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Evangelion Store Tokyo 01 - Harajuku

Date: 2013 July 17 16:17 | Posted By: Priss

In the April of 2013, I made my first visit to Japan. On my many travels, the second excursion to Harajuku was not for the stores featuring Japan's most iconic and eccentric fashion trends. It was not even to torture myself with the price tags in Lolita fashion wonderland. I passed the stores and sparklingly sweet crepe stands by. I was on a reconnaissance mission to visit The Evangelion Store - Tokyo One.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

NHK World at the Japan Expo 2013 Paris

Date: 2013 July 02 17:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of their latest European adventures.

They'll be at the Japan Expo 2013 in Paris from 4th to 7th July 2013. NHK world will have a host of events at the Expo, highlights include a Shironuri Makeup Session with leading shironuri artist Minori.

We've been told that they'll also be at Hyper Japan 2013 in London on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.

For the latest event schedule, please visit their Japan Expo 2013 Website.

UK based readers will be pleased to hear that you can now watch NHK World on Virgin Media Channel 625, along with FreeSat Channel 209 or on Sky Channel 507.

MCM London Comic Con October 2013 details

Date: 2013 June 11 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the MCM London Comic Con have sent us news of the next London event. We're still recovering from this May's London Comic con which saw over 76,000 visitors.

The next MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013. To accomdate the huge number of visitors the event will for the first time be using both sides of the huge Excel centre, increasing their capacity from 25,000 to 34,000 square metres. That's a lot more space for cosplayers with big wings!

Otaku News Podcast Episode 9

Date: 2013 June 02 09:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

The latest episode of the podcast sees a bumber crop of new shows and licenses, some recent news, reviews of Strike Suit Infinity, Code Geass and Majestic Prince. Full Metal Panic goes into the Hall Of Fame and then some brief discussions about the last series you really got into and the last game you finished.

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 9

MP3 File:
29.3 MB
1 Hour 3 minutes 53 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can also get the following episodes here -
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga Jiman Competition 2013

Date: 2013 May 30 15:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

Artistic readers in the UK will be pleased to hear about the annual Embassy of Japan Competition Manga Jiman. The theme for 2013 is voyages of discovery.

The competition is open to all legal UK residents who are over the age of 14 by 1st January 2014.

There's a great selection of prizes to be won, including the top prize of return air tickets to Japan!

You can see previous winners on Myebook.

Cosplay at Comica MangAsia in London 18th May 2013

Date: 2013 May 09 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've covered the Comica MangAsia details earlier. The event is set to run in London at Asia House on Saturday 18th May 2013. We've been sent more details of the cosplay workshop that'll be running there. It's an event in it's own right and is run by veteran cosplayers Emily Bastian and Adelaide Filippe as part of the fun.

Comica MangAsia - May 2013

Date: 2013 April 27 14:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Comica Festival have sent us details of their latest event aimed at anime and manga fans in London. The Comica MangAsia is set to run on Saturday 18th May 2013 at Asia House in London. The fun starts at 11am and ends at 4:30pm.

The event includes talks and panels with anime and manga expert and writer Helen McCarthy. Sarah Rundle introduces Kamishibai, a form of traditional Japanese paper based storytelling.

Cosplay experts Emily Bastian and Adelaide Filippe will be there running a cosplay workshop. Plus Japanese manga artist Inko will be running a manga masterclass for those aged 16+.

Throughout the day there will be a free comic fair along with a tea room.

As always with these events, we advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Photos from AnimeDublin 2013

Date: 2013 April 16 18:45 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

On Saturday 6th of April, AnimeDublin held it's second one-day con in Dublin City and one of our reporters was on hand to see things and take some pictures!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Otaku News Podcast Episode 8

Date: 2013 March 30 15:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

Episode 8 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! Our intrepid podcasters return with some news on new licenses and online manga closures. We review Persona 4 The Animation, Thermae Romae and Heroman. Cromartie High School takes its place in the hall of fame and then it all goes a bit freeform with mentions of doujinshi and WiiU's new Street View app.

Rumour control - since recording, MVM have confirmed they are putting out Another here in the UK.

