Crunchyroll rolled out the red carpet for the much-anticipated English dubbed premiere of SPY x FAMILY CODE: White on April 11, 2024, at the prestigious DGA Theatre Complex in Los Angeles.
(L-R) Tyson Rinehart, Anthony Bowling, Tyler Walker, Phil Parsons, Megan Shipman, Alex Organ, Natalie Van Sistine, Cris George, and Lindsay Seidel attend World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)
The English dub voice talents such as Alex Organ (Loid), Megan Shipman (Anya), Natalie Van Sistine (Yor), Tyler Walker (Bond), Anthony Bowling (Franky), Tyson Rinehart (Luca), Phil Parson (Domitri), and Lindsay Seidel (Nightfall), were in attendance.
(L-R) Tyler Walker, Alex Organ, Natalie Van Sistine, and Megan Shipman attend World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White marks the debut film installment of the beloved television series, presenting an original storyline that revolves around secret agent <Twilight>, his lethal assassin wife Yor, and their telepathic adopted daughter Anya as they embark on a fresh new mission. Inspired by the critically acclaimed manga by Tatsuya Endo, which has earned nominations for Harvey and Eisner Awards, the television series SPY x FAMILY premiered on April 9, 2022, captivating audiences worldwide. The series’ first two seasons are currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
RED CARPET INTERVIEWS
SPY x FAMILY, the anime series, is brought to life by TOHO Animation and adapted from the highly acclaimed manga of the same name, penned and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo. Originally serialized in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump Plus, the manga currently has over 31 million copies in circulation and has garnered nominations for prestigious awards such as the Harvey and Eisner Awards. Notably, SPY x FAMILY has secured a place on the New York Times Graphic Books and Manga bestseller list, with all ten volumes consistently ranking in the Circana Bookscan Top 20 Adult Graphic Novels.
The animation production is a collaborative effort between two renowned anime studios: WIT STUDIO, known for their work on titles like Attack on Titan and VINLAND SAGA, and CloverWorks, recognized for projects such as The Elusive Samurai and Black Butler: Public School Arc.
Watch SPY x FAMILY CODE: White in theaters on April 19th, and start streaming Spy X Family on Crunchyroll.
Film Synopsis
He’s a spy. She’s an assassin. Together, Loid and Yor keep their double lives to themselves while pretending to be the perfect family. However, their adopted daughter, Anya, a telepath, knows both of their exciting secrets unbeknownst to them. Under the guise of taking his family on a weekend winter getaway, Loid’s attempt to make progress on his current mission, Operation Strix, proves difficult when Anya mistakenly gets involved and triggers events that threaten world peace!
Crunchyroll, has announced thrilling news today for North American audiences eagerly awaiting the release of SPY x FAMILY CODE: White. The highly anticipated film tickets are now officially on sale!
Distributed jointly by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment, SPY x FAMILY CODE: White is set to hit theaters throughout the United States and Canada beginning April 19th. This is the first film installment of the popular television series – delivering an original standalone story featuring secret agent ‘Twilight’, his deadly assassin wife Yor, and their telepathic adopted daughter Anya in an all-new mission. Based on the widely acclaimed Harvey and Eisner Award-nominated manga written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo, the television series SPY x FAMILY originally debuted on April 9, 2022 and was quickly embraced by fans across the globe. The first two seasons are available on Crunchyroll.
Film Synopsis:
He’s a spy. She’s an assassin. Together, Loid and Yor keep their double lives to themselves while pretending to be the perfect family. However, their adopted daughter Anya, a telepath, knows both of their exciting secrets unbeknownst to them. While under the guise of taking his family on a weekend winter getaway, Loid’s attempt to make progress on his current mission Operation Strix proves difficult when Anya mistakenly gets involved and triggers events that threaten world peace!
