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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

NEO Magazine launches Cosplay Idol competition at London Comic Con

Date: 2011 October 26 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

NEO Magazine will be launching a Cosplay Idol Competition this weekend at the London Comic Con from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011. The winner gets a great load of swag including a laptop, pride of place in the NEO Cosplay Calendar, a dedicated feature in the magazine, plus a NEO goody bag. There are prizes for runners up too. So get sewing!

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

London MCM Expo - Letraset Manga School October 2011

Date: 2011 October 05 18:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers will know that Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011 is when the London MCM Expo hits town. Letraset the creative company best known for their popular marker pens will be hosting a manga school at the Expo. They'll be running 15 classes throughout the weekend.

The classes are aimed at different abilities from beginners to advanced artists. The classes will be run by talented artists Morag Lewis, Nana Li and Irina Richards.

The class cost £2 to £3 per person and last up to 1 hour. For some classes you will have to supply additional materials.

Letraset will also be running a spooky competition under the theme of Ghouls, gobins and mad scientists oh my! where the winner gets over £120 worth of Letraset products, plus there are runners up prizes.

Letraset will also be promoting a new marker in their line up - the FlexMarker.

Chiptune Invasion at London's Japan Underground

Date: 2011 October 04 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers who enjoy a good night out will want to keep Saturday 15th October 2011 free where the good folks at Japan Underground will be hosting a Chiptune Invasion from 3 of Tokyo's best.

This rare performance will feature 3 bands - Tokyo Pinsalocks, HONDALADY and GalapagosS.

The fun is set to start at 7pm at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, London, WC1H 9EU.

Remember the club night is designed around gamers and fans of Japanese pop culture, so it's a perfect otaku night out! The event as always is worth going to as as previous events have received recommendations in Time Out London, The Independent, Absolute Radio and many more.

Hyper Japan 2012 Spring Dates Confirmed

Date: 2011 September 26 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture will want to keep Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February 2012 free for Hyper Japan 2012 Spring. The successful J-Culture event returns for it's third run. Ever growing they'll be at a bigger venue - Earls Court - Brompton Hall.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

An Interview with GEN Manga

Date: 2011 September 25 14:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

eBooks and eBook readers have taken off, with Amazon's Kindle, the Nook and iPad all popular must have gadgets for reading. Currently there's a lot of attention on digital manga. Several companies have sprouted up offering legitimate manga to download and read. The two big boys are JManga and VizManga. They have been criticised for many reasons, including DRM, complex pricing models and region locking. JManga is run by a consortium of 39 manga publishers, so you can easily say they're the biggest digital manga distributor out there. A lot of people are complaining about these manga companies getting it wrong, but has anyone got it right?

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Genki Gear London Expo Official October 2011 Exclusive T-shirt

Date: 2011 September 23 14:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

With the London Comic Con MCM Expo just over a month away things are starting to rev up for it. T-shirt company Genki Gear have just unveiled their exclusive design for the October event, which is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011.

This is the exclusive t-shirt for the London Comic Con MCM Expo. The theme this time around is Ninja vs Kittens! The t-shirt is available for pre-order only, with a closing date of Thursday 20th October 2011. The design will retail for £16.99 for both men's and women's style.

With the classic debate of ninjas vs pirates, we know where we stand (we also reserve the right to change our mind depending on what we're reading or watching when asked, if you ask us when we're indulging in One Piece you'll get a different answer than if we're watching Naruto). However Ninja vs Kittens that's a whole different ball game. What kind of ninja is this? What kind of kittens? Are they related to Maru? These are all important questions that we need answering!

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Manga Workshops at Westminster Reference Library - Autumn 2011 dates

Date: 2011 September 19 17:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in London who are looking to learn more about drawing manga will want to head over to Westminster Reference Library for the Autumn 2011 run of their Manga Workshops.

They've got 3 sessions

Comic brainstorming session - Thursday 22nd September 2011
Landscapes and comic layouts - Thursday 6th October 2011
Character creation and Letraset colouring - Thursday 13th October 2011

The sessions are free, but places are limited so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. To book e-mail rblack1@westminster.gov.uk or phone 020 7641 5250.

