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.
Read More... | Souce: Comica Festival
Category > Events
The good folks from Letraset have sent us details of their Manga Alley Art Competition which is set to run at the MCM London Comic Con in May 2013. The theme for this art competition is Onwards and Upwards.
Read More... | Souce: Letraset
Category > Events
As May gets closer, so does the build up for the MCM London Comic Con, which is set to run from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2013. As is tradition for the event the good folks at Genki Gear have prepared an exclusive T-shirt for the event. The theme this time around is the true meaning of emoticons!
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese Metal music are in for a treat on Saturday 27th April 2013. Japan Underground returns for a Night of Mind Melting Japanese Metal. Brain Death Zombie will be there, so will Taigen Kawabe from Bo Ningen, along with London-based Japanese rock outfit Colors.
The fun is set to start at 7pm. Tickets are £5 in advance for £7 on the door.
As always details can be found on the Otaku Calendar.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Events
Anime fans who can get to the MCM London Comic Con on Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May will be in for a real treat. Anime director Shinichiro Watanabe will be at the event as Anime Guest of Honour. The director is the man behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and Kids On The Slope. He also directed two shorts on the Animatrix - Kid's Story and A Detective Story.
Attending all three days of the show, Shinichiro Watanabe will be taking part in on-stage panels and promoting both Anime Limited's upcoming HD release of Cowboy Bebop and the UK debut of his latest series, Kids On The Slope, released by MVM Entertainment.
Kids On The Slope is currently streaming on crunchyroll and is available to pre-order from Amazon.co.uk on DVD and Blu-rayand other retailers.
Cowboy Bebop Collectors Edition Part 1 is available to pre-order on Blu-ray.
Additionally, if you pre-order Cowboy Bebop from Amazon.co.uk or HMV and bring proof of the pre-order to the show you can receive an exclusive A4 Bebop print to get signed (while stocks last).
Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con
Category > Anime
On Saturday 6th of April, AnimeDublin held it's second one-day con in Dublin City and one of our reporters was on hand to see things and take some pictures!
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
London based otaku looking for a night of partying will want to head to Proud in Camden on Sunday 10th of February for the return of the Harajuku Ball. This time it's a Valentines Ball.
The fun is set to start at 7pm. There's lots to do at the event including Gaming, Karaoke, Manga, Art, and live bands. Entry is free.
Read More... | Souce: Criminal Record\'s Facebook Page
Category > Podcast
Episode 6 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! This episode we talk about some upcoming licenses and new shows, Comikets bomb threat and a live action Dragon Ball trailer. Trigun Badlands Rumble is the focus of the reviews, which also include J Pop Go, a Final Fantasy Concert and GA Geijutsuka Art Design. We celebrate the end of the year with a quiz and induct Gurren Lagann to the Hall of Fame.
Please do download it and let us know what you think!
Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 6
MP3 File:
32.6 MB
1 hour 11 minutes
[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
You can also get the following episodes here -
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
The good folks at Jib TV have sent us details of NHK Worlds recent exhibit at Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 which ran on 23rd to 25th November 2012.
Read More... | Souce: JIB TV
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of their last event run in November 2012, and are delighted to report the event had the biggest footfall ever.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan Christmas 2012
Category > Events
Hyper Japan is a regular event in London's Earls Court featuring a variety of stalls, activities, events and food. I attended on the Sunday of this year's Christmas event.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 is almost here! The premier Japanese Culture event will run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 in Earl's Court London.
Along with a great line up of music, they've also sent us details that legendary rock guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei will appear at Hyper Japan. Tomoyasu Hotei, will pay a guest visit to the event on Friday 23rd November at 6:00pm.
This will be the first time in over a decade that he has performed in the UK. Vistors at Hyper Japan will be treated to a live rendition of Battle Without Honour or Humanity (also known as the Kill Bill Theme).
He'll also be playing a special one off gig in London in December 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan Christmas 2012
Category > Events
Readers in Glasgow will be pleased to hear some news we've been sent from the good people at the MCM Expo who are launching their first Scottish event - MCM Scotland Comic Con a one day festival. The London event is popular with cosplayers, anime and manga fans, along with gamers. The event is set to run on 31st August 2013 at SECC Glasgow.
