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• Japanese publisher Cygames has announced that the hotly anticipated animated series Mysteria Friends will be broadcast on Japanese TV in January 2019. The series will feature the much-loved characters Anne and Grea from the popular Mysteria Academy event featured in the Rage of Bahamut mobile game.
• Mysteria Friends depicts the further adventure of Anne and Grea, two much-loved characters created by Cygames for the Mysteria Academy event that took place within the Rage of Bahamut mobile game. The two characters have since starred in other games, such as Shadowverse and Granblue Fantasy, cementing their status as firm fan favorites.
• Directed by Hideki Okamoto of Konohana Kitan fame, it is the first animated TV series from CygamesPictures, and it features the same amazing cast of actors who voiced the characters in the game, with Yoko Hikasa, and Ayaka Fukuhara reprising their roles as Anne and Grea respectively.
• Note that the Japanese title of the animated series is Manaria Friends. At the present time the anime and official website are only available in Japanese.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Synopsis

*About Mysteria Friends

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• HIDIVE announced today that it acquired streaming rights to The Tibetan Dog, a feature-length film from the critically acclaimed Madhouse studios, for the USA and Canada. HIDIVE subscribers can watch the premiere on Monday, October 8, 2018 with English subs and an English-language dub.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Synopsis

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• The awesome team at Bluefin are proud to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the pivotal Studio Ghibli anime classic, My Neighbor Totoro, with an officially licensed plush doll that is available from Barnes & Noble.
• The 9-inch tall push doll of the beloved Totoro character by Japanese manufacturer, Sun Arrow, is now available for purchase at participating Barnes & Noble locations nationwide for $30.00.
• Bluefin is further supporting the anniversary with a special online giveaway contest. 10 Totoro themed gift baskets will be awarded. Each contains a whimsical collection of Studio Ghibli officially licensed Totoro products valued at over $100.00. The contest runs through November 1st and is open to all to enter at: https://www.bluefinbrands.com/totoro.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Gift Basket Prize Package

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• VIZ Media has officially announced the release date of THE COMPLETE ART OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, which is slated to drop November 13th in the west!
• THE COMPLETE ART OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST contains more than 300 illustrations of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST by creator Hiromu Arakawa. The MSRP for THE COMPLETE ART OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST will be $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN. The release contains the artwork collected in the two previously published art books from FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST as well as all new content, perfect for collectors and fans of the bestselling series.
• This massive hardcover collection contains all the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST color artwork by manga artist Hiromu Arakawa from 2001 to 2017, including the series’ entire run and beyond! THE COMPLETE ART OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST contains over 280 pages of gorgeous full-color illustrations, including all the original chapter title pages, the graphic novel covers for the single-volume and collected editions, portraits of the main characters, and promotional artwork. Includes an exclusive interview and a special step-by-step illustration creation discussion with Hiromu Arakawa.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• VIZ Media has officially announced the home media release of POKÉMON THE SERIES: SUN & MOON COMPLETE COLLECTION on November 6th.
• Under license from The Pokémon Company International, the POKÉMON THE SERIES: SUN & MOON COMPLETE COLLECTION will debut exclusively on DVD and will feature all 43 episodes on six discs. The set will carry an MSRP of $49.99 U.S. / $57.99 CAN with episodes presented with English-dubbed as well as English SDH-subtitled dialogue options. Extras include clean opening and ending credits.
• VIZ Media is the official North American distributor for a wide variety of POKÉMON home media releases including animated series and films and also publishes a variety of POKÉMON manga graphic novel series (in both printed and digital formats) including POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: FireRed & LeafGreen, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: EMERALD, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND AND PEARL/PLATINUM, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HeartGold & SoulSilver, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE, POKÉMON X•Y, and POKÉMON OMEGA RUBY • ALPHA SAPPHIRE.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• Earlier today, VIZ Media officially announced the release date of the beautifully illustrated RAN AND THE GRAY WORLD, which drops November 20th.
• RAN AND THE GRAY WORLD is written and illustrated by Aki Irie and will be published under the VIZ Signature imprint. The series will carry a print MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN. RAN AND THE GRAY WORLD also launches digitally on November 20th for $10.99 via viz.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and Google Play stores. Future volumes of the series will be published on a quarterly basis.
• Ran Uruma can’t wait to grow up and become a sorceress like her mother, so with the help of a magical pair of sneakers, she transforms into an adult and sets off! Her father and older brother Jin try to keep her home safe, but Ran is determined to advance her powers and have adventures of her own!
• Manga creator Aki Irie began her professional career as a manga artist in 2002 with the short story “Fuku-chan Tabi Mata Tabi” (Fuku-chan on the Road Again), which was published in the monthly manga magazine, Papu. RAN AND THE GRAY WORLD, her first full-length series, is also the first of her works to be released in English.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• Holiday season is approaching us and of course, the the team over at VIZ Media are ready to ring in the Christmas spirit.
• VIZ Media offers anime and manga fans a diverse collection of titles that will make excellent gift selections for all ages and tastes this holiday season. Featured titles include Season 1 the Netflix original series CASTLEVANIA as well as the latest movie and Limited Edition Home Video Sets of SAILOR MOON. Fans of all ages can enjoy both manga and animation offerings from the beloved POKÉMON series.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Holiday Gift Selections

