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Crunchyroll Unveils Winter Season of Anime for the Start of 2024

Date: 2023 December 14 20:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from streaming giants Crunchyroll have just sent us details for their Winter 2024 line up. As 2023 winds down, they've got some great titles to lined up to start the new year.

Headlining on 29th December 2023, Burn The Witch returns and we'll get more adventures in Reverse London.

While 6th January 2024 sees the continuation of One Piece, and we're introduced to new series Solo Leveling and A Sign of Affection. We've covered Solo Leveling before when it had a special London screening. We're also very curious about A Sign of Affection as the romantic series looks promising.

We're most excited about the confirmation that Frieren: Beyond Journey's End will be continuing too. We've really been enjoying this story of Elf Mage Frieren who's quest has finished and has started to figure out what to do next.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

United Publications to Exit Anime and Manga Retail Market

Date: 2023 December 06 19:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The goods folks from retailers United Publications have sent us news that they're to retire from the anime and manga retail market.

The UK based retailers and publishers were a regular fixture at UK anime conventions, they also had a presence at the MCM London Comic Con. You may remember them for their bold yellow banners with black text similar to a warning sign. They were a popular source of import anime DVDs and later blu-rays, but also had a big selection of manga and figures.

Anime fans of a certain generation will remember them fondly from the London Anime Club (which ran until 2008) as one of the main two retailers there. Fans would places orders to collect at the club and discover new titles over the dealers table and enthusiastically trade recommendations.

However change and reconciliation in the market has made anime and manga retail impractical for them and they've slowly started to wind down that side of the business.

We're told you should check their website for bargains, as MVM has given them some nice discounts on all titles as they reduce stock for the new year.

Read More... | Souce: United Publications

Spirited Away Stage Play Adaptation London Performance Details

Date: 2023 December 01 20:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

We've just heard news that the stage adaptation of Spirited Away has been extended by 5 weeks due to huge demand. It's set to run in London from Tuesday 30th April 2024 until Saturday 24th August 2024. They've made an extra 90,000 (yes ninety thousand) extra tickets on sale!

You can catch this performance at the London Coliseum. The stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's much loved Spirited Away closely follows the original movie and does feature singing and dancing, but is not a musical. It will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles visible from each seat.

You can visit the London Coliseum website book tickets

If you want to catch more Miyazaki on the London stage, don't forget about the Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican. This second run of the truly fantastic stage play is set to run from Tuesday 21st November 2023 until Saturday 23rd March 2024. We saw the run last year and you can read our review if you're curious to know more about the 2022 run.

Read More... | Souce: Spirited Away Stage Play Adaptation London Coliseum Official Website

Solo Leveling London Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2023 November 29 20:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from streaming giant Crunchyroll have sent us details about a special screening of Solo Leveling. Ahead of the series hitting the streaming service in January, you can catch a premiere screening of the first two episodes at Cineworld Leicester Square in London on Wednesday 13th December 2023.

Solo Leveling is a Korean manhwa and is adapted into an anime series by A-1 Pictures (who are responsible for Sword Art Online, Black Butler and Fairy Tail to name a few of their titles).

Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Reminder: City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London

Date: 2023 November 27 20:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances the Best of Anime Concert has been rescheduled to Saturday 3rd February 2024. All tickets for the December event will be valid for the February 2024 one automatically.

They intend to prepare a new set including music from Ghibli's latest movie The Boy And The Heron.

Just a quick reminder to our readers who can get to London this weekend. On Sunday 3rd December 2023 City String Ensemble will be performing their City String Ensemble: Best of Anime which is set to run at EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney).

We've announced the event before and interviewed Sophie Poteratchi, the founder and violinist of City String Ensemble about the up coming event.

We've heard anime music played by live string quartets before and it is something special. If you're a fan of anime music or classical music, there's plenty to enjoy.

It's also worth noting just across the road from the venue on the same day the Yokimono Japanese Christmas Market will be running, which promises all sorts of food, crafts and performances, so you can make a day of Japanese culture!

