On May 9 the Kyoto Police's Task force arrested three individuals for suspicion of uploading ripped anime episodes through the P2P program, "Share."
Apparently "Share" was developed by an anonymous user in order to create a more "anonymous" and secure P2P program after the similar incident of arresting of an individual charged for uploading anime through Winny,
but since 2006 the security researchers have found flaws in the program.

Source: ANN // Kyoto Shimbun

Though the article does not say, it is speculated that the arrested three are one of the most popular rippers through Share:

神奈川県川崎市の会社員:　YS2 (34歳)
東京都日野市の会社員: 　92J (41歳)
広島県東広島市の大学生:　YnX (21歳)
(through here)

Tagged: rip, anime, unauthorized, arrest, share, P2P, freedom

An OVA for Lucky Star has been greenlit for production in Japan. The pre-announcement came in the form of an ad in COMPTIQ magazine. The June issue for COMPTIQ magazine will be released on May 10 and will have further details about the project.

As a side note the first DVD for Lucky Star will be released by Bandai Entertainment and Kadokawa Pictures USA this week as well (May 6).

Source: ANN

Tagged: bandai, ann, comptiq, ova, lucky star

Nozomi Entertainment announced that they have licensed Aria the Animation. This announcement came at 2:00 PM CST after a week of hints and guessing on their official website and forums.

The first season is scheduled to be released on September 30th as a DVD collection for $49.99. Aria the Natural, Aria the OVA ~Arietta~, and Aria the Origination will be released sometime after.

Source: Anime Today Twitter Feed, Aria.Rightstuf.com

Tagged: Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf, license, Aria

Against our hopes the next Higurashi series will be only an OVA called "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei"
The OVA is based on the fangame wich has the same name released back in december 2006.
The info comes from the June issue of Megami Magazine.

source:
Moetron
Moonphase

Tagged: Higurashi no naku koro ni, Annoucement

The top ten manga in Japan for the week of April 22nd - April 28th, 2008 are as follows:

1. Hayate the Combat Butler, Volume 15
2. Koukou Debut, Volume 11
3. Kekkaishi, Volume 20
4. Negima! Magister Negi Magi, Volume 22
5. Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu, Volume 11
6. Otomen, Volume 5
7. Inuyasha, Volume 53
8. Kamen Rider Spirits, Volume 14
9. Cat Street, Volume 8
10. Emma, Volume 10

Source: Tohan

Tagged: manga news, japan, international, rankings

According to the Nikkei Economy Newspaper April 27th, Bandai Vidual announced a new sales policy: they will release anime Blu-ray Discs (BD) simultaneously in Japan, US, Europe and Asia from this fall. The contents of the BD are the identical in all the countries and have subtitles at least in English and French. The prices are also fixed the same everywhere. Accompanying with the BD sales, they will start a downloading service to sell anime titles online.

Source: AnimeAnime

Tagged: Bandai Vidual, Blu-ray Disc

World of Destruction is an upcoming game for the Nintendo DS. The story revolves around Kirie, a boy, who has powers that could destroy the world. He is forced to join a group which aims to destroy the old world and create a new world again.

Production I.G will helm the production.

Shunsuke Tada, director (The Prince of Tennis: The National Tournament, Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations)

Masahiro Yokotani, scriptwriter (Reideen)
Keita Matsumoto, character design (Blood+, XXXHOLiC key animation)
Yoshihiro Ike, music (Blood: The Last Vampire, Karas, Flag)

ANN

Tagged: production I.G, nintendo DS, world of destruction, new anime

The top ten anime DVDs in Japan for the week of April 2nd - April 8th, 2008 are as follows:

1. Dragon Ball GT, Volume 5
2. Dragon Ball GT, Volume 6
3. Lupin III: Green vs Red, Limited Edition
4. Spice and Wolf, Limited Pack
5. Lupin III: Green vs Red, Standard Edition
6. The World of GOLDEN EGGS, Volume 1
7. Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Volume 3
8. D.Gray-man 2nd stage, Volume 2
9. ef - a tale of memories, Volume 5
10. The World of GOLDEN EGGS, Volume 2

For more information: ANN.

Tagged: anime news, dvds, rankings, international, japan

The top ten manga in Japan for the week of April 23rd, 2008 are as follows:

1. Hayate the Combat Butler, Volume 15
2. Mahou Sensei Negima!, Volume 22
3. Kekkaishi, Volume 20
4. Ace of Diamond, Volume 10
5. Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 12
6. Otomen, Volume 5
7. Bleach, Volume 33
8. Inuyasha, Volume 53
9. Detective Conan, Volume 61
10. Good Morning Kiss, Volume 2

Source: Comi Press.

Tagged: manga news, rankings, international, japan

The top ten anime tv series in Japan for the week of April 7th - April 13th, 2008 are as follows:

1. Sazae-san
2. Chibi Maruko-chan
3. Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo Washi to Ore? Asakusa Shounen Tanteidan
4. Gegege no Kitaro
5. Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!
6. Blue Dragon: Tenkai no Shichi Ryuu
7. Major
8. Keroro Gunsou
9. Oha Coliseum
10. Bleach, Gintama, Shugo Chara!, ATASHIn'CHI (four way tie with 4.2 rating)

For more information: ANN

Tagged: rankings, anime news, international, japan