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Summer Wars UK, US Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2010 December 15 17:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Christmas hasn't even arrived yet and the folks at Manga Entertainment UK have sent us the details of the Summer Wars release due out on 28th March 2011 in the UK and February 15th 2011 in the US.

The Summer Wars Trailer is up on Apple's Website.

The UK release is available on DVD and Blu-ray along with a double pack with The Girl Who Leapt Through Time as it's by the same director Mamoru Hosoda.

Having seen Summer Wars at the BFI Southbank earlier this year, we can confirm that it's an excellent title, and well worth adding to your collection.

UK Release - 28th March 2011
Pre-order Summer Wars / The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Blu-Ray Double Pack from Amazon.co.uk
Pre-order Summer Wars DVD from Amazon.co.uk
Pre-order Summer Wars Blu-Ray from Amazon.co.uk

US Release - February 15th 2011
Pre-order Summer Wars Blu-Ray from Amazon.com
Pre-order Summer Wars DVD from Amazon.com

Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Manga Entertainment UK discontinue Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood on Blu-ray

Date: 2010 December 13 16:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Manga Entertainment UK have sent us some sad news about the release of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood on Blu-ray. Due to the poor sales of Part 1 and 2 on Blu-ray they will discontinue the series on the format. Part 3 onwards will still be released on DVD.

This due to the high cost of producing Blu-rays and the low sales they've had of the format.

At least Manga Entertainment have sent a press release, other companies just silently pull titles.

My Neighbour Totoro on Film 4 today at 3:05pm (Sunday 21st November 2010)

Date: 2010 November 21 08:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based anime fans who can receive Film 4 will want to tune in today (Sunday 21st November 2010) at 3:05pm to enjoy the Miyazaki classic My Neighbour Totoro.

Film 4 can be seen on the following channels:
Freeview - 15
Freesat - 300
Sky - 315
Virgin - 428
Virgin (HD) - 429

If you've missed it, don't forget Film 4 + 1, so you can catch it at 4:05pm on the following channels -
Freesat - 301
Sky - 316
Virgin - 430

Failing that you can always buy Totoro on DVD from Amazon.co.uk for £7.

Souce: Film 4

Anime at Thought Bubble: The Leeds Sequential Art Festival 2010

Date: 2010 November 08 02:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans who can get to Leeds from 18th to 21st November 2010 are in a for a real treat. Thought Bubble and Leeds International Film Festival have some great anime features to enjoy. Including some European Premieres such as Mardock Scramble: The First Compression (review here), Gintama The Movie, along with some great anime titles you should see if you haven't already. -

Mardock Scramble: The First Compression
Gintama The Movie
One Piece: Strong World
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
Redline
Interstella 5555: The 5tory Of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

Normally at this stage we'd cherry pick a title or two for suggestion as to what to watch, but they're all good, Interstella 5555 is always worth watching one more time too. ^_-

There's also some live action adventures with - Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City.

The Thought Bubble Festival are offering £20 passes for a day, or Individual tickets for £6.50/£5.00.

Gundam UC Episode 2 on-line Preview

Date: 2010 October 22 17:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at Beez have sent us details of a a free preview of the first 14 minutes of episode 2 of Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn): The Second Coming of Char.

Gundam UC episode 2 is currently planned to be released November 12, 2010 on Blu-ray disc simultaneously in the US, Canada, and Taiwan.

It'll also get a PSN release too.

You can watch the first 14 minutes of Gundam Unicorn Episode 2 on the Bandai Channel.

Reni Mimura NYAF interview

Date: 2010 October 15 16:51 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Reni Mimura, a cosplayer and singer living in New York, was performing at this years New York Anime Festival. Despite her busy schedule, she found the time to sit down and chat with us for a brief time about her reasons for taking her work to New York, what she thinks of her fans and which she prefers: cosplay or singing!

Nausicaa Blu-ray UK release details

Date: 2010 October 13 15:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

A quick reminder for UK anime fans, the Studio Ghibli classic Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind will be released on blu-ray on Monday 18th October 2010. This is one of those rare instances when UK anime fans get a release before the US.

UK readers can pre-order Nausicaa on blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

US readers who can't wait will want to consider the Japanese release which also has English subtitles and is region free.

Update: A reader has noticed that The Digital Fix are running a Nausicaa blu-ray competition.

Souce: Optimum Releasing

Lucky Star Manga 6 out now and Bandai NYAF news roundup

Date: 2010 October 12 15:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

Bandai Entertainment have sent us details fresh from NYAF including that Lucky Star Manga Volume 6 is out today. You can order it from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

The original Mobile Suit Gundam will be released as a two part DVD under the Anime Legend range.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is going to get a US blu-ray release, details and dates still to be confirmed.

Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society is coming to blu-ray.

K-ON! Season 1 will be released on DVD and blu-ray, and will be released over 4 parts. Additionally they'll be releasing a standard and special addition which features a CD (with tracks to be confirmed).

Gundam 00 movie: A wakening of the Trailblazer has also got a North AMerican release, again details and release dates to be confirmed.

Free London Screening of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Date: 2010 October 06 14:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans are in for a special treat thanks to the good folks at The Embassy of Japan. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time will be screened on Wednesday 10th November 2010 at The Embassy of Japan (101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT). The screening will begin at 6:30pm, doors open at 5:45pm. There will be no admittance after 7pm. Admission is free, but prior registration is essential.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a real delight to watch, if you haven't seen it already it's worth making the effort of going to see it. As always with popular events we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: The Embassy of Japan

Sci-Fi-London Oktoberfest 2010

Date: 2010 September 27 16:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

As is tradition in October Sci-Fi-London will be screening a great selection of anime as part of their Oktoberfest. The festival starts on Thursday 14th October and ends early in the morning of Sunday 17th October 2010 (this is because of their great Saturday all nighters).

Friday 15th at 7:30pm they'll be screening Technotise: Edit & I, which is billed as Serbia's first animated feature film crossing Ghost in the Shell with Waltz with Bashir.

On Saturday 16th October at 3pm they'll be screening Time Traveller: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, the live action take of the Sci-Fi novel that inspired an anime feature film version along with a TV drama, manga and other feature films.

Saturday night from 10:30pm is when the fun starts for Studio Ghibli fans, with an all-nighter with the following features -
Spirited Away
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
The Cat Returns
Howl's Moving Castle

At the same time at 10:30pm there is an anime all-nighter as an alternative, screening 2 Ghibli features plus Eden of the East -
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
The Cat Returns
Eden of the East

As always with great events we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: Sci-Fi-London Oktoberfest 2010

London Barbican Aspects of Japanese Cinema Season

Date: 2010 September 21 14:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've mentioned it before, but it's always worth being reminded about from Tuesday 19th October to Sunday 19th December 2010 the Barbican in London will be running an Aspects of Japanese Cinema season. It's also worth noting that the screening of Kenji Mizoguchi’s The Water Magician is accompanied, for the first time in the UK, with traditional benshi narration and live music on a koto.

Benshi narration is the traditional form of Japanese silent film story-telling: the performer, or benshi, stands beside the screen and reads the intertitles as well as voicing the characters and commenting on the action.

The koto is the traditional 13-stringed zither of Japan whose shape has been likened to a crouching dragon. The history of the instrument spans at least twelve centuries during which time its form has changed little. It is made from the wood of the paulownia tree (or ‘Royal Empress tree’) and generally plucked with plectra worn on the right hand.

For those interested in the season, we suggest you look at our previous post, about the highlights (which is pretty much the whole season)!

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Schoolgirl Milky Crisis now on Kindle

Date: 2010 September 15 14:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Anime expert and industry insider Jonathan Clements has just posted details on his blog about Schoolgirl Milky Crisis being released on Kindle.

It's available to buy from Amazon.com in the US and Amazon.co.uk in the UK.

Souce: Schoolgirl Milky Crisis Blog

Laputa, the Castle in the Sky Japanese Blu-ray details

Date: 2010 September 14 15:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Studio Ghibli fans will be very excited to to hear about the Japanese Blu-ray release of Laputa, the Castle in the Sky. The high definition 1080p release is due out on 22nd December 2010. Like the Japanese blu-ray release of Nausicaa, it should be region free, meaning it'll play on any blu-ray player, including the PS3. It will have English subtitles, but it does not appear to have an English dub track.

