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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.

Alcon date changes

Date: 2007 March 01 12:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've received details from the good folks at Alcon, the Leicester based convention has had to change it's dates from 14th-16th September to 7th-9th September due to a date clash with the Midlands MCM Expo in Telford.

Souce: Alcon

AmeCon 2007 registration and guest details

Date: 2007 March 01 02:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Leicester UK convention AmeCon 2007 have sent us more details regarding registration and guests at the convention. Following our earlier story about the convention being open for registration it seems that a lot of people have now registered with more than 673 fans registering for the convention, this means that half of their capacity has been filled in 4 days! They have a total capacity of 1,300 which once filled will not be extended due to insurance and tax issues. We suggest you book now to avoid any disappointment.

Guests this year are voice actors Monica Rial and Chris Patton, who also attended last years AmeCon and proved to be popular guests.

AmeCon 2007 open for registration

Date: 2007 February 26 10:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans will be pleased to know that Leicester based UK anime convention AmeCon 2007 is now open for registration. So book now to avoid disappointment. The convention is scheduled for 10th-12th August 2007 and is the third convention held by the AmeCon crew.

Souce: AmeCon

FFXII London launch report

Date: 2007 February 25 14:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Friday 23rd of February 2007 was the official launch day of Final Fantasy XII in the UK (and the rest of Europe). The PS2 game has generated a lot of buzz in fandom. To celebrate Square Enix had teamed up with HMV to hold a launch event at their flagship HMV store on Oxford Street, central London. The first people to buy the game at 9am were able to collect special wrists bands which would in turn let them queue to meet makers of Final Fantasy XII, Akitoshi Kawazu (executive producer) and Hiroshi Minagawa (director).

The event was attended by at least 500 fans, all eager to get their games autographed. It was hosted by an MC and various questions were asked, the most important of which was regarding the PS3 technical demo, based around Final Fantasy VII, both guests mentioned that they were considering producing a full version of the game for the PS3, however it's still early days yet, so we can't really confirm anything solid.

London Anime Club cancelled for March

Date: 2007 February 20 13:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've received details about the London Anime Club having to cancel their March meeting due to the venue being refurbished later than planned. The London Anime Club meet up on the first Sunday of each month (except January). The next LAC is scheduled to take place on Sunday 1st April.

Final Fantasy XII UK launch details

Date: 2007 February 16 13:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

We've been sent a press release from Square-Enix about the official UK launch of Final Fantasy XII. It'll be at the Oxford Street Branch of HMV in London. The first lucky 100 people to buy a copy of the game at the event will also be given an exclusive moogle soft toy and a CD with five specially selected tracks by Hitoshi Sakimoto. The next 200 people to buy the game will also be given the CD which has been produced just for the launch event. Gifts can be secured by getting a wrist band from the store at 9am on February 23rd.

The best cosplayers will also be awarded goodies at the event. Plus there is a chance to win a trip to Japan for everyone at the event.

Alcon UK anime convention for September 2007

Date: 2007 February 10 15:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent some details about a new UK anime convention Alcon at De Montfort University, Leicester City Campus. Scheduled for 14th-16th September 2007, it looks promising for a first time convention. Current sign up rates are valid until March 31st, so book now to get a lower sign up fee. We wish the Alcon crew the best of luck for their first anime convention!

Tomo-Dachi 2007 details

Date: 2007 February 07 08:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Tomo-Dachi committee have sent us a press release about their next convention in Northern Ireland. It's set to run from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th of August at the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus in Londonderry. This years guest of honour is ADR director, scriptwriter and voice actor Mike McFarland, who's done ADR work on Fullmetal Alchemist, Trinity Blood and Dragon Ball, as well as a selection of voice acting roles. Too-Dachi is now open for pre-registrations, so book early to avoid disappointment.

J-Pop Go February 2007, the lurve fest

Date: 2007 February 06 13:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent details of this months lurve fest, which is also known as J-Pop Go, the regular J-pop night held in central London. The event is sheduled for Saturday 10th February, at the regular venue of Cafe Manga on London's South Bank next to Westminster Bridge. J-Pop Go starts at 7pm with a screening from ADV Films UK of Jinki: Extend. Please note that this event is for over 18's only.

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Kelly Osbourne: Turning Japanese

Date: 2007 February 01 05:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK readers who can view ITV2 may want to tune in tonight (Thursday 1st February) to catch Kelly Osbourne:Turning Japanese, it starts at 9pm and is repeated on Sunday 4th February at 10pm. Kelly Osbourne embarks on a working holiday exploring aspects of Japanese culture.

The first episode alone has her managing a Love Hotel in Tokyo, training with Samurai and working in what appears to be an otaku Maid Cafe. The second episode has her going to a manga convention in cosplay!

Tanoshimi let fans vote for manga

Date: 2007 January 31 09:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Random House UK imprint Tanoshimi have sent us some details about a nice fan oriented campaign. From February 7th Fans and vote on their website and select which title they want Tanoshimi to publish next, the people behind Tanoshimi have confirmed that it is likely they will only publish the winning title.

Fans can vote for the following:

Genshiken
Kagetora
Othello
Wallflower

All voters will go into a draw for a chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite.

Final Fantasy XII cosplay contest

Date: 2007 January 24 09:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

We've just been sent a very interesting press release from Square Enix, who are running a cosplay competition to celebrate the release of Final Fantasy XII in Europe and other PAL regions. Three lucky winners will each get a two night trip to London to show off their costumes on stage at the official launch event and they'll also get a Final Fantasy goodie bag.

This is a great chance for cosplayers to demonstrate their creative skills making Final Fantasy XII costumes and also meet some interesting people in the games industry.

SFX Releases Anime Special

Date: 2007 January 12 12:52 | Posted By: Spike

Category > Fandom

The good people at SFX magazine have released another one of their quarterly specials, this time focusing on anime. This issue has interviews with Goro Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon on Tales of Earthsea and Paprika, as well as the new World of Warcraft manga and a retrospective of Square Enix games. Also packaged with this issue is a double Naruto/Final Fantasy poster and a DVD from ADV with an episode of Samurai Gun and trailers including the new Nintendo game Red Steel. The cover price is £5.99 and is available now from local newsagents nationwide.

Souce: SFX

London based anime convention for summer 2008?

Date: 2007 January 11 17:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've received an e-mail from an "anonymous tip". As such we can't say how true this is, it could be a hoax, it could be a genuine anonymous tip, or on the other hand someone could be trying to do a spot of astroturfing for their anime convention, we don't really know.

It's about an anime convention called Kanacon. The e-mail mentions the MCM Expo and JapanEX, so which may imply that they are running it, on the other hand they may not be. It then states that London "has yet to have a full blown Anime & Manga convention", which is wrong, as London has had Shin nen kai before.

The release concludes suggesting that it might be intended to get some hype going. Is this hoax, or real? Who knows, I guess we'll have to find out in 2008, one thing for sure, running an UK anime convention anywhere is tricky and a logistical nightmare, with venue bookings to worry about, insurance, events, support from fandom and millions of other factors, choosing London to run a convention is a bold move because of cost implications. So lets wait and see. We've already spoken to representatives from two major anime companies who have not heard about this convention, we're wondering who in the industry has been contacted.

We hope the people who tried to launch the disastrous KyuuCON are not involved.

Read More... | Souce: Strange \"Anonymous Tip\"

IMAF is now running

Date: 2006 November 10 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

For our London readers you might want to visit IMAF, the International Manga and Anime Festival, which opened today at County Hall near the London Eye in Westminster. It's set to run from Friday 10th - Tuesday 14th November 2006.

Opening times vary each day, so be sure to check to avoid dissapointment before going. The event schedule can be found in a 132KB MS Word document (web usability experts scream as it should be in HTML for everyone to read). It includes panels and workshops by author Paul Gravett, artists Sweatdrop Studios, international comic book
creator Ilya and expert on traditonal culture Akemi.

The winners have been announced and the overall award winner is the talented Paul Duffield who also won the Tokyopop UK Rising Stars of Manga Competiton in 2005. Anime expert, author, writer, and Ghibli fan Helen McCarthy also won a much deserved "Outstanding Contribution to Anime and Manga" award. Congratulations to all the winners!

We suggest you get to County Hall to enjoy all the lovely artwork while it's on display.

Souce: IMAF

Cosplay at IMAF

Date: 2006 November 02 17:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our chum Emily has sent us details of the Cosplay Event at this years IMAF at County Hall, Westminster, London 10-14th November 2006. Cos-mania, will have a stage competition on the Saturday afternoon and a cosplay panel on Sunday, they'll also have a photographer and full cloakroom and changing facilities for those cosplayers who don't want to wear their creations on the tube (or who will be wearing more than one costume on the day).

MangaQuake 3

Date: 2006 October 26 09:39 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Manga

UK Small press anthology MangaQuake is back for its third issue which contains 56 pages of manga goodness!
Press Release:
"MangaQuake is back for its third issue- and it's better than ever! Featuring a collection of strips for a few familiar names from previous issues, and some truly astonishing brand new talent. With stories of betrayal, inter species romance (...well sort of!) and Norse gods with traffic congestion problems- I think we can genuinely say that this issue, its 56 pages crammed to overflowing with fun and action- has something for everyone! "

Souce: FutureQuake

J-Pop Go Halloween Special Fright Night

Date: 2006 October 08 15:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The vampires from J-Pop Go have sent us the details for their next event, set for Saturday 28th October with a Halloween theme - Kowaiathon night. J-Pop Go will be held at thier regular venue of Cafe Manga, near the Westminster Bridge end of County Hall in London. Tickets will be £5 with discount for cosplayers at their discretion. We suggest Ring and Grudge based costumes for a frightning night!

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Tomo-dachi 2007

Date: 2006 September 15 03:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent some details from the Tomo-dachi Crew about their next convention, set for Friday, August 31st - Sunday to September 2nd, 2007 at the UU Magee Campus in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Bookings before March 31st are £25 and £30 after. As of yet, they've not released a guest list, however if the last Tomo-dachi is anything to go for they'll have some good industry guests.

Sweatdrop Release Two How To Draw Manga Books

Date: 2006 September 14 14:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've been sent a press release from the nice people over at UK manga inspired art group Sweatdrop. They're both aimed at beginners, Draw Manga By Sweatdrop Studios and Drawing Manga by Selina Dean. Draw Manga focuses on basics, with a series of tutorials on how to draw character elements such as eyes, hair, hand and clothing, along with step by step projects showing how to put individual elements together to create a manga style character.

Drawing Manga by the talented Selina Dean focuses more on character design with posing characters. It includes tips on drawing people monsters and mascots. In addition it includes comic creation techniques such as developing storyboards, creating layouts, scripting, including backgrounds and colouring and inking techniques.

Draw Manga by Sweatdrop Studios is due out on 15th October 2006, while Drawing Manga by Selina Dean was out on 4th September 2006.

We think it's great that some UK based artist are producing books on how to draw manga, however we're curious as to why they've released two books within the space of two months with the same purpose at the same price (an affordable £9.99), we wonder if the books are significantly different, would it have been better to combine the contents into one bigger book? Perhaps the writing styles are different allowing a potential artist to chose the style they prefer.

Read More... | Souce: Sweatdrop Studios

Japanorama Episode 2 - Otaku

Date: 2006 September 13 12:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK viewers able to access BBC Three, will want to tune into Japanorama on Thursday 14th September 2006 at 11pm. The show will be reporting on otaku the Japanese nerds (if you're reading Otaku News, you should already know what an otaku is ^_^).

It looks like the show will be focusing on the rise of otaku and why so many of them can only feel love for manga, anime and model collecting. Host Jonathan Ross will also be reporting on Cosplay, as well as Maid Cafes. We're guessing Japanorma will also cover Akihabara, Train Man (Densha Otoko) and if we're lucky a convention like Winter WonderFest.

Souce: BBC Three

Pirates vs Ninjas at J-Pop Go

Date: 2006 August 31 17:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Those nice partying folk at J-Pop Go will be having the final ultimate showdown (of ultimate destiny) to decide who really does rule, ninjas or pirates. The popular London J-Pop event is set to run on Saturday September 23rd at their regular venue of Cafe Manga.

Who will win on pirates versus ninja night? Otaku News will be betting on the ninjas to win, being favourites by far as they have real ultimate power! Although we wouldn't put it past the underdog pirates of having some chance of beating the sneaky ninjas, however ninjas would only lose to trick the pirates into a false sense of security before flipping out and killing all the scurvy sea dogs! ^_-

Souce: J-Pop Go

FuyuCon UK Convention Set For October 2007

Date: 2006 June 21 07:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good people from the East Midlands Anime Group have arranged a convention for Friday 19th October to Sunday 21st October 2007. FuyuCon has capacity for 500 members and will be based at the Britannia Hotel Nottingham. Full weekend membership costs £40.

Anime expert Helen McCarthy will be the guest for FuyuCon, it will be her first UK anime convention appearance in a while. Helen regularly attends US conventions such as A-Kon.

FuyuCon is a welcome addition to the UK anime convention calendar. Since the capacity is 500, we suggest you book as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.

London Barbican Anime Screenings

Date: 2006 June 14 15:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Following on from our news about Children's anime screenings, it seems that the London Barbican have gone Japanese cinema crazy! Not only will they be showing some great bits of anime, they'll also holding a Toru Takemitsu season featuring films the composer has scored.

Selected shows will be introduced by anime expert Helen McCarthy, I've been to past events at other venues, and often they get so called anime experts to introduce shows, or give talks, and it's clear they don't know what they're talking about, Helen however is a real anime expert, having written numerous high quality books on the subject and many magazine articles.

Anime wise they'll be showing:

Saturday, 8 July at 1.45pm: Akira
If you haven't seen this film on a big screen yet, then get over to London and see the anime classic.

Saturday, 8 July 4.15pm: Tokyo Godfathers
Satoshi Kon's superb film about three homeless people's adventures at Christmas. This charming feature is an all time favourite of the Otaku News crew.

Sunday 9 July, 1.45pm: Paranoia Agent: Episodes 1 To 4
Satoshi Kon's TV series, which proves to be very thought provoking, as a special bonus the series will be introduced by Helen McCarthy. We've got a review of Paranoia Agent here.

Sunday 9th July, 3.45pm: Makoto Shinkai Triple Bill
Shinkai became famous for producing anime from home using his computer! They'll be showing the cute She and Her Cat, along with Voices of a Distant Star (influenced by shows like Gunbuster), with a special UK Premiere of The Place Promised In Our Early Days. The triple bill will also be introduced by Helen McCarthy and is worth attending to hear what insight she has throw on director and his work.

In all cases we suggest you book now to avoid disappointment.

Tomo Dachi Northern Irish Anime Covention Coming Soon

Date: 2006 May 11 14:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Those good people at Tomo-Dachi have just sent us there latest press release, it contains more details about the Northern Irish convention set for 7th July to 9th July. Highlight's include US guests Tiffany Grant and Matt Greenfield, they'll both provide an interesting insight into the anime industry. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons anime and manga expert Jonathan Clements had to pull out, but has promised to attend the 2007 Tomo-Dachi.

The convention also promises a great selection of panels, workshops and other cool anime events. They'll also be playing a selection of traditional Japanese games such as Go and Shogi . Booking closes on May 30th, so get moving if you're interested! ^_^

J-Pop Events in the UK

Date: 2006 April 30 16:31 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Events

It's a busy time for J-music fans in the UK! Not only is J-Pop Go a regular event but there are also numerous other things happening. This includes a benefit performance for Mika Bomb's drummer Ergi on the 15th of May and the It came from Japan, Japanese music showcase which is running across England from the 16th-20th May.

London Cosplay Cafe at Cafe Manga

Date: 2006 April 21 11:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Emily has sent us a friendly reminder about Cosplay Cafe at Cafe Manga in London this Sunday from 2pm-5.30pm, and the first 10 cosplayers who arrive will receive some goodies from a lucky dip. It sounds like great fun, so get your costumes ready and head to Westminster!

MAME 3 now out

Date: 2006 April 14 11:37 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Fandom

Voxie has let us know that MAME issue 3 is now out and available to order for only £1.50. MAME is a fanzine dedicated to chronicling the UK fan scene. The 'zine features two comics one of which was drawn by Rising Stars of manga winner Sonia Leong, as well as a mix of articles including event reports, reviews of both pro and fan comics as well as news.

Souce: MAME

J-Pop Go Update

Date: 2006 April 14 10:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The nice folks from J-Pop Go, have sent us their latest news, the last event raised over £200 for Ergi. They've also go a nice selection of events lined up in the future, J-Pop July is set to have a Magical Girls and Boy's theme (here's hoping for naked transformation sequences). We're really looking forward to Ninja's vs Pirates Night, since the battle has been going on for ever, although we all know that Ninja's have real ultimate power. October is set to be Halloween themed, and as you can imagine December is set to be J-Pop Ho-Ho-Ho with a Christmas theme.

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Sweatdrop Studios to Attend Bristol Comics Expo

Date: 2006 April 06 17:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our chum Sonia has just sent us details of Sweatdrop's appearance at the Bristol Comics Expo on May 13th - 14th.

Read More... | Souce: Sweatdrop Studios

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children DVD Details

Date: 2006 April 06 16:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Otaku rejoice! The popular RPG game series Final Fantasy has stolen many hours of our lives, especially Final Fantasy VII, which is why a CGI movie was made. It's set two years after the events of the game, and features everyone favourite Cloud and Sephiroth. It's due for UK release on DVD and UMD on April 24th and April 25th in the USA, it looks like it's going to be good.

Update: We now have a review of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.

Cosplay Cafe at Cafe Manga

Date: 2006 March 29 17:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Emily has just sent us some details about an event she's organising in London next month, Cosplay Cafe at Cafe Manga. Aimed at Cosplayers kameko (photographers) and their chums. It's set for Sunday 23rd April, 2pm-5.30pm, and includes fun activities like a photoshoot, a talk/workshop, a quiz, anime and live action screenings, along with a swap table. They'll even have goodies to give away too! ^_^

J-Pop Go April

Date: 2006 March 26 08:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London J-Pop fans should get out their Sailor Suits and Gakuran and head over to J-Pop Go this Saturday, where they'll be having a Japanese School Disco theme at the Cafe Manga Venue. The nice folk at ADV Films UK are sponsoring the events and as an appropriate tie in will be promoting Cromartie High School. The venue opens at 7pm and the party goes on to 1am. It sounds like fun and will certainly make a great anime weekend, with the London Anime Club the next day.

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Howl's Moving Castle Out This Week

Date: 2006 March 12 18:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

While our US readers where treated to the DVD release of Howl's Moving Castle last week, our UK and Australian readers might want to take a look at our review of Howl's Moving Castle. Optimum and Madman really have put a nice lot of extras on this release, and it's good to see that along with a sub and a dub version they've also supplied subtitles for the English Language track.

The gap between the Japanese and US/UK release of this title was less than 5 months instead of 2 years compared to the UK DVD release of Spirited Away, it really shows you how much more mainstream anime has now become! It's also impressive to note that the US/UK/AU DVD releases are in the same two weeks, a first for a Ghibli English language DVD release! UK fans might want to hunt around for cut price bargains online and also consider that Amazon UK have an exclusive cover.

Souce: Otaku News Howl\'s Moving Castle Review

The Nature of Monkey Was Irrepressible

Date: 2006 February 13 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

British, Australian and New Zealand readers of Otaku News especially may remember a TV show called Monkey based on Journey to the West a classic tale by Xi You Ji, known as Saiyuki in Japan. Yes, we're talking about the same Monkey famed for his Monkey Magic (Born from an egg on a mountain top, The punkiest Monkey that ever popped), according to the Daily Yomiuri On-line Fuji TV have started to air a new version of Monkey. Ratings are already high and Fuji TV have stated that they've received enquires for this new version of the cult TV show from the UK and Australia. We're pondering how long it will take for a TV studio to rollout a great cheesy dub.

Our UK readers who can view ITV 4 can catch the original Monkey TV show on Thursdays and Fridays at 6pm.

In the mean time we suggest our Brisbane based readers head over to Roma Street Parklands to see Monkey at the theatre! ^_-

Souce: Daily Yomiuri On-line

Sweatdrop Shop

Date: 2006 February 12 14:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Those artistic people from Sweatdrop Studios have dropped us a line to tell us about their new on-line shopping system. They take Paypal too, which is useful for those who don't have or want credit cards. We recommend you grab a copy of Sugardrops if you haven't already, since it contains artwork from a selection of the Sweatdrop Crew. The press release they sent us also has a discount coupon. ^_-

Read More... | Souce: Sweatdrop Studios

J-Pop Go February - The Lurve Is Go

Date: 2006 February 02 17:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The nice folks from J-Pop go have just sent us the details for their February event, this time it's at a new venue, the Cafe Manga (near to the London Eye, which is a great location). Set for Saturday February 11th tickets are available via the J-Pop Go Website. It seems they've also teamed up with evil games company Ubisoft, "Why are they evil we hear you cry?", well the answers simple Ubisoft distribute the most addictive game ever on the PSP - Lumines, a game so truly hypnotic it will suck days of your life in the blink of an eye. ^_- They've also teamed up with ADV Films UK for some goodies

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Matt Greenfield to Appear At Tomo-Dachi

Date: 2006 January 10 14:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The folks from Tomo-Dachi have just sent us their latest press release, which reveals that Matt Greenfield will be one of the guests. Matt Greenfield is best known to anime fans as the co-founder of ADV Films, and has directed the dubbing of Neon Genesis Evangelion (making sure that "Father I hate you!" sounds just right! ^_-).

Tomo-Dachi a New Northern Ireland Convention

Date: 2005 December 03 11:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've got news of a new anime convention in Northern Ireland, at the University of Ulster's Magee Campus in Londonderry. Tomo-Dachi is set for 7th 8th and 9th of July 2006 and looks like it's going to be great! With guests including veteran voice actress Tiffany Grant and writer, translator and man of many talents Jonathan Clements. The convention is the first of it's kind in Northern Ireland and has some really nice touches like anime related presents in everyone's room! We reckon it's worth going to for the "What Stupid People Say About Anime" segment alone, since we've heard many people say stupid things about anime! So clear your calendars for that week and get over to Londonderry! ^_^

J-Pop Ho-Ho-Ho!

Date: 2005 November 29 18:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Those nice folks at J-Pop Go have sent us the details for their next event, which will take place on December 7th. They've got a real Christmas treat with Rie Fu, who will be performing live, resident DJs, DJ Take Off and DJ Kyukyusha will play a selection of top J-Pop and J-Rock tunes throughout the night as well. Cosplayers get a discount too! So be sure to turn up to their regular venue Fluid in London, for some Japanese music themed fun.

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Sweatdrop Studios At Comic Expo Brighton

Date: 2005 November 15 17:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Those nice people over at Sweatdrop have sent us a press release for their appearace at the Comic Expo in Brighton. Tokyopop and Letraset will be there too. It's certainly worth a vist if you like your comics or want to be more active in the independent UK comic scene.

Read More... | Souce: Sweatdrop Studios

Japanese Manga and Cultural Politics Lecture

Date: 2005 September 29 16:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Author and anime expert Jonathan Clements has sent us details of the SOAS Japanese Manga and Cultural Politics Lecture and Discussion in London. This is due to take place at 7pm Tuesday 11th October, with free admission at the The Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS. Since it's hosted by The School of Oriental and African Studies, you know it should be good.

IMAF 2005 Lines Up Top Speakers and New Anime

Date: 2005 September 26 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

With the competition deadline edging ever close, the nice folks at IMAF have sent us some more details for their London event.

Highlights include Sweatdrop Studios, a special screening of Millennium Actress, along with the Europe Premiere of Streetfighter - Alpha Generation. Even Garnier will be their with its Manga haircare range. The IMAF is certainly worth attending to see the wonderful range of entrants.

Neo Awards - Time To Vote

Date: 2005 September 20 17:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

UK Anime Magazine Neo, are currently taking votes for their first Neo Awards "the only UK awards ceremony to celebrate the best in Asian Pop Culture" which will be held on Saturday 29th October.

Neo rightly point out that what makes the awards important is that the winner of each category is voted by the fans.

To vote all you have to do is download this PDF file, print it out, fill it out and post it to the address on the form. All voting forms have to be sent in by Friday 7th October to be counted.

Please note that the form is in PDF format, so if you have problems printing the file try downloading Adobe Acrobat.

