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Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2024 Details

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

Category > Anime

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

Manga Jiman 2024 Competition Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Scotland Loves Anime Film Festival 2024 Details

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

Dan Da Dan: First Encounter Review

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

Category > Features

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

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

Hyper Japan 2024 Event Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

One Piece Music Symphony 25th Anniversary Concert 2024

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

Human Versus Machine Japanese Translation Mini Battle

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

Category > Manga

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The 17th Manga Jiman Competition Results

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Hatsune Miku Expo 2024 Europe Tour Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Crunchyroll Announces the Winners of The Anime Awards 2024

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

Category > Anime

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

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

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

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

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2024 Japanese Guests Appearances

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London February 2024

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

The Japan Foundation UK Touring Film Programme 2024

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

Blue Giant Hits UK and Ireland Cinemas January 2024

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Spirited Away Stage Play Adaptation London Performance Details

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

Category > Culture

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

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

You can visit the London Coliseum website book tickets

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

Solo Leveling London Cinema Screening Details

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

Category > Anime

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

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

Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite.

Reminder: City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

Souce: City String Ensemble

A Night at the Kabuki Streaming Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

An Interview with Sophie Poteratchi of City String Ensemble

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

Category > Features

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Category > Anime

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Japan Matsuri London October 2023 Reminder

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Souce: Japan Matsuri London

City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London

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

Category > Events

Sputnik Sweetheart Stage Play Details

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

Category > Culture

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

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

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2023 Details

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

Category > Anime

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

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

Manga Jiman 2023 Competition Details

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

Category > Manga

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

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

The Garden of Words Stage Play Review

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

Category > Features

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

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

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

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

Category > Features

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The Garden of Words London Stage Play Details Summer 2023

Date: 2023 June 01 19:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just received details from Whole Hog Theatre and Park Theatre who will present the world premiere stage adaptation of The Garden of Words, which is based the anime by acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai (best known for your name and the just released Suzume)..

We've covered details about the play before, but it's always worth reminding people about this production and that you can catch it this Summer 2023. The more detailed press release reveals information about cast and crew.

Like the anime the play explores the bond between two social misfits in a Japanese garden. It sets out to adapt the story further in a live action setting by combining puppetry, movement, and projection art. The production delves into themes of loneliness and longing, a signature of Shinkai's works. After its London run, the play will have its Japanese premiere in Tokyo. The show will be performed at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, North London, UK, from 10th August 2023 to 9th September 2023 with ticket prices ranging from £10 to £44.50.

Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum Hits UK Cinemas This May for One Day Only

Date: 2023 May 11 19:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have revealed that they'll be releasing Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum in the UK exclusively at Odeon Cinemas for one-day only on Saturday 20th May 2023.

This is a re-imagining 2011 television series Mawaru Penguindrum and is presented as a double bill which consists of Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 1 Your Train Is the Survival Tactic and Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 2 I Love You, with a 10 minute intermission in-between. This will be shown exclusively at Odeon Cinemas for one day only.

So if you're interested head over to your nearest Odeon to catch it!

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

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 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.

Junk Head UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2023 February 23 16:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us the details of their latest cinematic release. Junk Head is an stop-motion sci-fi action thriller set in a dystopian future. The film took Takahide Hori seven years to make. He crafted everything, sets, puppets, sound, music and special effects then animated it all!

The film is set to hits selected cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland from Monday 24th April 2023.

Makoto Shinkai's Suzume Special UK Film Screening and Director Q and A

Date: 2023 February 15 17:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime giants Crunchyroll have sent us details of a special UK anime screening of Makato Shinkai's latest movie Suzume.

The screening will take place on Wednesday 1st March 2023 at 18:00 the BFI Southbank in London. Not only will this be a chance to catch the movie more than a month ahead of it's national release, but the director himself will be there for a special Questions and Answers session. This is a rare opportunity to be able to get a chance to pitch questions at the director! Makoto Shinkai is best know for his two major films Your Name and Weathering With You. Tickets are on sale now and we expect them to sell out quickly. So book early to avoid disappointment.

