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Japan Matsuri in London September 2016 Details

Date: 2016 September 22 15:42 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture looking for something to do this weekend in London will want to head over to the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square. The Japanese festival is set to run from 10am to 8pm on Sunday 25th September 2016. There are no entry charges.

There'll be a big stage with lots of traditional and modern Japanese performances, along with plenty of stalls selling Japanese Street food, plus other goodies such as arts and crafts. A few travel agents will be there too, so it's good to go if you're planning a trip to Japan.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

Makoto Shinkai's Your Name UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2016 September 17 14:09 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

We've already revealed that the good folks for anime distributor Anime Limited will be distributing Makoto Shinkai's latest film Your Name.

They've now revealed the full details of the nation wide cinema screenings on Thursday 24th November and have set up site for you to visit to find a screening near you - yournamethemovie.co.uk.

It's been confirmed that the movie has been rated 12A.

Souce: Anime Limited

Scotland Loves Anime 2016 Details

Date: 2016 September 01 14:40 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The good folks from Scotland Loves Anime have just announced their 2016 line-up. The anime film festival frequently hosts the UK (and often the European) premiere of many anime films. It's mission is to promote animation as art. This year they tell us "We’ve got 4 EU premieres, 5 UK Premieres and 1 Scottish premiere again this year."

This year the festival is set to run in Glasgow from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October 2016, while the Edinburgh Programme will run Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd October 2016.

There's so many highlights, So many, including Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name, fan favourite Kizumonogatari - Part 1 and 2. Often you'll have to wait ages after the festival to get another chance (if any) to catch these movies on the big screen. Interestingly, they'll also be screening Momotaro, Sacred Sailors, Japanese Propaganda film from World War 2 was thought lost until rediscovered in 1983.

They've got Harmony (we interviewed it's director Michael Arias in May this year). The Mamoru Hosoda classic The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (which will be introduced by anime expert Jonathan Clements in Edinburgh).

They'll also be showing Makoto Shinkai’s The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Garden of Words and Voices of a Distant Star.

Guest wise Yoshimi Itazu, the anime industry veteran and director of Pigtails will be at the Glasgow Film Theatre. Jonathan Clements the anime industry expert, writer and author will also be there as a guest to offer his insight. You may know him as the co-author of all 3 editions of The Anime Encyclopedia: A Century of Japanese Animation.

As always with festivals like this. We advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Scotland Loves Anime

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: MCM Scotland Comic Con

Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2016 Details

Date: 2016 August 23 16:00 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese Culture looking for something to do in London at the end of November will want to head over to the Hyper Japan Christmas Market. It's set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November 2016 at Tobacco Dock in London.

They haven't yet announced the line-up, but chances are they'll have a selection of great guests and interesting events. Hyper Japan is renowned for it's street food, so it's always a good opportunity to sample some great cuisine.

In the summer run of Hyper Japan we caught up with Horror Writer and Studio Ghibli Production Manager Hirokatsu Kihara

Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Jiman 2016 Competition Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Embassy of Japan

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

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

Category > Culture

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

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Southwark Playhouse

Akira to hit UK Cinemas in September 2016

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Akira The Movie UK Screening Website

G-Con UK 2016 - Gundam Covention Details

Date: 2016 August 11 15:09 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Our friends over at anime cel shop Cel-Ga have just dropped us a line to make us aware of an upcoming convention. G-Con UK 2016 is a Gundam convention set to run at York Racecourse on Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September 2016.

Tickets are £12 for each day, or £18 for both days, with under 5's free.

They've got a Gundam Cafe, cosplay contest along with lots of other Gunpla stuff. This is the first Gundam Convention in the UK. It'll be interesting to see if the UK Gundam Fan Scene can support such an event.

As always we've added the details on the Otaku Calendar.

Souce: G-Con UK 2016

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2016 Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival

Manga Workshop at Gnash Comics and Graphic Novels in Devon August 2016

Date: 2016 August 05 15:41 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Are you a UK based aspiring manga artist and will be in Ashburton in Devon on Sunday 21st August 2016? Well if so why not drop into Gnash Comics and Graphic Novels? They'll be hosting two manga workshops, one intro session at 1pm and another Manga Workshop at 2:30pm.

Read More... | Souce: Gnash Comics and Graphic Novels

Kitacon 2017 Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Souce: Kitacon

Band-Maid Announce First European Tour

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

Category > Events

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

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

Ticket sales begin on Friday 29 July 2016.

