Earlier this month we mentioned, Domino’s Pizza newest menu item, the TSUDERE PIZZA. Now KFC is giving the anime, and the video game community alike, the opportunity to calm your cravings with the very first, officially licensed dating video game, I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator!
From the same people who brought you the bucket of chicken, comes the world’s first Colonel Sanders dating simulator.
You now have the chance to impress Sanders-senpai, by cooking your way to his heart! Developed by indie game developer, Psyop and published by KFC, the game is set to be released on Steam on Sep 24, 2019. Watch the trailer:
Featuring cute characters and delicious food!
Just look at that! Finger Lickin good!
According to a press release provided to us by KFC via email, the soon-to-be-released and free dating simulator game follows your journey as a promising young student through the University of Cooking School: Academy for Learning as you navigate relationships and manage social challenges that the fast-paced life in the kitchen can bring.
I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator, or ILYCS for short, goes through three acts in which gamers are given options that affect the outcome of the game. Gamers will have the chance to date the one and only, Colonel Sanders, who also joins the culinary school to embark on his journey of becoming the world’s greatest fried chicken salesman, adding to your list of challenges.
The game will be available on Steam starting Tuesday, September 24 at 8am ET, but you can add the game to your wishlist to be notified when it goes live.
The game will include:
– 9 lovable characters
– Multiple hours of play-through
– Dateable Colonel Sanders
– A secret ending! Shh!
– Secret recipes! Double Shh!
– Cooking battles
– Battle battles
– Earn a degree from a fictional culinary school
– 11 Herbs and Spices
– Cute miniature food
– Officially created by KFC. No, really
UPDATE #1: Article was updated to reflect new or improved information directly from KFC’s press release provided to us. The article was updated to include some of the game’s credits and update the cover picture.
In its 28th year, Anime Expo once again welcomed 115,000* attendees from across the world.
Japanese pop culture fans, both locally and internationally, traveled to the Los Angeles Convention Center for annual Anime Expo (Commonly known as, AX) held from July 4th thru 7th, including a pre-night show on the July 3rd.
Reports that Anime Expo’s contract with the Los Angeles Convention Center had expired, created rumors of Anime Expo moving to another venue by 2020. We can officially confirm that Anime Expo will definitely return to the Los Angeles Convention Center for 29th Anime Expo in 2020, as stated in their website and the back of the Anime Expo 2019 program books.
The Great Anime Expo Earthquake
In an unforeseen turn of events, two earthquakes occurred during Anime Expo 2019, one during Day 2, July 4th at 10:02AM PTD (4.0 magnitude) and the second during Day 3, July 5th at 8:19PM PTD (7.1 magnitude). During the first earthquake on the morning of July 4th, ABC 7 Action News had mistakenly stated that the Los Angeles Convention Center was being evacuated as a precaution. In reality, it was Anime Expo attendees waiting to get insidethe convention, not out. Their statement was later retracted. The earthquake’s epicenter location was Ridgecrest, California.
The following day, July 5th at 8:19PM a second earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.1, struck Ridgecrest, California once more. The earthquake was felt by AX attendees, which some taking to social media to post videos of their terrifying experience while inside the convention center.
Guests of Honor, Faye Mata
This year, Anime Expo featured 22 Guests of Honor, among them, voice actress Faye Mata.
Photo Credit: Ax2D Photography
Mata has voiced numerous characters including, Aqua; Konosuba, Fukaziroh; SAO: Gun Gale Online, Katie Killjoy; Hazbin Hotel, Astolfo; Fate/Apocrypha and most recently Petra in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. We had the pleasure of having an exclusive interview with Faye Mata, Join us we speak about her career, character roles, and other upcoming projects.
This year Anime Expo featured over 400+ vendors among them animator, Vivienne Medrano better known by her pseudonym, Vivziepop.
Vivziepop is famously known for creating the hit series, HAZBIN HOTEL. Following her huge viral success with her YouTube video, which features JayJay, a character from another of Vivzie’s creations titled, Zoophobia, lipsyncing to Ke$ha’s Die Young. This video helped her gain a large audience early in her career as an animator.
