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Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015 Details

Date: 2015 November 07 17:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture looking for something fun to do near Christmas will be interested in Hyper Japan Christmas Market. It's set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November 2015 at Tobacco Dock in London.

There's a ton of things to do at this event. They'll be lots of Japanese food, plenty of stalls with things to buy. Along with a whole host of musical performances from the virtual artist IA to the the cute and rather strange Lady Baby.

Cosplayers and fashion fans will be well represented too.

Anime fans will be pleased to hear that anime studio Production I.G will be represented too with anime director Naoyoshi Shiotani (who directed the Psycho-Pass TV series and movie) and producer Rui Kuroki, who will be giving talks throughout the event.

Japan Matsuri in London Saturday 19th September 2015

Date: 2015 September 13 17:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture who can get to London on Saturday 19th September 2015, will want to head to Trafalgar Square for the Japan Matsuri. The event free to attend and is set to run from 10am to 8pm with events running pretty much constantly on the main stage, while there are many stalls to interest anyone who's a fan of Japan. They've got a wide selection of food stalls, stalls selling Japanese related merchandise, plus a range of travel agents if you're ever interested in going to Japan, along with a few Japanese cultural organisations and societies.

As always this event is also listed on our sister site the Otaku Calendar.

Souce: Japan Matsuri 2015

Anime Pioneer Osamu Tezuka Documentary on NHK World This Weekend

Date: 2015 August 27 11:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans keen to know about the origins of their hobby will be very interested to tune into NHK World this weekend to catch Artist in Motion: Anime Pioneer Osamu Tezuka. The documentary looks at the famed manga and anime creator who often considered the founding father of modern anime. It focuses on the triumphs and tribulations of an artist driven to new forms of expression.

It will be broadcast on NHK World on
Saturday 29th August
23:10
Sunday 30th August
5:10, 10:10 and 17:10
All times are in UTC (as NHK world is a global channel).

NHK World is free to access, and is broadcast on most satellite providers. It broadcasts it's content in English, either dubbed into English, or in Japanese with English subtitles. Details on how to watch it can be found here.

UK based readers can find NHK World on:
Sky Channel 507
Freesat Channel 209
Virgin Media (with certain packages) Channel 625

Australian based readers can catch it on Foxtel Channel 656

American readers can get it with different cable or satellite providers.

You can also watch a live stream on the NHK World Website or download their live streaming app for your tablet or smartphone.

JAPAN NOW - Pop & Modern Art

Date: 2015 August 21 04:00 | Posted By: Dragon

Category > Culture

Mayumi International displays over 100 artworks by 50 artists...

The Japanese Gallery in London Launches New Anime Cel Website

Date: 2015 August 20 15:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from the Japanese Gallery in London have sent us details of a new website they've just launched. Cel-ga.com showcases anime cels that the gallery has for sale. You can buy them on-line and get them shipped to you. Alternatively, you can always walk into their London shop and buy it in the real world.

Embassy of Japan in the UK Announce Manga Jiman Competition 2015

Date: 2015 July 30 16:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

Readers with an artistic streak will be pleased to hear that the Embassy of Japan in the UK has announced the Manga Jiman Competition 2015.

There are 2 categories Manga Jiman for people aged 14 and over (there is no upper age limit), and Yonkoma Manga for 11 to 13 year olds.

Each year has a theme, this years theme is bright young things.

The competition is only open to UK residents, if you are artistic we strongly advise you to enter as the first prize is a return flight for 2 people to Japan.

You can see previous entries here.
Last year's winner was Cogs by Lorenzo Fruzza.

Hyper Japan July 2015 Details

Date: 2015 May 27 14:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based fans of Japanese culture will be interested in Hyper Japan. The regular Japanese Culture event is set to return to London, this time at The O2.

The event is set to run from Friday 10th to Sunday 12 July 2015. As always it's listed on the Otaku Calendar.

