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Interview with Eunyoung Choi, producer and co-founder at Science SARU about Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

Date: 2020 January 17 07:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We're currently really enjoying anime studio Science SARU's latest show Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!. It's a delightful series that really captures of the passion, joy and excitement of being anime fan. Not only that, but it enthusiastically explains what makes certain anime titles so great.

Along the for the imaginative ride it takes us on we were keen to find out more. The good folks at anime streaming service Crunchyroll helped us by sending us an interview with Eunyoung Choi who is producer and co-founder of Science SARU. They've even let us publish the interview ahead of their news letter.

Weathering With You - Makoto Shinkai's Latest Movie - Review

Date: 2020 January 07 20:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Makoto Shinkai's latest cinematic offering Weathering With You is about to hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Friday 17th January 2020. We were lucky enough to catch the movie beforehand at a special press screening. Want to know if it's any good? Then why not read our review?

You can find a screening near you by visiting weatheringwithyoufilm.co.uk.
You can also catch a special double bill screening of Your Name and Weathering With You at selected cinemas on Wednesday 15th January 2020.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

KitKat Chocolatory - Japanese Style KitKats Arrive in the UK

Date: 2020 January 01 20:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

While wandering around John Lewis we discovered KitKat Chocolatory. Apparently there had been a pop up shop earlier where you can make your own KitKats. Having experienced the premium KitKat Chocolatory before in Tokyo, we wanted to see how the UK version weighs up.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The Japan Foundation - Touring Film Programme 2020 Screening Details

Date: 2019 December 27 19:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK Fans of Japanese are in for a great treat. The Japan Foundation have just revealed the line up for their Touring Film Programme 2020. The theme for this year is Happiness is A State of Mind: Joy and Despair in Japanese Cinema. Films will be screened all around the UK from 31st January to 29th March 2020.

There's plenty of excellent films to choose from too:

My Love Story!!
Our Meal for Tomorrow
Her Sketchbook
A Banana? At This Time of Night?
Organ
The Actor
Little Nights, Little Love
Jesus
Another World
Bento Harassment
My Dad is a Heel Wrestler
Lying to Mom
Shadowfall
And Your Bird Can Sing
Sea of Revival
The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps
Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler
Ten Dark Women
I Go Gaga, My Dear
Ride Your Wave

Anime fans will be interested in Ride Your Wave from director Masaaki Yuasa (Lu Over The Wall, Night is Short, Walk on Girl and DEVILMAN crybaby). It's a tale of romance with a twist.

If you've caught the anime of Kakegurui on Netflix you're sure you be interested in the live action version which will be screening at the festival.

If you've seen the anime or read the manga of My Love Story!! You can also catch the live action version. Takeo looks like his jumped directly out of the anime/manga version!

To find a screening near you visit https://www.jpf-film.org.uk for more details.

One Piece Stampede UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2019 December 19 21:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

2019 isn't over yet, but Manga Entertainment UK have started to look forward to 2020 and revealed that they'll be releasing the One Piece Stampede Movie in cinemas around the UK on Sunday 2nd February 2020. The screenings of the latest One Piece cinema outing will be at select cinemas for one day only, both subbed and dubbed.

To find out more and to register your interest on the booking site visit onepiecefilm.co.uk.

Crunchyroll Reveals UK Anime Fans Shun Cosplay in Favour of Books and Boardgames

Date: 2019 December 11 21:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime streaming service Crunchyroll have sent us an interesting press release. They highlight that most UK anime fans would rather read a good book than cosplay. Surveying their premium UK members (who pay for the service to remove ads and get earlier access to titles) they discovered that less 7% are into cosplaying. In comparison 10% write or read fan fiction!

We could speculate as to why this is. Could it be that cosplayers would rather spend their disposable income on cosplaying? Instead using the free access areas of Crunchyroll? Does it reflect fandom in general, are less than 7% of anime fans involved in creating cosplay?

Your Name and Weathering With You - Double Bill Feature UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2019 November 29 23:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Anime Limited have just announced they'll be some special double bill screenings of Your Name and Weathering with You.

Your Name is Makoto Shinkai's smash hit movie is a must to see on the big screen, while his latest film Weathering with You is on the path to prove just as successful.

As a special treat on Wednesday 15th January 2020 you can the double screening around the UK. They'll first show Your Name, then after a short interval you'll get to see Weathering with You. We've seen both films and can confirm you really must see them on the big screen for maximum enjoyment.

They'll be screenings all around the UK. So we suggest you book now to avoid disappointment.

You can also catch Weathering With You by itself from Friday 17th January 2020.

Manga Entertainment UK Additional Q1 2020 DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2019 November 22 21:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distribution company Manga Entertainment UK have just revealed even more releases for 2020. This includes the fan favourite I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. Which isn't a zombie movie, but a story about terminal illness. We're excited about this title as it's won the coveted audience award at Scotland Loves Anime. It's due out on 27th January 2020.

They'll also be releasing some Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, One Punch Man (episodes 1-12 + OVAs), along with Black Clover Season Two Part One and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

An Interview with Anime Directors Shinichiro Watanabe and Motonobu Hori

Date: 2019 November 09 17:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

MCM Comic Con London and Anime Limited frequently team up to bring great guests to the event. MCM Comic Con London October 2019 was no exception, with not one, but two guests of honour - anime directors Shinichiro Watanabe (best known for Cowboy Bebop) and Motonobu Hori a rising star in the anime industry.

We caught up with the two directors at MCM Comic Con London to talk about their latest project the fanatic Carole & Tuesday.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Jonathan Ross on Anime, Manga and Japanese Toys

Date: 2019 November 06 21:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The geek event that was MCM Comic Con London October 2019 has ended. One of of the anime highlights was Jonathan Ross introducing two anime shows for Crunchyroll.

During the event, he revealed that he got mistaken for a cosplayer at San Diego Comic-con. He also admitted he enjoyed anime with yokai eating, erm certain parts of people (we'll leave the rest to your imagination).

The good folks from anime streaming service Crunchyroll interviewed Jonathan Ross and he shared his love of anime and Japanese toy lines.

Kiki's Delivery Service 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition UK Release Details

Date: 2019 November 05 21:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK fans of Hayao Miyazaki's delightful classic witch movie Kiki's Delivery Service will be very interested to hear news about the special Kiki's Delivery Service 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition. Released by Studio Canal.

It's due out on Monday 16th December 2019.

The collectors edition includes:

The DVD and Blu-ray Doubleplay edition of the film.

The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service book.

Plus tons of extra goodies:

- Exclusive oversized 8.5' x 11.75' art cards.
- Exclusive 23.5' x 32.5' poster featuring original Japanese theatrical artwork from 1989
- Exclusive premium cotton Jiji tea towel. Yes, this isn't a typo, it's a very British extra for the UK edition.
- Exclusive recipe card set (of what recipes? We don't know).
- Exclusive embroidered sew on patch featuring the anniversary logo

The set comes packed in a oversized rigid box, with brand new exclusive artwork.
They'll be limited to 1,000 units and holographically numbered

The double play DVD and blu-ray set have already been released in the past, as has the artbook, but they haven't all been bundled as a set before this way. This set is just out in time for Christmas and is an Amazon UK Exclusive. It's priced at £75.

Alternatively you can get the DVD and Blu-ray double play edition for £14.00 Just the DVD for £11. The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service Hardcover artbook is available by itself for £25. So you could have the core content for £39, but without the lavish extras and tea-towel. It's worth it for the the tea-towel by itself to be honest.

We've also just covered news that the original book of Kiki's Delivery service is going to re-released in 2020.

Manga Entertainment UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details for Q1 2020

Date: 2019 November 01 21:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distributors Manga Entertainment UK have revealed their release schedule for the first quarter of 2020.

Key titles include the epic head banging zombie idol show Zombie Land Saga, which is due out 13th January 2020. SSSS.Gridman which is for release on 3rd February 2020. While on 30th March 2020 The popular isekai anime The Rising of the Shield Hero season 1 part 1 is out.

Channel 4 UK To Stream Over 100 Hours of Anime Online on All4

Date: 2019 October 25 18:58 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced 100 hours of anime content will stream on their UK/ROI catchup service, All 4, from Friday the 25th of October 2019. 10 shows will premiere on launch day with another 4 to join the lineup at a later date.

Titles available now include smash hit anime Cowboy Bebop, kawaii CLAMP classic Cardcaptor Sakura and fantasy Inuyasha. They've also got a nice mix of titles in their line up including Tokyo Ghoul, The Dragon Dentist, Megalo Box, The Vision of Escaflowne and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. Plus Charlotte and Durarara!!

Jonathan Ross to Host Crunchyroll Anime Premiere at MCM Comic Con London

Date: 2019 October 21 20:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's geek super event MCM Comic Con London this weekend. Anime streaming service Crunchyroll have just revealed that Jonathan Ross will host the UK Premiere of brand new anime at MCM Comic Con London. The premiere is for two anime titles - In/Spectre and Somali and the Forest Spirit.

The screening will be at the Main Stage, Friday 25 October 2019 from 5pm to 7pm.

