D-Rights to Release Cross Fight B-Daman Anime Worldwide in 2013
posted on 2012-10-18 16:00 EDT

Company plans to dub series into English, other 'major languages' with TV, home video distribution planned

The Japanese company d-rights confirmed with ANN that the company plans to release the Cross Fight B-Daman television anime worldwide under the name B-Daman CrossFire. d-rights plans to release the series worldwide in fall 2013.

d-rights told ANN that it plans to air the show on television, with home video "and other media" expected after that. d-rights plans to dub the series into English and "other major languages" as well.

The company confirmed with ANN that it plans to also release the Cross Fight B-Daman eS sequel series, with a target date of fall 2014...

A Brand New B-DAMAN animation will be released world-wide in Autumn 2013!

(Virtual Press Office) - The new generation B-DAMAN, known as 6 series, is targeted to be released world-wide in Automn 2013.

This new show will be titled "B-DAMAN CrossFire." It has been broadcasted in　Japan under the title "Cross
Fight B-DAMAN" from October 2011 until last month and was widely praised.
　
The previous generation of B-DAMAN launched successfully not only within Japan but world-wide.
While the new generation B-DAMAN inherits the core values and amusingnesses of the previous generation, it brings more excitements and attractiveness of the episodes and characters.
Because of the success of "B-DAMAN CrossFire" Season 1 in Japan, the broadcast of Season 2 has just started in Japan from this month!

[B-DAMAN CrossFire]
Title: B-DAMAN CrossFire(the title in Japan is "Cross Fight B-DAMAN"
Number of episodes: 30minutes X 26 episodes

Staff:
-Director: Yoshinori Okada
　"The Movie Metal Fight BEYBLADE", "NARUTO","BREACH"
-Scenario supervisor: Shinichi Inotsume
"Hayate no Gotoku!","Moyashimon","TOMICA HERO Rescue Force"
-Character Desing: Kenji Fujisaki
"Clash B-DAMAN","The Movie Metal Fight BEYBLADE"
-Production company: Synergy SP
"BEYBLADE" series, previous "B-DAMAN" series

"New" project: Robotech - Love Live Alive. Reused footage from Mospeada - LLA. With the original english actors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRIMES, Iowa, Oct. 24, 2012 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to announce its acquisition of the classic Princess Knight animated series.

Also known as “Choppy and the Princess,” the Princess Knight television series will be released via Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment as two limited-edition DVD sets. This will be the first time the series will be available to North American audiences on licensed DVD. The DVD sets will feature its original English-language dub, as well as a Spanish-language audio option.

Due to the availability of materials, these DVD releases will utilize the edited and cut, broadcast video footage from Princess Knight’s television syndication during the 1960s and 1970s. (Japanese audio will not be included on these sets because it cannot be synched to the video.)

Princess Knight follows the heroic adventures of Sapphire, a young princess born with the hearts of both a boy and a girl and who is also being secretly raised as a prince so she can eventually succeed her father as king.

The 52-episode anime adaptation of Princess Knight is based upon the best-selling comic (manga) by legendary creator Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy, Kimba The White Lion) and features animation from Tezuka’s own Mushi Productions. It originally aired on Japanese television from 1967 through 1968, and its English-language adaptation was syndicated throughout the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.

In both anime and manga forms, Princess Knight was among the first titles geared specifically toward a young female (shoujo) audience. The original comic was serialized in Kodansha’s Shoujo Club anthology magazine, from 1953 through 1956, and its sequel series, Twin Knight, was serialized in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi anthology in 1958. The two collected volumes of the Princess Knight manga are currently available to North American readers from Vertical Inc., which also plans to publish the sequel series in 2013.

For more information about the series, visit princess-knight.rightstuf.com.

We licensed a true new age classic. GTO the anime. Complete series coming in 2013.

We licensed something from 2012! And it is hilarious! It's about bath houses and time travel! Release will be in 2013 sometime.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, November 7, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Battle Girls: Time Paradox. This 13 episode series features direction by Hideki Okamoto (Ebiten: Koritsu Ebisugawa Koko Tenmon-Bu), series composition by Touko Machida (Allison & Lillia, Okami Kakushi), character designs by Koji Yamakawa, music by Eishi Segawa and sound direction by Yuichi Imaizumi.

