英語版

EVANGELION:2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE BD/DVD finally out!!

Tue, 25 May 2010 23:55:01 +0900

The BD/DVD of "EVANGELION:2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE." has come out.

*For more on "EVANGELION:2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE."and its contents, see articles below:
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/event/0906/27/181500.php
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/event/0906/27/234500.php
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/1002/09/211500.php

The opening day of May 25th was all about EVA at Akihabara. With over 0.8 million copies shipped for reservations alone, shops held a sales area for the title. A line of people with EVA BD/DVD in their hands waiting were seen. Sofmap Akihabara main store and Amusement Store sold them on all floors to prevent confusion.


"EVANGELION:2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE." BD/DVD editions		DVD edition sold out(*BD edition sold out in the evening)

The sales were good from the opening day, with "Although its a weekday, it is selling very good", "This weekend might be tougher" comments. As predicted, BD edition is selling better, but the DVD edition is "Doing better than expected" The DVD edition was already sold out at Tora No Ana Akihabara store when we got there and the BD version sold out later that evening.

For more info of the shops, see below:
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/1005/25/235500.php


Sofmap special binder(left：BD/right：DVD). quite big	Comic TORANOANA special tumbler ＆ paper bag. 2 types of tumbler changeable pic


Gamers special tote bag ＆ table calendar. There's also "Gamers/Animate limited Pack" with original items

Lost Planet 2, Senko no Ronde Duo etc., the hot pick games of the week!

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:45:01 +0900

Introducing the hot games released this week!

Our first pick is the third-person shooter video game "Lost Planet 2" for PS3/Xbox 360.

The game is the sequel to Lost Planet: Extreme Condition which taking place ten years after the events of the first game,takes place back on E.D.N. III 10 years after the events of the first game. The snow has melted to reveal jungles and more tropical areas that have taken the place of more frozen regions.The game will center on an ongoing civil war to gain T-ENG (Thermal-ENerGy).

Game system-wise, it has added rope-anchor action and jump to its TPS (third-person shooter) system, new weapons, stage and character customization, providing higher strategy and more mobility. Added to the on-line mode for 16 players is the new campaign mode for up to 4 players that was only for 1 in the previous game. Players can combine their power and face the mighty "AK.

Players also can wear costumes from action game "Monster Hunter", survival horror game "RESIDENT EVIL", and action shooting game "Gears of War" through a collaboration within the same publisher.

"Xbox 360 "Lost Planet 2 Premium Pack" with Xbox 360(60GB) console, "Xbox 360 headset", "USB memory with Lost Planet 2 Premium Contents" that includes the making of the game will also go on sale.

For further details, see article below:
to http://kakaku.com/article/pr/10/xbox360/new-game/lp2.html

Akiba shops seemed to enjoy a fair start, with makers holding tryout sessions many users looked interested. Comments from the staff were; "Xbox 360 version is doing a bit better" "PS3 version is selling better than expected".


"Lost Planet 2" for PS3/Xbox 360		"Xbox 360 "Lost Planet 2 Premium Pack"


Sofmap Akihabara main store	Explanations of the collaboration costumes for the PS3/Xbox 360 edition		MESSE SANOH main store


Gamers Main Store had a special price at 6,699 yen	Sofmap amusement store held tryout sessions		Purchase special fan


Screenshot of "Lost Planet 2" for PS3/Xbox 360

Our second pick is the action shooting game for XBox 360, "WarTech: Senko no Ronde Duo".

"WarTech: Senko no Ronde Duo" is the upgraded version of the arcade game "WarTech: Senko no Ronde" to fit at home use.

The series, A.K.A "SENKORO", is an arcade fighter/shooter hybrid with a unique game system. Players pilot a human-shaped machine named "Lander" and aims to erase the opponents' gauge to 0 by shooting barrage from long range and attacking them with armor for short range offense.

The game attracts not only the die-hard fans but female users as well with the many colorful characters.

This Xbox 360 edition features "Story Mode" with new visuals and full voice w/new songs, "Network Mode" that players match make online, "Commander Mode" where players can direct the main character making the game attractive from "SENKORO" beginners to pros.

There will be a limited edition with "Kagayake! SENKORO GAKUEN Duo", a 2 CD character drama set with over 80 minutes recording. So for fans of the characters, you'll have to check that out as well.

