January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Summer-themed ‘Yotsuba&’cell phone strap mascotscoming out in WinterSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/summer-themed-yotsuba-cell-phone-

strap-mascots-winter/

By KarbyP on January 4th, 2013

Revoltech maker Kaiyodo must have missed the note aboutFebruary being a Winter month in Japan.

For the company is planning to release in February a setof five character straps themed after Kiyohhiko Azuma’s(Azumanga Daioh) manga series Yotsuba&, depictingprotagonist Yotsuba Koiwai in all manners of apparels wornduring Summer.

Or maybe that’s their strategy all along, to strike while theiron is hot the weather is still cold: Maybe fans of the comedyand slice-of-life manga are more likely to buy these Summer-themed Yotsuba& straps in Winter, so that it may serve asa portable source of warmth in the blistering cold. A pillar

of strength that encourages the strap owner to hold out andbear the cold weather for just a little longer, for Summer isjust around the corner (actually, no, Summer’s a long waysoff).

In any case, Yotsuba’s cutesy appearance is bound to keepfans’ moods evergreen all year round, those fickle things wecall “weather” and “season” be damned.

Kaiyodo’s Yotsuba& strap mascots will go on sale in Japanstarting February 15, for the price of 500 yen per box, or6,000 yen for a case of 12 boxes.

Five designs are available, but which of the five you get froma single box is completely random.

Natsu Matsuri (夏夏夏)

T-shirt (T夏夏夏)

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

In the Rain (夏夏夏)

At the Beach (夏夏夏)

Cicada Style (夏夏夏夏夏夏夏)

Source: Natalie

Free Nanoha poster fromComiket 83 gets sold for $316Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/free-nanoha-poster-comiket-83-

sold-316/

By ellehaym on January 4th, 2013

In this day and age, a Warashibe Choja-esque (StrawMillionaire) episode – where a peasant makes a series oftrades, starting with a piece of straw, to eventually becomingwealthy – would be deemed unimaginable.

But the events in this Japanese folk tale unexpectedly cameto pass in a modern day setting — at the Comiket 83 this pastweekend.

This time, of course, the trade did not start with a straw stalk,and there weren’t too many successive trades. It started witha blood donation instead.

As most of you are aware, otakus that frequent the Comiketat the Tokyo Big Sight would do anything to possess the

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

rarest of items. That would include paying a high sum ofmoney for a limited edition poster which can be obtained forfree.

At the event, the Japanese Red Cross Society held a blooddonation drive where they offered a free poster in exchangefor a 400 ml of blood. The prints featured characters fromMinato Soft, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, AQUAPLUS andOverdrive.

Only 3000 posters were given by the organization. So thedisappointed otakus who failed at getting the Nanoha postersaw their chance at obtaining it in an online auction. The bidclosed at an overwhelming price of 27,500 JPY (316 USD).

So if you want to become a modern age Warashibe Choja,trade your blood for a free limited edition poster at the nextComiket (if’ they’re doing it again) and start your own StrawMillionaire legend from there.

Source: RocketNews24

Flow gets busy this 2013with an album, a single and anationwide tourSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/flow-busy-2013-album-single-

nationwide-tour/

By ellehaym on January 4th, 2013

It will be a busy year for Flow, the J-rock band known forperforming theme songs for popular anime titles (includingNaruto, Code Geass and Eureka Seven), as they launch analbum and a single this coming March. Aside from the newreleases, their nationwide tour will commence in April.

The details of the album and single haven’t been revealedentirely, but the exact dates of both releases were alreadyannounced. The double A-side single is slated for a March20 release. It includes a new track plus Flow’s rendition ofCHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA (the theme song for the upcomingDragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods movie).

On the other hand, Flow’s 8th album, FLOW THE MAX!!!,will launch on the 27th on the same month.

FLOW LIVE TOUR 2013: Tour THE MAX!!! is a two-part nationwide tour: LAST MAX!!! and MAX!!! no MukouGawa. Tickets for the first part of the tour can be reservedthrough the band’s official website starting January 24.

The nationwide tour has 48 shows all in all. Below are thetour dates and venues:

FLOW LIVE TOUR 2013: Tour THE MAX!!! ~LAST MAX!!!~

• Chiba: April 12 at Chiba LOOK

• Gunma: April 20 at Takasaki club FLEEZ

• Kanagawa: April 21 at F.A.D YOKOHAMA

• Ibaraki: April 26 at Mito Lighthouse

• Hokkaido: April 29 at Sapporo cube garden

• Aomori: May 1 at Aomori Quarter

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

• Iwate: May 3 at Morioka Club ChangeWAVE

• Yamagata: May 4 at Yamagata Showa SESSION

• Tochigi: May 6 at HEAVEN’S ROCK Utsunomiya VJ-2

• Osaka: May 11 at Shinsaibashi BIG CAT

• Aichi: May 12 at Nagoya Electric Lady Land

• Saitama: May 18 at HEAVEN’S ROCK SaitamaShintoshi VJ-3

• Yamanashi: May 19 at Kofu KAZOO HALL

• Toyama: May 25 at Toyama MAIRO

• Nagano: May 26 at Nagano Live House J

• Kyoto: May 28 at Kyoto MUSE

• Okayama: May 30 at Okayama IMAGE

• Fukuoka: June 1 at Fukuoka DRUM Be-1

• Miyazaki: June 2 at Miyazaki SR-BOX

• Oita: June 4 at Oita DRUM Be-0

• Ehime: June 6 at Matsuyama Salon Kitty

• Tokushima: June 8th at Tokushima clubGRINDHOUSE

• Hyogo: June 9 at Kobe VARIT

• Mie: June 11 at Matsuzaka M’AXA

• Okinawa: June 22 at Ginowan HUMAN STAGE

• Tokyo: July 2 at LIQUIDROOM ebisu

FLOW LIVE TOUR: 2013 Tour THE MAX!!! ~MAX!!! noMukou Gawa

• Miyagi: July 5 at Sendai CLUB JUNK BOX

• Akita: July 7 at Akita LIVE SPOT 2000

• Fukushima: July 9 at Koriyama CLUB夏9

• Niigata: July 10 at Niigata GOLDEN PIGS RED STAGE

• Ishikawa: July 12 at Kanazawa vanvan V4

• Gifu: July 13 at Gifu Club-G

• Wakayama: July 15 at Wakayama GATE

• Tottori: July 17 at Yonego AZTiC laughs

• Shimane: July 18 at Matsue AZTiC canova

• Kochi: July 20 at Kochi X-pt.

• Kagawa: July 21 at Takamatsu DIME

• Yamaguchi: July 23 at Shunan TIKI-TA

• Nagasaki: July 25 at Nagasaki DRUM Be-7

• Kumamoto: July 27 at Kumamoto DRUM Be-9 V2

• Kagoshima: July 28 at Kagoshima SR HALL

• Saga: July 30 at Saga GEILS

• Hiroshima: August 1 at Hiroshima Namiki Junction

• Nara: August 3 at Nara Neverland

• Shiga: August 4 at Shiga U-STONE

• Fukui: August 6 at Fukui CHOP

• Shizuoka: August 7 at Live House HamamatsuMadowaku

• Chiba: September 7 at Maihama Amphitheater

[UPDATE] Here’s a preview of Flow’s version of CHA-LAHEAD-CHA-LA aired by Tokyo FM.

Source: tokyohive and Crunchyroll

Banpresto holds Hunter xHunter Scarlet Eyes figurelottery in promotion for theupcoming movieSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/banpresto-holds-hunter-hunter-

scarlet-eyes-figure-lottery-promotion-upcoming-movie/

By ellehaym on January 4th, 2013

Ichiban Kuji, a lottery by the Japanese toy companyBanpresto, is now increasing the excitement of Hunter xHunter fans as they begin this month’s lottery. The majorprize is a Kurapika Scarlet Eyes figure which is related to themain plot device of the upcoming Hunter x Hunter PhantomRouge movie.

Lottery tickets can be bought at 7-Eleven convenience storesfor 500 JPY (5.75 USD).

Here are the prizes of the lottery:

Prize A

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

Prize B

Prize C

Prize D

Prize E

Last Chance Prize:

Second Change Prize

On Hunter x Hunter PhantomRougePhantom Rouge follows the story of Kurapika’s revenge onthe Phantom Troupe, a Class-A crime group that killed thepeople of his clan for their unique eyes—the scarlet eyes. Theeyes of the fallen Kurta clan are considered one of the world’smost beautiful treasures. Whenever a person of the Kurtaclan becomes agitated or angry, his eyes turn scarlet.

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

As Kurapika continues his search for the Phantom Troupe,an unknown group steals his scarlet eyes. Killua, Leorioand Gon come to Kurapika’s rescue, saving his life.Unfortunately, they were hindered by the Phantom Troupe.In this movie, the real identity of the person with the 夏4spider tattoo will be revealed.

Hunter x Hunter Phantom Rouge is directed by YuzoSato, with the script written by Shoji Yonemura. Thechief animation directors include Satoshi Tasaki, TakahiroUmehara and Haruhito Takada.

Sources: Crunchyroll and MyAnimeList

Zippo lighters: FeaturingStudio Ghibli filmsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/zippo-lighters-featuring-studio-

ghibli-films/

By ellehaym on January 4th, 2013

Lo and behold! Studio Ghibli classics may be for the youngeraudiences but the renowned anime film studio has taken itsmerchandising strategies on a different level: having theiranime feature films engraved on Zippo lighters. From oldfilms to recent ones, a variety of designs are available online.

Now, it shouldn’t be a problem for Studio Ghibli’s co-founder Hayao Miyazaki—he is one hell of a chain smokerafter all! In fact, he even reveals in an interview that hisparents were heavy smokers and that he had his lungschecked only to find out that there were no problems.

Check out the different designs below:

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

Not all fans of Studio Ghibli films are smokers, but with thesleek and elaborate designs of these merchandise, even non-smokers might just be enticed to purchase a lighter or two.

The prices of these Studio Ghibli Zippo lighters range from100 USD to 210 USD.

Source: Crunchyroll

Maaya Sakamoto to returnwith her 8th studio album thisMarchSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/maaya-sakamoto-return-8th-studio-

album-march/

By ellehaym on January 4th, 2013

Seiyuu and singer Maaya Sakamoto has previously workedwith prominent composers such as Yoko Kanno in herprevious tracks and albums. No wonder her songs are alwaysamazing. And if you have been patiently waiting for her

return since the release of You can’t catch me in January2011, rejoice and be glad! She will be back with her own songsfor her 8th studio album, Singer Songwriter, to be releasedon March 27.

The upcoming album will feature eight tracks—all written,composed and produced by Sakamoto Maaya herself. Asidefrom her self-produced songs, a remix of Everywhere (fromher third compilation album) and a rearrangement of Chikai(from her second mini-album) will be included. The songarrangements are by Kouno Shin and Watanabe Zentaro(Fate/stay night).

A limited edition DVD will also be released. It will include themusic video of the lead track as well as a documentary thatfeatures the recording and songwriting of Maaya Sakamoto.

A few days after the album’s launch, Sakamoto Maaya willbe holding hall tours in three cities.

Tentative Maaya Sakamoto Hall Tour Dates:

March 30 and 31- Osaka International Convention CenterMain HallApril 19 and 21 – Aichi-ken Geijutsu Gekijou Dai Hall

April 24 and 25 – Bunkamura Orchard Hall (in Tokyo)

Source: tokyohive

Comics Fiesta 2012: Bless4interviewSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/comics-fiesta-2012-bless4-interview/

By sentinel011 on January 4th, 2013

When Comics Fiesta suddenly announced that they havegotten bless4 as a guest performer on the last week leadingto the event, SGCafe managed to gather up this exclusiveinterview with the quartet.

From left: Aiki, Kanasa, Akino, and Akashi

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

1) Welcome to Malaysia! I understand that you performed atTaipei a couple of days ago before Comics Fiesta, how do youfind the crowd?

They were really nice and wild! They were really honest,like when Akino asked “Do you love anime?”, everyoneresponded with “suki desu!”, and Akashi joked saying that“Thank you for saying you love me so much!”

They were really fun. We’re looking forward to the concerttonight too!

2) Everyone loves bless4 here, and everyone loves theAquarion series! Have you watched Sousei no Aquarion orAquarion EVOL?

We watched Sousei no Aquarion, as for Aquarion EVOL wewere watching it real time, we were travelling around manycountries but we had it recorded. We haven’t watch till theend yet, but we really want to watch it! We really like itbecause it has a lot of important messages inside of it. Thevisuals and the fight scenes just stands out.

3) Who is your favourite character in the most recentAquarion anime, Aquarion EVOL and why?

Akino: I really like Fudo Zen because he’s strange. He makesyou go “What is he trying to say?” but in the end, there’salways a message all the time that makes you realize “oh, Ineed to think more!”

Akashi: I’d like to say, Mikono. She’s cute!

Kanasa: I kinda like Jin and Yunoha, that was like myfavourite episode.

Aiki: I like Andy, Andy’s cool. Kagura is cool too. Amatais okay but usually guys that waits for the girls are called“herbivores” in Japan, and I think Amata is a herbivore.Maybe if he’s a bit of a carnivore then…maybe. But nah I’mjust kidding!

4) How long did you guys take to learn Japanese?

I guess you can understand the language within 6 monthsif you live there, but speaking it actually depends on theperson. At the 6 months point you can probably tell people

what you want, like it’s not very fluent but you can getthrough the people. 6 months is a good mark!

5) Any messages to your fans out there?

Akashi: Thank you very much, it’s our first time here inMalaysia, we’re just happy to be here and we’re lookingforward to meeting everybody here! My message is that, juststay true to yourself and be cool, just have fun!

Aiki: It’s our first time in Malaysia and we’re really havinga blast. The food is great, the people are really nice.We still want to have a lot more fun with you guys,like jump together, sing together. We haven’t finished ourperformance yet but we’ll love to come back.

Kanasa: Like everyone said, it’s our first time here, and wehave a positive impression of Malaysia and definitely wantsto know more about the country and all of you, and also theanime here, the culture, etc. And in order for us to do that wewant to have fun with all of you so we’ll get ourselves readyfor that!

Akino: We’re just having so much fun, it doesn’t feel like afirst time because everyone’s so warm. We don’t really knowMalay but the next time we come, we’ll like to speak a littlebit more! So we’ll work on that. Ganbarimasu! Yoroshikuonegaishimasu!

—–

We are glad that the energetic bless4 didn’t disappointduring that night’s performance – well, how could they ever?

Look out for more of our CF2012 posts soon!

LiSA wishes fans a MerryXmas and a Happy New Year— in several languagesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/lisa-wishes-fans-merry-xmas-happy-

year-in-several-languages/

By KarbyP on January 4th, 2013

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

English, Chinese, Indonesian, and Portugal – those arelanguages that anisong artiste LiSA isn’t exactly fluent in.But that didn’t stop the spirited performer from wishing fans– many of whom love her songs despite not being fluent inJapanese either – her warmest seasons’ greetings in theirnative languages via a number of videos that Kawaii GirlJapan has been publishing all week long.

The 25-year-old singer-songwriter, best known for singingthe OPs to TV anime series Fate/Zero (Oath Sign) and SwordArt Online (crossing field), first graced our shores here inSingapore in 2011 as part of Anime Festival Asia’s “RockYour Soul!” concerts.

In 2012, the energetic performer appeared at both theSingapore and Indonesia legs of Anime Festival Asia.

LiSA’s third album, Lover”S”Mile, came in at 夏1 on TowerRecords Shinjuku’s list of best-selling anisong CDs for theyear of 2012.

New Year Message to IndonesianfansX’mas Message to Indonesian fansX’mas and New Year Message toEnglish-speaking fansX’mas Message to Chinese-speaking fansX’mas and New Year Message toPortugese-speaking fansSource: Kawaii Girl Japan

‘Street Fighter X MegaMan’ getting an updated V2release in JanuarySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/street-fighter-mega-man-updated-

v2-release-january/

By KarbyP on January 4th, 2013

An updated “V2″ iteration of Singaporean fan developerSeow Zong Hui’s (also known as DM MCZ Sonic) StreetFighter X Mega Man free-to-download PC game will bereleased soemtime in January, according to Capcom’sOnline/Community Manager Brett Elston (Brelston).

Although Capcom has not officially announced yet exactlywhat’s been changed in the new V2 iteration, communitymanager Brelston said on the Capcom-Unity forums thatit will address at least some of the issues that forum usergatordile pointed out in the thread he started, entitled“Glitches in SFxMM”:

1. If you lock your computer or close your screenwith game running the video doesn’t want to comeback. You have to close the game and restart. I thinkit’s an issue with your computer needing to refreshthe screen.

2. If you get killed at the same time as you kill the lastboss in the boss rush you can’t re-enter their tube.You are stuck in the level. I’m not sure if this is aproblem with any boss during boss rush or if it’s justthe last boss you fight.

3. The top of ladders don’t seem to want you to grabthem. Some full jumps are awkward.

4. Esc key should have a yes or no menu to safelyclose the game. I’ve exited on accident a coupletimes.

5. (Not really a issue since I don’t do it, but) Uriencan be easily killed by pausing game with minesweeper explosion over him.

Since Capcom first released Street Fighter X Mega Man lastmonth on December 17, creator DM MCZ Sonic has beenmonitoring player response to his work, along with any bugsor serious problems that he hoped to be able to fix andrelease as an updated version of the game – if Capcom wouldallow him an avenue to do so.

As the game was a one-off deal, there was no guarantee thatan update to the title would happen, especially since Capcomis distributing the game for free.

Street Fighter X Mega Man was a collaboration betweenCapcom and DM MCZ Sonic made possible only by thestars aligning on one fateful day back in July 2012,when Sonic ran into Capcom USA’s Senior Vice-PresidentChristian Svensson at EVO, the world’s biggest fightinggames tournament event, and promptly showed him a half-finished build of the PC title.

According to Svensson, normally Capcom’s legal team isforced to shut down any such fan game creation, no matter

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

10

how amazing it might be (which Zong Hui’s work no doubtwas), simply because it might interfere with the globalvideo games conglomerate’s rights in holding on to theirintellectual properties in certain territories.

Fortunately for Sonic (and Mega Man and Street Fighterfans all over the world), Capcom happened to be looking forsomething big to launch their plans to celebrate the MegaMan franchise’s 25th anniversary, and Sonic’s fan game wasnot only impressive, but doubly more apt because it involvedStreet Fighter – whose 25th anniversary ends right aroundthe start of Mega Man’s 25th birthday bash.

Street Fighter X Mega Man V2: bugfixes… plus more?Street Fighter x Mega Man is a game full of easter eggs forfans to discover. For instance, by entering a code in themenu, you can replace the game’s entire soundtrack with justone song (that will now play in every single situation): an8-bit remix of Guile’s theme from Street Fighter 2, entitled“Goes with Anything”.

Which begs the question: now that Capcom has green-litan update to the title, will V2 simply contain bug fixes, orwill the development team be implementing a couple morespecial easter eggs, if only to get those who’ve already clearedthe game to revisit it?

Of course, given that the game itself has only been releasedfor about two weeks, chances are outside of bug fixes, thedevelopment team may not have had any extra time toinclude something special for the fans. So we’re not holdingour breath here.

That said, last week, Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono didtweet the following image to DM MCZ Sonic Capcom’s BrettElston, asking that it be “joined” into Street Fighter X MegaMan:

Of course, chances are Ono’s simply jesting (as usual; he’snot called “Trollono” by his fans online for no reason), butyou never know.

[Update] The 8-bit Ono pixel art that you see above wasactually drawn by DM Sonic himself, as a gift to thevenerable producer. We were mistaken in thinking that Onocame up with the drawing and sent it to SFxMM creator DMSonic and Capcom’s Brelston, as Team DM’s Samuel Ong(Shen Ou) points out to us. Thanks for the clarification!

Will there be anything extra? We’ll just have to find out laterthis month when the updated version of Street Fighter XMega Man is released.

Until then, we leave you with this link of Singaporesponsored player and Canadian Cup SSF4 champ Ho KunXian (DM Xian) failing badly at Street Fighter X Mega Man.

If, like me, you previously thought SFxMM was too difficultfor your gaming aptitude, all it takes is a couple minutes withXian’s contrived attempt at clearing the game to realise thatyou’re not alone in your plight.

In fact, if anything, watching Xian play the game (badly) is agood way to re-invigorate your fighting spirit, so that you’llbe prepared to square off against 8-bit world warriors whenthe new version of the fan game drops.

Source: Eventhubs

Cast for ‘Magical Suite PrismNana’ revealed at Comiket 83Source: http://sgcafe.com/2012/12/cast-magical-suite-prism-nana-

revealed-comiket-83/

By ellehaym on January 4th, 2013

January 4th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

11

From studio Shaft, the makers of Puella Magi MadokaMagica, comes yet another highly-anticipated mahou shoujoanime: Magical Suite Prism Nana. The story has yet to berevealed, but what we know for certain is that it will focus onthree female elemental magic users (fire, earth and water).

At the Comiket 83 this past weekend, Shaft sold DVDs thatincluded seven pilot shorts of the upcoming anime as wellas its original soundtrack. The voice cast for the three maincharacters of Prism Nana was also confirmed.

Itaru Washioka (the red-haired girl on the pictureabove) is voiced by Suzuko Mimori (Nanami Momozonofrom Kamisama Hajimemashita). Kotone Oribe (the blue-haired girl) is voiced by Eri Kitamura (Karen Araragifrom Nisemonogatari). Lastly, Asuka Asagi (the green-haired girl) is voiced by Asami Imai (Kojuurou Katakurafrom Sengoku Collection and Chihaya Kisaragi from TheIdolm@ster). The original character designs were providedby Kantoku (Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko).

Aside from the confirmation of the cast, Nendoroidprototypes of the three main characters were also exhibited.

Although Prism Nana’s pilot shorts were already streamedon the net, the release date has not been announced yet.The project was initially revealed last August and it wasshowcased at Comiket 82 on the same month.

Sources: Crunchyroll, MyAnimeList and Otakomu

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

CyberConnect2 CEO HiroshiMatsuyama: ‘We’ve got 3 newgames in the pipeline’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/cyberconnect2-3-games-pipeline-

ceo-hiroshi-matsuyama/

By KarbyP on January 7th, 2013

2013′s going to be a busy year for game development studioCyberConnect2. Not only are they working on the finishingtouches for Naruto Shippuuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm3(March 2013), they’ve also been concurrently working onJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle (PS3), as well asGREE smartphone action game Night Runner (WorkingTitle) and additional contents for its other smartphone title,Guilty Dragon.

And that’s not all. The Fukuoka-based developer hasapparently got pretty big plans for 2013.

In a New Year’s message YouTube video that just went livetoday, CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama teased thatthe game developer plans to unveil three more unannouncedtitles later this year in 2013.

Matsuyama-san described these three new titles as “originalnew works” (オオオオオオオ), which is Japanese-game-industryspeak for “brand new IP”. So I suppose that means right offthe bat we can cross out Asura’s Wrath 2 and anything .hackrelated from our list, huh?

(No, wait, Matsuyama did not say that these three games willbe the only new titles they’d be announcing in 2013, afterall.)

Since the video’s meant as a New Year’s message,Matsuyama decides to close off by doing a kakizomecalligraphy, writing out one of his favourite character quotesfrom Takahiro Ozawa and Asako Seo’s manga series GigaTokyo Toybox: “Besides my hopes and dreams, the otherweapons I’m armed with include diligence! And guts!”

Giga Tokyo Toybox, a sequel to Tokyo Toybox (also byOzawa and Seo), is about a group of young protagonistschasing their dreams and coping with the struggles ofworking in the video games industry. When the manga seriesdeveloped from Tokyo Toybox into Giga Tokyo Toybox,several new regular characters were added to the story. Oneof those characters added was Momo Momota, whom thecharacter quote Matsuyama wrote out belongs to.

“Momo Momota is a female protagonist who’s a newcomer tothe video games industry. As she’s a newcomer, she doesn’treally have much of anything apart from her hopes anddreams. So when she needed to draw from a source ofstrength to embrace the challenges ahead, she realises thatthe only weapons she’s armed with are diligence and guts.And that’s how her story begins in Volume 1,” Matsuyamaexplains.

This is something Matsuyama says that he can relate to,especially in recent years, during which the games industryhas underwent numerous changes that presented variousnew difficulties. For instance, console games are gettingharder and harder to make (due to production costs, etc) andso people often question what’s going to happen to the futureof the console games business.

“Well, something like that [difficulties a developer faceswhen making a console game, the future of console gamingbeing questioned], actually that’s been a part of the videogames industry all along since the very beginning. The pathtowards creating a product isn’t always smooth-sailing, andit’s not always fun and games. Naturally there are toughbattles to overcome too.”

“But it’s just like what the main protagonist of Giga TokyoToybox Taiyou Tenkawa says: ‘this line of work is tough,but it’s also a lot of fun’. I feel that he’s absolutely right,and that, especially in light of today’s challenges in thegames industry, we as developers need to meet them withdiligence and guts. Well, it’s been like that in the past too,but now more than ever, we need to re-examine the meaningof those words [even though CyberConnect2 are no longernewcomers to the industry].”

Matsuyama, who’s a big fan of the manga series, says that inthe story there is a scene where the character quote is takenone step further: you start with “hopes and dreams”, armyourself with “diligence and guts”, and then after that, youstand your ground and brace yourself for the harsh impact (オオオオ). It’s a scene that Matsuyama says is a tear-jerker, and

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

he recommends that gamers check out the manga - prettymuch everyone in CyberConnect2 is a fan of the series.

Source: Excite News

Kyary secretly arrives inSingaporeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/kyary-secretly-arrives-singapore-

announcing-twitter/

By sentinel011 on January 7th, 2013

While it was previously reported that Kyary will be having aconcert in Singapore, the dates are still unknown, even tilltoday. However, the eccentric artiste tweeted on her arrivalat Singapore’s Changi Airport just moments ago.

In Kyary’s twitter message posted about an hour ago, shesaid ” In Singapore now. Really hot.” in Japanese.

A lucky fan managed to catch Kyary at the internationalairport, and even took a picture of her fan and tweeted aboutit. Below is the excerpt of the tweet post:

pamyurin: When I arrived at Singapore’s airportI was surprised to find someone (the girl picturedhere) waiting to greet me☆

suzuluv_xoxo: Kyary-chan is nice and cute andcute and cute I love her! Thank you very much forshaking my hands and signing an autograph forme! o(>☆<)o

Kyary’s arrival is highly suspected to be related to herupcoming World Tour. Of course, a little touring around theLion City might follow. Her unannounced trip will surelycreate a bigger hype amongst the local fans in Singapore.

[Update @ 16:15PM]

Munching on Sarpino’s Pizza along Orchard Road outsideLucky Plaza?

