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Manga Jiman 2023 Competition Details

Date: 2023 September 01 12:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks at the Embassy of Japan in the UK have just revealed the details for the 17th Manga Jiman Competition. The annual competition is a chance for UK based artists to demonstrate their manga making skills. Not only that, but there's a great selection of prizes to be won from the competitions sponsors.

Here's a tip. If you do really want to win. Consider entering in the Yonkoma category (Yonoma Youth - 11, 12 or 13 or Yonkoma 14+). There are normally very few entrants for the often overlooked four panel manga section. Even the judges last year were strongly suggesting more people enter in yonkoma.

The Garden of Words Stage Play Review

Date: 2023 August 22 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

The stage play adaption of The Garden of Words is now hitting the theatre. Set to run from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023 at London's Park Theatre. We've been following the progress of this play since it was announced a few years ago, so were naturally keen to catch a performance on stage.

Piano Concert featuring Anime and Games Music by Kikuchi Ryota in London and Birmingham

Date: 2023 July 17 19:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Japan Foundation London have sent us details of a piano concert by Kikuchi Ryota. The pianist is popular on YouTube and is set to perform iconic melodies from anime and game music.

Kikuchi will be playing at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham on Tuesday 8th August 2023 at 12:30. Then St James's Church, Piccadilly in London on Wednesday 9th August 2023 at 19:00 and finally at Yamaha Music London on Thursday 10th August at 16:00. All events are free to attend, with booking required for the London ones.

Edinburgh Film Festival to Host UK Premiere of new Slam Dunk Movie

Date: 2023 July 16 11:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime firm Anime Limited have just sent us some details about the upcoming Slam Dunk Movie. The UK Premier will be hosted by the Edinburgh Film Festival on Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 23rd August 2023. The film will then go onto a wider release across the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 30th August 2023.

This basketball drama was directed and written by Takehiko Inoue the creator of the original Slam Dunk manga.

To date it's the 5th highest grossing anime film worldwide.

To find a screening near you visit slamdunkfilm.co.uk.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

An Interview with Alexandra Rutter Director of the Stage Adaption of The Garden of Words

Date: 2023 July 10 18:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Makoto Shinaki's anime The Garden of Words is the story of an out-of-step woman and an offbeat teenager meeting by chance in a Japanese garden. As the kindred spirits bond, the relationship they build could save them or equally ruin them. Melancholy and original the story has just been adapted into a stage play set to run at London's Park Theatre from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023. It's also set to to be staged in Tokyo too.

The play has been adapted by the Whole Hog Theatre who have previously also brought Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke to stage.

We caught up with Alexandra Rutter, who directed and co-adapted The Garden of Words from the material from the anime and novel. Having been aware of this project since before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were keen to find out more about the production and hear what Alexandra has to say.

Parallel World Pharmacy Competition

Date: 2023 June 22 19:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Websites

The good folks from manga publishers One Peace Books have just sent us details of a little competition they're running. If you can write a mini review of their new title Parallel World Pharmacy, and post it on Twitter of Facebook tagged with #ParallelWorldPharmacy, you'll have the chance to win a signed illustration by the manga artist Sei Takano featuring the manga's star characters.

Competition closes June 26 2023 11:59 EST. Note that the competition is open to the US only. It's not everyday you get a chance to win original manga artwork! So we suggest you enter if you can!

Anime Expo 2023 Announces Guests of Honor List

Date: 2023 June 18 15:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime Expo has just announced it's guest list. The event's guest of honor include Koichi Naruse (producer for the work, The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2), Yoshitaka Amano (the artist behind Final Fantasy illustrations to say the least), Yoko Taro (NieR:Automata) and Yoshiki.

Anime Expo also known as AX is the largest anime convention in North America, held annually in Downtown Los Angeles. It's set to run July 1-4 2023.

Otakuthon Anime Convention 2023

Date: 2023 June 03 16:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Canadian anime fans looking for something fun to do in Montréal this August will be interested to hear about Otakuthon Anime Convention. Set to run from August 11th to 13th 2023 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

It'll host a wide variety of international guests including a selection of voice actors, music from Orchestre de Jeux Vidéo, along with rakugo from Cyril Coppini.