Akihabara shops sold this "Akiba-ish" title well, with Messe Sannoh Main store playing its PV and preparing 3 types of telephone cards. Staff comments heard were; "Although it's an awaited title, it's selling well" "Regular edition is doing quite well too".


"WarTech: Senko no Ronde Duo" for Xbox 360 limited edition/regular edition


Messe Sannoh main store played its PV


Sofmap special telephone card	MESSE SANOH special telephone card

Other titles are as listed below.


"Motto NUGA-CEL!" for PSP limited edition/regular edition	"Strip game" for you to Dress/Undress it as you wish		Gamers special telephone card


"Lucian Bee's EVIL VIOLET" for PS2 limited edition/regular edition	"Lucian Bee's JUSTICE YELLOW" for PS2 limited edition/regular edition	"Tropico 3" for Xbox 360	"FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST To the Promised Day" for PSP


"Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Aoki Samuraitachi no Chosen"for PS3/PS2/PSP "Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Aoki Samuraitachi no Chosen" for Wii		World Cup winner prediction of a Sofmap amusement Store staff	"Captain Tsubasa Gekitou no Kiseki"for DS

BL Bar in Akihabara! Male staff does this 'n' that in front of customers

Wed, 19 May 2010 22:00:01 +0900

Boys Love bar "Miracle Jump" will open on May 30th in Akihabara. It is located on the third floor of Endo Building with Mammoth Curry and Akibang in Ura-dori.

"Miracle Jump" is an amusement bar based on Boy's Love(BL), a genre of manga depicting male same-sex romantic and sexual relationships. Coined as "Fujoshi Paradise" "A new style BL Bar to drink and Party", is operated by "Real 3D BL Staff" that provides "Delusion Time" (*) and the 2D staff that appears on the official website comic.

*"they're both boys...doing this and that to create delusions in front of customers.." (from press release)

The menu based on BL and personification such as "Draft BL" (draft beer), "Oudou coupling cocktail" (standard cocktail), "Sake x juice", "Ya*i shiru" (vegetable juice). The business hours are 6PM to 11PM (until 5AM for Fridays, Saturdays and day before holidays).

FYI, theres a real "Hattenba" and a hotdog shop inside a certain building in Junk Dori, right down Ura Dori street... never mind....

for pre open report, see article below:
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/gourmet/1005/28/220000.php

Ranka Lee Super Dimension Cinderella Ver. out!

Wed, 19 May 2010 20:30:01 +0900

"Macross Frontier Ranka Lee Super Dimension Cinderella Ver." has come out by MEGAHOUSE.

This figure is a 1/8 recreation from the TV animation "Macross Frontier" and motion picture "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva"'s heroine Ranka Lee. It is released from ALPHAOMEGA", a collaboration brand with ALTER.

An idol costume style seen as on the cover of the single "Seikan Hikou", and can be changed to a bikini. The head and arm parts are changeable, making it possible for Ranka's signature "Kira*" pose.

According to a shop staff, "We still have stock today (it was raining when we interviewed) but we don't have much for general sales..." for those without reservations, act quick!


"Macross Frontier Ranka Lee Super Dimension Cinderella Ver." by MEGAHOUSE original molding by AKATSUKI


Sample displayed at Sofmap Akihabara Amusement Store		Sample at WonFes

Moe Sweets by Tochigi's Doujin Circle!

Tue, 18 May 2010 21:45:01 +0900

A moe character based on Tochigi Prefecture's local product, strawberry, "Ichigo No Kuni No Iitan" has come out. The sales of "Iitan No Ichigo Choco in Cookie" and "Iitan No Ichigo Miruku Mochi" has started its sales as a Tochigi souvenir.

"Iitan" is a Moe character created by "Ichigo-chan Berry Project Promotion Committee", a donjon group in Tochigi. "It started out from an activity to create and nuture a moe character to represent Tochigi" (group) and has nothing to do with the prefectual government/groups. It is the prefecture's unofficial character with background and story.

This "Ichigo Choco in Cookie" and "Ichigo Miruku Mochi" can be seen as a sweets version of a doujinshi magazine. Nanamin, a creator famous for Kyoto Uzumasa Movie Studio's official character "Ujyu", produced the character with Nagai-en, a company located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, that is known for Akiba sweets such as "Tsundere Cookies" handled materialization. The 10 piece cookies are 630 yen and 24 mochi set is priced at 525 yen. Both can be bought at souvenir shops in the prefecture.

With many mow foods by cooperations and characters to revive the area nowadays, a combo of area character/sweets by a local donjon group like this "Iitan" is quite unique.


"Iitan No Ichigo Choco in Cookie"


10 pieces of cookies with strawberry cream filling. It tasted delicious.


"Iitan No Ichigo Miruku Mochi"	Sales image

Love Plus Nene's Got a bit wet scene out!

Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:01 +0900

June 2010 issue of the comic magazine "Monthly Young Magazine" has come out.

The comic version of "Love Plus", "Love Plus Nene Days" by Takaaki Kugatsu has started from the May issue of Monthly Young Magazine.

"Love Plus Nene Days" features the heroine Nene Anegasaki and changes the months per each episode. A scene from the June issue has stirred up a storm on the net.


"Monthly Young Magazine" June 2010

The scene is where Nene shares an umbrella with a male student. After she blocks the sight from the others with the umbrella with "I'll teach you how to really use the umbrella", she kisses the boy. Also followed by a daring(?) "...(chuckle) Got a bit wet" line.

Gamers had a poster asking "Tell us how to use the umbrella" and comment reading "The last line was meaningful...".

...Nene-san, I also would like you to teach me "How to really use the umbrella".

METRO2033, 2010 FIFA World Cup, the hot pick games of the week!

Thu, 13 May 2010 21:30:01 +0900

Introducing the hot games released this week!

Our first pick is the survival horror/ action game for XBox360,"METRO2033".

"METRO2033" is a game is based on the novel Metro 2033 by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky. The story takes place in post-apocalyptic Moscow, mostly inside the metro system where the player's character was raised (he was born before the war, in an unharmed city), but occasionally the player has to go above ground on certain missions and scavenge for valuables.

The game does feature traditional HUD elements, however, such as an ammunition indicator and a list of how many gas mask filters and adrenaline shots (med kits) remain. Players can submerge themselves into the game by the realistic interface like using the wristwatch to check how much time is left for the gas mask.

Shops in Akihabara had a rather calm start. Comments heard from shop staff included "The titles released before the holiday were too strong...".


"METRO2033" for Xbox 360


Messe Sannoh main store played its PV		Ad poster "Reality" "Quality"


Screen shot of "METRO2033"

Our second pick is the soccer game for PS3/Xbox 360/Wii/PSP, "2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa".

"2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa" is the sole soccer game officially licensed by FIFA. The game contains 199 of the 204 national teams that took part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification process for players to choose teams that may or may not have made it to the World Cup.

The game, based on "FIFA Soccer 10" that was released last October with better control of players and new movies, and features the new two-button control method intended to make the game accessible to players who are new to the FIFA series.

And to make FIFA World Cup South Africa more enjoyable, it features various game modes, such as "2010 FIFA World Cup Mode", where users can select a team and take part from the qualification round, "Captain Your Country" mode where the user concentrates of winning the round through gaining experience and "Road To South Africa" mode that recreates the dramatic situations sited at the qualification round in each areas.

Shops in Akihabara focused more on the Japanese squad rather than the game itself by putting up posters decorated with members of the Japanese team. Cheering for the team was heard from the staff.


"2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa" for PS3/Xbox 360/Wii/PSP


Sofmap Amusement store had PV playing with posters of the Japan squad		Asobit Hobby City sold the international edition at discount price commemorating the announcement of the team. "Heeeerrrrreeeee's my Kawaguchi! "


Screen shot of "2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa"(* pic from Xbox 360 edition)

Other titles released included the "Hakuouki Yuugiroku", an adventure game targeting female users from the popular TV animation "Hakuoki" . Also, Messe Sannoh Main store and AsoBit Hobby City had the international edition of "Lost Planet 2" for PS3/Xbox 360 that came out before the Japanese version (Japanese edition will go on sale May 20th). As it has supports for Japanese, die-hard gamers who just can't wait for the Japanese edition might want to buy this version.


"Hakuouki Yuugiroku" for PSP limited/regular edition		International edition of "Lost Planet 2" for PS3/Xbox 360


Screen shot of "Lost Planet 2"

(C) 2010 THQ Inc. Developed by 4A Games. 4A Games Limited and their respective logo are trademarks of 4A Games Limited. Metro 2033 is based on a book by Dmitry Glukhovskiy. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners. Marketed and distributed in Japan by Spike.
(C) 2010 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. (c) The Official Emblem and Official Mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and the FIFA World Cup Trophy are copyrights and trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved.
(C) CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Second release from Angel Beats!