Source: Kyary’s Twitter

Nyanko-sensei on a littleteapot, short and stoutSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/nyanko-sensei-teapot-short-stout/

By ellehaym on January 6th, 2013

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

Nyanko-sensei, from Natsume Yuujinchou by YukiMidorikawa, gets painted on a teapot and cup set along withthe other series of LaLa magazine. The other designs arebased from Gakuen Babysitters by Hari Tokeino, Ookami-heika no Hanayome by Mato Kauta and Akagami noShirayuki-hime by Sorata Akiduki. Each set is convenientlydesigned with the teapot placed atop the cup.

When you hear about Takashi Natsume’s cat spirit partner,I would bet that the first thing that comes to your mind ishis shape as round as the maneki neko’s. And that’s exactlyhow the creator designed the teapot. It retains the stoutnessof Nyanko-sensei.

One teapot and cup set costs 1200 JPY (14 USD). It’s a partof a pre-order campaign which runs until March 9.

We have previously reported that Natsume Yuujinchou willbe celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. As a special giveaway for fans of Midorikawa’s supernatural shoujo mangaseries, LaLa magazine’s February issue comes with a freesquishy Nyanko-sensei strap.

The display of Nyanko-sensei’s cuteness doesn’t end with atea set and a strap. Famima.com has teamed up with Animaxin offering limited edition Natsume Yuujinchou goods. ANyanko-sensei saucepan which costs 3580 JPY (41 USD)and a Nyanko-sensei Reversi board game which costs 3150JPY (36 USD) can now be pre-ordered.

Sources: Natalie, natsume-blog and Famima.com

Makoto Shinkai to release‘Kotonoha no Niwa’ thisspringSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/makoto-shinkai-release-kotonoha-

niwa-spring/

By ellehaym on January 6th, 2013

One man army anime filmmaker, Makoto Shinkai, hasannounced that he’s working on Kotonoha no Niwa (TheGarden of Words—no official English title as of today), a newanime movie scheduled for release in Spring 2013.

In a blog post by Shinkai, he wrote that it’s his first timetaking on a love story movie. However, the story of Kotonoha

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

no Niwa isn’t something that focuses on the typical meaningof love. Shinkai writes that the concept of romance (オオ) didnot exist in the Japanese language before the modern period.オ (love), was written as オオ (solitary sadness) since the 8thcentury. He adds that the present concept of love (オ) wasimported from the West.

Now, with all of Shinkai’s historical background on the wordlove, you would probably think that Kotonoha no Niwa willbe a historical romance.

Actually, that’s not the case.

Shinkai has emphasized that Kotonoha no Niwa is set in thepresent day. The story will interpret the ancient meaning oflove—“an emotion of longing for someone that can only befelt in solitude.”

Makoto Shinkai’s previous works include Voices of a DistantStar, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, 5 CentimetersPer Second and Children Who Chase Lost Voices.

Sources: Otaku USA and MyAnimeList Forum

Anime studio Shaft to issuea second batch of MadokaMagica the Movie ‘KeyAnimation Note extra’ artbookSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/anime-studio-shaft-issue-batch-

madoka-magica-movie-key-animation-note-extra-art-book/

By KarbyP on January 5th, 2013

One of the most coveted items at Comic Market 83 lastweekend was anime studio Shaft’s “Madoka Magica theMovie Key Animation Note extra” art book which, like allgood things at Comiket, was promptly sold out at the event…

…Only to be found available again shortly afterwards onYahoo! Japan Auctions and other similar sites where thebook is now listed for some far-fetched price several timesits initial going rate. Because normally such event-specificitems are sold only at Comic Market and never again re-issued.

Fortunately for Madoka Magica fans who weren’t able tomake it to Comiket 83, however, Shaft has decided to issuea second batch of the Key Animation Note extra art book,now slated to hit book stores all across Japan at the end ofFebruary, with pre-orders beginning from January 7. Talkabout a kick in the teeth for those blood-sucking, money-grabbing, greedy online auctioners.

The 368-paged A4-size art book contains over 1,000 piecesof original sketches and illustrations, all of which centeredon the new scenes featured in the pair of Madoka Magicamovies – like the intro sequence that visually accompaniedthe movie’s new opening theme Luminous, and the variousheroine’s Mahou Shoujo “henshin” sequences. Additionally,the cover of the art book (pictured below) was illustrated byJunichiro Taniguchi specially for this release.

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

For the most part, the pair of Madoka Magica movies werereally an abridged “director’s cut” re-telling of the TV animeseries’ story with new scenes inserted here and there, so thefact that the “Key Animation Note extra” art book doesn’tcontain any illustrations from the TV anime series is prettyreassuring, since there was already an art book released forthat.

Although the art book was previously sold for 4,000 yen atComiket 83, when it’s sold at book stores all across Japanin February it will now be priced at 4,200 yen instead.This second-press edition will also not come with the bonus“Rakugaki Note” (a collection of messages and sketchesfrom the anime movie’s staff, including Gen Urobuchi andJunichiro Taniguchi) mini-booklet that was given out to fanswho bought the book at Comiket; it just wouldn’t be fair tothose who lined up otherwise.

Outside of the Madoka Magica art book, Shaft also had onsale exclusively at Comiket 83 new art books for HidamariSketch x Honeycomb and Bakemonogatari, as well as aMagical Suite Prism Nana “Prism Box” set that containsthe show’s pilot animations and a CD soundtrack. Although

today’s announcement is only for the Madoka Magica artbook, Shaft says on its website that they are looking intopossibly doing a second batch of these other goods as well.

Hidamari Sketch x Honeycomb Production Noteオオオオオオオオオ×オオオオ オオオオオオオオオオオ

Contains reference materials (characters, settings) used inthe production of the anime. The form factor of the book isdesigned to resemble the Hidamari Apartments that Yunoand her friends reside in.

Specifications

• Cover illustrated by creator Ume Aoki

• B5-Size

• 288 full-colour pages

• Includes a case

Bakemonogatari Key Animation Note prologueオオオオ KEY ANIMATION NOTE prologueオ

Contains original illustrations for part of episode 1 in theBakemonogatari TV anime series. Specifically, the materialshere cover the start of episode 1 all the way until right beforethe OP begins (from the part where protagonist KoyomiAraragi meets up with Tsubasa Hanekawa, until the partwhere he catches a falling Hitagi Senjougahara)

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

Specifications

• Cover illustrated by Akio Watanabe

• Size: 195x200mm

• 208 full-colour pages

• Includes a case

Magical Suite Prism Nana PRISM BOXオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオ PRISM BOXオ

Set Contains:

• Pilot PV Animation PV (all 7 animations, a total of 14minutes’ runtime)

• Original soundtrack (all 7 tracks)

• Special booklet

• Size: 297x297mm

Comiket attendees who purchased any of theaforementioned books (the Prism Nana box set didn’tcount, as it was sold at a partner’s booth, insteadof at Shaft’s) also received special paper bags withSasami@Ganbaranai illustrations printed on them to takehome their merchandise in; I don’t think we can expect tosee these reproduced even if Shaft decides to re-issue everyother item they sold at Comiket 83.

Here’s what the illustrations on the paper bag looked like:

Source: Shaft

Saki Episode of Side A:‘bonus episodes’ PV runsthrough DVD/Blu-ray releaseand on-air datesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/saki-episode-side-a-bonus-episodes-

pv-runs-dvdblu-ray-release-on-air-dates/

By KarbyP on January 5th, 2013

The TV anime adaptation of Saki Achiga-hen episode ofSide-A (a spin-off of the original Saki series, which youcan watch for free on legal streaming site Crunchyroll) wasoriginally planned as a 12-episode series that finished its runon Japanese TV back in July 2012.

Shortly before the end of the TV anime series, however, theshow’s producers announced that they would be putting outa couple more bonus episodes. The first one, episode 13,already aired on December 24, 2012. Episode 14 is slated topremiere on Japan’s AT-X channel on January 29 this year.

This week the show’s producers have put out a new PV thatincludes clips from the upcoming 14th episode, along withvarious dates with regards to when and on which channels

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

Japanese viewers will be able to watch episodes 13 and 14, orotherwise purchase it on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Outside of Japan, anime fans worldwide can catch the entireseries at the Saki Achiga-hen episode of Side-A show pageon Crunchyroll. Unlike Saki (2009), which is available forviewing online even for free members, Achiga-hen episodeof Side-A will require a premium Crunchyroll membershipsubscription to watch.

Episode 13 or the first bonus episode of Saki Achiga-hen episode of Side A is already on Crunchyroll, and thelegal streaming service announced previously that it will bestreaming the second one “simulcast” (at the same time)when it airs in Japan.

Source: Crunchyroll

DmC Devil May Cry: getpsyched as Eurogamer walksus through Missions 8 and 9,new CG trailer [Video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/dmc-devil-cry-psyched-eurogamer-

walks-missions-8-9-video/

By KarbyP on January 4th, 2013

Publisher Capcom and developer Ninja Theory’s DmC DevilMay Cry comes out in a little more than a week from now.Still not convinced that the new title, a series reboot that’sbeing outsourced to England-based Ninja Theory (HeavenlySword), would live up to the original games’ reputation?

Then you’ve absolutely got to check out these two videosEurogamer has just put up, offering an in-depth look at amiddle portion of the game – Missons 8 and 9, to be specific– after Dante’s got access to an additional few weapons andpowers in his arsenal that he didn’t have in the brief demothat’s currently available for download from the Xbox LiveMarketplace and PlayStation Network.

What’s different in this DmC is that protagonist Dante is nolonger half-demon, half-human son of devil knight Sparda.Instead, Dante’s mother is apparently an angel in this game,making his lineage one that’s half-demon and half-angel –which explains why the Dante here has access to specialpowers from both factions,

Like Eurogamer’s Ian Higton explained in the Mission 8preview video you saw, certain enemies in DmC Devil MayCry will only be susceptible to attacks from one faction– either the demon side or the angel side – which I’vegot to admit, is a pretty refreshing idea when seen in thegreater context of the Devil May Cry series, although itwould be incredibly easy to point fingers and speculate thatthe guys over at Ninja Theory are probably big fans ofTreasure’s Ikaruga or Ubisoft’s Outland.

Althought DmC Devil May Cry is considered a series reboot,it’s not without elements that fans of the series will befamiliar with. For instance, right from the get-go Dante isarmed with his trusty sidekicks the Rebellion longsword andEbony & Ivory pistols (if you haven’t had a chance to gohands-on with these returning weapons in DmC, we highlyrecommend checking out the demo).

Dante’s long-lost twin brother Vergil is also back in therebooted franchise. In fact, he’ll have his own playablechapter – only available for free to gamers who pre-order thetitle, however (check with your local retailer on details, andmake sure you do it soon… did we say the game comes outin a little more than a week?)

DmC Devil May Cry for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360comes out January 15. A PC port is also slated to be releasedJanuary 25.

Shounen Jump celebratesrecent “Kuroko’s Basketball”milestones by releasing 32character wallpapersSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/shounen-jump-celebrates-kurokos-

basketball-milestones-with-32-character-wallpapers/

By KarbyP on January 4th, 2013

One new wallpaper, each focusing on a different characterfrom Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s hit manga and anime seriesKuroko’s Basketball, to be released on Shonenjump.comevery day – starting from today (January 4) with TetsuyaKuroko – as part of a web campaign meant to commemoratea series of recent milestones for the series.

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

What milestones are we talking about? Well, for starters theTV anime adaptation of Kuroko’s Basketball has just recentlyreceived the green light for a second season (like we reportedlast month).

This month, the series is getting a 19-page full-colourchapter in the new issue of Weekly Shounen Jump (WJ) thatjust went on sale today (January 4).

Finally, on February 4, tankoubon (trade paperbackcompilation of the chapters serialised in Weekly ShounenJump) volume 21 of the series is slated to be released.

Not exactly gigantic milestones here, but given the string ofterrible Kuroko’s Basketball news lately (by no fault of theseries creator Tadatoshi Fujimaki or anyone else involved inthe manga and anime production), I’d say any cause is a goodcause for fans to celebrate.

The campaign will last all the way till the day volume 21comes out, February 4, and a total of 32 such characterwallpapers will be released. Will your favourite charactermake it in the list of 32?

To grab these desktop wallpapers, simply head over to thislink here and click on the various dates on list of availablecharacter wallpapers somewhere in the middle of the page.

Apart from desktop wallpapers, Shounen Jump will alsorelease a slew of 32 iPhone wallpapers that users canaccess and download through a free shonenjump.com app,available from the iTunes App Store.

32オオオ!! 32オオオ!!オオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオ!!オオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオオ shonenjump.com

Cable broadcaster WOWOWto turn Pasela ResortsShibuya’s B1 floor intoYuko Ichihara’s shop from‘xxxHolic’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/wowow-turn-pasela-resorts-

shibuyas-b1-floor-yuko-ichiharas-shop-xxxholic/

By KarbyP on January 4th, 2013

If watching the live-action drama adaptation of Clamp’sxxxHolic, which begins airing on Japanese cable channelWOWOW in February 2013, isn’t good enough for fans tovisualise what the atmosphere within witch Yuko Ichihara’sstore must be like, then maybe going into a real-life replicaof the store will.

Cable broadcaster WOWOW today announced that it hasteamed up with Karaoke chain Pasela Resorts to turn theB1 floor of the chain’s Shibuya branch (note: there’s aPasela Resorts Shibuya, and also a Pasela Resorts GrandeShibuya; in this case we’re referring to the former) into axxxHolic Cafe Mise – “mise” being Japanese for “shop” –conceptualised after the store operated by the manga andanime series’s heroine, Yuko Ichihara.

The xxxHolic Cafe Mise (xxxHOLiCオオオ オオ) will featuretableware and props lifted directly from the live-action TVseries. The actual costume that actress and model Anne worein her portrayal of the Yuka Ichihara will also be displayedwithin the store.

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

Fans who’ve always dreamt of visiting Yuko’s shop from theseries will have about a month or so to make their way toSHibuya and drop by the replica cafe; the xxxHolic Cafe Misewill begin operations on January 21, and will operate tillMarch 30.

xxxHolic the live-action drama adaptation airs on WOWOWin Japan beginning February 24. A total of eight episodes areplanned for the series.

xxxHolic Cafe Mise (xxxHOLiCオオオ オオ)Period: January 21, 2013 (Monday) to March 30, 2013(Sunday)

Operating Hours: 11:30AM to 11:00PM (Sundays toThursdays, and Public Holidays), 11.30AM to 6:00AM thefollowing day (Fridays and the eve of Public Holidays)オオオオオオオオ11オ30オ6オ00

Address: Pasela Resorts Shibuya B1F (オオオオオオオオ1-22-9 オオオオオオオオオオ)

Source: Excite News

Moe Shochu in Japan nowfeatures Vocaloid LilySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/moe-shochu-japan-features-vocaloid-

lily/

By ellehaym on January 4th, 2013

From smart phone cases to PS3 accessories, a variety ofitems and products sold in Japan have already gone througha Vocaloid makeover. And now, alcoholic drinks are nolonger an exception. So if you’re a wine-collecting Vocaloidfan, a Moe Shochu Lily is something worth adding to yourgrowing collection.

Alcoholic drinks with moe girls on the bottle labels areincreasingly popular in Japan. And the latest offering is theMoe Shochu Lily designed with the Vocaloid Lily wearing heroiran outfit.

The illustration on the Moe Shochu Lily label was createdby the original character designer himself, KEI, who alsodrew Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka, Kagamine Rin andKagamine Len. Lily’s voice was provided by m.o.v.e’svocalist, yuri.

January 7th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

10

Moe Shochu Lily has an alcohol volume of 12%. It is lightercompared to regular shochu’s that have 25 to 35% alcoholvolume. The 300 ml bottle costs 1200 JPY (13.70 USD).

Source: Crunchyroll

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Koda Kumi to release a coveralbum for commemoratingher 13th anniversary in therecording industry this yearSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/koda-kumi-release-cover-

album-13th-anniversary-2013/

By ellehaym on January 10th, 2013

Koda Kumi’s lucky number is one that’s usually consideredunlucky: 13. She was born on November 13. And on top ofthat, her music career’s 13th anniversary falls on this year,2013!

To celebrate her 13th anniversary in the Japanese musicindustry, the ero-kakkoii (sexy-cool) icon will be launchingher second cover album on February 27. We have yet tohear the title of this upcoming release, but the track listinginformation is already out. In addition, the singer herself hasrevealed that it has an “entertainment cover album” concept.“I widened the selection of music and challenged myself tovarious tastes of arrangements,” says the Jpop singer.

The cover album is to be launched two in regular editions(CD-only and CD with DVD) and a limited edition (DVD andphoto booklet included).

Below is the info on the cover album:

CD

• Pink Spider (originally sung by hide with SpreadBeaver)

• Lovely (originally sung by Ozawa Kenji)

• Shake Hip! (originally sung by Kome Kome CLUB)

• Dounimo Tomaranai (originally sung by YamamotoLinda)

• Jounetsu (originally sung by UA)

• Blue Velvet (Kudo Shizuka)

• Otoko (originally sung by Kubo Ruriko)

• Koyoi no Tsuki no You ni (originally sung by ElephantKashimashi)

• One more time, One more chance (originally sung byYamazaki Masayoshi)

• Alone (originally sung by Okamoto Mayo)

Regular Edition CD with DVD

• Pink Spider (MV ~Album Version~)

• Lovely (MV)

• Shake Hip! (MV)

• Lovely (MAKING VIDEO)

• Shake Hip! (MAKING VIDEO)

Limited Edition DVD

• Documentary

• Pink Spider (MV ~Album Version~)

• Lovely (MV)

• Shake Hip! (MV)

• Lovely (MAKING VIDEO)

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

• Shake Hip! (MAKING VIDEO)

Source: tokyohive

Kyary in Singapore fortelevision program “Catherinethe Third”Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/kyary-singapore-television-program-

catherine-third/

By sentinel011 on January 9th, 2013

Many KPP, or Kyary Pamyu Pamyu fans were guessing thatthe artiste and fashion celebrity was in town earlier this weekto settle details for her upcoming Live Tour in Singapore, butthat is not the case.

Apparently, Kyary is also one of the hosts for a variety showin Japan called Catherine the Third, and her other 2 co-hostswere featured in a photo uploaded in her twitter account.Thus, it is highly speculated that the trio was in town tofilm and host a special segment in the variety show. Kyarycommented “Catherine the Third in Singapore loca(tion)!”in her twitter photo post.

Although Kyary was in town for less than 2 days, shemanaged to dine local delicacies like cereal prawns, visit theworld famous Night Safari, as well as lounging at Marina BaySands’ Skypark.

Source: Kyary’s Twitter page

Know your Metal Gear Risingmoves and combos withthese videosSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/metal-gear-rising-moves-combos-

videos/

By sentinel011 on January 9th, 2013

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

So you got your grubby hands on the Metal Gear RisingRevengeance demo released on the PS3. Are you finding ittough to take down your enemies? Don’t fret, as we trawledthe internet to find some gems to make your game play alittle bit more fulfilling with these combos.

This comprehensive list of moves show you what each movedoes and how to execute it on your gamepad. The movesrecorded in the video also tells you roughly what each movedoes, such as a Devil May Cry style “Stinger” move as wellas air combo moves. The end of the video also shows one ofthe many challenging combos you can do to your enemies inthe game.

With the move list in mind, the next step is to play like apro with several combos under your belt. One such player,Master LL, records his playthrough with a list of combos.Here, you can watch how a skillful player does 2 air combosin a row. Unfortunately, there isn’t exactly a move listrecorded from the video, but you will get the rough gist of itas you play more of the game.

Master LL also shows us how to be a sadistic Raiden, bydecapitating the limbs of his enemies first before finishingthem.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is slated to release for thePS3 and Xbox360 on 19 and 21 February 2013 for the NorthAmerica and Japan region respectively. For more Metal GearRising goodness, check these out.

Hiro Mizushima to make acomeback on the big screenwith KuroshitsujiSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/hiro-mizushima-comeback-big-

screen-kuroshitsuji/

By ellehaym on January 9th, 2013

Hiro Mizushima is not yet done with showbiz.

After a three-year hiatus, he is returning with the movieadaptation of Yana Tanaboso’s popular action and fantasymanga, Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler).

In the upcoming film, Mizushima will be playing SebastianMichaelis, Ciel’s bodyguard and the demon butler of thePhantomhive estate. The movie adaptation will take place130 years after the events on the manga, which means we’llbe witnessing a completely different storyline.

Mizushima was last seen on the big screen when he playedthe role of Ryusuke Minami in the movie adaptation of Beck(2010). He also acted in live-action series adapted fromanime and manga titles including Hanazakari no Kimitachie (where he played Minami Namba), Absolute Boyfriend(where he played Soshi Asamoto) and Gokusen 2 (where heplayed Hiro Misawa). His popular lead role is Souji Tendou/Kabuto from the sentai series Kamen Rider Kabuto.

Mizushima left showbiz to pursue his writing career(with Tomohiro Saito as his pen name). His debut work,KAGEROU, was selected as the 5th Poplar Publishing GrandPrize for Fiction.

Now that he has made his comeback as an actor, Mizushimais losing weight for the role and is currently in training forthe actions of the character he’ll be portraying. The filmingfor the movie starts in April.

Kuroshitsuji will be directed by Otani Kentaro (Nana) andKeiichi Sato (Tiger & Bunny). The film is slated for a releasethis year.

Sources: tokyohive and JEFusion

Pre-orders for NendoroidsKagamine Rin: Append andKagamine Len: AppendcommenceSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/pre-orders-nendoroids-kagamine-

rin-append-kagamine-len-append-commences/

By ellehaym on January 8th, 2013

It’s a double treat for fans of the adorable Vocaloid twins.

Good Smile Company has begun accepting pre-orders for thesoon to be launched Kagamine Rin: Append and Kagamine

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

Len: Append. These Nendoroids will be released together onJune 30. Each sold separately.

Both Nendoroids are 100mm in height and will each sportthree different facial expressions.

Rin comes with a happy expression, a winking face and apleading face. The last one allows you to make it seem likeRin is begging something from Len. The Kagamine Rin:Append Nendoroid gives off a more mature appeal.

The Kagamine Len: Append, on the other hand, displaysa more modern look. Just like Rin, he has a cheerfulexpression and a winking face. Len also comes witha confident expression that exhibits his coolness.

Each package includes a background board, allowing you toeasily take photographs of Rin and Len.

Although these latest offerings from Good Smile Companywon’t be sold in a set, they are designed in such a way thatthey can have great poses together. They can be arrangedback-to-back. The charming twins can even hold handswhile winking.

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

With a variety of features offered by these Nendoroids,let your imagination fly and create different poses of theKagamine twins.

Sources: Crunchyroll and Mikatan’s Blog (English Version)

‘Hanasaku Iroha: HomeSweet Home’ anime film’sstory revealedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/hanasaku-iroha-home-sweet-home-

story-revealed/

By ellehaym on January 8th, 2013

Last month, we were teased with a short clip of HanasakuIroha: Home Sweet Home, but we heard nothing about theplot of the movie.

Finally, a new movie listing has revealed the story of theupcoming anime film.

The story of the HSH anime film (according the listing) goeslike this: Ohana is getting used to her lifestyle in Kissuisou,the hot springs resort managed by her grandmother. Oneday, the successor of Kissuisou’s rival inn, Yuina, arrivesat Kissuisou to learn how to become a landlady. As Ohanawatches Yuina in training, she discovers -a certain item-while cleaning up the storage room.

Now, most people who have watched the entire series areprobably assuming (or hoping) that the upcoming movie willbe an epilogue—something that shows us what happens toOhana Matsumae [SPOILER ALERT] after her grandmotherclosed down the Taishou era hot springs inn, Kissuisou.

Unfortunately, it won’t be as we expect it to be. Based on thesummary provided by the listing, the film takes place at atime when Ohana is getting used to her life in Kissuisou.

Here’s a short recap on what happened in the series:

The story revolves around Ohana, a teenager living withher single-parent mother in Tokyo. She was left underher estranged grandmother’s care after her mother decidesto elope with a boyfriend. She arrives at Kissuisou anddiscovers that the hot springs inn is owned and managed byher grandmother.

Ohana starts working at Kissuisou at her grandmother’simposition. Although she tries her best, things don’t runsmoothly for her. She is at odds with the customers and herfellow employees.

Ohana becomes disheartened at first, but eventually seesall the hardships as opportunities to make herself better.She works harder to improve her relationship with her co-workers and for a brighter future.

While the movie may not be an epilogue of the TV animelike what fans expected, do not be too disappointed. Theseries, after all, ended in a satisfying manner. Plus, if you’re

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

fond of Yuina Wakura (Ohana’s dialect switching friend), theHSH movie is gradually shaping up to be something fans caneagerly anticipate.

Sources: @ultimatemegax via Crunchyroll

Babymetal: ‘We’ll conquer theworld in 2013′ [Video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/babymetal-conquer-world-2013-

video/

By KarbyP on January 7th, 2013

With just two more days to go to the release of Babymetal‘smajor debut single, Ijime Dame Zettai, Kawaii Girls Japanhas put together a short video interview with the teenagetrio, who talk a little about the song and the music video forit (which was shot in a cave; check it out for yourself in thesecond video embedded below), as well as their ambitionsfor the new year ahead of them.

A trio comprising leader Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-Metal;formerly a member of Karen Girl’s, the unit that performedZettai Karen Children’s first OP, Over The Future),Mizuno Yui (YUIMETAL), and Kikuchi Moa (MOAMETAL),Babymetal is part of a greater girl idol group called SakuraGakuen that was formed in 2010.

Units within the Sakura Gakuen group are each considereda bukatsu (部部) or co-curricular club within SakuraGakuen. There’s the Baton Club (Twinklestars), Newspaper

Club (SCOOPERS) Science Club (Kagakubu Kagaku KyumeiLogica?) and more.

As for Babymetal, well, you’ve heard of the keionbu (部部部, literally “light music club” in Japanese) in K-On!. right?Well Babymetal is sort of like an antonym of K-On – withinSakura Gakuen the trio is referred to as the Heavy Metal Club(部部部).

Babymetal’s major debut single, Ijime, Dame, Zettai (部部部部部部部部部部部) hits CD stores in Japan January 9, 2013. Formore information on the various editions of the release, referto Kawaii Girl Japan’s story.

Source: Kawaii Girl Japan

A romantic treat fromPremium Bandai: BarnabyWhite Day CakeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/romantic-treat-premium-bandai-

barnaby-white-day-cake/

By ellehaym on January 7th, 2013

How sweet it would be to receive a Barnaby White Day Cake.