Read More... | Souce: JPU Records

Hyper Japan Festival 2016 Event Reminder

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

Category > Events

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Summer Explorers! 2 - Anime Screenings in London

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation London

Nintendo and Uniqlo Team Up for T-shirt Design Competition

Date: 2016 July 03 15:11 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Nintendo with an artistic streak will be interested to hear about Uniqlo's UTGP'17 T-shirt design competition. The grand prize is £7,000 and will be judged by Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto (along with a special team of judges). The design competition is open world wide. The theme is simply Nintendo. So if you've got an idea for a Nintendo themed t-shirt you've been itching to get made, now is the time to get submitting!

The winning t-shirts will be sold through Uniqlo in Spring 2017.

The competition is due to close on Wednesday 31st August 2016.

Read More... | Souce: Uniqlo

Esprit D'Air Returns with New Lineup and Upcoming Shows

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

Category > Events

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

They'll be at the following venues:

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

Read More... | Souce: Esprit D\'Air

When Marnie Was There UK Screening Details

Date: 2016 June 07 17:11 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

UK anime fans will want to check cinema listings for the latest (and sadly last) Studio Ghibli Film to hit the big screen. When Marnie Was There is due for a cinema release from Friday 10th June 2016. Some cinemas will show it on a day early on Thursday 9th June 2016. Cinemas have already declared that they'll be showing both the subtitled version and the English dubbed version, so check the screening, to make sure it's the one you want.

The anime is based on Joan G. Robinson's novel, but the location has been changed from Norfolk (in the UK), to Sapporo. It's directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who also directed Arrietty.

For details of a screening near you, check out the Studio Ghibli Forever Website.

As always with events like this, we can't stress enough, book early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: Studio Ghibli Forever

Tezuka and Toriyama Artwork Auction Sale Results

Date: 2016 June 01 17:03 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

We've already mentioned the Sotheby's auction that contained artwork from Osamu Tezuka and Akira Toriyama. What we haven't covered is how much each item went for.

The prices listed below are the hammer price with the buyer's premium.

The Tezuka artwork went mostly within the estimated prices.

Lot 231 was estimated to sell for 8,000 to 10,000 EUR. It went for 8,750.

Lot 232 was estimated to sell for 3,000 to 4,000 EUR. It went for 3,625.

Lot 233 was estimated to sell for 2,000 to 3,000 EUR. It went for 1,750.

Lot 234 was estimated to sell for 2,500 to 3,000 EUR. It went for 2,750.1

Akira Toriyama's drawing was Lot 235 with an estimated sale price of 2,000 to 3,000 EUR. It sold for 15,000. That's 5 times the original estimated price.

Souce: Sotheby\'s

Manga Entertainment UK at the MCM London Comic Con May 2016

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Sotheby's to Auction Tezuka and Toriyama Artwork

Date: 2016 May 05 15:37 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Manga fans with cash to splash will want to head over to famous auctioneers Sotheby's for their bandes dessinées auction (drawn strips). The collection of sequential art is mainly European and American artists. However manga fans are in for a treat with manga master Osamu Tezuka artwork for sale with prices ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 EUR. They've also got an original Akira Toriyama drawing too, which is estimated to sell from 2,000 to 3,000 EUR.

The auction will take place on Saturday 14th May 2016 at 2pm in Paris. You can bid on-line, but note that first-time bidders must pre-register 24 hours in advance of the sale in order to be approved by Sotheby's.

Thanks to Deb Aoki for the tip off on this story.

Read More... | Souce: Sotheby\'s

Risa Taneda and Yuri Yamaoka Visit Fosse Farm

Date: 2016 April 25 17:00 | Posted By:

Category > Anime

It's no secret we've got a soft spot for anime Kinmoza. The anime follows the adventures of English schoolgirl Alice in Japan. She lives with her friend Shino and they get up to everyday slice of life adventures. We've covered how Fosse Farm was used as the location for Alice's house in the UK.

Last week voice actresses Risa Taneda and Yuri Yamaoka paid a visit to Fosse Farm. Risa plays Aya Komichi in Kinmoza and is part of the Rhodanthe* group. You may have also heard her voicing Kaori Miyazono in Your Lie in April. Yuri has been in numerous anime titles and video games.

Read More... | Souce: Fosse Farm

BFI Southbank London - Anime Weekend 2016 Details

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: BFI Southbank

Ozarin: Anime Japan 2016 - An Adventure in Odaiba!

Date: 2016 April 22 16:11 | Posted By:

Category > Features

I was lucky enough to attend Anime Japan, a massive entertainment focused event in Odaiba, to check out some of the latest and upcoming Japanese animation!

