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London MCM Expo October 2009 Tickets now on sale

Date: 2009 August 09 13:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers who can get to London this October will be interested in the London MCM Expo on the 24th to 25th October 2009. Tickets are now on sale.

As attendance to this even it well over 30,000 people we doubt they will sell out. However we do strongly advise in spending a little bit extra for their Early Entry Tickets to save time queuing, you'll be grateful on the day!

Souce: London MCM Expo

AyaCon 2009 announce two more guests

Date: 2009 July 26 13:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at UK convention AyaCon 2009 have sent us more details about their guest line up. They've added Matthew Mercer voice actor, script writer, and independent film maker along with JoEllen Elam costume designer and makeup artist. This makes for a great variety of guests.

Grand International Cosplay Ball 2009

Date: 2009 July 26 11:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent the details for the Grand International Cosplay Ball 2009. It's based in London, it's set for November 29th.

Fans of cosplay will remember that the ball also ran successfully last year, which even included coverage from the BBC.

British fans of Manba

Date: 2009 July 04 07:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

BBC News have discovered the Manba scene in the UK. The article titled Japan's fashion rebellion goes West, features two fans of the Japanese fashion, along with a video of them Para-para dancing and a separate video interview.

"British teenagers like 18-year-olds Eilish and Declan got caught up in manba after an interest in Japanese culture led them to start researching on the internet, where they came across the style."

They've discovered how to apply the make-up by watching videos on YouTube, and use Japanese social networking site Mixi to keep up with Japanese people who are also into manba fashion. The article also mentions they meet up with other mamba fans in London's Chinatown.

Souce: BBC News

Momoi Haruko at Aya Revolution 2009

Date: 2009 June 04 16:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just received some exciting information about UK anime convention Ayacon 2009's first guest. It's Halko Momoi, renowned singer and voice actress! You may have heard her voice on Nurse Witch Komugi-chan, Ai Yori Aoshi, and Seto No Hanayome.

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond July 2009

Date: 2009 May 31 10:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK readers who are able to get to Richmond in Surrey, should keep the weekend of the11th and 12th July 2009 free. As they'll be a Japanese Art Festival at Richmond Adult Community College. Entry to the event is free. They'll be stuff to do for anime and manga fans, long with people with an interest in Japanese culture.

They're also looking for gophers, so please do get in touch with them if you can help out.

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

Cosplayers Wanted - Storm Trooper Escort Provided

Date: 2009 May 06 17:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you a cosplayer? Are you free on Saturday 16th May 2009 and able to get to London? The people behind the London MCM Expo are looking for 10 cosplayers. They want you to help with publicity for the Expo, you'll be protected by a group of Storm Troopers (yes Storm Troopers ^_^).

The mission is a daring raid on Oxford Street. Where you'll be handing out flyers. The cosplayers will be given free passes to the Expo as a way of saying thank you.

Is Mikado Pocky? A Taste Comparison

Date: 2009 April 26 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Cuisine

UK readers might have noticed adverts on TV, for a product called Mikado, which looks strikingly like the favourite otaku snack Pocky.

In this article we'll do a taste comparison and reveal the differences, and answer the question, is Mikado Pocky?

London Expo May 2009 Event Details

Date: 2009 April 20 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans who can get to London on the weekend of the 23rd to the 24th of May 2009, will want to visit the London MCM Expo at the Excel Centre. As always anime is well represented, with many of the UK anime and manga companies having a stall or some sort of presence, along with lots of dealers selling great merchandise. The event is also a huge draw to cosplayers, with many of the attendies in fancy dress!

Like last time, the event also plans to smash its current world record for the amount of video game related cosplay. It's set to be a fun weekend! So keep your calendars free. ^_^

Harajuku Night in London April 2009

Date: 2009 April 16 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some fun next Friday should consider Criminal Records' Harajuku Night.

J-Pop Go March 2009 Event

Date: 2009 March 18 04:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London readers looking for some fun this weekend should take a look at the next J-Pop Go event. It's scheduled for Saturday March 21st 2009. At a new venue for the event, The London Stone.

Harajuku Night in London

Date: 2009 February 22 16:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans looking for something to do on the night of Friday 27th February 2009 should head over to Blag Club, near Ladbroke Grove Tube station. Criminal Records will be hosting a night dedicated to Harajuku.

AyaCon 2009 registrations now open

Date: 2009 February 16 17:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime fans looking for 3 days of fun on Friday 14th to Sunday 16th August 2009, will be pleased to hear that the registration for AyaCon 2009, known as Aya Revolution 09 is now open.

