Latest news with #Mononoke
SoraNews24
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Ghibli Park after dark – anime theme park to stay open at night on special dates this summer
A rare chance to visit Ghibli Park after sundown. There are a lot of ways Ghibli Park isn't like other theme parks. The focus is on atmosphere and artistry, not rides and parades. Attendance is capped to keep the mood relaxed and peaceful. And when the sun goes down, everyone goes home, since Ghibli Park shuts down at 5 p.m. At least, it usually shuts down at 5 p.m. Ghibli Park is making an exception this summer, though, in connection with the Night Fantasy event being held at Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, the park in which Ghibli Park is located. On the first three Saturdays of August, August 2, 9, and 16, Ghibli Park will be open until 8 p.m., giving anime fans the chance to enjoy the facility after sundown, which should make for an even more immersive-feeling experience. Ghibli Park is composed of five separate areas, three of which will be open on the special nights: Mononoke Village (based on the world of Princess Mononoke ), Valley of Witches (with locations from Howl's Moving Castle , Kiki's Delivery Service , and Earwig and the Witch ), and Ghibli's Grand Warehouse (a museum-like collection of Ghibli art, statues, and exhibits that also houses the theater which screens Studio Ghibli's short anime films). Admission to Ghibli's Grand Warehouse is organized into entrance-time blocks, so for the extended-hour days 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. blocks are being added, while entry gates to Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches will be open until 7:30 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance for all days at Ghibli Park, and reservations for August can be made starting June 10 at 2 p.m. online here. Meanwhile, if you're looking for spookier after-dark theme park options this summer, don't forget about the bloody zombie outbreak happening at Hello Kitty's Puroland amusement park. Source: Ghibli Park via Ghibli no Sekai Top image: Studio Ghibli Insert image: Ghibli Park ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Will stop watching': Anime fans express concern as One Piece animation studio plans to adopt AI in production
Reports that Toei Animation, the well-known studio behind One Piece, Dragon Ball, and other classic series, intends to integrate artificial intelligence into various phases of its animation production have sent anime enthusiasts on the internet into a panic. Following its investment in Preferred Networks (PFN), which is said to have "top-level AI technology competence in Japan," further information about Toei Animation's AI ambitions has surfaced. "We will seek to co-develop new business opportunities and improve the efficiency and quality of our production, capitalizing on synergies between AI and animation production technologies," Toei Animation stated in the FY2026 forecast section of its FY2025 financial report. Anime fans upset as One Piece animation studio plans to adopt AI in production The news was shared with fans on Reddit by a social media user and while some people expected it, others felt that the animation studio will have its downfall. One wrote, 'It's pretty hard not to feel like this is coming for the entire industry piece by piece. Will be interesting to see how much human hand there still is in anime 10 years from now.' Another added ' It's funny. I remember Miyazaki during the time of Princess Mononoke was pretty disappointed that computers couldn't handle things like in-betweens (he found it boring and tedious).' A third went on to add, 'Get ready, this is what the future of anime looks like.' Anime made by Toei animation studio Toei Animation stands as one of Japan's most historic and influential animation studios, with a legacy of producing many legendary anime titles. Among its flagship creations are Dragon Ball (1986), Dragon Ball Z (1989), and Dragon Ball Super (2015), which together make up one of the most iconic franchises in anime history. The studio also produces One Piece (1999–present), a record-breaking and widely cherished series. Other timeless titles from Toei's extensive catalog include Sailor Moon (1992), Saint Seiya (1986), Digimon Adventure (1999), Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken, 1984), GeGeGe no Kitarō (first aired in 1968 with several remakes), and Dr. Slump (1981). For those who don't know, Toei Animation has already experimented with producing anime with AI support. In 2021, it collaborated with PFN to convert photo backgrounds into anime backgrounds for an experimental short film using PFN's Scenify technology.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mononoke Movie 2, All You Need Is Kill Anime, Nightmare Bugs
Mononoke Movie 2, All You Need Is Kill Anime, Nightmare Bugs – premiering in 2025(credit- IMDb) The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for anime fans worldwide, with some of the most highly anticipated anime films set to debut internationally. Among the standout titles making their global premieres are Mononoke: The Ashes of Rage , the first-ever anime adaptation of All You Need Is Kill, and Nightmare Bugs, a unique re-edited horror anime feature. These premieres will deliver a mix of supernatural intrigue, sci-fi thrills, and dark, psychological horror that is sure to captivate anime enthusiasts everywhere. Mononoke Movie 2: The ashes of rage – A dark supernatural sequel Mononoke Movie credit- IMDb One of the most exciting premieres in 2025 is the second film in the Mononoke movie trilogy, Mononoke : The Ashes of Rage. Picking up where its predecessor left off, this new chapter follows the mysterious Medicine Seller as he continues his investigation into spirits born from human suffering and emotional turmoil. The original Mononoke series, which debuted in 2007, earned a cult following due to its striking art style and deep, psychological storytelling. The new trilogy ramps up the intensity, with updated animation and a darker, more gripping tone. Fans of the original series can dive back into this hauntingly beautiful world, and newcomers will find themselves immersed in a unique supernatural experience. The first film, Mononoke: Phantom in the Rain, is currently available for streaming on Netflix US, and the final chapter, Mononoke: Hebigami, is slated for a 2026 release. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sulawesi Selatan: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo All You Need Is Kill Anime – A fresh take on a Sci-Fi classic All You Need Is Kill (credit- IMDb) If you're a fan of mind-bending sci-fi, the All You Need Is Kill anime is an absolute must-see. Based on the hit light novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, this story inspired the blockbuster Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. The anime adaptation brings a fresh perspective on the time-loop saga, directed by Kenichiro Akimoto and produced by the renowned STUDIO4°C (known for works like Children of the Sea and Tekkonkinkreet). The anime follows Keiji Kiriya, a soldier trapped in a time loop during an all-out war against alien invaders known as Mimics. Each time Keiji dies, he resets the day, learning new ways to survive with every cycle. The story deepens as Keiji teams up with Rita Vrataski, a legendary soldier who has also been ensnared in the time loop. Expect intense action, emotional depth, and an epic sci-fi adventure that will hook both fans of the novel and the movie alike. Nightmare Bugs – A re-edited horror double feature Nightmare Bugs (credit- Annecy) For fans of psychological horror, Nightmare Bugs brings an intense re-edit of two underground horror anime films: Aragne: Sign of Vermilion and The Feast of Amrita. Directed by Saku Sakamoto, these films explore the terrifying side of human nature, blending urban horror with supernatural entities in chilling and thought-provoking ways. This special re-edited version of Nightmare Bugs features 60 revised shots, providing an enhanced viewing experience with new visual elements. Both films have previously been shown at prestigious international film festivals, including Fantasia in Canada and the Philip K. Dick Film Festival in the U.S., but this re-edited version will be the first time the two films are shown together as a single feature. If you're a fan of deeply atmospheric, psychological horror anime, Nightmare Bugs will deliver the creeps you crave. Why Annecy 2025 is a Must-Attend for Anime Fans The Annecy International Animation Film Festival continues to serve as a key platform for showcasing innovative animation. Annecy 2025 presents a unique opportunity to discover highly anticipated anime releases, including Mononoke Movie 2, the anime adaptation of All You Need Is Kill, and the Nightmare Bugs re-edit. These films represent a wide range of anime genres, from supernatural thrillers and sci-fi to psychological horror. With streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and HIDIVE increasing access to anime globally, Annecy 2025 allows audiences to experience these upcoming films before they make their way to the small screen. It is a chance to see the latest in anime and be part of the global conversation surrounding these groundbreaking releases.
