If you can get to London, you'll want to head over to the BFI London Film Festival to catch Makoto Shinkai's Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below on Tuesday 18th October 2011 at 18:15, or Saturday 22nd October 2011 at 12:45.
We've seen it and you can read a review here.
As always with popular film screenings, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.
Thanks goes to the good folks at AnimeUKNews.net for the tip off.
Souce: 55th BFI London Film Festival
Category > Events
The UK Summer Convention season is coming to an end, but fear not as AmeCon will be opening their 2012 registration on Sunday 25th September 2011.
AmeCon 2012 is set to run 10th - 12th August 2012, at Keele University, Newcastle-under-lyme. Registration will be on-line using the standard first come first served basis.
Read More... | Souce: AmeCon 2012
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.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
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.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Matsuri 2011
Category > Events
Organisers and performers for the Cosplay Ireland event in Dublin talk about the event.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
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.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Events
San Francisco based readers looking for something to do this weekend (Saturday August 27th and Sunday August 28th 2011) will want to head over to J-Pop Summit Festival 2011. They'll also debut of the Hatsune Miku Arcade Game which has been shipped in from Japan especially.
Read More... | Souce: New People
Category > Events
Scotland Loves Anime Festival returns to Glasgow and Edinburgh in October with Tow Ubukata's Mardock Scramble.
Read More... | Souce: Scotland Loves Animation
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.
Read More... | Souce: Cosplay Banter in the Attic
Category > Events
The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of the JETRO Japanese Multimedia Seminar held at this years Hyper Japan on Friday 22nd July 2011.
JETRO is the Japan External Trade Organization, who would like to help people build a business with Japanese multimedia content.
We've been sent a link to videos of the seminar on YouTube.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Fandom
We've been sent details from the Maids of England (cleverly named as they're abbreviated as MOE). They'll be at Ayacon on 19th to 22nd August 2011. They'll also be running events every 2 to 3 months in London.
Plus they're also available for events to run a full maid cafe or a simple bake sale.
Their next event is on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 at Cafe VN, there are two time slots 12:00 - 4:00pm and 4:00pm - 8:00pm tickets are £7 in advance and £10 on the door. More details can be found on their Facebook page.
Read More... | Souce: Maids of England
Category > Events
Are you in London on Saturday 20th August 2011 and looking for a night of Japanese themed clubbing? Well the folks from Criminal Records are happy to oblige, with the return of the popular Harajuku! Autumn Ball. It's scheduled to start at 7:30pm and runs until late at The Miller, London Bridge, London - 96 Snowsfields Road, London, SE1 3SS.
Cosplayers, Lolita's etc are all actively welcomed and encouraged. Tickets at £6 in advance.
Read More... | Souce: Criminal Records
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.
Read More... | Souce: Sadler\'s Wells Theatre
Category > Events
Just a quick reminder for those who can get to London and are looking for something fun to do this weekend. Don't forget Hyper Japan 2011 is set to run on Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two.
Souce: Hyper Japan
The Little Theatre in Bath is having a preview screening of Studio Ghibli's Arrietty on Saturday 23rd July at 1 PM for their Kids' Club, a week before the nationwide release!
General audiences can see Arrietty on the Friday 5th August at the Little Theatre.
Souce: Bath Little Theatre
London based anime fans looking for something to do at the beginning of August will be pleased to hear that there will be some free screenings at Canary Wharf.
Manga Entertainment UK and the folks at the Barbican have teamed up to show these titles.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Tuesday 2nd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review
Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva - Wednesday 3rd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review
Summer Wars - Thursday 4 August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review
As they're free screenings we suggest you arrive early to avoid disappointment. If you're coming to Canary Wharf from Central London, we suggest you take the DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway. DLR Trains going to Lewisham will stop at Canary Wharf. The Jubilee Line also goes to Canary Wharf, but we advise you to take the DLR if you've got the choice.
Please note space is unreserved and sometimes limited. Portable furniture, glass bottles or glasses are not permitted.
Souce: My Canary Wharf
Category > Events
The Cambridge Arts Picture House is having a kids' party and preview screening of studio Ghibli's Arrietty on Saturday 23rd July a full week before the nationwide release of the film. The doors open at 10 with the screening at 11:30, and will include a range of events including a Borrowers fancy dress party. The best dressed Borrowers may even win a prize.
Souce: Cambridge Picture House
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
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
On Wednesday 6th July 2011 we went to the London Barbican sell out screenings of the latest Ghibli movie to make it over to the UK.