Yoshino Hide (nickname Hideyoshi) is your average, everyday teenager – interested only in fashion, snacks and her afterschool free time. And destined to fail her next history test without some sort of miraculous intervention. So, she stops by the local shrine to offer up a prayer or two to any deity that might be listening. But as everyone knows, you should be careful what you wish (or pray) for, and after she’s engulfed by a mysterious blue light, Hideyoshi finds herself in a strange new world that appears to be feudal Japan. Only, all the inhabitants of this world, including feudal warlord Oda Nobunaga, are women! Now Hideyoshi finds herself on a quest to gather the pieces of the Crimson Armor and help Nobunaga conquer the land!

Battle Girls: Time Paradox will be available next year on bilingual DVD & Blu-Ray and through select digital outlets.

Battle Girls: Time Paradox Produced by Sengoku Otome Project © HEIWA / Sengoku Otome Project


About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, November 7, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Ebiten: Koristu Ebisugawa Koko Tenmonbu! Sometimes friendship is all about chemistry, but in this zany comedy from Director Hideki Okamoto chemistry is just about blowing things up! Featuring series composition by Yuuko Kakihara (Persona 4 The Animation, Heaven’s Lost Property), character designs by Atsuko Watanabe (Okamikakushi, Acchi Kocchi) and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Canaan, Bodacious Space Pirates).

Take one group of rabid fan girls with tenuous grips on reality, toss out all rules of proper social behavior, mix them together in a basement with more twisted anime parodies and allusions than you can shake a schtick at, and what do you get? Well, besides a recipe for disaster, if borderline delusional Kyoko Todayama is in what passes for charge, you get the Asstronomical Club, where mayhem rules and the wall between the real world and total fantasy shatters at least once every five minutes! And as if things weren’t wild enough, let’s throw in a “boys love” manga fanatic who always seems to end up in her underwear, a maid on a secret mission, a ruthless arch-enemy whose goal is to have the club disbanded, and a CAT as the faculty adviser! And then there’s Itsuki, who still inexplicably thinks this is a club for astronomy… Although to be fair, some of the members DO seem to be robots/aliens and/or from outer space. One thing’s for certain though: the Student Council will most definitely NOT approve of what happens when the Insane-O-Meter redlines and freaky fan girls run wild in EBITEN!

Ebiten: Koristu Ebisugawa Koko Tenmonbu will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow next year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, November 13, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Kamisama Dolls. This 13 episode supernatural thriller features direction by Seiji Kishi (Persona 4 The Animation, Angel Beats!) with series composition by Makoto Uezu (The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, The Qwaser of Stigmata), character designs by Kazuaki Morita (Persona 4 The Animation, Nyan Koi!), series animation direction by Hideyuki Motohashi (Fushigi Yugi, Hikaru no Go), music by Chiaki Ishikawa and sound direction by Takeshi Takadera (Psychic Detective Yakumo, MM!).

When Kyohei Kuga moves to Tokyo to escape the strictures of life in a small town, he thinks he’s left his old life behind. But when he discovers a bloody corpse, he also discovers that the past isn’t so easily left behind. Especially when the past is as unusual as Kyohei’s. You see, back in his home town, Kyohei was a “seki” – an individual able to control “kakashi,” mysterious dolls that are regarded as vessels for “God”, with his mind. And now it seems that there’s a kakashi loose in Tokyo, and it just may be up to Kyohei to stop it and its seki.

Kamisama Dolls will be available next year on bilingual DVD & Blu-Ray and through select digital outlets.

KAMISAMA DOLLS © Hiroyuki Asada / Shueisha, LBP, TV TOKYO

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, November 16, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Say, “I love you”. Directed by Takuya Sato, featuring series direction by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Inu X Boku SS, Blue Exorcist) character designs by Yoshiko Okuda, sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Bodacious Space Pirates, The Pet Girl of Sakurasou) and music by Yuji Nomi (The Cat Returns, Whisper of the Heart).

Friends suck, and trusting someone is just setting yourself up. That’s the lesson Mei Tachibana learned after her heart was ripped out and only a shell was left where a girl used to be. But unlike so many, she found an easy solution: she never made any more friends. Ever. Okay, maybe that’s not as easy as it sounds, but it’s worked for Mei. Or at least it did. Until handsome, charming and annoyingly popular Yamato Kurosawa came along. Because, for some freakish reason, he seems to like Mei. He even gave her his phone number! As if she would ever call him. Except she did. But only because she needed help. Still, he came. He actually came. And now things are getting way too complicated. Mei’s no princess in a tower. She’s not waiting for a knight in shining armor to rescue her. So why did he have to kiss her and confuse everything? And why are those three little words so hard to say? Between heartbeats, behind trembling lips, unspoken with every breath, the specter of betrayals past, future and present now haunt them both in Say “I love you.”

