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Categories: Tags: Survey AFA Mid Year Survey If you can’t see the form, please use this link to access the form, http://www.afachan.asia/form/view.php?id=14929 |
The post Anime Festival Asia 2014 (AFA 2014) – Mid Year Survey appeared first on AFA Channel!.
Sir, how do you want your drinks? Give it to me on the Mount Fuji~
The brilliant people from BRUNO has created an easy way for all to being the impressiveness of Mount Fuji home, well, in scaled way. Their latest product the Mount Fuji ice mould will produce a fuji shaped ice, with the top replicating the frost on the top of Mount Fuji. It would even change it’s appearances as the ice melts, just like how the Fuji will.
The ice mould is available for sale at 1296 yen, to be available from June onwards, and they are calling it “Fuji on the Rock”.
Now you can create your own Mount Fuji at own and the instructions are not even complicated! However, it does take a recommended 8 to 12 hours to form a good piece of ice, according to the company.
How to buy? Easy, you can visit Idea International.
Source: Ideal International via Rocketnews
The post [JTECH] Give me the drink, on Mount Fuji! appeared first on AFA Channel!.
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Categories: Tags: Doraemon General consensuses of the video trailer after it’s release in the past week, “Oh, so much feels T-T”. With the revelation of Nobita’s spouse, Chieko Jaiko, if he doesn’t change his future towards a more Shizuka friendly future. The video shows Nobita’s near future with a good looking unnamed girl, it might be Shizuka. The 3D CG […] |
The post [JMOVIE] STAND BY ME – DORAEMON, MOVIE TRAILER OUT, OH THE FEELS… appeared first on AFA Channel!.
Ever felt like you need a new music player? Well here’s a suggestion! Sony’s latest Walkman F Series Evangelion Model!
The Sony Walkman F Series is an Android powered Walkman that plays high resolution audio and comes with a digital amplifier. The latest collaboration with the Sony Walkman F Series, the Evangelion Model comes in black but with two very different engraved designs. You get to choose between either the NERV design made with the usual NERV patterns or the SDAT engraving design based off the original SDAT Shinji has!
Both designs comes with their own original wallpaper and packaging based on the model you chose which you can see below.
I really like how much work they put into making the design, up to even the outer packaging!
With any purchase of the Evangelion Model, you can choose between three different pre-installed High Resolution Audio versions of the Rebuild of Evangelion movies’ Original Soundtrack. The soundtracks also comes with the theme song of the respective movies done by Utada Hikaru; Beautiful World, Beautiful World PLANiTb Acoustica Mix or Sakura Nagashi.
If you choose to pay a little more, you are entitled to all three Original Soundtracks as well as Fly Me To The Moon(In Other Words) -2007 Mix!
There is also a special bundle which includes the Sony XBA-H3, a pair of high quality in-ear earphones that supports high resolution audio, and a F-Series Walkman that comes with the pre installed Evangelion OST!
The Walkman F Series Evangelion retails at 43,000 yen (SGD 526) for the regular set, 51,000 yen for all 3 soundtracks (SGD 624) and 87,000 yen (SGD 1066) for all three soundtracks and the XBA-H3 earphones bundle. It will be made available for purchase at Sony Store Ginza, Nagoya and Osaka on the 24th of April 2014.
I’m sure Evangelion diehards will wanna get their hands on this! I would want to get it had I the money to purchase this!
If you can read Japanese, you can find out more at from the Sony Store Japan.
The post [JTECH] Behold! The Evangelion branded Sony Walkman! appeared first on AFA Channel!.
AWESOME NEWS!!! Spring 2014 Anime, M3 the dark Metal will be simulcast on one of our favourite anime streaming website, Daisuki.net, continuing the party after bringing us KILL LA KILL and Buddy Complex. In fact the first episode is already online for all to watch.
M3 the dark metal is directed by Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon, Kaleido Star, Sgt. Frog) at the studio Satelight (Macross Frontier, Bodacious Space Pirates). The series composition is by Mari Okada (anohana, Black Butler, Black Rock Shooter) and Shoji Kawamori (Macross franchise, Nobunaga the Fool, The Vision of Escaflowne) is in charge of the mecha designs.
It also features “RE:REMEMBER” by May’n as the opening song, so do check it out before her Asia Tour in Jakarta, Indonesia and Singapore, in the coming month of May!
The post [ANIME] World wide simulcast: M3 the dark metal – ON DAISUKI.NET appeared first on AFA Channel!.
