A new year, a brand new Anime Los Angeles! Held for the third time at the Long Beach Convention Center, Anime Los Angeles made a triumphant return, featuring special guests Mark Allen, Jr., Edward Bosco, Lizzie Freeman, and Caitlin Glass to name a few. The event also showcased Japan based illustrator and designer, Hidetaka Tenjin and Japanese musical talent, Broken by the Scream and Sana Takizawa.
Friday’s concert featured Sana Takizawaas the opening act in his 7th American performance!
Japan-based musician SANA gained international recognition with his solo guitar performances accompanied by backing tracks, creating an unforgettable atmosphere at his shows around Europe. Formerly a member of the Japanese rock band MASK, SANA embarked on a solo career after leaving the band in 2006. He has successfully reached a global audience, including in Ukraine. During his solo European tour “SUNESTETHIA EU TOUR” in 2014, SANA visited several Ukrainian cities such as Donetsk, Odesa, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Dnipro, and Kyiv. More recently, SANA returned to Ukraine with his new tour, “Wish upon a Star hope future tour,” as part of a summer festival, where a portion of the proceeds were donated to charity.
The concert night ended with girl a powered performance by, BROKEN BY THE SCREAM!
BROKEN BY THE SCREAM is a metal idol group hailing from Japan. The band was established in October 2016 and made their debut in January 2017. They are known for their unique blend of low growls, high screams, and clean vocals, which are combined with cute idol elements. This distinctive fusion sets them apart in both the idol and metal scenes. Drawing inspiration from Metalcore and Djent, the group’s sound has continuously evolved, carving out a distinctive musical niche in the realm of Kawaii Metal.
Recently, the band released their newest mini album, Whitewater Park and are getting ready for their upcoming American tour in April 2024.
INTERVIEWS
Revisiting The Hazbin Hotel – Edward Bosco
Five years have passed since the original release of The Hazbin Hotel pilot episode. The highly anticipated series will debut on Prime Video on January 19th with an entirely different cast. Vivienne Medrano, also known as vivziepop, has built a dedicated following over the past five years due to her captivating character designs on each project. One of the most beloved characters is The Radio Demon, Alastor, voiced by Edward Bosco. Join us as we catch up with Edward Bosco and revisit his time voicing Alastor in The Hazbin Hotel pilot episode. Discover what has happened since then, why he is not returning, and more in our exclusive audio interview below!
KAHO SHIBUYA Talks “The Japanese P*rn Industry Unmasked: An Insider’s Guide”
Born on June 25, 1991, in Tokyo, Japan, Kaho Shibuya is a Japanese actress, cosplayer, and former adult film star. Since 2021, she has transitioned into mainstream media, appearing in television programs, magazines, and events. Shibuya is known for her unique appearance, cosplays, and large fan base. She collaborates with companies like Gamer Supps and Twitch, and often participates as a special guest in community productions. She has been open about her experiences in the adult industry and addresses topics related to sexuality and adult entertainment. In 2020, she published “Everything girls need to know about AV” in Japan, and its English version, “The Japanese Porn Industry Unmasked: An Insider’s Guide,” in March 2023.
Listen to our exclusive interview as we catch up with Kaho Shibuya at Anime Los Angeles 2024. What challenges did Kaho encounter when releasing her book? How do the Japanese and English versions differ? What’s next for her? Find out below!
Although it was challenging to cover the convention alone, I was determined to highlight the following cosplays I encountered during my experience at this year’s Anime Los Angeles!
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Okamoto Kitchen is excited to share that they will be releasing the Okamoto Kitchen original video animation (OVA) on Thanksgiving 2023 (November 23, 2023). To mark this special occasion, they have released a new trailer that introduces the English voice cast: Haru Umesaki, voiced by Cristina Vee, Chef Chizuru, voiced by Allegra Clark, Mickey, voiced by Patrick Seymour, Ling, voiced by Faye Mata, and Honey, voiced by Kimlinh Tran. Get ready to enjoy this exciting new OVA based on the real life food truck business of the same name.
