Advanced Search

Browsing Articles

1
2
3
4
5
6 (current)
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki UK Blu-ray/DVD Combi Release Details

Date: 2020 March 21 22:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have revealed the UK release details for Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki on Blu-ray and DVD (combi). The documentary shot over two years charts legendary anime directory Hayao Miyazaki creating his first CG animation.

We've seen the broadcast version on NHK World and it's certainly worth watching as it shows the behind the scenes creative processes. There's lots of little gems in this. Subtle moments you might miss too. There's a great moment where Miyazaki draws a storyboard for the CG team to use and they're clearly amazed by the quality and draughtsmanship of something that's supposed to be a very rough piece of work.

Miyazaki is famed for founding Studio Ghibli, where he created many of his movies including Spirited Away, Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, and many more. They can currently be enjoyed on Netflix.

The feature is due out on Monday 13th April 2020. You can pre-order it directly from Anime Limited or from Amazon.co.uk.

Yen Press Announces 7 New Manga Series & Light Novel Acquisitions for August 2020

Date: 2020 March 06 20:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks from Yen Press (the manga publishers who are owned by Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group) have just announced their August 2020 licensing acquisitions. They've got a mix of manga titles novels. Headlining the new releases is a novel adaption Makoto Shinkai's The Garden of Words (London based readers will be keen to see the up coming stage play too). They'll also be releasing the latest Konosuba light novel, with the very specific title of Konosuba: An Explosion on this Wonderful World! Bonus Story: We are the Megumin Bandits. It's bound to be popular with fans of the Megumin!

Fans of Natsume Ono will want to get hold of ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Department P.S., the spin off returns to the world of ACCA 13-Territory Inspection Department (which was was 6 volume manga also available from Yen Press).

Fans of dark magical girl stories will want to grab the Omnibus Edition of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. The collects the 3 volume manga into a single omnibus edition.

Meanwhile fans of the Barakamon! manga will be interested in the creator's latest offering Yoshi no Zuikara: The Frog in the Well Does Not Know the Ocean.

Crunchyroll Announces Crunchyroll Originals

Date: 2020 February 27 21:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime streaming service Crunchyroll have sent us some exciting details about their latest venture - Crunchyroll Originals. We're told the shows, produced with respected publishers including Kodansha, animation studios such as MAPPA, and from Crunchyroll Studios, represent Crunchyroll's continued commitment to delight fans and expand the global anime community through fresh stories and unique perspectives from a global slate of creators.

They've got some original anime content that you can watch now, including In/Spectre, which mixes monsters and mystery.

Interestedly they've also sourced some great content from other parts of the world. UK based fans may already be familiar with with the excellent FreakAngels graphic novels from Warren Ellis & Paul Duffield.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Manga Jiman Competition 2019 Winners

Date: 2020 February 26 22:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

It's that time of year again! Recently the Embassy of Japan in the UK revealed the winners of the prestigious Manga Jiman Competition 2019. The competition often marks rising stars in the UK industry too. Competition prizes range from an amazing two flights to Japan for the 1st place winner, to lovely A3 scanners for second place and so.

This years first place went to Tori Jones for A Heart of Gold or Some Other Metal, while Alexandra Cook took second place with Kiyomi's Prequel. Third place went to Mina Ghosh with The Last Day of Uther Adriss.

Many of the shortlisted artists were first time entrants, showing that the competition has endured for the 13 times it's been run.

Windowology: New Architectural Views from Japan at Japan House London

Date: 2020 February 05 21:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture in London will want to head over to Japan House London to experience the Windowology: New Architectural Views from Japan exhibition. It's set to run from Thursday 16th April to Sunday 28th June 2020. Admission is free.

The exhibition explores the architectural side and also the abstract and meaning of windows. Of course they've also got a window into manga, with the classic manga Sazae-san being displayed. They've selected some great strips on the themes of windows too! Sazae-san is one of Japan's most popular manga series. It's presented in the classic yonkoma (4 panel) strip style.

So why not visit Japan House London to get a view on this exhibit!

My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2020 January 29 22:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Not content with releasing just one anime feature film in February 2020 in the form of One Piece Stampede Manga Entertainment UK have gone beyond and went plus ultra to also release the new My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising Movie. The move will hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February 2020. The movie will be shown in both subbed and dubbed formats. Cinemas are yet to confirmed, but you register your interest on the official UK movie website.

For this second My Hero Academia cinematic outing Class 1-A visits Nabu Island where they finally get to do some real hero work. Of course where ever Class 1-A go, villains follow! What will Deku and his classmates do?! We'll have to watch it to find out.

Only just release in Japan on 20th December 2019, this is a speedy turn around to UK cinemas!

The Garden of Words Stage Production To Hit London This Summer 2020

Date: 2020 January 22 21:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

While everyone is talking about Makoto Shinkai's latest smash hit Weathering With You, we can't help but wonder what the next Makoto Shinkai offering will be. Whole Hog Theatre have got in touch with to reveal that they'll be performing a stage adaptation of The Garden of Words.