Details as follows:
English Japanese French Cantonese Mandarin Korean
Audio -

Japanese: DTS HD 2.0 Surround
Cantonese: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
French: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
German: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Korean: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Mandarin: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround

It retails for 6800 Japanese Yen, which is about 82 US Dollars or 52 Pounds (GBP / UK).

JBox/JList,Otaku.com and CDJapan are currently taking pre-orders for Castle in the Sky on Blu-ray.

Souce: Disney Japan

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes UK release details

Date: 2010 September 06 15:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

We've been sent the details about the UK release of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes, the popular action fighting game featuring historical figures kicking the backsides of whole armies. We've covered cosplayers who like to dress in Sengoku period clothes before.

The Capcom game is due out on Wii and PS3 on 15th October 2010, with Manga Entertainment due to release the anime version on DVD on 8th November 2010. As the in game Date Masamune would say "Let's party"!

Scotland Loves Animation guests announced

Date: 2010 September 05 12:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Scotland Loves Animation has sent us the details of their guests for the film festival. Anime expert Jonathan Clements will be appearing at both weekends, while anime director Satoshi Nishimura and anime producer Shigeru Kitayama will be attending the Glasgow weekend only.

Jonathan Clements' obituary on Satoshi Kon

Date: 2010 September 05 11:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime Expert Jonathan Clements has written an obituary on Satoshi Kon for Sci-Fi and fantasy magazine Salon Futura along with one for British Film Institute's Sight and Sound Magazine.

Souce: Jonathan Clements\' Blog

Manga Impact Book Details

Date: 2010 August 30 11:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks at Phaidon have sent us the details of their up coming book Manga Impact.

The book has 500 colour illustrations, 300 illustrated entries, and contributions from anime and manga experts such as Jonathan Clements and Tsugata Nobuyuki.

The book is due out November 2010.

Pre Order From Amazon.co.uk
Pre Order From Amazon.com

London Barbican Aspects of Japanese Cinema - October to December 2010

Date: 2010 August 20 14:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London's Barbican has always been a great place to visit for fans of Japanese cinema with their monthly Japanimation screenings, but some fans may want to move into the arts centre from October to December as they'll be shown a whole host of Japanese films, anime and even a cosplay event! There's so much good stuff to see!

Movie buffs will be delighted to with the great range of movies.
There's so much to recommend here, we suggest you take a look at the full listing.

Shojo fans will be interested see the live action version of Nana on Thursday 21st October 2010 at 6pm.

Cosplayers will want to keep Saturday 6th November on 11.00pm – Kamikaze Girls screening and cosplay event.

Fans of cheesy movies will want to keep an eye on the 18 rated RoboGeisha showing at 7:30pm as part of the Halloween Shlockfest on Friday 29th October.

Beat Takeshi fans have a lot to look forward to on Sunday 14th and Monday 15th November 2010. They'll be showing Hana bi, Brother, Dolls and Zatoichi.

Those who enjoy classic Japanese cinema will enjoy the Akira Kurosawa season too.

Anime fans aren't left out either with a CLAMP themed screening of XxxHOLiC The Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream and Tsubasa The Movie: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom – Tuesday 19th October 2010. As always resident expert and author Helen McCarthy will be on hand to introduce the movies.

As always with popular events we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Scotland Loves Anime October 2010 - Film Festival

Date: 2010 August 10 16:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Scottish anime fans will have a great selection of anime screenings to look forward to with the Scotland Loves Anime October 2010 Festival. Set to run in Glasgow on Friday, October 8th to Sunday, October 10th and Edinburgh Friday, October 15th to Sunday, October 17th as well as part of the DCA Discovery Film Festival in Dundee October 22nd-26th.

