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The Japanese Maid Cafe in London Sunday 15th July 2012

Date: 2012 June 21 15:27 | Posted By: Joe

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.

UK TV documentary calls for otaku

Date: 2012 June 21 14:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

We've been in touch with Factual Television Researcher Latisha Ma who is interested to hear from of our readers. She says:

"I am looking to speak to non-Oriental individuals who are obsessed with Asian/Oriental culture (from the fashion, to the music, to the gaming world, to comics etc). This is for research for TV documentary development. Please do get in touch if you're happy to have a chat about your interests! Email: latishama@yahoo.co.uk".

So if you fancy a chance of being in a TV documentary, now's your chance!

Souce: Otaku News

The Japanese Maid Cafe in London Sunday 17th June 2012

Date: 2012 June 11 16:15 | Posted By: Joe

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.

NEO Magazine Seeks Ultimate Fan in Competition

Date: 2012 June 08 11:49 | Posted By: Eeeper

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.

Namco Bandai UK announces online community project for Tales Of... fans

Date: 2012 June 03 14:10 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Press Releases

Namco Bandai Games UK announces an online community for fans of their Tales Of series of computer games.

Manga in the classroom

Date: 2012 May 22 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

TES - The Times Education Supplement, a popular magazine for teachers and those in education have an interesting article about getting pupils into art through manga. It was published in the 11th May 2012 edition.

A manga scheme of work has been drawn up by Jono Carney. A 12 lesson scheme of work introduces "the manga style", and helps pupils creating their own characters. The article then mentions that members of the TES forums can get access to cross-meduim project plans and teaching resources for anime and storyboarding too. So if you're in school, why not encourage your teacher to foster the otaku in you?

Souce: Times Education Supplement

Brighton Japan Festival 2012

Date: 2012 May 04 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas announced

Date: 2012 May 04 03:51 | Posted By: Joe

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

L'Arc-en-Ciel World Tour - London Report

Date: 2012 April 13 17:55 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Events

There are few bands that make the list of "must see in my lifetime". The Japanese band L'Arc-en-Ciel have been top of this chart for as long as I have been a fan of their music. Having never had the chance to see them in the UK before, I was thrilled to see London on the line up of performance locations for the band's 20th Anniversary Tour.

The band played in London on Wednesday April 11th 2012.

Japan Underground vs. NEO Magazine May 2012

Date: 2012 April 13 17:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The London MCM Expo is more than a month away, things have started to rev up for the event already. On Saturday 26th of May 2012 the folks from Japan Underground and Neo Magazine have teamed up to host a night of Japanese and Korean music. The event will be held at Bloomsbury Lanes, a 5 minute walk from London's Euston Station. They'll be supplying a selection of party-rocking tunes from Japan's alternative scenes.

The event is over 18's only and entry is £5 on the door. Valid photographic ID will be required.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground

From Japan to Hull: manga, anime and cosplay to feature at Platform Expos 2012

Date: 2012 February 18 15:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based readers who can get to the University of Hull on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March 2012 will want to head over to Platform 2012 East Yorkshire's huge gaming and entertainment expo.

They've got an an interesting line up of experts from the gaming industry plus a few familiar faces from anime and manga fandom too.

They'll be some retro gaming fun, a masquerade on the cosplay stage and plenty of panels from expert speakers.

Award winning cosplayer Natasha Lee Tyler (Missy Tetra) will be there to answer all those cosplay questions at talks and panels. Professional comic artist Sonia Leong will be there to explain all about manga.

They'll be a lot to see and do at this event, so it's certainly worth going!

Bunkasai - Japanese Festival London Sunday 11th March 2012

Date: 2012 February 06 17:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some Japanese culture should head over to the Bunkasai - Japanese Festival on Sunday 11th March 2012. The event is set to run from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Park Crescent Conference Centre. The event is to support the charity Aid for Japan, which aids survivors of the March 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami. The Bunkasai will run on the first year anniversary

Cultural highlights at the Bunkasai include the Tea Ceremony, Engeki play, Traditional Japanese dance, martial arts demonstration, Taiko drumming, and cosplay.

Advance tickets are now on sale.

Hyper Japan 2012 - Cosplay Judges Announced and Cosplay Reminder

Date: 2012 February 04 16:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Cosplayers heading to Hyper Japan 2012 in London will be pleased to hear the latest news they've sent us. The event is only a few weeks away it starts on Friday 24th February 2012 and will run until Sunday 26th February 2012.

The event has announced the cosplay judges for Saturday. Double World Cosplay Summit champions Mauricio and Mônica Somenzari will join professional prop makers John Bekkensten and Adelaïde Filippe from Bekkhans Studio.

Cosplayers should also note that there's just a week left to enter the WCS and ECG competitions.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Video Games in Japan: Past, Present and Future at The Japan Foundation in London

Date: 2012 February 04 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

London fans of video games will be very interested in two events hosted by the Japan Foundation titled Video Games in Japan: Past, Present and Future.

Event 1 - The Past: Game Over? focuses on how to preserve video game culture and why it's important to do so. Is set to run on Tuesday 22nd February 2012.

Event 2 - The Present and Future: Progress to the Next Level? Covers where the Japanese Video Game Industry is heading and is scheduled for Wednesday 23rd February 2012.

Both events start at 6:30pm at the Japan Foundation in London at Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH .

Both events are free to attend, but booking via e-mail is required. E-mail event@jpf.org.uk with your name, details and those of any guests. As with all popular events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Japanese Queen Tribute act at London's Japan Underground

Date: 2012 January 21 08:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in London wondering thinking - Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught reading this website should head over to The Pipeline in Liverpool Street London on Saturday 4th and Tuesday 7th February 2012 to catch one of Japan's hottest new Queen tribute acts. The band are called Queer (yes, that's actually their name) and will be playing a warm up set as part of Japan Underground, keeping in theme for the night the even will have DJ sets of famous rock hits covered by Japanese artists, plus an 80s themed dress code. The fun and games begin at 7pm and is set to run until midnight.

Tickets can be bought for £5 in advance, or for £7 at the door for each show.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground

Maids with Music at WOTA London - January 2012

Date: 2012 January 01 12:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Maid Cafes and Anime/gaming/vocaloid/Japanese music and clubbing will want to keep Sunday 22nd January 2012 free when WOTA London returns. From 13.30 to 18.00 the event will be a Maids & Butlers Cafe run by Maid Planet, then at 18.00 until 22.00 it will be an Anison and A-Pop Dance Party. The venue this time around is B1F Royal George, 133 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EA, near Tottenham Court Road Tube Station.

You can buy tickets on-line for a discount, either paying £4 for a Maid pass or £6 for a day pass. Alternatively you can turn up and pay £6 for a Maid Pass, £3 for a WOTA Pass or £8 for a day pass.

The event is for over 18's only.

Hyper Japan - Cosplay Christmas Competition

Date: 2011 December 21 16:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Cosplayers looking for some fun and games this Christmas will want to enter London's Hyper Japan's Christmas Cosplay Competition. To enter all you have to do is upload a photo of you cosplaying to the Hyper Japan Cosplay HQ Facebook page between 9th December 2011 an 15th January 2012. The 3 photos with the most likes on Facebook will make it through to the Hyper Japan Cosplay Team. The team will judge the photos and select a winner.

The winner gets a load of goodies from Tofu Cute, worth £50 along with 2 tickets to Hyper Japan Spring 2012 (for all 3 days). The 2 runners up will also get tickets for all 3 days at Hyper Japan Spring 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Harajuku Night in London Sunday 4th December 2011

Date: 2011 November 29 18:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese themed clubbing can start of the Christmas season at the Harajuku! Winter Ball on Sunday 4th December 2011. The popular event returns to Proud in Camden. This time around they'll be 9 rooms, projectors and plasma screens for a fun Japanese themed night. The fun is set to start at 7pm and will run until late.

You can book your tickets here. Cosplayers, Lolitas and other fans of Japanese fashion will be pleased to hear that if you go in themed dress your tickets are cheaper!

Cosplay Competitions at Hyper Japan 2012 in London

Date: 2011 November 18 13:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's not even the end of 2011 yet, but it still doesn't hurt to plan ahead, Hyper Japan 2012 is set to run on 24-26th February 2012 at Brompton Hall in Earl's Court.

They've sent us the details of two cosplay competitions they'll be hosting during the weekend. The World Cosplay Summit and the European Cosplay Gathering.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

NEO Magazine launches Cosplay Idol competition at London Comic Con

Date: 2011 October 26 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

NEO Magazine will be launching a Cosplay Idol Competition this weekend at the London Comic Con from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011. The winner gets a great load of swag including a laptop, pride of place in the NEO Cosplay Calendar, a dedicated feature in the magazine, plus a NEO goody bag. There are prizes for runners up too. So get sewing!

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

London MCM Expo - Letraset Manga School October 2011

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

Category > Events

London based readers will know that Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011 is when the London MCM Expo hits town. Letraset the creative company best known for their popular marker pens will be hosting a manga school at the Expo. They'll be running 15 classes throughout the weekend.

The classes are aimed at different abilities from beginners to advanced artists. The classes will be run by talented artists Morag Lewis, Nana Li and Irina Richards.

The class cost £2 to £3 per person and last up to 1 hour. For some classes you will have to supply additional materials.

Letraset will also be running a spooky competition under the theme of Ghouls, gobins and mad scientists oh my! where the winner gets over £120 worth of Letraset products, plus there are runners up prizes.

Letraset will also be promoting a new marker in their line up - the FlexMarker.

Chiptune Invasion at London's Japan Underground

Date: 2011 October 04 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers who enjoy a good night out will want to keep Saturday 15th October 2011 free where the good folks at Japan Underground will be hosting a Chiptune Invasion from 3 of Tokyo's best.

This rare performance will feature 3 bands - Tokyo Pinsalocks, HONDALADY and GalapagosS.

The fun is set to start at 7pm at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, London, WC1H 9EU.

Remember the club night is designed around gamers and fans of Japanese pop culture, so it's a perfect otaku night out! The event as always is worth going to as as previous events have received recommendations in Time Out London, The Independent, Absolute Radio and many more.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground

Hyper Japan 2012 Spring Dates Confirmed

Date: 2011 September 26 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture will want to keep Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February 2012 free for Hyper Japan 2012 Spring. The successful J-Culture event returns for it's third run. Ever growing they'll be at a bigger venue - Earls Court - Brompton Hall.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Genki Gear London Expo Official October 2011 Exclusive T-shirt

Date: 2011 September 23 14:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

With the London Comic Con MCM Expo just over a month away things are starting to rev up for it. T-shirt company Genki Gear have just unveiled their exclusive design for the October event, which is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011.

This is the exclusive t-shirt for the London Comic Con MCM Expo. The theme this time around is Ninja vs Kittens! The t-shirt is available for pre-order only, with a closing date of Thursday 20th October 2011. The design will retail for £16.99 for both men's and women's style.

With the classic debate of ninjas vs pirates, we know where we stand (we also reserve the right to change our mind depending on what we're reading or watching when asked, if you ask us when we're indulging in One Piece you'll get a different answer than if we're watching Naruto). However Ninja vs Kittens that's a whole different ball game. What kind of ninja is this? What kind of kittens? Are they related to Maru? These are all important questions that we need answering!

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Manga Workshops at Westminster Reference Library - Autumn 2011 dates

Date: 2011 September 19 17:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in London who are looking to learn more about drawing manga will want to head over to Westminster Reference Library for the Autumn 2011 run of their Manga Workshops.

They've got 3 sessions

Comic brainstorming session - Thursday 22nd September 2011
Landscapes and comic layouts - Thursday 6th October 2011
Character creation and Letraset colouring - Thursday 13th October 2011

The sessions are free, but places are limited so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. To book e-mail rblack1@westminster.gov.uk or phone 020 7641 5250.

AmeCon 2012 UK registration opens Sunday 25th September 2011

Date: 2011 September 10 07:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The UK Summer Convention season is coming to an end, but fear not as AmeCon will be opening their 2012 registration on Sunday 25th September 2011.

AmeCon 2012 is set to run 10th - 12th August 2012, at Keele University, Newcastle-under-lyme. Registration will be on-line using the standard first come first served basis.

London's Japan Matsuri 2011 Details

Date: 2011 September 02 17:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to London's County Hall on Sunday 18th September for the Japan Matsuri 2011. This year it's at County Hall next to the London Eye.

They'll be over 130 stalls with lots of lovely Japanese things, from food and drinks to clothes and textiles, art, travel companies, tableware and so much more.

Entry to the event is free. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.
Don't forget that the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September is the Open House London, many great places open to visit in the city.

Japan Underground to Organise Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer

Date: 2011 August 24 22:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese cinema will want to keep Saturday 3rd September 2011 free for the Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU. It's organised by the good folks behind Japan Underground to raise awareness and support for the independent Asian film companies that lost their stock when the Sony DADC centre was burnt down in the England riots on 8 August.

Third Window Films and Terracotta Distribution are confirmed for the screenings.

Japan Underground have also sent us details about Unshin a Japanese pop/rock band based in the UK who'll launch their debut album at Japan Underground. This is event is scheduled to run 7pm-3am Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU after the Free Asian Cinema screenings.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground

JETRO Japanese Multimedia Seminar @ HYPER JAPAN 2011

Date: 2011 August 08 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of the JETRO Japanese Multimedia Seminar held at this years Hyper Japan on Friday 22nd July 2011.

JETRO is the Japan External Trade Organization, who would like to help people build a business with Japanese multimedia content.

We've been sent a link to videos of the seminar on YouTube.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

The Maids of England

Date: 2011 August 07 12:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

We've been sent details from the Maids of England (cleverly named as they're abbreviated as MOE). They'll be at Ayacon on 19th to 22nd August 2011. They'll also be running events every 2 to 3 months in London.

Plus they're also available for events to run a full maid cafe or a simple bake sale.

Their next event is on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 at Cafe VN, there are two time slots 12:00 - 4:00pm and 4:00pm - 8:00pm tickets are £7 in advance and £10 on the door. More details can be found on their Facebook page.

Harajuku! Autumn Ball August 2011 Details

Date: 2011 August 07 11:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you in London on Saturday 20th August 2011 and looking for a night of Japanese themed clubbing? Well the folks from Criminal Records are happy to oblige, with the return of the popular Harajuku! Autumn Ball. It's scheduled to start at 7:30pm and runs until late at The Miller, London Bridge, London - 96 Snowsfields Road, London, SE1 3SS.

Cosplayers, Lolita's etc are all actively welcomed and encouraged. Tickets at £6 in advance.

Hyper Japan Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011

Date: 2011 July 19 17:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder for those who can get to London and are looking for something fun to do this weekend. Don't forget Hyper Japan 2011 is set to run on Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two.

Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Jiman 2011 Competition now open for entries

Date: 2011 July 14 14:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Following on from our earlier story, we've just been sent the official details about this years Manga Jiman Competition run by the Embassy of Japan in the UK.

This years theme is "New Beginnings". Prizes first prize is a return trip for 2 to Japan courtesy of All Nippon Airways. While other great goodies such as a laptop, or digital camera is also up for grabs for the winners.

Further details terms and conditions can be found on the Manga Jiman Website.
Please note that The closing date for the submission of entries is Tuesday, 1st November 2011.

Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

Square Enix to Host Cosplay Battle at Hyper Japan 2011

Date: 2011 July 03 12:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Japanese culture event Hyper Japan 2011 is less than a month away. Cosplayers will be pleased to hear that Square Enix will be hosting a cosplay battle on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 12pm. It'll be open to anyone dressed as a character from Square Enix releases (including older Square and Enix titles). Winning cosplayers will be treated to a selection of prizes such as plush toys, figures and CD soundtracks from Square Enix games.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Jiman 2011 Competition Details

Date: 2011 July 03 11:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based artists will be pleased to hear that the Embassy of Japan in the UK will holding another Manga Jiman competition this year. Details are yet to be formally announced, but they're keen to get the word out. The theme for this year is 'new beginnings', the deadline for receiving entries is 1 November 2011.

Entries should be 6 to 8 pages, A4 portrait size and read from left to right. Apparently the judges are getting strict on this last point.

Details on the prizes are to follow.

Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

Something for the weekend - Japanese Art Festival

Date: 2011 July 02 10:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder to all those who are looking for something to do this weekend (2nd and 3rd July 2011) in London.

On Saturday and Sunday you'll want to head over to the Japanese Art Festival, where they'll be lots of cosplay fun, fashion shows, manga, martial arts demonstrations along with a selection of other cultural fun. It's at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, Holborn, London, WC1R 4R (nearest tube is Holborn).
Open times are as follows:

Saturday 2nd July: 10:30am - 9:00pm
Sunday 3rd July: 10:30am - 4:00pm

Tickets
Saturday: On the day: £10 / Advanced £7 /After 17:00 £5
Sunday: On the day - £10 / Advanced £7

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

Hyper Japan 2011 Event Details

Date: 2011 June 27 15:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

With less than a month to go until Hyper Japan at London's Olympia Two they've started to rev up and reveal to the world what will happen on 22nd to 24th July 2011.

They've sent us the details, highlights include the Eat-Japan Sushi Awards, a Sake Seminar, Nintendo unleashed. Along with a Taiko Master, Cosplay competitions and much more.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

After school tea time with Beckii Cruel

Date: 2011 June 08 16:35 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Culture

As an avid follower of Japanese popular culture and a regular anime viewer, I am more than familiar with the style of dance routines that have become inseparable from so many titles and credits sequences. From classics such as Urusei Yatsura and more recently popularised by Kyoto Animation's iconic series Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, shows have taken to inserting dances at any available opportunity to arrest a fan following with catchy tunes and infectious dance moves. The indigenous para para dance style steps are synonymous with series such as Super Gals! where character Kotobuki Ran regularly regales audiences through her hyper rhythmic routines.

London MCM May 2011 attendance details

Date: 2011 June 06 17:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The London MCM Expo is over for May 2011, we've just been sent some details about it. The Expo attracted almost 60,000 visitors, with the outside show attracting crowds 5,000.

The next Expo is set to return to the same venue on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011, where it will be paired with Memorabilia London for the first time.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Japan Underground May 2011 Details

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

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture, gaming and clubbing will want to head over to Japan Underground at The Kingpin Suite, Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, WC1H 9EU. Near Euston / Russell Square. The event is set to run on Saturday 28th May 2011 from 7pm onwards.

They've got Bentley Jones a British artist signed to a major Japanese Record Label. Japanese violinist Masa Futagami will be performing a very special video game-themed live session. You can buy tickets on-line.

Nintendisco the retro gaming club will also be there. Plus the regular selection of rock, punk, metal, visual kei and electronic tunes that Japan has to offer, as well as live music and karaoke.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground

Beckii Cruel at the London MCM Expo

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

Category > Events

Everyone's revving up for the London MCM Expo at the end of the month from the 27th to 29th May 2011. The good folks at the event have sent us details about their latest guest, Beckii Cruel, the schoolgirl from the Isle of Man who became an internet sensation and then a Japanese Pop Idol. She was also the subject of a BBC Three TV documentary. She'll be appearing on the indoor and outdoor stages of the Expo on Saturday 28th May 2011.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

London Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

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

Category > Events

London Lolitas are in for a treat on Saturday 14th May 2011, where they should head over to the Resistance Gallery, 265 Poyser St, Bethnal Green, E2 9RF from 1pm until late for the Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

The event will celebrate Lolita fashion and its offshoots. Artwork from our very own Wing Yun Man will be on display too (she does the Otaku News Post Cards and wallpaper).

They'll also have other events such as a swap and buy sale, along with DJs throughout the day, a photo booth, plus a fashion show and a panel discussion.

Maid Cafe Event in London May 2011

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

Category > Events

Are you in London on Sunday 22nd May 2011 and are looking to be served by Maids in a Maid Cafe? Well, head over to the Jetlag Bar on 125 Cleveland Street W1T 6QB, from 2pm until 7pm for where Oh My Lord! will offer a relaxing Sunday afternoon to eat and drink. Buy tickets on-line.

Souce: Oh My Lord!

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

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

Category > Events

Looking to have some fun in Cosplay in Manchester on Friday 6th May 2011? The Manchester University Japanimation Society (MUJS) will be holding their 10th Cosplay Party. It's set to run from 9pm until 2am at The Zoo, 126 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL.

This party isn't just open to Manchester University Students, but to everyone aged over 18.
Discount entry for cosplayers and those with MUJS cards.

Heart Japan Charity Event - 20th April 2011

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

Category > Events

London based fans of Japan looking to have fun and raise money for charity should keep Wednesday 20th April 2011 free for Heart Japan. The event is set to run from 6:30pm until 11pm at Vibe Bar on Brick Lane.

It's to raise money for the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Fund.

There'll be live bands, DJs playing the best Japanese music, plus a chance to win some original artwork by Bryan Lee O'Malley the creator of Scott Pilgrim in their charity auction.

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

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

Category > Events

Looking for something to do in London this weekend? Well Sunday 27th March 2011 seems to be London Maids day, with not one, but two separate Maid Cafes running on the same day. Both events will have Japanese Maids.

We have Oh My Lord! set to run from 2.00pm to 7.00pm. We've covered them before. Cosplay is actively encouraged, but not compulsory.

They'll be at Jetlag
125 Cleveland Street
London
W1T 6QB
You can book tickets here.

The nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.

Then at Sofra in Covent Garden we have Japanese Maid's Cafe London. They'll have 4 sittings, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm or 6pm. WOTA London VJ namimo will be there to provide some simulation to the eyes and ears. The new comers claim to be the first of it's kind in London, even though Oh My Lord started 4 months before.

Sofra
36 Tavistock Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7PB

The nearest Tube is Covent Garden.

Both events promise to donate proceeds to Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami relief.

Correction - Since posting this article, the people behind the Japanese Maids Cafe have confirmed the reasoning behind being called the first of it's kind in London. They'd like to emphasise that they are the first Japanese Maid Cafe in London. They highlight that all their maids, VJ namimo and the owner of the event are all Japanese. While in comparison Oh My Lord! has maids of different nationalities.

Leeds Central Library - Otaku Attack March 2011

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

Category > Events

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

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

AmeCon seek Events Officer

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

Category > Fandom

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

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

Hyper Japan 2011 Details

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

Category > Events

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

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Japan's kawaii culture in Britain

Date: 2011 February 21 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The Mainichi Daily News have an interesting article about Japan's kawaii culture taking hold in Britain.

It seems that cute is everywhere in the UK now.

"Over the last 10 years, the country's youngsters have started to embrace the whole spectrum of kawaii -- from the extremes of costume play down to the purchasing of accessories adorned with cute anime and manga characters."

The article gets commentary from Helen McCarthy the British-based expert on Japanese popular culture, anime, manga, book author (we really need to write up some sort of introduction to Helen as she's done a lot of stuff). Helen reports that over the last 10 years with the growth of the internet the kawaii culture has become more visible.

'"Kawaii has made inroads, but is not embedded yet," she said, adding that its influence can be seen in TV shows and subway posters'

"We (Britain) are still quite a masculine and patriarchal culture and we have never embraced the cute, soft side like France and Japan. We are not ready to go full-on cute yet and whether we ever will be is a mute point."

Souce: Mainichi Daily News

WOTA London EP:9 - 26th February 2011

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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