We can’t wait to see the stunning visuals in action!
Sailor Moon fans…get ready! After a a several-month delay due to the pandemic, the new two-part movie, Sailor Moon Eternal, is finally coming to Japanese theaters next month, and the newly-released key art has us completely pumped to see it!
That’s probably thanks to the fact that production company Toei Animation has been fairly secretive about the movie until now. They let out some visuals months ago to get fans excited for the beautiful art style, which seems to combine the best parts of the original anime and the latest Sailor Moon Crystal series, and they gave us some glimpses of what to expect in a pair of 30-second videos earlier this year, but they kept the full trailer completely under wraps until just last month.
▼ The full trailer
Now they’re releasing more and more visuals, and so far, the art is absolutely breathtaking! The first is a poster that was released together with the trailer last month, and features the beautiful, whimsical pastel coloring of the series that we love, with a slightly darker overtone.
In this poster, the four main Sailor Scouts stand together in a group looking sternly forward, as if facing a foe, as Sailor Chibi Moon, standing in the middle, clasps her hands together in prayer. Sailor Moon is superimposed above and behind them, also looking ready for battle. Between the determination on the Sailor Scouts’ faces and the soft coloring and angelic motifs of the poster, it’s both powerful and delicate, and beautifully represents the entire feel of the series.
The latest visual, just released on November 30, is quite a bit different, but no less gorgeous. It looks more like a hand-drawn cover of the manga than a digitally rendered CG poster. This new poster shows Sailor Moon lit by the light of the moon, face set with determination, as she seems to leap from in front of a mirror from which Queen Nehelenia of the Dark Moon Circus peers coldly. The two women, who represent light and dark, appear to be back to back, and their hands almost look as though they’re clasped through the glass, further highlighting their complicated connection.
The posters are absolutely gorgeous, combining the aesthetics and color palettes that we know and love from Sailor Moon with a more modern, soft CG design. They make us want to watch the movie even more! With just over a month left until Part 1 comes out in Japan on January 8, hopefully they’ll be releasing more enticing images to keep us excited for what’s to come.
— 劇場版「美少女戦士セーラームーンEternal」《前編》2021.1.8公開 (@sailor_movie) November 30, 2020
If you love these posters as much as we do, you can enter to win one! The Sailor Moon Eternal official Twitter is hosting a special giveaway of the latest poster to five lucky fans. All you have to do is follow @sailor_movie and retweet the above tweet, and you can enter to win a copy of this beautiful work of art. Good luck!
There is no question that X Japan’s Yoshiki is among the media elite in Japan. He’s been in the presence of both rock royalty and actual royalty and is well-received around the world for both his musicianship and philanthropic efforts.
But even given all this, he still must have been a little apprehensive when approached to make another book of photography, titled XY, with him as the sole subject.
His previous photo book Nude, which contained several photos and interviews, sold very well when it was released in 1992. However, now he’s twice as old as he was when he made Nude, and although he’s still in remarkably good shape, it’d only be natural to feel self-conscious for such a project.
▼ At least I think it would be…
That’s probably one of the reasons why when XY debuted at number one on the Oricon photography book sales charts, he issued a hearty thanks to all his fans on Twitter.
Of course, the other reason he thanked everyone is that he’s just a genuinely nice guy. It’s that heart of gold that has undoubtedly kept his legion of fans loyal and more than happy to hand over the premium price of 11,000 yen (US$105) for this latest book.
These fans also sent their regards back to the legendary drumming pianist.
“This time we are alive in is really wonderful because Yoshiki is here.” “It’s our pleasure. It’s a beautiful work of art that I will cherish forever.” “Thank you for the book! Each of your books are carefully crafted and shows Yot-chan’s passion for art.” “Everything was so nice and I was so moved that I couldn’t stop trembling. It’s cool, beautiful, clean, fierce, and more.” “Thank you very much! It is truly a breathtaking work of art! Please stay safe during the cold weather.” “I need your wonderful gift for me as Christmas gift in Europe Wrapped present. It will be very big joy surprise after hospital for me. Forever love from Hungary.” “We thank you more.”
In the spirit of balanced reporting, we should also note that the book got a one star rating on Amazon with the following review:
“I read some comments about #XY. Thank you so much for your support. Regarding the X Japan album, I’m so sorry. A lot of things have happened, but regardless, as a leader of the band, I don’t think I handled it well.Please forgive me. It pains my heart every time I hear this kind of message of which I feel like I’m disappointing you. I’m sorry.” [Yoshiki]
Hopefully that’ll get those disgruntled types off his back. Meanwhile, until a new album does come, fans ought to be pleased with getting not only the book, but also a DVD featuring interviews with Yoshiki and the making of the book in Los Angeles with American photographer Melanie Pullen.
