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Japan Underground May 2011 Details

Date: 2011 May 13 18:36 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Beckii Cruel at the London MCM Expo

Date: 2011 May 11 14:59 | Posted By: Joe

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.

London Barbican July 2011 Anime Screenings

Date: 2011 May 10 15:33 | Posted By: Joe

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

Reni May and June 2011 Tour Dates

Date: 2011 May 08 12:41 | Posted By: Joe

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

London Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

Date: 2011 May 05 18:07 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Maid Cafe Event in London May 2011

Date: 2011 May 03 16:30 | Posted By: Joe

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!

Stradivarius violin to be auctioned to raise money for Japan quake

Date: 2011 May 02 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

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

Aid for Japan - London - 15th May 2011

Date: 2011 April 29 13:56 | Posted By: Joe

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

Hyper Japan 2011 Tickets now on sale

Date: 2011 April 28 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

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.

At Home in Japan - Beyond the minimal house symposium

Date: 2011 April 19 16:28 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Terracotta Far East Film Festival - London May 2011

Date: 2011 April 17 10:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

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

MUJS Summer Cosplay Party - Manchester, UK - Friday 6th May 2011

Date: 2011 April 17 09:46 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Reni to perform in Boston May 1st 2011

Date: 2011 April 14 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

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

Heart Japan Charity Event - 20th April 2011

Date: 2011 April 09 18:10 | Posted By: Joe

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.

We Love Japan - Tohoku Earthquake Relief Concert

Date: 2011 March 25 18:29 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Zipangu Fest Japanese Tsunami Relief Charity Screening

Date: 2011 March 22 18:45 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Japanese Maid Cafes in London Day - Sunday 27th March 2011

Date: 2011 March 22 18:01 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Reminder - Harajuku Night in London March 2011

Date: 2011 March 15 17:04 | Posted By: Joe

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

Genki Gear London Expo Official May 2011 Exclusive T-shirts

Date: 2011 March 07 17:52 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Hibiki: Resonances from Japan - March 2011

Date: 2011 March 03 17:24 | Posted By: Joe

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

At Home in Japan - Beyond the Minimal House

Date: 2011 March 03 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

If you can get to London between 22nd March 2011 to 29th August 2011 you should try and swing over to the The Geffrye Museum, which has an interesting exhibition At Home in Japan - Beyond the Minimal House. To see a Special Exhibition on what Japanese homes are really like.

Leeds Central Library - Otaku Attack March 2011

Date: 2011 March 03 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK readers looking for something to do in Leeds on Saturday 19th March 2011? Well, head over the Leeds Central Library from 12 Midday to 3pm where the talented Kate Brown will be running the Otaku Attack Manga Art Workshop.

It's free to all, you'll be treated to anime screenings, Japanese food and lots of other treats too.

AmeCon seek Events Officer

Date: 2011 March 02 17:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

The great folks at UK convention AmeCon have sent us details of a volunteer role that needs filling. They're looking for a new Events Officer.

Apart from being able to pay something back to anime fandom, this is a great opportunity to participate in a large UK convention, see it's inner workings and meet others who are passionate about anime, manga and all other things otaku love.

Hyper Japan 2011 Details

Date: 2011 February 28 16:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us the details for their 2011 event in London. It's set to run from Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two.

Manga Dreams at the Hamiltons Gallery in London

Date: 2011 February 18 08:10 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Events

At the Hamiltons Gallery in London from Thursday 27th January to Saturday 5th March 2011, runs the Manga Dreams exhibition. It's heavily manga-induced photography, brought to you by Jonathan Anderson and Edwin Low.

Highly recommend this to anyone into manga and/or Scott Pilgrim!

Souce: Hamiltons Gallery

WOTA London EP:9 - 26th February 2011

Date: 2011 February 16 16:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese themed clubbing are in for a treat when WOTA London will return. It's set for Saturday 26th February 2011 Juno@Shoreditch, near Old Street and Liverpool Street Tube stations.

The fun's set to start at 7pm and will go onto midnight. Highlights include Karaoke, along with a Paper, Rock Scissors competition (Remember, paper, rock, rock, scissors, paper, paper, scissors is the winning combination).

Tickets are £4 on-line or £6 at the door.

Uniqlo presents: We Love Anime

Date: 2011 February 15 17:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Uniqlo and Manga Entertainment have teamed up to sponsor the We Love Anime Film Festival across the UK. Appropriately the festival was launched on the 14th of February.

Screenings will be held across the following locations in 2011.

