Anime Today Podacast Episode Index

Event 121 Run Time: 58:30 | The ANIME TODAY Summer Event welcomes Kim Groomes of Anime Expo 2011, AnimeCons.com founder Patrick Delahanty, and Robert Napton of Bandai Entertainment to episode 121 of Anime Today.

Kim Groomes, the director of marketing for Anime Expo (AX), previews what fans attending the convention’s 20th anniversary event can expect to find, including guests of honor from the anime, manga, gaming and music industries, Hatsune Miku (and her entourage), the world premiere of the anime film LASTEXILE -Fam, The Silver Wing-, and much, much more.

Patrick Delahanty, the founder of AnimeCons.com, returns to Anime Today with his road-tested “Top 10 Summer Con Survival Tips” and news about how you can use the AnimeCons site to track your fan gatherings and meet other fans.   

Robert Napton, Bandai Entertainment’s marketing director, also returns to preview Bandai and Fathom Event’s upcoming theatrical release of TEKKEN: Blood Vengeance in 3D. The world premiere of this feature film will take place in movie theaters across the United States – for one-night only – on Tuesday, July 26, 2011.

Also in Episode 121, listen to tracks from JapanFiles.com artists BONE IDOL (“Surf on the Golden Wave”), FLOPPY (“Surftronica”), CAPRiS (“Summertime blues”) and ROCKET K (“Shout it out loud”).

Event 120 Run Time: 42:34 | Anime Today is back with a special podcast event to celebrate the upcoming release of the Antique Bakery anime series and the grand opening of its official site (antique.rightstuf.com!) Tune in for:

• A two-part phone interview with Nicole Bermansolo (owner of the Kyotofu Japanese Dessert Bar and Bakery); • A sneak preview of the content planned for the Antique Bakery site; • A sampling of sweet J-pop tracks from JapanFiles.com; and • The scoop on RightStuf.com's new sale on Blu-ray and DVD titles from Bandai Entertainment, the current contest for “I Love K-drama” gift packs from YA Entertainment, and more.

Episode 119 Run Time: 1:09:04 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt – the co-authors of NINJA ATTACK! True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws – to episode 119 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new, two-segment interview, Yoda and Alt discuss what led them to write a guidebook about ninja and their known associates, some of the surprises they uncovered during their extensive research, and some of their favorite historical and fictional figures… some of whom will be familiar to anime fans. Additionally, they talk about their previous field guide to Japan’s supernatural legends, Yokai Attack! The Japanese Monster Survival Guide.

Yoda and Alt are the founders of Alt Japan Co., Ltd., which is based in Tokyo and specializes in the translation, adaptation and production of English-language editions of books, manga and video games (Ninja Gaiden).  In addition to the Ninja and Yokai Attack! books, they also co-authored the book Hello, Please! Very Helpful Super Kawaii Characters from Japan.

Also in Episode 119: • Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga. • Nick tells fans how they can find “rockin’ deals” on manga, manhwa and more from Yen Press. • Marie takes a look at FUNimation’s release of the anime Sengoku Basara. • Nick announces the latest Otaku Prize Blitz winners, reminds fans about the Viz Pictures’ Detroit Metal City contest, and kicks off a new contest with the award-winning Japanese dessert bar and bakery Kyotofu for gift certificates that can be used either at their online storefront or their Midtown West location in New York City. • Listen to clips from the Samurai Deeper Kyo: Capriccio CD soundtrack from Geneon Music. • Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists DECO 27 (“Bye-Bye’ By My Ai” from Sou Ai Sei Ri Ron), Sizima (“Indian Summer” from Natsu no Sizima), Aozorafantasii (“Across the Universe” from Flight), and the Caraway (“Hasta luego!” from their self-titled release). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Episode 118 Run Time: 1:30:16 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome NYAV Post founder Michael Sinterniklaas to episode 118 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new, three-segment interview, Sinterniklaas discusses how he got his start in acting and came to found NYAV Post, a bi-coastal studio that handles audio production for numerous anime, original animation, feature film, commercial and video game projects.

He then goes on to discuss his directing and acting work on the recent two seasons of The Slayers anime series, how acting has influenced his directing, how working on domestic projects (like the role of “Leonardo” in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) differs from his anime work, and the challenge of working on Kurokami, which was simulcast – with an English-language dub – on the same day and date of its Japanese broadcast.  Finally, he talks about his recent roles in Summer Wars, Eden of the East, and Sengoku Basara, as well as his production work on the worldwide release of the Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn) series.