There'll be lots to see and do there, highlights include as always all the food, plus anime music singer Eir Aoi, best known for her work on Sword Art Online and Kill La Kill. Anime is also well represented with anime director Kobun Shizuno. They'll be lots of gaming goodness too, plus things like Japanese clothes, and music.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Viral sensation Riusuke Fukahori Exhibits in London 11-21 December 2014

Date: 2014 November 27 15:51 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Art

For the internet-inclined, you may have seen Riusuke Fukahori's work already, it went viral a few years back. Well, if you're in London between Thursday 11th and Sunday 21st December 2014, it's your chance to see his work in person.

Fukahori himself will also be holding a special talk on Tuesday 9th December, where he will be talking about his art, his process and will perform a LIVE demonstration. The event is also free. Don't miss it!

The Kingdom Of Dreams And Madness UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2014 November 10 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK Studio Ghibli fans looking for something interesting to buy on DVD will be pleased to hear about the UK DVD release of The Kingdom Of Dreams And Madness. The documentary goes behind the scenes of Studio Ghibli focusing on Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata at work at the studio as they prepare for their latest films The Wind Rises (Miyazaki) and The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Takahata).

The DVD is released on Monday 1st December 2014. You can pre-order it now from Amazon.co.uk.

The movie is also showing at London's ICA until Thursday 20th November 2014.

Ghibli Fans looking for something else to get this Christmas would probably want to consider the soon to be released Hayao Miyazaki Box Set Blu-ray.

A Brief History of Manga Talk in London November 2014

Date: 2014 October 14 15:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Manga fans wanting to know more about the history of sequential art will be pleased to hear about Helen McCarthy's A Brief History of Manga Talk. Helen McCarthy has written and co-written many books on anime and manga. She's London's resident anime and manga expert. She also edited the first UK Anime Magazine - Anime UK.

The talk is set to run in London at the Cartoon Museum from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday 4th November 2014. The event is free, but as always we advise booking to avoid disappointment.

Please e-mail shop@cartoonmuseum.org or call 0207 580 8155 to book a ticket.

Ticket holders can also visit the Gekiga Exhibition for a special price of £2. We've covered the exhibition before here. It's a rare chance to see a great range of alternative manga. It's not every day you get to see such great artwork.

Junko Mizuno at the London Comica Festival 2014

Date: 2014 October 08 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

London based manga fans will be very excited to hear about a talk hosted manga artist Junko Mizuno. She'll be in London giving an exclusive talk for Comica Festival at popular bookshop Foyles at Charing Cross Road on Wednesday 22nd October 2014. Arrive at 6.30pm for 7.00-8.30pm. Tickets cost £8. As always we suggest booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

There will also be the first ever selling exhibition of her originals, prints and other items in London. Which will run at Atomica Gallery, 29 Shorts Gardens, London WC2H 9AP from October 20th to 28th as part of Comica Festival. With thanks to GB Sasakawa Foundation, Brewery Arts Centre Kendal, and Lakes International Comic Art Festival from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October 2014.

Gekiga: Alternative Manga Exhibition in London

Date: 2014 September 16 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

London based readers looking to discover a different side of manga will be very interested to hear about the Gekiga: Alternative Manga From Japan. This will run at Cartoon Museum on Little Russell Street (which is near the British Museum). It's set to run from Tuesday 23rd September to Saturday 29th November 2014.

It's not every day you get a chance to see manga like this on exhibition, so go and visit it while it's on!

The Japan Foundation will also be hosting a talk on Gekiga in London on Thursday 25th September 2014 (we've had this on the Otaku Calendar for a while).

Thanks to the good folks at The Japanese Gallery for telling us about the exhibition.

Manga Jiman 2014 Competition Details

Date: 2014 July 12 15:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

UK based artists should get drawing as the Embassy of Japan in the UK have just announced details of the 2014 Manga Jiman competition. The manga competition is now in it's 8th year. The theme this time around is "ichi-go ichi-e", which can be translated as "once-in-a-lifetime meeting" or "a chance encounter".

We've covered previous Manga Jiman competitions before. The top prize this year is 2 return tickets to Japan, second prize is a laptop, and third a rather nifty digital camera.

They've also got an interesting category for 11 to 13 year olds, Yonkoma Manga covering 4 panels.

Hyper Japan Event Details - July 2014

Date: 2014 July 03 15:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based fans of Japanese culture including anime, manga, food, J-Pop, cosplay and more traditional things will want to head to London on Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July 2014 for Hyper Japan.

The annual J-culture event returns promising to be it's biggest Hyper Japan yet.

It'll have all sorts of fun things to see and do. Including a game and anime park, fringe market, a section of pure kawaii, plus much more!

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Artist talk: Seiichi Hayashi in conversation with Ryan Holmberg in London July 2014

Date: 2014 June 15 13:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from The Japan Foundation in London have got in touch to tell us about an up coming event that'll be of interest to manga fans. They'll be hosting Artist talk: Seiichi Hayashi in conversation with Ryan Holmberg on Tuesday 1st July 2014 from 6:30pm at their London Office.

Seiichi Hayashi is know for his highly regarded alternative manga. If you think manga is all shonen and want to expand your horizons. There is so much to manga and different forms of sequential art.

The talk is free to attend but booking is essential. To book e-mail event@jpf.org.uk

Create your own Kaburimono headgear at the Japan Foundation in London

Date: 2014 May 06 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Japan Foundation in London have sent us details of an upcoming event set to run at the end of May 2014.

Details as follows:

At the end of this month, The Japan Foundation will be hosting three workshops with Japanese artist Norio Nishihara, renowned for making bizarre and outlandish headgear known as "kaburimono". In the workshops, participants can make their very own Kaburimono similar to Nishihara's creations, using newspaper and coloured tape. They can also take their inspiration from almost anything - even their favourite anime or manga characters. The workshops will be held at the Japan Foundation in Russell Square, on the 30th May (3:00pm) and the 31st May (11:00am and 3:00pm).

This event is free, but booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment as there are a limited number of places.

The Embassy of Japan Announce Manga Jiman 2013 Winners

Date: 2014 April 02 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

The Embassy of Japan in London announced on Friday 21st March 2014 the winners of the prestigious Manga Jiman Art Competition. 10 winners were selected for the main category, winning prizes ranging from gift vouchers to a return flight to Japan.

1st place winner is Katja Hammond with Oh Crumbs! This was her third time entering the competition. Having read her submission, it's clear that this was something special, it could have been easily published and enjoyed as a children's book. She joined with other artists to form the Cross#atch Manga and Comics collective.

2nd place winner is Rachel Dunn with her story The Apocalypse and Key, an imaginative sci-fi tale of a pub that forms a hub to other dimensions.

3rd place winner was Selina Dean with her story A Beautiful World, a tale of travel water and romance. Readers familiar to the UK fan scene will know her from her work at Sweatdrop Studios.

Megan Brennan-Dent deserves a special mention, she won the prize for the most impressive Manga by an entrant aged between fourteen and sixteen. She also won 6th place overall, competing against everyone! This has not happened before at the Manga Jiman. Megan is indeed an up and coming talent and one to watch.

Manga wallpaper is now available at B&Q

Date: 2014 January 13 19:16 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Freaky Things

On the off-chance of a friend sending me a photo of her shiny new computer, I notice her room is emblazoned in manga comic art. I find out she bought it from B&Q a while a go.

The art in question is not an excerpt from an existing manga publication, but seems to be a one-off by artist and fashion designer Jean-Charles De Castelbajac

The wallpaper can be purchased online. It's available for £19.98 for a roll that spans 53cm in width and 10 metres.

Souce: B&Q

Japanese Gallery Cel Sale in London

Date: 2013 November 25 15:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

The good folks at the Japanese Gallery in London have sent us details of the cel sale, or as they call it cel sell! The event runs from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December 2013. They'll be offering people who visit the gallery 20% off all anime products as long as you bring this voucher along. You may have seen the Japanese Gallery's anime cels being sold at events like Hyper Japan and the MCM London Comic Con. They actively welcome and encourage cosplayers at this sale.