In all honesty, the success of the book probably wasn’t a huge shock to everyone involved, a second print run of XY was needed while it was still in pre-orders because the demand was so big. However, seeing the numbers actually play out so well was probably a sweet relief too.
▼ Yoshiki relieved
And it all it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy as far as we’re concerned, so congratulations Yoshiki! We look forward to seeing your next photo book in 2048!
Two versions of the divine Great Forest Spirit, plus an adorable mini Totoro to keep you company on your outdoor excursions.
No production company is more reverently associated with the art of Japanese animation than Studio Ghibli, and few fashion brands have an aura as American as Maine-based L.L. Bean. Nevertheless, the two companies’ mutual respect has led them to join hands across the Pacific, which is how we got those stylishly cute Totoro bags last year.
For 2020, L.L. bean’s designers are back with new Ghibli-inspired offerings, this time saluting Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke. Rather than the beast princess herself or male lead Ashitaka, though, both bags feature the Great Forest Spirit, or Shishigami (“Deer God”), as the creature is called in Japanese.
In the film, the Forest Spirit’s appearance changes depending on the time of day. During the afternoon, it looks like a large deer with a wizened human-like face, but once the sun goes down, it transforms into an ethereal, almost reptilian bipedal form known as the Nightwalker. L.L. Bean has designed one bag for each, incorporating appropriately lit scenery.
▼ The daylight bag has the Forest Spirit in deer form, rendered in a reflective material that shines brightly when hit with light.
▼ Meanwhile, the nighttime Nightwalker bag incorporates a holographic material for the creature.
Both bags also have little glow-in-the-dark kodama spirits, which emit a soft yellow-green light like they do in the anime’s enchanting woodland scenes.
IF you’re already set for bags, L.L. Bean still has a way for you to display your love of Ghibli anime with two new keychains, both of which star characters from more warm-and-fuzzy films than the somber Princess Mononoke.
Popping out of one of the Bean Boot Keychain is Totoro, specifically the white small-size Totoro.
Or you can opt for Jiji, the lovable black cat companion of delivery witch Kiki.
▼ Ironically, both Jiji and small Totoro have friends who can fly and are happy to give them rides, but they still look pretty adorable hanging out in these boots.
The toe bags are priced at 12,000 yen (US$114) and the keychains at 1,800 yen, with all four items scheduled to go on sale December 5 through the Donguri Kyowakoku online shop.
Where commuters have less than 40 centimetres (16 inches) of foot-space between safety lines.
While there are no official records stating where the country’s narrowest train station platform is, railway otaku, the unofficial experts on all things train-related, say that claim to fame goes to Nakatsu Station at Osaka.
The platform at this train station is so unusual it often draws attention online, and after hearing the buzz about how small it was, we were curious to see it for ourselves.
▼ Nakatsu Station is operated by Hankyu Railway
We headed out to Nakatsu Station, walking from Osaka’s central Umeda Station in about 10 minutes, and purchased a ticket for a train back to Umeda for 160 yen (US$1.54). With the trains located upstairs, we headed up to platform three and four and when our eyes met the platform we saw…a space much smaller than even we’d imagined!
▼ Whoah – this platform really is narrow.
In Japan, commuters are asked to stand behind the yellow lines, or “braille blocks”, on the platform. The rules at this station are no different, with a thin, narrow sign on one of the pillars asking people to “please stand inside the yellow braille blocks”.
▼ Interesting decision to place the sign next to a water fountain that takes up practically all the space inside the yellow lines.
Taking out a tape measure, we discovered the space between the lines at its widest point measures in at 38 centimetres (14.9 inches). Thankfully, this station doesn’t get too crowded at rush hour, because that’s just enough room for one person to stand in.
Despite commuters being required to stand behind the yellow lines for safety, there are quite a few obstacles on this narrow path along the platform. Aside from the water fountain, there was also a trash can…
And a metal bench rest, or “rear supporter”, which allows people to rest their rears and take some weight off their legs while they wait for their train.
▼ Keep those toes behind the yellow line, though!
Venturing out to the end of the platform reveals that the lines get even narrower, allowing just a foot inside them.
Then there are some bars that don’t even allow you to stand between the lines, and the braille blocks then merge into one like a flowing river, where the concept of “inside” and “outside” the yellow blocks eventually disappears.
After walking along the platform, we returned to the centre and waited for the Umeda-bound train on the number 4 side of the platform. As soon as it pulled into the station, we took in a sharp breath as it felt much nearer than usual, and kind of dangerous.
▼ You really have to be careful here, particularly at night or when there are other passengers around.
If you’d like to see the platform for yourself, be sure to visit Nakatsu Station on the Hankyu Line, and don’t confuse it with the underground Nakatsu Station on the Midosuji Line, which has a platform, obviously, but it’s not the narrow one you see here.
Thank goodness this platform doesn’t have a wine vineyard on it like this one in Nagano, because that would be a distraction that would make things even more precarious. Be sure to take care when you visit, and stand between those yellow lines!