Credits: Directed by Takashi Katagiri. Written by Ichiro Ohkouchi. Original story by Tatsuya Endo. Produced by WIT STUDIO x CloverWorks. Adding to the excitement surrounding the film’s release, Crunchyroll has unveiled a brand new dubbed trailer,
You can purchase tickets now at, www.spyfamily.movie. Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding SPY x FAMILY CODE: White, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable cinematic journey like no other!
INTERVIEW WITH ANYA (Crunchyroll Expo 2022)
Watch our interview with English voice actress, Megan Shipman voice of Anya during Crunchyroll Expo 2022!
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GKIDS, known for bringing beloved animated films to North American audiences, is thrilled to share the exciting news: Studio Ghibli’s latest masterpiece, “THE BOY AND THE HERON,” has clinched the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. This victory marks a significant achievement for the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, who adds yet another Oscar to his collection after his groundbreaking “Spirited Away” triumph in 2003. Miyazaki, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, received well-deserved recognition at the 2014 Governors Awards for their exceptional contributions to cinema.
“Spirited Away” and “THE BOY AND THE HERON” are the only hand-drawn films to secure this honor since the category’s inception in 2002. This win also signifies the first Oscar triumph for producer Toshio Suzuki, adding to Studio Ghibli’s impressive track record, which boasts seven nominations and two wins.
For GKIDS, this win is particularly sweet, marking their first victory after an impressive 13 nominations in the Best Animated Feature category. Their journey began in 2010 with “The Secret of Kells” and includes notable titles like “Ernest & Celestine,” “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya,” and “Wolfwalkers.”
“THE BOY AND THE HERON” has not only broken records as GKIDS’ highest-grossing release but is also Studio Ghibli’s top-earning film in North America, with over $46 million at the box office and the highest-grossing original Japanese animated film domestically. To celebrate, GKIDS plans a re-release across North American theaters later this month.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, presenting from the Dolby Theater, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Miyazaki and Suzuki, who remained in Japan. Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima conveyed producer Toshio Suzuki’s heartfelt appreciation backstage in Los Angeles,
“As producer of The Boy and the Heron, I am extremely honored to receive the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Academy. I would also like to give my thanks to those who were involved in the production of this film, and to all those who worked to distribute the film worldwide. This film began with director Hayao Miyazaki retracting his retirement statement. Following that, we spent seven years in the production of this work. It has been ten years since Hayao Miyazaki’s previous film, The Wind Rises, during which time there have been dramatic changes in the environment surrounding films. This film was truly difficult to bring to completion. I am very appreciative that the work that was created after overcoming these difficulties has been seen by so many people around the world, and that it has received this recognition. Both Hayao Miyazaki and I have aged a considerable amount. I am grateful to receive such an honor at my age, and taking this as a message to continue our work, I will devote myself to work harder in the future. Thank you very much.”
– Toshio Suzuki via Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima
In response to this landmark win, GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman and President David Jesteadt expressed gratitude to the Academy and Studio Ghibli, reflecting on their longstanding partnership and dedication to bringing masterful animation to worldwide audiences.
With the passing of founder Isao Takahata in 2018, Miyazaki and Suzuki remain the driving forces behind Studio Ghibli’s legacy. Their combined efforts have garnered numerous Oscar nominations, solidifying their place in animation history.
GKIDS’ impact on cinema extends beyond Studio Ghibli, introducing audiences to a diverse array of master filmmakers from around the world. From Mamoru Hosoda to Makoto Shinkai, their catalog showcases the artistry and storytelling prowess of animation.
“THE BOY AND THE HERON” made waves internationally, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival to sold-out screenings and rave reviews. It has since garnered accolades from BAFTA, Golden Globe, and various critics’ associations. Adding to the excitement, the film’s IMAX debut and its star-studded English-language version continue to captivate audiences worldwide, proving once again the timeless appeal and artistic excellence of Miyazaki’s storytelling.