Also in Episode 118: • Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga. • Rich shares how fans can find “spectacular savings” on Blu-ray and DVD titles from Section23 Films and the labels it distributes. • Christy takes a look at the Sentai Filmworks DVD release of Shigofumi. • Rich announces the latest Year of the Otaku winners, plus the winners of the Japanese limited-edition stamp set featuring artwork by Golgo 13 creator Takao Saito, of the Casshern Sins contest, and of the Assault Girls contest. Then he kicks off a new contest gearing up for VIZ Pictures’ release of the live-action Detroit Metal City movie. • Listen to clips from the Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi CD soundtrack from Geneon Music. • Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists Sweet Vacation (“Trick or Treat” from Do The Vacation!!), MUFAS (“BONES” from MUFAS, BEING BORN, BAAANG!!), and malin harue + yancy (“Light my fire” from Apartment). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Episode 117 Run Time: 1:07:50 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome FUNimation Brand Manager Amber Barnes to episode 117 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new interview, Barnes discusses how she got her start marketing anime, as well as some of her recent and upcoming anime projects – Casshern Sins, The Slayers seasons 4 and 5 on Blu-ray, and Spice and Wolf. Plus, she reveals details about the Halloween release of the live-action horror-comedy Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl.

Also, Anime Today takes a look back at the podcast’s segments with authors, including Patrick Macias (Otaku USA, Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno), Frederik L. Schodt (The Astro Boy Essays), Fred Ladd (Astro Boy director, Astro Boy and Anime Come to the Americas), Helen McCarthy (500 Essential Anime Movies, Art of Osamu Tezuka, Manga Cross-Stitch), Jonathan Clements (Schoolgirl Milky Crisis, Anime Encyclopedia) and Patrick W. Galbraith (Otaku Encyclopedia).

Also in Episode 117: • Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga. • Rich shares how fans can find “heavenly deals” on Blu-ray, DVDs and more from Media Blasters and its specialty labels. • Marie takes a look at the Yen Press release of the Bunny Drop manga by Yumi Unita. • Rich announces the latest Year of the Otaku grab bag winners, plus the winners of the There’s Something About Sunyool manhwa and You’re Beautiful K-drama contests. Then he reminds listeners about the ongoing contest for a Japanese limited-edition stamp set featuring artwork by Golgo 13 creator Takao Saito. And finally, he kicks off a new contest with FUNimation for two Casshern Sins prize packages that each include Part 1 of the anime on DVD, plus a signed metal poster featuring artwork from the series. • Listen to clips from the Texhnolyze CD soundtracks – Music Only Music But Music and The Man of Men – from Geneon Music. • Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists Aoi Kidokoro (“Hotarubi” from Yume Maboroshi No Shiro), KEYTALK (“Blue Moon Light” from TIMES SQUARE), and Roma Tanaka (title track from LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Episode 116 Run Time: 1:10:43 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Ed Chavez – the marketing director for Vertical, Inc. – in episode 116 of ANIME TODAY.

In the first two segments of this new interview, Chavez discusses Vertical's newly launched series (Chi's Sweet Home, Twin Spica, Peepo Choo) and previews the company's Fall 2010 manga schedule, which includes titles such as the sci-fi thriller 7 Billion Needles and their hardcover release of Osamu Tezuka's Ayako.

Also in Episode 116: • Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga. • Rich shares how fans can find “imperial savings” on Asian films and television series from Tai Seng Entertainment. • Rich announces the latest Year of the Otaku winners and the winners of the Tamra Island K-drama contest. Then he kicks off two new contests, celebrating NETCOMICS’ newest manwha series There’s Something About Sunyool and YA Entertainment’s recent DVD release of the K-drama You’re Beautiful. • Christy offers recommendations to fans of the Toradora! anime in a new “If… /Then…” segment. • Hear cosplayer interviews and the Q&A segment from Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment’s recent panel at Anime Iowa 2010. • Listen to clips from the Paranoia Agent CD soundtrack from Geneon Music. • Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists cargo (“The Whole World Smiles on You” from Morning Star), Sweet Vacation (“Because of You” from Cover the Vacation!!), and DJ SADOI (“I’m in blue (Blue in Green Remix)” from transmigration –sweet pool remix-). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Episode 116 Bonus! Run Time: 34:02 | Ed Chavez – the marketing director for Vertical, Inc. – talks about how Vertical gives fans a voice in licensing decisions, the effect piracy has on publishers and manga creators, and upcoming projects and events where Vertical will be appearing in the continuation of his interview from episode 116 of ANIME TODAY.

