Author Archives: Krystal Kitsune

About Krystal Kitsune

Content creator, Voice actor in training & entertainment journalist specializing in Anime & Anime adjacent content. Follow me my content here, krystal_kitsune.bio.link

THE BOY AND THE HERON | English Trailer

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GKIDS has released the English dub trailer of Oscar-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s new feature, THE BOY AND THE HERON. The highly anticipated film features an all-star English language dub cast featuring the voices of Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh.

 The new trailer features a first look at the vocal performances of the film’s all-star English language cast. The English language dub was produced in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.

GKIDS will release THE BOY AND THE HERON in theaters nationwide on December 8, 2023, featuring both the original Japanese and English language versions. This highly anticipated film is the latest creation from Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation house from Japan. Prior to its wide release, it will have special preview screenings in New York and Los Angeles starting from November 22.

Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this hand-drawn animated feature marks his return to filmmaking after a decade. The movie tells an original story and is produced by Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and an Academy Award nominee. The musical score is composed by Joe Hisaishi, a long-time collaborator of Miyazaki, and the theme song, titled “Spinning Globe,” is written and performed by the popular J-pop artist Kenshi Yonezu.

THE BOY AND THE HERON had its international debut as the Opening Night Gala at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. The film received tremendous support, with tickets for all five screenings selling out rapidly. Furthermore, it garnered glowing reviews and secured a spot in the top three for the TIFF People’s Choice Awards. After its successful premiere, the film went on to have its U.S. premiere at the prestigious New York Film Festival, its European premiere as the Opening Night film at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, its UK premiere at the highly regarded BFI London Film Festival, and its Los Angeles IMAX premiere as the Opening Night film at the Animation is Film Festival.

Remember to catch the world-wide release of THE BOY AND THE HERON on December 8th.

For more information on the film visit, TheBoyAndTheHeron.com

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Masaaki Ninomiya’s Horror Masterpiece GANNIBAL Manga Series Now Available on Kickstarter | ABLAZE!

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Kodansha Launches New Series ‘KATANA Beast’ Simultaneously in Japan & U.S.

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New series KATANA Beast by Akimine Kamijyo, known for creating “Samurai Deeper Kyo” and “Code: Breaker”, is scheduled to be launched concurrently in Japan and the United States. The English version of KATANA Beast is now accessible on the K MANGA service as a simulpub title. You read the newest addition to the K MANGA service here.

(C) 2023 KODANSHA LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

KATANA Beats Synposis

The Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig. These twelve tribes, each boasting their own special powers, battled for hegemony over the nation until the Emperor, tired of these endless wars, instead proposed a “festival”—5v5 proxy battles for which each tribe must send a “beast blade” to fight on their behalf. Princess Ibusuki of the Rabbit tribe, the weakest clan of all, was searching for her own champion to whom she could entrust the fate of her people when she came upon Hijimaru of the legendary Lion tribe. Little did she know that this encounter would mark the beginning of something far greater! Welcome to the fantastical tale of the zodiac struggle!

What is K MANGA?

K MANGA is a digital, manga distributing platform created by KODANSHA. The company distributes simulpub titles in English with notable ones including A Sign of Affection, DEAD ROCK, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Clayman Revenge, Tune In to the Midnight Heart, and Chihiro-kun Only Has Eyes for Me. Before the end of 2023, K MANGA will have added over 100 additional titles to its service since its launch in May. K MANGA plans to continually add even more titles to its service for readers to enjoy.

To learn more about K MANGA and how to use it, please visit their official at https://kmanga.kodansha.com/ or download their app. iOS | Android

Screenshot of K MANGA’s homepage. (C) 2023 KODANSHA LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Akimine Kamijyo

Akimine Kamijyo is known for her work creating the manga series “Samurai Deeper Kyo” and “Code: Breaker,” both of which have been published in North America. “Samurai Deeper Kyo” was adapted into an anime in 2002, while “Code: Breaker” received an anime adaptation in 2012.

In a message to K MANGA readers, Kamijyo said,

“Inspired by the twelve zodiac signs which have been passed down since ancient times in Japan, this is a story about the main character, Hijimaru, and the twelve tribes. The ‘Festival’ where the beasts will fight each other with their lives by the blade is about to begin! I hope everyone in America enjoys it at the same time as Japan! Thank you!”

