S.H. FiguArts RedBuster, Chida Nick Revealed

Bandai tamashii Nations had released the official images for S.H. FiguArts RedBuster, the first character from Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters to have an S.H. FiguArts treatment. He is the fifth Red sentai warrior in the line.


S.H. FiguArts RedBuster stands 14omm tall and comes with the Go-Busters side weapons SouganBlade, IchiganBuster and IchiganBuster Final Buster Mode. Interchangeable hands are also included.


Furthermore, Bandai had announced the addition of S.H. FiguArts Chida Nick on Tamashii Nations' line of exclusive figures. It stands 160mm tall and comes with "weapons set.” But I do wonder what's that supposed to be.


S.H. FiguArts RedBuster costs 3675 yen, and slated for September release, while S.H. FiguArts Chida Nick costs 3675 yen, and slated for October release.

BeetBuster: The Man from HyperSpace [Updated]

A few days ago, we got information for the upcoming debut of the gold warrior, BeetBuster, and his silver buddy, StagBuster. As we debut is just a few days away, here are some additional background on the latest episode of Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters.

Jin Masato is a brilliant engineer in the Energy Management Center and is the senior whom Ryuuji admires. He is a genius but not striving for perfection. After that incident 13 years ago, he got lost in hyperspace. Since he created Beet J Stag, they both have attitude problems and performance issues.


Masato suddenly appears in front of the Go-Busters, and eagerly challenges Hiromu. Ryuuji knew Masato as a brilliant engineer when he was in High school.

Beet J Stag Buddyroid has personality and performance(capability) issues which is based on Masato’s philosophy of “Perfection is boring. Having defection make it more interesting.”


But why didn’t Masato’s looks change from 13 years ago since he was sent into hyper space? Why has he returned from hyperspace? If Masato has an eccentric personality, so goes his BuddyRoid Beet J Stag. Their return meant not only to fight Vaglass, but also to steal Enetron.


Masato and Beet Stag J transform through their Morphin Blaster. Masato’s transformation looks great but since Beet J Stag is a BuddyRoid, he is the one to look out for! With their help they can protect the Enetron from Vaglass but they would just walk away.

Jin Masato / BeetBuster is played by Hiroya Matsumoto, formerly known as Tsubasa Ozu of Mahou Sentai Magiranger. Suit actor for BeetBuster is Toshikazu Seike. Beet J Stag is voiced by Yuichi Nakamura (Fairy Tail), while the suit actor is Taisuke Sato.


Both BeetBuster and StagBuster have each of their own Buster Machines. BeetBuster's BC-04 Go-BusterBeet and StagBuster's SJ-05 Stag Beetle, maneuvered using the DriBlade, a sword that doubles as a steering wheel.


The BeetBuster's BC-04 Go-BusterBeet's vehicle form is a crane, and can transform to its animal mode — a beetle. Its crane can double as a launcher for StagBuster's SJ-05 Stag Beetle, which can transform into it's animal mode — a stag beetle.

BC-04 Go-BusterBeet have three different weapon configurations. (a) It features an extendable crane arm to initiate a powerful punch; (b) a dual gun mode; and, (c) a dual sword mode. The SJ-05 Stag Beetle can also be launched on the megazord's crane arm as an attack, and its finishing move is the Super Piston Punch!


In addition, here are some details on Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters' upcoming June episodes, which centers arond BeetBuster and Stag Buster:

Mission 15: The Golden Warrior and the Silvery Buddy - 06/03
Mission 16: The Man from Hyperspace - 06/10

Mission 17: N/A - 06/17
Forkroid and ForkZord appears

Mission 18: N/A - 06/27
Drillroid 2 and Drillzord 2 appears

Man Arrested for Uploading One Piece Manga Online

Another man was arrested by Hyogo Prefecture Police on the suspicion of uploading pirate manga One Piece Volume 49: “Nightmare Luffy” through the Cabos file-sharing software.

The 44-year old part-time worker reportedly admitted on sharing the manga online with his personal computer at home. He was then arrested on suspicion of violating Japan's Copyright Law.

According to reports, the suspect released about 200 pages, or most of the 49th volume of the One Piece manga on April 19th. The Hyōgo police's Cyber Crime Task Force discovered the alleged actions through its online surveillance.

