Takehiko Inoue, Yumi Tamura Receive Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for Fine Arts

The Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan has announced the winners of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for Fine Arts for 2023. The two prize winners in the media arts category were Takehiko Inoue (Slam Dunk) and Yumi Tamura (Don’t Call It Mystery). Jun Wada (Ikimono-san) received the Rookie Award in the same category.

Takehiko Inoue was recognized for his work on the film adaptation of his manga, Slam Dunk. The film was directed by the original author and featured many of Inoue’s drawings and instructions to bring his vision to life. The film’s success can be attributed to Inoue’s contribution as an “animation film director.”

Yumi Tamura has been a leading figure in the Japanese manga world for many years, creating a series of epic and profound stories with fascinating characters. She was recognized for her skills and achievements, which have kept her at the forefront of the industry for 40 years and have resulted in international success.

Jun Wada received the Rookie Award for his work on Ikimono-san, which stimulates the viewer’s senses through its unique visuals and eccentric settings. Despite its unconventional style, the work has gained widespread support from people around the world due to its ability to tap into universal human sensations.

The winners will receive a certificate and a cash prize of 1,200,000 yen (8,000 USD) for the Minister’s Award and 800,000 yen (5,330 USD) for the Rookie Award. The presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on March 12.

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/2/takehiko-inoue-yumi-tamura-minister-of-education-culture-sports-science-and-technology-award-fine-arts

Shadowverse Flame Anime Releases Trailer Featuring New Opening Theme by NANO

The official YouTube channel for the TV anime series Shadowverse Flame has released a new trailer for its upcoming “Arc” arc. The trailer features the new opening theme song “Do or Die” by Japanese singer NANO and announces the Japanese premiere date of April 13, 2024. Additionally, the ending theme song “HEAVY GAMER” is performed by the six-member unit LIL LEAGUE.

The “Arc” arc introduces new enemies, including Elde (CV: Hiroki Yasumoto) and Himel (CV: Ai Kayano), as well as the continued battle against Arc Ruler, who has declared that he will remake the world. The mission given to Light and his friends is to neutralize the three towers that are leading the world to destruction.

This new arc follows the second series of Shadowverse Flame, which premiered on the TV Tokyo network stations across Japan in April 2022. Both series are available on Crunchyroll to its members in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS.

Sources: Cygames press release, “Shadowverse” official YouTube channel

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/2/shadowverse-flame-anime-releases-trailer-featuring-new-opening-theme-by-nano

Oshiri Tantei Movie Gets to the Bottom of Its Feelings in Emotional New Trailer

The Butt Detective is back with a new film titled “Farewell, My Dear Oshiri” that delves into the detective’s life before teaming up with his current partner Brown. The film features Riisa Naka (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) as Daffodil, Oshiri Tantei’s former partner, and Kenjiro Tsuda (JUJUTSU KAISEN) as Daffodil’s mentor Kinmoku. This marks the fifth movie adaptation of the original books by author Troll since 2018. The film will debut in Japan later this month.

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/1/oshiri-tantei-movie-gets-to-the-bottom-of-its-feelings-in-emotional-new-trailer

One-Punch Man Season 3 Teaser Trailer Confirms J.C. Staff Return

The new chapter of the One-Punch Man TV anime is gearing up for a fight between Caped Baldy and the hero killer Garou, with the release of a new teaser trailer. The trailer reveals the lead staff, returning studio, and main cast, as well as the “Hero Visual Project,” which features a new hero poster drawn by Shinjiro Kuroda. Kuroda, who is debuting as a character designer on One-Punch Man season 3, is joined by returning staff members Chikashi Kubota and Ryosuke Shirakawa. The series will once again be produced at J.C. Staff, with no date announced for the series’ release.

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/2/29/one-punch-man-season-3-anime-jc-staff-return

Monk Joins DNF DUEL Fighter’s DLC Lineup on March 14

Following last month’s teaser, the launch date for the Monk character in DNF Duel has been confirmed to be March 14, 2024. The Holy Fist techniques will be added to the game as part of the DLC release. A new trailer has been released showing more footage of the Monk in action. The Monk is the fourth of five planned DLC characters being released as part of the Season Pass, following Spectre, Brawler, and Battle Mage. DNF Duel is currently available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/2/monk-dnf-duel-dlc-march-14

Kumarba Children’s TV Anime Premieres in Japan on April 6

Kumarba, an upcoming children’s TV anime based on the popular mascot character from the educational YouTube channel, has announced new broadcast details. The series will premiere in Japan on TV Tokyo and other stations on Saturdays at 7:00am JST starting April 6, 2024. The main cast from the Kumarba Channel videos will reprise their roles for the TV anime, including Fairouz Ai as Kumarba, Mai Sato as Taburizu, Honoka Inoue as Nekolun, and Picchorina as Bagrin. Additionally, Yua Nagae, Yohei Matsuoka, and Takehiro Hasu will join the voice cast as guest characters whose names have not been revealed yet. The series is produced and directed by Syouichirou Hiwatashi at animation studio CREATIVE HOUSE POCKET, with a story that follows Kumarba and his friends as they venture into the Internet World to save it from the evil Bagrin and his virus minions.

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/2/kumarba-children-s-tv-anime-premieres-in-japan-on-april-6

Kaiju No. 8 Anime Introduces Protagonist Kafka Hibino in New Character Video

Kaiju No. 8, an upcoming TV anime based on the popular manga series, has released a new character visual and trailer for the protagonist, Kafka Hibino. The anime is set to premiere in Japan on April 13, 2024, and will also be available to stream on Crunchyroll as part of their spring 2024 anime lineup.