Arrietty is due for a wider cinema release in the UK on 29th July 2011.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
London Japanese culture event Hyper Japan 2011 is less than a month away. Cosplayers will be pleased to hear that Square Enix will be hosting a cosplay battle on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 12pm. It'll be open to anyone dressed as a character from Square Enix releases (including older Square and Enix titles). Winning cosplayers will be treated to a selection of prizes such as plush toys, figures and CD soundtracks from Square Enix games.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
UK based artists will be pleased to hear that the Embassy of Japan in the UK will holding another Manga Jiman competition this year. Details are yet to be formally announced, but they're keen to get the word out. The theme for this year is 'new beginnings', the deadline for receiving entries is 1 November 2011.
Entries should be 6 to 8 pages, A4 portrait size and read from left to right. Apparently the judges are getting strict on this last point.
Details on the prizes are to follow.
Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK
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
Category > Events
With less than a month to go until Hyper Japan at London's Olympia Two they've started to rev up and reveal to the world what will happen on 22nd to 24th July 2011.
They've sent us the details, highlights include the Eat-Japan Sushi Awards, a Sake Seminar, Nintendo unleashed. Along with a Taiko Master, Cosplay competitions and much more.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
New York fans of fans of singing cosplay maids will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday June 26th , 12pm Amber Village NY, 432 6th Avenue (9th & 10 St). There's a $15 at Door charge, $10 in Cosplay.
They've also got a special guest this time around, geek stand up comedian Uncle Yo.
Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog
Category > Events
The London MCM Expo is over for May 2011, we've just been sent some details about it. The Expo attracted almost 60,000 visitors, with the outside show attracting crowds 5,000.
The next Expo is set to return to the same venue on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011, where it will be paired with Memorabilia London for the first time.
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Events
US readers who can make it to Anaheim, California should head over to AM2 on July 1 to 3 2011 get a chance to view a special Passport holders only screening of Mai Mai Miracle.
We've seen Mai Mai Miracle, and must say it is worth seeing, especially on the big screen. It's everything you'd expect from a high budget Madhouse production. It's one of those films screaming out for a Blu-ray release. It's a title making the effort to get out and watch. It's in instant classic.
Read More... | Souce: AM2
Category > Events
Everyone's getting ready for the London MCM Expo this weekend (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2011) at the ExCel Centre in London.
The good folks at Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their plans at the London Expo. They've got two stands, a treasure hunt, plenty of bargain priced DVDs and Blu-rays.
Voice actors Ben Diskin (voice of Sai in Naruto Shippuden and Syzal in Bleach) and Brian Beacock (voice of Walter Yumasaki in Durarara!!) will both be at a panel and QA at the London MCM Expo too.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Events
Everyone's getting ready for the London MCM Expo this weekend (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2011) at the ExCel Centre in London.
This includes the good folk at Letraset who make the popular markers that many artists love. They've sent us details of the art competition they'll be running at the Expo. The theme for this year is Running Late for a Very Important Date. The winners will get a lot lovely Letraset goodies.
Souce: Letraset Blog
Category > Culture
Sadler's Wells Theatre in London will be showing a interpretive performance based upon the works of Osamu Tezuka, the Eisner Award winning visionary manga and anime creator.
The event, directed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, draws from Tezuka's creations such as Buddha and his most famous creation Astro Boy. Using musicians, dancers, a caligrapher and an actor it will explore the world's of Tezuka. Tickets go on sale from Monday 23rd May 2011 from the Sadler's Wells Theatre and website. The show, titled TeZukA, will run from the 6th through to the 10th of September.
Read More... | Souce: Sadler\'s Wells Theatre
Category > Retail
The May London MCM Expo is almost here it starts on Friday 27th May and will run until Sunday 29th May 2011. As tradition demands T-shirt company Genki Gear will be releasing a new range for the season.
They've got 5 new designs in ready for the Expo.
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese culture, gaming and clubbing will want to head over to Japan Underground at The Kingpin Suite, Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, WC1H 9EU. Near Euston / Russell Square. The event is set to run on Saturday 28th May 2011 from 7pm onwards.
They've got Bentley Jones a British artist signed to a major Japanese Record Label. Japanese violinist Masa Futagami will be performing a very special video game-themed live session. You can buy tickets on-line.
Nintendisco the retro gaming club will also be there. Plus the regular selection of rock, punk, metal, visual kei and electronic tunes that Japan has to offer, as well as live music and karaoke.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Events
Everyone's revving up for the London MCM Expo at the end of the month from the 27th to 29th May 2011. The good folks at the event have sent us details about their latest guest, Beckii Cruel, the schoolgirl from the Isle of Man who became an internet sensation and then a Japanese Pop Idol. She was also the subject of a BBC Three TV documentary. She'll be appearing on the indoor and outdoor stages of the Expo on Saturday 28th May 2011.
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Anime
London anime fans have got a lot to look forward over at the Barbican. They'll be showing the latest Ghibli movie - Arrietty on Wednesday 6th July 2011 at 7pm which is the UK Premier and on Saturday 9th July 2011 at 11 am (all adults must be accompanied by a child to this screening).
