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The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme UK Details 2018

Date: 2017 December 20 07:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based fans of Japanese cinema looking for something to watch next year will be interested in The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme. It's set to run from 2nd February to 28th March 2018 around the UK. The theme for this season is (Un)true Colours - Secrets and Lies in Japanese Cinema.

The film programme also includes the anime Sword of the Stranger, which is really worth catching on a nice big cinema screen. If not you can always get it on blu-ray.

There's a great selection of films likely to suit anyone's tastes including Sing My Life a fantasy tale about a 73 year-old grandmother who is magically transformed back to her 20 year old self, so she can pursue her dreams of becoming a singer and make up for her regrets.

While if you fancy something a bit more violent there's also The Mole Song: Undercover Agent Reiji a Yakuza story from director Takashi Miike.

Film screenings like this frequently sell out, so we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Blade of the Immortal UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 November 22 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK readers looking for some violent samurai action based on a great manga will want to look around cinemas near them on 8th December 2017 as that's when Blade of the Immortal hits screens around the UK. The film is directed by Takashi Miike, you may have heard of many of his other films like Ichi the Killer and The Happiness of the Katakuris.

The Blade of the Immortal movie is based on the manga with same name, it follows the adventures of Manji who is cursed with immortality until he can kill 1,000 evil men. The film covers the first 2 story arcs of the manga.

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

Ronja The Robber's Daughter UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2017 November 08 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK anime fans eager to own Studio Ghibli's TV show Ronja The Robber's Daughter, will be pleased to hear that it's getting a home video release on Monday 4th December 2017. It's available for pre-order on Blu-ray and DVD from the good folks at Studio Canal.

London based fans with children can also visit the BFI on Sunday 19th November 2017 for a special screening event showing the first 4 episodes of the series. Tickets for this event are selling out quickly, so book while you can if you want to go.

Read More... | Souce: Studio Canal

ReedPOP Acquires UK MCM Comic Con

Date: 2017 October 23 17:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

It's almost time for the MCM London Comic Con! It hits this weekend from Friday 27th October to Sunday 29th October 2017 at London's Excel Centre. Traditionally we post news about what's happening at the event, but this time we're going to post something about the MCM Comic Con itself. MCM Comic Con have been acquired by ReedPOP, the worldâ€™s largest producer of pop culture events.

ReedPop are boutique group within Reed Exhibitions, part of RELX Group who are behind events such as New York Comic Con. The press release states that its impact will begin to be seen and felt on all 2018 events. What this impact means exactly remains to be seen.

Forbes have an interesting analysis of the acquisition and the article quotes "Right now we are still in the discovery stage of really getting to know the MCM team and their shows so I don't want to make any assumptions [about operational changes]," said Lance Fensterman, Global Head of ReedPOP.

From a business perspective, if you're looking to gain new markets internationally it makes sense to buy an existing established business. If you're looking to set up a Comic Con in the UK why compete with the biggest when you can become the biggest by buying it? It also means you'll get an established team of event runners. You can observe what they do well and fold it into your other operations too.

Having attended MCM events for years now, we've noticed how they will refine and tweak things to make them better for attendees. Last London Comic Con in May 2017 they had to change the whole entry process and include bag and security checks following the tragic attack in Manchester. They did this at very short notice, we believe they made it work well and whoever was working behind the scenes to make this happen did a stunning job.

MCM London Comic had a over 130,000 people attending the event in May 2017 alone. We must admit we're curious what ReedPop will do to the event.

Fireworks UK Anime Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 October 20 17:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK Anime fans looking for a cinematic treat in November will be pleased to hear about Anime Limited's latest offering of Fireworks. Pitched as a coming of age story with a hint of sci-fi from the director of Nisekoi and Monogatari. It hits cinemas around the UK on Wednesday 15th November 2017.

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

As always we've put the details up on the Otaku Calendar.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Your Name DVD Competition

Date: 2017 October 18 16:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK anime fans keen to get their own copy of the smash hit anime Your Name will want to set the date of Monday 6th November 2017 for the DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray Steelbook and Thursday 23rd November 2017 for the Deluxe Edition exclusively to Anime Ltd and Zavvi.

We've teamed up with the good folks from Anime Limited to give one lucky reader a copy of the film on DVD.

Little Witch Academia Creators to Appear at MCM London Comic Con October 2017

Date: 2017 October 15 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans heading the MCM London Comic Con will be pleased to hear that they've got the creators of Little Witch Academia as the anime guests. The fan favourite show is available to watch in the UK on Netflix.

