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Since it’s release in 2008, the Hakuōki series of Shinsengumi-themed adventure games intended for females has acquired tremendous support. The animated movie version of the series began being released in 2013. The second movie, Hakuōki the Movie: Chapter 2: Shikon Sōkyū, will release on March 8 in nine theaters across Japan including Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro and Shinjuku Wald 9. This second movie is planned to be the conclusion, so it’s attracting even more buzz than the previous movie.
Before the film’s roadshow release, a portion of it now can be seen on YouTube. This is because distribution of the movie’s trailer has begun. The trailer focuses on main character Sōkyū no Hata and depicts the Shinsengumi fighting their way north. Aika Yoshioka’s heartrending singing voice will make fans’ hearts quiver as they look toward the finale. The trailer also shows sword fights against the Oni, making the movie appear to have even more fierce battles than the previous one. The Shinsengumi and a lone girl charging through this time of upheaval. Just how will the life and death struggle between the Shinsengumi and Oni end? The content of the trailer gives hints at what is to come. We certainly can’t wait to witness their fate.
In other news, the Blu-ray and DVD of the first movie, Hakuōki the Movie: Chapter 1: Kyoto Ranbu, released on Feb. 26. The first-press limited edition comes in a deluxe box designed for the occasion by character planner Yone Kazuki. Fans can also enjoy a short story called Hakuōki the Movie: Chapter 1: Kyoto Ranbu Sōhenroku written by Tsunekiyo Fujisawa who worked on the game series. For fans of the games, this is a must-have item.
The first-press limited edition is also packed with other goodies in addition to these including a storyboard collection, original soundtrack, and deluxe booklet. Both this edition and the regular edition will be available on Blu-ray and DVD.
A big draw of the Hakuōki series is its detailed story based on the closing days of the Edo period and its characters who have a strong will to survive this chaotic time. In 2010, the series was adapted into a TV anime which grew into a hit spanning three seasons and several OVA. Fans’ anticipation is also rising for this new movie, which can be called a compilation of the anime.
Source: animeanime
Source article written by Katsunori Takahashi
© IF, DF / Hakuōki the Movie Production Committee