Thu, 13 May 2010 13:30:01 +0900

From the TV animation "Angel Beats!", theme song "Thousand Enemies" CD has come out.

"Angel Beats!" has been noted for its over-confident production and the calm viewers. Its official blog has switched its comment area to show IDs after criticism rushed after the run of the 1st episode and had brutal air since.

The CD titled "Thousand Enemies" is the 2nd single by the girls band in the show, "Girls Dead Monster". Vocal was changed from Iwasawa to Yui. The 3 tarcks are "Thousand Enemies" "Rain Song" and "Highest Life".

Angel Beats! PR representative dropped a bomb on TV Asahi's Music Station TV show's ranking after the 1st single.

"There's "grown-up this and that" to be on that show. Like some sushi in a night in Roppongi..." (from the program's official twitter. * deleted shortly after).

While that has yet to settle, the CD ranked 4th on Oricon's daily chart and can possibly pop up on other charts as well. The PR rep that dropped a bomb is also known for his rude PR session to anime fans pushing his two cents worth in to be not so polite words.

Hocchan's Budokan Live BD/DVD Out!

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:01 +0900

Voice actress, Yui Horie's live BD/DVD, "The Adventure Over Yui Horie 2-Budokan De Butoukai-Q&A" has come out.

Yui Horie, affectionately nicknamed "Hochya" or "Hocchan", is a popular seiyu known for her role as Minori Kushieda(Toradora!) Tohru Honda(Fruits Basket) Sakuya(Sister Princess) "uguu(Ayu Tsukimiya from "Kanon"). She has been awarded for best supporting actress at the 4th Seiyu Awards. Also, Horie has been active as a singer, releasing songs as a character, as a band and herself accepted strongly by seiyu fans, appeared in ANIMERO Summer Live and holding a concert at Budokan as the 4th solo seiyu act.

"The Adventure Over Yui Horie 2-Budokan De Butoukai-Q&A" is the second release this year and features the 2-day, 22 song/MC + skit performance of her first concert at Budokan last September. Mainly focuses on Aday(September 20th), but includes tunes from Qday(September 19th) as a special feature movie and MC digest, audio commentary by Horie ＆ staff ＆ Kumastar. Appendix include a 40 page booklet and a 24 Page photo book.

This will be the 2nd Blu-ray title for Horie (her first was the 2nd video clip collection released in January) and her first as a live video.


"The Adventure Over Yui Horie 2-Budokan De Butoukai-Q&A" BD/DVD by Yui Horie Get up and Go/try again/JET!!/Secret Garden/Baby.I Love You/Vanilla Salt/Kirari Takaramono /silky heart/Kimi No Sobani/day by day/Short Shortcake/Donna koto datte/Scramble/The words that can't be conveyed /Hikari/YAHHO!!/Lady go!/Egao no rensa/Blue Rainy Days Aday MC digest/Hello Love Distance Happy happy*rice shower(encore)/Qday MC digest/LOVE ME DO Berry very good love(Qday)/Kumastar's Bar/Audio commentary

Akihabara shops played the PV and ads featuring Horie herself for display and prepared picture cards and clear files foe shop specials. Gamers Main store sold limited edition items sold at the concert while Tora No Ana Akihabara Store displayed costumes worn at the concert.

General sales are off to a good start, the staff says. "Blu-ray is selling better" "To enjoy the movement and the atmosphere, we recommend Blu-ray".


Sofmap Akihabara Main Store, SofMap Akihabara Amusement Store		Sofmap special picture card


Gamers Main store had areas at AV floor and in front of the shop		Gamers special clear file


Comic TORANOANA Akihabara Store B displayed the costumes in a showcase		TORANOANA special picture card

Anime Mags on sale on the 10th(June 2010) !

Tue, 11 May 2010 20:00:01 +0900

Introducing the latest issue of 3 major names in Anime Magazines (all on sale the 10th every month)"ANIMAGE (Tokuma Shoten)" "ANIMEDIA (Gakken)" and "NewType (Kadokawa Shoten)!

The covers for the May issues were "Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen" for ANIMAGE and ANIMEDIA , while NewType had "Angel Beats!" but this month had different titles. ANIMAGE had "Silver Screen Hetalia Axis Powers Paint it, White", ANIMEDIA with "Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen" 2 months in a row, and NewType had "EVANGELION:2.0-YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-". All 3 titles are theatrical features, being the first time in about 4 years that 3 different theatrical feature title took the covers (*).