One Piece Volume 49: “Nightmare Luffy” Summary:
Luffy, unaware that Moria has joined Oars, runs into a group of pirates that have all lost their shadows. Seeing Luffy as hope for freedom, they provide him with the means to bring down Moria: a hundred shadows that they've managed to take back from the island's zombies.

via Anime New Network

Claymore Manga to Continue — Jump Square Editors

On May 30th, the editors of Shueisha's Jump Square magazine posted a sample image of the 22nd manga volume of Norihiro Yagi's dark fantasy manga Claymore, which indirectly confirms the return of the manga.

The wraparound jacket band on the volume has the standard blurb, “Hit series now running in Jump Square (on sale on the 4th of every month)!!” Volume 22 will be released on June 4th.

Even though the most recent manga chapter ended with the text “Claymore — Owari” (Claymore — End), Italian publisher Star Comics stated that the manga will still continue regularly.

Claymore took place in a world where monsters called Yoma prey on humans and live among them in disguise. The humanity's only hope is a new breed of warrior known as Claymores — silver-eyed girls who are half-human half-Yoma to the predators for a fee. But the more the Claymores call on their supernatural strength, the closer they come to losing their human sides forever.

via Anime News Network

Super Robot Chogokin Daizyujin Official Images Released

Bandai Tamashii Nations had just released the official images of Super Robot Chogokin Daizyujin, the fourth Super Sentai robo in the Super Robot Chogokin toy line. It represents the mecha of Kyouryu Sentai Zyuranger.


Also known as "The Megazord" of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Super Robot Chogokin Daizyujin stands 140mm tall, and comes with various accessories including its signature sword and shield, shoulder mounted cannons, and a couple of effect parts.


Please be reminded that this won't be transformable to "Daizyujin tank mode." You might want to get the DX Daizyujin for that purpose, as the priority of these figures is articulation.

Super Robot Chogokin Daizyujin costs 5040 yen, and will be released on September 2012.

Kamen Rider Fourze: Law of the School

Last week, we started to see Gentarou wearing the Amanogawa High School uniform. But why is he wearing it? Check out the latest Kamen Rider Fourze episode summaries, as we see Meteor playing golf with Taurus.

Episode 38: And the Winner is... - 06/03
Only four people left on the series of test, which includes Elleen and Yuuki. As transfer student hold a Zodiarts Switch, she makes Yuuki her target. The Astronaut test becomes a survival test at the end of the course.


Episode 39: Law of the School - 06/10
The student council has announced a new set of regulations which include forcing Gentarou to wear the official school uniform, and other strict laws. Meanwhile, Taurus appears and there are unexpected characters that are already using Zodiarts switches… Who could that be?


Episode 40: Logical Sense of Information - 06/24
New rules have been implemented in the school, as Tomoko joins the disciplinary committee to run and monitor activities. To know the truth behind these changes, Gentarou decides investigate the student council head. On the other hand Meteor is challenged to play golf, does he have the skills to play? Why does he has to play in the first place?

Source: ca-3 blog

All Kamen Rider Generations 2: Fourze Switches Previewed

Similar to the previous installment, the upcoming sequel to last year's Rider Generations, “All Kamen Rider: Rider Generations 2,” will feature all of Fourze's Astro Switches! Yes, all 40 of them will be available in the game!

Similar to the show, players can change tactics by equipping Fourze various attachments called "Modules" that materialized from the Astro Switches. Furthermore, four of Kamen Rider Fourze's switches can give him new forms or States such as the Elec, Fire, Magnet, or Cosmic States.

This beat 'em up side-scroller will have at least 50 playable characters with the addition of Kamen Riders KickHopper, PunchHopper, Ouja, Blade, Garren, Chalice and Leangle, confirmed in the game.

Pre-ordering an early copy of the game will get you stickers that have codes allowing you unlock Riders instantly. All Kamen Rider: Rider Generations 2 will be released on August 2nd. Pre-orders for the PSP and Nintendo DS versions are now available in Play-Asia! You can pre-order the game by clicking the links found below:

Buy All Kamen Rider: Rider Generation 2 (Nintendo DS) at Play-Asia.com
Buy All Kamen Rider: Rider Generation 2 (Sony PSP) at Play-Asia.com

More screenshots are available over at Siliconera.

AKB48's NO NAME to release Debut Single this August

It has been announced that idol group AKB48's new sub-unit, NO NAME will be releasing their debut single “Kibou ni Tsuite” this August. The song was used as the opening theme of the AKB0048 anime.

NO NAME is composed of Mayu Watanabe, Sayaka Nakaya, Amina Satō, Haruka Ishida, Sumire Satō, Karen Iwata, Kumi Yagami, Sawako Hata, and Mao Mita — the nine lead voice actresses of the said anime.

The single's B-Side track is “Yume wa Nando Demo Umarekawaru,” the ending theme of AKB0048 anime, and three brand new tracks. All song lyrics are written by producer Yasushi Akimoto.

NO NAME's “Kibou ni Tsuite” will be released on August 1st, and available in four different versions: CD+DVD Limited Edition TYPE A and B, and CD Only Regular Edition TYPE A and B, for 1524 yen and 952 yen respectively. Pre-order your copies now at CDJapan and get exciting bonuses!

DX MMZ-001 Moe Moe Z-Cune Promo

Bandai begun streaming the 30-second promotional video for the upcoming release of 1/1 Scale DX MMZ-01 Moe Moe Z-Cune from Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger this September.

It represents the anime character Aoi from Nyojime Z-Cune Aoi anime series that doubles as their transformation device.


The "Gun Mode" have a length 0f 290mm, while the Aoi figure stands 240mm. The figure transforms the same way as the show and comes with a display stand. Perfect to be displayed along with the Akibaranger SH FiguArts!

The DX MMZ-01 Moe Moe Z-Cune will costs 12000 yen, and slated for September 2012 release.

Kamen Rider Rize is Kamen Rider 2012?

Copyright and trademark registration details have been revealed dating May 28th pointing to “KAMEN RIDER RIZE” as our 14th Heisei Kamen Rider series. Check out the image below:

The image is pretty much similar to previous Kamen Rider copyright registrations (see OOO and Fourze). So far, the validity of the image is still in question.


There are currently four ongoing rumors for Kamen Rider 2012: the smartphone technology rider, a magic rider, a rider that looks like a painter, and a rider involving "PuzzleRoids" that have legendary beast motif. So far, there's no solid proof that these rumors are yet to be true...

UPDATE: Image is deemed fake and we got false alarm!
via J-Hero Facebook

Man Arrested Over Nude, Custom One Piece Nami Figure

It's been a while since we heard arrests over customized figures. On May 30th, a man was arrested by the Chiba Prefecture Police over nude and customized One Piece anime female figures.

Yuichi Inamura, a 33-year old man from Tokyo, arrested and searched on suspicion of violating Japan's Copyright Act by selling unauthorized, custom figures.

He sold three Nami figures on auction sites without first acquiring permission from Toei Animation, and allegedly earned over 40,000 yen in February through March. Over 50 One Piece figures were seized when the police raided his home.

Called by fans as "ma-kaizoku figures," are modified official merchandises to enhance their erotic appeal, or in other manners not necessarily approved by the original creators.

Inamura denies the charges, saying “I obtained permission to sell them from the makers in China. I thought they were official products.”

Source: Yomiuri Shimbun via Anime News Network

Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger EP 08 SUB

Here is the full stream of Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger Episode 8: “The Bonds Forged through Painful Special Training Lead Down the Road of Becoming Official to a Conspiracy.” The episode features a Niyojime Z-Cune Aoi opening.

A TOEI producer calls Nobuo. He is delighted and excited in hopes that Akibaranger will become official soon. Suspicious, Hiroyo Hakase hanged up the phone.


However, the three went to Ginza, Toei's main headquarters, but were kicked out of the office. Meanwhile, Hiroyo visits a professor at a university.

009 Re:Cyborg, A Sequel to the Original

On a presentation last May 29th, director and writer Kenji Kamiyama had revealed that the upcoming 009 Re:Cyborg will be a sequel to the original manga by Shotaro Ishinomori.

In this presentation by Kenji Kamiyama on Osaka, he revealed that the movie depicts “what happens after” the events of Cyborg 009 manga. He also showed the production process on screen, and personally promoted the movie.

It was previously confirmed by producer Tomohiko Ishii that the film will simultaneously screen in five Asian countries including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea.

In the original Cyborg 009 manga, the secret Black Ghost organization transforms nine unsuspecting humans into cyborgs. However, the nine cyborgs turn on their masters and protect the rest of humanity from Black Ghost's plans for world war.

Source: Sanspo via tokyohive

Kamen Rider Fourze: Who Are the Space Ironmen?

This August will be the premiere of “Kamen Rider Fourze THE MOVIE Everyone It's Space Time!,” which features the Uchuu Tetsujin a.k.a. Space Ironmen. But who are they? What's their motive?

With the use of Cosmic Energy, Grandain was created together with his sister, Skydain by the Federation of Alicia. When they were activated, they already have their own will, and decided to rebel against humanity. Skydain has two blades on her arms that she can fold out, while, Grandain had a weapon called GranBuster X, a cannon on his chest.


Black Knight is the third Space Ironman is called. He works together with Inga Blink (Mikie Hara) of the Federation of Alicia. He mostly relies on his strong defensive armor instead of offensive attacks. On his chest, he has a mounted machine gun. As a weapon, he uses a rapier called “Blackest Leaver.”

Directed by Koichi Sakamoto, Kamen Rider Fourze THE MOVIE Everyone It's Space Time! premieres August 4th.

via Henshin Justice

Persona 4: The Animation Compilation Film to feature “True End”

The official website for the anime adaptation of Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4 video game, Persona 4: The Animation had announced that the entire series will be compiled to one film with new cuts.

To be entitled “Persona 4 The Animation -The Factor of Hope-”, it will play on 10 selected theaters on Japan on June 9th, and will run for 90 minutes. It will also include the unaired “True End Episode” that will be included in Volume No.10 Blu-ray Disc and DVD.

The 10 theaters will include screens in the Kanto, Nagoya, and Osaka areas. Advance tickets with bonus extras will go on sale in 26 Animate stores, Animate's mail-order service, MOVIC's mail-order service, and the participating theaters.

Animate will be giving away an exclusive B2 poster with a printed signature of voice actor Daisuke Namikawa, with a purchase of the 2,000-yen advance ticket. With a 1,500-yen advance ticket, the theaters will offer a set of two original postcards. Every attendees will receive one of seven randomly distributed original stickers inspired by strips of film.


Persona 4: The Animation revolves around Yu Narukami, a second year high school student from a city who moves to Inaba to live for a year with his uncle and cousin, who have acquired a mysterious power called "Persona."

With his new friends, he later embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the bizarre series of murders involving the distorted TV World, as well as a phenomenon called the "Midnight Channel".

via Anime News Network

TOEI Starts “HERO NEXT” Project Starring Previous Tokusatsu Actors [Updated]

The company that produces Kamen Rider and Super Sentai series through the years, TOEI had announced that they will start a new project starring previous tokusatsu actors dubbed as “HERO NEXT.” It is to show a new side of the young actors.

Directed by Ten Shimoyama, the first film, “PIECE ~Kioku no Kakera~” stars Kamen Rider OOO actors Shu Watanabe and Ryosuke Miura. Watanabe plays a free reporter and Miura a cameraman with five personalities. They pursue a mystery in this science-fiction suspense story.


The new project is pretty much different from the usual show they previously filmed. It is said to be a "showdown of acting abilities." TOEI television producer and head of the TOEI Tokyo filming studio Shinichiro Shirakura explained, “When their show is over, it’s absurd to just say ‘Okay, bye.’ If only there were a way to show another side of those hero show actors….”


Ten Shimoyama (Innocent World, Shinobi), director of Kamen Rider OOO's music videos “Anything Goes!” and “Te o Tsunagou ~Matsuken x Kamen Rider Samba,” commented, “I want to film the side of those two that they only show in private.”


From this onwards, the HERO NEXT series of direct-to-video films will feature young actors who have graduated from Toei’s tokusatsu series.

“PIECE ~Kioku no Kakera~” begins DVD rental on November 9th and slated to be released on November 21st.

via Henshin Justice Unlimited