Series director Yoh Yoshinari, series producer Naoko Tsutsumi, producer Katsuhiro Takei and video game producer Yosuke Futami will all be at the MCM London Comic on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of October 2017.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October 2017.

Perfect Blue UK Halloween Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 October 09 16:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK anime fans will be pleased to hear that the clever folks at Anime Limited have realised that Perfect Blue would make the perfect Halloween night screening. The psychological thriller doesn't just mess with the protagonist, it also messes with your mind in the late great Satoshi Kon's debut film.

The film will screen (and make you scream) for one night only, the night of Halloween on Tuesday 31st October 2017. To find a screening near you visit perfectbluemovie.co.uk.

Traditionally at Christmas time at Otaku News we watch another Satoshi Kon film Tokyo Godfathers to get into the Christmas Spirit. We hope this becomes some kind of Halloween tradition from Anime Limited.

Lu over the Wall UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2017 August 31 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've just been sent details about Lu over the Wall from the good folks at Anime Limited. The new movie from director Masaaki Yuasa features a heartwarming and magical mermaid tale.

The film will be at the BFI London Film Festival Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th October 2017. You can read more about it on the BFI LFF Website. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 14th September 2017. We advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

The film will be shown nationwide around the UK on Wednesday 6th December 2017.

Masaaki Yuasa's trade mark style includes quick fire dialogue, eccentric and eclectic mix of style story and animation. You may have seen his work before on the cult The Tatami Galaxy.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

The Boy and The Beast UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Reminder

Date: 2017 August 31 14:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Just a quick reminder to fans of anime director Mamoru Hosoda. Studio Canal will be releasing The Boy and The Beast UK DVD and Blu-ray on Monday 4th September 2017. You can read more details here.

Souce: Studio Canal

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Film Festival 2017 Details

Date: 2017 August 27 02:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans in Wales looking for some fun at the end of September in Cardiff or the end of October in Aberystwyth will want to head over to the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Film Festival 2017. Set to run at Chapter in Cardiff from Friday 29th September until Sunday 1st October 2017 and at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Saturday 28th October 2017.

The festival is in partnership with The Japan Foundation.

As always, we've added the details of this event to The Otaku Calendar to help you keep up to date with all the latest events and release dates.

Esprit D'Air 2018 UK Tour Dates

Date: 2017 August 18 17:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based J-Electronic rock and metal band Esprit D'Air have just sent us details of their 2018 tour. They'll be travelling around the UK for 7 dates in February 2018.

They have just released their new single Ignition from their new debut album Constellations.
It's released under their own label Starstorm Records and peaked at #3 on Amazon UK's Hard Rock & Metal albums upon its release.

Genki Gear Launches Exclusive T-shirt for London Comic Con October 2017

Date: 2017 August 16 15:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

It's August, but the good folks at geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear are already getting excited about the MCM London Comic Con. So much so they've just unveiled an exclusive design with a horror theme.

The design is available to pre-order until the 20th October and can be collected directly from the Genki Gear stand at hte MCM London Comic Con or posted to your home address so you can wear it at the event.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October 2017.

The Red Turtle UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 20 12:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Studio Canal have just sent us details the UK DVD and Blu-ray release of The Red Turtle. It's due out in the UK on Monday 25th September 2017.

The movie is produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit who was head hunted especially for the film with Isao Takahata acting as artistic director.

You can read our review of The Red Turtle and our interview with the director.

To be honest this movie is amazing. There's no dialogue, so you won't need to watch it subbed or dubbed. It's very intelligent, it's well animated, it doesn't talk down to you. Given the choice you can watch a few episodes of a long running shonen series or you can spend the time watching something that'll get you thinking.

There subtle things in this film, although there's no real dialogue apart from the occasional grunt, moan or the main character going "heeeeeeeeeeeeey", the attention to detail is stunning. They decided to record the sound of the characters breathing to make it feel more real. Repeat viewings will make you notice details you didn't spot first time around.

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

Read More... | Souce: Studio Canal

The Boy and The Beast UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 20 11:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've just heard from the good folks at StudioCanal that Mamoru Hosoda's The Boy and The Beast will finally be heading to DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on Monday 4th September 2017. The movie follows the adventures of Kyuta an abandoned boy who stumbles into the mythical world of beasts where he meets Kumatetsu the brash warrior. Kumatetsu takes Kyuta under his wing (shouldn't that be paw?) and adventure ensues.

You may be familiar with director Mamoru Hosoda other works, which include Summer Wars, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Wolf Children. We've seen this film and confirm if you like anything else by Hosoda you'll know exactly what to expect. You'll enjoy this!