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 8

MP3 File:
16.2 MB
35 minutes

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can also get the following episodes here -
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga Industry Pioneer Toren Smith Passes Away

Date: 2013 March 08 16:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

Readers will be sad to hear that manga industry pioneer Toren Smith passed away on Tuesday March 5th 2013.

We could write an obituary about the man who brought manga to the English speaking world, but we don't have the words. We suggest you read the one written by Jonathan Clements.

We've never had the privilege of meeting Toren. For many of us, ourselves included, his work were fundamental in discovering the world of anime and manga.

The news was first broken on Twitter and Anime News Network.

Souce: James Hudnall\'s Blog

Otaku News Podcast Episode 7

Date: 2013 February 10 11:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

Episode 7 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! The Otaku News Podcast gang is back to look at some recent news, cast their eyes over some new anime from the Winter 2013 seasons along with some anime based video games. In a new segement we discuss if simulcasting is helping or hurting the anime industry and Eden of the East goes into the Hall Of Fame.

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 7

MP3 File:
17.2 MB
37 minutes

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can also get the following episodes here -
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Harajuku! Valentines Ball 2013

Date: 2013 January 08 15:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based otaku looking for a night of partying will want to head to Proud in Camden on Sunday 10th of February for the return of the Harajuku Ball. This time it's a Valentines Ball.

The fun is set to start at 7pm. There's lots to do at the event including Gaming, Karaoke, Manga, Art, and live bands. Entry is free.

Otaku News Podcast Episode 6

Date: 2012 December 27 18:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

Episode 6 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! This episode we talk about some upcoming licenses and new shows, Comikets bomb threat and a live action Dragon Ball trailer. Trigun Badlands Rumble is the focus of the reviews, which also include J Pop Go, a Final Fantasy Concert and GA Geijutsuka Art Design. We celebrate the end of the year with a quiz and induct Gurren Lagann to the Hall of Fame.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 6

MP3 File:
32.6 MB
1 hour 11 minutes

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can also get the following episodes here -
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

UK Photographer Seeks Otaku for Photography Project

Date: 2012 November 14 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

UK based fine art and cosplay photographer Daisy Ware-Jarrett has got in touch with us and needs to hear from otaku for her up coming project. She's putting together a project titled Moe. For the project she needs to spend a day with an otaku photographing fandom from an individual's perspective. Are you interested in being part of this photo project?! If so then get in touch with Daisy.

Otaku News Podcast Episode 5

Date: 2012 November 10 14:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

Episode 5 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! On this episode of the Otaku News podcast we discuss recent licenses and news, Colin talks forever about some of the new shows in the Autumn 2012 season, the feature topic is shows that defy your expectations, Azumanga Daioh gets the Hall of Fame treatment and we answer some questions.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 5

MP3 File:
57.7 MB
1 hour 3 minutes

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can also get the following episodes here -
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Pirate Anime FAQ Updated - November 2012

Date: 2012 November 03 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Websites

We've just updated The Pirate Anime FAQ with some more details. We've added details of bootleg bags, bootleg wallets / bill folds and finally included bootleg CD company Miya Records to the Audio CD section.

We've been running the Pirate Anime FAQ for over 12 years now, helping anime fans become aware of bootlegs. Many fans first discover that they've bought bootlegs by reading the FAQ.

As always we appreciate any feedback, so please feel free to get in touch.

We'd like to thank you for all your support over the last 12 years and look forward to the next 12 years! ^_^

Souce: Otaku News

Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas Details

Date: 2012 October 07 16:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Christmas has come early for UK based fans of Japanese culture! Hyper Japan is set to return to Brompton Hall, Earl's Court in London for Hyper Japan Christmas 2012. The event is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012.

They'll have all sorts of fun including traditional Japanese food, culture and music, along with the modern elements that make Japan cool.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Entertainment at the London MCM Expo October 2012

Date: 2012 October 02 15:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Manga Entertainment at the London MCM Expo October 2012

The good folks at Manga Entertainment have sent us details of what they'll be doing at the London MCM Expo, on Friday 26h October to Sunday 28th October 2012.

