FANS OF THIS HIT ANIME HAVE PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO AS THE SERIES GROWS 

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. along with Kodansha Ltd. have announced that BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI – earned more than $23.3 million (3.6 billion yen) at the global box office. Released in over 87 countries and regions, revenue generated outside of Japan drove the film to pass this milestone, with its international box office revenue surpassing the revenue generated domestically in Japan as of October. With season two of BLUE LOCK currently airing, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. and Kodansha Ltd. plan to continue their robust international promotional efforts for the soccer franchise.

International Merchandising and Promotional Efforts

A wide variety of merchandise and gaming experiences allow fans of the BLUE LOCK anime and manga to engage with this hit franchise as much as they’d like, especially with translations in over 20 languages published in more than 20 countries worldwide. Bandai Namco Filmworks is responsible for licensing in Asia, and Kodansha is responsible for licensing in Europe, the U.S., and other regions; and is actively developing localized products. The scale of licensing (number of merchandising applications) has grown significantly (approx. four times) in Asia alone, and sales (production committee income) approximately twelve times, which rivals the merchandising income generated in Japan. In Asia, pop-up stores offering BLUE LOCK goods and collectibles have been particularly well received.

US-centric promotional efforts have been both varied and widely successful. More than 2000 fans attended each of BLUE LOCK’s panels at 2024’s Anime Expo, filling those panel rooms to capacity. This rare opportunity to hear cast members, producers, and the manga’s editor speak on the franchise received a terrific response from those attending. Additionally, BLUE LOCK VS U-20 Japan was promoted at various LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club) matches throughout their season, marking the club’s first promotion of a Japanese anime.

Looking to the Future

BLUE LOCK’s success comes not only from the growing global soccer fandom, but also from its unique themes and distinctive characters. Closer to a “death game” in structure than a sports series, BLUE LOCK features enticing action sequences while also tackling difficult subjects like the nature of individuality and how human connection can rise from competition.

International BLUE LOCK fans can expect continued simultaneous releases of BLUE LOCK media and additional activations as Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kodansha remain committed to bringing incredible stories like this one to global audiences.

About BLUE LOCK:
BLUE LOCK is a TV animation series based on the popular manga of the same name, which is published in Kodansha’s “Weekly Shonen Magazine”. The BLUE LOCK manga has sold more than 40 million copies around the world (as of August 2024) and won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the Juvenile Division. The first film version, “BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI-,” premiered in April 2024. In addition, the second season of the TV series began broadcasting on October 5, 2024

About Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
We at Bandai Namco Filmworks develop and produce film video titles. We not only distribute them through various media such as television, movie theaters and Internet streaming but also bring them to fans throughout the world by licensing and managing their copyrights, developing and marketing film video-related merchandise and other services. As a comprehensive entertainment enterprise handling the A to Z of film & video business, we continue to create “Awesome works” and make them readily available to everyone.

Official Website: https://www.bnfw.co.jp/en/

About KODANSHA
Based in Tokyo, KODANSHA Ltd. is Japan’s leading publishing house, having delivered stories into ready hands across the globe with a wide variety of content from comic books to novels, fashion magazines, news journals and picture books for children, as well as video games and anime series and movies. KODANSHA Ltd. was founded in 1909 to “Inspire Impossible Stories,” and is globally recognized as the licensor of some of the world’s most loved comic book IPs, including “AKIRA,” “Attack on Titan” and “The Ghost in the Shell.”

For more information, visit: www.kodansha.com/

For more information, visit:
Official website: https://bluelock-anime-en.com/
Official X (Twitter): @BLUELOCK_PR (https://twitter.com/BLUELOCK_PR)
Official English Account
– Instagram：@blue_lock_en（https://www.instagram.com/blue_lock_en/）
– X：@Blue_Lock_En（https://x.com/Blue_Lock_En）
– TikTok：@blue_lock_en（https://www.tiktok.com/@blue_lock_en)

Additional image assets are available to download: HERE

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SOURCE Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.

As governments face growth and economic pressures, a new strategic guide from Info-Tech Research Group shows how GIS technology can optimize infrastructure, improve service delivery, and support strategic urban development. This resource provides IT leaders with actionable strategies to navigate these challenges and drive smarter, more efficient government operations.

TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Urban growth, smart city initiatives, and the demand for efficient service delivery are placing unprecedented pressure on local governments, making geographic information systems (GIS) indispensable tools for addressing these evolving challenges. However, tight budgets, labor shortages, and outdated infrastructure can hinder successful GIS adoption. To help overcome these barriers, Info-Tech Research Group has released its strategic guide Mapping Success. The recently published resource offers IT leaders actionable strategies to modernize operations, streamline GIS implementation, and meet the evolving needs of their communities.

“In the context of GIS technology, adopting a strategic vision is important for empowering governments to enhance service delivery, improve decision-making, and effectively address their operational needs,” says Patrick Spencer, research fellow at Info-Tech Research Group. “IT leaders should transition from passive technology enablers into proactive strategic collaborators by aligning GIS initiatives with government priorities, fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and maximizing the value of GIS investments.”