The official stage production is set to run from 16 July - 15 August 2020 at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, London.

Whole Hog Theatre are not new to adapting anime, having run a mesmerising stage version of Princess Mononoke.

We're excited to see what creative ideas Whole Hog Theatre will bring to life.

Weathering With You To Expand To over 250 Screens Across UK and Ireland

Date: 2020 January 21 21:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at anime distributors Anime Limited have just sent us some more details about the current screenings of Weathering With You. Due to popular demand they'll be expanding massively from the current 40 screens to over 250 on 30th January 2020.

Screening times and venues can be found on the Official Weathering With You UK Cinema Website.

The opening weekend for Weathering With You was a strong one for anime with weekend box office (including previews) of £221,320 - almost 10 times that of Your Name's £22,274 opening according to Screen Daily.

If you want to know more about the movie then why not read our Weathering With You Movie review?

Souce: Anime Limited

Studio Ghibli Movies Hit Netflix

Date: 2020 January 20 20:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Streaming service Netflix have just announced that they'll be adding Studio Ghibli films to their list of movies. Fans from Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America will be able to enjoy films. The films will be subtitled in 28 languages, and dubbed in up to 20 languages.

Studio Ghibli are renowned for creating high quality masterpiece movies. Hugely influential Studio Ghibli is the only Japanese anime studio to have won an Oscar with Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away.

The movies release to Netflix will be spread across 3 months, on 1st February 2020, 1st March 2020 and 1st April 2020.

Totoro, Kiki and Porco Rosso will all be in the first wave movies. Up until now Studio Ghibli have been reluctant to allow their titles available for streaming.

All these movies are fantastic in their own right and we can't say in stronger words go out and watch them. With the exception of Tales from Earthsea which was a trouble production, skip that one.

The US, Canada and Japan are noticeably absent from the list of countries the films will be available from. We suspect another company has streaming rights to these countries.

Interview with Eunyoung Choi, producer and co-founder at Science SARU about Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

Date: 2020 January 17 07:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We're currently really enjoying anime studio Science SARU's latest show Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!. It's a delightful series that really captures of the passion, joy and excitement of being anime fan. Not only that, but it enthusiastically explains what makes certain anime titles so great.

Along the for the imaginative ride it takes us on we were keen to find out more. The good folks at anime streaming service Crunchyroll helped us by sending us an interview with Eunyoung Choi who is producer and co-founder of Science SARU. They've even let us publish the interview ahead of their news letter.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

The Japan Foundation - Touring Film Programme 2020 Screening Details

Date: 2019 December 27 19:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK Fans of Japanese are in for a great treat. The Japan Foundation have just revealed the line up for their Touring Film Programme 2020. The theme for this year is Happiness is A State of Mind: Joy and Despair in Japanese Cinema. Films will be screened all around the UK from 31st January to 29th March 2020.

There's plenty of excellent films to choose from too:

My Love Story!!
Our Meal for Tomorrow
Her Sketchbook
A Banana? At This Time of Night?
Organ
The Actor
Little Nights, Little Love
Jesus
Another World
Bento Harassment
My Dad is a Heel Wrestler
Lying to Mom
Shadowfall
And Your Bird Can Sing
Sea of Revival
The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps
Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler
Ten Dark Women
I Go Gaga, My Dear
Ride Your Wave

Anime fans will be interested in Ride Your Wave from director Masaaki Yuasa (Lu Over The Wall, Night is Short, Walk on Girl and DEVILMAN crybaby). It's a tale of romance with a twist.

If you've caught the anime of Kakegurui on Netflix you're sure you be interested in the live action version which will be screening at the festival.

If you've seen the anime or read the manga of My Love Story!! You can also catch the live action version. Takeo looks like his jumped directly out of the anime/manga version!

To find a screening near you visit https://www.jpf-film.org.uk for more details.

One Piece Stampede UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2019 December 19 21:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

2019 isn't over yet, but Manga Entertainment UK have started to look forward to 2020 and revealed that they'll be releasing the One Piece Stampede Movie in cinemas around the UK on Sunday 2nd February 2020. The screenings of the latest One Piece cinema outing will be at select cinemas for one day only, both subbed and dubbed.

To find out more and to register your interest on the booking site visit onepiecefilm.co.uk.

Crunchyroll Reveals UK Anime Fans Shun Cosplay in Favour of Books and Boardgames

Date: 2019 December 11 21:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime streaming service Crunchyroll have sent us an interesting press release. They highlight that most UK anime fans would rather read a good book than cosplay. Surveying their premium UK members (who pay for the service to remove ads and get earlier access to titles) they discovered that less 7% are into cosplaying. In comparison 10% write or read fan fiction!

We could speculate as to why this is. Could it be that cosplayers would rather spend their disposable income on cosplaying? Instead using the free access areas of Crunchyroll? Does it reflect fandom in general, are less than 7% of anime fans involved in creating cosplay?

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Latest Genki Gear Designs for the End of 2019

Date: 2019 December 01 20:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear have just sent us details of their newest range of t-shirts. It includes a mix of D&D and horror inspired designs. We're a fan of the Kaijiu Coffee t-shirt! They've also sent us a 10% discount code that's valid until the end of 2019. It's Genkitime10%.

Your Name and Weathering With You - Double Bill Feature UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2019 November 29 23:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks at Anime Limited have just announced they'll be some special double bill screenings of Your Name and Weathering with You.

Your Name is Makoto Shinkai's smash hit movie is a must to see on the big screen, while his latest film Weathering with You is on the path to prove just as successful.

As a special treat on Wednesday 15th January 2020 you can the double screening around the UK. They'll first show Your Name, then after a short interval you'll get to see Weathering with You. We've seen both films and can confirm you really must see them on the big screen for maximum enjoyment.

They'll be screenings all around the UK. So we suggest you book now to avoid disappointment.

You can also catch Weathering With You by itself from Friday 17th January 2020.

Manga Entertainment UK Additional Q1 2020 DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2019 November 22 21:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distribution company Manga Entertainment UK have just revealed even more releases for 2020. This includes the fan favourite I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. Which isn't a zombie movie, but a story about terminal illness. We're excited about this title as it's won the coveted audience award at Scotland Loves Anime. It's due out on 27th January 2020.

They'll also be releasing some Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, One Punch Man (episodes 1-12 + OVAs), along with Black Clover Season Two Part One and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Jonathan Ross on Anime, Manga and Japanese Toys

Date: 2019 November 06 21:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The geek event that was MCM Comic Con London October 2019 has ended. One of of the anime highlights was Jonathan Ross introducing two anime shows for Crunchyroll.

During the event, he revealed that he got mistaken for a cosplayer at San Diego Comic-con. He also admitted he enjoyed anime with yokai eating, erm certain parts of people (we'll leave the rest to your imagination).

The good folks from anime streaming service Crunchyroll interviewed Jonathan Ross and he shared his love of anime and Japanese toy lines.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Kiki's Delivery Service 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition UK Release Details

Date: 2019 November 05 21:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK fans of Hayao Miyazaki's delightful classic witch movie Kiki's Delivery Service will be very interested to hear news about the special Kiki's Delivery Service 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition. Released by Studio Canal.

It's due out on Monday 16th December 2019.

The collectors edition includes:

The DVD and Blu-ray Doubleplay edition of the film.

The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service book.

Plus tons of extra goodies:

- Exclusive oversized 8.5' x 11.75' art cards.
- Exclusive 23.5' x 32.5' poster featuring original Japanese theatrical artwork from 1989
- Exclusive premium cotton Jiji tea towel. Yes, this isn't a typo, it's a very British extra for the UK edition.
- Exclusive recipe card set (of what recipes? We don't know).
- Exclusive embroidered sew on patch featuring the anniversary logo

The set comes packed in a oversized rigid box, with brand new exclusive artwork.
They'll be limited to 1,000 units and holographically numbered

The double play DVD and blu-ray set have already been released in the past, as has the artbook, but they haven't all been bundled as a set before this way. This set is just out in time for Christmas and is an Amazon UK Exclusive. It's priced at £75.

Alternatively you can get the DVD and Blu-ray double play edition for £14.00 Just the DVD for £11. The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service Hardcover artbook is available by itself for £25. So you could have the core content for £39, but without the lavish extras and tea-towel. It's worth it for the the tea-towel by itself to be honest.

We've also just covered news that the original book of Kiki's Delivery service is going to re-released in 2020.

Manga Entertainment UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details for Q1 2020

Date: 2019 November 01 21:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distributors Manga Entertainment UK have revealed their release schedule for the first quarter of 2020.

Key titles include the epic head banging zombie idol show Zombie Land Saga, which is due out 13th January 2020. SSSS.Gridman which is for release on 3rd February 2020. While on 30th March 2020 The popular isekai anime The Rising of the Shield Hero season 1 part 1 is out.

Kiki's Delivery Service Original Book Release Details

Date: 2019 October 30 21:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The wait is finally over. The original book of Kiki's Delivery Service is getting a new English language release. It's due out in the US on Tuesday 7th July 2020 from Delacorte Books for Young Readers (an imprint of Penguin Random House).

Japanese translator Emily Balistrieri revealed the news on Twitter. She is responsible for the new translation of the book.

The novel by Eiko Kadono was the original source for Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli Film of the same name. Although Miyazaki's film adaptation has been hugely successful in the west, an English language version of the book has been out of print for some time. It was last released in 2003 and the old editions have gone for £70 and up. Now you'll be able to get a more affordable hardcover instead. The publishers have put a suggest reading age of 10 and up, so it's sure to be enjoyed by fans of the movie keen to read to the original source of inspiration.