Edinburgh: Filmhouse (March 26th-27th)
Birmingham: Appearing at The Electric Cinema as part of Flatpack Film Festival (March 26th)
Leeds: Appearing at The Hyde Park Cinema as part of Leeds Young People’s Film Festival (April 2nd)
Bexley: Appearing as part of BAM 2011
Dublin: Appearing at Cineworld as a part of Cinemagic (May 13th-15th)
Dumfries: Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre (June)
Newcastle: Tyneside Cinema (Date TBC)
London: The Barbican (July)

The films being screened will vary at each location. They do have a great line up including:
Redline
Summer Wars
King of Thorn
Laputa Castle in the Sky
Sword of the Stranger
The Disappeance of Haruhi Suzumiya

Additionally, if you're keen to see Redline in London, you can catch it at the Barbican on Tuesday 22nd February 2011 as part of the centre's regular Japanimation season.

Bunkasai Japanese Festival and the European Cosplay Gathering in London - March 2011

Date: 2011 February 06 13:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based Cosplayers looking to be part of the European Cosplay scene will be pleased to hear about the European Cosplay Gathering. Known as ECG for short, this new cosplay competition will have it's finals at the Japan Expo in Paris. What makes the ECG a bit different is that cosplay performance is just as important as the costume.

The UK selection of the Competition will be held at the Bunkasai Japanese Festival on Saturday 5th March 2011 at Conway Hall Red Lion Square, Holborn London. Near Holborn tube station.

Bunkasai has an interesting selection of events, including Martial Arts demonstrations, Taiko Drumming workshops, Japanese Language lessons, a lecture on the Tea Ceremony, Food Tasting, Sake Tasting and much more.

Tickets are £5 on the door (with Children under 10 free). Or you can buy a single ticket for £3.50, or 4 tickets for £10 on their website.

Natsume Ono at The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2011

Date: 2011 February 02 17:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Manga fans in Toronto Canada are in for a treat on the first weekend in May, where Natsume Ono will be the featured guest at The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2011.

The event is set to run on Saturday May 7th 2011 and Sunday May 8th 2011 with free admission. This will be Natsume Ono first ever public appearance in North America.

You may know her from such works as not simple, Ristorante Paradiso, Gente, and House of Five Leaves.

Harajuku Night in London March 2011

Date: 2011 February 01 16:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based? Enjoy Japanese themed clubbing? Well head over to Proud at Camden on Wednesday 16th March 2011 for the return of Harajuku.

This time around they've got 8 different themed rooms, each offering something for different kinds of fans including games, movies, karaoke, comics, art, live music and DJs.

Other fun at the 800 capacity venue includes face painting, hand held and big screen gaming! It's set to be a great night out.

Dressing up is welcome and actively encouraged, with a reduced door fee for those in themed dress.

The Nocturnals are the featured performance for this event.

Leeds Tanabata Festival 2011

Date: 2011 January 30 16:05 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Events

Japanese culture fans in Leeds might be interested to know that a Tanabata Festival is being held at Leeds University Student's Union 11-12th February 2011.

Festival Events will include 1000 crane origami challenge, calligraphy and putting on Kimono. Entry is free.

Japanese Cinema Screenings in London's ICA - February 2011

Date: 2011 January 16 12:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London's ICA will be showing a season of Japanese cinema since the Mid 1990's. They've called the season Back to the Future: Japanese Cinema Since the Mid-90s. It's set to run from the 4th to 13th February 2011.

Reni's Maid Show and Cafe - NYC January 23th 2011

Date: 2011 January 11 16:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

New York based fans of singing cosplay maids will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday January 23rd 2011. The venue will be Amber Village 432 6th Avenue New York, NY 10011.

There's a $12 door charge, ($10 for cosplayers).

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

San Francisco January 2011 Evangelion Screenings

Date: 2011 January 04 17:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

San Francisco anime fans are in for a treat this month, as VIZ Cinema will be screening the Evangelion movies, Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone and Evangelion 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. The January 2011 screenings are well worth going to if you can.

Evangelion 1.0 will be shown from Monday January 17th through to Thursday January 20th, while Evangelion 2.0 will be shown from Friday January 21st through to Thursday January 27th.

Japan Underground February 2011 Tour Dates

Date: 2010 December 29 13:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK fans of Japanese music will be pleased to hear that the good people at Japan Underground have announced the February 2011 tour dates for their club nights. London, Birmingham, Brighton and Nottingham are all set to for nights fun, music karaoke and Harajuku fashion.

They've also got a pre-tour party in London on Tuesday 11th January 2011.

Distant Worlds - Music from Final Fantasy

Date: 2010 December 24 12:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of the music from Final Fantasy are in for a treat next year as the venues and dates for The Distant World music from Final Fantasy have been announced.