– Akimine Kamijyo via press release

Read KATANA Beats on K MANGA, now available!

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Masaaki Ninomiya’s Horror Masterpiece GANNIBAL Manga Series Now Available on Kickstarter | ABLAZE!

Blue Eye Samurai Premieres at AIFF 2023 | NETFLIX

Interview With WolfO’Donnell |Voice Actor Jay Ward

GKIDS Reveals THE BOY AND THE HERON English Cast

Masaaki Ninomiya’s Horror Masterpiece GANNIBAL Manga Series Now Available on Kickstarter | ABLAZE!

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The Highly Anticipated English Language Debut of the International Bestselling Series That Inspired The Popular Disney+/Hulu Live Action Heads to Kickstarter Just in Time for Halloween.

Comics and graphic novels publisher ABLAZE, is launching a Kickstarter campaign for the highly anticipated English debut of GANNIBAL, a modern-day horror manga by Masaaki Ninomiya.

This bestselling 13-volume series, originally published in Japan by Nihon Bungeisha, has gained immense popularity worldwide, with translations in several countries including, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Brazil, Korea, and Thailand. Now, English-speaking audiences can look forward to its release through a limited edition hardcover version available on Kickstarter. Show your support for the project by visiting the Kickstarter page.

GANNIBAL, is a thrilling suspense manga series, has been adapted into a live-action TV show directed by Shinzo Katayama, known for the J-horror film “Missing.” The series is currently streaming on Disney+/Hulu and features an ensemble cast including Yuya Yagira, Sho Kasamatsu, and Riho Yoshioka.

ABLAZE describes the story,

The story centers around Daigo Agawa, a law enforcement officer who is stationed in the secluded mountain village of Kuge. Initially greeted with warmth by the villagers, Daigo embarks on a journey to unravel the village’s eerie enigma after the discovery of an elderly woman’s lifeless body. Gradually, suspicions arise within Daigo, hinting at the villagers’ possible implication in the sinister practice of cannibalism.

Rich Young, co-founder of ABLAZE said of the manga series,

GANNIBAL is a powerful and truly scary story, [. . .] Horror manga is renowned for its deeply affecting stories and GANNIBAL will definitely stay with readers long after the first reading.”

 Rich Young, co-founder of ABLAZE Via Press Release

Masaaki Ninomiya is a renowned manga artist from Tokyo, Japan. Despite his relatively short career, he has garnered critical acclaim that has propelled him to achieve global recognition. Ninomiya has received an honorable mention at the 68th Chiba Tetsuya Award for his outstanding work “Revoltech Taniguchi.” Additionally, he was awarded the Second Grand Prize in THE GATE contest for his remarkable comic, “Domestic Bliss.” In 2016, Ninomiya published his first serialized manga story titled “Chousou no Babel,” and the serialization of his manga “Gannibal” began three years later in 2018. To date the Gannibal collections have sold more than 3 million copies in Japan. Gannibal will be his English language debut.
FOLLOW ON TWITTER / X: https://twitter.com/enewtivojjrjqpo

ABLAZE provided us with a four page preview:

Masaaki Ninomiya will be receiving royalties from the reward tiers for this campaign. Your support of this campaign will benefit him directly. For more information on the Kickstarter project, please visit the official Kickstarter page.

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Blue Eye Samurai Premieres at AIFF 2023 | NETFLIX

Interview With WolfO’Donnell |Voice Actor Jay Ward

GKIDS Reveals THE BOY AND THE HERON English Cast

Isaki Uta’s Highly Anticipated Doujinshi Collection | Exclusive Interview

Blue Eye Samurai Premieres at AIFF 2023 | NETFLIX

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Blue Eye Samurai, created by Micheal Green & Amber Nozumi, is a captivating story set in Edo-period Japan. The series revolves around Mizu, a skilled swordmaster of mixed race, as she navigates a life shrouded in disguise and driven by the pursuit of revenge. Voiced by Maya Erskine, Mizu’s character combines determination, grace, and a deep understanding of the art of the sword. As the plot unfolds, viewers are transported to a world filled with animated intrigue, complex relationships, and epic battles. Blue Eye Samurai offers a unique blend of historical fiction, action, and personal growth, making it a thrilling and immersive watch.