As always you can pre-order the book from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Channel 4 UK To Stream Over 100 Hours of Anime Online on All4

Date: 2019 October 25 18:58 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced 100 hours of anime content will stream on their UK/ROI catchup service, All 4, from Friday the 25th of October 2019. 10 shows will premiere on launch day with another 4 to join the lineup at a later date.

Titles available now include smash hit anime Cowboy Bebop, kawaii CLAMP classic Cardcaptor Sakura and fantasy Inuyasha. They've also got a nice mix of titles in their line up including Tokyo Ghoul, The Dragon Dentist, Megalo Box, The Vision of Escaflowne and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. Plus Charlotte and Durarara!!

Jonathan Ross to Host Crunchyroll Anime Premiere at MCM Comic Con London

Date: 2019 October 21 20:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's geek super event MCM Comic Con London this weekend. Anime streaming service Crunchyroll have just revealed that Jonathan Ross will host the UK Premiere of brand new anime at MCM Comic Con London. The premiere is for two anime titles - In/Spectre and Somali and the Forest Spirit.

The screening will be at the Main Stage, Friday 25 October 2019 from 5pm to 7pm.

It's well known that Jonathan Ross is an anime fan. He's made a few shows about manga and going to Japan. Plus he commissioned creepy-artist artist Junko Mizuno to create the logo for his production company Hotsauce TV.

The Garden of Words the Stage Play by The Whole Hog Theatre Company

Date: 2019 October 14 21:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based Theatre Company Whole Hog Theatre have just revealed details of their latest production The Garden of Words. Based on the anime of the same name by director Makoto Shinkai. The play will be performed in London at Park Theatre from 15th July to 15th August 2020.

It will also be performed in Tokyo with Japanese Animation stage production specialists, Nelke Planning (Sailor Moon stage production).

Curiously the performance promises to be an interdisciplinary adaptation visually emotive story using puppetry, movement and projection art. Performed in English with occasional Japanese. The Whole Hog Theatre Company are not new to anime adaptations, having performed Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke on stage. While Princess Mononoke naturally lends itself to puppetry, The Garden of Words could have been done as conventional play. So we're very interested to see what Whole Hog have up their sleeves.

Anime and manga being adapted for the stage seems to be an on going trend in the west, with Kiki's Delivery Service being adapted by Southwark Playhouse and Urasawa's Pluto getting a performance at London's Barbican.

While popular franchises are frequently adapted for the stage in Japan by theatre companies such as Nelke Planning.

We're excited to see what Whole Hog do and suggest you book tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

Digital Art Exhibition at Japan House London

Date: 2019 October 14 20:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

As autumn fades into winter and the evenings get darker Japan House London have been thinking ahead. They've just announced details a new exhibition to brighten things up. WOW: City Lights and Woodland Shade is set to run at Japan House from Thursday 21 November 2019 until Sunday 22nd March 2020.

The two installations by WOW looking at both the urban future and timelessness of rural Japan.

The installation will offer mesmerising digital displays, images of Tokyo by night projected in a mind-bending 360-degree reimagining of Japan's capital city by night. Plus POPPO is an excursion into the folk art of Japan's countryside.

The exhibition is suitable for all ages and is free to attend.

Geiko and Maiko Guest Appearances at Japan House London

Date: 2019 October 13 19:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

As far as images of Japan goes, you can't get more Japanese than an image of Geisha. The traditional Japanese entertainers will be making an appearance at Japan House London on Friday 18th October at 12:30 to 13:30.

You'll get a rare chance to meet Geiko (aka Geisha) and Maiko (apprentice Geiko). They'll perform signature dances and also take part in a conversation with Japan House.

The event is free to attend.

Promare UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2019 October 12 19:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based fans of Studio Trigger are in for a treat. Anime Distributors Anime Limited have just announced they've acquired the rights to Promare.

Studio Trigger are responsible for TV series Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia, director Hiroyuki Imaishi was also behind GAINAX's Gurren Lagann. Promare marks the studio's first theatrical outing.

On Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th November 2019 there will be screenings at select cinemas around the UK and Ireland.

If you're lucky enough to be in Scotland and and get to the Glasgow Film Theatre on Sunday 13th October 2019, you can get to the UK premiere! There will also be a Promare Special Events Screening at Edinburgh on Saturday 19th October 2019, with major creative talent behind this film. Plus there's also a screening at the Edinburgh Filmhouse on Monday 21st October 2019.

Directors Shinichiro Watanabe and Motonobu Hori to Attend MCM Comic Con London as Anime Guests of Honour

Date: 2019 October 11 20:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's October. Which means it's almost time for MCM Comic Con London. The massive geek event is set to to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2019 at the ExCel Centre in London.

