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The 18th Manga Jiman & Yonkoma Competition Exhibition in London

Date: 2025 April 19 19:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Embassy of Japan in the UK have sent us a reminder that you can visit their Embassy to see the winners of the Manga Jiman Competition. The exhibition will run until Friday 16th May 2025. Entrance is free, but booking in advance is required.

They've also sent a reminder that you can ender the 19th Japan International MANGA Award, which is open to creators around the world and you can apply through the Embassy in London.

Demon Slayer in Concert at Barbican London

Date: 2025 March 22 11:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Demon Slayer will want to head to London on Tuesday 1st April 2025 as Demon Slayer in Concert will be held at the Barbican at 19:30.

The performance will combine a symphony orchestra and high definition projection to immerse you Tanjiro's battles against demons. Tickets range from £39.50 to £70.50. Age recommendation: 12+, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more details and to book tickets visit the Barbican website.

Voice Actor Sarah Wiedenheft to Appear at MCM Comic Con London 2025

Date: 2025 March 08 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from MCM Comic Con London have sent us details of their latest voicing acting guest Sarah Wiedenheft who is due to appear all 3 days at the May 2025 run of the event. She'll be available for autographs, photo opportunities and will also be at lead a Saturday live games session.

You may have heard Sarah Wiedenheft as the voice of Tohru in Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, the glorious and chaotic Power in Chainsaw Man or even as the voice of Suika in Dr. Stone.

MCM Comic Con London will run from Friday 23rd May to Sunday 25th May 2025.

How to be a Manga Artist Signing With Fumio Obata and Balthazar Pagani at Gosh! Comics in London

Date: 2025 March 03 21:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Gosh! Comics in London have announced that they'll be hosting How to be a Manga Artist Signing With Fumio Obata and Balthazar Pagani on Saturday 8th March 2025, from 1-2pm at their Berwick Street store in Soho.

The book by Balthazar Pagani and Asuka Ozumi features a specially commissioned chapter by manga artist Fumio Obata. You can pre-order a signed copy of the book for mail-order or collection. What better way to spend a Saturday in Central London and enjoy a book signing?If you're unfamiliar with the anime and manga shops around London, then please do check out our London Anime and Manga Shopping Guide, which we frequently update with new and interesting shops.

Hyper Japan Festival 2025 Details

Date: 2025 February 26 20:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Japanese Cultural Festival Hyper Japan have just sent us details for their next London event. They'll be running from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July 2025 at Olympia Events.

Headliners this time around include alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku. You may have heard their song more than words which used in the second season of the anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen, their song Hikaru Toki can also be heard as the opening theme in The Heike Story, plus they've got a great cover of Life's a Treat - Shaun the Sheep opening theme.

They'll also have the usual selection of Japanese culture, including performances, workshops, food and Japanese themed retailers

Tickets are on sale now. You can visit hyperjapan.co.uk/festival for more details and to purchase tickets.

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2025 February 23 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime publishers Anime Limited have sent us details for the upcoming cinema release of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-. The latest offering in the Gundam Franchise is a bit different as this is a collaboration between studio khara, the studio behind the Evangelion rebuild movies and Sunrise, the animation traditionally behind the MS Gundam animated works.

The movie is directed by industry veteran Kazuya Tsurumaki best known for his work with Hideaki Anno on the Evangelion Series as well as the truly trippy FLCL. He teams up with other anime veterans to make this film including Yoji Enokido, screenwriter for anime including as Revolutionary Girl Utena, Bungo Stray Dogs, and FLCL and is billed as as Series Supervisor and Screenwriter.

The movie will hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Saturday 15th March 2025.

If you're really into Gundam you'll want to get tickets for the BFI IMAX Screening in London on Thursday 13th March 2025. They'll have a special previewing screening where attendees will also receive an exclusive free sample trading card from the forthcoming Gundam Card Game TCG which is released later in July.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

MCM Comic Con London Announces Anime Voice Actors for May 2025

Date: 2025 February 08 11:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks MCM Comic Con London have sent us details of two special anime guests who will be attending the May 2025 run of the event. Voice actors Aaron Dismuke and Paul Castro Jr. will appear at the show on all 3 days from Friday 23rd May to Sunday 25th May 2025.

Aaron Dismuke is best known as Alphone Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist (he's been voice acting since he was 9!), along with Senku from Dr. Stone. More recently you may have seen him as Glorio in Dragon Ball Daima.

