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MCM Manchester Comic Con July 2014 Details

Date: 2014 July 16 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based anime fans and geeks in general will want to head to Manchester this weekend for the MCM Manchester Comic Con. The event is set to run from Saturday 19th to Sunday 20th July 2014 at Manchester Central. Popular anime companies will be there including Manga Entertainment UK and Anime Limited will be there selling their wares.

So head over to stand number 811, to find Manga Entertainment UK, Anime Limited and MVM titles on sale.

They'll also be some voice actors at the show including Bryce Papenbrook (who'll be voicing Eren in Attack on Titan), DC Douglas, along with Vic Mignogna who is best known as voicing Edward from Fullmetal Alchemist (he's voiced loads).

Plus the MCM Manchester Comic Con will play host to the EuroCosplay Championships where on Saturday one talented person will be selected to represent the UK for the 2014 finals.

You can download the official show guide here.

Manga Jiman 2014 Competition Details

Date: 2014 July 12 15:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

UK based artists should get drawing as the Embassy of Japan in the UK have just announced details of the 2014 Manga Jiman competition. The manga competition is now in it's 8th year. The theme this time around is "ichi-go ichi-e", which can be translated as "once-in-a-lifetime meeting" or "a chance encounter".

We've covered previous Manga Jiman competitions before. The top prize this year is 2 return tickets to Japan, second prize is a laptop, and third a rather nifty digital camera.

They've also got an interesting category for 11 to 13 year olds, Yonkoma Manga covering 4 panels.

Hyper Japan Event Details - July 2014

Date: 2014 July 03 15:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based fans of Japanese culture including anime, manga, food, J-Pop, cosplay and more traditional things will want to head to London on Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July 2014 for Hyper Japan.

The annual J-culture event returns promising to be it's biggest Hyper Japan yet.

It'll have all sorts of fun things to see and do. Including a game and anime park, fringe market, a section of pure kawaii, plus much more!

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Artist talk: Seiichi Hayashi in conversation with Ryan Holmberg in London July 2014

Date: 2014 June 15 13:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from The Japan Foundation in London have got in touch to tell us about an up coming event that'll be of interest to manga fans. They'll be hosting Artist talk: Seiichi Hayashi in conversation with Ryan Holmberg on Tuesday 1st July 2014 from 6:30pm at their London Office.

Seiichi Hayashi is know for his highly regarded alternative manga. If you think manga is all shonen and want to expand your horizons. There is so much to manga and different forms of sequential art.

The talk is free to attend but booking is essential. To book e-mail event@jpf.org.uk

MCM London Comic Con smashes attendance record, tops 100,000 visitors

Date: 2014 May 29 16:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The MCM London Comic Con for May 2014 has just finished. We're still recovering from the huge event. So much always happen at them! The good folks from the Comic Con have sent us details of the attendance figures. The May 2014 event attracted 101,600 addendies, up from 88,000 in October 2013, and just over 70,000 people in May 2013.

To cope with this huge growth the people running the event booked more floor space at the London Excel Centre and even arranged for extra cash machines to be brought in to cope with all the demand.

At this current growth rate it'll interesting to see how big the October 2014 MCM London Comic Con is!

Create your own Kaburimono headgear at the Japan Foundation in London

Date: 2014 May 06 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Japan Foundation in London have sent us details of an upcoming event set to run at the end of May 2014.

Details as follows:

At the end of this month, The Japan Foundation will be hosting three workshops with Japanese artist Norio Nishihara, renowned for making bizarre and outlandish headgear known as "kaburimono". In the workshops, participants can make their very own Kaburimono similar to Nishihara's creations, using newspaper and coloured tape. They can also take their inspiration from almost anything - even their favourite anime or manga characters. The workshops will be held at the Japan Foundation in Russell Square, on the 30th May (3:00pm) and the 31st May (11:00am and 3:00pm).

This event is free, but booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment as there are a limited number of places.

