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Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas Details

Date: 2012 October 07 16:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Christmas has come early for UK based fans of Japanese culture! Hyper Japan is set to return to Brompton Hall, Earl's Court in London for Hyper Japan Christmas 2012. The event is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012.

They'll have all sorts of fun including traditional Japanese food, culture and music, along with the modern elements that make Japan cool.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Anime and Manga event for Japanese Language Learners in London and Edinburgh

Date: 2012 September 12 17:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Readers who are in London or Edinburgh and are keen to learn Japanese will be interested in the Japan Foundation's new initiative. They've just launched a new website using Anime and Manga in Japanese to help you get to grips with the language.

They'll be running special workshops on the subject -

"This workshop, hosted by Ms Nanae Kumano (Developer of the Japanese in Anime & Manga website and Language Education Specialist at Japan Foundation Madrid), will introduce learners to the Japanese in Anime & Manga website, and explore how the site can be used to enhance your own Japanese language studies and enjoyment of Japanese culture."

On Thursday 4th October 2012 from 4pm to 6pm at the University of Edinburgh.

Levels: Basic – Advanced (JLPT N5 – N1/Level 1); English explanations will be given. This event is supported by the University of Edinburgh and is free for all participants. The event is free, but you do have to register in advance in order to attend.

On Friday 5th October 2012 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Japan Foundation - Russell Square London.

Levels: Intermediate to Advanced (JLPT N3/Level 3 – N1/Level 1); The workshop will be in Japanese.

Fee: £3.00 (to paid on arrival on the day, cash only accepted)
Limited to 40 participants – First come, first served. Click here to register.

Souce: The Japan Foundation

The Japanese Maid Cafe in London Sunday 2nd September 2012

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

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture looking to try out a maid cafe will be interested to hear about the Japanese Maid Cafe London. They've got two sittings on Sunday 2nd September 2012 at:

Hellenic Restaurant,
9a Delancey Street
Camden Town
London
NW1 7NL

Seating Times are 1pm to 3:30pm and 4pm to 6:30pm.
There is a choice of 4 set menus (which consists of 3 courses). Entry is £25 in advance or £35 on the door. Prices exclude drinks.

Princess Mononoke London Stage Performance - April 2013

Date: 2012 July 19 16:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based Studio Ghibli fans will be pleased and surprised to hear about the world's first staging of Princess Mononoke. Hayao Miyazaki's renowned title is being transferred to the stage by the Whole Hog Theatre Company.

The performance will use be using "giant puppets made from recycled materials, visceral, physical storytelling and original live music".

This project has been in the works for over a year.

Performances are set to take place from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 6th April 2013 at the New Diorama Theatre in London. Tickets are available now for £12.50 or £10.50 for concessions.

Update: The tickets have sold out for the weekend already, you can still buy tickets for the Wednesday.

UK TV documentary calls for otaku

Date: 2012 June 21 14:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

We've been in touch with Factual Television Researcher Latisha Ma who is interested to hear from of our readers. She says:

"I am looking to speak to non-Oriental individuals who are obsessed with Asian/Oriental culture (from the fashion, to the music, to the gaming world, to comics etc). This is for research for TV documentary development. Please do get in touch if you're happy to have a chat about your interests! Email: latishama@yahoo.co.uk".

So if you fancy a chance of being in a TV documentary, now's your chance!

Souce: Otaku News

NEO Magazine Seeks Ultimate Fan in Competition

Date: 2012 June 08 11:49 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Press Releases

NEO Magazine launches campaign to find their ultimate fan in celebration for their 100th issue.

The winner will have a lifetime subscription to the magazine and have their photo featured in the 100th issue.

Manga in the classroom

Date: 2012 May 22 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

TES - The Times Education Supplement, a popular magazine for teachers and those in education have an interesting article about getting pupils into art through manga. It was published in the 11th May 2012 edition.

A manga scheme of work has been drawn up by Jono Carney. A 12 lesson scheme of work introduces "the manga style", and helps pupils creating their own characters. The article then mentions that members of the TES forums can get access to cross-meduim project plans and teaching resources for anime and storyboarding too. So if you're in school, why not encourage your teacher to foster the otaku in you?