Say, “I love you” will be available soon through digital outlets and next year on home video.


About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, November 13, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. Atsuko Ishikuza directs this 12 episode series featuring series composition by Mari Okada (Boo of Bantorra, Black Butler), character designs by Masahiro Fuji (Dream Eater Merry, Hayate the Combat Butler), music by Yuzo Hayashi (Tokimeki Memorial, Honey and Clover) and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Bodacious Space Pirates, Qwaser of Stigmata)

Banished from normal housing for the crime of adopting stray cats, Sorata Kanda’s life has gone to the dogs and now he’s been impounded in Room 101 of Sakura Dormitory, a notorious den of troublemakers, geniuses and weirdos. Meanwhile, Mashiro Shiina in Room 202 is the cat’s meow of the art world. However, she’s so unfocused and dysfunctional that she needs a full-time keeper to survive day-to-day life while she puts her career as a famous artist on hold and studies to be a manga creator. That’s too big a task for Chihiro, Mashiro’s cousin who lives in the same dorm and also happens to be Sorata’s teacher. But given Sorata’s weakness for taking in small, cute but sometimes not completely loveable creatures, could he be the one destined to take over Mashiro’s grooming, feeding and general, er… domestication? Well, if he’s not, too bad, ‘cause no one else is stepping up and he’s stuck with it and her! Heavy petting gets redefined, the Dorm’s the only thing likely to get housebroken and hopefully no one will get neutered as who’s on whose leash becomes anybodies’ guess in The Pet Girl of Sakurasou!

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou will be available soon through digital outlets and next year on home video.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

Yomiuri Group Companies Announce Joint Venture with Japanese Animation Studios to Create Streaming and Crowd Funding Service

TOKYO, JAPAN – (Nov. 7, 2012) – Yomiuri Group companies Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, Yomiuri-TV Enterprise Co., Ltd., and ADEC Co., Ltd., announced today the formation of a joint venture with Japanese animation production companies Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd., Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd., Pierrot Co., Ltd., and Quarkpro LLC, to focus on streaming Japanese animation to North America and producing and selling related goods.

Each company will invest in forming a LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), and will create a North America targeted streaming and crowd funding video platform “Anime Sols” which will leverage the properties owned by the partner companies. This will be the first time Japanese companies have formed a Japanese business to stream Japanese animation and sell related goods directly to North America, from the source.

“There's such a wealth of Japanese animation that has never been legally available before in North America, and we're using the power of the internet and social networking to allow us to bring never-before seen in the west titles – and past favorites – to anime fans in North America,” says Toshikazu Sugae, Vice President of Yomiuri-TV Enterprise Co., Ltd.

Starting in the spring of 2013, Anime Sols will offer internet streaming of a number of Japanese animation titles. In addition to streaming, the service will offer additional methods for fans to support programs by committing to purchasing goods and/or rewards. Using a crowd patronage business model, the more support a show receives, the more programs will be streamed and the more goods will be produced, giving supporters the opportunity to collect shows on home media and receive special supporter rewards.

Launch titles include Tekkaman, the Space Knight (1975), Bander Book (1978), Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel (1983), Yatterman (2008), and many more.

“This project aims to bridge the gap between the audience that wants to collect and the audience that just wants to watch, by letting everyone support their favorite programs however they wish, whether it's messaging a friend about a newly discovered classic, or contributing money to sponsor a DVD set,” says Quarkpro LLC Senior Partner and site co- founder Sam Pinansky.

About Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation

Since its founding in Osaka in 1958, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation has always been a leader in new telecasting developments, from the first color broadcast in Japan in 1960, though the 1993 construction of a state-of-the-art production studio in Tokyo, and up to the commencement of digital broadcast in 2003. In 1988, the establishment of an open television station where the community can tour the facilities and production units can utilize indoor, entrance lobby and building-front studio space in the center of Osaka Business Park secures YTV's position as an industry innovator. Staying in the forefront of technology to serve an increasingly savvy audience is YTV's commitment to excellence, its commitment to you. For more information, please visit: http://www.ytv.co.jp/english/

About Yomiuri-TV Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Established in 1970, Yomiuri-TV Enterprise Co., Ltd., manages domestic and international licensing rights for a variety of famous animation properties like Inuyasha (2000), Beelzebub (2011), and Space Brothers (2012), as well as musical artists like Yumi Miyagami and Maiko.