Train station information Nakatsu Station (Hankyu) / 中津駅 (阪急) Address: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Kita-ku, Nakatsu 3-1
大阪府大阪市北区中津3-1
Nausicaä is a leader we can all look to for our current real-world crisis.
In Japan, national broadcaster NHK has been running a weekly “Friday Roadshow” series throughout 2020, featuring a number of classic films, including ones from Studio Ghibli, broadcast on Friday evenings.
For their very last Friday Roadshow of the year, which falls on Christmas Day, the public broadcaster has decided to show Ghibli’s animated 1984 feature film, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The decision to broadcast this particular film as the year draws to a close sparked up an excited conversation online, where people couldn’t help but see a greater significance at play, due to some interesting parallels between the film and 2020.
So what might those parallels be?
Well there are a few noticeable ones, so let’s rewind for a second and take a quick look at the storyline from the film. Nausicaä is set 1,000 years after the collapse of industrial civilisation, when the Toxic Jungle (as it’s called in the English dub, or “Sea of Decay” if you watch the English-subbed version), is threatening to spread its poisonous spores throughout the land. Nausicaä, the young princess of the Valley of the Wind, seeks to understand the Toxic Jungle, and insists on treating every part of it, including its giant mutant insects, with respect and compassion, even when the insects and spores threaten to engulf the valley where she and her people reside.
▼ Take a look at the official trailer for the movie below:
While the residents of the valley have learnt to live with the toxic spores and the ever-present threat of giant insects under the guidance of the princess, normal life in the valley is forever changed with the arrival of the Tolmekians, who want to unearth a Giant Warrior to destroy the jungle and its giant insects. A violent battle ensues, with Nausicaä fighting to restore peace and normalcy to her home once more.
Just with that summary alone, we can already see a few similarities between the world of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and the real world in 2020. Firstly, the characters live with toxic airborne spores in their midst, wearing face masks on a daily basis to protect themselves. Needless to say, we’re now learning to live with toxic airborne particles as well due to the coronavirus, which has a lot of us wearing masks on the daily too.
Then there’s the fact that, in the film, the everyday lives of the villagers are suddenly turned upside down when the Tomelkians arrive and use violence to anger the jungle and its inhabitants. This causes spores to rapidly increase in the valley’s pristine environment, and threatens the lives of everyone as the mutant insects become enraged, descending on the valley in increasing numbers and ferocity.
During a time of crisis, anger and violence can erupt, and we’ve seen that play out on the streets — and in stores — in the real world this year. Just as the Tomelkians refused to understand the toxic jungle and use peaceful means to abate its spread, we’ve seen “Karens” shouting at store staff, and many more on the streets refusing to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus, despite ever-increasing cases.
It doesn’t help that the Tomelkians are the ones who take control of power in the valley for a period, promising the villagers a life of freedom by telling them to put aside their vigilant approach. Yet it’s this vigilance, with the mask-wearing villagers inspecting their environment for spores and pro-actively removing them, that has been keeping them safe for many years.
One poignant quote from the subbed movie says:
“The Sea of Decay claimed two more countries from the south. It’s spreading all the time, and yet war and hunger are everywhere.”
Uncertainty and fear can be the springing point for conflict and pain, and this is one of the key themes that runs through the entire film. When Nausicaä first meets her fox-squirrel companion, Teto, she continually tells it not to be frightened but the animal is so scared it ends up biting her finger. The kind-hearted Nausicaä, of course, forgives the animal immediately, acknowledging that it only lashed out due to fear.
▼ Teto
Nausicaä believes that the mutant insects are also acting out of fear, and she urges everyone to calm the beasts instead of scaring them with the threat of violence. Even when her village is invaded by the Tomelkians, led by Princess Kushana, she senses the fear that belies Kushana’s actions, saying: “Don’t be frightened. I’m not your foe”.
Early on in the film, we discover the only thing that frightens the fearless Nausicaä is her own rage. Yet, gallantly, throughout all the trials and tribulations that follow, Nausicaä is able to keep her rage in check, perhaps due to the fact that she approaches obstacles without fear.
Nausicaä is a leader we could all look to right now.
While one world leader famously told us not to be afraid of the coronavirus, the context in which it was said suggested we throw all caution to the wind, disrespect the advice of medical professionals, and act like we’re living in pre-COVID 2019.
Of course, we shouldn’t do that — to do so would result in peril.
If Nausicaä were in charge right now, she would tell us what we shouldn’t fear is wearing masks. What we shouldn’t fear is knowledge and vigilance. What we shouldn’t fear is change and adapting to the new normal. What we shouldn’t fear is each other, because we’re facing this together, and we need each other more than ever right now.
Which brings us to another quote from the movie: “Are we humans but a tribe destined to be swallowed and ruined by the Sea of Decay?”