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For years, fans have incorporated McDonald ‘s-inspired “WcDonald’s” eateries into iconic movies and shows. Now, in partnership with some of the biggest names in anime, WcDonald’s is transitioning from fiction to reality. Starting February 26th in over 30 international markets, McDonald’s is bringing the creative otaku vision to life, expanding the WcDonald’s universe into the restaurants and beyond. Here’s what you need to know!
“Anime is a huge part of today’s culture, and we love that our fans have been inviting us into the conversation for years,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA. “The WcDonald’s universe is a reflection of what fans have created. It honors their vision and celebrates their creativity, while authentically bringing it to life in our restaurants for the first time ever.”
Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA
A Sauce That Packs a Punch
Experience a culinary adventure with WcDonald’s limited-time, Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce. Bursting with a fusion of ginger, garlic, soy, and a touch of chili flakes, this sauce will ignites your taste buds with its vibrant flavor. Mirroring the bold, dynamic spirit of your favorite anime protagonists, the sauce pairs perfectly with an order of 10-piece “WcNuggets” (Chicken McNuggets) or on the side of any of your go-to menu items.
Manga Packaging & More from Acky Bright
McDonald’s has team up with iconic Japanese manga artist/illustrator Acky Bright to design custom WcDonald’s packaging that takes you deeper into the world of WcDonald’s with every meal. For a limited time, fans receive manga-inspired packaging featuring WcDonald’s Crew characters, sketched by Acky himself.
“I had a great time partnering with McDonald’s to help make WcDonald’s a reality for manga fans who have a genuine love for the brand,” said Acky Bright. “From the details of the diverse Crew characters to the manga plot itself, I loved being able to use my artwork to bring to life the dynamic, vibrant world of WcDonald’s for people around the world.”
Acky Bright via press release
Fans also have the opportunity to scan the QR code on the packaging, granting access to weekly digital manga releases featuring a diverse cast of WcDonald’s Customers and Crew.
Meet Hashirune, a loyal WcDonald’s patron, Mr. Bev, the Crew’s resident joker, WcDizer 3000, WcDonald’s own mecha, and an array of other intriguing characters.
The First-Ever Official WcDonald’s Anime
YES. you read that right! Partnering with the renowned animation studio Pierrot, McDonald’s presents WcDonald’s the anime series. Consisting of four captivating episodic shorts, the series invites anime fans into the long awaited world of WcDonald’s, where each week unfolds a tale centered around the iconic WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets.
Here’s how to watch, beginning February 26th until March 18th, a brand new short will premiere every Monday, synchronized with new manga releases on WcDonalds.com or by scanning the QR code on the WcDonald’s bag. These shorts pay homage to four major anime subgenres: Action, Romance, Mecha, and Fantasy. Episode titles and description are as follow,
The Race to WcDonald’s (drops Feb. 26): A rivalry strong enough to withstand the test of time as our two heroes embark on an epic race to WcDonald’s.
Love from Across the Booth (drops March 4): Our two protagonists discover the WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets aren’t the only perfect pairing.
WcNuggets Space Frontier 3000 (drops March 11): A team of WcDonald’s pilots must protect the last WcNugget against an ominous force.
The Wisdom of the Sauce (drops March 18): Three women are transported to a distant land to unravel the mystery surrounding the elusive sauce before it’s gone forever.
Visit WcDonald’s In Person | An Immersive Dining Experience
Otaku can finally live out a long awaited dream, visiting a WcDonalds! Join the fun on March 9-10 for the first-ever WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience in Los Angeles, CA! This unique event, inspired by isekai anime, blends entertainment and food into an unforgettable adventure. Guests will be transported into the WcDonald’s universe through 360 projection mapping and immersive tabletop projections inspired by the four WcDonald’s anime episodic shorts – all while enjoying a set menu of WcDonald’s items. Fans can reserve their spot exclusively on OpenTable starting Feb. 28 by searching “WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience” on the OpenTable app or website.
A Celebration of Anime Fan Art
WcDonald’s recognizes the vital role anime fan play in shaping its identity. As a gesture of appreciation, the company is honoring three up-and-coming anime artists who’ve created WcDonald’s-themed artwork. Each artist will receive grants to fuel their future projects and will be celebrated at their local McDonald’s. Furthermore, they’ll have the chance to receive personal mentoring from the renowned manga artist/illustrator, Acky Bright.
Mark Your Calendars
On Feb. 26, get ready for an anime-fueled adventure that starts with, “Welcome to WcDonald’s, may I take your order?“
From savoring the delectable Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce to exploring manga-inspired packaging and exclusive episodic shorts, every aspect of this adventure promises excitement. Moreover, with collaborations between McDonald’s and esteemed anime creators, the boundary between fiction and reality blurs, bringing beloved characters and stories to life. So mark your calendars and prepare to embark on a thrilling escapade into the vibrant world of WcDonald’s, your ticket to a real life Isekai.
Screenshot from Elf Otaku (2024)
WcDonald’s in Anime
Here are some example of WcDonald’s in anime. Know of more? Send it to us at Contact@thekitsunetwork.net.
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Get ready to unleash your inner demon slayer as the long-awaited anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training –, finally hits the big screen today! For all die-hard Demon Slayer enthusiasts, this is an event you simply cannot miss!
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and brought to life by the renowned Japanese animation studio Ufotable, “To the Hashira Training” isn’t your typical movie. Instead, it combines two episodes from the beloved anime series into a feature-length presentation, staying true to the original story while giving it a cinematic boost.
Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — To the Swordsmith Village,” which bridged seasons two and three, “To the Hashira Training” continues the trend by blending the epic finale of season three with the highly anticipated premiere of season four.
With a runtime of 103 minutes, the film offers a tantalizing sneak peek into what’s in store for the fourth season. While combining two episodes into a cinematic format has its perks, it also presents some challenges. The most noticeable one comes during the transition from the intense, action-packed season three finale to the start of the new season, which might feel choppy and disconnected.
After the thrilling conclusion of the Swordsmith Village arc, where Tanjiro (Natsuki Hanae/Zach Aguilar) emerges victorious against the formidable Upper Four demon Hantengu (Toshio Furukawa/Christopher Corey Smith), the pace slows down as the storyline transitions into the early episode of season four. While this shift is typical for the beginning of a new season, some viewers might crave a smoother transition.
Nevertheless, “To the Hashira Training” still delivers the signature blend of vivid, stunning visuals and compelling storytelling that fans have come to expect from the Demon Slayer franchise. Even though Tanjiro spends much of the time recovering in bed during the introduction to season four, the anticipation surrounding the teased Hashira training and Kibutsuji Muzan (Toshihiko Seki/Greg Chun)’s sights on Nezuko (Akari Kito/Abby Trott) keeps the excitement levels soaring for what’s to come in the upcoming episodes.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- will feature “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light” (Episode 11) from the Swordsmith Village Arc, featuring the conclusion of the fierce battle between Tanjiro and Upper Four demon Hantengu, as well as Nezuko’s triumph over the sun. Followed by Episode 1 of the highly anticipated Hashira Training Arc, featuring the start of training conducted by the Hashira in preparation for the forthcoming final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, an episode never before seen by audiences.
Hazbin Hotel, the eagerly awaited series by Vivienne Medrano (VivziePop), has finally arrived, bringing joy to long-time fans. Collaborating with colleagues from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Vivienne dedicated almost two years (2017-2019) to bringing the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode to life. Prior to the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode, Vivienne gained recognition through the animated music video “Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video,” featuring Ke$ha’s song. This newfound recognition helped Vivienne with her early career and later assisted in the success of Hazbin Hotel.