The convention will once again be held at the Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, near Coventry. The AyaCon crew have run many successful conventions before and as a result it proves popular with fandom. Bookings are filling up fast, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Souce: Aya Revolution 09

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond Reminder

Date: 2009 February 10 15:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder to our readers in the UK who can get to Richmond Surrey. They've released more details about the free Japanese Art Festival which starts on midday Saturday 28th February and is set to run until Sunday 1st March 2009.

Guests include anime expert Helen McCarthy, talented artist Sonia Leong and Akemi Solloway who is a lecturer on both traditional and modern Japanese culture.

Orbital Manga London Valentine's Day Event

Date: 2009 February 03 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Otaku couples in London looking for something to do this Valentine's Day (on Saturday February 14th 2009), might want to head over to Orbital Manga. From 2pm they'll have some UK artists drawing cute portraits of you and other half for a fee. They also say don't worry if you're single, as they'll get the artists to draw you with your favourite manga character.

Our question is what if you're not single and you want to be drawn with your favourite character? Well this might make you single afterwards! I guess it depends on what/who you get them to draw.

They'll also be running an art contest as a chance to win prizes.

How to be a Cosplayer

Date: 2008 December 16 15:48 | Posted By: Franki Webb

Category > Fandom

A large runway divides the room. People sit patiently waiting for the stars to strut their stuff. The lights flicker on and the crew members speak with words of comfort to the jittery stars taking centre stage. This is a long way from Paris Fashion Week and the get-ups are far from Milano. As soon as you see a replica Lara Croft swagger down the platform with screaming cheers, your gut instinct is to head for the nearest exit. The outfits that follow only get more absurd; with capes trailing behind and swords that make an audience roar with excitement.

The ascent of manga: Japan's hottest export goes global

Date: 2008 December 04 12:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The Independent are running a great article about the global reach of manga and how it has influenced British artists.

Helen McCarthy, Sweatdrop Studios, Emma Vieceli, Sonia Leong, the Manga Bible and Manga Shakespeare all get a mention in the article.

Souce: The Independent

BBC News Cover Cosplay Ball

Date: 2008 December 04 08:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

BBC News have published a video article about the Grand International Cosplay Ball, held last Sunday (30th November 2008).

It's great to see cosplay getting mainstream press coverage like this.

Souce: BBC News

Cosplay Ball and International Cosplay Day Reminder

Date: 2008 November 24 16:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've got some exciting news for cosplayers in who can get to London this weekend. I'm sure you already know about the Grand International Cosplay Ball on Sunday 30th November 2008, which has an interesting line up of guests including Electro Pop Idol Hiko Suzuki.

On Saturday 29th November 2008 at selection of great cosplayer guests will be making an appearance at TokyoToys in the Trocadero, Picadilly Circus. Yaya Han, Laura Sindall, Jacob Kimber, Kahman Fong, Isabelle Jeudy, Damien Ratte and Brian Boling will all be there, giving talks and interviews. There will also be a prize draw thanks to the great people at KOEI Entertainment.

Last London Anime Club Meeting

Date: 2008 November 23 14:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans who can get to London on Sunday 7th December 2008 should do so for the last meeting of the London Anime Club. The LAC has been running for 15 years now, but attendance has been dropping for various reasons, so they've decided to halt it's regular meetings. The Christmas meetings always have lots of people going, along with extras such as a prize draw, DDR:UK will be there with games and the bring and buy, along with all the usual things like the video room, and dealers selling anime and manga merchandise.

Souce: London Anime Club

Thought Bubble Festival

Date: 2008 November 07 13:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime fans who can get to Leeds will want to keep the 13th to the 16th November 2008 free for the Thought Bubble Festival. The Festival will have a great selection of anime and manga stuff, including film screenings too.

The Convention on Saturday 15th November 2008 (10am - 5pm) will have free entry to cosplayers!

They'll be screening the following films:
Sword of the Stranger
Mind Game
20th Century Boys
Detroit Metal City

We've already seen Sword of the Stranger, and watching it on a big screen is recommend.

Kitacon Announces New Guests

Date: 2008 October 28 18:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just been sent news from the good folks at Kitacon (the UK anime Convention in Northampton 17th-19th April 2009), informing us that they've got two more guests. Voice actors Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham will be attending the convention.

Gaming Cosplayers in London, be part of a world record.