SAILOR MOON Gift Selections

POKÉMON Gift Selections

Deluxe Book Gift Selections

Manga Box Set Gift Selections

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• Sentai Filmworks announced today that it acquired distribution rights to the 2018 Fall simulcast series, Between the Sky and Sea for the USA, the UK, Canada and other select territories.
• In the future, Earth’s oceans are nearly devoid of life when the fish disappear. However, people still need to eat. There can be only one solution: Humanity must reach for the stars, discover new aquatic lifeforms and catch alien fish for consumption! With the desire to help those they care about, Haru and her friends train to become space fisherwomen to bring back the catch of a lifetime.
• Between the Sky and Sea features Atsushi Nigorikawa (Naruto Shippuden and Anime De Training! Ex) as the director and Shuuhei Yamamoto (Battle Girl High School and Anime De Training! Ex) as the character designer. Animation production will be handled by TMS Entertainment (Megalobox, Bakuon!! and Lupin the 3rd). The series will soon be available to stream on select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• The wonderful team over at GKIDS have announced that they're working closely with Gallery Nucleus, the prestigious Los Angeles-based gallery focused on illustration and animation-related artworks, to bring you a public exhibition that highlights artwork from critically-acclaimed director and Studio Chizu founder Mamoru Hosoda's filmography, including exclusive production artwork from the director's upcoming feature MIRAI.
• Attendees will be able to view production artwork, storyboards, and other materials from his feature films, as well as purchase items from the Studio Chizu pop-up shop, and attendees of the opening reception will receive free posters while supplies last. The exhibit will be on display at Gallery Nucleus from Saturday, November 24 to Sunday, December 2. The gallery is located at 210 Main Street in the Alhambra neighborhood, and offers all-ages free admission without RSVP.
• Featuring the voices of John Cho (Star Trek, Searching), Rebecca Hall (The Town, Christine), and Daniel Dae Kim ("LOST", Hawaii Five-0", "The Good Doctor", 3AD Media), GKIDS will theatrically release the film in New York and Los Angeles on November 30. GKIDS has additionally partnered with Fathom Events to bring MIRAI to U.S. theaters nationwide for special event screenings later this year starting on November 29.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

About MIRAI

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• TMS Entertainment USA today announced LUPIN THE 3rd PART 5: Season 1 (12 x 30-minute episodes), the latest installment of the long-running anime series, will be made available for purchase for the first time in US on all major digital distribution services including Apple iTunes, Google Play and Amazon Digital starting November 18th.
• Included as an exclusive bonus content for the Season 1 bundle is the special 50th anniversary episode that had never been made available in the US. The anniversary episode, “Is Lupin Still Burning?” commemorates the 50 year anniversary since Monkey Punch created the beloved master thief and hails Monkey Punch himself as the executive director.
• To celebrate the digital release, “Is Lupin Still Burning?” will see its first US premiere at Anime NYC on Saturday, November 17th at 6:45pm ET (Anime NYC Panel Room 3), making it an exciting opportunity to catch the never before seen episode of Lupin and his gang on the big screen at East Coast’s highly anticipated anime fan gathering.
• Theatrical features of LUPIN THE 3rd’s LUPIN THE 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro, (100min) directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and LUPIN THE IIIRD: Jigen’s Gravestone, (50 min) that centers on Lupin’s longtime right hand man and dead shot gunslinger, Daisuke Jigen, are also available for digital purchase through digital distribution services.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Synopsis