They've got a great line up films some classics and some new

GLASGOW - Glasgow Film Theatre:

Trigun: Badlands Rumble (UK premiere, HDCAM)
One Piece Strong World (UK premiere, HDCAM)
Summer Wars (Scottish premiere, Digital Cinema Print)
Redline (Scottish premiere, HDCAM)
Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva (Scottish premiere, Digital Cinema Print)
Cowboy Bebop the Movie (Special screening, 35mm)

EDINBURGH - Filmhouse Cinema:

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (UK premiere, 35mm)
Evangelion 2.0 (Special screening, Digital Betacam)
Summer Wars (Digital Cinema Print)
Trigun: Badlands Rumble (HDCAM)
One Piece Strong World (HDCAM)
Redline (HDCAM)
Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva (Digital Cinema Print)

Dundee - DCA:

Summer Wars (Digital Cinema Print)

They're all worth watching, but if you haven't seen them already we highly recommend Summer Wars, the Cowboy Bebop Movie and Evangelion 2.0. As always with popular events, we suggest booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

High School of the Dead hits North America

Date: 2010 July 02 19:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Want zombies with your anime? The good folks at Sentai Filmworks and Anime Network are willing to provide you with infected flesh eating monsters! Sentai Filmworks have the license for High School of the Dead. and will be releasing it subbed and dubbed throughout North America.

The Anime Network will also be showing the first and second episode from Monday July 5th to subscribers in North America.

The Anime Machine: An Illustrated Lecture at London's BFI Southbank

Date: 2010 June 23 15:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of futuristic technology and anime who can get to London will want to head over to the BFI Southbank on Sunday 11th July 2010 for their special lecture on the world saturated with technology. Called The Anime Machine: An Illustrated Lecture by Thomas Lamarre it's set to start at 6pm. You can also get a joint ticket for a screening of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.

Fans of more tradional Japanese cinema will want to consider the BFI Southbank season of Akira Kurosawa and His Influence.

As always we advise booking in advance for such events to avoid disappointment.

Souce: BFI Southbank

Crunchyroll to stream Bleach an hour after Japanese Broadcast

Date: 2010 June 16 16:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good people of Crunchyroll have sent us details about their new Bleach Simulcasts. Starting today (Wednesday June 15th 2010), premium members will be able to watch Bleach one hour after it's been shown in Japan on TV TOKYO. Regular non-paying members of Crunchyroll will be able to watch it a week later.

Bleach will be available on Crunchyroll in following countries areas - United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Multi-National Manga Anti-Piracy Coalition Formed

Date: 2010 June 08 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Multi-National Manga Anti-Piracy Coalition Formed

We've received some very interesting details from VIZ Media about the formation of a Multi-National Manga Anti-Piracy Coalition.It seems that the industry has grown tired of Scanlations - manga scanned into a digital format and distributed without the copyright holders consent. The coalition include the 36 members of Japan's Digital Comic Association, Square Enix, VIZ Media, TOKYOPOP and Yen Press.

Originally scanlations were manga translated by fans into their native language from Japanese. This can be seen as the manga equivalent of anime fansubs. Some scanlation sites branched out to scans of manga that was already official translated and licensed outside of Japan.

This has cost the manga publishing industry significant amounts of money, not just in lost book sales, but lost opportunities in the relatively new market of eBooks and mobile devices.

The coalition intend to target scanlation sites and aggregators of scanlation sites. They've drawn up a list of 30 sites to targeted for action. First they will ask the sites to cease distributing scanlations. If the sites fail to cease distributing further action will be taken depending on the jurisdiction of each site. Actions include legal injunctions against the sites, reporting the sites to governmental anti-piracy units of law enforcement, including the US Justice Department, local law enforcement agencies and the FBI.

Fans curious about piracy in the anime and manga industry should read the Pirate Anime FAQ.

This is not the first time the anime and manga industry has attempted to stop piracy in the industry, but this is the biggest and most coordinated international effort so far. With many companies in the industry forced to make cut backs, closing down offices, laying off staff, we wonder if this is the start of a new approach? Will more companies pursue legal options? Are fansubbers next?

Naruto Shippuden Boxset 1 UK DVD release details

Date: 2010 May 26 16:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details about the up coming DVD release of Naruto Shippuden Box Set 1. The box set contains the first 13 episodes of the adventures of a more mature Naruto.

It's due out on Monday 14th June 2010. You can pre-order it from Amazon.co.uk.

Soul Eater Part One UK DVD Release details

Date: 2010 May 26 16:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details about the up coming DVD release of Soul Eater. Part one contains the first 13 episodes of the series. It's due out on Monday 28th June 2010.

You can pre-order Soul Eater Part One from Amazon.co.uk.

