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BBC Radio 4's Screenshot on Studio Ghibli

Date: 2025 April 26 18:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

BBC Radio 4's Screenshot Programme focuses on movies. This week they've got a special episode dedicated to Studio Ghibli. Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode explore the world of Studio Ghibli to celebrate it's 40th Anniversary. It forms a great little introduction to the uninitiated or those who want to learn more about the much loved and hugely influential studio. They also interview co-founder of Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, Nora Twomey who discusses the emotional impact of films like My Neighbour Totoro, and Grave of the Fireflies.

We're then treated to an interview with Emily Mortimer, who plays the voice of Sophie in the English dub of Howl's Moving Castle. Then they interview the excellent Michaël Dudok de Wit about his animated feature film The Red Turtle, which was produced by Studio Ghibli.

You can listen to the episode for free on the BBC Sounds App, on the BBC Website or on other audio services.

Regular readers will remember we interviewed Michaël Dudok de Wit about The Red Turtle when it was released.

Souce: BBC Radio 4's Screenshot

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.

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.

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!

Something for Fans of Howl's Moving Castle - The Chrestomanci Series By The Folio Society

Date: 2024 October 24 17:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Fans of Howl's Moving Castle looking to explore more of Diana Wynne Jones' original works will be pleased to hear that The Folio Society will be publishing more of the authors books.

The Chrestomanci Series will be released over the course of 2024 to 2027. With Charmed Life, The Magicians of Caprona and Witch Week available now. The Lives of Christopher Chant is due in 2025, while Conrad's Fate is due in 2026 and Pinhoe Egg in 2027. The books all include Endpapers and slipcase printed in silver ink again adding to the luxury feel. The books are accompanied by illustrations by Alison Bryant.

The books can be read in any order, as enough is explained in them individually, but there is some benefit in reading them in order, or at least reading Charmed Life first. They don't feature Howl, but as they're written by the same author they have the same magical elements along with characters who feel familiar.

What sets The Folio Society publications apart is that they're luxury books. The print quality, paper, blinding and illustrations are normally exceptional. Each book will retail directly from The Folio Society for £49.95 (GBP) if ordering in the UK or $70 (USD) if ordering from their US website. These books are expensive, but owning some of their books and seeing other books they've published, you do get what you pay for. They're something you'd get a as special gift for someone or indeed as big treat to yourself.

They also have Howl's Moving Castle again for £49.95 (GBP) or $70 (USD)

Souce: The Folio Society

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.

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.

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.

Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron Wins An Oscar

Date: 2024 March 12 17:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron has won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film 2024.

The highly coveted gold statue is considered the biggest award in Hollywood circles. Miyazaki is not only the first and only Japanese director to have won in this category, but he has also won it twice! Spirited Away won the Oscar in 2002.

Miyazaki's other movies Howl's Moving Castle and The Wind Rises have been nominated in the past, but did not win. While other Ghibli movies The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There and The Red Turtle have all been nominated previously too.

This is an exceptional achievement and marks another award on the shelf for The Boy and the Heron, which also won a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA.

Souce: The Oscars 2024

Akira Toriyama Manga Legend and Creator of Dragon Ball Dies at 68

Date: 2024 March 08 07:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

It's been announced today on X (the site formally known as Twitter) and on the official Dragon Ball site that Akira Toriyama passed away on 1st March 2024 due to acute subdural hematoma. He was 68 years old.

It's a massive understatement to call Toriyama a legend, the popularity and influence of the Dragon Ball Series by itself is huge. He's also had success with other projects including the artwork and character design for video games Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger. The up coming game based on his work Sand Land is due to be released on multiple formats this April too.

You can read the official statement from the Dragon Ball Official Website, BBC News, The Guardian also pretty much every news outlet has an obituary of some kind.

Akira Toriyama work was iconic and his passing will surprise many fans around the world. As news of his death spreads around internet many industry professionals are posting condolences and also admit that it's because of him they first got into manga and anime in the first place.

Souce: Dragon Ball Offical

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Daido Moriyama Photography Retrospective in London

Date: 2023 August 17 17:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The good folks from The Photographers' Gallery in London have just revealed details of their Daido Moriyama Retrospective. Set to run from Friday 6th October 2023 until Sunday 11th February 2024. It's the first UK retrospective of one of the world's most innovative and influential artists and street photographers.

