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Browsing CategoriesPage: < Previous [1] [2] Next >
On-line Manga Site JManga to shut down it's retail and viewing services
Date: Thursday 14th March 2013 [17:57] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Manga
On-line and legitimate manga streaming service JManga will be shutting down it's retail and viewing services on May 30th 2013. In other words it's shutting down in it's current form. The site started offering manga to view on-line from 27th December 2010. It was formed by an industry group of 39 Japanese publishers.
They launched in North America on August 17th 2011, and later expanded out globally in February 2012.
They worked on a subscription model, allowing readers to buy points in order to redeem manga.
All JManga Members will be issued Amazon Gift Cards for use on Amazon.com as a substitute the amount of unused JManga Paid Points (terms and conditions apply).
Manga Industry Pioneer Toren Smith Passes Away
Date: Friday 8th March 2013 [16:00] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
Readers will be sad to hear that manga industry pioneer Toren Smith passed away on Tuesday March 5th 2013.
We could write an obituary about the man who brought manga to the English speaking world, but we don't have the words. We suggest you read the one written by Jonathan Clements.
We've never had the privilege of meeting Toren. For many of us, ourselves included, his work were fundamental in discovering the world of anime and manga.
The news was first broken on Twitter and Anime News Network.
Johnnys' World: Top of the J-Pops
Date: Friday 25th January 2013 [15:36] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Culture
J-Pop fans who can access NHK World will want to tune in for Johnnys' World: Top of the J-Pops.
The documentary focuses on Johnny Kitagawa of talent agency Johnny's Entertainment. The talent agency represents Tsuyoshi Domoto of Kinki Kids and Hey! Say! Jump!.
It'll be broadcast on NHK World on:
Saturday 26th January 2013 - 23:10 (UTC)
Sunday 27th January 2013 - 3:10/ 7:10/ 11:10/ 15:10/ 19:10 (UTC)
NHK World broadcasts content in English and is free to access. It's available in many countries.
In the UK if you have Sky you can access NHK World on Channel 507. If you've got FreeSat you can access it on channel 209.
Failing that, you can also watch the show on-line on the NHK Website, JIB TV, or on the NHK World App on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) and Android Devices.
Pirate Anime FAQ Updated - November 2012
Date: Saturday 3rd November 2012 [16:21] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Websites
We've just updated The Pirate Anime FAQ with some more details. We've added details of bootleg bags, bootleg wallets / bill folds and finally included bootleg CD company Miya Records to the Audio CD section.
We've been running the Pirate Anime FAQ for over 12 years now, helping anime fans become aware of bootlegs. Many fans first discover that they've bought bootlegs by reading the FAQ.
As always we appreciate any feedback, so please feel free to get in touch.
We'd like to thank you for all your support over the last 12 years and look forward to the next 12 years! ^_^
Source: Otaku News
Bunkasai - Japanese Festival London Sunday 11th March 2012 Reminder
Date: Saturday 10th March 2012 [15:31] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Events
A quick reminder for those in London tomorrow (Sunday 11th March 2012), please don't forget about the Charity Event - Bunkasai Japanese Festival. We've got all the details here. The event is to raise money for Aid For Japan.
Bunkasai - Japanese Festival London Sunday 11th March 2012
Date: Monday 6th February 2012 [17:34] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Events
London based readers looking for some Japanese culture should head over to the Bunkasai - Japanese Festival on Sunday 11th March 2012. The event is set to run from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Park Crescent Conference Centre. The event is to support the charity Aid for Japan, which aids survivors of the March 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami. The Bunkasai will run on the first year anniversary
Cultural highlights at the Bunkasai include the Tea Ceremony, Engeki play, Traditional Japanese dance, martial arts demonstration, Taiko drumming, and cosplay.
Advance tickets are now on sale.