Con Report: MCM Comic Con Ireland 2014

Date: 2014 April 29 17:09 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Fandom

Our report is nearly derailed by con flu but here's the rundown from MCM Comic Con 2014 in Dublin!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Explore the East at MCM London Comic Con - JapanEx expands and rebrands as PopAsia

Date: 2014 April 25 14:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The big London event the MCM London Comic Con is a month away. It'll run at the Excel Centre from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May 2014. The good folks running the Comic Con have just got in touch to tell us that their JapanEx section is expanding to include Korean Pop hits and Indonesian films such as The Raid. As a result they're going to rebrand it to PopAsia.

They'll also have extra sections to temp people including the cute sounding Kawaii Alley. As always they'll have tasty food from the Far East on sale in PopAsia.

Hyper Japan 2014 Event Details

Date: 2014 April 17 17:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based fans of Japanese culture will be excited to hear about the return of Hyper Japan. The popular event which celebrates everything J-Culture related, including Japanese street fashion, cosplay, anime, manga, Japanese cuisine and of course the more traditional side of Japanese culture is back at London's Earl's Court One.

The event is set to run from Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July 2014.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Japanese Theatre at artsdepot in North London

Date: 2014 April 14 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Cultured readers in North London will be interested in hearing about the latest performances at the artsdepot in North Finchley. On Sunday 18th May 2014 at 11am and 2pm, there will be performances of Tales from Old Japan. The family performance has been created for children aged 5+ and their families. It focuses on 3 traditional Japanese tales.

While on Tuesday 10th & Wednesday 11th June 2014 the artsdepot will host the UK premiere of Super Premium Soft Double Vanilla Rich, a darkly humorous look at Japanese consumerism.

MCM London Comic Con May 2014 Exclusive Pre-order T-shirt from Genki Gear

Date: 2014 April 10 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

It's almost time for the big MCM London Comic Con in May. The event is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May 2014. As is tradition super t-shirt company Genki Gear have produced a special exclusive design for the event. The theme this time around is a Teeny Tiny Ninja!

It's available as a limited edition pre-order only from the 7th April until the 16th May at Genkigear.com for £16.99. There is also a subtle design change with the MCM logo on the arm this time around.

Babymetal make UK debut at Sonisphere

Date: 2014 April 08 14:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based fans of kawaii metal group Babymetal will be pleased to hear that they'll be making their UK debut at Sonisphere. The metal festival is set to run from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July 2014 at Knebworth Park. Headline acts at Sonisphere include The Prodigy, Iron Maiden and Metallica. Babymetal will be playing at the Bohemia tent on the Sunday.

UK's First Cat Caf

Date: 2014 April 05 10:58 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Culture

You may have already heard in the Metro or Guardian about London's first "cat café", elegantly named Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium. This otaku dream was originally crowdfunded through IndieGogo.

Cat cafés are a known trend in Japan, and it being brought over to the UK was such huge news, it needn't be put here on Otaku News. But here's a reminder just in case you did miss it: You'd want to book a table soon if you want to see it before Summer is over!

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is open now. Book a table through their website.

Souce: Lady Dinah\'s Cat Emporium

First Free Weekend for REZtron's Retro Sega Gaming Bar Night

Date: 2014 April 05 10:37 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Events

In case you're too busy to attend London's various gaming bars weekday events, the folks at Reztron are holding their first weekend one. Held at the award-winning cocktail bar Aquum in the increasingly trendy Clapham area.

If you grew up on the Dreamcast, Megadrive or Master Systems and want to hang out to reminisce with your mates (or mates-to-be), this event is for you! What's more, this time it's free entry.

There will be a Sonic the Hedgehog 'speed run' competition going on, with prizes to be won.

Cosplayers are also encouraged to come along!

Further details on the games available after the jump...

First MCM Ireland Comic Con Details - April 2014

Date: 2014 April 03 15:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Irish Anime fans in Dublin are in for a treat on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April 2014 as that's when the first ever MCM Ireland Comic Con is set to run at Dublin's RDS.