Daido Moriyama is famed for his dense grainy, blurry out of focus images. He sees the camera as a copy machine and captures things around him. The award winning photographer has had many photobooks published over the years (we even have a little collection of them). Recently he's had a range of t-shirts made by Uniqlo, and been the the subject of a documentary chronicling his working process. Tickets to the exhibition cost £6, with £4 for concessions and gallery members get in free (as do Friday Lates (5pm-8pm), under 18s, and disability helpers).

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.

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

Garden of Words Stage Production To Hit London This Summer 2023

Date: 2023 May 09 19:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London's Park Theatre have just announced their Summer and Autumn line up. Anime fans will be very interested in the stage adaptation of Makoto Shinkai's Garden of Words. Originally it was set to run in August 2020, however COVID-19 prevented it happening. This time it's back and scheduled to run from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023.

Based on the original anime by blockbuster director by Makoto Shinkai (best known for your name and the just released Suzume). It tells the story of a meeting in a Japanese garden, with two people both out of sorts having a melancholy change encounter.

It's been adapted for the stage by Whole Hog Theatre, who are no strangers to bringing anime to theatre. They created a truly excellent stage version of Princess Mononoke.

We've been waiting since 2019 to see the stage version of Garden of Words, so naturally we're very keen to catch this summer in London.

The 16th Manga Jiman Competition Results

Date: 2023 April 01 10:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The Embassy of Japan in the UK revealed the winners of The 16th Manga Jiman Competition. The awards ceremony for the prestigious competition was held at the Japanese Embassy in London on Friday 24th March 2023.

This years first place went to C M Kevin Li for Jonathan in Agony!, while Ewan Gallagher took second place withAUX. Third place went to Alex Brennan-Dent with Signal.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023 Online Talk Series

Date: 2023 March 15 19:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the Japan Foundation London have sent us details of some up coming online events they'll be hosting. As part of their touring film programme, they'll be hosting a series of online talks with various directors from the movies shown.

Talks include in conversation with director Nishikawa Miwa, who directed Under the Open Sky. This is set to run on Thursday 23rd March 2023 at 13:00 (GMT).

There's also talks with Tanada Yuki who directed My Broken Mariko. This talk is set to run on Monday 27th March 2023 at 13:00 (BST).

They have plenty of interesting talks lined up, The events are free to attend online and registration is required.

Leiji Matsumoto 1938-2023

Date: 2023 February 26 11:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

This week it was announced that renowned manga artist Leiji Matsumoto had died on 13th February 2023 of acute heart failure in a Tokyo hospital, at the age of 85.

You may have encountered his highly influential works such as Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas, Space Pirate Captain Harlock or even Interstella 5555 his collaboration with Daft Punk.

You could read the BBC Obituary or equally well written Financial Times Obituary , but the best write up we've found is on Anime Limited's Blog it's written by anime expert Helen McCarthy, who has written numerous books on anime including a collection of Essays on Leiji Matsumoto.

Souce: Anime Limited

Anime Limited To Distribute Suzume Movie Soundtrack

Date: 2023 February 01 20:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us some news that they have the rights to distribute the Suzume soundtrack. Makoto Shinkai's latest movie is due to hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland this April 2023. The director joins forces again with RADWIMPS to create the soundtrack for this film and also brings in Kazuma Jinnouchi.

Anime Limited are currently taking pre-orders for the Japanese Import edition on vinyl. It's currently priced at £59.99 (on offer from £69.99). An official western version is due for release sometime early Q3 2023.

You can also stream/download the soundtrack from many popular official streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Although an primarily an anime company, Anime Limited are also a record label with an excellent catalogue of anime soundtracks.

What's on NHK World?

Date: 2023 January 29 13:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

Being a fan of anime, manga and Japanese stuff in general it's always good to find a great source of content. Most fans will hunt on DVDs and blu-rays for those extra features, read magazines and articles and various bonus features included in books and so on. They'll even read websites like this one, but one resource that we find that is frequently overlooked is NHK World.

