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Hyper Japan 2010 Report

Date: 2010 October 31 17:04 | Posted By: Priss

Category > Events

For Japanese culture fans, October began with a bang at Hyper Japan, a new and highly anticipated event on the UK otaku calendar for 2010. Hosted by Eat-Japan (the number one site for Japanese food, sushi and sake), the show was a sensational success, drawing in excess of 15,000 visitors over the 3 days, a remarkable feat for what was the debut of this cultural festival. The event was located in the heart of London's Shoreditch at Brick Lane, an area well known for its offbeat character and for the eclectic, hip and chic. Standing in the line with the eager attendees, the atmosphere was alive with the building excitement as cosplayers, anime fans and the culturally curious all assembled to enjoy a different class of convention. The preshow campaign, organised and delivered by a Japanese enterprise was loaded with ample incentive for any fan of Japan to take a look at what the exhibitors had to offer. I, in my cosplay guise as Queen's Blade's spectral maid Airi, lined up with the happy crowds all eager to meet and greet, eat and shop! After conquering the queue and ascending the staircase in my heels, a veritable treasure trove was to be found, serving the many delights of Japanese culture and cuisine.

London Barbican Cosplay Extravaganza - November 2010

Date: 2010 October 27 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

While cosplays in London will be busy gearing up for the London MCM Expo this weekend, you shouldn't forget that there's more fun to be had in London the weekend after. On Saturday 6th November 2010 The Barbican will be having a special late night event - the Cosplay Extravaganza.

They'll be a Cosplay Parade, workshops, a Goth Loli Fashion Show, Video Game Tournaments, some live J-Pop and Japanese Punk. Resident anime expert Helen McCarthy will be there to give a talk on Cosplay: A Short History (as well as being an anime expert Helen's also the author of Manga Cross-Stitch and is knowledgeable about cosplay to say the least).

The event is set to run from 6pm until 1am.

Entry to all the Foyer Events is free. This does not cover entry to exhibition, theatre or Kamikaze Girls screening.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Zipangu Fest - Japanese film festival details

Date: 2010 October 18 16:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK fans of Japanese cinema will be pleased to hear about Zipangu Fest. A UK-wide festival devoted to Japanese Cinema. It's set to start from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 28th November 2010 in London's East End, before touring the country.

Highlights include some spooky horror movies as part of the Barbican's Japanese Halloween Schlockfest.

There's also a tie in with the 24th Leeds International Film Festival with a rare screening of Children of the Beehive (1948).

There'll be lots more exciting things for UK readers to enjoy at Zipangu Fest.

Square Enix, Cosplay, Sushi and More! HYPER JAPAN London 2010

Date: 2010 September 15 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at Hyper Japan have sent us more details about their London based event on Friday 1st October until Sunday 3rd October 2010. Square Enix will be there selling goodies. They've got a cosplay competition too, with a chance to win a trip to Japan. Plus lots of lovely food! Soy sauce experts Kikkoman will be there too, issuing a sushi challenge.

The Way of Tea Special Event at the British Museum in London

Date: 2010 September 04 13:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Those interested in Japanese culture in London will want to head over to the British Museum on Friday 17th September 2010 to enjoy The Way of Tea Special Event. The free event starts at 1:30pm in the East Foyer with Matcha tasting, (powdered green tea). Then at 2:30pm there will be a presentation and talk on Chado the Japanese tea ceremony. This talk will be given by one of the most famous tea schools in Japan.

Souce: British Museum

Japan Matsuri London Festival 2010

Date: 2010 September 04 11:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Looking for something fun to do in London? On Saturday 18th September 2010 from 10am until 8pm The Japan Matsuri will return to London, at Old Spitalfields market. Last years event was a huge success. This years will have all sort of lovely Japanese food to munch on, with plenty of other stalls to enjoy too. You can even get authentic vintage kimonos! They'll also have a cosplay competition. Along with an art competition to design a Japanese video game character.

Although the event is free to attend, last year it proved very popular, so we advise going early if you like avoiding crowds.

