by Stephanie H., Staff Writer, Inside AX- Anime Expo

Up for more afterschool antics? K-ON! Volume 3 was released in September in both DVD and Blu-Ray format for your viewing pleasure by Bandai Entertainment. Following up our reviews of K-ON! Volume 1 and 2 for Blu-Ray, Inside AX is proud to bring you the next review on this cute “slice-of-life” series.

Following the 4-koma manga by kakifly, this volume of K-ON! explores more of the events that happen directly after Azuza Nakano, a talented guitarist, decides to join the club.  Previously inspired by the band’s live performance, the new recruit is shocked to learn that the club eats snacks and has tea time instead of practicing. The club’s behavior weighs heavily on her mind as the group decides to go on another practice training camp. Would they be able to get practice in? With a school festival looming closer, the band has other problems to worry about as well such as coming up with a band name, filling out the required stage use application, and dealing with Yui’s neglect of maintenance on her guitar.

As stated in my other review, this is a “slice-of-life” genre of anime, so don’t expect much in terms of character development or shocking plot-twists. What this series does continue to offer though, is a good easy-to-view experience for those who seek it. However surprisingly, this volume does offer a little bit more substance in terms of character development. More specifically centering on Azuza Nakano. The young guitarist is constantly bothered by the seemingly nonchalant and laid-back attitude of her club members, and as such she begins to question why she really joined the club in the first place. After spending more time and after being guided a little by bassist Mio, Azuza eventually learns what makes the club  play so well. It’s really a refreshing viewpoint to explore, and sheds more light on tight-knight relationship between the members.

Animation quality in this release was pretty much on par with the previous two releases: simple and crisp animation that’s easy on the eyes. The English dub continues to shine, as I had very little problems with it.

Extras on-disk include an interview with Cassandra Lee (voices of Ritsu Tainaka), My Love is a Stapler music video (English Version), and trailers. Like previous releases of K-ON! there are three episodes on disk (Episodes 9-11).

Pros:

• Light plot, easy to get into, full of lightweight comedy
• Great English dub
• Blu-Ray animation quality is crisp
• Clean animation
• Azuza’s little plot arc (provides a little more character development than previous installments)
• Song music video (My Love is a Stapler)
• Interview with Cassandra Lee

Cons:

• Little to no character development
• Not much plot-wise
• Animation may be simple compared to other series

NEW PEOPLE KICKS OFF 2011 HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON WITH A SPECIAL RETAIL SALE ON JAPANESE POP FASHIONS AND PRODUCTS

Shoppers Are Invited To Add A Fun Dose Of Japanese Pop Culture To Holiday Shopping With Special Sale Items At NEW PEOPLE THE STORE, BABY THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT,

h. NAOTO, And SOU • SOU; Save Up To 50% On Select Items!

San Francisco, CA, November 22, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE, the dynamic San Francisco entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, kicks off the 2011 holiday shopping season with a variety of special sales and promotions that will take place throughout the venue beginning on Black Friday, November 25^th.

NEW PEOPLE, The Store will offer several Thanksgiving Weekend Shopping Specials on select items in the store on sale for 30%-50% off! Visit NEW PEOPLE’s very on retail location, located in the venue’s lobby, and explore a vast collection of fun and inventive products inspired by Japanese pop culture. Shoppers can browse a fantastic selection of carefully selected Japanese products that include apparel, accessories, books, toys, DVDs, music, and design items for the home and office.

Also announced is a special DVD pre-order promotion for the upcoming release of the DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued, which traces the incredible rise to international stardom of AKB48, one of Japan’s hottest pop idol groups. Pre-orders are now being accepted for the new film, which will be sold exclusively online for $19.99 through the NEW PEOPLE store at: store.newpeopleworld.com. For a limited time, NEW PEOPLE, The Store is offering a FREE bonus DVD title from its catalog to all pre-order purchasers. The film will be released December 1^st.

NEW PEOPLE’s newest apparel boutique, the edgy Goth fashion brand, h. NAOTO, will also hold a sale with items available for between 30% and 50% off. The sale runs thru November 27^th. The first 50 customers that purchase over $100.00 of merchandise will also receive a special invitation to attend h. NAOTO’s Holiday Party on December 10^th. More details are available at the boutique.

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, the renowned Japanese Lolita fashion brand, will have a special sale with over 250 items marked 30% to 50% off. Shoppers are invited to take advantage of some of the best deals of the season on hand-crafted Lolita-inspired baby doll dresses and accessories.

