The popularity of ONA (Original Net Animation) has been picking up recently, and last week NamcoBandai published Kyousogiga, an episode-length video to its NicoNico and YouTube pages. Kyousogiga was created by Izumi Todo, who also made the Ojamojo Doremi and Futari wa Pretty Cure series, and animated by Banpresto and Toei Animation.

The animation style is fairly stylized, and it reminds me of the stuff Madhouse makes. The video description mentions a new work coming out in March 2012, but it doesn't say if it's related to this ONA or not. Also, the video will only be available until January 15, 2012, so watch it while you can! It's embedded after the break.

Kyousogiga homepage: http://www.kyousogiga.com/

Earlier this week, Konami posted the full-version commercial of NEW Love Plus for the Nintendo 3DS to their YouTube channel. It provides a complete overview of the upgraded feature set for the 3DS version over the previous Love Plus and Love Plus + games for the DS. Below is a list of features covered in the trailer with a brief description of each, the trailer itself is embedded after the break.

• Upgraded graphics: Higher resolution models and textures to take advantage of the better 3DS processor.
• Gyro System: Use of the gyroscope feature within the 3DS to allow you to move the system around and view your girlfriend from different angles, including above and below.
• Photo Taking: You can take a photo of your girlfriend at any time to capture a particular expression or look during a scene for later viewing.
• Boyfriend Lock: By using the front-facing camera, your girlfriend will react differently to other faces in front of the 3DS compared to your own.
• Hybrid-AR Camera: By using the camera on the back of the 3DS, your girlfriend will pose accordingly, such as sitting on a couch or park bench.
• Girlfriend Introduction: Again, using the front-facing camera, you can introduce your girlfriend to your real friends.
• 3D Vision: Using the upper 3D screen of the 3DS, you can view your girlfriend in 3D.
• Date Anywhere: Using the camera AR feature, you can see your girlfriend interacting with any location you visit.
• Users' Communication: You can share information about dating spots with other NEW Love Plus players.
• Data Transfer: You can import your progress data from both DS games into NEW Love Plus.

NEW Love Plus homepage: http://www.konami.jp/products/newloveplus/

Earlier today, Enterbrain posted the launch trailer for a recently-announced anime, Kokoro Connect. Kokoro Connect was originally a light novel written by Anda Sadanatsu with illustrations by Yukiko Horiguchi (character designer for Lucky Star and K-On!), which has also enjoyed manga and drama CD spinoffs.

The story revolves around a quirky "Cultural Research Society" whose members' noisy but everyday lives were turned upside-down when they switch personalities. And while they try to figure out what happened and how to reverse it, they must act like someone else in order to avoid being found out!

Although viewers will likely have flashbacks to K-On! due to the similarity in character designs, it's only because the character designer was the same for both series -- the story itself is unrelated to that of K-On!'s. The concept of switching bodies or personalities is always an interesting plot device, and if they do a quality interpretation of the light novels, this series ought to be one to keep an eye on.

The trailer and detailed series info can be found at their official page, and the trailer is embedded after the break.

Kokoro Connect anime website: http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/fb/pc/02sp/02_1111kokoro/index.html

LAWSON, a chain of convenience stores in Japan, just announced their latest campaign which starts next week. It's a number of goods from the series A Certain Magical Index (Toaru Majutsu no Index). The top prize (10 winners), is a plush of Index that looks like it's biting your head. Second prize (another 10 winners) is a pajama set in the style matching that which Mikoto Misaka wears in the show. In all, 12,000 prizes are being given out in this campaign.

For this raffle you purchase the campaign items (usually bottled drinks) and enter the code on the receipt at the website to get points, which you spend on raffle entries. Knowing the spending habits of the average hardcore otaku, I'm sure campaigns like this raise a lot of money for LAWSON and the drink companies, and I don't blame them. If they had a similar campaign here in the states, I'd join in.

The campaign site is at: http://lwp.jp/toaru/campaign/static/toaru/

At Tokyo Game Show this year, SEGA announced the latest entry into the series of Vocaloid games for handheld systems with "Project Mirai" on the 3DS. The trailer is now available on YouTube, and the game website lists a release date of March 2012. The trailer shows off many new gameplay features that make it different from the "Project Diva" games on the PSP.

As expected, the 3D display is used to make the music videos have 3D depth, using both 2D sprites and 3D models in the Nendoroid style (by GoodSmile Company). In addition, the trailer hints at a "composition mode" which appears to use a simplified version of the Vocaloid 2 software to input the song. Another new feature in the trailer is the use of 3DS' AR (augmented reality) tech to have Miku appear in the real environment, and in 3D!

Although significantly different from the "Project Diva" series, this will definitely be another exciting Vocaloid game for portable systems. Unfortunately, since 3DS games are now region-locked, you'll need to get your hands on a Japanese 3DS to play this one in the states.

The trailer is embedded after the break.

The official websites for Kizumonogatari and Nisemonogatari anime -- the prequel and sequel to Bakemonogatari, respectively -- have launched, both featuring an new front-page illustration and trailer. Currently only the trailer is available, and the site displays no other information such as characters or casting. Kizumonogatari will be released in theaters sometime in 2012, while Nisemonogatari will be released as a TV anime series, scheduled to start January 21, 2012. Both series are produced by SHAFT, who also did production for Bakemonogatari with character designs once again provided by Akio Watanabe. Also like Bakemonogatari, these anime are based on a series of popular light novels by Nisio Isin.

The style of both trailers is very non-standard, which should come as no surprise to any fans of Bakemonogatari or SHAFT. Of particular note is the Kizumonogatari trailer, which has a non-sequitur opening and closing. Fans will probably be excited to see some of their favorite characters again in the trailer for Nisemonogatari, though their appearances, namely their hairstyles, have changed for better or for worse. Both trailers have been included inside for your convenience.

Kizumonogatari movie website - http://www.kizumonogatari-movie.com/

Nisemonogatari anime website - http://www.nisemonogatari-anime.com/