The Birmingham based fans will also be pleased to hear that the Birmingham MCM is set to expand too during 2013 becoming a permanent MCM event.
Read More... | Souce: MCM Expo
Category > Events
It's getting closer to Hyper Japan Christmas 2012, which is set to run from Friday 23rd November to Sunday 26th November 2012.
The international arm of Japanese broadcaster NHK will be there to promote their international channel NHK World.
The station broadcasts content in English and is free to access. If you have Sky you can access NHK World on Channel 507. If you've got FreeSat you can access it on channel 209.
Failing that, you can also watch the show on-line on the NHK Website, JIB TV, or on the NHK World App on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) and Android Devices.
Fans of Kawaii will be pleased to hear that the station will be looking for people wearing Kawaii Fashion at Hyper Japan for their Kawaii International show. Some stylish attendees to Hyper Japan might be added to the show's Facebook page, or even featured on the show itself!
At the NHK World booth (C6 at Hyper Japan), they'll also be showing Itadakimasu! Dining with the Chef, so you can learn about Japanese cooking techniques.
So if you're going to Hyper Japan this weekend, swing by the NHK World World booth C6.
Read More... | Souce: NHK World
Category > Events
We've received some exciting news about Tomoyasu Hotei the man behind the Kill Bill Theme Tune - Battle Without Honour or Humanity.
On Tuesday 18th December the guitar guru will be performing a special one off show at the London Roundhouse.
Read More... | Souce: Tomoyasu Hotei
Category > Events
London based fans of Bleach looking to improve their Japanese Language proficiency will want to head over to The Japan Foundation in London on Sunday 9th December 2012. The Japan Foundation will be running a special workshop where you can get to grips with Japanese using Bleach.
The workshop costs £7 to attend and includes a copy of the original Japanese language edition of the manga Bleach. Booking deadline is Tuesday 27th November 2012.
Recommended language level is upper beginner (around JLPT N4) or above.
Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from the London MCM Expo have sent us the attendance figures details from the October Event. The London MCM Expo which ran from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012 smashed all previous records with more than 70,000 visitors!
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Culture
A few months ago, we posted some exciting news about Princess Mononoke being adapted for the stage. The Whole Hog Theatre are about to start auditions for the stage adaptation!
Auditions will be open to all, but the number of people they can see will be limited. The roles will be unpaid and voluntary (as are all roles within Whole Hog Theatre), but this is a great chance to get involved with an amazing theatrical event. People wishing to audition will need to sign up on-line from 8am on Thursday 25th October 2012.
Audition dates as follows:
Thursday 22nd November 2012 - New Diorama Theatre, London
Friday 23rd November 2012 - The Band Factory, Leamington Spa
Saturday 24th November 2012 - Warwick University Campus, Coventry
They'll also be looking for technical people too, such a Set Designer, Costume Designer, Technical Manager / Lighting Designer, Stage Manager, plus Hair and Makeup Design.
Read More... | Souce: The Whole Hog Theatre
Category > Events
Fans of hentai at the London MCM Expo have a rare opportunity to meet one of the most influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl has his own stall at the hugely popular event. He'll be selling uncensored original artwork, including some London exclusives. We've been told by those who have seen this artwork that it is beautiful and photos / screen shots just don't do it justice. That and well, if you're going to buy hentai artwork, buy it from the most influential creators!
Visit the Tentacle Master shop at the expo to pick up your own signed and numbered limited edition digital lithographic print. Each AQ2 sized print is on sale exclusively at the London MCM Comic Con and limited to 200 prints.
Even if you don't buy anything, if you go along to his table and say that you are "Otaku News Fans", Tosho Maeda will give you a small free present!
The London MCM Expo runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012 at ExCel.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
As if anime fans in London already needed an excuse to go to Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 at Earls Court on November Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th 2012, the good folks running the event have just told us that Hisamitsu Ishikawa (CEO of Studio IG and the producer of Ghost In The Shell) will be there. He'll be giving a special talk at the event. So if you haven't booked tickets already, you should now!
Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese music will want to go to Japan Underground for their 4 Female Fronted Band night on Friday 19th October 2012 from 7pm. Tickets are £8 on the door or £5 in advance or with a flyer.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Events
Christmas has come early for UK based fans of Japanese culture! Hyper Japan is set to return to Brompton Hall, Earl's Court in London for Hyper Japan Christmas 2012. The event is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012.
They'll have all sorts of fun including traditional Japanese food, culture and music, along with the modern elements that make Japan cool.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
Artistic UK based readers in Hertfordshire who can get to St Albans will want to visit to the Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road on Friday 5th October 2012. There launching a new project to create a manga book inspired by the theme of the Magna Carta, called the Manga Carta.
The fun starts at 5pm and is set to run until 8pm. Entrance is free. All ages welcome, 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
Manga Entertainment at the London MCM Expo October 2012
The good folks at Manga Entertainment have sent us details of what they'll be doing at the London MCM Expo, on Friday 26h October to Sunday 28th October 2012.
Highlights include-
Exclusive signings with Liam O'Brien who is best known as Gaara from Naruto.
Cosplay Area
Viz Media Bookshop
Plus a DVD sale with prices starting from £1.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Manga
The good folks at GEN Manga have sent us details of their latest Issue GEN 15, plus special appearances by Nagumo the author behind Let's Eat Ramen at New York Comic Con 2012.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Category > Events
Fans of hentai at New York Comic Con have a rare opportunity to meet one of the most influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl has his own stall at the hugely popular event. He'll be selling uncensored original artwork. We've been told by those who have seen this artwork that it is beautiful and photos / screen shots just don't do it justice. That and well, if you're going to buy hentai artwork, buy it from the most influential creators!
Even if you don't buy anything, if you go along to his table and say that you are "Otaku News Fans", Tosho Maeda will give you a small free present!
New York Comic Con runs from October 11th to 14th 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Fandom
UK based anime fans looking to get involved in fandom and help with the running of a successful convention, will be very interested to hear that UK anime convention AmeCon is looking for new committee members.
This is a great chance to get involved with something you're passionate about. They're particularity interested in hearing from people with skills in event organisation or web development.
Read More... | Souce: AmeCon
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese culture looking to try out a maid cafe will be interested to hear about the Japanese Maid Cafe London. They've got two sittings on Sunday 2nd September 2012 at:
Hellenic Restaurant,
9a Delancey Street
Camden Town
London
NW1 7NL
Seating Times are 1pm to 3:30pm and 4pm to 6:30pm.
There is a choice of 4 set menus (which consists of 3 courses). Entry is £25 in advance or £35 on the door. Prices exclude drinks.
Read More... | Souce: Japanese Maid Cafe London
Category > Events
UK anime fans who have just recovered from AmeCon 2012 and are looking for their next convention fix next year should sign up for AyaCon 2013.
The convention is set to run from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th August 2013. AyaCon will be hosted at the Warwick Arts Centre, the same venue as the previous few runs. This is will be the last AyaCon, so the theme will be "Apocalypse". This the conventions 8th and final year.
Read More... | Souce: AyaCon 2013
Category > Events
UK based gamers keen to head over to the Tokyo Game Show this September 2012, will want to take a look at Japan Journeys Tokyo Game Show Tour Package. The 9 night tour spans from 16th to 24th September 2012 and includes flights, transfers, breakfast hotel accommodation, along with all the entrance fees to places on the tour.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Journeys
Category > Events
We've just been sent some interesting details from the World Cosplay Summit UK Team, who are currently in Japan representing the country for the finals! So cheer them on this Saturday 4th August 2012. You can keep up with their adventures on their blog. They won the UK finals and in turn flights to Japan, and the chance to represent the UK at lots of fun events such as parties and parades along with the World Cosplay Summit Championship. The WCS is broadcast live on TV to an audience of 10 million.