Date: 2008 October 16 16:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

A keen eyed Otaku News reader has sent us details of a world record attempt, for the largest gathering of people dressed up as video game characters, which will occur on Satury 25 October 2008 at the London ExCel centre for the London MCM Expo.

Cosplayers should note that the characters have to been in video games before other media.
Eg: Sonic the Hedgehog started out in a video game, so he's fine to cosplay as.
Batman however started out in a comic book, so he does not count.

Grand International Cosplay Ball

Date: 2008 October 07 15:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've got some exciting news about the Grand International Cosplay Ball, which is set for Sunday 30th November at the Clapham Grand, London, England.

This is the first event to our knowledge that is aimed at cosplayers, and not an event like an anime convention with cosplayers as a feature.

The event looks to be a sure fire hit, with live bands, DJs, ballroom dancing, a kimono fashion show, fire and burlesque performances and even an Alice-In-Wonderland themed photography area.

As always with such events we advise that you book soon to avoid disappointment.

Kitacon Fan Choice Awards

Date: 2008 September 18 18:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

UK anime fans looking for convention fun in April 2009 will be pleased to hear that Kitacon will be holding a Fan Choice Awards, where fans get to vote for their favourites, anime, manga, characters and more. They'll even be able to collect them on behalf of the nominees. This does sound like an interesting concept.

Back from AmeCon 2008

Date: 2008 August 10 17:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

I've just got back from AmeCon. Some of the the other Otaku News Crew are still there, having a great time.

We've got a few juicy bits of information that will make some excellent articles once we type them up.

Spike's just sent us details directly from the closing ceremony. Apparently, there won't be an AmeCon next year (2009), there'll be an AyaCon instead, with AmeCon taking a break for a year, while they plan to return for 2010.

To summarise, it was an enjoyable and successful convention to say the least, with lots of work put in by various members of the anime community. With artists supplying artwork, tons of fans in cosplay, plenty of fans volunteering to run panels and others helping out as gophers. Also don't forget dealers supplying eager otaku with goods (yay for merchandise), and a well organised convention committee putting in a lot of effort in behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly.

We'll be interested to hear your convention stories from AmeCon 2008, and will publish the best ones if you e-mail them to us. ^_^

Souce: Otaku News

London Manga and Anime Art Exhibition

Date: 2008 August 01 16:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

We've got some details from an Otaku News reader about Manga and Anime Art Exhibition in London, which will run from August to November 2008. The exhibition will be held at at Westminster Reference Library and St John's Wood Library. It's a great opportunity to exhibit work by new an established artists. Highlights include talks by Akemi Solloway on How Manga and Anime's costume is connected with Japanese traditional Culture, plus traditional Japanese dancing, music, and origami.

British Theme for Fuji Rock Festival 2008

Date: 2008 July 27 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

BBC News have an interesting article about this years Fuji Rock Festival, which has a British theme, to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Japan.

With Union Flags flying everywhere, the article states that many are wearing British themed outfits.
"British acts including The Courteeners, Hard-Fi, Primal Scream and headliners Underworld shared the main stage with Japanese performers on Saturday."

The article also highlights that the Fuji Rock Festival was inspired by Glastonbury.
"We call it the Fuji experience. It is like Glastonbury, but has been perfected in that Japanese way," says the festival's international organiser, Johnnie Fingers (also known as the founding member of The Boomtown Rats).

Souce: BBC News

AmeCon 2008 Competition

Date: 2008 July 20 10:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

With Leicester based UK anime convention AmeCon less than a month a way, they've decided to launch a great competition where you can win two tickets to the convention, plus free accommodation for the length of the convention.

The press release also details the guest for this year will be voice actress Kari Walgren, who has done a large variety of voice work, including the American dubs for a few anime series - Haruko in FLCL, Scarlett in Steamboy, Robin in Witch Hunter Robin and Lavie in Last Exile.

Manchester Cosplay Competition

Date: 2008 June 05 16:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Cosplayers who can get to the Urbis in Manchester will want to visit on Saturday 28th of June for a cosplay competition with a unique prize, a manga portrait of the winner.

Heroes Graphic Artist Jason Badower London Signings

Date: 2008 May 31 17:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of the graphic novel version of Heroes who can get to London next week will want to head to Orbital Manga, just in-between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, where they'll be having a signing with graphic artist Jason Badower.

Free copies of MAMEzine to gogogo

Date: 2008 May 03 14:28 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Fandom

In part of stock clearance, and in part of celebration of Free Comic Book Day (today), I'm giving away the rest of our copies of MAMEzine!

