Otaku News

Suntory at Hyper Japan Festival 2025

Date: 2025 June 21 10:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan Festival have sent us details of their main event for the year. This summer Japanese beverage giants Suntory will be there to bring a taste of izakaya culture to the festival.

Hyper Japan is set to run from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July 2025 at Olympia Events in London UK.

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy At All Volume 1

Date: 2025 May 27 19:09 | Posted By: Joe

Fashionable and upbeat high schooler Aya loves listening to rock, but no one else seems to share her interest...until she meets a cool, stylish employee at a CD shop. Dressed in black from head to toe, he has this air of mystery about him, and his taste in music is impeccable. Aya falls hard for him-not knowing her crush is actually her female classmate Mitsuki! For her part, Mitsuki generally keeps to herself and avoids standing out at school. But given that she sits right next to Aya, Mitsuki's all too aware of the other girl's feelings, and she's afraid to reveal the truth. So why does she find herself talking with Aya more and more...?

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Screenings at Anime Expo in LA and Japan Expo in Paris

Date: 2025 May 14 19:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc have sent us details of the special screenings and talks of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, which is a theatrical film composed of re-edited episodes of the Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.

Attendees at Anime Expo 2025 in LA can attend a special screening and talk with production staff at the event on Thursday , July 3, 2025. While at Japan Expo in Paris on Sunday 6th July 2025 attendees will also be treated to a screening and talk featuring production staff. Both events require tickets to the main events of Anime Expo and Japan Expo to enter, but the screenings once inside the events the screenings are free to attend.

You can catch Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX on Amazon Prime Video.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2025 May 10 09:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have sent us the details for the upcoming Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye Cinema Screening. The screening will consist of the last episode of Season 1, which forms the start of the Evil Eye story arch, along with the first three episodes of the new second season. This is a great way to catch the premier of the hugely popular paranormal comedy action anime.

The screening is scheduled for Friday 6th June 2025 in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Screenings will be in Japanese with English subtitles. You can visit dandadan.alltheanime.com to book tickets.

Dan Da Dan has proved to be a massive hit with anime fans, it follows the story of feisty high schooler Momo and her nerdy occult-obsessed classmate Okarun who discover that world of paranormal activity is infant real. Ghosts, ghoul and alien encounters ensue to say the least. The show is hilariously unpredictable and that's half the fun of watching. It's based on the hit manga by Yukinobu Tatsu which is published in English by Viz Media.

If you haven't seen Dan Da Dan yet you can catch it on Netflix or Crunchyroll.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Anime Limited & Plaion Pictures Announces Acquisition of The Last Blossom

Date: 2025 April 29 20:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good people from Anime Limited have sent us details of their latest acquisition The Last Blossom. They've acquired the rights for for the UK & Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, and Switzerland.

It's the story of a man's life and love from the creators of ODDTAXI, director/character designer Baku Kinoshita and writer/original creator Kazuya Konomoto with the film produced by Studio CLAP the animation studio behind Pompo the Cinéphile and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes.

To be honest Anime Limited had us at ODDTAXI. The anime series came out of nowhere and promplty became a fan favourite for it's quirky story and fun engaging characters.
Looking at the teaser trailer for The Last Blossom we can see similarities in the character designs from ODDTAXI.

As for Studio CLAP, we really loved Pompo The Cinephile. So we'll have to keep an eye out for when Anime Limited release The Last Blossom.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

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.

You Talk Too Much, So Just Shut It Already! Volume 1

Date: 2025 April 19 15:21 | Posted By: Joe

Tsukino Hiiragi was born deaf. When her oblivious classmate Taiyo Enomoto suddenly starts talking to her, she's interested. But, as she carefully reads his lips, she starts to wonder: what nonsense is he talking about anyway?