The anime project was brought to life thanks to the support of 625 fans who backed the project on Kickstarter in 2019 with a total of $65,614 funds raised of its initial US$48,000. Japanese animation studio Magic Bus is responsible for the OVA’s layout and keyframes, while Studio Nine Lives handled the Paint & IB, and Industry Visual Effects took charge of Previz, CGI, and compositing with music by Layla Lane (Hidehito Ikumo & Valerie Stern).
What is Okamoto Kitchen?
Okamoto Kitchen At Anime Los Angeles 2019.
Okamoto Kitchen is a food truck business which was established by Chizuru and Gerald Abraham with the intention of introducing individuals with lesser-known, genuine Japanese delicacies such as Chicken Nanban, Cheese Mochi, and Classic Style Japanese Curry. The eatery’s lively Akiba-style atmosphere and outstanding customer service combine to create a memorable experience that you’ll be eager to share with your friends.
Hungry con-goers ordering at Anime Expo 2018
You can find Okamoto Kitchen, and their wonderful staff, catering to cosplayers and con attendees at various California conventions and local cities! To get detailed information about their schedule and appearances, please visit their website at https://okamotokitchen.com/#.
The food truck industry is a brutal world! Savage races for parking spots, epic shonen food battles, and lots and lots of VIDEO GAMES! The naive Okamoto Kitchen food truck team of Haru, Chizuru, Mickey and Honey try their best to navigate their way around the unforgiving landscape of the Los Angeles food truck scene. Our heroes will have to push through the growing pains not only to figure out how to thrive in the food truck business, but to also discover who really has their best interests at heart. The culinary arts can sometimes be hard to digest.
The anime stars Cristina Vee as Haru Umesaki, Allegra Clark as Chef Chizuru, Patrick Seymour as Mickey, Faye Mata as Ling, and Kimlinh Tran as Honey
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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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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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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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.
Throughout its history, the beloved Pokemon media franchise has been involved in numerous collaborations, spanning an array of industries and captivating fans across the globe. From vibrant Pokemon-themed cafes and exclusive high-end apparel collections to food collaborations, the reach of Pokemon knows no bounds. Beyond merchandise, the franchise has even ventured into the realm of video game consoles, creating special edition Pokemon-themed devices that truly immerse fans in the world they love.
With each new collaboration, the Pokemon franchise continues to amaze and inspire, inviting fans of all ages to dive deeper into its rich lore and captivating new Pokemon. Continuing to expand their artistic horizons, The Pokemon Company has joined forces with renowned artists from Japan with diverse backgrounds in the art of Kogei (Crafts), to answer the following question, ‘‘What would happen when Pokémon meets kogei (Japanese craft)?’
Work by artist KASUMI UEBA | Pottery, Hand Building overgalse enamels
Kogei, pronounced as ko-gay, is a term used in Japan to refer to the exquisite art of artisan crafts, it represents the dedication and mastery of traditional craft traditions in specific regions. Over the course of many centuries, Kogei has played a crucial role in enhancing japan’s daily lives, combining both utilitarian and aesthetic values. As time has passed, Kogei has, like Pokemon, evolved into a distinct art form using traditional methods, showcasing Japan’s exceptional diversity and artistic prowess. The profound reverence for materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication are evident in numerous creations.
Under the careful curation of the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, and with full support of The Pokémon Company, artists crafted 70 artwork pieces using an array of materials and age-old techniques by twenty of Japan’s most skilled artisans.
Art by TAIICHIRO YOSHIDA | Metal Work
POKEMON X Kogei debuted at National Crafts Museum earlier this year, and now its available in Los Angeles for all to see! The exhibition combines the elemental relationship between Pokemon and the materials used in Kogei. Similar to the various types of Pokémon such as Grass, Fire, Water, Ground (Earth), Steel (or Metal), and Electric, Koegi also incorporates these same elements with electricity added as craft has evolved in the modern times.