For more information, please visit: http://www.yte.co.jp/

About ADEC Co., Ltd.

Established in 1999, ADEC Co., Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation. A creative workshop, ADEC provides on screen graphics creation for Yomiuri news and variety programs, as well as webpage, smart-tv contents, graphics design, video production, and video post-production services. For more information, please visit: http://www.a-dec.co.jp/

About Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd.

Established in 1968, Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd. was founded as the production company for Tezuka Osamu. On the 80th anniversary of Tezuka Osamu's birth, Tezuka Productions decided to follow the path he pursued. They strive to create opportunities for international communication by means of manga and animation and give children hope for the future, which they believe is their mission as the keeper of his legacy. For more information, please visit: http://tezukaosamu.net/en/

About Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd.

“Dreams for families of the world…”

These words are the corporate motto and led to the foundation of Tatsunoko Productions in 1962. Tatsunoko made the first step into the world of animation by giving birth to Space Ace in 1965 and then to Mach Go Go Go (a.k.a. Speed Racer) in 1967. Beginning in late '60s, Tatsunoko's original animations were sweeping over the world and sending hits to every genre such as Gatchaman (a.k.a. Battle of the Planets) and Samurai Pizza Cats. Tatsunoko celebrates its 50th anniversary and plans to utilize and exploit the world renowned properties to expand into the broader entertainment and services markets. For more information, please visit: http://www.tatsunoko.co.jp/english/

About Pierrot Co., Ltd.

Established in 1979, Pierrot Co., Ltd. has produced numerous successful high quality animation productions including world famous fairy tales like "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" (1980), popular comics like Hikaru no Go (2002), The Twelve Kingdoms (2002), Naruto (2002), Bleach (2004) and original stories such as Magical Girl Series (1983-1985). With its 30-years of experience, Pierrot has firmly established itself as one of Japan's most versatile, dependable, and creative production companies. For more information, please visit: http://www.pierrot.jp/

About Quarkpro LLC,

Established in 2012, Quarkpro LLC is a Japanese Goudou Kaisha founded by translator and anime fan Samuel Pinansky. Quarkpro will invest in the Japanese animation industry to come up with creative new methods to market and monetize anime internationally and promote Japan's vast media landscape abroad, as well as engage in licensing and localization assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.quarkboy.com/

Tekkaman、The Space Knight (1975) – 26-episode sci-fi anime series in space with robots and battle armor, produced in 1975. The plot was influenced by the social problems such as environmental pollution at that time. It was aired in US by syndication in 1984. 20 years later a new derivative was created from the original, as Tekkaman Blade (a.k.a. Teknoman) which was also very popular. The earth has entered the 21st century and it is in peril. The project to purify the earth has been abandoned and scientists look to the stars to find a “Second Earth”. The exploration team on its mission, was attacked by a group of aliens and the hope of all mankind almost faded. Dr. Amachi manages to create the “Tekset” system, designed to combat the aliens by transforming a human into a Tekkaman, an enhanced strength super-human. Test pilot, Joji Minami, along with his colleagues, fight against aliens as Tekkaman to keep the hope of mankind to reach a new home for humanity.

Bander Book (1978) – This 90 minute movie was made to air during 24 Hour Television, Japan's biggest charity telethon. By combining completely original stories and characters with familiar Tezuka character archetypes, they signaled the second coming of Osamu Tezuka's animation studio, and achieved TV ratings over 20%. Bander Book is a story based on the theme for 24 Television, “Love Saves the World”, and it tells the story of the human Bander, who was raised by aliens, and how he travels back to earth to reunite with his parents.

Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel (1983) – Yu is a precocious 10-year-old girl who likes Tosiho, a boy, 3 years older than her. One day, Yu runs into aliens that have trouble with their damaged spaceship. In appreciation for helping them repair the spaceship, the aliens give Yu a magical stick with one condition; she must keep it secret, otherwise she would lose the precious power. In order to attract Toshio, Yu decides to transform herself into an attractive 17-year-old girl! Yu, with the 17-year-old figure, happens to be discovered as an idol singer and makes her debut as “Creamy Mami”. Contrary to her expectation, Toshio starts to be attracted to Creamy Mami, not Yu herself. Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel represents girl's popular dreams, an idol singer and magical power. This is the first and the most popular story of Pierrot's Magical Girls series.

Yatterman (2008) – A remake of the 1977 classic, this anime tells the story of a bumbling trio of thieves, the Dorombo gang, who travel the world in search of the mysterious Skull Stones, believing they will find the location of the largest gold deposit on earth. Yatterman are a duo who ride a giant robot and constantly foil the evil villains plans. Updated for a new generation, this remake brings the hilarious antics to the 21st century.

The April release will probably be the Japanese version of Samurai Pizza Cats. The title will be Legendary Ninja Cats. It will be all 54 episodes in one set. We're working on the logo and front cover now. Expect Lupin the 3rd Green VS Red to come out in May and possibly another title not yet announced. The English dubbed Samurai Pizza Cats will be in 2013 in one box set but exact date is undecided. Love Com will probably be June or July. Captain Harlock we're looking at June or July also. Saint Seiya movies will also be in the summer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, December 4, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Amagami SS+. This fan favorite returns with more episodes featuring Junichi Tachibana, the world’s romantically luckiest guy. Once again directed by Tomoki Kobayashi (Rozen Maiden, Utawarerumono) with series composition by Noboru Kimura (Nyarko-san: Another Crawling Chaos), character designs by Hiroaki Gohda (Love, Election & Chocolate), sound direction by Satoki Iida (Mayo Chiki!) and music by Toshiyuki Omori (Dirty Pair OVA).


So far, Junichi Tachibana has been luckier than any guy has any right to be, getting to experience what it would be like to be romantically paired with not one, not two, but SEVEN different beautiful girls in a multiple of alternate universes. So how can he possibly follow THAT up? Well, how about with continuations of ALL of those storylines! Yes, all of the pairings in the original AMAGAMI SS are back as each of the girls return to follow up the romantic advancements in each of their possible futures! Is Junichi going to be able to handle a second go-round with Tsukasa, Rihoko, Ai, Kaoru, Sae, Haruka and even Risa? Will little sis Miya get a follow up to her own sneaky storyline too? The answer’s yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, maybe, yes and oh yes as boy meets girl, girl, girl, girl, girl, girl and girl again in the multiple sequel that has no equal, Amagami SS+!

Amagami SS+ will be available next year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.


About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, December 5, 2012 — Return to one of anime’s most beloved anime in Sentai Filmworks newest acquisition from Aniplex Inc.: Rurouni Kenshin ~ New Kyoto Arc. Get ready for blades to flash and blood to flow as Nobuhiro Watsuki’s acclaimed masterpiece returns for a new look at one of its most compelling storylines. Directed by series veteran Kazuhiro Furuhashi (You’re Under Arrest, Getbackers) with script services by Mari Okada (Caanan, The Book of Bantorra), character designs by Hiromitsu Hagiwara and music by Noriyuki Asakura (Ragnarok The Animation).


Although she’s only sixteen and looks even younger, Misao Makimachi is already a skilled and competent member of the Oniwabanshū ninja clan. Which is a fortunate thing for Misao, as her onimitsu talents may be all that keeps her alive when a journey in search of the leader of the clan, Aoshi Shinomori, leads her instead into a face-to-face encounter with an even more dangerous man and a plot to overthrow the Meiji government! Quickly enmeshed in the affairs of the legendary assassin Hitokiri Battōsai, now known as Kenshin Himura wielder of the reverse-blade sword, Misao finds herself pulled into the middle of a deadly intrigue against Makoto Shishio, who is orchestrating the conquest of all Japan, beginning with Kyoto!

Rurouni Kenshin ~ New Kyoto Arc will be available next year on bilingual DVD & BD and through digital outlets.

About Aniplex Inc.
Aniplex Inc. is an entertainment company that handles a wide variety of entertainment business in both domestic and international markets. Such services include: production of video and music content, production, distribution and sales of packaged media such as DVD, BD and CD, digital distribution, theatrical distribution, TV program sales, merchandising licensing and theater/stage.
Official homepage: http://www.aniplex.co.jp

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, December 5, 2012—Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the hit animated series Vampire Princess Miyu TV! Based on the manga of the same name by creators Narumi Kakinouchi and Toshiki Hirano, Vampire Princess Miyu is a classic tale of horror presented in 26 episodes. Direction is by Toshiki Hirano (Devil Lady, Godannar), with character designs by Megumi Kadonosono (Rayearth OVA, Kiddy Grade), sound direction by Yasunori Honda (Himawari, Black Lagoon) and music by Kenji Kawai (Blue Seed, Towanoquon).