It's well known that Jonathan Ross is an anime fan. He's made a few shows about manga and going to Japan. Plus he commissioned creepy-artist artist Junko Mizuno to create the logo for his production company Hotsauce TV.

The Garden of Words the Stage Play by The Whole Hog Theatre Company

Date: 2019 October 14 21:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based Theatre Company Whole Hog Theatre have just revealed details of their latest production The Garden of Words. Based on the anime of the same name by director Makoto Shinkai. The play will be performed in London at Park Theatre from 15th July to 15th August 2020.

It will also be performed in Tokyo with Japanese Animation stage production specialists, Nelke Planning (Sailor Moon stage production).

Curiously the performance promises to be an interdisciplinary adaptation visually emotive story using puppetry, movement and projection art. Performed in English with occasional Japanese. The Whole Hog Theatre Company are not new to anime adaptations, having performed Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke on stage. While Princess Mononoke naturally lends itself to puppetry, The Garden of Words could have been done as conventional play. So we're very interested to see what Whole Hog have up their sleeves.

Anime and manga being adapted for the stage seems to be an on going trend in the west, with Kiki's Delivery Service being adapted by Southwark Playhouse and Urasawa's Pluto getting a performance at London's Barbican.

While popular franchises are frequently adapted for the stage in Japan by theatre companies such as Nelke Planning.

We're excited to see what Whole Hog do and suggest you book tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

Promare UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2019 October 12 19:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based fans of Studio Trigger are in for a treat. Anime Distributors Anime Limited have just announced they've acquired the rights to Promare.

Studio Trigger are responsible for TV series Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia, director Hiroyuki Imaishi was also behind GAINAX's Gurren Lagann. Promare marks the studio's first theatrical outing.

On Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th November 2019 there will be screenings at select cinemas around the UK and Ireland.

If you're lucky enough to be in Scotland and and get to the Glasgow Film Theatre on Sunday 13th October 2019, you can get to the UK premiere! There will also be a Promare Special Events Screening at Edinburgh on Saturday 19th October 2019, with major creative talent behind this film. Plus there's also a screening at the Edinburgh Filmhouse on Monday 21st October 2019.

Directors Shinichiro Watanabe and Motonobu Hori to Attend MCM Comic Con London as Anime Guests of Honour

Date: 2019 October 11 20:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's October. Which means it's almost time for MCM Comic Con London. The massive geek event is set to to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2019 at the ExCel Centre in London.

They've just announced two very special anime guests of honour. First up we have Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for the major anime series Cowboy Bebop, but he's also done some other great shows including Terror in Resonance, Samurai Champloo, along with Kids on the Slope. You can also see his latest show Carole & Tuesday on Netflix. Shinichiro Watanabe is credited as the supervising director / chief director of the show.,

Guest number two is Motonobu Hori who is the director of Carole & Tuesday. The show marks his directorial debut, while he's worked on n key animation, animation direction and storyboards for a wealth of anime, including Napping Princess, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc, and episodes of Psycho-Pass in the past.

Both guests will be hosting an Anime Guest of Honour panel at the Centre Stage on Saturday, 26th October from 11:15AM, and will also be attending free signing sessions on both Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October from 14:30-15:30.

As always we're very excited about this as it's a great chance to see some top talent from the anime industry. We look forward to find out what insights from anime production they'll reveal at this panel.

gen:LOCK Season 1 UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2019 October 10 20:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Rooster Teeth have sent us a reminder that their latest show gen:LOCK Season 1 will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on Monday 28th October 2019.

The anime style show from the company behind RWBY. This is another action packed CGI animated series with ROBOTS! Yes, Robots, and famous actors such as Michael B. Jordan, Dakota Fanning, Maisie Williams and David Tennant lending their voices to characters.

Last year we interviewed Gray Haddock the writer and director of the series about the show.

gen:LOCK Season 1 is available to pre-order now on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

Hatsune Miku Expo 2020 Europe Tour - London Details

Date: 2019 September 17 20:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of virtual pop idol Hatsune Miku will want to head to the O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday 11th January 2020 for the London leg of the Hatsune Miku Expo 2020 Europe Tour. This will be her second European tour. Miku will start the tour in London then will jet off to Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Tickets for the vocaloid sensation start at £45.00 and go up to £125.00 for VIP. Tickets are on sale now at livenation.co.uk and ticketmaster.co.uk.

Imaginary Solutions - Performance in London This November

Date: 2019 September 15 19:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London based culture vultures will be interested to hear about Imaginary Solutions. It's an upcoming collaboration between the Tokyo-based Butoh dancer/martial artist Takahiro Tomatsu, and the acclaimed London-based experimental music ensemble ARCO, led by composer performer Neil Luck. The performance is set to run on Friday 15th November 2019 at The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury. Tickets are £8 or 6 for concessions.