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• Sentai Filmworks announced today that it acquired exclusive distribution rights to Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion, the feature-length film, based on the hugely popular franchise known to insiders as DanMachi. The original television series, first released outside Japan by Sentai Filmworks in 2015 was a breakout hit and enduring fan favorite.
• Adventurers may come from far and wide to test their mettle within the dungeon beneath Orario, but that’s not the only location to experience! The gang may be familiar with the dark depths, but in this new story by the series’ original writer, Fujino Omori, Bell’s latest quest takes him beyond the dungeon. Fans can follow Hestia, Bell, Liliruca and the rest alongside the goddess Artemis as the Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? saga continues in a brand-new adventure!
• Produced by EGG FIRM + SB Creative and directed by Katsushi Sakurabi (Flying Witch and The Pet Girl of Sakurasou) the feature also enlists Yasuhiro Oumura (Azumanga Daioh and When They Cry) as art director. Shigeki Kimoto (Flying Witch and Azumanga Daioh) expands upon the character designs from the series’ original character designer, Suzuhito Yasuda.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• Sentai Filmworks announced today that it acquired worldwide rights, excluding Asia, to Mysteria Friends, the long-awaited animated series produced by Cygames Pictures and adapted from the popular Mysteria Academy event featured in the Rage of Bahamut mobile game. The highly anticipated original storyline unlocks the secrets of the Mysteria Magic Academy where humans, gods, and demons mingle freely.
• Mysteria Friends spotlights fan favorite characters, Anne, the runaway royal, and Grea, the dragon-born girl, voiced by Yoko Hikasa (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? and GATE) and Ayaka Fukuhara (Trinity Seven and Battle Girl High School). Mysteria Friends premiers on select streaming platforms beginning January 2019.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• Sentai Filmworks announced today that it acquired exclusive distribution rights to the highly anticipated films based on the critically-acclaimed franchise, MADE IN ABYSS. In 2017, the television series took audiences by surprise and garnered ecstatic reviews with its disarming facade that shrouded a dark masterpiece. Now, the timeless story will be presented in theaters and told across two compendium films, Journey’s Dawn and Wandering Twilight, drawn from the original series together with newly added scenes and storytelling.
• The enigmatic Abyss entices those with the spirit of exploration, despite the dangers. Wishing to follow in her mother's footsteps, Riko trains hard to become a Cave Raider. One day, she receives news that her mother died in the Abyss, yet a mysterious note tells Riko that her mother may still be alive. Vowing to uncover the truth about her mother’s fate, Riko embarks on a journey with a humanoid robot boy name Reg. Together, they will discover if they have what it takes to survive where so many others have perished.
• Journey’s Dawn and Wandering Twilight will be available in Japanese with English subtitles along with an English dub in the US and select international markets. For more information including release dates, engagement locations, and booking, visit https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/theatrical-releases. Following their theatrical release windows, the films will be available via pay per view, TVOD, paid streaming (select digital outlets) and home video.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• Aniplex of America has revealed the English dub cast of the smash hit newcomer to Reki Kawahara’s Sword Art Online universe, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online. The announcement at the Aniplex of America industry panel included news that both the subtitled and English dub version of the show will be available on Hulu and Netflix.
• Based on the original work by self-proclaimed military and gun fanatic Keiichi Sigsawa, author of Kino’s Journey and gun consultant for Sword Art Online II, the series, hereafter referred to as GGO, premiered in April of 2018 with Japanese voice cast members Tomori Kusunoki (Slow Start, Marchen Madchen), Yoko Hikasa (The irregular at magic high school THE MOVIE –The Girl Who Summons the Stars-, WAGNARIA!!), Kazuyuki Okitsu (Nanana’s Buried Treasure, Charlotte), and Chinatsu Akasaki (Fate/Apocrypha, ERASED). The English cast features the series’ main character LLENN voiced by Reba Buhr (The Asterisk War, Violet Evergarden), Allegra Clark (Fate/Apocrypha, GRANDBLUE FANTASY The Animation) as Pitohui, Ray Chase (March comes in like lion, anohana -The Flower We Saw That Day-) as M, and Faye Mata (Fate/Apocrypha, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable) playing the lovable best friend, Fukaziroh.
• Produced by Studio 3Hz (Flip Flappers, Princess Principal), the show features the work of Yoshio Kozakai (Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu, Tsukimonogatari) serving as character designer and chief animation director with Masayuki Sakoi (Strawberry Panic!, Princess Principal) as director, and Yosuke Kuroda (Trigun, Hellsing OVA, My Hero Academia) as the screenwriter.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Synopsis