If you think that completing the anime Sword Art Online anime is enough, you are so wrong. In additional to the multiple PSP and VITA games available for you to buy, and play. It’s now your chance to tell the world which characters, Monsters, scenes, OST and even episode is/are the best!
For this purpose, let us introduce to you, The SWORD ART ONLINE AWARDS!
Entries are now being accepted! Closing date and time is till 19 May 2014, 23:59(JST).
As mention, there will be a number of categories for you vote on, in total a good 12 categories comprising of Best Episode, Best Male, Best Female, Best Monster, Best Art, Best Direction, Best Recording, Best OST, Best Visual Effects, Best costume, Best weapon/tools and Best Technology.
Who are you kidding, the nerve gear is bound to win the Best tech category, no?
So go ahead and start voting at the following url, http://www.swordart-online.net/SAOA/
The post [ANIME] THE SWORD ART ONLINE AWARDS! appeared first on AFA Channel!.
The ARCC is back and for the Singapore leg, a new competition has been revealed to select Singapore’s representative for 2014’s edition of the ARCC. ARCC 2014 will be held in Anime Festival Asia 2014 in Singapore this coming December.
Short-listed entries will be showcased at the upcoming FUNAN ANIME MATSURI, from 9 to 15 June 2014. Are you game enough for the fun? Join now!
Video Format: .MP4
Video Quality: At least 720P (16:9)
Video Length: 3 – 5 Minutes
Video by CWshots
Video by BrokenCosplayers
Video by 夜透
Qualified submission will be feature at the FUNAN Anime Matsuri from the 9th to 15th of June 2014 with public voting open from 9th till 13th of June. Submitted works will be judged by the ARCC Singapore Video Competition panel of judges and the public, adding to come to the result.
Winner will get to participate in the ARCC Final 2014 to be held at Anime Festival Asia 2014.
Winner do not necessarily need to compete in ARCC Final 2014 with the Submitted Costume
Submission will be judged with the following criteria
Costume Accuracy – 15%
In characterness – 15%
Performance (acting and showmanship) – 35%
WOW Factor – 10%
Choice of character – 10%
Public Choice – 15%
Winners of the competition will get to Participate in the ARCC Finals 2014 to be held in Anime Festival Asia 2014.
More details the prize will be announced soon!!
Send an email to arcc@sozo.sg, with the following.
Title: ARCC 2014 SINGAPORE VIDEO COMPETITION
Team Details,
Team Name:
Cosplay Series Name:
Cosplay Series Genre:
Personal Particulars of Cosplayer 1,
Full Name According to NRIC:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Nationality:
NRIC/FIN number:
Contact Email:
Contact Number in Singapore:
Name of Cosplaying Character:
Personal Particulars of Cosplayer 2,
Full Name According to NRIC:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Nationality:
NRIC/FIN number:
Contact Email:
Contact Number in Singapore:
Name of Cosplaying Character:
Confirmation of registration will be replied via email.
Post or deliver video and atleast 2 pictures showing full body front and back of each cosplayer in costume in Physical media (CD/DVD or Thumb Drive) together with a printed copy of the registration of interest to SOZO Pte Ltd Office,
ARCC Singapore Video Competition
SOZO Pte Ltd
4 Leng Kee Road,
#05-11A SiS Building,
Singapore 159088
Submission should reach SOZO Pte Ltd by 1st of June 2014.
ARCC Singapore Video Competition
SOZO Pte Ltd
4 Leng Kee Road,
#05-11A SiS Building,
Singapore 159088
For any queries, you can login to https://www.facebook.com/groups/ARCCVideo/ for FAQ, clarifications and Examples.
The post [COSPLAY] ARCC 2014 SG VIDEO COMPETITION appeared first on AFA Channel!.
Kept you waiting huh? The latest title in the long running, critically acclaimed Metal Gear franchise is finally here, titled Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (GZ).
Once again, you are in control of Big Boss aka Naked Snake in this outing. Set in March 1975, the game follows immediately after Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker where Snake is sent to infiltrate an American black site, Camp Omega. His mission is to extract Paz Ortega Andrade, who has information regarding the location of Cipher and Chico, a Sandinista and former child soldier who was captured by Skull Face, a shadowy commander of the XOF unit. Snake is supported by Kazuhira Miller in this mission.
Unlike the previous Metal Gear titles, this game is open world.
It is not the same open world as the Assassin’s Creed series or the Grand Theft Auto series where your character already exists in this huge sandbox from where you take missions. In Ground Zeroes, you have a Mission Select menu where you choose a mission and then you are placed in this open world where you have an objective and you are free to choose which course of action to take and how you wish to proceed to complete the objective.
While the open world may come as a shock to some fans, I really enjoy the open world in GZ. The ability to choose your own path to the objective is really great. You can use the iDroid, the menu/map interface during the game, to plan out your route and reach your objective accordingly. Hideo Kojima definitely did not disappoint in making this the “Stealth Simulator in the open world”.
Kojima Productions didn’t slouch in the graphics department too. They promised to go for a photorealistic game experience and they certainly managed to do just that. The character models and the environments in the game look scarily realistic and it’s even bordering the uncanny valley. You might find yourself staring at the impressive visuals for some time even.
The controls in Ground Zeroes feel the tightest amongst the entire series as well. The triggers are used to ready the weapon and fire; the directional buttons are used for the weapons and items instead of the triggers now, which feel like a much needed upgrade. You even have the ability to run (L3) and quick dive (R2)! Most of the controls have been streamlined in Ground Zeroes for better or worse.
My only gripe is that rolling is mapped to the L3 which makes it uncomfortable to do so and because of the streamlined controls, quite a few actions are mapped to the same button which may confuse the game when you have two actions you can do and the game selects the wrong one.
Some of the older features were removed from the game, which I did not enjoy, as they were some key features which stood out in the franchise. Mainstays such as the wall knock and even the Cardboard Box are not in the game at all! You aren’t allowed to use your knife as a melee weapon either. At the least you can throw your empty magazine to replace the knock but the lack of a box is a little disappointing. It will return in The Phantom Pain however.
The game’s traditional health and stamina gauge were removed as well to make way for a shooter style bleeding screen. This is one change I don’t appreciate. Sure the rations were a cheesy way to heal health but I much prefer being able to see the health gauge of my character instead of a bleeding screen. I can’t see the stamina gauge of the enemies as well so I don’t know how long they’re knocked out. It’s a shame it was removed to create a HUD-less game screen.
The main complaint many have with Ground Zeroes is the length. Before I continue I will say that the game only has 7 missions. One is actual Ground Zeroes mission, four of them are side missions and the last two are the Deja-Vu and Jamais-Vu mission. You could probably clear them all within a day or take your own sweet time. The game does have challenges in the way of trials where you can have bragging rights amongst all the players. You can also try different ways of approaching the missions as you originally would. Ultimately it is up to you to decide how long you want to enjoy the game.
I am glad that Kojima Productions are taking suggestions to improve the game for The Phantom Pain at least. So expect to see improvements when it comes around to it’s release. In all, Kojima Productions has made a fantastic start to Metal Gear’s next gen approach. While it lacks content in the way of mission variety and story content, the gameplay and re-playability makes up for that. Diehards will definitely need to get their hands on this title. It is a Solid experience in an affordable price range.
Recommend? - YES!
The post [GAME] Become the Legendary Soldier in Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes appeared first on AFA Channel!.
Minna Saiko Arigatou! K-k-k-kawaii! Earlier this week, Avril Lavigne released a rather cringe-worthy video as sort of a tribute to her sizeable Japanese fan base.
Yes, I’m referring to the song for her upcoming single “Hello Kitty”. No, this was not an advert for the internationally popular cat sharing the same name, but Avril did write it with her obsession with the international phenomenon in mind. Although the number of times Tower Records Shibuya and CANDY AGOGO logos prominently appear in the background might make it an advert for the other brands instead.
The video, shot entirely in Japan has come under fire with many calling it racist, and the singer herself has come to defend the video.
RACIST??? LOLOLOL!!! I love Japanese culture and I spend half of my time in Japan. I flew to Tokyo to shoot this video…
— Avril Lavigne (@AvrilLavigne) April 24, 2014
…specifically for my Japanese fans, WITH my Japanese label, Japanese choreographers AND a Japanese director IN Japan.
— Avril Lavigne (@AvrilLavigne) April 24, 2014
While I understand arguments from both sides of the aisle, bright colours, sushi chefs that prepare the food in front of you and large candy shops are all part, albeit not a large part, of life in Japan. Although emotionless backup dancers do not follow you everywhere, anyone who has walked along Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan has seen their fair share of Japanese walking around in eccentric outfits.