You too can win the chance to represent the UK in the 2013 World Cosplay Summit. To do so, check out Hyper Japan's website.
Read More... | Souce: Cosplay Odyssey: Japan 2012
Category > Events
UK based anime fans heading off to August Convention AmeCon will be interested to hear about the latest Kitacon projects which will be announced at AmeCon.
Read More... | Souce: Kitacon
Category > Events
London based Studio Ghibli fans will be pleased and surprised to hear about the world's first staging of Princess Mononoke. Hayao Miyazaki's renowned title is being transferred to the stage by the Whole Hog Theatre Company.
The performance will use be using "giant puppets made from recycled materials, visceral, physical storytelling and original live music".
This project has been in the works for over a year.
Performances are set to take place from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 6th April 2013 at the New Diorama Theatre in London. Tickets are available now for £12.50 or £10.50 for concessions.
Update: The tickets have sold out for the weekend already, you can still buy tickets for the Wednesday.
Read More... | Souce: New Diorama Theatre
Category > Events
UK based fans of Japanese cinema will be pleased to hear of the return of the Zipganu Fest. The Japanese film festival is set to return from Friday 14th September until Sunday 16th September 2012 at the Cinema Museum in Kennington, South London.
Following the main event the festival will be touring around the UK.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
London based anime fans who fancy seeing Akira on the big screen should head over the Gate Picture House in Notting Hill. There will be two screenings one on Friday 20 Jul 2012 at 11pm and the other on Saturday 21 Jul 2012 at 11pm.
Read More... | Souce: Gate Picture House
Category > Events
London based fans of J-Pop will want to head over to J-Pop Go on Sunday 15th July 2012. The popular J-Pop event will be at The Vibe Bar, Old Truman Brewery, 91 - 95 Brick Lane E1 6QL. Tickets are £5 in advance or £6 on the door.
Highlights include a performance from the J-Pop inspired Marshmallow Llama Time, along with Perfume Tribute band Fume, plus dance performances from Greentea Bon Bon.
Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go
Category > Events
Anime inspired t-shirt brand Mayamada have sent us details of an event they're running in London on Friday 20th July from 6pm until 11pm. Those interested in anime inspired t-shirt designs should head over to dessert shop Tutti Frutti near Covent Garden Tube station.
You'll have a first chance to look at the their designs. All ticket holders will also recive 20% frozen yoghurt on the night, plus a chance to win prizes. The event is free, but you'll have to grab tickets as space is limited.
Read More... | Souce: Mayamada
Category > Press Releases
Long ago on 25th November 2004 a new anime and manga magazine launched in the UK. Almost 8 years later, Neo Magazine is still going strong and has hit the 100 issue mark.
To celebrate it's 100th issue they'll be throwing a party in London on Saturday 7th July 2012. Everyone is invited to the free party, which starts at 8pm at the Bloomsbury Lanes. The party is for over 18's only, ID is required.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Events
London based fans of Maids and food will want to head to Camden Town on Sunday 15th July 2012 (after being postponed from last month). The Hellenic Restaurant will play host to the Japanese Maid Cafe.
Entry is £25 in advance which includes a 3-course meal and entry to the event. The food will be prepared on site by a qualified Japanese chef.
They'll have 3 sessions:
13:00 to 15:00
15:30 to 17:30
18:00 to 20:00
The maid cafe will also give you the opportunity to play a selection of games with them (for £2 per game per person). Souvenir poloroid photos can also be taken on the day at a cost of £5 per photo.
Read More... | Souce: Japanese Maid Cafe London
Category > Events
London based fans of Maids and food will want to head to Camden Town on Sunday 17th June 2012 (this has now been postponed, please see the updated below). The Hellenic Restaurant will play host to the Japanese Maid Cafe.
Entry is £25 in advance which includes a 3-course meal and entry to the event. The food will be prepared on site by a qualified Japanese chef.
They'll have 3 sessions:
14:00 to 16:00
16:00 to 18:00
18:00 to 20:00
The maid cafe will also give you the opportunity to play a selection of games with them (for £2 per game per person). Souvenir poloroid photos can also be taken on the day at a cost of £5 per photo.
Update: Saturday 16th June 2012
We've just received an e-mail from the organisers of this event.
They've informed us that due to unforeseen circumstances they have to postpone the Japanese Maid Cafe originally due to take place tomorrow (Sunday 17th June 2012).
They also say - "We apologise for the inconvenience and have rearranged a new date for the Maid Cafe which we will announce shortly."
All tickets will be valid when the event is rescheduled, alternatively they will arrange refunds.
Read More... | Souce: Japanese Maid Cafe London
Category > Press Releases
NEO Magazine launches campaign to find their ultimate fan in celebration for their 100th issue.
The winner will have a lifetime subscription to the magazine and have their photo featured in the 100th issue.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Press Releases
Namco Bandai Games UK announces an online community for fans of their Tales Of series of computer games.
Read More... | Souce: Namco Bandai Games UK
Category > Events
Japanese J-pop girl Berryz Kobo to perform at US convention AnimeNEXT on 6-8th of June 2012. The band wants fans to pick one of their songs to headline their concert at the convention.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
Toshio Suzuki, on Studio Ghibli's behalf, will accept an honorary degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in June 2012 with a Q & A session, along with Ghibli film screenings.
Read More... | Souce: Nausicaa.net Mailing List
Category > Events
NEO Magazine are to run treasure hunt and photo competition at the London MCM Expo on Friday 25th to Sunday 27th of May 2012 in association with Genki Gear and Manga UK.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Events
Piano rock musician HITT to play at the after party for Japan Underground VS. NEO Magazine After Party on Saturday 26th of May 2012 at Bloomsbury Lane in London.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground VS. NEO Magazine Facebook Page
Category > Events
The good folks from Letraset have sent us some details about their upcoming event at the London MCM Expo which runs on Friday 25th 2012 to Sunday 27th May 2012.
On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May 2012 Letraset will be running a Manga School at the Expo. The talented Nana Li will be running the workshop. All classes are free to attend.
Read More... | Souce: Letraset Manga School
Category > Events
Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to Brighton from Friday 22nd June until Sunday 1st July 2012 for the return of the Brighton Japan Festival.
There will be plenty to see and do, including not one, but two matsuri festivals, a film festival, Japanese music and performances, traditional children's games, cosplay and so much more.
Read More... | Souce: Brighton Japan Festival
Category > Events
The successful London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan have just announced the date for their next event. Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 at Earls Court in London. So save the date!
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
London based anime fans will be very pleased to hear about the return of anime at the BFI. The biennial event returns on Friday 8th until Sunday 10th June 2012.
They've got a great line up of films. Currently the tickets are open for Priority booking (BFI members only), tickets will go on sale for the public on Tuesday 8th May 2012.
Fans of Full Metal Alchemist will want to book tickets for the Full Metal Alchemist 2 - The Sacred Star of Milos on Friday 8th June 2012 at 20:00 where director Kazuya Murata and producer Masahiko Minami will take part in a Q&A after the screening.
The BFI will be showing:
Friday 8th June 2012:
Preview: From Up on Poppy Hill - 18:00 NFT1
UK Premiere Preview + Q&A: Full Metal Alchemist 2 - The Sacred Star of Milos - 20:00 NFT1
Saturday 9th June 2012:
Oblivion Island - 16:00 NFT2
Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below - 18:30 NFT1
Gintama - The Movie - 21:00 NFT1
Sunday 10th June 2012:
A Letter to Momo - 16:00 NFT1
The Princess and the Pilot - 18:30 NFT1
Akira - 20:40 NFT1
All screenings are expected to be in Japanese with English subtitles.
Souce: BFI
London based fans of classic Japanese cinema will want to head over the to Barbican on 2pm Saturday 2nd of June 2012 to catch a special screening of Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood. This will include a screen talk by director Yukio Ninagawa.
Yukio Ninagawa also directed Cymbeline, which will be performed the Ninagawa Company and will run at the Barbican Theatre from at 7:15pm on Tuesday 29th May to Saturday 2nd June 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Barbican