Finally, Japanese Tabi shoe manufacturer SOU • SOU will hold a Holiday Sale beginning November 25^th thru November 27^th. SOU • SOU has developed a unique line of Japanese classic “Tabi” shoes based on a design originally favored by Japanese construction workers. SOU • SOU’s combination of form-fitting soles and colorful graphic patterns has attracted a huge following, from dancers to the sneaker-obsessed. During the sale, shoppers that purchase at least $100.00 of SOU • SOU products will receive a free pair of Tabi socks. Offer applies to in-store purchases only; limit one pair of socks per customer. SOU • SOU will also offer free shipping to online purchases over $75.00. (U.S. shipping only)

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.

Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

by Salvador M., staff writer, Inside AX- Anime Expo

This edition of FUNimation’s Dragon Box vol. 7 covers episode 251-291 and has six DVDs, along with a collector’s booklet, which contains episode summaries along with character notes. I particularly thought this was good addition since it contains notes and charts of how the characters are connected. This is a great reference for fans and collectors of DBZ. Plus it keeps true to the Japanese release as it reads from right to left in a traditional manga format.

Covering from the end of the Majin Boo saga (episodes 251-291), Goten and Trunks master the fusion technique as Majin Boo splits into two. Pure Evil Boo springs from Majin Boo and they begin to fight. Majin Boo attacks Evil Boo with the chocolate changing beam which Evil Boo reflects back at Majin Boo turning him into a chocolate and then eats him, before yet another transformation occurs. Also Gohan has increased his power, thanks to Ederly Kaioshin, and can now return to Earth. On Earth, Gotenks is fighting the newly formed Majin Boo, but the fusion time limit has expired so Gotenks splits into Goten and Trunks. Just in the nick of time, Gohan shows up with his new-found powers.

This is the final Dragon Box set with 40 episodes for a total of 291 episodes in the series. This box set is an essential collector’s item for any hardcore fan of the anime as Dragon Ball Z, as the anime is still considered a classic. For hardcore fans there is nothing to worry about, as this box set contains the original audio, previews, openings, endings along with the uncut episodes from Japan.

As a Dragon Ball fan, this box set has me feeling like a kid again as I enjoyed the original Japanese audio as well as the subtitle translation with the correct Japanese spelling of the names. I enjoyed the guide book, as well as all the charts and information on the characters. Now I can say that I have the uncut episodes, which is something that most people can’t say unless they own this limited box set. In closing, this is a must for the ultimate Dragon Ball Z collector at a great price.

Pros:

• The box set comes with a nice book with character pictures and information
• The price (MSRP $59.98) is a good price for 40 episodes on six DVDs
• It comes with original Japanese audio as well as English audio
• Great box set to complete the diehard DBZ fan

Cons:

• Still some extras would be nice

San Diego, California, Friday, November 18, 2011- JAST USA, the leading publisher of Japanese PC games in English, today announced the Golden Master status of My Girlfriend is the President, the latest “bishoujo game” collaboration between JAST USA brand JAST Densetsu and hit Japanese game developer Alcot. Golden Master is the final master before printing, putting the release of the game only a few weeks away.

My Girlfriend is the President is a fun and wacky visual novel full of cute girls, hilarious parody, and stirring romance. The player is Junichiro Hondo, who wakes up one day to find that the world has been transformed by aliens into a bishoujo paradise where cuteness is the ultimate authority. His childhood friend Yukino Ohama has become President of the United States of Nippon, who rules with overwhelming cuteness and a healthy dose of brainwashing. Will Junichiro be able to set the world right? Will he even want to?

My Girlfriend is the President is a multi-scenario romance simulation game with several endings to explore. Through their actions, players will be able to decide which of four cute and quirky girls Junichiro ends up with. Joining US President Ohama are Russian President Irina Putina (are these names starting to sound familiar?), Chief of Staff Ran Miyoshi, and a mysterious girl called Ell who just happens to be an alien starship in human form!

JAST USA president Peter Payne said, “There are thousands of dedicated fans of Japanese visual novels and bishoujo games around the world. When the fans let us know they really wanted us to license ‘President,’ we knew we couldn’t let them down.”

The official site, located at http://www.jastusa.com/president, contains character profiles, sample images, and more!

My Girlfriend is the President is suitable for adults 18 years and older, and is available for preorder now at the JAST USA website as well as other fine anime retailers, and is expected to ship in mid to late December of this year.