Souce: City String Ensemble

Makoto Shinkai's Suzume Hits Crunchyroll from 16th November 2023

Date: 2023 November 13 20:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from streaming giant Crunchyroll have sent us news that Makoto Shinkai's latest movie Suzume will be available on the streaming platform from Thursday 16th November 2023.

The director is best known for anime box office smash hits Your Name and Weathering With You. Suzume is his latest offering in with the titular character must travel around various ruins across Japan closing doors that are the cause of devastation. The film went on to gross over $300 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, making it the fourth highest-grossing anime film of all time.

If you want to know more about the movie you can read our spoiler free Suzume movie review or our interview with Makoto Shinkai about the film.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Attack on Titan Concludes on Crunchyroll

Date: 2023 November 03 17:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Remember remember the 5th of November as that's when Attack on Titan Final Season The Final Chapters Special 2 will be arriving on Crunchyroll. The epic conclusion to the colossal series will be available on the streaming service from 5th November 2023 in the UK and over 200 countries and territories around the world.

This will conclude the anime series, which has been running for 10 years now! Based on the hit manga (with over 100 million volumes sold worldwide) it tells the tale of Eren Jaeger and his friends who live inside the towering walls of a fortified city. The last of humanity survive behind the safety of the walls as outside roam man eating titans. Eren's life goes downhill when titans bust into his part of the city and chaos ensues.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

An Interview with Sophie Poteratchi of City String Ensemble

Date: 2023 October 25 19:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

With the City String Ensemble due to play a special 2 hour Best of Anime performance this December, we thought it would be a good idea to find out some more details. We got in touch with Sophie Poteratchi, the founder and violinist of City String Ensemble to find out more. Sophie tells us she loves performing music from numerous genres despite her classical training. "It is my vision to find more immersive and innovative ways to perform music from modern culture and in turn inspire audiences to come and watch a "classical concert" which is usually associated with instruments like the violin etc."

It's not every day you get string quartet performing anime tunes in London, why not read our interview with Sophie to find out more!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Machine as a Hero? Unfolding Japanese Mecha-Anime Talk by Fujitsu Ryota

Date: 2023 October 21 11:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at the Japan Foundation London and Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival have got in touch to tell us about a online talk they'll be hosting. Machine as a Hero? Unfolding Japanese Mecha-Anime by Fujitsu Ryota is set to run on Friday 10th November 2023 at 18:30 GMT. The online talk hosted on Zoom, is free to attend, but registration is required.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Foundation London

Crunchyroll Reveal UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Line-up for October to December 2023

Date: 2023 October 05 20:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from streaming giants Crunchyroll just sent us the line up for their UK Q4 2023 home video release schedule. They headline with Chainsaw Man, My Dress Up Darling, Classroom of the Elite, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, which all get released on Monday 4th December 2023, along with Overlord IV which gets a release on Monday 20th November 2023.

For the end of year blu-ray and DVD line up, they've got pretty something for everyone, including some perfect holiday gifts. We're most excited about getting Chainsaw Man on Blu-ray as we enjoyed extremely violent anime, while we're also looking forward to My Dress Up Darling, which is almost the polar opposite of Chainsaw Man, as it follows the (fan service heavy) story of a cosplayer and a costume maker for dolls teaming up to make the perfect cosplay, it's saccharine, with a bit of slice of life along with amusing moments as they dance around the fan service, this is one of the many reasons it proved and instant hit.

Don't forget about The Girl from the Other Side, the anime version is a bit different from the manga, but still follows the dark fairy tale themes of a girl and her goat skull like headed carer. It's out from Monday 2nd October 2023 (so out now).

If you're looking for some comic relief you can get it in bucket loads from the Konosuba Legend of Crimson - Movie which is out Monday 4th December 2023.
You'll be able to buy the titles from the usual places, Amazon, Zavvi and HMV stores.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Evangelion:3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2023 October 04 19:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us a reminder that Evangelion:3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time will hit select cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Friday 6th October 2023.

It's the epic conclusion of the Rebuild of EVANGELION. It's also out on home video at the end of the month.

