Otaku News

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 Streaming Release Details

Date: 2026 January 14 19:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime streaming service Crunchyroll have announced the streaming release details for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2. The popular anime charts the adventures of elf mage Frieren, who has completed her quest with a party of heroes and now has to figure out what to do next. One of our contributors describes this as the sad elf anime, but that's one take on it, to be honest, it's such a great series. There's fun slice of life moments, plenty of action and adventure. It's well animated, well paced, the more we watch the more we want to learn about Frieren's world.

Kyle Cardine the Global Editor-in-Chief for Crunchyroll News revealed the release details. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 will be released on 16th January 2026 at 7am PT, which is 15:00 in GMT (UK Time) or 16:00 CET. The series is available to stream in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, India and Southeast Asia.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Netflix Release Reminder

Date: 2026 January 10 09:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Netflix have sent us more details about the up coming anime movie release of Cosmic Princess Kaguya! The reimagining of Japan's classic folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It's is due for release on Thursday 22nd January 2026. They've just released a final pre-launch trailer.

The movie will stream exclusively on Netflix.

AnimEigo Release Latest Episode of The Anime Business Documentary Featuring Author Helen McCarthy

Date: 2025 December 24 12:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from AnimEigo have sent us the details for the latest episode of their ongoing documentary series The Anime Business. Episode 11 features an interview with Helen McCarthy author of many excellent factual books about anime and was a key figure in the founding days of UK anime fandom and industry. She's been an important figure in the anime scene for more than 40 years. This episode is great as not only do we get nostalgic about the UK anime scene, but Helen McCarthy reflects on the growth of anime around the UK and elsewhere. It's a great episode if you want to know about anime getting established and more.

Episode 11 is available now on the official AnimEigo YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@AnimEigo/videos.

Doraemon Comic Traveler RPG Online Game

Date: 2025 December 22 16:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

The good folks from CTW Cayman have just sent us details for a new game on their G123.jp platform. Doraemon Comic Traveler a full-scale online role-playing game based on the Doraemon manga franchise. You can play it free online immediately (without any registration or download) on your web browser, so it'll run on PC, Table and Mobile. We've had a quick go of the the game, and it's very clicky. It seems like one of those games where you can just switch your brain off and click and make choices around various stats, which is good if you're in the mood for that type of game.

Toho Acquires Anime Limited

Date: 2025 December 20 11:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have revealed big news about the company being acquired by Toho.

In the deal Toho have acquired 100% equity share of Anime Limited from Plaion Pictures. The company will be a standalone subsidiary of Toho Global and will be led by Anime Limited Founder Andrew Partridge with the full Anime Limited Staff.

The press release also mentions that Toho Global's Regional Office will be based in London. The press release does not reveal how much Toho paid for Anime Limited, but does mention that they're entering into strategic alliance with Plaion Pictures to extend Toho's distribution capabilities in Germany, Italy, and other European markets.

In the west Toho are best known as the creators of the Godzilla franchise as well as the producers and distributors of Akira Kurosawa's movies. Anime wise they've also go a strong pedigree being the producers and/or distributors of Studio Ghibli and Makoto Shinkai's movies.

The acquisition of Anime Limited marks further consolidation of anime companies in the UK. Anime Limited was acquired by Plaion Pictures in 2022, before it was acquired by Toho this December 2025. While Funimation purchased Manga Entertainment UK in 2019 it eventually got absorbed into Crunchyroll (which is owned by Sony).

Although it was produced by Toho, Makoto Shinkai's most recent movie Suzume was distributed by Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures, and Wild Bunch International. We suspect that by expanding in Europe Toho hope to be able to distribute more titles themselves or through their regional subsidiaries.

An Interview with Horror Manga Artist Anji Matono

Date: 2025 November 29 09:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Interviews

This year in Japan Expo in Paris one of the Japanese guests was horror manga artist Anji Matono. Best known for her work 100 Ghost Stories That Will Lead to My Own Death it collects a series of gruesome horror stories which spans across multiple volumes of unsettling manga.

We were lucky enough to catch up with her while in Paris and find out about what it's like being a horror manga artist.

My Happy Marriage Returns to Netflix in 2026 for 3 Special Episodes

Date: 2025 November 22 11:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Fans of the anime version of My Happy Marriage will be pleased to hear that Miyo and Kiyoka will be returning to Netflix in 2026 for a 3 episode special. The same team behind season 1 and 2 of the anime will return for the special episodes. In the official promo image and the director imply that the couple will finally get married! No doubt some special powered hijinks will get in the way too.

The press release doesn't state a streaming date, but it does offer a reminder that you can get the official soundtrack on vinyl from the good folks at Anime Limited.

You can watch My Happy Marriage Season 1 and 2 on Netflix.

Derby Quad Anime Screenings in January 2026

Date: 2025 November 22 10:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Quad in Derby UK have sent us details of an up coming anime screening day they're holding on Saturday 10th January 2026. The event is titled Anime-A-Go-Go. The films showing will be some great classics Patlabor: The Movie, Macross Plus Movie Edition, Memories and Perfect Blue.

Passes to see all 4 films at Anime-A-Go-Go are £30 (standard) with £25 for concessions and can be booked at https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/anime-a-go-go/. Individual film tickets are also available at Quad's normal ticket prices.

The four films will screen on the day on the largest screen - The Sir John Hurt Cinema.

Manga Jiman 2025 Competition Details

Date: 2025 November 15 09:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

The good folks from the Embassy of Japan in the UK have just revealed the details for the Manga Jiman Competition 2025. Running for the 19th time this highly anticipated annual competition is a chance for UK based artists to demonstrate their manga making skills. Not only that, but there's a great selection of prizes to be won from the competitions sponsors.

Not only do you have a chance to flex your manga making skills, show an active community of UK based artists your talents, but there are also a great selection of prizes to be won by the competitions generous sponsors.

So visit mangajiman.co.uk to find out more details.

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All Kinokuniya Pop Up Event Details

Date: 2025 November 12 20:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from Kadokawa Corporation have sent us details for a The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All pop up event which will be held Kinokuniya Bookstores in Japan, North America, and Asia-Pacific Region. The event will start in February 2026 and run sequentially across all the participating regions.

We're told the pop up will have a wide variety of original merchandise featuring newly drawn illustrations of Mitsuki and Aya, as well as other illustrations from the comics. We really love The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All and if you want to know more about what we think about it, then why not take a look at our manga review?

Maison Ghibli Launch Studio Ghibli Pop Up Shop In London

Date: 2025 November 10 20:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We've just heard news that Maison Ghibli will be opening an exclusive pop-up shop in London for the next two months. Following on from their hugely successful shop at Hyper Japan this summer, the the official partner of Studio Ghibli in Europe and the United Kingdom will be setting up a pop-up shop in Knightsbridge from Saturday 15th November 2025 until Sunday 11th January 2026.

The shop will have all sorts of official Studio Ghibli merchandise from all the favourite films with Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle all being well represented. They'll have many other bits and bobs for fans of Studio Ghibli to buy too.

You can find the shop at 237 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2EP.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Netflix Release Details

Date: 2025 November 08 09:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Netflix have sent us details about their up coming anime release of Cosmic Princess Kaguya! The reimagining of Japan's classic folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It's is due for release on Thursday 22nd January 2026.

This is Shingo Yamashita's debut in feature-length directing. Previously he's worked on the opening sequences for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, and Urusei Yatsura. It's produced by Studio Colorido in collaboration with Yamashita's Studio Chromato.

Final Fantasy VII Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi at MCM Comic Con London October 2025

Date: 2025 October 27 09:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from MCM Comic Con London send us details of Final Fantasy VII Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi's appearance on Friday 24th October 2025. The director confirmed that part three of Final Fantasy VII Remake is going ahead, the team are indeed working at away at it. The release date is still unconfirmed.

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2025 Details

Date: 2025 October 18 08:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Dwango the company behind social media video site Niconico have sent us details of their Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival. Set to run in Ikebukuro, Tokyo from Friday 24th until Sunday 26th October 2025 it's one of Japan's largest events with over 20,000 cosplayers.

MCM London Comic Con October 2025 Details

Date: 2025 October 15 19:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from MCM London Comic Con have sent us details of their up coming October 2025 event. MCM London will run from Friday 24th until Sunday 26th October 2025. Anime fans have a lot to look forward to at the event including (but not limited to) on Friday Dandadan anime Director Fuga Yamashiro who will tell everyone about what it's like behind scenes of Momo and Okarun's paranormal adventures! On Saturday British Sumo Champions will make an appearance and a demonstration. While on all three days Demon Slayer English dub cast members Zach Aguilar (Tanjiro), Abby Trott (Nezuko) and Griffin Burns (Tokito) will be there for autographs and photo opportunities, along with making a stage appearance on Sunday.

MCM always has lots of other things for anime fans to do, including various stalls selling anime and manga, plus an active cosplay community.

Also don't forget MCM Birmingham is set to run on Friday 28th until Sunday 30th November 2025.

Brutus and Popeye Magazine English Edition Details

Date: 2025 October 08 20:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Japanese Publisher Magazine House will be releasing their iconic magazines Brutus and Popeye in English as special editions. This forms part of Magazine House's 80th anniversary celebrations. The Japanese Fashion and culture magazines are two of the publisher's longest-running magazines. They prove popular with followers of fashion and culture, often they'll be imported by fans modern fashion to learn about the latest trends even if they can't read Japanese.

The English edition of Popeye will be of particular interest to manga fans as it contains some manga about the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree from panpanya who is best known for their manga An Invitation from a Crab and Guyabano Holiday.

Both Brutus and Popeye are now available at Kinokuniya stores, McNally Jackson SOHO (Prince Street), online at Amazon.co.jp and the Magazine House 80th Anniversary Site, as well as other retailers. Digital editions are also available through iOS and Android apps, as well as on Kindle.

Perfect Blue UK 4K Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2025 October 04 08:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have revealed the details of the home video release of Perfect Blue on 4K Blu-ray. Due out on Monday 8th December 2025, the set will include the film on 4K UHD SDR along with the film on regular Blu-ray which includes a series of Satoshi Kon lectures, and interviews. There's also Blu-ray featuring the full-length Satoshi Kon lecture (a full 117 minutes). This deluxe edition additionally includes a 132-page book featuring featuring artwork, design and an introductory talk about the film between director Satoshi Kon and Ms Luna Nagai. They've also bundled in a set of art cards and a quad movie poster.

The set will be available for pre-order from Anime Limited from 17:00 on Thursday 9th October 2025 at special price of £49.99, while it regularly retails at £79.99.

Don't forget the movie is also out in cinemas across the UK from Friday 10th October 2025.

Hypland and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Streetwear Collection

Date: 2025 September 28 14:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from streetware brand Hypland have sent us details of their upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Streetwear Collection. The official clothing range will be available from September 29 2025. The line includes t-shirts, gym shorts, hoodies, tote bags and tapestries all adorned with characters from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The line up includes not just Tanjiro and his pals, but Hashira and Demons too.

The limited edition range will be available from hypland.com, Hypland Pop-ups, and select partners.

Hyper Japan Manchester 2025 Details

Date: 2025 September 24 19:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of their next event. Hyper Japan Manchester is set to run from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November 2025 at Manchester Central.

This the Japanese Cultural event's first time in Manchester. It's been hugely popular in London and is the UK's biggest celebration of Japanese culture.

There will be over 180 independent artists and small businesses selling things of interest to fans of Japan. Performance wise they'll have Aya Hirano best known for roles in Death Note, Lucky Star, Fairy Tail and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya plus J-pop singer-songwriter Miyuna, along with various other traditional Japanese performing arts.

They'll also have some nice hands on workshops lined up including Kintsugi where you repair broken objects to make them more beautiful, plus other classics such as Origami and Calligraphy.

You can visit https://hyperjapan.co.uk/manchester/ for more details.

Japan House London Announces Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan

Date: 2025 September 20 08:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Japan House London have sent us details of their upcoming exhibition. Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan, which is set to run from Wednesday 3rd December 2025 until Spring 2026. It will showcase and celebrate Japan's contemporary craft. It be a great chance for fans of craft and design to see ever evolving Japanese crafts and how they tie into the everyday.

For those who also want a souvenir over 30 of the featured makers will have items in the Japan House London Shop.

Advanced Search

@otaku_news

@otakunews.com

Older News

Recent DVD / Blu-ray Reviews

Recent Manga / Book Reviews