About JAST USA

Ever since the first computers with color displays, Japan has had a strong culture of “love simulation” computer games, which simulate emotional interaction between the player and various game characters when the player “wins” the love of a given character. PC love-sim games are also called visual novels, eroge, and sometimes “hentai” games by U.S. fans. JAST USA has been involved in licensing and translating Japanese dating-sim games since 1998, and is the leading producer and distributor of English-language PC games for adults in any form.

Santa Ana, Calif. – NIS America is excited to announce that Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland will hit Western shores in spring 2012! Atelier Meruru is the latest installation in the fan-favorite Atelier series. Atelier Meruru follows the story of spunky Princess Meruru, who finds herself entranced by alchemy and vows to become Totori Helmold’s apprentice. With new and updated game systems and returning characters from Atelier Rorona and Atelier Totori, Atelier Meruru will once again capture the hearts and minds of all the Atelier fans out there.

About Atelier Meruru:

The tiny kingdom of Arls, located on the northeastern border of the Arland Republic, is where Princess Meruru calls home. Ever since she was exposed to alchemy by famed adventurer Totori Helmold, all she could think about was becoming an alchemist. With Totori’s guidance, Meruru sets out to develop her home kingdom of Arls using the power of alchemy. On her way, Meruru will encounter new adventures, obstacles, mysteries, and friends, and discover what life is like outside the castle walls. How you choose to guide her through the advancement of her land will determine the final outcome in the tale of Atelier Meruru

Game Features:

-New “Development” system: develop new areas and facilities in Arls to gain access to even more lands to explore!
-Developing new areas and facilities will change the appearance of the in-game world! How you develop the kingdom will alter the outcome of the story.
-Classic turn-based battles feature a Time Card turn system, making the battles even more strategic!
-Master item synthesis with the help of the ever-popular Homs!
-Fan-favorite characters from previous Atelier games return with more stories and mysteries to uncover!
For more information, please visit www.NISAmerica.com

About NIS America:

In 2003, NIS America was established in Southern California to bring exciting, one-of-a-kind Japanese culture to North America. NIS America’s team members devote themselves to the fans. Their respect for their fans is at the heart of everything they do. As an established entertainment publisher in the U.S., NIS America is committed to continuous growth and improvement. NIS America is a subsidiary of Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., a Japanese company famous for its unique line of strategy RPGs with titles such as Disgaea, Phantom Brave, and Makai Kingdom. NIS America has also become a publisher of Japanese anime titles, such as Toradora!, WAGNARIA!!, and Katanagatari.

SHIP DATE: Spring 2012 (U.S. & Europe & Europe)
PLATFORM: PlayStation®3
GENRE: RPG
PLAYER(S): 1
ESRB/PEGI/USK: RP
PUBLISHER: NIS America
DEVELOPER: GUST, INC.
CONTACT: support@nisamerica.com

by Inside AX Staff, Inside AX- Anime Expo

editor’s note: We would like to thank everyone who entered into our contest. Winner’s have been contacted, and if you haven’t received an email from our editor, we regret to inform you that you were not chosen. Thank you once again!

That’s right boys and girls, Inside AX, in partnership with Live Viewing Japan, is giving away SEVEN free pairs of tickets (so you can bring a loved one, best friend or favorite used dakimakura) to the upcoming L’Arc En Ciel concert film. The film will premiere nationwide at select theaters on November 29th at 7 PM local time. Here’s a list of the theaters the film will be playing at:

Baltimore, MD
Boston (Manchester), MA
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
Orange, CA
New York, NY – Two locations
San Francisco/Bay Area, CA
Seattle, WA

To enter, simply state your favorite L’Arc En Ciel song in the comments section below. Contest ends Sunday, November 27th and winners will be notified via email, so be sure to include a valid address. Please limit your entry to one per person. We will contact you via email if you are amongst the lucky winners.

And don’t worry, your email address will not be displayed to anyone outside Inside AX. More importantly we promise not spam you, unless you like spam. If so, then we’ll be sure to sign you up for a nice mailing list or two if you ask nicely.

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS ANIME TO COMPLETE DISCERNING FANS’ HOLIDAY WISH LISTS

Animate The Holidays With New PROFESSOR LAYTON, BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, POKÉMON, VAMPIRE KNIGHT And More!

San Francisco, CA, November 15, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, offers fans and holiday shoppers a variety of new anime releases for some of the company’s hottest properties.