Read More... | Souce: Ozarin

Studio Ghibli Forever Season UK Screening Details

Date: 2016 April 19 16:10 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

UK based fans of Studio Ghibli will want to find their nearest Picture House Cinema as from Friday 29th April 2016 they'll be running a Studio Ghibli Forever Season.

To celebrate the launch of the final Studio Ghibli Film When Marnie Was There (which hits cinemas on Friday 10th June 2016), the Picture House will be running a massive Studio Ghibli retrospective.

Ghibli films really do have to viewed on a cinema screen at least once to enjoy the full experience. There's something amazing about a Ghibli feature on a big screen. As always we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Picture House Cinemas

MCM London Comic Con to host EU premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin III plus Sunrise Special Guests

Date: 2016 April 19 14:46 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Mecha fans in the UK will want to head over the MCM London Comic Con this May. The major geek event have just announced mecha designer and producer, Mika Akitaka and Osamu Taniguchi will be guests at the Comic Con. They'll also host the EU premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin III. They'll both be signing autographs for fans and presenting a panel on the Saturday of the Excel London show.

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

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

Hyper Japan July 2016 Details

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

Category > Events

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

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

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

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

Category > Retail

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

World Cosplay Summit UK Qualifiers Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

The Embassy of Japan Announce Manga Jiman 2015 Winners

Date: 2016 March 22 17:43 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The Embassy of Japan have been running the Manga Jiman for 9 years now. The premise of the completion is simple. Each year has a theme and the artists have to create a story around the theme. Previous themes have included "a chance encounter" and "voyages of discovery". This year's theme was "bright young things". Prizes include 2 return flights to Japan for the top prize winner, a laptop for the runner up, plus a top end digital camera.

Read More... | Souce: Embassy of Japan

Scotland Loves Anime 2016 dates confirmed

Date: 2016 March 17 17:10 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

Scotland's biggest animation film festival has announced its October 2016 dates as follows:

Glasgow: 14-16th 2016
Edinburgh: 17-23rd 2016

In previous years, the charity has brought many animated film premieres to Scotland, long before they are released outside of Japan. Along with an excellent selection of films, the event also welcomes Japanese guest speakers and education days which encourage artistic talent within Scotland.

Read More... | Souce: Scotland Loves Anime on Facebook

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: House of Illustration

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

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

Category > Retail

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

KISS x Ukiyo-e Project

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

Category > Culture

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: KISS

Japanese Noir: Author Fuminori Nakamura in conversation

Date: 2016 February 09 14:32 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based readers of Japanese Noir will be very interested in an up coming event Japanese Noir: Author Fuminori Nakamura in conversation. The event is set to run on Sunday 28th February 2016 from 2:30pm at Foyles Bookshop (107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0D).

Fuminori Nakamura is part of younger generation of Japanese Noir authors following in the footsteps of Haruki Murakami and gaining more recognition internationally. The event is free to attend, but booking in advance is required. As always with events like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation London

MCM Event List for 2016

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: MCM Comic Con

Monohon Ramen Pop Ups in London this January and February 2016

Date: 2016 January 15 16:08 | Posted By:

Category > Cuisine

London based readers who like Ramen will be pleased to hear that pop-up Monohon Ramen is returning at the end of January to Stoke Newington High Street's Rogue.

They'll be running two per day on Sunday 31st January 2016 and Saturday 6th February 2016.
Tickets are £10 each and it's a bring your own bottle set up.

You can book on-line or by visiting Rouge.

Read More... | Souce: Monohon Ramen

Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2016 Details

Date: 2016 January 11 16:31 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

UK anime fans will be pleased to hear about the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme.

It's set to run around the UK from Friday 5th February to Saturday 26th March 2016. Everything kicks off at the ICA in London, and then will tour a further 12 venues. All the films look interesting, but if we really, really had to pick one, we'd say Miss Hokusai, we've already seen it and can confirm it's one of those rare must see anime films. It shows you that there's so much more to anime. It's lavishly animated and tells the tale of Hokusai's daughter.

If you can't catch it in the cinema Miss Hokusai will be released on 31st March 2016 on DVD, Blu-ray and Collector's Edition Blu-ray by Anime Limited.

Anime Anthem of the Heart also forms part of the film tour. It's a story about a girl who can no longer speak and bottles up her emotions following a magical encounter with an "Egg Fairy".

The festival also has plenty of other very interesting Japanese films that would be worth your attention.

