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Genki Gear Reveal Exclusive Design for MCM London Comic Con October 2016

Date: 2016 September 27 16:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's almost October, which means it's almost time for the October run of the MCM London Comic Con! As is tradition geeky t-shirt maker Genki Gear have revealed their exclusive T-shirt design for the event. This time around it features Barry the cosplaying horse.

The design is only available on pre-order from 20 September to 23 October 2016. The t-shirts can either either be collected directly from the Genki Gear stand at London Comic Con or posted to your home so it's ready to wear at the event.

MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 28th until Sunday 30th October 2016.

Crunchyroll and Funimation announce content partnership

Date: 2016 September 08 15:47 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Funimation and Crunchyroll have signalled a major change to their platforms as they announce plans to cross-share content. The deal will make major changes for US, Canadian, UK and Ireland customers of both platforms.

Makoto Shinkai's Your Name at the BFI and Nationwide in the UK

Date: 2016 September 01 10:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've got news from the good folks at the BFI, who'll tell us that Makoto Shinkai’s "Your Name" to Screen in Competition at the 60th BFI London Film Festival. This is significant as for for the first time in its history, it will host a Japanese animated film in the competition.

Makoto Shinkai's new film, which blends comedy, drama, heartbreak and wonder, will also open nationwide at 78 UK cinemas on Thursday November 24th 2016.

We caught up with Makoto Shinkai and interviewed him last time he was at the BFI promoting 5 Centimeters Per Second.

Anime Producer Reo Kurosu Guest of Honour at MCM Scotland Comic Con 2016

Date: 2016 August 24 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans heading to MCM Scotland Comic Con in Glasgow will be interested in this anime guest of honour. Reo Kurosu is an anime producer with an impressive list of top titles to his name, including Fullmetal Alchemist, The Heroic Legend of Arslan and the new Berserk adaptation. We really want to ask him questions about the the fan favourite Saint Young Men.

He'll be presenting a panel on the Saturday of the Glasgow show, as well as meeting fans on both days of the event.

The event is set to run from Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September 2016 at the SECC.

Manga Jiman 2016 Competition Details

Date: 2016 August 19 04:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Aspiring or upcoming artists based in the UK will be interested in the Embassy of Japan in the UK's Manga Jiman Competition. This year marks the 10th edition of competition. With the top prize being a return flight for two people to Japan, thanks to All Nippon Airways!

This year's theme is "Sights of Japan". The competition has two categories; Yonkoma Manga, a comic strip of 4 panels on one page, for entrants aged between 11 and 13 and Manga Jiman, a short story told across 6 to 8 pages for anyone aged 14 or over.

The competition closes on Monday, 24 October 2016. So get drawing!

Kiki's Delivery Service gets a New Theatrical Adaptation in London Over Christmas 2016

Date: 2016 August 17 15:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Fans of Japanese Culture looking for something to do over Christmas will want to to head to the Southwark Playhouse in London. They'll be hosting the world premiere of a brand new theatrical adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service. The play is based on the best selling book by Eiko Kadono, and was adapted into a much loved film by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

The play is set to run from Thursday 8th December 2016 until Sunday 8th January 2017.

The Southwark Playhouse have previously hosted a production of Howl's Moving Castle in 2012.

They've yet to announce any casting or creative details. We'll be very curious as to who they cast for Jiji, if it'll be a human or some kind of stage craft puppetry.

This is all we can reveal at this stage, and we're keen to book tickets already! As always when tickets are release, we suggest you book early to avoid any disappointment.

Akira to hit UK Cinemas in September 2016

Date: 2016 August 12 16:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

It's a big year for Manga Entertainment UK, as they're celebrating their 25th anniversary. Wanting to share it with everyone they've got UK Anime fans and film buffs alike all excited by announcing a massive cinema screening of the classic feature film Akira.

You'll want to keep Wednesday 21st September 2016 free as it'll be showing on over 70 screens!

This is one of those films that you really must see on a big screen.

If you do want to see it on a smaller screen you can always buy it on Blu-ray and DVD.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2016 Details

Date: 2016 August 05 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival have just sent us details of their 2016 run. They'll be screen anime at Chapter in Cardiff, Wales, UK on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2016 and Aberystwyth Arts Centre in Aberystwyth, Wales, UK on Saturday 15th October 2016.

They've got a great line up including Miss Hokusai, Psycho-Pass The Movie, The Murder Case of Hana & Alice and Harmony (we recently interviewed the director).

As always with these events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Kitacon 2017 Details

Date: 2016 August 05 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based anime fans looking ahead for the 2017 anime convention season will be pleased to hear that Kitacon have announced their 2017 event. During the closing ceremony of AmeCon 2016 the KitaCon Team revealed that their next event is called Kita Quest and will be at the Warwick Arts Centre from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th August 2017.

The Warwick Arts Centre was used this year for AmeCon 2016, and has been used many times before by AyaCon. It's a favoured location for anime conventions.

Registration for the anime/geek convention opens on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 at 19:00.

Souce: Kitacon

Band-Maid Announce First European Tour

Date: 2016 July 27 15:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of hard core rock music played by Japanese Maids will be pleased to hear the news from JPU Records, who have sent us details of Band-Maid's first European tour.

Tour dates are as follows:
12 October 2016: The Underworld – London, UK
13 October 2016: MTC – Cologne, Germany
15 October 2016: Headcrash – Hamburg, Germany
16 October 2016: La Boule Noire – Paris, France
19 October 2016: Hydrozagadka – Warsaw, Poland

Ticket sales begin on Friday 29 July 2016.

Manga Entertainment UK Q4 2016 Release Schedule

Date: 2016 July 22 17:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their Q4 release schedule.

They'll be releasing:

Wish Upon The Pleiades - Monday 17th October 2016

When Supernatural Battles Become Common Place - Monday 31st October 2016.

Perfect Insider - Monday 14th November 2016

Digimon Adventure Tri Movie 1 - Monday 19th December 2016.

The titles will be avaiable for pre-order from Wednesday 27th July 2016.

Hyper Japan Festival 2016 Event Reminder

Date: 2016 July 12 15:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder for UK based readers looking for something to do this weekend in London. Why not head over to Hyper Japan? It's the UK's largest celebration of Japanese pop culture. There's plenty to do for fans of Japan, from food, cosplay, anime, gaming, fashion and music.

Then event is set to run from Friday 15th July to Sunday 17th July 2016 at Olympia London.

Summer Explorers! 2 - Anime Screenings in London

Date: 2016 July 04 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Japan Foundation in London have just sent us some details about their up coming anime season Summer Explorers! 2, (a year after the first Summer Explorers), the event is back in 2 parts. The first set of screenings is set to run on Saturday 30th July 2016 at the BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN from 11:30 to 17:00. The second set of screenings will run on Saturday 6th August 2016 at Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA from 12:45 to 16:30

The line up includes some anime suitable for anyone 8 and above, with some anime is suitable for 12 year olds and above, while one is suitable for adults only.

The screenings are all free to attend! As always with events like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment. To book a place, please visit www.jpf.org.uk

Esprit D'Air Returns with New Lineup and Upcoming Shows

Date: 2016 June 29 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from London-based space metal band Esprit D'Air have sent us news of their reformation and upcoming tour dates. The band originally split in 2013.

They'll be at the following venues:

Hyper Japan in London on Saturday 16th July 2016
Underbelly Hoxton, London on Tuesday 19th July 2016
De Montfort University, Leicester on Saturday 3rd September 2016

Fakku Publishing and Toshio Maeda Running Kickstarter to publish Legend of the Overfiend in English

Date: 2016 June 22 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Freaky Things

Sitting on a train travelling home, a man wearing a trench coat walked past me, I couldn't see his face, it was covered by the brim of his hat, I could see he had a moustache. I thought this was strange attire for the middle of June. I didn't know who he was, but he clearly knew me. Just as the train pulled into the next station he passed me a plain brown envelope and left the train before I could process what happened.

I waited until I got home until opening the envelope, just in case, as it's not everyday mustachioed stranger delivers a letter on public transport. The letter was from on-line retailer United Publications, they wanted to tell us that they've started stocking books for *ahem* mature readers from publisher Fakku. The letter said Fakku are company driven by fans, something United Publications are keen to support.

Not wanting to stop, the letter carried on.

"We know you've met renowned hentai master Toshio Maeda, but are you aware of the Kickstarter to get his most famous work Legend of the Overfiend published in English?"

We weren't aware of this Kickstarter, but now we are. Thank you, kind trenchcoated stranger.

The Kickstarter is due to end on Wednesday 20th July 2016. As of the time of writing $32,919 has been pledged towards the $47,000 (USD) target.

Souce: Fakku Kickstarter

When Marnie Was There UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2016 June 18 14:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Studio Ghibli's final movie When Marnie Was There has just hit UK cinema screens. Pre-orders for the home video release of the film have just appeared on Amazon.co.uk.

It's due for release on Monday 3rd October 2016. There are currently 3 editions available for pre-order. You can get it on DVD, blu-ray and DVD double play edition or Blu-ray Special Edition. It's not yet clear what the special edition has over the double play edition, we assume based on previous Studio Canal releases it'll be the same as the double play edition, but perhaps with some postcards or some kind of extra like that.

Souce: Amazon.co.uk

Animatsu Licenses In This Corner of the World

Date: 2016 June 15 16:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've just been sent details from Animatsu Entertainment, an affiliate company of Manga Entertainment UK. They've just announced that they've secured global distribution rights animated feature In This Corner of the World. The film is based on the the award-winning manga written by Fumiyo Kouno. It tells the tale of Suzu, who in 1944 moves to the small town of Kure in Hiroshima.

This is an interesting move by Animatsu, until now they've mainly acquired rights to distribute titles in the UK and Ireland. Often partnering with American and Australian anime companies for resources such as the subtitles and English language dub. We asked Animatsu to elaborate on their new acquisition strategy, but they can't divulge anything as yet.

Manga Entertainment UK at the MCM London Comic Con May 2016

Date: 2016 May 18 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from UK Anime company Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details for their places at the MCM London Comic Con, which is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016 at the Excel Centre in London.

As always Manga UK and their other label Animatsu will be hosting a panel with announcements at 3pm on the Saturday. They'll be making unmissable news and announcements regarding their upcoming releases. We suspect they'll be making some exciting licensing announcements. They'll also be hosting a Q&A session on the Friday, so you'll be able to ask people in the anime industry those questions you'll be dying to know.

They've also got Anime Karaoke with over 150 anime theme songs!

Along with some special offers and rare branded merchandise, they'll also be holding a Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Raffle which all proceeds will be donated to the Kumamoto Japan Earthquake Relief Fund by Global Giving.

Tekkonkinkreet director Michael Arias to talk latest film Harmony at MCM London Comic Con May 2016

Date: 2016 May 12 15:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's not long until it's time again for the MCM London Comic Con. They're always a treat for anime fans having already announced that they'll be hosting hosting the EU premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin III plus Sunrise Special Guests. Keen to keep anime fans content, they've also got anime director Michael Arias who made Tekkonkinkreet and produced the Animatrix. He'll be at the Comic Con to talk about his latest film Harmony. He's CV is like an otaku's dream which includes working closely with Studio Ghibli on Miyazaki masterpieces Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016 at the Excel Centre in London.

Michael Arias will also be at the BFI Southbank London - Anime Weekend 2016.

Ghibli Singer Azumi Inoue to Appear at Hyper Japan this July 2016

Date: 2016 May 09 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have just sent us news that they're as happy as be to announce that Azumi Inoue will be at the event in London. The singer is best known for singing for Ghibli Movies, including the Totoro theme and Laputa, Castle in the Sky.

So hey let's go to Hyper Japan from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July 2016 at Olympia London.

DJ Itsuka and MC Gonchi of Charisma.com will also be there.

United Publications May Madness Sale

Date: 2016 May 02 10:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks at United Publications have just sent us details of their latest special sale.

Their May madness sale has up to 60% off on selected books, DVD and figures, so it's the perfect chance for you to fill in the gaps in your collection. The sale will end on Tuesday 31st May 2016, while stocks last.

Souce: United Publications

BFI Southbank London - Anime Weekend 2016 Details

Date: 2016 April 25 15:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London anime fans will want to head to the BFI Southbank for the return of their Anime Weekend. The screenings are held every other year. This screenings are set to run from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th June 2016 at the BFI Southbank.

This time around they're showing the original Ghost in the Shell Movie, the new Ghost In the Shell Movie called Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie (you can read more about the naming here), Empire of the Corpses, Psycho-Pass: The Movie, The Boy and the Beast. There'll also be a special screening and QA of anime Harmony, the QA features it's director Michael Arias (who also directed Tekkonkinkreet and produced The Animatrix).

The BFI also suggest you catch their screening of the latest (and currently last) Studio Ghibli Film When Marnie Was There.

The BFI anime screenings have proved to be very popular in the past. As always we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Hyper Japan July 2016 Details

Date: 2016 April 12 16:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have just sent us details of their July 2016 event. It's set to run at the Olympia in London, from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July 2016. As always there's so much to do for fans of Japan! It is after all a Japanese Culture event! There'll be cosplay with the COSTest competition, arts and crafts workshops including one where you can create your own Kokeshi dolls. There will also be plenty of Japanese food to enjoy and other fun goodies.

Kadokawa Buy Majority Stake in Yen Press

Date: 2016 April 12 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Manga publishing imprint Yen Press have just announced that they have entered into an agreement with mega-content publisher Kadokawa. The Yen Press imprint will be span off to form a new company Yen Pres LLC. Kadokawa will own 51% of the new company while the original parent company of Yen Press, Hachette Book Group will own the remaining 49%.

This is interesting news. There are many reasons why a Japanese media giant like Kadokawa would want their own English language manga publisher. Industry watchers are already speculating about what Yen Press will do next.

The news was first announced on Anime News Network.

Official MCM London Comic Com Genki Gear May 2016 T-shirt Design Revealed

Date: 2016 April 11 15:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The May run of the MCM London Comic Con is on the horizon! It's set to run on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016. As is tradition geeky T-shirt company Genki Gear have launched the Official Exclusive t-shirt for the event. The theme this time around is Inter-Dimensional Time-Travelling Science Action Squad, or IDTTSAS for short. That's one heck of a sentai team.

The new design is priced at £16.99 and available to pre-order from Monday 11th April to Sunday 22nd May 2016. You can either pick up the shirt at the Genki Gear stall at the MCM London Comic Con, or have it posted to your home, so you can wear it to the comic con.

World Cosplay Summit UK Qualifiers Details

Date: 2016 April 05 14:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based cosplayers want to make their mark on the global cosplay stage will be interested in The World Cosplay Summit. The UK Qualifiers will be held at the MCM London Comic Con on Saturday 28th May 2016. There a team of two will be selected to represent their country as Britain's best cosplayers. They'll get flown to Japan for over a week of activities and attractions, including the WCS final itself.

So get making! As always, we suggest you check the rules and regulations.

Anime Limited to release Your Lie in April in the UK

Date: 2016 April 02 15:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Yesterday the good folks from Anime Limited announced that they'll be releasing Your Lie in April in the UK on both Blu-ray and DVD. They aim to release it in the third quarter of 2016. Appropriately they waited until April to announce the licence.

You can catch the show on Crunchy Roll and Netflix UK.

Kiniro Mosaic Manga Licensed in English by Yen Press

Date: 2016 March 28 17:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Regular readers of Otaku News will know our editor has a soft spot for Kiniro Mosaic. It's the story of a British school girl called Alice who lives with her Japanese friend Shinobu in Japan. A few years ago we went to the the actual location used for the anime. The anime is based on a 4 panel gag manga with the same name. Yen Press have just announced that they've got the license for the manga. They announced the news at Sakura-Con 2016. As of yet, there is no scheduled release date for the manga by Yui Hara.

There is also a special episode of the anime in works too.

Souce: Yen Press

Sherlock Manga Release Details Update

Date: 2016 March 26 15:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've already published details about Titan Comic's up-coming release of the Sherlock Manga. As news is spreading we wanted to know more details about the actual release. So we go it touch with Titan Comics editor Andrew James to talk about the release.

Viewster To End Omakase Subscription Box Service

Date: 2016 March 21 16:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We've covered on-line streaming service Viewster and their Omakase Subscription merchandise box service before.

Last week Viewster announced that the Hatsune Miku Box will be the last. Viewster will continue to offer streaming anime, and it seems that this decision has not impacted their streaming service. Any subscribers to the service will get 2 months hi-definiton streaming, then the service will not renew the regular credit card charge. Viewster will still be offering anime streaming services, but will no longer be offering a premium merchandise box.

Shojo Manga: The World of Japanese Girls' Comics Exhibition in London

Date: 2016 March 16 16:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from House of Illustration have sent us details of their up new exhibition Shojo Manga: The World of Japanese Girls' Comics. The exhibition is set to run from Friday 18th March to Sunday 12th June 2016 in at House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4BH.

It's the first major UK exhibition tour of the genre, from its golden era to the present day.

The Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. It's closed Mondays. Admission is £7.70 (with gift aid), Concessions £5.50 (with Gift Aid).

Genki Gear Welcome to MCM Bar and Grill 2016 T-shirt Details

Date: 2016 March 09 16:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from geeky T-shirt company Genki Gear have just sent us details of their new MCM Comic Con 2016 Tour T-shirt. The theme this time around is MCM Bar. The t-shirt features such delightful dishes as Robotic Ramen, Sushi Terror from the Deep! Alien Abduction Burger among others.

The shirt is exclusively available from the MCM Expo Store, the Genki Gear website and Genki Gear's stall at the MCM Comic Cons. It's priced at £16.99 in both fitted and unisex style tees.

Asian Kung-Fu Generation on NHK World Saturday 16th March 2016

Date: 2016 March 03 15:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Fans of Japanese music will want to tune into NHK World this weekend to watch Entertainment Nippon's coverage Asian Kung-Fu Generation.

The band has been running for 20 years, you may know their music from the hugely popular anime show Erased. Entertainment Nippon is due to air Saturday 5th March 2016 at 4:10, 11:10, 16:10 and 22:10 (UTC).

NHK World is a free to air station, and is broadcast dubbed into English or with English subtitles.

NHK World is available in the UK on the following
Sky Channel 507
Freestat Channel 209
Virgin Media Channel 625

They offer free live streaming if you don't have a service able to watch it.

It's also widely available around the world, so could be available in your region.

Amatsuki and Band-Maid to make UK debuts at MCM London Comic Con May 2016

Date: 2016 March 01 15:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The MCM London Comic Con is always good for fans of Japanese culture, with plenty of cosplay, anime, video games and manga being represented. The good folks from the event have just sent us details that will appeal to fans of the J-Music scene. Amatsuki & Band-Maid will make their UK debuts at the MCM London Comic Con.

Amatsuki started out on popular Japanese video service NicoNico Douga. He became internet famous racking up over over 35 million views, and made the transition to the mainstream with his debut album Hello World, which reached number four in Japan’s national chart.

Band-Maid combine cute Japanese maid aesthetics with powerful, skilled musicianship. Forged from founder Miku's epxeriences in the maid cafes in otaku capital Akihabara, the combine geek culture with a passion for rock music.

Both acts will be performing live, signing autographs and taking part in on-stage Q&As at the MCM London Comic Con.

The May edition of event is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016 at the ExCel Centre in London.

Lone Wolf and Cub Motion Comic Project Kickstarter Details

Date: 2016 February 25 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've just been sent details of a new Kickstarter called Samurai Lone Wolf. It aims to turn the classic manga Lone Wolf Cub into a motion comic.

What's a motion comic? According to the Kick stater it's "...a term for a next generation of comics that takes realism of the medium to a new level, using digital processing techniques to enrich the original artwork by adding movement to the drawings that were inked by the hand of the artists themselves."

Basically it's moving manga. They intend to take the original artwork and animate it slightly. So characters lips will move. Characters arm movements will animated in key panels and so on.

Lone Wolf and Cub has won plenty of awards including an Eisner Award (Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material / Best Archival Collection/Project). It's been adapted into movies and a TV show in Japan. It's also known as Shogun Assassin in some places. The manga itself is hugely influential and held in high regard. We just wonder is there any demand for a motion comic? Part of the joy of reading manga is letting your imagination fill in the gaps. You can read it at your own speed, you can spend ages admiring the line work or speed through pages as you please. The goal has been set to $300,000 USD. We think this crowdfunding attempt is ambitious. So far $1,140 has been pledged with 29 days left, so there's plenty of time for it to reach it's goal.

Sherlock Manga US and UK Release Details

Date: 2016 February 19 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Fans of a certain Baker Street Detective will be very pleased to hear that comic publisher Titan have announced that they'll be publishing the Sherlock Manga in the UK and US. Comic Book Resources revealed that Titan Comics announced at ComicsPro retailer summit that Sherlock: A Study in Pink will debut in June 2016.

The officially licensed Sherlock manga was published by Kadokawa Comics in Japan in 2012 in Young Ace magazine. It was published as a tankobon (standalone book) in Japanese in 2013. The manga closely follows the original BBC Sherlock episode featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

As of yet, it's not clear if Titan will be publishing the manga in it's original Japanese right to left format or if they'll flip it.

Souce: Comic Book Resources

Takeshi Kitano's Kikujiro UK Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2016 February 17 15:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from third window films have sent us details of their up coming blu-ray release of Kikujiro. Directed byTakeshi Kitano's the award-winning classic follows the exploits of little Masao and Kikujiro. The film can be described as both whimsical and bittersweet. It's not the normal Beat Takeshi blood bath movie. The blu-ray only release is out on Monday 22nd February 2016.

You can pre-order the movie on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

Genki Gear Announce New Print to Order Range

Date: 2016 February 15 15:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks at geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear have sent us details about their latest range of t-shirts. They're doing a special limited run of this range to order. The t-shirt range this time around include tea, coffee and of course Wombat loves Narwahl.

Personally, I'm a coffee snob, so you can image which t-shirt I'll be ordering.

Hatsune Miku by iDoll x Nendoroid at Wonder Festival

Date: 2016 February 09 16:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Technology

Fans of collectable anime figures will already be aware of winter Wonder Festival 2016. It's always interesting to see what figures have been launched and how stressful it will be on your wallet. The good folks from Yukai Engineering Inc have sent us details of their latest concept project. A collaboration with figure firm Good Smile The iDoll x Nendoroid combines the Yukai Engineering iDoll with Good Smile's popular Nendoroid figure. They've created a singing dancing Hatsune Miku figure that interacts with a smart phone app.

Yukai Engineering Inc are not new to making otaku products they were also involved in the necomimi, those brainwave reading cat ears.

KISS x Ukiyo-e Project

Date: 2016 February 09 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

With the release of Miss Hokusai Ukiyo-e prints are in the spotlight. Iconic band KISS have launched the KISS x Ukiyo-e Project which involves a collaboration with Japanese traditional Ukiyo-e art creators the Ukiyo-e Project. It features the KISS iconic style thrown into the world of traditional Japanese woodblook prints.

The Sunset Marquis/Morrison Gallery Hotel in Los Angeles will be hosting a KISS retrospective exhibition which will showcase the debut of the collaborative Ukiyo-e art pieces from Saturday 13th February 2016.

This is not the first time KISS have collaborated with Japanese culture icons, they've collaborated with Japanese super star Hello Kitty for KISS x Hello Kitty, which had a line of clothes and cool vinyl figures (this was one of our favourite collaborations with Hello Kitty since she teamed up with Gloomy Bear). KISS also teamed up with Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z.

Omakase Announces Limited Edition Hatsune Miku Subscription Box

Date: 2016 February 03 15:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We've just got news from the good folks at Viewster about their latest Omakase goody box. The concept is simple, every two months they release a new themed box with merchandise from that series / theme. Along with a box of stuff, you also get access to Viewster's high definition ad-free streaming service. They'll ship to the United States, Canada and the UK.

The next box which is due out in March will feature Vocaloid Hatsune Miku and include exclusive Piapro Character Items. The box will retail for $29 USD (plus shipping and handling, which does vary where it's sent).

Previous themes have included Naruto and Kill La Kill.

MCM Event List for 2016

Date: 2016 January 30 14:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

As 2016 has just started it's time to plan ahead for those geek events. We've got a list of the MCM Comic Cons for 2016.

The MCM Event Calendar kicks off on 13th February with the MCM Midlands Comic Con. There's plenty more to follow throughout the year. The events always have something good to offer for anime fans too and often feature a guest or two from the anime and manga industry. The schedule is as follows:

13 February: MCM Midlands Comic Con
12-13 March: MCM Liverpool Comic Con
19-20 March: MCM Birmingham Comic Con
27-29 May: MCM London Comic Con
25-26 June: MCM Belfast Comic Con
2-3 July: MCM Ireland Comic Con (Dublin)
30-31 July: MCM Manchester Comic Con
23-24 September: MCM Scotland Comic Con (Glasgow)
28-30 October: MCM London Comic Con
19-20 November: MCM Birmingham Comic Con

The folks at MCM have also sent us details of two new events in Germany and Brussels. MCM Hannover Comic Con coming to Hannover Messe on 4-5 June 2016 and MCM Belgium Comic Con taking place at Brussels Expo on 11-12 June.

Also don't forget Comic Con Copenhagen 24-25 September 2016 and Comic Con Stockholm on 4-6 November 2016,

As always we've also updated the Otaku Calendar with details of these events.

Naruto Storm 4 and EDF Deals at Rice Digital

Date: 2016 January 18 16:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

The nice people over at Rice Digital have sent details of a 10% discount they're offering on Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 and Earth Defense Force 4.1 – The Shadow of New Despair.

Use the discount code STORM10 for Naruto and EDF10 for Earth Defense Force. The offer ends Monday 25th January 2016.

The company offer free UK shipping and will also ship worldwide. Personally, we're interested in the Steins;Gate stuff they've got on sale.

Libra of the Vampire Princess: Visual Novel English Release Kickstarter Details

Date: 2016 January 18 15:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

Do you like visual novels? Do you want one translated into English? Well the good folks from MiKandi Japan have sent us details of their latest Kickstarter to bring and English language adaptation of visual novel game Libra of the Vampire Princess. They've already hit their Kickstarter goal, but are keen to add some stretch goals too. It looks very moe. We're told a few or our readers like this sort of thing.

