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Grand Cosplay Ball 2009 Details

Date: 2009 November 09 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at the Grand Cosplay Ball have sent us the details for their 2009 event. It's set in the Clapham Grand in London. The special one evening event is set to run on Sunday 29th November 2009 from 7pm until 1am.

They've got a great line up of guests including cosplayer and Eurobeat singer Giorgia Vecchini, along with renowned cosplayer Yaya Han.

It's over 18's only, Tickets are £18. As always with these events we advise on booking early to avoid disappointment.

Professor Munakata at the British Museum

Date: 2009 November 06 16:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Manga fans who can get to London will want to visit the British Museum from 5th November 2009 to 3rd January 2010 where in Room 3 they'll be a free exhibit of an exclusive manga title - Professor Munakata's British Museum adventure. It's great that the museum are doing this and it's an appropriate title as it's set in the venue that's showing it.

There's even a nice reading area where you can enjoy some manga.

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.

Comica 2009: London Is Bubbling Over With Comics!

Date: 2009 October 20 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of comics will be pleased to hear about Comica Festival 2009. Being an international comics festival manga is represented too. With anime and manga expert Helen McCarthy launching her new book about the manga god Osamu Tezuka on Sunday 8th November 8, 2009 from 4.30pm at the ICA. Tickets: £6 / £5 Concessions / £4 ICA Members

Paul Gravett will be giving a talk about Manga In The Museum: Solving Myths & Mysteries as he introduces the work of Hoshino Yukinobu on Tuesday 10th November 2009 from 1.15pm to 2pm. This is free, but booking in advance is required.

Plus Helen will also be giving a talk on the works of works of manga master Hoshino Yukinobu on Saturday 21st November 2009 at the British Museum from 1.15pm to 2pm. This is free, but booking in advance is required.

Souce: Comica Festival 2009

Genki Gear Launch new range at October 2009 London MCM Expo

Date: 2009 October 17 15:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

As we've mentioned before, all lots of anime companies are revving up for the London MCM Expo on the weekend of 24th-25th October 2009. T-shirt company Genki Gear will be launching a new Autumn range at the Expo, along with some Christmas cards.

The new range features designs by Wing Yun Man (who draws our lovely Otaku News wallpaper and postcards), Jess Bradley and our very own Phil English.

Japanese Restaurant in London seeks cosplayers

Date: 2009 October 14 14:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Japanese restaurant Moshi Moshi are seeking 100 cosplayers to help out with a promotion. Everyone helping out will be rewarded with a ticket to a cosplay party held at the restaurant, which includes free buffet style food and drink.

J-Pop Go presents Sputniko!

Date: 2009 October 04 16:29 | Posted By: PaulB

Category > Events

Tokyo electro artist Sputniko! to guest at the next J-Pop Go music event in London on Saturday 10th October 2009.

Reminder: WOTA London Gig in September 2009

Date: 2009 September 22 16:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

As mentioned before London based readers looking for a fun night out should head over to WOTA London on Saturday 26th September 2009. It's at the Freedom Bar, in Soho Central London. (66 Wardour Street, Soho. London W1F 0TA).

The event is set to run from 5pm until 10pm. Over 18's only. With DJs playing the latest anime and J-Pop Music.

Billed as London's newest and hottest otaku music cosplay club night, they intend to play a line up of anime video game songs, BL, I'VE (kotoko etc), Touhou Porject Vocaloid and more.

Check out the PV section of their website, to get an idea of the music they'll be playing. ^_^

Souce: WOTA London

Mini London Matsuri Report

Date: 2009 September 20 15:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Yesterday on Saturday 20th September 2009, the Otaku News Crew went to the Japan Matsuri at Spitalfields in London.

The atmosphere was great. Lots of people were there, young and old. The event had over 80 stalls there, mostly food stalls selling yummy Japanese food, such as yakitori, sweets, and other lovely snacks.

Sci-Fi-London October 2009 Anime All-Nighter Details

Date: 2009 September 16 17:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Weekend of 23rd - 24th October 2009 is great for anime fans to visit London, with the London MCM Expo. There's also the traditional Anime All-Nigther at Sci-Fi-London.

The film festival has run for many years now and always proves popular. They've got an extra special line up for this all night long anime screening, starting Saturday night 23rd October 2009. They'll be showing:

Evangelion 1.0
Time of Eve
The Sky Crawlers

We're most excited about the Evangelion 1.0 screening. Spike's already seen it and posted an Evangelion 1.0 review up when it first came out in Japan.

The Sky Crawlers also sounds promising as it's directed by Mamoru Oshii (who is best known as directing the Ghost in the Shell Movies).