Born of Vampire and Human, doomed to remain trapped in the body of a teenager forever, she is the Chosen One: Mankind’s last defense against the forces of Darkness. With her once greatest foe, the Shinma named Larva, as her sole companion, she stands eternally poised at the bridge between two worlds. She is charged with the duty of tracking down supernatural beings who seek to harm the human race and banishing them back to the dark realms from whence they came. But this ultimate hunter is a creature of the Night herself, and though her human half gives her the ability to walk by day, she still needs the blood of the living in order to survive. And though she may use the name Miyu Yamano when dealing with mere mortals, since the loss of her human memories she is increasingly drawn back towards the Darkness, even as those on the other side prepare to target her! Get ready to hunt the night as the death-dance of undead predator and prey unleashes true Hell on Earth in VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Vampire Princess Miyu in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released in both bilingual English DVD and digital formats.

About Maiden Japan:
Maiden Japan is a new and upcoming distributor of Japanese animation in North America, with a rapidly growing roster of releases that includes such hot new titles as POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S, HIMAWARI!, RAY and PAPILLON ROSE. A sister company to live action Shock film specialist Switchblade Pictures (ATTACK GIRLS SWIM TEAM VS. THE UNDEAD, ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA, SULTRY ASSASSIN: NINJA BRAINWASH), Maiden Japan’s programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuff and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.

About Section23 Films:
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Maiden Japan and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

Natsume's Book of Friends Season 4 is coming July 2013! Stay tuned for more details, dood!

December 26, 2012

LOVE LIVE! SCHOOL IDOL PROJECT ACQUIRED
BY NIS AMERICA FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET!

Santa Ana, CA (December 26, 2012) – NIS America is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Love Live! School Idol Project for the North American market. Love Live! is a brand-new anime series set to begin airing in Japan this January. Putting an interesting spin on the anime world, Love Live! features fictional animated characters and living, breathing group members side by side! The package release date information will be announced in the coming months. For those interested in a sneak peek, visit Crunchyroll to get your early fix of Love Live! beginning January 8, at 8 a.m. PST. For more information on streaming the show, visit Crunchyroll.com.

Details

Publisher: NIS

What's up all,

Let's kick this holiday season up a notch by continuing our simulcast lineup announcements with Love Live! School Idol Project.

This brand new series from NIS and Sunrise, the same studio that brought you Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere and Accel World, will broadcast on Crunchyroll every Tuesday starting on January 8, at 8:00 am Pacific Time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON, January 3, 2013—Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the compelling animated drama Tokyo Magnitude 8.0.Based on extensive research into the potential effects of a massive earthquake, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is an 11 episode study into human courage and the will to survive which originally debured in Fuji TV’s powerhouse anime block “noitaminA”. Direction is by Masaki Tachibana (.hack//Quantum) with series composition by Natsuko Takahashi (07-Ghost), character designs by Atsuko Nozaki (The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky), sound direction by Kazuya Tanaka (High School of the Dead) and music by Ko Otani (Hakuoki).

The devastation is unleashed in the span of seconds. Yielding to centuries of unrelenting pressure, an ancient rift in the Earth gives way and a force equivalent to over a thousand atomic bombs erupts beneath the feet of the citizens of the world’s largest mega-cities! For the people of the greater Tokyo area, the results are catastrophic as even “earthquake-proof” buildings sway like weeds in the wind, gas mains rip open in gouts of flame and huge sections of the city’s vital infrastructure are torn into shreds. For sister and brother Mirai and Yuki who were caught in the earthquake while in Odaiba during summer holiday, it’s the start of a desperate journey back to their parent’s home in Setagaya. For motorcycle courier Mari, it means an equally frantic battle towards Sangenjaya and her own daughter and mother. Joining together in an epic odyssey through the mangled streets, these three must brave impossible obstacles and endure unspeakable hardships and heartbreak, with no way of knowing if their loved ones are even still alive. But they’ve no other choice! In the aftermath of nature’s fury, only the strongest of will and most courageous of heart can hope to survive in TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released in bilingual English DVD, BD and digital formats on April 2nd 2013


About Maiden Japan:
Maiden Japan is a new and upcoming distributor of Japanese animation in North America, with a rapidly growing roster of releases that includes such hot new titles as POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S, HIMAWARI!, RAY and PAPILLON ROSE. A sister company to live action Shock film specialist Switchblade Pictures (ATTACK GIRLS SWIM TEAM VS. THE UNDEAD, ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA, SULTRY ASSASSIN: NINJA BRAINWASH), Maiden Japan’s programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuff and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.