Hokusai Exposed in London Art Exhibition

Date: 2013 October 15 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

UK based fans of Japanese art and culture will be pleased to hear about Hokusai Exposed, an immersive exhibition of Katsushika Hokusai works along with "Re-create". Set to run at The Old Truman Brewery in London from Saturday 26th October to Sunday 17th Nov 2013.

The iconic works will be presented using a process of digital remastering and state of the art printing to produce versions much closer in impact and colour to the original prints. Additionally downstairs they'll be an over 18's only section (oooooh), where visitors have to navigate their way through an old Edo street lit only be the red light of chochin lanterns, to discover re-created prints of Hokusai's manga sketches, ghost tales, and shunga. Some of the shunga have been rendered in 3D to really pop out too!

Plus there's a pop up sake bar there, which won't require an exhibition ticket.

Hyper Japan 2013 Report

Date: 2013 August 08 15:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan has become a regular feature the calendar for fans of all things from Japan. Since it first started in 2010, it's organically grown bigger and bigger each year. Last year due to the London Olympics booking out all the large London venues in the summer Hyper Japan decided to run two events, the first in February 2012, and the second in November 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Hyper Japan 2013 is in full swing

Date: 2013 July 27 14:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details from the first day of their event. The 3 day event's third and final day is Sunday 28th July 2013. There's still lots of fun to be had! Including cosplay, culture and plenty of food.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Hyper Japan 2013 Details

Date: 2013 June 26 15:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan have sent us details of their 2013 event. It's set to run at Earl's Court Two from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.

They've got something for every fan of Japan, from Food and drink to anime and cosplay. Fashion, J-Music and lots of lovely Japanese technology.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Jiman Competition 2013

Date: 2013 May 30 15:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

Artistic readers in the UK will be pleased to hear about the annual Embassy of Japan Competition Manga Jiman. The theme for 2013 is voyages of discovery.

The competition is open to all legal UK residents who are over the age of 14 by 1st January 2014.

There's a great selection of prizes to be won, including the top prize of return air tickets to Japan!

You can see previous winners on Myebook.

Comica MangAsia - May 2013

Date: 2013 April 27 14:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Comica Festival have sent us details of their latest event aimed at anime and manga fans in London. The Comica MangAsia is set to run on Saturday 18th May 2013 at Asia House in London. The fun starts at 11am and ends at 4:30pm.

The event includes talks and panels with anime and manga expert and writer Helen McCarthy. Sarah Rundle introduces Kamishibai, a form of traditional Japanese paper based storytelling.

Cosplay experts Emily Bastian and Adelaide Filippe will be there running a cosplay workshop. Plus Japanese manga artist Inko will be running a manga masterclass for those aged 16+.

Throughout the day there will be a free comic fair along with a tea room.

As always with these events, we advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Letraset Announces the Manga Alley Art Competition for London Comic Con May 2013

Date: 2013 April 22 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Letraset have sent us details of their Manga Alley Art Competition which is set to run at the MCM London Comic Con in May 2013. The theme for this art competition is Onwards and Upwards.

Toshio Maeda at the London MCM Expo

Date: 2012 October 15 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of hentai at the London MCM Expo have a rare opportunity to meet one of the most influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl has his own stall at the hugely popular event. He'll be selling uncensored original artwork, including some London exclusives. We've been told by those who have seen this artwork that it is beautiful and photos / screen shots just don't do it justice. That and well, if you're going to buy hentai artwork, buy it from the most influential creators!

Visit the Tentacle Master shop at the expo to pick up your own signed and numbered limited edition digital lithographic print. Each AQ2 sized print is on sale exclusively at the London MCM Comic Con and limited to 200 prints.

Even if you don't buy anything, if you go along to his table and say that you are "Otaku News Fans", Tosho Maeda will give you a small free present!