They've just announced two very special anime guests of honour. First up we have Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for the major anime series Cowboy Bebop, but he's also done some other great shows including Terror in Resonance, Samurai Champloo, along with Kids on the Slope. You can also see his latest show Carole & Tuesday on Netflix. Shinichiro Watanabe is credited as the supervising director / chief director of the show.,

Guest number two is Motonobu Hori who is the director of Carole & Tuesday. The show marks his directorial debut, while he's worked on n key animation, animation direction and storyboards for a wealth of anime, including Napping Princess, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc, and episodes of Psycho-Pass in the past.

Both guests will be hosting an Anime Guest of Honour panel at the Centre Stage on Saturday, 26th October from 11:15AM, and will also be attending free signing sessions on both Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October from 14:30-15:30.

As always we're very excited about this as it's a great chance to see some top talent from the anime industry. We look forward to find out what insights from anime production they'll reveal at this panel.

gen:LOCK Season 1 UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2019 October 10 20:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Rooster Teeth have sent us a reminder that their latest show gen:LOCK Season 1 will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on Monday 28th October 2019.

The anime style show from the company behind RWBY. This is another action packed CGI animated series with ROBOTS! Yes, Robots, and famous actors such as Michael B. Jordan, Dakota Fanning, Maisie Williams and David Tennant lending their voices to characters.

Last year we interviewed Gray Haddock the writer and director of the series about the show.

gen:LOCK Season 1 is available to pre-order now on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

Viz Media 2020 Release Announcements from New York Comic Con

Date: 2019 October 07 20:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've just been sent details of the release announcements from anime and manga publisher Viz Media. At New York Comic Con Viz revealed that they have the publishing rights for Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga.

It's scheduled for release sometime in early 2020. The anthology will feature a collection of stories by renowned manga artists that include Akira Himekawa, Haruichi, Akira Fukaya, Takashi Kisaki and Subaru. Akira Himekawa is the Japanese duo best known for their work on the official The Legend of Zelda manga based on the smash hit Nintendo game series.

Viz have also got a ton of titles manga due out in the summer of 2020. Including Rumiko Takahashi's Maison Ikkoku. The much loved fan favourite has been eagerly anticipated for rerelease.

Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams by another legendary manga artist Naoki Urasawa has also been highly anticipated. We were lucky enough to interview Naoki Urasawa when he was in London earlier this year.

We're also excited about action packed comedy Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo. Along with Ping Pong by Taiyo Matsumoto, the mind behind Tekkonkinkreet and Sunny.

Japan Matsuri in London - Sunday 29th September 2019

Date: 2019 September 25 20:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture in London this weekend will want to head to the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square. Now in it's 11th year the free event is set to run from 10am to 8pm on Sunday 29th September 2019. As always there'll be lots to see and do. Including a watching expert martial arts demonstrations, Japanese music and dance performances.

One of the main draws is always Japanese street food. We've also been told that Japanese fast food favourite MOS burger will be making their UK debut. There's always so much good Japanese food there it can be hard to choose what to eat! Yakisoba! Sushi! Hmmm. It's hard not to drool thinking about food while typing this!

There's also a great family activity tent will teach parents and kids alike manga, calligraphy, origami
and more.

This year's Matsuri marks the official opening of the Japan-UK Season of Culture - an exciting and varied programme of events taking place until the end of 2020.

Seven Seas Licenses 5 New Yuri Titles for 2020

Date: 2019 September 21 19:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks at manga publishers Seven Seas Entertainment have just sent us details of their 5 new yuri license acquisitions. They've got 4 new manga titles and one light novel.

Goodbye, My Rose Garden is a period romance between a British noblewoman and her maid. Volume 1 of the manga is due out April 14, 2020.

Syrup is a yuri anthology collecting short manga about adult women in love. It's due out June 9, 2020.

Failed Princesses is a unlikely high school romance manga. Volume 1 will be released on May 12 2020.

Fragtime is a time-freezing yuri love story. The manga will be released on April 14, 2020.

Adachi and Shimamura is a fan-favorite yuri romance that will soon be adapted into an anime series Volume 1 of the light novel series will be released in print on June 2, 2020

Hatsune Miku Expo 2020 Europe Tour - London Details

Date: 2019 September 17 20:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of virtual pop idol Hatsune Miku will want to head to the O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday 11th January 2020 for the London leg of the Hatsune Miku Expo 2020 Europe Tour. This will be her second European tour. Miku will start the tour in London then will jet off to Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Tickets for the vocaloid sensation start at £45.00 and go up to £125.00 for VIP. Tickets are on sale now at livenation.co.uk and ticketmaster.co.uk.

Imaginary Solutions - Performance in London This November

Date: 2019 September 15 19:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London based culture vultures will be interested to hear about Imaginary Solutions. It's an upcoming collaboration between the Tokyo-based Butoh dancer/martial artist Takahiro Tomatsu, and the acclaimed London-based experimental music ensemble ARCO, led by composer performer Neil Luck. The performance is set to run on Friday 15th November 2019 at The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury. Tickets are £8 or 6 for concessions.

The performance is an official event of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2020.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2019

Date: 2019 September 07 11:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Fans of anime who can get to Cardiff or Aberystwyth are in for a treat as the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Film Festival returns for it's 2019 run. As you'd expect they've got a great line up of films, plus other events including an Anime-Themed Disco, a Masterclass with stop motion animators Takeshi Yashiro & Satoshi Akutsu.

Movie wise they've got some great titles that are worthy to catch on the big screen including Birthday Wonderland, Penguin Highway and A Silent Voice. They'll also be showing Tamako Love Story as a nod to KyoAni and their recent tragedy.

The festival is set to run in Cardiff at Chapter from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October 2019 and at Aberystwyth Arts Centre Saturday 19th to 20th October 2019.

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

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

Category > Anime

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

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

Anime Film Festival in London September 2019

Date: 2019 August 12 20:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans in London looking for a day of films can't wrong by heading over to the first The Anime Film Festival. It's set to run on Saturday 7th September at Picturehouse Central in London's West End. They've got a sterling line up of films that should all really be enjoyed on the big screen.

All films will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles.

They'll be showing the following:

Mirai (PG): 2.20pm
Penguin Highway (12): 4.30pm
your name. (12): 7.00pm
Redline (15): 9.15pm

They're all good films so it really depends what you're after.
If you haven't caught Your Name on a cinema screen yet, now is your chance. We've also got a soft spot for the fantastic Mirai. While Penguin Highway offers an eccentric and unexpected adventure (with penguins of course). Redline on the other hand just offers sheer intense action! So take your pick!

You can get tickets for individual films, double bills or whole line up.

AmeCon returns in August 2020 with AmeChibi

Date: 2019 August 06 20:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK anime fans looking for a nice little convention to attend in the summer of 2020 are in luck. The good folks at AmeCon have announced that they'll be running AmeChibi at Northampton Park Inn on Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August 2020. It's called AmeChibi as it's smaller than their usual university campus events, running in a hotel instead. This means it'll have a different more cosy atmosphere than the larger events.

Registration for AmeChibi 2020 will open on Tuesday 1st October 2019. Pricing details have yet to be revealed.

The last smaller format AmeChibli was held in 2015 and registration sold out in 6 hours. So we advise you to book early on Tuesday 1st October 2019 if you're keen to go.

Souce: AmeCon

Manga Entertainment UK Autumn and Winter 2019 Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2019 August 04 22:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from anime distributors Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us their latest UK DVD and blu-ray release line up for autumn and winter 2019.

They've got a good selection of shonen titles available including more Black Clover, Naruto Shippuden, Boruto, along with Dragon Ball Super.

They'll also be releasing the first parts of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and Goblin Slayer Season One. The former is a story about an average salaryman who dies and gets reincarnated as a blob of slime (as one does). While Goblin slayer is set in your regular D&D type world about a hero called Goblin slayer, who takes on the task of killing goblin infestations before they become more troublesome, fan service and violence ensue.

Interestingly enough they've also branched out into some Cartoon Network titles, they'll be releasing Adventure Time as Individual Complete First to Fifth Seasons, along with a 1 to 5 collection on DVD an blu-ray. Steven Universe Seasons 1 & 2 will also be released. Samurai Jack The Complete Series (Seasons 1-5) is due to hit shelves on 2nd December and includes the long awaited 5 season. We must admit we've got a soft spot for these titles. Sure they're not anime, but they're very well done and a pleasure to watch.

Manga Symposium in London August 2019

Date: 2019 August 02 20:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga fans in London looking for an academic taste into the world of manga will be very pleased to hear about the Manga Symposium: What is Manga? Exploring Japanese Manga and Visual Narratives. The day long event gathers a range of manga academics at The British Library, Knowledge Centre Theatre. It's set to run on Friday 23rd August 2019 from 10:00 to 17:30.

Tickets cost £15 for adults or £8 for students under 18s and other concessions. We can think of nothing better than spending a learning about manga. Visit https://www.bl.uk/events/manga-symposium to book tickets.

Anime's Human Machines London Barbican Screening Details

Date: 2019 August 01 21:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans in London are in for a treat. The Barbican have got anime expert Helen McCarthy to curate a season of anime screenings. Anime's Human Machines is set to run from Thursday 12th to Monday 30th September 2019.

Each screening will have a special introduction by Helen McCarthy. They've also got super mecha designer Shôji Kawamori. Anime fans will best know him for his mecha designs in Macross. He also co-directed Macross Plus. Other famous designs include a series of Dicalone toys for Japanese toy company Takara. This was a collection of transforming robots. Hasbro licensed these toys and rebranded them as Transformers. Mr Kawamori designed a certain truck called Convoy who was rebranded as Optimus Prime!

Shôji Kawamori will be introducing the Ghost in the Shell Movie (the 1995 animated version), at the Barbican on Wednesday 18th September 2019 at 20:45. Kawamori did some of the mechanical design for this film too!

