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Hyper Japan Festival London 2017 Details

Date: 2017 May 04 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

If you're in London and looking for some Japanese Culture on from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th July 2017 you should head over to Hyper Japan to indulge yourself in the festival. It's got something for everyone, street food, cosplay, chiptunes and traditional Japanese crafts. The event will be at The Tobacco Dock,

Anime Director Tatsuma Minamikawa and Anime Producer Yohei Ito will be special guests at MCM London Comic Con

Date: 2017 May 02 16:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's May, which means we'll be talking about the MCM London Comic Con a lot this month as build up for the colossal event starts. They've just revealed the two special guests that will be of interest to anime fans anime director Tatsuma Minamikawa and anime producer Yohei Ito.

Tatsuma Minamikawa is the director of the new Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry movie, while Yohei Ito has worked associate producer for Attack on Titan Season 1 and 2.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run at the Excel Centre from Friday 26th to 28th May 2017.

In This Corner Of The World to Appear in Competition at Annecy 2017

Date: 2017 April 27 16:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

In This Corner Of The World UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us details about their feature film In This Corner Of The World, which is set to appear in competition at the prestigious Annecy Festival in June.

UK readers will be also keen to hear Manga Entertainment will be releasing the film in cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 28th June 2017. You can find a screening near you by visiting www.inthiscornerfilm.co.uk.

We're massive fans of the directors other feature film Mai Mai Miracle so are very excited about this release.

Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale UK Screening Reminder

Date: 2017 April 18 15:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based readers will want to head to a cinema near from tomorrow (Wednesday 19th April 2017) to catch the Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale. The new movie follows the adventures of Kirito and Asuna as they face a challenge from a new augmented reality device the Augma. You can find a screening near you by visiting http://saothemovie.co.uk/. You can also read our review of the SAO Movie.

The series has proved very popular with fans (and rightly so), it's one of those titles that we like to file under guilty pleasures. It's well executed and enjoyable to watch.

Kiki's Delivery Service Stage Play Returns to London for a Second Run

Date: 2017 April 14 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Cultured anime fans who'll be in London this summer will want to head over to Southwark Playhouse to catch the return of their stage adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service. The run will last from Thursday 10th August 2017 to Sunday 3rd September 2017.

The play is based on the book that was also turned into the much loved Studio Ghibli feature film. Last year we caught up with the Southwark Play House's Artistic Director and CEO Chris Smyrnios for an exclusive interview to find out more about the play during it's first run.

Genki Gear Launches Exclusive T-shirt for London Comic Con May 2017

Date: 2017 April 13 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

It's mid-April, which means it's getting closer to May and the mega event that is MCM London Comic Con. As is tradition geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear will be releasing an exclusive official t-shirt for the event. The theme this time around is monster hoardes.

The design can be either collected at the Genki Gear stall at the London event or posted to you beforehand so you can declare your geeky pride comic con opens it doors.

Pre-orders are available now for £16.99 from the MCM Store at www.mcmexpostore.com or Genki Gear themselves. MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 26th May to Sunday 28th May 2017.

Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan Exhibition in London

Date: 2017 April 12 17:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans who can get to London from the end of May to the start of September will want to head over to House of Illustration who will be hosting an exhibition on Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan.

Visitors will be treated to the background artwork from classic sci-fi anime feature films including Ghost in the Shell (1995), The Patlabor: The Movie (1989) and Metropolis (2001), by Mamoru Oshii and Atsushi Takeuchi.

House of Illustration is the UK’s only public gallery and education space dedicated solely to illustration so is the ideal place to run an event on anime artwork. It's located a short walk from Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations. The exhibition is set to run from 26th May to 10th September 2017. It's closed on Mondays. There is an £8.25 admission charge, this will give you access to all 3 galleries.

In This Corner of the World UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 March 16 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans in UK and Ireland looking for a dose of anime at a cinema near them will be excited to hear that Manga Entertainment UK will be releasing In This Corner of the World on 28th June 2017.

We haven't seen the film yet, but we admit we're very interested in it. They got our attention when they said it's directed by Sunao Katabuchi who also directed the outstanding Mai Mai Miracle, which was launched as a Kickstarter by Anime Limited. Manga Entertainment UK revealed that they had secured global distribution rights for In This Corner of the World in June last year.

They'll be exclusive preview screenings on Wednesday 28th June 2017 with further select cinemas from Friday 30th June 2017.

Sword Art Online Movie UK Cinema Details

Date: 2017 March 10 16:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of the adventures of Kirito and Asuna will be pleased to hear about the upcoming UK release of the new Sword Art Online Movie. Anime Limited will be distributing the movie and it'll get a cinematic preview nationwide on Wednesday 19th April 2017 and then in selected cinemas from Friday 21st April 2017.

The two hour feature marks the cinematic debut of the SAO franchise. Naturally the movie will focus on the next gen release of a games machine, (no not a Nintendo Switch - that's so 2017, SAO is set in 2026 after all) the Augma a wearable device that lets you experience augmented reality.

We must admit we've got a bit of a soft spot for Sword Art Online and find watching it a guilty pleasure.

A Silent Voice Cinema Review 1

Date: 2017 March 06 15:25 | Posted By: Lee

Category > Anime

As we've said before anime film A Silent Voice will hit UK cinemas on Wednesday 15th March 2017. Fresh from the success of Your Name, the folks at Anime Limited are distributing this title in the UK and Ireland. We could have written one review, but after heated discussion our editor and I interpreted the movie differently, so we're going to publish both reviews.

A Silent Voice UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 February 22 15:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited (aka All The Anime) have just revealed the details for the UK and Ireland wide screenings of A Silent Voice. They've already said that the film will be screened around the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 15th March 2017 and select cinemas on Friday 17th March 2017.

They've now launched ASilentVoice.co.uk for you to find a screening near you. This include Showcase Cinemas, PictureHouse, ODEON, VUE, Cineworld and other independent locations.

Depending on demand there is a chance that their could be more screenings, but Anime Limited "... strongly encourage you to watch this the first chance you have as it might be your only opportunity to do so." We definitely agree with them. This is not a film you'd want to miss and it's best experienced on a big cinema screen. As always we strongly advise booking tickets for this film early to avoid disappointment.

We've seen this film and can confirm it's an emotional roller coaster. It'll play with your emotions. It's got everything good anime should have, an engaging story, it's well animated and it doesn't pull the heart strings, it yanks at them, then it makes you laugh with just the right amount of comic relief at the right time. You should watch this gem of a title on the big screen while you have the chance.

The showings will be in Japanese with English subtitles only, as no English dub exists yet.

Genki Gear MCM Comic Con 2017 Tour T-Shirt

Date: 2017 February 03 15:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Geeky t-shirt maker Genki Gear have got in touch with to tell us about their official MCM Comic Con 2017 Tour T-shirt. Genki Gear have a clever innovation this time around. The t-shirt is a parody board game you can play! So you two things for the price of one. We see what you did there Genki Gear.

The T-shirt / board game will set you back £16.99 and is available from the MCM Expo Store or directly from Genki Gear.

A Silent Voice Director Naoko Yamada to Attend Glasgow Film Festival 2017 Screening

Date: 2017 January 31 16:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans will want to head over to the Glasgow Film Festival 2017 Screening of A Silent Voice. The good folks from All The Anime (aka Anime Limited) tell us that the director Naoko Yamada will make a rare trip abroad to promote the film at the festival.

She'll be attending the screening of the film on Thursday 23rd February 2017, this will be followed by a Q&A session with the director. This session will be hosted by anime expert Jonathan Clements.

This a great and rare opportunity to ask the director about this film. As always, we advise booking tickets early to avoid disappointment.

For those that can't catch it in in Glasgow, or at the ICA London this weekend. A Silent Voice will also be released theatrically across the UK on Wednesday 15th March 2017.