Hazbin Hotel official poster
She began her working on Hazbin Hotel during her High school years, designing characters such Alastor, one of many main characters of the series. It wasn’t until 2016, that she initially announced Hazbin Hotel, which was originally titled, People Like Us. We caught up with Vivziepop during the last day of Anime Expo and she gave us an insight into the series’ production and its future.
The series is set to be released sometime during October 2019, although the exact date is yet to be announced. Follow Vivziepop’s Twitter account for more updates and details.
RGP Games, anyone?
We decided to cover a few things from this year’s Entertainment Hall booth, beginning with Fate/Grand Order 2019 Tour. As you may remember, the Fate/Grand Order 2019 Tour began back in February of this year…
…and continued throughout Anime Expo 2019. Their booth featured an interactive photo-op station and the opportunity to play the tabletop game, Fate/Grand Order duel. Type-Moon representatives also handed out Fate/Grand Order 2019 player guides.
The Fate/Grand Order tour continues with its next stop being at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2019 in October, for more information visit their official here.
Staying inside the Entertainment Hall, we stopped by Auragon Games’ booth as they promoted their newest game, Hiraethia!
Hiraethia is a new RPG puzzle game developed by Auragon Games, a new independent game developing company based off Texas. Auragon Games founder, Sunny Chai and Hiraethia character designer, Tin Liu spoke to us gave us an overview on Hiraethia.
“A story of adventure, mystery, and tragedy. Follow a brave group of heroes as they try to save the world.” as the game’s Kickstarter states.
We got to play the game during its promotion demo at Anime Expo and although we did not explore much of the storyline, we can see it becoming quite popular among mobile RPG fans. As Chai stated in our interview, what sets the game apart is the fully animated character scenes. It’s one of the few games out there, that features hand-drawn, fully animated attack sequences. As you may know, most games go with the traditional visual novel animation. In addition, the game also features a puzzle mini-game within the main game itself, in which, the player must strategically match ‘tiles‘ accordingly to create stronger and more powerful attack combos. It is when these attacks are performed that the fully animated sequences appear.
Furthermore, the game also features a collaboration with YouTube gamer, LilyPichu as a playable character in the game. Auragon games have not released much about their character’s background, therefore not much is known about lily nor the role she’ll play in the game, storywise.
There is currently no date set for the game’s release, other than ‘it’ll be out on the market before the end of 2019.‘ Want to know more,? head over to their official website to learn more about the game and merchandise.
Anime Expo 2020
Anime Expo ended with an unusually finish. It’s a well-known fact that Anime Expo sale badges for the coming year, hours before the current year convention is over. Things were a bit different this year, with Anime Expo announcing that badges for Anime Expo 2020 would not be sold on-site and instead, sold online.
A limited number of early bird 4-day badges will go on sale beginning on August 16th 2019. Early bird price is $75 (not including fees) for a 4-day badge. Once all the early bird badges sell out, 4-day badges will be available for $85 (not including fees) and continue rising monthly as Anime Expo 2020 gets closer. In another surprising move, Anime Expo has also stated they will no longer hold a Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales.
For more information regarding Anime Expo 2020 badge please go to their official website here. Now that Anime Expo 2019 has long been over, its time to prepare for Anime Expo 2020. Will you be there?
Voice actress, Cristina Vee will be joining this project as the led role of Haru-chan, bringing her to life as she ventures out onto the streets of Los Angeles serving Okamoto Kitchen dishes.
Watch Episode 0
Meet the team
Voiced by Cristina Vee
As stated in their Kickstarter page, “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.”
Meet the other teams
Although they’ve reached their initial goal of $48,000
they’re still 3K short of reaching their ‘Strech Goal #1‘, producing a Japanese language version with English subtitles in addition to the English dub.
In total, they’ve got 4 more Strech Goals, which are as follows:
If you’d like to support this project, you can do so by clicking here, but hurry! This kickstart project ends in less than 40 hours, don’t miss out on getting the exclusive pledge rewards!
If you have any information pertaining to this particular story, you can contact The Kitsune Network at KitsuneNetworkProductions@gmail.com.
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.
BTS – Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
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:
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
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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.
For the 27th time, Anime Expo came back with full force from July 4th – July 8th drawing fans from 70 different countries. This year over 110,000 people attended Anime Expo, thats 2,342 more attendees than in Anime Expo 2017, making a local economic impact of $100 million to the city of Los Angeles.