Art by TERUMASA IKEDA
In homage to the mechanics of Pokemon, the exhibition is also divided into three sections; Appearance, Life and Stories, that showcase the artists’ “battle” between their craft and the Pokemon.
In the Appearance category, the artists took on the captivating task of portraying the various forms intricate details of skin or fur, lively gestures, and vivid expressions of the Pokémon.
Art by TAIICHIRO YOSHIDA
In the Lifecategory, artists use Pokémon into crafts used in contemporary life. These pieces often have a type of use in life.
Art by TAKURO KUWATA
Lastly, the Storiescategory, artists are tasked with weaving imaginative tales that delve into the wondrous world of Pokémon, venturing into their awe-inspiring journeys, vibrant lives, mesmerizing evolutions, and unique inherent qualities of the Pokemon games themselves.
Art by REIKO SUDOArt by REIKO SUDO
We have hand-picked a few pieces from the exhibit’s opening night to share with you. Take a look at the photo gallery below and get a glimpse for what’s in store for you at Pokemon X Kogei exhibit. Click on the arrows to browse through the images.
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The Pokemon Company CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara and National Crafts Museum director, Masahiro Karasawa were in attendance during the exhibition’s opening night. During a panel, those who attended, received insight knowledge on the production behind the exhibit and insight the some of the art pieces and what they represented. Towards the end of the panel, I had one lingering question, “After the art tour is over, what will happen to the wonderful art pieces?” this was their response. (Please note, Audio has some echo)
Don’t miss this exciting, once in a life-time, exhibit and experience Pokemon like never before and best of all, its FREE! That’s right, make your reservations now HERE. After the exhibit, we highly recommend you purchase the Pokemon X Kogei guide book that gives readers an in-depth insight on the development of the exhibition and insight on each and every Kogei art piece. The book is in both English and Japanese and ONLY available in Japan but exclusively available for purchase at Japan House Los Angeles for this special exhibit! The exhibit is available now til January 7th, 2024 only at JAPAN HOUSE Gallery and is located at Level 2 of the Ovation Hollywood.
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When “Miraculous Ladybug” first debuted in 2015, it instantly captured the attention of anime enthusiasts and garnered a significant cult following. This captivating animated series was brought to life through the collaboration of ZAGtoon and Method Animation, with the renowned Japanese animation company, Toei Animation, serving as a co-producer. Thomas Astruc, a talented cartoonist, developed the character of Ladybug and played an integral role in shaping the TV series alongside Jeremy Zag, the CEO, director, and producer of ZAGtoon.
“Miraculous Ladybug” revolves around the lives of two teenagers, Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste. When duty calls, they transform into the fearless superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir. Together, they valiantly protect the city from the clutches of supervillains. While the series was initially intended to be in a 2D anime style, it ultimately evolved into a CGI production, a decision made by the French producers. However, fans can still find the original anime-style promotional OVA video on YouTube, animated by Toei Animation.Over time, “Miraculous Ladybug” has cultivated a devoted fandom, including passionate cosplayers and artists who proudly call themselves “Miraculers.” The series has expanded into a successful media franchise, encompassing comics, a web series, novels, video games, a manga series, and most recently, the highly anticipated motion picture, “Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie“. With its growing popularity and array of merchandise, “Miraculous Ladybug” has firmly established itself as an enchanting world that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
The Highly Anticipated Motion Picture Film
Embark on a captivating cinematic experience as you delve into this highly anticipated animated film of the year! The film follows the thrilling journey of two teenagers, Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste, who must uncover the truth about themselves and harness their extraordinary powers to safeguard the illustrious city of Paris. The film is a heartfelt tribute to the dedicated Miraculous Ladybug fandom while appealing to newcomers.
The film briefly introduces the Miraculous and showcases the various Miraculous, leaving room for potential future film projects. As an origin story, the film explores the beginnings of our main protagonists, Marinette and Adrien, and their journey to becoming superheroes and reveals how they obtained their Miraculous. The film touches on universal teenage themes of courage and selflessness, capturing the challenges of adolescence, such as fitting in and facing one’s fear.
It becomes apparent that the film’s narrative adheres to a relatively straightforward and predictable trajectory, albeit keeping in mind its intended target audience encompassing the younger demographic. However, the animation compensates for its anticipated plot developments. Distinct from its television counterpart, where character portrayal tends to lean towards stylized plasticity, the film’s creative team dedicatedly strived for meticulous detailing and hyper-realistic verisimilitude in rendering both Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste. Their meticulously crafted appearances feature nuanced facial expressions, lustrous hair, and mesmeric eyes. Noteworthy locations such as The Cheng’s boulangerie (French for “bakery”) and Adrien’s mansion beautifully showcase opulent French architectural design and, in certain instances, timeworn interiors, lending an air of “lived-in” authenticity.
In addition, characters’ facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying their emotions and setting the overall mood of the scenes; this is further supported by the production team, animating characters with detailed and realistic skin textures, making them come to life and feel more like lifelike on the screen.
The animators strived for realism, at least more than the TV series. An interesting and subtle highlight is that the animators animated the characters’ hair in various directions, ensuring the hair is not perfectly styled. By adding intersecting strands and different hair directions, the animators created a more natural and authentic look for the characters, once again bringing them to life on the screen.
While there is no official confirmation, avid followers of the series may find several sequences within the film that bear a striking resemblance to scenes from an unaired 2D anime-style ‘OVA Promotional Video’ dating back to 2015. The uncanny similarities between the two raise the possibility that the film’s storyline was initially intended to serve as the introductory episode for the projected 2D anime series. Of course, the speculation surrounding this potential connection is pure conjecture, as the 2D anime iteration never came to fruition, and ZAG has never mentioned the 2D project since.
The Music
One prominent aspect of the film that deserves special mention is its captivating musical score. It becomes evident from the very beginning that the melodic voices of the main characters differ from their spoken voices, adding an intriguing layer to the overall experience. Marinette is brought to life through the talented voice acting of Cristina Vee, while the prolific Bryce Papenbrook voices the charming Adrien. The singing voice of Marinette is portrayed by the French singer Lou Jean while Drew Ryan Scott performs Adrien’s singing voice with music composed by CEO and film director Jeremy Zag himself with assistance from Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey.
Noam Kaniel, the talented cartoon music composer, was surprisingly not involved in the film’s musical score. Despite his previous success composing the theme song for the TV series, his unique musical style was unfortunately absent from the film’s soundtrack.
The Plot
The film’s storyline might be predictable for more experienced viewers, but it remains highly enjoyable and entertaining. While the film does contain a few gaps in the plot, it serves as a compelling introduction to the TV series. Towards the end, there are some noticeable inconsistencies when compared to the TV show’s plotline. Nevertheless, with a bit of imagination, it gives room for speculation and wonder about what might have occurred after the film’s iconic and intense climax.It is not surprising that there is a romantic element between Ladybug and Cat Noir, although the TV series does not delve deeply into it in the first two seasons. However, the film takes the opportunity to explore their relationship in greater detail. Every emotional response from the characters is given careful attention, ensuring that romantic and conflicting feelings resonate with the audience.
Now on NETFLIX!
The movie premiered in Paris, France, on June 11th of this year with a limited release in theaters worldwide. As reported by the French magazine Paris Match, the film was produced with a budget of €80 million (or about $86 million), making it the second most expensive French film in history, second only to the 2017 movie Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
Need a new phone wallpaper?