The Red Turtle UK Release Details

Date: 2017 January 26 15:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Ghibli fans in the UK will want to set a date in their diaries (or use the Otaku Calendar) for Friday 26th May 2017 as that's when The Red Turtle gets a UK cinema release. The Michael Dudok De Wit film is co-produced by Studio Ghibli. The film contains no dialogue and follows "the milestones in the life of a human being".

As you'd expect it's beautifully animated, heart-warming and emotional. This is one of those movies we suggest you catch on the big screen while you. We know May is far away now, but this is the first we've heard about the UK release from Studio Canal.

Hokusai beyond the Great Wave Exhibition Details

Date: 2017 January 20 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The image of Hokusai's Under the wave off Kanagawa (The Great Wave), is undoubtedly one of the most famous images to come from Japan. We know our readers love Japanese culture, so it makes sense you'll want to see more of the great Hokusai's work. The British Museum will be running an exhibition called Hokusai beyond the Great Wave. It's set to run from Thursday 25th May to Sunday 13th August 2017.

The exhibition supported by Mitsubishi Corporation will showcase outstanding examples of Hokusai's work, including landscapes (including Mount Fuji of course), flora and fauna, along with demons, ghouls and other monstrous yokai.

The British Museum tell us "The exhibition will include prints, paintings and illustrated books, many of which are on loan from Japan, Europe and the USA. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these extraordinary works together."

This is indeed a rare chance to catch a glimpse of some amazing artwork. Entrance for British Museum Members is free, while tickets for adults cost £12, with under 16s getting in free. With an event like this we strongly advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film UK Programme 2017 Details

Date: 2017 January 09 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the Japan Foundation in London have sent us details of their up coming Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme. The film programme will tour 15 cities around the UK. It starts at the ICA in London on Friday 3rd February 2017.

Anime fans will want to catch A Silent Voice at the ICA on Sunday 5th February 2017. If you haven't seen it already, it's one of those films you should try to enjoy in a cinema!

The tour will be showcasing a selection of films old and new! As always with screenings like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Anisong - The Musical World of Anime - London January 2017

Date: 2016 December 21 15:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans in London looking for something fun to do in the new year will be interested to hear about the Japan Foundation's Latest Talk on Anisong - The Musical World of Anime.

The talk is set to run on Wednesday 18th January 2017 from 6:45pm at Foyles Bookshop on Charing Cross Road. Featuring a talk by Dr Rayna Denison, lecturer at the University of East Anglia, the event will trace anime music’s brief historical journey while examining the impact it has had upon the anime industry and its viewers.

Following on from the talk, there will be a special performance by Aya Ikeda, the songstress behind the themes of the very famous anime series Pretty Cure (aka PreCure) a "magical girl" anime, as well as the opportunity to sing along too!

The talk is free to attend, but booking is required. We suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

MCM Expo Group 2016 Visitor and Exhibitor Numbers

Date: 2016 December 02 15:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks at the MCM Expo Group have sent us details of their visitor numbers for 2016. This year they saw a record total number of total attendance of 489,600 visitors up on last year’s total of 431,700. That's 57,900 more than last year.

Exhibitor numbers are up too with 787 exhibitors in 2016, compared to 596 in 2015, so they've managed to attract 191 more exhibitors.

The press release highlights that with these numbers, their main event (the twice yearly in May and October) MCM London Comic Con is now the third largest event of its kind in the world behind San Diego and New York Comic Cons!

Your Name Breaks Box Office Records

Date: 2016 November 25 17:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us details about their Your Name screening. The film has grossed £108,372 at the UK and Irish Box Offices across 104 screens. They tell us it breaks the record for a single day gross and is the widest ever screen release for an anime film.

During the campaign the film received positive praise from the mainstream press including Mark Keromode who gave it a great review on his film show and on his film column

If you've missed the movie you can find a screening of Your Name by going to YourNameTheMovie.co.uk, alternatively you can see if there will be another screening near you via the on-demand cinema platform Our Screen.

You can read our review of the movie and our interview with director Makoto Shinkai.

Makoto Shinkai's Your Name Review

Date: 2016 November 17 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Makoto Shinkai's latest movie Your Name is due for a UK wide cinema release on Thursday 24th November 2016. You can find a screening near you by visiting YouNameTheMovie.co.uk.

We saw the the movie before it started to climb at the Japanese box office and become one of the highest grossing movies of all time in Japan.

We also interviewed the director Makoto Shinkai asking him lots of interesting questions about the movie.

Now the question you're asking, is the movie actually any good? Well wonder no more. We wrote this review before the hype picked up. So read on to get thoughts on the film!

Over 130,000 visitors attend MCM London Comic Con

Date: 2016 November 04 17:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the massive geek fest that is MCM London Comic Con have just sent us details about the number of visitors at the event and when the next London event is.

In total 131,308 visitors went to the event on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2016. That's 748 more people than the huge number of 130,560 from the October 2015 event.

The next MCM London Comic Con will be on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May 2017.

Genki Gear Reveals Their October 2016 T-shirt Line-up

Date: 2016 October 24 15:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In case UK based readers haven't guessed yet, it's almost time for the October run of the MCM London Comic Con. The good folks from geeky t-shirt firm Genki Gear have sent us details of their October line-up for the event.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2016.

Makoto Shinkai Your Name National UK Screenings Reminder

Date: 2016 October 15 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

While Makoto Shinkai is in London promoting is latest smash hit move Your Name, it might be a good time to remind UK readers that they can catch it nationwide on a special one day screening on Thursday 24th November 2016. You can check the official Your Name Movie UK Website to find a screening near you. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

We don't say smash hit lightly either, it's grossed more than $100 million USD at the Japanese box office and is on track to be the 5th highest grossing movie in Japanese box office history.

If you're a fan of Makoto Shinkai, you might not be aware of the special artbook, A Sky Longing for Memories: The Art of Makoto Shinkai. It's a lavish full colour artbook which is packed with art from many of the movies he directred, with hundreds of background from 5 Centimeters per Second, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Voices of a Distant Star, and a TV advertisement for the Mainichi Newspaper. It doesn't feature Your Name, as it was published before the film was released, it does however feature a section on software and techniques behind CoMix Wave’s animation, which. This English also features an interview with Makoto Shinkai and other key members of his studio. You can buy the book from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

If you're already a fan, you should already be aware of The Place Promised in Our Early Days / Voices of a Distant Star Twin Pack on Blu-ray and DVD. That's due out on Monday 21st November 2016. It's in full collectors packaging along with another artbook. You can pre-order this from Amazon.co.uk.

Souce: Your Name the Movie UK Website

Manga Entertainment UK at the MCM London Comic Con October 2016

Date: 2016 October 12 16:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In case our UK readers haven't already guessed, it's almost time for the MCM London Comic Con. UK anime company Manga Entertainment have just sent us a press release detailing their antics at the event. As always they have a big presence at the Comic Con. They'll be running an Anime Karaoke, hosting a panel revealing their newest acquisitions and distribution plans. On the Friday at 3.30pm they'll be showing a mini showcase for In This Corner of the World which includes trailers for the film and a clip.

They'll also be supporting charity Polished Man. The press release mentions a way to get stickers from Manga Entertainment too, we're keen to grab some, we bet you might be too!

MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2016 at Excel London.

MCM London Comic Con to welcome Evangelion animator Takeshi Honda this October 2016

Date: 2016 October 12 15:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've already mentioned that Psycho-Pass director Naoyoshi Shiotani will be at the MCM London Comic Con this October. We've just heard from the good folks at MCM that Evangelion animator Takeshi Honda will also be at the event. He worked on the original Neon Genesis Evangelion and went back for the reboot acting as mechanical animation director on Evangelion: 1.0, animation director on Evangelion: 2.0 and then chief animation director on the latest in the series, Evangelion: 3.0.

He's got lots of top titles on his CV too, being involved in Millennium Actress, Perfect Blue, Ponyo, The Wind Rises and The Boy and the Beast. Such an industry veteran will have lots of interesting insights to reveal.

MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2016 at Excel London.

Psycho-Pass director Naoyoshi Shiotani to attend MCM London Comic Con October 2016

Date: 2016 October 06 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

When it comes to anime guests the MCM London Comic Con never disappoints. For this Comic Con they've just announced the special anime guest of honour Psycho-Pass director Naoyoshi Shiotani. Best known for directing dystopian future anime, he's also directed Tokyo Marble Chocolate and worked on Production I.G’s first 3DCG animated feature, Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror.

He'll be at the comic con to present an on-stage panel as well as signing autographs. So if you fancy getting your Dominator signed, now's your chance!

MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2016 at Excel London

Drawing a New Generation of Manga - London Talk October 2016

Date: 2016 October 03 14:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of manga looking for something interesting to will want to head over to Foyles Book shop on Charign Cross Road for the Manga: The New Generation talk. Ken Niimura and Miki Yamamoto will be joined by curator and comics writer Paul Gravett to discuss the new wave of manga artists.

The event is set to take place on Monday 17tth October 2016 from 6:30pm.

The event is free to attend but booking is essential.

As always with events like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Genki Gear Reveal Exclusive Design for MCM London Comic Con October 2016

Date: 2016 September 27 16:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's almost October, which means it's almost time for the October run of the MCM London Comic Con! As is tradition geeky t-shirt maker Genki Gear have revealed their exclusive T-shirt design for the event. This time around it features Barry the cosplaying horse.

The design is only available on pre-order from 20 September to 23 October 2016. The t-shirts can either either be collected directly from the Genki Gear stand at London Comic Con or posted to your home so it's ready to wear at the event.

MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 28th until Sunday 30th October 2016.

Japan Matsuri in London September 2016 Details

Date: 2016 September 22 15:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture looking for something to do this weekend in London will want to head over to the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square. The Japanese festival is set to run from 10am to 8pm on Sunday 25th September 2016. There are no entry charges.

There'll be a big stage with lots of traditional and modern Japanese performances, along with plenty of stalls selling Japanese Street food, plus other goodies such as arts and crafts. A few travel agents will be there too, so it's good to go if you're planning a trip to Japan.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

Makoto Shinkai's Your Name UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2016 September 17 14:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've already revealed that the good folks for anime distributor Anime Limited will be distributing Makoto Shinkai's latest film Your Name.

They've now revealed the full details of the nation wide cinema screenings on Thursday 24th November and have set up site for you to visit to find a screening near you - yournamethemovie.co.uk.

It's been confirmed that the movie has been rated 12A.

Souce: Anime Limited

Scotland Loves Anime 2016 Details

Date: 2016 September 01 14:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Scotland Loves Anime have just announced their 2016 line-up. The anime film festival frequently hosts the UK (and often the European) premiere of many anime films. It's mission is to promote animation as art. This year they tell us "We’ve got 4 EU premieres, 5 UK Premieres and 1 Scottish premiere again this year."

This year the festival is set to run in Glasgow from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October 2016, while the Edinburgh Programme will run Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd October 2016.

There's so many highlights, So many, including Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name, fan favourite Kizumonogatari - Part 1 and 2. Often you'll have to wait ages after the festival to get another chance (if any) to catch these movies on the big screen. Interestingly, they'll also be screening Momotaro, Sacred Sailors, Japanese Propaganda film from World War 2 was thought lost until rediscovered in 1983.

They've got Harmony (we interviewed it's director Michael Arias in May this year). The Mamoru Hosoda classic The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (which will be introduced by anime expert Jonathan Clements in Edinburgh).

They'll also be showing Makoto Shinkai’s The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Garden of Words and Voices of a Distant Star.

Guest wise Yoshimi Itazu, the anime industry veteran and director of Pigtails will be at the Glasgow Film Theatre. Jonathan Clements the anime industry expert, writer and author will also be there as a guest to offer his insight. You may know him as the co-author of all 3 editions of The Anime Encyclopedia: A Century of Japanese Animation.