Also in this ANIME TODAY bonus: • Nick shares how fans can “order up some savings” on the manga Neko Ramen and other books from TOKYOPOP (through Monday, September 13, 2010). • Listen to tracks from JapanFiles.com artists oshare boys (the title track from nocturne), the Fish Bird (“Futures Melody” from their self-titled release), and henrytennis (“Red Cats” from R.U.R.).

Episode 115 Run Time: 1:10:09 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to present this year's Anime Expo 2010 fan special – featuring interviews with cosplayers and other convention attendees – in episode 115 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new interview, Groomes previews this year's edition of Anime Expo and what fans attending the event can expect to see, including guests of honor from the anime and manga industries, an array of musical guests, the masquerade, the AX Idol competition, and much more!

Also in Episode 115: • Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga. • Rich announces the latest Year of the Otaku winners and the winners of the VIZ Pictures/ K-20: The Fiend With 20 Faces contest. Then he kicks off two new contests: a chance to win a Golgo 13 figure from Max Factory’s Figma line and a K-drama contest for a copy of the Tamra Island DVD box set from YA Entertainment. • Kris and Judy are back with a second wedding-themed edition of the “Anime and Gamer’s Guide.” • Listen to clips from the Revolutionary Girl Utena: Virtual Star Embryology CDsoundtrack from Geneon Music. Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists END OF START (“PHOTOGRAPH” from ALL THE THINGS), tokyo pinsalocks (“Travelling Spoon”), kaori (“Dear best friends” ), Daisuke Suzuki (“Two For The Road” from The Cinema Paradise Love Stories), and Jun Abe (“Built for Speed” from THE SENSIMILLIA FAMILY TREE). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Episode 114 Run Time: 1:06:25 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Kim Groomes – the director of public relations for Anime Expo 2010 – to episode 114 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new interview, Groomes previews this year's edition of Anime Expo and what fans attending the event can expect to see, including guests of honor from the anime and manga industries, an array of musical guests, the masquerade, the AX Idol competition, and much more!

Also in Episode 114: • Chad shares "What's Hot" in the world of anime and manga. • Rich announces the latest Year of the Otaku winners, the winners of the Brilliant Legacy K-drama contest, and the winners of the contest for tickets to Anime Expo 2010! Then he kicks off a new contest celebrating the VIZ Pictures DVD release of the live-action, Japanese film K-20: The Fiend With 20 Faces. • Kris and Judy are back with a wedding-themed edition of the "Anime and Gamer's Guide." • Christy offers recommendations to fans of The Slayers anime in a new "If… /Then…" segment. • Listen to clips from the Mahoromatic: Something More Beautiful soundtrack from Geneon Music. Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists Ken Yokoyama ("Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" from the CD Nothin' But Sausage), MIX MARKET ("wedding you" from the CD chronicle), CURRICULUMACHINE ("ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE" from the CD SPEED), and POP DISASTER ("Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" from the CD FLASHBACK TO MEMORIES). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Episode 114 Bonus! Run Time: 55:39 | Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to present Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment’s Anime Expo 2010 panel, conducted by company President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner. The news and announcements include new licenses for the REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA and SORA NO WOTO television series, an English-language audio remaster for GRAVITATION and details about the future releases for several previously announced projects, including JUNJO ROMANTICA 2, DIRTY PAIR, EL-HAZARD: THE WANDERERS and ANTIQUE BAKERY.

Also in this ANIME TODAY bonus: • Nick shares how fans can “make time for savings” on DVDs, Blu-ray, CDs, books and more from Bandai Entertainment. • Listen to clips from the Revolutionary Girl Utena: Angel Creation CD soundtrack from Geneon Music. Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists SCRIPT (“Free Fall” from the CD SKYROCKETS) and Curly Giraffe, featuring Akino Arai (“Water On” from the CD Thank You for Being a Friend).

Episode 113 Run Time: 1:02:37 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Cindy Suzuki – TOKYOPOP’s editor for the manga NEKO RAMEN – to episode 113 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new, two-segment interview, Suzuki talks about the one-of-a-kind humor found in Neko Ramen and “Taisho,” its unorthodox, cat model-turned-ramen shop owner protagonist. She also discusses how the series’ four-koma format affected the storytelling and the adaptation process, as well as the series’ appeal to fans of manga, cats and the culinary arts. Then she shares what fans can expect in future volumes and how they can further immerse themselves in Taisho’s world.

The first volume of Neko Ramen, by Kenji Sonishi, will be available in early June 2010 from TOKYOPOP. Neko Ramen, Vol. 2 is scheduled for September 2010.

Also in Episode 113: • Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga. • Shawne shares how fans can “discover the alchemy of savings” on DVDs, Blu-ray and more from FUNimation. • Rich announces the latest Year of the Otaku winners, as well as the winners for the Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge contest, and a new contest celebrating the DVD release of the K-drama Brilliant Legacy. • Judy-sensei’s back with an all-new, feline-themed “Mini Japanese 101.” • Marie takes a look at VIZ Media’s release of the Natsume’s Book of Friends manga by Yuki Midorikawa. • Listen to clips by Indigo from Geneon Music’s Indigo Suite CD. Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists ROCKET K (“MY KITTEN” from RADIO GROOVIE DRUNKERS), HNC (“KITTEN’S BREAKS” from CULT), noodles (“kitty south” from Cover me Shakespeare), and MORNING GLORY (“KARMA CHAMELEON” from MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Episode 113 Bonus! Run Time: 43:50 | In a new, special edition of the "Anime and Gamer's Guide," Kris and Judy talk about announcements that may be of interest to anime fans who are gamers from this year's E3 video game tradeshow.

Also in this ANIME TODAY bonus: • Nick shares how fans can find “striking deals” on titles from Section23 and the labels it distributes, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures and more, and he talks about RightStuf.com’s new Cart Toppers and Blind Box Bargains. • Find out how to enter for a chance to win one of five one-day passes to Anime Expo 2010. • And listen to tracks from JapanFiles.com artists Bitman (“Tonari no Totoro” from Ghibli Computer), Angel Quartz (“Queen Arie No. 14” and “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Arie From Heaven), ANALOGMAN (“junk foods” from bedside music), and FLOPPY (“Papopi” from PROTOSCIENCE).

Episode 112 Run Time: 1:08:53 | Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Mike Montesa – VIZ Media’s editor for Tsutomu Nihei’s manga BIOMEGA – to episode 112 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new, two-segment interview, Montesa talks about the storyline and premise of Biomega, how it fits in stylistically with Nihei’s other works (Blame!, Halo manga), and Biomega’s appeal to fans of action, cyberpunk, sci-fi and horror titles. He also shares details about the process of editing the title – compared to simultaneous release titles like RIN-NE – and hints at what fans can expect in future volumes of the series.

The first graphic novel for Biomega, by Tsutomu Nihei, is currently available from VIZ Media. Biomega, Volume 2 is scheduled for May 2010, and Volume 3 is scheduled for August 2010.

Also in Episode 112: • Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga. • Rich shares how fans can find amazing deals as part of the current “Bargain Bin Blowout.” • Nick and Rich announce the latest Year of the Otaku winners, as well as the winners of the contest celebrating Nozomi’s release of Rental Magica, Part 2 (next week!). Then they kick off a new contest for two copies of Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge, the live-action J-film based on a novel by the creator of Welcome to the NHK. • In a new “Watch Stuf” segment, Christy and Nick share their picks from the current Bargain Bin sale. • Judy-sensei’s back with an all-new “Mini Japanese 101” lesson on words having to do with spring. • Christy offers recommendations to fans of the Soul Eater anime in a new “If… /Then…” segment. • Listen to clips from the Gunparade March: Spirit of the Samurai soundtrack from Geneon Music. Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists Swinging Popsicle (“Outerspace” from the EP Change), MORNING GLORY (“CARTOON HEROES” from the CD MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR), Toshimitsu Kumaki (“OUT OF SPACE” from the CD COSMIC WANDERER), and porapora (“SPACESUIT” from the CD HUMAN). • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.