The day when men give women romantic presents (in returnfor the chocolates they received) may be two months away,but as early as now, Premium Bandai is already acceptingpre-orders for the White Day Cake with a design inspired byBarnaby Brooks Jr. from Tiger & Bunny.

The Tiger & Bunny White Day Cake from Barnaby followsthe previous Premium Bandai Valentine’s Day offering, theTiger & Bunny Valentine Cake from Kotetsu.

This cake is considered as Barnaby’s present to his fans. Theinterior is a white sponge cake, a strawberry mousse withraspberry sauce atop. The exterior is a cream cheese mousseglazed with nappage and topped with raspberry sauce.

It comes with a gorgeous figure of Barnaby wearing apatissier uniform, holding a cake knife and a small replica ofthe White Day cake.

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

Premium Bandai’s White Day cake costs 3990 JPY (46 USD).The pre-order doesn’t have a deadline. It will continue untilsupplies last. The cake ships in March this year.

Sources: Crunchyroll and Premium Bandai

Monogatari series’ secondseason to begin airing July2013Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/monogatari-series-season-airing-

july-2013/

By KarbyP on January 7th, 2013

According to a magazine scan posted anonymously onJapanese forum 2ch, studio Shaft’s anime adaptation of thesecond season in NisiOsin’s Monogatari light novel serieswill begin airing on Japanese TVs sometime in July 2013.

What’s more, the new anime show will apparently stay on theair for a total of six months (2部部部 in Japanese), although it’snot mentioned if there will be a break at some point betweenthe broadcast dates.

Before we go on, it’s important to clarify one thing: “firstseason” and “second season” of the Monogatari series arethe terms used specifically to refer to volumes 1 to 6, andvolumes 7 to 12, respectively, of the original light novelseries.

The anime adaptation of the Monogatari series’ secondseason (light novels) will comprise some 20-odd episodesthat covers the stories told in volumes 7 to 12 of NisiOsin’spopular light novel series of the same name.

• Nekomonogatari (White) (部部部(部))

• Kabukimonogatari (部部部)

• Hanamonogatari (部部部)

• Otorimonogatari (部部部)

• Onimonogatari (部部部)

• Koimonogatari (部部部)

As for the Monogatari series’ first season — that’s where itgets real confusing.

First season (light novels volume 1 to 6) was actuallysplit up into several anime shows: Bakemonogatari (2009),Nisemonogatari (2012), and the recent Nekomonogatari(Black)which was streamed on Nico Nico Douga and will bemaking its way to TV channels soon.

There is also an upcoming anime film, Kizumonogatari, thatwill cover the story told in Volume 3 in the original lightnovels.

All-told, the first season of NisiOsin’s light novel series aretitled in the following manner (from top to bottom, volumes1 to 6):

• Bakemonogatari (volume 1) (部部部(部))

• Bakemonogatari (volume 2) (部部部(部))

• Kizumonogatari (部部部)

• Nisemonogatari (volume 1) (部部部(部))

• Nisemonogatari (volume 2) (部部部(部))

• Nekomonogatari (Black) (部部部(部))

Outside of the first and second seasons, the light novel seriesalso comprises a “final season”:

• Tsukimonogatari (部部部)

• Owarimonogatari (部部部)

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

• Zokuowarimonogatari (部部部部)

Anime adaptations of the final season in the Monogatariseries’ light novels have not yet been announced.

Source: 2ch, Wikipedia

Steins;Gate Phenogram ofLinear Restraint dated forApril 25Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/steinsgate-phenogram-linear-

restraint-dated-april-25/

By KarbyP on January 7th, 2013

Visual novel Steins;Gate Phenogram of Linear Restraint (PS3, X360) now has a confirmed release date. Publisher5pb today announced that the title, a psuedo-sequel to theoriginal Steins;Gate (2009), will go on sale in Japan April 25instead of the previously vague “Spring 2013″ release period.

The regular edition of the game will go for 7,140 yen inJapan, while a limited edition – which includes a replica ofthe “SG001″ phone that protagonist Rintarou Okabe uses inthe series – will sell for 11,550 yen.

Although the replica is not a fully-functional mobile handset,it will actually play back some character voice samples whena certain button on the device is pressed. No details weregiven as to which characters’ voices would be featured here.

January 10th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

For more details on Steins;Gate Phenogram of LinearRestraint (STEINS部GATE 部部部部部部部部部部部), including whattwo of the visual novel’s character-focused scenarios willentail, read our previous story here.

Source: Famitsu

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Create your own logo, DragonBall Z style!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/create-logo-dragon-ball-style/

By ellehaym on January 12th, 2013

Do you want to see your name written just like the logo ofDragon Ball Z? That’s easy! And I tell you, mad Photoshopskills aren’t necessary. All you need to do is visit, ToeiAnimation’s official website for the upcoming Dragon Ball Z:Battle of Gods movie and use their MOJI MAKER Z app.

The page is in Japanese so I’ll give you a bit of a walkthrough.

In step 1, you need to type your first name and last name inthe two separate fields. Note that these fields do not acceptspaces. If you type your name with a space, an error messagepops up. So if your first name consists of two names, justpick the best one or you can do it like this: JohnMark (thefinal result of the logo tightly packs all the letters together,anyway). The fields only accept roman letters. I tried typingmy name in katakana, but it gave me an error message.

In step two, just choose from among the four backgrounds.

After typing in your name and selecting your preferredbackground, hit the dragon ball that says “GO!”

Wait for it to generate the logo. Afterwards, you’ll be takento a page where you can see your name written in DragonBall Z font style. The app generates a rectangular and squarebanner, so pick whichever you like (or get both!). You canshare the logo you’ve created through Facebook and Twitter.

The site doesn’t limit you with one background. You can tryall four backgrounds available. And that’s precisely what Idid!

Here are the logo designs I got:

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

For more information on Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Godsmovie, just read our previous post.

BoA to return to the Jpopscene with ‘Only One’ (withunique promotions)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/boa-return-jpop-scene-only-one/

By ellehaym on January 11th, 2013

After more than a year of hiatus in Japan, Korean singer BoAis going to make a comeback with a single that includes theJapanese version of her self-composed song, Only One.

The multilingual singer has previously announced in herwebsite that the single will be launched on February 20. Butthe last minute editing on the single has delayed it for a week.Its new release date will be on February 27.

The single will also contain The Shadow, another songwritten by BoA herself. Below is the tracklist information:

CD+DVD

CD tracks:

1. Only One

2. The Shadow

3. Only One (Instrumental)

4. The Shadow (Instrumental)

DVD:

1. Only One (Music Video)

2. The Shadow (Music Video)

3. Only One (Making Video)

4. The Shadow(Making Video)

(25 minutes total)

CD-only:

1. Only One

2. The Shadow

3. Only One (Instrumental)

4. The Shadow(Instrumental)

Only One was part of BoA’s 7th Korean studio album (of thesame title). It gained popularity because it was BoA’s originalsong.

In promotion for BoA’s Japanese single, a campaign called“Only One Cocktail” was launched. Selected cafes in Tokyoare selling a cappuccino and a cocktail drink topped with aQR code. Once a smart phone has scanned the code, a sitethat lets people listen to BoA’s new songs can be accessed.The campaign perfectly suits the upcoming single becausethe drama version of the Korean Only One MV was set in acafe.

While I’d love to go to Tokyo and scan the codes before I takea sip of these drinks (because I am a BoA fan), reality slapsme in the face, telling me I have no money for such luxury.Luckily, I found a preview of the Japanese version of OnlyOne on YouTube. Check it out below:

Sources: KpopStarz, BoA’s Twitpic account, tokyohive andOricon

SCANDAL officially releases‘Playboy’ music videoSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/scandal-officially-releases-playboy-

music-video/

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

By ellehaym on January 11th, 2013

You have probably listened to SCANDAL’s Playboy duringtheir performances (either live or on YouTube). Thistrack was written back in their indie days. They’ve beenperforming the song since their debut, but it wasn’t officiallyreleased in any of their albums or singles.If you have beenendlessly hoping for an official release of this track, thenyour long wait is over. SCANDAL has released their MV ofPlayboy. The song will also be included in their soon to belaunched compilation album “ENCORE SHOW”.

Check out the music video below:

SCANDAL’s second compilation album comes out onFebruary 6. It will be released in two editions: A RegularEdition CD and a Limited Edition CD+DVD. The upcomingalbum will include B-Side songs from their singles. If youpre-order from CDJapan today, a free sticker will be givenas a bonus treat.

Below is the ENCORE SHOW’s track list information:

1. S.L. Magic

2. TOKYO

3. Natsu Neiro

4. FUTURE

5. SO EASY

6. Hoshi no Furu Yoru ni

7. KOSHI-TANTAN

8. Midnight Television

9. Shining Sun

10. CUTE!

11. Emotion

12. Satisfaction

13. Want you

14. Kimi ni Shitto Chuu

15. Hikare

16. PLAY BOY

ENCORE SHOW limited edition jacket cover:

ENCORE SHOW regular edition jacket cover:

Sources: JEFusion and tokyohive

Solid launch date revealed forthe North American releaseof Naruto Powerful ShippudenSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/solid-release-date-naruto-powerful-

shippuden-north-american-revealed/

By ellehaym on January 11th, 2013

The announcement on the North American release ofNaruto Powerful Shippuden with the 3DS as its battlefieldwas good news indeed. But the lack of a launch date leftus hanging. Finally, Namco Bandai Games America has

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

announced that the Naruto spin-off is coming out on March5, so mark your calendars now!

Fans of all ages can enjoy the side-scrolling gameplay ofNaruto Powerful Shippuden. The characters are designed intheir miniature appearance, or most commonly known to us,anime fans, as the chibi form.

Below are the features of the game:

• Explore two different stories—you can either play asNaruto or Rock Lee. Enjoy the different campaignseach story has to offer.

• Two modes of gameplay. Beat up enemies nonstop inthe endless battle mode or complete the story mode.

• Amusing graphics and comical character actions andexpressions.

• Dynamic gameplay. Strengthen your characters byearning experience points. You can also ask help fromother characters during battles or raise the power ofyour special attacks using the touch screen function.

• QR code feature. Access other bonuses from the gameby scanning QR codes.

The release date is about two months away. That’s a bit of along wait. So in the meantime, just enjoy Naruto PowerfulShippuden’s trailer below:

Sources: Gaming Unwrapped, Nintendo Life and NamcoBandai Games

Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger:2nd season green-lit forproductionSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/hikounin-sentai-akibaranger-season/

By KarbyP on January 11th, 2013

A second season of “tokusatsu” or special effects TVshow Hikounin Sentai Akihabaranger (非非非非非非非非非非非非非;“Hikounin Sentai” translates to “The Unofficial PowerRangers”) has been green-lit for production, according to theofficial website for the show.

Simultaneously, Akibaranger’s second season was alsoannounced at the tail end of a “Kamen Rider X Super SentaiLive & Show 2013″ event, held earlier tonight at the TokyoInternational Forum in Japan.

The show’s official website did not provide any specifics as towhat Akibaranger’s new season would entail, choosing onlyto tease that more information on the new season wouldcome soon.

Who are the Akibarangers?

Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger tells the story of three civilians– bike courier and Super Sentai fanboy Nobuo Akagi (playedby Masako Wada), student and martial artist Mitsuki Aoyagi(Kyoko Hinami), and cosplayer Yumeria Moegi (KarinOgino) – hand-picked one day by a certain Professor HiroyoHakase (played by voice actress Maaya Uchida, who’s ReaSanka in Sankarea) to form a new Power Rangers squadassembled specifically to protect Akihabara from evil-doers.

The trio were picked specifically for their uncanny ability tofantasize delusions, which serves as a source of power afterour heroes “henshin” or transform into the mighty morphin’Akibarangers – or so Akagi and gang believed.

After the newly formed Akibaranger squad defeats theirfirst monster, however, it’s revealed that the Akibarangersare not considered official Super Sentai heroes. There arestringent requirements – such as having your own network-broadcasted TV show – that have to be met before they couldregister as an official squad. Not only that, but apparentlyall the fighting that Akagi and gang thought they did wasactually one grand delusion – shared by all three of them –that occurred only in their heads.

Net idol Kozue Aikawa (formerly of the group “Danceroid”)and current Danceroid leader “Itokutora” also have bitroles on the show, playing assistants in a Super Sentai-themed cafe that Professor Hakase runs. Certain Ranger

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

characters from the official Super Sentai series also makecameo appearances.

Unlike TV Asahi’s Sunday morning Power Rangers or“Sentai” tokusatsu shows which are meant for audiences ofall ages, Hikounin Sentai Akihabaranger is instead aimed atmature audiences and aired on a late-night timeslot.

Source: akibaranger.jp, @techwin009

Raiden cosplays as GrayFox and his MGS4 self inthis new Metal Gear Rising:Revengeance trailerSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-

raiden-cosplays-gray-fox-custom-body-trailer/

By KarbyP on January 11th, 2013

Raiden masquerades as MGS1′s cyborg ninja Gray Fox inthis new trailer for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance that wasuploaded to the Web today.

The so-called “Custom Body chapter” trailer also offers abrief look at four other DLC custom body suits – namely, the“White Armor”, “Inferno Armor”, “Command Armor”, and“MGS4 Raiden” costumes.

Ganers in Japan receive the Gray Fox skin as long asthey snag a first-print copy of the game in any edition –including the digitally-downloadable version sold throughthe PlayStation store. Konami Japan describes availabilityfor the Gray Fox body suit DLC codes as ”while stocks last”.

Additionally, Japanese gamers who pre-order a copy of thegame from certain participating retailers will also receiveone of the aforementioned three “Armor” skins – eachexclusive to specific retailers (for details on that, check outour previous story here).

These “Armor” body suits will confer upon Raiden the abilityto carry slightly more items of a certain category: WhiteArmor lets you carry more health replenishing item, Inferno(red) increases your grenade capacity, and Command(green) does the same for missiles.

The last of five DLC skins mentioned is the Metal Gear Solid4 Raiden (MGS4 Raiden) body suit. Codes for MGS4 Raidenare issued out in Japan only to gamers who tweeted theirimpressions of the game’s demo (downloadable now on theJapanese PlayStation store) in a Twitter campaign organisedby Konami.

Although currently the MGR:R demo is downloadable onlyon the Japanese PSN Store (but otherwise made availableworldwide as a bonus included with Zone of the EndersHD Collection), Kojima Productions have said that they’replanning to make the demo downloadable on PSN and XboxLive in the Western world sometime in January.

As for the body suit DLC codes, in the US and Europe theywill be doled out in similar pre-order campaigns for thehighly-anticipated action title. The details vary per region,but in general gamers will receive different body suit DLCcodes depending on which retailer they pre-order from, aswell as the edition of MGR:R they’re buying.

METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE OFFICIALWEBSITE

Megpoid the Music♯: 2ndgameplay video, 3 new songsunveiledSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/megpoid-music%E2%99%AF-2nd-

gameplay-video-3-songs-unveiled/

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

By KarbyP on January 11th, 2013

Watch Vocaloid Gumi strut her stuff to Megu Megu FireEndless Night in this second Megpoid the Music非 gameplayvideo that developer ParaPhray has uploaded today.

Also shared today: the titles of three more songs from thegame’s featured track-list. Music videos embedded after thejump.

Megu Megu Fire Endless Night (非非非非非非非非非非非非非非非非非非)

Song lyrics, composition and arrangement by Vocaloidproducer samfree.

Note: the following three music video seen below are self-published works first uploaded to Japanese video-sharingsite Nico Nico Douga, and not representations of whatplayers will see in Megpoid the Music非

Ama no Jaku / A Born Coward (非非非, song by “164″)

A powerful song about unrequited love from renownedVocaloid producer”164″, that’s seen over two million viewson Nico Nico Douga.

Illustrator Takumi Torigoe provided the illustration seen inthe video below.

Kiritorisen / Cutting Line (非非非非非非. song by “40mP”)

In 40mP’s (read as 40-meter-P) Kiritorisen, Gumi singsabout the bitter-sweet subject of love to a tune composed oflight-hearted melodies.

Everything – lyrics, song, and illustrations – you see andhear in the video below were done by 40mP.

Raid of Glass (song: “maya”)

A song about the pains of falling in love.

Song produced by “maya”. Illustrations in the original musicvideo you see below were done by Kanae Fujishiro (非非非),and the video itself was put together by “Nyto”.

Megpoid the Music♯ (read as “Megpoid the Music Sharp”)for the PSP comes out in Japan on March 28, 2013.

Megpoid the Music非 Official Site

First trailer of GundamUnicorn Episode 6 released,expect more battle scenesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/trailer-gundam-unicorn-episode-6-

released-expect-battle-scenes/

By sentinel011 on January 11th, 2013

Nearing the climax of the Gundam Unicorn saga, episode6 has its first trailer released yesterday on Bandai’sAnimeChannel youtube page.

The movie, titled Two Worlds, Two Tomorrows, featurestheir first trailer with Banshee having new equipment, andMinerva is spotted wearing the Neo Zeon military attire.

The movie will have a worldwide premiere broadcastover Playstation Network on 2 March 2013. Countriescovered are USA, Canada, United Kingdom and France. ForZune/Xbox Live, it covers a greater area, on top of thecountries mentioned earlier, viewers from Ireland, Belgium,Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Mexico willbe able to catch the movie.

For Singapore, Bandai South Asia has released a campaignfor fans to catch the movie for an exclusive 1 time only

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

screening by purchasing selected gunpla. More informationwithin their facebook post.

DVD and Blu-ray sales will commence from 22 March 2013.

Fans can expect to purchaseToyota Auris Char AznableCustom by end 2013Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/fans-expect-purchase-toyota-auris-

char-aznable-custom-2013/

By sentinel011 on January 11th, 2013

Toyota has announced earlier this Wednesday on 9 Januaryon commercializing the production of the Toyota Auris. Itis no ordinary production, as it is a collaboration betweenMobile Suit Gundam’s iconic antagonist, Char Aznable andhis trademark red.

Decked out in custom fins, vents and a Zaku II styledantenna, the Toyota Auris Char Aznable Custom will alsohave custom decals and styling on the chassis. The both theinterior and exterior will have the Toyota logo replaced bythe iconic Zeon logo from the anime series.

The original voice actor for Char Aznable, Shuichi Ikeda,graced the product announcement as well, together with amodel dressed as the character.

The Toyota Auris Char Aznable Custom is scheduled to beon sale within Japan by end 2013. It is still unknown ifthis particular model will have a limited run, or if the carwill be launched globally. Char Aznable fans with drivinglicences will surely put the Toyota Auris into their check listof items to purchase, granted that this is arguably their mostexpensive to date.

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

January 12th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

Source: Response

Details of Yuki Kajiura’s10th concert “Kaji Fes 2013″releasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/details-yuki-kajiuras-10th-concert-

kaji-fes-2013-released/

By sentinel011 on January 11th, 2013

Many Anison fans would have heard of artistes likeKalafina, Fictionjunction, and Yuuka Nanri. Yuki Kajiura,the matriarch who composes all of the artistes’ music, will behaving her 10th concert this coming May.

The famed composer produced many soundtracks of animetitles such as .//Hack, Madoka Magica, Mai HiME, Karano Kyoukai and Fate/Zero. Her past concerts have set liststhat include both theme songs and soundtrack titles. Theconcert will feature many singers who have collaboratedwith Kajiura.

The concert will be held at Tokyo International Forum, HallA on 11 May 2013. Ticket sales will commence from 7 March,and are priced at 8,400 yen per ticket.

Full details as follows:

Yuki Kajiura LIVE Vol.非10 “Kaji Fes.2013″!

Date: 11 May 2013

Location: Tokyo International Forum, Hall A

Time: Doors open 14:00, concert begins 15:00

Ticket price: 8400 yen (begins selling March 7)

Singers:Yuki Kajiura/FictionJunction (Kaori Oda, Yuriko Kaida,Wakana, Keiko)

Kalafina (Wakana, Keiko, Hikaru)

FictionJunction YUUKA (Yuuka Nanri)

Emily Bindiger (Fiction II, Pandora Hearts OST, SIGN OST,Anime Expo 2003)Yuri Kasahara (Noir OST, Mai-Otome OST, Fiction, RekishiHiwa Historia OST)Hanae Tomaru (RHH OST, Mai-Hime OST, Kara noKyoukai OST, Kalafina background chorus)Eri Itou (Tsubasa OST, RHH OST, Xenosaga OST, YK livevol. ♯2)

Musicians:Flute: Rie Akagi

Guitar: Koichi Korenaga

Drums: Kyoichi Satou

Bass: Tomoharu “Jr” Takahashi

Violin: Hitoshi Konno

Keyboard: Hirotaka Sakurada

Manipulator: Yoshio Ohira

Source: FictionJunction

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

SeaA’s 1st album to bereleased in Japan March 27Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/seaa-1st-album-march-27/

By KarbyP on January 15th, 2013

Southeast Asia-based Anisong unit SeaA is cutting its firstalbum, record label Lantis announced today. The four-girlunit’s first album will be released in Japan on March 27.

SeaA’s first album will feature all four of their singlesreleased so far, as well as a couple of additional songs thusfar only included in editions released outside of Japan. In all,this album release includes a total of 10 songs.

Three of the four members in SeaA – Beryl, Valerie andEstelle – were born and bred in Singapore. The three ofthem are joined by Malaysian gal Wynnie, and all four ofthem were scouted to form the Anisong unit when theywere working at the maid cafe booth at Anime Festival Asia2008 here in Singapore. Since then, their songs have beenfeatured as opening or ending themes to anime titles such asCardfight!! Vanguard and Toriko.

Here at SGCafe we previously did an interview with SeaA’sgirls back in 2011.

Source: Natalie

Fate/Extra CCC’s 6th shortmovie: Caster returns fromthe first game, finds herselfstrapped in a new costumeSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/fateextra-ccc-6th-short-movie-

caster/

By KarbyP on January 14th, 2013

Caster is one of five selectable Servants in Imageepoch andType-Moon’s upcoming and oft-delayed PSP JRPG Fate/

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

Extra CCC, a sequel to the original Fate/Extra in whichCaster was also a selectable Servant.

In both games, the story is set in a virtual world where you,the Main Character (name and gender up to you) must teamup with a Servant in order to fight against the dangers in thecomputer world – including other similar Masters and theirServants.

Fate/Extra CCC’s new short movie, which we’ve embeddedbelow, reveals that Caster returns in this sequel in a costumethat’s way more revealing than before.

Why is that? Well, Caster doesn’t really know – in the videoshe says that she found herself strapped in this new costumefrom the moment she was summoned into this world andawoke.

Fate/Extra CCC for the PSP is scheduled to be released inJapan on March 28.

These Puchimas! -PetitIdolm@ster- Twitter icons arenot IP-blockedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/puchimas-petit-idolmster-twitter-

icons-ip-blocked/

By KarbyP on January 14th, 2013

In Japan, Net anime Puchimas! -Petit Idolm@ster- isstreamed daily (each episode is only about two minutes long)on Nico Nico Douga and Animate TV – both of which are IP-blocked and accessible only from within Japan.

In the US, FUNimation announced that they will bestreaming the Idolm@ster spin-off series, starting today,

January 14. But again, the streamed episodes with Englishsubtitles are accessible only in the States – they’re IP-blocked.

But you know what’s not IP-blocked?

Twitter.

Also, Dengeki Online, where you can go to download theseawesome Puchimas! -Petit Idolm@ster- (ぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷ) Twitter icons. There’s 14 of them in total –petite idol versions of all 13 of the series’ main stars, plusthat of Kotori Otonashi, the office clerk in 765 Productions(pronounced “Namco Productions” due to an alternatereading for the numbers in Japanese).

If you want to download the entire zip file containing all 14Twitter profile icons, head over to Dengeki Online’s story,and hit the giant pink button that has funny moon languageon it.

Alternatively, we’ve listed the icons here in our gallery, andtitled them accordingly – just in case you don’t know thenames of these petite Idolm@ster creatures (they’re kept aspets by the characters in the main series), and you’d like tofind out.

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

There are also a couple more screen captures from the actualPuchimas! anime series over at Dengeki’s story, so go thereif you want to check those out.

For more information on Puchimas! -Petit Idolm@ster-,check out our previous coverage of the series here.

Source: Dengeki Online

Get physical with OdaNobuna no Yabou-inspiredcycling jerseysSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/physical-oda-nobuna-yabou-

inspired-cycling-jerseys/

By ellehaym on January 14th, 2013

The Oda Nobuna no Yabou (The Ambition of OdaNobuna) anime franchise is targeting cyclists with its latestmerchandise.

AmiAmi has begun taking pre-orders for their red long-sleeved and green short-sleeved cycling gears. Both jerseysare designed with Oda Nobuna at the front part and thecharacters of the anime series at the back. The long-sleevedone costs 11,730 JPY (around 131 USD). The short-sleevedgear, on the other hand, costs 9,980 JPY (about 112 USD).

Both unisex cycling gears come with thee pockets at the back.

The character and hobby online shop has also commencedpre-orders for bicycle wheel and frame stickers that youcan use to pimp your ride and transform it into an itachari(a bike with anime or game inspired designs usually seenin Akihabara). The sticker for the wheel costs 7,540 JPY(around 84 USD) and comes in two designs, while the bikeframe sticker set costs 2,500 JPY (28 USD).

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

All products are slated for a late April release.

Oda Nobuna no Yabou is a historical comedy anime thatretells the Sengoku era of Japan. The series, however,replaces the powerful landlords and warriors with beautifulfemale characters. It was adapted from a light novel byMikage Kasuga with illustrations by Miyama-Zero. Theanime series ran from July to September last year.

Source: Crunchyroll

Tales of Hearts R’s (PS Vita)first-print edition comes with‘Infinite Evolve’ bonus game[Video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/tales-of-hearts-r-infinite-evolve-

bonus-game-in-first-print-edition/

By KarbyP on January 14th, 2013

You get both the old and new schools of “Tales of” RPGgameplay in one package. That is, if you pick up a first-printedition copy of PS Vita JRPG Tales of Hearts R on day one.

The first-print edition comes with a download code forTales of Hearts R Infinite Evolve, a reworked version ofthe 2D battle system from the original DS game Tales ofHearts whose gameplay is more similar to that of the olderTales games in the 90′s.

In later titles, however, when the Namco Tales Studiodevelopment team decided to switch to 3D graphics for itsgames, they also added the ability for the player to movearound in the 3D field during enemy encounters, althoughthe fighting is still locked to a 2D plane. The Tales of HeartsR main game, a remake of the DS JRPG, is built on thissecond style of play.