As always with festivals like this. We advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Anime Producer Reo Kurosu Guest of Honour at MCM Scotland Comic Con 2016

Date: 2016 August 24 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans heading to MCM Scotland Comic Con in Glasgow will be interested in this anime guest of honour. Reo Kurosu is an anime producer with an impressive list of top titles to his name, including Fullmetal Alchemist, The Heroic Legend of Arslan and the new Berserk adaptation. We really want to ask him questions about the the fan favourite Saint Young Men.

He'll be presenting a panel on the Saturday of the Glasgow show, as well as meeting fans on both days of the event.

The event is set to run from Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September 2016 at the SECC.

Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2016 Details

Date: 2016 August 23 16:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese Culture looking for something to do in London at the end of November will want to head over to the Hyper Japan Christmas Market. It's set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November 2016 at Tobacco Dock in London.

They haven't yet announced the line-up, but chances are they'll have a selection of great guests and interesting events. Hyper Japan is renowned for it's street food, so it's always a good opportunity to sample some great cuisine.

In the summer run of Hyper Japan we caught up with Horror Writer and Studio Ghibli Production Manager Hirokatsu Kihara

Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Jiman 2016 Competition Details

Date: 2016 August 19 04:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Aspiring or upcoming artists based in the UK will be interested in the Embassy of Japan in the UK's Manga Jiman Competition. This year marks the 10th edition of competition. With the top prize being a return flight for two people to Japan, thanks to All Nippon Airways!

This year's theme is "Sights of Japan". The competition has two categories; Yonkoma Manga, a comic strip of 4 panels on one page, for entrants aged between 11 and 13 and Manga Jiman, a short story told across 6 to 8 pages for anyone aged 14 or over.

The competition closes on Monday, 24 October 2016. So get drawing!

Kiki's Delivery Service gets a New Theatrical Adaptation in London Over Christmas 2016

Date: 2016 August 17 15:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Fans of Japanese Culture looking for something to do over Christmas will want to to head to the Southwark Playhouse in London. They'll be hosting the world premiere of a brand new theatrical adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service. The play is based on the best selling book by Eiko Kadono, and was adapted into a much loved film by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

The play is set to run from Thursday 8th December 2016 until Sunday 8th January 2017.

The Southwark Playhouse have previously hosted a production of Howl's Moving Castle in 2012.

They've yet to announce any casting or creative details. We'll be very curious as to who they cast for Jiji, if it'll be a human or some kind of stage craft puppetry.

This is all we can reveal at this stage, and we're keen to book tickets already! As always when tickets are release, we suggest you book early to avoid any disappointment.

Akira to hit UK Cinemas in September 2016

Date: 2016 August 12 16:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

It's a big year for Manga Entertainment UK, as they're celebrating their 25th anniversary. Wanting to share it with everyone they've got UK Anime fans and film buffs alike all excited by announcing a massive cinema screening of the classic feature film Akira.

You'll want to keep Wednesday 21st September 2016 free as it'll be showing on over 70 screens!

This is one of those films that you really must see on a big screen.

If you do want to see it on a smaller screen you can always buy it on Blu-ray and DVD.

G-Con UK 2016 - Gundam Covention Details

Date: 2016 August 11 15:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Our friends over at anime cel shop Cel-Ga have just dropped us a line to make us aware of an upcoming convention. G-Con UK 2016 is a Gundam convention set to run at York Racecourse on Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September 2016.

Tickets are £12 for each day, or £18 for both days, with under 5's free.

They've got a Gundam Cafe, cosplay contest along with lots of other Gunpla stuff. This is the first Gundam Convention in the UK. It'll be interesting to see if the UK Gundam Fan Scene can support such an event.

As always we've added the details on the Otaku Calendar.

Souce: G-Con UK 2016

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2016 Details

Date: 2016 August 05 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival have just sent us details of their 2016 run. They'll be screen anime at Chapter in Cardiff, Wales, UK on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2016 and Aberystwyth Arts Centre in Aberystwyth, Wales, UK on Saturday 15th October 2016.

They've got a great line up including Miss Hokusai, Psycho-Pass The Movie, The Murder Case of Hana & Alice and Harmony (we recently interviewed the director).

As always with these events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Manga Workshop at Gnash Comics and Graphic Novels in Devon August 2016

Date: 2016 August 05 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you a UK based aspiring manga artist and will be in Ashburton in Devon on Sunday 21st August 2016? Well if so why not drop into Gnash Comics and Graphic Novels? They'll be hosting two manga workshops, one intro session at 1pm and another Manga Workshop at 2:30pm.

Kitacon 2017 Details

Date: 2016 August 05 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based anime fans looking ahead for the 2017 anime convention season will be pleased to hear that Kitacon have announced their 2017 event. During the closing ceremony of AmeCon 2016 the KitaCon Team revealed that their next event is called Kita Quest and will be at the Warwick Arts Centre from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th August 2017.

The Warwick Arts Centre was used this year for AmeCon 2016, and has been used many times before by AyaCon. It's a favoured location for anime conventions.

Registration for the anime/geek convention opens on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 at 19:00.

Souce: Kitacon

Band-Maid Announce First European Tour

Date: 2016 July 27 15:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of hard core rock music played by Japanese Maids will be pleased to hear the news from JPU Records, who have sent us details of Band-Maid's first European tour.

Tour dates are as follows:
12 October 2016: The Underworld – London, UK
13 October 2016: MTC – Cologne, Germany
15 October 2016: Headcrash – Hamburg, Germany
16 October 2016: La Boule Noire – Paris, France
19 October 2016: Hydrozagadka – Warsaw, Poland

Ticket sales begin on Friday 29 July 2016.

Hyper Japan Festival 2016 Event Reminder

Date: 2016 July 12 15:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder for UK based readers looking for something to do this weekend in London. Why not head over to Hyper Japan? It's the UK's largest celebration of Japanese pop culture. There's plenty to do for fans of Japan, from food, cosplay, anime, gaming, fashion and music.

Then event is set to run from Friday 15th July to Sunday 17th July 2016 at Olympia London.

Summer Explorers! 2 - Anime Screenings in London

Date: 2016 July 04 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Japan Foundation in London have just sent us some details about their up coming anime season Summer Explorers! 2, (a year after the first Summer Explorers), the event is back in 2 parts. The first set of screenings is set to run on Saturday 30th July 2016 at the BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN from 11:30 to 17:00. The second set of screenings will run on Saturday 6th August 2016 at Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA from 12:45 to 16:30

The line up includes some anime suitable for anyone 8 and above, with some anime is suitable for 12 year olds and above, while one is suitable for adults only.

The screenings are all free to attend! As always with events like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment. To book a place, please visit www.jpf.org.uk

Nintendo and Uniqlo Team Up for T-shirt Design Competition

Date: 2016 July 03 15:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Nintendo with an artistic streak will be interested to hear about Uniqlo's UTGP'17 T-shirt design competition. The grand prize is £7,000 and will be judged by Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto (along with a special team of judges). The design competition is open world wide. The theme is simply Nintendo. So if you've got an idea for a Nintendo themed t-shirt you've been itching to get made, now is the time to get submitting!

The winning t-shirts will be sold through Uniqlo in Spring 2017.

The competition is due to close on Wednesday 31st August 2016.

Esprit D'Air Returns with New Lineup and Upcoming Shows

Date: 2016 June 29 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from London-based space metal band Esprit D'Air have sent us news of their reformation and upcoming tour dates. The band originally split in 2013.

They'll be at the following venues:

Hyper Japan in London on Saturday 16th July 2016
Underbelly Hoxton, London on Tuesday 19th July 2016
De Montfort University, Leicester on Saturday 3rd September 2016

When Marnie Was There UK Screening Details

Date: 2016 June 07 17:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK anime fans will want to check cinema listings for the latest (and sadly last) Studio Ghibli Film to hit the big screen. When Marnie Was There is due for a cinema release from Friday 10th June 2016. Some cinemas will show it on a day early on Thursday 9th June 2016. Cinemas have already declared that they'll be showing both the subtitled version and the English dubbed version, so check the screening, to make sure it's the one you want.

The anime is based on Joan G. Robinson's novel, but the location has been changed from Norfolk (in the UK), to Sapporo. It's directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who also directed Arrietty.

For details of a screening near you, check out the Studio Ghibli Forever Website.

As always with events like this, we can't stress enough, book early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: Studio Ghibli Forever

Tezuka and Toriyama Artwork Auction Sale Results

Date: 2016 June 01 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've already mentioned the Sotheby's auction that contained artwork from Osamu Tezuka and Akira Toriyama. What we haven't covered is how much each item went for.

The prices listed below are the hammer price with the buyer's premium.

The Tezuka artwork went mostly within the estimated prices.

Lot 231 was estimated to sell for 8,000 to 10,000 EUR. It went for 8,750.

Lot 232 was estimated to sell for 3,000 to 4,000 EUR. It went for 3,625.

Lot 233 was estimated to sell for 2,000 to 3,000 EUR. It went for 1,750.

Lot 234 was estimated to sell for 2,500 to 3,000 EUR. It went for 2,750.1

Akira Toriyama's drawing was Lot 235 with an estimated sale price of 2,000 to 3,000 EUR. It sold for 15,000. That's 5 times the original estimated price.

Souce: Sotheby\'s

Manga Entertainment UK at the MCM London Comic Con May 2016

Date: 2016 May 18 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from UK Anime company Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details for their places at the MCM London Comic Con, which is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016 at the Excel Centre in London.

As always Manga UK and their other label Animatsu will be hosting a panel with announcements at 3pm on the Saturday. They'll be making unmissable news and announcements regarding their upcoming releases. We suspect they'll be making some exciting licensing announcements. They'll also be hosting a Q&A session on the Friday, so you'll be able to ask people in the anime industry those questions you'll be dying to know.

They've also got Anime Karaoke with over 150 anime theme songs!

Along with some special offers and rare branded merchandise, they'll also be holding a Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Raffle which all proceeds will be donated to the Kumamoto Japan Earthquake Relief Fund by Global Giving.

Tekkonkinkreet director Michael Arias to talk latest film Harmony at MCM London Comic Con May 2016

Date: 2016 May 12 15:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's not long until it's time again for the MCM London Comic Con. They're always a treat for anime fans having already announced that they'll be hosting hosting the EU premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin III plus Sunrise Special Guests. Keen to keep anime fans content, they've also got anime director Michael Arias who made Tekkonkinkreet and produced the Animatrix. He'll be at the Comic Con to talk about his latest film Harmony. He's CV is like an otaku's dream which includes working closely with Studio Ghibli on Miyazaki masterpieces Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016 at the Excel Centre in London.

Michael Arias will also be at the BFI Southbank London - Anime Weekend 2016.

Ghibli Singer Azumi Inoue to Appear at Hyper Japan this July 2016

Date: 2016 May 09 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have just sent us news that they're as happy as be to announce that Azumi Inoue will be at the event in London. The singer is best known for singing for Ghibli Movies, including the Totoro theme and Laputa, Castle in the Sky.

So hey let's go to Hyper Japan from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July 2016 at Olympia London.

DJ Itsuka and MC Gonchi of Charisma.com will also be there.

Sotheby's to Auction Tezuka and Toriyama Artwork

Date: 2016 May 05 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Manga fans with cash to splash will want to head over to famous auctioneers Sotheby's for their bandes dessinées auction (drawn strips). The collection of sequential art is mainly European and American artists. However manga fans are in for a treat with manga master Osamu Tezuka artwork for sale with prices ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 EUR. They've also got an original Akira Toriyama drawing too, which is estimated to sell from 2,000 to 3,000 EUR.

The auction will take place on Saturday 14th May 2016 at 2pm in Paris. You can bid on-line, but note that first-time bidders must pre-register 24 hours in advance of the sale in order to be approved by Sotheby's.

Thanks to Deb Aoki for the tip off on this story.

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