If you're familiar with Evangelion, but haven't seen it, you should take the chance to see it on the big screen! To find a screening near you and book tickets visit https://evangelion.alltheanime.com.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Crunchyroll Autumn 2023 Streaming Line Up

Date: 2023 September 25 19:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime streaming giants Crunchyroll have sent us details of their upcoming Autumn 2023 anime season. Content wise they'll be bringing everyone over 50 new, returning, and continuing series.

We're most excited about Frieren: Beyond Journey's End which gets released on Friday 29th September 2023. It tells the story of an elf mage at the end of her adventure and has to come to terms with her human comrades settling down after their heroic quest, while she has a significantly longer lifespan. Along with more Dr. Stone. Other fan favourites including One Piece return, plus Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2.

One that might go under your radar is Under Ninja (based on the manga by the same name), in a world where ninja still exist in Japan.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

City String Ensemble Anime Music Performance in London

Date: 2023 September 21 17:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from City String Ensemble have sent us details about an up coming performance. City String Ensemble: Best of Anime which is set to run at EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney) in London on Sunday 3rd December 2023.

They promise an evening of iconic melodies from Studio Ghibli to the adrenaline-pumping beats of Attack on Titan. To get a feel for their performances take a look at their Eventbrite listing which includes links to their Spotify Anime EP along with some other samples on their YouTube Channel.

We've heard anime music played by live string quartets before and it is something special. If you're a fan of anime music or classical music, there's plenty to enjoy.

Read More... | Souce: City String Ensemble

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2023 Details

Date: 2023 September 09 17:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival will return this autumn 2023. Wale's premier event for Japanese anime is set to run 30th September - 1 October 2023 Chapter Cardiff, 20th - 22nd October 2023 Aberystwyth Arts Centre and 10th - 16th November 2023 Pontio Bangor.

You can see the details for each venue on the programme page. Highlights this year are the truly fantastic The First Slam Dunk, the Liz and the Blue Bird, Miss Hokusai and many more.

Read More... | Souce: Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival

The First Slam Dunk Movie Review

Date: 2023 August 25 18:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The First Slam Dunk Movie is set to bounce into cinemas across the UK from Wednesday 30th August 2023. We were lucky enough to catch it at an advance press screening earlier. We're now able to publish what we think of the film. Is it worth watching? Is it worth watching if you've not encountered any Slam Dunk before? Well read on and out!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The Garden of Words Stage Play Review

Date: 2023 August 22 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

The stage play adaption of The Garden of Words is now hitting the theatre. Set to run from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023 at London's Park Theatre. We've been following the progress of this play since it was announced a few years ago, so were naturally keen to catch a performance on stage.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time UK Blu-ray, 4K UHD and DVD Release Details

Date: 2023 August 05 10:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from anime publishers Anime Limited have just announced they'll be releasing Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time on Blu-ray and 4K UHD this Autumn. It'll be available from Monday 30th October 2023. They'll be several editions:

Standard DVD currently on offer at £12.99

Blu-ray and DVD in Steel Bookcurrently on offer at £24.99 (SRP: £29.99)

Blu-ray + 4K UHD Deluxe Edition which includes a rigid slipcase along with the steelbook case, 28-page book, art cards, and a poster. This is currently on offer at £49.99 (SRP: £79.99)

The movie marks the conclusion of the rebuild of Evangelion reboot movie series. If you haven't seen it but are familiar with the groundbreaking Evangelion franchise you know what you're going to get, but if you haven't seen any Evangelion this might not be the best place to start as there are 3 other movies in the rebuild to watch before this one. The animation is stunning and story is as the press release puts it "emotionally resonant".

Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice Upon A Time is available to pre-order now.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero x Crunchyroll Competition

Date: 2023 July 23 15:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is available to watch now exclusively via streaming service Crunchyroll.

To celebrate the streaming launch we've teamed up with Crunchyroll to give away a free months subscriptions as well as a commemorative postcard to 5 lucky people.