Tickets will be available soon. We advise you book early to avoid disappointment as it's a great chance to seem some excellent features.

Souce: Sci-Fi London

London MCM Expo October 2009 Details

Date: 2009 September 14 17:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at the London MCM Expo have sent us the latest details for the event. Highlights from an anime perspective include - Studio BONES studio president Minami Masahiko and director Ando Masahiro, whose works include Fullmetal Alchemist, Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Seed Destiny and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Along with Trinity Blood voice actors Mike McFarland and Troy Baker.

The press release also has a shout out to cosplayers, who helped with the world record!

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Video Games Live Announces 30 More Tour Dates for 2009

Date: 2009 August 29 09:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent the details from Video Games Live, who have just added 30 more shows to their 2009 tour. Video Games Live is a great cross over event, which is great fun for fans of video games and fans of top orchestras.

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.

Harumi Kurihara London September 2009 Book Signing

Date: 2009 August 26 12:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Cuisine

London based fans of Japanese cooking should keep Friday 18th of September free, as Harumi Kurihara will be signing copies of her new book Everyday Harumi.

The exclusive book signing will be in Selfridges Oxford Street on 18th September 2009 from 1.30pm (she will be in the basement book store).

Souce: Conran Octopus

MCM Expo Retain Video Games Cosplay World Record

Date: 2009 August 24 14:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

We've just been send the details from the folks behind the MCM Expo. They currently hold the Video Games Cosplay World Record with 376 cosplayers at the 23rd May 2009 London MCM Expo. They expected the record to beaten at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. However they managed to get 311 video games cosplayers. As a result they intend to raise the bar even higher at the next London MCM Expo this October 2009.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

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.

WOTA London Gig in September 2009

Date: 2009 August 17 17:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Fans of J-Pop, Vocaloid Songs and anime music should head over to WOTA London on Saturday 26th September 2009, from 17:00 to 22:00 at the Freedom Bar in Soho, Central London.

Billed as London's newest and hottest otaku music cosplay club night, they intend to play a line up of anime video game songs, BL, I'VE (kotoko etc), Touhou Porject Vocaloid and more.

Souce: WOTA London

London MCM Expo October 2009 Tickets now on sale

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

Category > Events

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

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

Souce: London MCM Expo

AyaCon 2009 announce two more guests

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

Category > Events

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

Grand International Cosplay Ball 2009

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

Category > Events

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

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

J-Pop Go Live!

Date: 2009 July 22 18:06 | Posted By: PaulB

Category > Press Releases

If you like J-Pop and you like cosplay then there's an event just for you: J-Pop Go in conjunction with the Grand Cosplay Ball presents an evening of live bands, DJs and fun at The Fly, New Oxford Street, London on Saturday August 1st 2009.

London MCM Expo May: 09

Date: 2009 July 09 12:55 | Posted By: Spike

Category > Events

23-24th of May saw the 15th MCM Expo come to London in a shower of guests including Lindsay Wagner of Terminator fame, James Duval who appeared in Donnie Darco and Independence Day, and Tony Curtis, who has appeared in films before God thought that a beard and long robes might be a good look, and Helen McCarthy, the well renowned anime expert. Among these bright stars and celebrities many cos-players, gamers, and indie manga producers mingled amongst the fans through this two day sci-fi, games and anime event.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Japanese Art Festival Hosts UK premiere of Ghibli classic

Date: 2009 June 29 11:50 | Posted By: PaulB

Category > Events

The Japanese Art Festival returns in July and will also be screening the UK premiere of the Studio Ghibli anime Ocean Waves.

London Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Screening

Date: 2009 June 16 14:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans should keep Tuesday 21st July 2009 free, as the Barbican will be holding a special screening of Ghost in the Shell 2.0. The remastered version of the original Ghost in the Shell features new CGI, animation and a remixed orchestral score. The feature will be introduced by anime expert Helen McCarthy.

As always with these events we advise that you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

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.

Manga Cross-Stitch in London July 2009

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

Category > Events

Fans of manga and cross stitching in London should head over to The Japan Foundation on Wednesday 1st July 2009, where Helen McCarthy will be present a unique event focusing on cross-stitch designs inspired by Manga and Anime, there will be a fun workshop too!

Transformers Comics London June 2009 Signings

Date: 2009 June 05 17:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of the Transformers comic series will want to head over Orbital Comics on Saturday 27th June 2009 from 2pm, where fans will be able to get autographs from 5 of the talented team responsible for the comic.

