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Hyper Japan Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011

Date: 2011 July 19 17:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder for those who can get to London and are looking for something fun to do this weekend. Don't forget Hyper Japan 2011 is set to run on Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two.

Souce: Hyper Japan

Arrietty Kids' Club preview at Bath Little Theatre Picture House Cinema

Date: 2011 July 18 18:04 | Posted By: Molly Drury

Category > Anime > Film

The Little Theatre in Bath is having a preview screening of Studio Ghibli's Arrietty on Saturday 23rd July at 1 PM for their Kids' Club, a week before the nationwide release!

General audiences can see Arrietty on the Friday 5th August at the Little Theatre.

Souce: Bath Little Theatre

Free London Anime Screenings at Canary Wharf - August 2011

Date: 2011 July 18 15:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans looking for something to do at the beginning of August will be pleased to hear that there will be some free screenings at Canary Wharf.

Manga Entertainment UK and the folks at the Barbican have teamed up to show these titles.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Tuesday 2nd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review

Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva - Wednesday 3rd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review

Summer Wars - Thursday 4 August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review

As they're free screenings we suggest you arrive early to avoid disappointment. If you're coming to Canary Wharf from Central London, we suggest you take the DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway. DLR Trains going to Lewisham will stop at Canary Wharf. The Jubilee Line also goes to Canary Wharf, but we advise you to take the DLR if you've got the choice.

Please note space is unreserved and sometimes limited. Portable furniture, glass bottles or glasses are not permitted.

Souce: My Canary Wharf

Arrietty kids' club preview at Cambridge Picture House

Date: 2011 July 18 13:06 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Events

The Cambridge Arts Picture House is having a kids' party and preview screening of studio Ghibli's Arrietty on Saturday 23rd July a full week before the nationwide release of the film. The doors open at 10 with the screening at 11:30, and will include a range of events including a Borrowers fancy dress party. The best dressed Borrowers may even win a prize.

Souce: Cambridge Picture House

Murakami makes his mark at the Gagosian

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

Category > Art

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

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

Manga Jiman 2011 Competition now open for entries

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

Arrietty London Screenings - Review

Date: 2011 July 10 13:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

On Wednesday 6th July 2011 we went to the London Barbican sell out screenings of the latest Ghibli movie to make it over to the UK.

Arrietty is due for a wider cinema release in the UK on 29th July 2011.

Square Enix to Host Cosplay Battle at Hyper Japan 2011

Date: 2011 July 03 12:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Japanese culture event Hyper Japan 2011 is less than a month away. Cosplayers will be pleased to hear that Square Enix will be hosting a cosplay battle on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 12pm. It'll be open to anyone dressed as a character from Square Enix releases (including older Square and Enix titles). Winning cosplayers will be treated to a selection of prizes such as plush toys, figures and CD soundtracks from Square Enix games.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Jiman 2011 Competition Details

Date: 2011 July 03 11:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based artists will be pleased to hear that the Embassy of Japan in the UK will holding another Manga Jiman competition this year. Details are yet to be formally announced, but they're keen to get the word out. The theme for this year is 'new beginnings', the deadline for receiving entries is 1 November 2011.

Entries should be 6 to 8 pages, A4 portrait size and read from left to right. Apparently the judges are getting strict on this last point.

Details on the prizes are to follow.

Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

Something for the weekend - Japanese Art Festival

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Souce: Japanese Art Festival

Hyper Japan 2011 Event Details

Date: 2011 June 27 15:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

With less than a month to go until Hyper Japan at London's Olympia Two they've started to rev up and reveal to the world what will happen on 22nd to 24th July 2011.

They've sent us the details, highlights include the Eat-Japan Sushi Awards, a Sake Seminar, Nintendo unleashed. Along with a Taiko Master, Cosplay competitions and much more.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

London MCM May 2011 attendance details

Date: 2011 June 06 17:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The London MCM Expo is over for May 2011, we've just been sent some details about it. The Expo attracted almost 60,000 visitors, with the outside show attracting crowds 5,000.

The next Expo is set to return to the same venue on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011, where it will be paired with Memorabilia London for the first time.

Manga Entertainment UK at the London MCM Expo - May 2011

Date: 2011 May 24 18:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

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

The good folks at Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their plans at the London Expo. They've got two stands, a treasure hunt, plenty of bargain priced DVDs and Blu-rays.

Voice actors Ben Diskin (voice of Sai in Naruto Shippuden and Syzal in Bleach) and Brian Beacock (voice of Walter Yumasaki in Durarara!!) will both be at a panel and QA at the London MCM Expo too.

Letraset Art Competition at the London MCM Expo - May 2011

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

Category > Events

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

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

Souce: Letraset Blog

Tezuka Dance event in London 2011

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

Category > Culture

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

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

Genki Gear launch new t-shirt designs at London MCM Expo May 2011

Date: 2011 May 16 15:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The May London MCM Expo is almost here it starts on Friday 27th May and will run until Sunday 29th May 2011. As tradition demands T-shirt company Genki Gear will be releasing a new range for the season.

They've got 5 new designs in ready for the Expo.

Japan Underground May 2011 Details

Date: 2011 May 13 18:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture, gaming and clubbing will want to head over to Japan Underground at The Kingpin Suite, Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, WC1H 9EU. Near Euston / Russell Square. The event is set to run on Saturday 28th May 2011 from 7pm onwards.

They've got Bentley Jones a British artist signed to a major Japanese Record Label. Japanese violinist Masa Futagami will be performing a very special video game-themed live session. You can buy tickets on-line.

Nintendisco the retro gaming club will also be there. Plus the regular selection of rock, punk, metal, visual kei and electronic tunes that Japan has to offer, as well as live music and karaoke.

Beckii Cruel at the London MCM Expo

Date: 2011 May 11 14:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Everyone's revving up for the London MCM Expo at the end of the month from the 27th to 29th May 2011. The good folks at the event have sent us details about their latest guest, Beckii Cruel, the schoolgirl from the Isle of Man who became an internet sensation and then a Japanese Pop Idol. She was also the subject of a BBC Three TV documentary. She'll be appearing on the indoor and outdoor stages of the Expo on Saturday 28th May 2011.

London Barbican July 2011 Anime Screenings

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

Category > Anime

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

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

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

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

Sunday 10th July 2011 - 4pm - Princess Mononoke

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

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

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

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

Sunday 31st July 2011 - 2pm - Spirited Away

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

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

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

Souce: Barbican

London Lolita Through the Looking Glass Exhibition

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Maid Cafe Event in London May 2011

Date: 2011 May 03 16:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you in London on Sunday 22nd May 2011 and are looking to be served by Maids in a Maid Cafe? Well, head over to the Jetlag Bar on 125 Cleveland Street W1T 6QB, from 2pm until 7pm for where Oh My Lord! will offer a relaxing Sunday afternoon to eat and drink. Buy tickets on-line.

Souce: Oh My Lord!

Aid for Japan - London - 15th May 2011

Date: 2011 April 29 13:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent details about Aid for Japan an up coming charity event in London on Sunday 15th May 2011. It's to raise funds for the victims of the recent earthquake.

It'll be at -
Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square
London
WC1R 4RL

Nearest Tube station is Holborn.

They'll be holding a selection of workshops focusing on Japanese culture, including the Tea Ceremony, performances a Kimono Fashion show, a cosplay show, along with with a Shibuya and Harajuku fashion show. There'll be a manga drawing workshop too.

Japanese food and drink will also be available for attendees to buy on the day.

Souce: Aid for Japan

Hyper Japan 2011 Tickets now on sale

Date: 2011 April 28 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've been sent details from the good folks at Hyper Japan, who tell us that tickets are now on sale for their 2011 event. It's set to run from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th July 2011 at Olympia Two in London.

10% of all net ticket revenue will be donated to charities working to support the regions and peoples affected by the Tohoku Pacific Earthquake of 11 March 2011.

You can read a report of the first Hyper Japan in 2010 here.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

At Home in Japan - Beyond the minimal house symposium

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

Category > Events

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

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

Terracotta Far East Film Festival - London May 2011

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

Thanks to Helen McCarthy for reminding us about this festival.

Souce: Terracotta Far East Film Festival

MUJS Summer Cosplay Party - Manchester, UK - Friday 6th May 2011

Date: 2011 April 17 09:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Looking to have some fun in Cosplay in Manchester on Friday 6th May 2011? The Manchester University Japanimation Society (MUJS) will be holding their 10th Cosplay Party. It's set to run from 9pm until 2am at The Zoo, 126 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL.

