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Japanese Maid Show January 24th 2010 in NYC

Date: 2010 January 24 09:34 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Top Tunes Karaoke Bar on January 24th 2010 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.

Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog

WOTA London Christmas 2009 Party

Date: 2009 December 11 18:11 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of J-Pop, game and anime music mixes will want to head over to WOTA London on Friday 18th December 2009. The otaku party is all set for a Christmas special. They're at a different venue this time, Juno Shoreditch which is a 5 minute walk away from Liverpool Street Station.

It's set to run from 9pm until 3am, with a great line up of DJs.
Price is £4 (advance online) or £6 on the door.

Dress code is casual (cosplay optional).
Over 18's only (ID may be required).

Read More... | Souce: WOTA London

Seven Bank to Discontinue ATM Services for Overseas-issued MasterCard Brand Cards

Date: 2009 December 08 16:40 | Posted By:

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.

Read More... | Souce: Seven Bank

Kitacon Launches Christmas Gift Registration Packs

Date: 2009 December 01 00:01 | Posted By:

Category > Events

UK anime convention Kitacon, have come up with a clever idea for a Christmas present - limited edition tickets to the event. Kitacon is set to run from the 26th to the 28th of March 2010 in Northampton UK. The gift of an anime convention sounds like a good idea to us! Although we do question their taste in bad presents. What's wrong with Tom and Jerry boxer shorts?!

Read More... | Souce: Kitacon

Japanese Maid Show December 6th in NYC

Date: 2009 November 30 16:30 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Top Tunes Karaoke Bar on December 6th 2009 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.

Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog

Barbican Ponyo Screening Reminder and 2010 anime lineup.

Date: 2009 November 20 17:40 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

We've been sent a reminder by nice the people at the Barbican in London about their Ponyo screenings. We've mentioned it before, however due to demand they've added another subtitled screening to the Saturday 28th of November at 5:30pm to the London Children's Film Festival 2009. The other two screenings sold out quickly, so we suggest you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please note that as it's a children's film festival, all adults must by accompanied by a child.

Those who can't take children to watch Ponyo with them will want to consider the screening on Thursday 26th November 2009 at 6pm. It sold out initially, but it seems that a few seats are now available again.

Excitingly the Barbican have also revealed their up coming 2010 anime screenings, which aren't yet on their website. The biggest highlight is Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, which is scheduled for Tuesday 26th January 2010 at 8:30pm. Again we advise booking as soon as the tickets are available.

We're also keen on seeing The Sky Crawler, but that's not going to show in the Barbican until February. ^_^

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Danny Choo to Collaborate with Cospa on T-shirt

Date: 2009 November 20 16:52 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The good folks from YesAnime.com have sent us some details about a new range of Cospa t-shirts made in collaboration with renowned otaku Danny Choo.

The t-shirt designs can be seen on Danny's website, and US readers can get them along with other great cospa t-shirts from YesAnime.com.

We only wish that Cospa had a UK stockist. Still you can always get TerraTag or Genki Gear t-shirts if you want to support UK anime inspired designs.

We must admit we're a bit jealous of Danny, we wish Cospa would make t-shirts with our mascot Miyuki. Still you can always download wallpaper of her instead.

Read More... | Souce: YesAnime.com

Grand Cosplay Ball 2009 Details

Date: 2009 November 09 16:23 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The good folks at the Grand Cosplay Ball have sent us the details for their 2009 event. It's set in the Clapham Grand in London. The special one evening event is set to run on Sunday 29th November 2009 from 7pm until 1am.

They've got a great line up of guests including cosplayer and Eurobeat singer Giorgia Vecchini, along with renowned cosplayer Yaya Han.

It's over 18's only, Tickets are £18. As always with these events we advise on booking early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Grand International Cosplay Ball

Professor Munakata at the British Museum

Date: 2009 November 06 16:33 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Manga fans who can get to London will want to visit the British Museum from 5th November 2009 to 3rd January 2010 where in Room 3 they'll be a free exhibit of an exclusive manga title - Professor Munakata's British Museum adventure. It's great that the museum are doing this and it's an appropriate title as it's set in the venue that's showing it.

There's even a nice reading area where you can enjoy some manga.

Read More... | Souce: British Museum

MaiOtaku - Dating for Anime Fans

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

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.

Read More... | Souce: MaiOtaku

The Art of Osamu Tezuka God of Manga out November 2009

Date: 2009 October 13 15:40 | Posted By:

Category > Anime

Fans of Osamu Tezuka, the founding father of modern anime and manga will be pleased to hear that a new book is due out November 2009. Written by prominent anime and manga expert Helen McCarthy the hardcover book published by Ilex Press reveals what makes Tezuka one of the key figures of 20th century pop culture.

It includes 350 colour illustrations and a 45 minute DVD documentary never aired outside of Japan before.

The publication coincides with the annual Comica Festival.

Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Buy from Amazon.com

Read More... | Souce: Ilex Press

Reni's new songs and CD on sale now.

Date: 2009 October 11 16:53 | Posted By:

Category > Culture

Fans of Akiba culture, especially singing maids based in New York will be pleased to hear that Reni Mimura’s new songs and CD are on sale at http://www.renireni.com/.

Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog

CharaPa! Cosplay Party in Tokyo

Date: 2009 October 06 17:09 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Readers based in Japan who can get to Roppongi should keep Sunday 25th October free, for CharaPa.net a stylish cosplay party.

Scheduled to start at 16:00, with celebrity guests Horiemon, Ami Tokito, Juichiro Nagashima and more. the venue has a capacity for up to 2,000 people! With lots for fans of Akiba culture, it looks like it's going to be fun. ^_^

Advanced tickets are ¥3,500 or ¥4,000 at the door.

Souce: CharaPa!

London Japan Centre moves to bigger store

Date: 2009 September 29 16:03 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

We've got news from the Japan Centre in London. They'll be moving the food shop from their Piccadilly Circus store to a brand new larger shop on Regent Street from Saturday 3rd October 2009.

The food hall will be greatly expanded with a Japanese Bakery, along with the launch of the umai brand.

The bookshop and home section will remain at their current Piccadilly location. The new shop will be at 14-16 Regent Street (SW1Y 4PH), near Mitsukoshi.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Centre

Death Note Complete DVD Boxset out on Monday

Date: 2009 September 25 15:43 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > DVD

UK anime fans who love the adventures of an ace student out to build a new world, will be pleased to hear that the Death Note Complete Boxset is released on Monday 28th September 2009.

The 9 Disc DVD set retails for £60, however both Amazon.co.uk and Play.com have it on a pre-order offer for £43.

Souce: Otaku News

London MCM Expo October 2009 Details

Date: 2009 September 14 17:05 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The good folks at the London MCM Expo have sent us the latest details for the event. Highlights from an anime perspective include - Studio BONES studio president Minami Masahiko and director Ando Masahiro, whose works include Fullmetal Alchemist, Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Seed Destiny and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Along with Trinity Blood voice actors Mike McFarland and Troy Baker.

The press release also has a shout out to cosplayers, who helped with the world record!

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

New dating site for anime fans launches

Date: 2009 September 08 16:33 | Posted By:

Category > Fandom

There are tons of dating sites on the internet. Lots are even specialist dating sites by interest. So it should come as no surprise that the clever folks at Fan Crush have set up a dating site for otaku - Otaku Crush.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku Crush

ADV Films Shuts down

Date: 2009 September 02 17:51 | Posted By:

Category > Anime

US based Anime company ADV have closed. A detailed write up can be found on Anime News Network.

Apart from the asset transfers to other companies registered in Texas (where ADV was based), the details are still coming to light.

Below we've included the press release from ADV along with the press release from Section23 Films.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

Japanese Maid Show September 6th in NYC

Date: 2009 September 02 17:16 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Top Tunes Karaoke Bar on September 6th 2009 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.

Read More... | Souce: Reni

Video Games Live Announces 30 More Tour Dates for 2009

Date: 2009 August 29 09:34 | Posted By:

Category > Events

We've been sent the details from Video Games Live, who have just added 30 more shows to their 2009 tour. Video Games Live is a great cross over event, which is great fun for fans of video games and fans of top orchestras.