For comparison’s sake, here’s what the 2D gameplay in Talesof Hearts (2008) on the Nintendo DS used to look like:

What’s especially interesting about Tales of Hearts RInfinite Evolve is that characters included in this bonusgame do not simply stop at Hearts. From the video aboveyou can clearly see that Infinite Evolve will include guescharacters such as Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia, PS2/GameCube), Yuri Lowell (Tales of Vesperia Ps3/X360), JadeCurtiss (Tales of the Abyss, PS2/3DS), and Stahn Aileron(Tales of Destiny, PS1/PS2).

Who else would you want to see included as selectable partymembers in Infinity Evolve?

Tales of Hearts R for the PlayStation Vita comes out inJapan and Asia on March 7, 2013.

Evangelion’s Unit-01 andAngels go under a SanriomakeoverSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/evangelions-unit-01-angels-sanrio-

makeover/

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

By ellehaym on January 14th, 2013

It’s impressive how the Japanese never ever run out of exoticideas. I mean, who would have thought that the terrifyingEVA Unit-01 could turn into something… so kawaii?

Legendary anime franchise Evangelion is collaboratingwith Sanrio to offer fans a variety of extraordinarily cutemerchandise.

Without further ado, I now present to you their latestoffering: here’s Hello Kitty as EVA Unit-01!

This plushie can be pre-ordered from ZOZOTOWN. It costs2,100 JPY (around 23 USD). And if you can’t get enoughof this purple Hello Kitty plushie, you can get its miniatureversion in a form of a keychain which costs 1,050 (about12 USD). Shipping of both products will commence aroundmid-March.

That’s not the only result of the unlikely collaboration. Weall know that Sanrio is famous for turning anything intosomething cute. And now, even the monstrous Angels havebecome adorable.

Strap-ya, an online shop offering mobile phone accessoriesbased in Kanagawa, is currently offering iPhone 5 caseswith designs of Hello Kitty as EVA Unit-01 together withchibi versions of the Angels wearing Hello Kitty’s red ribbon.Goodness! Even the Spear of Longinus, which crashed intowas displayed in Tokyo last month, has a ribbon tied on it.

Check them out:

Each polycarbonate casing costs 1,980 JPY (around 22USD).

This isn’t the first time an Evangelion x Hello Kittycollaboration has happened. Last year, boxer briefs wereoffered by the official Evangelion store. The underweardesigns featured Hello Kitty as Rei and Asuka.

Source: ぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷ, RocketNews24

Kyary appears in self-designed ‘Furisode’ kimonoat Shibuya’s Coming-of-AgeceremonySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-self-designed-

furisode-kimono-shibuya/

By KarbyP on January 14th, 2013

Today’s a public holiday in Japan. Specifically, it’s “Coming-of-Age Day”.

A day when the entire nation congregates at coming-of-ageceremonies held at local or prefectoral offices to congratulatethose who would be turning 20 – the age of adulthood overthere – in the new year.

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

As one of those would-be-twenty-year-olds, Kyary PamyuPamyu - who turns 20 on January 29 this year – wasinvited to perform at the coming-of-age ceremony in Tokyo’sShinjuku ward (ぷぷ25ぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷぷ), held at the ward’stown hall.

Before the ceremonial rites began, there was also a briefpress conference where Kyary greeted Japanese media ina shocking-pink furisode (a long-sleeved kimono) that shedesigned herself, and spoke at length on a number of topics.

First, the media asked Kyary to share what the conceptbehind her furisode dress design was.

“Its image is themed after the cosmos,” the bubbly performersaid.

“And there are planets on the obi sash’s design (note: anobi sash being the cloth belt that fastens the kimono). AsI’ll be going on a world tour beginning in February, it feelslike I’m spreading my wings and flapping them all across theuniverse. So there’s a unicorn pattern on it. [To sum it up,the motif is] ‘unicorn’ and ‘cosmos’. Once that was decided,I wanted to go with my favourite shocking pink colour, andaimed to design it in a way that would make me stand out asthe flashiest ‘new adult’ in Japan!” Kyary cheekily said.

Turning 20 and becoming a full-fledged adult is clearly a bigdeal to her.

“Wearing a furisode is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, soright now I’m extremely elated just being able to wear it!”Kyary continued with a sparkling smile on her face.

At the same time, however, the 19-year-old performer alsoexpressed her regret in not being able to participate in theday’s after-hours drinking parties, since there’s still twomore weeks to go before she’s officially 20 years old, the legalage at which the Japanese can buy and consume alcoholicdrinks.

“I can’t go to drinking parties yet, so later on I’ll just beattending the after-event party, and head home after that.Which is too bad, because I’m no good around strangers, andI’d really like to borrow the power of sake (alcohol) so that Ican talk with them more! *Laughs*”

Kyary also commented briefly on her look and costume forher upcoming single Furisodation.

“Up till now I’ve had a lot of looks where I’m sporting twin-tails.

“But this time around it’s my first-time going with a ponytail.Personally for me, that in itself [the change in hairstyle] ismy first step as an grown-up.”

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

Speaking of grown-ups, the press wanted to know who Kyaryfeels is the one female grown-up (keep in mind that in theJapanese context, “grown-up” or “adult” basically means“over 20-years-old”) that she admires the most.

To that, Kyary responded by naming female artiste Yuki,formerly the lead vocalist of Japanese punk-rock band Judyand Mary and who’s currently pursuing her solo singingcareer.

“Even after she got married and gave birth to a baby, she’snonetheless still shining brightly as a star and solo artiste asbefore, continuing to exude that charm of hers which I love.”

Lastly, when asked about her outlook for the new year, Kyarysaid:

“In 2012, I was invited to go on Kouhaku [NHK Red AndWhite Year-End Song Festival], appear in commercials, andas a result many people got to know through watching theTV that this person called Kyary Pamyu Pamyu exists, or soI think that was how 2012 went.

“As for 2013, as a solo artiste I want to focus even more onmy music, and give it my all with that.”

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu‘s new double-A-side single, Kimi ni100 Percent/Furisodation, comes out on January 30.

The accomplished fashion blogger, model, and TV host willalso be here in Singapore sometime in 2013 as part of hermusical world tour.

Source: Natalie

Perfume official worldfanclub starts paymentregistration, receivesDoraemon styled versions ofthemselvesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/perfume-official-world-fanclub-

starts-payment-registration-receives-doraemon-styled-versions/

By sentinel011 on January 14th, 2013

Fans of Perfume all over the world can now officially takepart in Perfume’s fanclub registration, or at least, be able tomake payment for their membership.

In the official P.T.A world fanclub site, one can begintheir annually membership subscription payment startingfrom today. However, the official commencement of themembership will begin on 13 February 2013, 9PM, GMT+9. If in the event that you are already a P.T.A fanclubmember, you need not register again, as the fanclub’s perksand privileges remain the same, if not better. The yearlymembership is priced at 1,200 yen.

Ironically, fans who have pre-registered on the site last yeardid not receive any information about the commencement ofthe subscription payment.

At press time, 330 fans have made payment to theirmembership.

On a recent Doraemon episode, a snippet of Perfume’supcoming single Mirai no Museum was featured as theending theme, with the girls being portrayed in Doraemon’sart style. Perfume has mentioned that it was a dream forthem to be featured in a childhood anime, especially onesuch as Doraemon.

[EDIT] Thanks to a fan in the local community for clarifyingthe pre-registration, and that it was only to declare interest.The actual benefit was an email to tell fans about the detailsof the implementation of the worldwide fanclub wallpaper.

It stated on the site itself at the bottom of the page that theactual registration will open on 14 January onwards, and iffans register before 13th February, they will be able to watchthe P.T.A. TV Live 5 hour special broadcast online on the13th of February.

In short, anybody can register and pay for P.T.A. Worldfanclub starting from today, and not just applicable to thosewho pre-registered. Registrants will receive a member ID

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

and temporary password which they can use when thefanclub site activates all membership accounts later inFebruary. Each membership lasts a year, from 14 February2013 till 13 Febuary 2014. However, each membership willlast up till 13 February 2014, where membership costs aresubjected to change. The site explains that regardless onwhen you have registered during that year, the membershipcosts will remain at 1,200 yen.

Hitman gets real with twogreat fan videosSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/hitman-real-great-fan-videos/

By sentinel011 on January 14th, 2013

So you have played Hitman Absolution over the holidays.Guns ablazing or sneaky and silent? Whichever your choice,these videos will surely amaze and amuse you with their takeon what it takes to be Agent 47.

Two fan productions (pretty famous among the netizensactually) created their own style of Hitman flair, both withgreat production quality and direction.

Freddie Wong has done loads of video game spoofs on hisyoutube channel freddiew, mostly involving guns and action.Together with Brandon Laatsch, they made fanboys’ wetdreams come true…. almost.

Spoofing the different play styles of gamers controllingAgent 47 in their missions, which video director andproducer Michael Shanks blatantly labels as “Professional”and “Idiot”. And he does it with graphic novel filters, a la KillBill style.

Which Agent 47 do you like better?

Yuyushiki: watch theupcoming high school slice-of-life comedy anime’sComiket 83 promoSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/yuyushiki-anime-preview/

By KarbyP on January 13th, 2013

If you like slice-of-life comedy anime series like Lucky Starand K-On!, then make sure to keep a lookout for Yuyushikianime when it goes on the air in Japan sometime in April(starting with Tokyo MX).

Adapted from the four-panel comic of the same namethat’s currently serialised in Manga Time Kirara magazine,Yuyushiki is a story about essentially nothing, as many suchslice-of-life gag comedy shows are often about, revolvingaround the lives of three high-school girls who are allmembers of their school’s data processing club (ぷぷぷぷぷ).

Yuyushikire-unites two of the leading voice actresses inYuruYuri: Rumi Okubo (Chinatsu) as Yuzuko Nonohara thesimple-minded and naive one of the trio, and Minami Tsuda(Yui) who now plays Yui Ichii, the series’s comic relief. Theyare joined by Risa Taneda (From the New World’s Saki) whoplays the Yukari Hinata the chief of the data processing club.

A new promo video for the upcoming anime was first shownto attendees at the recent Comic Market 83 event held inMakuhari Messe from December 29 to 31, 2012, but didnot make its way to the vast, almighty medium we call theInterwebs back then. This week, it finally has:

January 15th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

Production creditsProduction: Kinema Citrus (Code:Breaker, Bottom BitingBug)

Director: Kaori

Series Composition: Natsuko Takahashi (Bleach,Moyashimon)

Character Design: Hisayuki Tabata

Art Director: Hiroshi Kato

Sound Director: Jin Aketagawa

Color Design: Nobuko Mizuta

Director of Photography: Yu Wakabayashi

Main Animators: Majiro, Keisuke Kojima

Sound Production: Exit Tunes

Voice castYuzuko: Rumi Ookubo (YuruYuri’s Chinatsu)

Yui: Minami Tsuda (YuruYuri’s Yui)

Yukari: Risa Taneda (From the New World’s Saki)

Source: Crunchyroll

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Modding made easy using HDparts with these tips fromGundam.infoSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/modding-easy-hd-parts-tips-

gundam-info/

By sentinel011 on January 17th, 2013

Most local gunpla builders are casual builders who simplysnap build and display their creations. However, those whoare more equipped with some basic skills and tools suchas sanding, spray cans and probably a basic airbrush setcould try these tips out. Many Mobile Suits have a certainmenacing flair when they are equipped with propellant tanks(other than the fact that theoretically they are able to movefurther and waste less fuel on transport than during battle).With this mod, you can spruce up your space-type mobilesuits, or even multi-purpose suits!

Beam saber poses always look cool. One just can’t settle witha normal beam saber provided in the Master Grade kits. Toamp it up, pick up this useful tip to make your beam bladeslook even better.

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

The contrast of this modification owes no less due to theability to separate the various parts just on 1 vernier, makingpaint jobs on it much easier (no more masking!)

Most of the hands provided by the stock kits have uglylooking fists that look rather dull. The HD hands seriesprovides additional detail that will look great on any kit. Besure to check on the scale and type of the HD hands you aregetting for your kit!

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

Mentioned in most of the tutorials are what it seems to be a‘gripper’. How do you obtain one? Well, there’s a cheap (andalmost free) way to create your own.

Parts Gripper (makes 2)Materials needed:

- 2 empty ballpoint pens

- 1 pair of disposable chopsticks

- Some masking tape, double-sided tape or foam tape

- Super glue (optional)

Step 1: remove the ink tube and pen nib from the ballpointpen’s housing. Keep the pen housing.Step 2: insert 1 of the chopsticks into the housing of theballpoint pen. If the housing is too big, use super glue ontothe chopsticks to fix it into place.

Step 3: Pull the masking tape, reverse it and wrap it aroundthe pen housing. The masking tape will act as an adhesivesurface for the ‘Gripper’.

You can easily find these items around your house, so goahead and experiment with making your own tools!

Source: Gundam.info

One Piece Film Z sails to Asiain Jan/Feb; Toei licensingdirector hopes to take itworldwideSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/one-piece-film-z-sails-to-asia-

director-hopes-for-worldwide/

By KarbyP on January 17th, 2013

After spending four weeks and grossing over six billionyen (~US$67,509,324) at the box office in Japan, ToeiAnimation’s hit anime movie One Piece Film Z is setting sailto five countries in Asia. In order of premiere dates: Taiwan(January 25), Singapore (February 1), Hong Kong (February14), Thailand and South Korea (dates undecided).

The Singapore premiere date, in particular, is surprising tous, and not just because it’s approximately two weeks fromnow.

It’s surprising to us because the date listed by ToeiAnimation in their press release to Japanese press isdifferent from the one listed here in Singapore – One PieceFilm Z is scheduled to premiere at Cathay cinemas February21, 2013.

At the moment we do not know yet where the anime moviewill be shown on February 1 in Singapore, if Toei’s statementto the Japanese press is to be believed. Chances are, theFebruary 1 date refers to a limited sneak peak or preview forthe new anime film.

The five Asian territories listed above may not be the onlycountries in the region to see a theatrical release for OnePiece Film Z. Although at the moment these five are the onlyconfirmed ones, Toei Animation reveals that they have alsoreceived offers to screen the film in other Asian countriesfrom various movie distributors.

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

Outside of Asia, Toei Animation’s Iriya Azuma, director ofthe anime studio’s global licensing business department,also hopes to bring One Piece Film Z to Europe, America,and the rest of the world.

“In Japan alone it’s proven to be a huge box office record sofar. And so we’d like to ride on the vigour of that success, andbring it outside of Japan – not just to Asia, but also to Europeand the Americas. We hope that the movie can set sail ona grand voyage to destinations everywhere, and connect theworld,” he told the Japanese press.

Source: Yahoo! Japan News

Perfume undergoes theDoraemon drawing treatmentfor ‘Mirai no Museum’ CDJacketSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/perfume-undergoes-doraemon-

drawing-treatment-mirai-museum-cd-jacket/

By KarbyP on January 17th, 2013

Samples images of the CD Jacket covers for Japaneseelectro-pop group Perfume‘s forthcoming single, Mirai noMuseum, have just been published on the Web.

Here’s what the first-print limited and regular editions of theCD single looks like:

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

Fans who pre-order Mirai no Museum in Japan will receivea special “CD Jacket sticker”, the design of which will bedifferent depending on if you’ve picked up the limited or theregular edition. Although no images for the stickers have yetbeen published, it is said that the stickers’ designs are basedon the respective CD jacket art.

Mirai no Museum is the theme song to the Doraemon2013 anime movie, Doraemon: Nobita no Himitsu DouguMuseum, due to be released in theatres in Japan March 9,2013 – which is also the same date that Perfume’s single isslated to come out on.

Currently Mirai no Museum is also used as the ending themefor the Doraemon TV anime series that airs in Japan Fridaysat 7PM (GMT+0900 hours) on TV Asahi, as a means topromote the forthcoming anime film.

Doraemon, the anime franchise about a blue robotic cat whohails from the future, has seen a new anime film almost everyyear since 1980 (the only exception was 2005).

Read more stories about Japanese electro-pop trio Perfumehere on SGCafe!

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

Source: Natalie

EVANGELION x audiotechnica limited edition In-ear headphones sighted inHarajuku EVA STORESource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/evangelion-audio-technica-limited-

edition-in-ear-headphones-sighted-harajuku-eva-store/

By sentinel011 on January 17th, 2013

With the new year comes new stuff, and the EVA Store inHarajuku sure knows how to entice its fans to purchase someof its products.

Audio Technica has collaborated with the Evangelionfranchise before, and back in 2007 they createdlimited edition headphones from their popular ATH-M50headphone line.

This year, instead of relying on headphones, they are lookingat another kind of headphones – the in-ear types. Sportinga classy cool blue look, the A.T.EVA HQ-3.0 IEMs areproduced by Evangelion’s very own musical score producerSagisu Shiro. This limited edition model comes with a boxwith SEELE-inspired motifs, which houses the pair of in-ears and a shirt. Price is currently unknown, but it hasalready begin pre-orders at the store.

The EVA Store also stocks some pretty handy lifestyle goodsas well. Everyone has probably heard of the crazy snowstormin Tokyo that came as sudden as it went. What betterway than to have an umbrella with designs that resemblesEVA-01′s colour scheme.

Last but not least, a spectacle case to protect your geek-creedspectacles, with 2 different designs. We prefer the Angel-like motifs that are inspired by typical Japanese new year’sdesigns. Of course, hardcore EVA-01 fans will pick the other.

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

Which of these items do you think you’ll end up purchasingif they are available in your country of residence?

Akibaranger Cafe opens inJapan – Real-world JapanSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/akibaranger-cafe-opens-japan/

By JLZeta on January 16th, 2013

The delusion keeps getting bigger! How much bigger?It’s invading into real-world Japan (as opposed to theshow’s fictional setting that’s based on real-world Japan). Inorder to promote the upcoming second season of HikouninSentai Akibaranger (非非非非非非非非非非非非非), a Super Sentai-themed cafe has opened in Japan’s Akihabara district. The

promotional sentai cafe will stay open until February 17,2013.

As of post time, pictures of the cafe interior have not yetsurfaced, so we don’t know if the decor has been done upto match the look of the Sentai cafe in the show. On theother hand, the menu for the “Akibaranger Cafe DelusionBase” (“非非非非”) is suitably Sentai-themed, as you can seebelow:

There also appears to be a set of Z-Cune Aoi badges with5 different designs available; the information on the cafe’swebsite seems to indicate that the badges are free presentsfor patrons of the cafe (specifically, one badge for everypatron who orders from the Sentai menu).

Nijiyome Academy Z-Cune Aoi (非非非非非非 非非非非非非非) isa fictional (or metafictional, if you prefer) anime seriesfeatured in Akibaranger, much like Getsumento HeikiMina (非非 非 非非 非非非) from the TV Drama adaptation ofDensha Otoko (非非非).

No new information on the 2nd season has been releasedsince the announcement, but it’s definitely nice to see theseries getting some recognition after such a long break.Perhaps the dream of becoming an official Sentai for theshow’s protagonists isn’t that far off after all…?

The Akibaranger Cafe, held at the B1 floor of Pasela’sAkihabara Electric Town branch (Google Maps link here),will be open from now till February 17; opening hours arefrom 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM JST.

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

Source: JEFusion, Official website

First look: Ninja GaidenSigma 2 Plus’s day-one DLCcostumes (pre-order bonus)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/look-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-pluss-ps-

vita-pre-order-bonus-dlc-costumes/

By KarbyP on January 16th, 2013

Feast your eyes on this set of special DLC costumes thatgamers who pre-order Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus (PS Vita)in Japan will receive on day one, in the form of a redeemabledownload code, Famitsu reports.

That’s Ayane in her Player 2 (P2) costume from Dead or Alive5, Rachel cosplaying as a fiend of sorts (not too sure if thisis a costume from some other NG title), and Momiji in analternate costume that has purple highlights instead of red.Again, I’m not sure if this particular Momiji costume is fromsome other game where she was featured – it’s definitely notin Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge for the Wii U, that much weknow.

To see what the Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus heroines’ originalcostumes look like, check out this batch of screenshots forthe game over here.

Take a closer look below. Don’t be shy now; they don’t bite.Although Ayane won’t even bat an eyelash before slicing offyour arm if you dare try to be naughty.

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

Famitsu’s story on Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus this weekalso recapped on included some information on the two newmodes being included in the PS Vita port: Ninja Race andTag Missions.

Unfortunately, it appears that none of the informationFamitsu has is new. We’ve already written quite a bit aboutboth modes in our previous story here. Although the Famitsustory does clarify an error we made in reporting previously –in Tag Missions, two of the game’s protagonists will appearon the battlefield simultaneously (we said all four).

At any point in time the player will control one of the pair ofcharacters on-screen, while the CPU will take charge of theother. The point of this mode is to play in a way that coverseach other’s weaknesses, Famitsu says. You will also be ableto freely switch between both characters anytime.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus for the PlayStation Vita is slatedto be released in Japan February 28. Release dates for USand Europe have not yet been announced.

Source: Famitsu

Square Enix’s ’1.17′ teasersite is for iOS game FinalFantasy All the Bravest[launch trailer video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/square-enix-1-17-teaser-site-final-

fantasy-all-the-bravest-ios/

By KarbyP on January 16th, 2013

Final Fantasy All the Bravest, a “a touch-action RPG in whichyou continuously battle enemies to advance through thegame’s many stages”, is out right now for the iOS.

Here’s the launch trailer in both English and Japanese.

Currently, Final Fantasy All the Bravest is only available inNew Zealand’s regional iTunes app store. The game app willgradually make its way across the regional stores for the restof the world.

What’s Final Fantasy All the Bravest? From the iTunespage’s description:

• The Active Time Battle system is back with thelargest parties in Final Fantasy history!Final Fantasy: All the Bravest is a touch-action RPGin which you continuously battle enemies to advancethrough the game’s many stages. Defeating foesearns you the experience points you need to levelup, which in turns grants you character slots to addmore and more members to your party.

Combat is based on the classic Active Time Battle(ATB) system of the Final Fantasy series. Everycharacter possesses an ATB gauge that displaysthe time remaining until that character can executean action. When the gauge is full, simply tap ordrag your finger over the character to attack.Touch multiple characters in quick succession toexperience exhilarating and fast-paced battle unlikeanything you’ve ever played before!

Once every three hours, the Fever option willappear. Once activated, you will be able to attackwithout waiting for ATB gauges to refill as long asthe chocobo-themed music is playing. Deal as muchdamage as you can before the battle fever ends!

• Characters, enemies, and music from throughoutthe Final Fantasy series!Progress through the game to unlock over 20different classic jobs, including warrior, monk,red mage, and more! Each job brings its ownspecial abilities to the battleground, where youwill encounter timeless Final Fantasy foes such asbehemoths, bombs, and cactuars. At the end ofeach stage waits a harrowing encounter with afiendish Final Fantasy boss!

The game’s musical library comes packed with over30 songs from the series, the majority of which arethemes from battle. The perfect soundtrack to listento as your crush your enemies and see them drivenbefore you!

• Track your collection of every character, enemy,and item with in-game catalogs!The game’s three catalogs will keep a record ofevery character that joins your ranks, every enemyyou encounter, and every item you obtain. Collectthem all and open the catalogs to flip through thenostalgia whenever you like!

• Take part in leaderboards and social networkingfeatures!Global leaderboards will rank players based onstats such as the amount of damage dealt in thecourse of a single Fever. You will also be able totrack progress and other feats using the game’sachievement system. Social networking featuresallow you to post directly to Facebook and Twitter,and reward you for doing so by granting additionalmember slots. Post and tweet away to increase thesize of your party for battle!

• Purchase premium characters and new gameworlds!The in-game shop offers access to 35 famouscharacters from a number of FINAL FANTASYtitles. Each purchase ensures you will receive anew, random character. Which powerful favoriteswill you have join your party? You are also able

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

to purchase additional game stages from FinalFantasy VII, X, and XIII. Board airships bound fornew worlds where further adventures await!

Check this post again in a bit for more information on FinalFantasy All the Bravest, including how much it retails for onthe iTunes app store in Singapore.

Pre-orders for the 1/7th ScaleRacing Miku: 2012 ver. beginSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/pre-orders-17th-scale-racing-

miku-2012-ver/

By ellehaym on January 16th, 2013

This 2013, another brilliant item is coming to Hatsune Mikufans. Are you currently growing your figure collection of thefamous Vocaloid diva? Then here’s the good news: GoodSmile Company’s partner stores have begun taking pre-orders for the dynamic 1/7th Scale Racing Miku: 2012 ver.

Known as the “The diva who lit up the 2012 racing circuit”,Racing Miku is the official mascot of the 2012 GT Project.

The figure is fixed at a very striking pose. It standsapproximately 260 mm tall. As described in Mikatan’s Blog,the 1/7th Scale Racing Miku 2012 ver. “looks as if it couldjump to life at any second.” Miku wears a shiny race queenoutfit, holds a racing flag and stands on a single leg. Herelegantly long twin tails twist and turn in a gorgeous fashion.She has a beaming smile and sexy curves.

Check out the 1/7th Scale Racing Miku: 2012 ver. at variousangles:

The stunning PVC figure of the popular digital diva can bepre-ordered from shops such as AmiAmi, CDJapan, HobbySearch and Hobby Link Japan. Prices vary per online store,but the original retail price is 12,800 JPY.

The 1/7th Scale Racing Miku: 2012 ver. is sculpted by ShunjiHagii and manufactured by FREEing. It is slated for a releasein June.

Source: Mikatan’s Blog (English Version)

Limited Edition Fire EmblemAwakening Nintendo 3DSSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/limited-edition-fire-emblem-

awakening-nintendo-3ds/

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

10

By weiq on January 16th, 2013

Fans of the Fire Emblem series, you finally can put a dragon(or two) on you Nintendo 3DS. Literally.

With the launching of the eleventh original game of theFire Emblem series on February 4, it will be released witha limited edition Nintendo 3DS, which is emblazoned witha stylish Fire Emblem artwork and with the game pre-installed. The bundle also comes with a 4GB SD card, with asuggested retail price of US$199.

Those not familiar with the series, Fire Emblem is aturn based tactical RPG, where the player must movetheir characters within a grid. The game involves movingcharacters into positions in order to attack the opposingenemy side, or defend against their attacks.Battles are won by attacking the opposing side until allcharacters have lost all of their health points, before thesame happens to the player’s side.

With Awakening, you will walk through the game withbeautiful 3D visuals and movies. Get ready to expect not onlya massive cast of characters, all with unique stories, differentclass types and skill sets, but also new gameplay mechanics.

From launch day onwards, additional maps will be availablefor purchase via online download. The first downloadablemap will be free for a limited time and will be followed byadditional maps on a weekly basis. Players will be able toaccess the downloadable content through the in-game worldmap.

If you can’t wait for the offical launch, you can try out a demoof the game in the Nintendo eShop on January 17.

For more info, please visit Fire Emblem Awakening’swebsite.