Paul Castro Jr. played Vegeta (mini) in Dragon Ball Daima along with Freminet in Genshin Impact, Billy in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Hibiki Sakurama in Go! Go! Loser Ranger!

You can catch the both at various events hosted by MCM Comic Con London this May 2025.

The Colors Within - In Cinemas Across the UK and Ireland from 31st January 2025

Date: 2025 January 21 20:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Just a quick reminder to anime fans in the UK and Ireland anime film The Colors Within will be released on Friday 31st January 2025. So visit visit ColorsWithin.co.uk to find a screening near you.

The movie is directed by Naoko Yamada who is best known for titles including A Silent Voice, she also directed K-On! and Liz and the Bluebird. We'd say the Colors Within is closer to K-On! and Liz and the Bluebird, it's great movie and all very wholesome, it's worth catching on the big screen while you can!

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Crystalline Resonance Final Fantasy Piano Concert European Performance 2025 Details

Date: 2025 January 13 20:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of the Final Fantasy will be pleased to hear about the European leg of the official Final Fantasy Piano Concert. The Crystalline Resonance Final Fantasy Piano Concert is set to take place in London, UK on Tuesday 28th January 2025, Stockholm, Sweden on Wednesday 29th January 2025 and Paris, France on Friday 31st January 2025.

The piano performances also feature giant screen video projection. The show promises some old favourites, plus some newly created piano arrangements. So jump on your Chocobo and head over to the nearest performance!

Daft Punk's Interstella 5555 Movie Cinema Release Details

Date: 2024 November 16 11:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

For one more time, Daft Punk's musical movie Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem gets a world wide cinema release on Thursday 12th December 2024. The one night only movie screening also features six of Daft Punk's most iconic music videos.

To find a cinema listing near you visit interstella5555film.com.

Maybe it's something about us, we want to show this newly restored version of the movie some digital love. However we've heard a lot bad things about the 4K Restoration as it appears that the movie has been upscaled using generative AI, but we don't feel this restoration is doing it right.

Scotland Loves Anime Film Festival 2024 With London Expansion Details

Date: 2024 October 23 19:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Scotland Loves Anime have sent us an update for their anime film festival. They've just revealed more details of the special guests.

Glasgow Film Theatre on Saturday 2nd November 2024 The Colors Within director Naoko Yamada and composer Kensuke Ushio will be at the film screening for a Q&A.

Cameo Picturehouse in Edinburgh on Friday 8th November 2024 Tomohiro Tokunaga (CEO of CoMixWave Films) and Production Assistant Himoru Kaneko will be showcasing the up-and-coming female director Maho Takagi both following the screening of Suzume, and at the SLA Education Day at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Picturehouse Central in London on Friday 15th November 2024 director Shinnosuke Yakuwa will be showcasing Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window and also take part in a Q&A.

Crunchyroll x Newtype at New York Comic Con 2024

Date: 2024 October 16 18:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from streaming giants Crunchyroll have just sent is details of a special collaboration for New York Comic Con. Crunchyroll have partnered with Newtype to create a special commemorative print edition of the magazine for the event.

Available for free at New York Comic Con while supplies last, the special edition issue features exclusive custom art for two of 2024's biggest smash hit anime. NYCC is set to run in from October 17 to 20th 2024 at Javits Center located at 429 11th Ave in NYC.

Newtype magazine was last published in English as Newtype USA in 2008. Brought to the US by ADV, it was packed with news and details and had lots of exclusive artwork for everyone's favourite anime. To this day anime fans will import the original Japanese edition for insights into anime and also to look at the many, many lovely pictures.

This marks a landmark collaboration and we hope to see more of the return of Newtype in the near future.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Japanese Cinema at the BFI London Film Festival 2024

Date: 2024 October 09 18:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the BFI have just sent us details of the upcoming Japanese films that'll be show cased at the BFI London Film Festival 2024.

The festival takes place from Wednesday 9th to Sunday 20th October 2024 at the BFI Southbank and other venues across London and the UK. They have a wide variety of award-winning, gritty and empowering East Asian films premiering at the festival this year. So check out the BFI London Film Festival 2024 Website for more details.

Bandai Namco UK MCM Comic Con London and EGX October 2024 Exhibition Details

Date: 2024 October 06 13:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Bandai Namco UK have sent us details for their exhibition at MCM x EGX. The geeky pop culture and combined gaming event is set to run at the Excel Centre in London from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2024.