Read More... | Souce: Video Games Live

Doujin shooter game QLIONE out now for download

Date: 2009 August 29 09:13 | Posted By:

Category > Gaming > PC

Fans of Doujin shooter games will be pleased to hear that Rockin' Android's QLIONE is now available to download for $9.99 from Gamersgate.com and Direct2Drive.com.

Read More... | Souce: Rockin\' Android

Harumi Kurihara London September 2009 Book Signing

Date: 2009 August 26 12:34 | Posted By:

Category > Cuisine

London based fans of Japanese cooking should keep Friday 18th of September free, as Harumi Kurihara will be signing copies of her new book Everyday Harumi.

The exclusive book signing will be in Selfridges Oxford Street on 18th September 2009 from 1.30pm (she will be in the basement book store).

Souce: Conran Octopus

MCM Expo Retain Video Games Cosplay World Record

Date: 2009 August 24 14:16 | Posted By:

Category > Gaming

We've just been send the details from the folks behind the MCM Expo. They currently hold the Video Games Cosplay World Record with 376 cosplayers at the 23rd May 2009 London MCM Expo. They expected the record to beaten at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. However they managed to get 311 video games cosplayers. As a result they intend to raise the bar even higher at the next London MCM Expo this October 2009.

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Dogu Ceramic Figures at the British Museum from September 2009

Date: 2009 August 23 11:15 | Posted By:

Category > Culture

London based fans of ancient Japanese art, that has influenced anime, manga and video games should head over to the British Museum.

From 10th September 2009 to 22 November 2009 they'll be hosting an exhibition on The power of dogu: ceramic figures from ancient Japan. The exhibition is free to get into. No tickets are required, you can just walk into the museum and walk over to Room 91 to see this great bit of cultural history.

Read More... | Souce: British Museum

Devil May Cry London September 2009 Screenings

Date: 2009 August 17 16:44 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

London based fans of Devil May Cry will want to head over to the Barbican on September 29th 2009 to catch a preview of the anime series.

The 15 rated screening will be in Japanese with English subtitles. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

London MCM Expo October 2009 Tickets now on sale

Date: 2009 August 09 13:03 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Readers who can get to London this October will be interested in the London MCM Expo on the 24th to 25th October 2009. Tickets are now on sale.

As attendance to this even it well over 30,000 people we doubt they will sell out. However we do strongly advise in spending a little bit extra for their Early Entry Tickets to save time queuing, you'll be grateful on the day!

Souce: London MCM Expo

Grand International Cosplay Ball 2009

Date: 2009 July 26 11:41 | Posted By:

Category > Events

We've been sent the details for the Grand International Cosplay Ball 2009. It's based in London, it's set for November 29th.

Fans of cosplay will remember that the ball also ran successfully last year, which even included coverage from the BBC.

Read More... | Souce: Grand International Cosplay Ball

J-Pop Go Live!

Date: 2009 July 22 18:06 | Posted By:

Category > Press Releases

If you like J-Pop and you like cosplay then there's an event just for you: J-Pop Go in conjunction with the Grand Cosplay Ball presents an evening of live bands, DJs and fun at The Fly, New Oxford Street, London on Saturday August 1st 2009.

Read More... | Souce: J-Pop Go

Everyday Harumi Cook Book Due September 2009

Date: 2009 July 06 16:02 | Posted By:

Category > Cuisine

Fans of Japanese cooking at home should note that Harumi's new book is due for released in September 2009.
It hits the UK on 7th September 2009, while US readers will have to wait a few more days until September 22nd.

Pre Order from Amazon UK
Pre Order from Amazon US

The book covers a wide variety of basic typically Japanese recipes. Harumi thinks you'll be able to create fantastic meals using the simple flavours. The best selling author has sold over 20 million of her books and magazine world wide.

Update: Harumi will be signing books in London at Selfridges Oxford Street on Friday 18th September 2009 from 1.30pm (she will be in the basement book store).

Read More... | Souce: Conran Octopus

New Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga Title to Be Lighthearted Romantic Comedy

Date: 2009 June 24 19:52 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The next Neon Genesis Evangelion spinoff will be light on the giant robots and heavy on the romantic comedy.