Source: fireemblem.nintendo.com, engadget.com

Exclusive: Ebisu Muscatspress conferenceSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/exclusive-ebisu-muscats-press-

conference/

By sentinel011 on January 16th, 2013

Many guys would have heard about Ebisu Muscats,regardless of its members individually or as a group throughvarious sources. But not many have the chance to be able tomeet them in person, as SGCafe was able to attend the pressconference of the idol group earlier today.

Held somewhere within Resorts World Sentosa, nine of theladies came to the stage for an introduction of themselves aswell as a quick Q&A session with the media presented at thepress conference.

Question: Welcome to Singapore! First off, what are yourimpressions of Singapore thus far?Ebisu Muscats: It is a very clean country, and the people verywarm and nice towards us!

Q: Why is Singapore being picked as one of the slots for yourAsia Tour?EB: Because we love Singapore! :laughs:

Q: What do you think of the fans in Singapore?EB: There are a lot of comments from fans in Singapore,and through their response and comments, we have theimpression that the fans here are very warm and friendly!

January 17th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

11

Q: What are the biggest challenge Ebisu Muscats have facedthroughout its career?EB: As you know, it is Ebisu Muscats’ first time performing in Singapore, and thus we feel that not knowing theaudience’s response is one of the biggest challenges for us.We also hope that this is a chance to entertain the audienceand make it an enjoyable and fun experience!

Q: So for this tour, what have you prepared specially forSingapore fans? How long did it take to prepare for this AsiaTour?EB: It’s a secret! :giggles: It took us 2 months to prepare thistime for our Asia Tour.

Q: It has been announced that Ebisu Muscats will bedisbanding this coming April. What do you feel about thedisbandment of the group?EB: To be honest, there have been many false rumour ofour disbandment all these while, right up until recentlywhere it is official. And it came as a surprise, since all thesewhile many people have the impression that the officialannouncement might be just another rumour as well. Ofcourse, all of us are a little sad about the news. But ourmentor told us to treat it as a new beginning of our futurecareers, and to have a positive outlook on the challengesahead.

Q: In that case, why is it that Ebisu Muscats are disbandingat this point?EB: Our mentor has advised that it is optimal for us todisband while we are at our peak (of popularity).

Q: Any future plans for your careers after disbanding?EB: We are happy to be travelling to Singapore as EbisuMuscats, but we also hope to be able to do the same inthe future individually regardless, and be able to perform inSingapore once more.Nishino Sho: Recently I’ve been involved in a film based inThailand. As I love to act, it would be really great if there arecareer opportunities to be able to act in Singapore as well.

Q: What is Ebisu Muscats charming point in attracting theirfanbase?EB: In Japan, we are not only portrayed as a multi-talentedidol group branded with the sexy image in mind, but also ourforte in variety shows with comedic elements. For Singapore,we wish to portray ourselves as sexy, cute and multi-talented

idols. Another strong point is that each of our members havevery individual personalities that appeal to different guys,like cute and energetic, matriarch/sister figure of the group,slightly ditsy, and so on.

Q: Do you have different feeling performing at differentlocations during this Asia Tour?EB: It is currently winter in Japan and very very cold, whileit’s humid in Singapore. Since South Korea was pretty muchthe same weather as Japan, we immediately felt relieved(from the cold) when we reached Singapore.

Q: Any special beauty regimes to share with us?EB: Actually, I have gained a bit of weight recently :laughs:Just eat a lot, and sleep a lot.

Q: Do you exercise everyday or have a workout regime?EB: We don’t really exercise much, but we make extra effortto keep ourselves in top shape during preparation of our liveconcerts.

The ladies were also asked on what sort of qualities they haveon their ideal boyfriend, of which their response was a guywith a great smile, dressed well for the occasion and perhapswatching a sports match together; basically enjoying eachother’s company.

The the bubbly, cute and sexy Ebisu Muscats will beperforming tomorrow ‘live’ at the Star Performing ArtsTheatre located within the vincinity of Buona Vista MRT, from 7PM onwards. Tickets are available at Sistic, andpriced at S$188 (Meet & Greet), S$128, S$98, and S$68. Thehighest tier tickets applicable for the meet-and-greet arealready sold out.

Watch them perform and interact with everyone in theaudience, and yes even you if you have gotten your tickets!Performing members include Rio, Akiho Yoshizawa, YumaAsami, Minori Hatsune, Kaho Kasumi, Sho Nishino, NanakoKodama, Ayako Yamanaka, Mui Kuriyama & Yuria Satomi.Don’t miss their last performance ever as a group!

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Splinter Cell: Blacklist —Watch this ‘inauguration’trailerSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/watch-splinter-cell-blacklist-

inauguration-trailer/

By ellehaym on January 18th, 2013

You may think that the president would go to extremes todefend the whole country from terrorist attacks. But no, thatisn’t always the case. At least, not in the fictional one shownin this Splinter Cell: Blacklist inauguration trailer.

There are tons of troops, big tanks, weapons and explosivesreserved. However, the truth is that the president only needsa clandestine unit that can act as the last line of defense. Andthat team is none other than the one led by Sam Fisher.

Wondering why it’s called the inauguration trailer? Becausethe president promises the safety of the whole nation duringthe said event (and the country’s security is the premisebehind upcoming Splinter Cell game).

The game’s release may be months away from now, but in themeantime, you can enjoy the latest trailer for Splinter Cell:Blacklist:

Here’s how the story of the game goes: A group of terroristshas sent a threatening ultimatum called “The Blacklist”—an escalating and deadly countdown of terrorist attacks. Tomaintain national security, the president has assigned SamFisher and his team to take down all the terrorists at all costs,and to stop the Blacklist before its countdown reaches zero.

Pre-orders for the game have already commenced. It will beavailable for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

The official release date of Splinter Cell: Blacklist is August22, 2013.

Aliens: Colonial Marines torelease worldwide February12Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/aliens-colonial-marines-release-

month/

By weiq on January 18th, 2013

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

Aliens: Colonial Marines, the latest first-person shooter titlein the sci-fi franchise, is finally being released worldwidefor PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, on February 12(coincidentally, near Valentine’s day).

In this latest addition to the series, gamers will fight anextra-terrestrial threat from the first-person point-of-viewof a US Colonial Marine. An array of iconic weapons fromthe 1986 film can be accessed, such as shotgun, pulserifle, and various RPGs. And who can forget the nerve-wrecking motion tracker, which long-time players of thegame franchise both love and hate.

A new competitive multiplayer mode has been introduced.Players not only get to choose to fight as the mainprotagonist, but also as the nastiest and deadliest life-formany man could encounter: the Xenomorphs.

To add to the excitement, the Limited and the Collector’sEditions are available for pre-orders!

In the Limited edition, players will get to immersethemselves in the games as the four characters from theoriginal film, Not only that, you get to enhance your gamecharacter with additional customizations, and get access toRipley’s flamethrower! Cool huh?

But that’s not all, in the Collector’s Edition, you not onlyget the contents from the Limited Edition, but also exclusiveweapons and game levels. To top it off, every Collector’sEdition will be packed with a high quality resin Powerloadervs Xenomorph figurine!

Both Limited and Collector’s Edition can be pre-order onvarious online stores.

So, what will you be doing on Valentine’s day?

Source: facebook.com/aliensgames

Nendoroid Snow Miku:Strawberry White KimonoVersion to be releasedduring Wonder Festival 2013(Winter)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/nendoroid-snow-miku-strawberry-

white-kimono-version-released-festival-2013-winter/

By bj0rN on January 18th, 2013

Snow Miku 2013 is slated to be released during theWonder Festival 2013 (Winter). It will be on sale atthe WONDERFUL HOBBY LIFE FOR YOU!! 17 booth atWonder Festival 2013 (Winter) on Sunday the 10th February2013 with a limited quantity of 2000 pieces.

You can also order it online at the Goodsmile Online Shop forthose who are unable to get the figurine at the eventfrom 10th February 2013, 17:00JST – 18th February 2013,21:00JST. Those who order their figurines from there will beexpected to recieve it sometime in June 2013.

The designs for the 2013 Snow Miku were submitted byfans to the piapro website and then a winner was chosen byviewers during a NicoNico Live Broadcast.

Her veil is removable and she comes with two different hairstyles to choose from. You can choose either her trademarktwintails or with her hair tied up. Part for a sitting pose arealso included and she also comes a number of accessories fora snowy day, including an umbrella, a toothpick and a snowbunny.

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

Don’t forget to also check out the upcoming Snow Miku2013 event! Subsequently, you can find out more about SnowMiku 2013 in her other various forms.

Source: Goodsmile Company

Homura Akemi: you arenot alone to be releasedduring Wonder Festival 2013(Winter)Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/homura-akemi-released-

festival-2013-winter/

By bj0rN on January 18th, 2013

1/8th scale figure of Akemi Homura from the anime series“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” is slated to be released duringthe Wonder Festival 2013 (Winter). It will be on sale atthe WONDERFUL HOBBY LIFE FOR YOU!! 17 booth atWonder Festival 2013 (Winter) on Sunday the 10th February2013 with a limited quantity of 2000 pieces.

But don’t fret; you can also order it online at the GoodsmileOnline Shop for those who are unable to get the figurineat the event from 10th February 2013, 17:00JST – 18thFebruary 2013, 21:00JST. Those who order their figurinesfrom there will be expected to recieve it sometime in June2013.

She come with a number of replaceable parts which allowyou to display her in all sorts of different poses.

With that you can have her holding her bow, wearingMadoka’s red ribbon or you can change her hairstyle to havebraids with her wearing glasses while holding a bomb or golfclub. You get to enjoy both sides of Homura!

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

Source: Goodsmile Company

‘AKB0048 Galaxy Cinderella’social game launches onGREESource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/akb0048-galaxy-cinderella-social-

game/

By KarbyP on January 17th, 2013

Namco Bandai Games launched today on the GREE mobileplatform AKB0048 Galaxy Cinderella, a social game basedon anime series AKB0048.

…And it’s hard not to see the obvious parallels betweenGalaxy Cinderella and Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls, therights of which NBGI also owns, that’s playable only onDeNA’s Mobage mobile gaming platform. Yes, you may callthis a “clone”.

It also doesn’t help that the premise in AKB0048 GalaxyCinderella is remarkably similar to that of Idolm@sterCinderella Girls: you play the role of a rookie producerwho must scout and recruit charismatic idol wannabes foryour idol unit, send the unit to “live” auditions to gainexperience and amass war funds, “battle” against otherproducers like yourself to “power-up” the girls you chose,

and ultimately aim to place high in a periodically-heldGalaxy Selection contest.

Idols in Galaxy Cinderella are even split amongst threecolour-coded genre types, depending on where their talentsreside in.

There are idols who are good at singing (Song), those wholove to shake-it-up (Dance), and those blessed with a silvertongue (MC). In Cinderella Girls, idols are split amongst theCute, Cool, and Passion categories.

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

That said, in terms of content there is one big jarringdifference between Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls andAKB0048 Galaxy Cinderella.

The latter is a little chuunibyou(中中中, or “suffers fromadolescent delusions of grandeur“).

Because Galaxy Cinderella preserves the AKB0048 animeseries’ futuristic dystopian setting, when you send your girlsout to “live” auditions, what you’re really sending them out toare “guerrila live” (中中中中中中) auditions. Entertainment andother such things that “disturb the heart” are banned fromsociety in the cruel world of AKB0048.

AKB0048 takes place in a futuristic universe wherean interplanetary war has broken out, and Earthhas been severely damaged leading to humanity’smigration onto other planets. Life on these newplanets are spartan at best, and society hasdeemed fit to ban things that “disturb the heart”,such as music and art, from the general public.Some 48 years last humanity settles into thisdystopian future, an interplanetary troupe knownas AKB0048 – modelled after the legendary idolgroup AKB48 – appears and attempts to spreadtheir music across the galaxy.

So remember, kids! When you play AKB0048 GalaxyCinderella, you’re not just producing top-class, legendaryidols. You’re also liberating the free world. Source: 4Gamer

Namco Bandai partners withChina’s Tencent Games tomake Naruto online gameSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/namco-bandai-china-tencent-games-

make-naruto-online-game/

By KarbyP on January 17th, 2013

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

Namco Bandai Games today signed a business partnershipagreement with Chinese Internet company Tencent Gamesto co-develop a new online game based on MasashiKishimoto’s award-winning Naruto manga and animefranchise.

The game is expected to be launched sometime in 2013, onTencent’s online gaming portal game.qq.com.

According to the press release, Tencent Games waspicked for the co-development project as Namco BandaiGames viewed the Chinese games maker as onethat possesses world-class games development and platformmanagement know-how.

Further, Tencent Games’ parent company, TencentHoldings, also owns Riot Games, the developer of popularfree-to-play (F2P) title League of Legends, which theChinese company previously acquired for approximately US$400 million.

The announcement today also mentioned thatCyberconnect2, the development studio behind NamcoBandai’s best-selling Naruto Shippuden Ultimate NinjaStormand Naruto Narutimate Hero games, would beinvolved in the new online game’s development process.

The new Naruto online title will be launched specifically forthe Chinese market. Namco Bandai did not specify if theonline game would be launched in Japan or other markets.

Source: Game Spark

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate(3DS, Wii U) comes out March19; demo due on February 21[Trailer]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-3ds-wii-

u-march-1-demo-coming-february-21/

By KarbyP on January 17th, 2013

In Japan, the release date of Monster Hunter 4 may havebeen delayed past its initially announced March release date.

But if you’re a Monster Hunter fan who prefers to play yourgames in English anyway, then there’s still something to playin March, for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate‘s release in theUS and Europe is now dated for March, Capcom announcedtoday.

Specifically, both the 3DS and Wii U versions of MonsterHunter 3 Ultimate will come out in the US on March 19, andin Europe on March 22. The game will be sold at retail, and– for a limited time during the launch window – digitallythrough the Nintendo e-Shop.

Capcom also announced that a demo for the game will bemade available on the Nintendo e-Shop in both the US onEurope on February 21, in case you’d like to try before youbuy. Monster Hunter can be a pretty punishing game, afterall.

In Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, players take onthe role of a hunter sent to explore a settlementwithin the Monster Hunter universe, completingquests on their journey to seek and slay monsterswhile improving their skills and earning equipmentupgrades. With many challenging monsters andover 200 quests, the latest addition to the series is setto be the most expansive offering to date. The gamecan be played alone, online (up to four players)on the Wii U system, or locally using up to fourNintendo 3DS systems or a combination of up tothree Nintendo 3DS systems and one Wii U system.

Dead or Alive 5′s version 1.03changelog detailed, looksridiculously longSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/dead-alive-5s-version-1-03-

changelog-detailed-ridiculously-long/

By KarbyP on January 17th, 2013

Team Ninja weren’t kidding when they said that Deador Alvie 5′s “version 1.03″ patch ia a major update. Ontop of allowing replay uploads to Facebook and YouTubedirectly from within the game, 1.03 also fixes bugs, makes

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

fights shorter (health is reduced), and introduces significantchanges to every character in the game.

Check out the full list of game system changes, and characterbalance tweaks through the embedded links to Team Ninja’sofficial Dead or Alive 5 website.

Then come back and let us know what you think of thechanges.

Source: DOA5 official website

1/4th scale Fate Testarossa:Swimsuit ver. slated for aJune 2013 release, pre-ordershave begunSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/14th-scale-fate-testarossa-swimsuit-

ver-slated-june-2013-release-pre-orders-begun/

By ellehaym on January 17th, 2013

Fate and Nanoha are inseparable, without a doubt. That’sexactly the reason why Good Smile Company is releasinga figure that will soon join your lone Nanoha TakamachiSwimsuit ver.

Mikatan has announced that the pre-orders for the 1/4thScale Fate Testarossa: Swimsuit ver. have commenced.Shipping will start in June this year. The figure’s retail priceis 12,600 JPY (around 141 USD).

The figurine is huge that it almost stands out like a trophy.In fact, it’s even bigger than a 500 ml bottle. See?

The 2010 film Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The MOVIE 1stinspired this upcoming Fate Testarossa figure. She holds ablue pareo printed with hibiscus flower designs. Gift, themanufacturer of the figure, did a good job with the overalldesign—the details are excellent all the way down to Fate’stoes. Testarossa also wears on her face an innocent andirresistibly charming expression.

Can’t contain your excitement in seeing how both swimsuitversions look together? Here’s a picture of the Nanoha andFate figures side by side:

January 19th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

Source: Mikatan’s Blog (English Version)

P.S. Have your Miku Nendoroid relax with the two beachcuties:

Lightning Returns: FinalFantasy XIII’s release daterefined to Autumn 2013 [NewTrailer]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiiis-

release-date-refined-autumn-2013-new-trailer/

By KarbyP on January 17th, 2013

And so, the slow drip of info for Square Enix’s highly-anticipated (or not-so-highly-anticipated) PS3 and X360RPG Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, begins. In thisnew trailer streamed on the Net today, we see Noel fightingLightning, and a better-refined release period: Autumn2013.

Well, Automne 2013 in the French version of the trailer you’llsee below (which has English voices).

And just in case you prefer to hear Noel speak in Japanese,here’s the same trailer again but with JP voice-acting:

Apparently, this particular cut of the trailer is known asthe “Jump Festa trailer complete version”. I wonder if thatmeans that the trailer had already been shown, behindclosed doors, to Jump Festa attendees way back in Decemberof last year, but was just being held back because Square Enixwanted to generate a teeny weeny bit more buzz (one newcutscene to watch in the trailer… seriously, Square Enix?) forthe title in January.

Given that the Japanese version of this trailer – and onlythe Japanese one – did not end off with the “Autumn 2013″text as seen in the international version of the same trailer,I suspect that might be the case.

Expect to continually hear about Lightning Returns: FinalFantasy XIII – in small doses – as we get closer to Autumn2013.

In the meantime, if you still hunger for more information,check out IGN UK’s preview of the game that was publishedtoday. IGN’s UK Editorial Assistant Luke Karmali wenthands-on with a development build of the game, andfinds out just exactly how amazing Square Enix’s so-called“Amazing ATB” system really is.

Source: IGN

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Blue and red super-slim PS3’sslated for a release in Japannext monthSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/blue-red-super-slim-ps3s-slated-

release-japan-month/

By ellehaym on January 21st, 2013

It’s time to consider selling your old PS3 unit, especially ifyour favorite color happens to be either blue or red. SonyComputer Entertainment Japan has announced that the newPS3 CECH-4000B Series will go on sale starting February28. Its release to the North American and European markets,however, have not yet been disclosed.

The brand new colors of the new models are azurite blue andgarnet red. Each unit is priced at 24,980 JPY (279 USD).

The following are included with each PS3 package:

• PS3 unit with 250 hard disk drive

• a wireless DualShock controller that matches the colorof the unit

• Power cord

• AV cable

• USB cable

Sources: Kotaku and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Website

Nana Mizuki to hold asummer tour starting thisJulySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/nana-mizuki-hold-summer-tour-

starting-july/

By ellehaym on January 21st, 2013

Nana Mizuki has announced that she’ll be holding a one-man tour which will begin on the start of the Tanabatafestival in Japan—July 7.

The title of the tour as well as the venues and dates will bedisclosed soon. However, it has been revealed that it willkick off at the Ehime Budokan in Ehime Prefecture (NanaMizuki’s hometown).

The live tour was announced by Mizuki herself during herfull orchestra concert entitled ‘NANA MIZUKI LIVE GRACE2013 -OPUS II-‘.

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

The popular J-pop singer and voice actress will also releasethe ‘NANA MIZUKI LIVE GRACE 2013 -OPUS II-‘ concertin DVD and Blu-ray formats this coming spring.

Sources: tokyohive and Nana Mizuki’s Official Site

See the cute characters ofK-On! turned into bizzarelyunmoefied puppetsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/cute-characters-k-on-bizzarely-

unmoefied/

By ellehaym on January 21st, 2013

Lately, I’ve been raving about the magnificent ideas behinddifferent Japanese merchandise but, alas, some creativeminds went way out of the box.

Lawson, a Japanese convenience store franchise, had aK-On! movie receipt promo last year. The campaign hadoffers that included jump suits, autographed luggage and toypuppets of K-On! characters. The items started shipping this

month, and unfortunately, some weren’t too happy aboutthe puppets they received (even the blogger over at Yaraonthinks that they’re scary).

Beware, for what you’re about to see might disturb your goodnight’s sleep.

Although you may not like the sight of the adorable K-On! characters transformed into creepy-looking toys, theremight be some of you who are too curious about the otherpictures. The rest of the photos of the K-On! puppets canbe found here, but don’t blame me if you have a nightmaretonight. You have been warned!

Sources: Crunchyroll andやややや!

[Concert Review] EbisuMuscatsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/concert-review-ebisu-muscats/

By sentinel011 on January 21st, 2013

As far as Japanese idol groups go, there aren’t many varietiesthat come to Singapore, with the exception of AKB48

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

and its sister groups. Just for one night, Ebisu Muscatsgave the local audience something slightly different fromconventional idol groups.

Held at the Star Theatre located right next to Buona VistaMRT station, a sheltered walkway takes you from the stationto the concert hall with little fuss.

The concert was delayed for an estimated of 40 minutesbefore the ladies started with dance covers, includingGangnam Style. The audience was mostly tame for most ofthe parts, but right up until the segments in between eachsong performance blocks of 3 to 4 songs.

Each segment will have 2 lucky guys from the audienceselected to play a role as the boyfriend of 2 of the ladies.Using different methods to entice the guys while keepingcontent visually PG-13 and above, each of the ladies deploymethods from being seductive, to acting coy and cute, to the“tsundere” treatment many guys are susceptible to.

Those who know Japanese will even understand theunderlying words that come with an abundance of innuendosome of the ladies picked. The guys will then pick one of thetwo ladies he prefers, and gets an autographed poster forbeing a sport and volunteer. (Though of course, which guywouldn’t want to volunteer themselves?)

As far as fan reactions go, the crowd was very tame duringthe performances, but heated up during the role playsegments. Ebisu Muscat sure took the effort to practice theirEnglish, as it is evident they try to communicate with theSingaporean audience with the best of their abilities.

The ladies performed a number of their hit songs, includingWatashi Mambo, Ebisu Rotary Shimai and Chocolate.

Even during the encore segments, the audiences shoutedfor more. Apart from their final song, Ebisu Muscat did 2additional song performances despite the odds.

It is a pity that this particular idol group had to disband, assome of their jokes and antics do appeal to the local maleaudience. The idols were entertaining despite having initialdoubts on their jokes and gags getting through with theaudience. They managed to keep it simple for the locals, itseems.

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

Teaser trailer for NinjaRantaro 2nd live-action moviereleasedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/teaser-trailer-ninja-rantaro-2nd-live-

action-movie-released/

By JLZeta on January 21st, 2013

Wonder if these guys are the ones who taught DetectiveConan how to stay a kid even after 20 years…

The trailer for the previously announced Nintama Rantarou(or Ninja Rantarou, as they used to call it back when it wason Channel 8) live-action movie sequel has begun streamingon the movie’s webpage.

For those who don’t remember or were too young toremember, Nintama Rantarou follows the adventures ofRantarou and his friends as they attend Ninja school; thisyear marks the 20th anniversary of the original series.

You can watch the trailer here.

The plot for the movie revolves around an ancient sword thatRantarou and his friends at the Ninja Academy have beentasked to retrieve. The sword is said to give the wielder thepower to take over the world, so naturally the boys can expectstiff competition from rival ninja hoping to claim the swordfirst.

Seishirou Katou reprises his previous role as the titularcharacter and Ryuta Tasaki (Pretty Guardian SailorMoon, Akibaranger) will be directing the second live-action Nintama Rantaro film. The first live-action filmwas directed Takashi Miike .

Nintama Rantarou: Operation Summer Homework isscheduled to hit theatres this July.

Source: JEFusion, Nipponcinema, Official Website

Dead Space 3 Demo:Exclusive early hands-onSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/dead-space-3-demo-exclusive-early-

hands-on/

By sentinel011 on January 21st, 2013

Are you ready for a third round of survival horror inspace? Earlier last week, we had a chance to experienceDead Space 3 demo on the Xbox360. Featuring a shortthirty minute scenario worth of gameplay with Necromorphsand enemy soldiers, we take a peek on what is new in DeadSpace 3 compared to its predecessors.

Starting off injured and crash landed into a snowy planet,you continue to play as Isaac Clarke in the single playermission of the demo. You trudge along the heavy snowstormand slowly get acquainted with the basic controls. Theoccasional Necromorph will pounce on you, as usual.The overall feel of helplessness is still there, though wewonder why the tutorial never taught us on how to use Stasisto slow the Necromorphs down.

Controls still feel as tight as Dead Space 2, so no issuesfor veteran players. Though one issue we were curiousabout; Clarke actually moves faster while aiming comparedto walking in the snow. There are some quick-time events,but one that requires you to use your analog stick as well.

As you move along, you will meet up with a partner. Yes,an actual character that will proceed along the game withyou that isn’t a NPC. By gathering up another player online,you can co-op with your friends. There actually is a function

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

for this, but it wasn’t tested and requires both users tohave Xbox Live Gold accounts. Isaac will soon encounter aBench to modify his existing weapons, as well as create newweapons from schematics and parts obtained throughout theenvironment. It’s an interesting concept, to say the least. Wewill explain more on weapon crafting later on below.

You will soon encounter soldiers shooting at theNecromorphs and you if you alert them. This is where yourability, Kinesis, gets to shine. As you hide behind cover, grabthe grenades thrown at you by those soldiers and throwit back at them with Kinesis. Of course, the usual razor-sharp limbs of the Necromorphs can still be used as spearsto impale your enemies. The variety of Necromorphs arelimited in this demo, but there was this Large Necromorphthat came charging at us, tendrils and all.

The game ends with a sequence involving a large spinningdrill and a larger-than-life Necromorph. Don’t want to spoilyou guys too much, so you’ll have to experience the demoyourself.

One very nifty feature we managed to fiddle in the demo wasthe other mode where we get unlimited materials and partsto experiment the different weapons we get to mash up tocreate the ideal weapon for Isaac Clarke. Weapon craftingis a very unique experience this time round, yet easy tonavigate. We were able to re-create a BFG-like weapon usingthe various parts. The only pity about this mode is that thereare no Necromorphs for target practice. [Edit] Apparentlythere was a toggle switch located on the left of the Bench tobring about 4 to 5 Necromorphs.

The Dead Space 3 demo will be free to download on XboxLive and Playstation Store starting from tomorrow. The fullgame will be released on February 5, 2013 for the Xbox360,PS3 and PC.