This will be Bandai Namco UK's biggest exhibition to date! There will be six available titles to play, including Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO!, Unknown 9: Awakening, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream and Little Nightmares III.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2024 Details

Date: 2024 September 29 14:24 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Returning for its 14th year, Welsh anime festival Kotatsu has a two-part convention packed with feature films, shorts, music performances, and more running from October 5th to 6th and again on October 25th to the 27th 2024.

Manga Jiman 2024 Competition Details

Date: 2024 September 27 17:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Embassy of Japan in the UK have just revealed the details for the Manga Jiman & Yonkoma Competition 2024. Running for the 18th time this highly anticipated annual competition is a chance for UK based artists to demonstrate their manga making skills. Not only that, but there's a great selection of prizes to be won from the competitions sponsors.

Here's a tip. If you do really want to win. Consider entering in the Yonkoma category (Yonoma Youth - 11 to 13 or Yonkoma 14+). There are normally very few entrants for the often overlooked four panel manga section. Even the judges in the past were strongly suggesting more people enter in yonkoma.

Not only do you have a chance to flex your manga making skills, show an active community of UK based artists your talents, but there are also a great selection of prizes to be won by the competitions generous sponsors.

So visit mangajiman.co.uk to find out more details.

Scotland Loves Anime Film Festival 2024 Details

Date: 2024 September 16 17:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Scotland Loves Animation have sent us details for the 2024 run of their festival. The long running and much loved festival will also be popping down to London too!

Highlights include Naoko Yamada's highly anticipated coming-of-age film The Colors Within along with Look Back based on the critically acclaimed manga by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto. We're also looking forward to something classic in the form of The Birth of Kitaro: Mystery of GeGeGe.

The festival is set to run in Glasgow from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November 2024, in Edinburgh from Monday 4th to Sunday 10th November 2024 and in London from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November 2024.

Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram Movie UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2024 September 14 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Trinity CineAsia have sent us details of an up coming cinema release. Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram is due to hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Friday 27th September 2024.

This marks Detective Conan (aka Case Closed) first UK and Ireland national cinema release. The hugely popular detective series follows the adventures of a genius teenage detective who now has the body of child. He still solves mysteries despite this and gets into all sorts of adventures. This time around we'll finally find the truth behind Conan's rival Kid the Phantom Thief.

The franchise is hugely popular with this movie becoming 2024's highest grossing film in Japan, with 6 consecutive weeks at number 1 and over 10.8 million tickets sold. The manga is one of the most popular series of all time with over 270 million copies sold over it's 30 year run.

Dan Da Dan: First Encounter Review

Date: 2024 September 12 19:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Dan Da Dan hits streaming services this October 2024. Ever since the anime adaption has been announced fans have been eagerly looking forward to it, not just because the manga is popular, but also because of the studio behind it - Science SARU who have released such amazing titles as Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, Tatami Galaxy and Tatami Time Machine Blues. Science SARU are one those studios with cult appeal to anime fans, so the hype engine for this title was racing. Bunched together as a special preview the first 3 episodes will hit cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday 13th September 2024 under the title Dan Da Dan: First Encounter. We were lucky enough to get avoid getting abducted by strange beings and gained access to a special review screener. So let's find out is it actually any good?

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

My Hero Academia - World Best Hero - Global Character Popularity Poll

Date: 2024 August 06 19:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Japanese publishing giants Shueisha Inc have sent us details about My Hero Academia - World Best Hero - Global Character Popularity Poll. It's been set up to celebrate author Kohei Horikoshi's internationally acclaimed manga series, My Hero Academia reaching its grand finale after 10 years.

To also celebrate they'll be running a fan art contest on Twitter (the site currently called X). Shueisha Inc have also placed an advert in the New York Times to highlight the end of My Hero Academia and the poll with a message from Kohei Horikoshi.

Hyper Japan 2024 Event Details

Date: 2024 July 14 13:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have just sent us the latest details for their 2024 London festival. Set to run from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July 2024 at Olympia Events. Hyper Japan will bring you all the fun and games you'd expect including, food and drink, performers, workshops, various exhibitors and of course lots of good stalls selling stuff for fans of Japan.