About Section23 Films:
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Maiden Japan and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, January 3, 2013 — Return to the Bee Hive withSentai Filmworks and their newest acquisition: Tegami Bachi: Reverse. Director Akira Iwanaga returns to the helm for this 25 episode sequel to the popular Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee. Series composition is by Masanao Akahoshi (La storia della Arcana Famiglia) with character designs by Minako Shiba (Black Butlet), sound direction by Katsunori Shimizu (Nadia, Secret of Blue Water) and music by Kunihiko Ryo (Emma: A Victorian Romance).


After Niche carries the wounded and stunned Lag back to the Bee Hive, the Letter Bee finally begins to piece the puzzle together. Now he knows what’s happened to Gauche, why the Marauders are so focused on stealing mail and the actual intent of the group controlling both, Reverse. However, when he’s forbidden to reveal the truth, Lag is soon forced out of the artificial sunlight and back into the world of perpetual night. And soon Reverse’s plot to take down the Letter Bees and overthrow the Amberground government begins to accelerate. If things weren’t already bad enough, the giant insect creatures called gaichuu are apparently evolving into something new; there may be traitors working within the Hive; and Niche’s sister, who’s definitely not human friendly, shows up to turn family drama into a full-scale siege! It all spells serious trouble for the Letter Bees, but if anyone can weather the storms and gloom of night, Lag and his team are the ones who’ll deliver. The excitement continues as the man of letters who’s also the ultimate man of action carries on fighting in TEGAMI BACHI: REVERSE.

Tegami Bachi: Reverse will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

Tegami Bachi: Reverse © Hiroyuki Asada/Shueisha,LBP,TV TOKYO

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, January 4, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Psychic Detective Yakumo. Get ready for 13 episodes of mystery and death, based on the novel of the same name by Manabu Kaminaga,. Directed by Tomoyuki Kurokawa (Murder Princess), with series composition by Hiroyuki Kawasaki (Blade of the Immortal), sound direction by Takeshi Takadera (Kamisama Dolls) and music by R●O●N (Kurenai).

Haruka Ozawa’s sophomore year is getting seriously scary. One of her friends is possessed, another has committed suicide and Haruka could be the next one to flunk the still-breathing test. Her only way out of this potentially lethal dead end? Yakumo Saito, an enigmatic student born with a mysterious red eye that allows him to see and communicate with the dead. But the deceased don’t always desist and some killers are more than ready to kill again to keep dead men from telling any more tales. That doesn’t stop Haruka’s knack for digging up buried secrets, and there’s even more evidence of bodies being exhumed by both Yakumo’s police contact and an investigative journalist with a newly made corpse in her closet! Can this pair of anything but normal paranormal detectives solve the ultimate dead case files or will they end up in cold storage themselves? If the spirits are willing, they may just have a few ghosts of a chance in PSYCHIC DETECTIVE YAKUMO!

Psychic Detective Yakumo will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

HOUSTON, January 7, 2013 — Welcome to a place where the unexpected happens every day in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Tamako Market. Join mochi expert Tamako as she tries to make life a little sweeter in this 12 episode series directed by Naoko Yamada (K-ON!) and featuring series composition by Reiko Yoshida (La Corda D’Oro), character designs by Yukiko Horiguchi (K-ON!), sound direction by Yota Tsuruoka (Clannad) and music by Tomoko Kataoka.

Tamako knows just about everything there is to know about mochi, the traditional Japanese dessert treats. When she’s not attending her first year of high school, she even invents new flavors and varieties for Tama-ya, her family’s mochi shop. School and growing up, on the other hand, are some things that she’s still trying to find the right recipe for. But with the help of her best friends Kanna and Midori, two girls whose parents run businesses in the same shopping district, Tamako’s determined to make the best of things. It’s complicated though, especially when it comes to emotions and her relationship with her best boy friend Mochizo, whose family runs a rival mochi shop. And lately, Kanna’s been feeling a little odd about her feelings towards Tamako as well. And what’s with up with that strange bird fluttering around, the one that speaks fluent Japanese? It’s all very mysterious and overwhelming, but at least Tamako always has one thing she can count on: No matter if your day’s been good or bad, there’s certain to be something sugary and delicious waiting at the end of every adventure whenever you take a walk through TAMAKO MARKET!