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

It should be noted that Manga Entertainment UK have announced that they'll be releasing a premium Hosoda Collection of his other movies.

Read More... | Souce: Studio Canal

Takashi Fukutani Exhibition at London's Orbital Comics

Date: 2017 July 15 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of 1980's manga in London will want to head over to Orbital Comics from Tuesday 1st to Monday 14th August 2017 to catch an exhibit of original 80's Manga artwork. They'll be showing selected manga originals from the 1980’s slice of life manga series Dokudami Tenement for the first time in the UK.

This is to celebrate the release of the first volume of Dokudami Tenement in English from Black Hook Press. They'll also have a special limited edition Aizoban print for sale during the length of the exhibition.

Shin Godzilla Stomps into UK Cinemas this August 2017

Date: 2017 July 13 09:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of cult Japanese Cinema and anime in general will be very pleased to hear the news from Manga Entertainment UK that they'll be releasing the new Godzilla Movie - Shin Godzilla across the UK on Thursday 10th August 2017. It's co-directed by Hideaki Anno who is most famous for creating Neon Genesis Evangelion, (but is also know as being a massive tokusatsu fan) and Shinji Higuchi (director of Toho’s 2015 Attack on Titan live action movies). The film was a box office smash in Japan in 2016.

Hideaki Anno's involvement in the film is a perfect choice, as someone who has had giant monsters smash cities before in previous work (even his student films have this element) to join forces with Shinji Higuchi who used traditional tokusatsu speical effects combined with CGI to create the Attack on Titan Live Action movies.

Shin Godzilla literally translates as New Godzilla and will be screened nationally across the UK. To find a screening near you and book tickets, visit shingodzillamovie.co.uk.

Manga Entertainment and Animatsu UK Q4 2017 Anime DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 03 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us their Q4 2017 release dates. The release list includes their sister label Animatsu.

There's some good stuff coming up for the end of the year. They've got a great Hosoda Collection in which the works of excellent director Mamoru Hosoda get's a premium release. They'll be releasing The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Wolf Children and Summer Wars as blu-ray separate sets with various extras deluxe packaging and companion books all bundled in. It's due to hit the shops at the beginning of November 2017 and each box costs about £30. They've yet to release any examples of the box art and packaging (although it's early days yet).

The 20th November 2017 marks the date when Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto hits the shelves, it's a silly and enjoyable comedy.

On 27th November 2017, they'll be releasing fan favourite JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Our favourite in the line up is Kinmoza due out 9th October 2017 and the second series Hello! Kinmoza which is due out on 18th December 2017. The show based on a four panel comedy manga follows the very light adventures of Japanese school girl Shino and her English friend Alice who lives with her. We had a world exclusive reveal visiting Fosse Farm, the real life location used for Alice's House, when the show first aired in Japan.

Summer Explorers 3 - Free Japanese Movies in London July 2017

Date: 2017 July 01 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of Japanese Cinema in London are in luck, for the Japan Foundation will be hosting a special summer film programme all about food. Over two Saturdays in London, they'll be filling the cinema screens with Japanese movies to get your mouth watering.

This is the third year in a row the Japan foundation have hosting free movies for all, so they've called it Summer Explorers 3. The movies are all free to attend, but booking is required. To book visit www.jpf.org.uk.

Part One is on Saturday 15th July 2017 at the Prince Charles Cinema which will be showing Oyster Factory and Akanezora.

While Part Two is on Saturday 22nd July 2017 at 195 Piccadilly and features Silver Spoon, There Is No Lid on the Sea and A Drop of the Grapevine.

As always we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Kanpai London Craft Sake Brewery Crowd Sourcing

Date: 2017 June 21 15:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Cuisine

We've just discovered a crowd sourcing attempt to get a London Sake Brewery going! The catchy named Kanapi London aim to raise £12,500 by Thursday 29th June 2017. They've already hit their original target of £10,000 with 129 supporters.

The sake microbrewery in Peckham intend to make clear and cloudy sake in 330ml bottles.

They're crowd funding to get the first batch to market, scale up and produce more varieties of sake in the future. Pledge tiers include more than booze, you can t-shirts and hot sauce made with the sake.

For the £1,000 top pledge the brewery will visit your house (if it's in London) and host a sake-paired 3-course sake themed meal for 8 people including an award winning sake bomb dessert! If you break it down to a luxury top notch meal for £125 a head that they'll make at your house, that's good value for money. Plus you get to to start up a London sake brewery.

Souce: Kanpai London Craft Sake Brewery Crowdfunder

Sky UK Channel Viceland to Show Anime

Date: 2017 June 21 14:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

The good folks from Anime Limited have just revealed that Sky and Now TV Channel Viceland will be airing anime.

They'll be showing Anime Limited titles Cowboy Bebop, Tokyo Ghoul and Eureka Seven, along with MVM Entertainment licensed Samurai Champloo. The block will show anime from midnight. So set your Sky+ Box to record it if you're not a night owl. They'll start airing anime from Monday 17th July.

Viceland is currently available on Sky Channel 153 and Now TV.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

In This Corner of the World wins the Feature Film Jury Award at the 41st Annecy

Date: 2017 June 20 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

In This Corner of the World wins the Feature Film Jury Award at the 41st Annecy

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details about one of their latest titles. The feature film In This Corner of the World has won the Feature Film Jury Award at the 41st Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Recently Manga Entertainment UK sent us details announcing that the film was going to compete at the Annecy. Now they're please to announce that it's won one of the coveted awards. The film first caught our interested when we heard it was directed by Sunao Katabuchi who also directed the excellent Mai Mai Miracle.

The film opens in the UK on Wednesday 28th June 2017. If you want watch to catch the movie yourself, you can visit www.inthiscornerfilm.co.uk to find a screening near you.

Anime Smash Hit Your Name returns to UK Cinemas this August

Date: 2017 June 12 15:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based anime fans who missed the super smash hit movie Your Name will want to set a date of Wednesday 23rd August 2017 to catch the movie on the big screen. This time we mean really BIG screen, as they'll be IMAX Screenings of the feature film too.

The Makoto Shinkai movie won critics praise around the world and become a surprise box office smash in Japan and beyond. The IMAX screenings will be in Japanese with subtitles, as currently that's the only version that exists in the colossal IMAX format, while regular sized cinemas will be showing a mix of screenings dubbed into English and in Japanese with English subtitles. We urge you to watch this movie on a cinema screen while you can. It was the anime movie of 2016 and should be seen on a cinema screen to do it justice. An IMAX screening is incredibility rare for an anime title, so if you can catch it there, it's an insanely rare treat. As always we advise you book early for these screenings to avoid disappointment. We also suspect those who have caught it before at the cinema will want to catch it again while they can.

If you want to know more about the film you can read our review of Your Name and our interview with the film's director Makoto Shinkai.

The movie is not out on DVD or blu-ray in the UK yet. As we've mentioned before distributors Anime Limited have set the provisional release date for Monday 30th October 2017. They do however state that this date is likely to change and hopefully they'll be able to release it earlier.

You can pre-order one of 3 editions via Amazon.co.uk.
Your Name on DVD from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name Collectors Edition on Blu-ray and DVD Combi-pack from Amazon.co.uk

Anime Limited have confirmed at this time they are uncertain if there will be an Ultimate Edition. All editions will contain the movie dubbed in English and in Japanese with subtitles. They've yet to clarify the contents of each edition as it's still early days yet.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

MCM London Comic Con May 2017 Attendee Figures

Date: 2017 June 05 17:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The huge event known as MCM London Comic Con has just finished and they've sent us the attendee numbers. The May 2017 event attracted 130,212 people over the 3 days.

These numbers are slightly down (1,096 people) from the 131,308 attendees at the October 2016 event and down by 2,938 people from 133,150 from the May 2016 MCM London Comic Con.

Considering it was just after the tragic attack in Manchester, this could have impacted the number of attendees with some people not being keen to go to a large event so soon after an attack. From our observations, the MCM group did everything within their powers to increase security at the event and also minimise disruption for attendees.

Additionally, you can't really expect the huge growth the MCM Events have had to always continue. While the London Comic Con is their flagship event. They've experienced consider considerable popularity with their regional events. It makes us wonder, have we hit peak geek? Can these numbers continue to grow, or has the market for geek events hit it's logical limit? After all, there are only so many geeks in the UK and only so many events they can attend each year.

Hibanacon 2017 UK Convention Details

Date: 2017 May 31 15:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you looking for an anime convention to go to in the UK in November? The folks behind Hibanacon 2017 have got in touch to tell us about their up-coming convention in Milton Keynes. The new convention is set to run from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November 2017 at Jury's Inn Milton Keynes.

This new convention is intended for up to 350 people and includes everything you'd expect at a fan run anime convention, including panels, workshops, screenings, a dealers room, a games room and of course, cosplay!

A Silent Voice Hard of Hearing Screenings at Showcase Cinemas

Date: 2017 May 12 13:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Anime Limited have sent us details of a special screening of A Silent Voice which will be for heard of hearing at select Showcase Cinemas. We're told that this is one of the first anime films to do so in cinema.

As the film is about a deaf girl it's appropriate that the title gets a hard of hearing screening.

The film has a tentative Blu-ray and DVD release date of 18th December 2017 in the UK.

This anime film was so good, we had to give it two reviews.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Hyper Japan Festival London 2017 Details

Date: 2017 May 04 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

If you're in London and looking for some Japanese Culture on from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th July 2017 you should head over to Hyper Japan to indulge yourself in the festival. It's got something for everyone, street food, cosplay, chiptunes and traditional Japanese crafts. The event will be at The Tobacco Dock,

Anime Director Tatsuma Minamikawa and Anime Producer Yohei Ito will be special guests at MCM London Comic Con

Date: 2017 May 02 16:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's May, which means we'll be talking about the MCM London Comic Con a lot this month as build up for the colossal event starts. They've just revealed the two special guests that will be of interest to anime fans anime director Tatsuma Minamikawa and anime producer Yohei Ito.

Tatsuma Minamikawa is the director of the new Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry movie, while Yohei Ito has worked associate producer for Attack on Titan Season 1 and 2.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run at the Excel Centre from Friday 26th to 28th May 2017.

Manga Entertainment and Animatsu UK Q3 2017 Anime DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 April 28 16:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga Entertainment UK and their label Animatsu have just sent us their release schedule for Q3 2017. They pretty much got something for everyone there. You like shonen? They've got Naruto Shippuden Box 29 and Box 30. If you like the A Certain... franchise they've got A Certain Magical Index II
A Certain Scientific Railgun S coming out in on 21st August.

Personally we're very keen on One Punch Man which is due out on 3rd July (it might be because our editor can convincingly cosplay as Saitama). We're also keen on fan favourite Himouto! Umaru-chan which is due out on 10th July.

Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale UK Screening Reminder

Date: 2017 April 18 15:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based readers will want to head to a cinema near from tomorrow (Wednesday 19th April 2017) to catch the Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale. The new movie follows the adventures of Kirito and Asuna as they face a challenge from a new augmented reality device the Augma. You can find a screening near you by visiting http://saothemovie.co.uk/. You can also read our review of the SAO Movie.

The series has proved very popular with fans (and rightly so), it's one of those titles that we like to file under guilty pleasures. It's well executed and enjoyable to watch.

Kiki's Delivery Service Stage Play Returns to London for a Second Run

Date: 2017 April 14 16:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Cultured anime fans who'll be in London this summer will want to head over to Southwark Playhouse to catch the return of their stage adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service. The run will last from Thursday 10th August 2017 to Sunday 3rd September 2017.

The play is based on the book that was also turned into the much loved Studio Ghibli feature film. Last year we caught up with the Southwark Play House's Artistic Director and CEO Chris Smyrnios for an exclusive interview to find out more about the play during it's first run.

Genki Gear Launches Exclusive T-shirt for London Comic Con May 2017

Date: 2017 April 13 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

It's mid-April, which means it's getting closer to May and the mega event that is MCM London Comic Con. As is tradition geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear will be releasing an exclusive official t-shirt for the event. The theme this time around is monster hoardes.

The design can be either collected at the Genki Gear stall at the London event or posted to you beforehand so you can declare your geeky pride comic con opens it doors.

Pre-orders are available now for £16.99 from the MCM Store at www.mcmexpostore.com or Genki Gear themselves. MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 26th May to Sunday 28th May 2017.

Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan Exhibition in London

Date: 2017 April 12 17:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans who can get to London from the end of May to the start of September will want to head over to House of Illustration who will be hosting an exhibition on Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan.

Visitors will be treated to the background artwork from classic sci-fi anime feature films including Ghost in the Shell (1995), The Patlabor: The Movie (1989) and Metropolis (2001), by Mamoru Oshii and Atsushi Takeuchi.

House of Illustration is the UK’s only public gallery and education space dedicated solely to illustration so is the ideal place to run an event on anime artwork. It's located a short walk from Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations. The exhibition is set to run from 26th May to 10th September 2017. It's closed on Mondays. There is an £8.25 admission charge, this will give you access to all 3 galleries.

STUDIO4

Date: 2017 March 27 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have just announced they've teamed up with anime studio STUDIO4°C to launch a Kickstarter for animated film Mind Game to help bring about a blu-ray release. The film is directed by Masaaki Yuasa who is best known for anime The Tatami Galaxy, The Tatami Galaxy, plus the series 6 episode of Adventure Time Food Chain.

Masaaki Yuasa also worked with Production I.G to create Kick-Heart, we interviewed Production I.G. asking them what it's like to work with the director.

Anime Limited are no strangers to successful crowd funding campaigns having launched Mai Mai Miracle campaign, then later a Patema Inverted UK Kickstarter which was funded in 5 hours!

The Mind Game Kickstarter launches on Thursday, 30th March at 12pm BST.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Netflix Announce New Death Note Live Action Series

Date: 2017 March 22 17:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

Fans of killer note books will want to write down the date Friday 25th August 2017, as that's when Netflix will release their live action adaptation of the cult manga title Death Note.

Light Yagami becomes Light Turner (Nat Wolff), L is still L (Lakeith Stanfield), Misa Amane "Misa-Misa" becomes Mia Sutton (Margaret Qualley), Ryuk is still called Ryuk and will be voiced by Willem Dafoe. We want to know, will Mia Sutton dress like Misa Misa? Will this version's L walk around barefoot and drink tea? The teaser trailer hints that it's big budget and the action has moved from Tokyo to Seattle in this adaptation. We also get a tease of Ryuk only seeing his eyes shortly after spying a bright red apple. It ends with the tag line - Shall we begin?

The show is a Netflix Original, so we expect it'll be made available to all Netflix subscribers in any territory.

Some fans are quick to point out that it's not Japanese! Why isn't it Japanese? Well there is already a Japanese Drama Series along with 3 live action Death Note Movies, you can buy them all at bargain prices from Amazon.co.uk (less than £20 for all 3 on DVD) -

- Death Note Live Action Movie
- Death Note 2: The Last Name
- Death Note: L Change The World

Netflix subscribers can watch the whole anime series on the service.

You can also get the complete original manga in a jumbo box set from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com. Alternately they're available to buy separately, or the even more gothic Black Edition from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

A Silent Voice UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 March 19 12:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks at Anime Limited have just revealed that they've put up Amazon.co.uk pre-orders for A Silent Voice on DVD and Blu-ray. Anime Limited announced on Twitter that you now pre order A Silent Voice on standard edition DVD, standard edition blu-ray or Collectors Edition Combi (with DVD and blu-ray). The tentative release date has been set for 18th December 2017.

Anime Limited did state: "NOTE: Until all details are signed-off, we can’t comment on details for our A Silent Voice home video release. Details to follow ASAP".

As the release is so far away, it's really a tentative release date, so we expect it could change as details become clearer., the contents of the collectors edition have yet to be confirmed, we imagine Anime Limited are trying to get some sing off for some nice content. You can still catch the film in select cinemas by checking out asilentvoice.co.uk.

We've written not one, but two reviews of the film for you to compare and contrast.

You can also get the original 7 volume manga from Kodansha Comics via Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. The movie follows pretty much the same story, but as manga has more time to explore the characters you'll get extra background details about their lives and also a few more chapters into their story together.

Souce: Anime Limited

In This Corner of the World UK and Ireland Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 March 16 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans in UK and Ireland looking for a dose of anime at a cinema near them will be excited to hear that Manga Entertainment UK will be releasing In This Corner of the World on 28th June 2017.

We haven't seen the film yet, but we admit we're very interested in it. They got our attention when they said it's directed by Sunao Katabuchi who also directed the outstanding Mai Mai Miracle, which was launched as a Kickstarter by Anime Limited. Manga Entertainment UK revealed that they had secured global distribution rights for In This Corner of the World in June last year.

They'll be exclusive preview screenings on Wednesday 28th June 2017 with further select cinemas from Friday 30th June 2017.

Sword Art Online Movie UK Cinema Details

Date: 2017 March 10 16:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fans of the adventures of Kirito and Asuna will be pleased to hear about the upcoming UK release of the new Sword Art Online Movie. Anime Limited will be distributing the movie and it'll get a cinematic preview nationwide on Wednesday 19th April 2017 and then in selected cinemas from Friday 21st April 2017.

The two hour feature marks the cinematic debut of the SAO franchise. Naturally the movie will focus on the next gen release of a games machine, (no not a Nintendo Switch - that's so 2017, SAO is set in 2026 after all) the Augma a wearable device that lets you experience augmented reality.

We must admit we've got a bit of a soft spot for Sword Art Online and find watching it a guilty pleasure.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

A Silent Voice UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 February 22 15:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited (aka All The Anime) have just revealed the details for the UK and Ireland wide screenings of A Silent Voice. They've already said that the film will be screened around the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 15th March 2017 and select cinemas on Friday 17th March 2017.

They've now launched ASilentVoice.co.uk for you to find a screening near you. This include Showcase Cinemas, PictureHouse, ODEON, VUE, Cineworld and other independent locations.

Depending on demand there is a chance that their could be more screenings, but Anime Limited "... strongly encourage you to watch this the first chance you have as it might be your only opportunity to do so." We definitely agree with them. This is not a film you'd want to miss and it's best experienced on a big cinema screen. As always we strongly advise booking tickets for this film early to avoid disappointment.

We've seen this film and can confirm it's an emotional roller coaster. It'll play with your emotions. It's got everything good anime should have, an engaging story, it's well animated and it doesn't pull the heart strings, it yanks at them, then it makes you laugh with just the right amount of comic relief at the right time. You should watch this gem of a title on the big screen while you have the chance.

The showings will be in Japanese with English subtitles only, as no English dub exists yet.

Crunchyroll and Anime Limited Team Up to Stream Dragon Dentist

Date: 2017 February 18 15:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have just announced that they're partnering with anime streaming service Crunchyroll to bring Studio Khara’s new title Dragon Dentist to the UK, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

The first part of the two part Dragon Dentist will be available on Crunchyroll on Saturday 18th February at 21:45 UTC / GMT.

It was originally part of the Japan Animator Expo.

The title is by Hideaki Anno's Studio Khara, it's best know for doing Rebuild of Evangelion movies. Just so you know, this story focuses on a dentist for dragons, rather than a dragon that is a dentist.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Yokai Watch UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2017 February 09 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their up coming release of Yokai Watch. They'll be releasing the spooky franchise on DVD on Monday 8th May in the UK.

The show focuses on a primary school student Keita who discovers and sets yokai Whisper free. As reward he gives Ketia a special Yokai Watch which allows him to see the other yokai around him. Adventures and a mutli-format franchise of toys, games and other merchandise ensues.

You can pre-order it from Amazon.co.uk now.

Genki Gear MCM Comic Con 2017 Tour T-Shirt

Date: 2017 February 03 15:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Geeky t-shirt maker Genki Gear have got in touch with to tell us about their official MCM Comic Con 2017 Tour T-shirt. Genki Gear have a clever innovation this time around. The t-shirt is a parody board game you can play! So you two things for the price of one. We see what you did there Genki Gear.

The T-shirt / board game will set you back £16.99 and is available from the MCM Expo Store or directly from Genki Gear.

A Silent Voice Director Naoko Yamada to Attend Glasgow Film Festival 2017 Screening

Date: 2017 January 31 16:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans will want to head over to the Glasgow Film Festival 2017 Screening of A Silent Voice. The good folks from All The Anime (aka Anime Limited) tell us that the director Naoko Yamada will make a rare trip abroad to promote the film at the festival.

She'll be attending the screening of the film on Thursday 23rd February 2017, this will be followed by a Q&A session with the director. This session will be hosted by anime expert Jonathan Clements.

This a great and rare opportunity to ask the director about this film. As always, we advise booking tickets early to avoid disappointment.

For those that can't catch it in in Glasgow, or at the ICA London this weekend. A Silent Voice will also be released theatrically across the UK on Wednesday 15th March 2017.

Ronia the Robber's Daughter Release Details

Date: 2017 January 26 17:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Ghibli fans looking to enjoy something for the family at home, will want to tune into Ronia the Robber’s Daughter. It's a 26 part CGI cel-shaded anime is directed by Goro Miyazaki (Hayao Miyazaki's son) it's adapted from the story by Astrid Lindgren, who also wrote Pippi Longstocking, a title Hayao Miyazaki was considering adapting in the past. The show will be dubbed into English and features the narration by Gillian Anderson.

The Guardian has a nice write up of the series.

It's available to watch on Amazon Prime Video from Friday 27th January 2017. If you haven't got it already, you can always try a free trial via Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

The Red Turtle UK Release Details

Date: 2017 January 26 15:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Ghibli fans in the UK will want to set a date in their diaries (or use the Otaku Calendar) for Friday 26th May 2017 as that's when The Red Turtle gets a UK cinema release. The Michael Dudok De Wit film is co-produced by Studio Ghibli. The film contains no dialogue and follows "the milestones in the life of a human being".

As you'd expect it's beautifully animated, heart-warming and emotional. This is one of those movies we suggest you catch on the big screen while you. We know May is far away now, but this is the first we've heard about the UK release from Studio Canal.