Souce: Japan Matsuri London Festival 2010

London Barbican Aspects of Japanese Cinema - October to December 2010

Date: 2010 August 20 14:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London's Barbican has always been a great place to visit for fans of Japanese cinema with their monthly Japanimation screenings, but some fans may want to move into the arts centre from October to December as they'll be shown a whole host of Japanese films, anime and even a cosplay event! There's so much good stuff to see!

Movie buffs will be delighted to with the great range of movies.
There's so much to recommend here, we suggest you take a look at the full listing.

Shojo fans will be interested see the live action version of Nana on Thursday 21st October 2010 at 6pm.

Cosplayers will want to keep Saturday 6th November on 11.00pm – Kamikaze Girls screening and cosplay event.

Fans of cheesy movies will want to keep an eye on the 18 rated RoboGeisha showing at 7:30pm as part of the Halloween Shlockfest on Friday 29th October.

Beat Takeshi fans have a lot to look forward to on Sunday 14th and Monday 15th November 2010. They'll be showing Hana bi, Brother, Dolls and Zatoichi.

Those who enjoy classic Japanese cinema will enjoy the Akira Kurosawa season too.

Anime fans aren't left out either with a CLAMP themed screening of XxxHOLiC The Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream and Tsubasa The Movie: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom – Tuesday 19th October 2010. As always resident expert and author Helen McCarthy will be on hand to introduce the movies.

As always with popular events we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Beckii: Schoolgirl Superstar at 14 - BBC TV documentary

Date: 2010 August 08 12:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

We've mentioned the BBC covering Beckii Cruel before and BBC Three are set to cover the teen idol this week. Beckii: Schoolgirl Superstar at 14 focuses on the 14 year old school girl from the Isle of Man who is also known as Beckii Cruel a teen icon and internet sensation. It all started when she uploaded films of herself dancing to YouTube.

The hour long documentary forms part of the BBC Three Adult Season which explores the pressure of young people to grow up quickly and what it means to be an adult.

The documentary is set to broadcast this week on BBC Three at the following times:

Thursday 12th August 2010
21:00

Thursday 12th August 2010
23:45

Sunday 15th August 2010
23:15

Monday 16th August 2010
03:15

Update:
The BBC TV blog also has some background details on the making of the documentary.

British readers can now see the documentary on BBC iPlayer.

Souce: BBC Three

Hyper Japan - London October 2010

Date: 2010 July 29 14:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

October is shaping up to be the month for otaku in London. With the London MCM Expo at the end of the month. While at the beginning of the month a new event called Hyper Japan is set to run from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd October 2010.

The event has a lot to offer with an Otaku Village set to cater to all your retail needs.

Cosplayers will be well represented too (they'll even get a chance to win a trip to Japan). There's also a cosplay talent search, competitions and other fun to be had if you like dressing up.

Japanese fashion magazine KERA will be there with fashion shows and style tutorials (the event is looking for models to take part).

Fans of angel fighting giant robots won't be disappointed either as they have a special Evangelion Store which will be selling some exclusive and hard to find merchandise.

Figure collectors might want to note that Good Smile will be there too! ^__^

As the people behind EAT-JAPAN are organising the event you can be certain that Japanese cuisine will be well represented too. with the EAT-JAPAN food court.

They'll also have lots of culture on stage too. You can book early to get a discount from the standard £8 entry fee. Children under 5 go free. As always we advise to book early to avoid disappointment.

Japanese Art Festival in Central London - August 2010

Date: 2010 July 27 15:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture in Central London will want to head over to the Japanese Art Festival at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square in Holborn. Set to run on Saturday 21st August and Sunday 22nd 2010. They've got kimono designer Yumi Yamamoto, Harajuku kawaii store 6% Doki Doki, along with a party on Saturday night with J-Pop Go!.

Study Tour of Japan for European Youth 2010

Date: 2010 July 15 14:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Are you European and interested in Japan? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is interested in hearing from young Europeans who are willing to participate in a 10 day group study tour of the country. The sponsored tour has some terms and conditions and is limited to up to 37 people. The tours will happen in November and December 2010. As it's not every day you can get a government sponsored trip to Japan, there are a few requirements.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:
1. European national
2. Aged between 25-35 (as of June 1st 2010)
3. Able to communicate effectively in English
4. Never previously visited Japan
5. Must not be a student

Apart from these conditions, you'll also have to send your CV, a cover letter, and a short essay on the subject of - "What would you do to strengthen the relationship between Japan and your country (Europe or EU)?"