Souce: Times Education Supplement

Brighton Japan Festival 2012

Date: 2012 May 04 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to Brighton from Friday 22nd June until Sunday 1st July 2012 for the return of the Brighton Japan Festival.

There will be plenty to see and do, including not one, but two matsuri festivals, a film festival, Japanese music and performances, traditional children's games, cosplay and so much more.

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

Throne of Blood and Cymbeline at London's Barbican

Date: 2012 April 30 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based fans of classic Japanese cinema will want to head over the to Barbican on 2pm Saturday 2nd of June 2012 to catch a special screening of Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood. This will include a screen talk by director Yukio Ninagawa.

Yukio Ninagawa also directed Cymbeline, which will be performed the Ninagawa Company and will run at the Barbican Theatre from at 7:15pm on Tuesday 29th May to Saturday 2nd June 2012.

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

Interview with MyM publisher Tarik Alozdi

Date: 2012 March 25 12:40 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Culture

Publisher for new UK/Ireland magazine MyM gives an interview to Otaku News and discusses the magazine, it's upcoming launch and it's content and direction.

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).

Bunkasai - Japanese Festival London Sunday 11th March 2012 Reminder

Date: 2012 March 10 15:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

A quick reminder for those in London tomorrow (Sunday 11th March 2012), please don't forget about the Charity Event - Bunkasai Japanese Festival. We've got all the details here. The event is to raise money for Aid For Japan.

Souce: Bunkasai

Distant Worlds: Celebrating 25 years of Final Fantasy - London November 2012

Date: 2012 March 06 16:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Based fans of Final Fantasy will want to keep Friday 2nd November 2012 free as that's when the Distant Worlds: Celebrating 25 years of Final Fantasy concert hits the Royal Albert Hall.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra plus choir will be performing. Arnie Roth is the Conductor and Nobuo Uematsu will be in attendance too.

Tickets will start from £25 to £65, plus there's a special VIP meet and greet ticket for £125 which gets you lots of great things.

We know the event is in November, so why are we mentioning it now? Tickets go on Sale on Thursday 15th March 2012 9am London Time. As always with popular events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment, but with this we can't emphasise this enough.

The Last Explorers - Thomas Blake Glover - The Scottish Samurai

Date: 2012 February 13 15:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK Readers who missed it on Sunday 12th February on BBC 2, will be keen to catch The Last Explorers - Thomas Blake Glover.

"Neil Oliver follows in the footsteps of four Scottish explorers who planted ideas rather than flags - ideas that shaped the modern world we know today.

In the last of the series, Neil travels to Japan to uncover the extraordinary story of Thomas Blake Glover. Blending adventure with commerce, Glover was a rogue trader who helped rebel samurai clans overthrow the shogun and lay the foundations for one of the most aggressive and powerful economies in the world."

The episode is filmed on location on Japan and features in interviews with Japanese historians.

Souce: BBC iPlayer

Japanese embassy in UK announces manga writing competition winners

Date: 2012 February 13 06:48 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Manga

The Embassy of Japan in London has chosen the winning entries in their annual manga writing competition.

Bunkasai - Japanese Festival London Sunday 11th March 2012

Date: 2012 February 06 17:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some Japanese culture should head over to the Bunkasai - Japanese Festival on Sunday 11th March 2012. The event is set to run from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Park Crescent Conference Centre. The event is to support the charity Aid for Japan, which aids survivors of the March 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami. The Bunkasai will run on the first year anniversary

Cultural highlights at the Bunkasai include the Tea Ceremony, Engeki play, Traditional Japanese dance, martial arts demonstration, Taiko drumming, and cosplay.

Advance tickets are now on sale.

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.

Zipangu Fest reveals full programme: nuclear reactions, retro, animation and horror

Date: 2011 October 16 15:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Following on from our earlier coverage of the Zipangu Film Fest, we've just been sent the details of the full programme. The festival kicks off in London at the ICA from Friday 18th to Thursday 24th November 2011.

They've got lots of interesting things to watch. If you fancy some alternative animation then Beyond Anime: The Outer Limits will appeal.

Shirome has been described as somewhere between the Blair Witch Project and the X-Factor!

There's plenty more to enjoy, including some horror, retro films.

Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest

Hyper Japan 2012 Spring Dates Confirmed

Date: 2011 September 26 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture will want to keep Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February 2012 free for Hyper Japan 2012 Spring. The successful J-Culture event returns for it's third run. Ever growing they'll be at a bigger venue - Earls Court - Brompton Hall.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

J-Pop Star Beckii Cruel to Perform New Single at London Comic Con

Date: 2011 September 15 14:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of J-Pop Idol Beckii Cruel will want to head to the MCM Expo London Comic Con on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October 2011 to see her perform her new single You Can't Kiss me.

Beckii will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday at the Expo. We were lucky to catch up with her at the last Expo in May.

Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival London November 2011

Date: 2011 September 05 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of cutting edge Japanese cinema will want to head over to the ICA from Thursday 17th to Thursday 24th November 2011 for the return of Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival. The festival will then move around the UK.

They'll have lots of treats lined up, including two titles that have never been shown in the UK, one being especially subtitled for the festival.

Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest

London's Japan Matsuri 2011 Details

Date: 2011 September 02 17:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to London's County Hall on Sunday 18th September for the Japan Matsuri 2011. This year it's at County Hall next to the London Eye.

They'll be over 130 stalls with lots of lovely Japanese things, from food and drinks to clothes and textiles, art, travel companies, tableware and so much more.

Entry to the event is free. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.
Don't forget that the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September is the Open House London, many great places open to visit in the city.

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

Something for the weekend - Japanese Art Festival

Date: 2011 July 02 10:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder to all those who are looking for something to do this weekend (2nd and 3rd July 2011) in London.

On Saturday and Sunday you'll want to head over to the Japanese Art Festival, where they'll be lots of cosplay fun, fashion shows, manga, martial arts demonstrations along with a selection of other cultural fun. It's at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, Holborn, London, WC1R 4R (nearest tube is Holborn).
Open times are as follows:

Saturday 2nd July: 10:30am - 9:00pm
Sunday 3rd July: 10:30am - 4:00pm

Tickets
Saturday: On the day: £10 / Advanced £7 /After 17:00 £5
Sunday: On the day - £10 / Advanced £7

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

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

Tezuka Dance event in London 2011

Date: 2011 May 22 12:10 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Culture

Sadler's Wells Theatre in London will be showing a interpretive performance based upon the works of Osamu Tezuka, the Eisner Award winning visionary manga and anime creator.

The event, directed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, draws from Tezuka's creations such as Buddha and his most famous creation Astro Boy. Using musicians, dancers, a caligrapher and an actor it will explore the world's of Tezuka. Tickets go on sale from Monday 23rd May 2011 from the Sadler's Wells Theatre and website. The show, titled TeZukA, will run from the 6th through to the 10th of September.

London Barbican July 2011 Anime Screenings

Date: 2011 May 10 15:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London anime fans have got a lot to look forward over at the Barbican. They'll be showing the latest Ghibli movie - Arrietty on Wednesday 6th July 2011 at 7pm which is the UK Premier and on Saturday 9th July 2011 at 11 am (all adults must be accompanied by a child to this screening).

On Thursday 7th July 2011 the Barbican will be showing -
Laputa: Castle in the Sky at 6pm. It'll be introduced by anime expert and Ghibli fan Helen McCarthy.
Trigun: Badlands Rumble will be shown at 8:45pm. Both films are part of the We Love Anime Tour.

More lovely Ghibli features can be seen at the Barbican throughout July -

Saturday 9th July 2011 - 2pm - Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Sunday 10th July 2011 - 4pm - Princess Mononoke

Saturday 16th July 2011 - 11am - Laputa: Castle in the Sky (all adults must be accompanied by a child to this screening).

Saturday 23rd July 2011 - 11am Kiki's Delivery Service (all adults must be accompanied by a child to this screening).

Saturday 30th July 2011 - 2pm - My Neighbour Totoro

Sunday 31st July 2011 - 2pm - My Neighbours the Yamadas

Sunday 31st July 2011 - 2pm - Spirited Away

I've you've never seen any of these films before, or never seen a Ghibli feature on a proper cinema screen, then now's your chance. These movies are special and always deserve watching in the cinema.

The Barbican have a full listing of all the Ghibli features this July here.

As always with such features, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: Barbican

London Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

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

Category > Events

London Lolitas are in for a treat on Saturday 14th May 2011, where they should head over to the Resistance Gallery, 265 Poyser St, Bethnal Green, E2 9RF from 1pm until late for the Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

The event will celebrate Lolita fashion and its offshoots. Artwork from our very own Wing Yun Man will be on display too (she does the Otaku News Post Cards and wallpaper).

They'll also have other events such as a swap and buy sale, along with DJs throughout the day, a photo booth, plus a fashion show and a panel discussion.

At Home in Japan - Beyond the minimal house symposium

Date: 2011 April 19 16:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In London on Saturday 14th May 2011 and looking for something educational to do? Well why not head over to the At Home in Japan - Beyond the minimal house symposium at the The Geffrye Museum. It's set to start at 10 am and run to 4:30pm. coffee, light lunch and an exhibition tour is included in the ticket price. This forms part of the At Home in Japan - Beyond the Minimal House special exhibition.

£40 (£30 concessions) in advance.
Bookings - 020 7739 9893 / bookings@geffrye-museum.org.uk.

Terracotta Far East Film Festival - London May 2011

Date: 2011 April 17 10:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based Cinema fans are in for a treat at start of May as that's when the Terracotta Far East Film Festival is set to start. Scheduled from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th May 2011, it has a great selection of films at the Prince Charles Cinema.

They'll be showing a mix of Chinese, Japanese and South Korean movies many of which are either the European or UK Premieres.

Thanks to Helen McCarthy for reminding us about this festival.

Souce: Terracotta Far East Film Festival

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.

Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest

Japanese Maid Cafes in London Day - Sunday 27th March 2011

Date: 2011 March 22 18:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Looking for something to do in London this weekend? Well Sunday 27th March 2011 seems to be London Maids day, with not one, but two separate Maid Cafes running on the same day. Both events will have Japanese Maids.

We have Oh My Lord! set to run from 2.00pm to 7.00pm. We've covered them before. Cosplay is actively encouraged, but not compulsory.

They'll be at Jetlag
125 Cleveland Street
London
W1T 6QB
You can book tickets here.

The nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.

Then at Sofra in Covent Garden we have Japanese Maid's Cafe London. They'll have 4 sittings, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm or 6pm. WOTA London VJ namimo will be there to provide some simulation to the eyes and ears. The new comers claim to be the first of it's kind in London, even though Oh My Lord started 4 months before.

Sofra
36 Tavistock Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7PB

The nearest Tube is Covent Garden.

Both events promise to donate proceeds to Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami relief.

Correction - Since posting this article, the people behind the Japanese Maids Cafe have confirmed the reasoning behind being called the first of it's kind in London. They'd like to emphasise that they are the first Japanese Maid Cafe in London. They highlight that all their maids, VJ namimo and the owner of the event are all Japanese. While in comparison Oh My Lord! has maids of different nationalities.

Hibiki: Resonances from Japan - March 2011

Date: 2011 March 03 17:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

For those looking for something to do in London this weekend, otaku are spoilt for choice with the Bunkasai Japanese Festival near Holborn, along with Hibiki: Resonances from Japan at Kings Place near Kings Cross.

Scheduled as a 1000-year journey through the rich heritage of Japanese music, there's 3 events.

Tsugaru-Shamisen: Sheer Wind from the North
Friday, 4 March 2011 - 7:30pm

Talk: Music in Manga
Saturday, 5 March 2011 - 5:00pm

Tradition & Exploration: The Koto of Michiyo Yagi
Saturday, 5 March 2011 - 7:30pm

Manga fans should note that Helen McCarthy will be running the manga talk, so we can expect to see her normal expert insights into the subject.

Souce: Kings Place

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.

Hyper Japan 2011 Details

Date: 2011 February 28 16:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us the details for their 2011 event in London. It's set to run from Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Japan's kawaii culture in Britain

Date: 2011 February 21 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The Mainichi Daily News have an interesting article about Japan's kawaii culture taking hold in Britain.

It seems that cute is everywhere in the UK now.

"Over the last 10 years, the country's youngsters have started to embrace the whole spectrum of kawaii -- from the extremes of costume play down to the purchasing of accessories adorned with cute anime and manga characters."

