Category > Fandom
Any filmmaker will tell you that producing a movie is- hard work. The time, effort and sometimes budget issues can get in the way of making a vision a reality. That challenge is only intensified when it's a fan-based film, reaping no financial rewards at the end and with only the love of the story to keep them going. But that's exactly what filmmakers, Nate Drake and Georgie Donovan are doing, currently in the works is Wolf Girl, a movie about a modern teenage girl struggling to save the forest she calls home from humans, who are cutting down the trees for their own needs. She then joins forces with wolves in a bid to defend her home.
Read More... | Souce: Wolf Girl Movie
UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Deadman Wonderland The Complete Series to give away.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Over the weekend of AyaCon on Sunday 18th August 2013 Manga Entertainment UK announced the release details of the of the highly anticipated Sword Art Online. Like the US release the UK edition will be released over 4 parts.
Release details are still to be confirmed, but they're aiming to release the first volume in December 2013 and the last volume by March 2014.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Retail
The good folks from Genki Gear have got in touch with us to tell everyone about their summer sale. Otaku News readers can use the discount code SUMMERSALE (all one word), to get an extra 10% off the sale price of anything in our summer sale sections. This offer end 31st August 2013.
Souce: Genki Gear
Category > Cuisine
We've covered maid cafes before in both New York and London, but until now they've all been pop-up cafes set to run for a single day or weekend at time. We've been sent some interesting details about New York's first dedicated Maid Cafe, called Maid Cafe NY. It opens on Sunday August 18th 2013 at 150 Centre Street, Downtown, NY. The grand opening is set to run from 11am to 3:30pm.
Read More... | Souce: Maid Cafe NY
The good folks from the PBS Idea Channel have brought to our attention a rapid fire video, asking the question Does it Matter What Evangelion's Creator Says?
Read More... | Souce: PBS Idea Channel
Category > Events
The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details from the first day of their event. The 3 day event's third and final day is Sunday 28th July 2013. There's still lots of fun to be had! Including cosplay, culture and plenty of food.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
The good folks from London based Japanese Culture Festival Hyper Japan have got in touch to say that they're still looking for volunteers for the event. It's set to run from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.
They are looking for people to help out at the Reception area. This includes queue control, ticket scan, workshop area and so on. You won't be able to choose what you do in this area, so just e-mail volunteer@hyperjapan.co.uk and mention that you'd like to help out at the reception area.
They're also looking for people to help out at the Sushi Awards as Serving staff. If you're interested contact eri@hyperjapan.co.uk.
Souce: Hyper Japan
The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have got in touch with us about a unique opportunity in relation to Steins;Gate Part 2. They are giving people the chance to vote on what cover design they would like to see used on their DVD and Blu-ray release.
With Steins;Gate Part 1 out now on DVD and Blu-ray Manga Entertainment have used unique artwork. This is actually the original Japanese design that the licensor has given special permission to use, making this artwork a UK exclusive in English speaking territories.
For Steins;Gate Part 2, Manga Entertainment have been given that same chance, but they would like the Manga UK community to vote for which design they want on their shelf.
There are 3 designs to choose from and the cover that receives the most votes will be the one submitted for approval. The closing date to vote by is 11:59pm on Thursday 25th July. Only one vote per person.
Head over to http://www.mangauk.com/SteinsGateVote to cast your vote today!
Steins;Gate Part 2 comes to DVD and Blu-ray on 30th September.
Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Steins Gate: Part 1 to give away.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Manga
The good people from Archaia Entertainment have sent us details of their new upcoming release an original hardcover graphic novel based on the manga classic Cyborg 009.
Produced directly in conjunction with Ishimori Production Inc. in Japan, this is version has clearly been produced with a more US Comic book feel that the original. The art has clearly been influenced by anime and manga, but it has a very western feel still.
Advance copies will debut at San Diego Comic-Con on July 19th, also known in Japan as Cyborg 009 Day, commemorating the date Ishinomori's original manga was published in Japan in 1964. For those not able to be at Comic-Con, the book goes on sale Sept. 11 2013.
Read More... | Souce: Archaia Entertainment
Category > Anime
To celebrate the launch of Kinmoza we've teamed up with Fosse Farm who were a key location in the show. You can win a chance to spend a night in Alice's Bedroom in the show!
