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Manga Industry Pioneer Toren Smith Passes Away

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

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

Kawaii International on NHK World this weekend

Date: 2013 February 21 14:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

Fans of everything kawaii will want to tune into NHK World this weekend to catch the latest broadcast of Kawaii International.

Episode #09 Kawaii Summit will feature a visit to London's Hyper Japan Festival (filmed in 2012) and feature some of the Kawaii at the culture festival.

It'll be broadcast on NHK World on:

UTC
Friday 22nd, February 2013 - 23:10
Saturday 23rd February 2013 - 3:10/ 7:10/ 11:10/ 15:10/ 19:10

JST
Saturday 23rd February 2013 - 8:10/12:10/16:10/20:10
Saturday 24th February 2013 - 0:10/4:10

NHK World broadcasts content in English and is free to access. It's available in many countries.

In the UK if you have Sky you can access NHK World on Channel 507. If you've got FreeSat you can access it on channel 209.

Failing that, you can also watch the show on-line on the NHK Website, JIB TV, or on the NHK World App on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) and Android Devices.

Souce: NHK World

Johnnys' World: Top of the J-Pops

Date: 2013 January 25 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

J-Pop fans who can access NHK World will want to tune in for Johnnys' World: Top of the J-Pops.

The documentary focuses on Johnny Kitagawa of talent agency Johnny's Entertainment. The talent agency represents Tsuyoshi Domoto of Kinki Kids and Hey! Say! Jump!.

It'll be broadcast on NHK World on:
Saturday 26th January 2013 - 23:10 (UTC)
Sunday 27th January 2013 - 3:10/ 7:10/ 11:10/ 15:10/ 19:10 (UTC)

NHK World broadcasts content in English and is free to access. It's available in many countries.

In the UK if you have Sky you can access NHK World on Channel 507. If you've got FreeSat you can access it on channel 209.

Failing that, you can also watch the show on-line on the NHK Website, JIB TV, or on the NHK World App on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) and Android Devices.

Souce: NHK World

Tentacular! An interview with Toshio Maeda

Date: 2012 December 09 12:17 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Features

October 2012's London MCM expo was the most successful ever. It included a stall by influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl. We caught with the manga artist and were lucky enough to interview him at the Expo.

NSFW Content Warning. This article contains content that is not safe for work. This article contains an interview with the creator of a certain tentacle based genre of manga.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

NHK World December 2012 Highlights

Date: 2012 December 07 17:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of their December 2012 highlights have sent us details of their December Highlights.

The works of surreal comedian Kentaro Kobayashi should be of particular interest to all!

The station broadcasts content in English and is free to access. It's available in many countries.

In the UK if you have Sky you can access NHK World on Channel 507. If you've got FreeSat you can access it on channel 209.

Failing that, you can also watch the show on-line on the NHK Website, JIB TV, or on the NHK World App on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) and Android Devices.

NHK World and JIB TV at Hyper Japan Christmas 2012

Date: 2012 December 07 16:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at Jib TV have sent us details of NHK Worlds recent exhibit at Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 which ran on 23rd to 25th November 2012.

Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas a Resounding Success!

Date: 2012 December 04 15:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of their last event run in November 2012, and are delighted to report the event had the biggest footfall ever.

Kill Bill Theme Guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei to appear at Hyper Japan Christmas 2012

Date: 2012 November 22 12:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 is almost here! The premier Japanese Culture event will run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 in Earl's Court London.

Along with a great line up of music, they've also sent us details that legendary rock guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei will appear at Hyper Japan. Tomoyasu Hotei, will pay a guest visit to the event on Friday 23rd November at 6:00pm.

This will be the first time in over a decade that he has performed in the UK. Vistors at Hyper Japan will be treated to a live rendition of Battle Without Honour or Humanity (also known as the Kill Bill Theme).

He'll also be playing a special one off gig in London in December 2012.

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.

Workshop for Japanese Language Learners - London December 2012

Date: 2012 November 04 10:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Bleach looking to improve their Japanese Language proficiency will want to head over to The Japan Foundation in London on Sunday 9th December 2012. The Japan Foundation will be running a special workshop where you can get to grips with Japanese using Bleach.

The workshop costs £7 to attend and includes a copy of the original Japanese language edition of the manga Bleach. Booking deadline is Tuesday 27th November 2012.

Recommended language level is upper beginner (around JLPT N4) or above.

Princess Mononoke London Stage Performance - Auditions

Date: 2012 October 20 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

A few months ago, we posted some exciting news about Princess Mononoke being adapted for the stage. The Whole Hog Theatre are about to start auditions for the stage adaptation!

Auditions will be open to all, but the number of people they can see will be limited. The roles will be unpaid and voluntary (as are all roles within Whole Hog Theatre), but this is a great chance to get involved with an amazing theatrical event. People wishing to audition will need to sign up on-line from 8am on Thursday 25th October 2012.

Audition dates as follows:

Thursday 22nd November 2012 - New Diorama Theatre, London
Friday 23rd November 2012 - The Band Factory, Leamington Spa
Saturday 24th November 2012 - Warwick University Campus, Coventry

They'll also be looking for technical people too, such a Set Designer, Costume Designer, Technical Manager / Lighting Designer, Stage Manager, plus Hair and Makeup Design.

Japan Underground: 4 Female Fronted Bands - October 2012

Date: 2012 October 12 15:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese music will want to go to Japan Underground for their 4 Female Fronted Band night on Friday 19th October 2012 from 7pm. Tickets are £8 on the door or £5 in advance or with a flyer.

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.

Anime and Manga event for Japanese Language Learners in London and Edinburgh

Date: 2012 September 12 17:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Readers who are in London or Edinburgh and are keen to learn Japanese will be interested in the Japan Foundation's new initiative. They've just launched a new website using Anime and Manga in Japanese to help you get to grips with the language.

They'll be running special workshops on the subject -

"This workshop, hosted by Ms Nanae Kumano (Developer of the Japanese in Anime & Manga website and Language Education Specialist at Japan Foundation Madrid), will introduce learners to the Japanese in Anime & Manga website, and explore how the site can be used to enhance your own Japanese language studies and enjoyment of Japanese culture."

On Thursday 4th October 2012 from 4pm to 6pm at the University of Edinburgh.

Levels: Basic – Advanced (JLPT N5 – N1/Level 1); English explanations will be given. This event is supported by the University of Edinburgh and is free for all participants. The event is free, but you do have to register in advance in order to attend.

On Friday 5th October 2012 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Japan Foundation - Russell Square London.

Levels: Intermediate to Advanced (JLPT N3/Level 3 – N1/Level 1); The workshop will be in Japanese.

Fee: £3.00 (to paid on arrival on the day, cash only accepted)
Limited to 40 participants – First come, first served. Click here to register.

Souce: The Japan Foundation

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.

Princess Mononoke London Stage Performance - April 2013

Date: 2012 July 19 16:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based Studio Ghibli fans will be pleased and surprised to hear about the world's first staging of Princess Mononoke. Hayao Miyazaki's renowned title is being transferred to the stage by the Whole Hog Theatre Company.

The performance will use be using "giant puppets made from recycled materials, visceral, physical storytelling and original live music".

This project has been in the works for over a year.

Performances are set to take place from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 6th April 2013 at the New Diorama Theatre in London. Tickets are available now for £12.50 or £10.50 for concessions.

Update: The tickets have sold out for the weekend already, you can still buy tickets for the Wednesday.

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

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.

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!

Throne of Blood and Cymbeline at London's Barbican

Date: 2012 April 30 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based fans of classic Japanese cinema will want to head over the to Barbican on 2pm Saturday 2nd of June 2012 to catch a special screening of Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood. This will include a screen talk by director Yukio Ninagawa.

