I never thought this day will come. Actually, I knew it would, I just didn’t want for it to happen. Japanese pop culture, including music, anime and manga, has, in the last few years, been increasing like a pile of Persian dead. And when some things get hyped, it is obvious that the internetz *will* host them, one way or the other. Mostly, illegal versions. Up until now, Japanese anime producers had an unwritten deal with the fan-subbing groups - they would keep their eyes closed at the free, yet unauthorized online distribution, until the respective show was licensed. In the same line of events, the fan-subbers would stop their work if the show got licensed. Up until now, only American distributors were known to take legal action against such things, but it seems that, sadly, Japan is starting to do the same.

So what is exactly happening? First and foremost, Japan has revised its laws about downloading stuff via the almighty internetz. From what we understand, so far it was somewhat legal to own such stuff only for personal use, but from now on, that will not suffice anymore. Officials are trying to “fix” this, oh yes they are. A bit later, after just a few days, Gonzo sent a kind note to Shinsen-Subs (one of the better fun-subbing groups out there), asking them to GTFO and stop subbing their not yet licenced Romeo X Juliet. Or else.

Ok so this is the first time EVER that a Japanese producer takes such an action against fan-subs. Can someone please expain to me what the fuck is going on here? Romeo X Juliet? I need that subbed DAMN IT! NOW!

Thanks Anime UK News for ruining my day with this news, I’m now a sad pedo-panda.

Are you waking around with your bare feet? No problem, we can fix it. Not we, exactly, but Viz Media and T.U.K. Shoes, who seem to have teamed up for yet another wacky idea - Bleach street shoes.

These babies will be available in a limited edition, and will be purchasable only through VIZ Media's online store, which you little pedos can reach here. Not too cheap, nor too expensive, the shoes will hit a retail price of 65 USD, and can already be pre-ordered from the said site. They will be delivered to customers somewhere in February. Next year, obviously.

So if you love your Bleach and you need a new pair of shoes, you know where to go now. And you can also find the full press release over at ComiPress.

And since it is almost Caturday, I am willing to share with you this awesome cat video.


http://view.break.com/378425 - Watch more free videos
You did know we have a thing for cats, right? I, personally, have about 5 of them.

What an interesting turn of events this is. Not only did Geneon close its G-Spot, not only did they make a deal with ADV for anime distribution in the old U.S. of A. (which ended in massive fail, right after Geneon suddenly turned a bunch of people into unemployed people), and now, after all this, Geneon of America is officially informing its retailers that they are quitting the anime business. Just like that. Starting September 28, they ceased all of their production, sales, distribution, and all the other bullshit they were doing, also canceling all the titles that were supposed to be released in U.S.A.

This strangely smells to me like an EA takeover. Just like they did with the poor fellows over at Westwood. Maybe ADV had something to do with all this?

Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution is the next crappy thing that Nintendo is planning for their casual (and not so crappy) Wii console. The game will be hitting the shelves on October 27 (that is, if they don't delay it, like all producers tend to, nowadays) - but it will hit with a blast, more precisely with a Ramen eating contest. Even more precisely, we will witness the first ever to be made Ramen Noodle Major League Eating Contest, which will be held at the Nintendo World Store, New York City's Rockerfeller Plaza. Of course, they will also hold some insignificant gaming tournaments, but we don't care about those. Unless it's World of Warcraft and it involves some Lilium Loot.

Some more details about this event can be spotted on ANN.

Ask not how I got my trembling hands on these here pictures, and ask not what the hell I was doing on that website in the first place. Such irrelevant thoughts will soon perish, once you feast your eyes on the hottest Suzumiya Haruhi cosplaying photos ever. Yes, I know, it's no Yuki, or even Mikuru, but you won't hear me complain! Not when I got my hands full of...


... tissues.

P.S. It just so happens that we have a new Haruhistic trailer up on chibi-kun, for the upcoming PSP game Suzumiya Haruhi no Yakusoku (The Promise of Haruhi Suzumiya).

Not even a year has passed since Geneon was teasing us to touch the G-Spot and join their online fanclub, and now they're about to close it shut. This morning we received an e-mail in which Geneon's Chad Kime informs us that they "will be closing the Geneon Spot as part of the restructuring of Geneon USA business". You know, that "ADV + Geneon = Love" deal from a little while ago?

Well, by now fans can no longer order animes and other stuff from Geneon, but to ease their pain (and give them a flicker of hope), the company's big boss, Eiji Orii sends along this following letter: (...)

 Continue reading 'Geneon Closes The G-Spot'...

The autumn season of animes is really kicking into gear this month. While waiting for the likes of Kodomo no Jikan, Genshiken 2, Shakugan no Shana 2 and some others beggining in October, we pause to bring you another round of juicy loli-tops. For our loli of the month, we have Chi-chan from Ichigo Mashimaro's loli-quartet. A weird choice for many of you, I'm sure, but hey: let me enjoy my obsession on the front page for one month, kkthx. And maybe you'll enjoy her pictures too, especially when hugged by Miu-chan... over and over again. The perfect pedobait, if I may say so myself.

Chika also takes a spot in this month's top, which aims to elect "The cutest little sister" in an anime. An arduous task, to say the least, as there were plenty more imoutos moaning and begging with tears to include them, and I do feel sorry for not being able to squeeze in there one in particular - Asu from Binbou Shimai Monogatari. Anyone who would have rather voted her, blame my pedo comrade, for he was not a generous god this time. And finally, just out of curiosity, what's your "Beverage of choice while watching animes?"

glumbert - Weird Thursday: If you're going to play the race card, play both sides

I want them to be white, too.

*munch munch*