Read More... | Souce: Fosse Farm
Category > Events
The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of their latest European adventures.
They'll be at the Japan Expo 2013 in Paris from 4th to 7th July 2013. NHK world will have a host of events at the Expo, highlights include a Shironuri Makeup Session with leading shironuri artist Minori.
We've been told that they'll also be at Hyper Japan 2013 in London on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.
For the latest event schedule, please visit their Japan Expo 2013 Website.
UK based readers will be pleased to hear that you can now watch NHK World on Virgin Media Channel 625, along with FreeSat Channel 209 or on Sky Channel 507.
Read More... | Souce: NHK World
Category > Production
The good folks from Bang Zoom Entertainment have sent us details of an open audition they'll be holding for an up coming anime title. The auditions will be held at Anime Expo 2013 from July 4th-7th 2013. The anime title up for audition is yet to be revealed. They will be in search for talent with a variety of voices.
It's not every day you get a chance to audition for an anime voice acting role and be a part of the anime industry! It should be noted that Bang Zoom have been involved with a lot of major anime titles. Recent credits include Sword Art Online and Blue Exorcist.
Read More... | Souce: Bang Zoom Entertainment
Category > Events
The good folks from London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan have sent us details of their 2013 event. It's set to run at Earl's Court Two from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.
They've got something for every fan of Japan, from Food and drink to anime and cosplay. Fashion, J-Music and lots of lovely Japanese technology.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Anime
The good folks from new anime streaming site Daisuki.net have sent us details about their latest upcoming streams. They'll be simulcasting Monogatari Series Second Season and offering streams of the previous series - Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari and Nekomonogatari (Black).
Monogatari Series Second Season and Nekomonogatari (Black) will be avaiable for simulcast in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. While Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari will be available in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.
They've also got 1,000 prizes to give away to anyone who registers on the site and applies for their give away.
Read More... | Souce: Daisuki.net
Category > Events
US based readers who can get to San Francisco should get ready for the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival. It's set to run in Japan Town in San Francisco on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July 2013.
Get ready for weekend of Japanese Harajuku Fashion Culture, street styles and kawaii!
Read More... | Souce: J-POP Summit Festival
US Anime fans (and those who can watch Region 1 US DVDs) longing for a bit of nostalgia will be interested to hear about the US release of Samurai Pizza Cats The Complete Series from Discotek Media. This is a the dubbed edition with all the original crazy US dubbed dialogue and edits. It's available to pre-order on Amazon.com and direct from Discotek. It's due for release on July 30th 2013. The 8 disc set contains all 52 episodes. The Saturday morning show was a cult classic, but had a very limited release on DVD and VHS in the past. Where do you go when you want some pepperoni?! ^_^
If you want the original version in Japanese, with the original script, Discotek have already released it under the original title of Kyatto-Ninden Teyandee: Complete Uncut Japanese Language Collection. The subbed only version is available to buy on Amazon.com.
Souce: Discotek Media
Category > Events
The good folks from the MCM London Comic Con have sent us news of the next London event. We're still recovering from this May's London Comic con which saw over 76,000 visitors.
The next MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013. To accomdate the huge number of visitors the event will for the first time be using both sides of the huge Excel centre, increasing their capacity from 25,000 to 34,000 square metres. That's a lot more space for cosplayers with big wings!
Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con
This week is a good week for UK based anime company Anime Limited. They've just released 009 RE:Cyborg in UK cinemas and they're following up this with news of their next UK cinema release. In Winter 2013 they'll be releasing A Letter to Momo. The movie is directed by Hiroyuki Okiura, who is best known as the director behind Jin-Roh: Wolf Brigade. They're currently waiting for the dub to be completed in the USA before releasing it in UK cinemas.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
Category > Art
Artistic readers in the UK will be pleased to hear about the annual Embassy of Japan Competition Manga Jiman. The theme for 2013 is voyages of discovery.
The competition is open to all legal UK residents who are over the age of 14 by 1st January 2014.
There's a great selection of prizes to be won, including the top prize of return air tickets to Japan!
You can see previous winners on Myebook.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Jiman Competition 2013
Category > Retail
The good folks from UK based anime and manga mail order firm United Publications have sent us news that they've got the exclusive stock of High School of the Dead: Drifters Of The Dead Edition (OVA Only). So if you've already got High School of The Dead and just want the OVA only, they're the ones to turn to.
Souce: United Publications
Category > Retail
It's almost time for the MCM London Comic Con which will run from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2013. The good folks from t-shirt company Genki Gear have sent us a reminder about their MCM line up.
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear
Category > Manga
The good folks from the Kansai Club have sent us details of their Kickstarter to get Osamu Tezuka's The Crater published in English. They intend to publish it as a limited edition run of 2,000 high quality copies.
This is not the first of Tezuka's works to be crowd funded for an English release. Last year DMP ran a successful Kickstarter to get Unico funded.
Read More... | Souce: Kansai Club\'s Kickstarter page
Category > Press Releases
It's almost that time again! The MCM London Comic Con weekend is set to run from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2013. As you'd expect the great folks from Manga Entertainment UK will be there and they'll have lots of lovely things at their booth (number 510).
Cosplayers can have their photo taken for free, plus the best cosplayers can win hundreds of pounds worth of goodies! They'll also have exclusive prizes and offers. They've got DVDs starting at £2 and blu-rays starting at £5. So when you get to the Expo, head over to booth 510.
They've got a ton of prizes to give away too, including a hamper full of anime collectibles worth over £1,000.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Manga
The good folks from GEN Manga have sent us details of their latest publication. They've just released their seinen title Alive into a single Tankobon - Alive - The Complete Series. Priced at $2.99 (USD) for a DRM free PDF download.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Category > Events
The good folks from the Comica Festival have sent us details of their latest event aimed at anime and manga fans in London. The Comica MangAsia is set to run on Saturday 18th May 2013 at Asia House in London. The fun starts at 11am and ends at 4:30pm.
The event includes talks and panels with anime and manga expert and writer Helen McCarthy. Sarah Rundle introduces Kamishibai, a form of traditional Japanese paper based storytelling.
Cosplay experts Emily Bastian and Adelaide Filippe will be there running a cosplay workshop. Plus Japanese manga artist Inko will be running a manga masterclass for those aged 16+.
Throughout the day there will be a free comic fair along with a tea room.
As always with these events, we advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Read More... | Souce: Comica Festival
Category > Events
As May gets closer, so does the build up for the MCM London Comic Con, which is set to run from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2013. As is tradition for the event the good folks at Genki Gear have prepared an exclusive T-shirt for the event. The theme this time around is the true meaning of emoticons!
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese Metal music are in for a treat on Saturday 27th April 2013. Japan Underground returns for a Night of Mind Melting Japanese Metal. Brain Death Zombie will be there, so will Taigen Kawabe from Bo Ningen, along with London-based Japanese rock outfit Colors.
The fun is set to start at 7pm. Tickets are £5 in advance for £7 on the door.
As always details can be found on the Otaku Calendar.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Events
Anime fans who can get to the MCM London Comic Con on Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May will be in for a real treat. Anime director Shinichiro Watanabe will be at the event as Anime Guest of Honour. The director is the man behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and Kids On The Slope. He also directed two shorts on the Animatrix - Kid's Story and A Detective Story.
Attending all three days of the show, Shinichiro Watanabe will be taking part in on-stage panels and promoting both Anime Limited's upcoming HD release of Cowboy Bebop and the UK debut of his latest series, Kids On The Slope, released by MVM Entertainment.
Kids On The Slope is currently streaming on crunchyroll and is available to pre-order from Amazon.co.uk on DVD and Blu-rayand other retailers.
Cowboy Bebop Collectors Edition Part 1 is available to pre-order on Blu-ray.
Additionally, if you pre-order Cowboy Bebop from Amazon.co.uk or HMV and bring proof of the pre-order to the show you can receive an exclusive A4 Bebop print to get signed (while stocks last).
Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con
Category > Anime
UK anime fans will want to head over to the BFI Southbank in London on Thursday 4th April 2013 for a very special screening of 009 Re:Cyborg. The director Kenji Kamiyama will be there for a QA session, he also directed the hugely popular Ghost in the Shell: SAC, along with Eden of the East.
If you're in the UK and can't get to London, fear not 009 Re:Cyborg will be hitting UK cinemas in June 2013. It'll be released by new anime company on the block Anime.Ltd.
Read More... | Souce: BFI Southbank
Category > Anime
UK anime fans will be pleased to hear that Film4 will be showing a season of wonderful Studio Ghibli Films. The season is timed for the Easter break and includes plenty of screenings on the free to air channel. The movies are set to run from Tuesday 26th March - Saturday 13th April 2013.
We updated the Otaku Calendar with all the details over the weekend.
The Oscar winning Spirited Away is the first film showing on Tuesday 26th March at 6.30pm.
You can view Film4 on:
Film 4 is on:
Free View: Channel 15
Freesat: Channel 300
Sky: Channel 315
Virgin: Channel 428
Virgin HD: Channel 429
Don't forget Film 4 +1 as well.
Freesat: Channel 301
Sky: Channel 316
Virgin: Channel 430
Souce: Film4
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).
Read More... | Souce: JManga
Category > Anime
UK Studio Ghibli Fans will be pleased to hear that Studio Canal will be releasing the classic Miyazaki movie Kiki's Delivery Service on Blu-ray on Monday 27th May 2013. Details are not yet up on the Studio Canal website. You can pre-order the title from Amazon.co.uk.
The title will also be released in Australia by Madman on Wednesday 22nd May 2013.
Souce: Otaku Calendar
Category > Manga
The good folks Gen Manga have sent us details of their latest publication. The publisher bringing us Indie Manga from the Tokyo Underground has branched out to Korean Manhwa, releasing Gen Manhwa featuring a title called Stone Collector.
Gen also tell us they intend to branch out to monthly one shot tankobon type titles. That and they've just released Sorako as a complete digital collection and intend to publish it as a printed edition with some help from a Kick Starter campaign.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Anime fans in the UK will be pleased to hear that MVM Entertainment will be releasing Kids On The Slope Complete Collection on DVD and blu-ray on 24th June 2013. The show is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll. The series is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (who is best known for Cowboy Bebop and Macross Plus) with music by Yoko Kanno (who is best know for the music behind Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex).
You can pre-order the DVD and blu-ray from MVM's mail order website Anime-on-line. However due to security issues with the site last year, we suggest using a more secure retailer.
Souce: Otaku Calendar
Fans of pirate adventures will be pleased to hear that Manga Entertainment UK will be releasing One Piece! The first DVD release will be One Piece Collection 1 Episodes 1-26 Uncut, it's due out 27th May 2013. As it's the uncut edition they won't have any weird digital editing with Sanji's cigarettes replaced with lollipops.
You can pre-order the collections off Amazon.co.uk:
One Piece Collection 1 Episodes 1-26 Uncut - Release date 27th May 2013
One Piece Collection 2 Episodes 27-53 Uncut - Release date 1st July 2013
One Piece Collection 3 Episodes 54-78 Uncut - Release date 23rd September 2013
One Piece Collection 4 Episodes 79-103 Uncut - Release date 11th November 2013
Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Retail
Otaku photographers who want to tell the world they love Neon Genesis Evangelion will be pleased to hear about the new PENTAX Q10 Evangelion model. Available in 3 colour schemes - Unit 01, Asuka and Rei. They'll be released this April 2013.
The cameras are special limited edition models, with only 1,500 of each colour scheme produced. They all have NERV branding and will only be available in Japan. We suspect they'll be perfect for photographing Evangelion cosplayers! We've covered Evangelion merchandise before and can report that this isn't the craziest product tie in.
Read More... | Souce: Pentax Japan
Category > Anime
Moe anime fans who like the adventures of a certain light music club will be pleased to hear that Sentai Filmworks have the license for K-On the movie. The anime series proved to be hugely popular with fans and even caused an increase in demand for certain electric guitars. The movie will be released in the US on DVD and Blu-ray on May 21st 2013. The DVD retails for $29.98 while the blu-ray retails for $39.98. Both discs will be subbed and dubbed.
Read More... | Souce: Sentai Filmworks
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of issue 107. It's out now from all good news agents.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
New UK anime company on the block Anime Limited have just announced on Twitter (and other social media) that their first title will be Cowboy Bebop on DVD and Blu-ray. It'll be released sometime in Q3 of 2013. The TV show has been released in the UK a few times on DVD before but has been out of print for a while and UK copies of the DVD are hard to find.
It has never been released on blu-ray in the UK. A hi-def version of the series has the potential to look amazing as the series was cel animated with some CGI, if done properly the blu-ray release would be worth grabbing!
The series was voted number 2 on the top anime of all time list by 11,700 Newtype USA readers (Neon Genesis Evangelion the TV show was voted number 1).
Cowboy Bebop, like Evangelion is one of those landmark must have titles that all anime fans should see. Additionally, Bebop isn't just about the anime, it's also about the music, The Seatbelts (Yoko Kanno's band) do an amazing job on the Bebop soundtrack.
Souce: Anime Limited Twitter Feed
Category > Press Releases
US-based anime streaming company Crunchyroll announces release of app for Xbox 360 game console.
Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll
Category > Culture
The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of their December 2012 highlights have sent us details of their December Highlights.
The works of surreal comedian Kentaro Kobayashi should be of particular interest to all!
The station 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.
Read More... | Souce: NHK World
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of the latest issue - 105. It's out now from all good news agents.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of their last event run in November 2012, and are delighted to report the event had the biggest footfall ever.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan Christmas 2012
Category > Manga
The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 16.
This issue continues the instalments of Psycho, Android Angels, Stones of Power, Anomal and Alive.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Category > Events
Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 is almost here! The premier Japanese Culture event will run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 in Earl's Court London.
Along with a great line up of music, they've also sent us details that legendary rock guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei will appear at Hyper Japan. Tomoyasu Hotei, will pay a guest visit to the event on Friday 23rd November at 6:00pm.
This will be the first time in over a decade that he has performed in the UK. Vistors at Hyper Japan will be treated to a live rendition of Battle Without Honour or Humanity (also known as the Kill Bill Theme).
He'll also be playing a special one off gig in London in December 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan Christmas 2012
Category > Retail
Every so often we get sent product details we just have to shout about. Something so amazing, so just wow, they need to be documented, the word needs to be spread about them. A while ago we covered some interesting Evangelion products, and what we've just discovered is just as awesome.
Viz Media have sent us details of new mashup - Street Fighter x Sanrio where the characters from Street Fighter and Sanrio combine. We know many fans have been anticipating this combination since the famed Gloomy Bear x Hello Kitty.
The characters are as follows:
Hello Kitty is Chun Li
Badtz-Maru is Ryu
Pochacco is Ken
My Melody is Cammy
Keroppi is Blanka
Purin is Zangief
Tuxedosam is E.Honda
Hangyodon is Guile
Monkichi is Dhalsim,
Kuromi is M.Bison.
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Street Fighter they've released two new books Street Fighter x Sanrio: World View and Street Fighter X Sanrio: Sticker Book. Both are available to buy now.
Order Street Fighter X Sanrio: World View from:
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com
Order Street Fighter X Sanrio Sticker Book from:
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com
Read More... | Souce: Viz Media
Category > Events
It's getting closer to Hyper Japan Christmas 2012, which is set to run from Friday 23rd November to Sunday 26th November 2012.
The international arm of Japanese broadcaster NHK will be there to promote their international channel NHK World.
The station broadcasts content in English and is free to access. 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.
Fans of Kawaii will be pleased to hear that the station will be looking for people wearing Kawaii Fashion at Hyper Japan for their Kawaii International show. Some stylish attendees to Hyper Japan might be added to the show's Facebook page, or even featured on the show itself!
At the NHK World booth (C6 at Hyper Japan), they'll also be showing Itadakimasu! Dining with the Chef, so you can learn about Japanese cooking techniques.
So if you're going to Hyper Japan this weekend, swing by the NHK World World booth C6.
Read More... | Souce: NHK World
Category > Events
We've received some exciting news about Tomoyasu Hotei the man behind the Kill Bill Theme Tune - Battle Without Honour or Humanity.
On Tuesday 18th December the guitar guru will be performing a special one off show at the London Roundhouse.
Read More... | Souce: Tomoyasu Hotei
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from the London MCM Expo have sent us the attendance figures details from the October Event. The London MCM Expo which ran from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012 smashed all previous records with more than 70,000 visitors!
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo