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Human Versus Machine Japanese Translation Mini Battle

Date: 2024 May 09 20:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The manga tech start up Orange Inc recently raised over 19 million USD in funding for machine translated manga. We were quite intrigued because machine translation hasn't always worked out in the past for manga titles. One recent example was the Ranking of Kings Manga that had to be pulled because the quality of the translations were so poor. What's worse was the lack of quality control from everyone involved in the publishing of the title.

As we were curious, we reached out to some professional translators to ask their opinions on the current state of translation.

Crunchyroll and Bershka launch a Junji Ito Clothing Collection for Halloween

Date: 2023 October 26 20:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from anime streaming giants Crunchyroll have just got in touch to tell us about their latest collaboration with Bershka to launch a Junji Ito Collection Capsule just in time for Halloween. The renowned manga artist is famed for his monochrome horror, especially around spirals, seemingly beautiful ladies and odd balls school boys who are obsessed with metal nails.

The macabre range is available online and in select Bershka stores from 28th October 2023. They've got an horrific range of shirts, jumpers, a hoody and other street fashion. There's some fun accessories too including a great crossbody bag, and a beanie hat. However the press release doesn't state the greatest bit of official merchandise yet. Junji Ito branded socks. You heard it. This isn't a typo, licensed socks from the master of manga horror. So you can wear them to work and go unnoticed or even better, gift them to someone as socks are always an excellent gift.

One Piece Film: Red Takes Over New York's Times Square

Date: 2022 October 04 19:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The new One Piece Film Red is about to hit the big screens this November 2022. To celebrate in New York, they're going to take over Times Square!

The One Piece production committee have announced that a large-scale takeover ad campaign in New York's Times Square will run exclusively on Saturday, October 8 2022 between 7:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. (EST). Set to launch during New York Comic Con, this isn't one bill board. This is going to be the whole of Times Square.

Visit onepiecefilm.red to find a screening near you.

Read More... | Souce: One Piece Production Committee

Voidol2 Anime Style Voice Changing Software Review

Date: 2022 February 08 21:06 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Features

After we heard about Crimson Technology's voice changing Voidol2 software we were curious to know more about it. It's aimed at those who want to change their voices to that of a Japanese school girl, robot or something else for whatever reason. It's mainly aimed at streamers, VTubers and other content creators.

Thanks to the good folks at Crimson Technology we were able to get our hands on a review copy to give it a go.

Voidol2 Anime Style Voice Changing Software Release Details

Date: 2021 November 25 21:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Japanese software firm Crimson Technology have sent us details about their English language launch of Voidol2. This is real time voice conversion software primarily aimed at streamers, v-tubers and people who have the need to change their voice in real time.

The software has many voice modes and can make you sound like an anime character or even a robot and everything else in between. It retails for 13,200 JPY (about $114 USD / £86 GBP), but is currently on offer for 8,800 JPY (about $76 USD / £57 GBP). It's available to download on Windows or Mac via Sendowl.

The Benza - A Comedy about a Quest for a Toilet Seat

Date: 2019 August 15 19:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Not all quests are epic. Which is why we've been sent details about Chris and Kyle, two Americans who share an apartment in Tokyo. One day their toilet seat broke, which leads onto their adventures to find a suitable replacement. The trouble starts when they realise they don't know the Japanese word for toilet seat! Want to know more? Then you can find out by watching The Benza a 6 series comedy on Amazon Prime currently streaming in the US, UK, Germany and Japan.

Made on a budget of 2,000,000 yen (about 18,840 USD) the show explores what it's like to go hunting for a toilet seat in Japan.

Neon Genesis Evangelion to stream on Netflix Worldwide from Spring 2019

Date: 2018 November 27 21:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Streaming Service Netflix have just revealed that they will be showing anime Neon Genesis Evangelion worldwide starting from Spring 2019. Announced on their NXOnNetflix Twitter feed as a teaser trailer of the show.

The original Neon Genesis Evangelion TV Series is generally regarded as one of the greatest anime TV shows of it's era. In the mid 1990's it lit the flames for a new wave of anime that still carries on to this day. Without the anime boom it caused the anime industry itself would be very different. Australian Anime Distributors Madman Entertainment owed their early success to Neon Genesis Evangelion. For many it was the watershed title that helped them discover anime.

Written and directed by the otaku's otaku Hideaki Anno the multi-layered story blends a bleak future mixed with giant robots, nostalgia for 1960's adventure, along with Christian symbolism and nods to Tokusatsu, Thunderbirds, along with a special blend of whiny teenage angst and reasons to hate your father. You'll never listen to Ode to Joy the same way again.

The hugely influential show, spawned some movies, plus the rebuild series of new movies retelling the story with a different take, various manga spin offs, plus an endless stream of merchandise.

Souce: Offical NXOnNetflix Twitter

Kaiji Live Action Movie - Animal World

Date: 2018 July 05 20:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of Chinese Cinema based off Japanese Manga will be interested to hear about Animal World.

The high-profile Chinese live-action cinema feature produced based on Nobuyuki Fukumoto's manga Tobaku mokushiroku Kaiji ("Gambling apocalypse Kaiji") about no-good lowlife Kaiji Ito, whose involvement with gambling and loan sharks land him in seemingly hopeless situations but who, under pressure, displays a remarkable insight into how to manipulate his way out of them - only for his gambling to inevitably lead him to fall into yet another one.

This latest, rather loose adaptation stars Li Yifeng as the protagonist, renamed Zheng Kaisi, with Zhou Dongyu and a special appearance by Michael Douglas, is written for the screen and directed by Han Yan Animal World (动物世界 Dòngwù Shìjiè). Trailers and other promotional videos, some with English subtitles, are available at UK-based distributor Cine Asia's YouTube channel.

Special thanks goes to Jordan Scott for bringing this to our attention and send us all the details

Takarabune Art Show by Junko Mizuno December 2016

Date: 2016 December 08 15:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in LA who are fans of renowned creepy-kawaii manga artist Junko Mizuno will want to head over to Gallery Nucleus on Saturday December 17th, 2016 for the opening reception of her new exhibition. Junko Mizuno's second Japan-themed art show will run from December 17th, 2016 to January 8, 2017.

Admission to the opening reception is free, booking is required. As always with popular events, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

For those looking to find out more we interviewed Junko Mizuno last time she was in London.

Fakku Publishing and Toshio Maeda Running Kickstarter to publish Legend of the Overfiend in English

Date: 2016 June 22 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Freaky Things

Sitting on a train travelling home, a man wearing a trench coat walked past me, I couldn't see his face, it was covered by the brim of his hat, I could see he had a moustache. I thought this was strange attire for the middle of June. I didn't know who he was, but he clearly knew me. Just as the train pulled into the next station he passed me a plain brown envelope and left the train before I could process what happened.

I waited until I got home until opening the envelope, just in case, as it's not everyday mustachioed stranger delivers a letter on public transport. The letter was from on-line retailer United Publications, they wanted to tell us that they've started stocking books for *ahem* mature readers from publisher Fakku. The letter said Fakku are company driven by fans, something United Publications are keen to support.

Not wanting to stop, the letter carried on.

"We know you've met renowned hentai master Toshio Maeda, but are you aware of the Kickstarter to get his most famous work Legend of the Overfiend published in English?"

We weren't aware of this Kickstarter, but now we are. Thank you, kind trenchcoated stranger.

The Kickstarter is due to end on Wednesday 20th July 2016. As of the time of writing $32,919 has been pledged towards the $47,000 (USD) target.

Souce: Fakku Kickstarter

Seven Seas Entertainment Licenses My Girlfriend is a T-Rex

Date: 2015 December 04 17:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've just heard from the good folks at Seven Seas Entertainment about a new manga they've licensed. It's called My Girlfriend is a T-Rex. No, it's not a typo. It's an actual manga. According to the press release:

"My Girlfriend is a T-Rex-like Monster Musume but with a very prehistoric twist!". So that explains the influence and the target audience.

If you like your anime girls carnivorous and cold blooded then this title is clearly for you. You might have to wait a while to get your hands on it as Seven Seas have states that it will be released on 1st November 2016.

We're thinking this is a must to add to your manga / graphic novel collection.

Reni's Maid Show and Cosplay Cafe - NYC September 19th 2010

Date: 2010 September 05 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

New York City based fans of maids, moe and cosplay will want to keep Sunday September 19th 2010 free for Reni's Maid Show and Cosplay Cafe. From 12 Midday to 3pm.

2nd Floor of Amber Asian Cuisine on 432 6th Avenue (9th & 10th Street) .
Please note that there's a $12 door charge, which does not include the cost of lunch.

MaiOtaku - Dating for Anime Fans

Date: 2009 November 05 17:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Otaku Dating sites seem to be all the rage at the moment. So we've discovered another dating site for anime fans MaiOtaku. They're pitching themselves as the OKCupid for anime lovers.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan

Date: 2009 October 19 15:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Contributing writer for G-FAN magazine Armand Vaquer has sent us details about a new travel guide he's written called The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

The travel guide is due out next month and will retail for $15 a copy.

MTV Iggy on Otaku Culture

Date: 2009 September 10 14:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

The good folks at MTV Iggy (which is focused on breakthrough music and pop-culture from around the globe) have sent us details of their new feature - Otaku Culture.

They've got a couple of videos up from Otakon 2009 in Baltimore. It includes some otaku steampunk culture along with a video on ball jointed dolls. They've also got details of J-Rockers VAMPS, and plenty more to explore too.

Souce: MTV Iggy

Domo goes pink for Valentine's Day

Date: 2009 January 25 13:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Toys

Looking for the perfect gift for the significant otaku other? Amazon.com are stocking a Valentine's Day Pink Plush Domo Kun Doll. Everyone's favourite little brown monster appears in pink for valentines day. His little tag even has a heart on.

Note to readers - it's is hard writing about this without mentioning little pink monsters, the possibility for double entendres in an article like this is endless.

Souce: Amazon.com

Fanboys wanted for MTV's True Life

Date: 2008 August 19 16:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

Our US based readers who like the idea of appearing on TV should consider this request from MTV who are keen to do a True Life episode on Fanboys.

Japanese Prime Minister To Visit Graceland

Date: 2006 June 29 03:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

While attending talks between US President George W Bush and Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, the two leaders will pay a special visit to a very American home. They will be visiting Graceland the famous house of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley.

According to BBC News this is widely seen as a thank you gesture from Mr Bush to Mr Koizumi, who is known to be a huge Elvis fan. Mr Koizumi has even released a CD with a selection of his favourite Elvis songs. The Japanese PM is such a dedicated fan he helped fund a statue of the King which now stands in Harajuku.

Souce: BBC News

Falsely Accused - Enzai The First Yaoi Game In The US?

Date: 2006 January 17 15:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > PC

We've just been sent the press release from JAST USA, about a rather novel PC game for a certain type of anime fan. Yep, we're talking Yaoi (or boys love). Appropriately for this kind of game, Enzai - Falsely Accused, the action takes place in a prison ^_- (our resident expert Spike's going to love this).

NASA Approved Manga

Date: 2005 October 08 09:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Those clever people at NASA have teamed up with the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to produce manga that explains the NASA satellite mission to study the Earth's ionosphere. They're aiming this at "students between sixth ninth grade". The Otaku News Crew think this this a great way to teach kids about space and the science behind it.

The 24 page comic can be downloaded for free here.

Souce: Slashdot

Sushi Pillows For Otaku

Date: 2005 September 10 11:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Every now and again, we see something so merchandise that makes as laugh. Have you ever wondered what to get the hungry otaku that has everything? Well, why not get them a novelty sushi pillow? It's literally a pillow made to look like sushi (since sushi made to look like a pillow would be wrong). The range includes California rolls, Tuna Nigiri, and other delicious treats to lounge on. At the moment the makers are only shipping in the US, which is a shame since we know a few people they'd be ideal for! Perhaps even a few restaurants could use them too.

Souce: The Original Sushi Pillow

Metrocon Seek Human Chess Pieces

Date: 2005 February 20 12:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Florida anime convention Metrocon are currently seeking Cosplayer volunteers to participate in their Anime Human Chess Match. So if meet all their terms and conditions and can cosplay as one of the characters listed on their site why not give it a shot? It's also interesting to note that they've got ninja and pirate pawns.

The Otaku News Crew are pondering which anime characters are going to be which pieces, we suspect that Gendo Ikari will be a king for one side, while Rosette Christopher will be a bishop!

Souce: Metrocon

Strong Yaoi Sales on Amazon.com

Date: 2004 November 14 08:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

ICv2 are reporting an interesting trend with Amazon.com's manga best seller list. Apparently Yaoi is three of the top five, four of the top ten and six of the top fifteen manga titles. ICv2 point out that these sales are only on Amazon.com as the American Bookscan list doesn't not match with these sales figures, with only Del Rey's Tsubasa Volume 3 appearing at the top of both lists.

ICv2 speculate that people purchasing Yaoi prefer the privacy and relative anonymity that on-line reatilers offer and that the two main Yaoi publishers Digital Manga and CPM Manga don't have the marketing clout or number of titles compared to other publishers with titles at the top of the graphic novel lists.

Souce: ICv2

Advertising Industry Discover Anime

Date: 2004 November 05 18:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Recently it seems that anime and manga have become so cool that the American advertising industry have decided to use either real anime or adverts done in an anime style.

Anime News Network have made us aware that Nike are now airing adverts loosely based around Bruce Lee's Game of Death. The advert has NBA Star Lebron James facing Kung Fu Basket Ball challenges in a pagoda. The anime segments produced by Studio 4°C were originally intended only for Japan, but the advertising agency and Nike like them so much that they decided to air them in North America too.

Yesterday the Otaku News Crew also found details on Yahoo News about Asian themed restaurant chain Benihana who have just released an anime inspired commercial. After watching the Benihana commercial we thought it wasn't news worthy alone however it goes well in context with the Nike commercial.

US Army Troops Get Anime Goodies

Date: 2004 October 18 17:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

In one of the more unusual press releases we received this week eigoMANGA have announced that they are sending anime and manga care packs to U.S. Army Troops destined for Iraq.

Apparently there is an anime club formed by the Army troops in Colorado Springs base called "A.N.I.M.E. Club". Independent media and publishing company eigoManga are asking for local otaku to donate anime and manga gifts to the anime fans in the US army.

ADV Cosplay Caps

Date: 2004 October 06 17:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Toys

We've just got news from ADV about some really cool headgear! Their toy deparment it seems have had some great fun producing "Cosplay Caps" based on the animal characters from their popular titles. These hats are a bit similar to the ones worn by the Digi-Charat gang. They've got Menchi and a Puchuu from Excel Saga, Saizo the pig from Peacemaker and Kaleido Star's baby seal Jonathan.

These hats are made exclusively for ADV Toys and aren't Japanese import items, they're made from a fleece type fabric. At the moment we haven't got a set release date for them, but we do know that they'll retail for $14.99

Learn Japanese by Reading Manga

Date: 2004 August 28 10:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

Washington Otaku will be pleased to know that the Japanese Language Center will be running a course that focuses on learning Japanese by reading manga!

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