NHK is the national state broadcaster for Japan. NHK World is it's international arm. It's content is available in a selection of languages including either dubbed into English or in Japanese with English Subtitles. The service is free to access and is available on a wide range of satellite and cable providers in the US, UK and further afield. You can also watch it free and legally on the website or app that's offered on many platforms including iOS (iPhone and iPad), Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Roku and more. You can watch the live broadcast or the video on demand service.

A lot of the content there is excellent for anime and manga fans.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Trigun Stampede Anime Review

Date: 2023 January 06 18:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Highly anticipated new anime series Trigun Stampede hits streaming service Cruchyroll from Saturday 7th January 2023. We were lucky to get a sneak peak of the series and watch the first episode before it's released. So is Vash the same? Is the CGI animation any good? Well read our spoiler free review to find out!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Akira Kurosawa Retrospective at the BFI 2023

Date: 2022 December 01 20:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at the BFI have sent us details for an up coming Akira Kurosawa Retrospective. Set to run from Sunday 1st January 2023 until Tuesday 28th February 2023. The hugely influential cinematic legend is well covered here, with the two-month complete retrospective of 30 feature films! Divided into 6 themes there's so much to enjoy.

My Neighbour Totoro Stage Play Review

Date: 2022 November 13 14:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

When The Royal Shakespeare Company announced that they were doing a live action stage play of My Neighbour Totoro, we got very excited. It had all the hallmarks of something great! It was done in collaboration with The Royal Shakespeare Company, Improbable and Nippon TV. Joe Hisaishi, composer and long term Studio Ghibli collaborator, is the executive producer tasked by Totoro director Hayao Miyazaki to bring his much loved and highly influential film to the stage. If this wasn't enough, Jim Henson's Creature Shop was brought in to create all the puppets for this production!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

An Interview with Belle Virtual World Designer Eric Wong

Date: 2022 June 29 19:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Interviews

The amazing anime film Belle is out on home video this week (from Monday 27th June 2022). To celebrate it's release we got in touch with Eric Wong, the designer of Belle's virtual world of "U". Wong, a full time architect, was asked by Oscar-nominated, visionary director Mamoru Hosada to create the virtual world "U" that provides the backdrop for the film BELLE. Wong sketched out his dazzling "U" world during his daily commute, creating a labyrinthine wonder for this timely re-imagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, the story of Suzu, a country girl who becomes a music sensation in the virtual world of "U" with the mesmerising avatar Belle.

Thanks to the good folks at Anime Limited we were able to ask Eric some questions behind what it takes to create a virtual world while existing in the real one.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Hyper Japan Festival London 2022 Details

Date: 2022 June 14 20:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of their festival for this year. Set to run from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th July 2022, the UK's biggest festival of Japanese culture, returns to London at Evolution Battersea Park.

The long running Japanese culture festival has been popular with fans of Japanese food from street food to fine dining, along with fans of pop culture where you'll get a great chance to see many performers. Pretty much every aspect of Japanese culture is represented, including of course anime and manga.

To get an idea of what to expect why not take a look at all their exhibitors Be warned as Otafuku Sauce will be there (we have a strong addiction to their okonomi sauce)! Also don't forget to check out their list of performers.

We're looking forward to the fun that will be had at the 2022 festival! It's always fun to go Hyper Japan.

Early Japanese Animation at London's Barbican this June 2022

Date: 2022 May 17 19:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the Barbican in London have just sent us details of a very special cinema screening of Early Japanese Animation with live and electronic accompaniment by the Guildhall' School with Benshi narration. The screening and performance is will run on Sunday 5th June 2022 at 15:00 at Barbican Cinema 1.

It's not everyday you get a selection of rarely screened early Japanese animation, showing some of the very first anime films, accompanied by electro-acoustic music with Benshi narration! Tomoko Komura will be performing the benshi narration. The films span from 1925 to 1935.

My Neighbour Totoro The Stage Play

Date: 2022 April 27 20:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Production > Studio Ghibli

The good folks from the Royal Shakespeare Company have just revealed they will be performing a live production of My Neighbour Totoro.

The production will come to London's Barbican stage this autumn 2022. Based on the iconic and highly influential animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki, the performance is being brought to the by Joe Hisaishi who composed the original music for Totoro and is a long term Studio Ghibli collaborator. The RSC adaption is written by playwright Tom Morton-Smith. The show will also feature various puppetry. It's not clear yet how the furry forest king Totoro will be portrayed, or how they'll handle the catbus!