The Rose of Versailles Anime Movie to Stream on Netflix

Date: 2025 April 02 19:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Netflix have just revealed some details of The Rose of Versailles anime movie. It's going to be released on Wednesday 30th April 2025. It's directed by Ai Yoshimura and animated by MAPPA. The official trailer makes it look like a lavish big affair.

Anime studio MAPPA have been known to do extremely high budget action packed anime, including Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. We don't expect the same kind of level of violence and explosions, but it does help gauge the kind of level of action they could go to for the more action packed scenes.

The original manga is a classic ground breaking title. It's been hugely influential and we hope this anime adaptation does it justice.

Mushishi Collector's Edition Volume 1 Now Available for Pre-Order

Date: 2025 March 31 20:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Kodansha USA have announced that Volume 1 of Yuki Urushibara's Mushishi manga is now available for pre-order from all good book retailers. The fantasy manga will be released in a hardcover omnibus edition which includes Japanese Volumes 1 and 2. It also features a completely original translation and new cover designs. It'll be released on 4th November 2025. It'll retail at $29.99 (USD). ISBN 9798888776346.

The Mushishi manga was originally published in English by Del Rey between 2007 and 2010. The manga has long been out of print and as a result became desirable for manga collecting fans. This in turn inflated the price, with a complete collection of the manga being listed for over $1,000 for the whole 10 volume set. It often featured in top 10 lists of most expensive out of print manga titles. Although physical copies of the manga were unavailable, you can still purchase digital editions legally from eBook stores such as Amazon's Kindle store.

There's also a truly excellent anime adaptation (which in turn created interest for the manga), which is currently on Crunchyroll.

It's set in old world Japan, some time between the Edo and Meiji periods, in a world where mushi fungal like spirits manifest with supernatural powers. Sometimes they can curse those who encounter them, other times they can benefit them. The story follows the adventures of Ginko, a travelling Mushi master (almost like a medicine man), who will go from village to village and help the locals or investigate issues around mushi. It's a laid back series, with some horror elements in (especially for those who don't take Ginko's advice). It's a thoroughly enjoyable series and worth your time.

You can pre-order the manga from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk or at any other good book seller.

Demon Slayer in Concert at Barbican London

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Date: 2025 March 02 17:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Trinity CineAsia have just sent us details about the digital release of Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram in the UK and Ireland from Monday 3rd March 2025.

The movie will be available on digital platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Microsoft Films, and Sky Store.

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.

Hirayasumi Volume 1

Date: 2025 February 24 20:37 | Posted By: Joe

After developing an unlikely friendship with the grouchy old woman who lives in his neighborhood, Hiroto suddenly finds himself inheriting not just her house but some rather difficult emotions as well. His 18-year-old cousin, Natsumi, moves in with him, but as a struggling art student, she has her own troubles to deal with and may just put Hiroto's easygoing lifestyle to the test.

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

The First Slam Dunk Movie UK Home Video Release Details

Date: 2025 February 17 20:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have just announced the UK home video release details for The First Slam Dunk. The first movie adaptation of the hugely successful basketball manga, is a stand alone movie and is great for fans of the franchise or new comers too. We really enjoyed it and it took us by surprise how good it was even though we're not fans of basketball, it was truly gripping.

The film gets its home video release on 4K UHD + Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD from 24th March 2025. There's also a Zavvi-exclusive Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray Steelbook.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

The Revenge of My Youth: Re Life With an Angelic Girl Volume 1

Date: 2025 February 08 12:08 | Posted By: Joe

Shin'ichiro Niihama works at a job he hates, for a company with no morals, under a boss who detests him. After years of corporate abuse, one day he collapses. He wakes, only to find - he's returned to his high school self! Reunited with his once lost mother, Shin'ichiro realises he's leapt back in time. Given a second chance at high school, he vows to do things right this time. Most importantly, he must get close to the girl he always wished he knew better, Haruka Shijoin, to prevent the tragedy that awaits her!

MCM Comic Con London Announces Anime Voice Actors for May 2025

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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