Highlights include-
Exclusive signings with Liam O'Brien who is best known as Gaara from Naruto.
Cosplay Area
Viz Media Bookshop
Plus a DVD sale with prices starting from £1.

Otaku News Podcast Episode 4

Date: 2012 September 25 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

Episode 4 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! The fourth podcast sees our otaku views on some recent news and Amecon 2012. Reviews of Planzet, Yurei Attack and Ninja Attack and the first third of Dragon Ball Z Season 2. Overman King Gainer also goes into the Hall Of Fame.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 4

MP3 File:
42.8 MB
46 minutes 45 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can get episode 1 here, episode 2 here and episode 3 here.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

AmeCon is looking for new committee members

Date: 2012 August 31 09:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

UK based anime fans looking to get involved in fandom and help with the running of a successful convention, will be very interested to hear that UK anime convention AmeCon is looking for new committee members.

This is a great chance to get involved with something you're passionate about. They're particularity interested in hearing from people with skills in event organisation or web development.

The Japanese Maid Cafe in London Sunday 2nd September 2012

Date: 2012 August 19 16:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture looking to try out a maid cafe will be interested to hear about the Japanese Maid Cafe London. They've got two sittings on Sunday 2nd September 2012 at:

Hellenic Restaurant,
9a Delancey Street
Camden Town
London
NW1 7NL

Seating Times are 1pm to 3:30pm and 4pm to 6:30pm.
There is a choice of 4 set menus (which consists of 3 courses). Entry is £25 in advance or £35 on the door. Prices exclude drinks.

AyaCon 2013 Convention Details

Date: 2012 August 14 16:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime fans who have just recovered from AmeCon 2012 and are looking for their next convention fix next year should sign up for AyaCon 2013.

The convention is set to run from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th August 2013. AyaCon will be hosted at the Warwick Arts Centre, the same venue as the previous few runs. This is will be the last AyaCon, so the theme will be "Apocalypse". This the conventions 8th and final year.

UK Cosplayers at the World Cosplay Summit Championship 2012

Date: 2012 August 02 16:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just been sent some interesting details from the World Cosplay Summit UK Team, who are currently in Japan representing the country for the finals! So cheer them on this Saturday 4th August 2012. You can keep up with their adventures on their blog. They won the UK finals and in turn flights to Japan, and the chance to represent the UK at lots of fun events such as parties and parades along with the World Cosplay Summit Championship. The WCS is broadcast live on TV to an audience of 10 million.

You too can win the chance to represent the UK in the 2013 World Cosplay Summit. To do so, check out Hyper Japan's website.

Otaku News Podcast Episode 3

Date: 2012 July 31 15:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

Episode 3 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! This episode our podcasters cover the recent otaku influenced news stories, give a brief round up of some of the new summer 2012 anime, put Dragon Half and Megas XLR into the Hall Of Fame and answer some listener questions.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 3

MP3 File:
54.9 MB
50 minutes 52 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can get episode 1 here and episode 2 here.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Kitacon project details to be launched at AmeCon 2012

Date: 2012 July 27 19:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based anime fans heading off to August Convention AmeCon will be interested to hear about the latest Kitacon projects which will be announced at AmeCon.

Otaku News Podcast Episode 2

Date: 2012 July 20 16:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

Episode 2 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! Rebecca, Spike and Colin cast their eyes over some recent news, there are reviews of Steins;Gate, Haiyore Nyaruko-san and the Rampage/Wavering of Haruhi Suzumiya. Also Hare & Guu gets inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 2

MP3 File:
32.9 MB
35 minutes 57 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can get episode 1 here.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

J-Pop Go in London on Sunday 15th July 2012

Date: 2012 July 08 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of J-Pop will want to head over to J-Pop Go on Sunday 15th July 2012. The popular J-Pop event will be at The Vibe Bar, Old Truman Brewery, 91 - 95 Brick Lane E1 6QL. Tickets are £5 in advance or £6 on the door.

Highlights include a performance from the J-Pop inspired Marshmallow Llama Time, along with Perfume Tribute band Fume, plus dance performances from Greentea Bon Bon.

