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Bento Boxes a big hit in the US

Date: 2010 January 13 17:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Cuisine

The New York Times has an interesting article about bento boxes becoming popular in the US.

The meals in a box have become popular in the US for a variety of reasons, apart from the novelty, it's also a great way for a balanced diet, getting all the right food groups in a box. Along with that, it's idea for portion control. The article also highlights how it helps small children who can be fussy eaters eat something healthy.

Souce: New York Times

Japanese Maid Show January 11th in NYC

Date: 2010 January 11 17:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Drom on January 11th 2010 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.

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

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!

History Girls

Date: 2009 December 29 10:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

BBC News have an interesting video about History Girls in Japan. The video shows girls who like to cosplay has historical Japanese characters including shinsengumi the samurai police with distinctive blue and white uniforms. The girls with an interest in history are known as rekijo, or History Girls. Making it one of the buzz words for 2009

The article mentions it's more about fantasy than historical accuracy and highlights that many girls get into the historical side of things through games like Dynasty Warriors. They point out that historical men were more rugged than today's modern wimpy men too.

Souce: BBC News

Japanese Christmas Show at shopping Mall in NJ

Date: 2009 December 16 16:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NJ should head over to Harmon Cove Outlet Center in Secaucus, NJ on December 20th 2009 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs, J-Pop and her original songs.

It's free and cosplayers are more than welcome!

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

WOTA London Christmas 2009 Party

Date: 2009 December 11 18:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of J-Pop, game and anime music mixes will want to head over to WOTA London on Friday 18th December 2009. The otaku party is all set for a Christmas special. They're at a different venue this time, Juno Shoreditch which is a 5 minute walk away from Liverpool Street Station.

It's set to run from 9pm until 3am, with a great line up of DJs.
Price is £4 (advance online) or £6 on the door.

Dress code is casual (cosplay optional).
Over 18's only (ID may be required).

UK Cosplay on NHK Tuesday 8th December

Date: 2009 December 08 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK Anime fans who can view NHK World will want to tune in or record imagine-nation on 11:30pm on Tuesday 8th December. The show has a special feature on anime fans in Britain. It focuses on the London Expo and a group of UK cosplayers.

Kitacon Launches Christmas Gift Registration Packs

Date: 2009 December 01 00:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime convention Kitacon, have come up with a clever idea for a Christmas present - limited edition tickets to the event. Kitacon is set to run from the 26th to the 28th of March 2010 in Northampton UK. The gift of an anime convention sounds like a good idea to us! Although we do question their taste in bad presents. What's wrong with Tom and Jerry boxer shorts?!

Japanese Maid Show December 6th in NYC

Date: 2009 November 30 16:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Top Tunes Karaoke Bar on December 6th 2009 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.

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

Danny Choo to Collaborate with Cospa on T-shirt

Date: 2009 November 20 16:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from YesAnime.com have sent us some details about a new range of Cospa t-shirts made in collaboration with renowned otaku Danny Choo.

The t-shirt designs can be seen on Danny's website, and US readers can get them along with other great cospa t-shirts from YesAnime.com.

We only wish that Cospa had a UK stockist. Still you can always get TerraTag or Genki Gear t-shirts if you want to support UK anime inspired designs.

We must admit we're a bit jealous of Danny, we wish Cospa would make t-shirts with our mascot Miyuki. Still you can always download wallpaper of her instead.

Grand Cosplay Ball 2009 Details

Date: 2009 November 09 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at the Grand Cosplay Ball have sent us the details for their 2009 event. It's set in the Clapham Grand in London. The special one evening event is set to run on Sunday 29th November 2009 from 7pm until 1am.

They've got a great line up of guests including cosplayer and Eurobeat singer Giorgia Vecchini, along with renowned cosplayer Yaya Han.

It's over 18's only, Tickets are £18. As always with these events we advise on booking early to avoid disappointment.

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.

MaiOtaku - Dating for Anime Fans

Date: 2009 November 05 17:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Otaku Dating sites seem to be all the rage at the moment. So we've discovered another dating site for anime fans MaiOtaku. They're pitching themselves as the OKCupid for anime lovers.

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.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan

Date: 2009 October 19 15:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Contributing writer for G-FAN magazine Armand Vaquer has sent us details about a new travel guide he's written called The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

The travel guide is due out next month and will retail for $15 a copy.

Japanese Restaurant in London seeks cosplayers

Date: 2009 October 14 14:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Japanese restaurant Moshi Moshi are seeking 100 cosplayers to help out with a promotion. Everyone helping out will be rewarded with a ticket to a cosplay party held at the restaurant, which includes free buffet style food and drink.

Reni's new songs and CD on sale now.

Date: 2009 October 11 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Fans of Akiba culture, especially singing maids based in New York will be pleased to hear that Reni Mimura’s new songs and CD are on sale at http://www.renireni.com/.

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

CharaPa! Cosplay Party in Tokyo

Date: 2009 October 06 17:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers based in Japan who can get to Roppongi should keep Sunday 25th October free, for CharaPa.net a stylish cosplay party.

Scheduled to start at 16:00, with celebrity guests Horiemon, Ami Tokito, Juichiro Nagashima and more. the venue has a capacity for up to 2,000 people! With lots for fans of Akiba culture, it looks like it's going to be fun. ^_^

Advanced tickets are ¥3,500 or ¥4,000 at the door.

Souce: CharaPa!

Wired at the Tokyo Game Show

Date: 2009 September 29 16:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Wired have an interesting article about the Tokyo Game Show, it includes some good cosplay photos too.

Souce: Wired

Japanese Maid Show October 4th in NYC

Date: 2009 September 29 14:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Top Tunes Karaoke Bar on October 4th 2009 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.

Reminder: WOTA London Gig in September 2009

Date: 2009 September 22 16:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

As mentioned before London based readers looking for a fun night out should head over to WOTA London on Saturday 26th September 2009. It's at the Freedom Bar, in Soho Central London. (66 Wardour Street, Soho. London W1F 0TA).

The event is set to run from 5pm until 10pm. Over 18's only. With DJs playing the latest anime and J-Pop Music.

Billed as London's newest and hottest otaku music cosplay club night, they intend to play a line up of anime video game songs, BL, I'VE (kotoko etc), Touhou Porject Vocaloid and more.

Check out the PV section of their website, to get an idea of the music they'll be playing. ^_^

Souce: WOTA London

Mini London Matsuri Report

Date: 2009 September 20 15:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Yesterday on Saturday 20th September 2009, the Otaku News Crew went to the Japan Matsuri at Spitalfields in London.

The atmosphere was great. Lots of people were there, young and old. The event had over 80 stalls there, mostly food stalls selling yummy Japanese food, such as yakitori, sweets, and other lovely snacks.

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!

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

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.

Japanese Maid Show September 6th in NYC

Date: 2009 September 02 17:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Top Tunes Karaoke Bar on September 6th 2009 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.

GLAY Ticket Give-away CA - September 2009

Date: 2009 August 31 17:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Here at Otaku News every now and then we're able to offer some great competitions. Today is no exception.

US based fans of J-Rock, who can get to a few choice venues in California, will be pleased to hear that we've got some tickets to give away to some great upcoming GLAY gigs.

Bunny Cafes in Japan

Date: 2009 August 30 11:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

BBC News have an interesting article about the current trend in Japan of Bunny Cafes. The article focuses on one in Nagoya, which allows visitors to pet cute rabbits, eat rabbit themed food (nothing with carrots in, just cute pictures of bunnies on). Guests can even bring their own pet bunnies to socialise.

Souce: BBC News

Video Games Live Announces 30 More Tour Dates for 2009

Date: 2009 August 29 09:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent the details from Video Games Live, who have just added 30 more shows to their 2009 tour. Video Games Live is a great cross over event, which is great fun for fans of video games and fans of top orchestras.