The event regularly attracts huge crowds around the UK and this April it's Dublin debut marks it's first time in Ireland. Anime fans will be well catered for with two top voice actors - Maile Flanagan, the voice of Naruto, and Bryce Papenbrook, who plays Eren Yeager in Attack On Titan. Plus lots of cosplay goodness including a masquerade.

The Embassy of Japan Announce Manga Jiman 2013 Winners

Date: 2014 April 02 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

The Embassy of Japan in London announced on Friday 21st March 2014 the winners of the prestigious Manga Jiman Art Competition. 10 winners were selected for the main category, winning prizes ranging from gift vouchers to a return flight to Japan.

1st place winner is Katja Hammond with Oh Crumbs! This was her third time entering the competition. Having read her submission, it's clear that this was something special, it could have been easily published and enjoyed as a children's book. She joined with other artists to form the Cross#atch Manga and Comics collective.

2nd place winner is Rachel Dunn with her story The Apocalypse and Key, an imaginative sci-fi tale of a pub that forms a hub to other dimensions.

3rd place winner was Selina Dean with her story A Beautiful World, a tale of travel water and romance. Readers familiar to the UK fan scene will know her from her work at Sweatdrop Studios.

Megan Brennan-Dent deserves a special mention, she won the prize for the most impressive Manga by an entrant aged between fourteen and sixteen. She also won 6th place overall, competing against everyone! This has not happened before at the Manga Jiman. Megan is indeed an up and coming talent and one to watch.

The Wind Rises Review

Date: 2014 March 05 03:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

While Hayao Miyazaki's latest offering The Wind Rises awaits it's special UK preview on Wednesday 23rd April 2014, it is currently being shown in the US and Australia. We were lucky enough to catch a screening in English recently.

Here's our review of the film.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Patema Inverted UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2014 March 05 01:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK based anime fans looking for some cinema action will be pleased to hear about the up coming release of Pateman Inverted. The film debuted in the UK as part of the Scotland Loves Anime Screenings, and will be released in cinemas on Friday 2nd May 2014. Anime Limited will be bringing it to the big screen.

Looking back over 2013 with Otaku News

Date: 2013 December 31 11:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

We don't normally do retrospective articles like this, but we thought it would be interesting to look back over the year that was 2013. February 2014 will mark 10 years of Otaku News. The last 12 months we've managed to cover a lot of interesting things and it'll be fun to go over all the events we were able to bring you in 2013.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Japanese Gallery Cel Sale in London

Date: 2013 November 25 15:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

The good folks at the Japanese Gallery in London have sent us details of the cel sale, or as they call it cel sell! The event runs from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December 2013. They'll be offering people who visit the gallery 20% off all anime products as long as you bring this voucher along. You may have seen the Japanese Gallery's anime cels being sold at events like Hyper Japan and the MCM London Comic Con. They actively welcome and encourage cosplayers at this sale.

REZtron celebrates the Dreamcast's 15th Anniversary at Hoxton Pony on Wednesday 27th November

Date: 2013 November 19 11:07 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Events

Another post for the Sega gaming otaku here. As if playing Megdrive classics at #vypesocial wasn't enough, REZtron are doing a second Sega event this coming week, only this time the focus is the Sega Dreamcast!

There will be the likes of House of the Dead 2,Virtua Tennis,Rez,Ikaruga,Soul Calibur, Crazy Taxi 2, Power Stones, Shenmue and even Samba De Amigo available to play.

The event is also hosted at the trendy Hoxton Pony bar in Shoreditch, London. So expect an exciting fusion of retro and modern experiences.

Entry cost £2.50, or free if you attend the #vypesocial event the previous evening.