This season has a whole host of awesome films that are all really worth watching on the big screen (Helen's spoilt us for choice). We suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

They'll also be showing the mind bending Paprika, Patlabor the Movie, Mamoru Hosoda's Summer Wars, plus a few other awesome films.

Not content with just films, they've got a couple of drawing workshops too!

Origami Soundscapes / The Crane - Avant-garde Performance in London this August

Date: 2019 July 23 20:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture in London looking for something a bit different this August are in luck. We've just been sent details about an Anglo-Japanese Theatre/Opera/Live Art Production Origami Soundscapes / The Crane. It's set to run at the arcola theatre in East London on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th August 2019. The Friday showing will be at 20:00, while there will be two showings on Saturday at 15:00 and 20:00.

The performance folds origami and music together in a multi-media opera installation exploring classical Japanese traditions with a uniquely avant-garde twist. You can always check out the trailer to get more of an idea.

This is supported by Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and has been recognised as an Official Event of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2020.

It will be sung in English and Japanese without subtitles.

Tickets range from £12 to £22.

Summer Explorers! Manga Comes To Life - Live Action Japanese Films Based on Manga at The British Library in London

Date: 2019 July 12 20:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've just heard from the The Japan Foundation London that they've teamed up with The British Library to present Summer Explorers! Manga Comes To Life - Live Action Japanese Films Based on Manga.

The Japan Foundation always have an interesting selection of films up their sleeves and this time is no different as they'll be showcasing live action films based off manga. Anime and manga fans may already be familiar with some of the titles here from their original manga or even an anime adaptation. They've got Inuyashiki a typical story about a retired salaryman given superpowers, along with lots of other films offering something slightly different.

Screenings are set to run on Saturday, 27 July and Sunday, 28 July 2019 at The British Library, Knowledge Centre Theatre.

Individual tickets are £8, while concessions are £6 and under 14s get in free. Day passes are £20 or £15 for concessions, while again under 14s are free. As always with events like this we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Our Road to Recovery: An Anime Studio in Fukushima - Talk at Japan House London

Date: 2019 June 27 19:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Japan House London have been hosting a lot of great events for anime and manga fans recently. Continuing with this trend they'll be hosting Our Road to Recovery: An Anime Studio in Fukushima. The talk is by Asao Yoshinori of Gaina (formally called Fukushima Gainax). The talk is set on run on Tuesday 2 July 2019 and has two sessions the first at 15:30 to 17:10 and the second at 18:30 to 20:00 (which is followed by a drinks reception).

In this event, Asao Yoshinori explores the role that animation has played in the recovery and revitalisation of Fukushima and introduces a screening of two of his studio's representative works that have been specially subtitled in English for this event at Japan House.

The event is free to attend, booking is required.

Okko's Inn UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2019 June 26 20:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime company Manga Entertainment UK have announced that Okko's Inn will be screened in select cinemas around the UK.

The film is directed by Kitaro Kosaka of anime studio Madhouse. The fantasy follows the adventures of Okko a girl who after losing her parents in a car accident moves in with her grandmother in the countryside. Okko's grandmother runs a traditional Japanese inn. Okko then discovers that the inn is inhabited by spirits only she can see.

The film is pitched as having storybook charm. It'll hit cinemas around the UK at select cinemas on Sunday 14th July 2019.

If you can make it to screening near you ticket holders will also receive a free, exclusive postcard featuring character artwork - available on a first come, first served basis while stocks last.

What's Michael? Fatcat Collection Volume 1 Cat Manga Release Details

Date: 2019 June 25 20:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Fans of cat manga can rejoice as publisher Dark Horse are re-releasing the classic What's Michael? as a special fat cat collection.

The manga was originally released in English by Dark Horse in 1997 and has been out of print for a long time, with many fans thought a reprint of Makoto Kobayashi's manga in English unlikely. We're massive fans of the comic antics of this cat manga as it blends slice of life tales (or should that be tails?!) along with amusing fantasy incorporating cats. The light hearted title is due out in the US on January 29, 2020.

You can pre-order it from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

We've also been told that translator Zack Davisson is involved in this project and will write introductions for each volume. Zack is not only a manga translator, but a cat fan so it an appropriate choice for this series.

Why is the cat called Michael? Well Michael is used in Japanese as causal slang for cat, kind of like moggy.

Manga Entertainment UK Summer Release Schedule 2019

Date: 2019 June 09 19:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK (which is now a subsidiary of Funimation) have just sent us their summer line up.

They've got the enjoyable Steins;Gate 0 Part 1 combi set due out on Monday 29th July. While Steins;Gate 0 Part 2 is due out on Monday 2nd September 2019.

For shonen fans they've got Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Set One (Episodes 1-13) due out Monday 5th August 2019.

If you fancy something a darker and grisly they've also got Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1 due out on Monday 12th August 2019. The limited edition Blu-ray set 2-panel digibook with 24 pages of art, plus space in the box for part 2. You can also get it on regular edition DVD.

