MOON R Set 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and Standard DVD Set each contain Episodes 69-89 along with special premium packaging and notable bonus features. The SAILOR MOON R Set 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack will carry an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN; the Standard Edition DVD will carry an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack contains a deluxe, 6-disc collection (3 DVDs & 3 Blu-rays), packaged with a beautiful reflective holofoil slipcover with specialty printing. The Combo Pack also offers bonus blu-ray content including a “SAILOR MOON Anniversary Special,” “Welcome Chibi-USA!,” and a segment taped during SAILOR MOON Day at Otakon 2015, a behind the scenes look at the English dub recording sessions and a video art gallery and official series trailers. Blu-ray episodes are presented in 1080p video preserving the original 4:3 aspect ratio.

The SAILOR MOON R Set 2 Standard DVD Set features 3 discs with beautifully illustrated variant O-card packaging and embossed holofoil printing. Episodes will be presented in 480p standard video format.

In the second-half of Season 2, after unexpected guest Chibi-Usa falls from the sky and tries to claim the Silver Crystal as her own, Usagi quickly learns this cheeky little pink-haired girl is the least of her problems. The Black Moon Clan, in their unending quest to destroy Crystal Tokyo and change the future, have come back in time to corrupt present day Tokyo! Together the Guardians fight the Black Moon's dark forces, but struggle to understand the truth behind their sinister plan. Is there anyone the Sailor Guardians can turn to for answers? That pink-haired girl may hold the key to Sailor Moon's victory after all!

The legendary SAILOR MOON anime series depicts the adventures of Usagi Tsukino, a cheerful 14-year-old schoolgirl who often finds herself in unwanted trouble. One day, she saves a talking cat named Luna from some mean kids, and her life is changed forever. Luna gives Usagi a magic brooch that transforms her into Sailor Moon, guardian of love and justice! Now Usagi must work with Luna to find the other Sailor Guardians and the Moon Princess, whose Legendary Silver Crystal is Earth’s only hope against the dark forces of the evil Queen Beryl!

The SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!

SAILOR MOON Season 1, Sets 1 and 2 and SAILOR MOON Season 2, Set 1 are also available as Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs and also as Standard DVD Editions.

For more information on SAILOR MOON, or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

Haikasoru imprint acquires Miyuki Miyabe’s THE GATE OF SORROWS

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU LITERARY IMPRINT ANNOUNCES

ACQUISITION OF MIYUKI MIYABE’S DARK FANTASY NOVEL

THE GATE OF SORROWS

Award Winning Celebrated Author Of BRAVE STORY And

ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST Returns With A Captivating

Supernatural Crime Thriller Set To Debut

In Print And Digitally Next Summer

VIZ Media’s literary imprint has announced the acquisition of the North American publishing rights to Japanese author Miyuki Miyabe’s fantastic dark fantasy, THE GATE OF SORROWS. The novel is Miyabe’s eighth and will be released by Haikasoru in both print and digital editions in the Summer of 2016.

Miyuki Miyabe is a popular and widely acclaimed author who has published works across a variety of genres ranging from sci-fi, historical fiction and mystery to young adult thrillers and social commentary. The Haikasoru imprint has released several of Miyabe’s works including BRAVE STORY, THE BOOK OF HEROES, ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST, and APPARITIONS: GHOSTS OF OLD EDO. THE GATE OF SORROWS is a sequel to THE BOOK OF HEROES but can be read as a standalone work that features the same setting but an entirely new cast of characters.

In THE GATE OF SORROWS, a series of murders shocks Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward, but Shigenori, a retired police detective, is instead obsessed with a gargoyle that seems to move. College freshman Kotaro launches a web-based investigation of the killer, and comes to find that answers may lie within an abandoned building in the center of Japan’s busiest neighborhood, and beyond the gate of sorrows. In this New Adult sequel to Miyabe’s The Book of Heroes, you will meet monsters from other worlds and ordinary horrors that surpass even supernatural threats.

“Miyuki Miyabe's newest work is a captivating novel that bridges the gap between the author’s young adult works such as BRAVE STORY and THE BOOK OF HEROES and her popular mainstream thrillers,” says Masumi Washington, Haikasoru’s Editor-in-Chief. “We look forward to announcing additional information about this 2016 release and to new and veteran Haikasoru readers discovering this exciting new work by one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary authors.”

Author Miyuki Miyabe's first novel was published in 1987, and since then she has become one of Japan's most popular and best-selling authors. In 2007, Miyabe's novel, BRAVE STORY (also published North America by Haikasoru), notably won the Batchelder Award for Best Children's Book in Translation from the American Library Association. Her fantasy novels ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST and BRAVE STORY are also available from VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint. APPARITIONS: THE GHOSTS OF OLD EDO is her newest book to be translated into English.

For more information on THE GATE OF SORROWS, other Miyuki Miyabe releases and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit www.haikasoru.com.

For more information on other titles available from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – INNISTRAD art book coming next summer

WIZARDS OF THE COAST AND VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCE A SECOND

MAGIC: THE GATHERING ART BOOK -

THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – INNISTRAD

VIZ Media and Wizards of the Coast have jointly announced the expansion of the Magic: The Gathering® publishing catalog with the addition of a second art book to the collection. Set for release in Summer 2016, THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – INNISTRAD will feature full color illustrations showcasing the mysteries of Innistrad – its peoples, provinces, and monsters.

In THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – INNISTRAD, terror falls from the skies on blood-spattered wings and nameless horrors lurk in the shadows. These pages, lavishly illustrated with the award-winning art of Magic: The Gathering, are your entry into a world beset by terrible evils on all sides and betrayed by the hope it held most dear. Tread lightly as you follow the heroic Planeswalkers of the Gatewatch as they investigate these dark mysteries.

THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – INNISTRAD edition joins THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – ZENDIKAR, a previously announced art book set to debut in January 2016 from VIZ Media that will feature images from popular strategy card game Magic: The Gathering. The 240-page book will feature full color illustrations from some of Magic's best artists, such as Aleksi Briclot and Adam Paquette, as well as in-depth lore written by best-selling author James Wyatt.

Throughout its 22-year history, Magic: The Gathering has visited many richly imaginative worlds through card sets and stories. In its newest set, Battle for Zendikar (www.BattleForZendikar.com), Magic returns to the fan-favorite world of Zendikar, where united tribes of elves, vampires, and humans battle the monstrous Eldrazi across strange floating ruins and beautiful landscapes. The Battle for Zendikar card set launched October 2, 2015.

“Innistrad is a favorite plane of Magic fans,” said Elaine Chase, Senior Director of Global Brand Strategy and Marketing for Magic: The Gathering. “We are thrilled to be able to help fans and players explore it in a whole new way through this beautifully illustrated second art book, The Art of Magic: The Gathering – Innistrad.”

“We are very excited to work with the Wizards of the Coast team to release another exceptional art book,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, VIZ Media. “THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – INNISTRAD is a wonderful companion to the THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – ZENDIKAR, which debuts early next year. We look forward to Magic fans and players exploring all of the exotic characters, worlds and monsters in these collectible new editions.”
THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – INNISTRAD will be available at Amazon.com and other retail and hobby gaming stores worldwide Summer 2016.

Hou Hsiao-hsien's THE ASSASSIN coming to home video January 26

Well Go USA

Presents

The Assassin / Nie yin niang

Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien

Taiwan/China/Hong Kong/France, 2015, 105 minutes

The Critically-Acclaimed Martial Arts Drama from

Legendary Director Hou Hsiao-hsien Arrives on

Blu-ray™, DVD & Digital HD January 26

Back with his first film in eight years, award-winning Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien (Flight of the Red Balloon, Three Times) wowed this year’s Cannes Film Festival (where he won Best Director) with his awe-inspiring The Assassin, debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD January 26 from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Rich with shimmering, breathing texture and punctuated by brief but unforgettable bursts of action, The Assassin is a martial arts film like none other. The visually stunning film blends tragic historical drama with thrilling swordplay and martial arts in this story of an exiled assassin (Shu Qi, Tai Chi Hero, The Transporter) who must choose between love or duty when she receives orders to kill a man (Chang Chen, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Grandmaster) from her past. With a Certified Fresh rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Assassin also stars Zhou Yun (Let the Bullets Fly) and Tsumabuki Satoshi (The Vancouver Asahi).

In addition to winning Best Director at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, The Assassin also won the Cannes Soundtrack Award for Composer Giong Lim and was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or. At the 2015 Golden Horse Film Festival, the film was nominated in 10 categories, taking home prizes for Best Director, Best Feature Film, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup & Costume Design and Best Sound Effects. The Assassin is Taiwan’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards®.

Synopsis:
In 9th-century China, Nie Yinniang is a young woman who was abducted in childhood from a decorated general and raised by a nun who trained her in the martial arts. After 13 years of exile, she is returned to the land of her birth as an exceptional assassin, with orders to kill her betrothed husband-to-be. She must confront her parents, her memories, and her long-repressed feelings in a choice to sacrifice the man she loves or break forever with the sacred way of the righteous assassins.

Bonus Features Include:
- Behind-the-Scenes
-  Nie Yinniang
- The Actors: No Rehearsals
- The Fights Between Masters
- A Time Machine To The Tang Dynasty

THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—ZENDIKAR set to debut on January 5, 2016

© 2015 Wizards.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF

THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—ZENDIKAR

The Imaginative And Deadly World From Magic: The Gathering’s Latest

Battle For Zendikar Game Set Depicted In Beautiful Full Color Illustrations

VIZ Media takes fans and players of Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering® on a fantastic journey to the exotic world of Zendikar in the gorgeously illustrated release of THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—ZENDIKAR.

Set to debut on January 5th, 2016, THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—ZENDIKAR is a hefty 240-page book that features full color illustrations from some of Magic's best artists, such as Aleksi Briclot and Adam Paquette, as well as in-depth lore written by bestselling author James Wyatt. THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING—ZENDIKAR will be available in print from VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint and will carry an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $45.99 CAN.

A first of its kind! This massive hardcover art book features incredible images depicting the award-winning art of Magic: The Gathering®. Explore the tumultuous world of Zendikar, a land fraught with perils, and join the fight for survival as the fragments of civilization confront the unnatural Eldrazi. Follow in the footsteps of heroic Planeswalkers as they combine their unique talents, forming the Gatewatch to overcome the greatest threats the Multiverse has ever known. The secrets of Zendikar—its peoples, continents, and creatures—are ready for fans to discover!

“Magic players and fans of fantasy art will love the breathtaking art and detailed lore that celebrates the rich and imaginative geography and inhabitants of Zendikar,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director. “The new release is also an ideal complement to the Battle for Zendikar game set and will give players greater insight and background about this strange and often deadly world.”

Throughout its 22-year history, Magic: The Gathering has visited many richly imaginative worlds through card sets and stories. In the game’s newest release, Battle for Zendikar (www.BattleForZendikar.com), Magic returns to the fan-favorite world of Zendikar, where united tribes of elves, vampires, and humans battle the monstrous Eldrazi across strange floating ruins and beautiful landscapes.

Developed and published by Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS), Magic: The Gathering is a massively popular strategy game, with more than 20 million players and fans worldwide. In this innovative card game, players build personalized decks using cards they have collected from booster packs and by trading with friends. Magic offers a robust gaming experience for its community of passionate fans through face-to-face play events and social gatherings in more than 7,000 hobby game stores around the world, complemented by its Magic Duels and Magic Online digital games. For more information, visit MagicTheGathering.com.

For additional information on THE ART OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING – ZENDIKAR or other titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

NY theatrical premiere of Mizoguchi's THE STORY OF THE LAST CHRYSANTHEMUM on Dec. 25th

Kakuko Mori as Otoku and Shotaro Hanayagi as Kikunosuke Onoe

The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum

Directed By Kenji Mizoguchi

Japan, 1939, 145 minutes

Japanese with English subtitles
B&W, 1.37:1, DCP
New digital restoration

Widely regarded as director Kenji Mizoguchi’s first masterpiece, The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum will make its New York theatrical premiere in a two-week exclusive engagement beginning Friday, December 25, 2015 in a new restoration at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center.

The film is Mizoguchi’s hauntingly beautiful adaptation of a popular novel by Shofu Muramatsu. Shotaro Hanayagi stars as Kikunosuke Onoe, a young actor and the adopted son of a Kabuki star in late-19th-century Tokyo. Failing to meet the standards set by his father, Onoe estranges himself from his family by entering into a relationship with Otoku (Kakuko Mori), his newborn brother’s nurse who makes agonizing self-sacrifices to advance her beloved Onoe’s career.

Mizoguchi thoughtfully conveys a culture’s social limitations and repressive gender roles while maintaining a pitch-perfect balance of tragedy and romance. With its flowing camera movements, delicate long takes, and measured choreography of actors, this masterpiece is marked by splendorous interplay of movement and space, and is a poignant tale of conflict between generations and, most primarily, of female sacrifice.

The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival in a new digital restoration made from a 4K film transfer by Shochiku and presented by Janus Films. The Film Society of Lincoln Center is doing a great service in hosting this long-overdue revival of one of Mizoguchi’s defining achievements, never before released in New York.

VIZ holiday anime gift suggestions

©Naoko Takeuchi/PNP, Toei Animation

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS ANIME ADVENTURES TO

FANS OF ALL AGES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

2015 Holiday Anime Gift Selections Include SAILOR MOON

Limited Edition Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Packs, A NARUTO Feature

Film, The Entire RANMA ½ Series In HD And More!

VIZ Media offers fans the opportunity to add anime action to holiday wish lists this year as it highlights a wide array of notable home media release available in Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, Blu-ray, and Standard DVD editions.

Fans can join the heroic Sailor Guardians for interstellar adventures against the Wicked Dark Kingdom and Black Moon Clan in SAILOR MOON Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs and Standard DVD releases for Season 1 and the first-half of Season 2 (SAILOR MOON R).

Catch the world’s most popular ninja, Naruto, in a new feature film, available on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and Standard DVD editions. THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE is the ultimate story of Naruto as you knew him, the hero who was once an outcast, and the first chapter of the bond that will define his future. NARUTO fans also can add the latest episodic release to their home media collections with NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Uncut DVD Box Set 24.

Also don’t miss the classic gender-bending martial arts action comedy RANMA ½ as the entire series is now presented in 7 collectable limited edition box set editions, available for the first time in full 1080p high-definition resolution, as well as Standard DVD editions.

All-ages viewers are invited to enjoy all the action of the first 3 seasons of POKÉMON as VIZ Media offers special box set editions containing the entire series runs for POKÉMON SEASON 1: INDIGO LEAGUE, POKÉMON: ADVENTURES IN THE ORANGE ISLANDS and POKÉMON: THE JOHTO LEAGUE JOURNEYS.

SAILOR MOON Home Media Releases Available Now:

SAILOR MOON Season 1, Set 1
Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $79.98 U.S. / $93.99 CAN;
Standard DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
SAILOR MOON depicts the adventures of Usagi Tsukino, a cheerful 14-year-old schoolgirl who often finds herself in unwanted trouble. One day, she saves a talking cat named Luna from some mean kids, and her life is changed forever. Luna gives Usagi a magic brooch that transforms her into Sailor Moon, guardian of love and justice! Now Usagi must work with Luna to find the other Sailor Guardians and the Moon Princess, whose Legendary Silver Crystal is Earth’s only hope against the dark forces of the evil Queen Beryl!

The SAILOR MOON Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack features a deluxe, 6-disc collection (3 DVDs & 3 Blu-rays), containing Episodes 1-23, housed in a beautiful shimmery holofoil chipboard box. The set contains an array of exclusive extra features along with an 88-page full-color booklet filled with artwork, character profiles, an episode guide, lyrics, and more!

SAILOR MOON Season 1, Set 2
Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN;
Standard DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
The conclusion of SAILOR MOON Season 1 contains Episodes 24-46 of the legendary anime series, along with a variety of bonus material and special premium packaging.

SAILOR MOON R Set 1
Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $79.98 U.S. / $93.99 CAN;
Standard DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
In Season 2, SAILOR MOON R, Usagi and her friends return to their normal lives after their epic battle, but the Sailor Guardians are called back into action when powerful new enemies appear. By the power of the Legendary Silver Crystal, Sailor Moon gains strength with a dazzling new attack and transformation. The coming battle won't be easy, but things get even more complicated when a mysterious pink-haired girl falls form the sky and goes after Mamoru!

The SAILOR MOON R Set 1 Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack contains a deluxe, 6-disc collection (3 DVDs & 3 Blu-rays), packaged in a beautiful reflective chipboard box. The Combo Pack features Episodes 47-68, presented in crisp 1080p video preserving the original 4:3 aspect ratio. The Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack also comes with a 96-page full-color episode guide.

Fans can also look forward to VIZ Media’s home media release of SAILOR MOON R Set 2 on December 29th! Pre-orders for SAILOR MOON R Set 2 are available now from all major online retailers. Fans that pre-order from Rightstuf.com will receive a special character card pack (while supplies last).

© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO/2007 SHIPPUDEN © NMP 2014   

NARUTO Home Media Releases Available Now:

THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE
Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $29.99ea U.S. / $37.48 CAN;
Standard DVD MSRP: $19.98 U.S. / $24.98 CAN
Two years have passed since the fated battle between Naruto and Sasuke in the Village Hidden in the Leaves. A comfortable peace has fallen over the village and the winter festival approaches with a bit more excitement than usual. Seasons of war have transformed Naruto and his friends into elite young warriors, but now they grow into the adults they were meant to be, forming bonds beyond friendship. The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack also includes an exclusive art gallery and a limited edition full-color booklet. 

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN DVD SET 24 • MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
In the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN home media release, Gaara leads the Fourth Company into battle against the previous Kage, including his own father. Meanwhile Naruto and Killer Bee face the reanimated Itachi Uchiha, who recognizes Naruto’s growth as a shinobi and his potential to rescue his brother, Sasuke, from his path of vengeance. Kabuto assumes control of Itachi to use his Mangekyo Sharingan, but Itachi's well of power is not yet drained. Battles rage, and all must face enemies – as well as friends – they never expected to see again! Set features Episodes 297-309 on 2 discs.

RANMA ½ Home Media Releases Available Now:

RANMA ½ Box Sets Vols. 1-7
Limited Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN Each;
Standard DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN Each
VIZ Media has released the entire gender-bending martial arts action comedy in the original Japanese series order across 7 Limited Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD Box Sets. RANMA ½ is based on the popular manga series originally created by Rumiko Takahashi. Notable bonus features include fan interviews highlighting the RANMA ½ phenomenon and episode summary booklets with each limited edition set.

POKÉMON Home Media Releases Available Now:

POKÉMON SEASON 1: INDIGO LEAGUE – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION
• DVD MSRP: $54.98 U.S. / $63.99 CAN
Take a trip back to the very beginning, when the adventures were just getting started! In POKÉMON: INDIGO LEAGUE, Ash Ketchum celebrates his tenth birthday and he's ready to do what many 10-year-olds in the Kanto region set out to do - become a Pokémon Trainer! Things don't go exactly the way he planned when he ends up with a Pikachu instead of a different partner Pokémon, and winning Gym Badges turns out to be much tougher than he thought. Luckily, he's got Gym Leaders Brock and Misty at his side, along with a bevy of new Pokémon friends, including Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. POKÉMON Season 1: INDIGO LEAGUE - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION contains all 78 episodes (more than 27 hours) of this legendary POKÉMON season on 9 DVDs.

POKÉMON: ADVENTURES IN THE ORANGE ISLANDS – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION • DVD MSRP: $26.95 U.S. / $31.98 CAN
After a stop in Pallet Town, Ash, Misty and Brock set out to find a rare and mysterious Pokéball for Professor Oak. Their quest leads them to the Orange Islands, where Ash decides to battle in the Orange League Tournament. With new friends to meet, new Pokémon to discover, and tough new trainers to challenge them, the adventures never end for Ash and his friends! Set features 34 episodes on 3 discs.

POKÉMON: THE JOHTO LEAGUE JOURNEYS
• DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
In POKÉMON: THE JOHTO LEAGUE JOURNEYS, upon returning to Pallet Town, Ash and Misty reunite with Brock and set out on the next stage of their Pokémon journey – the Johto region! Though he still has an errand to run for Professor Oak, Ash jumps with both feet into the Johto League, taking on a couple of Gym Leaders and adding Pokémon like Totodile and Chikorita to his team. The set features the complete 41-episode series on 4 discs.

For more information on other anime titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

MOJIN: THE LOST LEGEND in Theaters December 18th

Well Go USA

Presents

Mojin: The Lost Legend

Directed by Wuershan

China, 2015

Some people have a special gift...able to travel between the realms of the Living and the Dead...and Tomb Raiding can mean Big Business.

Welcome to the world of the Mojin.

Based on the fantasy novel Ghost Blows Out the Light by Zhang Muye, Mojin: The Lost Legend (a.k.a. The Ghouls) is directed by Wuershan (Painted Skin: The Resurrection) and stars Shu Qi, Chen Kun, Angelababy, and Huang Bo.

The film pits a trio of legendary grave robbers against scholars, rivals, and the law – until an offer from a mysterious stranger tempts them into one last heist…an adventure that will test their skills, their friendship, and ultimately – their mortal souls.

Mojin: The Lost Legend will open in theaters on December 18th. For showtimes, go to: www.Mojin-Movie.com

New digital anime update for December from VIZ

VIZ MEDIA CONCLUDES 2015 WITH AN ACTION AND

DRAMA-FILLED DIGITAL ANIME UPDATE FOR DECEMBER

Catch HUNTER X HUNTER And Season Finales For K And

ONE-PUNCH MAN, As Well As Simulcasts, Newly-Dubbed

SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, The Premiere of SAILOR STARS,

And More!

VIZ Media has announced details on a brand new digital update for its anime content streaming platform for December.

This month audiences are invited to catch the exciting streaming premiere of the supernatural action adventure, HUNTER X HUNTER. Season 1, Episodes 1-13 are available to stream in their entirety now and feature new subtitles that are true to VIZ Media’s original translations of the manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi. In HUNTER X HUNTER, Gon is a young boy who dreams of following in his father’s footsteps to become a Hunter. But first he must pass the notoriously difficult and dangerous Hunter Qualification Exam. Throughout his journey, Gon overcomes many obstacles, while making new friends along the way!

Don’t miss hard-hitting new episodes of ONE-PUNCH MAN, simulcast every Sunday. Catch Episodes 10-12 (subtitled) in December with the not-to-be missed explosive Season 1 finale (Episode 12) scheduled to premiere on Sunday, December 20th.

The saga of seven kings and their clansmen reaches a powerful conclusion with the final episodes (Episodes 10-13) of Season 2 of the psychological anime action drama, K: RETURN OF KINGS.

SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL has captivated anime fans and the series continues this month with the English dubbed premiere of Episodes 4-7 of the Dark Kingdom Arc with one new episode added every Friday. New dubbed episodes from the classic SAILOR MOON anime series will continue to debut every Monday throughout December. The classic anime also continues with SAILOR MOON SUPER S (Season 4) Episodes 164-166 set to premiere ahead of the start of the streaming premiere of the never before seen in North America SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS (Season 5) on Monday, December 14th with Episode 167.

The frenetic ninja action of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN also continues with weekly simulcasts every Thursday during December of streamed installments of the latest episodes straight from Japan. Don’t miss the simulcasts of Episode 439 on December 3rd, Episode 440 on December 10th, followed by Episode 441 on December 17th, Episodes 442 on December 24th and rounded out by Episode 443 on December 31st.

The December 2015 digital anime update is further highlighted by additions to several other top-rated VIZ Media series including:

BLEACH
• Continue the epic supernatural action and drama of BLEACH (dubbed) with the addition of Season 25, Episodes 343-354 (dubbed) available to steam now! BLEACH is also currently available to stream subtitled with Episodes 1-366.

K: RETURN OF KINGS
• Season 2 Episodes 10 will be available to stream (subtitled) on Friday December 4th, with a new episode each week! These episodes join the complete first season, available dubbed or subbed! • With the balance of power between the seven kings shifting once again, Silver King Yashiro Isana finally makes his return to the world, this time to face his destiny head-on.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN
• Ninja action continues with Season 2 of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series during December with Episodes 68-72 available to stream December 27th in their entirety with dubbed English dialogue! Get your friends into Naruto Shippuden over the holidays with over 70 episodes streaming from the very start.

 

ONE-PUNCH MAN
• Catch the simulcast premiere of Season 1, Episodes 10 (subtitled) on Sunday December 6th, with a new episode available to stream each week!
• And don’t miss the Season 1 finale (Episode 12) on December 20th
• Saitama is a hero who only became a hero for fun. After three years of “special” training, though, he’s become so strong that he’s practically invincible. In fact, he’s too strong – even his mightiest opponents are taken out with a single punch, and it turns out that being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. With his passion for being a hero lost along with his hair, yet still faced with new enemies every day, how much longer can he keep it going?

RANMA ½
• The hilarious hijinks of the classic anime martial arts adventure, RANMA ½, continues with the addition of Season 5, Episodes 93-115 available to stream now in their entirety with dubbed English dialogue!

VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. has over 4,100 subtitled and English dubbed episodes and movies from more than 36 series! VIZ Media’s streaming content also reaches an expansive on-demand U.S.-based audience on Hulu, which enables viewers to watch shows anytime, anywhere across devices including Xbox One, PlayStation®4, Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu -enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.

Additional information on VIZ Media’s streaming anime is available at: http://www.viz.com/anime/streaming/.

IP MAN 3 will open January 22, 2016!

Well Go USA

Presents

Ip Man 3 / Yip Man 3

Directed by Wilson Yip

Starring Donnie Yen and  Mike Tyson

Hong Kong, 2015

Donnie Yen ignites the screen in a return to his iconic role of Ip Man, the real-life Wing Chun Kung Fu master who mentored Bruce Lee. In this explosive third installment of the blockbuster martial arts series, when a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property developer (Mike Tyson) make a play to take over the city, Master Ip is forced to take a stand. Fists will fly as some of the most incredible fight scenes ever filmed play out on the big screen in this soon-to-be classic of the genre.

The initial release is planned to include engagements in Los Angeles, Burbank, City of Industry, Irvine, Monterey Park, Orange & Pasadena. Will share further information as it becomes available.

Ip Man 3 Official Website

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE to screen in 200 theaters in U.S. on December 13th & 14th only

VIZ MEDIA, ELEVEN ARTS AND FATHOM EVENTS ANNOUNCE

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE EVENT

IN CINEMAS FOR TWO DAYS ONLY!

Action-Filled Anime Adventure Depicts The Rebellious Son Of The Legendary

Ninja Naruto; Special Events on December 13th band 14th To Feature

A Special Introduction By NARUTO Creator Masashi Kishimoto

VIZ Media along with Los Angeles-based film distribution company ELEVEN ARTS and event cinema distribution leader FATHOM EVENTS, give NARUTO fans a final opportunity to catch BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE in cinemas as the critically acclaimed anime action feature plays at approximately 200 theaters across the U.S. on Sunday, December 13th at 12:55 p.m. local time and Monday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. local time.

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE will be presented with its original Japanese dialogue and English subtitles. For a comprehensive list of all participating theater locations and to purchase advance tickets, please visit: www.fathomevents.com or www.elevenarts.net.

To view a trailer for BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvdv2GGnn0A

The BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE event will feature a special introduction and opening remarks by Masashi Kishimoto, the film’s executive producer and the creator of the bestselling manga series (also published by VIZ Media) on which the film’s characters are based, as well as Junko Takeuchi, the famed Japanese voice actor of the Naruto character. Their remarks were taped at the premiere of BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE at the Hammerstein Ballroom during the pair’s first-ever U.S. appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con. In BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, famed ninja, Naruto Uzumaki protects the Hidden Leaf Village as the Seventh Hokage, while Boruto, his troublesome son, resents his father's responsibilities that take his time away from him. Seeing this, Sasuke takes Boruto under his wing, while Sasuke's only daughter, Sarada, dreams of being Hokage one day.

With Naruto as the Seventh Hokage, the Hidden Leaf Village plans to host the Chunin Exams to train new shinobi from the village and from their allied villages. Among the entrants are Sasuke's daughter, Sarada, Mitsuki, an exceptionally talented yet mysterious shinobi… and Boruto, Naruto's talented but impetuous son. Meanwhile, Sasuke who’s been on a mission in another dimension appears before Naruto to warn of a strange impending danger. Shrouded with an evil aura, Momoshiki and Kinshiki appear and attempt to assassinate Naruto. Petrified, Boruto is shielded by Naruto, only to disappear in front of Boruto's own eyes!

“BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE has been widely lauded by fans and critics alike and serves as a must-see capstone to the epic anime/manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “Following all of the excitement that surrounded his appearance at the 2015 New York Comic Con, we’re honored to bring BORUTO back to every state and major city in the U.S. for its most extensive theatrical run ever. Don’t miss this special opportunity to catch all of the action and drama on the big screen!”

For more information on NARUTO anime, manga and feature film titles, visit: viz.com/naruto.

VIZ announces first of two digital manga updates for December 2015

YU★YU★HAKUSHO © Yoshihiro Togashi 1990

VIZ MEDIA DETAILS THE FIRST OF TWO DIGITAL

MANGA UPDATES FOR DECEMBER

Notable New Digital Manga Series Debuts For First-Half Of December Include

BLOODY MARY, CROWN OF THORNS And THE MAN OF MANY FACES;

Special Holiday Flash Sale Offers Savings

On Select Series For A Limited Time!

VIZ Media completes the year with a sizeable final digital manga (graphic novel) update for 2015. Details have been provided on a wide selection of new digital manga titles scheduled for release during the first-half of the month. A second announcement will be forthcoming mid-month detailing the remainder of the new digital releases for December.

New series launches include the shojo vampire series, BLOODY MARY, and the digital debut of Yoko Kamio’s supernatural series, CROWN OF THORNS, about a girl that can see and communicate with spirits. Also set to launch during the first-half of December is THE MAN OF MANY FACES, by the famed manga creative team of CLAMP.

Manga fans are invited to take advantage of a special Holiday Flash Sale that offers $2.00 off on select VIZ Media titles for a limited time throughout December on VIZManga.com, the VIZ Manga App and all affiliated partner platforms.

Readers also can take advantage of the first-half of December’s selection of Digital Manga Starter Bundles that offer the opportunity to dive into multiple collected volumes from a wide collection of acclaimed series at special savings over buying the volumes individually. Bundles are available to readers for a limited time exclusively from VIZManga.com and ComiXology.

For a series of limited 2-day periods throughout the first half of December, VIZ Media kicks off a manga Holiday “Flash Sale” that will offer $2 off select titles across all of its major imprints. “Flash Sale” titles are available at VIZManga.com and via the VIZ Manga app, and readers are invited to check the site each week to see which favorite titles will be marked down from the following imprints:

Shonen Jump & Shonen Jump Advanced
VIZ Signature
Shojo Beat
Shonen Sunday
VIZ Media & VIZ Select

BLOODY MARY Volume 1 © Akaza SAMAMIYA 2014

BLOODY MARY Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens
• DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available Now!
“Bloody” Mary, a vampire with a death wish, has spent the past 400 years chasing down a modern-day exorcist named Maria who is thought to have inherited “The Blood of Maria” and is the only one who can kill Mary. To Mary’s dismay, Maria doesn’t know how to kill vampires. Desperate to die, Mary agrees to become Maria’s bodyguard until Maria can find a way to kill him.