AM2 Convention coming back to Anaheim

Date: 2011 September 14 12:58 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Events

The AM2 Convention in Anaheim in California is set to return in 2012 with more guests.

AmeCon 2012 UK registration opens Sunday 25th September 2011

Date: 2011 September 10 07:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The UK Summer Convention season is coming to an end, but fear not as AmeCon will be opening their 2012 registration on Sunday 25th September 2011.

AmeCon 2012 is set to run 10th - 12th August 2012, at Keele University, Newcastle-under-lyme. Registration will be on-line using the standard first come first served basis.

London's Japan Matsuri 2011 Details

Date: 2011 September 02 17:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to London's County Hall on Sunday 18th September for the Japan Matsuri 2011. This year it's at County Hall next to the London Eye.

They'll be over 130 stalls with lots of lovely Japanese things, from food and drinks to clothes and textiles, art, travel companies, tableware and so much more.

Entry to the event is free. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.
Don't forget that the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September is the Open House London, many great places open to visit in the city.

Cosplay Ireland Roundtable

Date: 2011 September 02 09:51 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Events

Organisers and performers for the Cosplay Ireland event in Dublin talk about the event.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Otakon Roundtable Podcast Part 1

Date: 2011 August 28 19:11 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Features

Otaku News and Eeeper's Choice Podcast present part 1 of our Otakon Roundtable talk with our staff member Eeeper plus Elliot Page from UK-Anime.net and Gerry from Anientity.co.uk

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Japan Underground to Organise Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer

Date: 2011 August 24 22:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese cinema will want to keep Saturday 3rd September 2011 free for the Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU. It's organised by the good folks behind Japan Underground to raise awareness and support for the independent Asian film companies that lost their stock when the Sony DADC centre was burnt down in the England riots on 8 August.

Third Window Films and Terracotta Distribution are confirmed for the screenings.

Japan Underground have also sent us details about Unshin a Japanese pop/rock band based in the UK who'll launch their debut album at Japan Underground. This is event is scheduled to run 7pm-3am Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU after the Free Asian Cinema screenings.

Cosplay Ireland announce first event

Date: 2011 August 18 20:06 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Fandom

Cosplay Ireland website announces a cosplay event in Dublin in early September. Attendees are encouraged to cosplay but event is open to all aged 18 and up.

JETRO Japanese Multimedia Seminar @ HYPER JAPAN 2011

Date: 2011 August 08 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of the JETRO Japanese Multimedia Seminar held at this years Hyper Japan on Friday 22nd July 2011.

JETRO is the Japan External Trade Organization, who would like to help people build a business with Japanese multimedia content.

We've been sent a link to videos of the seminar on YouTube.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

The Maids of England

Date: 2011 August 07 12:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

We've been sent details from the Maids of England (cleverly named as they're abbreviated as MOE). They'll be at Ayacon on 19th to 22nd August 2011. They'll also be running events every 2 to 3 months in London.

Plus they're also available for events to run a full maid cafe or a simple bake sale.

Their next event is on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 at Cafe VN, there are two time slots 12:00 - 4:00pm and 4:00pm - 8:00pm tickets are £7 in advance and £10 on the door. More details can be found on their Facebook page.

Harajuku! Autumn Ball August 2011 Details

Date: 2011 August 07 11:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you in London on Saturday 20th August 2011 and looking for a night of Japanese themed clubbing? Well the folks from Criminal Records are happy to oblige, with the return of the popular Harajuku! Autumn Ball. It's scheduled to start at 7:30pm and runs until late at The Miller, London Bridge, London - 96 Snowsfields Road, London, SE1 3SS.

Cosplayers, Lolita's etc are all actively welcomed and encouraged. Tickets at £6 in advance.

Hyper Japan Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011

Date: 2011 July 19 17:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder for those who can get to London and are looking for something fun to do this weekend. Don't forget Hyper Japan 2011 is set to run on Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two.

Souce: Hyper Japan

Big fake glasses. The next fashion trend?