We've also posted about Manga's June / July line up in the past.

Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Give-Away with Crunchyroll

Date: 2019 June 04 21:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've teamed up with the good folks from on-line streaming service Crunchyroll to offer some Jojo's Bizarre Adventure goodies and 1 month premium subscription to the streaming service for our UK readers. Read on if you're interested.

This is Manga - The Art of Urasawa Naoki in London

Date: 2019 June 03 19:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Japan House London have just sent a reminder that manga artist Urasawa Naoki is in town. He's best known for manga such as Monster, 20th Century Boys, Master Keaton, and Pluto (his adaptation of Tezuka's Astroboy).

He's in London to promote his exhibition This is Manga - The Art of Urasawa Naoki. The exhibition has a wide varity of his artwork on display, from his early childhood drawings to now. It includes a lot of original pages from his manga where you can see all the original details of his art. Along with huge prints of some of his amazing work. The exhibition is free is to ender and is set to run from Wednesday 5th June to Sunday 28th July 2019 at Japan House London in Kensington.

As Urasawa-san is in London he's also hosting a few events including a booking signing on Friday 7th June 2019 (from 16:00 to 17:00), but places are limited. On the same Friday Urasawa will be also hosting a live drawing live signing session All Talking All Singing All Drawing! Urasawa Naoki Live in Concert, this is set to run from 18:30 to 20:00. It's also free, but booking is essential.

Japan House London will also have wide selection of merchandise for sale at their shop. This includes his manga, plus t-shirts, mugs, plastic wallets and other goodies.

Their restaurant Akira have also teamed up with Urasawa to create a Yawara themed dish of fish and chips, with deep fried, bread-crumbed eel topped with umeboshi (pickled plum) tartare sauce, lime and egg yolk shavings. A Monster cocktail will also be available which is made with Dewa no Sato sake from Yamagata Prefecture, Czech spirit Becherovka, ginger liqueur, peppercorns, lime juice, fresh ginger and cloves topped with a white chocolate liqueur foam sprinkled with matcha!

Funimation Acquires UK Anime Distributor Manga Entertainment Limited

Date: 2019 May 29 21:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from anime distributors Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us some interesting news. They've been acquired by anime distributor Funimation. The details of the acquisition have not been revealed.

It's not exactly clear at this stage what will happen to Manga Entertainment UK in the long term. They're strong anime brand in the UK releasing popular shonen titles including Dragon Ball Z, Bleach and Naruto. They frequently have a big presence at events like MCM Comic Con London. They've always been around in one form or another on the UK anime scene. Clearly the executives at Funimation have a plan for Manga Entertainment UK, but at this stage it's not clear what it'll be. Will they slowly be rebranded and absorbed into Funimation? Or will they remain a subsidiary? Only time will tell.

Legend of Zelda Manga Duo Akira Himekawa to Visit London this Weekend for MCM Comic Con London and Forbidden Planet Signing

Date: 2019 May 22 19:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Zelda are in for a treat this weekend as Legend of Zelda manga duo Akira Himekawa will be in town for MCM Comic Con London and a special signing at Forbidden Planet (which is handy if you can't make it to MCM over the weekend).

The London branch of the Sci-Fi super store Forbidden Planet will be playing host to the manga duo for a special signing event. The signing event is on Friday 24th May from 6pm to 7:30pm. It's free, but you do need to get a wrist band from Forbidden Planet first in order to attend. No wrist band, no entry. To find out how to get a wrist band visit Forbidden Planet's website for details.

Akira Himekawa will also be at the MCM Comic Con London and attending the event throughout the weekend for signings and panels with manga publisher VIZ. Akira Himekawa's featured spotlight panel will take place on Saturday on the Main Stage at 14:15 and includes a special announcement of new titles, a live drawing session and awesome trivia questions for prize giveaways.

My Brother's Husband Manga Artist Tagame Gengoroh in Conversation with Book Curator Haba Yoshitaka at Japan House London

Date: 2019 May 16 20:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of manga artist Tagame Gengoroh are in for a treat! On Wednesday 22nd May 2019 Japan House London will be hosting Tagame Gengoroh in conversation with book curator Haba Yoshitaka.

The event forms part of their new library display LGBTQ+: Diversity in Manga. Artist Tagame Gengoroh is a superb pick for the event having created the manga My Brother's Husband, a tender story about a single dad meeting his estranged brother's husband.

While My Brother's Husband is known to be a sensitive story Tagame's other work doesn't shy away from more mature and gritty renditions of gay life.

We're very excited about this event, as it's rare you'll get a chance to see a talk like this in London.

The event is free to attend, but booking is essential. As always we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

1
2
3
4
5
6 (current)
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Advanced Search

@otaku_news

@otakunews.com

Browsing Articles

Recent News

Recent DVD / Blu-ray Reviews

Recent Manga Reviews