Yukio Ninagawa also directed Cymbeline, which will be performed the Ninagawa Company and will run at the Barbican Theatre from at 7:15pm on Tuesday 29th May to Saturday 2nd June 2012.

ICN Gallery Part 1 What is Ukiyo-e? Event report

Date: 2012 April 21 13:46 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Art

The ICN gallery London opened this month with the first in a series of exhibitions exploring the iconic historic Japanese artist movement, Ukiyo-e. The works explore the tradition and an influential legacy that has shaped the face of modern Japanese artistry.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Interview with MyM publisher Tarik Alozdi

Date: 2012 March 25 12:40 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Culture

Publisher for new UK/Ireland magazine MyM gives an interview to Otaku News and discusses the magazine, it's upcoming launch and it's content and direction.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

What is Ukiyo-e? London ICN Gallery exhibition

Date: 2012 March 24 15:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some art and culture will want to head over to the ICN Gallery 96-98 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4RH to see Part 1 of What is Ukiyo-e? The exhibition covers the popular and well known wood block prints, including Hokusai's famous Great wave Off Kanagawa.

The exhibition is set to run from Thursday 5th April to Saturday 28th April 2012 (please note the gallery is closed Sundays).

Bunkasai - Japanese Festival London Sunday 11th March 2012 Reminder

Date: 2012 March 10 15:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

A quick reminder for those in London tomorrow (Sunday 11th March 2012), please don't forget about the Charity Event - Bunkasai Japanese Festival. We've got all the details here. The event is to raise money for Aid For Japan.

Souce: Bunkasai

Distant Worlds: Celebrating 25 years of Final Fantasy - London November 2012

Date: 2012 March 06 16:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Based fans of Final Fantasy will want to keep Friday 2nd November 2012 free as that's when the Distant Worlds: Celebrating 25 years of Final Fantasy concert hits the Royal Albert Hall.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra plus choir will be performing. Arnie Roth is the Conductor and Nobuo Uematsu will be in attendance too.

Tickets will start from £25 to £65, plus there's a special VIP meet and greet ticket for £125 which gets you lots of great things.

We know the event is in November, so why are we mentioning it now? Tickets go on Sale on Thursday 15th March 2012 9am London Time. As always with popular events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment, but with this we can't emphasise this enough.

The Last Explorers - Thomas Blake Glover - The Scottish Samurai

Date: 2012 February 13 15:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK Readers who missed it on Sunday 12th February on BBC 2, will be keen to catch The Last Explorers - Thomas Blake Glover.

"Neil Oliver follows in the footsteps of four Scottish explorers who planted ideas rather than flags - ideas that shaped the modern world we know today.

In the last of the series, Neil travels to Japan to uncover the extraordinary story of Thomas Blake Glover. Blending adventure with commerce, Glover was a rogue trader who helped rebel samurai clans overthrow the shogun and lay the foundations for one of the most aggressive and powerful economies in the world."

The episode is filmed on location on Japan and features in interviews with Japanese historians.

Souce: BBC iPlayer

Japanese embassy in UK announces manga writing competition winners

Date: 2012 February 13 06:48 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Manga

The Embassy of Japan in London has chosen the winning entries in their annual manga writing competition.

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.

Japan: Kingdom of Characters UK Exhibition

Date: 2012 January 04 17:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime and manga fans will want to make a trip over to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia. From Saturday 4th February 2012 until Sunday 24th June 2012, the venue will be hosting Japan: Kindom of Characters, a new manga exhibition that takes you inside the world of Japanese characters and asks you to consider what they represent.

It follows on from a tour of highly successful showings in cities such as Manila, Sydney and Madrid. Human-size 3D models of characters such as Ultraman and Pikachu welcome you into this colourful and substantial show. Over eighty graphics, photographs and films trace the history of cartoon characters by decade from the 1950’s to the 2000’s and provide insight into their fascinating backgrounds.

The event is organised in co-operation with the Japan Foundation. Admission is free. The event is daily and open from 10am to 9pm.

