Introductory JGSDF DVD Tops Weekly Hit Chart in Japan

Tokyo, May 22 (Jiji Press)--An introductory DVD of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force released on May 13 has topped the weekly DVD hit chart of Oricon Inc., according to the market research firm. It is the first time for any cultural or educational DVD to top the overall DVD chart since Oricon began to release the weekly chart in 1999, the provider of sales rankings said. The DVD, featuring the history of tanks, was produced in collaboration with "Girls and Panzer," a popular Japanese anime series in which high school girls pursuing "Senshado (tank martial art) compete in a national Senshado tournament by operating tanks. Behind the hit of the DVD, which sold 15,000 copies in the first week, would be a full commentary on tanks recorded by the voice actress of a key character in the anime, Oricon said. Also in the weekly chart, an introductory DVD fearturing equipment of the Air SDF ranked fifth and that of the Maritime SDF seventh, the market research firm said. END