If anything, the video highlights how foreigners who have not been to Japan, base their perspective of Japan by watching anime, variety series, and random Youtube videos. Where some people may say “WTF Japan” , or “Only in Japan” , it’s just another day in the life of a person living there.
On a less controversial note, this song is not by any means a Avril Lavigne classic, setting aside her punk rock style adopting a more electronic feel to the song. Parts of the song feature Dubstep which I am not a big fan of, overall the song a disappointment to many of Avril’s fans. As they say, ” Go Big or Go Home”, Avril tried to go big with her attempt to woo the Japanese audience to grow her fan base in there but she probably should have just went home and stuck to what she knew best, good old fashioned punk rock.
Watch the video and judge for yourself:
The post [WHEN EAST MEETS WEST] Minna Saiko Arigatou! K-k-k-kawaii! appeared first on AFA Channel!.
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Categories: Tags: Fatal Frameproject ZeroZero No this is not a production of TMA but a real movie production, It will be featuring 2 of the cover girls of the Japanese fashion lifestyle magazine, Seventeen, as the characters from the Novelised version of the original classic. The two are Ayami Nakajo and Aoi Morikawa. They will be the star of the upcoming […] |
The post [Movie] Horror Classic, Fatal Frame to be captured on Live Action Film appeared first on AFA Channel!.
![[Otaku 101]: Meido and Meido Kissa](http://i2.wp.com/www.afachan.asia/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/BkCej6JCEAAOod6.jpg?resize=599%2C847)
The meido outfit is one of the most popular moe element in the otaku subculture, and it is common for anime characters to dress up in meido outfits for fanservice in anime series.
So why is meido popular amongst otaku?
The Japanese word “Meido (メイド)” is derived from the English word “Maid”. While there are several reasons why meido appeal to fans, one of the key reason is the tight-fitting french maid outfit that typically comprises of an apron, petticoat or pinafore teamed up with matching accessories, stockings, and French maid head dress. Apart from a kawaii appearance, meido are typically viewed as demure, sweet and attentive to the needs of their master.
![[Otaku 101]: Meido and Meido Kissa](http://i1.wp.com/www.afachan.asia/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/oreimo0207.jpg?resize=650%2C365)
So have you visited a meido kissa before?
One of the most interesting phenomenon associated is the rise of Meido Kissa (メイド喫茶), cafés where young ladies dressed in meido outfit serve coffee and play games with customers. You would be able to find a meido kissa on every corner of Akihabara, and the business has spread all over Japan and can be seen in other Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei. Of course, Anime Festival Asia also feature our very own Moe Moe Kyun Maid Cafe.
![[Otaku 101]: Meido and Meido Kissa](http://i0.wp.com/www.afachan.asia/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/901334_10151964462834776_368472209_o.jpg?resize=650%2C459)
When you first enter a meido kissa, you can expect to be warmly greeted by the meidos who would bow to you they would use polite phrases like “Welcome home, Master (Mistress)” (お帰りなさいませ、ご主人様！ Okaerinasaimase, goshujinsama)”. Its quite an interesting experience as if you are some sort of nobility and you have just returned home to your huge mansion. For that short moment where you are inside the meido kissa, you are treated like a king.
Apart from having coffee inside a meido kissa, you can order simple entrées and desserts. One of the most popular item on the menu is omurice, where the meido would decorate it using ketchup. You can request for a personalised message or any image of your choice and they will draw it to the best of their ability.
![[Otaku 101]: Meido and Meido Kissa](http://i0.wp.com/www.afachan.asia/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_0024.jpg?resize=650%2C485)
The meido kissa in Japan have evolved into new variations and is no longer catered to just the male audiences. There are butler cafés featuring elegant gentleman that serve and address their female customers as “Ojou-sama (young lady)”. There are also spin-off of normal services such as hairdressing, massage parlours and even cleaning your ear wax. If you are okay to pay a premium price for getting your hair cut, you can check out these establishments in Akihabara as well.
My thoughts on Meido and Meido Kissa
Even though it serves more as fanservice, the meido outfit will continue to be a key moe feitish element in the otaku subculture. If you have not visited a meido kissa before, I would definitely recommend a visit at least once in your life because its not everyday that you get to be pampered by a cute waitress that can be so sweet to you that you might leave the cafés with diabetes.
Otaku 101 is a monthly segment that introduces you to the various pieces of Japan’s otaku subculture.
The post [Otaku 101]: Meido and Meido Kissa appeared first on AFA Channel!.