Micheal Green, known for his exceptional storytelling, has previously worked on acclaimed projects such as Logan, Blade Runner 2049, Murder on the Orient Express, and, most recently, A Haunting in Venice. With his unique ability to craft compelling narratives, Green, along with Nozumi, brings their expertise to Blue Eye Samurai, creating a world that will captivate viewers.

Photo Credit, John Salangsang for AIF

Jane Wu, the visionary director behind the series, is renowned for her work as a storyboard artist. Her impressive portfolio includes notable projects such as Mulan (2020), Star Trek Beyond (2016), and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). In addition, Wu has also contributed her talents to beloved animated series such as The Men In Black, Jackie Chan Adventures, and Godzilla. With Blue Eye Samurai, Wu marks her return to animation, allowing her to showcase her exceptional skills and breathe life into this thrilling series. Together, this series is set to transport audiences to a world of adventure, mystery, intrigue, and a bloody good time.

Photo Credit, John Salangsang for AIF

The first episode of the series premiered at this year’s Animation Is Film Festival at the TLC Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Despite the grandeur of the red carpet, the absence of acting talent served as a constant reminder of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. However, the series director, Jane Wu, and the series creators, Michael Green and Amber Nozmi, were present at the event. Their presence signified their commitment to the project, even amid industry challenges.

In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of a new wave of iconic adult animation that ventures beyond the confines of the typical comedy genre. These adult animated series delve into dramatic stories and explore complex themes. While there have been many notable examples from the East, such as Satoshi Ton’s groundbreaking 1997 film Perfect Blue, let’s focus on Western adult animation.

When we think of adult animation in the Western context, the first shows that come to mind are often comedies such as Family Guy or even irreverent black comedies like Sausage Party. However, there is a growing movement within the industry to redefine and push the boundaries of what we understand as “Western adult animation”.

Enter Blue Eye Samurai, a captivating series that aims to challenge the conventions of adult animation in the West. Both the series director and creators are dedicated to redefining the genre, striving to provide a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience. By combining elements of action, drama, and nuanced storytelling, Blue Eye Samurai offers a fresh perspective on the potential of adult animation.

As adult animation continues to evolve, it is exciting to witness the birth of groundbreaking shows like Blue Eye Samurai, which challenge the traditional boundaries of the genre and push the art form to new heights. If you enjoy films such as Kill Bill and episodic storytelling such as Arcane, you’ll love Blue Eye Samurai!

Don’t miss our exclusive interview with director Jane Wu and series creators Michael Green & Amber Noizumi, discussing their work on Blue Eye Samurai. Join us on the red carpet as director Jane Wu shares her insights into the series, followed by creators Michael Green & Amber Noizumi revealing the inspiration behind BLUE EYE SAMURAI.

Add BLUE EYE SAMURAI to your queue & remember to watch on November 3rd!

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Interview With WolfO’Donnell |Voice Actor Jay Ward

GKIDS Reveals THE BOY AND THE HERON English Cast

Isaki Uta’s Highly Anticipated Doujinshi Collection | Exclusive Interview

SONIC SYMPHONY Arrives in Los Angeles! | Sonic Mania

Interview With WolfO’Donnell |Voice Actor Jay Ward

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When I conducted and released TKN’s very frist Star Fox interview, I never imagine I would receive such a positive reception from the Star Fox community. We interviewed two Fox McClouds (Mike West & Jim Walker), Slippy Toad (Lyssa Browne), & both Krystal Fox (Estelle Ellis and Aelisia Gildewell).

Three years after our interview with Fox McCloud (Mike West), I present our exclusive interview with voice actor, Jay Ward the iconic voice of Wolf O’Donnell.

Join Jay and I in this exclusive audio interview, as we speak about Jay’s career & his journey voicing the smooth and bold wolf villain in the Star Fox series!

Listen to the very end to learn how you can enter to win an autographed print signed by Wolf himself!

Actual prize.

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GKIDS Reveals THE BOY AND THE HERON English Cast

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GKIDS, the producer and distributor of award-winning animated films from across the globe, has revealed the voice cast for acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece, “THE BOY AND THE HERON.”

The English dubbed version of this film will feature an impressive lineup of talented actors, including Christian Bale (known for his roles in “Ford v Ferrari” and “The Pale Blue Eye”), Dave Bautista (recognizable from “Dune” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Gemma Chan (famous for her performances in “Eternals” and “Crazy Rich Asians”), Willem Dafoe (seen in “At Eternity’s Gate” and “The Florida Project”), Karen Fukuhara (known for her work in “The Boys” and “Suicide Squad”), Mark Hamill (renowned for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker and his voice work), Robert Pattinson (upcoming star of “The Batman” and “Tenet”), and Florence Pugh (notable for her roles in “Black Widow” and “Little Women”).

Additionally, Luca Padovan joins the cast as the character Mahito Maki, while Mamoudou Athie, Tony Revolori, and Dan Stevens lend their voices to the Parakeets in the film.

GKIDS handled casting and produced the English version in close consultation with Studio Ghibli, to produce the English version, collaborating with ADR director Michael Sinterniklaas at NYAV Post and English script adapter Stephanie Sheh. The English dubbed version adheres to the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement, ensuring quality and authenticity.

GKIDS is set to release THE BOY AND THE HERON in theaters nationwide on December 8, 2023. This eagerly awaited animated film from Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio, will be available in both the original Japanese version and an English-language version.

Photo by Nicolas Guérin

The movie is an original story written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. This is Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years, with the previous film being The Wind Rises in 2013. Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, will be the producer, while long-time musical collaborator Joe Hisaishi will provide the mesmerizing musical score.

Photo by Kazuhei Kimura

The theme song titled “Spinning Globe” will performed by the internationally acclaimed J-pop sensation, Kenshi Yonezu. This film marks Miyazaki’s highly-anticipated return to feature filmmaking after a 10-year hiatus.

Opening to rave reviews at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, THE BOY AND THE HERON made an impressive international debut. With sold-out screenings and a top three spot in the TIFF People’s Choice Awards, the film captivated audiences. It also received acclaim at the New York Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival.

The film is set to be exclusively in theaters on December 8th. The film will also be presented in IMAX at LA’s Chinese Theater on October 18 as the Opening Night of the Animation is Film Festival, an event we will cover.

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Isaki Uta’s Highly Anticipated Doujinshi Collection | Exclusive Interview

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Isaki Uta is a talented manga artist renowned for their captivating artwork and captivating storytelling. They have gained recognition for their masterpiece, Mine-kun is Asexual, which fans have warmly received worldwide.

Isaki Uta’s stories explore personal identity and the challenges of navigating a society that may not readily accept or even understand those who are “different.” In addition to their commercial manga works, such as Is Love The Solution? published by Kodansha, Uta has also created remarkable doujinshi, including titles like Leaper and Silkscreen. Their unique storytelling style and LGBTQ+-focused narratives have made them a beloved figure in the manga community.

Irodori Comics has recently announced the launch of the Kickstarter campaign for “Isaki Uta: The Lost & Found Collection” showcasing the remarkable works of Isaki Uta. Published in the United States by Kodansha, Isaki Uta’s stories delve into individuals’ complex journeys and personal struggles as they explore and embrace their gender and sexual identities.

This collection allows a broader audience to appreciate the artistic brilliance and emotional depth of Isaki Uta’s writing and art.

The Kickstarter launch page for “Isaki Uta: The Lost & Found Collection” is now available. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into four of Isaki Uta’s most acclaimed stories by visiting the official Kickstarter page. Story synopsis are as follows,

Mine-kun is Asexual

(Preview below)

In “Mine-kun is Asexual,” Mine doesn’t like sexual intimacy in a relationship. He can kiss a girl, but it’s not something he wants to do if he can help it. But Murai loves him so much that she’s willing to overlook the fact that she can’t hold his hand; that she can’t cuddle up next to him when they watch movies together; that she can’t fall in love with him the way that she hopes to be loved in return. In the eyes of those around them, is this even a relationship that’s meant to last, or is it a train wreck just waiting to happen?

Leaper

Leapers—individuals who were born on February 29th that age at a rate four times slower than that of a normal person and can live for over 300 years. Mio Aono is one of these leapers and like many, experiences all the emotions that come with living beyond the normal, mortal lifespan. This story won an honorable mention in the Monthly Afternoon Magazine Manga Competition and jumpstarted Isaki Uta’s career! Originally published in 2008, this landmark work has been updated and re-released as a doujinshi and localized in English for fans to enjoy.