The movie will be released across the UK and Ireland from 14th April 2023.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba- To The Swordsmith Village- UK and Ireland Cinema Details

Date: 2023 February 13 20:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fancy watching some Demon Slayer in the cinema? Well the good folks from Crunchyroll have sent us details of the upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba- To The Swordsmith Village- movie. It's due to hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 1st March 2023. Tickets will go on sale from Friday 17th February 2023.

The movie consists of episodes 10 and 11 of the series' Entertainment District Arc as well as the extended Episode 1 of the Swordsmith Village Arc all remastered into a feature length adventure in 4K.

If you haven't seen Demon Slayer yet, you can catch it on Crunchyroll. You can also get the whole manga in a nice boxset.

The Japan Foundation UK Touring Film Programme 2023

Date: 2022 December 24 11:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the UK branch of the Japan Foundation have sent us details of their much loved Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2023.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary, this nationwide film programme will be touring to 24 cities, visiting England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme is the largest Japanese Film Season in the UK. It's set to start at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London from Friday 3rd February 2023.

For fans of Japanese cinema there's so much good stuff to enjoy. Fans of manga will also want to see the cinematic adaptions, including BL Metamorphosis, a story about a 17 year-old Boys Love fan, who introduces an old lady to the genre, friendship over fandom ensues. We read and really enjoyed the original source manga and a live action cinema adaption makes sense for the story.

We're also looking forward to My Broken Mariko as manga is good. But for something manga themed we're intrigued by Sensei, Would You Sit Beside Me? a story about a manga artist who discovers her husband is having and affair, so rather than confront him she decides to create a manga about adultery.

Anime wise there's Blue Thermal a coming of age tale about a university student who in search of romance accidentality joins the university's aviation club.

There's so many good films at the JPF Touring Film Programme, you're bound to find something that you'll really enjoy. The touring film programme is set to run from 3 February - 31 March 2023.

Jump Festa 2023 Live Stream Details

Date: 2022 December 12 20:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Japanese publishing giants Shueisha Inc. have just sent us details of an on-line event. The yearly mega event Jump Festa 2023 will live stream for international fans. Set to run from 17th to 18th December 2022 the streaming weekend will cover content around Jump titles. The various events will have either available with English subtitles and simultaneous interpretation or just English subtitles. This is the first time the content of the Jump Festa will be streamed in English, so you'll get to see everything just like a fan in Japan too!

You can visit https://www.youtube.com/c/jumpchannel during that time to catch the content.

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.

One Piece Film: Red London Landmark Takeover

Date: 2022 November 23 20:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us details of a One Piece Film: Red London Landmark takeover. On Saturday 26th November 2022 between 18:00 - 23:00 video projections of the iconic anime pirates will appear opposite the London Eye and other key locations.

This follows a similar bit publicity at London's Kings Cross and a recent take over of New York's Times Square.

Visit onepiece.red to find screening near you in the UK and Ireland or go to https://ado.lnk.to/UtasSongsSO to enjoy the soundtrack.

You can also read our One Piece Film: Red movie review.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

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

One Piece Film: Red Expands to Over 270 Screens Across UK and Ireland

Date: 2022 October 24 20:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Anime Limited have sent us a reminder about the upcoming new One Piece Film: Red which has now expanded it's screenings to over 270 cinemas and IMAX screens across the United Kingdom and Ireland from 4 November 2022.

Visit onepiecefilm.red to find a screening near you

Goodbye, DonGlees UK and Ireland Screening Details

Date: 2022 October 19 18:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've just been sent the details from the good folks at Anime Limited about the cinema release of Goodbye, DonGlees!. It's due to hit cinema screens around the UK and Ireland from 30th November 2022. Tickets on sale now.

The movie is from Atsuko Ishizuka who was responsible for the truly fantastic A Place Further Than The Universe.

Goodbye, DonGlees! is a about a group of friends who have little local adventures they call themselves Don Glees. One day the trio get blamed for a nearby forest fire, so they set off into the woods to prove their innocence. A coming-of-age adventure ensues.

You can find a screening near you and book tickets at dongleesfilm.co.uk.

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