* all 3 magazines had "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva" for their December 2009 issue

While titles of TV animation are on the decline, theatrical features are on the rise. The trend of making a new episode/new translation or becoming a hit through moored of mouth, theatrical features is now a stream in Anime/business world.

All 3 mags had "K-On!" as their second feature article. Animage had special poster by Yukiko Horiguchi, character files, "Houkago Tea Time" gravure and talk session, and director Naoko Yamada interview, had as much emphasis as "Silver Screen Hetalia Axis Powers Paint it, White".

For more details, check their official website.


"Animage"by Tokuma Shoten June 2010 Cover: "Silver Screen Hetalia Axis Powers Paint it, White" Japan & United Kingdom Appendix: "K-On!", "Hetalia Axis Powers", "Sengoku Basara" clear file etc.


"Animedia"by Gakken June 2010 Cover:"Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen" Gintoki Sakata, Kotaro KatsuraAlto, & Shinsuke Takasugi Appendix: "K-On!" clear file, Hakuouki booklet, "Gintama" movie /Fullmetal Alchemist poster etc.


"Newtype"by Kadokawa Shoten June 2010 Cover: "EVANGELION:2.0-YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-" Mari Illustrious Makinami Appendix: "EVANGELION:2.0-YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-" playing cards, WS cards etc.


Gamers special picture card (left：Animedia, right：NewType)		Comic TORANOANA special picture card (NewType)

The List of Covers of the 3 Anime Magazines from April 2006 to June 2009 by Akiba Souken

	Tokuma Shoten "Animage"	Gakken "Animedia"	Kadokawa Shoten "Newtype"
June 2010 (The latest issue)	Silver Screen Hetalia Axis Powers Paint it, White	Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen	EVANGELION:2.0-YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-
May 2010	Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen	ToGintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen	Angel Beats!
April 2010	K-ON!	K-ON!	Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
March 2010	Kuroshitsuji 2	Toaru Kagaku no Railgun	The Vanishment of Haruhi Suzumiya
February 2010	Sengoku BASARA	Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 The Movie
January 2010	Hetalia Axis Powers	Tegamibachi	Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st
December 2009	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva
November 2009	Hetalia Axis Powers	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva	kobato.
October 2009	K-ON!	FAIRY TAIL	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Sepember 2009	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
August 2009	K-ON!	K-ON!	EVANGELION:2.0-YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-
July 2009	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	EVANGELION:2.0-YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-
June 2009	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Hayate the Combat Butler	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST
May 2009	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Shangri-La
April 2009	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
March 2009	Kuroshitsuji	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya（ New Animation？）
February 2009	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Macross Frontier Theatrical Feature
January 2009	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
December 2008	Kuroshitsuji	Kuroshitsuji	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
November 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
October 2008	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
Sepember 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
August 2008	Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea	Macross Frontier	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
July 2008	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya New Animation
June 2008	「Mobile Suit Gundam 00」	Soul Eater	Soul Eater
May 2008	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
April 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
March 2008	Shakugan no Shana II	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
February 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	kobato.
January 2008	Bleach the Movie: The DiamondDust Rebellion, Another Hyorinmaru	Bleach the Movie: The DiamondDust Rebellion, Another Hyorinmaru	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
December 2007	Shakugan no Shana II	Shakugan no Shana II	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
November 2007	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
October 2007	Hayate the Combat Butler	Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS	EVANGELION: 1.0 -You Are (Not) Alone-
September 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Hayate the Combat Butler	EVANGELION: 1.0 -You Are (Not) Alone-
August 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	「Mobile Suit Gundam 00」
July 2007	okiku Furikabutte	Hayate the Combat Butler	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
June 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Heroic Age
May 2007	Shakugan no Shana	Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
April 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
March 2007	Heroic Age	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
February 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Negima!?	Negima!?
January 2007	BLEACH	BLEACH	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY
December 2006	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Kekkaishi	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
November 2006	Gin'iro no Olynssis	Buso Renkin	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
October 2006	BLOOD+	Negima!?	Rebuild of EVANGELION
September 2006	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY	Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
August 2006	Gedo Senki - Tales from Earthsea	xxxHOLiC	Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, xxxHOLiC
July 2006	Ouran High School Host Club	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY	GOTHICMADE
June 2006	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY	Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED the Movie
May 2006	Okama related films ("Getsumento Heiki Mina" "Diebuster" "Himawari!" etc.)	xxxHOLiC	GOTHICMADE
April 2006	Mobile Suit Gundam III-"Love is the Pulse of the Stars	BLACK CAT	The Five Star Stories

K-ON!'s opening and closing theme out!

