Japan Entertainment Otaku

 Kyoto Seika University has announced the start of their Anime Archiving project!!! Onebilling, the company behind E-SAKUGA (it is its 10th anniversary year) is going to support the archiving and utilization of the intermediate products of anime such as Genga (keyframes). This is a happy moment to celebrate for the birth of anime archiving!!!!! Let's keep the arts and techniques for the future. I'm truly happy as a translator supporting E-SAKUGA from the start:) Hope all goes well with the historical project!!! https://animeanime.jp/release/prtimes/20240405/185194.html Quick translation (MTPE): Kyoto Seika University , in collaboration with  Seika Town  (Soraku District, Kyoto Prefecture) and  Onebilling Inc. , is embarking on a groundbreaking pilot project. The aim is to  digitally archive animation keyframes  and other related materials for the future. Simultaneously, these materials will be utilized for appreciation, education, and regional revitalizatio...

Saudi Arabia on a Roll I know as a fact that pretty much no overseas cons had a booth for this year's AnimeJapan 2024 despite the fact that it was the first face to face version since 2019. I have asked the Association of Japanese Animators who provided anime concierge services during the event about this and the answer was: "since COVID the event organizers have created online channels with the stakeholders, so they don't plan to come visit during AnimeJapan." Well, I guess if your rivals are not coming, you can stand out if you come? Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions was there and did the opening session for the business sessions. They are on the offensive. I can see that Saudi Arabia is really serious about its content business strategy and soft power. Saudi Arabia ranked 19th in global soft power and Japan 4th. UAE was 10th, according to the session. Well, the US is the 1st, but I can see that the power balance is shifting. The message was clear: the Middle Eas...

  Gundam Seed Freedom has been out in Japan for a while now. I understand its global release seems limited, so I’ll just give a spoiler free review for those who may want to find ways to watch it. There are spoilers for the anime TV series! Ok, so how was it? It was great!!!! For old time fans for the series. It has lots of action, fast paced, and keeps you entertained for the entire movie. Of course there are some love affairs involved as with past SEED episodes. Without them, it’s not SEED. I understand the series was not for all Gundam fans. Perhaps it’s not the best Gundam. However, I guess many have played the Gundam SEED games and those were a hit. The movie brings back memories for those fans. It hits lots of those sweet spots.  The main characters, Kira, Athrun, Shinn, all get their fair share of action. Everyone gets to shine in this festive movie. I would recommend people to just remind themselves of the plot before watching. Below is a very rough idea that may be qu...

Since Yesterday, Feb . 24, the Kirby Happy Set was sold in Japan for the first time! And today, most stores don’t have it in stock… but we found one store! Mobile order page (English available!)  https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/en/menu/ The names are in Japanese, but the Google map would be in English. So, you can tell which store has the goodies. Here and many stores no longer have Kirby…! Kirby is the third most popular character among Japanese kids according to a 2023 survey, so no wonder! https://www.videor.co.jp/press/2024/240125.html No. 1 is Doraemon and 2 is Captain Pikachu from the recent anime. If available, it looks like this!! Just go ahead and make an order:) This is a good way to check if a particular menu or goody is available. Yay!!! I’ve got three happy sets!! Now, let’s open the loot! Three types!!! Out of four.   From left: Puka puka floating Kirby- Sucking in a lot of air, Kirby is taking a walk in the sky as always; Wink Kirby- Kirby is happy and jolly today. ...