The performance is an official event of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2020.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2019

Date: 2019 September 07 11:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Fans of anime who can get to Cardiff or Aberystwyth are in for a treat as the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Film Festival returns for it's 2019 run. As you'd expect they've got a great line up of films, plus other events including an Anime-Themed Disco, a Masterclass with stop motion animators Takeshi Yashiro & Satoshi Akutsu.

Movie wise they've got some great titles that are worthy to catch on the big screen including Birthday Wonderland, Penguin Highway and A Silent Voice. They'll also be showing Tamako Love Story as a nod to KyoAni and their recent tragedy.

The festival is set to run in Cardiff at Chapter from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October 2019 and at Aberystwyth Arts Centre Saturday 19th to 20th October 2019.

Carole & Tuesday Now on Netflix

Date: 2019 August 31 14:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

If you like your anime with a musical twist, you can't go wrong to catch Carole & Tuesday on Netflix. From Bones and Shinichiro Watanabe it charts the story of two girls brought together by chance to make music. Watanabe is the supervising director for this show, while Motonobu Hori is also directing.

Music is a constant recurring theme for Watanabe, with the sound track dominating he shows such as Cowboy Bebop, while he's also been responsible for Kids on the Slope anime about two boys coming of age and exploring jazz together.

The 12 episode Carole & Tuesday is out now on Netflix dubbed into English, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Castilian Spanish. It's available subbed in many languages too, including English. So yes, you can watch it in the original Japanese and one of 28 different languages.

Catch it now!

The studio are also lunching a fanart contest. First prize is 100,000 Japanese Yen Prize money!

An Interview with Anime Director Yuichiro Hayashi

Date: 2019 August 23 19:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime Limited and MCM Comic Con London always team up and bring great anime guests to the event. May 2019 was no different with anime director Yuichiro Hayashi appearing as Anime Guest of Honour. Best known for his recent work as the director of gambling school anime Kakegurui he has also the director of GARO the Animation. He's also be involved in 2012 CGI anime production of 009 Re:Cyborg.

We caught up with Yuichiro Hayashi at MCM Comic Con London May 2019 to hear what he had to say about Kakegurui and the anime industry.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The Benza - A Comedy about a Quest for a Toilet Seat

Date: 2019 August 15 19:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Not all quests are epic. Which is why we've been sent details about Chris and Kyle, two Americans who share an apartment in Tokyo. One day their toilet seat broke, which leads onto their adventures to find a suitable replacement. The trouble starts when they realise they don't know the Japanese word for toilet seat! Want to know more? Then you can find out by watching The Benza a 6 series comedy on Amazon Prime currently streaming in the US, UK, Germany and Japan.

Made on a budget of 2,000,000 yen (about 18,840 USD) the show explores what it's like to go hunting for a toilet seat in Japan.

Anime Film Festival in London September 2019

Date: 2019 August 12 20:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans in London looking for a day of films can't wrong by heading over to the first The Anime Film Festival. It's set to run on Saturday 7th September at Picturehouse Central in London's West End. They've got a sterling line up of films that should all really be enjoyed on the big screen.

All films will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles.

They'll be showing the following:

Mirai (PG): 2.20pm
Penguin Highway (12): 4.30pm
your name. (12): 7.00pm
Redline (15): 9.15pm

They're all good films so it really depends what you're after.
If you haven't caught Your Name on a cinema screen yet, now is your chance. We've also got a soft spot for the fantastic Mirai. While Penguin Highway offers an eccentric and unexpected adventure (with penguins of course). Redline on the other hand just offers sheer intense action! So take your pick!

You can get tickets for individual films, double bills or whole line up.

AmeCon returns in August 2020 with AmeChibi

Date: 2019 August 06 20:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime fans looking for a nice little convention to attend in the summer of 2020 are in luck. The good folks at AmeCon have announced that they'll be running AmeChibi at Northampton Park Inn on Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August 2020. It's called AmeChibi as it's smaller than their usual university campus events, running in a hotel instead. This means it'll have a different more cosy atmosphere than the larger events.

Registration for AmeChibi 2020 will open on Tuesday 1st October 2019. Pricing details have yet to be revealed.

The last smaller format AmeChibli was held in 2015 and registration sold out in 6 hours. So we advise you to book early on Tuesday 1st October 2019 if you're keen to go.

Souce: AmeCon

Manga Entertainment UK Autumn and Winter 2019 Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2019 August 04 22:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from anime distributors Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us their latest UK DVD and blu-ray release line up for autumn and winter 2019.

They've got a good selection of shonen titles available including more Black Clover, Naruto Shippuden, Boruto, along with Dragon Ball Super.

They'll also be releasing the first parts of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and Goblin Slayer Season One. The former is a story about an average salaryman who dies and gets reincarnated as a blob of slime (as one does). While Goblin slayer is set in your regular D&D type world about a hero called Goblin slayer, who takes on the task of killing goblin infestations before they become more troublesome, fan service and violence ensue.

Interestingly enough they've also branched out into some Cartoon Network titles, they'll be releasing Adventure Time as Individual Complete First to Fifth Seasons, along with a 1 to 5 collection on DVD an blu-ray. Steven Universe Seasons 1 & 2 will also be released. Samurai Jack The Complete Series (Seasons 1-5) is due to hit shelves on 2nd December and includes the long awaited 5 season. We must admit we've got a soft spot for these titles. Sure they're not anime, but they're very well done and a pleasure to watch.

Manga Symposium in London August 2019

Date: 2019 August 02 20:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga fans in London looking for an academic taste into the world of manga will be very pleased to hear about the Manga Symposium: What is Manga? Exploring Japanese Manga and Visual Narratives. The day long event gathers a range of manga academics at The British Library, Knowledge Centre Theatre. It's set to run on Friday 23rd August 2019 from 10:00 to 17:30.

Tickets cost £15 for adults or £8 for students under 18s and other concessions. We can think of nothing better than spending a learning about manga. Visit https://www.bl.uk/events/manga-symposium to book tickets.

Anime's Human Machines London Barbican Screening Details

Date: 2019 August 01 21:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans in London are in for a treat. The Barbican have got anime expert Helen McCarthy to curate a season of anime screenings. Anime's Human Machines is set to run from Thursday 12th to Monday 30th September 2019.

Each screening will have a special introduction by Helen McCarthy. They've also got super mecha designer Shôji Kawamori. Anime fans will best know him for his mecha designs in Macross. He also co-directed Macross Plus. Other famous designs include a series of Dicalone toys for Japanese toy company Takara. This was a collection of transforming robots. Hasbro licensed these toys and rebranded them as Transformers. Mr Kawamori designed a certain truck called Convoy who was rebranded as Optimus Prime!

Shôji Kawamori will be introducing the Ghost in the Shell Movie (the 1995 animated version), at the Barbican on Wednesday 18th September 2019 at 20:45. Kawamori did some of the mechanical design for this film too!

This season has a whole host of awesome films that are all really worth watching on the big screen (Helen's spoilt us for choice). We suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

They'll also be showing the mind bending Paprika, Patlabor the Movie, Mamoru Hosoda's Summer Wars, plus a few other awesome films.

Not content with just films, they've got a couple of drawing workshops too!

AmeCon - Live Stream for Next AmeCon Event Details

Date: 2019 August 01 18:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based anime fans looking for a convention to go to will be pleased to hear that AmeCon will be announcing details of their next event. On Saturday 3rd August 2019 they'll have a livestream at 8:30pm along with a Q&A.

From what we can gather, they'll be announcing when and where the next AmeCon will be, along with when it opens for registration.

To be the first to find out tune in on either Facebook or YouTube.

You can also submit questions to them in advance via Facebook or @AmeCon on Twitter.

AmeCon is one of the UK's largest Japanese animation, comics and culture conventions. It's run by fans for fans.

Souce: AmeCon

Tragedy at Kyoto Animation

Date: 2019 July 19 22:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

On Thursday 18th of July at 10:30am tragedy struck Kyoto Animation. An arsonist started an explosive fire. The resulting fire killed 33 people and injured 35 others, with most of the victims dying from carbon monoxide posing as a result of the fire. This attack is the deadliest in post war Japan, killing more people than the 1995 sarin nerve gas attacks on the Tokyo Subway system.

Kyoto Animation is affectionately abbreviated to KyoAni. They've produced many hit anime titles including The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, K-On, Full Metal Panic, Free!, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid and Violet Evergarden. They've had success with movie adaptations of various series plus have created popular movies such as A Silent Voice.

KyoAni are renowned for their animation quality and for producing memorable titles with a gentle charm to them. They are a studio with a special relationship with their staff, the staff hired as salaried employees and not paid by frame like some other animation houses.

There's been an outpouring of grief and support from fans all around the world.

US distributors Sentai and Aniplex have both set up crowd funding campaigns help.

You can read more about this story on:

Souce: NHK World

Our Road to Recovery: An Anime Studio in Fukushima - Talk at Japan House London

Date: 2019 June 27 19:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Japan House London have been hosting a lot of great events for anime and manga fans recently. Continuing with this trend they'll be hosting Our Road to Recovery: An Anime Studio in Fukushima. The talk is by Asao Yoshinori of Gaina (formally called Fukushima Gainax). The talk is set on run on Tuesday 2 July 2019 and has two sessions the first at 15:30 to 17:10 and the second at 18:30 to 20:00 (which is followed by a drinks reception).

In this event, Asao Yoshinori explores the role that animation has played in the recovery and revitalisation of Fukushima and introduces a screening of two of his studio's representative works that have been specially subtitled in English for this event at Japan House.

The event is free to attend, booking is required.

Okko's Inn UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2019 June 26 20:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime company Manga Entertainment UK have announced that Okko's Inn will be screened in select cinemas around the UK.

The film is directed by Kitaro Kosaka of anime studio Madhouse. The fantasy follows the adventures of Okko a girl who after losing her parents in a car accident moves in with her grandmother in the countryside. Okko's grandmother runs a traditional Japanese inn. Okko then discovers that the inn is inhabited by spirits only she can see.

The film is pitched as having storybook charm. It'll hit cinemas around the UK at select cinemas on Sunday 14th July 2019.

If you can make it to screening near you ticket holders will also receive a free, exclusive postcard featuring character artwork - available on a first come, first served basis while stocks last.

This is Manga - The Art of Urasawa Naoki

Date: 2019 June 10 21:00 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Anime

In the window of Japan House in Kensington, a standee of a schoolboy with a baseball cap and backpack beckons. "Hey! Come look at this!" a speech bubble by his head says, inviting you to join him and his two friends inside. The characters have been drawn in the distinctive style of legendary mangaka Urasawa Naoki, and their invitation is for THIS IS MANGA - THE ART OF URASAWA NAOKI, which is open to the public until 28 July 2019.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

An Interview with Urasawa Naoki a Master of Manga

Date: 2019 June 09 21:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Japan House London are currently hosting a manga exhibition of Urasawa Naoki's work. His manga is hugely popular with his books having sold over 127 million copies in Japan alone. He's responsible for manga including Monster, 20th Century Boys, Pluto (the re-imagining of Tezuka's Astroboy).

Urasawa himself was in London to set up the exhibition and also was a guest at events run by Japan House, such as QAs and a few live drawing sessions. Urasawa's live drawing performances aren't like anything else we've seen before. The multi award winning manga artist is also a singer/song writer who has released two albums and performed songs that have gone on to be on the live action versions of some of his manga. His live performance at Japan House started with him singing and playing one of his songs on guitar, then he activated his loop pedal so the guitar tune continues and walks over to a drawing desk and draws for everyone to see on a projected screen. Once he finished drawing he returned to his guitar to finish the song!

We caught up with the manga master at Japan House London to hear what he had to say about the exhibition.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga Entertainment UK Summer Release Schedule 2019

Date: 2019 June 09 19:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK (which is now a subsidiary of Funimation) have just sent us their summer line up.

They've got the enjoyable Steins;Gate 0 Part 1 combi set due out on Monday 29th July. While Steins;Gate 0 Part 2 is due out on Monday 2nd September 2019.

For shonen fans they've got Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Set One (Episodes 1-13) due out Monday 5th August 2019.

If you fancy something a darker and grisly they've also got Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1 due out on Monday 12th August 2019. The limited edition Blu-ray set 2-panel digibook with 24 pages of art, plus space in the box for part 2. You can also get it on regular edition DVD.

We've also posted about Manga's June / July line up in the past.

Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Give-Away with Crunchyroll

Date: 2019 June 04 21:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've teamed up with the good folks from on-line streaming service Crunchyroll to offer some Jojo's Bizarre Adventure goodies and 1 month premium subscription to the streaming service for our UK readers. Read on if you're interested.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga Exhibition at The British Museum a Review

Date: 2019 June 03 21:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The British Museum have just opened the largest Manga Exhibition outside of Japan. Naturally being keen manga fans we were curious. What was it all about? Was it any good? We were invited by The British Museum to check out the new exhibition and find out for ourselves.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Funimation Acquires UK Anime Distributor Manga Entertainment Limited

Date: 2019 May 29 21:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from anime distributors Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us some interesting news. They've been acquired by anime distributor Funimation. The details of the acquisition have not been revealed.

It's not exactly clear at this stage what will happen to Manga Entertainment UK in the long term. They're strong anime brand in the UK releasing popular shonen titles including Dragon Ball Z, Bleach and Naruto. They frequently have a big presence at events like MCM Comic Con London. They've always been around in one form or another on the UK anime scene. Clearly the executives at Funimation have a plan for Manga Entertainment UK, but at this stage it's not clear what it'll be. Will they slowly be rebranded and absorbed into Funimation? Or will they remain a subsidiary? Only time will tell.

Manga Entertainment UK June and July 2019 DVD and Blu-ray UK Release Details

Date: 2019 May 10 19:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks over at anime distributor Manga Entertainment UK have just revealed their DVD and Blu-ray UK release schedule for June and July 2019.

We've also got My Hero Academia Season 1 out on Monday 27th May 2019.

Monday 1st of July 2019:

Monday 15th July 2019:

Naruto Shippuden Box 37

Monday 22nd July 2019:

There's a little something for everyone. If you're after some classic shonen super hero action, then of course it's got to be My Hero Academia. If you're after something Isekai why not escape into the other world that is Overlord II?
You want a secret British organisation fighting civilians with the help of overpowered vampire with a handgun?! Why Hellsing Ultimate is for you.

Manga UK's MCM London Fundraiser

Date: 2019 May 08 20:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK are getting ready for the May run on MCM Comic Con London. So to get things moving they've set up a fundraiser for the event. This time around they'll be supporting Mermaids the charity that supports gender variant and transgender children, young people and their families.

If you'd like to help you can buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a nice selection of Dragon Ball Super / Dragon Ball Z goodies.

Director Yuichiro Hayashi to be Anime Limited's MCM London Guest of Honour

Date: 2019 May 03 21:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's May which means it's almost time for the first MCM Comic Con London of 2019! As is tradition, they've got an anime guest of honour lined up to share great insights about the anime industry. For May 2019 anime director Yuichiro Hayashi will be Anime Limited's guest of honour. The director is best known for GARO the Animation and Kakegurui. He's also be involved in 2012 CGI anime production of 009 Re:Cyborg.

Yuichiro Hayashi will be taking to the Centre Stage on Saturday of MCM Comic Con London to discuss his roles as series director, storyboard artist and episode director over the years, among his involvement in major anime productions.

Anime Limited will also be running panels on the Friday and Sunday. No doubt they'll reveal some interesting information about up coming licenses. We're very excited as they've always got something interesting up their sleeve.

Kakegurui is currently showing on Netflix, so you can catch the series before catching the director in person.

MCM Comic Con London is set to run at the London ExCel Centre from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2019.

The Ancient Magus' Bride - Season 1 Part 2 UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2019 April 19 13:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK anime fans eager to see the second part of The Ancient Magus Bride will be pleased to hear that Manga Entertainment UK have announced a release date of 3rd June 2019 for the UK and Ireland.

You can read our review of part 1 (we really enjoyed it). You can also pre-order The Ancient Magus Bride Season 1 Part 2 on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

Part two continues the adventures of Chise and Elias with more dark fairy tail / folklore magic along with a revelation about about Joseph / Cartaphilus. If you enjoyed part one, you will enjoy part two as well!

WIRED in Conversation with Urasawa Naoki in London June 2019

Date: 2019 April 13 11:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London manga fans are in for a massive treat this June as Japan House London will be hosting WIRED in Conversation with Urasawa Naoki. The event is set to run on Wednesday 5th June 2019 from 18:30 to 21:30. The talk is ticketed and costs £10. We strongly advise you to book early to avoid disappointment.

Urasawa is known for many excellent manga works including Yawara!, Monster, Pluto and 20th Century Boys. We've already booked tickets to this event and we know a lot of our other readers are very excited about this. It's rare for manga artists to give talks in the UK and it's exceptional that an artist like Urasawa Naoki will be running a live drawing session and explaining his thought process.

Japan House London will also be hosting This is Manga - the Art of Urasawa Naoki from 5th June to 28th July 2019. This exhibit is free introduces Urasawa's ideas from inception through development, with more than 400 original drawings and storyboards on display. Japan House recently ran this exhibit in the US at Japan House Los Angeles.

One-Punch Man Season 2 Now Streaming on Crunchyroll

Date: 2019 April 10 20:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime streaming service Crunchyroll have just sent us a reminder that One-Punch Man Season 2 is now out for streaming for viewers in the UK. Helpfully they've also got a A Super Serious Look Back! episode helping you recap season 1 so you can then jump straight into season 2.

The anime based on the successful manga follows the adventures of Saitama a guy who became a hero for fun. His intense training regime made him bald, but also made him ridiculously strong! So much so he can defeat any opponent in one punch. As a result Saitama is incredibly bored. The whole series parodies the super hero genre so well, with heroes and villains that seem a bit familiar but also hilarious.

