License announcements

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SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS

Sentai Filmworks fulfills the fantasies of fans of feudal fighting females with the company’s newest announcement
Press Release
September 26, 2011 6:25pm EDT (2 hours ago)

HOUSTON, September 25, 2011— Sentai Filmworks fulfills the fantasies of fans of feudal fighting females with the company’s newest announcement, MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS! Based on the mega-hit PC game Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!! from MinatoSoft, the 12 episode series focuses on a city where almost everyone has a Samurai obsession. Direction is by Keitaro Motonaga (Getbackers, Yumeria,) using character designs by Mayumi Watanabe (Fandora, Fairy Tail, Freezing) and story supervision by Katsuhiko Takayama (And yet The Town Moves, e.f. A Tale of Memories.)

It’s one thing to honor your ancestors and keep old traditions alive, but there IS such a thing as taking it to a ridiculous extreme. In Kawakami City, having a samurai ancestor and enormous ‘fighting spirit’ isn’t just an interesting fact, it’s a huge part of how you end up being ranked on the social totem pole. That, in turn, rolls over into the school curriculum. Fortunately, that’s something the local kids like Yamato Naoe have learned to deal with by forming into small ‘bands,’ (that’s the samurai type, NOT music.) However, while the delicate sexual balance of Yamato’s group seemed fine when there were three girls and four boys, the sudden addition of two MORE girls starts to send everything spinning out of control! Seven’s a band of samurai and nine is a riot as boys, girls and naked blades all come together in MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS!

Digital distribution of MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS will begin next month through many outlets. The series will see a home video release next year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. 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 and YouTube.

[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news...-the-animation

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Persona 4 The Animation

posted on 2011-09-27 17:18 EDT

25-episode series get digital release 'soon'; DVD, Blu-ray release in 2012

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Sentai Filmworks announced on Tuesday it has licensed the Persona 4 The Animation television anime series.

Sentai Filmworks will digitally distribute the series "soon through many outlets," and will release the show on both DVD and Blu-ray in 2012.

Director Seiji Kishi (Angel Beats!, My Bride is a Mermaid) and the anime studio AIC ASTA are adapting the Persona 4 role-playing game from Atlus into a television series. Persona concept designer Kazuma Kaneko, original character designer Shigenori Soejima, and musical composer Shoji Meguro are reprising their respective roles from the game for the anime.

Cast members Daisuke Namikawa (Yu Narukami), Showtaro Morikubo (Yōsuke Hanamura), Yui Horie (Chie Satonaka), and Ami Koshimizu (Yukiko Amagi), Tomokazu Seki (Kanji Tatsumi), Kappei Yamaguchi (Kuma), Unshou Ishizuka (Ryōtarō Dōjima), Akemi Kanda (Nanako Dōjima), Mitsuaki Madono (Tōru Adachi), and Romi Park (Naoto Shirogane) are all returning from the game to play their respective characters. Shihoko Hirata, the original Persona 4 game's theme song singer, will sing the anime's opening theme, "sky's the limit."

PR

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/pres...-the-animation

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Persona 4 The Animation

Sep 27th 2011

HOUSTON, September 27, 2011— Sentai Filmworks proudly brings the hit PERSONA game franchise to anime with the acquisition of the red-hot new series PERSONA 4 the Animation. Based on the megahit game-within-a-game from ATLUS, in which extraordinary humans take on even more extraordinary “Personas,” the 25 episode series is being helmed under the direction of Seiji Kishi (Angel Beats!, Magikano, Raagnorok the Animation,) with script supervision by Yuuko Kakihara (Special A, Stitch!, Heaven's Lost Property,) while the signature original character designs by Shigenori Soejima are being adapted by Kazuaki Morita (Nyan Koi!, My Bride is a Mermaid, Kamisama Dolls.)

When Yu Narukami's family moves to the rural country town of Inaba, he's expecting a lot more peace and quiet than he's been used to in the big city. Instead, the peace has been shattered and the only quiet is the quiet of the grave, as a rash of mysterious murders and kidnappings sweep the countryside. With the police stymied, Yu finds himself joining with a group of eight other teenagers in a desperate bid to solve the mystery. A mystery that is somehow connected to both the local weather patterns and a strange video game world which Yu, his friends and the enigmatic killer can all enter. And where each must wield a unique weapon and learn to use amazing powers if they wish to survive. Journey beyond the Velvet Room as the hit PlayStation 2™ game becomes a spectacular anime in PERSONA 4 the Animation!

Digital distribution of PERSONA 4 the Animation will begin soon through many outlets, with a home video release on DVD & Blu-Ray in 2012.

About Sentai Filmworks:

Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats!. 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 and YouTube.

[TheCoffeeGod]

Right Stuf & Nozomi Ent. Announce DIRTY PAIR: THE ORIGINAL OVA SERIES for Jan. 2012 | Anime, Manga and More @ Right Stuf

Right Stuf & Nozomi Ent. Announce DIRTY PAIR: THE ORIGINAL OVA SERIES for Jan. 2012

Posted on: Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Right Stuf, Inc. and its Nozomi Entertainment division announced Dirty Pair: The Original OVA Series will be available on January 3, 2012 as a 3-disc, value-priced DVD collection ($34.99 SRP). The full 10-episode, direct-to-video (OVA) sequel to the original Dirty Pair television series will feature remastered video from the Japanese DVD release, the previously released English-language audio, Japanese audio, and English-language subtitles and on-screen translations. The Dirty Pair: Original OVA Series DVD Collection is currently available for pre-order.

Visit dirtypair.rightstuf.com to read a multi-part interview with Dirty Pair creator Haruka Takachiho, to view trailers, and for much more!

PR

RIGHT STUF’S NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Announces DIRTY PAIR: The Original OVA Series DVD Collection

10-episode sequel series, with remastered video, available Jan. 2012.

Right Stuf, Inc. and its Nozomi Entertainment division are pleased to announce DIRTY PAIR: The Original OVA Series DVD Collection will be available on January 3, 2012.

This value-priced DVD collection will contain the entire 10-episode, direct-to-video (OVA) sequel to the original Dirty Pair television series and will feature remastered video from the Japanese DVD release, as well as the previously released English-language audio, Japanese audio, and English-language subtitles and on-screen translations.


“Holds up incredibly well after twenty-five years and deserves a slot on most people’s shelves.” - Chris Beveridge

The Dirty Pair OVA series and its preceding television series are part of the first wave of anime adaptations to star the iconic heroines of the long-running Dirty Pair novels and short stories. The TV and OVA series feature production by Sunrise (Gundam, Outlaw Star, The Vision of Escaflowne, Cowboy Bebop) and Studio Nue (Crusher Joe, Macross).

The original Dirty Pair television series is now available as two DVD box sets from Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment. Nozomi has plans to release the remaining classic Dirty Pair OVAs and movie, plus the 1990s, alternate-universe series Dirty Pair Flash, in 2012.

The Dirty Pair’s literary adventures – written by Haruka Takachiho (creator of Crusher Joe) and illustrated by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (character design for Mobile Suit Gundam, Gundam Unicorn) – have won two Seiun Awards for science fiction and inspired an array of media, including anime, radio series and English-language comics. The first two novels, The Great Adventure of the Dirty Pair and The Dirty Pair Strike Again, are published for English-speaking audiences by Dark Horse.

Visit dirtypair.rightstuf.com to read a multi-part interview with Dirty Pair creator Haruka Takachiho, to view trailers, to purchase the DIRTY PAIR television series (available now) and to pre-order the OVA series.

About the DIRTY PAIR: The Original OVA Series

Criminals of the universe beware – the Dirty Pair are back in action! It doesn’t matter if you’re the warden of an infamous prison, a robot that’s literally armed to the teeth, or that snotty little kid who thought it’d be fun to hijack mankind’s biggest space cannon. If Kei and Yuri get orders to bring you in, then these two Lovely Angels will use any combination of beauty, brains, and brute force to bring you to justice! Contains the complete 10-episode, direct-to-video series!



DIRTY PAIR: The Original OVA Series DVD Collection
Pre-Book: 12/6/2011
Street Date: 1/3/2012

Runtime: Approximately 250 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color
Genre: Sci-Fi / Action
Suggested Rating: 13+

Format: DVD (English Audio, Japanese Audio, English Subtitles, English On-Screen Translations)
Catalog #: RSDVD1262
ISBN: 1-57032-710-6
UPC: 7-42617-1262-2-2
SRP: $34.99

Discs/Set: 3
Case Qty: 30

DVD Features:
Scene access, remastered video from the recent Japanese DVD re-release, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo for English and Japanese dialogue, English subtitles and English on-screen translations. PLUS: Clean opening, clean closing, U.S. trailer, liner notes and Nozomi Entertainment trailers.