The Garden of Words London Stage Play Details Summer 2023

Date: 2023 June 01 19:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just received details from Whole Hog Theatre and Park Theatre who will present the world premiere stage adaptation of The Garden of Words, which is based the anime by acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai (best known for your name and the just released Suzume)..

We've covered details about the play before, but it's always worth reminding people about this production and that you can catch it this Summer 2023. The more detailed press release reveals information about cast and crew.

Like the anime the play explores the bond between two social misfits in a Japanese garden. It sets out to adapt the story further in a live action setting by combining puppetry, movement, and projection art. The production delves into themes of loneliness and longing, a signature of Shinkai's works. After its London run, the play will have its Japanese premiere in Tokyo. The show will be performed at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, North London, UK, from 10th August 2023 to 9th September 2023 with ticket prices ranging from £10 to £44.50.

Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum Hits UK Cinemas This May for One Day Only

Date: 2023 May 11 19:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have revealed that they'll be releasing Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum in the UK exclusively at Odeon Cinemas for one-day only on Saturday 20th May 2023.

This is a re-imagining 2011 television series Mawaru Penguindrum and is presented as a double bill which consists of Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 1 Your Train Is the Survival Tactic and Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 2 I Love You, with a 10 minute intermission in-between. This will be shown exclusively at Odeon Cinemas for one day only.

So if you're interested head over to your nearest Odeon to catch it!

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Garden of Words Stage Production To Hit London This Summer 2023

Date: 2023 May 09 19:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London's Park Theatre have just announced their Summer and Autumn line up. Anime fans will be very interested in the stage adaptation of Makoto Shinkai's Garden of Words. Originally it was set to run in August 2020, however COVID-19 prevented it happening. This time it's back and scheduled to run from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023.

Based on the original anime by blockbuster director by Makoto Shinkai (best known for your name and the just released Suzume). It tells the story of a meeting in a Japanese garden, with two people both out of sorts having a melancholy change encounter.

It's been adapted for the stage by Whole Hog Theatre, who are no strangers to bringing anime to theatre. They created a truly excellent stage version of Princess Mononoke.

We've been waiting since 2019 to see the stage version of Garden of Words, so naturally we're very keen to catch this summer in London.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023 Online Talk Series

Date: 2023 March 15 19:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the Japan Foundation London have sent us details of some up coming online events they'll be hosting. As part of their touring film programme, they'll be hosting a series of online talks with various directors from the movies shown.

Talks include in conversation with director Nishikawa Miwa, who directed Under the Open Sky. This is set to run on Thursday 23rd March 2023 at 13:00 (GMT).

There's also talks with Tanada Yuki who directed My Broken Mariko. This talk is set to run on Monday 27th March 2023 at 13:00 (BST).

They have plenty of interesting talks lined up, The events are free to attend online and registration is required.

Junk Head UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2023 February 23 16:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us the details of their latest cinematic release. Junk Head is an stop-motion sci-fi action thriller set in a dystopian future. The film took Takahide Hori seven years to make. He crafted everything, sets, puppets, sound, music and special effects then animated it all!

The film is set to hits selected cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland from Monday 24th April 2023.

Makoto Shinkai's Suzume Special UK Film Screening and Director Q and A

Date: 2023 February 15 17:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime giants Crunchyroll have sent us details of a special UK anime screening of Makato Shinkai's latest movie Suzume.

The screening will take place on Wednesday 1st March 2023 at 18:00 the BFI Southbank in London. Not only will this be a chance to catch the movie more than a month ahead of it's national release, but the director himself will be there for a special Questions and Answers session. This is a rare opportunity to be able to get a chance to pitch questions at the director! Makoto Shinkai is best know for his two major films Your Name and Weathering With You. Tickets are on sale now and we expect them to sell out quickly. So book early to avoid disappointment.

The movie will be released across the UK and Ireland from 14th April 2023.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba- To The Swordsmith Village- UK and Ireland Cinema Details

Date: 2023 February 13 20:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fancy watching some Demon Slayer in the cinema? Well the good folks from Crunchyroll have sent us details of the upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba- To The Swordsmith Village- movie. It's due to hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 1st March 2023. Tickets will go on sale from Friday 17th February 2023.

The movie consists of episodes 10 and 11 of the series' Entertainment District Arc as well as the extended Episode 1 of the Swordsmith Village Arc all remastered into a feature length adventure in 4K.

If you haven't seen Demon Slayer yet, you can catch it on Crunchyroll. You can also get the whole manga in a nice boxset.

The Japan Foundation UK Touring Film Programme 2023

Date: 2022 December 24 11:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the UK branch of the Japan Foundation have sent us details of their much loved Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary, this nationwide film programme will be touring to 24 cities, visiting England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme is the largest Japanese Film Season in the UK. It's set to start at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London from Friday 3rd February 2023.

For fans of Japanese cinema there's so much good stuff to enjoy. Fans of manga will also want to see the cinematic adaptions, including BL Metamorphosis, a story about a 17 year-old Boys Love fan, who introduces an old lady to the genre, friendship over fandom ensues. We read and really enjoyed the original source manga and a live action cinema adaption makes sense for the story.

We're also looking forward to My Broken Mariko as manga is good. But for something manga themed we're intrigued by Sensei, Would You Sit Beside Me? a story about a manga artist who discovers her husband is having and affair, so rather than confront him she decides to create a manga about adultery.

Anime wise there's Blue Thermal a coming of age tale about a university student who in search of romance accidentality joins the university's aviation club.

There's so many good films at the JPF Touring Film Programme, you're bound to find something that you'll really enjoy. The touring film programme is set to run from 3 February - 31 March 2023.

Jump Festa 2023 Live Stream Details

Date: 2022 December 12 20:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Japanese publishing giants Shueisha Inc. have just sent us details of an on-line event. The yearly mega event Jump Festa 2023 will live stream for international fans. Set to run from 17th to 18th December 2022 the streaming weekend will cover content around Jump titles. The various events will have either available with English subtitles and simultaneous interpretation or just English subtitles. This is the first time the content of the Jump Festa will be streamed in English, so you'll get to see everything just like a fan in Japan too!

You can visit https://www.youtube.com/c/jumpchannel during that time to catch the content.

Akira Kurosawa Retrospective at the BFI 2023

Date: 2022 December 01 20:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at the BFI have sent us details for an up coming Akira Kurosawa Retrospective. Set to run from Sunday 1st January 2023 until Tuesday 28th February 2023. The hugely influential cinematic legend is well covered here, with the two-month complete retrospective of 30 feature films! Divided into 6 themes there's so much to enjoy.

One Piece Film: Red London Landmark Takeover

Date: 2022 November 23 20:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us details of a One Piece Film: Red London Landmark takeover. On Saturday 26th November 2022 between 18:00 - 23:00 video projections of the iconic anime pirates will appear opposite the London Eye and other key locations.

This follows a similar bit publicity at London's Kings Cross and a recent take over of New York's Times Square.

Visit onepiece.red to find screening near you in the UK and Ireland or go to https://ado.lnk.to/UtasSongsSO to enjoy the soundtrack.

You can also read our One Piece Film: Red movie review.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

My Neighbour Totoro Stage Play Review

Date: 2022 November 13 14:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

When The Royal Shakespeare Company announced that they were doing a live action stage play of My Neighbour Totoro, we got very excited. It had all the hallmarks of something great! It was done in collaboration with The Royal Shakespeare Company, Improbable and Nippon TV. Joe Hisaishi, composer and long term Studio Ghibli collaborator, is the executive producer tasked by Totoro director Hayao Miyazaki to bring his much loved and highly influential film to the stage. If this wasn't enough, Jim Henson's Creature Shop was brought in to create all the puppets for this production!

One Piece Film: Red Expands to Over 270 Screens Across UK and Ireland

Date: 2022 October 24 20:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Anime Limited have sent us a reminder about the upcoming new One Piece Film: Red which has now expanded it's screenings to over 270 cinemas and IMAX screens across the United Kingdom and Ireland from 4 November 2022.

Visit onepiecefilm.red to find a screening near you

Goodbye, DonGlees UK and Ireland Screening Details

Date: 2022 October 19 18:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've just been sent the details from the good folks at Anime Limited about the cinema release of Goodbye, DonGlees!. It's due to hit cinema screens around the UK and Ireland from 30th November 2022. Tickets on sale now.

The movie is from Atsuko Ishizuka who was responsible for the truly fantastic A Place Further Than The Universe.

