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Beckii Cruel releases her first mainstream dance track

Date: 2011 October 11 02:23 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of pop idol Beckii Cruel will be pleased to hear that on Monday 24th October she'll be launching her first mainstream Dance Track - You Can't Kiss me 2011 featuring the Clones.

You Can't Kiss Me 2011 (YCKM) is available worldwide on iTunes from 24 Oct 2011.

Beckii is appearing at MCM Expo. Excel. London Docklands 29-30 October 2011 and is available in London 27 and 28 October 2011. Beckii will be attending DokiDoki Manchester on 13 November and is available in Manchester on Saturday 12 November 2011.

Otaku News interviewed Beckii Cruel at the May 2011 London MCM Expo.

Read More... | Souce: Beckii Cruel

Namco Bandai to Demo Soulcalibur V, Dark Souls and Much More at London Comic Con

Date: 2011 October 10 14:35 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Regular readers will know about the London MCM Expo, which is scheduled for Friday 28th to Sunday 20th October 2011. The good folks behind it have sent us details of the games that'll be demoed at the Expo. Namco Bandai will be be demoing Soulcalibur V, Dark Souls along with some Naruto Shippuden and Dragon Ball Z based beat-em-up fun. Many other gaming companies will be there too including 2K Games, Capcom, Nintendo, PQube, Rising Star, Tecmo Koei, THQ, Ubisoft and WB Games

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Ryo Arai & ITARO - Essence of Edo-Tokyo Gallery display in London October to November 2011

Date: 2011 October 06 16:23 | Posted By:

Category > Art

Japanese art and culture enthusiasts in London will want to pay a visit to the ICN Gallery to catch the Ryo Arai & ITARO - Essence of Edo-Tokyo exhibit. It's set to run from Thursday 27th October to Monday 19th November 2011.

Ryo Arai is a hariko artist (that's traditional Japanese paper mache) and ITARO is a netsuke and wood engraving artist.

The gallery can be found on 96-98 Leonard Street; London EC2A 4RH

Read More... | Souce: ICN Gallery

London MCM Expo - Letraset Manga School October 2011

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: Letraset

Chiptune Invasion at London's Japan Underground

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

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:

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:

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

Play.com sold to Japanese group Rakuten

Date: 2011 September 21 16:55 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

Popular UK on-line DVD retailer Play.com have been bought by Japanese group Rakuten. Play.com is the UK's biggest seller of DVDs online with estimated annual sales of about £500m. It has 14 million registered users and a staff of 500.

It was sold to Rakuten for £25m. Play.com have been successful due to a tax loop-hole that allows purchases under £18 to be VAT free when shipped from the Channel Islands to the UK mainland thanks to EU rules drafted almost 30 years ago. In November 2011, the government will reduce the amount for VAT free purchases to £15 and intend close this loop-hole totally by March 2012. The sales tax issues along with declining DVD sales is why Play.com was sold for £25m and not considerably more. The Guardian article states that DVD UK sales dipped 6% last year, while downloading and streaming rose 18%.

Play.com is popular with the UK anime fans and is often the first port of call along with Amazon.co.uk when buying DVDs and Blu-rays.

Rakuten are keen to increase their global presence, which is why they've purchases Play.com along with the French site PriceMinister and German site Tradoria.de.

Souce: The Guardian

Robotech: The Complete Series on DVD UK Release Details

Date: 2011 September 19 16:40 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > DVD

Nostalgic mecha fans in the UK will be pleased to hear that the Robotech the complete series is set for release on DVD on Monday 14th November 2011.

The 18 disc boxset features all 85 episodes of the series, plus over 10 hours of bonus material including a brand new documentary on creator Carl Macek.

For many the show was an introduction into anime and mecha shows. Lots of anime fans look back to Robotech as the series that helped them discover anime. Robotech itself is interesting, as it started life as three separate shows that were edited together for the American market.

The DVD's RRP is £69.99, we've found it for a pre-order price of £51.70 on Amazon.co.uk.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Influential Japanese Group Set to Rock London's Raindance Film Festival 2011

Date: 2011 September 15 15:06 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese music and movies will want to go to the Raindance Film Festival 2011 to catch Control Tower (Kanseitou). The film is inspired by music of the Japanese band Galileo Galilei. It's European premier at the festival on Thursday 6th October 2011.

Read More... | Souce: Raindance Film Festival 2011

J-Pop Star Beckii Cruel to Perform New Single at London Comic Con

Date: 2011 September 15 14:21 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of J-Pop Idol Beckii Cruel will want to head to the MCM Expo London Comic Con on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October 2011 to see her perform her new single You Can't Kiss me.

Beckii will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday at the Expo. We were lucky to catch up with her at the last Expo in May.

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

AmeCon 2012 UK registration opens Sunday 25th September 2011

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: AmeCon 2012

Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival London November 2011

Date: 2011 September 05 15:37 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of cutting edge Japanese cinema will want to head over to the ICA from Thursday 17th to Thursday 24th November 2011 for the return of Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival. The festival will then move around the UK.

They'll have lots of treats lined up, including two titles that have never been shown in the UK, one being especially subtitled for the festival.

Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest

London's Japan Matsuri 2011 Details

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Matsuri 2011

Japan Underground to Organise Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer

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

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

The Maids of England

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: Maids of England

Harajuku! Autumn Ball August 2011 Details

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: Criminal Records

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui TeZukA - Dance Work in London

Date: 2011 August 01 15:23 | Posted By:

Category > Culture

Fans of Tezuka, the arts and dance will be pleased to hear about London's Sadler's Wells' up coming production TeZukA. The world premiere dance work is set to explore Tezuka's fascinating world with help of cast of 10 performers, two musicians and a calligrapher. They'll cover a wide range of his work, including Astro Boy and Buddha.

So keep Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th September 2011 free and head over to London.

On Thursday 8th September 2011 at 6:15pm they'll also be a special pre-show director's conversation.

Read More... | Souce: Sadler\'s Wells Theatre

Free London Anime Screenings at Canary Wharf - August 2011

Date: 2011 July 18 15:47 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans looking for something to do at the beginning of August will be pleased to hear that there will be some free screenings at Canary Wharf.

Manga Entertainment UK and the folks at the Barbican have teamed up to show these titles.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Tuesday 2nd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review

Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva - Wednesday 3rd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review

Summer Wars - Thursday 4 August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review

As they're free screenings we suggest you arrive early to avoid disappointment. If you're coming to Canary Wharf from Central London, we suggest you take the DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway. DLR Trains going to Lewisham will stop at Canary Wharf. The Jubilee Line also goes to Canary Wharf, but we advise you to take the DLR if you've got the choice.

Please note space is unreserved and sometimes limited. Portable furniture, glass bottles or glasses are not permitted.

Souce: My Canary Wharf

Square Enix to Host Cosplay Battle at Hyper Japan 2011

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

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

London MCM May 2011 attendance details

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

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

Spirit of Hope Charity Anthology for Japan and New Zealand Disaster Victims

Date: 2011 June 05 16:34 | Posted By:

Category > Current Affairs

The Comic Book Alliance have sent us details about their latest project Spirit of Hope. The comic anthology has been created to raise money for the the Japan and New Zealand disaster victims.

Read More... | Souce: Comic Book Alliance

Manga Entertainment UK at the London MCM Expo - May 2011

Date: 2011 May 24 18:43 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Everyone's getting ready for the London MCM Expo this weekend (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2011) at the ExCel Centre in London.

The good folks at Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their plans at the London Expo. They've got two stands, a treasure hunt, plenty of bargain priced DVDs and Blu-rays.

Voice actors Ben Diskin (voice of Sai in Naruto Shippuden and Syzal in Bleach) and Brian Beacock (voice of Walter Yumasaki in Durarara!!) will both be at a panel and QA at the London MCM Expo too.

Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Letraset Art Competition at the London MCM Expo - May 2011

Date: 2011 May 24 18:25 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Everyone's getting ready for the London MCM Expo this weekend (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2011) at the ExCel Centre in London.

This includes the good folk at Letraset who make the popular markers that many artists love. They've sent us details of the art competition they'll be running at the Expo. The theme for this year is Running Late for a Very Important Date. The winners will get a lot lovely Letraset goodies.

Souce: Letraset Blog

Genki Gear launch new t-shirt designs at London MCM Expo May 2011

Date: 2011 May 16 15:49 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The May London MCM Expo is almost here it starts on Friday 27th May and will run until Sunday 29th May 2011. As tradition demands T-shirt company Genki Gear will be releasing a new range for the season.

They've got 5 new designs in ready for the Expo.

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

Japan Underground May 2011 Details

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

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:

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

Maid Cafe Event in London May 2011

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

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!