* Cover Art: http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd1262.jpg
DIRTY PAIR Original OVA Series © Takachiho&Studio Nue • SUNRISE
* To view this image, cut and paste the URL into your Web browser.

** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.

[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news...dle-of-nowhere

Sentai Filmworks Adds Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere

posted on 2011-09-28 17:58 EDT

The anime licensing company Sentai Filmworks announced on Wednesday that it acquired the upcoming television anime series Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere. Weekly episode will begin airing digitally on The Anime Network on Tuesday, October 4 in Japanese with English subtitles. Additional digital outlets and home video releases will follow in 2012.

PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE


HOUSTON, September 28, 2011— Sentai Filmworks announces the acquisition of the upcoming anime mega-series HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, based upon best-selling author Minoru Kawakami’s ongoing, eight-book franchise that has already sold over 750,000 copies in Japan. Directed by Manabu Ono (My Hime, Saki,) the huge and epic story that combines everything from giant robots and aerial ships to witches and werewolves will employ a staff of four Character Designers - Tomoyuki Fujii, Shinya Nishizawa, Yukiko Aikei and Kanta Suzuki- to adapt the original concepts by Satoyasu (TENKY), while script supervision and adaptation falls into the capable hands of Tatsuhiko Urahata (Nana, Master Keaton, Monster, Strike Witches 2.)

‘History’ is coming to an end. When humans came down from the sky they brought with them the Testament, the guide to the path they must follow if they wish to return to the skies again. Now, in a strange world where only the islands of Japan are inhabitable, the nations of the world vie for power and protect the portions of Japan that they have claimed, each armed with its own ultimate weapon: a Roysmoi Opro, the Armor of Deadly Sins. But there may be a far greater threat to mankind than the Roysomi Opro, for the Testament ends abruptly, and it is now the last year. Is this the end of humanity, or can Tori Aoi and his fellow students from the aerial metropolitan ship Musashi somehow affect the course of destiny? Who and what is the HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE?

Weekly episodes of HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE will begin airing digitally on The Anime Network on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in Japanese with English subtitles. Additional digital outlets and home video releases will follow in 2012.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. 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 and YouTube.
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[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news...god-only-knows

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Towa no Quon, The World God Only Knows, Akikan!, And yet The Town Moves

posted on 2011-09-30 18:11 EDT

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Sentai Filmworks announced at its Anime Weekend Atlanta panel on Friday that it has licensed the Towa no Quon film series, The World God Only Knows, Akikan!, and And yet The Town Moves.

The 6-part film series Towa no Quon follows the story of a boy named Quon who wakes up with supernatural powers. He must protect himself and those like him from Kestos, the secret organization hunting them. The first installment in the Towa no Quon series opened in five Japanese cities on June 18. The next three films premiered on July 16, August 13, and September 10 in Japan. The fifth installment in the supernatural anime film series will open in Japan on November 5.

Takeshi Mori (Otaku no Video, Gunsmith Cats, Vandread) is serving as the BONES series' "collaborative director" in place of the late Umanosuke Iida (Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Hellsing). Iida passed away from lung cancer last November as he was planning the series.

Tamiki Wakaki's The World God Only Knows (Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai) manga inspired the 2010 anime of the same name and a 2011 sequel. In the romantic comedy, Keima Katsuragi is a high school boy who is known as the "Capturing God" for his success at romance simulation games. However, thanks to a contract with a devil, he now has to capture the hearts of real girls to catch the runaway spirits hidden in those hearts. Sentai Filmworks has not yet confirmed with ANN that it has licensed both seasons of the series.

Crunchyroll simulcast both seasons of the series outside of Japan.

The story of the television anime adaptation of Riku Ranjō and Hiro Suzuhira's Akikan! romantic comedy light novels revolves around a typical high school boy named Kakeru Daichi and the can of melon juice soda that he bought from a vending machine. The can suddenly transforms into a beautiful but standoffish girl that Kakeru nicknames "Melon," and more "Akikan!" ("empty can" or "A-Machine") girls appear. However, Akikan! girls need to be infused with carbon dioxide from kissing to survive. The 12-episode series premiered on TV in Japan in 2009.

