S23/Sentai Filmworks/Switchblade Pictures/Maiden Japan , etc PR, News, And Announcements - 2012/2014

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “AMAGAMI SS+”[/size]

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.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “RUROUNI KENSHIN ~ NEW KYOTO ARC”[/size]

HOUSTON, December 5, 2012 — Return to one of anime’s most beloved anime inSentai 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 Aniple Inc
Aninplex 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.

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[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU TV![/size]

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.

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[size=16]TBS ANIME AT COMIC MARKET[/size]

HOUSTON, December 28, 2013 — This Saturday, December 29th through Monday, December 31st, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) will be hosting an animation booth at Comic Market 83, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center). TBS and Sentai Filmworks cordially invite you to stop by Booth 341 in the Corporate Dealer Area, West Hall 4F for the latest news and information on all of TBS’ popular animation series.

Rikka and Yuta from this season’s hit show “Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions” will be at the booth to meet fans and provide them with flyers and merchandise* for popular titles.

In addition, TBS will be holding special presentations for overseas customers of their upcoming titles “Tamako Market” and “Sasami-san@Ganbaranai”, both of which make their television debuts this January.

Be sure and stop by the booth for the latest news on all the hottest shows. And check out “Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions” and other great TBS titles on Anime Network Online at http://www.theanimenetwork.com.
For more information, visit the official Comic Market website at http://www.comiket.co.jp/index_e.html

*Merchandise is limited and subject to availability.

About TBS
TBS is a Japanese broad casting company involved in producing domestic terrestrial television and satellite television broadcasting; production and distribution of television programs and movies, DVD, video, etc; and planning and production of cultural events. TBS has become known throughout the world as a source of popular animation series like “Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!” and “K-ON!,” which have become domestic and international hits, and continue to be licensed to a growing number of media and territories.

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, XBOX Live, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0![/size]

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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “TEGAMI BACHI: REVERSE”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 3, 2013 — Return to the Bee Hive with Sentai 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.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “PSYCHIC DETECTIVE YAKUMO”[/size]

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.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “TAMAKO MARKET”[/size]

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.

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SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “SASAMI-SAN@GANBARANAI”

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.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “PLACE TO PLACE”[/size]

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.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “LITTLE BUSTERS!”[/size]

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.

Per PR

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “AMNESIA”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 11, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks’ is proud to announce their newest acquisition: AMNESIA. Based on the PSP game by Otomate (Hakuoki), this 12 episode series is directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi (Witchblade, Galaxy Angel) and features series composition by Touko Machida (Allison & Lilla, Tears to Tiara), character designs by Maho Yoshikawa, sound direction by Satoki Iida (Persona 4 The Animation, Angel Beats!) and music by Yoshiaki Dewa.

This story takes place in a fictional town, in a fictional country, in a fictional world. One morning, a young lady awakens to find that she has lost all her memories prior to that morning. Her life, her relationships, her very name – all gone. All that’s left is a cell phone with numbers and names she doesn’t recognize and Orion, a young boy that only she appears to be able to see. With Olion’s guidance, she struggles to make sense of herself, a boyfriend she doesn’t know and the thousand and one little things that make up a daily life. But with no memories left, the only alternative is to forge new ones, even if that means leaving old loves behind.

AMNESIA 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.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “CUTICLE DETECTIVE INABA”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 14, 2013 — It’s not the wolf at the door that you have to watch out for inSentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Cuticle Detective Inaba. Based on the manga by Mochi, this 12 episode series is directed by Susumu Mitsunaka and features series composition by Makoto Nakamura, character designs by Satoshi Koike and sound direction by Hideo Takahashi.

In a world where half-human, half-animal chimeras live and work alongside normal people, there are sure to be a few bad apples in the bunch. Unfortunately, half-human criminals means non-human clues that often leave the police stumped. That’s where lone wolf detectives like Hiroshi Inaba come in. He’s literally part wolf and has the amazing ability to extract critical information just by examining or tasting a sample of someone’s hair! Of course, that ability has also resulted in Inaba having a little bit of a hair fetish, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem for his two assistants. (Well, at least the cross-dressing one isn’t complaining much.) And it’s nothing compared to the strange tastes of Inaba’s nemesis, the omnivorous (and half goat) crime boss Don Valentino, who has an appetite for green legal tender instead of tender young greens! Inaba’s sworn to cut Valentino out of the criminal flock before the Don can wolf down more ill-gotten dough, but he’s going to have to chew his way through a lot of evidence to get his goat. Can sheer dogged detective work put the baaaaad guys behind bars? Find out in CUTICLE DETECTIVE INABA!

Cuticle Detective Inaba 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.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF PATLABOR OVAS![/size]

HOUSTON, January 15, 2013— Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the classic police action-comedy PATLABOR. The original 7 episode OVA series is directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) with scripts by Kazunori Ito (Dirty Pair), character designs by Akemi Takada (Kimagure Orange Road), mechanical designs by Yutaka Izubuchi (Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack) and music by Kenji Kawai (Vampire Princess Miyu).
Drunk drivers are bad, but put a drunk driver in a giant robot called a Labor and you’ve got a disaster waiting to happen. And when REAL criminals get their hands on those same giant robots, the cops need giant robots of their own just to maintain the status quo, right? Well, in any case, that’s the logic behind the development of the Patlabor program and special Labor Crime units like Japan’s Section 2. But what logic fails to take into account is where to find police officers who’re equally conversant with both robots and the regulations? And THAT’s where the motley crew of Section 2, Division 2 comes in! With ridiculously perky tomboy Noa Izumi and gun-happy madman Isao Ohta as primary Labor pilots and the impossibly laid back Captain Goto in what passes for command, SV2 is ready to hit the streets with their twenty ton feet! But will they be taking a byte out of crime or have they bitten off more than they can chew? The law of the land and the laws of robotics are about to collide in MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR!

Maiden Japan will be distributing PATLABOR in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the original OVA series to be released in bilingual English DVD, BD 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.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “HAKKENDEN: EIGHT DOGS OF THE EAST”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 15, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East. Overseen by Chief Director Osamu Yamasaki (Hakuoki: Dawn of the Shinsengumi) and directed by Mitsue Yamasaki, this series features character designs by Hiromi Kato (Needless), sound direction by Hozumi Goda (Vampire Knight) and music by Hitomi Kuroishi (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion).

When their village was wiped out five years ago, only Shino Inuzuka, Sosuke Inukawa and the girl Hamaji, who was raised as if she were their sister, survived. And both men inexplicably have the same peony-shaped birthmark. Genpachi Inukai and Kobungo Inuta were raised 100s of miles away as foster brothers, but they too share the same birthmark. When they went north as part of the army three years ago, they went to confront demons and came back forever transformed. Now the Imperial Church has come for Shino and Sosuke and they must find eight mystical gems and their owners or face a fate worse than death at the hands of the Church. One of Japan’s greatest works of literature is born again in HAKKENDEN: EIGHT DOGS OF THE EAST!

Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East 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.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “AKB0048”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 16, 2013 — Get ready to rock in the New Year with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: AKB0048! This epic 26 episode series is directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike (Kaleido Star, Amagami SS) and features series composition by Mari Okada (Vampire Knight, Canaan), character designs by Risa Ebata (Macross Frontier), sound director by Jin Aketagawa (Samurai Girls, Canaan) and music by Hiroshi Takaki (Tytania).

The year is 0048, and in the wake of the great wars, all forms of entertainment have been banned by the dystopian and iron-gloved rule of the anti-music DES. To combat this threat to intergalactic harmony, a group of bold young women have resurrected the legendary J-Pop band AKB48 and formed an all new Band of Sisters – AKB0048! But these rocking rebels aren’t simply singers! Trained in combat as well as choreography, these striking strike team members are equally at home in concert halls and in the trenches. Under the leadership of the mysterious Sensei Sensei, they’re ready to lay down their lives in order to make the universe a safe place for getting your groove on! And as a fresh new team of singer-soldiers join the cause and enter basic training, the batons and battle gear are about to be passed to a new generation of daring divas! Get ready to polish your dancing boots and dive into danger with the latest hard hitting hits as the new recruits take the staging ground and the veterans provide the musical soundtrack to their own action epic in AKB0048!

AKB0048 will be available soon on select digital outlets and later this 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.

[quote=“TheCoffeeGod”]
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THE PET GIRL OF SAKURASOU”

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 …[/quote]

The series has been extended to 24 episodes.

I haven’t seen an announcement for it, but the show on ANN and also showed up on Crunchyroll.

-Joe

[quote=“SpaceCobraJoe”]

[quote=“TheCoffeeGod”]
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THE PET GIRL OF SAKURASOU”

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 …[/quote]

The series has been extended to 24 episodes.

I haven’t seen an announcement for it, but the show on ANN and also showed up on Crunchyroll.

-Joe[/quote]

TAN mentioned it in one of their weekly updates, or on Facebook, or something like that.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF “LOVE :heart: LOVE?[/size]

HOUSTON, January 23, 2013 — Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the romantic comedy Love :heart: Love? where the writer isn’t just flirting with danger, he’s being written into a corner!. This 13 episode series is directed by Takeo Takahashi (Rozen Maiden) and features character design by Miwa Oshima (Koihime Muso) and music by Toshihiko Sahashi (Steel Angel Kurumi).

It’s said that Heaven and Hell can be the same place, depending upon your situation, and Naoto Ooizumi is learning that lesson the hard way. At only 17 years old, he’s working on the set of Cosmopolitan Prayers (CosPrayers for short,) one of the hottest TV soaps on the air, and the girl of his dreams, Natsumi Magami, is playing the lead. The problem: as much as he wants to start a relationship with her, he keeps getting romantically intercepted by the OTHER cute girls in the show. It’s not like they’re just trying to stop a Naoto/Natsumi hook up. They seem to be actively “interested” in the cute young man who’s running the behind the scenes production camera! But that’s not the biggest twist, because unknown to anyone except the show’s producer, Ooizumi ISN’T just a camera operator, he’s also the show’s WRITER! So what do you do when you’re able to put any words you want in the mouth of the girl you love, but you’re contractually obligated to put similar things between the lips of the girls that love you? The pros and cons abound as romance goes wildly off script in LOVE © LOVE?!

LOVE ©LOVE is the 3rd and final story in a trilogy of series, the first of which is Cosmopolitan Prayers (Cosplayers), and the second part is Smash Hits. These were initially on the air in Japan the first half of 2004 and called the “Metamorphosis Trilogy”.

Maiden Japan will be distributing Love :heart: Love in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released on subtitled DVD and in 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.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “KÄMPFER ~ FÜR DIE LIEBE”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 23, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Kӓmpfer ~ Für die Liebe. Yasuhiro Kuroda (Modern Magic Made Simple) returns to direct this two episode follow up to the popular TV series. Featuring series composition by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, character designs by Mariko Fujita (Rosario + Vampire), sound direction by Yasunori Ebina (BTOOOM!) and music by Tatsuya Katou (Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere).

Natsuru used to dream of being a lady killer. Instead, he got turned into a Kämpfer - a lady who’s supposed to fight and kill other girls in mortal combat! Now, he’s stuck splitting his/her days between being a typically average Japanese boy and a very untypical Japanese girl. And to make matters even more complex, Natsuru’s allowed him/herself to be convinced to move in with three other gorgeous Kämpfers, who are definitely all woman all of the time, for their “mutual defense.” Of course, the fact that more than one of them may have less than honorable designs upon one or the other of his/her two alternate sexualities couldn’t possibly be a problem, could it? Of course it could, and things really get hopping when Natsuru has to take a job at the Bunnygirl Café and ends up in the hot box! Getting in touch with your feminine side’s a full-contact, no-holds-barred, Amazon action-fest as feelings are bared and titans clash in Kämpfer für die Liebe!

Kӓmpfer ~ Für die Liebe 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.