Read More... | Souce: Studio Canal

Hokusai beyond the Great Wave Exhibition Details

Date: 2017 January 20 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The image of Hokusai's Under the wave off Kanagawa (The Great Wave), is undoubtedly one of the most famous images to come from Japan. We know our readers love Japanese culture, so it makes sense you'll want to see more of the great Hokusai's work. The British Museum will be running an exhibition called Hokusai beyond the Great Wave. It's set to run from Thursday 25th May to Sunday 13th August 2017.

The exhibition supported by Mitsubishi Corporation will showcase outstanding examples of Hokusai's work, including landscapes (including Mount Fuji of course), flora and fauna, along with demons, ghouls and other monstrous yokai.

The British Museum tell us "The exhibition will include prints, paintings and illustrated books, many of which are on loan from Japan, Europe and the USA. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these extraordinary works together."

This is indeed a rare chance to catch a glimpse of some amazing artwork. Entrance for British Museum Members is free, while tickets for adults cost £12, with under 16s getting in free. With an event like this we strongly advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Seven Seas License Dragon Half Manga

Date: 2017 January 13 18:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

It seems that Christmas has come early for some manga fans as publisher Seven Seas Entertainment have just announced that they'll be releasing Dragon Half as a manga omnibus from December 2017.

Certain anime fans will be aware of the much loved crazy title that follows the adventures of half human half dragon Mink, who has fallen for male idol and dragon slayer Dick Saucer (yes, that is his name). The 1993 two episode OVA was mad cap to say the least for many it was an early introduction into how crazy anime can be. That and how you can reinterpret Beethoven's Symohony Number 7 and the joy of omelettes (you really need to watch the anime to appreciate this). Yum! Tamago! *ahem*

Even if you haven't seen the anime If you love Japanese RPGs, you'll want to get a hold of this title.

The Japan Foundation Touring Film UK Programme 2017 Details

Date: 2017 January 09 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from the Japan Foundation in London have sent us details of their up coming Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme. The film programme will tour 15 cities around the UK. It starts at the ICA in London on Friday 3rd February 2017.

Anime fans will want to catch A Silent Voice at the ICA on Sunday 5th February 2017. If you haven't seen it already, it's one of those films you should try to enjoy in a cinema!

The tour will be showcasing a selection of films old and new! As always with screenings like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Manga Entertainment UK to Release Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in the UK

Date: 2017 January 07 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their latest acquisition. They now have the UK home video rights for Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. From April 2017, they'll be releasing the original Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Dino Charge and Power Rangers Dino Super Charge.

Recently Manga Entertainment UK have released various children's movies, including the original Pokemon movies (along with more recent releases such as Pokemon The Movie: Hoopa And The Clash Of Ages), and the original 1980's Transformers Movie (in a newly remastered edition). We suspect that the nostalgic market for adults wishing to relive their childhood and parents wishing to show their kids what TV used to be like has produced promising sales for these titles.

We also think that the upcoming 2017 live action Hollywood remake/reboot of The Power Rangers will result in good sales for adults wanting to rediscover the show and kids who want to see the original source material.

Your Name UK DVD and Blu-ray Pre-order Details

Date: 2016 December 21 14:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Without doubt the surprise anime hit of the years has been Makoto Shinkai's Your Name. Anime Limited have just announced that the title is now available for pre-order from Amazon UK.

They've set the provisional release date for Monday 30th October 2017. They do however state that this date is likely to change and hopefully they'll be able to release it earlier.

You can pre-order one of 3 editions via Amazon.co.uk.
Your Name on DVD from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name Collectors Edition on Blu-ray and DVD Combi-pack from Amazon.co.uk

Anime Limited have confirmed at this time they are uncertain if there will be an Ultimate Edition. All editions will contain the movie dubbed in English and in Japanese with subtitles. They've yet to clarify the contents of each edition as it's still early days yet.

You can read our review of Your Name and our interview with the film's director Makoto Shinkai.

Souce: Anime Limited

Takarabune Art Show by Junko Mizuno December 2016

Date: 2016 December 08 15:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in LA who are fans of renowned creepy-kawaii manga artist Junko Mizuno will want to head over to Gallery Nucleus on Saturday December 17th, 2016 for the opening reception of her new exhibition. Junko Mizuno's second Japan-themed art show will run from December 17th, 2016 to January 8, 2017.

Admission to the opening reception is free, booking is required. As always with popular events, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

For those looking to find out more we interviewed Junko Mizuno last time she was in London.

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