Anime on Demand to simulcast [C] - Control - The Money and Soul of Possibility

Date: 2011 April 19 15:48 | Posted By:

Category > Anime

The good folks at legitimate anime streaming service Anime On Demand have sent us details about there latest stream to hit the UK. [C] - Control - The Money and Soul of Possibility. The show will start streaming Thursday 21st April 2011 at 17:45 BST (British Summer Time), just one week after it's Japanese debut. Each week a new episode will be added to the site in the future.

Read More... | Souce: Anime on Demand

Tokyopop to Close at the end of May 2011

Date: 2011 April 15 15:07 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Manga publisher Tokyopop are to close in the US as of May 31st 2011 . The company's film, TV, and European operations, including its Hamburg, Germany-based publishing and international rights sales will continue. ICv2 have more details along with Bleeding Cool News and The Beat which broke the news. As always Anime News Network has coverage of the story too.

Tokyopop's Founder Stu Levy has posted a personal statement.

As the details were announced today we have no idea what impact this will have on their release details, as well as what will happen to the rights of existing Japanese manga and original English language comics also published. Any artists who have worked with Tokyopop should read the small print of their contracts now.

Souce: Tokyopop

Eden Of The East: King Of Eden Blu-ray and DVD release details

Date: 2011 April 09 18:35 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > DVD

Fans of Eden of the East the excellent anime series from Kenji Kamiyama and Production I.G. will be pleased to hear that the first movie Eden Of The East: The King of Eden is out soon. The highly anticipated release follows on from the series.

It's due out on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday April 26th 2011 in the USA from Funimation. While the Blu-ray and DVD is scheduled Monday 6th June 2011 in the UK from Manga Entertainment UK.

As always you can pre-order the DVD or Blu-ray from Amazon and take advantage of their pre-order price guarantee.

Pre-order the Blu-ray from Amazon.com in the USA.
Pre-order the DVD from Amazon.com in the USA.

Pre-order the Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk in the UK.
Pre-order the DVD from Amazon.co.uk in the UK.

Souce: Funimation

We Love Japan - Tohoku Earthquake Relief Concert

Date: 2011 March 25 18:29 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Saturday 2nd April 2011 is when you should head to London for the We Love Japan Tohoku Earthquake Relief Concert. It'll be held at The Relentless Garage from 7pm. They'll have a wide selection of live music, comedy and karaoke, plus some of the most promising London-based Japanese musicians.

Tickets are £10 if booked in advance on-line or £12 on the door.

All proceeds from the evening will go to the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.

Read More... | Souce: We Love Japan

Zipangu Fest Japanese Tsunami Relief Charity Screening

Date: 2011 March 22 18:45 | Posted By:

Category > Events

We've been impressed with the UK Zipangu Fest line up so far. But we believe that this latest screening is something special.

Londoners will be treated to Beyond Anime: CALF Animation, at 6pm, Sunday 3rd April 2011 at the ROXY Bar and Screen.

Apart from a rare chance to see an alternative side to anime, what makes the event so special is the ticket pricing. There is no set price for admission, you pay what you want with all proceeds going toward the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.

ROXY Bar and Screen
128-132 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LB

Nearest Tubes Borough and London Bridge.

Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest

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

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: Japanese Maid\'s Cafe London

Genki Gear London Expo Official May 2011 Exclusive T-shirts

Date: 2011 March 07 17:52 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Although it's just over 2 months away, things have started to rev up for the May Edition of the London MCM Expo, which is set to run on 27th to 29th May 2011 at the ExCel London.

The creative t-shirt people Genki Gear have just unveiled the official exclusive designs for the May MCM Expo. This time instead of one design there are two differet designs available both in Unisex and Women's fitted tee styles and both available as limited editions on Pre-order only. The theme this time around is super heroes and zombies! The Pre-order is on the Genki Gear Site only until the 31st April 2011.

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

Hibiki: Resonances from Japan - March 2011

Date: 2011 March 03 17:24 | Posted By:

Category > Events

For those looking for something to do in London this weekend, otaku are spoilt for choice with the Bunkasai Japanese Festival near Holborn, along with Hibiki: Resonances from Japan at Kings Place near Kings Cross.

Scheduled as a 1000-year journey through the rich heritage of Japanese music, there's 3 events.

Tsugaru-Shamisen: Sheer Wind from the North
Friday, 4 March 2011 - 7:30pm

Talk: Music in Manga
Saturday, 5 March 2011 - 5:00pm

Tradition & Exploration: The Koto of Michiyo Yagi
Saturday, 5 March 2011 - 7:30pm

Manga fans should note that Helen McCarthy will be running the manga talk, so we can expect to see her normal expert insights into the subject.

Souce: Kings Place

AmeCon seek Events Officer

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: AmeCon

WOTA London EP:9 - 26th February 2011

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: WOTA London

Uniqlo presents: We Love Anime

Date: 2011 February 15 17:02 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Uniqlo and Manga Entertainment have teamed up to sponsor the We Love Anime Film Festival across the UK. Appropriately the festival was launched on the 14th of February.

Screenings will be held across the following locations in 2011.

Edinburgh: Filmhouse (March 26th-27th)
Birmingham: Appearing at The Electric Cinema as part of Flatpack Film Festival (March 26th)
Leeds: Appearing at The Hyde Park Cinema as part of Leeds Young People’s Film Festival (April 2nd)
Bexley: Appearing as part of BAM 2011
Dublin: Appearing at Cineworld as a part of Cinemagic (May 13th-15th)
Dumfries: Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre (June)
Newcastle: Tyneside Cinema (Date TBC)
London: The Barbican (July)

The films being screened will vary at each location. They do have a great line up including:
Redline
Summer Wars
King of Thorn
Laputa Castle in the Sky
Sword of the Stranger
The Disappeance of Haruhi Suzumiya

Additionally, if you're keen to see Redline in London, you can catch it at the Barbican on Tuesday 22nd February 2011 as part of the centre's regular Japanimation season.

Read More... | Souce: We Love Anime

UNIQLO to release Naruto UT T-Shirt collection in the UK

Date: 2011 January 18 17:41 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The lovely people at UNIQLO have sent us details of their up coming line of t-shirts. They've had an excellent range of gaming and classic anime t-shirts in the past and this season they've teamed up with Manga Entertainment UK to release Naruto t-shirts in the UK. They've got 32 styles based on the series, priced at £12.99 you can buy them soon from UNIQLO stores or from their website.

Read More... | Souce: UNIQLO

Japan Underground February 2011 Tour Dates

Date: 2010 December 29 13:07 | Posted By:

Category > Events

UK fans of Japanese music will be pleased to hear that the good people at Japan Underground have announced the February 2011 tour dates for their club nights. London, Birmingham, Brighton and Nottingham are all set to for nights fun, music karaoke and Harajuku fashion.

They've also got a pre-tour party in London on Tuesday 11th January 2011.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground

Distant Worlds - Music from Final Fantasy

Date: 2010 December 24 12:35 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of the music from Final Fantasy are in for a treat next year as the venues and dates for The Distant World music from Final Fantasy have been announced.

Returning to Chicago! First Ever Distant Worlds
"Marathon Final Fantasy Concert" June 26, 2011!
Tickets on sale now!

Distant Worlds in London!
November 5, 2011 at Royal Albert Hall!
Tickets on sale Dec 17, 2010!

Distant Worlds in Australia!
April 15 & 16, 2011 at Sydney Opera House!
Concert Tickets on sale now!
Meet and greet tickets on sale Dec. 17, 2010!

Souce: Distant Worlds

Makers of the Modern World from Haus Publishing

Date: 2010 December 23 18:27 | Posted By:

Category > Culture

The good folks at Haus Publishing have sent us the details of their Makers of the Modern World series of 32 volumes on the Paris Peace Conference, which tried to create a new world order after the devastation of the First World War.

Why would that interest an anime fan? I hear you cry. Well we know some of our readers are history buffs, while others would be interested in the Prince Saionji: Japan volume, which is written by Jonathan Clements, who is best known to anime and manga fans as the co-author of the Anime Encyclopedia, along with being an industry expert, translator, anime magazine columnist, he also did the Wellington Koo: China volume.

You can order the books on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com -

Makers of the Modern World - Prince Saionji: Japan
Order from Amazon.co.uk
Order from Amazon.com

Makers of the Modern World - Wellington Koo: China
Order from Amazon.co.uk
Order from Amazon.com

Read More... | Souce: Haus Publishing

Manga Entertainment UK discontinue Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood on Blu-ray

Date: 2010 December 13 16:33 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > DVD

Manga Entertainment UK have sent us some sad news about the release of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood on Blu-ray. Due to the poor sales of Part 1 and 2 on Blu-ray they will discontinue the series on the format. Part 3 onwards will still be released on DVD.

This due to the high cost of producing Blu-rays and the low sales they've had of the format.

At least Manga Entertainment have sent a press release, other companies just silently pull titles.

Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Win a flight from London to Tokyo

Date: 2010 November 17 15:50 | Posted By:

Category > Press Releases

UK based readers have a chance to win a flight to Tokyo thanks to the Japan National Tourism Organisation UK. There are other great prizes up for grabs too, including a Panasonic 42" Plasma TV, Casio G-Shock watch and vouchers for London's So Restaurant. To enter the competition all you have to do is fill out a questionnaire (remember to say you found out about the competition from Otaku News ^_^).

Standard terms and conditions apply.

Souce: Japan National Tourism Organisation UK

New Maid Cafe Event in London December 2010

Date: 2010 November 12 18:07 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of cosplay and maids will be pleased to hear about a new Maid Cafe event in London. It's set to run on Sunday 5th December 2010, from 2pm until 8pm at the Jetlag Bar and Restaurant.

Nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.
Over 18's only.
Tickets are £5.

They'll be serving Japanese dishes, such as curry with rice, Japanese omelet with rice and Japanese Hamburger. Plus teas, coffee and cakes.

This is the first event Oh My Lord are running, they plan to run more in future if it proves popular.

Read More... | Souce: Dear My Lord

Grand Cosplay Ball 2010 Details

Date: 2010 November 10 16:20 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based cosplayers will be excited to hear about the Grand Cosplay Ball which returns for it's third year. This years theme is Arabian Nights and it's set to run on Sunday, 28th November at Clapham Grand Hotel. The fun starts at 7pm until 1am. Expect lots of belly dancing, sword swallowing and even an Arabian Bazaar.

The Guest of Honour is Metroid cosplayer Jenni Kallberg (aka Pixelninja) from Sweden.

Over 18's only. Tickets are £18 from their website, or in-store at Tokyo Toys London branch at the Trocadero in Picadilly Circus.

Read More... | Souce: Grand Cosplay Ball

Anime at Thought Bubble: The Leeds Sequential Art Festival 2010

Date: 2010 November 08 02:34 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans who can get to Leeds from 18th to 21st November 2010 are in a for a real treat. Thought Bubble and Leeds International Film Festival have some great anime features to enjoy. Including some European Premieres such as Mardock Scramble: The First Compression (review here), Gintama The Movie, along with some great anime titles you should see if you haven't already. -

Mardock Scramble: The First Compression
Gintama The Movie
One Piece: Strong World
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
Redline
Interstella 5555: The 5tory Of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

Normally at this stage we'd cherry pick a title or two for suggestion as to what to watch, but they're all good, Interstella 5555 is always worth watching one more time too. ^_-

There's also some live action adventures with - Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City.

The Thought Bubble Festival are offering £20 passes for a day, or Individual tickets for £6.50/£5.00.

Read More... | Souce: Thought Bubble

Zipangu Fest UK programme announced

Date: 2010 October 29 18:57 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

UK based fans of Japanese cinema are in for a treat as the Zipangu Fest programme has been announced.

Those in Bethnal Green should keep Tuesday 23rd November 2010 free for a special event - Nippon Year Zero: Japanese Experimental Film from the 1960s‐1970s at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club.

Things then kick off on Wednesday 24th November 2010 on Brick Lane at Cafe 1001 along with the UK premiere of Pyuupiru 2001 - 2008, plus a selection of shorts and a screening of Rackgaki: Japanese Graffiti.

Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest

London Barbican Cosplay Extravaganza - November 2010

Date: 2010 October 27 16:16 | Posted By:

Category > Events

While cosplays in London will be busy gearing up for the London MCM Expo this weekend, you shouldn't forget that there's more fun to be had in London the weekend after. On Saturday 6th November 2010 The Barbican will be having a special late night event - the Cosplay Extravaganza.

They'll be a Cosplay Parade, workshops, a Goth Loli Fashion Show, Video Game Tournaments, some live J-Pop and Japanese Punk. Resident anime expert Helen McCarthy will be there to give a talk on Cosplay: A Short History (as well as being an anime expert Helen's also the author of Manga Cross-Stitch and is knowledgeable about cosplay to say the least).

The event is set to run from 6pm until 1am.

Entry to all the Foyer Events is free. This does not cover entry to exhibition, theatre or Kamikaze Girls screening.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Judges Named For Euro Cosplay Final - October 2010

Date: 2010 October 25 15:41 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The good folks at the London MCM Expo have sent us details about the Euro Cosplay Finals, which will be held at the London MCM Expo on Saturday 20th October 2010. The judges have now been announced. They've picked a selection of expert cosplayers to reside over the finalists.

Additionally the Expo launches a new cosplay zone - Totally Cosplay, dedicated to everything a cosplayer would be interested in, including competitions, panels, workshops and a cosplay stage.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

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