Otaku News Podcast Episode 12

Date: 2013 November 05 16:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

The Podcast crew is back for a bumper episode covering recent news, licenses and cake. Being reviewed we have Gatchaman Crowds, Beyond The Boundary (Kyoukai no Kanata) and the so far rather awesome Kill la Kill. Rebecca has just returned from a trip to Japan, so we get to hear her take on Toyko. The podcast wraps up with a new feature called Stream Run where Colin tries to talk about all the new shows he's been watching on Crunchyroll as fast as he can.

MP3 File:
77.9 MB
1 Hour 25 minutes 02 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

An interview with WIT Studio the company behind the Attack on Titan Anime

Date: 2013 November 02 14:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

One of the biggest anime titles of the year has been without doubt Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin). The title is due for a UK DVD release soon by Manga Entertainment UK. To prepare everyone for the advancing giants WIT Studio the producers of Attack on Titan were guests at the October 2013 MCM London Comic Con.

We caught up with 3 of the main staff behind the company at the MCM London Comic Con - producer George Wada, Katsuhiko Kitada (character designer on Hal, animation director for Attack On Titan) and Ryotaro Makihara director of feature length anime HAL.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Otaku News Podcast Episode 11

Date: 2013 October 31 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Podcast

It's live podcast time! Here is most of our live episode from Ayacon 2013. Sadly technical problems cut off the beginning of the show but to make up for it we made a video version including the slides that the audience saw during the show. We cover our usual topics such as news and licenses. The feature is spread throughout the show and are our Top 3 "What the!?" shows. We review that swimming Free as well as C3-Bu and take some questions from the audience (who were rather awesome).

I don't believe its stated in the show itself but Spike and myself are playing a drinking game. Any time someone mentions Persona or Bakemonogatari we have to drink. That explains some of the random pauses and laughter.

If you like the video format and want more of it, let us know at podcast@otakunews.com or tweet us @otakunewscast. Also, look out for episode 12 which is coming soon and features highlights of Rebecca's recent trip to Japan!

Souce: Otaku News Podcast Episode 11

Hokusai Exposed in London Art Exhibition

Date: 2013 October 15 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

UK based fans of Japanese art and culture will be pleased to hear about Hokusai Exposed, an immersive exhibition of Katsushika Hokusai works along with "Re-create". Set to run at The Old Truman Brewery in London from Saturday 26th October to Sunday 17th Nov 2013.

The iconic works will be presented using a process of digital remastering and state of the art printing to produce versions much closer in impact and colour to the original prints. Additionally downstairs they'll be an over 18's only section (oooooh), where visitors have to navigate their way through an old Edo street lit only be the red light of chochin lanterns, to discover re-created prints of Hokusai's manga sketches, ghost tales, and shunga. Some of the shunga have been rendered in 3D to really pop out too!

Plus there's a pop up sake bar there, which won't require an exhibition ticket.

Konami Cosplay Challenge at the October MCM London Comic Con

Date: 2013 October 09 15:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Konami UK and the MCM London Comic Con have got in touch to tell us about a cosplay competition they'll be running at the Konami UK stall. UK Cosplayers cosplaying as Konami characters have a chance of winning a Dracula statue from CLOS2.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013.

Edo era anime - live Nishiki Kage-E animated lantern shows in London

Date: 2013 October 09 05:37 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Events

Anyone with an interest in Japanese art and culture should consider taking the rare chance to see one of the Nishiki Kage-E performances at the Japan Foundation on October 30.

Providing insight into the origins or anime, the spooks and sprites in this phantasmagorical performance will be perfect for the lead up to Halloween!

Sci-Fi London Anime All Nighter October 2013 Details

Date: 2013 October 01 15:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans are in for a late night treat as the Sci-Fi London returns with their traditional Anime All Nighter. It's set to run at the Stratford Picture House from 11:15pm on Saturday 12th October 2013, it'll run until late into the night.

This years screening is an Eva centric one with Evangelion 1.0, Evangelion 2.0, and Evangelion 3.0, plus Wolf Children and Perfect Blue. All these films are fanastic by themselves, but so see them all together it's a rare treat. They really do need to be seen on the big screen to be enjoyed. As always, we've already added the details to the Otaku Calendar.

Souce: Sci-Fi London

Japan Matsuri in London - Saturday 5th October 2013

Date: 2013 September 29 08:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Every keen fan of Japanese culture will already know about the Japan Matsuri, which is set to run in London's Trafalgar Square on Saturday 5th October 2013. The Japanese festival returns with all sorts of street food, Japanese stalls and performances. There are no tickets required, just turn up. You will however need money if you want to buy things from the lovely stalls there.

To keep up to date with events like this, we suggest you always check the Otaku Calendar, your guide to upcoming events, release dates and general things for fans of Japan.

Also if you don't frequently visit London, don't forget to check our London Anime and Manga Shopping Guide.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

Studio Behind Attack On Titan to be Anime Guests of Honour at London Comic Con October 2013

Date: 2013 September 26 14:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's that time of year again when the MCM London Comic Con announce their guests. Anime fans are in for a treat as they've got Studio WIT, the studio behind the anime version of Attack on Titan.

Present at the event will be producer George Wada, Katsuhiko Kitada (character designer on Hal, animation director for Attack On Titan), Tetsuya Nakatake (animation producer for Attack On Titan) and one of the studio's rising stars, Ryotaro Makihara. They'll be their to show off their latest movie Hal.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013. We don't yet know if the London ExCel centre is a suitable venue for using 3D maneuver gear or defending from hoards of man eating giants, I'm sure we'll find out in October though!

REZtron - Otaku News Event Review - Wednesday 18th September 2013

Date: 2013 September 23 16:37 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Events

Written by Voxie and Franki Webb.

What does a gamer look like? Today this is an impossible question to answer. It's 7:45 pm, and as we walk into REZtron, we see a crowd ranging from 20s to 40s, male and female, from a range of backgrounds. It's clear that a gamer as no specific look.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Mamoru Hosoda's Wolf Children in cinemas from Friday 25th Oct 2013

Date: 2013 September 21 15:42 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Anime > Film

Mamoru Hosoda's (Summer Wars, The Girl Who Left Through Time) new film Wolf Children is out in cinemas from the end of next month.

Based on a woman's relations with a man who can change into a wolf, and later, her two half-wolf children. While it may sound barking mad, what follows is a heart warming tale about being human, and loving regardless of differences.

If you're not convinced, check out Manga UK's trailer here. Convinced yet? Read the press release after the jump!

Kitacon 2014 Announced for March 2014 - And Sells Over Half its Tickets within an Hour and a Half

Date: 2013 September 20 18:01 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Press Releases

28th-30th March 2014 will see the 5th running of the obviously very popular Kitacon, the only anime convention in Birmingham.

Guests attending include Ellen McLain (voice actress in Pacific Rim, GLaDOS in Portal), her husband John Patrick Lowrie (voice actor in Halo: Reach, Team Fortress 2), award-winning hip hop artist Professor Elemental and cosplay sensation Leon Chiro will be flying over from Italy.

Kitacon's organisers just tweeted their surprise at selling over half of their tickets within an hour and a half of the following announcement! Our advice: Get yours quick!

Genki Gear Reveals Exclusive London Comic Con T-Shirt for October 2013

Date: 2013 September 16 15:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

It's that time of year again the MCM London Comic Con returns to the Excel Centre from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013. As is tradition, t-shirt brand Genki Gear have an official and exclusive design for the event.

MCM Belfast Comic Con To Launch In June 2014

Date: 2013 September 15 10:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from MCM have sent us details of a their newest event to the MCM Comic Con line-up. The MCM Belfast Comic Con, which is due to run from 7th to 8th June 2014 at Kings Hall in Belfast. This is the very first time the event will run in Northern Ireland.

Inamo Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Date: 2013 September 07 16:14 | Posted By: Franki Webb

Category > Features

Standing amongst glamorous bars and restaurant in Soho is Inamo on Wardour Street, the restaurant had a special day on 3 September. Renowned for its oriental fusion cuisine, the restaurant celebrated its 5th anniversary. The occasion was marked with delicious appetisers, champagne and a tour of the premises.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Hyper Japan on NHK World's Imagine-nation

Date: 2013 August 26 08:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of the next episode of Imagine-nation. The special episode focuses on Hyper Japan 2013 in London.

It includes NHK World's Cosplay Portrait Studio, plus the European Cosplay Gathering at the main stage and Vocaloid boom in the UK.

We've covered Hyper Japan 2013 previously.

It's due to air from Tuesday 27th August to Wednesday 28th August 2013, depending on your timezone.
UK based viewers can catch the show on the following times -
Tuesday 27th August - 16:30 and 20:30
Wednesday 28th August - 0:30/4:30/8:30/12:30

You can check the schedule here.

UK viewers can watch NHK World on :
Sky Channel 507
Freesat - Channel 209
Virgin Media Channel 625

Souce: NHK World

Maid Cafe NY - Grand Opening - August 18th 2013

Date: 2013 August 08 16:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Cuisine

We've covered maid cafes before in both New York and London, but until now they've all been pop-up cafes set to run for a single day or weekend at time. We've been sent some interesting details about New York's first dedicated Maid Cafe, called Maid Cafe NY. It opens on Sunday August 18th 2013 at 150 Centre Street, Downtown, NY. The grand opening is set to run from 11am to 3:30pm.

Hyper Japan 2013 Report

Date: 2013 August 08 15:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan has become a regular feature the calendar for fans of all things from Japan. Since it first started in 2010, it's organically grown bigger and bigger each year. Last year due to the London Olympics booking out all the large London venues in the summer Hyper Japan decided to run two events, the first in February 2012, and the second in November 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Hyper Japan 2013 is in full swing

Date: 2013 July 27 14:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details from the first day of their event. The 3 day event's third and final day is Sunday 28th July 2013. There's still lots of fun to be had! Including cosplay, culture and plenty of food.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Hyper Japan 2013 seeks volunteers

Date: 2013 July 18 15:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from London based Japanese Culture Festival Hyper Japan have got in touch to say that they're still looking for volunteers for the event. It's set to run from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.

They are looking for people to help out at the Reception area. This includes queue control, ticket scan, workshop area and so on. You won't be able to choose what you do in this area, so just e-mail volunteer@hyperjapan.co.uk and mention that you'd like to help out at the reception area.

They're also looking for people to help out at the Sushi Awards as Serving staff. If you're interested contact eri@hyperjapan.co.uk.

Souce: Hyper Japan

Win a night at Alice Cartalet's house from Kinmoza

Date: 2013 July 07 10:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

To celebrate the launch of Kinmoza we've teamed up with Fosse Farm who were a key location in the show. You can win a chance to spend a night in Alice's Bedroom in the show!

VAMPS Live to be broadcast in London Sunday 7th July 2013

Date: 2013 July 06 12:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Kawaii Japan have sent use details about VAMPS Live 2013, live broadcast in London.

On Sunday 7th July from 11am to 1:30pm VAMPS will have their performance screened live at Rich Mix.

Rich Mix
35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA

VAMPS is formed of Hyde from L'Arc-en-Ciel and K.A.Z. from Oblivion Dust. The peformance will be screened in London live from Zepp Divercity Tokyo.

Souce: Kawaii Japan

NHK World at the Japan Expo 2013 Paris

Date: 2013 July 02 17:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of their latest European adventures.

They'll be at the Japan Expo 2013 in Paris from 4th to 7th July 2013. NHK world will have a host of events at the Expo, highlights include a Shironuri Makeup Session with leading shironuri artist Minori.

We've been told that they'll also be at Hyper Japan 2013 in London on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.

For the latest event schedule, please visit their Japan Expo 2013 Website.

UK based readers will be pleased to hear that you can now watch NHK World on Virgin Media Channel 625, along with FreeSat Channel 209 or on Sky Channel 507.

Voice Acting Open Auditions at Anime Expo 2013

Date: 2013 June 28 17:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Production

The good folks from Bang Zoom Entertainment have sent us details of an open audition they'll be holding for an up coming anime title. The auditions will be held at Anime Expo 2013 from July 4th-7th 2013. The anime title up for audition is yet to be revealed. They will be in search for talent with a variety of voices.

It's not every day you get a chance to audition for an anime voice acting role and be a part of the anime industry! It should be noted that Bang Zoom have been involved with a lot of major anime titles. Recent credits include Sword Art Online and Blue Exorcist.

Hyper Japan 2013 Details

Date: 2013 June 26 15:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan have sent us details of their 2013 event. It's set to run at Earl's Court Two from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.

They've got something for every fan of Japan, from Food and drink to anime and cosplay. Fashion, J-Music and lots of lovely Japanese technology.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

San Francisco 2013 J-POP Summit Festival Details

Date: 2013 June 17 15:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

US based readers who can get to San Francisco should get ready for the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival. It's set to run in Japan Town in San Francisco on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July 2013.

Get ready for weekend of Japanese Harajuku Fashion Culture, street styles and kawaii!

MCM London Comic Con October 2013 details

Date: 2013 June 11 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the MCM London Comic Con have sent us news of the next London event. We're still recovering from this May's London Comic con which saw over 76,000 visitors.

The next MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013. To accomdate the huge number of visitors the event will for the first time be using both sides of the huge Excel centre, increasing their capacity from 25,000 to 34,000 square metres. That's a lot more space for cosplayers with big wings!

009 RE:Cyborg Cinema Review 2

Date: 2013 June 03 14:58 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime > Film

We're not going to give you one, but two different takes on the latest anime cinema screening of 009 RE:Cyborg. We also have an interview with the film's director Kenji Kamiyama. Here's Eeeper's take on the title.

Working off the notion that all good remakes don't try and make sense of their origins, RE: Cyborg 009 is a fresh and funky look at a classic manga and anime. If you've ever read or watched Shotaro Ishinomori's original tale then you are missing out on a great thing. Despite having a cute exterior with cartoonish designs, Ishinomori's ideas in the background tackle things like racism, war, poverty and the brutal nature of the, then, growing military industrial complex that arose after the Second World War. Kenji Kamiyama's version takes all of these aspects and posits an interesting question? If after we stop fighting nations, ideologies and groups who is left to fight? Ourselves would be the main answer but what if it's not another person but our own values, beliefs and morals? While there is a definable enemy that the main heroes fight, the best way to describe them are antagonists who are created by the situation not by themselves.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Cosplay at Comica MangAsia in London 18th May 2013

Date: 2013 May 09 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've covered the Comica MangAsia details earlier. The event is set to run in London at Asia House on Saturday 18th May 2013. We've been sent more details of the cosplay workshop that'll be running there. It's an event in it's own right and is run by veteran cosplayers Emily Bastian and Adelaide Filippe as part of the fun.

Comica MangAsia - May 2013

Date: 2013 April 27 14:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Comica Festival have sent us details of their latest event aimed at anime and manga fans in London. The Comica MangAsia is set to run on Saturday 18th May 2013 at Asia House in London. The fun starts at 11am and ends at 4:30pm.

The event includes talks and panels with anime and manga expert and writer Helen McCarthy. Sarah Rundle introduces Kamishibai, a form of traditional Japanese paper based storytelling.

Cosplay experts Emily Bastian and Adelaide Filippe will be there running a cosplay workshop. Plus Japanese manga artist Inko will be running a manga masterclass for those aged 16+.

Throughout the day there will be a free comic fair along with a tea room.

As always with these events, we advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

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