Manhua Artist Benjamin June 2009 London Signing

Date: 2009 June 05 17:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Chinese Manhua should head over to Orbital Manga on Friday 26th June 2009, from 5pm to 7pm. Artist Benjamin, will be demonstrating his excellent technique, and will be signing copies of his books, including limited edition landscape-format hardback of "Orange", his latest lavish art book "Flash", Chinese Youth, Remember, One Day (in French) and Images and Prints on the day of the signing.

Momoi Haruko at Aya Revolution 2009

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

Category > Events

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

Japanese Art Festival in Richmond July 2009

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

Category > Events

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

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

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

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.

London Barbican Tetsujin 28 Screening

Date: 2009 May 14 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of classic robot anime in London should head over to the Barbican. On Tuesday 30th June, at 8:30pm they'll be screening the first 3 episodes of Tetsujin 28. Anime expert Helen McCarthy will introduce the screening, and we're sure she'll have some interesting things to mention.

As always with these screenings, we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Beez at the London MCM Expo May 2009

Date: 2009 May 08 14:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks at Beez have sent us details of their plans at the London MCM Expo on the 23rd to the 24th of May 2009. Highlights include plenty of discounted DVDs, as they'll be shifting to a 3 part release model. Along with some Gurren Lagann posters to give away.

Cosplayers Wanted - Storm Trooper Escort Provided

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

Category > Events

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

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

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

It Came From Japan - May UK Tour!

Date: 2009 April 28 21:32 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Events

It Came From Japan is proud to announce our May 2009 UK tour. Four amazing bands from Japan will play together at The Great Escape festival in Brighton and again at The Fly in London, as well as play separate shows around the country. The tour runs 16-30 May.

UK Premiere of Afro Samurai Resurrection

Date: 2009 April 23 15:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Londoners looking for a good night out this Friday could do no wrong with visiting the East End Film Festival. On Friday 24th April 2009 they'll be screening the UK Premiere of Afro Samurai Resurrection, along with a special screening of Blood The Last Vampire, plus live performances from some DJs.

London Expo May 2009 Event Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Sci-Fi London Anime All Nighter May 2009

Date: 2009 April 16 16:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

It's become a tradition at the Sci-Fi London Event to have a night long screening of anime. This year is no exception, with the following line up:

Ghost In The Shell 2.0
Afro Samurai: Resurrection
Naruto The Movie 3
Panda! Go Panda!
Origin: Spirits From The Past

Sci-Fi London runs from Wednesday 29th April to Monday 4th May 2009.
The Anime all nighter starts on Sunday 3rd May 2009 on the stroke of midnight (so you have to get there on Saturday night).

As always with these events we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: Sci-Fi London

Harajuku Night in London April 2009

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

Category > Events

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

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

Spirited Away London Children's Screening

Date: 2009 April 06 17:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The Barbican in London will be screening a Hayao Miyazaki's acclaimed Spirited Away on Saturday 11th April 2009 at 10:30am. All adults must be accompanied by a child (this is not a typo), so it's a perfect Easter treat for the kids.

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.

Harajuku Night in London March 2009

Date: 2009 March 22 18:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

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

Japanimation: Gonzo Focus at The Barbican: 7-9 April 2009

Date: 2009 March 19 10:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans are in for a real treat from the 7th to the 9th of April 2009. The Barbican will be holding a series of screenings all focusing on fan favourite studio Gonzo. Curated by anime expert Helen McCarthy she’s really managed to arrange an interesting line up. Apart from all the great Gonzo titles what’s really got our interest is the Surprise Sneak Peak, scheduled for Thursday 9th April.

As always with these events we advise that fans book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Scottish Kei band Dissident Genro visit London in April

Date: 2009 March 18 18:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based readers looking out for some Visual Kei will want to head over to Orbital Manga on Saturday 4th April 2009, to see Scottish Kei band Dissident Genro.

J-Pop Go March 2009 Event

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

Category > Events

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

Japanese Anime Weekend in Dublin

Date: 2009 February 28 12:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans who can get to Dublin at the end of March will want to catch the Japanese Anime Weekend. The films are scheduled for Saturday March 28th and Sunday March 29th 2009 at the Irish Film Institute.

The line up is as follows:

Saturday 28th March 2009:
13:10 - Naruto
15:00 - Japanese Anime Talk by Helen McCarthy
18:15 - Sword of the Stranger

Sunday 29th March 2009
13:45 - Metropolis
15:45 - Japanese Anime Talk by Helen McCarthy
16:45 - Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence

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

Souce: Irish Film Institute

Harajuku Night in London

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

Category > Events

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

AyaCon 2009 registrations now open

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

Category > Events

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

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

Souce: Aya Revolution 09

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