The Sainsbury Centre is the sole UK venue for this exhibition.

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

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Grave of the Fireflies

Date: 2011 December 01 16:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've received news from US Anime Distributor Sentai Filmworks that they've licensed Grave of the Fireflies. The Ghibli classic is emotional story of the cold realities of war, and often forgotten victims, the children.

Sentai Filmworks will begin digital distribution of the title this winter and a digital restored DVD will be released next year.

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

Zipangu Fest reveals full programme: nuclear reactions, retro, animation and horror

Date: 2011 October 16 15:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Following on from our earlier coverage of the Zipangu Film Fest, we've just been sent the details of the full programme. The festival kicks off in London at the ICA from Friday 18th to Thursday 24th November 2011.

They've got lots of interesting things to watch. If you fancy some alternative animation then Beyond Anime: The Outer Limits will appeal.

Shirome has been described as somewhere between the Blair Witch Project and the X-Factor!

There's plenty more to enjoy, including some horror, retro films.

Ryo Arai & ITARO - Essence of Edo-Tokyo Gallery display in London October to November 2011

Date: 2011 October 06 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

Japanese art and culture enthusiasts in London will want to pay a visit to the ICN Gallery to catch the Ryo Arai & ITARO - Essence of Edo-Tokyo exhibit. It's set to run from Thursday 27th October to Monday 19th November 2011.

Ryo Arai is a hariko artist (that's traditional Japanese paper mache) and ITARO is a netsuke and wood engraving artist.

The gallery can be found on 96-98 Leonard Street; London EC2A 4RH

Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival London November 2011 Details

Date: 2011 October 04 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese cinema and culture will want to head over to the ICA in from Friday 18th to Thursday 24th November 2011 for the start of Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival. We've been sent details of the film line up.

For it's London premiere and the festival's opening night they'll be showing KanZeOn, which looks at religious traditions in locations far from Tokyo. This screening on 6:30pm on Friday 18th November 2011 will be followed by a launch party with musicians from Japan.

Fans of avant-garde and experimental music will want to catch We Don't Care About Music Anyway... which documents the Japanese music scene on 5pm on Sunday 20th November 2011.

As always with popular screenings we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

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.

J-Pop Star Beckii Cruel to Perform New Single at London Comic Con

Date: 2011 September 15 14:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of J-Pop Idol Beckii Cruel will want to head to the MCM Expo London Comic Con on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October 2011 to see her perform her new single You Can't Kiss me.

Beckii will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday at the Expo. We were lucky to catch up with her at the last Expo in May.

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.

Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival London November 2011

Date: 2011 September 05 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of cutting edge Japanese cinema will want to head over to the ICA from Thursday 17th to Thursday 24th November 2011 for the return of Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival. The festival will then move around the UK.

They'll have lots of treats lined up, including two titles that have never been shown in the UK, one being especially subtitled for the festival.

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.

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.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui TeZukA - Dance Work in London

Date: 2011 August 01 15:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Fans of Tezuka, the arts and dance will be pleased to hear about London's Sadler's Wells' up coming production TeZukA. The world premiere dance work is set to explore Tezuka's fascinating world with help of cast of 10 performers, two musicians and a calligrapher. They'll cover a wide range of his work, including Astro Boy and Buddha.

So keep Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th September 2011 free and head over to London.

On Thursday 8th September 2011 at 6:15pm they'll also be a special pre-show director's conversation.

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

Murakami makes his mark at the Gagosian

Date: 2011 July 14 15:42 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Art

This article features coverage of the Takashi Murakami Exhibition at London's Gagosian Gallery.

Due to the nature of some of the artwork on display in this article, we issue a NSFW content rating.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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

Tokyo bath-house murals in danger of dying out

Date: 2011 July 07 18:24 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Current Affairs

Tokyo bath-house murals are in danger of dying out as the number of people qualified to paint them and the numbers of people visiting bath houses diminishes.

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

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