Goodbye, DonGlees! is a about a group of friends who have little local adventures they call themselves Don Glees. One day the trio get blamed for a nearby forest fire, so they set off into the woods to prove their innocence. A coming-of-age adventure ensues.

You can find a screening near you and book tickets at dongleesfilm.co.uk.

Art of Dragon Ball Showcase Auction at Heritage Auctions

Date: 2022 October 12 18:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Heritage Auctions have sent us details of an upcoming Art of Dragon Ball Showcase Auction. Set to run from October 20 - November 17.

The auction line up contains plenty of production cels from Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT along with various other items.

Kotatsu Festival 2022 Details

Date: 2022 October 11 21:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from The Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival have revealed their film line up for this autumn 2022. The long running Welsh Anime film festival always proves popular!

The festival will be hosted at the following venues:

Chapter Arts, Cardiff 1st - 2nd Oct 2022
Aberystwyth Arts Centre 28th Oct - 1st Nov 2022
Pontio, Bangor 31st Oct - 5th Nov 2022.

Each venue has pretty much something for everyone.
If you haven't caught them yet, we strongly recommend Inu-Oh, Pompo the Cinephile and Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko.

There's plenty of other titles to discover and explore!

One Piece Film: Red Takes Over New York's Times Square

Date: 2022 October 04 19:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The new One Piece Film Red is about to hit the big screens this November 2022. To celebrate in New York, they're going to take over Times Square!

The One Piece production committee have announced that a large-scale takeover ad campaign in New York's Times Square will run exclusively on Saturday, October 8 2022 between 7:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. (EST). Set to launch during New York Comic Con, this isn't one bill board. This is going to be the whole of Times Square.

Visit onepiecefilm.red to find a screening near you.

Read More... | Souce: One Piece Production Committee

One Piece Film: Red UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2022 September 21 20:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folk from anime distributors Anime Limited have revealed the release date for the new One Piece Film: Red. Due out in cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Friday 4th November 2022. The long awaited movie features an original story from series creator Eiichiro Oda.

The music filled film proved a huge success when released in Japan earlier this year making it the number 1 film in the box office for over 6 weeks!

Visit onepiecefilm.red to find a screening near you.

Inu-Oh UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2022 August 16 19:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime has returned to the cinemas and Anime Limited have gone on a spree of screenings recently. They've just sent us details for Inu-Oh the latest cinematic offering from Masaaki Yuasa, whose other works include the eccentric Night is Short, Walk on Girl, Lu over the Wall, Ride Your Wave and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (along with many more other fantastic work).

Inu-oh tells the story of a young man who aspires to be a performer, but is shunned because of his unique physical appearance, he then encounters blind biwa priest Tomona. The two join forces and rise to stardom...

To be honest they had us at Masaaki Yuasa. His works are just excellent and have a kind of special eclectic energy to them.

Inu-oh hits cinemas in the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 28th September 2022.

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2022 July 27 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent details for their next cinematic outing. Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko is to to arrive at cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 10th August 2022. The quirky slice of life movie follows the local adventures of Nikuko a brash single mother who lives with her daughter on a moored house boat. Nikuko makes a living at the local grill house, while her daughter Kikuo just wants to fit in and lead a (relatively normal life).

The story is kind of a mix of slice of life, with a bits of coming of age and just it's own heart warming eccentricity. We've seen this film and can confirm it's worth watching. Catch it on the big screen while you can by visiting nikukofilm.co.uk to find a screening near you.

Goodbye, DonGlees! UK Premiere at the 75th Edinburgh International Film Festival

Date: 2022 July 20 19:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have sent us details about Goodbye, DonGlees!. The film is a coming of age story about a group of teens and their little adventures which they've called Don Glees.

This film sounds very promising, not least as it's from Atsuko Ishizuka who directed the truly wonderful A Place Further Than the Universe anime series. We can't overstate how much we enjoyed the teenage antics and quest to get to Antarctica of this heartfelt series. To be honest the press release had as at that. If Goodbye, DonGlees! is half as good a A Place Further Than the Universe we're going to be in for a real treat. We're considering booking some train tickets to shoot up to Edinburgh just to see it.

The film's UK Premiere is due to hit the 75th Edinburgh International Film Festival on Tuesday 16th August 2022 and will be shown again on Friday 19th August 2022. It will also receive a wider theatrical release in the UK and Ireland later this year.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Hyper Japan Festival London 2022 Details

Date: 2022 June 14 20:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of their festival for this year. Set to run from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th July 2022, the UK's biggest festival of Japanese culture, returns to London at Evolution Battersea Park.

The long running Japanese culture festival has been popular with fans of Japanese food from street food to fine dining, along with fans of pop culture where you'll get a great chance to see many performers. Pretty much every aspect of Japanese culture is represented, including of course anime and manga.

To get an idea of what to expect why not take a look at all their exhibitors Be warned as Otafuku Sauce will be there (we have a strong addiction to their okonomi sauce)! Also don't forget to check out their list of performers.

We're looking forward to the fun that will be had at the 2022 festival! It's always fun to go Hyper Japan.

The Deer King UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2022 June 06 20:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have sent us the details of their latest cinematic outing. The Deer King is set to hit cinemas around the UK from Wednesday 27th July 2022.

Based on the Japanese fantasy novels by award-winning writer Nahoko Uehashi, the original author of the celebrated Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit series. The movie is directed by Masashi Ando who has worked as Chief Animation Director on Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, and also an animation director on Your Name.

Along with Pompo the Cinephile in June, Princess Mononoke in the Barbican in August it looks like anime fans are set to enjoy a summer of cinema!

Early Japanese Animation at London's Barbican this June 2022

Date: 2022 May 17 19:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the Barbican in London have just sent us details of a very special cinema screening of Early Japanese Animation with live and electronic accompaniment by the Guildhall' School with Benshi narration. The screening and performance is will run on Sunday 5th June 2022 at 15:00 at Barbican Cinema 1.

It's not everyday you get a selection of rarely screened early Japanese animation, showing some of the very first anime films, accompanied by electro-acoustic music with Benshi narration! Tomoko Komura will be performing the benshi narration. The films span from 1925 to 1935.

AKIRA - The Architecture of Neo Tokyo Exhibition in Berlin

Date: 2022 May 15 15:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Fans of anime, Akira and architecture in Berlin are in for a treat with the AKIRA - The Architecture of Neo Tokyo at the Tchoban Foundation. Museum for Architectural Drawing. Setup by Riekeles Gallery in co-operation with Tchoban Foundation the exhibition is schedule to run from Saturday 4th June until Sunday 4th September 2022.

It features 59 original production backgrounds, layout drawings, concept designs and imageboards which had been used to create Neo Tokyo in the landmark anime film Akira. Some artworks that have never been presented in an exhibition before and only very few of them have ever been published.

The Riekeles Gallery was founded by Stefan Riekeles, who has curated anime architecture exhibitions in London and elsewhere, published books on anime architecture and more.

Outdoor Cinema Screenings at the Barbican include Princess Mononoke and Mothra this August 2022

Date: 2022 May 13 22:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the Barbican in London have sent us details of their up coming Outdoor Cinema. It's set to run from Tuesday 23rd August until Sunday 28th August 2022. The theme is our connection to the natural world, which ties in nicely with with films our readers will like.

The classic kaiju Mothra film from 1961 will be shown on Wednesday 24th August 2002 at 20:00.

While fans of Studio Ghibli can enjoy Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke on Saturday 27th August 2022 at 20:30. Miyazaki's action adventure movie is always a joy to catch on the big screen!

It's not everyday you get to see such great movies fantastic location outdoors. As always with events like these we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Crunchyroll Announces Release of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

Date: 2022 May 10 19:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime media giant Crunchyroll have just announced that Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero the movie will be released globally this summer 2022. The movie will debut in Japan on 11th June 2022, and then be released in cinemas across the globe in Summer 2022.

The latest offering from the hugely popular franchise sees the return of the Red Ribbon army with new foes for our fighters. This is the second film in the Dragon Ball Super franchise. Dragon Ball Super: Broly was released in 2018 to fans around the globe. It grossed over $120 million at the box office globally and is the 5th highest-grossing anime movie at the box office in the US. We imagine this movie will perform similarly!

My Neighbour Totoro The Stage Play

Date: 2022 April 27 20:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Production > Studio Ghibli

The good folks from the Royal Shakespeare Company have just revealed they will be performing a live production of My Neighbour Totoro.

The production will come to London's Barbican stage this autumn 2022. Based on the iconic and highly influential animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki, the performance is being brought to the by Joe Hisaishi who composed the original music for Totoro and is a long term Studio Ghibli collaborator. The RSC adaption is written by playwright Tom Morton-Smith. The show will also feature various puppetry. It's not clear yet how the furry forest king Totoro will be portrayed, or how they'll handle the catbus!

My Neighbour Totoro will play a strictly limited 15-week season from 8th October 2022 - 21nd January 2023.

Ticket prices range from £20 to £85, with up to two half-price tickets with every full price paying adult. Valid for all performances excluding Saturday evenings. Various discounts are also offered for class bookings, UK schools, colleges and Universities, groups of 10+. There are also special TikTok £10 tickets for 14-25 year olds.

Tickets are available from the 9th May 2022 for top tier RSC Patrons, with tickets being available to the various RSC patron tiers until they're released to the general public on Thursday 19 May 2022. Tickets bookable online from 10am.

We have only seen the preview material, but we have every reason to believe this will be a very special production.

This is not the first time the works of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki have hit the stage in the UK. In 2016 the Southwark Playhouse created a version of Kiki's Delivery Service, based on the original book. It was so successful it returned for a second run in 2017. While in 2013 the Whole Hog Theatre Company created a stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke.

While more recently a stage adaption of Spirited Away is proving to be a huge it in Japan.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival Presents Free Animation Workshops this April 2022

Date: 2022 April 08 11:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans looking for something to do virtually will be pleased to hear that the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival will be hosting free Animation workshop in April 2022.

First up on Saturday 9 April 2022 at 11am - 12:30pm (UK time) they'll be hosting an on-line Anime Education Workshop with Anime critic Ryota Fujitsu. The theme will be Ghibli classic Spirited Away, so watch it beforehand. It's free to sign up, but booking is essential for Microsoft Teams Meeting.

For those who can get to Cardiff Central Library, they'll be a 5-Day Animation Workshop from Monday 25th to 29th April 2022. It's set to run from 10am until 4pm each day and is suitable for those aged 8 and above. As always please book in advance.

BFI Anime Season 2022

Date: 2022 March 15 20:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans are in for a real treat. The BFI have just sent us some amazing news about their upcoming major two month Anime season. Set to run from 28th March until 31st May 2022.

We feel calling it a major anime season is a bit of an understatement. They're pretty much showing every category of anime feature film you can think of. There's something there for everyone regardless of your taste.

They've got a great mix of classics, from old fan favourites such as Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise, Patlabor: The Movie (both 1 and 2), Akira and many more.

They've got Makoto Shinkai movies, including Your Name, Weathering With You, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, 5 Centimeters Per Second and The Garden of Words.

They'll also be showing the delightful Mamoru Hosoda from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children and of course his most recent hit Belle.

You can't have a full anime season without some of the late great Satoshi Kon, so they'll be screening Perfect Blue (that'll mess with your mind), Millennium Actress, Tokyo Godfathers (an excellent Christmas movie) and the dreamlike Paprika.

Of course as well as looking back they'll be looking forward with some previews of some new releases including Summer Ghost. We're very excited about the preview of Masaaki Yuasa's INU-OH.

Now any of this by itself makes for an amazing anime season, but not wanting to be outdone, the BFI have also thrown in some Studio Ghibli films, including Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbour Totoro, Castle in the Sky and so much more!

There's so much more, you should read on to find out all the other amazing films they've got lined up!

Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2022 February 27 20:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have sent us news that they'll be releasing Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna in UK cinemas. Due to hit the big screen on Wednesday 9th March 2022 at cinemas around the UK.

The movie is set 10 years after the events of the original TV show and follows what could DigiDestined's final adventure, becoming adults.

You can find a screening near you by visiting the official UK website.

Mamoru Hosoda's Belle Cinema Reminder Plus a Big London Mural

Date: 2022 February 01 20:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

A reminder to anime fans based in the UK and Ireland that Mamoru Hosoda's latest movie Belle will hit cinemas on Friday 4th February 2022. You can find tickets and book a screening via www.bellefilm.co.uk.

The good folks at the film's distributors Anime Limited naturally want to tell as many people about the film as possible. They're placing nice prominent posters on the London Underground at Oxford Circus and elsewhere around the tube network.

Plus they've also painted a huge mural at Camden Lock which is bound to grab some attention!

We've already seen the movie and can confirm it's worth hiring an artist collective to paint huge murals for in London a prime North London location.You can read our review of Belle to find out more! It's one of those rare delights of an anime film. Just go out and watch it.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Bonhams Auctions Classic Anime Cels

Date: 2022 January 30 20:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from international auctioneers and valuers Bonhams have sent us details of their latest online sale The World Of Anime is set to run from 24th January until 2nd February 2022. The auction features various anime classics included Sailor Moon, Urusei Yatsura, Ranma 1/2, Cardcaptor Sakura, Cardcaptor Sakura, One Piece, Evangelion and many more. The sale is being headlines by Studio Ghibli cels including some key scenes from Kiki's Delivery Service and Totoro.

Anime cel auctions are uncommon with traditional auctioneers, but unlike other online avenues you know that they've taken the time to verify the items on sale are authentic.

Highlighting the auction is a Kiki's Delivery service production cel featuring Kiki flying with Jiji. Bonhams estimates this cel will sell for anything between $15,000 - $25,000 (USD). In the same price bracket they've got a cel of Totoro asleep!

We'll be very interested to see what happens with all the cels up for auction. Some have already got some bids in place between the asking prices, while others have yet to gain any attention. As with any auction it's always the last 60 seconds where things get really interesting!

Sing a Bit of Harmony UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2022 January 15 18:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime company Funimation have announced the UK and Ireland screening dates for their latest movie. Sing a Bit of Harmony will be out in UK and Ireland cinemas from Friday 28th January 2022.

The movie follows Japanese school girl Satomi who encounters mysterious transfer student Shion. It turns out that
Shion is actually an AI with a mission to bring Satomi happiness. Chaos and hilarity ensue in equal measure as the AI's grasp on human interaction isn't conventional.

We've seen this film and will have review up soon. We can describe it as highly enjoyable and it's worth catching if you can. It's a anime comedy with an AI twist.

You can buy tickets now online.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2022 Details

Date: 2022 January 14 19:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

It's that time of year again The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme is back for 2022. They've got 20 Japanese films and 25 UK cities with more venues being confirmed soon. The theme this time around is What Lies Beneath. Which aims to explore the dark mind in Japanese cinema.

They've got a wide range of new and old movies, so you're bound to find something that'll grab your interest!

Anime wise the film programme will be showing the UK premiere of The House of the Lost on the Cape.

Visit jpf-film.org.uk to find out more.

Mamoru Hosoda's Belle UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2022 January 13 20:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at anime company Anime Limited have just revealed the UK cinema release date of Mamoru Hosoda's latest movie Belle. Audiences across the United Kingdom and Ireland will be able to enjoy the movie in cinemas nationwide from Friday 4th February 2022.

We've been waiting for this news since Belle was first announced and we've been tracking it's progress as it hit various film festivals where everyone has been rightly impressed with it. Hosoda's latest cinematic offering can be interpreted as a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, but brought into a slightly futuristic setting. It tells the tale of Suzu your average rural Japanese school girl in the virtual world of "U" where she becomes a singing sensation Belle.

The movie will be available both subbed and dubbed. Interestingly for the dub they're rerecorded all the songs in English, with the supervision of the original Japanese musical team.

You can find a screening near you and book tickets via www.bellefilm.co.uk.

To be honest, there are lots of reviews of this movie*. Don't read any of them, you don't need to. Just go out and enjoy this film. It's absolute perfection. If you like any of Mamoru Hosoda's previous films you'll really love this one. If you haven't seen any of his other works, this is a great introduction.

*That being said our review will be up soon too, so please do read that.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Kotatsu Festival Online Events for January 2022

Date: 2022 January 06 20:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at Kotatsu Festival have sent us some details of two upcoming events. The two online workshops aimed at beginners cover Japanese Calligraphy and a Japanese Manga Introductory Workshop.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival are hosting these workshops for free via Microsoft Teams. Although it is free prior registration is essential. So book early to avoid disappointment.

Japanese Calligraphy - Introductory Workshop for Beginners is run by Yukiko Ayres. It's set for Saturday 29th January 2022 from 11:00 to 12:00 GMT.

Japanese Manga Introductory Workshop for Beginners is run by Shangomola Edunjobi It's set for Sunday 30th January 2022 from 12:00 to 13:00 GMT.

The Dragon Ball Symphonic Adventure in London 2022

Date: 2021 December 07 21:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based fans of Dragon Ball Z are in for a treat! The Dragon Ball Symphonic Adventure is coming to The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Sunday 7th August 2022.

This one-of-a-kind concert experience combines scenes and sounds of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z together with live vocals and a live orchestra to create an immersive multimedia event for fans. With special guests the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets are due to go on sale on at 10am on Friday 10th December 2021 on www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

We Love Anime Touring Festival 2021

Date: 2021 November 18 20:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans across the UK are in for a cinematic treat with the We Love Anime 2021 Touring Festival.

Set to run at the Showroom Cinema, Sheffield between Friday 19th November - Sunday 21st November 2021, then We Love Anime will be at selected Picturehouse and Showcase Cinemas between Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th December 2021.

The spin of from the celebrated Scotland Loves Anime festival, has many great titles for all different tastes. You're bound to find something you like!

For fans in Sheffield Showroom Cinema has joined together with other local independents to host free Japanese-themed events to run alongside the film programme. On Saturday 20th November 2021, Treehouse Board Game Café will be joining the venue to host an afternoon of Japan-themed games from 12pm until 3pm. On Sunday 21 November, internationally renowned graffiti artist Trik 09 will teach the fundamentals of drawing anime characters between 11am to 12pm.

Belle Cinema Screening + Director Q&A in Central London

Date: 2021 November 05 21:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

For anime fans wanting to catch Mamoru Hosoda's latest cinematic masterpiece Belle, you might want to head over to Central London. As on Saturday 27th November 2021 at 3pm they'll be a special screening of the film, where afterwards the director himself will be there for a 30 minute Q&A session! This is a rare and exciting chance to ask the director about the movie.

The screening will take at place at the Picture House Central in Piccadilly Circus (you can't get more Central in London than that).

Recently the movie received a 14-minute standing ovation at Cannes.

The screening was made possible by the good people at anime company Anime Limited and The Japan Foundation.

Souce: Picturehouse Central

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2021 Details

Date: 2021 September 08 20:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Kotatsu Festival have just sent us details for their upcoming 2021 event. Set to run in Cardiff - Chapter from Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th September 2021 and Aberystwyth Arts Centre from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd October 2021. As always the Japanese animation festival has a great selection of films including The Deer King, Ride Your Wave, On-Gaku along with Studio Ghibli's first 3D CGI offering Earwig and the Witch.

Not to be outdone by the big titles, they'll also be showcasing the talents of independent animators including
cut-out animation called In Full Bloom and a hand-drawn fresh depiction of affection between two girls in The Mark of Emi.

They'll also be a few workshops and some free online events are also being planned.

As always with events like this we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Scotland Loves Animation 2021 Details

Date: 2021 August 25 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Scotland Loves Animation the fan favourite anime film festival is back for 2021. They're set to run at Glasgow from 1st to 3rd October 2021 and Edinburgh 11th to 17th October 2021.

Festival Highlights include Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko from Studio 4°C, Pompo the Cinephile a film about making films, Shirobako: The Movie which is an anime about making anime, along with Sing a Bit of Harmony which we mentioned yesterday, The Deer King, along with the original The End of Evangelion.

There's lots to see and as always there's a host of UK premieres with the odd European premiere too.

Souce: Scotland Loves Animation

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2021 July 20 19:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have just sent us details of their latest cinematic outing. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is due to hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 11th August 2021.

Pitched as beautiful, emotional and uplifting (which is the kind of movies Anime Limited love in their catalogue), it follows the love story between Tsuneo who gets a job assisting Josee an artist in a wheelchair. Animated by Studio Bones, who are best known for hits like My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist and Eureka Seven, this film marks a change in pace and genre for the studio.

You can find a screening near you on the official UK website Joseefilm.co.uk.

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