My Neighbour Totoro will play a strictly limited 15-week season from 8th October 2022 - 21nd January 2023.

Ticket prices range from £20 to £85, with up to two half-price tickets with every full price paying adult. Valid for all performances excluding Saturday evenings. Various discounts are also offered for class bookings, UK schools, colleges and Universities, groups of 10+. There are also special TikTok £10 tickets for 14-25 year olds.

Tickets are available from the 9th May 2022 for top tier RSC Patrons, with tickets being available to the various RSC patron tiers until they're released to the general public on Thursday 19 May 2022. Tickets bookable online from 10am.

We have only seen the preview material, but we have every reason to believe this will be a very special production.

This is not the first time the works of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki have hit the stage in the UK. In 2016 the Southwark Playhouse created a version of Kiki's Delivery Service, based on the original book. It was so successful it returned for a second run in 2017. While in 2013 the Whole Hog Theatre Company created a stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke.

While more recently a stage adaption of Spirited Away is proving to be a huge it in Japan.

Bonhams Auctions Classic Anime Cels

Date: 2022 January 30 20:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from international auctioneers and valuers Bonhams have sent us details of their latest online sale The World Of Anime is set to run from 24th January until 2nd February 2022. The auction features various anime classics included Sailor Moon, Urusei Yatsura, Ranma 1/2, Cardcaptor Sakura, Cardcaptor Sakura, One Piece, Evangelion and many more. The sale is being headlines by Studio Ghibli cels including some key scenes from Kiki's Delivery Service and Totoro.

Anime cel auctions are uncommon with traditional auctioneers, but unlike other online avenues you know that they've taken the time to verify the items on sale are authentic.

Highlighting the auction is a Kiki's Delivery service production cel featuring Kiki flying with Jiji. Bonhams estimates this cel will sell for anything between $15,000 - $25,000 (USD). In the same price bracket they've got a cel of Totoro asleep!

We'll be very interested to see what happens with all the cels up for auction. Some have already got some bids in place between the asking prices, while others have yet to gain any attention. As with any auction it's always the last 60 seconds where things get really interesting!

Kotatsu Festival Online Events for January 2022

Date: 2022 January 06 20:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at Kotatsu Festival have sent us some details of two upcoming events. The two online workshops aimed at beginners cover Japanese Calligraphy and a Japanese Manga Introductory Workshop.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival are hosting these workshops for free via Microsoft Teams. Although it is free prior registration is essential. So book early to avoid disappointment.

Japanese Calligraphy - Introductory Workshop for Beginners is run by Yukiko Ayres. It's set for Saturday 29th January 2022 from 11:00 to 12:00 GMT.

Japanese Manga Introductory Workshop for Beginners is run by Shangomola Edunjobi It's set for Sunday 30th January 2022 from 12:00 to 13:00 GMT.

The Dragon Ball Symphonic Adventure in London 2022

Date: 2021 December 07 21:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based fans of Dragon Ball Z are in for a treat! The Dragon Ball Symphonic Adventure is coming to The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Sunday 7th August 2022.

This one-of-a-kind concert experience combines scenes and sounds of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z together with live vocals and a live orchestra to create an immersive multimedia event for fans. With special guests the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets are due to go on sale on at 10am on Friday 10th December 2021 on www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

An Anime Steeped in History: Princess Mononoke

Date: 2021 November 27 13:40 | Posted By: Franki Webb

Category > Anime

In a change to our regular scheduled news, we bring you an academic article titled Steeped in History: Princess Mononoke. It delves into historical context of the much loved Studio Ghibli film focusing on how social class, race and religion are depicted. It also looks into the archaeological record, and written sources to understand how the film conveys these aspects while maintaining its fantasy element and pro-environmental message.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

We Love Anime Touring Festival 2021

Date: 2021 November 18 20:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans across the UK are in for a cinematic treat with the We Love Anime 2021 Touring Festival.

Set to run at the Showroom Cinema, Sheffield between Friday 19th November - Sunday 21st November 2021, then We Love Anime will be at selected Picturehouse and Showcase Cinemas between Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th December 2021.

The spin of from the celebrated Scotland Loves Anime festival, has many great titles for all different tastes. You're bound to find something you like!