Interview with Kazé UK representative Andrew Partridge
Date: Tuesday 10th January 2012 [22:57] | Posted By: Eeeper
Category: > Anime
Audio interview with Kazé UK representative Andrew Partridge where we talk about Kazé UK's origins, their plans for blu ray anime releases, Anime On Demand and more.
Bandai US and UK shuts down DVD/BD/Manga production
Date: Thursday 5th January 2012 [13:34] | Posted By: Eeeper
Category: > Retail
The US anime releasing division of Bandai has announced that from February they will cease publication of both new anime titles and manga titles. The company’s UK and French sister divisions have also released similar statements.
Japan Underground to Organise Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer
Date: Wednesday 24th August 2011 [22:16] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Events
London based fans of Japanese cinema will want to keep Saturday 3rd September 2011 free for the Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU. It's organised by the good folks behind Japan Underground to raise awareness and support for the independent Asian film companies that lost their stock when the Sony DADC centre was burnt down in the England riots on 8 August.
Third Window Films and Terracotta Distribution are confirmed for the screenings.
Japan Underground have also sent us details about Unshin a Japanese pop/rock band based in the UK who'll launch their debut album at Japan Underground. This is event is scheduled to run 7pm-3am Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU after the Free Asian Cinema screenings.
Cosplay For A Cause 2012 Calendar
Date: Tuesday 14th June 2011 [15:03] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
We've been sent details about the Cosplay For A Cause 2012 Calendar. It contains some of the top cosplayers from all over the world, with all the proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society. 2012 may seem like a long way off, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead and every little donation helps.
Spirit of Hope Charity Anthology for Japan and New Zealand Disaster Victims
Date: Sunday 5th June 2011 [16:34] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
The Comic Book Alliance have sent us details about their latest project Spirit of Hope. The comic anthology has been created to raise money for the the Japan and New Zealand disaster victims.
Stradivarius violin to be auctioned to raise money for Japan quake
Date: Monday 2nd May 2011 [16:10] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
BBC News have an interesting story about am exceptionally well-preserved Stradivarius violin being auctioned to raise money for the Japan quake. The violin is known as The Lady Blunt.
BBC News says - "The 1721 violin is being sold by the Nippon Music Foundation, with the entire proceeds going to their Northeastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund."
Apparently The Lady Blunt has set a record price every time it was sold last century.
Tarisio will auction the violin online on 20th June 2011.
"Tarisio described the foundation's decision to sell 'what is considered the finest violin of their collection" as "a gesture of profound generosity'."
The violin fetched $10 million USD when it was last sold in 2008.
Aid for Japan - London - 15th May 2011
Date: Friday 29th April 2011 [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.
Heart Japan Charity Event - 20th April 2011
Date: Saturday 9th April 2011 [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.
Wagamama sold to private equity firm
Date: Saturday 26th March 2011 [13:30] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
Japanese style noodle bar chain Wagamama has been bought by private equity firm Duke Street from Lion Capital for £215 million.
London's City AM reports that Lion capital have owned the chain since 2005 and more than doubled it's UK presence. The sale was planned since August last year. Lion were hoping to get £250 million for the sale.
Impressively the London branches of Wagamama have been known to turn over 12 sittings a day.
We Love Japan - Tohoku Earthquake Relief Concert
Date: Friday 25th March 2011 [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.
March 2011 - Earthquake and Tsunami devastate Japan
Date: Sunday 13th March 2011 [15:20] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
On Friday 11th March 2011 an Earthquake hit the east coast of Japan.
Originally it was declared a magnitude 8.8, it has since been revised to 9.0, making it one of the biggest ever recorded in the world, according to the Daily Yomiuri.
BBC News states - "Prime Minister Naoto Kan has said Japan is experiencing its greatest hardships since World War II as it tackles the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami and a growing nuclear crisis."
NHK reports that confirmed deaths top 1,500. They also state - "Miyagi prefectural police say the death toll in their prefecture alone is almost certain to exceed 10,000."