Holiday wish lists and shopping guides won’t be complete without BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK (also offered in Blu-ray edition), NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (Blu-ray also available), and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY: THE COMPLETE SERIES, as well as the newest episodic DVD releases for each of these popular series.

Kids and the young at heart can also look forward to VIZ Media’s launch of PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE ETERNAL DIVA, based on the popular video game, as well as the new POKÉMON – ZOROARK: MASTER OF ILLUSIONS feature film and the latest Pokemon DP Galactic Battles Gift Set.

BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $19.98 for DVD (U.S. / CAN) & $24.98 for Blu-ray (U.S / CAN) · Available Now!

A strange disturbance in the World of the Living sends Ichigo and Kon to the Soul Society, where the Seireitei has been devastated by an explosion of reishi and Rukia is missing. Stranger still, none of the Soul Reapers remember Ichigo, and they think he’s the one responsible for the destruction. Now on the run, Ichigo is forced into a lonely battle in order to find Rukia and stop the real culprits!

BLEACH UNCUT DVD BOX SET, Vol. 11 · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / CAN · Available December 13th

Ichigo and Rukia take responsibility for looking after Rurichiyo, a girl of noble birth who one day appears in the World of the Living. She and her two bodyguards transfer into Ichigo’s class at school, and Rukia decides to show her how to have fun. But the fun stops when first Rurichiyo disappears and then a group of assassins arrives and challenges Ichigo and friends to a fight!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN UNCUT DVD BOX SET, Vol. 8 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $43.24 CAN ·

Available Now!

Naruto’s new jutsuRasen Shuriken is unbelievably powerful—but because of the risks to the user, Tsunade forbids Naruto to use it! When Jiraiya returns to the village, Naruto seeks his guidance, and the two head off to a hot springs resort to work on a solution. Meanwhile, Kakashi leads a team in search of Orochimaru’s hideout, and when Naruto hears about it, he begs to join them. Set includes special “Kakashi Chronicles” story, featuring a young Kakashi on one of his early missions!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $19.98 for DVD (U.S. / CAN) & $24.98 for Blu-ray (U.S / CAN)· Available Now!

A group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

POKEMON – ZOROARK: MASTER OF ILLUSIONS · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $19.88 U.S. / CAN · Available Now!

As Ash and his friends journey to Crown City to join the crowds watching the Pokémon Baccer World Cup, mysterious forces are in motion that could bring untold misfortune to them all! What secrets does Zorua, a Pokémon they befriend along the way, hide? Why is the powerful Zoroark rampaging through the city, and what does the appearance of the Legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune mean? What has brought Celebi back to the city at this precise moment in time for the first time in 20 years? And what will happen when the paths of all of them come together in one time and place?

POKEMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES GIFT SET, Vol. 4 · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $24.97 U.S. / $24.98 CAN · Available November 22nd

When it comes to Pokémon, the more, the merrier: two new friends have joined Ash, Dawn, and Brock on their Sinnoh journey! Together, they’ll chase a rogue Gible and face off in a tag battle. Before long, however, things take a turn for the worse as Team Galactic and Pokémon Hunter J return with a vengeance. Now Team Galactic is poised to achieve its ultimate goal: summoning the Legendary Dialga and Palkia in order to destroy the world! Are Ash and his friends ready to face the biggest Galactic battle of all? Set contains PokÉmon DP Galactic Battles Vols. 7-8!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY: THE COMPLETE SERIES · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $43.24 CAN · Available Now!

Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio’s murder and becomes the target of the Senate. When Kaname refuses to attest to Zero’s innocence, Yuki’s loyalties are torn between the two. Then Yuki meets a mysterious little boy whose seemingly innocent kiss on the cheek draws her deeper into the world of vampires. Zero, seeing Yuki struggle to recall her past, tries to help. Do the archives of the Hunter’s Society headquarters hold the key that will unlock Yuki’s memories? Set contains episodes 1-13, original & uncut!

For more information on VIZ Media anime titles, please visit: www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine and blockbuster properties like Naruto, Bleach and InuYasha, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

by Jason Young, staff editor, Inside AX- Anime Expo

Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment announced earlier today that they will be bringing the theatrical follow-up to the critically acclaimed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood series, Fullmetal Alchemist: the Sacred Star of Milos, to the silver screen late January 2012 at over one hundred screens nationwide.

Details, including release date, cities and theaters will be announced soon, so please bookmark this page for future reference.

For fans who would like to see the film screened near them, you can request it at: http://eventful.com/performers/about-fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos-/P0-001-000379139-7

by Salvador M., staff writer, Inside AX- Anime Expo

FUNimation released Dragon Ball Z: Level 1.1 for the first time on a Blu-Ray two-disc set, which covers episodes 001-017. This set has been digitally remastered from the original film, frame by frame and has been set to native 1080P high-def. This set comes with both Japanese and English audio, as well as English subtitles. In the trailers section they show new series that are going to be released by FUNimation along with Dragon Ball Z: Level 1.2. My favorite line in this extra video was given by the Kyle Herbert as the narrator.

Vegeta: “it’s over 9000”
Nappa: “9000”
Kyle Herbert (narrator): “No Vegeta, it’s 1080p”

This particular volume covers the Raditz saga, Goku on the serpent road and Gohan’s training with Piccolo. The series looked better in 1080p, which was great since I have seen them before on VHS and DVD. I watched the episodes in English and Japanese with subtitles. I enjoyed the narration by Kyle Herbert as he brings his epic aura to the English narration. I also enjoyed the Japanese audio which made me recall meeting the voice of Piccolo at the last Anime Expo. The only problem was the subtitles were hard to read in the white font. I just thought it would be better in yellow or another color. There were some subtitles lines that were unable to be read this was kind of a step back since the episodes are 1080P. The other little thing that bothered me, was that the opening theme was only an instrumental on the English release, which was kind of dull compared to the original Japanese opening.

Overall the box set is solid, which makes it great for all Dragon Ball fans and the new people who want to start watching the series in high-def. The price is a very reasonable at $34.98 for 17 episodes, making it a very attractive deal to get started with this famous series.

Pros:

• 1080p
• Price is reasonable
• English and Japanese audio

Cons:

• Subtitles hard to read in white font
• English opening was instrumental not very interesting

NEW PEOPLE ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED

ON DVD AND DIGITAL ON DECEMBER 1st

New Music Biopic Traces The Rise To International Fame Of Japan’s Most Popular Pop Idol Group; Special DVD Online Promotion Offers A Second NEW PEOPLE Film Title With Any Pre-Order Purchase

San Francisco, CA – Date TBA – NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. that focuses on the licensing and distribution of Japanese films and media, has announced the release of DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued on DVD on Thursday. December 1st. The new music biopic follows the unstoppable all-female Japanese pop idol group, AKB48, on their incredible rise to fame, and will be sold exclusively online for $19.99 through the NEW PEOPLE store at: store.newpeopleworld.com.

DVD pre-orders will begin today. For a limited time, NEW PEOPLE is offering a FREE bonus DVD title from its catalog to all pre-order purchasers. Select from a list of available titles. DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued will also be available to stream online at newpeoplechannel.com for $4.99 (for a 48 hour rental) beginning December 1st. The DVD will be available from Amazon by mid-December. Follow NEW PEOPLE Entertainment on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

AKB48 was conceived in 2005 by Yasushi Akimoto, one of Japan’s most respected music producers. Beginning as a small all-girl singing group based in the Akihabara district of Tokyo – the city’s bustling electronics and anime/pop culture shopping Mecca – AKB48 has grown to 60 members and topped Japan’s Oricon music charts with the two best-selling pop singles in 2010 as well as another two singles ranking in the Top 10.

“AKB48 created an entirely new format for pop groups and their fame has spread internationally,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “This insightful documentary captures AKB48 on-stage and behind the scenes and offers a candid look into the member’s lives and the phenomenal notoriety that surrounds the group. We invite J-Pop and music fans to visit the NEW PEOPLE store online to get the new DVD and to take advantage of a special offer to receive a second DVD title from the NEW PEOPLE film catalog!”

With a complicated balance of competition and friendship among its members, the group’s bond is extremely strong. DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued traces AKB48’s history with scenes from concerts and rehearsals, member general elections, and fan activities both in Japan and abroad. The film also includes personal interviews with select members that reveal each of the girls’ personal struggles, joys, path to growth, and dreams.

One unique aspect of AKB48 is that the group is divided into “Teams.” When AKB48 debuted in 2005, originally there were only 24 girls. Now there are 16 girls each on Team A, Team K, and Team B, who are the core members of the group. In addition, there are trainees who are aspiring members. Members total to around 60 girls as some graduate and some new members come in. In the recent years AKB48 has begun holding elections to determine the members who will participate in the recording of upcoming singles. Fans vote for their favorites and the girl ranked Number 1 performs at the center of the group.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.

Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.