Seven Seas Entertainment March 2019 Release Announcements

Date: 2019 March 19 21:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga Publisher Seven Seas Entertainment have just announced 3 new license acquisitions that'll arrive in shops in the final months of 2019. They've got Dance in the Vampire Bund: A.S.O. Volume 1 which will hit shelves on October 8th 2019. ASO stands for Age of Scarlet Order and continues the adventures of Mina and Akira. They'll also be re-releasing the original Dance in the Vampire Bund manga volumes in digital format in 2019.

If you fancy some fashionable cooking manga with a twist then Gal Gohan could be the title for you. Volume 1 will be out on December 10th 2019 on print and digital.

Finally they'll also be releasing the Kickstater hit ROADQUEEN: Eternal Roadtrip. The manga-style Girls' Love/yuri graphic novel about motorcycles and romance will be released in print and digital on October 8th 2019.

Perfect Blue Ultimate Edition UK Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2019 March 14 20:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have announced that they'll be releasing an Ultimate Edition of Satoshi Kon's psychological thriller Perfect Blue. Anime Limited normally have different grades of releases, for them a collectors edition generally has a nice artbook and maybe a soundtrack, all nicely packaged in a special box of some kind. While to earn the badge of ultimate edition, they generally go a lot further. This release includes a 48 page companion book, the complete storyboard book (which is a huge 384 pages), plus a CD soundtrack. Both books are A4 size which means the box will also be A4 size.

They've also included a new remaster of Perfect Blue on blu-ray. Anime Limited say "this Blu-ray is different as it's a brand new remaster of the film! This remaster - which you won't have seen in any cinema or other home video release before - improves on the overall visual quality of the film, giving you a new viewing experience that really show off its direction and composition as is befitting of such an important film."

The release is due out on Monday 29th April 2019.

The set retails for £99.99, but is exclusive to Anime Limited and Zavvi who both have it pre-order for £89.99.

Pre-order from Zavvi.com
Pre-order from Anime Limited

If you're curious about this amazing classic you can read our review of the 2017 cinema screening too.

Souce: Anime Limited

Mamoru Hosoda's Mirai UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2019 February 26 21:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK based fans of Mamoru Hosoda's latest hit movie Mirai will be pleased to hear that Anime Limited have made the title available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. The Oscar nominated movie will be available from Monday May 27th 2019. The film follows the domestic life of 4 year old Kun and the upheaval that occurs when his little sister Mirai arrives, as a new born baby and then as a time traveller from the future!

It'll be released as a special Collectors Edition Combi, Standard Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD.

If did get a chance to catch the movie when it was in the cinemas last year, then now's your chance get it on DVD or Blu-ray. We really enjoyed Mirai and think it's an excellent family film. It's a rare joyful movie that has plenty of rewatch value. We've said it's an instant classic, and we'll say it again. If you want to know more then why not read our review of Mirai?

Souce: Anime Limited

Manga Jiman 2018 Competition Results

Date: 2019 February 25 21:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Since 2007 the Japanese Embassy in the UK have been running an annual competition Manga Jiman where you get to demonstrate your skills as a manga artist. The Embassy always takes the competition seriously hosting an excellent awards ceremony and offering generous prizes in conjunction with their sponsors such as return flights to Japan, laptops and digital cameras. 2018 was no different and as always the quality of entrants is high.

Last week at the Japanese Embassy in London they announced the winners. Elizabeth Garwood took first place with A.R.C - 01, Aamir Zaheer won second place with his entry Genie's New Lamp and third place was award to Karen Jiyun Sung with New Home.

You can see all the winners at the Japanese Embassy in the UK in London until Thursday 28th March 2019. It's Open weekdays 09:30 - 17:30, closed weekends. Entry is free, but photo ID is necessary to gain access to the embassy. If you're in London and have the time to pop in it's worth checking out the artwork to see the current crop of up and coming UK based manga artists.

An Interview with Studio Khara's Hibiki Yoshizaki

Date: 2019 February 19 22:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

MCM Comic Con London and Anime Limited always team up to bring excellent guests to the twice yearly London geek event. The October 2018 event was no exception where they invited anime director Hibiki Yoshizaki to be the anime guest of honour. You may have seen his work at Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (aka Evangelion Q), where he directed the Sakura Nagashi music video (we've also interviewed Paul Cater it's composer). He's also responsible for the rather bouncy music video ME! ME! ME! with Teddyloid and DAOKO.

We were very eager to interview Mr Yoshizaki about his career and he did not disappoint. So read on to find out more.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Dragon Ball Super: Broly Breaks £1M Box Office

Date: 2019 February 18 21:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just announced that their latest cinema offering Dragon Ball Super: Broly has broken the £1 million box office mark. This significant milestone means that only Spirited Away has achieved a greater UK box office.

You can still catch the movie in a cinemas around the UK or you could pre-order it on DVD or Blu-ray.

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