Otaku News

The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles Browser Game Release Details

Date: 2026 June 13 08:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

CTW have sent us news of their up coming game The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles. The browser based game is set to be launched on their G123 platform on Monday 15th June 2026.

You get to investigate various incidents with appearances from over 35 characters. So if you're a fan of Maomao and her adventures you should sign up for pre-registration rewards. So far over 200,000 people have pre-registered to play.

The game is free to pay for basic, but includes in game paid items. We're curious if this game will feature any frogs or ox bezoars.

Japan House London Photographic Exhibition Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai

Date: 2026 June 10 20:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Japan House London have just launched their first ever photographic exhibition titled Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai. It showcases the work of Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai.

Kawada Kikuji is best know for his series Chizu (The Map, 1965) and at 90 years old has wracked up decades of work to display including many photos capturing postwar Hiroshima. While Iwane Ai captures contrasting festivals in Japan and in Hawaii, along with mesmerising cherry blossom trees at night.

It's so reductive to sum up award winning photographers in a few sentences. We were lucky enough to catch a press showing of the exhibition. The gallery is divided into two halves, each showing the photographers separate works. The way it's curated allows you to naturally flow around the space and learn about each of the photos. It's definitely worth your timing visiting Japan House to catch this.

The exhibition is set to run from Wednesday 3rd June to Sunday 18th October 2026. Admission is free, but booking is recommend.

Angel's Egg UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2026 June 06 10:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have revealed the UK cinema release details for Angel's Egg. The anime movie will have a cinema release around the UK on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th June 2026.

The film is written and directed by Mamoru Oshii (who did the Ghost in the Shell Movie) with collaboration from Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D). It's regarded as a cult classic and this is the first time it's hit UK cinemas.

To find a screening near you visit angelseggfilm.co.uk.

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2026 June 03 19:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Trinity CineAsia have sent us details of an up coming cinema release. Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway is due to hit cinemas around the UK Friday 12th June 2026.

This is the 29th movie of the hugely popular franchise telling the tale of an ace detective who has been turned into a child. The series is also known as Case Closed.

This time around Conan and his chums head off to Kanagawa for the Motorcycle Festival. There they witness a police motorcycle pursuit, along with some high tech bikes. The mysterious reckless rider then reappears later in Tokyo, causing the authorities more concern and high-speed action. So expect motorcycle hijinks this time around!

The movie has done well in the Japanese box office when it was release in April this year on a record 526 screens, marking the widest domestic release in the franchise's history, and delivered the series' biggest opening weekend to date, grossing ¥3.5 billion JPY (approx. $22 million USD). So if you like Detective Conan or want to get into it, then you'll probably want catch this on the big screen while you can!

Ryoko Kui Exhibition & Delicious in Dungeon Exhibition in Los Angeles July 2026

Date: 2026 May 20 17:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Kadokawa World Entertainment have sent us details of the upcoming Ryoko Kui & Delicious in Dungeon Exhibition in Los Angeles. It's set to run in Los Angeles Arts District from July 2 to 26, 2026, following its U.S. debut in New York in October 2025.

It'll open during the same week as Anime Expo 2026. It'll highlight Ryoko Kui's Art, the creation process as well as have some great photo spots along with imported merchandise and special items. If you can get to LA it sounds like a must for Dungeon Meshi fans.

Of course if you don't know what Delicious in Dungeon is you can always catch the anime on Netflix or get the manga from Yen Press.

Netflix Tease at New One Piece Anime Adaptation

Date: 2026 May 05 19:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Netflix have sent us details about the up coming new anime adaptation of One Piece. Called The One Piece it charts Luffy's adventures from Chapter 1 of the East Blue Saga onwards. Season 1 will cover about the first 50 chapters of the original manga across 7 episodes, with a total run time of around 300 minutes. All 7 episodes will be released by Netflix at once in February 2027. This will be a Netflix exclusive.

This new anime adaptation will be produced by WIT Studio (who are best known for Spy x Family).

Official Merchandise from The World of Shirow Masamune Exhibition Now Available Internationally

Date: 2026 May 04 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We've received news that official merchandise from The Exhibition of The World of Shirow Masamune is now available internationally. The exhibition covers the works of Shirow Masamune, who is best known for the the mega hit The Ghost in the Shell, along with Appleseed and many more (we're always partial to a bit of Dominion Tank Police ourselves).

The official shop allows international buyers to purchase goods from the exhibition store (while stocks last) up until Sunday, 31st May 2026 using the Buyee proxy service. They have a range of goods available, primarily t-shirts, which are priced at ￥5,500 JPY approximately £26 GBP / $35 USD / €30 Euro. This includes some iconic cover art from various Shirow manga.

Ghost in the Shell: Tabletop Roleplaying Game Release Details

Date: 2026 May 03 15:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from Mantic Games have sent us details of an up coming project. They'll be releasing The Ghost in the Shell: Tabletop Roleplaying Game. This officially licensed TTPRG is based on the original manga and is due out in the summer of 2026. It's been made acclaimed designers Alessio Cavatore and Zak Barouh.

We're promised a bespoke roleplaying system and it looks like you'll play as your own character a trainee agent in Section 9. We're also told the rulebook will be crammed full of illustration from the original manga.

The exact release date is to be confirmed, along with pricing and contents of the game.

emaqi Announcing Spring 2026 Manga Exclusives

Date: 2026 April 25 09:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The folks from digital manga service emaqi have sent us details of their new exclusive titles. They'll have Izakaya of Extinct Animals by Kuromaru, The Gene of AI by Kyuri Yamada, A Witch's Journal to Otherworldly Parenting: Raising Familiars and Fluffy Magical Creatures by Mokuhachi.

Fans will also note that this is the first official English translation of The Gene of AI.

emaqi is currently available only in North America. emaqi also uses AI translation, something we do not condone or support.

Qooza x Death Note Fashion Collaboration

Date: 2026 April 25 08:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Japanese fashion brand Qooza have sent us details of their current Death Note colab. The line is inspired by Misa-Misa. So if you want to look like everyone's favourite Death Note goth girl, now's your chance, but hurry as the order deadline is 6th May 2026 at 23:59 (JST).

They've got a Death Note Backpack, ankle boots, t-shirts and a lace dress available. Although the t-shirt and dress both have only one size.

Interestingly to accommodate international shipping Qooza have opted to use Buyee with a dedicated linked cart.

Akira Earns Over £1M Across UK and IRE Cinemas

Date: 2026 April 22 19:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

In case you've missed it classic anime movie Akira was released in the cinemas across the UK and Ireland on on Friday 17th April 2026. Anime Limited have told us that the release as gone very well so far and has earned over £1 Million so far. Making it the highest grossing classic release of the year and the all-time 4th highest UK & IRE opening weekend for an anime film.

The hugely influential classic is screening dubbed in English, in Japanese with English Subtitles and on IMAX too. To find a screening near you visit AkiraFilm.co.uk.

TV Anime Sparks of Tomorrow World Premiere at MCM Comic Con London May 2026

Date: 2026 April 19 15:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Anime Limited have just revealed details about some of the anime events at this May's MCM Comic Con London. The TV anime Sparks of Tomorrow will hold its world premiere at MCM Comic Con London this in May 2026.

The anime will be screened at Saturday 23rd May 2026 from 14:45 to 16:40. The screening will also include a panel discussion with the director Minoru Ota and producer Ryona Kuyama. Afterwards at 17:00 to 19:00 there will be a signing session with the director along with sales of exclusive merchandise.

Akira Hits UK Cinemas This Friday 17th April 2026

Date: 2026 April 11 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Just a quick reminder to UK based readers. The anime classic Akira hits cinemas around the UK from Friday 17th April 2026. This includes special IMAX screenings. Visit AkiraFilm.co.uk to find a screening near you. It's a classic for a reason and a must watch, especially on the big screen. It's been hugely influential and started a wave of anime fandom across the world. To be honest you could probably write a PhD thesis on Akira and it's influence, so just saying go out and watch it in a paragraph or two is kind of reductive!

Anime Limited and Kodansha have been running a campaign on the London Underground recently and we've noticed a lot of Akira Movie posters at prominent locations across the Tube. So if you're out and about in London, keep and eye out for them too!

Major Motoko Kusanagi Life Size Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Statue

Date: 2026 April 10 17:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from Prime 1 Studio have have sent us details of what we can only describe as the ultimate bit of merchandise for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Fans, a life size statue of Major Motoko Kusanagi. Standing at 168cm (or 5' 6" for the imperial measurement minded) this 1:1 scale figure features Kusanagi in her purple gear and leather jacket (the jacket is removable). The figure is holding a Sebro C-26A sub machine gun. There's also a special bonus edition (limited to 50 units) where she's holding a Sebro M-5 handgun.

The statue is available for pre-order now, and Prime 1 Studio tell us it'll cost a "reasonable" $7,999 USD, with shipping scheduled for early 2027.

To put it into perspective, assuming a normal Nendoroid figure costs ￥7,200 JPY which is about $45.20 USD as of today's exchange rate, you could buy almost 177 Nendoroid figures from Goodsmile. However, if you're buying that many figures, you might be able to negotiate a wholesale discount too.

Licca-chan Doll Gets Official North American Release

Date: 2026 April 07 10:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We've just received news that Japanese fashion doll Licca-chan has just been officially released in North America. The release will start with a collection of 10 dolls, which include some anime tie-ins such as Frieren and Detective Conan.

The iconic fashion doll has been part of the Japanese toy market since 1967 and has a big following with toy collectors overseas too. By bringing the doll into North America through retailers such as BoxLunch, Hot Topic, Miniso and animate Los Angeles as well Gacha&Catch it's clear that they're aiming for the 15 to 25 year old market. They're after the demographic with disposable income.

Netflix Spring 2026 Anime Line Up

Date: 2026 April 04 17:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Netflix have just revealed their Spring 2026 anime streaming release slate. Highlights include the amazingly violent and truly excellent Dorohedoro Season 2, which was released on the 1st April, Spy x FAMILY Season 3 is due out on 4th April. While other highlights include My Dress Up Darling Season 1, which is a charming cosplay romance, with the odd bits of spicy fan service thrown in.

We're also very excited about the anime adaption of Akane Banashi, which tells the story of a teenager who wants to become a rakugo star. This is due to be streamed sometime in May.

Marriagetoxin Anime Streaming Details

Date: 2026 March 31 20:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Fans the manga Marriagetoxin will be keen to hear that the anime adaption will be hitting Crunchyroll from Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 7:30 Pacific Time / 3:30pm BST (UK) / 4:30pm CEST (Western Europe etc).

The first episode is called The Poison Master's Search for Marriage.

The manga is published in English by Viz. You can read more about it on their website.

The Last Blossom Movie Review

Date: 2026 March 16 20:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

The Last Blossom hits cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Friday 27th March 2026. It won both the Jury Award and Audience Award at Scotland Loves Anime. Keen to get a big scoop of melancholy, with a sprinkle of crime thriller, topped off with a bit of slice of life bliss, we take a (spoiler free) look at the movie.

Japan House London Announces Photography Exhibition: Invisible

Date: 2026 March 14 09:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

The good folks from Japan House London have sent us details of an upcoming photography exhibition called Invisible . It's set to run from 3rd June to October 2026. It will showcase two major contemporary Japanese photographers: Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai. The exhibition will be directed by the team behind the KYOTOGRAPHIE photography festival.

Like many fans of photography we've always wanted to go to KYOTOGRAPHIE in Kyoto and we think it's great that Japan House London are bringing a bit of it over to the UK.

This is Japan House London's first photography exhibition.

Death Note the Musical London UK Details

Date: 2026 March 10 20:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Death Note the Musical London UK Details

We've just received news about Death Note The Musical. It' set to run at London's Barbican for 6 weeks from Thursday 30th July until Saturday 12th September 2026.

The live action musical will be performed in English. The first week of performances as part of the Barbican summer season have sold out within 24 hours of tickets going on sale, with remaining tickets selling at record speed making it the fastest selling ever Barbican Summer Season.

They've got a great collection of creative talent behind this production including director Stephen Whitson (Hamilton UK and Moulin Rouge! UK), Emmy-nominated designer Jon Bausor (Spirited Away, Bat Out of Hell) and choreography by Olivier Award nominated Fabian Aloise (Evita at the London Palladium and Sunset Boulevard at The Savoy) alongside Jason Howland as orchestration and arranger, with additional lyrics by Morgan Reilly. The cast will be announced soon.

We're very curious how they'll hand Ryuk?! Will it be some kind of puppet or an actor in heavy prosthetics? Also what kind of songs will they have? We're curious about the lines!

The hugely popular manga, Death Note follows the adventures of Light a high school student who discovers Death Note, a notebook where you can write down the name of anyone and they'll die in 40 seconds. It's a supernatural mystery, detective story, fan favourite and title that gets you thinking, if you had a Death Note, would you use it? And if so who would you use it on?

The manga spawned an anime, a TV show, several live action movies, video games. There's also a great spin off manga of short stories.

To find out more and book tickets for the remaining performances vist DeathNoteTheMusical.com

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