The London MCM Expo runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012 at ExCel.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Letraset Manga School at the London MCM Expo May 2012

Date: 2012 May 19 16:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Letraset have sent us some details about their upcoming event at the London MCM Expo which runs on Friday 25th 2012 to Sunday 27th May 2012.

On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May 2012 Letraset will be running a Manga School at the Expo. The talented Nana Li will be running the workshop. All classes are free to attend.

Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas announced

Date: 2012 May 04 03:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The successful London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan have just announced the date for their next event. Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 at Earls Court in London. So save the date!

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Alley Art Competition at the London MCM Expo in May 2012

Date: 2012 April 25 17:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The London MCM Expo is on the horizon for Friday 25th to Sunday 27th May 2012. If you're going and are artistic you will be pleased to hear that Letraset will be running a manga alley art competition. The theme for May's competition is Splish-Splash. The competition is divided into 2 categories, over 16 and under 16.

They'll be a great line up of over £120 worth of prizes for the winners, with plenty of goodies for runners up too.

ICN Gallery Part 1 What is Ukiyo-e? Event report

Date: 2012 April 21 13:46 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Art

The ICN gallery London opened this month with the first in a series of exhibitions exploring the iconic historic Japanese artist movement, Ukiyo-e. The works explore the tradition and an influential legacy that has shaped the face of modern Japanese artistry.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

What is Ukiyo-e? London ICN Gallery exhibition

Date: 2012 March 24 15:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some art and culture will want to head over to the ICN Gallery 96-98 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4RH to see Part 1 of What is Ukiyo-e? The exhibition covers the popular and well known wood block prints, including Hokusai's famous Great wave Off Kanagawa.

The exhibition is set to run from Thursday 5th April to Saturday 28th April 2012 (please note the gallery is closed Sundays).

Japan: Kingdom of Characters UK Exhibition

Date: 2012 January 04 17:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime and manga fans will want to make a trip over to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia. From Saturday 4th February 2012 until Sunday 24th June 2012, the venue will be hosting Japan: Kindom of Characters, a new manga exhibition that takes you inside the world of Japanese characters and asks you to consider what they represent.

It follows on from a tour of highly successful showings in cities such as Manila, Sydney and Madrid. Human-size 3D models of characters such as Ultraman and Pikachu welcome you into this colourful and substantial show. Over eighty graphics, photographs and films trace the history of cartoon characters by decade from the 1950’s to the 2000’s and provide insight into their fascinating backgrounds.

The event is organised in co-operation with the Japan Foundation. Admission is free. The event is daily and open from 10am to 9pm.

The Sainsbury Centre is the sole UK venue for this exhibition.

Ryo Arai & ITARO - Essence of Edo-Tokyo Gallery display in London October to November 2011

Date: 2011 October 06 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

Japanese art and culture enthusiasts in London will want to pay a visit to the ICN Gallery to catch the Ryo Arai & ITARO - Essence of Edo-Tokyo exhibit. It's set to run from Thursday 27th October to Monday 19th November 2011.

Ryo Arai is a hariko artist (that's traditional Japanese paper mache) and ITARO is a netsuke and wood engraving artist.

The gallery can be found on 96-98 Leonard Street; London EC2A 4RH

London MCM Expo - Letraset Manga School October 2011

Date: 2011 October 05 18:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers will know that Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011 is when the London MCM Expo hits town. Letraset the creative company best known for their popular marker pens will be hosting a manga school at the Expo. They'll be running 15 classes throughout the weekend.

The classes are aimed at different abilities from beginners to advanced artists. The classes will be run by talented artists Morag Lewis, Nana Li and Irina Richards.

The class cost £2 to £3 per person and last up to 1 hour. For some classes you will have to supply additional materials.

Letraset will also be running a spooky competition under the theme of Ghouls, gobins and mad scientists oh my! where the winner gets over £120 worth of Letraset products, plus there are runners up prizes.

Letraset will also be promoting a new marker in their line up - the FlexMarker.

Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival London November 2011 Details

Date: 2011 October 04 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese cinema and culture will want to head over to the ICA in from Friday 18th to Thursday 24th November 2011 for the start of Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival. We've been sent details of the film line up.

For it's London premiere and the festival's opening night they'll be showing KanZeOn, which looks at religious traditions in locations far from Tokyo. This screening on 6:30pm on Friday 18th November 2011 will be followed by a launch party with musicians from Japan.

Fans of avant-garde and experimental music will want to catch We Don't Care About Music Anyway... which documents the Japanese music scene on 5pm on Sunday 20th November 2011.

As always with popular screenings we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Manga Workshops at Westminster Reference Library - Autumn 2011 dates

Date: 2011 September 19 17:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in London who are looking to learn more about drawing manga will want to head over to Westminster Reference Library for the Autumn 2011 run of their Manga Workshops.

They've got 3 sessions

Comic brainstorming session - Thursday 22nd September 2011
Landscapes and comic layouts - Thursday 6th October 2011
Character creation and Letraset colouring - Thursday 13th October 2011

The sessions are free, but places are limited so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. To book e-mail rblack1@westminster.gov.uk or phone 020 7641 5250.

Japan Underground to Organise Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer

Date: 2011 August 24 22:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese cinema will want to keep Saturday 3rd September 2011 free for the Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU. It's organised by the good folks behind Japan Underground to raise awareness and support for the independent Asian film companies that lost their stock when the Sony DADC centre was burnt down in the England riots on 8 August.

Third Window Films and Terracotta Distribution are confirmed for the screenings.

Japan Underground have also sent us details about Unshin a Japanese pop/rock band based in the UK who'll launch their debut album at Japan Underground. This is event is scheduled to run 7pm-3am Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU after the Free Asian Cinema screenings.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui TeZukA - Dance Work in London

Date: 2011 August 01 15:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Fans of Tezuka, the arts and dance will be pleased to hear about London's Sadler's Wells' up coming production TeZukA. The world premiere dance work is set to explore Tezuka's fascinating world with help of cast of 10 performers, two musicians and a calligrapher. They'll cover a wide range of his work, including Astro Boy and Buddha.

So keep Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th September 2011 free and head over to London.

On Thursday 8th September 2011 at 6:15pm they'll also be a special pre-show director's conversation.

Murakami makes his mark at the Gagosian

Date: 2011 July 14 15:42 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Art

This article features coverage of the Takashi Murakami Exhibition at London's Gagosian Gallery.

Due to the nature of some of the artwork on display in this article, we issue a NSFW content rating.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga Jiman 2011 Competition now open for entries

Date: 2011 July 14 14:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Following on from our earlier story, we've just been sent the official details about this years Manga Jiman Competition run by the Embassy of Japan in the UK.

This years theme is "New Beginnings". Prizes first prize is a return trip for 2 to Japan courtesy of All Nippon Airways. While other great goodies such as a laptop, or digital camera is also up for grabs for the winners.

Further details terms and conditions can be found on the Manga Jiman Website.
Please note that The closing date for the submission of entries is Tuesday, 1st November 2011.

Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

After school tea time with Beckii Cruel

Date: 2011 June 08 16:35 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Culture

As an avid follower of Japanese popular culture and a regular anime viewer, I am more than familiar with the style of dance routines that have become inseparable from so many titles and credits sequences. From classics such as Urusei Yatsura and more recently popularised by Kyoto Animation's iconic series Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, shows have taken to inserting dances at any available opportunity to arrest a fan following with catchy tunes and infectious dance moves. The indigenous para para dance style steps are synonymous with series such as Super Gals! where character Kotobuki Ran regularly regales audiences through her hyper rhythmic routines.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Spirit of Hope Charity Anthology for Japan and New Zealand Disaster Victims

Date: 2011 June 05 16:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

The Comic Book Alliance have sent us details about their latest project Spirit of Hope. The comic anthology has been created to raise money for the the Japan and New Zealand disaster victims.

Letraset Art Competition at the London MCM Expo - May 2011

Date: 2011 May 24 18:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Everyone's getting ready for the London MCM Expo this weekend (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2011) at the ExCel Centre in London.

This includes the good folk at Letraset who make the popular markers that many artists love. They've sent us details of the art competition they'll be running at the Expo. The theme for this year is Running Late for a Very Important Date. The winners will get a lot lovely Letraset goodies.

Souce: Letraset Blog

Zipangu Fest Japanese Tsunami Relief Charity Screening

Date: 2011 March 22 18:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been impressed with the UK Zipangu Fest line up so far. But we believe that this latest screening is something special.

Londoners will be treated to Beyond Anime: CALF Animation, at 6pm, Sunday 3rd April 2011 at the ROXY Bar and Screen.

Apart from a rare chance to see an alternative side to anime, what makes the event so special is the ticket pricing. There is no set price for admission, you pay what you want with all proceeds going toward the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.

ROXY Bar and Screen
128-132 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LB

Nearest Tubes Borough and London Bridge.

At Home in Japan - Beyond the Minimal House

Date: 2011 March 03 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

If you can get to London between 22nd March 2011 to 29th August 2011 you should try and swing over to the The Geffrye Museum, which has an interesting exhibition At Home in Japan - Beyond the Minimal House. To see a Special Exhibition on what Japanese homes are really like.

Leeds Central Library - Otaku Attack March 2011

Date: 2011 March 03 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK readers looking for something to do in Leeds on Saturday 19th March 2011? Well, head over the Leeds Central Library from 12 Midday to 3pm where the talented Kate Brown will be running the Otaku Attack Manga Art Workshop.

It's free to all, you'll be treated to anime screenings, Japanese food and lots of other treats too.

BBC News on Cosplay

Date: 2010 December 07 17:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

BBC News have an interesting video and article about cosplayers. The cosplayers interviewed are fans of World of Warcraft. It's a basic introduction into cosplay and highlights how much effort goes into creating great costumes.

The article even suggests a suitable qualification for cosplayers an HND in Theatrical Make Up and Costume. We also suggest a degree in fashion or a fashion design related subject as we've met a fair few cosplayers who are currently students at fashion colleges and are keen for a career related to cosplay.

Souce: BBC News

Manga Drawing workshop in London Saturday 20th November 2010

Date: 2010 November 16 16:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Every now and again at Otaku News we get e-mails from our readers with questions. Normally we can answer these questions (or at least point them in the right direction). Today we got one that we couldn't answer straight away.

The reader was a 13 year old searching for a manga drawing course in London. We couldn't think of any that were coming up, so we turned to Twitter. Luckily someone out there does know. Anna Fitzpatrick who draws the great comic Between Worlds came to the rescue pointing out that the Victoria and Albert Museum will be holding Get Creative! on Saturday 20th November 2010.

The event is for 13 to 19 year olds and is set to run from 11:30am to 4:30pm. The free workshops include manga drawing, stage make-up music, VJing, talks on the fashion industry and theatre.

Souce: Victoria and Albert Museum

Vent, celebrating 10 years of UDON

Date: 2010 July 06 13:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks at Udon Entertainment have sent us details of their 10 year anniversary art anthology - Vent. Due to hit the shelves on September 15th 2010 the art book premiers this summer at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con, along with an exclusive hardcover edition at the Udon booth.

Vent is available to pre-order from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. UK readers should note that Amazon.com currently have it cheaper than Amazon.co.uk even after taking shipping into account.

Telling Tales - Sweatdrop Studios Anthology

Date: 2010 May 21 17:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks from Sweatdrop Studios have sent us the details of their new anthology - Telling Tales. The collection of fables, fairy tales and other ripping yarns is bound to be of interest. The book is priced at £6.99 and is due to launch at the May London MCM Expo 2010.

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