You can help by donating to the British Red Cross or donating to the American Red Cross.
Streaming site Crunchyroll will also match any money you donate up to $5,000 USD.
People in town and city centres around the world are also collecting money for the earthquake fund.
BBC apologises for Japanese atomic bomb jokes on QI
Date: Sunday 23rd January 2011 [13:06] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
BBC News are covering a story about jokes made on popular panel quiz QI not going down well with Japanese viewers.
"Panellists made light of the experience of Tsutomu Yamaguchi who survived the Hiroshima atomic bomb in World War II and the Nagasaki one three days later."
Japanese viewers complained to the Japanese Embassy in London.
"The BBC said it was sorry for any offence caused and would be replying shortly to a letter received from the Japanese embassy in London."
This story has also been covered internationally, receiving a lot of attention in Japan too.
Manga and comics what's the difference in a name?
Date: Monday 6th September 2010 [15:56] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Manga
Last moth the results of the Morning International Comic Competition were announced.
Curiously enough they've discovered what the difference a name makes. The previous 3 competitions were called the Morning International Manga Competition. They discovered an issue with calling their competition a manga competition.
News in manga format
Date: Friday 11th June 2010 [8:58] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
Wired have an interesting article about news in manga format. The website newsmanga.com has current affairs explained in manga. The site employs more than 100 manga artists to cover breaking stories, updating 10 or 15 times a day. The site is in Japanese, but the Wired article has some translated and mirrored examples when you wave the mouse over the image.
Multi-National Manga Anti-Piracy Coalition Formed
Date: Tuesday 8th June 2010 [16:47] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Manga
Multi-National Manga Anti-Piracy Coalition Formed
We've received some very interesting details from VIZ Media about the formation of a Multi-National Manga Anti-Piracy Coalition.It seems that the industry has grown tired of Scanlations - manga scanned into a digital format and distributed without the copyright holders consent. The coalition include the 36 members of Japan's Digital Comic Association, Square Enix, VIZ Media, TOKYOPOP and Yen Press.
Originally scanlations were manga translated by fans into their native language from Japanese. This can be seen as the manga equivalent of anime fansubs. Some scanlation sites branched out to scans of manga that was already official translated and licensed outside of Japan.
This has cost the manga publishing industry significant amounts of money, not just in lost book sales, but lost opportunities in the relatively new market of eBooks and mobile devices.
The coalition intend to target scanlation sites and aggregators of scanlation sites. They've drawn up a list of 30 sites to targeted for action. First they will ask the sites to cease distributing scanlations. If the sites fail to cease distributing further action will be taken depending on the jurisdiction of each site. Actions include legal injunctions against the sites, reporting the sites to governmental anti-piracy units of law enforcement, including the US Justice Department, local law enforcement agencies and the FBI.
Fans curious about piracy in the anime and manga industry should read the Pirate Anime FAQ.
This is not the first time the anime and manga industry has attempted to stop piracy in the industry, but this is the biggest and most coordinated international effort so far. With many companies in the industry forced to make cut backs, closing down offices, laying off staff, we wonder if this is the start of a new approach? Will more companies pursue legal options? Are fansubbers next?
Original Laughing Man Creator Dies
Date: Thursday 28th January 2010 [17:14] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Culture
Author JD Salinger dies, aged 91. Anime fans who have seen Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex, will be aware of the Laughing Man. The Japanese producers of the series created the antagonist after being inspired by a short story by JD Salinger, which was called The Laughing Man.
The logo used in Ghost In the Shell : Stand Alone Complex also references Catcher in the Rye, his best known work.
Jonathan Ross to leave the BBC
Date: Thursday 7th January 2010 [21:57] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
Jonathan Ross has announced he's going to leave the BBC. It's all over the entertainment section of the news, celebrity gossip news so why is it on Otaku News too? Well we're curious as to what he's going to do next.