The deadline for applications is Thursday 29th July 2010.

If you meet the entry requirements we strongly advise you to enter, this is an excellent opportunity to experience Japan.

More details can be found on the Embassy of Japan Website.

Souce: Embassy of Japan

The Anime Machine: An Illustrated Lecture at London's BFI Southbank

Date: 2010 June 23 15:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of futuristic technology and anime who can get to London will want to head over to the BFI Southbank on Sunday 11th July 2010 for their special lecture on the world saturated with technology. Called The Anime Machine: An Illustrated Lecture by Thomas Lamarre it's set to start at 6pm. You can also get a joint ticket for a screening of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.

Fans of more tradional Japanese cinema will want to consider the BFI Southbank season of Akira Kurosawa and His Influence.

As always we advise booking in advance for such events to avoid disappointment.

Souce: BFI Southbank

Shoes made from kimono fabric

Date: 2010 April 09 03:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

UK based Hetty Rose designs and makes bespoke shoes using vintage kimono fabric from Japan. Her most popular market is weddings. They're perfect for the bride looking for something unique and colourful. We're wondering if they'll be popular with the fashionable otaku girls out there? It's interesting to see what kind of twists designers are doing with traditional Japanese fabrics, mixing the old and the new.

Souce: Hetty Rose Shoes

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond - February 2010

Date: 2010 February 20 22:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based anime fans will want to head over to Richmond next weekend (Saturday 27th February and Sunday 28th February 2010) where the Japanese Arts Festival will return to the Richmond Adult Community College.

The free event is set to start at 11am and end at 5pm. It includes a great line up of expert guests and speakers - Akemi Solloway, Helen McCarthy and Sonia Leong.

Tokyo City Promotion in London

Date: 2010 January 29 08:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In London this weekend? Looking for something interesting to do? On Saturday 30th January to Sunday 31st January there will be a Tokyo Day. Aimed at promoting the Japanese city as a tourist destination the free event is divided into 3 zones. Traditional Culture, Experience Tokyo and Modern Culture.

The event will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre near Westminster Tube station.

Opening hours are 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Souce: Tokyo City Promotion

WOTA London Gig in November 2009

Date: 2009 November 01 16:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Fans of J-Pop, Vocaloid Songs, moe and anime music should head over to WOTA London on Saturday 21st November 2009, from 5pm to 10p, at the Freedom Bar in Soho, Central London.

This event is billed to support those otaku that loves otaku culture. Great for those who want to dance the night away.

Souce: WOTA London

Animation industry in the UK and Japan Symposium

Date: 2009 October 23 15:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Academic anime fans will want to get London on Friday 30th October 2009 for the Animation industry in the UK and Japan: Creativity, identity and the global marketplace. It's going to run in Council Room, Strand Campus, King’s College London.

It's free to attend but booking in advance is required. We suggest you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

NHK World TV in the UK

Date: 2009 September 20 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK based readers who are keen to watch Japanese TV in English, will be pleased to hear that NHK World broadcasts on Satellite. Viewers should tune into Sky Channel 516 or Freesat Channel 209. The channel is included in all Sky Packages.

The channel includes Japanese News, TV shows about Japanese Culture, Business Shows, Tokyo Fashion and lots of other arts.

The full schedule can be found on the NHK World TV Website.

Joanna Lumley Catwoman in Japan

Date: 2009 September 06 08:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK based fans of felines of should tune into ITV 1 on Sunday 6th and 13th of September 2009 at 7pm to catch Joanna Lumley Catwoman. The actress turns "cat detective" and travels around the world, one of her stops is Japan, where she'll meet a Japanese cat fashion designer (we also suspect a mention of Hello Kitty).

The world's largest cat festival in Belgium, should also prove interesting, as we've heard rumours in the past about Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service making the odd appearance there.

Souce: ITV

Japan Matsuri Festival in London September 2009

Date: 2009 August 27 14:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers should head over to Spitalfields on Saturday September 19th 2009 for the Japan Matsuri. A Matsuri is a festival with lots of stalls, food, fun and games along with plenty to see and do. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.

A few readers might remember that this is not the first Matsuri in London. The last major one was at Hyde Park on 19th and 20th May 2001! As they don't happen as often as we like we strongly suggest you get to this one for all the festivities.

Dogu Ceramic Figures at the British Museum from September 2009

Date: 2009 August 23 11:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

London based fans of ancient Japanese art, that has influenced anime, manga and video games should head over to the British Museum.

From 10th September 2009 to 22 November 2009 they'll be hosting an exhibition on The power of dogu: ceramic figures from ancient Japan. The exhibition is free to get into. No tickets are required, you can just walk into the museum and walk over to Room 91 to see this great bit of cultural history.

British fans of Manba

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

Category > Culture

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

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

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

Souce: BBC News

Hiromi Plays Jazz at the London Barbican

Date: 2009 June 12 14:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Jazz will want to head over to Barbican on Friday 10th July 7.30pm see Hiromi, Yaron Herman Trio, Tineke Postma Quartet featuring Geri Allen and Terri Lyne Carrington perform some jazz.

Sashiko Quilting in London June 2009

Date: 2009 June 11 16:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of traditional Japanese quilting in London should head over to The Japan Foundation on Tuesday 30th June 2009. Michele walker will be exploring the world of Sashiko.

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond July 2009

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

Category > Events

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

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

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

Ryuichi Sakamoto:Playing the Piano 2009 Europe

Date: 2009 May 30 07:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've discovered the details of Ryuichi Sakamoto's European Tour. You may have heard the musician's music in many films.

He'll be in the UK from end of November to the beginning of December 2009. As always with these events we advise in booking early to avoid disappointment.

If you want to keep up to date with Ryuichi Sakamoto, you can also follow him on Twitter.

Ideas from a Japanese Garden

Date: 2009 April 06 17:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese inspired art will want to visit the Barbican in London on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 on 6:45pm to see Ideas from a Japanese Garden. Where Marc Treib, Professor of Architecture Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley and author of A Guide to the Gardens of Kyoto, examines key ideas behind historical garden design in Japan, and considers their potential relevance to art in the West. Admission is free.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Volunteers needed for Japanese Charity Film Festival in London

Date: 2009 March 31 14:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've got a request from our chums asking for some help with Japanese charity and their Film Festival in the National Gallery, London.

They need help promoting the event and at the event itself. The kind of people they are looking to help appear to be our readership. ^_-

They want volunteers on or before 15th-17th April 2009.

English National Gallery to host Japanese Film Festival

Date: 2009 March 31 13:13 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime > Film

The National Gallery in London is to host a Japanese Film Festival (including Barefoot Gen) in aid of Japan Care for the Elderly from 15-17 April.

Japan wins top country at Wanderlust awards

Date: 2009 March 23 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Travel Magazine Wanderlust have just announced their annual travel awards. Japan won top country.

Wanderlust readers were:
"... mesmerised by its man-made attractions: Tokyo's 'fluorescent skyscapes', its indoor rollercoasters, hi-tech loos and hotels boasting 'unbelievable levels of service and comfort'."

Readers also were moved by the "country’s ancient culture and underlying serenity".

The article reads like everything an otaku already knows about Japan. ^_^

Souce: Wanderlust

BBC Four Japan Season

Date: 2009 March 15 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

We really should scour the Radio Times more often. UK fans of Japanese culture will be very pleased to see that BBC Four are currently running a Japanese Culture Season.

An interview with Andrew Driver

Date: 2009 February 13 17:19 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

In April 2009, Alma Books will publish an English translation of Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel Paprika. The basis of Satoshi Kon's award-winning animated film of the same name, the English translation was handled for Alma by Andrew Driver. Otaku News can now present an interview with Mr. Driver which he graciously agreed to do with Eeeper on behalf of Otaku News in which he talks about his work on the novel.

Snow Monkeys of Japan

Date: 2009 February 13 14:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK TV viewers may want to tune into BBC 2 on Friday 13th February at 8pm to catch the Natural World Documentary on the Snow Monkeys of Japan. The film focuses on 3 groups of monkeys. The urban scavengers, the mountain dwellers and the famous snow monkeys of Japan. The snow monkeys are known for their love of the local natural hot-springs.