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Although Anime Expo went off without a hitch, there were a few slight inconveniences.
Before Anime Expo even began, they were altered to a possible threat made against AX and its attendees. According to Anime New Network, the threat was made by a man who allegedly stated via text, “These cons are due for a high school shooting, by a high school kidd [sic]. I’m working on a case at the moment. Shit u [sic] not.” although he did not specifically stated Anime Expo as a target, Anime Expo responded by promptly by ‘alerting local law enforcement to take appropriate actions in accordance with their procedures.‘ in a statement the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) said:
“Just as in 2017, we are working with security teams and local law enforcement, including K9 teams and traffic control officers, to maintain the safety of our event. Additionally, as previously announced, we are utilizing RFID badges for AX this year and will have security checks at each entrance. We encourage attendees to check our mobile app and maps to get familiarized with the various designated entrances.”
Thankfully, AX came and went without incident. Although the seriousness of this threat wasn’t felt among con goers; With public shootings happening all over the country on a daily basis, ‘indirect’ threats such as these, should NOT be taken with grain of salt. Though it may be a slight inconvenience, security checks at AX do their job by preventing such incidents to ever happen. If you would like to read more details on this situation please read Anime News Network’s article here.
Moving on to more lighter but heated topics:
Los Angeles suffered a huge heat wave during day 2 & day 3 of Anime Expo with temperatures reaching up to 108°. Although the convention center had functioning air conditioning, outside the heat was unbearable. Mailing AX badges eliminated “LineCon” or the long tedious, on-site registration line. Attendees were still not happy about waiting in line to get inside the convention center due to bag checks. Attendees also took to social to suggest that Anime Expo should cap their tickets due to overcrowding.
Do agree that Anime Expo should cap their badges? leave a comment below, we’d love to hear your opinions.
Be as it may, the heatwave was no match for hard working, determined cosplayers, whom in the middle of the scorching sun, went all out in their cosplays. Check these awesome cosplays:
Photo credit: Mystic Taku
Photo credit: Mystic Taku
Best cosplay of AX 2018?
We interviewed some of these wonderful cosplayers and this is what they had to say, about why they attended Anime Expo 2018 and how we dealt with the heat weave:
Before I jump on to a different topic, a HUGE shoutout to these guys at Alove yogurt, who, in the middle of the scorching sun, passed out these delicious yogurts to con goers
Thanks guys! (Peach Flavor was the best!)
In addition to the 110K attendees, over 150 guests and industry made appearances including, Go Nagai, Hiromi Wakabayashi, Mari Okada, Sean Danconia, Santa Inoue, and SUSHIO. Booths also held guest appearances as with, Project Sekai who had Nekopara’s creator, Sayori in attendance for fan autographs.
Since taking photos of Sayori was prohibited, here’s her signature dedicated to me, Krystal.
The Exhibit & Entertainment Halls also featured more than 524 Exhibitors (74 Exhibitors more than AX 2017) Among them was AnimePls, a new Anime brand that is dedicated to bringing you exclusive merchandise from various anime series including: Hatsune Miku, Attack On Titan, Yugioh, My Hero Academia & Aggretsuko! Check their booth from AX 2018.
Check them out at: Animepls.com
AnimePls has licensed all these series, so far!
Near the end of Anime Expo; Funimation and LootCrate collaborated on an AX Afterparty held at the Globe Theater in Downtown Los Angeles during the night of Day 3.
FunimationXSonicBoomBoxXLootCrate AX After Party!
Attendees able to receive a free goodie bag which contained Loot Crate exclusives
There were so many things that went down at this year’s anime. From newly produced anime series to exclusive Anime Expo events and merchandise. If you missed out this year, don’t worry, Anime Expo will be back in 2019! Tickets are now on sale! For now enjoy our entire Anime Expo 2018 photoset:
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day 1 of Anime BrExpo 2018
The Entertainment Hall
The Entertainment Hall – OVERWATCH booth
FATE: Grand Order VR booth
FATE: Grand Order VR booth
Feel like playing Kingdom Hearts III?
Feel like playing Kingdom Hearts III?
Brought to you by, Arby’s
Brought to you by, Arby’s
Brought to you by, Arby’s
Filming for our AX video
Brought to you by, Arby’s
My assistant, Vincent
My assistant, Vincent
Back to you, buddy.
BTS – Deku Inter.
Mystic Taku as Casual Deku
BTS – Deku Inter.
Interviewing Aggretsuko
Why would you toss fapping paper away?
Not really that packed…
…or maybe…
………
……..
FunimationXSonicBoomBoxXLootCrate AX After Party!
SWAG BAGS!
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
From the mind behind “Spirits & Cat Ears”, Miyuki Nakayama, comes:
BLEND-S
Blend-S is combination of Starbucks & a Japanese Maid Cafe. It tells the story of high school student, Maika Sakuranomiya who is having trouble finding a part time job due to her scary and creepy smile, which often leads people to believe she’s a sadist.
Maika later finds herself hired as waitress by a scout/manager of an Italian owned coffee shop, Cafe Stile. However, Cafe Stile isn’t your average coffee shop. Each waitress (or barista) is given a different ‘fetish’ to serve their costumers with, such as: Tsundere, Imouto, Oneesan & Idol. Since Maika has a unquie ‘sadist‘ smile she was assigned as a sadist barista.
Although she develops an aggressive and dominate persona, she actually pretty clumsy and shy at times. The series debuted as a manga in Houbunsha’sManga Time Kirara Carat magazine in 2013, and Nakayama launched it as a regular series in 2014. The anime is just premiered this October and you stream it on CrunchyRoll.
Maika Sakuranomiya
Maika is a 16-year-old girl who, because of how scary she looks when smiling, often causes misunderstandings, leading other people to think that she is a sadist, even though she is actually just clumsy. Her looks catch the attention of Dino who scouts her to be the ‘sadistic girl’ waitress at cafe Stile. She comes from a very traditional family and works part time so she could study abroad using her own money.
Kaho Hinata
Kaho is a 17-year-old waitress who fulfills the tsundere trait. She loves playing video games and often goes to an arcade, but often runs out of money because of it. Although she plays a tsunderegirl, Kaho’s real personality is not tsundere and like Maika, has to learn to becomes one. She is currently the most popular waitress at Stile.
Mafuyu Hoshikawa
Mafuyu is one of the waitresses that, despite of her petite figure, is actually a 20-year-old college student and fulfills the younger sister trait because of that. Her real personality is mature and she rarely shows emotion. She has a younger brother who is taller than her and has always wanted a younger sister, although she will not include Kaho because of Kaho’s body figure.*
To honor the series, Aniplex USA & Los Angeles cafe shop, Cafe Dulce collaborated on a two day event.
This collaboration took place in the Little Tokyo district in Los Angeles.
Cafe Dulce celebrated the series by giving out FREE Maika decorated donuts with every purchase.
Along side this cute donuts, they also gave out Blend-S Coasters and mini poster.
Check these photos from the event
Thanks for checking out our Blend-S post, if want to find out Which BLEND-S Character Will Be Your Waitress, take this awesome test, and in the words of Maika:
No she’s not a new Vocaloid or a new popular anime character, she’s your newest house assistant. Or at least, planning to be. Technology company, Vinclu, is planning to release the world first Holographic Communication Robot, Gatebox!
Gatebox, according to the official website, will allow you to live with your favorite anime model, putting ‘Living with waifu’ to a new level!
So How would Gatebox work?
The Gatebox’s concept model uses holographic projection technique (much like Hatsune Miku), sensors that allow the Gatebox character to understand your movements and actions. Gatebox also connects to the internet allowing her to tell you the weather and other web related info. She can also connect to electronic devices for your convince.
She is there to help you through out your day.
The first model is, Azuma Hikari! We can only assume, there’ll be more models in the future
If anime girls were a real living human, we are 100% sure this is how life with them would like:
There’s no information on the artists, as these were pulled off the now gone 4Chan thread and were made buy different 4Chan users. Enjoy the following photos, click on them to enlarge and check out the Imgru album here!
We will do a step by step DIY Photoshop guide, so you may make awesome, anime girl photography. STAY TUNED!