Souce: Neo

Exclusive Howl's Moving Castle Preview Screening Offer

Date: 2005 September 15 18:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

With Howl's Moving Castle being launched in the UK from September 23rd every British anime fan is counting the days until they can see it on the big screen. It's already had a few special art house and festival showings in the UK, but these sold out ridiculously quickly. For our UK readers in the Hertfordshire area, we've managed to get exclusive preview screening tickets.

The good people at Cineworld in Stevenage have decided that Otaku News readers can come to this advanced screening for free! All you have to do is download this flyer, and be able to get to Stevenage Cineworld on Wednesday 21st September 2005 for 8:15pm. Present the flyer to the Cineworld staff to attend the screening. Please note that seats are subject to availability so turn up early if you really want to see Howl's Moving Castle!

Please note that the flyer is in PDF format, so if you have problems printing the file try downloading Adobe Acrobat.

Souce: Cineworld Stevenage

J-Pop Go Date Change

Date: 2005 September 11 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Paul from J-Pop Go has sent us the latest details for the event. Apparently it looks like the date for the next London J-Pop Go is going to change. -

"Unfortunately the premiere of the new Ghost In The Shell film is on the same day (I only discovered this today) so the 28th is unlikely to happen."

They plan to push back until October, making sure the event doesn't clash with anything else.

Additionally J-Pop Go will also be providing music at the party for the forthcoming London Expo. - "Following on from the success of last year's event, this year's Expo continues to be a celebration of a variety of pop culture interests including film and TV. The Expo will see special guest stars, displays and a dealer's section. The event will also house a special Anime Village featuring a Cosplay Masquerade and exclusive big screen presentations. The Expo runs on the weekend of 29th/30th October".

It's good to see that the J-Pop Go Organisers are aware of other anime events and are proactively avoiding any calendar conflicts.

Souce: J-Pop Go

Anime/Manga Exposure Wanted for Geisha Event in 2006

Date: 2005 September 11 15:15 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Culture

Following a post made at the Anime Cafe organisers have mentioned plans saying that they will be "the first people to bring real geisha to England"! Geisha being a standard unique to Japanese culture, curious otaku will now have access to this experience without paying the plane fare!

The event is not until May next year. Apart from the chance to view the beautiful kimono, there are also other Japanese-related events to be be held, including calligraphy and martial arts. More information, including prices and availability, are now on the organisers' website.

And finally, at present the organisers are welcoming venture from others, including maybe a mini manga/anime expo! If you're interested in having a workshop, table to sell your works, or even cosplaying, contact the organisers via the website link above, or email them directly: katie_c@tiscali.co.uk

Souce: Anime.org.uk

Convention Report: Ayacon 2005

Date: 2005 August 27 19:33 | Posted By: Spike

Category > Events

Ayacon, one of the longest running UK Anime conventions, has repeated itself after a one year absence due to Amecon last year, and has certainly come back with one hell of a bang. Spanning three days from the 19th to the 22nd of August at Warwick Arts Centre just south of Coventry, this convention provided not only a bountiful selection of Anime, a masquerade and of course karaoke but also panels from a large variety of different sources, a pub quiz, two parties and even a concert from gothic j-rock group Blood. Boredom was never going to be an option...

J-Pop Go September Details

Date: 2005 August 27 12:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The people behind J-Pop Go have sent us the lastest details for the next event in September. The venue will be the same as the previous J-Pop Go, Fluid in London.

So keep Wednesday 28th September free!

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Is KyuuCON a Scam?

Date: 2005 August 25 17:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

After posting the press release from KyuuCon yesterday, it's been brought to our attention by various members of UK anime fandom that there is something fishy about KyuuCON. Firstly it appears that the venue mentioned the Plymouth Pavillions has not heard of KyuuCON or the organisers in question. The second major alarm bell is where the payments are going, into a personal bank account and not a building society account/non-profit account in the conventions name.

What's also interesting is their sudden change of heart, and the way they've just moved everything back a year. Plus this thread brought to our attention at the AyaCon Forum. At this current moment in time, based on what we have heard, we believe that KyuuCON is either very poorly organised or a cash grabbing scam, either way, we suggest you avoid KyuuCON for now.

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