CROWN OF THORNS Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens
• DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available December 8th!
Nobara Fukami has always been able to see things other people can’t, and it’s made her a total outcast. She doesn’t care that that everyone in high school thinks she’s a weird loser, but even Nobara considers it creepy when one of her phantoms starts to talk to her!

THE MAN OF MANY FACES Vol. 1 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages
• DIGITAL MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available December 15th!
"Please Come, 20 Faces!” Discover the adventures of Akira Ijyuin, the infamous thief of the CLAMP school and member of the CLAMP School Detectives.

The Following Digital Manga Bundles Are Available throughout the entire month of December:

• YUYU HAKUSHO Vols. 1-10 $20.00
• YUYU HAKUSHO Vols. 1-19 $38.00
• BOYS OVER FLOWERS Vols. 1-10 $25.00
• BOYS OVER FLOWERS Vols. 1-20 $40.00
• BOYS OVER FLOWERS Vols. 1-36 + JEWELRY BOX Vol. 37 $74.00

Manga Bundles Available From Dec. 7th-13th

• CHIBI VAMPIRE Vols.1-14 + CHIBI VAMPIRE AIRMAIL Vol. 1 $30.00
• DENGEKI DAISY Vols. 1-10 $30.00
• LIBRARY WARS Vols. 1-10 $30.00
• RED RIVER Vols. 1-14 $42.00
• VOICE OVER! Vols. 1-12 $36.00

Manga Bundles Available From Dec. 14th-20th

• BIOMEGA Vols.1-6 $24.00
• NANA Vols. 1-10 $20.00
• TERRA FORMARS Vols. 1-5 $25.00

Additional digital manga updates for the first-half of December also include new volumes for more than 13 other continuing VIZ Media series. Notable releases include not-to-be-missed volumes for ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM (Vol. 7), CHEEKY ANGEL (Vol. 15), DEADMAN WONDERLAND (Vol. 12), KOMOMO CONFISERIE (Vol. 2), MAGI (Vol. 15) and SO CUTE IT HURTS (Vol. 4), as well as the series finale for TOKYO BOYS AND GIRLS (Vol. 5).

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the ComiXology, iBooks and Google Play Stores.

Most manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, visit www.vizmanga.com.

THE WORLD OF KANAKO reviewed; opens Friday in North American theaters & on multiple VOD platforms

Drafthouse Films

presents

 

The World of Kanako / Kawaki

Directed by Tetsuya Nakashima

Japan, 2014, 119 minutes

The World of Kaneko, an outstanding thriller from director Tetsuya Nakashima (Memories of Matsuko, Kamikaze Girls, and Confessions, Japan's submission to the 2011 Academy Awards in the best foreign language film category), will have its North American release this coming Friday, December 4th. The film will begin screening in select theaters on that date and subsequently have a wider roll-out. Also on the 4th, it will become available on multiple digital VOD platforms including Amazon Instant, iTunes, Vimeo, VHX and more. Information about the dates, cities, venues and online platforms can be found here.

Kanako's world consists of tawdry sex . . .

Outstanding, and handsome, Japanese actor Kôji Yakusho (13 Assassins, Babel, Shall We Dance?) plays against type as Akikazu Fujishima, a disheveled former police detective who is more than a bit mentally unhinged. Fujishima is divorced and has no contact with his ex-wife and his only child, a teenage daughter named Kanako, the lovely and talented newcomer Nana Komatsu.

illegal drugs . . .

When Kanako goes missing, his desperate wife contacts him and implores him to find her. His search leads him along a path of sex, drugs and a whole lot o' violence that totally undermines all that he though he know about his sweet, beloved offspring.

violence . . .

The film is based on Hateshinaki Kawaki, the award winning 2005 novel by Akio Fukamachi that largely had been deemed unfilmable because of its subject matter, violence and lack of a single really decent character with which audiences can identify. Fortunately for us lovers of extreme Asian film, Nakashima has pulled it off gloriously, creating an iconic movie that ranks right up there with Takashi Miike’s Ichi The Killer, one of my all time favorites.

and more violence.

A home video release of The World of Kaneko on Blu-ray and DVD is slated for early 2016. My advise is to see it now and buy it on home video later. You don't want to wait to catch this one and it definitely belongs in the collection of any serious fan.

AsianCineFest Rating: 4 out of 4 stars; most highly recommended.