English Dub Cast

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• More exciting news from GKIDS as they, along with Fathom Events have announced the U.S. national debut of Studio Ponoc's animated anthology MODEST HEROES: PONOC SHORT FILMS THEATRE, VOLUME 1.
• This feature-length collection of three short films is the latest project from Studio Ponoc, the new Japanese animation studio founded by two-time Academy Award-nominee Yoshiaki Nishimura (The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There) and featuring many artists from the venerable Studio Ghibli.
• MODEST HEROES is the studio's follow-up to last year's critically-acclaimed animated feature Mary and The Witch's Flower, which was also presented in cinemas by Fathom Events and GKIDS. In addition to screening the anthology, attendees will view behind-the-scenes exclusive content on the making of MODEST HEROES. MODEST HEROES, is an ambitious collection of three thrilling tales created by some of the greatest talents working in Japanese animation today.
• There are three stories in the anthology: Kanini & Kanino, Life Ain't Gonna Lose, and Invisible. Kanini & Kanino is directed by Academy Award-nominee Hiromasa Yonebayashi (When Marnie Was There, Mary and The Witch's Flower); Life Ain't Gonna Lose, featuring the voice of Maggie Q (Nikita, Designated Survivor), is helmed by Yoshiyuki Momose, who was a key animator on Isao Takahata's films at Studio Ghibli; and Invisible director Akihiko Yamashita was a key animator on many of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki's best-known films.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Theater Information

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• Today we have some brand new clips which show off more footage from MIRAI, and features the English voice cast of Daniel Dae Kim, John Cho & Rebecca Hall. The breathtaking journey, directed by Mamoru Hosoda (The Boy and the Beast), of time-traveling siblings is now playing in select U.S. theaters!

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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• GKIDS' MIRAI, directed and written by Mamoru Hosoda, was nominated this morning for a Golden Globe for "Best Motion Picture - Animated" by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. To date, the feature film has also garnered two Annie Award nominations including "Best Animated Feature - Independent," and earned a nomination from the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society (LAOFCS).
• MIRAI made its world premiere at Cannes Directors' Fortnight, a rare honor for a Japanese animated film.The film is GKIDS' third Golden Globe nomination after last year's The Breadwinner and 2016's My Life as a Zucchini which both went on to receive Academy Award nominations for "Best Animated Feature." MIRAI is currently playing in theaters nationwide.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

I'm just so surprised that my film's been nominated for the 76th Golden Globe Awards! It gives me great joy to think that my film could reach a wider audience, and more people could enjoy my little film. Thank you very much to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for this honor

Writer/director Mamoru Hosoda

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• GKIDS announced it has acquired the North American distribution rights for the animated feature OKKO'S INN, the new feature film from Studio Ghibli veteran animator Kitaro Kosaka. The film world premiered at the 2018 Annecy International Film Festival, and additionally played at Animation is Film this past October.
• GKIDS will release the film theatrically next year in both its original Japanese language and a new English dubbed version. OKKO'S INN follows Okko, who goes to live with her grandmother in the countryside after losing her parents. While she prepares to become the inn's next caretaker, Okko discovers there are playful ghosts who live there. However, only she can see them.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Synopsis