Thu, 06 May 2010 20:00:01 +0900

Opening theme "GO! GO! MANIAC" and closing theme "Listen!!" from the TV animation "K-ON!" has been placed at no.1 and 2 on Oricon's single ranking chart for the week of May 10th. Akiba shops put up posters celebrating the accomplishment.

* for more info on "GO! GO! MANIAC" and "Listen!!", see article below:
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/1004/27/223000.php

The first week sales' of "GO! GO! MANIAC" was 83,000 copies and "Listen!!" with 77,000. It is the first time for an anime character to top the singles chart of Oricon since its start in 1968.

Also, is the 3rd female artist to take top 2 places (first as a female group) since Keiko Fuji in 1970 ("Keiko No Yume wa Yoru Hiraku"/"Onna No Blues") and Seiko Matsuda in 1983 ("Hitomi Wa Diamond"/ "Sweet Memories") and is the first in 26 years. Oricon analyzed as "K-ON! has placed 10 singles in the top 10 with theme songs and image CDs, and proved its popularity once again".


"GO! GO! MANIAC" by Houkago Tea Time limited/regular editions GO! GO! MANIAC/Genius…!?/instrumental versions of each tracks		"Listen!!" by Houkago Tea Time limited/regular editions Listen!!/Our MAGIC/instrumental versions of each tracks

Asobit Hobby City, which was holding the popularity poll of the characters had posters celebrating this feat of taking the top 2 places on the Oricon chart. Showed caption photos that was on aired on major medias such as Fuji TV's "Mezamashi TV".

It can be noted that the songs were played on TV Asahi's "Music Station", which is known to ignore all anime related tunes on their weekly ranking chart.

Huge-Noised street performance in front of Akihabara Station!

Sat, 01 May 2010 22:30:01 +0900

Police rushed to the scene after they received reports of a street live performance was being held at the entrance of JR Akihabara Station's Electrical Town Exit on the Radio Kaikan side.

I (the writer) noticed the racket around 2:30 pm. It seemed very peculiar , although people giving away flyers were seen, I had never seen a band perform even when they had vehicle-free area installed.

Below are the details of the incidents that took place on the 1st.

A large booming sound wrapped the JR Akihabara Station area around noon.

It was (probably) an indies-label rock band holding a live performance at the vacant lot where Megane Super used to be right in front of the station.。

People started gathering around.

JR Akihabara is under renovation at the moment and the guards seemed to be worried about the safety of construction vehicles.

It ended after 2-3 songs were played since I got to the scene.

2 police officers arrived not a minute after it ended.

They seemed to had reports of the riot but let go because "We're not doing it anymore".

The 2 officers leave.

As it seemed but came back with another officer that seemed to be a veteran.

Police car was called in.

The leader of the band was taken to the station.

In the days of vehicle-free zone, the routine used to be "Taken away after few warnings", but no warning this time. It could have been that it was malignant, it could be that the crackdown are getting more stiff.

"Report Granpa"（*） was seen on the spot.

* a man estimated to be in his 60's acting as a gander regularly telling the bands if the police are on the way.

The vehicle-free area in Akihabara has been put off since the shooting spree incident in June 2008, but another major cause is the morality problems of the street performances and public disturbances (shootings, flashers etc,) Now, neighborhood watch group, 34 security cameras and higher police attention are bringing the area to a safer level, and "Akihabara Agreement" was put down this late April.
→For a safer town "Akihabara Agreement" to be put down by public-private committee (Nikkei)

But the ideas on the vehicle-free area has not been decide yet between the shops that want to resume and residents who fear it will worsen the security. It will be certain that the incident that occurred this time will have an effect on the outcome of the talks.

【Related article】(Japanese)
http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/0810/26/220000.php
http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/0810/19/210000.php
http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/0806/13/203000.php

【Related site】
http://www.city.chiyoda.tokyo.jp/
http://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/1/manseibashi/index.htm
http://www.kouaniinkai.metro.tokyo.jp/

The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya really did get published! The Sneaker out

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:45:01 +0900

June 2010 issue of "The Sneaker" magazine, that announced the publication of the latest title "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya" has come out.

Many fans had some doubts if "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya" would really be on "The Sneaker"'s June issue, the smile of Haruhi with "I'm back everybody!" was stacked at bookstores on the 30th.

The contents published were the first 70 pages of "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya". Along with the story, pictures of "Nagato sick" by Noiji Ito and special feature are added. The publishing of "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya", which has been put off due to "a number of reasons", by the end of the year has been announced. According to the author Nagaru Tanigawa, "I've written about as much as 370 pages worth so far" "That's about 75%...80%".


June 2010 issue of "The Sneaker" magazine	Special bookmarked as an appendix	shop poster "We have Haruhi"


precedented publishing of "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya"		Poster at Gamers "I'm too happy now..."

A drawing event was held on the release day of April 30th at Gamers Main Store to the people who bought June 2010 issue of "The Sneaker" magazine. Prizes included Haruhi-related items such as posters from "The Vanishment of Haruhi Suzumiya", stand clock and posters that are all not for sale. The drawing event will be held again on May 1st.


Gamers Main Store 1F. New title + Demo area		Gamers special picture card	Drawing event was also held

Mari Illustrious Makinami by Kaiyodo REVOLTECH Out!

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:45:01 +0900

From motion picture "EVANGELION: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance", "Fraulein REVOLTECH Mari Illustrious Makinami" figure has come out from Kaiyodo.

This is a 1/10 scale action figure by REVOLTECH materializing Mari Illustrious Makinami, the heroine from "EVANGELION: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance" which the BD/DVD will go on sale May 26th. It will be the first release in a year for the "Fraulein REVOLTECH" series that specializes in female characters.

Dressed in the pink plugsuit seen in the film, additional parts included are the light green body parts and facial parts in the "Beast Mode" scene. Other additional parts are smiling face, combat parts and cell phone.


"Fraulein REVOLTECH EVANGELION: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance: Mari Illustrious Makinami" by Kaiyodo Original mold by Tomohide Enoki

Fraulein REVOLTECH version of Asuka Shikinami Langley in "Isn't this showing too much?" test type plugsuit will go on sale June 1st.

【Related article】(Japanese)
http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/1004/27/203000.php
http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/1004/15/190000.php
http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/1004/08/120000.php
http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/1003/12/191500.php
http://akiba.kakaku.com/etc/1002/24/131000.php

【Related site】
http://kakaku.com/hobby/
http://bbs.kakaku.com/bbs/-/CategoryCD=4512/
http://www.kaiyodo.co.jp/revoltech/
http://www.evangelion.co.jp/

【Related shop】:KAIYODO Hobby Lobby Tokyo&Sofmap amusement store&Asobit Hobby City

SUPER STREET FIGHER IV and MGS PW! The hot games of the week

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:45:01 +0900

Introducing the hot games released this week!

Having the national holiday fall on a Thursday, titles broke up into Wednesday and Thursday groups but as shops mentioned "With the anticipated titles are all different in genres and hardware, it wouldn't eat each other up". So it looks like it's gonna be a good GW holidays for both game fans and shops.

Our first pick is the fighting action game for PS3/XBox360 "Super Street Fighter IV".

"Super Street Fighter IV" is an updated version of the popular 2008 game "Street Fighter IV" with many additional features.

The upgraded game play will continue to have the fan favorite "Saving Attack", where players can receive the opponent's offensive and then retaliate and "Ultra Combo" that ables for a possibility of a comeback win with additional feature is the balance among the characters.

Other additional features include the 10 new characters including a Korean Taekwondo artist Juri Han and a Turkish wrestler Hakan whose fighting style is based on Yagli gures. All characters feature at least two Ultra Combos and players can select the combos from the "Ultra Combo Select" system and the revival of the "Bonus Stage" that is popular through out the series.

The game features a few additional online modes, including "Rank Match" where players of the same level will be able to go head on and "Endless Battle", in which the winner plays against a rotating group of up to 8 players and "Team Battle" with up to 8 players. "Replay Channel", which allows players to view and save replays from around the world,. The game also sees the return of the car and barrels bonus stages from the Street Fighter II series, and rival battles, where a dialogue sequence is played whenever a certain pair of characters face each other is also added so the advanced players can study their opponents' moves.