MAMEzine is or rather was, a non-profit fanzine I created alongside a wealth of brilliant contributors (some of whom are also resident on this forum). It was on sale via online and a few events over the last five years or so, mainly the London Anime Club.

It used to cost approx. £1.50 a copy, but here on out from today it's totally FREE!!!

ICFJ at The Great Escape festival in Brighton

Date: 2008 April 13 11:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans who can get to Brighton on 17th May 2008, will want to go to Brighton's Great Escape Festival, for a Japanese segment of the event which will be hosted by ICFJ or "It Came From Japan".

They'll have a selection of Japanese bands playing, along with free sushi and anime visual provided by the folks at Manga Entertainment.

Anime speed dating event in Central London

Date: 2008 February 12 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our chum Emily has sent us the details for an event at Tokyo Toys store in Trocadero in central London.

It's a romantic maid cafe event, with speed dating for anime fans! You can be served by cosplayers dressed up as maids too, just like in Akihabara.

The event will be held on Saturday 16th February 2008, from 5pm to late. You don't have to take part in the speed dating to go along and participate in the maid cafe either.

Don't forget your dancing shoes at next LAC!

Date: 2008 January 23 09:31 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Events

The upcoming London Anime Club meeting will be featuring the DDR crew once again, with even more games to play this time, including DDX, with everything on freeplay of course.

A map for the LAC can be found on the London Anime Club website.

Souce: DDR:UK

AmeCon 2008 Update

Date: 2007 December 04 17:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Following on from our earlier story, it seems that the Leicester, UK based anime conventions AmeCon, is now almost full, with over 1,190 registered members, it's getting close to their maximum capacity of 1,300. Fans keen to get to the event from the 8th to 10th of August 2008 should sign up now to avoid disappointment.

AmeCon 2008 registrations filling up quickly

Date: 2007 November 26 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

We mentioned before that AmeCon 2008, the UK anime convention, running for it's forth time is now open for registration. As expected it's filling up quickly with over 950 members registering already, and at this current rate they'll be full soon (their capacity is 1,300 fans). We advise any fans who want to go to a great fan run anime convention in August to 2008 to book soon to avoid disappointment. This year registration has been made easier by using Google Checkout too, so you don't have to mail them a cheque (although you still can if you prefer too).

Souce: AmeCon

Cosplayers needed for UK TV Advert

Date: 2007 November 08 15:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The folks at UK Satellite anime channel Anime Central are currently looking for cosplayers to participate in an advertising campaign to be broadcast in the New Year. To apply you have to be 18 or over and able to get to London at the end of November for filming. From the details, it's not clear if the adverts will go just on Anime Central or if they'll be broadcast on other channels too, or even if photos for a press campaign could be used. Check out their article for the full details, you just really need to e-mail them a photo of you in cosplay and write a paragraph about yourself.

Souce: Anime Central

London Expo October 2007

Date: 2007 October 26 13:19 | Posted By: LittleWoodenBoy

Category > Events

A look at the recent London Expo (featuring cosplay photos).

Amecon 2008 registrations open this November

Date: 2007 October 19 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime fans will be pleased to hear that we've received news from the Amecon Crew about the next anime convention set to run at Leicester University from August 8th to 10th 2008. Registrations will open on 18th November 2007. Guests as of yet haven't been confirmed (it's still a bit early for that), voice actress Monica Rial has already expressed an interest. At the moment it looks like they may have more live music, plenty of cosplay and the usual interesting selection of industry and fan run panels.

We look forward to the convention (many of the Otaku News crew have been to the previous three Amecons and had a blast) and we advise to book early to avoid disappointment as popular anime conventions in the UK tend to be fully booked quickly.

Spooky Happenings at J-Pop Go

Date: 2007 October 11 15:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Those good people from J-Pop Go have sent us the details of their spooky Halloween themed j-pop gathering in London. It'll be on Saturday 20th October at Cafe Manga by County Hall, near Westminster Tube. The fun is set to start at 7pm, tickets will be £5 (with discounts for flyers and cosplayers). As always they've got a good line up, along with some great prizes from ADV. Readers should also note that this event is for over 18's only.

End of the London Anime Club?

Date: 2007 September 04 06:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Attending the London Anime Club on Sunday 2nd of September 2007, we read in their monthly news letter a cause for concern. It seems attendance has been dropping recently and it means that they might not be able to hire out the venue they use, as a result the London Anime Club is considering closing at the end of the year.