This party isn't just open to Manchester University Students, but to everyone aged over 18.
Discount entry for cosplayers and those with MUJS cards.

Heart Japan Charity Event - 20th April 2011

Date: 2011 April 09 18:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japan looking to have fun and raise money for charity should keep Wednesday 20th April 2011 free for Heart Japan. The event is set to run from 6:30pm until 11pm at Vibe Bar on Brick Lane.

It's to raise money for the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Fund.

There'll be live bands, DJs playing the best Japanese music, plus a chance to win some original artwork by Bryan Lee O'Malley the creator of Scott Pilgrim in their charity auction.

We Love Japan - Tohoku Earthquake Relief Concert

Date: 2011 March 25 18:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Saturday 2nd April 2011 is when you should head to London for the We Love Japan Tohoku Earthquake Relief Concert. It'll be held at The Relentless Garage from 7pm. They'll have a wide selection of live music, comedy and karaoke, plus some of the most promising London-based Japanese musicians.

Tickets are £10 if booked in advance on-line or £12 on the door.

All proceeds from the evening will go to the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.

Zipangu Fest Japanese Tsunami Relief Charity Screening

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Nearest Tubes Borough and London Bridge.

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

The nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.

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

Sofra
36 Tavistock Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7PB

The nearest Tube is Covent Garden.

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

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

Reminder - Harajuku Night in London March 2011

Date: 2011 March 15 17:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In London, like clubbing? Looking for something to do this Wednesday 16th March 2011? Then head on over to Harajuku Night at Proud at Camden.

They'll be having a collection and selling CDs for the Japanese Red Cross.

Souce: Criminal Records

Genki Gear London Expo Official May 2011 Exclusive T-shirts

Date: 2011 March 07 17:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Although it's just over 2 months away, things have started to rev up for the May Edition of the London MCM Expo, which is set to run on 27th to 29th May 2011 at the ExCel London.

The creative t-shirt people Genki Gear have just unveiled the official exclusive designs for the May MCM Expo. This time instead of one design there are two differet designs available both in Unisex and Women's fitted tee styles and both available as limited editions on Pre-order only. The theme this time around is super heroes and zombies! The Pre-order is on the Genki Gear Site only until the 31st April 2011.

Hibiki: Resonances from Japan - March 2011

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

Souce: Kings Place

At Home in Japan - Beyond the Minimal House

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

Category > Culture

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

Leeds Central Library - Otaku Attack March 2011

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

Category > Events

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

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

AmeCon seek Events Officer

Date: 2011 March 02 17:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

The great folks at UK convention AmeCon have sent us details of a volunteer role that needs filling. They're looking for a new Events Officer.

Apart from being able to pay something back to anime fandom, this is a great opportunity to participate in a large UK convention, see it's inner workings and meet others who are passionate about anime, manga and all other things otaku love.

Hyper Japan 2011 Details

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

Category > Events

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

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Dreams at the Hamiltons Gallery in London

Date: 2011 February 18 08:10 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Events

At the Hamiltons Gallery in London from Thursday 27th January to Saturday 5th March 2011, runs the Manga Dreams exhibition. It's heavily manga-induced photography, brought to you by Jonathan Anderson and Edwin Low.

Highly recommend this to anyone into manga and/or Scott Pilgrim!

Souce: Hamiltons Gallery

WOTA London EP:9 - 26th February 2011

Date: 2011 February 16 16:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese themed clubbing are in for a treat when WOTA London will return. It's set for Saturday 26th February 2011 Juno@Shoreditch, near Old Street and Liverpool Street Tube stations.

The fun's set to start at 7pm and will go onto midnight. Highlights include Karaoke, along with a Paper, Rock Scissors competition (Remember, paper, rock, rock, scissors, paper, paper, scissors is the winning combination).

Tickets are £4 on-line or £6 at the door.

Uniqlo presents: We Love Anime

Date: 2011 February 15 17:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Uniqlo and Manga Entertainment have teamed up to sponsor the We Love Anime Film Festival across the UK. Appropriately the festival was launched on the 14th of February.

Screenings will be held across the following locations in 2011.

Edinburgh: Filmhouse (March 26th-27th)
Birmingham: Appearing at The Electric Cinema as part of Flatpack Film Festival (March 26th)
Leeds: Appearing at The Hyde Park Cinema as part of Leeds Young People’s Film Festival (April 2nd)
Bexley: Appearing as part of BAM 2011
Dublin: Appearing at Cineworld as a part of Cinemagic (May 13th-15th)
Dumfries: Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre (June)
Newcastle: Tyneside Cinema (Date TBC)
London: The Barbican (July)

The films being screened will vary at each location. They do have a great line up including:
Redline
Summer Wars
King of Thorn
Laputa Castle in the Sky
Sword of the Stranger
The Disappeance of Haruhi Suzumiya

Additionally, if you're keen to see Redline in London, you can catch it at the Barbican on Tuesday 22nd February 2011 as part of the centre's regular Japanimation season.

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Harajuku Night in London March 2011

Date: 2011 February 01 16:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based? Enjoy Japanese themed clubbing? Well head over to Proud at Camden on Wednesday 16th March 2011 for the return of Harajuku.

This time around they've got 8 different themed rooms, each offering something for different kinds of fans including games, movies, karaoke, comics, art, live music and DJs.

Other fun at the 800 capacity venue includes face painting, hand held and big screen gaming! It's set to be a great night out.

Dressing up is welcome and actively encouraged, with a reduced door fee for those in themed dress.

The Nocturnals are the featured performance for this event.

Leeds Tanabata Festival 2011

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

Category > Events

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

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

Japanese Cinema Screenings in London's ICA - February 2011

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

Japan Underground February 2011 Tour Dates

Date: 2010 December 29 13:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK fans of Japanese music will be pleased to hear that the good people at Japan Underground have announced the February 2011 tour dates for their club nights. London, Birmingham, Brighton and Nottingham are all set to for nights fun, music karaoke and Harajuku fashion.

They've also got a pre-tour party in London on Tuesday 11th January 2011.

Distant Worlds - Music from Final Fantasy

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Souce: Distant Worlds

Manga Drawing workshop in London Saturday 20th November 2010

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Souce: Victoria and Albert Museum

New Maid Cafe Event in London December 2010

Date: 2010 November 12 18:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of cosplay and maids will be pleased to hear about a new Maid Cafe event in London. It's set to run on Sunday 5th December 2010, from 2pm until 8pm at the Jetlag Bar and Restaurant.

Nearest Tube is Great Portland Street.
Over 18's only.
Tickets are £5.

They'll be serving Japanese dishes, such as curry with rice, Japanese omelet with rice and Japanese Hamburger. Plus teas, coffee and cakes.

This is the first event Oh My Lord are running, they plan to run more in future if it proves popular.

Grand Cosplay Ball 2010 Details

Date: 2010 November 10 16:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based cosplayers will be excited to hear about the Grand Cosplay Ball which returns for it's third year. This years theme is Arabian Nights and it's set to run on Sunday, 28th November at Clapham Grand Hotel. The fun starts at 7pm until 1am. Expect lots of belly dancing, sword swallowing and even an Arabian Bazaar.

The Guest of Honour is Metroid cosplayer Jenni Kallberg (aka Pixelninja) from Sweden.

Over 18's only. Tickets are £18 from their website, or in-store at Tokyo Toys London branch at the Trocadero in Picadilly Circus.

Anime at Thought Bubble: The Leeds Sequential Art Festival 2010

Date: 2010 November 08 02:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans who can get to Leeds from 18th to 21st November 2010 are in a for a real treat. Thought Bubble and Leeds International Film Festival have some great anime features to enjoy. Including some European Premieres such as Mardock Scramble: The First Compression (review here), Gintama The Movie, along with some great anime titles you should see if you haven't already. -

Mardock Scramble: The First Compression
Gintama The Movie
One Piece: Strong World
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
Redline
Interstella 5555: The 5tory Of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

Normally at this stage we'd cherry pick a title or two for suggestion as to what to watch, but they're all good, Interstella 5555 is always worth watching one more time too. ^_-

There's also some live action adventures with - Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City.

The Thought Bubble Festival are offering £20 passes for a day, or Individual tickets for £6.50/£5.00.

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.

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