Shops in Akihabara told us that "Both PS3 and Xbox 360 editions are selling well". With shops showing on large screens and demo-plays, some shops were already sold out by Friday (especially the limited edition) This limited edition has an original soundtrack, special movie DVD "All PV Collection('08-'10)", a booklet and more.


"Super Street Fighter IV" for PS3/Xbox 360 regular edition, limited edition (Collector's Package)


Sofmap Akihabara Main store	Sofmap Akihabara Amusement store	Messe Sannoh Main store. Had a giant tapestry up


Screen shot of"Super Street Fighter IV" for PS3/Xbox 360

Our second pick is the PSP action game "METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER".

"METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER" is the latest installment of the "Metal Gear" franchise. The story is set in 1974, 10 years after the previous title "METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER", the nation has secretly tapped Naked Snake and his Militaires Sans Frontieres (Soldiers without Borders: Outer Heaven's predecessor) to save Costa Rica, "The government without arms".

The game will feature co-operative gameplay, with up to 4 players on Ad-hoc transmission as well as single infiltration missions. "Co-op In" system enables the players to share their life gauge and ammunition/ items by moving closely together and with "Snake Formation", a single player move all the players together by being even closer.

And by taking the enemy in its sleep or in moribund state to the camp of Soldiers without Borders and employing them on "Mother Base", it has a management roleplaying side by developing new weapons and materials.

Also, in collaboration with Capcom's popular hunting action game "Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G", players can hunt monsters like "Tigrex", "Lioleus", and "Rampos" as well as Ubisoft's assasin-action game, "ASSASSIN'S CREED II", a player can jump the "Eagle Dive" from a certain point from "ASSASSIN'S CREED II" scene.

Akiba shops seemed to enjoy the start. Positive comments such as "(having out on PSP) it may be easier for new users to buy" "(in collaboration with other titles like "Monster Hunter") it makes it easier for us to sell" were heard from shop staffs. "Premium Package" with special PSP console and MGS labeled Mountain Dew (8 types) have also come out on sale.


"METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER" for PSP		Premium Package (with special console). still on sale at shops


Sofmap Akihabara Main store. Poster explaining the collaborated titles


Special labeled "Mountain Dew" soft drink (8 labels in all) limited production so get it while you can			Sofmap Akihabara Amusement store had a life-size Snake

The third title is the Nintendo DS RPG, "Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2".

"Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2" is the latest title of the "Dragon Quest Monster" series, which players focus on capturing and Synthesizing the monsters from the Dragon Quest Series.

While the basic element of capturing the monster and adding new abilities by awarding them points are the same, it strongly features its online system.

"Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2" has Wi-Fi support and will hold "World Monster Championship" by keeping track of the best players through leaderboards . Wileless communication system can be connected up to eight players for "Tournament" play, and with Wi-Fi , "Box and Cox Battle" can be enjoyed or by having a "Dragon Quest IX" or ""Dragon Quest VI" for Nintendo DS in a Wi-Fi mode, monsters from both title will appear on "Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2".

Akiba shops held wide areas for this popular title bound to be a hit. On opening day, Wednesday, there were shops having special areas in for of the shop and shops selling at discount price. There were shops with staffs fired up with "Having this holiday week, we'll see how much general sales we can get!".


"Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2" for Nintendo DS


Sofmap Akihabara Main store. Life size? King Slyme and poster explaining its features		Sofmap Akihabara Amusement store and Gamers Main Store held special in front store sales on opening day. Some had prices lower than Kakaku.com (at this point) at 4,399 yen

Other titles are as listed below. Note; Akiba-style bishop titles with shop spacials are especially hot so act quick!


"Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction" for Xbox 360	Messe Sannoh Main store had a special giveaway	"Battle Vixens XROSS IMPACT" for PSP


Sofmap special telephone card	Messe Sannoh special telephone card	Gamers special telephone card	"Marriage Royale -Prism Story-" for PSP


Messe Sannoh special telephone card	Sofmap special telephone card (limited edition)	Sofmap special telephone card (regular edition)	Gamers special telephone card


"ef - a fairy tale of the two." for PS2	Sofmap special telephone card	Messe Sannoh special telephone card	Gamers special telephone card + special titty mouse pad


"Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru Portable" for PSP	Messe Sannoh special telephone card	Sofmap special telephone card	Gamers special telephone card