Caitlin Moran TV Critic for The Times has made an interesting speculation -
"What most people don't seem to realise is that the documentaries he did on Japanese films, anime and cultish subjects were absolutely fantastic and I imagine he might want to go and do more of that."
Seven Bank to Discontinue ATM Services for Overseas-issued MasterCard Brand Cards
Date: Tuesday 8th December 2009 [16:40] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
A keen eyed Otaku News reader has sent us details about ATM services in Japan that will impact MasterCard users visiting the country.
Carrying cash is often very useful in Japan. Getting money out from an ATM can be difficult as not all banks accept western credit cards for cash withdrawal. The best place to withdraw money is often 7-Eleven using their Seven Bank ATM machines.
Due to changes in the terms and conditions from MasterCard, Seven Bank will no longer accept overseas-issued MasterCard brand cards as of December 14th. The bank is still accepting Visa, American Express, JCB, China UnionPay, Discover and Diners Club.
London Gets Shibuya Style Crossing
Date: Monday 2nd November 2009 [5:33] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
BBC News have an interesting article about a new crossing on Oxford Street in London.
The London shopping district now has a crossing inspired by the X style walk way. The most famous of which can be seen at Shibuya in Tokyo and is frequently filmed in documentaries that feature Japan.
The opening ceremony sounds like a lot of fun -
"In homage to its Far Eastern inspiration, the mayor will strike a two-metre high cymbal as Japanese musicians play taiko drums."
They even got cosplayers involved too -
"A giant X, in the form of 60m (196ft) of red ribbon will then be unfurled by devotees of cult Japanese Manga characters dressed in colourful costumes."
The London Mayor said the crossing was "a triumph for British engineering, Japanese innovation and good old fashioned common sense".
Oxford Street is frequently very busy with more than 200 million visitors a year and ideas like this help ease congestion at the bottle neck area of the tube station.
The BBC News Website has photos of the event you can even see a few cosplayers there too. ^_^
Update We've been sent some great photos of the opening ceremony.
Japan wins top country at Wanderlust awards
Date: Monday 23rd March 2009 [16:43] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Culture
Travel Magazine Wanderlust have just announced their annual travel awards. Japan won top country.
Wanderlust readers were:
"... mesmerised by its man-made attractions: Tokyo's 'fluorescent skyscapes', its indoor rollercoasters, hi-tech loos and hotels boasting 'unbelievable levels of service and comfort'."
Readers also were moved by the "country’s ancient culture and underlying serenity".
The article reads like everything an otaku already knows about Japan. ^_^
Could Manga Inspire A Murder?
Date: Friday 24th October 2008 [18:46] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Anime
Sky News are running an article about the possibility that manga could inspire murder, and how it frustrates anime fans. It cites the current case of Meredith Kercher, a 21 year old student who was stabbed to death in Italy in a house she shared with other students. It mentions that the prosecution of the case are highlighting that Raffaele Sollecito (one of the accused) was acting out a "dark fantasy", inspired by his manga collection. BBC News have more coverage of the same story.
London Anime Club to Close Doors
Date: Friday 10th October 2008 [15:57] | Posted By: Spike
Category: > Current Affairs
No, unfortunately not a cruel April Fools joke, David "Dragon" Cotterill has announced that there will be no further regular meetings of the London Anime Club. Although rumours of quarterly or possible anniversary meeting abound, nothing concrete has been set and there are no entries in the event schedule after the meeting on December 7th, which can probably be considered the last one.
The Pirate Anime FAQ Returns
Date: Sunday 3rd August 2008 [16:31] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Anime
8 years ago, I wrote an FAQ about piracy in anime, and how to avoid buying pirate goods. It started off as a simple guide as part of a site called Anime Digital, but evolved and improved over the years. It's generally regarded as the most comprehensive guide to pirate goods in anime fandom. A mini version has been printed at many anime conventions and distributed among convention staff to quickly spot pirate goods. The anime industry also use it to make anime fans aware of bootleg goods.
For the last 8 years the Pirate Anime FAQ was hosted on the London Anime Club's web server. Unfortunately it's been unavailable since April because of server problems so we have decided to host the guide on Otaku News instead. We'd like to thank the London Anime Club for hosting the Pirate Anime FAQ for the last 8 years.
The Pirate Anime FAQ has been translated into French and German, thanks to the kind help of anime fans. I'll put the French and German translations up soon. However I've made a few small changes to the FAQ to make sure it will fit with the formatting of Otaku News. As a result the translations will need to be updated too.
The old content from Anime Digital is not lost and we're currently deciding if we should integrate the articles into Otaku News, or archive them as a separate site.
So please update your bookmarks, the new URL for the Pirate Anime FAQ is http://www.otakunews.com/piratefaq.php.
British Theme for Fuji Rock Festival 2008
Date: Sunday 27th July 2008 [16:53] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Culture
BBC News have an interesting article about this years Fuji Rock Festival, which has a British theme, to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Japan.
With Union Flags flying everywhere, the article states that many are wearing British themed outfits.
"British acts including The Courteeners, Hard-Fi, Primal Scream and headliners Underworld shared the main stage with Japanese performers on Saturday."
The article also highlights that the Fuji Rock Festival was inspired by Glastonbury.
"We call it the Fuji experience. It is like Glastonbury, but has been perfected in that Japanese way," says the festival's international organiser, Johnnie Fingers (also known as the founding member of The Boomtown Rats).
New Non Photographic Law is a bit vague
Date: Thursday 29th May 2008 [18:12] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
Some anime and manga fans in the UK might have heard about the new proposals which would ban obscene images of children. The proposals mainly cover drawings and computer-generated images, however due to certain parts of the proposals being a bit vague, it's not exactly certain what images are classed as obscene. The mainstream press are keen to wrongly cite manga as one such example.
Akira gets bad press
Date: Monday 21st January 2008 [22:06] | Posted By: Voxie
Category: > Current Affairs
A Sun article on the case regarding Meredith Kercher's death last November points out that suspect Raffaele Sollecito has the words "AKIRAFUGA" as his computer's password.
"The court was told the password for his computer is AKIRAFUGA. Akira is a character in violent sado-masochistic Manga comics.
Fuga is Italian for flee. One Akira story relates how the 'hero' ran after trying to rape students.
Sollecito was remanded in custody. "
I think some further analagy is needed on the term "akira" here...
More Nova News
Date: Friday 23rd November 2007 [12:39] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
Following on from the stories about Japan's English Language School Nova being bankrupt, The Times, are running a story by a Nova employee about the situation, even if you're not interested in Nova, but are considering teaching English in Japan it's worth reading, as it gives insight into what to expect when teaching English to a broad array of Japanese people as Oliver Clarke explains - "... no topic seemed taboo as I was frequently regaled with tales of extra-marital office affairs, bowel movements and alcohol-induced vomiting, despite my best efforts to steer the conversations towards shopping or pets..."
The article ends explaining that Nova employees are still waiting to find out what the situation is, as Japanese staff haven't been paid since July, and 4,000 non-Japanese instructors have not been paid since October.
It's over for Nova?
Date: Friday 26th October 2007 [5:00] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
BBC News are running at story about Nova, Japan's largest chain of foreign language schools. Apparently the company is in financial crisis and has filed for court protection from creditors. 2,000 Japanese staff have not been paid since July and 4,000 non-Japanese instructors have not been paid their October salary, according to union officials. Nova has also closed all of it's schools.
The firm primarily offers English classes, being the largest foreign language school in Japan, Nova were always keen to recruit English speaking graduates eager for adventures in Japan and frequently attend graduate fairs. English Language schools are often used by otaku as a sort of gap year experience, many have extended their stay from just a year to a couple of years, and some even joining the company permanently making their chosen career path. Nova also advertised their lessons heavily in Japan and even had a mascot, the Nova Usagi, a cute pink rabbit who was enthusiastic about learning English.
For our readers who want to go to Japan for a year, we don't think the English language school market has collapsed, Nova lost a court case that had ruled it had misled customers in adverts about it's services, as a result student enrolment dropped, and Nova accumulated huge debts. There are other English language schools in Japan (we wonder if their enrolment has increased instead of Nova's), and failing that there are also a few government schemes for foreign nationals to participate in.
Anime Cancelled Following Axe Murder
Date: Monday 24th September 2007 [19:27] | Posted By: Jeremy
Category: > Freaky Things
Two anime series get cancelled after a girl kills her father with an axe!
Manga shares gain in Japan
Date: Thursday 13th September 2007 [8:49] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Manga
As a slightly strange side effect of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announcing his exit, shares in manga retailers in Japan have surged with speculation that manga fan Taro Aso is the leading candidate to replace Mr Abe.
According to BBC News, Mr Aso is a big promoter of manga abroad. They cite the rise of manga publisher Broccoli gaining 71% and Mandarake (a retail store in Japan which is a treasure trove for otaku), jumping 13%.
The article states that Mr Aso served as foreign minister, and suggested that embracing Japanese pop culture was an important step in cultivating ties with other countries. If this is the case the Otaku News crew would like an invite to Japan to meet with Mr Aso to help promote manga and anime. ^_-
Sadly the BBC gets some facts wrong about anime and manga stating that they have "psychedelic colours and outlandish story lines", and emphasises the more explicit side of anime and manga. They also manage to mention Spirited Away and Quentin Tarantino in the same sentence, which I'm sure can lead to all sorts of associations for those who haven't actually seen the wonderful family film that is Spirited Away.
The article also states that Mr Aso created an International Manga Award to honour non-Japanese cartoonists.
British rural tea-rooms seek geisha girls
Date: Thursday 12th July 2007 [17:03] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Freaky Things
BBC News are currently running an interesting story about the quest for geisha in Cumbria. The Lake District is a popular destination with Japanese tourists. So much so that Cumbria Tourism has translated a map of tea-serving places off the beaten track into Japanese and even hosting a Green Tea Day on 19th July 2007. Cafes on the tea trail are advertising for geishas to help with intricacies of the tea ceremony. Experts are also required to help translate the more trickier recipe names like "tarty tarn drizzle" into Japanese.
Fully-trained geisha are rare and apparently would charge up to £7,000 (more than $13,000 USD) to fly across from Japan. So the tourist association is hoping some more local experts can help out. Which is why I'm really posting this story on Otaku News. I know of our readers would be able to help. Any experts when it comes to tea etiquette in Japan should contact Cumbria Tourism. I'm sure a few translators could come in handy too. ^_-
Russian ninja caught in Italy
Date: Wednesday 13th June 2007 [4:51] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Freaky Things
In what can only described as a truly bizarre story reported by BBC News, it seems that Italian police have arrested a Russian robber wearing a ninja like outfit. He has all the hallmarks of an excellent manga villain, dressed all in black the ex-military robber equipped with a night scopes, bow and a knife breaks into farmer's houses and robs them and their families.
The wannabe ninja was only caught out when a farmer was expecting him and was ready and waiting with a rifle. Coming down the stairs the farmer tripped on the last step, letting the gun off and frightening the robber away, who instead of jumping into trees or flipping out, hopped into a bicycle and made a getaway into a nearby cornfield, where he was followed and later caught by police.
National Office for Vocation use manga to promote vocations
Date: Thursday 26th April 2007 [17:12] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Current Affairs
Following on from our story about the Manga Bible, it seems that many religions want to remain accessible to a wider audience, according to the Catholic News Agency manga will be used to promote vocations in the UK.
The article states: "We have chosen the Manga cartoons for the 2007 campaign, because we hope it will appeal to young people under twenty as well as people in their thirties," Fr. Paul Embery, Director of the National Office for Vocation, explained to the Italian Religious Service.
A new website has been launched too - www.calledtoday.com which features artwork in a manga style and tells the stories of various people dedicated to the church.
Manga events at the Bristol Comics Expo
Date: Wednesday 11th April 2007 [13:34] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Events
Following on from our earlier story about the Bristol Comics Expo (on 12th and 13th of May 2007), we've got some more details regarding their coverage of manga stuff. They'll have:
- Tokyo Pop
- Sweatdrop Studios
- Selfmadehero
- Yishan Li
- Umisen-Yamasen
- Siku
- Boychild Books
- Ilya
- Misako Rocks
They've bundled everyone together into a Manga Ally too, as always it's good to see Sweatdrop attending these events.
UK MP fears reduction of British children's TV
Date: Monday 19th March 2007 [15:30] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Anime > TV
The Guardian are reporting on British Conservative MP John Whittingdale's recent speech at the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers conference. Mr Whittingdale is the chairman of the Commons culture, media and sport select committee. He's rather worried about a children's TV and the impact of pulling food advertising from children's TV - "[It will] have a damaging effect on children's broadcasting that will lead to money going out of it, the effect will be fewer children's programmes produced in this country except for the BBC," the main concern he stresses is increase in imported Children's TV - "There will be a growth of the likes of Japanese anime cartoons and American animated content which is something we are concerned about and may need to be addressed as part of challenge of maintaining public service plurality."
So in a nut shell he's worried that there won't be enough British produced children's TV, as ITV has been reducing it's children's output. The Otaku News crew want more TV greats like Danger Mouse. ^_^
Oriental City under threat?
Date: Wednesday 22nd November 2006 [13:33] | Posted By: Azure
Category: > Current Affairs
Many readers of this site will be familiar with Oriental City in Colindale, North London (formally known as Yohan Plaza) a purpose built shopping centre which contains in all manner of East Asian shops, restaurants as well as a Sega arcade.
The complex's new owner Development Securities, is planning to redevelop the site, offering current tenants alternative accommodation whilst it does so. Current tenants argue that the development will disrupt the community adding that plans to allow space for a DIY superstore would destroy Oriental City's distinctive feel.
PS3 Disasters Already
Date: Saturday 18th November 2006 [9:44] | Posted By: Jeremy
Category: > Freaky Things
A dislocated jaw and gunshot customers already reported at releases for the new PS3.
Japanese traumatised by Paris
Date: Monday 23rd October 2006 [3:24] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Freaky Things
A syndicated press article reports that around a dozen Japanese tourists each year need psychological treatment after visiting Paris. Apparently the real Paris does not meet their expectations, with unfriendly locals and scruffy streets. Harsh customer service when compared to Japanese shops and everyone looking stern on public transport seem to be key factors.
More bizarrely some people have extreme symptoms of being traumatised in Paris, with individuals believing their hotel room was bugged, another thought that she was being attacked by microwaves, with one man certain he was Louis XIV, this sounds like a plot from a crazy anime series.
YouTube take down nearly 30,000 Japanese Clips
Date: Friday 20th October 2006 [12:36] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Websites
BBC News and many other news sources are currently reporting that 29,549 clips have been removed from YouTube after the Japanese media companies complained of copyright infringement. The popular video hosting site (recently bought by Google for $1.65bn USD) frequently had clips from Japanese TV shows along with some anime as well.
It is not clear from the article what content has been removed, if it's Japanese TV programmes, more extreme quiz shows, comedy sketches and skits such as Matrix Pong, users of YouTube will have to discover that for themselves. What will be interesting to find out is if YouTube will automatically take down any future content or if the Japan Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) will have to file more requests.
Chinglish bad Engrish begone!
Date: Sunday 15th October 2006 [13:22] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Freaky Things
Those familiar with Engrish the nonsense English found in Far Eastern countries where English can be written in unpredictable and impossible to understand ways, will no doubt feel a bit of sympathy towards Beijing who are trying to clamp down on what BBC News have dubbed Chinglish in time for the 2008 Olympics. People can report the mistranslations and a panel of English professors and expatriates will review the signs and hopefully provide a more meaningful translation.
Japanorama Returns
Date: Monday 4th September 2006 [3:57] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Anime > TV
Keen readers of TV guides may have spotted the return of Japanorama, Jonathan Ross' TV show focusing on the more cool and bizarre side of Japanese culture. The previous season was well worth watching, and this latest instalment promises to be just as entertaining and informative.
UK Viewers (with freeview/cable/satellite) can catch Japanorama on BBC Three starting Thursday 7th September at 11pm, this weeks episode Ross explores the meaning of kakoii, Japanese for cool.
Rare Games Collection Stolen
Date: Sunday 20th August 2006 [15:36] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Fandom
We've been passed a press release from DDR:uk, a group of hardcore Dance Dance Revolution fanatics, on the 18th of August their equipment was stolen (with the exception of their custom build DDR machine, as it too big to easily move), their £25,000 collection includes a wide variety of rare and sought after games, most of which are no longer in production, along with specialist hardware and games controllers.
Since the items in question are rather unique, we would like to ask community minded otaku to be aware of the items stolen and keep a look out for them on places like popular auction sites, specialist games dealers and other places second hand goods are traded. The DDR:uk crew are offering a reward for any information.
The DDR:uk crew also help run events at anime conventions such as the games room, which was a huge success at AmeCon 2006, with the DDR machine being a huge attraction, along with the more unusual classic games. DDR:uk also put a plea out for hardware and games donation to help replace what was stolen.
On a side note the AmeCon manga library (which is made up of generous donations from Tokyopop and Tanoshimi and is stored with the DDR:uk hardware), was also vanadilised by the same criminals, with boxes of manga thrown out onto the street into the rain, and is now spoiled as a result.
We've deliberatly posted this to all editions of Otaku News, as although the items in question were stolen in the UK, many of the items stolen are rare they're desirable internationally, so all our readers should be made aware.
Foreign Minister Proposes Awards For Anime
Date: Tuesday 9th May 2006 [10:32] | Posted By: Jeremy
Category: > Current Affairs
Japan's Foreign Minister proposes Nobel Prize-like awards for anime and manga artists.
Italian Police Raid Firm Selling Pirate Anime
Date: Monday 3rd April 2006 [15:00] | Posted By: Joe
Category: > Anime > DVD
According the Mainichi Daily News, Italian police have raided firms in the first European case of pirated anime DVDs. As the author of the Pirate Anime FAQ, I've been aware of pirated anime DVDs ever since the format was released, however, it seems that the Italian authorities have started to clamp down on them, seizing around 400 titles, which included Naruto, New Getter Robo, Hinotori and Mazinger. The company raided originally sold leg anime, but started to sell Hong Kong bootlegs in 2002. Around 20,000 to 30,000 copies were sold each month for 25 euros each. The article states that the company and other companies being investigated are accountable for 90% of all pirated copies on the Italian market, as well as 60% of the legitimate market! It also shows that these companies make huge profits, (900,000 euros a year apparently), and that the companies in question are also being investigated for tax evasion.
This article is interesting since I've always had trouble getting solid figures for pirate anime merchandise, as a result it's been hard to gauge how much it's been hurting the anime industry. These figures present an insight to how much anime fans are being ripped off by pirate DVD companies and the retailers that sell them. Apparently this is the first time authorities have exposed a case of pirated Japanese anime Europe, I have a list of many other retailers and will be happy to pass them on the authorities if requested.
Maybe this is the first of many such raids, a sign of things to come to those other bad anime retailers out there, but I also hope that the authorities do not mistake legitimate import DVDs from other countries (often called grey imports) as pirate DVDs.
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