Otakon 2006

Kadokawa Shoten

Representative: Takashi Sakuda

A representative from Kadokawa spoke to a small but eager audience Saturday afternoon about the company and what they've done. Among the many anime and manga properties that they've produced or published in the past, like Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, and Full Metal Panic!, they've also handled many live-action properties like The Ring franchise and Dark Water. He then showed a clip introducing the company, one of the largest production and publishing companies in the Japanese entertainment industry.

Amongst their accomplishments, Kadokawa is well known for their film and television adaptations of books and manga, as well as many successful film remakes, print publications, and video games.

Sakuda then talked briefly about their most recent titles, like Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid, licensed for release in North America by Funimation. He then chatted about The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, a title which was greeted with loud cheers by the audience. Sakuda also talked about The Third, a 24-episode action series with sci-fi elements set in the future after the end of an interplanetary war, as well as Guyver, licensed for North American release by ADV Films. He also talked about The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo), a film animated by Madhouse.

Another title being produced by Kadokawa is TANK S.W.A.T. 01, a 30-minute short based on Masamune Shirow's “Dominion.” It is animated in full 3D and directed by Romanov Higa.

Afterwards, he showed trailer reels for the above-mentioned titles, including a five-minute dubbed teaser of Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid.

Other titles being produced by Kadokawa include Shuffle, Karin, and Demon Bane.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya does not currently have a distributor, but Kadokawa has received several offers from companies; Sakuda expects it to be released in the US next year. With the first volume having sold 60,000 units in Japan, it is one of the most successful anime properties currently on the market.

Distributors have not yet been picked for The Third, Demon Bane, or Karin, but Sakuda said that those titles will likely be seen “next year.” As for The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, the company is looking to release it theatrically in the US.

When asked about the Haruhi novels and manga, Sakuda said that the company has received offers, and there is a chance that those too will be seen next year.

Another fan asked if there were plans to make further Full Metal Panic! series. While there was a possibility of making movies or more TV series, the company has not fully decided yet; Sakuda added that they may consider creating one new Full Metal property every two years.