Read More... | Souce: Publishers Weekly

Manga Kamishibai: The Art of Japanese Paper Theater due September

Date: 2009 June 10 13:20 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

A keen eyed Otaku News reader has sent us details of the up coming book Manga Kamishibai: The Art of Japanese Paper Theater it's due to be released in September. It traces the history of the art form which forms part of the origins of modern manga.

It's available to pre order on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Read More... | Souce: Abrams

Transformers Comics London June 2009 Signings

Date: 2009 June 05 17:46 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of the Transformers comic series will want to head over Orbital Comics on Saturday 27th June 2009 from 2pm, where fans will be able to get autographs from 5 of the talented team responsible for the comic.

Read More... | Souce: Orbital Comics

Manhua Artist Benjamin June 2009 London Signing

Date: 2009 June 05 17:26 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of Chinese Manhua should head over to Orbital Manga on Friday 26th June 2009, from 5pm to 7pm. Artist Benjamin, will be demonstrating his excellent technique, and will be signing copies of his books, including limited edition landscape-format hardback of "Orange", his latest lavish art book "Flash", Chinese Youth, Remember, One Day (in French) and Images and Prints on the day of the signing.

Read More... | Souce: Orbital Manga

Momoi Haruko at Aya Revolution 2009

Date: 2009 June 04 16:30 | Posted By:

Category > Events

We've just received some exciting information about UK anime convention Ayacon 2009's first guest. It's Halko Momoi, renowned singer and voice actress! You may have heard her voice on Nurse Witch Komugi-chan, Ai Yori Aoshi, and Seto No Hanayome.

Read More... | Souce: Aya Revolution 09

VAMPS US Dates for July and August 2009

Date: 2009 June 04 14:59 | Posted By:

Category > Events

US fans of J-Rock will be pleased to hear about VAMPS upcoming US tour this July and August 2009.
VAMPS is a group formed by HYDE from L'Arc-en-Ciel and K.A.Z from Oblivion Dust.

Don't forget to check out the official VAMPS website for more details.

Read More... | Souce: VAMPS

One Piece Simulcast leaked online

Date: 2009 May 30 20:38 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > TV

An episode of One Piece (Episode #403) intended for simulcast in America and Japan is leaked online. Funimation Entertainment announces that, for the foreseeable future, no episodes of One Piece will be available on their website for streaming.

Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network

Star Ocean: The Last Hope European Release Details

Date: 2009 May 29 16:17 | Posted By:

Category > Gaming

The good folks at Square-Enix have sent us details for the European release of Star Ocean: The Last Hope on Xbox 360. It's due to hit the stores on Friday 5th June, 2009. There's also a limited edition collectors box.

Read More... | Souce: Star Ocean Website

Manga Jiman Competition 2009

Date: 2009 May 25 15:06 | Posted By:

Category > Art

British readers with artistic talent should considering entering the Manga Jiman Competition. Run by the Japanese Embassy in London, this years theme is 'sun'. The competition is open people to over 14 years old. The closing date for the competition is Friday, 25 September 2009.

Read More... | Souce: Manga Jiman Competition

Genki Gear launch new T-shirt range at May 2009 London Expo

Date: 2009 May 18 16:06 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

Everyone's getting ready for the London MCM Expo this weekend. T-shirt producers Genki Gear are no exception. They'll be launching their new range at the Expo.

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete Blu-ray details.

Date: 2009 May 14 16:58 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks at Sony Pictures have sent us the details for the Blue-ray release of Final Fantansy VII: Advent Children Complete. Apart from being in a higher resolution, it's got some extra features not on the DVD.

It's due out on July 27th, this directors cut features 26 minutes of extra footage and over 1,000 update scenes.

Read More... | Souce: Sony Pictures

London Barbican Tetsujin 28 Screening

Date: 2009 May 14 16:43 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of classic robot anime in London should head over to the Barbican. On Tuesday 30th June, at 8:30pm they'll be screening the first 3 episodes of Tetsujin 28. Anime expert Helen McCarthy will introduce the screening, and we're sure she'll have some interesting things to mention.