Manga Entertainment at the London MCM Expo

Date: 2010 May 26 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We've received details from Manga Entertainment UK about the great bargains they'll be offering over the weekend of 29th and 30th of May 2010 at the London MCM Expo. They'll have 50% off most DVDs including boxsets and Blu-ray titles, along with a £1 manga shop.

You'll also be able to pick up Sky Crawlers on DVD and Blu-ray a bit earlier too.

London Mobile Suit Z Gundam Movie Screening details

Date: 2010 May 25 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based anime fans will want to head over to the Barbican on Tuesday 20th July 2010 at 8:30pm for their screening of Mobile Suit Z Gundam: A New Translation - Heirs to the Stars. Resident anime expert Helen McCarthy will be introducing the film. As always, we advise that you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Vampire Knight Anime Online at VIZAnime.com

Date: 2010 May 08 09:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

US Anime fans can now watch Vampire Knight on-line as it premiers on VizAnime.com. This streamed anime title is only available to people inside the US.

Japanese Maid Reni to perform at PJ mini Pop in NYC

Date: 2010 May 07 18:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

NY based fans of Japanese Cosplay Singing Maids will want to head over to the anime and Japanese Cultural event PJ "mini" Pop to see Reni Mimura . The event is set to run on Sunday May 23rd 2010 from 12:00 until 6:00pm at the The Dwyer Cultural Center in South Harlem.

London Barbican Screenings for May and June 2010

Date: 2010 April 19 14:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at the London Barbican have sent us details for their anime line up in May and June 2010. On Tuesday 25th of May anime expert Helen McCarthy will introduce an action packed double bill of Summer Wars at 6:15pm and Dante's Inferno at 8:45pm.

Then on Tuesday 15th June at 8:30pm the Barbican will screen King of Thorn (which is also introduced by Helen McCarthy). As always with popular events we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Haruhi Movie US Screening Details

Date: 2010 April 15 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Bandai Entertainment have sent details of the up coming US screenings of the new Haruhi Movie - The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.

An English subtitled version of the film will be shown at the Viz Cinema in San Francisco from May 21st. The film will then be shown in Hawaii by Consolidated Theaters in mid-June.

Bandai also intend to release the film on DVD in the near future.

Crunchyroll streams Haruhi

Date: 2010 April 09 19:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at Crunchyroll have sent us details of their latest streaming deal. They've started to show The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Fans looking for aliens, time travelers, and ESPers will be most pleased to hear that they intend to stream the second series later this year too. Crunchyroll's licence covers the Americas, the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Africa.

Viz Media Streams Anime On-line

Date: 2010 March 16 15:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Watching anime on-line is all the rage these days, with services like Crunchyroll leading the way. Viz Media have launched their own anime streaming service on VizAnime.com. Currently the site uses Hulu.com as a backend (which means that readers outside the US can't watch it).

They've got some great titles on there divided into 3 brands - Shonen Jump, Shojo Beat and Shonen Sunday. Highlights include Bleach, Death Note and Naruto, Honey and Clover and Nana. They've got something for everyone on there.

Clannad English Dub US details

Date: 2010 March 16 14:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've been sent the details about the Clannad English Dub from Sentai Filmworks. Up until now they've only been producing subtitle only titles. We don't have a release date yet. They also plan an upgrade offer for those who purchased the original subtitle only DVD. Sentai Filmworks intend to release Blue Drop, Ghost Hound, Legends of the Dark King - A Fist of the North Star Story and Tears to Tiara.

Preview the first 7 minutes of Gundam Unicorn

Date: 2010 March 02 15:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Beez have sent us details about the upcoming release of Gundam Unicorn on Friday 12th 2010 on Blu-ray disc. The release will be worldwide simultaneously in the 7 territorial areas of Japan, US, Canada, UK, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

You can view the first 7 minutes of the OAV on the Beez Website.

AmeCon 2010 Website Launches

Date: 2010 January 25 17:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime fans should mark the dates Friday 13th to Sunday 15th August 2010 in their diaries. As this is when AmeCon will return. The successful UK anime convention will open for registration on Monday 15th February 2010. They'll be at a new location this year - Keele University in Staffordshire.

Registration will cost £45 for the full 3 days. The registration fee does not include accommodation, food and drink. They'll take payment through Credit and Debit Card using Google Checkout, alternatively you can also post a cheque to them.

As always with popular conventions we advise you book early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: AmeCon 2010

Snow Totoros all round!

Date: 2010 January 09 10:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

While most of the world is caked in snow, numerous Otaku News friends and readers have sent us links of Totoros made of snow.

The most common one we got sent was this one on the site Epic Win FTW (from the same people behind I Can Has Cheezburger?) .

One keen eyed Otaku News reader also sent us:
A snow Catbus
dorkiicakes' snow Totoro
Temple of the wrong found a pair of snow Totoro
graout's snow Totoro

A huge selection of Snow Totoros can also be found on photographic sharing website Flickr.

Ghibli fans will know that the first snow Totoro ever made can been seen in the end credits of the original film.

Souce: Otaku News

Comiket 77

Date: 2009 December 30 07:30 | Posted By: Franki Webb

Category > Events

A man sits in the corner of the busy square caressing his gun then pointing it at a bunch of schoolgirls who shriek in excitement and begin flashing the cameras, while another man beside him dressed elaborately in leather swishes his cape to an amused crowd of photographers. Welcome to Comiket!

Long hours and low pay the reality of being an animator in Japan

Date: 2009 November 23 07:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

An interesting article in the Wall Street Journal points out how much trouble the Japanese animation industry is in. The article mentions that anime is one of Japan's great cultural exports. However due to the shrinking population of Japan, there are fewer children, resulting in toy makers and sponsors being less willing to fund new shows.

It highlights that many leave the animation industry within the first 3 years, in order to get better jobs in the video games industry. 13 to 14 hour days appear to be common too, along with working weekends. It seems that 1 day off a month was common in the case of one employee at an anime studio.

"A survey conducted this year for industry executives showed that animators in their 20s made just 1.1 million yen ($11,000) a year on average, while those in their 30s earned 2.1 million yen."

There is light at the end of the tunnel, with companies actively recruiting staff instead of keeping them on as freelancers. The Japanese government too are supporting the industry by planning to increase spending on education and training young animators as well as allocating more funds toward film marketing.

There is a worry though that with competition from outsourcing overseas Japan's ability to cultivate creative talent will be reduced.

Souce: Wall Street Journal

QC Anime-zing new Iowa based anime convention

Date: 2009 November 09 15:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

US based anime fans who can get to Iowa should add a new convention to their diary. Set for June 18th to 20th 210 at Bettendorf QC Anime-zing!, it's run by the Mindbridge Foundation a not for profit corporation dedicated to fans of fiction, fantasy and so on.

London Gets Shibuya Style Crossing

Date: 2009 November 02 05:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

BBC News have an interesting article about a new crossing on Oxford Street in London.

The London shopping district now has a crossing inspired by the X style walk way. The most famous of which can be seen at Shibuya in Tokyo and is frequently filmed in documentaries that feature Japan.

The opening ceremony sounds like a lot of fun -
"In homage to its Far Eastern inspiration, the mayor will strike a two-metre high cymbal as Japanese musicians play taiko drums."

They even got cosplayers involved too -

"A giant X, in the form of 60m (196ft) of red ribbon will then be unfurled by devotees of cult Japanese Manga characters dressed in colourful costumes."

The London Mayor said the crossing was "a triumph for British engineering, Japanese innovation and good old fashioned common sense".

Oxford Street is frequently very busy with more than 200 million visitors a year and ideas like this help ease congestion at the bottle neck area of the tube station.

The BBC News Website has photos of the event you can even see a few cosplayers there too. ^_^

Update We've been sent some great photos of the opening ceremony.

WOTA London Gig in November 2009

Date: 2009 November 01 16:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Fans of J-Pop, Vocaloid Songs, moe and anime music should head over to WOTA London on Saturday 21st November 2009, from 5pm to 10p, at the Freedom Bar in Soho, Central London.

This event is billed to support those otaku that loves otaku culture. Great for those who want to dance the night away.

Souce: WOTA London

Animation industry in the UK and Japan Symposium

Date: 2009 October 23 15:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Academic anime fans will want to get London on Friday 30th October 2009 for the Animation industry in the UK and Japan: Creativity, identity and the global marketplace. It's going to run in Council Room, Strand Campus, King’s College London.