For fans in Sheffield Showroom Cinema has joined together with other local independents to host free Japanese-themed events to run alongside the film programme. On Saturday 20th November 2021, Treehouse Board Game Café will be joining the venue to host an afternoon of Japan-themed games from 12pm until 3pm. On Sunday 21 November, internationally renowned graffiti artist Trik 09 will teach the fundamentals of drawing anime characters between 11am to 12pm.

Anime Limited Announce Future Boy Conan UK Release on Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray

Date: 2021 September 28 21:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime distributors Anime Limited have just announced that they have the UK rights to Future Boy Conan. The hugely significant and influential show has not had an official English language until now. GKIDS have the US distribution rights and will release it sometime late this year. While Anime Limited intend to release the series early 2022.

The series is significant as it marks Hayao Miyazaki's directorial debut, the legendary director went to co-found Studio Ghibli and make ground breaking titles such as My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away.

Anime Limited also mention Keep Your Hands Off, Eizouken's tribute to the show, with characters watching it and it inspiring their love of anime.

Anime Limited will release the title together on Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray, split across two collectors edition releases. They'll include a 132-page book written by Jonathan Clements (co-author of the Anime Encyclopedia and tons of other stuff) and Andrew Osmond (who wrote the BFI Film Classics: Spirited Away book, along with lots of other stuff).

The 4K Release will be the first anywhere in the world, but we think it's worth it just for the book and a chance to finally get Future Boy Conan officially in the UK is something we've been eagerly waiting for. This title is a must watch for any Ghibli fan.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2021 Details

Date: 2021 September 08 20:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Kotatsu Festival have just sent us details for their upcoming 2021 event. Set to run in Cardiff - Chapter from Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th September 2021 and Aberystwyth Arts Centre from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd October 2021. As always the Japanese animation festival has a great selection of films including The Deer King, Ride Your Wave, On-Gaku along with Studio Ghibli's first 3D CGI offering Earwig and the Witch.

Not to be outdone by the big titles, they'll also be showcasing the talents of independent animators including
cut-out animation called In Full Bloom and a hand-drawn fresh depiction of affection between two girls in The Mark of Emi.

They'll also be a few workshops and some free online events are also being planned.

As always with events like this we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Scotland Loves Animation 2021 Details

Date: 2021 August 25 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Scotland Loves Animation the fan favourite anime film festival is back for 2021. They're set to run at Glasgow from 1st to 3rd October 2021 and Edinburgh 11th to 17th October 2021.

Festival Highlights include Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko from Studio 4°C, Pompo the Cinephile a film about making films, Shirobako: The Movie which is an anime about making anime, along with Sing a Bit of Harmony which we mentioned yesterday, The Deer King, along with the original The End of Evangelion.

There's lots to see and as always there's a host of UK premieres with the odd European premiere too.

Souce: Scotland Loves Animation

BFI Japan 2021 Comes to Big Screens UK-wide

Date: 2021 August 18 20:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the BFI have just sent us details of the upcoming Japan 2021 Cinema Season. Celebrating 100 Years of Japanese Cinema, coming to cinemas UK-wide from October to December 2021. The season will show case an amazing selection films from Japan.

The screenings mark a continuation of the Japan 2020 season from last year, which was more of a home screening event due to the UK's COVID-19 lockdown situation.

As well as the often imitated Akira Kurosawa re-release of Seven Samurai cinemas UK Wide, there'll be a major two part season of Japanese cinema at BFI Southbank from 18 October - 30 December 2021. Plus screenings and special events at cinemas UK-wide. Along with BFI Japan collection on BFI Player.

Mamoru Hosoda's Belle gets a 14-minute Standing Ovation at Cannes

Date: 2021 July 21 20:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distribution company Anime Limited have just sent us the latest update about Mamoru Hosoda's latest movie Belle. The film has just received a 14-minute standing ovation at Cannes. The coveted audience endorsement was the the seventh longest in the festival's history!

We haven't seen the movie yet, but we're excited about it, as Mamoru Hosoda has a track record of delivering great movies. Critics are making the right sounds about it too, with Telegraph film critic Robbie Collin saying "there is usually one film per Cannes that emotionally bulldozes me, and this year Belle was it." While Time Out's Phil de Semlyen described it as one of my favourite things at Cannes.

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