The Japanese Maid Cafe in London Sunday 15th July 2012

Date: 2012 June 21 15:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Maids and food will want to head to Camden Town on Sunday 15th July 2012 (after being postponed from last month). The Hellenic Restaurant will play host to the Japanese Maid Cafe.

Entry is £25 in advance which includes a 3-course meal and entry to the event. The food will be prepared on site by a qualified Japanese chef.

They'll have 3 sessions:

13:00 to 15:00
15:30 to 17:30
18:00 to 20:00

The maid cafe will also give you the opportunity to play a selection of games with them (for £2 per game per person). Souvenir poloroid photos can also be taken on the day at a cost of £5 per photo.

UK TV documentary calls for otaku

Date: 2012 June 21 14:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

We've been in touch with Factual Television Researcher Latisha Ma who is interested to hear from of our readers. She says:

"I am looking to speak to non-Oriental individuals who are obsessed with Asian/Oriental culture (from the fashion, to the music, to the gaming world, to comics etc). This is for research for TV documentary development. Please do get in touch if you're happy to have a chat about your interests! Email: latishama@yahoo.co.uk".

So if you fancy a chance of being in a TV documentary, now's your chance!

Souce: Otaku News

Otaku News Podcast Episode 1

Date: 2012 June 16 05:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

We're pleased to announce Episode 1 of the Otaku News Podcast. Hopefully this will be the first of many. It features the talents of Azure, Little Wooden Boy and Spike.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 1

MP3 File:
94.9 MB
41 minutes 28 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The Japanese Maid Cafe in London Sunday 17th June 2012

Date: 2012 June 11 16:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Maids and food will want to head to Camden Town on Sunday 17th June 2012 (this has now been postponed, please see the updated below). The Hellenic Restaurant will play host to the Japanese Maid Cafe.

Entry is £25 in advance which includes a 3-course meal and entry to the event. The food will be prepared on site by a qualified Japanese chef.

They'll have 3 sessions:

14:00 to 16:00
16:00 to 18:00
18:00 to 20:00

The maid cafe will also give you the opportunity to play a selection of games with them (for £2 per game per person). Souvenir poloroid photos can also be taken on the day at a cost of £5 per photo.

Update: Saturday 16th June 2012
We've just received an e-mail from the organisers of this event.
They've informed us that due to unforeseen circumstances they have to postpone the Japanese Maid Cafe originally due to take place tomorrow (Sunday 17th June 2012).

They also say - "We apologise for the inconvenience and have rearranged a new date for the Maid Cafe which we will announce shortly."

All tickets will be valid when the event is rescheduled, alternatively they will arrange refunds.

NEO Magazine Seeks Ultimate Fan in Competition

Date: 2012 June 08 11:49 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Press Releases

NEO Magazine launches campaign to find their ultimate fan in celebration for their 100th issue.

The winner will have a lifetime subscription to the magazine and have their photo featured in the 100th issue.

Namco Bandai UK announces online community project for Tales Of... fans

Date: 2012 June 03 14:10 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Press Releases

Namco Bandai Games UK announces an online community for fans of their Tales Of series of computer games.

J-Pop Girl Band Berryz Kobo to perform at AnimeNEXT

Date: 2012 May 30 17:04 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Events

Japanese J-pop girl Berryz Kobo to perform at US convention AnimeNEXT on 6-8th of June 2012. The band wants fans to pick one of their songs to headline their concert at the convention.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga in the classroom

Date: 2012 May 22 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

TES - The Times Education Supplement, a popular magazine for teachers and those in education have an interesting article about getting pupils into art through manga. It was published in the 11th May 2012 edition.

A manga scheme of work has been drawn up by Jono Carney. A 12 lesson scheme of work introduces "the manga style", and helps pupils creating their own characters. The article then mentions that members of the TES forums can get access to cross-meduim project plans and teaching resources for anime and storyboarding too. So if you're in school, why not encourage your teacher to foster the otaku in you?

Souce: Times Education Supplement

Brighton Japan Festival 2012

Date: 2012 May 04 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to Brighton from Friday 22nd June until Sunday 1st July 2012 for the return of the Brighton Japan Festival.