Street Fighter X Mega ManV2 released, introducesadditional secret boss,password system [Video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/street-fighter-mega-man-v2-

introduces-additional-secret-boss-password-system/

By KarbyP on January 20th, 2013

Version 2.0 of Capcom and creator DM Sonic’s (Seow ZongHui) PC free-to-download title Street Fighter X Mega Manhas finally been released. Head on over to Capcom-Unity’sMega Man group page to download it today!

Apart from fixing several bugs that existed in the firstversion, SFxMM V2 also introduces a couple of additionalfeatures that enhances the game’s playability, such as apassword system so that players will no longer need to finishthe game in one sitting.

M.Bison, the game’s final boss, has also been made harder(in V1 he was a piece of cake compared to Vega and severalother world warriors).

A second secret boss has also been added. Here’s how to fighthim - but before you visit that link, note that in the threadGameFAQs user Artemis asks if the “condition” resets whenyou get a Game Over. We’ve checked with SFxMM creatorDM Sonic, and according to him, yes, the condition/countresets whenever you reach the continue screen, unlike thecondition required for the first secret boss.

If you’d rather just see the second secret boss in action, here’svideo footage of him in the game from YouTube user wr194t.

Here’s the full list of changes, according to Capcom-Unity:

-Confirmation prompt before exiting (ESC) orresetting (F12) the game

-E Tank glitch and various other bugs fixed

-Improved controller support (Game defaults tokeyboard on launch; make sure controller isplugged in prior to opening the file, then go intoOptions menu and set keys)

-Take screenshots using F9

-M Bison buffed a bit (This place shall become yourgrave!)

-A new challenger! (Find him yourself!)

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

All of the changes mentioned above are a fairly big deal(especially since the fan game is distributed to players forfree). But for a select few players of the game, and future newplayers, improved controller support and the confirmationprompt that appears when you hit ESC to shut down thegame, are more important than you’d think.

Previously one of the most common issues that StreetFighter X Mega Man players had with the game was thatthere was no warning whatsoever when they mapped thegame’s “open menu” command to the ESC key on thekeyboard. Although the ESC key is used in many PC gamesto open game menus, in SFxMM’s case its default functionwas to shut down the game.

Thus, this resulted in a huge problem for those players whenthey tried to open the SFxMM game menu to change MegaMan’s currently equipped weapon or use the E Tank byhitting the ESC key, only to find that the game would insteadclose right away.

The best part? In order to re-map the controls so thateverything’s back to before, you’d actually need to open thein-game menu first; there was no way to re-map withoutshutting down the game (well, in the end there was… but youhad to tweak your save file or something like that).

Thankfully that’s been fixed now.

In other SFxMM news, Capcom-Unity has also released fivePC wallpapers themed after the fan game:

Source: Capcom-Unity [via EventHubs]

4Gamer interviews HatsuneMiku Project Diva F (PS3)producer Seiji HayashiSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/4gamer-interviews-hatsune-miku-

project-diva-ps3-producer-seiji-hayashi/

By KarbyP on January 20th, 2013

Yesterday (January 19), at the LABI Ikebukuro MobileDream building, Sega held the first of a series of HatsuneMiku: Project Diva F (PS3) trial play sessions, where fanscould swing by to go hands-on with a build of the PS3 rhythmgame that included three playable songs.

The three songs were Tell Your World (artist: livetune),NegaPosi Continues (sasakure.UK), and Tokyo Teddybear(Neru). Gamers who stopped by to try the demo walked awaywith a complimentary Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F neckstrap.

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

The game’s producer, Sega’s Seiji Hayashi, was present atthe event. Also in attendence was 4Gamer writer NaohikoMisuno, who stopped by and did a mini-interview withthe Project Diva F producer, which we’ve translated in fullbelow.

(If you have yet to, check out our translation of a previousinterview that 4Gamer’s Musino did with Hayashi andProject Diva Arcade producer Makoto Osaki at this link here)

Since the game is coming out in less than two months fromnow, and much of it is based on the PS Vita version, therereally isn’t a lot of new information in this mini-interview.But if you’re a fan of the Project Diva series, read on anyway– producer Seiji Hayashi did say a couple of things thatmight just make your day.

— How’s development going along?

Producer Seiji Hayashi: It’s almost finished. We’re in theprocess of tying up loose ends. The release date is March 7,after all, and I think we will absolutely be able to deliver onthat date.

— As this title is fundamentally based on the PS Vita versionof Hatsune Miku: Project Diva f, can you point out veryspecifically what the differences is the PS3 version are?

Hayashi: The most obvious difference in the PS3 versionare the six new tracks included. Along with that, we’ve alsoadded 10 modules (costumes for the Vocaloid characters)into the PS3 version.

The thing is, those six new songs and 10 new modules willactually be introduced into the PS Vita version as well, to bedistributed via DLC, so it’s not really that big of a difference.So it’s more like, with the PS3 version you’re getting thenew songs and modules right from the very beginning on thedisc, whereas with the Vita version it’s not part of the corepackage.

The other main differences are that with the PS3 versionyou’re playing on a bigger screen, and there’s a new LiveStudio mode, which also supports stereoscopic 3D. The LiveStudio mode here is themed after the Daiba de Diva concertthat was held at the Tokyo Joypolis back in summer 2012,and uses the same “projection mapping” technologies, soplease look forward to that.

— What about the game’s controls?

Hayashi: Right, in the PS Vita version, whenever yousaw a star-shaped mark, those notes had to be played by“scratching” (sliding your finger across) the touchscreen. Inthe PS3 version the star-shaped marks make a return, butthis time you clear them by strumming or flicking the analogsticks on the PS3 controller. We think that with scratchingon the PS Vita version, most people probably did it with asingle hand. But since there are two analog sticks on thePS3 controller, we think more people will tackle the star-shaped notes two-handed style, and that as a result the playexperience may feel quite different.

— So you just announced that you’re (Sega) going to holda Mikupa concert in the Kansai region of Japan in March(March 9). It’s the first time a Mikupa concert is being heldin the Kansai region. Any thoughts on promotions for theconcert/game?

Sega promotions staff: For details on that, we’re currentlyexploring some ways to possibly tie the concert up withthe game’s release (on March 7). Once we’ve done makingpreparations for this, we’ll announce the details. So pleaselook forward to that.

Hayashi: It may sound a little weird for me to be saying this,but I think fans can look forward to something special.

— Alrighty then. Next, if there’s one thing in Hatsune Miku:Project Diva F that you absolutely want people to check out,what would it be?

Hayashi: Although the PS Vita, as a portable gaming device,had immense graphical rendering capabilities, with thePS3 version what you’re getting is even higher graphicalfidelity. Although the PS Vita and PS3 hardware are actuallypretty close in terms of performance, and that made thedevelopment process easier for us, for the PS Vita version weactually ended up having to use 2D textures for quite a lotof things. (Translator’s note: is that true? Can any SGCafereader chime in on that?)

And so for fans who’ve played the PS Vita version, we’d likethem to check out those areas that we previously used 2Dtextures for, in the PS3 version of the game.

— In the past what you used to do on the PS3 was releaseDreamy Theatre apps that required the PSP versions to play.This time around you’re opted to release the PS3 version asa stand-alone package. Can you talk about the reasons forthat, if any?

Hayashi: The Dreamy Theatre series carried the implicationthat they were treated sort of like a service meant for existingProject Diva players on the PSP.

With the PlayStation 3 version of Hatsune Miku: ProjectDiva F, however, we’re basically positioning it as the latestchapter of the Project Diva series. And so, the concept isreally quite different.

That said, when we were making the Dreamy Theatre apps,we definitely accumulated quite a bit of experience that came

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

in handy when it came time to make the PS3 version ofProject Diva F. So in a way, you could say that all of theengineering skills and techniques we used in making theDreamy Theatre apps are being carried over for this game.

— Finally, a word to everyone eagerly awaiting the release ofthe new title.

Hayashi: Regardless if you’re someone who’ve thoroughlyenjoyed the PS Vita version, or someone who’s playingthe game for the first time on the PS3, everyone here onthe development team is hard at work doing their best toensure that the new title is something that will meet yourexpectations. So please check out the game once it’s released.We’d be happy to receive fan feedback too.

— Thank you very much.

“39 (san-kyuu) very much!”

Source: 4Gamer

World of Tanks introducesnew tech tree for ChinesetanksSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/world-tanks-introduces-new-tech-

tree-for-chinese-tanks/

By Hakuro on January 20th, 2013

Hello Tankers! Haku here with the latest update on Worldof Tanks! The MMO tank warfare game has just introduceda brand new Chinese Tank arsenal, tailored for the innerproletariat in you!

Accompanying the Soviet, American, British, German andFrench tech trees, this particular inclusion promises adifferent twist to digital armoured warfare!

In previous patches, Wargaming.net released severalChinese tanks without any substantial tech tree to actuallyresearch.

However, the new update has brought with it a fully deckedout tech tree for the Chinese warmachine, including light,medium and heavy tanks that differ slightly from the othertier branches.

In terms of armour protection they are more than decentfor each tier, with sloped armour and mud flaps increasingthe chance for ricochet. The medium tier tanks also excelat mid-range engagements with new improvements like the85mm and the 105mm guns that make these monsters ahuge problem on the battlefield against lighter armouredcousins like the Shermans and the Cromwells.

To take a look at the tech tree in more detail, refer to thecomplete detailed outline below.

However, there still are no dedicated SPGs that the Chinesetier has access to, so you’ll have to get your artillery groovefrom somewhere else.

In the meantime to learn more about World of Tanks SEA,head over to http://worldoftanks-sea.com/.

For more news on World of Tanks, stay tuned to SGCafe!http://sgcafe.com/

January 22nd, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

10

Kat & Emmett Graves joinPlayStation All-Stars BattleRoyale’s cast February 12[Video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/kat-emmett-graves-playstation-all-

stars-battle-royale/

By KarbyP on January 19th, 2013

Shortly after the release of PlayStation All-Stars BattleRoyale in November last year, developer SuperbotEntertainment announced that they would be hard at workmaking downloadable content for the game, and that thefirst two DLC characters to join the cast post-release wouldbe Kat (Gravity Rush on the PS Vita), and Emmett Graves(Starhawk, PS3).

This week we finally get to see how the two new DLC fighterswill play. Cue the character-introduction trailers!

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale players will be able todownload Kat and Emmett Graves for free when they’rereleased on PSN on February 12 – but only if they grab itwithin two weeks after the characters are out. After the two-week launch period, Kat and Emmett Graves will be sold aspaid DLC.

If you’re keen on learning Kat and Emmett Graves‘command lists in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale tobetter prepare yourself for the DLC fighters’ release, headover to EventHubs where they’ve got the entire move list forboth yet-to-be-released characters listed.

Move lists for the other fighters in PlayStation All-StarsBattle Royalecan also be found on EventHubs’ strategy pagefor the game here.

The next set of DLC characters will be announced in March.

Source: EventHubs

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Hatsune Miku: Project DivaF (PS3) – latest store-fronttrailer shows off ‘PhotoStudio’ featureSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/hatsune-miku-project-diva-ps3-

latest-storefront-trailer-shows-photo-studio-feature/

By KarbyP on January 24th, 2013

On Wednesday when we reported that Hatsune Miku:Project Diva F on the PS3 would include some sort of photo-superimpose functionality (alongside Famitsu’s first look atSenbonzakura and Rin-chan Nau!, that is), we couldn’t findany visuals to illustrate how this would work.

Now, Sega has put out a new “store-front trailer” for the PS3rhythm game that not only demonstrates what you coulddo with the new feature – officially called Photo Studio (wepreviously thought it was a feature included as part of LiveStudio mode) – but also a brief glimpse at Senbonzakura andRin-chan Nau! as they appear in-motion within the game.

Fate/Extra CCC: watch the OPanime video that studio Shafthas been working on [Video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/fateextra-ccc-watch-op-anime-video-

studio-shaft-working-video/

By KarbyP on January 24th, 2013

Imageepoch and Type-Moon’s PSP JRPG Fate/Extra CCCis not quite done yet. The game was originally scheduled tocome out in February, but recently delayed to March 28 for“quality reasons”.

But the delay really only applies to the game itself. Itdoesn’t really affect the game’s animated opening sequence,which anime studio Shaft (Puella Magi Madoka Magica,Nisemonogatari) and freelance animation director AkiyukiShinbo has been working on. In fact, the OP sequence is donealready.

And so, with two more months to go, publisher MarvelousAQL decides to put out the animated OP sequence to thegame today, as a means of drumming up hype for the actualJRPG’s release:

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

Am I the only one who wished this was a PS Vita title instead,after watching the anime OP? The opening sequence looksso much better than the PSP JRPG‘s in-game graphics.

Source: Famitsu

First look at the fully coloredDragon Ball Z mangaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/fully-colored-dragon-ball-manga/

By ellehaym on January 24th, 2013

Last month, we have reported about the release of theDragon Ball Z manga in full colour. It will be out in a fewweeks in Japan. So, if you can no longer hold your excitementdown, here are some of the sample pages scanned by thepeeps over at Saiyan Island that you can enjoy:

I’m not sure how many fans have actually read the manga,but I’m pretty confident that most of you have watched theanime when you were still young. Looking at the scans willcertainly remind you of your childhood days. Did you useto imitate the battle scenes of Goku and Vegeta (I did, evenif I’m a girl!), regardless of how crazily fast their movementsare? Now you can enjoy seeing those wicked moves in theupcoming fully coloured manga.

The Saiyan Saga will be covered by the three volumes to bereleased on February 4. This arc has a total of 17 chapters,each having 248 pages. Following this part will be the FriezaSaga which is planned for an April 4 release. This saga willconsist of five volumes. Finally, the Cell Saga and the MajinBuu Saga have been announced, but we have yet to hear therelease date. The manga will also feature an interview withDragon Ball creator, Akira Toriyama. The mysteries of theDragon Ball world will be unveiled in the said interview.

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

All the sagas covered by Dragon Ball Z will be released inphysical format. On the other hand, the prequel, DragonBall, will be released in digital format (no specific releasedate announced).

The fully coloured manga will only be available in Japan. Todate, no plans have been announced for a North Americanand European release.

Source: Saiyan Island

Kalafina’s 4th original album‘Consolation’ to hit storesMarch 20Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/kalafinas-4th-original-album-

consolation-hit-stores-march-20/

By KarbyP on January 24th, 2013

Anisong artiste Kalafina has a new album in the works, thegroup’s production staff announced today on their officialblog. Entitled Consolation, the new release will be thegroup’s fourth original album, and is slated to hit musicstores in Japan March 20.

On top of new tracks, Consolation will feature several ofKalafina’s recent hit singles, including Hikarifuru (ひひひひひ)the theme song to the Madoka Magica movie parts 1 & 2, tothe beginning (OP theme for Fate/Zero), and moonfesta～～～～～～～～～ which was featured on NHK’s long-running musictelevision programme Minna no Uta (ひひひひひひ).

The limited first-print edition of the new album will comewith your choice of either a DVD or a Blu-ray disc containinga video clip for Kalafina’s new song Yume no Daichi (ひひひひwhich translates to “The Land of Our Dreams“) as it is seenand heard in the ED outro to NHK’s Rekishi Hiwa HistoriaTV programme, as well as a documentary of the time theanisong group spent at Germany’s AnimagiC convention lastyear. The first-print edition will also come with a specialphoto book.

Apart from the new album, Kalafina also announced anentire slew of live performances that will take place betweenApril and August.

The fun begins on April 6, which is the date Kalafina isscheduled to hold a one-day-only live at the Tokyo Dome CityHall. Entitled Kalafina “Consolation” Special LIVE 2013,the one-day live, meant to commemorate the release ofConsolation, will be an affair similar to the one they did lastyear for their third album, After Eden.

In May, Kalafina will attend the Chicago Anime Centralas guests of honour and to perform at the AKOO Theatre.The Chicago performance will be Kalafina’s third timeperforming in the US, after Houston and Los Angeles.

Thereafter, the anisong artiste will go on a nationwide-tourbeginning in June, performing in concert halls as well aslive houses in various parts of Japan, with a setlist featuringmany of the songs from the Consolation album.

Kalafina LIVE TOUR 2013 “Consolation” HALL ver.6～8～(～)～9～(～) ～～～～～～～～～～

7～27～(～) ～～～～～～～～～

8～3～(～) ～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

Kalafina LIVE TOUR 2013 “Consolation” LIVEHOUSE ver.6～22～(～)～23～(～) ～～～～THE BOTOM LINENAGOYA

6～29～(～)～30～(～) ～～～DRUM LOGOS

7～4～(～) ～～～AKASAKA BLITZ

7～13～(～) ～～～Rensa

7～15～(～～～) ～～～PENNY LANE24

7～20～(～)～21～(～) ～～～HIROSHIMA CLUBQUATTRO

7～28～(～) ～～～NIIGATA LOTS

Prior to the news post published on their official blogearlier today, Kalafina also made the aforementionedannouncements themselves “live”, directly to thousands oftheir fans yesterday at a concert held at the Shibuya O-East concert hall to commemorate the anisong group’s fifthanniversary (Kalafina 5th Anniversary LIVE “oblivious”).

The announcement of their fourth original album and theslew of live events yesterday were meant as a way to officiallykick-start Kalafina’s sixth year as an artiste.

An abridged version of the Kalafina 5th Anniversary LIVE“oblivious” concert is scheduled to hit Japanese TV airwaveson March 13, beginning at 11PM JST (GMT+0900 hours),exclusively on Japanese cable channel WOWOW.

Kalafina’s first live album on DVD and Blu-Ray (5thAnniversary LIVE SELECTION 2009-2012) was releasedyesterday, and is available now at all good Japanese CDstores.

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

Source: Kalafina Official Blog

Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Dare ka noManazashi’ trailer streamedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/makoto-shinkais-dare-ka-manazashi-

trailer-streamed/

By weiq on January 24th, 2013

Trailer for Makoto Shinkai’s newest anime short film, “Dareka no Manazashi” (Someone’s Gaze) has been streamed onYoutube by Nomura Real Estate.

The trailer shows Aya “Aa-chan” Okamura, the maincharacter, who has been working for two years at a companyand living independantly on her own. The story revolvesaround Aa-chan, her parents, and her pet cat Mii-san.

The short is produced by joined collaboration with fourcompanies, and singer-songwriter Kazusa will perform thetheme song “Sore de Ii yo.” Narrator Fumi Hirano (UruseiYatsura’s Lum) leads the cast with Satomi Hanamura andShinji Ogawa. Nomura Real Estate will screen the shortduring “Proud Box Kanshasai,” a home living expositionwhich will run from 10th to 11th February at the TokyoInternational Forum.

For those who aren’t familiar with Makoto Shinkai, Shinkaibegan his anime career almost single-handedly - beingresponsible for the writing, directing, and even voice-actingfor his debut anime films “She and Her Cat” and “Voices ofa Distant Star”.

He now works with CoMix Wave Films and other staffmembers on anime projects, like the memorable The PlacePromised in Our Early Days, 5 Centimeters Per Second,and 2011′s Children Who Chase Lost Voices. Fans will bedelighted while waiting for his upcoming anime feature film,“Kotonoha no Niwa“, which we had covered here.

source: animeanime.jp

One Piece Film: Z will releaseat all Cathay Cineplexes midFebruarySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/piece-film-release-cathay-cineplexes-

mid-february/

By sentinel011 on January 24th, 2013

Are you a One Piece fan who hopes to be able to catch themovie ‘Z’ in Japan? Don’t fret, as the movie will be availablein Singapore come 21 February 2013.

The author Eiichiro Oda himself helms the film productionas its executive producer, so rest assured that there willbe a certain level of quality in this movie. Screenplay byOsamu Suzuki, and opening theme song by capsule (LiarGame). The electronica/shibuya kei group also has its music

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

producer, Yasutaka Nakata, famous for producing music forother electro-pop artistes like Kyary and Perfume.

ONE PIECE FILM Z will be opening at all Cathay Cineplexesstarting 21 February 2013, which include the following:

1. Orchard Cineleisure

2. Ang Mo Kio Hub

3. West Mall

4. Downtown East

5. Causeway Point

6. The Cathay (Handy Road)

If you cannot wait until 21 February, you can book yourtickets for the sneak preview on 1 February 2013. The ticketscan be purchased via Cathay’s online ticketing site.

Like BlazBlue, but not sureif you’ll like BlayzBloo: ClonePhantasma (3DS)? Here’s ademo to help!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/blayzbloo-clone-phantasma-demo-

released/

By KarbyP on January 23rd, 2013

Got a Japanese 3DS? Like BlazBlue?

But still not 100% certain if you should spend 800 yenon that BlayzBloo: Clone Phantasma download title – anaction game spin-off loosely based onBlazBlue: ChronoPhantasma (Arcade, PS3) – that Arc System Works put outon Japanese Nintendo e-shop in December last year?

Not to worry, help is on the way!

Publisher Arc System Works has just released today a demoof the 3DS download title to help Japanese 3DS ownersdecide if the action title, featuring 10 playable characters

from the 2D fighting game franchise, is worth their hard-earned yen.

That’s if you have a Japanese 3DS, of course; BlayzBloo:Clone Phantasma is exclusive to the Japan region for now.Arc System Works has not yet announced if an Englishversion of the 3DS download title will be released sometimein the future for the US and European markets.

Its predecessor, DSiWare title BlayzBloo: Super MeleeBrawlers Battle Royale, did make it out in US and Europe,however, so there’s hope for an English version for the game.

Until then, check out this new trailer for the game, whichis available to watch regardless of the language your 3DSspeaks.

Nintendo and Atlusannounces ‘Shin-MegamiTensei X Fire Emblem’ (Wii U)[Video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/nintendo-atlus-announces-shin-

megami-tensei-meets-fire-emblem/

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

By KarbyP on January 23rd, 2013

The new Wii U game will be co-developed by Atlus andIntelligent Systems (Fire Emblem, Advance Wars).

… And that’s about all we know for now! The title was justannounced on a Nintendo Direct broadcast earlier tonight.

No details were given on the new game, so we don’t knowwhen the game is expected to come out, or even if this is astraight-up RPG title (Shin Megami Tensei style) or an SRPG(strategy role-playing-game) more akin to the Fire Emblemgames. I’m hedging my bets on the latter, since an SRPGenvironment would more easily accommodate a large cast ofcharacters.

Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem may not be the actualtitle of this game. For the moment, however, it is whatNintendo has opted to call the game, as evidenced by thefollowing teaser video they put out:

Although no details on the new Wii U title was given,Nintendo president Satoru Iwata described the ShinMegami Tensei X Fire Emblem cross-over game asan example of a new approach in games development thatthe console maker and games publisher is taking to push outmore quality titles for their newly-launched Wii U platform.

“Because the scope of development for each title is gettinglarger and larger, we cannot have enough titles for Wii Uusing the same approaches we have taken,” Iwata said on theNintendo Direct netstream.

Iwata also said that they are working with “many morepartners” on additional collaborations as well, and thathe will announce those projects in future Nintendo Directbroadcasts.

Source: Nintendo Direct

Resident Evil: Revelationscoming to PC, PS3, Wii U andXbox 360 this MaySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/resident-evil-revelations-coming-pc-

ps3-wii-xbox-360/

By ellehaym on January 23rd, 2013

It has been confirmed by Capcom that the 3DS survivalhorror game Resident Evil: Revelations will be ported toother gaming platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Wii U and Xbox360. The game hits stores on May 21 in North America, May23 in Japan and May 24 in Europe.

The events in the game take place between Resident Evil4 and Resident Evil 5. Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield goaboard a supposedly abandoned cruise ship to investigate.

Below are the additional features of the game:

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

• A frightening new enemy

• Extra difficulty mode

• Get to play as Hunk or the other characters in the singleplayer Raid Mode or the online co-op mode

Announcement trailers have also been streamed onYouTube. Check them out:

Resident Evil: Revelations lives up to its survival horrorgenre, being a game that promises scarcity of weapons,ammo and supplies for players to utilize. Roam through tightand dark areas without knowing what kind of dangers await.Can you last until the end?

Sources: Famitsu and Resident Evil Official Channel

Show the world who yourfavourite Kuroko’s Basketballcharacter is, with thesesmartphone casesSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/show-world-favourite-kurokos-

basketball-character-is-smartphone-cases/

By KarbyP on January 23rd, 2013

If you’re a big fan of Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s manga and animeseries Kuroko’s Basketball, and happen to be searching fora smartphone case for your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S3handset, then Premium Bandai may just have the perfectsolution for you.

Over at Bandai’s official online shopping portal, PremiumBandai, there is a section called Smartphone Museum whereyou can visit to find various iPhone cases themed after anime

and tokusatsu (special-effects TV shows, such as the SuperSentai series and Kamen Rider) series that Bandai owns themerchandising rights to.

The latest line of Smartphone Museum’s wares? A set ofseven Kuroko’s Basketball “uniform” cases, whose designare based on that of the jersey uniforms that seven of theseries’s most popular characters wear.

From the Seirin basketball team, the jersey uniforms of threecharacters – Tetsuya Kuroko, Taiga Kagami, and TeppeiKiyoshi – are featured. The remaining four designs arebased on jerseys worn by three rival characters Ryouta Kise,Shintarou Midorima, and Daiki Aomine, and a dog. Kuroko’spet dog, Tetsuya ひ2.

Each design is available in three form factors – iPhone 4/4S,iPhone 5, and Samsung Galaxy S3 (certain carrier modelsonly) – and sold for 2,100 yen per pop. Which is actuallyfairly cheap for character-themed smartphone cases; mostof them are sold for around 3,000 yen in Japan.

The Kuroko’s Basketball cases are the only design availableat Smartphone Museum if you’re a Samsung Galaxy S3 user.

If, however, you’re in the iPhone camp, then you’ll findon the Premium Bandai sub-section several other anime-themed designs worth looking into: Macross Frontier,Kamen Rider Wizard, Akibaranger, just to name a few.

All cases go for 2,100 yen in Japan regardless of design. Aswith anything you buy from Premium Bandai, you’ll need aJapanese residential address (or the one provided by yourfavourite proxy-shopping service) to make an order.

Do note, however, that there is a waiting period of about amonth between the date you make an order, to wheneverPremium Bandai actually gets to shipping out the goods.

January 24th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

Source: Natalie, Smartphone Museum

January 26th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Namie Amuro Asia Tourdetails confirmed, performingat Singapore’s IndoorStadiumSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/namie-amuro-asia-tour-details-

confirmed-performing-singapores-indoor-stadium/

By Green Moon Doctor on January 25th, 2013

Remember when Namie Amuro dropped by Singaporeto promote her latest album last year? Fans of Namiecan rejoice, as her Asia Tour schedule has finally beenconfirmed!

Almost all of the details are out, including ticketing details.Well, with the exception of Singapore, which has yet toupdate as of press time. A popular J-pop artiste back in theearly 2000s, Namie Amuro is one of the A-list artistes to holdsolo concerts within Singapore, which include L’arc~en~Cieland Luna Sea.

If you can’t wait till Singapore’s tour confirmation, there’salways Taiwan and Hong Kong to consider. And if you are,get your tickets fast, because as far as I know, fans in theseregions are very hardcore when it comes to J-pop concerts.

Source: namieamuro.jp

Sega to announce a newSonic title next month[Rumour Mill]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/sega-announce-sonic-title-month-

rumour-mill/

By ellehaym on January 25th, 2013

According to The Sonic Stadium, sources close to Sega haveinformed them that the developer plans on announcing anew Sonic title for the current gaming platforms as well asthe next gen consoles next month. The new game will berevealed around mid-February.

The gameplay will use the formula of the recent Sonic games—a fusion of 3D movement and 2D side-scrolling sections.The 3DS version, however, will offer a different gaming

January 26th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

experience. According to the source, it will follow the formatof Sonic Rush games for the DS. Players can select fromdifferent characters, each having their own skills.

The title for the new Sonic game has not been finalized.The source also adds that the new game is scheduled to bereleased in September.

Since these are just rumours, we’ll just have to keep ourfingers crossed and wait for an official announcement fromSega.

via Nintendo Life

Luna Sea in Taipei kick-starting “The End of theDream” Asian TourSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/luna-sea-taipei/

By weiq on January 25th, 2013

Following sold-out concerts back in Japan, Luna Sea had justlanded in Taipei to kick start their “The End of the Dream”Asian Tour with two shows on 26th and 27th of January.

The two shows will be held at Taipei’s Neo Studio, afterwhich the band will move to Hong Kong (2nd February),Bangkok (5th February), and ending their tour on 8thFebruary in Singapore.

Speaking of which, SGCafe is giving away exclusive LUNASEA concert tickets/merchandises. For more info on how toparticipate, please go to SGCafe forum.

You have 3 more days to participate!

source: facebook.com/etvhome, Lunasea.jp

Multiplayer functionsrevealed for ‘Luigi’s Mansion:Dark Moon’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/multiplayer-functions-revealed-

luigis-mansion-dark-moon/

By ellehaym on January 25th, 2013

Were you used to partnering with a friend when playinggames of the Mario Bros. franchise? You play Mario and yourfriend plays Luigi or vice versa? In the upcoming 3DS titleLuigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, things will be different. Youcan utilize the local and online multiplayer functions andenjoy ghost busting with your friends and other players.

This game features the Hunter Mode, whereplayers are in control of Luigis’ that are wearingdifferent coloured clothing. The mission is to clear the floorsby hunting down ghosts within a time limit set by the game.When the time runs out, it’s everyone’s loss. So cooperationand teamwork are important. There will be boss battles atthe topmost part of the tower.

Up to four players can join the game. If your team does well,upgrades and bonuses will be rewarded. The game allowsyou to decide on the difficulty as well as the number of floorsin the Hunter mode. Download Play functions will also beavailable.

Want to see the ghost busting action? Watch this video:

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon will be out in North Americaon March 24.

Source: Crunchyroll

Six more Metal Gear Risingvideos, more gameplayscenes observedSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/metal-gear-rising-videos-gameplay-

scenes-observed/

January 26th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

By sentinel011 on January 25th, 2013

Managed to play the demo yet? No? You can either getyourself a US PSN account, or you can watch on these fivefeatured videos released this week.

Famitsu and 4gamer showed more gameplay videos, fromboss battles like Jetstream Sam to a new dog-like UnmannedGear, even controlling a Scarab.

Konami has provided insights on the Zandatsu system toreplenish Raiden’s energy and health as well as his cyborgsuit’s capabilities.

If you have already pre-ordered your copy of the game, you’llbe pleased that it’s due to arrive barely a month from today.Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will release in Singaporecome 19 February 2013.

Source: Konami, 4Gamer, Famitsu

Deathmatch Mode AddedIn Counter-Strike: GlobalOffensiveSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/deathmatch-mode-added-counter-

strike-global-offensive/

By bj0rN on January 25th, 2013

After gathering feedbacks from players from all over theworld, Valve added a new game mode to matchmaking andoffline play: Deathmatch.

Deathmatch mode can be played in Classic, Demolition, orArms Race maps, and Hidden Path points. There are alsoa bunch of patch for the weapon, such as increasing killrewards with the AWP from $50 to $100, to dropping theprice of Molotovs and making changes to the recoil. You canview more of the patch notes here.

Deathmatch mode is also a useful way to explore and learna new map while you try out the new weapon fixes.

They also have launched the private beta for workshopmaps. If you’re a map maker, feel free to submit your workto the Steam Workshop for player approval.

Source: GameSpy

Hyouka X Blood DonationDrive: Here’s one way to fightblood-sucking anime lootauctionersSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/hyouka-blood-donation-drive-fight-

blood-sucking-anime-loot-auctioners/

By KarbyP on January 24th, 2013

Details on a Hyouka X Blood Donation (氷氷氷氷氷)collaborative campaign that the Japan Red Cross Societysaid would begin in late January, as well as the design forthe poster they’d be giving out as part of the promotion, havebeen finalised.

There’s good news and bad news.

January 26th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

The good news: the campaign itself will run for over twomonths – from January 25 all the way till March 31 this year– and the Japan Red Cross Society is fairly confident that itwill have enough “Hyouka X Blood Donation” posters andclear files to hand out to all who are brave and kind enoughto step forward and donate blood.

Below you’ll find a sample image of what is more or less thedesign of the poster that blood donors will receive; for somereason, the Japan Red Cross Society felt necessary to includea small disclaimer saying that the design is subject to change.

It features a close-up of Hyouka heroine Eru Chitanda,with a line of dialogue “I’ve become interested in donatingblood” (氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷) below her picture.

Since this campaign will last for two entire months, unlikethe situation that blood donors at the recent Comiket 83event faced (only 3,000 posters were available), there shouldbe enough commeorative posters and clear files for allHyouka fans who’d want one to receive it. That’s terrificnews, right?

Hopefully we won’t hear any terrible stories about any blood-sucking anime loot hoarders auctioning off the Red CrossSociety’s kind token of appreciation at unscrupulous pricesto fans who’d pay for it.

But there is also bad news.

Even though there should be more than enough stocks tomeet fan demand, to get your hands on one of these HyoukaX Blood Donation commemorative goods, you’d actuallyneed to travel all the way to Japan’s Gifu prefecture. Just likethe Hyouka rice thing before this, the Gifu prefecture is theonly part of the country where the collaborative campaignwill be held.

Nevertheless, if you’re a hardcore Hyouka fan who needsto have everything, or if you happen to be visiting Gifusometime between now and the end of March, head overto the Japan Red Cross Society webpage here to find links(highlighted in blue) to the addresses and maps to the threeblood donation centres the association operates in the Gifuarea.

Source: Japan Red Cross Society

What’s in store for Wii Uowners? Check out thissummary of the NintendoDirect broadcastSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/whats-store-wii-owners-check-

summary-nintendo-direct-broadcast/

By ellehaym on January 24th, 2013

In the latest Nintendo Direct broadcast, Satoru Iwataexplains a few new features headed to the Wii Uconsole in the coming weeks, along with a few newgame announcements. The list looks promising. Promisingenough that if you don’t yet have a Wii U console, you mightjust consider purchasing one.

Here are the main points of what to expect from Nintendo’slatest console:

Miiverse• Spring and Summer Updates – faster software launch;

ease in returning to the Wii U Menu screen

• Closed group for games – A group will be given aunique ID. To be able to access a closed group, usersneed to input the unique ID assigned.

• Each game will be given an official community in theMiiverse

• Filtering functions will soon be added

• Miiverse can soon be accessed using smartphones.Initially, it will be browser-based. However, Nintendo

January 26th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

will be developing a Miiverse app. A Nintendo networkID and password will be required.

Virtual Console• NES and SNES titles will be released first, GBA titles

will be released later

• Virtual Console launches after the system updates thisspring

• Just like the 3DS, players can save the game progress

• Games under the Virtual Console are Miiverse enabled

• A discount applies if you bought Virtual Console titleson your Wii console

• Regular price for NES titles – 4.99 USD to 5.99 USD;discounted price is 1 USD

• Regular price for SNES titles – 7.99 USD to 8.99 USD;discounted price is 1.5 USD

Wii U Virtual Console TrialCampaignThis was launched to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of theFamily Computer. In a period of 30 days, from January toJuly, a NES title can be bought at a very low price of 30 cents.All players can participate in this campaign. Here’s the listof participating titles:

• January – Balloon Fight

• February – F-Zero

• March – Punch Out! Featuring Mr. Dream

• April – Kirby’s Adventure

• May – Super Metroid

• June – Yoshi

• July – Donkey Kong

Wii U GamePad• Titles (including Virtual Console games) will be

launched which will allow users to play using only theGamePad. You don’t have to use your TV.

• Take screenshots of breathtaking and interestingsceneries, visuals and environments from games suchas Pikmin 3.

Wii U Fit• This game will utilize the Miiverse’s closed group

access

• With the closed group feature of the Miiverse, playerscan lose weight with friends, discuss strategies andencourage each other.

On New GamesDuring the first two months of 2013, Nintendo isn’t planningon releasing new titles for a steady flow of game lineup andfor an improved quality of user experience. New titles will belaunched starting March. These are the games previewed inthe latest Nintendo Direct:

• The Wonderful 101

• Bayonetta 2

• New Super Smash Bros.

• Yarn Yoshi

• Shin-Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem (Iwata promisesmore collaboration titles such as this one in the future)

• The Legend of Zelda (only the remake of The WindWaker was previewed)

• A new RPG brought by the developer behindXenoblade Chronicles, Monolith Soft. Is it a Xenobladesequel? We still don’t know.

‘A Certain Scientific RailgunS’ anime airs April in Japan;fripside to perform its newOPSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/a-scientific-railgun-s-anime-airs-

april-in-japan-fripside-new-op/

By KarbyP on January 24th, 2013

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S (氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷氷S) will join thelikes of Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Devil Survivor2, OreImo Season 2, and other such heavyweight animeshows for the Spring 2013 TV anime season in Japan, thelatest issue of ASCII Media Works’s Monthly Comic Dengeki

January 26th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

Daioh magazine will reveal this coming Saturday (January26) as part of a teaser for its next issue.

The teaser also reveals that fripSide, the anisong act thatmade its second debut in 2009 with voice actress YoshinoNanjou as the duo’s new vocalist (fripSide originally debutedin 2005 with singer “Nao”, who left in 2009) with the hitsongs Only My Railgun and LEVEL5-judgelight-, the firstand second OP themes to the original season of A CertainScientific Railgun, will be back to provide the OP theme tothe new anime series.

No other details were revealed in the magazine; for that we’dhave to wait for the next issue which will go on sale sometimein February.

So far, what’s been revealed about A Certain ScientificRailgun S is that its main plot will revolve around the“Sisters” story arc in the original light novel series that theanime is adapted from. For a summary of what the story arcis about, check out its summary on this Wikia page here.

Source: Yaraon

Samurai & Dragons, Sega’sfree-to-play PS Vita title, iscoming to Asia in EnglishSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/samurai-dragons-segas-free-to-play-

ps-vita-title-coming-to-asia-in-english/

By KarbyP on January 24th, 2013

Samurai & Dragons, Sega’s first free-to-play title on thePlayStation Vita, is venturing outside of its homeland inJapan.

The Tokyo-based games publisher announced today that itplans to launch a localized English version of Samurai &Dragons in seven Asian territories - Hong Kong, Taiwan,Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia –sometime in Spring 2013.

Curiously enough, it appears that the English version willonly be launched in Asia, but not in the US or Europe – atleast, not for the moment.

After it is launched, PS Vita gamers in Asia will be able todownload the game client directly from the PlayStation storein their region, and start playing immediately.

What’s Samurai & Dragons?Samurai & Dragons is described as an action-strategyhybrid where players will co-operate with one another in 4-player dungeons, but otherwise fight against each other forterritorial control over the fictional land of Gaia=End.

Gameplay in Samurai & Dragons is split up into three parts:Action, Simulation, and Card Battles.

Action part

In the Action part, gamers play the role of an adventurer –one of five possible classes (Warrior, Samurai, Ninja, Mage,and Gunner) – and team up with other players to exploredungeons and defeat high-level bosses to earn experiencepoints and other rewards. Controls in the Action part arefairly simple, with each of the PS Vita’s four face buttons (O,X, Square and Triangle) mapped to a special attack of yourchoice, and the R shoulder button mapped to an evasive roll.

Each time you clear a dungeon you earn star and crystalpoints that can be used to redeem monster, weapon, andskill cards in a random lottery. Skill and weapon cards youcan equip directly on your adventurer in between dungeon-crawls, while monster cards will come into play during theCard Battle portion of the game.

Simulation part

In the Simulation part, you’ll play the role of a governoror lord instead, developing a plot of land that you ownin Gaia=End by farming resources and building variousstructures in order to turn it into a powerful kingdom.

January 26th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

Your goal in the Simulation part is to eventually become theruler of one of the strongest kingdoms in Gaia=End, whichwill earn you the right to excavate the danger-filled “DebrisTower” dungeon in the Action part.

Card Battle part

Finally, in the Card Battle part of the game, you assembleteams of monsters to defend your kingdom, and pit themagainst monster teams that other players own in order toexpand your kingdom’s territory and amass more controlover the land.

What’s interesting about the Card Battle part is that fromtime to time Sega will run special collaboration campaignsduring which players will be able to obtain monster cardsfeaturing characters from other game franchises.

For instance, back in November and December last year,players could add Sonic the Hedgehog, Virtua Fighter’sAkira Yuki, and other such gaming icons through a Sega All-Star seasonal card pack.

Read more about Sega’s Samurai & Dragons (PS Vita) hereon SGCafe!

Source: GameSpot

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

Get your God of War Acensionpre-order goodies thisFebruarySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/god-war-acension-pre-order-goodies-

february/

By bj0rN on January 29th, 2013

God of War fans hankering to get their hands on all thelimited bundles and peripherals the pre-order set has to offershall wait no more come this Friday, 1 February 2013.

The first 50 pre-orders for the God of War: Ascension™ DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller Limited Pack willbe entitled to the plethora of limited merchandise anddiscounts which include the following:

• $9.90 discount on purchase of God of War SagaCollection

• A limited God of War: Ascension T-Shirt

• Two different special designed posters

• A God of War: Ascension mug

Only two outlets, Funz Center and Isetan Orchard’s SonyStore will be eligible for the promotion.

This is what you can look forward to when you get your copyof the God of War: Ascension™ DUALSHOCK®3 WirelessController Limited Pack

• God of War: Ascension™ Steelbook Edition x1

• Special Print DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller x1

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

• DLC 1. Mythological Heroes Pack

• DLC 2. Blade of Judgement

• DLC 3. Pass for future DLC releases

• DLC 4. PS3™ Dynamic theme

• DLC 5. Official game soundtrack

• DLC 6. 48 Hour MP XP Booster

• DLC 7. PSN Avatar Pack

Here are the details to the event:

• Date: 1 February 2013 (Friday)

• Time: 7pm – 9pm

• Venue: Funz Center, Isetan Orchard Sony Store

Funz Center: 181 Orchard Road, #05-43/44, OrchardCentral, Singapore 238896Isetan Orchard: 435 Orchard Road #04-01, Wisma Atria,Singapore 238877

God of War: Ascension will be released on 12th March2013 (Tuesday).Customers also can start to pre-order several limited bundles at designated PlayStation

Partner Shops from 2nd Feb – 10th Mar 2013 and get a Godof War: Ascension mug.

[Cosplay] Blast them allaliens!Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/cosplay-blast-aliens/

By sentinel011 on January 29th, 2013

It is a month of humanity versus aliens, especially for thiscoming February. We dug out a few gems where peoplesimply aren’t satisfied playing video games, but cosplaythem too.

Aliens: Colonial Marines

Aliens has been with us for a long time, so it is nowonder many people have attempted to cosplay the aliensthemselves. We found one such Alien in tumblr; andsomehow Aliens love watching a match of basketball.

Dead Space 3

French cosplayers Léa and Kevin pulled off a convincingcosplay of Ellie and Isaac respectively, partnering up inlast year’s Japan Expo 2012. Kevin sculpted the SecuritySuit, though we noticed there are some not-so-prominentinconsistencies with the original reference design. Wereckon that it is to facilitate the costume’s mobility, as

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

the armour shards would restrict movement on the arms andshoulders.

Crysis 3

Despite being made in 2010, Anthony (also known as MasterLE) still holds the benchmark of a good Nomad, or at leasthis suit. It comes with all the spiffy details like lights andweapons, though we hope there would be an update on thesuit with the Crysis 3′s Composite Bow.

Aliens: Colonial Marines is due for release on the 12th, Crysis3 on the 19th and Dead Space 3 on the 5th. All three gamesare multi-platform, so have fun hunting down your favouritecritters!

Injustice: Gods Among Usreveals new trailer andofficial release dateSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/injustice-gods-trailer-release-date/

By bj0rN on January 29th, 2013

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DCEntertainment have released the newest trailer fromInjustice: Gods Among Us. Featuring Lex Luthor and othermajor players from the game’s story, the video provides thefirst glimpse into the battle lines being drawn among heroesand villains.

Injustice: Gods Among Us debuts a bold new fighting gamefranchise that introduces a deep, original story featuring alarge cast of favorite DC Comics icons such as Batman, GreenArrow, Cyborg, Harley Quinn, Nightwing, Solomon Grundy,Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern andmany others. Set in a world where the lines between goodand evil are blurred, players will experience heroes andvillains engaging in epic battles on a massive scale.

Injustice: Gods Among Us will be released in Europe on

Friday 19th April, for Xbox 360, PS3 and the Wii U. Therewill also be a Collector’s Edition, which will be available inlimited quantities for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

The International Injustice: Gods Among Us Collector’sEdition will include:

• Exclusive 25cm Injustice: Gods Among Us Collectiblestatue featuring iconic characters Batman and WonderWoman

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

• Unique Steelbook Packaging

• An Injustice Comic Book

• Three exclusive skins based on Batman, Superman andWonder Woman from DC COMICS – THE NEW 52

The Injustice: Gods Among Us digital comic book from DCEntertainment is also available now. The comic is a prequelto the game, and it tells the story of events leading up to anew world order where heroes face each other in an epic fightto determine humanity’s future. Download Injustice GodsAmong Us #1 today at ReadDCEntertainment.com, throughthe DC Comics app, or on the iBookstore, Kindle Store orNook Store.

Visit www.injustice.com for more information of the game.

Evangelion Q10 cameras byPentaxSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/evangelion-q10-cameras-pentax/

By weiq on January 28th, 2013

This month alone we have seen various products such asheadphones, motorbike, and even Hello Kitty been “eva”-ngelised. Now it’s the turn for the cameras to be, too.

Pentax will be releasing special “eva”-ngelised Q10 seriesdigital cameras. The special edition will be in the shade of thethree well-known Eva Units – Unit-00, Unit-01 and Unit-02.They don’t just come with the looks , many nifty features arepacked into them such as -

• 12.4MP of Effective Pixel

• Shooting video clips at full HD (1080p, at 30 fps)

• 3 Inch LCD monitor

• Dust Removal DRII image sensor cleaning functionusing ultrasonic vibrations

• Photo filters such as Toy Camera, Fish-Eye, HDR

Also they comes by default with a Pentax-02 Standard Zoomlens, and with the same default specification found on otherQ10. Selling at a price of 59,800 Yen (US$660), the Eva-shade Q10 will be released in April. Limited to 1500 units,the only disappointment is that they’ll only be sold in Japan.

(But that won’t stop you from flying over to Japan to get yourhands on one of them, right?)

Source: en.akihabaranews.com, pentax.jp

Max Factory’s new figmais Hunter x Hunter’s GonFreecssSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/max-factorys-figma-hunter-hunters-

gon-freecss/

By ellehaym on January 28th, 2013

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

Don’t you just find the versatility behind every figmaamazing? And I’m pretty sure that figure collectors love howfigmas can do a variety of poses.

If you’re a Hunter x Hunter fan, it’s time to rejoice becauseMax Factory’s upcoming figma is going to be one of HxH’smain characters: Gon Freecss.

As of writing this post, Good Smile Company hasn’t revealedthe full details of the upcoming figure in their official site.But according to a tweet by Hunter x Hunter’s official Twitteraccount, this Gon Freecss figma is slated for release in Juneand will be priced at 3,500 JPY.

The latest movie of the HxH franchise, Hunter x Hunter:Phantom Rouge, premiered last January 12. Prior to itsrelease in theatres, Banpresto held a Scarlet Eyes figurelottery to promote the film.

Sources: JEFusion and @hunter_anime

Berserk Golden Age Arc III:Descent — Watch its first TVadSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/berserk-golden-age-arc-iii-descent-

watch-tv-ad/

By ellehaym on January 28th, 2013

Berserk Golden Age Arc III: Descent premieres in Japanthis Friday, but its first TV ad had just started airing lastSaturday. The 15-second commercial showcases Aria, themain theme of the movie.

The upcoming film’s age rating was also adjusted because itdepicts heavier objectionable themes compared to the twoprevious movies.

Berserk Golden Age Arc III: Descent is the third instalmentof the trilogy that covers Berserk’s Golden Age arc. Allthree films were directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka (animationdirector and character designer behind the Lunar series).The main themes were composed by Susumu Hirasawa withthe original soundtrack composed by Shiro Sagisu.

Last year, the first two films, Berserk Golden Age Arc I: Eggof the Supreme Ruler and Berserk Golden Age II: Battle forDoldrey premiered in February and June, respectively.

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

Sources: Crunchyroll and Berserk Wikia

Samurai & Dragons (Englishversion) launches in AsiaFebruary 1Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/samurai-dragons-english-version-

launches-asia-february-1/

By KarbyP on January 28th, 2013

Starting this Friday, February 1, PS Vita gamers in sevenAsian territories will be able to download from thePlayStation store an English game client for the Sega’s free-to-play online title Samurai & Dragons, the games publisherannounced yesterday at a fan meeting event in Tokyo.

Previously the free-to-play title’s release date was said tobe sometime in Spring 2013. The seven Asian territories

are Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand,Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The February 1 Asian launch date for the English version ofthe game will coincide with the start of Samurai & Dragon‘s“third season” cycle in Japan, which will also see the releaseof the Segakko 13: Yume Kanaeshi Mono card pack in thatregion. Currently there is no information on if the same packwill be offered to English version players on day one.

In this online-only title, although players’ gameplaydecisions are saved on Sega’s servers and reflected in apersistent world much like most MMORPGs, every couple ofmonths Sega will end the current season of play and restartthe game anew on a mostly clean slate, to ensure that the topleaderboard players do not hoard their position forever.

Not every single thing in the game is reset, however. Certainplayer possessions, such as their entire collection of itemand monster cards, are carried forward from one season toanother.

When the English Asian version launches on February 1,Japanese players and those from the seven Asian territorieswill be playing on separate servers.

But Sega is open to the idea of connecting the Japaneseservers to the Asian ones, so that players from all territorieswill be able to play from one another. The development teamis considering doing so for the next season of the game,and at the fan meeting event yesterday, Samurai & Dragonsproducer Riichirou Yamada performed an impromptu pollto get some feedback on the thought from Japanese playersin attendance.

“Some of you may prefer to be able to compete with playersfrom outside Japan to see who’s the best in the world, butthere are also players who think that communication withnon-Japanese players may be a problem [due to the languagebarrier and potential differences in game etiquette], so we’dlike to find out what you think,” he asked.

The vast majority of the live audience at the fan meetingassented to the idea of worldwide servers.

However, viewers who were watching a livestream of the fanmeeting at home mostly voted against the idea. One viewercommented that it might not be such a good idea, especiallynow that China-Japan relations are at an all-time low afterJapan’s purchase of the Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands.

Producer Yamada, noted that there was player interest inworldwide servers, but felt that Sega should probably err onthe side of caution.

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

“What we’re going to do for the next season [after seasonthree],” he said, “is to give players the choice of playing onworldwide or Japan-only servers.”

“There’s no reason why there has to be one or the other, sowe’re thinking of offering both choices for the next season.”

There is no set date for when the upcoming season (seasonthree in Japan) will end, but Sega will notify players at leastone month in advance of the actual end date.

Phantasy Star Online 2 forthe PS Vita will featureTrophy supportSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/phantasy-star-online-2-ps-vita-has-

trophies/

By KarbyP on January 28th, 2013

Phantasy Star Online 2 will be the first free-to-play titleon the PlayStation Vita to feature Trophy support; bothSamurai & Dragons and Sony’s Minna to Issho: FriendNetwork (the only two free-to-play games on the Vita at themoment) did not include Trophies.

This wee bit of PSO2 info was revealed yesterday at Sega’sSamurai & Dragons Fan Meeting 2013 event, where thegame’s producer Satoshi Sakai showed off a “complete”extended version of the PSO2 Vita launch trailer shared onthe Net several weeks ago.

On top of Trophies support, the extended trailer alsomentioned three more features exclusive to the PS Vitaversion:

1) Players on the PS Vita version will get first dibs on anupcoming main scenario quest that will introduce a new NPCvoiced by Eri Kitamura. This is exclusive to the Vita versiononly for a limited time; PC players will eventually be able toplay the same quest, shortly after the Vita version’s launch).

2) A character Portrait mode in which you can use the Vita’sback-facing camera to take augmented reality (AR) pictures.

3) On top of having Toro and Kuro as your party memberson quests, there will also be Toro and Kuro-shaped Mags (aMag is a robotic pal that hovers above your shoulders andoccasionally help with combat).

Phantasy Star Online 2 for the PS Vita is slated to be releasedin Japan February 28. Read more about PSO2 here onSGCafe!

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

All of Sega’s 13 consoles, 12arcade boards personifiedin Samurai & Dragonscollaboration card packSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/segas-13-consoles-12-arcade-boards-

personified-in-samurai-and-dragons-collaboration/

By KarbyP on January 27th, 2013

Kei, the illustrator who came up with Hatsune Miku’simage, designed the personified forms of Sega’s 13 consoles.Veteran illustrators in the anime industry, including TotalEclipse character designer Yumiko Hara, will be handlingthe designs for the remaining 12 characters, themed afterSega’s arcade boards.

All 25 characters will be featured as monster cards inSega’s PS Vita free-to-play title, Samurai & Dragons, in twoseparate card packs – one each for the console and arcadehardware-themed characters.

Segakko 13: Yume Kanaeshi Mono

The 13 console characters or Segakko (セセセセ, lit. “Segadaughters”) will head to Samurai & Dragons first, in acollaborative card pack the game’s developer is calling theSegakko 13: Yume Kanaeshi Mono” (セセセセセセセセセセセセセセ)pack.

If “Yume Kanaeshi Mono” sounds familiar to you, that’sbecause a similar phrase was used as the subtitle for Yakuza/

Ryu ga Gotoku 5: Yume Kanaeshi Mono (セセセセ5 セセセセセセ,literally Yakuza 5: Those Who Grant Dreams).

Except, the “Mono” in that other Sega game’s case is writtenas the Kanji “セ”, which refers to human beings, whereas theKanji used in Segakko 13′s case is actually セセ (machines),normally read as “kikai”.

“Are you sure it’s okay to call it that?” one of the hostsat a Samurai & Dragons Fan Meeting event, which waslivestreamed on the Net earlier today, asked the game’sproducer Riichirou Yamada when he announced the pack’sname.

“Yokoyama himself (Masayoshi Yokoyama, scenario writerfor Yakuza 5) suggested it, so it should be alright. As long asNagoshi (Yakuza series producer Toshihiro Nagoshi) doesn’tfind out,” Yamada cheekily replied.

Yamada said that he thought the subtitle was veryappropriate, for he personally believes that consoles aremachines that grant dreams. Or at least, that was the waythe Sega games developer felt back when he was a kid,when his mother bought him his first games console – aSega SC-3000.

The Segakko 13 pack will launch alongside Samurai &Dragons‘s third season of content updates in Japan,beginning February 1.

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

More screencaps from the livestream:

Sega arcade hardware characters

Design work on all of the Sega arcade hardware charactershave not yet been complete, so the Samurai & Dragons team

January 29th, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

10

were only able to share a few details on five of the charactersplanned for this series. From left to right in the pictureabove, you’re looking at:

• Sega System 1, designed by Ryouko Amisaki, whoworked on character designs for TV anime SumomomoMomomo

• NAOMI, by Daisuke Kamei, who did key animationwork for Tiger & Bunny

• Model 2, by Total Eclipse character designer YumikoHara

• Sega System 16, by Ikuma Fujibe who worked onKamisama no Memochou/Heaven’s Memo Pad

• Sega System 12, by Yuko Yamada who worked on TVanime Hakuouki

An English version of Samurai & Dragons will be releasedin Asia sometime in Spring 2013.

The collaboration packs announced today are meant for theJapanese version of the game, and may not apply to theEnglish version.

Namie Amuro teases fanswith a short sample of ‘BigBoys Cry’Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/listen-namie-amuros/

By ellehaym on January 27th, 2013

Namie Amuro, the A-list Japanese R&B singer who’sperforming at the Singapore Indoor Stadium as part ofher Asia Tour 2013, has posted a 13-second sample of herupcoming song Big Boys Cry.

The sample was revealed on her official Facebook pageearlier. You can listen to Big Boys Cry here.

Along with the sample is a short message to her fans:

Thank you very much for all the comments!!

Here is the new song “Big Boys Cry” exclusively onfacebook!!

It’s just a small sample but hope you guys enjoy it!!

######################Official Facebook ########### “Big Boys Cry” #######

############################

Haven’t seen the schedule of her concert? Check out ourprevious post about the Asia Tour dates of Namie Amuro.

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

1

SGCafe : Cosplay | Vocaloid | Otaku | Pop CultureA daily publication about Cosplay, Vocaloid, Otakuand Japanese Pop Culture

J-Live Asia, PuffinEntertainment to presentSCANDAL ASIA TOUR 2013 inSingapore this MarchSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/j-live-asia-puffin-entertainment-

present-scandal-asia-tour-2013-singapore-march/

By sentinel011 on January 31st, 2013

It seems like we are correct! The organizers of J-Live Asia,SOZO, will be bringing in the sensational quartet to performin Singapore as part of their Asia Tour this March.

Much like their solo concert back in 2011, Scandal will beperforming two days in Singapore. As with all previous J-Live Asia concerts, the live performance will be at *SCAPEWarehouse.

Live Details

Session 1:16 March 2013 (Saturday)

Door Open – 6PM, Starts 7PM

Session 2:17 March 2013 (Sunday)

Door Open – 2PM, Starts 3PM

Ticketing details

Ticketing sales will commence from 4 February 2013. Therewill be an early bird discount on all tickets from 4 to 17February, withVIP at $148 and GA at $118. That’s up to $20discount per ticket!

Online: 9AM at SISTIC (4 Feb 2013)Physical: 10AM at SISTIC outlets (4 Feb 2013)

VIP: $168(1 Day)- High-Five with SCANDAL after concert

- Exclusive SCANDAL SG concert poster (A2)

- Premium viewing area – standing

GA: $118(1 Day)- Normal viewing area (behind VIP) – standing

Take note that the concert is a first come, first servedfree standing concert unlike its previous live at La SalleSIA Theatre. There will not be seats allocated for all ticketholders. The organizers will reveal official Live goods soon.

Source: J-Live Asia

Crysis 3 Beta impressionsSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/crysis-3-beta-impressions/

By sentinel011 on January 30th, 2013

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

2

Crysis has struck the hearts of many with the amazing detailfor its time. But will it be able to reinvent itself in terms ofgame play? I managed to test out the PC version of the betatoday to see if the new Hunter mode lives up to its name.

Menu

The beta allows you to dive into the game within two minutesafter launching, one if you have a fast connection and notfumble during your login. Servers are plentiful and speedy,perhaps due to the fact the beta’s just released. Up tothree option add-on parts can be attached to your weapons,though as far as we have tested, we don’t have that option tofiddle with one… yet.

Game Modes

The game has 2 modes, namely the familiar Crash Site andthe new Hunter mode. The two maps, Airport and Museumare of standard Crysis affair – decently sized with loadsof nook and crannies to hide and ambush. And of course,corner.

Right, so Hunter mode. The concept seemed complex but itis actually pretty simple – you have two minutes to kill offall Cell Operatives (if you spawn as a Hunter with a badassone-hit-kill bow) or hold out through these two minutes ifyou are a Cell Operative. You will spawn as a Hunter if youare killed, and so will your other Cell Operative team mates.

The Hunter Bow itself is awesome in itself, and will providea one hit kill to any of your targets, but only if you pullthe Bow long enough to reach maximum tension. And that,needs time. Obviously the Hunters have more pros than conscompared to being a measly Cell Operative. After all, being aHunter is -almost- having cheat codes on. Running withoutany sound and permanently cloaked?

Of course, you must think “Cell Operatives have nochance then.” Armed with only an EMP grenade, and eitheran assault rifle, sniper rifle or shotgun.

Well, for one, working together helps, as the Bow has a‘charge time’ to prepare for its next shot. And after everyshot, the cloaking will flicker, providing you an opening tolob and EMP grenade at the Hunter and overwhelm him withsheer firepower.

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

3

Gathering kills as a Hunter or staying alive as long aspossible (while getting as many kills as possible) is the ruleof the game. There isn’t much lag, but we shall see when thefull version of the game comes out.

Perks and Achievements

Every time you level up or achieve certain criteria, you areawarded with points and perks, as well as increase your level.Pretty much the same as the previous Crysis, but the gamechanger this time are the Challenges.

As you fulfil each Challenge, you get more XP, which in turngives you better abilities as you level up. Be careful, eachChallenge has a match cycle limit, so if you think that theChallenge will remain after 3 multiplayer matches, don’t besurprised if it changes to another by the next match.

While the Hunter mode breathes a fresh outlook to recentFPS games, I feel that the immersion will only be heightenedas levels go higher, with more abilities, perks and weaponadd-on parts to fit your play style.

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

4

Download Crysis 3 Multiplayer Beta from Origin onlineStore now!

Second Thermae Romae filmscheduled for Japan’s GoldenWeek next yearSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/thermae-romae-film-scheduled-

japans-golden-week-year/

By ellehaym on January 30th, 2013

The first film of Thermae Romae garnered huge box officesuccess in Japan last year. And now, it has been announcedthat the film adaptation of the comedy manga by MariYamazaki will receive a sequel scheduled to premiere in nextyear’s Golden Week.

In Thermae Romae II, the main character Lucius getsassigned to do a very challenging task—to erect a thermae(bath house) in the Colosseum. He hits his head in anaccident, causing him to time travel to the modern dayJapan.

The cast from the first film, including the main characterfrom ancient Rome played by Hiroshi Abe, will be returningfor the sequel. Aside from Abe, the ancient Romancharacters will be played by Masachika Ichimura, KazukiKitamura, and Kai Shishido. The Japanese characters, on theother hand, will be played by Aya Ueto, Riki Takeuchi, andTakashi Sasano. The additional cast and details of the moviewill be revealed soon. Once again, the film adaptation will bedirected by Hideki Takeuchi.

Thermae Romae II will be shot in Bulgaria, and this willbe the first ever Japanese movie to be filmed in the saidlocation. The production team also reveals that they will bereconstructing a full-scale Roman colosseum for the movie.

Source: tokyohive

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

5

Accel World: Kasoku noChouten’s latest promo andscreens make a last-minutebid for your hard-earnedmoneySource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/accel-world-kasoku-choutens-latest-

promo-screens-last-minute-bid-hard-earned-money/

By KarbyP on January 30th, 2013

Accel World: Kasoku no Chouten (Apex of Acceleration)comes out tomorrow (January 31) in Japan for thePlayStation 3 and PSP platforms.

Still don’t know if you should pick it up? Here, maybe thislatest promo and these screenshots of the anime series’ladies in swimsuits will help with your indecision.

You’re welcome.

Accel World: Kasoku no Chouten is a sequel Ginyoku noKakusei (Awakening of the Silver Wings), which NamcoBandai Games released last year for the PS3 and PSPplatforms.

If you’re a fan of the Reki Kawahara (also of Sword ArtOnline fame) sci-fi light-novel-turned-anime-turned-gamefranchise who’s familiar with the first game, then you surewouldn’t be a stranger to this second title, which featuresmany of the same gameplay mechanics contained in the first.There will also be plenty of character-focused sidestories, aswell as the usual suite of fanservice events.

The game will also come with a bonus original videoanimation (OVA) episode where the series’ characters visit ahot springs inn.

For more screens from the game, head over to Dengeki andCrunchyroll’s stories (links below).

Accel World: Kasoku no Chouten (アアアアアアアアア ―アアアアア―)for the PS3 and PSP comes out in Japan January 31.

Source: Dengeki [via Crunchyroll]

Hatsune Miku: Project DivaArcade – Songs for February2013 [video]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/hatsune-miku-project-diva-arcade-

songs-february-2013-video/

By KarbyP on January 30th, 2013

Finally, Yume Yume from Hatsune Miku feat. Future StarsProject Mirai (3DS) is coming to Project Diva Arcade!

The three other songs featured in Hatsune Miku: ProjectDiva Arcade’s February songs update are on the rocks (alsofrom Project Mirai), Kipple Industry Inc (brand new to the

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

6

Project Diva series), and The Story of the Girl and Her… (alsonew; was featured in a previous MikuPa concert).

All four songs will be accessible in PDA cabinets in Japanand Asia beginning February 5. Here’s a trailer reel:

Yume Yume / ゆゆゆゆ

Music & Lyrics by DECO*27Illustration by akka

Theme song to Hatsune Miku and Future Stars ProjectMirai, Yume Yume was featured in the Saigo no Miku no HiKanshasai concert held last year on March 9.

For the Project Diva Arcade rendition, Sega is doing anarranged version of the dance motion or choreography forthe song as seen at last year’s concert. The stage backgroundsyou see in the Project Diva Arcade version are based on thosein the opening movie for Project Mirai.

on the rocks

Music & Lyrics by OSTER projectIllustration by IRIASU

The song comes courtesy of OSTER project, who’s saidto be the leading authority on jazz amongst the Vocaloidproducers featured in Sega’s Hatsune Miku games. A songwritten specifically for the 3DS Project Mirai game, on therocks brings out the adult sensibilities that KAITO andMEIKO possess – even more so now that the song’s PV is inHD quality.

Kipple Industry Inc / ゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆ

Music & Lyrics by millstonesIllustration by 2e

Kipple Industry Inc is the first ever Happy Hardcore trackto be feature in the Project Diva series, brought to youby millstones, a Vocaloid music producer who’s worked onmany Drum and Bass and Technopop tracks. This song ismillstones’s debut work in Project Diva.

In creating the accompanying visuals for this song, Sega saysthat they worked hard to try and preserve the same sort ofworld view as seen in Kipple Industry’s original PV when itwas self-published on Nico Video (watch it below), and asdescribed in the song’s lyrics.

To top it off, Sega motion-capped the dance motion for thissong from popular Odottemita! (踊踊踊踊踊 or lit. “I’ve DancedIt”) movie maker Shizuku (踊) for that extra touch of special.The Sega feat. Hatsune Miku Project development teammust really love this song.

The story of the Girl and Her… / ゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆゆ

Music & Lyrics by 踊踊踊踊Illustration by 踊踊踊踊踊

A song that fans have often requested for Sega to add to PDAover on the game’s dedicated online portal Diva.Net.

This song was previously featured in a MikuPa concert (theone held on 8 March 2012, if I’m not mistaken). MarzaAnimation Planet’s Hideyuki Kinoshita (random fun fact:Kinoshita worked on Dead or Alive 4, too) worked on thedance motion/choreography for the song back then, andSega is getting him to do a re-arranged version of the dancemotion for the Project Diva Arcade’s PV.

Special thanks to SGCafe reader Pineapplepen for tippingus off!

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

7

Far Cry 3 exclusive for thePS3: ‘High Tides’ DLCSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/cry-3-exclusive-ps3-high-tides-dlc/

By ellehaym on January 30th, 2013

Games publisher Ubisoft has announced their latest DLCoffering for your Far Cry 3 game: the “High Tides” DLC pack.This additional co-op mission is available for free on yourPS3.

So what’s in store for players in this PS3 exclusive? Here’show the co-op mission goes: Four survivors were capturedby Hoyt’s privateers. Find a way to escape with your friendsfrom the underground prison and get away from the islandof insane pirates and native rebels.

Aside from this co-op mission, players will also get four newcharacter skins. Get this latest DLC from the PlayStationStore today!

If you haven’t purchased the game, now is the time to do so.You might even get your hands on Far Cry 3’s special poloshirt giveaway (available until supplies run out).

Still not sure whether to pick up this game or not? ReadSGCafe’s Far Cry 3 review.

One Piece Film Z — a verticalslice that hits all the highnotes [Movie Review]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/one-piece-film-z-movie-review/

By KarbyP on January 30th, 2013

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

8

You do not need to be an active follower of Eiichirou Oda’sOne Piece manga and anime series to have a blast with OnePiece Film Z.

Not only does Toei Animation’s latest anime movieintroduces amply the franchise’s world and key characters tofirst-time viewers, but the movie is really about the life storyof Zephyr (who calls himself “Z” now, pronounced as “Zed”),a new character who was only recently introduced to theanime series as a lead-in to the self-sufficient film.

Formally a top marine admiral, Z now bears deeply seededhatred for the Marines. Despite having been a loyalist andtrusted comrade in the Marines Corp, for a very sane andlogical reason that will be revealed at the 108-minute flick’shalfway point, Z was eventually left disenchanted with theforce and chose to leave along with his left and right-handassistants: Ain and Binz.

Like Zephyr himself, both Ain and Binz are new characterswhose powers will be explained shortly after the start ofthe movie. Ain’s ability (the female character you see inthe image below), in particular, poses a peculiar problemto four members of the Straw Hats Pirates crew – Nami,Robin, Chopper, and Brooks – that serves as a running gagthroughout the film.

Together, the three and their crew are now the Marines’ topthreat to eliminate, and at the start of the movie we see Zand his men storming into a marine base to steal a controlledweapon: DynaStone, an explosive resource so powerful thatit can destroy entire islands.

But Z doesn’t just hate the Marines. He strongly hates piratestoo – more so than his former allies, in fact. Back when hewas serving in the force, one of them pirates did cut off hisleft arm, after all, which led to marine scientists replacingit with a gigantic bionic arm made out of seastone – thesame sort of material the Marines use to make jail cells andhandcuffs.

Seastone apparently emits the same energy wavelength thatthe ocean does, and so Devil Fruit users are weak to thisstuff, as evidenced in the movie when protagonist MonkeyD. Luffy attempts to rescue Z, whom the Straw Hats piratesfind drifting in the middle of the ocean.

When Luffy, the user of the Gomu Gomu no Mi Devil Fruitwhich makes his body elastic like rubber, stretches out hisarm to grab ahold of Z’s bionic attachment and to reel him inwith, our hero feels his life energy getting sucked out of him,as if he were left to drown in the ocean.

Coupled with his many years of experience fightingtreacherous pirates, Z’s seastone bionic arm makes him aformidable adversary for our hero Luffy. After Luffy and

gang nurse Z backs to health, an epic battle breaks outaboard the crew’s Thousand Sunny ship. The Straw HatPirates suffer a quick defeat, but manages to make a narrowescape in time.

In the battle’s aftermath, Tony Tony Chopper (the crew’sdoctor and lovable human-reindeer hybrid) blames himselffor wanting to stick to his principles as a doctor and nurseZ back to health, even though everyone suspected Z to be adangerous adversary, since he’s wielding a seastone weapon.The crew tells Chopper not to think that way, and that aspirates who do whatever the hell they want, it is importantfor them to stick to their principles.

Besides, unbeknownst to the Straw Hat Pirates, had they notencountered Z, then the entire world of One Piece, as fansknow it, might just end, should the almighty Marines fail toput a halt to Z’s ambitions.

Without giving any plot details away, let’s just say that itis actually Luffy and gang’s great fortune to have suffereddefeat under the hands of Z.

It is also Singapore’s great fortune to have One Piece FilmZ shown here in our cinemas. For One Piece Film Z is therare type of anime movie that doesn’t simply pander to itstarget audience’s tastes, but is actually intelligent and funnyenough that even adults and non-fans will find themselveslaughing out loud, instead of groaning at terribly lame punsor cheesy plot twists.

Any friends or family members that you drag into watchingthis film with you will come out of it thinking differentlyabout anime, if they weren’t already fond of it to begin with.

They’ll especially love Tony Tony Chopper’s child-likenaivete (at one point Chopper attaches his milk bottle tohis left paw in an attempt to mimic Z), and Brook the re-

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

9

animated skeleton’s role as comic relief: in one scene whereour heroes head off to the hot springs, Brook comments thathe’s been soaking in the hot springs for so long that “hisbones are leaking” (in Japanese he says, literally, “soup iscoming out of me”).

There’s plenty of action and fanservice here too. Luffyand his Straw Hats Pirates undergo through no less thantwo wardrobe changes (three sets of costumes). Marinescharacters who do not have speaking roles appear in thebackground during various scenes at the navy’s HQ.

Also, the One Piece anime and manga series are known forthe often creative ways that intense battles are portrayed,and Toei Animation does not disappoint here.

Battles in other Shounen Manga shows can often be distilleddown to the following boring premise: characters A and Bspam each other with all of their special attacks, in order ofincreasing power, until one of them gets blown away.

Personally, I’ve felt that that’s never been the case withthe One Piece series, in which characters often fight whilemaking terrific use of their environments and rely on good ol’ hand-to-hand combat (or sword-to-sword, gun-to-gun, etc),before bringing out their special attacks only in situationsthat truly call for it. In that sense, One Piece Film Z doesn’tdisappoint as well.

There are also a few touching and awe-inspiring momentsin One Piece Film Z as well. For instance, prepare to beawestruck when Luffy and gang receives from an old manthe “Ultimate Weapon” to combat Z with.

Although the One Piece series is known for its numerousheartfelt moments, unfortunately this time around thereweren’t really any powerful scenes that elicit a tear-jerkerresponse the same way the Ash-Ketchum-turning-into-stone moment in the first Pokemon movie did; everyone I’vetalked to who watched that movie said they teared up as theywatched Pikachu cry out desperately to a petrified Ketchum,the imagery akin to that of a young kid not understandingthe concept of death and how to deal with the going-away ofa loved one.

The most emotionally powerful moment in the film comesfrom a brief moment where an old illustration – of Red-Haired Shanks putting a straw hat on a young, crying Luffy– is flashed on the screen for about three seconds. Theillustration’s effect was amplified by the context behind it inthe movie, and I was close to tearing up at that point. But didit impress me? No, this is rehashing old material.

Apart from that, I only have two other minor gripes for thisotherwise fantastic movie.

First, for some reason throughout the film there are a coupleof weird, non-sequitur moments – like Luffy suddenlystopping between one fight and the next to eat a giant chunkof meat, or Z gazing solemnly at a capsule of DynaStone for agood 15 seconds or so – that completely stops the flow of themovie and might even turn your mind off for a short while.

It certainly did for me – it was as if I was having an out-of-body experience where my inner conscience drifted allthe way to Toei Animation to scream at One Piece Film Z’sdirector Tatsuya Nagamine: “why the hell are you showingme this, get on with the movie, damnit!” (Oh, but what do Iknow about anime? Absolutely nothing; I am nobody but ahumble anime fan).

The second is that, despite doing a good job of explainingevery single important detail to first-time viewers in thesimplest way possible (who is Nami? She is a navigator.What is Brook’s power? Ice thingie. What’s Luffy’s GearSecond form? Oh, he accelerates the flow of his blood topower up. What’s the meaning behind the name change fromZephyr to Z? Find out in the movie), the film never attemptsto explain what’s going on in one particular fight scene wherethe combatants’ arms suddenly turn black.

I had to find out after the movie that this was called“Busoshoku: Koka” or “Armament: Hardening” which, inall fairness, is really difficult to explain – basically certaincharacters are able to manipulate spiritual energy intocoating their arms black, like a steel weapon.

But if you’re already very familiar with the source material tobegin with, then One Piece Film Z is an absolute no-brainer:you have to watch this.

And bring a few friends along to the movie with you. Whoknows, you might turn them into newly-converted One Piecefans.

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

10

It’s really difficult for any anime or manga fan to try andread or watch the One Piece manga and anime series fromstart to its latest development – the series is up to volume 68(manga) and 500-something episodes (anime) now.

So consider One Piece Film Z a vertical slice of the long-running series. One that hits all the high notes.

Here’s hoping that Toei Animation will succeed in bringingthe movie out to not just Asia, but also the Americas, Europe,and the rest of the world.

For even for movie-goers who know absolutely nothingabout One Piece, it’s still incredibly funny to watch a petitereindeer-human attach a milk bottle to his paw and pretendhe’s Bionic Commando (pew, pew!).

ONE PIECE FILM Z will be opening at all Cathay Cineplexesstarting 21 February 2013. Sneak peeks will also be held onJanuary 31 to February 3.

Movie-goers who pre-purchase their tickets are entitled toOne Piece Film Z premiums, the contents of which differdepending on the date of ticket-collection.

Jpop duo ClariS receives anupdated character illustrationfrom Hiro KanzakiSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/jpop-duo-claris-receives-updated-

character-illustration-hiro-kanzaki/

By ellehaym on January 30th, 2013

Japanese idol unit ClariS will be performing the OP songentitled reunion for the second season of Ore no Imoutoga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai (a.k.a. Oreimo). For thealbum cover art of the new single, Hiro Kanzaki provides anew illustration for the Jpop duo.

The new character illustration was posted on the officialwebsite of ClariS. Kanzaki, the character designer of Oreimo,had previously provided illustrations for Jpop idol unit,which includes their debut single Irony (Oreimo’s firstseason OP theme).

The new illustration features new outfits for the duo, with aslightly altered hairstyle for Clara.

Kanzaki’s illustration for ClariS’ single Irony:

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

11

ClariS’ new single, reunion, will be out in Japan on April 17.

Source: Crunchyroll

xxxHoLiC themed cafe inShibuyaSource: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/xxxholic-themed-cafe-shibuya/

By weiq on January 30th, 2013

Welcome message from Clamp.

As we had reported on the xxxHoLiC themed cafe, which hadopened on the 21st of this month, here are some latest photosreleased by Kodansha’s Young Magazine.

Part of the cafe, with artworks from the manga series.

Beautiful replica from the live-action series.

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

12

One of Yuko’s costume from the live-action series.

And the mouth-watering special menu, which is onlyavailable for the duration of the themed cafe.

Special menu.Top: nerikiri (bean paste sweet) & “snow bunny,” strawberrychiffon cake, xxxHOLiC honey toast.

Bottom: coasters, fondant chocolat, banana pancakes

Close-up shot of the special menu and the six limited originalcoasters, which are only available with orders from thespecial menu.

xxxHOLiC honey toast, with Yuko’s iconic butterfly and theblack Mokona, Larg.

In a corner at the nearby Shibuya Tsutaya shop, in additionto offering a sneak preview of various scenes of the live-action series, the shop also displayed the costume of YukoIchihara.

January 31st, 2013 Published by: VR-Zone

13

Display of Yuko’s costume and various scenes from theseries.

Close-up of Yuko’s costume.

The themed cafe will be held until 3rd March, while thedrama corner at Shibuya Tsutaya will be from 28th Januaryto 28th February. For more information and updates on thecafe and drama corner, you can follow the links below.

source: kc.kodansha.co.jp, twitter/xxxHOLiCcafe

Project Diva Arcadecelebrates Megurine Luka’sbirthday with a medley of hersongs [VIDEO]Source: http://sgcafe.com/2013/01/project-diva-arcade-celebrates-

megurine-lukas-birthday-medley-songs-video/

By ellehaym on January 30th, 2013

It’s Megurine Luka’s birthday today!

In celebration of the pink-haired virtual idol’s birthday,Project Diva Arcade has released a video the features amedley of her songs. In case you’re wondering, MegurineLuka was originally released by Crypton Future Media onJanuary 30, 2009.

Enjoy the 6-minute video prepared by Sega for the digitaldiva and her fans:

The songs included in this video are as follows:

• Hoshikuzu Utopia: music and lyrics by otetsu

• Meiteki Cybernetics: music and lyrics by otetsu

• Just Be Friends: music and lyrics by Dixie Flatline

• Colorful x Sexy (sung with Meiko): music and lyrics byTeam Moer

• Magnet (sung with Hatsune Miku): music and lyrics byminato

• Iya Iya Seijin: music and lyrics by Iyaiya-P

• Luka Luka Night Fever: music and lyrics by samfree

• Hanama Tsukiuta Tan: music and lyrics by Hoskey,Yukie Dong

• Double Lariat: music and lyrics by Agoaniki

• Leia by: music and lyrics Yukiyuppe

• Palette: music and lyrics by Yukiyuppe, meola

• World’s End Dancehall (sung with Hatsune Miku):music and lyrics by wowaka

• No Logic: music and lyrics by JimmyThumb-P

The video also includes an announcement of a new songfor the arcade game to be added this spring: Black Gold byotetsu.