Tamako Market will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, January 8, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Sasami-san@Ganbaranai. Based on the light novels by Akira, this 12 episode series is directed by Akiyuki Shinbo (Hidamari Sketch, Maria Holic) and features series composition by Katsuhiko Takayama (ef: a tale of memories, And Yet the Town Moves), character designs by Hiroki Harada (Romeo X Juliet), sound direction by Yota Tsuruoka (Clannad, Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere) and music by Yukari Hashimoto (Mayo Chiki!, Toradora!).

The Japanese call them hikikomori - people who’ve become so withdrawn socially that they refuse to leave their homes for weeks and even months at a time. For Sasami Tsukuyomi, who’s attempting to pass her first year of high school despite being a shut in, it’s more than just a word. Fortunately though, she lives with her older brother Kamiomi, who just happens to be a teacher at the school Sasami is supposed to attend. Not to mention, her “Brother Surveillance Tool” which lets her view the outside world via her computer and will, theoretically, allow her to readjust to interfacing with people again. What it mainly does, however, is let her view her brother’s interactions with the three very odd Yagami sisters, who inexplicably seem to have had their ages reversed and have various types of “interest” in Kamiomi. And then things start to get really weird… Magical powers? Everything turning into chocolate? Is life via the web warping Sasami’s brain, or is it the universe that’s going crazy? It looks Sasami will have to take off her pajamas and go out into the “real” world to set things straight in Sasami-san@Ganabaranai!

Sasami-san@Ganbaranai will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

HOUSTON, January 9, 2013 — JoinSentai Filmworks on a journey from friends to something much more in their newest acquisition: Place to Place (Acchi Kocchi). Based on the manga of the same name by Ishiki, this 13 episode series chronicles the birth of a romance and beyond. Directed by Fumitoshi Oizaki (Romeo X Juliet) with series composition by Nobuhiko Amagawa, character designs by Atsuko Watanabe (Okamikakushi), sound direction by Yoshikazu Iwanami (Another) and music by Masaru Yokoyama (Kimikiss: Pure Rouge).

Everyone has a circle of friends they hang out with. But even within a small group there are smaller groups of friends, best friends and, here’s where it gets complicated, boyfriends and girlfriends. Sometimes relationships just develop in a way where you’re not exactly sure what you are to the other person. Which is the problem Tsukimi has when it comes to Io. Io’s as tall and easygoing as Tsukimi is short in both temper and stature, but he also seems to be totally clueless about how she’s starting to feel. Yet, at times, he’s almost too affectionate. It’s just confusing and irritating. And their prankster friends Mayoi and Sakai aren’t much help. Especially Mayoi, as it gives her one more thing to tease Tsukimi over. Hime, the fifth member of their usual gang of five isn’t much better, because she’s not really well connected to reality anyway. Which leaves Tsukimi stuck in a quandary. Are she and Io just best friends? And is it worth risking that for what Tsukimi wants? It’s a puzzle she’ll have to solve as they live from one moment to the next in PLACE TO PLACE.

Place to Place will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

HOUSTON, January 10, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Little Busters! Based on the visual novel by Key (Clannad, Kanon), this 26 episode series is directed by Yoshiki Yamakawa (Kill Me Baby, Hatsukoi Limited) and features series composition by Michiru Shimada (Nanatsuiro Drops, Shugo Chara!) and character designs by Haruko Iizuka (Inu X Boku SS, Sisters of Wellber).

When tragedy struck Riki Naoe as a child, he was rescued from grief over his parent’s deaths when four other kids “recruited” him for their group - the “Little Busters.” Now in high school, Riki and the other Busters are still fast friends, and though their vision of being heroes for justice may have faded, they’d still do anything for each other. Which is why Riki is now on TWO special missions. The not so secret one: recruiting new members so the Busters can form a baseball team. Preferably FEMALE recruits, as the current dude/babe ratio is an inconvenient 4 to 1. The OTHER mission, though… That’s the strange one. Because Riki and Rin, the group’s singular girl, are receiving odd messages, delivered by cats, concerning the existence of a “secret world” and assigning them tasks they have to complete. Were their youthful dreams of being crusaders not so fanciful after all? Or is there something even more vital at stake? Between steeling his courage to talk to girls, dealing with his own narcolepsy and facing his feelings concerning Rin, Riki may just need the strength of a superhero to solve the ultimate mystery of the LITTLE BUSTERS!

Little Busters! will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.