Good news! The delayed remake of the Sailor Moon anime finally has an airing date!
It will be coming to the TV screens in Japan and hopefully the rest of world this July 5th. But it is with a little change to the character design of the main character for the better, call it an update of the character design if you want, but so far we are liking it. Let’s take a look!
She will be voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi, whom previously did, Misato Katsuragi from Evangelion(All of them) and Usagi Tsukino from the original Sailor Moon~
Voiced by Hisako Kanemoto, whom did Natsuki Minamiya from Strike the Blood and Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet’s Amy.
Rina Satou will be the voice with previous experience voicing, Mikoto Misaka from the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S. Enough said.
Voicing the role of the “muscle” of the group is Ami Koshimizu, previously also the Demon King from Maoyu, fittingly for the title of the largest planet in our Solar System.
Shizuka Itou will be taking on the role of Sailor Venus, the veteran of the group, Itou-san have also taken on the role of Jormungand’s Koko Hekmatyar, Psycho-Pass’s Yayoi Kunizuka, Working’!! Kozue Takanashi and more!!!
That is an impressive line-up along with an equally impressive update in the art style. Will be looking forward to the anime this July!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments, your thoughts.
Official site: http://sailormoon-official.com/
The post [ANIME] Sailor Moon 2014 coming in JULY, with a slightly updated Character design appeared first on AFA Channel!.
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Categories: Tags: KinokuniyaMIRAI Kinokuniya Bookstore in Singapore will be issuing a limited MIRAI edition of their Membership card. The special version will see Danny Choo.com’s mascot character, this version is specially designed by the famous blogger/entrepreneur for Kinokuniya. Fans who are interested can sign up now and get a limited edition Privilege card with envelop, MOEKANA 2ND Edition […] |
The post [JCOLLECTORS] MIRAI Ver Kinokuniya Membership Card NOW AVAILABLE IN SINGAPORE appeared first on AFA Channel!.
The world’s first electronic ticket tearing system is landing in Singapore and for it’s first show, it will be bringing an irresistible deal!
Working with the JAPAN MUSIC FESTIVAL, tixee will be offering a deal those who are attending in triplets, with a buy 2 free 1 promotion for, May’n Road to 10th Anniversary Japan & World Tour 2014-2015 『dots and lines』, to commemorate their first ticket sales in Singapore.
Don’t miss out on it, while stock lasts!
Read below for the details,
An app to reinvent tickets buying, available now in IOS and Android devices
Singapore – 1st May 2014 – You can now issue, manage and keep track of all your tickets with tixee. This innovative lifestyle app from Japan allows faster entrance and shorter queue time into events and concerts.
Being the world’s first electrical tearing system, tixee digitally produces a virtual ticket stub tearing motion, and the event organizer just simply swipes the screen to tear off the virtual stub upon entry. Consumers can now buy and hold tickets in their own smart phones conveniently. Printing your ticket is not an option at all. tixee was awarded “Winner of Best Startup” award last year in the “4th Meeting’ conference run by Japan’s giant Telco company KDDI Mugen Labo.
tixee is proud to launch our first event ticket sales for May’n Road to 10th Anniversary Japan & World Tour 2014-2015 『dots and lines』.
Japan’s favourite ‘club leader’, singer May’n is back for in Asia as part of her 2014-2015 World Tour. This concert is part a series of more than 30 overseas and domestic performances. This will the 8th time May’n will be performing in Singapore, following appearance at previous Anime Festival Asia events as well as her May’n UNITE!! Asian Tour in 2011.
The Singapore concert will take place in TAB, #02-29, 442 Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel, 238879, Singapore on 12th May 2014. Doors open at 18:30 and the show will begin at 19:00.
General admission tickets will be available at $78 from tixee (https://tixee.tv) from May 1, 2014. This is an all-standing concert. The concert is also part of the Japan Music Festival, a SOZO project. tixee is excited to announce a special introductory offer of buying 2 general admission tickets and get 1 free. Download the tixee app at iTunes or Google Play to seize this special offer, while stocks last.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TixeeSG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tixeesingapore
Click https://tixee.tv/app/ to get the app.
The post [NEWS] JAPANESE Newstyle Ticketing service tixee to Start in SINGAPORE appeared first on AFA Channel!.
A new, extended trailer for the upcoming sequels to 2012′s live-action “Rurouni Kenshin” movie has been unveiled! The trailer has been subtitled in English and reveals more details on the plot of “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” (“Kyoto Taika-hen”) and “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” (“Densetsu no Saigo-hen”). Also previewed in the trailer is a new theme song, courtesy of J-Rock band ONE OK ROCK.
The sequel movies have been adapted from the Kyoto arc of the original “Rurouni Kenshin” manga. Main character Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh) is forced to leave behind his new-found home in Tokyo and journey to Kyoto to stop Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara) from taking over Japan.
However, Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei) and Sanosuke Sagara (Munetaka Aoki) are not about to stand aside quietly and let Kenshin go off on his own. Along the way, Kenshin will face off against an old foe, Aoshi Shinomori (Yusuke Iseya) as well as Shishio’s most skilled henchman, Soujirou Seta (Ryuunosuke Kamiki).
The movie also previews the incredible choreography of the many fight scenes that will be found in this movie (with a rocking ONE OK ROCK song as backdrop, no less!). Kenshin’s duel with Shishio looks to be especially thrilling. The plot of the sequels also appears to be of a much grander scale compared to the first movie with Kenshin and his allies battling to defend Kyoto from Shishio’s forces.
The song featured in the trailer is ONE OK ROCK’s “Mighty Long Fall”, which will be the theme song for “Kyoto Inferno”. The band also previously provided the theme song (“the beginning”) for the first “Rurouni Kenshin” movie.
There are no further details yet as to when “Might Long Fall” will be released, but we’ll work to keep you posted.
Apart from in English, the trailer is also available with subtitles in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French and Tagalog.
“Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” will begin screening in Japan on 1 August 2014 while “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” débuts in theatres on 13 September 2014. We can hardly wait!
Sources: [Rurouni Kenshin movie official Facebook page] [Rurouni Kenshin movie official website] [ONE OK ROCK official Twitter page]
The post [MOVIE] Live-Action Rurouni Kenshin Extended Trailer Features New ONE OK ROCK Song appeared first on AFA Channel!.
It was announced recently that Nankai Electric Railway Co., Ltd. would tie up with Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn to bring a special train service for a limited time, the “Second Coming of Red Comet Limited Express Rapi:t Neo Zeon Version“.
This special Rapi:t train will be available on the Nankai Line and the Airport Line to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Airport Line’s opening and the Limited Express Rapi:t. On the May 26 2014, an opening ceremony was conducted for the first day of its operations at Namba station
A large crowd attended the ceremony and they were hoping to catch the first glimpse of the red Rapi:t train. The legendary voice of Char Aznable and Full Frontal, Shuichi Ikeda also graced the event. Along with the tape-cutting on the platform, the very first painted sample of the enormous HGUC Neo Zeong was unveiled!
Here’s a short clip of the goings of the event.
Mr Ikeda was pretty shocked at the large size of the Neo Zeong gunpla!
Before the tape cutting event could proceed, famous Char impersonator Numacchi made a surprise appearance as Full Frontal at the event! As you can see, the entire train is designed from the ground up with all new Neo Zeon livery!
Mr. Ikeda also received a giant “Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn × Limited Express Rapi:t Memorial Express Ticket” from Nankai Electric Railway Railway Operations Manager Mr Tetsuro Kanemoto.
During the course of the operations, the train’s livery will be in Neo Zeon red, with reserved seats for Mineva Zabi, Angelo Sauper and Full Frontal! The train does not move three times faster unfortunately.
As mentioned earlier, the Gundam Unicorn x Limited Express Rapi:t Neo Zeon train will be operating through the Airport Line and the Nankai Main Line from April 26th to June 30th.
The train does look like it has a Zaku face if you look carefully, which makes it really cool! Unfortunately, I will not have the opportunity to make a trip on the Neo Zeon rapi:t as I will not be in Japan during this period. If any of you readers are making a trip to Japan during this period, I hope you get to enjoy the Neo Zeon rapi:t train! Sieg Zeon!
Source: Gundam.info
Video: Kyodo News, Osakatour20XX
The post [JAPAN] Neo Zeon train takes flight! appeared first on AFA Channel!.
Free! Iwatobi Swim Club Season 2 Eternal Summer sneak preview and new character announced! Welcoming Sosuke Yamazaki!
The good people of the wildly popular Free! anime adaptation have updated their official website!
New items include a teaser video for the new season coming in July, plus updated character profiles and the initial design for a new regular character!
After the previous competition, the bonds of friendship have deepened between Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa and Rei. Even in their unchanging everyday lives, they have matured in many ways.
On the other side, Rin has overcome his past and sprints towards his dreams. Aiming to become the best team together with his new teammates.
Iwatobi and Samezuka, friends and swimming…and their futures. The boys face themselves, while holding their dreams and emotions within their hearts, welcoming a new summer.
Sosuke Yamazaki 山崎宗介
According to the character profile, Sosuke Yamazaki was Rin’s childhood close friend in elementary school, from a time before his transfer to Iwatobi Elementary. He had a very good understanding of Rin from when they were young, to the point where Rin considers him family.
He has steadfast strength in facing everything, and is seldom fazed by anything. When it comes to swimming, he takes on a tough and no-nonsense stance on himself and those around him. Based on information from High Speed! it appears his speciality is the butterfly.
CV Yoshimasa Hosoya
Writer’s comments:
Although it’s still not clear whether Sosuke will be joining the Samezuka team (although he’s credited in the same block as Rin, Nittori and Mikoshiba). It’ll be exciting to see Rin interacting with a real friend other than the Iwatobi boys, plus all the potential awkward moments if he starts referring to Rin’s past… Based on the character profile, Sosuke appears to be very much Rin’s rock, or Rin’s very own Mako (the visuals as well…)
Cast-wise, Hosoya is definitely an awesome pick, he’s been great in sports anime and at grounded, steady characters (Hyuuga Junpei from Kuroko no Basuke & Sentarou from Sakamichi no Apollon comes to mind). Plus chemistry with Miyano is already a given, so we’re going to expect some serious sparks!
Plus! A special trailer was broadcast on the huge screen on the Akihabara UDX building over the weekend as a special promo~ You can watch that here!
All images from iwatobi-sc.com
The post [ANIME] Free! S2 Eternal Summer Teaser PV & New Character! appeared first on AFA Channel!.
Ever came across an anime character so adorable you just want to cuddle as your baby brother or sister? Has any character’s cries of “onii-chan” or “onee-chan” tugged at your heartstrings and threatens your sanity?
In the search for the Japan’s favourite little (anime) brother and sister, a whopping 10,000 male and female anime fans made their voices heard in an online poll by Charapedia. The week-long surveys took place in March and April respectively and we have rounded-up the results for you!
A total of 30.5% male and 69.5% female fans voted for their favourite otouto-kun, with almost 90% of voters in their teens and 20s. On the flipside, 64.9% male and 35.1% female fans voted for their favourite imouto-chan, with slightly more than 80% in their teens and 20s.
Check out if your favourites are here as well!
Poll Results: Which male character do you want most as your little brother?
[1] Yukine (Noragami) – 210 votesYukine(screenshot)
Asahina Wataru (http://www.otomate.jp/bc/)
[3] Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist) – 201 votes
Alphonse Elric (http://fma.wikia.com/wiki/)
[4] Kurusu Sho (Uta no Prince-Sama) – 197 votesCompetition is fierce for top otouto spot as the top 4 place are separated by fewer than 10 votes between them. Yukine from Noragami overtook 2 “actual” little brothers (in their respective anime series) to take top place, proving to be the ideal balance of vulnerability, rebelliousness and adorable fluff that everyone wants to protect. Asahina Wataru comes as close second, the embodiment of everything otouto-ish with his cute shota looks and even cuter shota voice. Alphonse Elric proves that appearances are certainly not everything, with his little brother charms that even his tall, strong suit of armour cannot diminish.
Expectedly, Totsuka Saika and his feminine charms was voted into top place for the male-only poll, which accounted for 120 out of 133 total votes in the combined poll. Alphonse came in a close second with 120 votes, proving that fans still keep a special place in their hearts for “Aru” over the years. Wataru and his boyish, shota-esque antics stole the hearts of female fans, who voted him into top place with 188 votes in the female-only poll, with Kurusu Sho coming in a close second only 3 votes behind.
Poll Results: Which female character do you want most as your little sister?
[1] Hirasawa Yui (K-on!) – 321 votesCharacter Image CD Series「K-on! ! 」Image Song Hirasawa Yui (amazon.co.jp)
Kagura (http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/gintama)
Hasegawa Kobato (http://haganai-game.channel.or.jp/)
Unlike the otouto poll, voters are pretty clear about their undisputed favourite imouto, adorably clumsy, genki, guitar-touting Hirasawa Yui from K-on! Kagura in second place may appear to be slightly different from the typical imouto mold, but is undeniably cute, definitely endearing, and painfully realistic (she was voted into second place almost completely by female voters). Kobato takes third comfortably as the twin-tailed chuunibyou younger sister, at times semi-obsessed with her favourite anime but killer-cute when she clings onto her older brother.