There will be plenty to see and do, including not one, but two matsuri festivals, a film festival, Japanese music and performances, traditional children's games, cosplay and so much more.

Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas announced

Date: 2012 May 04 03:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The successful London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan have just announced the date for their next event. Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 at Earls Court in London. So save the date!

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

L'Arc-en-Ciel World Tour - London Report

Date: 2012 April 13 17:55 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Events

There are few bands that make the list of "must see in my lifetime". The Japanese band L'Arc-en-Ciel have been top of this chart for as long as I have been a fan of their music. Having never had the chance to see them in the UK before, I was thrilled to see London on the line up of performance locations for the band's 20th Anniversary Tour.

The band played in London on Wednesday April 11th 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Japan Underground vs. NEO Magazine May 2012

Date: 2012 April 13 17:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The London MCM Expo is more than a month away, things have started to rev up for the event already. On Saturday 26th of May 2012 the folks from Japan Underground and Neo Magazine have teamed up to host a night of Japanese and Korean music. The event will be held at Bloomsbury Lanes, a 5 minute walk from London's Euston Station. They'll be supplying a selection of party-rocking tunes from Japan's alternative scenes.

The event is over 18's only and entry is £5 on the door. Valid photographic ID will be required.

From Japan to Hull: manga, anime and cosplay to feature at Platform Expos 2012

Date: 2012 February 18 15:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based readers who can get to the University of Hull on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March 2012 will want to head over to Platform 2012 East Yorkshire's huge gaming and entertainment expo.

They've got an an interesting line up of experts from the gaming industry plus a few familiar faces from anime and manga fandom too.

They'll be some retro gaming fun, a masquerade on the cosplay stage and plenty of panels from expert speakers.

Award winning cosplayer Natasha Lee Tyler (Missy Tetra) will be there to answer all those cosplay questions at talks and panels. Professional comic artist Sonia Leong will be there to explain all about manga.

They'll be a lot to see and do at this event, so it's certainly worth going!

Made Better in Japan

Date: 2012 February 11 14:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The Wall Street Journal have a great article about how things are Made Better in Japan. The article focuses on the Japanese ideal of perfection and continual improvement, in areas including fashion, food, coffee, cocktails and hotels. Found via BoingBoing.

Souce: The Wall Street Journal

Bunkasai - Japanese Festival London Sunday 11th March 2012

Date: 2012 February 06 17:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some Japanese culture should head over to the Bunkasai - Japanese Festival on Sunday 11th March 2012. The event is set to run from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Park Crescent Conference Centre. The event is to support the charity Aid for Japan, which aids survivors of the March 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami. The Bunkasai will run on the first year anniversary

Cultural highlights at the Bunkasai include the Tea Ceremony, Engeki play, Traditional Japanese dance, martial arts demonstration, Taiko drumming, and cosplay.

Advance tickets are now on sale.

Hyper Japan 2012 - Cosplay Judges Announced and Cosplay Reminder

Date: 2012 February 04 16:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Cosplayers heading to Hyper Japan 2012 in London will be pleased to hear the latest news they've sent us. The event is only a few weeks away it starts on Friday 24th February 2012 and will run until Sunday 26th February 2012.

The event has announced the cosplay judges for Saturday. Double World Cosplay Summit champions Mauricio and Mônica Somenzari will join professional prop makers John Bekkensten and Adelaïde Filippe from Bekkhans Studio.

Cosplayers should also note that there's just a week left to enter the WCS and ECG competitions.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Video Games in Japan: Past, Present and Future at The Japan Foundation in London

Date: 2012 February 04 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

London fans of video games will be very interested in two events hosted by the Japan Foundation titled Video Games in Japan: Past, Present and Future.

Event 1 - The Past: Game Over? focuses on how to preserve video game culture and why it's important to do so. Is set to run on Tuesday 22nd February 2012.

Event 2 - The Present and Future: Progress to the Next Level? Covers where the Japanese Video Game Industry is heading and is scheduled for Wednesday 23rd February 2012.

Both events start at 6:30pm at the Japan Foundation in London at Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH .

Both events are free to attend, but booking via e-mail is required. E-mail event@jpf.org.uk with your name, details and those of any guests. As with all popular events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Japanese Queen Tribute act at London's Japan Underground

Date: 2012 January 21 08:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in London wondering thinking - Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught reading this website should head over to The Pipeline in Liverpool Street London on Saturday 4th and Tuesday 7th February 2012 to catch one of Japan's hottest new Queen tribute acts. The band are called Queer (yes, that's actually their name) and will be playing a warm up set as part of Japan Underground, keeping in theme for the night the even will have DJ sets of famous rock hits covered by Japanese artists, plus an 80s themed dress code. The fun and games begin at 7pm and is set to run until midnight.

Tickets can be bought for £5 in advance, or for £7 at the door for each show.

Maids with Music at WOTA London - January 2012

Date: 2012 January 01 12:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Maid Cafes and Anime/gaming/vocaloid/Japanese music and clubbing will want to keep Sunday 22nd January 2012 free when WOTA London returns. From 13.30 to 18.00 the event will be a Maids & Butlers Cafe run by Maid Planet, then at 18.00 until 22.00 it will be an Anison and A-Pop Dance Party. The venue this time around is B1F Royal George, 133 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EA, near Tottenham Court Road Tube Station.

You can buy tickets on-line for a discount, either paying £4 for a Maid pass or £6 for a day pass. Alternatively you can turn up and pay £6 for a Maid Pass, £3 for a WOTA Pass or £8 for a day pass.

The event is for over 18's only.

Hyper Japan - Cosplay Christmas Competition

Date: 2011 December 21 16:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Cosplayers looking for some fun and games this Christmas will want to enter London's Hyper Japan's Christmas Cosplay Competition. To enter all you have to do is upload a photo of you cosplaying to the Hyper Japan Cosplay HQ Facebook page between 9th December 2011 an 15th January 2012. The 3 photos with the most likes on Facebook will make it through to the Hyper Japan Cosplay Team. The team will judge the photos and select a winner.

The winner gets a load of goodies from Tofu Cute, worth £50 along with 2 tickets to Hyper Japan Spring 2012 (for all 3 days). The 2 runners up will also get tickets for all 3 days at Hyper Japan Spring 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

BBC News on Bento Boxes

Date: 2011 December 11 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Cuisine

We've covered Bento Boxes and the fun designs you can make with the food called kyaraben before on Otaku News. BBC News have a video on bento boxes in Japan. It includes a bento making class eager parents go to in order to learn about the art of making kyaraben.

Souce: BBC News

Harajuku Night in London Sunday 4th December 2011

Date: 2011 November 29 18:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese themed clubbing can start of the Christmas season at the Harajuku! Winter Ball on Sunday 4th December 2011. The popular event returns to Proud in Camden. This time around they'll be 9 rooms, projectors and plasma screens for a fun Japanese themed night. The fun is set to start at 7pm and will run until late.

You can book your tickets here. Cosplayers, Lolitas and other fans of Japanese fashion will be pleased to hear that if you go in themed dress your tickets are cheaper!

An Interview with Helen McCarthy

Date: 2011 November 27 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Nostalgia

We're going all nostalgic here at Otaku News and have decided to dig up some old articles from our archive that are not published on-line, either because they were originally for print or from websites that are now off-line.

Just because they're old doesn't mean they're not relevant to today's otaku.

Before Otaku News, we used to run Anime Digital, a website hosted by the London Anime Club. In October 1999, we were lucky enough to interview Helen McCarthy, who is an anime expert, author, speaker and so much more. Although the interview is over 10 years old, it's interesting to see how many things are still the same in the industry and fandom. We've reprinted this article with Helen's permission. Readers familiar with Helen's work will note that she did write an award winning book about Tezuka in the end!

Update: Helen has also blogged about this article.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Cosplay Competitions at Hyper Japan 2012 in London

Date: 2011 November 18 13:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's not even the end of 2011 yet, but it still doesn't hurt to plan ahead, Hyper Japan 2012 is set to run on 24-26th February 2012 at Brompton Hall in Earl's Court.

They've sent us the details of two cosplay competitions they'll be hosting during the weekend. The World Cosplay Summit and the European Cosplay Gathering.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

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