If we take a leaf out of Nausicaä’s rule book and take heed of the messages in the film, we won’t be at risk of being swallowed and ruined by the Sea of Decay. And NHK hopes we can take some solace from the heroine’s actions as well, saying on the official Friday Roadshow site:
“This work depicts people facing a crisis in a world where they have to wear masks against a threat created by nature. It may be very similar to the situation we faced this year. We hope that the feelings of the heroine Nausicaa will reach everyone in Japan and help to welcome the New Year with bright expectations.”
So if you’re looking for a very 2020 movie to watch during this Christmas holiday period, you might want to take a look at Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, or, if you prefer a six-hour storyline, its kabuki stage play version. The masked characters from Nausicaä managed to live in harmony under great leadership during a crisis, and hopefully we can too.
The beloved Japanese player is transitioning from pro to coach before the end of the year.
Ichiro Suzuki is one of the most famous names in modern baseball history. With a long successful career and numerous awards, he has been called one of the best players in the world by for his accomplishments both in Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball, all the while still somehow remaining humble.
Though he officially retired as a player last year at the age of 44, Ichiro isn’t showing any signs of slowing down in his baseball life. In fact, it’s been revealed that his next project is coaching high school baseball in Japan.
This new move would be the first time Ichiro has coached high school students, though after his retirement last March he worked as an instructor and special assistant for the Seattle Mariners, the first MLB team he played for. Last December, he began to take classes and underwent an examination to renew his qualifications to coach high school baseball, and as of February this year was ready to take on a position at a school.
Ichiro fans and baseball lovers are excited by the news–and maybe a little jealous, too:
“I wonder which school…The students must be so excited, so I hope he does well. What a wonderful accomplishment.”
“Ichiro is going to coach high school baseball…I can’t wait! I can’t wait! I can’t wait! I wonder where?”
“Even though I already love high school baseball I can’t express how excited I am to hear that Ichiro is going to be involved”
“So some kids are going to be coached by Ichiro…Obviously I’m totally jealous.”
“Being coached by Ichiro has gotta be major motivation.”
“Those kids must be so happy.”
If you’re wondering why a pro-leaguer would bother with coaching high school baseball and not another pro team, it’s because high school baseball in Japan is almost as serious as pro baseball. High school teams go head-to-head with their neighbors to win local and regional championships, then the best of the best from each prefecture move on to a final, thrilling, two-week tournament known as Koshien to see which school has the best baseball team in the country. It’s one of the biggest TV events of the year, and young players all aspire to play in the tournament, as that’s the best way to launch a career in the sport.
Ichiro is set to coach a team that has won the tournament before–possibly leading them to an even greater advantage. The name of the school hasn’t been disclosed yet, but we do know that it’s a school in Kansai (the central region of Japan, which includes Osaka) that’s won the Koshien tournament at least once in the past. Everyone’s trying to guess, but I’m sure we’ll all know soon enough…and then everyone else can worry about trying to beat (or at least to not be intimidated by) that team!
Anime mobile suit in Yokohama looks to be fully operational.
The city of Yokohama has a lot of sights to see, and most of them are pretty close to its waterfront. The Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel, district, scenic views of the sunset and Yokohama Bay Bridge from Yamashita Park, and the delicacies of Chinatown are all a short walk from the harbor.
But there’s still room for another literally huge attraction, as the Yamashita Futo wharf, located at the end of Yamashita Park, will be home to the first-ever moving full-size Gundam statue. The 18-meter (59-foot) tall statue is a life-size recreation of the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime’s hero mecha, the RX-78.
We’ve gotten a few glimpses of the Gundam in basic motion before, during some of its preliminary testing, but it now looks to be completely operational, and seeing it move is awe-inspiring.
The mecha weighs 25 metric tons (about 55,000 pounds), but still boasts 34 points of articulation, which would be an impressive number on a model kit a fraction of its size.
The full-size Gundam is the star of the newly built Gundam Factory Yokohama complex, which also houses exhibits explaining how the statue was designed and constructed (plus sells exclusive merch, naturally). One of the exhibits, shown in the second half of the video above, recreates the RX-78’s cockpit in virtual form, so that visitors can see the world through ace mecha pilot Amuro’s eyes.
▼ Another view of Gundam as it awakens and its eyes light up!
Gundam Factory Yokohama was originally going to have a soft opening in July, no doubt with an eye on visitors arriving for the Tokyo Olympics (Yokohama is about 30 minutes south of downtown Tokyo by train), followed by a full opening in October. The coronavirus pandemic pushed those plans back, but it’s now on schedule to have its grand opening later this month, on December 19.
#スーパーセーラームーン と#ネヘレニア が対峙する
前編 第2弾ビジュアル解禁
#劇場版セーラームーン pic.twitter.com/FPtnc6yLfg