The article gets commentary from Helen McCarthy the British-based expert on Japanese popular culture, anime, manga, book author (we really need to write up some sort of introduction to Helen as she's done a lot of stuff). Helen reports that over the last 10 years with the growth of the internet the kawaii culture has become more visible.

'"Kawaii has made inroads, but is not embedded yet," she said, adding that its influence can be seen in TV shows and subway posters'

"We (Britain) are still quite a masculine and patriarchal culture and we have never embraced the cute, soft side like France and Japan. We are not ready to go full-on cute yet and whether we ever will be is a mute point."

Souce: Mainichi Daily News

Bunkasai Japanese Festival and the European Cosplay Gathering in London - March 2011

Date: 2011 February 06 13:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based Cosplayers looking to be part of the European Cosplay scene will be pleased to hear about the European Cosplay Gathering. Known as ECG for short, this new cosplay competition will have it's finals at the Japan Expo in Paris. What makes the ECG a bit different is that cosplay performance is just as important as the costume.

The UK selection of the Competition will be held at the Bunkasai Japanese Festival on Saturday 5th March 2011 at Conway Hall Red Lion Square, Holborn London. Near Holborn tube station.

Bunkasai has an interesting selection of events, including Martial Arts demonstrations, Taiko Drumming workshops, Japanese Language lessons, a lecture on the Tea Ceremony, Food Tasting, Sake Tasting and much more.

Tickets are £5 on the door (with Children under 10 free). Or you can buy a single ticket for £3.50, or 4 tickets for £10 on their website.

Leeds Tanabata Festival 2011

Date: 2011 January 30 16:05 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Events

Japanese culture fans in Leeds might be interested to know that a Tanabata Festival is being held at Leeds University Student's Union 11-12th February 2011.

Festival Events will include 1000 crane origami challenge, calligraphy and putting on Kimono. Entry is free.

Japanese Cinema Screenings in London's ICA - February 2011

Date: 2011 January 16 12:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London's ICA will be showing a season of Japanese cinema since the Mid 1990's. They've called the season Back to the Future: Japanese Cinema Since the Mid-90s. It's set to run from the 4th to 13th February 2011.

Distant Worlds - Music from Final Fantasy

Date: 2010 December 24 12:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of the music from Final Fantasy are in for a treat next year as the venues and dates for The Distant World music from Final Fantasy have been announced.

Returning to Chicago! First Ever Distant Worlds
"Marathon Final Fantasy Concert" June 26, 2011!
Tickets on sale now!

Distant Worlds in London!
November 5, 2011 at Royal Albert Hall!
Tickets on sale Dec 17, 2010!

Distant Worlds in Australia!
April 15 & 16, 2011 at Sydney Opera House!
Concert Tickets on sale now!
Meet and greet tickets on sale Dec. 17, 2010!

Souce: Distant Worlds

Makers of the Modern World from Haus Publishing

Date: 2010 December 23 18:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The good folks at Haus Publishing have sent us the details of their Makers of the Modern World series of 32 volumes on the Paris Peace Conference, which tried to create a new world order after the devastation of the First World War.

Why would that interest an anime fan? I hear you cry. Well we know some of our readers are history buffs, while others would be interested in the Prince Saionji: Japan volume, which is written by Jonathan Clements, who is best known to anime and manga fans as the co-author of the Anime Encyclopedia, along with being an industry expert, translator, anime magazine columnist, he also did the Wellington Koo: China volume.

You can order the books on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com -

Makers of the Modern World - Prince Saionji: Japan
Order from Amazon.co.uk
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Makers of the Modern World - Wellington Koo: China
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BBC News on the OS-tans

Date: 2010 December 13 16:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

BBC News have discovered the cute Japanese take on Operating Systems, the OS-tans.
The cute anthropomorphic characters of operating systems which later spread to characters of popular programs being made too.

Originally a fan made effort article points to how in some places anime style characters have been created as official mascots such as Microsoft's Silverlight having it's own character in Taiwan.

Ruth Keattch of Sweatdrop Studios comments on them in the article and introduces the readers to the basics of the OS-tans.

Fans of the OS-tans might also be interested in Ubunchu The Ubuntu Linux Manga.

Souce: BBC News

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

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