As always with these screenings, we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

Beez at the London MCM Expo May 2009

Date: 2009 May 08 14:17 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks at Beez have sent us details of their plans at the London MCM Expo on the 23rd to the 24th of May 2009. Highlights include plenty of discounted DVDs, as they'll be shifting to a 3 part release model. Along with some Gurren Lagann posters to give away.

Read More... | Souce: Beez

Blood The Last Vampire Live Action Movie

Date: 2009 May 04 08:06 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

A live action version of Blood the Last Vampire is due to hit the cinemas soon! Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, have acquired the rights for screenings in the US. For more details check out the official website. There's no release date yet, but it'll be hitting the screens this summer!

Read More... | Souce: Blood the Last Vampire Movie Website

UK Premiere of Afro Samurai Resurrection

Date: 2009 April 23 15:40 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

Londoners looking for a good night out this Friday could do no wrong with visiting the East End Film Festival. On Friday 24th April 2009 they'll be screening the UK Premiere of Afro Samurai Resurrection, along with a special screening of Blood The Last Vampire, plus live performances from some DJs.

Read More... | Souce: East End Film Festival

London Expo May 2009 Event Details

Date: 2009 April 20 16:43 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Anime fans who can get to London on the weekend of the 23rd to the 24th of May 2009, will want to visit the London MCM Expo at the Excel Centre. As always anime is well represented, with many of the UK anime and manga companies having a stall or some sort of presence, along with lots of dealers selling great merchandise. The event is also a huge draw to cosplayers, with many of the attendies in fancy dress!

Like last time, the event also plans to smash its current world record for the amount of video game related cosplay. It's set to be a fun weekend! So keep your calendars free. ^_^

Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo

Harajuku Night in London April 2009

Date: 2009 April 16 16:10 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some fun next Friday should consider Criminal Records' Harajuku Night.

Read More... | Souce: Criminal Records

Simultaneous Japan/North America Release for Rumiko Takahashi's Latest Manga

Date: 2009 April 15 19:03 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Rin-Ne, the latest offering from manga superstar Rumiko Takahashi, will be published simultaneously in Japan and North America beginning April 22, 2009.

Read More... | Souce: Publishers Weekly

Hiroki Azuma's OTAKU: Japan's Database Animals book

Date: 2009 March 26 17:36 | Posted By:

Category > Culture

We've been sent the details of Hiroki Azuma's best selling book OTAKU: Japan's Database Animals. The English translation of the book is due out this April.

Update: We've also got a review of OTAKU: Japan's Database Animals.

[Pre-order Paper Back on Amazon.com]
[Pre-order Paper Back on Amazon.co.uk]

[Pre-order Hardcover on Amazon.com]
[Pre-order Hardback on Amazon.co.uk]

Read More... | Souce: University of Minnesota Press

Rockin' Android to release doujin games for the PC

Date: 2009 March 26 16:19 | Posted By:

Category > Gaming > PC

We've just been sent an exciting press release from Rockin' Android about their plans to release doujin videogames (sometimes referred to as 'indie games') on the PC.
In a nutshell they've licensed and translated a great selection of indie games for release in the US, Canada, South America and Western Europe territories.

Don't forget to check their website to see a selection videos and interesting articles about the games they're going to release.

Read More... | Souce: Rockin\' Android

Harajuku Night in London March 2009

Date: 2009 March 22 18:25 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based readers looking for some fun next Friday should consider Criminal Records' Harajuku Night.

Read More... | Souce: Criminal Records

Japanimation: Gonzo Focus at The Barbican: 7-9 April 2009

Date: 2009 March 19 10:16 | Posted By:

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans are in for a real treat from the 7th to the 9th of April 2009. The Barbican will be holding a series of screenings all focusing on fan favourite studio Gonzo. Curated by anime expert Helen McCarthy she’s really managed to arrange an interesting line up. Apart from all the great Gonzo titles what’s really got our interest is the Surprise Sneak Peak, scheduled for Thursday 9th April.

As always with these events we advise that fans book early to avoid disappointment.

Read More... | Souce: Barbican

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