All Kaiju Attack! Movie Season at London's Barbican Centre

Date: 2024 July 11 17:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Barbican Centre and the Japan Foundation have teamed up to bring the people of London a season of Japanese monster movies. All Kaiju Attack! : 70 years of Japanese monster movies is set to run from Wednesday 7th to Wednesday August 2024 at the Barbican Centre in London.

They've got many a good monster movie from classic Godzilla flicks to the more recent Shin Godzilla (which is introduced by anime expert Helen McCarthy).

One Piece Music Symphony 25th Anniversary Concert 2024

Date: 2024 June 18 20:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just received news about the upcoming One Piece Music Symphony 25th Anniversary Concert. The live show contains the most memorable moments of the TV series projected on a giant screen to the sound of a 50-musician orchestra. It's set to tour around the US from July 6th 2024, then will tour other key locations around the world including Australia , Europe and elsewhere.

UK based readers can catch the show on 16th November 2024 at the Appolo Eventim.

Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2024 May 16 20:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at anime giants Crunchyroll have sent us the details for the UK and Ireland cinema release of Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary Haikyu!! anime fans will be treated to a cinematic outing. It's set to hit cinemas around the UK from Friday 31st May 2024. It'll be released in both dubbed and subbed formats.

The Haikyu!! volleyball franchise is hugely popular with the manga selling 60 million copies in circulation. If you haven't seen it yet, you can also catch the series on Crunchyroll.

Plot synopsis as follows: Shoyo Hinata must join forces with his old nemesis Tobio Kageyama during the thrilling showdown between Karasuno and Nekoma high school in the highly anticipated "Dumpster Battle". Which team will remain standing when the two underdogs duke it out?

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Human Versus Machine Japanese Translation Mini Battle

Date: 2024 May 09 20:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The manga tech start up Orange Inc recently raised over 19 million USD in funding for machine translated manga. We were quite intrigued because machine translation hasn't always worked out in the past for manga titles. One recent example was the Ranking of Kings Manga that had to be pulled because the quality of the translations were so poor. What's worse was the lack of quality control from everyone involved in the publishing of the title.

As we were curious, we reached out to some professional translators to ask their opinions on the current state of translation.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The 17th Manga Jiman Competition Results

Date: 2024 March 30 11:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Embassy of Japan in the UK revealed the winners of The 17th Manga Jiman Competition. The awards ceremony for the prestigious competition was held at the Japanese Embassy in London on Friday 22th March 2024.

This years first place went to Edward Taylor for St. Jerome 2.0, while Louis Hey won second place for My Mom. Third place went to Rachel Yelding with Stay Forward.

If you're in London, you can also book a free visit to the Embassy to see the winners exhibition until the end of April 2024.

Hatsune Miku Expo 2024 Europe Tour Details

Date: 2024 March 27 21:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at anime streaming giants Crunchyroll have sent us details of the upcoming Hatsune Miku Expo 2024 Europe Tour. The idol will be appearing at to 6 cities across Europe: London, Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf and Berlin. General tickets will be on sale from Friday 5th April 2024 at 10 AM GMT.

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Miku Expo tour!

SPY x FAMILY CODE: White Movie UK and Ireland Release Details

Date: 2024 March 17 11:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have sent us details of the upcoming release of the Spy x Family Code White Movie. The film is due to hit the UK and Ireland in selected cinemas from Friday 26th April 2024 in Japanese with English subtitles, and an English-language dub.

For the uninitiated Spy x Family is a hugely popular series, which started as manga and had a truly excellent TV anime adaptation. The series is set in a 1960's like world where rival nations Westalis and Ostania are in a state of cold war. Westalis spy codenamed Twilight takes on the identity of Loid Forger in order to get closer to the inner circle of Donovan Desmond leader of the National Unity Party. With all access to Desmond effectively closed off, the only route to meeting him is pretending to be a parent at Ostania's exclusive private school. So Twilight has to build a false family in order to so. He adopts Anya as his daughter, who unknown to him is a telepath and Yor, an assassin. While each is oblivious to each others secret, only telepathic child Anya is aware about the rest of her family's true identities.

We'd describe Spy x Family as an action comedy. We're really excited about this movie and if you love the TV show you're bound to encounter more of the same with this new movie. They've also made the effort for people new to the franchise so if you're not familiar with Operation Strix it looks like it'll form a great introduction into the world of Ostania.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Crunchyroll Announces the Winners of The Anime Awards 2024

Date: 2024 March 04 21:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime giants Crunchyroll have announced the winners of The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024.

Winners of the coveted award include Jujutsu Kaisen for Anime of the Year, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc for Best Animation, and SPY x FAMILY Season 1 Cour 2 for Best Comedy.

The awards have been running 2017, this annual event has recognized and celebrated anime's finest series, films, and the talented people who make them. Fans from around the world, along with a global panel of judges, cast their votes in a variety of categories, and the results are revealed at our live awards show.

Our editor Joe Curzon (that's me), was on the judging panel this year.

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2024 February 29 20:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us details about the up coming cinema release of Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom. It lands exclusively in selected cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 23rd March 2024.

This continues the story of the Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny TV series.

It'll be available in Japanese with English subtitles for one weekend only. For more information visit gundamfreedomfilm.co.uk.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2024 Japanese Guests Appearances

Date: 2024 February 01 20:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme have sent us details of special Japanese guest appearances around the UK.

Visiting the festival we have Maeda Tetsu, director of Do Unto Others, Chihara Tetsuya director of Ice Cream Fever, plus Serena Motola, featured in Ice Cream Fever and Voices in the Wind. The 3 Japanese guests will be at various screenings around the touring film programme and available for a Q&A about their films.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- Movie UK and Ireland Release Details

Date: 2024 January 21 16:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from streaming giant Crunchyroll have sent us details about the special world tour of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training-.

The film combines episode 11 of the Swordsmith Village Arc which concludes the story arc and then follows on with Episode 1 of the Hashira Training Arc.

It'll hit the UK and Ireland from Friday 23rd February 2024. A special screening will be held on Sunday 25th February 2024 at BFI IMAX in London featuring guests Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado's voice actor) and producer Yuma Takahashi. Tickets will be available soon.

The movie will be released across various countries / territories this February 2024. Read on to find out more...

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London February 2024

Date: 2024 January 05 21:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from City String Ensemble have sent us details about an up coming performance. City String Ensemble: Best of Anime which is set to run at EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney) in London on Saturday 3rd February 2024.

They promise an evening of iconic melodies from Studio Ghibli to the adrenaline-pumping beats of Attack on Titan. To get a feel for their performances take a look at their Eventbrite listing which includes links to their Spotify Anime EP along with some other samples on their YouTube Channel.

We've interviewed Sophie Poteratchi, the founder and violinist of City String Ensemble about the up coming event.

Originally the event was scheduled to run in December 2023, however due to rail strikes and venue audience number restrictions for December, they've rescheduled to Saturday 3rd February 2024 instead.

We've heard anime music played by live string quartets before and it is something special. If you're a fan of anime music or classical music, there's plenty to enjoy.

The Japan Foundation UK Touring Film Programme 2024

Date: 2023 December 27 11:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from The Japan Foundation, London have sent us details of the The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme. The UK's largest Japanese cinema festival, is set to start from Friday February 2nd 2024 and will run until Sunday 31st March 2024.

This will be the biggest showcase ever with 24 titles from human drama, horror, LGBTQ films, comedy, and sci-fi and so on. Most of them are UK premieres too!

The programme is set to run across 30 cities in the UK including Oxford, Lancaster, Chichester, Liverpool, and as far as Orkney!

There's plenty to choose from whatever your taste in films. There's also lots of interesting movies to try if you're curious and looking for something new!

Blue Giant Hits UK and Ireland Cinemas January 2024

Date: 2023 December 21 20:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have just announced the UK and Ireland cinema release details for Blue Giant. The jazz themed anime movie is based on the award winning manga of the same name. It follows the adventures of aspiring jazz saxophonist Dai Miyamoto.

The film is due to hit selected cinemas in the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 31st January 2024 and as you'd expect it features a stunning jazz soundtrack. So it's a film for anime and jazz fans!

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Spirited Away Stage Play Adaptation London Performance Details

Date: 2023 December 01 20:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

We've just heard news that the stage adaptation of Spirited Away has been extended by 5 weeks due to huge demand. It's set to run in London from Tuesday 30th April 2024 until Saturday 24th August 2024. They've made an extra 90,000 (yes ninety thousand) extra tickets on sale!

You can catch this performance at the London Coliseum. The stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's much loved Spirited Away closely follows the original movie and does feature singing and dancing, but is not a musical. It will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles visible from each seat.

You can visit the London Coliseum website book tickets

If you want to catch more Miyazaki on the London stage, don't forget about the Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican. This second run of the truly fantastic stage play is set to run from Tuesday 21st November 2023 until Saturday 23rd March 2024. We saw the run last year and you can read our review if you're curious to know more about the 2022 run.

Solo Leveling London Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2023 November 29 20:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from streaming giant Crunchyroll have sent us details about a special screening of Solo Leveling. Ahead of the series hitting the streaming service in January, you can catch a premiere screening of the first two episodes at Cineworld Leicester Square in London on Wednesday 13th December 2023.

Solo Leveling is a Korean manhwa and is adapted into an anime series by A-1 Pictures (who are responsible for Sword Art Online, Black Butler and Fairy Tail to name a few of their titles).

Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Reminder: City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London

Date: 2023 November 27 20:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances the Best of Anime Concert has been rescheduled to Saturday 3rd February 2024. All tickets for the December event will be valid for the February 2024 one automatically.

They intend to prepare a new set including music from Ghibli's latest movie The Boy And The Heron.

Just a quick reminder to our readers who can get to London this weekend. On Sunday 3rd December 2023 City String Ensemble will be performing their City String Ensemble: Best of Anime which is set to run at EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney).

We've announced the event before and interviewed Sophie Poteratchi, the founder and violinist of City String Ensemble about the up coming event.

We've heard anime music played by live string quartets before and it is something special. If you're a fan of anime music or classical music, there's plenty to enjoy.

It's also worth noting just across the road from the venue on the same day the Yokimono Japanese Christmas Market will be running, which promises all sorts of food, crafts and performances, so you can make a day of Japanese culture!

Souce: City String Ensemble

A Night at the Kabuki Streaming Details

Date: 2023 November 09 20:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Kabuki, Shakespeare and Queen are in for a real treat as Sadler's Wells, A Night at the Kabuki is to be streamed live on Friday 17 November 2023 and available to watch until Thursday 30 November 2023.

A Night at the Kabuki, the acclaimed Japanese stage production inspired by Romeo & Juliet set to the songs of Queen, Transported from the original setting of 14th century Verona, Italy, this production takes place in late 12th century Japan at the start of the Samurai era where the rivalry between the Minamoto and Taira clans intensifies after their young heirs Romeo and Juliet fatefully fall in love.

The stream will be available globally as is priced at JPY ¥4,000/£21.64/€24.90. Visit Stagecrowd for the livestream on Friday 17th November at 03.00 GMT (12:00 JST) - the recording will be available until Thursday 30th November 14.59 GMT (23.59 JST). You'll be able to watch the stream live and then as many times as you like while it's available until the Thursday deadline.

An Interview with Sophie Poteratchi of City String Ensemble

Date: 2023 October 25 19:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

With the City String Ensemble due to play a special 2 hour Best of Anime performance this December, we thought it would be a good idea to find out some more details. We got in touch with Sophie Poteratchi, the founder and violinist of City String Ensemble to find out more. Sophie tells us she loves performing music from numerous genres despite her classical training. "It is my vision to find more immersive and innovative ways to perform music from modern culture and in turn inspire audiences to come and watch a "classical concert" which is usually associated with instruments like the violin etc."

It's not every day you get string quartet performing anime tunes in London, why not read our interview with Sophie to find out more!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Machine as a Hero? Unfolding Japanese Mecha-Anime Talk by Fujitsu Ryota

Date: 2023 October 21 11:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at the Japan Foundation London and Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival have got in touch to tell us about a online talk they'll be hosting. Machine as a Hero? Unfolding Japanese Mecha-Anime by Fujitsu Ryota is set to run on Friday 10th November 2023 at 18:30 GMT. The online talk hosted on Zoom, is free to attend, but registration is required.

Evangelion:3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2023 October 04 19:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us a reminder that Evangelion:3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time will hit select cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Friday 6th October 2023.

It's the epic conclusion of the Rebuild of EVANGELION. It's also out on home video at the end of the month.

If you're familiar with Evangelion, but haven't seen it, you should take the chance to see it on the big screen! To find a screening near you and book tickets visit https://evangelion.alltheanime.com.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Japan Matsuri London October 2023 Reminder

Date: 2023 September 26 16:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture looking for something to do this Sunday 1st October 2023 will want to head over to Trafalgar Square for the Japan Matsuri.

The event opens at 10:00 and is set to run into the evening with the last event billed at 18:55. Along with Japanese culture events on the main stage, the area in Trafalgar Square is surrounded by various Japanese food stalls and stalls selling Japanese merchandise along with a few organisations promoting various aspects of Japanese culture.

This is the 13th run of the event. It returns for the first time in 4 years after having to take a break due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The event is free to attend, no tickets or advance booking is required.

Souce: Japan Matsuri London

City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London

Date: 2023 September 21 17:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Sputnik Sweetheart Stage Play Details

Date: 2023 September 12 16:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

We've just received news from Arcola Theatre and the Japan Foundation who are presenting Sputnik Sweetheart. Based on Murakami's novel it tells the story of love and loneliness, with a detective story thrown in. Sputnik Sweetheart is about Sumire, a young Japanese writer who can't find the words to write, and her friend K's search for her when she goes missing on a Greek Island.

It's been adapted for the stage by Tony Award nominee Bryony Lavery and Tony and Olivier Award nominee Melly Still, running at Arcola Theatre in London from Thursday 26th October until Saturday 25th November 2023.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2023 Details

Date: 2023 September 09 17:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival will return this autumn 2023. Wale's premier event for Japanese anime is set to run 30th September - 1 October 2023 Chapter Cardiff, 20th - 22nd October 2023 Aberystwyth Arts Centre and 10th - 16th November 2023 Pontio Bangor.

You can see the details for each venue on the programme page. Highlights this year are the truly fantastic The First Slam Dunk, the Liz and the Blue Bird, Miss Hokusai and many more.

Manga Jiman 2023 Competition Details

Date: 2023 September 01 12:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks at the Embassy of Japan in the UK have just revealed the details for the 17th Manga Jiman Competition. The annual competition is a chance for UK based artists to demonstrate their manga making skills. Not only that, but there's a great selection of prizes to be won from the competitions sponsors.

Here's a tip. If you do really want to win. Consider entering in the Yonkoma category (Yonoma Youth - 11, 12 or 13 or Yonkoma 14+). There are normally very few entrants for the often overlooked four panel manga section. Even the judges last year were strongly suggesting more people enter in yonkoma.

The Garden of Words Stage Play Review

Date: 2023 August 22 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

The stage play adaption of The Garden of Words is now hitting the theatre. Set to run from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023 at London's Park Theatre. We've been following the progress of this play since it was announced a few years ago, so were naturally keen to catch a performance on stage.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Piano Concert featuring Anime and Games Music by Kikuchi Ryota in London and Birmingham

Date: 2023 July 17 19:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Japan Foundation London have sent us details of a piano concert by Kikuchi Ryota. The pianist is popular on YouTube and is set to perform iconic melodies from anime and game music.

Kikuchi will be playing at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham on Tuesday 8th August 2023 at 12:30. Then St James's Church, Piccadilly in London on Wednesday 9th August 2023 at 19:00 and finally at Yamaha Music London on Thursday 10th August at 16:00. All events are free to attend, with booking required for the London ones.

Edinburgh Film Festival to Host UK Premiere of new Slam Dunk Movie

Date: 2023 July 16 11:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime firm Anime Limited have just sent us some details about the upcoming Slam Dunk Movie. The UK Premier will be hosted by the Edinburgh Film Festival on Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 23rd August 2023. The film will then go onto a wider release across the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 30th August 2023.

This basketball drama was directed and written by Takehiko Inoue the creator of the original Slam Dunk manga.

To date it's the 5th highest grossing anime film worldwide.

To find a screening near you visit slamdunkfilm.co.uk.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

An Interview with Alexandra Rutter Director of the Stage Adaption of The Garden of Words

Date: 2023 July 10 18:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Makoto Shinaki's anime The Garden of Words is the story of an out-of-step woman and an offbeat teenager meeting by chance in a Japanese garden. As the kindred spirits bond, the relationship they build could save them or equally ruin them. Melancholy and original the story has just been adapted into a stage play set to run at London's Park Theatre from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023. It's also set to to be staged in Tokyo too.

The play has been adapted by the Whole Hog Theatre who have previously also brought Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke to stage.

We caught up with Alexandra Rutter, who directed and co-adapted The Garden of Words from the material from the anime and novel. Having been aware of this project since before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were keen to find out more about the production and hear what Alexandra has to say.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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