On Thursday 7th July 2011 the Barbican will be showing -
Laputa: Castle in the Sky at 6pm. It'll be introduced by anime expert and Ghibli fan Helen McCarthy.
Trigun: Badlands Rumble will be shown at 8:45pm. Both films are part of the We Love Anime Tour.
More lovely Ghibli features can be seen at the Barbican throughout July -
Saturday 9th July 2011 - 2pm - Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Sunday 10th July 2011 - 4pm - Princess Mononoke
Saturday 16th July 2011 - 11am - Laputa: Castle in the Sky (all adults must be accompanied by a child to this screening).
Saturday 23rd July 2011 - 11am Kiki's Delivery Service (all adults must be accompanied by a child to this screening).
Saturday 30th July 2011 - 2pm - My Neighbour Totoro
Sunday 31st July 2011 - 2pm - My Neighbours the Yamadas
Sunday 31st July 2011 - 2pm - Spirited Away
I've you've never seen any of these films before, or never seen a Ghibli feature on a proper cinema screen, then now's your chance. These movies are special and always deserve watching in the cinema.
The Barbican have a full listing of all the Ghibli features this July here.
As always with such features, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.
Souce: Barbican
Category > Events
US fans of singing maids in cosplay are in for a treat, as Reni will be touring select venues in New York, along with dates in June for MA and VA. It seems that she's getting busy due to popular demand!
Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog
Category > Events
London Lolitas are in for a treat on Saturday 14th May 2011, where they should head over to the Resistance Gallery, 265 Poyser St, Bethnal Green, E2 9RF from 1pm until late for the Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition
The event will celebrate Lolita fashion and its offshoots. Artwork from our very own Wing Yun Man will be on display too (she does the Otaku News Post Cards and wallpaper).
They'll also have other events such as a swap and buy sale, along with DJs throughout the day, a photo booth, plus a fashion show and a panel discussion.
Read More... | Souce: Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition Facebook Page
Category > Events
Are you in London on Sunday 22nd May 2011 and are looking to be served by Maids in a Maid Cafe? Well, head over to the Jetlag Bar on 125 Cleveland Street W1T 6QB, from 2pm until 7pm for where Oh My Lord! will offer a relaxing Sunday afternoon to eat and drink. Buy tickets on-line.
Souce: Oh My Lord!
Category > Current Affairs
BBC News have an interesting story about am exceptionally well-preserved Stradivarius violin being auctioned to raise money for the Japan quake. The violin is known as The Lady Blunt.
BBC News says - "The 1721 violin is being sold by the Nippon Music Foundation, with the entire proceeds going to their Northeastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund."
Apparently The Lady Blunt has set a record price every time it was sold last century.
Tarisio will auction the violin online on 20th June 2011.
"Tarisio described the foundation's decision to sell 'what is considered the finest violin of their collection" as "a gesture of profound generosity'."
The violin fetched $10 million USD when it was last sold in 2008.
Souce: BBC News
Category > Events
We've been sent details about Aid for Japan an up coming charity event in London on Sunday 15th May 2011. It's to raise funds for the victims of the recent earthquake.
It'll be at -
Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square
London
WC1R 4RL
Nearest Tube station is Holborn.
They'll be holding a selection of workshops focusing on Japanese culture, including the Tea Ceremony, performances a Kimono Fashion show, a cosplay show, along with with a Shibuya and Harajuku fashion show. There'll be a manga drawing workshop too.
Japanese food and drink will also be available for attendees to buy on the day.
Souce: Aid for Japan
Category > Events
We've been sent details from the good folks at Hyper Japan, who tell us that tickets are now on sale for their 2011 event. It's set to run from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two in London.
10% of all net ticket revenue will be donated to charities working to support the regions and peoples affected by the Tohoku Pacific Earthquake of 11 March 2011.
You can read a report of the first Hyper Japan in 2010 here.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
In London on Saturday 14th May 2011 and looking for something educational to do? Well why not head over to the At Home in Japan - Beyond the minimal house symposium at the The Geffrye Museum. It's set to start at 10 am and run to 4:30pm. coffee, light lunch and an exhibition tour is included in the ticket price. This forms part of the At Home in Japan - Beyond the Minimal House special exhibition.
£40 (£30 concessions) in advance.
Bookings - 020 7739 9893 / bookings@geffrye-museum.org.uk.
Read More... | Souce: The Geffrye Museum
London based Cinema fans are in for a treat at start of May as that's when the Terracotta Far East Film Festival is set to start. Scheduled from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th May 2011, it has a great selection of films at the Prince Charles Cinema.
They'll be showing a mix of Chinese, Japanese and South Korean movies many of which are either the European or UK Premieres.
Thanks to Helen McCarthy for reminding us about this festival.
Souce: Terracotta Far East Film Festival
Category > Events
Looking to have some fun in Cosplay in Manchester on Friday 6th May 2011? The Manchester University Japanimation Society (MUJS) will be holding their 10th Cosplay Party. It's set to run from 9pm until 2am at The Zoo, 126 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL.
This party isn't just open to Manchester University Students, but to everyone aged over 18.
Discount entry for cosplayers and those with MUJS cards.
Read More... | Souce: Manchester University Japanimation Society
Category > Events
Fans of singing cosplay maids in Boston MA, will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday May 1st 2011. From 12 Midday to 3:30pm. She returns due to popular demand to All Asia Bar - 334 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139.
There's a $10 door charge, ($8 for cosplayers).
Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog
Category > Events
London based fans of Japan looking to have fun and raise money for charity should keep Wednesday 20th April 2011 free for Heart Japan. The event is set to run from 6:30pm until 11pm at Vibe Bar on Brick Lane.
It's to raise money for the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Fund.
There'll be live bands, DJs playing the best Japanese music, plus a chance to win some original artwork by Bryan Lee O'Malley the creator of Scott Pilgrim in their charity auction.
Read More... | Souce: Heart Japan
Category > Events
Saturday 2nd April 2011 is when you should head to London for the We Love Japan Tohoku Earthquake Relief Concert. It'll be held at The Relentless Garage from 7pm. They'll have a wide selection of live music, comedy and karaoke, plus some of the most promising London-based Japanese musicians.
Tickets are £10 if booked in advance on-line or £12 on the door.
All proceeds from the evening will go to the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.
Read More... | Souce: We Love Japan
Category > Events
We've been impressed with the UK Zipangu Fest line up so far. But we believe that this latest screening is something special.
Londoners will be treated to Beyond Anime: CALF Animation, at 6pm, Sunday 3rd April 2011 at the ROXY Bar and Screen.
Apart from a rare chance to see an alternative side to anime, what makes the event so special is the ticket pricing. There is no set price for admission, you pay what you want with all proceeds going toward the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.
ROXY Bar and Screen
128-132 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LB
Nearest Tubes Borough and London Bridge.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
Category > Events
Looking for something to do in London this weekend? Well Sunday 27th March 2011 seems to be London Maids day, with not one, but two separate Maid Cafes running on the same day. Both events will have Japanese Maids.
We have Oh My Lord! set to run from 2.00pm to 7.00pm. We've covered them before. Cosplay is actively encouraged, but not compulsory.
They'll be at Jetlag
125 Cleveland Street
London
W1T 6QB
You can book tickets here.
The nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.
Then at Sofra in Covent Garden we have Japanese Maid's Cafe London. They'll have 4 sittings, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm or 6pm. WOTA London VJ namimo will be there to provide some simulation to the eyes and ears. The new comers claim to be the first of it's kind in London, even though Oh My Lord started 4 months before.
Sofra
36 Tavistock Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7PB
The nearest Tube is Covent Garden.
Both events promise to donate proceeds to Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami relief.
Correction - Since posting this article, the people behind the Japanese Maids Cafe have confirmed the reasoning behind being called the first of it's kind in London. They'd like to emphasise that they are the first Japanese Maid Cafe in London. They highlight that all their maids, VJ namimo and the owner of the event are all Japanese. While in comparison Oh My Lord! has maids of different nationalities.
Read More... | Souce: Japanese Maid\'s Cafe London
Category > Events
In London, like clubbing? Looking for something to do this Wednesday 16th March 2011? Then head on over to Harajuku Night at Proud at Camden.
They'll be having a collection and selling CDs for the Japanese Red Cross.
Souce: Criminal Records
Category > Events
Although it's just over 2 months away, things have started to rev up for the May Edition of the London MCM Expo, which is set to run on 27th to 29th May 2011 at the ExCel London.
The creative t-shirt people Genki Gear have just unveiled the official exclusive designs for the May MCM Expo. This time instead of one design there are two differet designs available both in Unisex and Women's fitted tee styles and both available as limited editions on Pre-order only. The theme this time around is super heroes and zombies! The Pre-order is on the Genki Gear Site only until the 31st April 2011.
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear
Category > Events
For those looking for something to do in London this weekend, otaku are spoilt for choice with the Bunkasai Japanese Festival near Holborn, along with Hibiki: Resonances from Japan at Kings Place near Kings Cross.
Scheduled as a 1000-year journey through the rich heritage of Japanese music, there's 3 events.
Tsugaru-Shamisen: Sheer Wind from the North
Friday, 4 March 2011 - 7:30pm
Talk: Music in Manga
Saturday, 5 March 2011 - 5:00pm
Tradition & Exploration: The Koto of Michiyo Yagi
Saturday, 5 March 2011 - 7:30pm
Manga fans should note that Helen McCarthy will be running the manga talk, so we can expect to see her normal expert insights into the subject.
Souce: Kings Place