Returning to Chicago! First Ever Distant Worlds
"Marathon Final Fantasy Concert" June 26, 2011!
Tickets on sale now!

Distant Worlds in London!
November 5, 2011 at Royal Albert Hall!
Tickets on sale Dec 17, 2010!

Distant Worlds in Australia!
April 15 & 16, 2011 at Sydney Opera House!
Concert Tickets on sale now!
Meet and greet tickets on sale Dec. 17, 2010!

Souce: Distant Worlds

Reni to perform in Boston January 9th 2011

Date: 2010 December 20 17:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of singing cosplay maids in Boston MA, will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday January 9th 2011. From 12 Midday to 3:30pm at the All Asia Bar - 334 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139.

There's a $10 door charge, ($8 for cosplayers).

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

GANTZ to hit 325 US Movie Theaters in January 2011

Date: 2010 December 13 16:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from New People, Dark Horse Comics and NCM Fathom have sent us details about the world premiere of the live action version of GANTZ, which includes 325 US movie theaters. It's due to hit the big screen on Thursday, January 20th, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. MT / 8:30 p.m. PT.

For a complete list of movie theaters visit the Fathom Events Website.

Manga Drawing workshop in London Saturday 20th November 2010

Date: 2010 November 16 16:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Every now and again at Otaku News we get e-mails from our readers with questions. Normally we can answer these questions (or at least point them in the right direction). Today we got one that we couldn't answer straight away.

The reader was a 13 year old searching for a manga drawing course in London. We couldn't think of any that were coming up, so we turned to Twitter. Luckily someone out there does know. Anna Fitzpatrick who draws the great comic Between Worlds came to the rescue pointing out that the Victoria and Albert Museum will be holding Get Creative! on Saturday 20th November 2010.

The event is for 13 to 19 year olds and is set to run from 11:30am to 4:30pm. The free workshops include manga drawing, stage make-up music, VJing, talks on the fashion industry and theatre.

Souce: Victoria and Albert Museum

New Maid Cafe Event in London December 2010

Date: 2010 November 12 18:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of cosplay and maids will be pleased to hear about a new Maid Cafe event in London. It's set to run on Sunday 5th December 2010, from 2pm until 8pm at the Jetlag Bar and Restaurant.

Nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.
Over 18's only.
Tickets are £5.

They'll be serving Japanese dishes, such as curry with rice, Japanese omelet with rice and Japanese Hamburger. Plus teas, coffee and cakes.

This is the first event Oh My Lord are running, they plan to run more in future if it proves popular.

Reni's Maid Show and Cosplay Cafe - NYC November 20th 2010

Date: 2010 November 10 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

NYC fans of Cosplay maid singing are in for a treat on November 20th 2010, as NHK World will be filming Reni's Maid Cafe show for their program Tokyo Fashion Express.

Reni's Maid Show and The Maid Cafe will be on Saturday November 20th on the 2nd Floor of Amber Asian Cuisine. 432 6th Avenue (9th & 10th Street) . There's a $12 door charge, or $10 if you're in cosplay (this does not include lunch).

We recently interviewed Reni at NYAF.

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

Grand Cosplay Ball 2010 Details

Date: 2010 November 10 16:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based cosplayers will be excited to hear about the Grand Cosplay Ball which returns for it's third year. This years theme is Arabian Nights and it's set to run on Sunday, 28th November at Clapham Grand Hotel. The fun starts at 7pm until 1am. Expect lots of belly dancing, sword swallowing and even an Arabian Bazaar.

The Guest of Honour is Metroid cosplayer Jenni Kallberg (aka Pixelninja) from Sweden.

Over 18's only. Tickets are £18 from their website, or in-store at Tokyo Toys London branch at the Trocadero in Picadilly Circus.

Anime at Thought Bubble: The Leeds Sequential Art Festival 2010

Date: 2010 November 08 02:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans who can get to Leeds from 18th to 21st November 2010 are in a for a real treat. Thought Bubble and Leeds International Film Festival have some great anime features to enjoy. Including some European Premieres such as Mardock Scramble: The First Compression (review here), Gintama The Movie, along with some great anime titles you should see if you haven't already. -

Mardock Scramble: The First Compression
Gintama The Movie
One Piece: Strong World
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
Redline
Interstella 5555: The 5tory Of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

Normally at this stage we'd cherry pick a title or two for suggestion as to what to watch, but they're all good, Interstella 5555 is always worth watching one more time too. ^_-

There's also some live action adventures with - Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City.

The Thought Bubble Festival are offering £20 passes for a day, or Individual tickets for £6.50/£5.00.