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• GKIDS have officially announced that it has acquired the North American distribution rights for the animated feature BUÑUEL IN THE LABYRINTH OF THE TURTLES. GKIDS will release the film theatrically next year.
• BUÑUEL IN THE LABYRINTH OF THE TURTLES made its world premiere at this year's Animation Is Film Festival, garnering a Special Jury Prize for its innovative handling of unexpected subject matter. The film from The Glow Animation/Sygnatia and Submarine animation studios, was co-written and directed by Salvador Simó, and produced by Manuel Cristobal.
• BUÑUEL IN THE LABYRINTH OF TURTLES captures an early moment in the career of master surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel and his friend and new benefactor Ramón Acin, who set out to make the unexpected and ambitious documentary on the Las Hurdes region in Spain. The film is sold worldwide by Latido Films, and the all-rights deal was negotiated by GKIDS' CEO and Founder Eric Beckman and Latido Films' Antonio Saura.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Synopsis

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" bookwalker_id="" cdj_product_id="" text="crunchyroll" url="http://www.crunchyroll.com/fox-spirit-matchmaker/episode-6-truth-of-the-misunderstanding-741047" ]

6. Kitsune no Koe (Voice of Fox)

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[Information episodes=" 4+ " aired=" October 2018 - ongoing " post_id=""]

Hu Li is quite an unlucky guy between his facial scar and having to pay for his mother’s hospital bills. Things seem to be turning around when he gets hired as a ghost singer for Kong Que and his financial burdens are lifted. But when Hu Li starts receiving messages from the mysterious SKY who knows about his secret and claims to always be watching him, his new happiness might be torn away. A lot of Chinese anime or anime based on Chinese comics tend to have magic or spiritual battles, but Kitsune no Koe is just about a boy’s beautiful voice and inner turmoil. Caught between wanting recognition and his devotion to shouldering his family’s burden, Hu Li is tormented by anonymous messages stating he’s always being watched. There’s also a strange fox-person spirit that encourages him to ditch Kong Que and take to the stage himself and in the first few episodes, it’s unclear if that’s simply his own desires manifesting of something else!

5. Huyao Shao Hongniang (Fox Spirit Matchmaker)

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[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" June 2015 – November 2015 " post_id=""]

Humans and demons may fall in love but without help, their love is doomed to end once the human’s short lifespan has ended. Fox Spirit Matchmakers exist to reunite demons with reincarnations of their true love and awaken their past memories so that they may love again. Haku Gesshou is an extremely talented Daoist monk who wants nothing to do with the Yi Qi Dao League he begrudgingly works for. Suusu is a young fox spirit often bullied by her older and much more powerful sister for her lack of ability. Trying to escape the tremendous pressure placed upon them by others, Haku Gesshou and Suusu team up to work as Fox Spirit Matchmakers. Fighting off dangerous yokai and helping grieving yokai find their love, may be difficult but every step brings them closer to realizing about themselves. This can be a bit of a complicated story as those with past lives tend to be. It’s great in that a lot of characters get fleshed out and you get to see just how intertwined everyone’s lives are. Fox Spirit Matchmaker does a good job of showing how people’s life experiences can change them yet there are fundamental things that make a person unique. With the Japanese dub of the show, the names are changed but whether in Chinese or Japanese it’s a funny yet moving anime.

4. Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage (a.k.a. Spirit Blade Mountain)

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" January 2016 – March 2016 " post_id=""]

A comet shower that was thought would herald chaos for Heaven and Earth passes by without much incident while a baby with a unique soul is born in a remote village. Years later, the Reiken clan decides to hold an examination to find new potential sages by testing young people’s wit and power. Ouriku has managed to catch the attention of the test master Oubu who’s whimsical nature my either hinder or help the promising hero. One might expect village elder spirits to be refined and virtuous, but Oubu clearly cares about her own amusement more than the outcome of the trials. Ouriku is similarly self-serving and vain but thankfully both want to stop calamity from befalling Earth. More than just battle after battle, Ouriku has to face mental trials and puzzles which is a nice change of pace.

2. Ken en Ken: Aoki Kagayaki (Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary)

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[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" October 2018 – ongoing " post_id=""]

Ning, Yin, and Zhao are childhood friends who spent their days together until the Taibai Empire came and burned their village to the ground, killing or enslaving everyone. Sisters Ning and Yin managed to escape at the cost of Yin’s arms and Zhao manages to use his expertise in engineering to rise from a slave to a chief engineer. Their suffering is far from over as the empire’s greed knows no bounds. If they want to bring peace to themselves and the land, they’ll have to use their new-found magic and station and risk the little happiness they have left. Of course, a story about war isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows but seeing a young girl’s arms get cut off is particularly hard to watch. Other than that, it’s very easy-to-watch with the detailed clothing designs and beautiful palace art and architecture. The show is based on a Taiwanese role-playing game Xuan Yuan Jian Waizhuan: Cang Zhi Tao and is a reimagining of historical events with magic and incredible technology. It’s not all good vs evil as some tough choices are made and with only 8 episodes out, it will be interesting to see where the story goes.

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" bookwalker_id="" cdj_product_id="" text="crunchyroll" url="http://www.crunchyroll.com/xuan-yuan-sword-luminary/episode-6-their-bond-777468" ]

Final Thoughts

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10. Nuwa Chengchang Riji

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[/hide] [Information episodes=" 30 " aired=" Apr 2016 - ongoing "]

Feng Xiao Xiao is an orphan girl who is just your typical Chinese girl with an upbeat personality and a desire to make those around her happy. That all changes on her 20th birthday when her guardian, Li Chang, reveals to her that she is actually the reincarnation of Nuwa, a legendary Chinese deity who “created man from Earth” and “mended the heavens”. After Li Chang awakens the spirit of Nuwa within her, Xiao Xiao eventually learns to accept her fate: to assemble other deities as part of a team to look for lost souls and restore them back to Heaven. The unique thing about this Chinese anime is the merging of both ancient Chinese history with the present day. The background animation is very much in tune with modern China, such as the doorknobs on the doors or the special “checkbook” Li Chang possesses, yet the subject matter is based on actual deities from Ancient China. The humor is also a blend, as the 4th wall is broken multiple times in conjunction with typical jokes about indecent behavior seen in most Japanese anime. If you’re interested in seeing a humorous Chinese anime that has a modern tone to it, Nuwa Chengchang Riji would be a great one to start with, especially since it’s currently airing.

9. Cupid's Chocolates

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[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Official Image" url="" ]

[/hide] [Information episodes=" 15 " aired=" Dec 2015 - Mar 2016 "]

Jiang Haoyi is a 19 year old high school student who enjoys living a life of peace and solitude and dreams of keeping it that way for as long as possible. That all changes one day when Xia Zi Tong, a girl he’s never met, announces to him in front of his entire class that she is carrying his baby, resulting in many jealous peers threatening to beat him up. As Jiang Haoyi tries to figure out what’s going on, more girls step forward claiming that he is their one true lover, escalating to the point where Jiang Haoyi jumps off the roof of the school in order to escape his pursuers. This only leads to a mysterious girl stopping time and explaining to Jiang Haoyi that because he had eaten a special cake left on the roof the previous day, anyone else who had that cake would now consider him his lover… The Chinese take on the typical harem anime, Cupid’s Chocolates stands out from most in that it certainly keeps a fast pace in order to resolve the story in 15 episodes and develop Jiang Haoyi’s relationships with the 5 other female protagonists. The animation is pretty solid, and there are modern details tying in to Chinese schools today, such as the school’s layout as well as the cell phones and social media used. If harem anime is your focus, Cupid’s Chocolates is certainly worth your time.

8. Spirit Blade Mountain (Reikenzan)

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="B01ASWC8PY" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" Jan 2016 - Mar 2016 "]

12 years ago, a comet was falling towards the planet, bringing an unknown disaster. However, at the same time, a newborn boy by the name of Oriku was born, and was touched by this mysterious entity connected to said comet. In the present day, nobody seems to remember this event. However, the Reiken clan are looking for the most powerful people throughout Kyuushu to become sages, and they are in for a treat when Oriku decides to take their entrance examination. Not even he knows the special powers that he possesses… Sprit Blade Mountain is a classic coming of age story about a young boy who desires to learn martial arts and unique techniques from a beautiful older woman who develops a very close bond with said boy. However, some unique takes on the story include Oriku already being somewhat powerful in his own right at the very beginning in addition to the other characters possessing certain personalities not often seen in anime of this genre. Not to mention the tie-ins to Chinese culture as a whole. If you have a liking for Chinese culture as well as martial arts, then Spirit Blade Mountain may be your best bet.

7. Hitori no Shita - The Outcast

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[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Official Website" url="http://hitorinoshita.com/" ]

[/hide] [Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" Jul 2016 - ongoing "]

Zhang Chulan is a normal college student until police inform him that someone has apparently dug up his grandfather’s grave. While walking through the graveyard, Chulan is assaulted by zombies, saved by a mysterious girl wielding a knife, receives some crucial advice from her, and watches her disappear. However, Chulan runs into the same girl once again at his university, leading him down a strange path that will result in encountering “Outsiders”, or people with extraordinary powers, as well as forcing him to truly learn his abilities… The unique aspect of this particular Chinese anime is how family oriented the main cast is, as there are a fair amount of characters related to either Chulan or Houhou. Apart from that, this is a pretty standard anime about random people with powers; nothing too deep or anything involving deep drama. If you’re looking for a standard adventure type of Chinese anime without anything too complex, then Hitorinoshita - The Outcast delivers.

6. Storm Rider Clash of the Evils

[sourceLink asin="B00BQ4LDB4" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 1 " aired=" July 2009 "]

Sword-Worshipping Manor houses the best sword-smiths in the world; unfortunately, the residents are viciously massacred due to suspicions of planning a rebellion against the government. Ngou Kuet, the master of the estate and the only survivor, vows to finish forging the "Kuet" Sword, a task passed down in his family for generations. However, this task has yet to be completed, and Ngou Kuet realizes that only by obtaining the blood of the Fire Kirin can he unleash the power of the sword… Storm Rider serves among the best anime films that China has to offer. With an extensive display of choreography in the fight scenes as well as compelling characters that drive the story forward, Storm Rider serves as a solid film in general. It helps that the main characters, referred to often as Wind and Cloud, relate to normal people in their downtime as opposed to being one dimensional in regards to their fighting. If you want to see the Chinese depiction of an anime action film, Storm Rider serves as the staple.

5. Requiem Street

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[/hide] [Information episodes=" 15 (so far) " aired=" Apr 2016 - ongoing "]

Xia Ling was a normal art student in her final year at university until a chance encounter results in her crossing dimensions. There she learns about Requiem Street, a dimension where humans and spirits co-exist due to humans not being pure enough to pass on to the spirit world. However, evil spirits are attracted to Requiem Street with the desire of destroying it, and Xia Ling, along with her new companions, soon finds herself in the middle of preventing this catastrophe… Requiem Street does a solid job in terms of breaking the mold from the standard anime story with its beginning. You have a female protagonist whose primary purpose is not to fall in love with the male protagonist, suspense in terms of not knowing who’s going to die next, and an overall creative sense of originality in regards to both the art style used as well as the setting. The show is still ongoing and has only begun rather recently, so if you’re looking for a Chinese anime that’s somewhat different from the typical Japanese anime, then Requiem Street would be the anime to check out.

4. The Legend of Condor Hero

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="B00092QX8C" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 78 " aired=" Apr 2001 - Oct 2002 "]

Youka is a 13-year-old boy who begins to follow in his uncle’s steps of martial arts by studying the art of Zenshinkyou. However, after running away, Youka stumbles on a Forbidden Tomb where he finds a woman named Shouryuujo. Youka is eventually accepted by Shouryuujo to study the art of Koboha under her, thus beginning the adventure… A story full of both martial arts and love, The Legend of Condor Hero is an anime adaptation of the typical Chinese love story seen in Chinese culture. In addition, the anime’s real name is Return of the Condor Heroes (in order to dispel any confusion). It does have its flaws; the anime definitely suffers somewhat from repeated scenes over and over, and the design as well as the soundtrack leave something to be desired. That being said: if you are primarily interested in good storytelling as well as seeing a Chinese anime be more or less faithful to the classic Chinese love story it’s adapted from, then this anime can fulfill those desires.

3. Fox Spirit Matchmaker

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[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="KeyVisual" url="" ]

[/hide] [Information episodes=" 27 " aired=" Jun 2015 - Apr 2016 "]

Yuechu Bai is a poor kid who will try to save money as much as he can given the opportunity. When he learns of his family’s plans for him, Yuechu decides the best course of action to foil their plans is to find a bride. As if right on cue, Susu Tushan falls right through the roof, and it just so happens that she is a fox youkai, or matchmaker, tasked with aiding couples that pledged their love in front of a special tree to fall in love again in their next lives… The brilliant thing this anime achieves is slowly developing the feelings the multiple couples in the story have for each other, resulting in the viewer genuinely understanding and believing their love for each other. Throw in the unique aspect of fox spirit matchmakers carefully developing a couple’s love so that they will do it again in their next lives, and you have yourselves a well-developed romantic anime. If that’s the kind of anime that you’re into, then Fox Spirit Matchmaker will deliver and then some.

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[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Fox Spirit Matchmaker Magazine Ep128" url="https://www.facebook.com/%E7%8B%90%E5%A6%96%E5%B0%8F%E7%BA%A2%E5%A8%98-214173952259941/photos/?tab=album&album_id=214200185590651" ]

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2. Monkey King: Hero Is Back

[sourceLink asin="B01FKPW2I2" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 1 " aired=" Jul 2015 "]

The Monkey King: a powerful figure said to be unmatched in combat. Legends say that when he broke some of the rules set by the all-powerful Gods, he was imprisoned in a cage under a mountain by the only powers able to control him. Darkness spreads across China in the absence of the Monkey King until a chance discovery by a young boy unlocks Sun Wukong from his cell… Without a doubt, the Legend of the Monkey King is (arguably) China’s biggest ancient story, as the tale itself was adapted by Akira Toriyama into Dragonball, one of Japan’s most famous manga as well as anime. Therefore the movie about the Monkey King himself is somewhat similar to Goku from Dragonball, as we are introduced to a character who possesses incredible powers yet has the temperament of a child with few things that can keep him in check. However, throughout the movie we eventually see Sun Wukong grow into the hero that China needs, and in the end defeat the evil once and for all. If you’re interested in watching China’s biggest legend adapted to an animated style, this is the move you should begin with.

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[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Official Website" url="http://www.accessbright.com/monkey_king" ]

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1. Qin's Moon: Hundred Steps Flying Sword

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[/hide] [Information episodes=" 139 " aired=" Feb 2007 - ongoing "]

Set during ancient China’s Qin Dynasty, an assassin’s attempt to save his homeland by killing the Emperor fails. As a result, the Emperor sends his troops to kill the assassin’s eight year old son; however, a swordsman is able to rescue the boy just in time. After their escape from the Emperor’s forces, they embark on a quest to change the empire’s future while meeting both friends and foes along the way. Without a doubt China’s most successful anime to date. Currently in its 5th season and still going strong, China has tapped into their ancient history for stories worthy of adapting, and they’ve done an excellent job in their adaptation as well as their development of their characters. Qin’s Moon also holds strong to its idea of chivalry and executes that idea very well. If you’re looking for a long running Chinese anime series with both humor, action, and well developed characters, then Qin’s Moon will be the top choice every time.

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[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Official Facebook" url="https://www.facebook.com/qinsmoon.tanthoiminhnguyet/photos/?tab=album&album_id=166824920009499" ]

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Final Thoughts