In the new strategic guide, Info-Tech highlights the challenges IT leaders face in adopting GIS technology despite its vital role in addressing economic and societal needs. Limited access to GIS tools in remote and underserved regions with poor internet connectivity continues to restrict the adoption of geospatial analysis. Additionally, the firm explains that a lack of understanding or appreciation of GIS capabilities among government leaders often hinders its effective use in decision-making and planning. The strategic guide emphasizes that embracing digital innovation and exploring emerging GIS technologies are key to improving service delivery, enhancing citizen engagement, and unlocking the full potential of geospatial analysis to address pressing challenges.

“A comprehensive GIS strategy involves establishing robust governance frameworks, promoting spatial literacy among staff, and prioritizing data security and privacy,” explains Spencer. “Developing a clear roadmap for GIS implementation and growth ensures that efforts are coordinated and aligned with broader organizational goals.”

The firm’s strategic guide further details how GIS integrates various data types, such as satellite imagery, topography, population demographics, and land use. This integration delivers valuable insights for decision-making across multiple sectors, including urban planning, natural resource management, emergency response, and business analysis.

Info-Tech advises that by focusing on strengthening GIS capabilities, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and promoting data-driven decision-making, governments can unlock the full potential of GIS to drive positive outcomes and enhance operational efficiency.

In Mapping Success, Info-Tech outlines how GIS platforms can enable governments to work more efficiently and make better use of their resources:

GIS platforms like ArcGIS, QGIS, and GeoServer provide the foundation for spatial data management, analysis, and visualization within government operations.Remote sensing technologies leverage GIS to process and analyze satellite imagery and LiDAR, offering valuable spatial information for urban planning and infrastructure management.Internet of Things (IoT) data is integrated into government operations through GIS, allowing for the visualization and analysis of real-time geospatial information from IoT devices and sensors.Open data platforms incorporated into GIS applications enhance the accuracy and relevance of spatial information, supporting data-driven decision-making and promoting transparency in governance.Visualization tools, such as Tableau and Power BI, help present spatial data in an intuitive, visually engaging manner, making it easier for stakeholders to interpret and act on spatial insights.Digital twinning solutions combine GIS data with digital twin models to simulate real-world scenarios, monitor infrastructure performance, and optimize urban planning strategies through spatial analysis.

GIS enables the identification of areas with limited digital resources, allowing for a clear assessment of current broadband service levels and targeted investments in underserved regions. By leveraging insights from this strategic guide, IT leaders in the government sector can align GIS initiatives with government priorities, enhance operational efficiency, and unlock the potential of geospatial analysis to address the complex challenges of modern governance.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Patrick Spencer, an expert in the government sector, and access to the complete Mapping Success strategic guide, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Larissa Duron is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Electrical Systems Engineering and Prototype Manufacturing.

Larissa Duron is an accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in technology and 15 years in electrical systems engineering and manufacturing. She founded Duron Industries LLC, specializing in engineering services, prototype manufacturing solutions, and electrical products. 

Ms. Duron holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering from ITT Technical Institute and an Associate of Science in Visual Communications in Multimedia Design from Collins College with additional experience and certifications in Project Management, Electric Vehicles, Counterintelligence Training, Electrical Safety Training, and Radio Frequency.

As a Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Minority-Owned, LGBT-Owned, and Disadvantaged Small Business, Duron Industries prioritizes supplier diversity to acknowledge and provide opportunities to struggling communities. Ms. Duron understands the challenges of operating a small, disadvantaged business and is now ready to take it a step further while planning to announce her new launch of business growth services to guide companies with resources toward success. Duron Industries also aligns with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the entire executive team contributes to community service efforts in the areas of veteran assistance, child advocacy, and small business growth volunteer work.

Before starting her career, Ms. Duron proved her dedication to the United States by serving as an E-4 Specialist in the United States Army Signal Corps, during that time she was deployed to South Korea to support the 1st Signal Brigade Yongsan Garrison. She operated, maintained, and installed military telephones in addition to handling the COMSEC equipment for the President of the United States, AFKN radio, and AM/FM transmission systems. Throughout her service, Ms. Duron was also deployed to Fort Lewis, Washington for combat communications with the 29th Signal Battalion in support of the I Corps 7th Infantry Division. She was also invited to collaborate with an industry-leading astronaut in prototype manufacturing. Additionally, she assisted in aerospace antenna testing for the Mars Rover Parachute.  
After her service, she served as a Senior Electrical Systems Engineer at KLA Corporation where she led product development and hardware integration services for electrical distribution systems. Her experience in electrical engineering also includes significant roles at Kuryakyn, Applied Minds LLC, and Nearfield Systems Inc., enhancing her skills in manufacturing, product development, and leadership.

Diligently devoted to her industry, Ms. Duron continues her dedication to embracing resilience and maintaining a learner’s mindset while navigating the challenges and opportunities in the engineering and manufacturing industries. As she continues to lead her company towards innovative horizons, she remains committed to her vision of helping society by making impactful technological advancements.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle