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BFI May 2018 Anime Screening Details

Date: 2018 March 27 20:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London based anime fans will want to get over to the BFI in May 2018 to catch an Anime Weekender.

They'll be screening a range of titles including the soon to be released Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, along with the box office giant Your Name. One Your Name screening will be on IMAX, we caught it on the colossal screen last year and suggest you can catch it if you can.

There's so much good stuff in this season, including the charming Lu Over the Wall. We saw it last year and loved it.

Tucked away on the listings (and easily missed) is a complete run down of the BFI Animation 2018 Season. This includes a delightful screening of Ghibli Classics My Neighbour Totoro and two screenings of Spirited Away, plus a screening of Princess Mononoke.

Satoshi Kon's masterpiece Paprika will also be shown.

Fans keen to see Akira can also catch two screenings of 30th anniversary screening: Akira, including one on IMAX.

History buffs and historic anime fans alike will be interested in Momotaro's Divine Sea Warriors a World War II propaganda film thought to be destroyed after the war.

Basically we suggest you catch one of these fantastic films on the big screen. Nothing beats watching a great anime film on a huge cinema screen. We also suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Pluto: The Stage Play London Showing Details

Date: 2018 February 06 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

London based readers looking to get some theatrical culture into themselves will want to head to the Barbican from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th February 2018 to catch Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui / Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon: Pluto.

The play is based on Naoki Urasawa's manga Pluto, which itself is based on Tezuka's Astroboy. The play combines elements of manga, traditional Japanese Bunraku puppetry, elaborate design and media projection.

It's only running at the Barbican for a few days, so if you're interested we suggest you book now to avoid disappointment.

Ichibuns - Japanese Burgers and more in London

Date: 2018 January 29 15:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

The restaurant scene in London is vibrant. No matter what you like to eat, there's a restaurant that caters for you. Japanese cuisine is no different. There are all kinds of Japanese places to eat, from cheap and cheerful Japanese home-style cooking to the decadent, creative and experimental nuvo cuisine.

Recently we discovered Ichibuns, a Japanese inspired restaurant like no other. Influenced by Hokkaido cuisine, it's a Japanese Rock and Roll American diner from the creative minds of Robin Leigh (who is best known for the legendary Nobu and Busaba Eathai) and Endo Kazutoshi (of Zuma).

On hearing about this we didn't really know what to expect. On visiting it was clear that Ichibuns is something a bit special.

The first thing that hits you is the design, which is a love letter to Japanese popular culture. When you walk in, the faces of popular shonen manga character stare down at you from the entrance. There are pages of manga all over the ceiling and Pachinko machines on the wall. You start looking and there's all sorts of interesting Japanese memorabilia like Oni (demon) masks on the walls, and adverts from old times. The staircase wall is made of whole telephone book sized weekly editions of manga. The eclectic style works because it isn't a restaurant designed by someone trying to copy Japanese concepts, it was designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Tokyo’s Studio Glitt.

After eating there we wanted to know more about this place. It's like a portal into Japan. We don't normally do articles on restaurants, but were intrigued and eager to know more about this place. So we got in touch with Brendan Fong, Executive Chef at Ichibuns to find out more.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms UK and International Premiere Details

Date: 2018 January 25 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Glasgow based anime fans looking for a premiere film screening will want to go to the Glasgow Film Festival on Sunday 4th March 2018 to catch Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms. This is the International Premiere. It'll be coming to cinemas nationwide in March 2018 thanks to the good folks at Anime Limited.

The fantasy anime marks Mari Okada’s directorial debut you may be familiar with her other work she wrote The Anthem of the Heart and the screenplay for Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea. The Anime is produced by P.A. Works who created one of the Otaku News Team's favourite anime series The Eccentric Family.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

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.

Lu Over The Wall Review

Date: 2017 November 29 16:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited are releasing Masaaki Yuasa's latest film Lu Over The Wall in cinemas across the UK on Wednesday 6th December 2017. You can find a screening near you by visiting LuOverTheWallMovie.co.uk.

We recently interviewed the director asking him about the film and his other feature Night Is Short, Walk On Girl.

If you're curious about the Lu Over The Wall then read on to enjoy our spoiler free review.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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.

An Interview with Katsura Sunshine

Date: 2017 November 12 09:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Japan is a place with many traditions and art forms. It even has its own traditional form of comedy rakugo. The performer sits down on stage and tells an amusing story using only two props a fan and hand towel. Katsura Sunshine is one such performer, a Canadian who discovered the art form while in Japan. You may have caught his show Dive into Ukiyo-e on NHK World.

We caught up with Sunshine over a coffee in London on a warm day in May to discover more about rakugo and his performances.

He's just recently completed a set of shows at the Leicester Square Theatre. He'll be performing at Hyper Japan in November 2017, and then have an off Broadway show at the Soho Playhouse in New York for a year.

This article interview is one of those relaxing long reads, we could have split it into many parts, but felt it's best to keep it as one whole article, so you too can imagine you're having coffee with Sunshine. Apart from those interested in Japanese culture, we think this article will also be interesting to people following stage performances, improv or stand-up comedy.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Perfect Blue UK Halloween Cinema Screening Review

Date: 2017 October 24 16:40 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Features

UK Anime fans can catch the Satoshi Kon Classic Perfect Blue at UK Cinemas Nationally on 31st October 2017. Visit perfectbluemovie.co.uk to find a screening near you.

We sent James and Lee to review the movie. Our editor found them after the screening rocking back and forth in the corner of the room, muttering about perception of reality and something about an unreliable narrator, he didn't care that this movie freaked them both out, he just wanted his 500 word review. So after some special counselling involving a unicorn chaser of both seasons of K-On (plus the movie) we managed to get a coherent review. Although they are still on edge a bit when they see J-Pop Idols for some reason...

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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.

An Interview with Masaaki Yuasa

Date: 2017 September 29 16:51 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Features

Cult anime director Masaaki Yuasa was in the UK recently, being eager to quiz him about his two upcoming films Night is Short, Walk On Girl which hits cinemas on 4th October 2017 (visit the official website to find a screening near you) and Lu Over the Wall on 6th December 2017.

Rather than just send anyone to interview this great director, we wanted to send someone we knew who is one of Masaaki Yuasa biggest fans. So we sent Katy.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Japan Matsuri in London September 2017

Date: 2017 September 21 15:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture looking for something to do on Sunday 24th September 2017 will want to head to the Japan Matsuri. The festival is set to run from 10am until 8pm at Trafalgar Square.

The event has a central stage with performances all day long, plenty of Japanese food stalls selling hot street food to eat while you're there, plus lots of other stalls selling Japanese goodies. The event is free to attend, no booking is required. Just turn up and enjoy the celebration of Japanese Culture.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

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

My Experience of seeing Your Name at the IMAX

Date: 2017 August 17 13:38 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Features

As I leave Cineworld Leicester Square, trying to pull together the memories of what I had just watched, I smile and sense a melancholic joy well up inside of me. Watching Your Name reminded me of all the subconscious thoughts, moments and dreams we might have all forgotten through the motions of everyday life, an inevitable cycle of the human mind... and yet there I was, trying not to let go of what I had just seen, trying to fathom the beauty of the film’s meaning and put it into words. Makoto Shinkai had done it again!

But I'm not here to review the film today (you can read our earlier, spoiler-free review here). Instead, I'm here to talk about the experience of watching the world’s first anime to be released in IMAX format!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

An Interview with Danny Choo

Date: 2017 July 26 15:27 | Posted By: Lee

Category > Features

One of the great things about writing for Otaku News is that you get to meet interesting people. At Hyper Japan we caught up with Danny Choo a professional otaku, entrepreneur, Japanese Cultural ambassador and inventor of the Smart Doll Fashion Doll.

Danny was born and raised in the UK and has been living in Tokyo since 1999. We managed to get an exclusive with interview him at his Smart Doll Booth and he revealed some interesting up products. Read on to find out more.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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.

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.

Okinawa Day 2017 in London

Date: 2017 June 20 16:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese Culture looking for something to do on Saturday 24th June 2017 will want to head over to Spitalfields to celebrate Okinawa Day 2017. The free event is set to run from 10am to 6pm with a mixture of traditional Okinawan culture including folk music, karate performances and Eisa dancing.

Souce: Okinawa Day 2017

An interview with Tim Clark the Curator of Hokusai: beyond the Great wave at the British Museum

Date: 2017 May 23 15:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

The British Museum will be hosting a Hokusai Exhibition from Thursday 25th May until Sunday 13th August 2017.

Dedicated to the Japanese master the exhibition entitled Hokusai: beyond the Great wave will feature two magnificent painted ceiling panels of wave subjects loaned by Hokusaikan, Obuse, done in 1845 for a festival cart, along with many other fabulous bits of artwork.

Naturally being fans of Japan we know you're eager to find out more about this. So we go in touch with Tim Clark the exhibition's curator.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The Red Turtle Review

Date: 2017 May 22 15:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

In an interesting move from Studio Ghibli, rather than look just in Japan for the talent to direct a new animated movie the fabled studio looked around the world to find someone suitable. They found Michaël Dudok de Wit. The movie they made together was The Red Turtle.

We caught up with the director for an exclusive interview.

The film is set for release at UK cinemas from Friday 26th May 2017.

We know you're wondering Is the movie any good? Well read our review and find out!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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,

In This Corner Of The World to Appear in Competition at Annecy 2017

Date: 2017 April 27 16:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

In This Corner Of The World UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us details about their feature film In This Corner Of The World, which is set to appear in competition at the prestigious Annecy Festival in June.

UK readers will be also keen to hear Manga Entertainment will be releasing the film in cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 28th June 2017. You can find a screening near you by visiting www.inthiscornerfilm.co.uk.

We're massive fans of the directors other feature film Mai Mai Miracle so are very excited about this release.

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.

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.

Japan struggles to find enough English Speakers for Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020

Date: 2017 March 30 16:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

BBC News has an interesting article about Japan's preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games. As hosts they're keen to make sure they have enough English speakers. The article mentions that "...the government needs to ensure a supply of English speakers to be Olympic volunteers and work in the accommodation, tourism, and retail industries."

Interestingly the article reveals that "Japan is 40th out of 48 countries on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), and last year it fell from 'moderate proficiency' to 'low proficiency' on EF's English Proficiency Index."

The trouble it seem is with Japanese culture, in their quest for perfection, many students will only speak if they know they're saying it the right way. If they think they're going to make a mistake, they'll rather remain silent.

The article also highlights that generally written English is better than spoken English in Japan. So teachers in Fukuoka Prefecture have been using Fawlty Towers and Red Dwarf to get students accustomed to hearing spoken English. We wonder if these students will assume Smeg-head is common parlance?!

Souce: BBC News

Takashimaya British Fair in Nagoya

Date: 2017 March 29 15:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Normally we post news about being fans of Japan, but lets try something the other way around. If you're in Nagoya from 29th March to April 3rd 2017 you should pop into the JR Takashimaya Department Store for British Weeks - Life with British Quality. The British Fair in Nagoya will highlight some great British goods and culture. Waving the flag for the UK will be Caron Cooper who will be servering the classic British tea and scones.

Caron Cooper owns and runs Fosse Farmhouse a bed and breakfast in the Cotswolds. Anime fans will know it as Alice Cartalet's House from Kinmoza.

Souce: JR Takashimaya Department Store

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.

A Silent Voice Cinema Review 2

Date: 2017 March 06 15:35 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We're all talking about A Silent Voice this week. This is the second of two reviews of the emotional roller-coaster anime film arriving in UK Cinemas on Wednesday 15th March 2017. Although Lee and I saw the same film we both came out with different opinions of the title. Rather than just mash it into one review, we've published both reviews for you to compare and contrast.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

A Silent Voice Cinema Review 1

Date: 2017 March 06 15:25 | Posted By: Lee

Category > Anime

As we've said before anime film A Silent Voice will hit UK cinemas on Wednesday 15th March 2017. Fresh from the success of Your Name, the folks at Anime Limited are distributing this title in the UK and Ireland. We could have written one review, but after heated discussion our editor and I interpreted the movie differently, so we're going to publish both reviews.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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

Introducing The Manga Concierge

Date: 2017 February 11 13:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Recently we interviewed Anne Ferrero of toco toco TV, she's just got in touch with us to tells us about a new show that's just started on YouTube The Manga Concierge. The show is in Japanese, with English and French subtitles.

Based in Shibuya, Torai Eisu is a "Manga Concierge", who guides people to the manga they "always wanted to read". In this program, we meet with him every month to hear his title selection, each time on a different theme. In this first episode, the manga concierge introduces three manga about 'game'.

Souce: The Manga Concierge

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.

Talking to toco toco tv

Date: 2017 January 25 16:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

We've interviewed a lot of interesting people in the anime industry over the years and were delighted when we discovered the mini-documentary show toco toco tv. The series available on YouTube has a simple and effective format they talk to various Japanese creators and introduce places they like in Japan while telling the viewer about their work.

The show is aired on the French TV channel Nolife since 2011 and YouTube (with English and French subtitles) since 2015.

Being intrigued about the show we wanted to know more, so decided to interview Anne Ferrero the show's director.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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.

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.

Anisong - The Musical World of Anime - London January 2017

Date: 2016 December 21 15:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans in London looking for something fun to do in the new year will be interested to hear about the Japan Foundation's Latest Talk on Anisong - The Musical World of Anime.

The talk is set to run on Wednesday 18th January 2017 from 6:45pm at Foyles Bookshop on Charing Cross Road. Featuring a talk by Dr Rayna Denison, lecturer at the University of East Anglia, the event will trace anime music’s brief historical journey while examining the impact it has had upon the anime industry and its viewers.

Following on from the talk, there will be a special performance by Aya Ikeda, the songstress behind the themes of the very famous anime series Pretty Cure (aka PreCure) a "magical girl" anime, as well as the opportunity to sing along too!

The talk is free to attend, but booking is required. We suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Kiki's Delivery Service Theatrical Adaptation an Interview at the Southwark Playhouse

Date: 2016 December 14 15:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

The holiday season is always a good time to relax and catch a performance at the theatre. There's always something for everyone in London. This year the Southwark Playhouse have looked to Japan for some inspiration and produced stage play of Kiki's Delivery Service.

The title is best known as the much loved Studio Ghibli feature film, which is based on the book by Eiko Kadono. Being fans of Japan we were certainly intrigued. 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.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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.

Your Name Breaks Box Office Records

Date: 2016 November 25 17:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us details about their Your Name screening. The film has grossed £108,372 at the UK and Irish Box Offices across 104 screens. They tell us it breaks the record for a single day gross and is the widest ever screen release for an anime film.

During the campaign the film received positive praise from the mainstream press including Mark Keromode who gave it a great review on his film show and on his film column

If you've missed the movie you can find a screening of Your Name by going to YourNameTheMovie.co.uk, alternatively you can see if there will be another screening near you via the on-demand cinema platform Our Screen.

You can read our review of the movie and our interview with director Makoto Shinkai.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Makoto Shinkai's Your Name Review

Date: 2016 November 17 15:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Makoto Shinkai's latest movie Your Name is due for a UK wide cinema release on Thursday 24th November 2016. You can find a screening near you by visiting YouNameTheMovie.co.uk.

We saw the the movie before it started to climb at the Japanese box office and become one of the highest grossing movies of all time in Japan.

We also interviewed the director Makoto Shinkai asking him lots of interesting questions about the movie.

Now the question you're asking, is the movie actually any good? Well wonder no more. We wrote this review before the hype picked up. So read on to get thoughts on the film!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

An Interview with Makoto Shinaki Director of Your Name

Date: 2016 November 15 15:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Makoto Shinkai's latest movie Your Name is about to hit the UK nationally on Thursday 24th November 2016. Last month we were lucky enough to catch up with Mr Shinkai to talk about Your Name while he was in London for the BFI London Film Festival.

You can catch the box office smash hit by going to YourNameTheMovie.co.uk to find a screening near you.

This isn't Makoto Shinkai's first time in London. We interviewed him in 2008 last time he was at the BFI promoting 5 Centimeters Per Second.

You can read our Your Name review too if you're interested to know more about the film.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Kinmoza Classes in Japan with Caron Cooper of Fosse Farmhouse

Date: 2016 October 19 15:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of the anime Kinmoza in Japan are in for a treat this November. Fosse Farmhouse owner Caron Cooper will be in Japan to give cooking classes and introduce people to British culture.
Fosse Farmhouse was chosen as the location for Alice's house in the anime Kinmoza.

The classes are primarily aimed at fans of the show. Caron will detail her experience of working with the production company during filming, meeting the voice actors and the location areas used in the filming near here Kemble, Bibury, Cirencester, and Bathampton. She'll also bake scones and make tea during the class, plus there will also be a question and answer session. It's perfect for the Anglophile fans of Kinmoza.

There will be a classes in Fukuoka on 3rd November 2016, at 11:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 16:00 at Navel Green.

While in Tokyo there will be classes on 10th and 11th November 2016 at 19:30 to 21:00 at the Koishikawa Y Club.

Along with on 13th November 2016 a class at 14:30 to 16:00 at Meidai Academy.

Each class has limited numbers, so we advise you too book early to avoid disappointment.

Souce: The Offical Kinmoza Website

Makoto Shinkai Your Name National UK Screenings Reminder

Date: 2016 October 15 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

While Makoto Shinkai is in London promoting is latest smash hit move Your Name, it might be a good time to remind UK readers that they can catch it nationwide on a special one day screening on Thursday 24th November 2016. You can check the official Your Name Movie UK Website to find a screening near you. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

We don't say smash hit lightly either, it's grossed more than $100 million USD at the Japanese box office and is on track to be the 5th highest grossing movie in Japanese box office history.

If you're a fan of Makoto Shinkai, you might not be aware of the special artbook, A Sky Longing for Memories: The Art of Makoto Shinkai. It's a lavish full colour artbook which is packed with art from many of the movies he directred, with hundreds of background from 5 Centimeters per Second, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Voices of a Distant Star, and a TV advertisement for the Mainichi Newspaper. It doesn't feature Your Name, as it was published before the film was released, it does however feature a section on software and techniques behind CoMix Wave’s animation, which. This English also features an interview with Makoto Shinkai and other key members of his studio. You can buy the book from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

If you're already a fan, you should already be aware of The Place Promised in Our Early Days / Voices of a Distant Star Twin Pack on Blu-ray and DVD. That's due out on Monday 21st November 2016. It's in full collectors packaging along with another artbook. You can pre-order this from Amazon.co.uk.

Souce: Your Name the Movie UK Website

MCM London Comic Con to welcome Evangelion animator Takeshi Honda this October 2016

Date: 2016 October 12 15:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've already mentioned that Psycho-Pass director Naoyoshi Shiotani will be at the MCM London Comic Con this October. We've just heard from the good folks at MCM that Evangelion animator Takeshi Honda will also be at the event. He worked on the original Neon Genesis Evangelion and went back for the reboot acting as mechanical animation director on Evangelion: 1.0, animation director on Evangelion: 2.0 and then chief animation director on the latest in the series, Evangelion: 3.0.

He's got lots of top titles on his CV too, being involved in Millennium Actress, Perfect Blue, Ponyo, The Wind Rises and The Boy and the Beast. Such an industry veteran will have lots of interesting insights to reveal.

MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2016 at Excel London.

Drawing a New Generation of Manga - London Talk October 2016

Date: 2016 October 03 14:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of manga looking for something interesting to will want to head over to Foyles Book shop on Charign Cross Road for the Manga: The New Generation talk. Ken Niimura and Miki Yamamoto will be joined by curator and comics writer Paul Gravett to discuss the new wave of manga artists.

The event is set to take place on Monday 17tth October 2016 from 6:30pm.

The event is free to attend but booking is essential.

As always with events like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Japan Matsuri in London September 2016 Details

Date: 2016 September 22 15:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture looking for something to do this weekend in London will want to head over to the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square. The Japanese festival is set to run from 10am to 8pm on Sunday 25th September 2016. There are no entry charges.

There'll be a big stage with lots of traditional and modern Japanese performances, along with plenty of stalls selling Japanese Street food, plus other goodies such as arts and crafts. A few travel agents will be there too, so it's good to go if you're planning a trip to Japan.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

Sherlock: A Study in Pink Manga Release Date

Date: 2016 September 12 15:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Fans of BBC Series Sherlock will already know about the English language release of the manga adaptation we've covered before.

Currently Titan Comics have split the manga up into 6 comic books to sell the chapters separately. The full collected manga for Sherlock: A Study in Pink will be released on 31st January 2016 as a single book.

The book is available to pre-order from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Scotland Loves Anime 2016 Details

Date: 2016 September 01 14:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Scotland Loves Anime have just announced their 2016 line-up. The anime film festival frequently hosts the UK (and often the European) premiere of many anime films. It's mission is to promote animation as art. This year they tell us "We’ve got 4 EU premieres, 5 UK Premieres and 1 Scottish premiere again this year."

This year the festival is set to run in Glasgow from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October 2016, while the Edinburgh Programme will run Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd October 2016.

There's so many highlights, So many, including Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name, fan favourite Kizumonogatari - Part 1 and 2. Often you'll have to wait ages after the festival to get another chance (if any) to catch these movies on the big screen. Interestingly, they'll also be screening Momotaro, Sacred Sailors, Japanese Propaganda film from World War 2 was thought lost until rediscovered in 1983.

They've got Harmony (we interviewed it's director Michael Arias in May this year). The Mamoru Hosoda classic The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (which will be introduced by anime expert Jonathan Clements in Edinburgh).

They'll also be showing Makoto Shinkai’s The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Garden of Words and Voices of a Distant Star.

Guest wise Yoshimi Itazu, the anime industry veteran and director of Pigtails will be at the Glasgow Film Theatre. Jonathan Clements the anime industry expert, writer and author will also be there as a guest to offer his insight. You may know him as the co-author of all 3 editions of The Anime Encyclopedia: A Century of Japanese Animation.

As always with festivals like this. We advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Makoto Shinkai's Your Name at the BFI and Nationwide in the UK

Date: 2016 September 01 10:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've got news from the good folks at the BFI, who'll tell us that Makoto Shinkai’s "Your Name" to Screen in Competition at the 60th BFI London Film Festival. This is significant as for for the first time in its history, it will host a Japanese animated film in the competition.

Makoto Shinkai's new film, which blends comedy, drama, heartbreak and wonder, will also open nationwide at 78 UK cinemas on Thursday November 24th 2016.

We caught up with Makoto Shinkai and interviewed him last time he was at the BFI promoting 5 Centimeters Per Second.

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