Souce: BBC 2

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond Reminder

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

Category > Events

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

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

Tokyo City Promotion 2009 in London

Date: 2009 January 16 09:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London anime fans are a in for a real treat on Saturday 31st January 2009, where a special Tokyo Day will be running. Organised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Day is set to be packed with tons for otaku to see and do.

The event will be held at Lawrence Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls and Conference Centre.

Admission is free. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond

Date: 2008 December 14 12:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans who can get to Richmond, Surrey in the UK, will want to keep Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March 2009 free for the Japanese Art Festival. The event is organised by Akemi Solloway, and will be at the Richmond Adult Community College. It's set to have art, cultural activities and fun, including a Manga and Anime Art Exhibition.

They're also looking for volunteers to help out too, so sign up if you can!

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

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

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

Category > Manga

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

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

Souce: The Independent

Japanese Cars at the Science Museum in London

Date: 2008 October 19 12:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of design, cars, science or just cool Japanese stuff in general will want to pay a visit to the Japan Car exhibition at the Science Museum in London, from 29th November 2008 until 19th April 2009.

The exhibition is set to focus on size, environment and "moving urban cells". It will also display cars along other elements of Japanese culture, including bonsai, art and design.

Japanese Cultural Workshop in London

Date: 2008 September 05 17:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture will want to head to Orbital Manga in-between Leicester Square and Covent Garden where they'll be having a Japanese Cultural Workshop by Akemi Solloway. The event is scheduled for Saturday 20th September 2008, with two sessions starting at Midday until 2pm, and then 2:30pm until 4:30pm.

Kami-shibai - Japanese Paper Theatre in the UK

Date: 2008 August 12 16:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've received some interesting details about a very special Kami-shibai showing in the UK. The paper theatre performances from Japan used to entertain children in an age before television. This is form of story telling had a direct influence on the evolution of manga.

Fans in the UK should keep their September free to attend at least one of these extremely rare events:

Friday 19 September: Chester Beatty Library, Dublin www.cbl.ie
Saturday 20 September: Urbis, Manchester www.urbis.org.uk
Sunday 21 September: Liverpool Biennial 08 at "Atelier Bow Wow" www.biennial.com/content/LiverpoolBiennial2008MADEUP/Artists1.aspx
Monday 22 September: Japan Foundation Language Centre, London workshop for Japanese language teachers
Tuesday 23 September: Barbican Centre, London, as part of "Osamu Tezuka 80th Anniversary Season (18 - 23 Sept 2008)" www.barbican.org.uk/ilm/series.asp?id=600

As always with popular events we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

London Manga and Anime Art Exhibition

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

Category > Culture

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

British Theme for Fuji Rock Festival 2008

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

Category > Culture

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

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

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

Souce: BBC News

London Barbican Osamu Tezuka Season

Date: 2008 July 17 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've received some exciting news from the London Barbican about a special Osamu Tezuka Season they'll be running from Thursday 18th to Wednesday 24th of September 2008.

The season is curated by anime expert Helen McCarthy (who's written tons of good books and articles on anime and manga). The line is up a great showcase of Tezuka's work, with The Film Is Alive: Osamu Tezuka Filmography looking especially interesting, as it we're certain Helen will bring an informative take on the panel with the event.

Osamu Tezuka is the granddaddy of anime and manga, without doubt the most influential and inspiration artist, as always with these events we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Manga Jiman '150'- Japanese Embassy in UK launch manga competition

Date: 2008 June 16 06:28 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Culture

Time to get drawing! The Japanese embassy in the UK has launched another manga contest. This time on the theme of '150'. Entrants must be over fourteen and live in the U.K, the manga must be between six and eight pages. The closing date is the 26 September.
Prizes are as follows:
The amazing First Prize is two (2) return air tickets to Japan, courtesy of All Nippon Airways!

The Second Prize is a fabulous TOSHIBA laptop computer.

Third Prize is a superb RICOH digital camera.

Souce: Embassy of Japan (UK)

Yamato Drummers new show UK premiere

Date: 2008 February 07 05:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Yamato Drummers of Japan will be performing the UK premiere of their new show Shin-on in London from Wednesday 19th to Sunday 30th of March. Fans of the traditional Taiko drumming will certainly be in for a treat, and if you haven't seen such a performance before, this is a rare chance to see such a special show. Performances will be in the Peacock Theatre, and as always with popular events, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Imagine FX magazine goes manga style

Date: 2008 January 21 23:07 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Art

This month's dose of Imagine FX will be manga flavoured, featuring articles on anime as well as manga workshops and manga Q & A. With the booming of amateur manga coming from the UK right now, it can only be a good thing!

I would personally recommend Imagine FX magazine to any CG artist or illustrator. It is beautifully presented, with detailed articles and a wide, varied selection of artists. They have featured articles on manga/anime based artwork and software before, so it was inevitable a whole issue would be released. It is a welcome joy!

Souce: Imagine FX

London Expo October 2007

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

Category > Events

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

London School of Oriental and African Studies Launches Rare Exhibition

Date: 2007 October 03 18:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese art and culture that can travel to London from October to December 2007 will want to pay a visit to SOAS (the School of Oriental and African Studies), where they'll be hosting a exhibition of Treasures, which are used as objects of instruction, a suitable tie in for a place of education.

They'll have lots of very interesting things on display, including the late 14th Century Japanese Reisai yawa (Chinese: Lengzhai yehua; Evening Discourses from the Cold Studio). This is the oldest printed book in the SOAS library and one of few known copies of its kind in the West.

Head to the Brunei Gallery at SOAS, it'll be open from 11th October to 15th December 2007, on Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 – 17.00 Admission Free.

London Barbican Anime Screening Details for October 2007 until June 2008

Date: 2007 September 25 17:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans in the UK will be pleased to hear those nice folks at the Barbican in London will be showing some more anime from October 2007 until June 2008. As with the last season each title will be introduced by anime expert Helen McCarthy who really makes the screenings worth seeing with the extra details she brings to light with each title.

They've got a great line up too. Tickets cost £8.50 (£7 members and concessions), £4.50 under 15s and they also have a special offer if you buy 3 or more tickets you'll get them for £6 each.
They'll be showing the following titles:

Romeo X Juliet (15) Tuesday 30 October 2007 - 8.30pm
Speed of 5 Centimeters per Second (Byosoku 5 Centimeters) Tuesday 27 November 2007
Tales from Earthsea (Gedo Senki) (PG) Tuesday 29 January 2008
Yugo the Negotiator (15) Tuesday 26 February 2008
Area 88 (15) Tuesday 25 March 2008
Patlabor II (PG) Tuesday 29 April 2008
Le Portrait De Petite Cossette (15) Tuesday 27 May 2008
Metropolis (PG) Tuesday 24th June 2008

The Barbican screenings have been known to sell out quickly so as always we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Anime film screenings at the British Museum in London

Date: 2007 July 24 16:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Following on from our earlier story about a free Naruto screening in London, fans should keep their calendars free on the following dates, as the British Museum will be offering free or very cheap screenings for some excellent movies. The titles marked as free have no entry fee, however booking is required. The other titles are priced at less than the cost of an average coffee in London, with all movies priced at £3 and concessions £2. This forms part of their Manga to Anime for Families season.

British rural tea-rooms seek geisha girls

Date: 2007 July 12 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Freaky Things

BBC News are currently running an interesting story about the quest for geisha in Cumbria. The Lake District is a popular destination with Japanese tourists. So much so that Cumbria Tourism has translated a map of tea-serving places off the beaten track into Japanese and even hosting a Green Tea Day on 19th July 2007. Cafes on the tea trail are advertising for geishas to help with intricacies of the tea ceremony. Experts are also required to help translate the more trickier recipe names like "tarty tarn drizzle" into Japanese.

Fully-trained geisha are rare and apparently would charge up to £7,000 (more than $13,000 USD) to fly across from Japan. So the tourist association is hoping some more local experts can help out. Which is why I'm really posting this story on Otaku News. I know of our readers would be able to help. Any experts when it comes to tea etiquette in Japan should contact Cumbria Tourism. I'm sure a few translators could come in handy too. ^_-

Souce: BBC News

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