With all screenings like this, we strongly advise booking early to avoid disappointment. It's always good to see anime on a big cinema screen.

Souce: Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme

Japan Night in London on NHK World TV.

Date: 2016 January 06 14:50 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of J-Rock will want to tune into NHK World on Friday 8th or Saturday 9th January 2016 to catch a special show called Japan Night in London. The free to air channel (that shows content in English), will be broadcasting the performances by VAMPS, [Alexandros], OKAMOTO's and Ling tosite sigure.

The show will be broadcast several times this weekend (all times in UTC).
Friday 8th January 2016:
23:10
Saturday 9th January 2016:
5:10, 10:10, 17:10

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

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

Read More... | Souce: NHK World

Kitacon Karnival 2016 Opens For Registration on Sunday 3rd January 2016

Date: 2016 January 02 18:27 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder to those UK readers out there who like going to geeky conventions. Kitacon Karnival 2016 registration opens on Sunday 3rd January 2016 at midday. So get your fingers at the ready to register! There will be 1,000 places, and we expect them to sell out quickly.

Each website can register up to 5 people (which is handy for booking friends). Once all 1,000 places are filled, people will get added to a wait-list.

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

Souce: Kitacon Karnival 2016

Kitacon 2016 Registration Details - Kitacon Karnival 2016

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Kitacon

IA Appearing On Stage at Hyper Japan Christmas Market

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

Category > Events

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

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

Read More... | Souce: IA Offical Website

Shojo Manga - Comics For Girls London December 2015 Talk

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation London

Samurai Warrior Queens Free London Screening

Date: 2015 November 09 15:01 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese cinema will be interested in the Japan Foundation's screening and discussion of Samurai Warrior Queens. The event is set to run on Saturday 21st November 2015 from 2pm at the Courthouse Cinema in London.

The event is free to attend book is required. To reserve a place, please email your name and the title of the event you would like to attend to event@jpf.org.uk. As always we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation London

Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015 Details

Date: 2015 November 07 17:13 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture looking for something fun to do near Christmas will be interested in Hyper Japan Christmas Market. It's set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November 2015 at Tobacco Dock in London.

There's a ton of things to do at this event. They'll be lots of Japanese food, plenty of stalls with things to buy. Along with a whole host of musical performances from the virtual artist IA to the the cute and rather strange Lady Baby.

Cosplayers and fashion fans will be well represented too.

Anime fans will be pleased to hear that anime studio Production I.G will be represented too with anime director Naoyoshi Shiotani (who directed the Psycho-Pass TV series and movie) and producer Rui Kuroki, who will be giving talks throughout the event.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan Christmas Market

Record crowds join the stars at MCM London Comic Con October 2015

Date: 2015 October 29 15:47 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The huge event that was MCM London Comic Con October 2015 has just finished. The good folks running it have sent us details of the attendance figures. They tell us that the three day show saw 130,560 pass through the doors of Excel London, eclipsing the record-breaking 122,600 attendees at May's MCM London Comic Con and the 110,200 at last October's event.

They've also announced that May's event will return to the London ExCel Centre from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016.

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

Sunrise To Present Special Panel at MCM London Comic Con

Date: 2015 October 17 09:33 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The good folks at MCM London Comic Con have just sent use details about an anime panel running at the Cominc Con on Sunday. It'll be presented by Eri Suziki from Sunrise's international department and it'll focus on the Gundam franchise and the next phase of their partnership with UK anime firm Anime Limited.

Sunrise are best known for being the studio behind Gundam, they've also created the anime versions of Cowboy Bebop, Love Live, Code Geass and Tiger & Bunny to name a few.

Anime Limited are also running the MCM Loves Anime Event on the Saturday.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October 2015.

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

Genki Gear Reveals Their October 2015 T-shirt Line-up

Date: 2015 October 16 15:17 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The good folks from geeky t-shirt vendor Genki Gear have sent us details of their new line up, which conveniently will be available at the MCM London Comic Con. The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October 2015.

Madness available in Unisex and Women's in Charcoal and Indigo. Fluffy Cat available in Unisex and Women's in Sapphire, Black and Chestnut plus a hoodie and ladies vest top. Octopus Head available in Unisex and Women's in Charcoal, Indigo and Kiwi. All t-shirts in the new range are priced at £15.99.

They've also got a Japan range of 5 shirts - Hentai, Sugoi , Senpai, Kawaii and Yaoi. These shirts are £10 each.

You can find Genki Gear at the MCM London Comic Con on the main walkway in the middle of the show so keep an eye out for their Panda Banner.

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

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