MCM Expo Retain Video Games Cosplay World Record

Date: 2009 August 24 14:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

We've just been send the details from the folks behind the MCM Expo. They currently hold the Video Games Cosplay World Record with 376 cosplayers at the 23rd May 2009 London MCM Expo. They expected the record to beaten at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. However they managed to get 311 video games cosplayers. As a result they intend to raise the bar even higher at the next London MCM Expo this October 2009.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

WOTA London Gig in September 2009

Date: 2009 August 17 17:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Fans of J-Pop, Vocaloid Songs and anime music should head over to WOTA London on Saturday 26th September 2009, from 17:00 to 22:00 at the Freedom Bar in Soho, Central London.

Billed as London's newest and hottest otaku music cosplay club night, they intend to play a line up of anime video game songs, BL, I'VE (kotoko etc), Touhou Porject Vocaloid and more.

Souce: WOTA London

London MCM Expo October 2009 Tickets now on sale

Date: 2009 August 09 13:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers who can get to London this October will be interested in the London MCM Expo on the 24th to 25th October 2009. Tickets are now on sale.

As attendance to this even it well over 30,000 people we doubt they will sell out. However we do strongly advise in spending a little bit extra for their Early Entry Tickets to save time queuing, you'll be grateful on the day!

Souce: London MCM Expo

AyaCon 2009 announce two more guests

Date: 2009 July 26 13:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at UK convention AyaCon 2009 have sent us more details about their guest line up. They've added Matthew Mercer voice actor, script writer, and independent film maker along with JoEllen Elam costume designer and makeup artist. This makes for a great variety of guests.

Grand International Cosplay Ball 2009

Date: 2009 July 26 11:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent the details for the Grand International Cosplay Ball 2009. It's based in London, it's set for November 29th.

Fans of cosplay will remember that the ball also ran successfully last year, which even included coverage from the BBC.

Japanese Harry Potter Fan meets the film stars

Date: 2009 July 20 04:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Tokyo Mango has discovered some amusing footage of a Japanese Harry Potter fan meeting the stars from the Harry Potter movie. Japan Probe has indepth coverage. It's nice to see a bit of role reversal when a Japanese otaku goes to the west.

Souce: Japan Probe

BBC News Stroll around Akihabara

Date: 2009 July 09 08:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

BBC News have just published an interesting article about their stroll in Akihabara the otaku heartland.

The article introduces readers to the area, then they go on a tour around the district. They cover the hardware hacking scene in the area, focusing on the component shops. This is then followed by a mention of the surveillance equipment available. It then concludes with the homemade software culture, the article calls it unlicensed software, but we think they mean doujin software.

"This underground amateur culture has always been a big part of Akihabara and 'otaku' culture, back from home made comic books, now moving into homemade hardware and software."

Souce: BBC News

Giant Gundam robot stalks Japan

Date: 2009 July 08 08:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

BBC News are currently running an interesting story featuring the Giant Gundam model in Tokyo. It focuses on Japan's great love for all things giant and robotic.

They get Patrick Galbraith, ethnographer at the University of Tokyo (I want his job), and author of The Otaku Encyclopedia to explain what Gundam is.

The article then goes to explain the rise of otaku culture and concludes with how robots will become more common place.

Souce: BBC News

British fans of Manba

Date: 2009 July 04 07:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

BBC News have discovered the Manba scene in the UK. The article titled Japan's fashion rebellion goes West, features two fans of the Japanese fashion, along with a video of them Para-para dancing and a separate video interview.

"British teenagers like 18-year-olds Eilish and Declan got caught up in manba after an interest in Japanese culture led them to start researching on the internet, where they came across the style."

They've discovered how to apply the make-up by watching videos on YouTube, and use Japanese social networking site Mixi to keep up with Japanese people who are also into manba fashion. The article also mentions they meet up with other mamba fans in London's Chinatown.

Souce: BBC News

Reni at the New York Anime Festival

Date: 2009 June 16 14:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our New York City based readers who enjoy anime and maids should note that
Reni the Harajuku Akiba style cosplayer maid singer will be performing at the New York Anime Festival on Saturday September 26th 2009.

Souce: New York Anime Festival

Momoi Haruko at Aya Revolution 2009

Date: 2009 June 04 16:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just received some exciting information about UK anime convention Ayacon 2009's first guest. It's Halko Momoi, renowned singer and voice actress! You may have heard her voice on Nurse Witch Komugi-chan, Ai Yori Aoshi, and Seto No Hanayome.

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond July 2009

Date: 2009 May 31 10:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK readers who are able to get to Richmond in Surrey, should keep the weekend of the11th and 12th July 2009 free. As they'll be a Japanese Art Festival at Richmond Adult Community College. Entry to the event is free. They'll be stuff to do for anime and manga fans, long with people with an interest in Japanese culture.

They're also looking for gophers, so please do get in touch with them if you can help out.

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

Anime 3000 Panel Episode 6 featuring Eeeper

Date: 2009 May 30 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Otaku News contributor Eeeper has been busy featuring in the Anime 3000.

It covers some interesting points, such as the otaku expiration date, where they discuss how old it is to be too old to be an otaku. The Anime Expo Guest of Honors. Along with the transition from a fan to a professional.

Souce: Anime 3000

Homemade Katamari Controller

Date: 2009 May 26 04:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

On browsing the internet we've discovered a hardware hacker at play. Kellbot has built a Katamari Ball Controller for the Playstation 2. There's video footage explaining how it works along with a circuit diagram on her blog.

The Katamari controller is basically a giant trackball. The creator considered using a yoga ball, but found it impractical. We wonder if Namco will create an official trackball add on for the game? There seems to be tons of alternative controllers for consoles now, and a trackball could surely be used in more than one game? Super Monkey Balls would be great too!

Souce: Kellbot

Anime Expo 2009 Guest of Honor - Seiji Mizushima

Date: 2009 May 18 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Los Angeles, California anime fans who haven't already marked July 2nd to 5th 2009 on their calendars may really want to do so now. Anime Expo have anime director Seiji Mizushima as their official guest of honor.

Cosplayers Wanted - Storm Trooper Escort Provided

Date: 2009 May 06 17:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you a cosplayer? Are you free on Saturday 16th May 2009 and able to get to London? The people behind the London MCM Expo are looking for 10 cosplayers. They want you to help with publicity for the Expo, you'll be protected by a group of Storm Troopers (yes Storm Troopers ^_^).

The mission is a daring raid on Oxford Street. Where you'll be handing out flyers. The cosplayers will be given free passes to the Expo as a way of saying thank you.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Japanese Maid Show May 3rd in NYC

Date: 2009 April 28 14:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our New York readers who like Maids, Akihabara style performance and J-Pop Music and will want to head over to Top Tunes on Sunday May 3rd 2009, to see Reni perform Anime songs and J-Pop in karaoke cosplay.

Is Mikado Pocky? A Taste Comparison

Date: 2009 April 26 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Cuisine

UK readers might have noticed adverts on TV, for a product called Mikado, which looks strikingly like the favourite otaku snack Pocky.

In this article we'll do a taste comparison and reveal the differences, and answer the question, is Mikado Pocky?

Ubunchu The Ubuntu Linux Manga

Date: 2009 April 21 17:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Technology

Wired have discovered Ubunchu, a manga series featuring the Linux Distribution Ubuntu. The manga was originally authored by Hiroshi Seo and has been translated in English and a few other languages too.

Operating Systems have been covered by manga before with the OS-tans, Ubunchu sets out to be more informative. The manga is billed as romantic school comedy and is a great introduction to Ubuntu for new users.

Souce: DoctorMO\'s Blag

London Expo May 2009 Event Details

Date: 2009 April 20 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans who can get to London on the weekend of the 23rd to the 24th of May 2009, will want to visit the London MCM Expo at the Excel Centre. As always anime is well represented, with many of the UK anime and manga companies having a stall or some sort of presence, along with lots of dealers selling great merchandise. The event is also a huge draw to cosplayers, with many of the attendies in fancy dress!

Like last time, the event also plans to smash its current world record for the amount of video game related cosplay. It's set to be a fun weekend! So keep your calendars free. ^_^

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Harajuku Night in London April 2009

Date: 2009 April 16 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some fun next Friday should consider Criminal Records' Harajuku Night.

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