If you are captivated by this review, prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Miraculous Ladybug, as both the captivating TV series and thrilling film are now streaming on Netflix! Be ready to join forces with the courageous heroes of Paris as Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste transform into the extraordinary Ladybug and Cat Noir. Together, they stand as beacons of hope, defending the beautiful city Paris from the clutches of menacing supervillains orchestrated by the nefarious Hawk Moth. All this while struggling with their teenage life! Get ready for an exhilarating adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Our History with ZAG Studios and Miraculous Ladybug
I would like to express my gratitude to ZAG Animation and its Glendale-based Studio. Even before the release of season two of the TV series, The Kitsune Network has collaborated with Zag Studios to bring our subscribers and followers exclusive interviews and an insider’s perspective on Miraculous Ladybug since 2015. We began by conducting an interview with Jared Wolfson, formerly the Head of the TV Division at ZAG. This was followed by a delightful interview with voice actress Cristina Vee at ZAG studios! Ever since then, The Kitsune Network has been actively covering various, major, Miraculous Ladybug events. Most recently, we attended the exciting grand opening of the Miraculous Ladybug store in Santa Monica, CA. Congratulations to the entire team over at ZAG Studios for this incredible milestone! Let’s take a look at some of the memorable moments from those interviews and other Miraculous Ladybug coverage articles here.
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MIREI, also known as Touyama Mirei in Japan, is a prominent artist in the Japanese music industry. Since 2014, she has been releasing chart-topping hits under Sony Music label. MIREI’s unique approach to music is characterized by her English-language releases, which offer a fresh and unapologetic perspective on Japan and its people. Having spent time living in New York City, she draws inspiration from both American and Japanese music cultures, resulting in a captivating and distinct artistic vision.
MIREI
MIREI performed at NOVO in LA Live on July 2nd as part of the Anime Expo 2023 Summer Fest. For first time, MIREI’s set consisted of both English and Japanese language songs mixed in. This appearance marked her first performance in the US after COVID, and her second LA appearance since BET Awards in 2014.
MIREI made her English-language debut with the 2020 album “Take Me Away,” which received an overwhelming response from fans and media worldwide, including Teen Vogue. The album include the hit single, Lonely In Tokyo.
Latest Single – LONELY IN TOKYO
“Lonely In Tokyo” is a song that explores the dark side of the Japanese idol industry. It tells a story of loneliness and isolation, resonating with listeners all over the world. MIREI recorded and released the song in English in 2020, and it has gained a strong fanbase. The song reflects on the loneliness felt by many people, especially in the changing world. MIREI hopes that her music can inspire and give courage to those who feel alone.
Fans in Japan can finally rejoice as the much-awaited track, “Lonely In Tokyo,” from her globally acclaimed album, Take Me Away, is now available in Japanese. After a long three-year wait, the EP has been released, featuring a Japanese edition of the song and an exciting Phonk House Remix with BENXNI from STARKIDS, a renowned underground group known for their innovative music.
MIREI AUDIO INTERVIEW
We had the opportunity to catch up with MIREI, a day after her successful performance at The NOVO, and speak on her recent successes and her latest single, “Lonely in Tokyo“, Listen to our interview,
You can listen to “Lonely in Tokyo” and more from MIREI on Spotify and on other platforms here. Learn more about MIREI and her work by visiting her website at https://mireinyc.com/
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BLEACH took over at Matte Black Coffee, an art-inspired cafe located on the famous Sunset strip in Hollywood.
In celebration of the hit anime series BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, Matte Black Coffee and VIZ Media have partnered for the first time to deliver the collaboration of all BLEACH anime fans dreams – everyone’s favorite Soul Reaper, Ichigo, meets a culinary art experience. The lineup includes a custom co-branded menu inspired by BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War as well as limited-edition merchandise.
Now through August 10th, fans can enjoy BLEACH inspired items, which include, “Ichigo’s OJ Espresso”, “Ichigo’s Strawberry Lemonade”, and “TYBW Toast – ABCookies style”