At the time of writing they have just over a day left to meet this goals. So go take a look if you're interested.

Omakase featuring Naruto Shippuden

Date: 2015 December 19 05:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Streaming company Viewster have sent us details of their latest Omakase goodie box. This time around the box is filled with Naruto Shippuden goodies, and also includes a $40 coupon to US Anime convention AX 2016.

For those curious we reviewed the first Omakase Box, which featured Kill la Kill goodies.

acttil to release Ray Gigant for PS Vita and PS TV in America and Europe in 2016

Date: 2015 December 07 17:46 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Press Releases

It's nice to get game news into the Otaku News office from time to time and we've heard from US-based publisher acttil about their plans to release Bandai Namco's Ray Gigant RPG on PS Vita in Spring 2016 with cross compatibility for the PS TV system. The release will be available in both US and EU territories.

Seven Seas Entertainment Licenses My Girlfriend is a T-Rex

Date: 2015 December 04 17:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've just heard from the good folks at Seven Seas Entertainment about a new manga they've licensed. It's called My Girlfriend is a T-Rex. No, it's not a typo. It's an actual manga. According to the press release:

"My Girlfriend is a T-Rex-like Monster Musume but with a very prehistoric twist!". So that explains the influence and the target audience.

If you like your anime girls carnivorous and cold blooded then this title is clearly for you. You might have to wait a while to get your hands on it as Seven Seas have states that it will be released on 1st November 2016.

We're thinking this is a must to add to your manga / graphic novel collection.

Kitacon 2016 Registration Details - Kitacon Karnival 2016

Date: 2015 December 01 00:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from UK Anime convention Kitacon have just sent us details for their next event. Kitacon Karnival 2016. They've already revealed that it'll run from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd April 2016 at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole NEC.

Now they've unleashed details about registration, which will open on midday on Sunday 3rd January 2016. The even is limited to 1,000 attendees (100 of which will be premium VIP memberships).

As always with such events we advise booking early. In August this year when AmeCon 2016 opened for registration they sold out in under an hour.

IA Appearing On Stage at Hyper Japan Christmas Market

Date: 2015 November 26 14:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based readers looking for something fun to do this weekend will want to head over Tobacco Dock in London for the Hyper Japan Christmas Market. It's set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November 2015. We've already mentioned what's going to happen over the weekend.

We've been sent news of a special performance by IA a virtual idol based on Vocaloid technology. She'll be making her UK debut on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November 2015 at Hyper Japan.

Shojo Manga - Comics For Girls London December 2015 Talk

Date: 2015 November 21 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Shojo Manga will want to head over to a talk run by the Japan Foundation. What Girls Want - The World of Shojo Manga (Girls' Comics) is set to run on Monday 14th December 2015 at Foyles on Charing Cross Road from 6:30pm.

"In this talk Nozomi Masuda, Associate Professor, Konan Women’s University, Japan, will trace the origins of Shojo Manga from its beginnings in girls’ magazine through to its more recent transformations today, questioning what significance the genre has in Japanese society, and what it has been expressing over its diverse and complex themes."

Manga artist Eiko Hanamura will also be there to talk to Paul Gravett and Nozomi Masuda about Shojo Manga.

The talk is free to attend, but as always we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Attack on Titan: Part 1 Live Action UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2015 November 19 15:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Super popular franchise Attack on Titan is due to hit UK cinemas on Tuesday 1st December 2015. Part 1 of the live action feature will be shown around the UK, so check the official website for a screening near you.

The move itself features an interesting mix of old school Tokusatsu for the titans, with some extra CGI on top for the steam and smoke effects. This is a great chance to catch the movie on the big screen.

Manga Entertainment UK and label Animatsu Entertainment signalled their intent to release more anime in the UK cinemas. So far they've released Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' and Boruto: Naruto The Movie across the country and it proved a hit with anime fans being able to enjoy films on the big screen locally.

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