Date: 2011 July 19 16:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Neojaponisme have an interesting article about an up and coming fashion trend - fake glasses. It seems that there is an increase of young Japanese ladies wearing thick rimmed glasses without any lenses. They note the trend is as a cross between "Woody Allen ironic hipster glasses and toy spectacles worn by kindergartners in school plays". As spotted on Boing Boing.

Souce: Neojaponisme

Manga Jiman 2011 Competition now open for entries

Date: 2011 July 14 14:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Following on from our earlier story, we've just been sent the official details about this years Manga Jiman Competition run by the Embassy of Japan in the UK.

This years theme is "New Beginnings". Prizes first prize is a return trip for 2 to Japan courtesy of All Nippon Airways. While other great goodies such as a laptop, or digital camera is also up for grabs for the winners.

Further details terms and conditions can be found on the Manga Jiman Website.
Please note that The closing date for the submission of entries is Tuesday, 1st November 2011.

Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

Square Enix to Host Cosplay Battle at Hyper Japan 2011

Date: 2011 July 03 12:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Japanese culture event Hyper Japan 2011 is less than a month away. Cosplayers will be pleased to hear that Square Enix will be hosting a cosplay battle on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 12pm. It'll be open to anyone dressed as a character from Square Enix releases (including older Square and Enix titles). Winning cosplayers will be treated to a selection of prizes such as plush toys, figures and CD soundtracks from Square Enix games.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Jiman 2011 Competition Details

Date: 2011 July 03 11:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based artists will be pleased to hear that the Embassy of Japan in the UK will holding another Manga Jiman competition this year. Details are yet to be formally announced, but they're keen to get the word out. The theme for this year is 'new beginnings', the deadline for receiving entries is 1 November 2011.

Entries should be 6 to 8 pages, A4 portrait size and read from left to right. Apparently the judges are getting strict on this last point.

Details on the prizes are to follow.

Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

Something for the weekend - Japanese Art Festival

Date: 2011 July 02 10:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder to all those who are looking for something to do this weekend (2nd and 3rd July 2011) in London.

On Saturday and Sunday you'll want to head over to the Japanese Art Festival, where they'll be lots of cosplay fun, fashion shows, manga, martial arts demonstrations along with a selection of other cultural fun. It's at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, Holborn, London, WC1R 4R (nearest tube is Holborn).
Open times are as follows:

Saturday 2nd July: 10:30am - 9:00pm
Sunday 3rd July: 10:30am - 4:00pm

Tickets
Saturday: On the day: £10 / Advanced £7 /After 17:00 £5
Sunday: On the day - £10 / Advanced £7

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

Doctorate in manga, a dream otaku degree?!

Date: 2011 June 29 16:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

Have you ever wondered what the ultimate otaku degree would be? Kyoto Seika University are offering it's first doctoral program in manga studies next year. They have a whole Faculty of Manga (I wonder if I could work there, it'll be my dream job).

The university plans to enrol four doctoral students starting next year.
Thanks to My San Antonio for the tip off.

Souce: Kyoto Seika University Faculty of Manga

Hyper Japan 2011 Event Details

Date: 2011 June 27 15:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

With less than a month to go until Hyper Japan at London's Olympia Two they've started to rev up and reveal to the world what will happen on 22nd to 24th July 2011.

They've sent us the details, highlights include the Eat-Japan Sushi Awards, a Sake Seminar, Nintendo unleashed. Along with a Taiko Master, Cosplay competitions and much more.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Mnet Premieres New Series Culture Japan with Danny Choo on July 5 2011

Date: 2011 June 21 15:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

US based readers who can receive Mnet will want to tune in July 5th 2011 at 9:30pm ET/PT to catch Culture Japan which stars expert otaku Danny Choo. Each week Danny will explore different aspects of Japanese pop culture.

You can also catch the show on Crunchy Roll.

Cosplay For A Cause 2012 Calendar

Date: 2011 June 14 15:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

We've been sent details about the Cosplay For A Cause 2012 Calendar. It contains some of the top cosplayers from all over the world, with all the proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society. 2012 may seem like a long way off, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead and every little donation helps.

Reni's Maid Show and Cafe - NYC June 26th 2011

Date: 2011 June 13 16:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

New York fans of fans of singing cosplay maids will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday June 26th , 12pm Amber Village NY, 432 6th Avenue (9th & 10 St). There's a $15 at Door charge, $10 in Cosplay.

They've also got a special guest this time around, geek stand up comedian Uncle Yo.

Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog

After school tea time with Beckii Cruel

Date: 2011 June 08 16:35 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Culture

As an avid follower of Japanese popular culture and a regular anime viewer, I am more than familiar with the style of dance routines that have become inseparable from so many titles and credits sequences. From classics such as Urusei Yatsura and more recently popularised by Kyoto Animation's iconic series Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, shows have taken to inserting dances at any available opportunity to arrest a fan following with catchy tunes and infectious dance moves. The indigenous para para dance style steps are synonymous with series such as Super Gals! where character Kotobuki Ran regularly regales audiences through her hyper rhythmic routines.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

London MCM May 2011 attendance details

Date: 2011 June 06 17:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The London MCM Expo is over for May 2011, we've just been sent some details about it. The Expo attracted almost 60,000 visitors, with the outside show attracting crowds 5,000.

The next Expo is set to return to the same venue on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011, where it will be paired with Memorabilia London for the first time.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Japan Underground May 2011 Details

Date: 2011 May 13 18:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture, gaming and clubbing will want to head over to Japan Underground at The Kingpin Suite, Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, WC1H 9EU. Near Euston / Russell Square. The event is set to run on Saturday 28th May 2011 from 7pm onwards.

They've got Bentley Jones a British artist signed to a major Japanese Record Label. Japanese violinist Masa Futagami will be performing a very special video game-themed live session. You can buy tickets on-line.

Nintendisco the retro gaming club will also be there. Plus the regular selection of rock, punk, metal, visual kei and electronic tunes that Japan has to offer, as well as live music and karaoke.

Beckii Cruel at the London MCM Expo

Date: 2011 May 11 14:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Everyone's revving up for the London MCM Expo at the end of the month from the 27th to 29th May 2011. The good folks at the event have sent us details about their latest guest, Beckii Cruel, the schoolgirl from the Isle of Man who became an internet sensation and then a Japanese Pop Idol. She was also the subject of a BBC Three TV documentary. She'll be appearing on the indoor and outdoor stages of the Expo on Saturday 28th May 2011.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Reni May and June 2011 Tour Dates

Date: 2011 May 08 12:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

US fans of singing maids in cosplay are in for a treat, as Reni will be touring select venues in New York, along with dates in June for MA and VA. It seems that she's getting busy due to popular demand!

Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog

Brainwave Controlled Robotic Cat Ears

Date: 2011 May 06 18:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Technology

The folks at Boing Boing have pointed out an amazing new item for fans of cat girls. It's Cat Ears Controlled by your brain. The team known as neurowear have developed a special headband with motorised cat ears on.

Called necomimi the device can read your brainwaves, and then interprets them making suitable gestures with the ears. Marketed as a fashion gimmick and a "neuro communication machine", the Otaku News crew can see this taking off in fandom and similar circles. This means cat girl cosplayers are going to get more realistic (if such a thing is possible).

Souce: Japan Trends

London Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

Date: 2011 May 05 18:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Lolitas are in for a treat on Saturday 14th May 2011, where they should head over to the Resistance Gallery, 265 Poyser St, Bethnal Green, E2 9RF from 1pm until late for the Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

The event will celebrate Lolita fashion and its offshoots. Artwork from our very own Wing Yun Man will be on display too (she does the Otaku News Post Cards and wallpaper).

They'll also have other events such as a swap and buy sale, along with DJs throughout the day, a photo booth, plus a fashion show and a panel discussion.

Maid Cafe Event in London May 2011

Date: 2011 May 03 16:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you in London on Sunday 22nd May 2011 and are looking to be served by Maids in a Maid Cafe? Well, head over to the Jetlag Bar on 125 Cleveland Street W1T 6QB, from 2pm until 7pm for where Oh My Lord! will offer a relaxing Sunday afternoon to eat and drink. Buy tickets on-line.

Souce: Oh My Lord!

MUJS Summer Cosplay Party - Manchester, UK - Friday 6th May 2011

Date: 2011 April 17 09:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Looking to have some fun in Cosplay in Manchester on Friday 6th May 2011? The Manchester University Japanimation Society (MUJS) will be holding their 10th Cosplay Party. It's set to run from 9pm until 2am at The Zoo, 126 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL.

This party isn't just open to Manchester University Students, but to everyone aged over 18.
Discount entry for cosplayers and those with MUJS cards.

Reni to perform in Boston May 1st 2011

Date: 2011 April 14 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of singing cosplay maids in Boston MA, will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday May 1st 2011. From 12 Midday to 3:30pm. She returns due to popular demand to All Asia Bar - 334 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139.

There's a $10 door charge, ($8 for cosplayers).

Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog

Heart Japan Charity Event - 20th April 2011

Date: 2011 April 09 18:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japan looking to have fun and raise money for charity should keep Wednesday 20th April 2011 free for Heart Japan. The event is set to run from 6:30pm until 11pm at Vibe Bar on Brick Lane.

It's to raise money for the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Fund.

There'll be live bands, DJs playing the best Japanese music, plus a chance to win some original artwork by Bryan Lee O'Malley the creator of Scott Pilgrim in their charity auction.

Japanese Maid Cafes in London Day - Sunday 27th March 2011

Date: 2011 March 22 18:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Looking for something to do in London this weekend? Well Sunday 27th March 2011 seems to be London Maids day, with not one, but two separate Maid Cafes running on the same day. Both events will have Japanese Maids.

We have Oh My Lord! set to run from 2.00pm to 7.00pm. We've covered them before. Cosplay is actively encouraged, but not compulsory.

They'll be at Jetlag
125 Cleveland Street
London
W1T 6QB
You can book tickets here.

The nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.

Then at Sofra in Covent Garden we have Japanese Maid's Cafe London. They'll have 4 sittings, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm or 6pm. WOTA London VJ namimo will be there to provide some simulation to the eyes and ears. The new comers claim to be the first of it's kind in London, even though Oh My Lord started 4 months before.

Sofra
36 Tavistock Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7PB

The nearest Tube is Covent Garden.

Both events promise to donate proceeds to Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami relief.

Correction - Since posting this article, the people behind the Japanese Maids Cafe have confirmed the reasoning behind being called the first of it's kind in London. They'd like to emphasise that they are the first Japanese Maid Cafe in London. They highlight that all their maids, VJ namimo and the owner of the event are all Japanese. While in comparison Oh My Lord! has maids of different nationalities.

Leeds Central Library - Otaku Attack March 2011

Date: 2011 March 03 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK readers looking for something to do in Leeds on Saturday 19th March 2011? Well, head over the Leeds Central Library from 12 Midday to 3pm where the talented Kate Brown will be running the Otaku Attack Manga Art Workshop.

It's free to all, you'll be treated to anime screenings, Japanese food and lots of other treats too.

AmeCon seek Events Officer

Date: 2011 March 02 17:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

The great folks at UK convention AmeCon have sent us details of a volunteer role that needs filling. They're looking for a new Events Officer.

Apart from being able to pay something back to anime fandom, this is a great opportunity to participate in a large UK convention, see it's inner workings and meet others who are passionate about anime, manga and all other things otaku love.

Hyper Japan 2011 Details

Date: 2011 February 28 16:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us the details for their 2011 event in London. It's set to run from Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

An Interview with Figure Sculptor Momiji

Date: 2011 February 27 14:00 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Production

Last year, the second annual MCM London Expo returned to bring together a myriad of media and popular culture exhibitors and merchants. It is an exciting occasion for anime fans who attend to meet, mingle and fight their way through the melee of merchandisers and organisers.

Expo is an event that I attend on the front line behind the dealers' tables as an assistant for sales. I am predominantly positioned ready and waiting to serve customers who are on the hunt for anime, manga and figures from the store United Publications. It is an intense and demanding event and catering for the volume of visitors is often a challenge that affords little time to explore the wonders of the wider event. This time, however, I had to make the exception for a remarkable appearance amongst October's exhibitors.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Japan's kawaii culture in Britain

Date: 2011 February 21 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The Mainichi Daily News have an interesting article about Japan's kawaii culture taking hold in Britain.

It seems that cute is everywhere in the UK now.

"Over the last 10 years, the country's youngsters have started to embrace the whole spectrum of kawaii -- from the extremes of costume play down to the purchasing of accessories adorned with cute anime and manga characters."

The article gets commentary from Helen McCarthy the British-based expert on Japanese popular culture, anime, manga, book author (we really need to write up some sort of introduction to Helen as she's done a lot of stuff). Helen reports that over the last 10 years with the growth of the internet the kawaii culture has become more visible.

'"Kawaii has made inroads, but is not embedded yet," she said, adding that its influence can be seen in TV shows and subway posters'

"We (Britain) are still quite a masculine and patriarchal culture and we have never embraced the cute, soft side like France and Japan. We are not ready to go full-on cute yet and whether we ever will be is a mute point."

Souce: Mainichi Daily News

WOTA London EP:9 - 26th February 2011

Date: 2011 February 16 16:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese themed clubbing are in for a treat when WOTA London will return. It's set for Saturday 26th February 2011 Juno@Shoreditch, near Old Street and Liverpool Street Tube stations.

The fun's set to start at 7pm and will go onto midnight. Highlights include Karaoke, along with a Paper, Rock Scissors competition (Remember, paper, rock, rock, scissors, paper, paper, scissors is the winning combination).

Tickets are £4 on-line or £6 at the door.

Bunkasai Japanese Festival and the European Cosplay Gathering in London - March 2011

Date: 2011 February 06 13:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based Cosplayers looking to be part of the European Cosplay scene will be pleased to hear about the European Cosplay Gathering. Known as ECG for short, this new cosplay competition will have it's finals at the Japan Expo in Paris. What makes the ECG a bit different is that cosplay performance is just as important as the costume.

The UK selection of the Competition will be held at the Bunkasai Japanese Festival on Saturday 5th March 2011 at Conway Hall Red Lion Square, Holborn London. Near Holborn tube station.

Bunkasai has an interesting selection of events, including Martial Arts demonstrations, Taiko Drumming workshops, Japanese Language lessons, a lecture on the Tea Ceremony, Food Tasting, Sake Tasting and much more.

Tickets are £5 on the door (with Children under 10 free). Or you can buy a single ticket for £3.50, or 4 tickets for £10 on their website.

Natsume Ono at The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2011

Date: 2011 February 02 17:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Manga fans in Toronto Canada are in for a treat on the first weekend in May, where Natsume Ono will be the featured guest at The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2011.

The event is set to run on Saturday May 7th 2011 and Sunday May 8th 2011 with free admission. This will be Natsume Ono first ever public appearance in North America.

You may know her from such works as not simple, Ristorante Paradiso, Gente, and House of Five Leaves.

Harajuku Night in London March 2011

Date: 2011 February 01 16:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based? Enjoy Japanese themed clubbing? Well head over to Proud at Camden on Wednesday 16th March 2011 for the return of Harajuku.

This time around they've got 8 different themed rooms, each offering something for different kinds of fans including games, movies, karaoke, comics, art, live music and DJs.

Other fun at the 800 capacity venue includes face painting, hand held and big screen gaming! It's set to be a great night out.

Dressing up is welcome and actively encouraged, with a reduced door fee for those in themed dress.

The Nocturnals are the featured performance for this event.

Reni's Maid Show and Cafe - NYC January 23th 2011

Date: 2011 January 11 16:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

New York based fans of singing cosplay maids will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday January 23rd 2011. The venue will be Amber Village 432 6th Avenue New York, NY 10011.

There's a $12 door charge, ($10 for cosplayers).

Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog

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