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Dante Basco’s From Rufio to Zuko

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You may recognize him as Zuko from the hit animated series Avatar The Last Air Bender or maybe even recognize him from Steven Spielberg’s Hook featuring the late, Robbin Williams.

Dante Basco is an actor, voice actor, poet and now an author, releasing his first book, From Rufio to Zuko, a journey into Basco’s personal acting career from an American-Filipino perspective living in the small, industrial town of Pittsburg, California. The book not only covers his career but also, some of his poetry skills as well.

During a book tour event at Barnes and Nobel at The Grove, Basco spoke about his experience being part of the Avatar cast,

“When I originally auditioned for Zuko, I asked them, ‘is this like Danny Zuko or something?‘ I have no clue where the name [Zuko] comes from. The funny thing about Avatar is, [. . .] I go there [Nickelodeon Studios] they give you this script that’s like an anime inspired, epic tail of like martial arts, four-elements — and you’re like, ‘this ain’t Nickelodeon‘, you’re like reading the script and you’re like, ‘is this some Disney XD movie, what is this?’

He goes on,

[. . .] Who’s is this dude? He has a ponytail, he got a scar on his face, chasing this Avatar dude, always yellin’. The whole first season, he’s like ‘honor, honor, honor‘ I’m like, what am I doing? and then all of a sudden, it changed. When I read the script and find out how he got the scared, it was like ‘Who IS this dude?‘.

Crazy things started happening; I remember we were at Sundance [Film Feastival], and I ran into Jason Issac, who plays Genernal Zhao in the show and the older Malfoy in the Hary Potter movies [Refering to Lucius Malfoy] and he was like “Dante! That cartoon we did, WT-f??” you know? because it started to become this phenomenal thing, a CARTOON we did, you know? And this was before comic cons started popping up.”

Basco also went back in time to relive his experience with Robbin Williams on the set of Hook,

“He was like everyone’s favorite uncle, you know, I have a lot of great memories with Robin. Like poetry actually, the Poetry lounge I always, to me in my heart, I’m always connecting it to Robin Williams. [. . .] I grew up a fan like everyone else, [. . .] When I watch Dead Poet Society it was like; It blew my mind. [. . .] We would be able to sit in the make up room, I’m getting my hair done, he’s getting his hair done and we would talk about poetry because he knew how much I love poetry. He’d tell me about his favorite poets and I’d tell about my favorite poets; He was big supporter of me being a poet.”

Remembering Williams, Basco explains,

“When I got to work with him, He’s great! Like, Everything you think Robin is gonna be, the fastest, wittiest, craziest dude in the world, he is! Running 10,00000 miles an hour, so amazing, he’s a god. He IS the Genie from Aladdin, THAT’S who he is. He comes in the room and magic is going to happen just because he’s there and it always does.”

Basco also holds the title of voicing the very first Asian-American (Chinese-American) hero, Jake Long in Disney’s animated series, American Dragon: Jake Long.

Pick a copy of Dante Basco’s newest book, From Ruifo to Zuko now available at your local bookstore, or…

GIVEAWAY

Basco fans now have the opportunity to win this SIGNED copy of Dante Basco’s book, From Rufio to Zuko! All you have to do is share this post on ANY social media platform using #FromRufioToZukoTKN. The winner will be announced on Dec 1st on our FACEBOOK page.

*UPDATE* Kyoto Animation Studio Fire| 34 Confirmed Dead

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Aerial shot of Kyoto Animation

Famed anime studio, Kyoto Animation was destroyed during an arson attacked on Thursday morning. Local authorities stated that there are 34 dead and 35 injured during the attack. Local Kyoto news media have quoted police stating that a 41-year-old man broke into the studio and began pouring gasoline inside the office and reportedly, on some employees as well, although this has not been confirmed.

The 41-year-old man has now been identified as, Shinji Aoba. Aoba reportedly shouted “Drop dead” or “Die” before igniting the gasoline. Neighboring residents witnessed hearing an explosion sound before watching the three-story building be engulfed in flames. The fire was reported at 10:30AM (JST).

Kyoto Animation has produced many popular anime titles such as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Kanon, Lucky Star, Clannad, and K-On! More recent titles include Violet EvergardenSound! Euphonium, A Silent Voice and Free!. 

The animation studio in 2015

Current Reports

At the time of this updated publication, local authorities have stated that there are 34 dead and 35 are currently in hospitals in critical conditions. Of those 34 dead, NHK reported that 12 were men, 20 were women, and one still remains unidentified. The building had approximately 73 people inside when the incident occurred. The Kyoto Fire Department has concluded with the rescue operation and can confirm that no one else is in the building. About 30 fire engines reported to the scene and extinguished the blaze at 3:19 PM (JST) about 5 hours after the fire was ignited.

“They are the people who carry Japan’s animation industry on their shoulders, I can’t bear to accept the fact they are being hurt or losing their lives.”  – Hideaki Hatta (Kyoto Animation, CEO) via CNN Japan

Kyoto Animation’s CEO, Hideaki Hatta, told local reporters that for the past few years, he had to contact the authorities due to death threats being sent to the company. There is no direct link between the death threats and Aoba.

According to Hatta, the studio usually has strong security requiring special ‘key cards’ to gain access to the building. However, on this particular day, the studio had visitors and the security system was turned off for the convenience of the visitors.

Suspect

30 minutes prior to the attack, Aoba had purchased 40 liters (10.6 Gal.) of gasoline from a gas station located less than a mile away from the studio. Aoba placed the gasoline inside carrying cans and put them onto a hand pushed trolley, then made his way towards Kyoto Animation. Witnesses stated that Aoba entered the studio and shouted “DIE” before igniting the fire and attempting to flee on foot. According to local police, a male Kyoto Animation employee managed to chase Aoba down and detain him in the streets.

Aoba was injured during the attack, sustaining serious burns to his feet, chest, and face and was taken to the hospital. During transport, he admitted to setting the fire. Unused knives and a hammer were found near the arson site. Authorities have delayed any further interviews with Aoba as he is currently in the hospital for treatment. Local Kyoto media have reported, that the suspect is not a former employee of Kyoto Animation and has no other direct connection with the studio.

Motive

His motive has not been specifically established, however one possible motive was during Aoba’s arrest, as he was shouting that Kyoto Animation had stolen his ideas and accused them of plagiarising.

AfterMath

“The amount of damage is huge. I don’t know in detail”

CEO Hideaki Hatta stated during a press confess on July 19th. Valuable human resources have been lost. Animation materials such as drawings, animations cells, and computers have all been destroyed during the fire,

KyoAni recently released, Free! Road to the World and Sound! Euphonium the movie. In July of 2018, Kyoto Animation announced a “completely new” project titled “Violet Evergarden Gaiden” a film set to be released on January 10th, 2020.

Kyoto Animation Studio 1 (Arson fire location) produced the majority of the animation for its anime series. With such heavy loss, cancellations or major delays in upcoming series and films are to be expected.

Response

Fans began expressing their love for Kyoto Animation as reports of the incident spread, with many going on social media to share their favorite Kyoto Animation anime titles. Many fans have attributed this tragic loss as losing a museum with high cultural value.

 

KyoAni character smashup | Artist: ピロ水 Source: 平成同人物語

#PrayForKyoani and #StayStrongKyotoAni are being used to share these posts.

Anime licensing company, Sentai Filmworks has also stepped in and created a fundraiser, to help support Kyoto Animation in their time of need. In just 24 hours fans have raised over $1M, but its not over yet.

HELP KYOANI HEAL 


Kyoto Animation has given us, the Anime community, characters we treasure and storylines we will remember for a long time to come. Its time for us to give them something in return. Please consider a donating, Thank you. This is a developing story that we will continue to keep updated with all of the latest information. If you have any information pertaining to this particular story and like to contribute, please contact The Kitsune Network at Contact@TheKitsunetwork.net Thank You!

Sources: Link 1, Link 2, Link 3, Link 4, Link 5, Link 6, Link 7, Link 8.



UPDATES: This article has been edited to reflect current details and information regarding the Kyoto Animation arson attack. Dead toll, suspect name, aftermath, and additional information about the incident have been updated as of 7/19/19 at 4:56AM This is a developing story that we will continue to keep updated with all of the latest information.

UPDATES: NHK reported that a male Kyoto animation employee passed away on the night of July 19th, making the death count at 34. Updated as of 7/19/19 at 1:23PM

RE: Interview with Kaho Shibuya

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Many of you might already know, (former) JAV actress Kaho Shibuya announced her retirement from all AV (Adult Video) work and, as stated in our previous interview, She’s working on a photo book. During our recent interview, she explained that she’s also working on an erotic novel and writing a book about her life in the JAV industry. Needless to say, she’s expanding her work and becoming an author and professional cosplayer.

We caught up with Kaho Shibuya during Anime Los Angeles 2019, where she granted us an interview and elaborated further on her AV origins, future plans & her upcoming photo book.  Watch our VERY exclusive interview with Kaho Shibuya at Anime Los Angeles 2019 here:

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GIVEAWAY

KAHO SHIBUYA AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY!

How to win

  • Simply subscribe to our channel, The Kitsune Network
  • Comment on the video’s comment section using the hashtag: #TKNKaho and you’ll be automatically entered to WIN!
  • One entry per username
  • There will only be ONE winner. Winner will be contacted via YouTube’s comment reply feature.
  • Deadline is 3/22/2019

Milkyway ISHiKEi Artworks Artbook

from: Right Stuf, Inc.

Aggretsuko’s DEN of RAGE

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Aggretsuko IS COMING BACK TO LITTLE TOKYO, LOS ANGELES!

Hosted by Sanrio Japanese Village store, Aggretsuko will be making an appearance once more from May 4 – May 16 2018 May 28th 2018 (Event has been EXTENDED, more info here). 

Beginning Friday, May 4th at Sanrio Japanese Village until Wednesday, May 16th, enter this Sanrio pop-up for first dibs on a limited inventory of official Aggretsuko merch, photo ops and appearances from Aggretsuko herself!

     AGGRETSUKO APPEARANCE DETAILS:
– Friday, May 4th – all day 11 am to 10 pm
– Saturday, May 5th – 12 pm to 4 pm
– Saturday, May 12th – 12pm to 4 pm

More information can be found on the event page here.

Broken Spirits – Producer Stephen Weese (Interview)

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Have you heard of BROKEN SPIRITS? A new SyFy film produced by voice actor, Stephen Weese! Featuring voice actor stars:

Vic Mignogna, Richard Epcar, Spike Spencer and Cristina Vee!


This film came to our attention in March of this year, during our interview with Cristina Vee, since then, we’ve interviewed film producer, Stephen Weese, where he gave us some insight on the film and its wonderful cast! Check out the interview:


RED CARPET PREMIERE!

 BROKEN SPIRITS, will have a red carpet premiere at Anime Los Angeles 2017 at the Ontario Convention Center!

  • Red carpet (2pm)
  • Full feature screening (2:30-4pm)
  • Q&A with cast members including Richard Epcar and Cristina Vee (4-5)
  • Special giveaway of unique items and props (4pm)
  • ALA special event Broken Spirits poster and signing (5-6pm)
  • After party with cast (late night)

Come and join the fun!


Check out http://www.brokenspiritsfilm.com/ for more information on the film, updates and its release date! 

Interview with: Kira Vincent-Davis

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Finally our interview with voice actress, Kira Vincent-Davis is here. We know you’ll enjoy it!


GIVEAWAY

Win this character collage signed by KIRA VINCENT DAVIS!

All you have to do is, Subscribe to our Youtube Channel, share the interview above and send the link to where you shared it. You have until March 19th to do so. GOOD LUCK!

 

Hello Kitty Cafe is coming to SoCal!

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CALLING all SoCal Hello Kitty fans!

Hello Kitty cafes have been a huge hit in Asia, with a few popping up in Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and of course, Japan.

SoCal Hello Kitty fans are finally, going to enjoy official Hello Kitty sweets and treats!

Various  types of the treats served on the Hello Kitty Food Truck

Opening up some time next year, Sanrio Co. has decided to open up the first U.S.Hello Kitty cafe in Irvine, California! The cafe will serve Hello Kitty Tea, Sodas, coffee, Hello Kitty cookies & mini-cakes. Other Hello Kitty characters are said to make an appearance on the pastries such as, My keroppi, Little Twin Stars, & Chococat.

The Irvine Spectrum Center

Unfortunately for fans, there is no exact date when the cafe will actually open, HOWEVER, we can still join the Hello Kitty Experience by visiting the Hello Kitty temporary cafe Pop up at Irvine Spectrum Center.

The actual design of the Cafe that will soon open its doors

The Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up is a cafe designed within a metal shipping container and, according to Irvine Spectrum Center, is set to open in about 2 weeks  and is expected to be open for at least 7 months. This pop up cafe is serve everything the actual cafe serves and will be located at at the Giant Wheel Court.

People lined to get their Hello kitty sweets

Last week, fans were also able to enjoy the Hello Kitty experience at Glendale Galleria, where the Hello Kitty Food Truck made a special appearance. Take a look some of the photos from the event here!

Watch the event here:


Like Hello Kitty? Check out Sanrio’s newest Character, GUDETAMA Here!