Anime series Ore-Imo certainly lived up to its name, with Kousaka Kirino coming in top place in the male-only poll with 218 votes, surpassing second-place Kirigaya Suguha by almost 30 votes. The combined forces of female fans drove Kagura not only into top place in the female-only poll, but also into second place of the combined poll, accounting for an impressive 285 of the total 286 votes in the combined poll. The power of Free! proved to be going strong even as the series takes a year-long break, with Gou taking second place with 164 votes in the female-only poll.
Charapedia started the 10,000 fan series of polls at the beginning of this year, on various aspects of anime such as the fans’ favourite characters, favourite seiyuu and the most-anticipated anime series for each season. Charapedia also indicates both the combined and separate results of male/female voters, or younger/older voters, ensuring fair representation of the poll results.
Check out our coverage on their earlier poll “Top 20 Favourite Male and Female Seiyuu”!
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You know that your tourism exhibit programs are working really well when your Prime Minister takes time off work to check it out. Incidentally, this is what happened.
During the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe’s 10-day trip to Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, UK) to discuss trade, he found some time to have a little sightseeing (for one he visited the Louvre), and visited the “Evangelion and Japanese Swords” exhibition held in Paris.
“Anime is very popular in France. Utilizing Japan’s strengths will help the growing of the economy,” Abe said to the press. “A collaboration between a modern anime and a traditional swordsmanship is one of the new ways to promote ‘Cool Japan’ to the world.”
The exhibition started on 30 April, and will continue till 21 June. After that, it will head down to Mueso ABC in Madrid, Spain and exhibit there from 5 July to 28 November.
What do you think of the visit or the exhibits? Let us know in the comments!
Photograph © Jiji Press
Header Image & Poster © khara
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For the month of May, there seems to be a lull period for Gunpla, with only 2 Gundam Unicorn kits and 2 add-on parts while focusing on releasing more varied Bandai model kits from One Piece and the currently airing show based on a Bandai card game, Majin Bone.
A weapon set with a similar theme to the Crossbone Gundam Maoh. It comes with a skull themed booster as well as a variety of weapons with the skull motif and arm joint parts.
A non-scaled weapon upgrades parts for builders. The MS Cannon 01 set comes with 2 cannons, 2 foot missiles and 2 grenades. The MS Launcher 01 set comes with 2 launchers, 2 swords and 2 sheathes. The sets are molded in gray color.
The refitted version of the Kshatriya set to debut in Episode 7 of Gundam Unicorn. It has a giant booster propellant tank that is one of the biggest in the HG series. Its left arm has a Hyper Beam Javelin and its right leg has a machine gun.
The Banshee Norn makes its debut in the SD line! It can transform from the Unicorn mode to the Destroy mode. It comes with a new set of arms with a bendable elbow and new chest psychoframe parts. It also comes with a newly made Armed Armor DE and XC just for this kit.
From the Chopper Robo series comes the Chopper Submarine and the Chopper Drill! You can combine all 5 parts to create the Giant Chopper Robo, 2 sections can be combined as well. It uses the touch gate for easy removal. It also comes with a variety of Chopper face stickers and you have 2 swappable head parts. These two units form the arms of the Giant Chopper Robo.
Debuting on 31st May is the new Majin Bone series. Each kit is made with a touch gate and runner lock for easy construction. The joints are made in such a way as to create free movement and really cool poses. Each section can be easily replaced with different armors to create your own unique fighter. They also all come with special effect parts.
The first in the new Majin Bone line comes the Dragon Bone. The Dragon Bone has a unique right arm with a special Dragon mold and the entire armor has a dragon gimmck.
The second in the line is the Shark Bone. It has a really streamlined body like that of a shark and it has really sharp features.
The third in the line is the Leo Bone. Sporting a lion gimmick, it has its own custom shield part as well as a unique cape.
There we have it for the month of May. Doesn’t seem to be much in terms of Gunpla this month. I do want to get the Kshatriya Repaired eventually, seeing that I already have the normal Kshatriya. The Majin Bone looks pretty cool though! I’ll have to watch the series before I plan to invest in it. Seems like I’ll be trying to catch up on my backlog this month!
Are you guys setting your sights on any of these this month? Which one?
Source: Bandai Hobby Site
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