Screenshot of Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video
Released on October 13, 2019, the pilot episode received acclaim for its originality in story and artistic direction, quickly going viral. This success led to the spin-off series “Helluva Boss,” premiering on November 25, 2019.
In 2020, film production companies A24, SpindleHorse Toons, and Bento Box Entertainment took over the production of Hazbin Hotel. However, some changes occurred, including a new cast and redesigned main characters. The series was initially set for a summer 2023 release but faced a delay due to the 2023 strike. A new release date was announced in late September 2023, revealing an Amazon Prime Video premiere, and it was revealed that the now 4-year-old pilot episode would be canon to the series.
The highly anticipated series had its Los Angeles premiere in Culver City on Wednesday, January 17th. Cast members, including Vivienne Medrano, Stephanie Beatriz, Erika Henningsen, and Amir Talai, attended the event, marking a significant moment for the Hazbin Hotel fandom. A Q&A, moderated by Joseph Deckelmeier, was held after screening the first three episodes with the aforementioned cast members and series creator Vivienne Medrano.
Given the success of both “Helluva Boss” and “Hazbin Hotel,” what lies ahead for Vivienne? Could an animated theatrical film be in the works? While that remains uncertain, one thing is clear – we’re all in for one HELL of a ride!
The following are highlights from the Q&A
Joseph Deckelmeier: How does it feel coming into a show that already has such a fan base that’s so strong and hardcore? Is that a little intimidating to step into?
Admir (Alastor VA): It’s funny. I had absolutely no idea until I was well into recording it. [. . .] I auditioned, thinking it would be fun. When I saw the scripts, I thought, “Yes, this is great.” It wasn’t until later, with the new voice actors announcement, that I realized it might be a big deal. Like being the new Batman, it’s definitely intimidating but exciting.
Joseph Deckelmeier: What were your first thoughts when you saw your characters rendered?
Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): We haven’t discussed this, but I love the throwback-y sailor Moon-y coquette bow, the skirt, and the stockings- I mean, some of my earliest queer awakenings were watching Sailor Moon at, like, 05:00 a.m. I remember watching it being like, some of these girls are gay, so I just love that it’s there, that’s like a little touchstone of it. I just absolutely adore it.
Joseph Deckelmeier: One thing that really stuck out to me was the chemistry that everybody had. It is incredible the way it seems like they play off each other, but they didn’t record together, so what was it that you found in the post-production process to kind of cultivate and create that chemistry amongst the cast?
Vivienne Medrano (series creator): I know what it was, the voice director. Richard Horvitz, and I have been working together for a while. He understands my taste and knows what I want, almost reading my mind for an amazing direction. During the pandemic recordings, he would read with everybody, retaining the essence of each performance. This makes a significant difference, and I’ve witnessed many actors express how much it helps them emotionally connect with the scenes.
Joseph Deckelmeier: The heart of this show is really Charlie and Maggie’s relationship. Can you guys talk about how we see that relationship explored throughout the course of season one? ‘
Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): One beautiful aspect of this series is its exploration of redemption, questioning if it’s possible to redeem a soul from hell to heaven and whether change is achievable. Sometimes, when you fall in love, you don’t really understand that you’re deserving of that love. You don’t really believe that you are the kind of person that somebody else could be in love with. When considering their (Charlie & Vaggie) relationship, they reflect the uncertainty of feeling deserving of love. Falling in love can reveal one’s true self, and in their case, they don’t seek to change each other, embracing each other’s baggage. Vaggie’s goal is to support her partner’s dreams, raising questions about love, redemption, and self-worth.
Before releasing the Hazbin Hotel pilot episode, we had the opportunity to interview Vivenne during Anime Expo 2019, before we knew what the future held for The Hazbin Hotel!
More recently, we had the opportunity to interview Edward Bosco, the original voice of The Radio Demon, Alastor. Discover what has happened since the pilot episode, why Edward is not returning for the series, and more in our exclusive audio interview! (Giveaway opportunity towards the end!)
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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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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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