The series is directed by Shigeyuki Miya at Production I.G., with series composition and scripts by Ichiro Okouchi, character designs and chief animation direction by Tetsuya Nishio, kaiju design by Mahiro Maeda, art direction by Shinji Kimura, and music by Yuta Bandoh.

Kafka Hibino is a 17-year-old boy who dreams of becoming a hero, but he’s not exactly the most qualified candidate. He’s clumsy, lazy, and often gets into trouble due to his carelessness. However, when he discovers that he has the ability to control kaiju, things take a dramatic turn.

The anime also features YUNGBLUD and OneRepublic as opening and ending themes, respectively. Crunchyroll describes Kaiju No. 8 as follows:

In a world where kaiju (monstrous beings) have become a part of everyday life, humanity has adapted to living alongside these creatures. However, there are those who seek to exploit the kaiju for their own gain, and Kafka Hibino is caught in the middle of it all. As he discovers his own powers and the true nature of the kaiju, Kafka must navigate a dangerous world filled with mystery and wonder. Will he be able to protect the people he cares about, or will he become just another pawn in the game of power and greed?

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/2/kaiju-no-8-anime-introduces-protagonist-kafka-hibino-in-new-character-video

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth Series Hits Nintendo Switch Digitally This Year

Idea Factory International has announced plans to release the Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth series on Nintendo Switch in North America and Europe digitally this year. The series includes three games: Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2 Sisters Generation, and Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth3 V Generation.

The first game in the series, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth, was originally released on PS Vita in Japan in October 2013 and in the west in August 2014. The game follows the story of Neptune, a CPU who was defeated by the other gods in the War of the Guardians and banished from the heavens. With the help of her friends Compa, IF, and a sentient book called Histoire, Neptune sets out on a journey to save the world from destruction.

The release date for the Switch versions of the games has not been announced yet.

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/1/hyperdimension-neptunia-re-birth-series-hits-nintendo-switch-digitally-this-year

Anisong Singer Machico to Release 10th Single “Growing Up” in April

Machico, the talented anisong singer, has announced the upcoming release of her 10th CD single “Growing Up” on April 10, 2024 in Japan. This will mark one year since the release of her previous single “STAY FREE” in April 2023.

Excitingly, Machico has revealed that the title tune of “Growing Up” will serve as the opening theme for the third season of the popular TV anime series KONOSUBA – God’s blessing on this wonderful world! Machico has had the privilege of performing all the theme songs for the KONOSUBA franchise since its first TV anime in 2016. Her most recent song, “STAY FREE,” was used as the opening theme for the spin-off series featuring Megumin in 2023, KONOSUBA: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!

Machico is thrilled to continue her collaboration with the KONOSUBA team and expressed her excitement in singing for the third season. She shared that the theme of “Growing Up” is all about revisiting the roots and that the song will be filled with elements from the previous KONOSUBA songs. Machico encouraged fans to embark on an adventure while listening to the song, promising a lively journey!

To get you excited for the release, you can listen to the title track in the latest trailer below. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to pre-order your copy of “Growing Up” from the regular or limited edition options available. Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the upcoming adventure with Machico and the KONOSUBA crew!

Sources:
Machico official website
Nippon Columbia press release

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/2/anisong-singer-machico-to-release-10th-single-growing-up-in-april

Barefoot Gen Manga Author Keiji Nakazawa Inducted into Eisner Hall of Fame

Title: Keiji Nakazawa and 18 Other Legendary Creators Inducted into Eisner Hall of Fame

Introduction:
The Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Hall of Fame has just announced its latest batch of inductees, including the late Keiji Nakazawa, creator of the acclaimed manga series “Barefoot Gen.” Nakazawa is joined by 17 other legendary creators who have made significant contributions to the comics industry.

Automatic Inductees:
The 19 automatic inductees for the 2024 Eisner Awards Hall of Fame are:

1. Kim Deitch
2. Creig Flessel
3. A.B. Frost
4. Billy Graham
5. Gary Groth
6. Albert Kanter
7. Warren Kremer
8. Oskar Lebeck
9. Frans Masereel
10. Don McGregor
11. Noel Sickles
12. Cliff Sterrett
13. Elmer C. Stoner
14. Bryan Talbot
15. Ron Turner
16. George Tuska
17. Lynn Varley
18. James Warren

Keiji Nakazawa’s Induction:
Keiji Nakazawa, the creator of “Barefoot Gen,” was nominated for the Eisner Hall of Fame in 2020 and officially inducted into the hall this year as part of a group of 19 automatic inductees. Nakazawa passed away in 2012, but his work continues to be recognized and celebrated for its powerful depiction of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima from a first-hand perspective.

“Barefoot Gen” Background:
“Barefoot Gen” is one of Nakazawa’s manga series that tells the story of a six-year-old boy who survives the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The series ran for 10 volumes from 1973 to 1987 and was published in English by Last Gasp. The series is known for its intense and personal account of the tragedy, which remains relevant today as a reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear war.

Conclusion:
The Eisner Hall of Fame has honored 19 legendary creators this year, including the late Keiji Nakazawa, for their significant contributions to the comics industry. Their work will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/3/1/barefoot-gen-manga-keiji-nakazawa-eisner-hall-of-fame