SoraNews24
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Glow-in-the-dark forest creatures bring a smile to your dial at all times of the day and night. Studio Ghibli has a wide roster of star characters with speaking roles to take us on magical journeys through their fantastical worlds, but some of the most charming characters don't say anything at all. That's the appeal of the forest spirits from Princess Mononoke, who glow in the dark as they scamper across the rocks and trees, watching the action play out with their giant eyes as their wobbling heads emit wooden clacks that echo through the landscape. There's something intrinsically charming about these mysterious creatures, and now they're ready to bring their light into your home. There are four to collect in the series, starting with the 'Little Kodama', who keeps an eye on you from a cross-legged seating position. ▼ The gaze of the little figurine appears different, depending on the angle you view it from. ▼ And when the lights go out, the kodama will glow in the dark, giving it a mysterious aura. ▼ The next figurine in the collection is the 'Walking Kodama'. The position of the head and pose of the body has been beautifully crafted, giving it a sense of life and movement. ▼ Setting the kodama out in the great outdoors makes it look even more life-like. ▼ Like the others, this one glows in the dark too. ▼ Next up, we have the 'Plump Kodama'. ▼ The pose on this figure has also been beautifully crafted, making it look as if it really is running. You'll want to keep an eye on this one to make sure it doesn't run away from you in the dark. ▼ Finally, we have the 'Ride-on Kodama'. This sweet pairing sees an extra small kodama riding on the head of a taller kodama. From some angles, the taller kodama looks as if it's got its eye on its destination while at other times it looks like it's looking up at its ride-on companion. These kodama figurines are palm-sized and weigh about 100 grams (3.5 ounces), making them suitable for all sorts of nooks and crannies around your home. They're just as suitable for setting up in a pot plant or garden, although you might want to make sure they're sheltered from the elements to keep them looking their best. ▼ Who knows what adventures they'll get up to when you're not looking? The Princess Mononoke Kodama Figurine collection is now available to purchase at Donguri Kyowakoku stores and online, thanks to a recent restock, with each one priced at 4,070 yen (US$28.36). Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3, 4) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tokyo Weekender
23-04-2025
- Science
- Tokyo Weekender
Rocket Launch Sites in Japan: A Guide to the Country's Aerospace Facilities
Japan is a country renowned for its technological advancements. It nurtures a state-of-the-art robotics industry, boasts high-tech R&D facilities and pursues innovative AI applications. It's also home to one of the world's leading space agencies: JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. To support JAXA's mission, the country has several sites associated with rocket launches and space development — and they're open to tourists! These fascinating sites offer travelers a mesmerizing look at Japan's space program and, if luck is on your side — or careful planning combined with cooperative weather conditions — a chance to observe an actual rocket being launched into orbit or beyond. If this sounds like an exhilarating addition to your itinerary, read on! What follows is a list of Japan's main launch sites and everything you need to know about them. List of Contents: Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) Uchinoura Space Center (USC) Noshiro Rocket Testing Center (NRTC) Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO) General Tips for Seeing Rocket Launches in Japan Related Posts Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) Location: Tanegashima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture (approximately 40 kilometers south of the Kyushu mainland) Facility Overview Tanegashima Space Center has been making headlines in recent months, with its successful launch of a cutting-edge navigation satellite in February 2025. The space center is Japan's primary and largest spaceport, with a total area of around 9.7 million square meters. The center features facilities for satellite assembly, launch vehicle testing, launching and tracking, including the Yoshinobu Launch Complex, a launch site for large-size rockets, and the Takesaki Range Control Center, located about 3 kilometers from the launch site and described as the 'brain' for rocket launch operations. One of the highlights of TNSC is the Space Science and Technology Museum, a free museum where visitors can learn about space development through exhibits, life-size models and games. Topics covered include rockets, satellites and the International Space Station. Don't miss the full-scale models of the N-I and H-II launch vehicles outside the museum. Not surprisingly, these models are a popular spot for photos. Rocket Launch Observation As the primary site for launching larger rockets in Japan, TNSC has some pretty major launch events. On launch days, the space center and a 3-kilometer radius around the launchpad become a no-go zone, but the town of Minamitane has designated viewing areas where visitors to the island can safely observe launches, complete with JAXA's audio countdown. In addition, some hotels and other spots on the island offer views of launches from a distance. Rocket launches can also be seen from the east side of the neighboring island of Yakushima, famous for its thousand-year-old Japanese cedar trees and as an inspiration for Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke . Uchinoura Space Center (USC) Location: Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Prefecture Facility Overview Though a smaller space launch facility compared to Tanegashima Space Center, Uchinoura Space Center is historically significant as the launch site of Japan's first artificial satellite, Ohsumi, in 1970. It's primarily used for launching scientific satellites and sounding rockets, particularly the Epsilon series of launch vehicles, a rocket designed, according to the JAXA website , to 'lower the threshold to space hitherto regarded as 'special' and to usher in an age in which everyone can make active use of space.' Over the years, USC has launched more than 400 rockets and 30 satellites and probes, including the M-V rocket that launched the Hayabusa explorer, the first spacecraft to land on and take off from an asteroid. Explore the work pursued at the center at the on-site Space Science Museum. Open throughout the year save launch days and maintenance days, the museum features displays on rockets, satellite models, prototypes, test products and scientific instruments, plus a model of the M Rocket Assembly Building. Rocket Launch Observation USC launches smaller rockets and satellites, but that doesn't lessen the thrill. Though the facility has partial restrictions on launch days, an observation deck is open to the public for viewing launch experiments. Information on viewing areas is usually provided by JAXA and local authorities closer to launch dates. For a general introduction to viewing areas (plus other space-related facilities to explore), check out the Kimotsuki Tourism Association's website , where you'll find information on several viewing spots, including a beach from which Tanegashima launches are also visible. If organizing a trip, keep in mind that only one of Kimotsuki's launch-viewing areas — IHI Spaceport Uchinoura — provides a view of the launch pad. Courtesy of JAXA Noshiro Rocket Testing Center (NRTC) Location: Noshiro, Akita Prefecture Facility Overview Located on a long, narrow strip of land facing the Sea of Japan, the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center was established in 1962 to conduct various tests necessary for developing rockets launched from the Uchinoura Space Center. Static firing tests are conducted at the center, as well as various other research and development, including reusable vehicle testing. An on-site exhibition hall with free entry is open to the public on weekdays. There, visitors can learn about the center's various activities. The NRTC also offers 40-minute tours of the facilities, but note that reservations are required. Rocket Launch Observation The NRTC is primarily a testing facility, so opportunities to see actual launches of full rockets are rare. However, you might be able to observe static firing tests depending on the schedule and public access. Check the JAXA NRTC website for visitor and event information. Courtesy of Hokkaido Spaceport Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO) Location: Taiki, Hokkaido Facility Overview Hokkaido Spaceport is a privately operated commercial spaceport — Asia's first. It primarily works with universities and businesses like Interstellar Technologies, a private spaceflight company, but it also works with government agencies, including JAXA. The spaceport supports both vertical and horizontal launches and features rocket launch sites, test sites, hangars and a 1,300-meter runway. A fairly new center — though parts have existed since 1995 — HOSPO is still expanding, and it plans to build complexes for orbital launch vehicles and extend its runway to potentially accommodate spaceplane take-off and landing tests. HOSPO, which began full-scale operations in 2021, is an expansion of the Taiki Multi-Purpose Aerospace Park, a facility that houses JAXA's Taiki Aerospace Research Field. This facility is used for aerospace experiments, including high-altitude balloon launches. HOSPO is also home to Taiki Space Community Center Sora, an exhibition facility showcasing the town of Taiki's connection to the aerospace industry. The center, open from April to November, also displays small rockets, mock-ups of Interstellar Technologies' Momo sounding rocket, experimental equipment used by JAXA and more. Rocket Launch Observation HOSPO launched its first rockets in July 2021. As the spaceport develops, there will likely be more opportunities to witness launches from this site. Information on viewing areas will be made available by Space Cotan (HOSPO's operating company) and local authorities. General Tips for Seeing Rocket Launches in Japan Check the JAXA website JAXA's official website provides schedules (though these are subject to change), information on launch vehicles and sometimes details about public viewing areas. Contact Local Tourism Boards The tourism organizations in the areas surrounding the launch sites, such as Minamitane on Tanegashima Island, often have the most up-to-date information on viewing spots and special arrangements. Be Prepared for Changes Rocket launch schedules are subject to weather conditions and technical issues, so be flexible with your plans. Arrive Early Viewing spots can get crowded, especially for major launches, and some limit the number of entrants. Bring Appropriate Gear Depending on the location and time of year, you might need sunscreen, hats, layers of clothing, binoculars or other attire and accessories. An absolute must, of course, is your camera. Respect Local Regulations Follow any instructions from JAXA staff or local authorities regarding restricted areas and safety guidelines. While seeing an actual rocket launch requires careful planning and more than a little luck, just visiting the space centers and their museums offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's space program and, in the case of HOSPO, the private aerospace industry. There's no better way to discover the ever-evolving world of rocket science. Related Posts 4 Reasons to Visit Tanegashima, Kagoshima Prefecture 'In Space We're All Equal': Former JAXA Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki Talks Equality, Global Challenges We Must Overcome Together Japan Lands on the Moon