Hyper Japan 2010 Report

Date: 2010 October 31 17:04 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Events

For Japanese culture fans, October began with a bang at Hyper Japan, a new and highly anticipated event on the UK otaku calendar for 2010. Hosted by Eat-Japan (the number one site for Japanese food, sushi and sake), the show was a sensational success, drawing in excess of 15,000 visitors over the 3 days, a remarkable feat for what was the debut of this cultural festival. The event was located in the heart of London's Shoreditch at Brick Lane, an area well known for its offbeat character and for the eclectic, hip and chic. Standing in the line with the eager attendees, the atmosphere was alive with the building excitement as cosplayers, anime fans and the culturally curious all assembled to enjoy a different class of convention. The preshow campaign, organised and delivered by a Japanese enterprise was loaded with ample incentive for any fan of Japan to take a look at what the exhibitors had to offer. I, in my cosplay guise as Queen's Blade's spectral maid Airi, lined up with the happy crowds all eager to meet and greet, eat and shop! After conquering the queue and ascending the staircase in my heels, a veritable treasure trove was to be found, serving the many delights of Japanese culture and cuisine.

Zipangu Fest UK programme announced

Date: 2010 October 29 18:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based fans of Japanese cinema are in for a treat as the Zipangu Fest programme has been announced.

Those in Bethnal Green should keep Tuesday 23rd November 2010 free for a special event - Nippon Year Zero: Japanese Experimental Film from the 1960s‐1970s at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club.

Things then kick off on Wednesday 24th November 2010 on Brick Lane at Cafe 1001 along with the UK premiere of Pyuupiru 2001 - 2008, plus a selection of shorts and a screening of Rackgaki: Japanese Graffiti.

London Barbican Cosplay Extravaganza - November 2010

Date: 2010 October 27 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

While cosplays in London will be busy gearing up for the London MCM Expo this weekend, you shouldn't forget that there's more fun to be had in London the weekend after. On Saturday 6th November 2010 The Barbican will be having a special late night event - the Cosplay Extravaganza.

They'll be a Cosplay Parade, workshops, a Goth Loli Fashion Show, Video Game Tournaments, some live J-Pop and Japanese Punk. Resident anime expert Helen McCarthy will be there to give a talk on Cosplay: A Short History (as well as being an anime expert Helen's also the author of Manga Cross-Stitch and is knowledgeable about cosplay to say the least).

The event is set to run from 6pm until 1am.

Entry to all the Foyer Events is free. This does not cover entry to exhibition, theatre or Kamikaze Girls screening.

Judges Named For Euro Cosplay Final - October 2010

Date: 2010 October 25 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at the London MCM Expo have sent us details about the Euro Cosplay Finals, which will be held at the London MCM Expo on Saturday 20th October 2010. The judges have now been announced. They've picked a selection of expert cosplayers to reside over the finalists.

Additionally the Expo launches a new cosplay zone - Totally Cosplay, dedicated to everything a cosplayer would be interested in, including competitions, panels, workshops and a cosplay stage.

Genki Gear launch new t-shirt designs at London MCM Expo October 2010

Date: 2010 October 25 15:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Everyone's getting ready for the London MCM Expo this weekend and T-shirt Company Genki Gear are no exception. They'll be launching 6 new designs at the London Expo.

Zipangu Fest - Japanese film festival details

Date: 2010 October 18 16:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK fans of Japanese cinema will be pleased to hear about Zipangu Fest. A UK-wide festival devoted to Japanese Cinema. It's set to start from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 28th November 2010 in London's East End, before touring the country.

Highlights include some spooky horror movies as part of the Barbican's Japanese Halloween Schlockfest.

There's also a tie in with the 24th Leeds International Film Festival with a rare screening of Children of the Beehive (1948).

There'll be lots more exciting things for UK readers to enjoy at Zipangu Fest.

Japan Underground London Club Night November 2010

Date: 2010 October 17 14:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese themed clubbing are in for a treat on Wednesday 17th November 2010. A new club night is set to launch at the King Pin Suite in Bloomsbury. It'll start at 7pm and run until 2 am. Called Japan Underground the first club night will have a samurai theme to tie in with the launch of Sengoku Basara.

There'll be a nice selection of live music, karaoke rooms and much more fun and games too.

Free London Screening of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Date: 2010 October 06 14:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans are in for a special treat thanks to the good folks at The Embassy of Japan. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time will be screened on Wednesday 10th November 2010 at The Embassy of Japan (101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT). The screening will begin at 6:30pm, doors open at 5:45pm. There will be no admittance after 7pm. Admission is free, but prior registration is essential.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a real delight to watch, if you haven't seen it already it's worth making the effort of going to see it. As always with popular events we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: The Embassy of Japan

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