The And yet The Town Moves television anime series is an adaptation of Masakazu Ishiguro's Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru comedy manga. The comedy story centers around Seaside, a slightly odd maid tea shop (kissa) in an otherwise ordinary shopping district of a mundane neighborhood in Tokyo. (Despite the addition of maids, Seaside is a traditional kissa, instead of one of the maid cafés made popular elsewhere.) Hotori Arashiyama works at Seaside and daydreams about being a high school girl detective. She, the other workers, and Seaside's few customers have various slice-of-life adventures. The anime premiered in Japan in October 2010.

Update: Background information added. Sentai Filmworks has not yet confirmed with ANN that it has licensed both seasons of The World God Only Knows.

[Rastamepas]

Akikan seriously got licensed : / Sentai... For shame.

[TheCoffeeGod]

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos Cast Announcement | Facebook

We've also got an extra special announcement for you today. We got the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVAs and Fullmetal Four-Panel Comic Theater. These four OVAs were originally released with the individual Japanese volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.


■ The Blind Alchemist
■ Simple People
■ The Tale of Teacher
■ Yet Another Man’s Battlefield
■ “Fullmetal Four-Panel Comic Theater”.

[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news...s-broken-blade

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Broken Blade Anime Films

posted on 2011-10-10 13:29 EDT

6-part film project to get digital distribution in October; DVD, Blu-ray release in 2012

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Sentai Filmworks announced on Monday that it has licensed the six-part anime film series Broken Blade (Break Blade). The Anime Network will stream the film series online starting in October, and Sentai Filmworks will release the series on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in 2012.

The series was directed by chief director Tetsuro Amino (Macross 7, Shiki) and director Nobuyoshi Habara (Negima!, Fafner), with Production I.G and Xebec handling the animation. Masashi Sogo (Bleach, Fairy Tail, Gantz) wrote the screenplay.

The film series is based on Yunosuke Yoshinaga's alternate-world robot manga. Flex Comix publishes the manga in Japan, while CMX Manga published three manga volumes in North America before DC Comics shut down the imprint last year.

Sentai Filmworks describes the film series as follows:

PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES BROKEN BLADE



HOUSTON, October 10, 2011— Breaking News! Sentai Filmworks today announced thecompany’s acquisition of one of the year’s most eagerly awaited anime titles; BROKEN BLADE, an epic new series of animated films based on the international manga bestseller from Yunosuke Yoshinaga (Rampage.) Created in six 50 minute installments, the mega production is helmed by Chief Director Tetsuro Amino (Macross 7, Shiki, Jewell BEM Hunter Lime,) and Director Nobuyoshi Habara (DNAngel, Negima!, Fafner) working from screenplays by screenwriter Masashi Sogo (Bleach, Gantz, Samurai X/Rurouni Kenshin.) Music duties for the blockbuster production will be handled by Yoshihisa Hirano (Death Note, Beyblade, Ouran High School Host Club)

In Cruzon, children are born with the ability to control quartz. This power allows them to levitate simple objects—or control enormous and complex mobile battle suits called Golems. But when an ancient Golem is discovered during the height of a brutal war, a young king and his beautiful queen turn to Rygart Arrow. Though an “un-sorcerer”, Rygart can miraculously pilot this ancient and powerful weapon. But in war, school friends can turn into bitter enemies and allies have suspicious motives. Strap yourself in, power up, and prepare for the heavy metal mecha action of BROKEN BLADE!


Digital distribution of the first 50 minute installment of BROKEN BLADE set will begin this October on The Anime Network and through many other outlets. The home video release will follow in 2012 with releases on DVD and Blu-Ray.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. 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 and YouTube.
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[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news...blivion-island

Funimation Adds Fafner Series, Film & Oblivion Island

posted on 2011-10-14 15:30 EDT

All to be released next year

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The North American anime distributor Funimation announced at its New York Comic Con panel on Friday that it licensed the Fafner television anime series and film and Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror.

Originally adapted from the light novel by Tow Ubukata (Mardock Scramble, (Le Chevalier d'Eon), Fafner is a 26-episode, mecha animated series by XEBEC that first debuted in Japan in 2004. The story is set in a world where the majority of Earth is laid to ruin by an alien race known as the Festum; however an isolated Japanese island community of Tatsumiyajim is oblivious to the fact. Eventually, the whereabouts of Tatsumiyajim is discovered by the Festum and the inhabitants of the island must stave off invasion using powerful mechs known as "Fafners."

The anime was originally licensed by the now-defunct anime distribution company Geneon in 2005. A manga release followed with story and art done by Mikami Akitsu.

The movie, Sōkyū no Fafner: Dead Aggressor: Heaven and Earth debuted in Japanese movie theaters in Dec. 2010. Its story takes place two years after the conclusion of the TV series.

Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror is an original Japanese movie that debuted in theaters September 2009. The story follows the fantasy adventure of 16-year-old Haruka and her quest to find her lost hand mirror given to her by her late mother. Directed by Shinsuke Sato (Gantz live action films), the film was nominated for the award for Excellent Animation of the Year at the 33rd Japan Academy Prize. The film was animated completely in 3D, using computer generated graphics.

All of the anime titles will be released next year.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news...ai-c3-maken-ki

Niconico Streams Shana III, Future Diary, Haganai, C3, Maken-Ki

posted on 2011-10-14 15:30 EDT

Also in partnership with Funimation: Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing, Guilty Crown

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The anime distributor Funimation and the video-streaming service Niconico announced at New York Comic Con on Friday that they will stream the following anime titles as they air in Japan:


• Shakugan no Shana III (Final)
• The Future Diary (Mirai Nikki)
• Haganai (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
• C³
• Maken-Ki!

Funimation and Niconico will also stream the previously announced titles Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing and Guilty Crown. The new anime titles will begin streaming on Friday.

Like the two previous Shakugan no Shana television series, Shakugan no Shana III (Final) adapts Yashichiro Takahashi's light novels which just ended with the 22nd volume last month. The title character Shana and Kazumi wait for Yuji only to discover that he has disappeared without a trace. As everyone searches for answers as to Yuji's whereabouts, he reappears in front of them as the leader of Bal Masqué. Now Shana must confront her most unlikely adversary on the battlefield. The anime already premiered in Japan on October 7.

The Future Diary anime adapts Sakae Esuno's suspense action manga, which already inspired a "pilot" anime that came bundled with the 11th manga volume last December. The story follows Yuki, a loner who avoids people and prefers to write a diary on his cell phone and talk to his imaginary friend, Deus Ex Machina – The God of Time and Space. However, Yuki soon learns that Deus is more than a figment of his imagination when he makes Yuki participate in a battle royale with eleven others. The contestants are given special diaries that can predict the future, each diary possessing unique features that give it both advantages and disadvantages. Within the next 90 days, the contestants must try to survive until there is only one left standing. The winner will become the new God of Time and Space.

Tokyopop licensed the manga in North America and released 10 volumes before it shut down its North American publishing operations. The manga can currently be read on the JManga website. The 12th and final volume of the manga shipped in Japan in April, and the television anime premiered on October 9.

Yomi Hirasaka and Buriki's original Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai light novels revolve around Kodaka (Ryohei Kimura) — a half-Japanese/half-British transfer student whose delinquent-like blonde hair and fierce eyes scare people — and a seemingly perpetually sullen girl named Yozora (Marina Inoue). The two decide to form Rinjinbu, a club for misfits with hardly any friends. The anime series premiered on October 6.

The anime adaptation of Hazuki Minase's C³ (C Cube/Cube x Cursed x Curious) supernatural action comedy light novels begins when a high school student named Haruaki Yachi (Yuuki Kaji) receives a mysterious, super-heavy black cube from his father overseas. That night, Haruaki wakes up to a suspicious noise in the kitchen, and he discovers a fully naked girl. The girl, Fear (Yukari Tamura), happens to be an instrument of torture — the first of several surprises that Haruaki receives. The anime premiered in Japan on October 1.

Hiromitsu Takeda's original Maken-Ki! manga centers around Takeru Ōyama, a boy enrolled in an elite school where the girls (and boys) fight with mysterious items called Maken. The student body includes the enigmatic girl Kodama, a girl named Inaho who calls herself Takeru's fiancée, and his childhood friend Haruko. The television series from director Koichi Ohata (Ikki Tousen, Burst Angel) and the anime studio AIC premiered on October 4.

PR

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/pres....s-partnership

FUNimation Entertainmen And NICONICO, Inc., Forge U.S Partnership

Oct 14th 2011

Flower Mound, TX (October 14, 2011) - North America's anime leader, FUNimation® Entertainment and the world's premier video networking website, niconico.com, announced today that they are forming a partnership that will begin with the simulcast of several of the newest anime series debuting in Japan this fall. All simulcast episodes will be available at Niconico Anime Channel - niconico.com.

The companies are forming a joint effort where both companies will be contributing to the acquisition of new anime titles from Japan.

“Our goal is to simulcast top-notch anime. It's an ambitious plan but one in which we are investing heavily,” said Gen Fukunaga, President and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment.

Part of that investment includes supporting niconico.com's growth in the U.S. market and building toward the site becoming the leading online streaming source for subtitled anime in North America.

James Spahn, CEO of Nico Nico, Inc., stated, “By combining the strengths of our two companies, we have created an all-inclusive anime site for both the anime creators and consumers to enjoy new anime content with a great social experience.”

Bottom of Form “Nico Nico, Inc. is the ideal partner for us given its strong relationships with content creators in Japan, not to mention its technical know-how and incredible ability to offer that content far and wide,” said Fukunaga.

“This partnership complements the strengths of each company involved,” added Spahn. “We look forward to working with the dedicated FUNimation team.”

The simulcast titles launching this partnership include the following:

C³

From the light novel series written by Minase Hazuki, comes a story of love, action, and comedy. Yachi Haruaki is a high school boy who is naturally resistant to curses. After his father sends him a mysterious black cube, Haruaki awakes to find a nude girl named Fear standing in his kitchen. She's the human form of the cursed black cube – and an instrument of torture! Utilizing her special abilities, Fear fights alongside Haruaki to defeat other cursed instruments and their owners.

The Future Diary

This psychological thriller, based on the manga written and illustrated by Esuno Sakae, is about Yuki, a loner who's not very good with people. He prefers to write a diary on his cell phone and talk to his imaginary friend, Deus Ex Machina – The God of Time and Space. However, Yuki soon learns that Deus is more than a figment of his imagination when he makes Yuki participate in a battle royale with eleven others. The contestants are given special diaries that can predict the future, each diary possessing unique features that give it both advantages and disadvantages. Within the next 90 days, the contestants must try to survive until there is only one left standing. The winner will become the new God of Time and Space.

Guilty Crown

In the near future, a meteorite carrying a foreign virus crashes in Japan, leading to a devastating nation-wide infection and total anarchy. Several years later, Shu – a teen with a special ability awakened by the Apocalypse Virus – meets a strange girl who incites him to join the struggle against a government organization's robotic forces and a secret society whose goal remains shrouded in mystery.

Haganai (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)

Kodaka Hasegawa has just transferred to St. Chronica's Academy and he's having a hard time making friends. With his naturally blond hair and fierce looking eyes, people constantly mistake him for a delinquent. One day, he runs into his bad-tempered loner of a classmate, Yozora, while she's talking to her imaginary friend, Tomo. Since neither of them have any friends, they decide to form a club and start recruiting some. Little by little, lonely classmates join their club to learn how to build friendships through cooking together, playing games, and other group activities. But, with so many misfits, will the club members really be able to get along?

LASTEXILE -Fam, The Silver Wing-

Acclaimed director Koichi Chigira helms this highly-anticipated follow up to the anime classic, LASTEXILE. High above the sacred waters of the Grand Lake, a battle rages between the Ades Federation and the Turan Kingdom. Powered by the might of its battle fleet, the federation invades the Turan Kingdom. For the Turan Kingdom and its princesses, all hope lies with a female sky pirate named Fam. The first episode premieres 11:00 am Eastern, October 17th.

Maken-Ki!

Based on the manga series by Takeda Hiromitsu, this romantic comedy is about Ohyama Takeru, a typical perverted teenage boy. His new school doesn't require entrance exams, and it just turned co-ed! Unfortunately, his dreams of a happy high school life are dashed when he finds out the school is much more than it seems. All of the students wield a special item – a Maken – to unleash their magical abilities in duels!

Can Takeru find a Maken that works for him? Even while trying to fit in at a new school and dealing with all kinds of girl problems?

Shakugan no Shana III (Final)

A continuation of the previous series (Shakugan no Shana II), both Shana and Kazumi wait for Yuji only to discover that he has disappeared without a trace. As everyone searches for answers as to Yuji's whereabouts, he reappears in front of them as the leader of Bal Masqué. Now Shana must confront her most unlikely adversary on the battlefield.

ABOUT NICONICO

Nico Nico, Inc. is the world's premier social video network. Our service enables viewers to directly comment on live and uploaded video streams, providing a more directly involved viewing experience. Users are also given the capability to upload and share their own video clips. For both uploaded and live content, this allows users to respond directly to events occurring in the video alongside other users, thus creating a shared viewing experience. Live broadcasters can receive user responses in real-time, rendering antiquated the traditional one-way live broadcasting environment.

ニコニコ動画(原宿) and Niconico combined have over 23 million viewers worldwide. As a media outlet, Nico Nico, Inc. broadcasts a wide range of programs including, but not limited to, technology, anime, space, fashion, politics, and games.

ABOUT FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading Anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit Watch Anime at the Official FUNimation Anime Online Community

[TheCoffeeGod]

I'll edit this (or delete it) when official word comes out.
But it looks like Sentai picked up Mashiro-Iro Symphony, since they're listed as Publisher on the CrunchyRoll stream.


-edit-
It's official now, so here it is.


http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news...o-iro-symphony

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Mashiro-Iro Symphony Anime

posted on 2011-10-24 16:23 EDT

Anime of Palette's romance adventure game to be released on subtitled DVD in 2012

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Sentai Filmworks confirmed on Monday that it has licensed the Mashiro-Iro Symphony - The color of lovers television anime series. Sentai Filmworks noted the series will be available digitally "soon," and it will release the series on subtitled DVD in 2012.

The story of the original Mashiro-Iro Symphony romance adventure game centers around a boy named Shingo Uryū who goes to an academy — that is merging with a prestigious girl's school in the same town. Shingo is among the boys selected to attend the girl's school in a temporary integration trial before the schools' actual merger.

Eiji Suganuma (Kodomo no Jikan, Sasameki Koto) is directing the series at the studio Manglobe. Toshie Kawamura (The World God Only Knows, Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart) is handling the character design and is the series' chief animation director. The anime premiered in Japan on October 4.

Palette and character designer Tsubasu Izumi (Akane-Iro ni Somaru Saka) released the original game for Microsoft Windows in 2009, and Comfort ported it to the Sony PSP portable console under the name Mashiro-Iro Symphony *mutsu-no-hana in June.

Crunchyroll is currently simulcasting the series in the United States and Canada. Crunchyroll had listed the series on its page for Sentai Filmworks when it announced the simulcast on Friday.

PR

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/pres...olor-of-lovers

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Mashiroiro Symphony ~ The Color of Lovers

Oct 24th 2011

HOUSTON, October 24, 2011—Sentai Filmworksannounces the acquisition of Mashiro-Iro Symphony - The color of lovers, the anime adaptation of the hit game franchise from visual novel developer Pallete, which has already spawned three manga spinoffs and a series of drama and music CDs. Produced by Manglobe, the 12 episode series will be scripted by Team RIKKA and directed by Eiji Suganuma (Sasameki Koto, Ninja Cadets.) Adaption of the intricate original designs by Tsubasu Izumi (Akane-Iro ni Somaru Saka, ef: a tale of memories) will be handled by Toshie Kawamura (The World God Only Knows, Yes! Precure 5, Precure All-Stars,) who will also serve as the animation director.

When boys suddenly get into places where they've never been allowed before, some girls tend to get upset. So when the decision is made to merge the elite Yuihime Girls' Private Academy and the coeducational Kagamidai Private Academy, everyone wants to take extra care in avoiding trouble while bringing the two Privates together. Therefore, rather than just sticking the Kagamida boys into the Yuihime girls all at once, a plan is concocted in which a group of test males will be inserted into the Girls' Private Academy first. Thus it is that poor young Shingo finds himself being thrown as a sacrificial lamb to the lionesses of Yuihime, who aren't exactly waiting for him with open arms. Will Shingo manage to survive the estrogen soaked death pit that is Yuihime? Can the girls learn to be more receptive to the boys? And just how long until something involving panties will cause emotions to flare, sparks to fly and the battle of the sexes to explode? It's a desperate battle to turn discord into making sweet music together in Mashiro-Iro Symphony - The color of lovers!

MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ The Color of Loverwill be available digitally soon. The home video release will follow next year on subtitled DVD.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats!. 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 and YouTube