Mermaid in the Bottle

Takeru has always felt like another cog in the wheel of corporate society, but things take a strange turn when he and his sister discover a mermaid inside a cosmetic lotion bottle. Memories of childhood; a brother and sister separated in the aftermath of a failed marriage; corporate money disappearing off the ledgers… Mermaid in the Bottle is Isaki Uta’s tour-de-force first foray into self-publishing and features a unique story looking into the bitter-sweet relationship of a brother and sister with a shared, troubled past.

Silkscreen

A girl falls in love and devotes herself to them, but they don’t conform to her expectations, perhaps because she looks at them through a blurry curtain. Silkscreen touches on a bittersweet romance between a lesbian and a genderqueer individual, who later comes out as a trans man. Those familiar with Isaki Uta’s previous works like Mermaid In The Bottle, Leaper and Mine-kun is Asexual, will know that the author has a unique style of storytelling that leaves a lot to the reader’s interpretation. Silkscreen is a bittersweet story that briefly explores the concepts of identity, rejection, and acceptance.

Isaki Uta’s works are gems in the world of Japanese LGBTQ+ comics,[. . .] The relationships between characters aren’t cookie cutter and show the rawness and intensity of discovering one’s sexuality and gender identity. It makes queer individuals like myself feel seen and that these kinds of stories are worth telling.” 

– ITSUKI, Irodori Comics Translator via Press Release

Isaki Uta added,

“I put my heart and soul into drawing these stories, so I hope you enjoy them!”

Isaki Uta via Press Release

TO GO NEXT PAGE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ISAKI UTA

SONIC SYMPHONY Arrives in Los Angeles! | Sonic Mania

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The highly anticipated Sonic Symphony World tour finally arrives in Los Angeles.

Sonic The Hedgehog fans had its first taste of the Sonic Symphony in 2021 during the COVID as SEGA and Soundtrec produced, Sonic 30th Anniversary: Sonic Symphony. Due to the circumstances, the special anniversary concert was only streamed online.

Now, Sonic Symphony is back and bigger than ever! The tour begun earlier this month in London, UK and has now arrived in Los Angeles, California. Sonic Symphony band members include, Shota Nakama (Guitarist/Producer), Jose Delgado (Conductor), Kevin Zakresky (Conductor), Dave Vives (Vocalist), Louis A. Ochoa (Bassist), Derek Dupuis (Keyboardist), & Blaize Collard (Drummer). New guests have been recently announced, all whom will be joining the Los Angeles performances.

These special guests include Kellin Quinn (Sleeping with Sirens), Johnny Gioeli (Crush 40, Hardline, & Axel Rudi Pell ), Tomoya Ohtani & Jun Senoue (Crush 40) all will make appearances at the Los Angeles performances this Saturday. According to the Sonic Symphony X account, Johnny Gioeli will also make an appearance at Boston show on October 21st.

TOP; Jun Senoue & Johnny Gioeli | BOTTOM; Tomoya Ohtani & Kellin Quinn

Get hyped with an exclusive interview with Sonic Symphony producer and guitarist, SHOTA NAKAMA. Join me and Nakama as we speak about his career and what fans can expect from Sonic Symphony! Please note this interview was done before the first Sonic Symphony performance on 9/16/23, thus some information may not be up to date.

Are you going? If so, see you there! Both Los Angeles performances are SOLD OUT when publishing this article; however, for more information on the tour, showtimes, and ticket information, visit, https://www.sonicsymphonytour.com.

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Pokemon x Tom Wood | Pikachu Charms

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A special collaboration between the Norwegian jewellery brand Tom Wood and Pokémon, launching on the 28th of September 2023

Tom Wood, a renowned jewellery brand, has collaborated with the entertainment franchise Pokémon to introduce an exquisite collection of jewellery, showcasing the iconic character Pikachu.

The special Pokémon Collection will include three Pikachu charms in different expressions – Shy, Happy, and Hello – that can be cherished by Trainers at any time and all the time.

According to Tom Wood, the Pikachu charms are a custom casted piece emphasizing the intricate details that goes into jewelry making of this scale. Made with gold plated recycled 925 sterling silver in a polished finish, plated with recycled 18K gold and handset with white zirconia stones on outer jump ring.

Charm attached to a Tom Wood Lou Bracelet Gold (Sold separately)

“The process of connecting Pokémon and Tom Wood has been both exciting and rewarding, which is exactly why I took on this project. The end result is a timeless tribute to both brands, merging playfulness with excellent craftsmanship into a miniature object. I hope the Pikachu Happy, Pikachu Hello, and Pikachu Shy will become collector’s items and bring joy and happiness to the owner,”

Mona Jensen, founder of Tom Wood
Mona Jensen, founder of Tom Wood

According to Tom Wood, the jewellery charms are designed to be worn with layering in mind, or as a singular unit, with each piece easily complementing any outfit.

Tom Wood´s focus on responsible production utilising 100 % recycled silver or gold from RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) certified manufacturers securing high standard working conditions.

The collection consists of three charm designs, consisting in total of six different jewellery pieces.

The collection will also include exclusive packaging, made with GRS certified Social Plastic® from Plastic Bank. Plastic Bank builds ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocesses the materials for reintroduction into the global manufacturing supply chain. The complimentary gift box is FSC-certified recycled paper and cardboard.

This special and fancy Pokémon jewellery collection will be available starting tomorrow, 28th of September 2023 online at www.tomwoodproject.com, as well as selected retailers including Dover Street Market London, Storm Copenhagen and KITH.

How much will this set me back?

The full prices for each and every piece are not available until tomorrow, however we can tell you now the MSRP starts at $209 USD. …Gotta buy’em all?

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YOSHIKI — Immortalized In Cement At TCL Chinese Theatre

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Very few can say they had their hand prints cemented on the famous TCL Chinese Theatre floor. From the early silent film star Norma Talmadge, added in 1927 to the most recent ceremonies of director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau. Now, international musician superstar YOSHIKI has been forever Immortalized at TCL Chinese Theatre, becoming the first Japanese person to do so.

Yoshiki gives a speech during the handprint ceremony.

Who is YOSHIKI?

Yoshiki is a pianist and drummer best known for forming the globally famous band X Japan, which he started with the band’s lead vocalist, Toshi in 1982. You do not have to be a fan of X Japan to see the band’s influence on Japan’s rock subculture. X Japan is often credited as the pioneer of the visual kei movement. Visual Kei, often compared to Western glam, is a movement that originated in Japan during the late 1980s, influenced by glam rock and other 1980s rock music styles. Visual Kei can be a style, music genre, or music scene.

X Japan often included a mixture of speed metal and symphonic or ballard elements within their music making them stand out from any other rock band in Japan at the time. In 1989, the band achieved their breakthrough success with their second and major debut album, Blue Blood and as a result, X Japan became an instant hit.

Five studio albums later and over 27 sold-out concerts and 16 sold-out tours, on September 22, 1997, X Japan announced that they would disband.

Yoshiki Goes Solo

As a solo musician, Yoshiki released his first solo album, the classical studio album Eternal Melody, which was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and produced by the Beatles producer George Martin. Around this time, Yoshiki began learning about jazz improvisation and orchestration. In 1994, Yoshiki worked with Queen drummer Roger Taylor on a song he composed, “Foreign Sand,” for which Roger wrote the lyrics; the song was performed at The Great Music Experience in May of that same year.

That same year, Yoshiki also contributed an orchestral arrangement of “Black Diamond” played by the American Symphony Orchestra. The song was featured in KISS’s tribute album “Kiss My Ass“.

In later years, Yoshiki would go on to perform and collaborate on numerous musical projects with artists such as George Martin, Bono, will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, St. Vincent, Stan Lee, Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen, Gene Simmons and KISS, Nicole Scherzinger, and recently Sarah Brightman.

New Band Formations

MIYAVI, Yoshiki & Sugizo at JRock Revolution in 2007 At The Wiltern Theatre

In July 2006, Yoshiki announced the formation of a brand new band, S.K.I.N.S. which would include JRock (Japanese Rock) stars, Yoshiki (drums, piano), Gackt (vocals, piano), Sugizo (guitar, violin) & Miyavi (guitar, shamisen). This new band was unique from the start, as it was the first Visual kei band based in the U.S., specifically Los Angeles. Uniquely, S.K.I.N.S has only performed once during their debut performance on June 29, 2007, at the Anime Expo 2007 in Long Beach, California. S.K.I.N.S has since been inactive, and no new announcements have been made.

Yoshiki would later be involved in projects that included composing the 69th Golden Globe Awards theme and composing anime and film soundtracks to Attack on Titan and Saw IV.