It's free to attend but booking in advance is required. We suggest you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Comica 2009: London Is Bubbling Over With Comics!

Date: 2009 October 20 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of comics will be pleased to hear about Comica Festival 2009. Being an international comics festival manga is represented too. With anime and manga expert Helen McCarthy launching her new book about the manga god Osamu Tezuka on Sunday 8th November 8, 2009 from 4.30pm at the ICA. Tickets: £6 / £5 Concessions / £4 ICA Members

Paul Gravett will be giving a talk about Manga In The Museum: Solving Myths & Mysteries as he introduces the work of Hoshino Yukinobu on Tuesday 10th November 2009 from 1.15pm to 2pm. This is free, but booking in advance is required.

Plus Helen will also be giving a talk on the works of works of manga master Hoshino Yukinobu on Saturday 21st November 2009 at the British Museum from 1.15pm to 2pm. This is free, but booking in advance is required.

Souce: Comica Festival 2009

Beez at the London MCM Expo October 2009

Date: 2009 October 17 10:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Currently all UK anime firms are revving up for the London MCM Expo on 24th-25th October 2009. Beez are no exception. Their stall will be in a different place than usual, they'll be teaming up with their corporate cousins Namco Bandai Partners.

They'll be holing a survey too, along with a give away as an incentive to fill it in. Plus they'll be selling some great titles on DVD too.

The Art of Osamu Tezuka God of Manga out November 2009

Date: 2009 October 13 15:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Fans of Osamu Tezuka, the founding father of modern anime and manga will be pleased to hear that a new book is due out November 2009. Written by prominent anime and manga expert Helen McCarthy the hardcover book published by Ilex Press reveals what makes Tezuka one of the key figures of 20th century pop culture.

It includes 350 colour illustrations and a 45 minute DVD documentary never aired outside of Japan before.

The publication coincides with the annual Comica Festival.

Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Buy from Amazon.com

Ni No Kuni Opening Path Cinematic Online

Date: 2009 October 02 09:14 | Posted By: LittleWoodenBoy

Category > Gaming > Consoles

One of the cinematics for the upcoming Studio Ghibli/Level 5 Nintendo DS game has been put online.

Sci-Fi-London October 2009 Anime All-Nighter Details

Date: 2009 September 16 17:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Weekend of 23rd - 24th October 2009 is great for anime fans to visit London, with the London MCM Expo. There's also the traditional Anime All-Nigther at Sci-Fi-London.

The film festival has run for many years now and always proves popular. They've got an extra special line up for this all night long anime screening, starting Saturday night 23rd October 2009. They'll be showing:

Evangelion 1.0
Time of Eve
The Sky Crawlers

We're most excited about the Evangelion 1.0 screening. Spike's already seen it and posted an Evangelion 1.0 review up when it first came out in Japan.

The Sky Crawlers also sounds promising as it's directed by Mamoru Oshii (who is best known as directing the Ghost in the Shell Movies).

Tickets will be available soon. We advise you book early to avoid disappointment as it's a great chance to seem some excellent features.

Souce: Sci-Fi London

London MCM Expo October 2009 Details

Date: 2009 September 14 17:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at the London MCM Expo have sent us the latest details for the event. Highlights from an anime perspective include - Studio BONES studio president Minami Masahiko and director Ando Masahiro, whose works include Fullmetal Alchemist, Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Seed Destiny and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Along with Trinity Blood voice actors Mike McFarland and Troy Baker.

The press release also has a shout out to cosplayers, who helped with the world record!

MTV Iggy on Otaku Culture

Date: 2009 September 10 14:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

The good folks at MTV Iggy (which is focused on breakthrough music and pop-culture from around the globe) have sent us details of their new feature - Otaku Culture.

They've got a couple of videos up from Otakon 2009 in Baltimore. It includes some otaku steampunk culture along with a video on ball jointed dolls. They've also got details of J-Rockers VAMPS, and plenty more to explore too.

Souce: MTV Iggy

New dating site for anime fans launches

Date: 2009 September 08 16:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

There are tons of dating sites on the internet. Lots are even specialist dating sites by interest. So it should come as no surprise that the clever folks at Fan Crush have set up a dating site for otaku - Otaku Crush.

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