"...with the massive surge in anime popularity over the last few years, the thriving online community and the many conventions and events every year I can't help wondering if perhaps the LAC is no longer needed."

UK Cosplay events in Glasgow and London

Date: 2007 August 16 18:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our chum and cosplay guru Emily has sent us details about two events with cosplay in the UK over the next couple of weeks in Glasgow and London.

Chris Patton unable to attend AmeCon 2007

Date: 2007 August 08 18:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The AmeCon Mailing List have send details about voice acting guest Chris Patton, who is unable to attend the convention this year.

AmeCon 2007 Final Press release

Date: 2007 August 04 19:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Those who have registered will be pleased to hear that we've been sent the final press release from the AmeCon crew for their convention which is set to run next week in Leicester, UK. They've announced some extra guests including Visual Kei group Gothika (formerly Euthanasie). The weekend is going to be packed full of fun events, including an event in the style of an evening chat show - Friday Night Live, with the Claw and Co. We wonder which interesting guests Stuart Claw will be chatting to? What revealing questions will he ask? We look forward to finding out. ^_^

Jaltour UK offer Tokyo Anime Fair 2008 holiday package

Date: 2007 July 24 15:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

For anime fans in the UK who missed their chance to book for the London Anime Club 2007 Japan Trip, you should consider the package Jaltour are offering, being the tour section of Japan Airlines it means that they can have some very competitive prices. The package they're currently promoting at Japan Ex, is for the Tokyo International Anime Fair in March 2008, with prices from £882. Fans should note that they can also arrange package trips to places like the Ghibli Museum.

Tomo-Dachi 2007 Guest Details

Date: 2007 July 17 15:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The organisers for Northern Irish anime convention Tomo-Dachi have sent us more details for their 2007 convention. Set to run at The University Of Ulster's Magee campus from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th August 2007. This year's guest of honour is Mike McFarland English language dub director of Full Metal Alchemist. Other guests include Stuart Claw, Hugh David, Sonia Leong and Emma Vieceli.

The convention is still open for registration, and we suggest you book as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.

More details on Naruto Uncut Boxset Volume 2 UK launch event

Date: 2007 May 16 17:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Following on from our article on the Naruto Uncut Boxset Volume 2 UK release details, we've received some more news from Manga Entertainment.We've been informed that Dave Wittenberg, the US voice of Kakashi will be making an appearancelaunch event on Monday 21st May 2007, at the Oxford Street, London, Branch of Virgin Megastore, where fans will be able to meet Dave and get their copy of Naruto Unleashed Series 2 Part 1 signed from 4.30pm onwards.

We've also go more details for Cosplayers and the prizes you can win.

Anime Encyclopedia signing in London

Date: 2007 April 18 17:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've received details regarding a book signing in London. Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy will be signing copies of the new updated version of the Anime Encyclopedia next week on Tuesday 24th April 2007 at Farringdons book store in the Barbican from 19:00-19:45. Then from 20:30, Helen will be giving a talk, on "Urban Mythmaking Tokyo Style", followed by a screening of Karas: The Prophecy.

So if you want to get a signed copy of the Anime Encyclopedia and meet the authors then swing by.

Souce: Barbican

Registrations for the LAC Japan 2007 Trip now open

Date: 2007 March 21 16:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our chum Dragon's sent us details about the London Anime Club's 2007 trip to Japan. Let's face it, if you are a huge anime fan what better way to go to Japan than with a group of like minded fans! ^_^

Details as follows:

Registrations for the LAC Japan 2007 Trip now open

Registration for the London Anime Club's annual trip to Japan is now open. This trip is timed to coincide with the first Japanese World Scince Fiction Convention. The trip is from Friday 24th of August until Friday the 7th of September and includes all flights, hotel, and transfers to/from the airport. There are side trips and special events planned for the more discerning Otaku. Further details about the WorldCon can be found at Nippon 2007.

Souce: London Anime Club - Japan 2007

MegaTokyo Volume 4 UK release details

Date: 2007 March 14 17:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've been sent a press release from the folks at Titan Books, detailing the release of MegaTokyo Volume 4 in the UK. Why should we care when volume 5 is almost out in the US and most bookshops stock it volume 4 already? Well this is actually great news as some places like libraries and their book suppliers will only deal with books that have an official UK release. Now that MegaTokyo has an official UK release you should be able to pester your local librarian to get a copy in. ^_- This also applies to the other Titan books we've put press releases up for as they've already had US releases, but would be hard to stock in some places.

MegaTokyo Volume 4 is due to hit the bookshelves on 27th April 2007.

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