To enter all you have to do, is e-mail us at dbzcomp@otakunews.com and answer the following question: Who is the original creator of Dragon Ball? The competition is open to those living in the UK and Ireland only. 5 lucky winners will be picked at random after the competition closes. Full terms and conditions are below.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Piano Concert featuring Anime and Games Music by Kikuchi Ryota in London and Birmingham

Date: 2023 July 17 19:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the Japan Foundation London have sent us details of a piano concert by Kikuchi Ryota. The pianist is popular on YouTube and is set to perform iconic melodies from anime and game music.

Kikuchi will be playing at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham on Tuesday 8th August 2023 at 12:30. Then St James's Church, Piccadilly in London on Wednesday 9th August 2023 at 19:00 and finally at Yamaha Music London on Thursday 10th August at 16:00. All events are free to attend, with booking required for the London ones.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Foundation London

Edinburgh Film Festival to Host UK Premiere of new Slam Dunk Movie

Date: 2023 July 16 11:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime firm Anime Limited have just sent us some details about the upcoming Slam Dunk Movie. The UK Premier will be hosted by the Edinburgh Film Festival on Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 23rd August 2023. The film will then go onto a wider release across the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 30th August 2023.

This basketball drama was directed and written by Takehiko Inoue the creator of the original Slam Dunk manga.

To date it's the 5th highest grossing anime film worldwide.

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

An Interview with Alexandra Rutter Director of the Stage Adaption of The Garden of Words

Date: 2023 July 10 18:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

Makoto Shinaki's anime The Garden of Words is the story of an out-of-step woman and an offbeat teenager meeting by chance in a Japanese garden. As the kindred spirits bond, the relationship they build could save them or equally ruin them. Melancholy and original the story has just been adapted into a stage play set to run at London's Park Theatre from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023. It's also set to to be staged in Tokyo too.

The play has been adapted by the Whole Hog Theatre who have previously also brought Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke to stage.

We caught up with Alexandra Rutter, who directed and co-adapted The Garden of Words from the material from the anime and novel. Having been aware of this project since before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were keen to find out more about the production and hear what Alexandra has to say.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Streaming Release Details

Date: 2023 July 02 17:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime streaming firm Crunchyroll have just sent us details about Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 which will be released on Thursday 6th July 2023.

The first part of Season 2 focuses on Gojo's and Geto's past in the Hidden Inventory / Premature Death arc. It's animated by MAPPA, so expect high quality fast paced animation from the studio that brought you Chainsaw Man; Attack on Titan Final Season; Hell's Paradise.

It'll be available both subbed and dubbed in the release languages of each region, with each episode premiering every week after its broadcast in Japan.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

One Piece Film: Red UK Collectors Edition Blu-ray Details

Date: 2023 June 27 19:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have just sent us details of their latest Blu-ray pre-order for UK anime fans. One Piece Film: Red will be available as a 4K Collectors Edition. The package includes the movie on 4K Blu-ray and regular UHD Blu-ray. The set comes with all sorts of nice little things, including art cards, a vinyl sticker, a nice A3 replica theatrical poster, plus (we really like this detail) an individually numbered Uta concert ticket.

The UK Collectors edition will be available to pre-order from 5pm on Thursday 29th June 2023 and then released on Monday 7th August 2023.

If you're a fan of One Piece you've probably already seen the movie, but we're sure ypu'll want to watch it again! You can read our review of the film to find out what think about it.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes Wins Paul Grimault Award at the Annecy International Film Festival

Date: 2023 June 21 19:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have just sent us news that the movie Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes has just won the Paul Grimault Award at this years Annecy International Film Festival.

The film tells the tale of teenagers Kaoru and Anzu who stumble upon a mysterious tunnel. Angst and adventure follow.

The movie is due to hit the UK and Ireland next month from 14th July 2023. Tickets are on sale now take a look at http://tunneltosummerfilm.co.uk/ for more details.

Read More... | Souce: Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes Website

Psycho-Pass: Providence Movie UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2023 June 03 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from streaming giants Crunchyroll have just revealed the UK cinema release date for PSYCHO-PASS: Providence. The movie is due to 85 cinemas around the UK on Wednesday 2nd August 2023. It's due out in the US from July 14th 2023.

The events of the movie bridge the gap between Psycho-Pass Sinners of the System Case 3: On the Other Side of Love and Hate and season 3 of the Psycho-Pass TV series.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

The Garden of Words London Stage Play Details Summer 2023

Date: 2023 June 01 19:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just received details from Whole Hog Theatre and Park Theatre who will present the world premiere stage adaptation of The Garden of Words, which is based the anime by acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai (best known for your name and the just released Suzume)..

We've covered details about the play before, but it's always worth reminding people about this production and that you can catch it this Summer 2023. The more detailed press release reveals information about cast and crew.

Like the anime the play explores the bond between two social misfits in a Japanese garden. It sets out to adapt the story further in a live action setting by combining puppetry, movement, and projection art. The production delves into themes of loneliness and longing, a signature of Shinkai's works. After its London run, the play will have its Japanese premiere in Tokyo. The show will be performed at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, North London, UK, from 10th August 2023 to 9th September 2023 with ticket prices ranging from £10 to £44.50.

Read More... | Souce: Park Theatre

Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes UK and Ireland Cinema Details

Date: 2023 May 30 19:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime Limited have just announcement the cinema details for The Tunnel To Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes. Inspired by the award winning novel of the same name it's the time travelling tale of teenagers in a tunnel!

Two misfit teenagers Kaoru and Anzu start to investigate a tunnel that grants the wishes of whoever ventures through it, but the is a cost being aged dramatically for your wish as a result. An interesting twist on not getting quite what you wished for with a genie, in this story the duo must figure out if what they wish for is worth the price.

The film is due to hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland from 14th July 2023 with tickets on sale from 7th June 2023. Check out tunneltosummerfilm.co.uk for more details.

Read More... | Souce: Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes Website

All The Anime May 2023 MCM Comic Con London Announcements

Date: 2023 May 28 15:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have revealed a ton of announcements at MCM Comic Con London.

Highlights include the cinema release of Evangelion:3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon A Time, home video release of Great Pretender along with anime classic Gunbuster. They also had reminders about the Slam Dunk Movie (which bounces into cinemas on 30th August 2023) and The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes (which cinemas from 14th July 2023).

Macross Plus: Movie Edition will return to the big screens. While fans of the gentleman thief Lupin III will be pleased to hear about Lupin the 3rd Part 6. Gundam fans aren't left out either with Mobile Suit Gundam - Movie Trilogy and Gundam Build Fighters.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Crunchyroll Reveal UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Line-up for May, June, July and August 2023

Date: 2023 May 21 20:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Crunchyroll have just sent us details of their UK DVD and Blu-ray releases for the next 4 months. While you associate Crunchyroll with streaming, they do release a lot of their titles on home video.

Dragon Ball Super:Super Hero gets a release on 12th June 2023, while 10th July 2023 sees part 1 of the truly fantastic Spy X Family. Highlights for August include The Ancient Magus' Bride OVA - The Boy from the West and the Knight of the Blue Storm.

All the titles are available to purchase from Amazon.co.uk, Zavvi and HMV.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Psycho-Pass: Providence Movie Cinema Release Details

Date: 2023 May 21 16:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from streaming giants Crunchyroll have sent us details of the cinematic release of the new Psycho-Pass: Providence movie. It's due out in the US from July 14th 2023 (with sneak-peak screenings on 11th & 13th July). The UK release date has yet to be announced, but will be announced soon.

The events of the movie bridge the gap between Psycho-Pass Sinners of the System Case 3: On the Other Side of Love and Hate and season 3 of the Psycho-Pass TV series.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum Hits UK Cinemas This May for One Day Only

Date: 2023 May 11 19:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have revealed that they'll be releasing Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum in the UK exclusively at Odeon Cinemas for one-day only on Saturday 20th May 2023.

This is a re-imagining 2011 television series Mawaru Penguindrum and is presented as a double bill which consists of Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 1 Your Train Is the Survival Tactic and Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 2 I Love You, with a 10 minute intermission in-between. This will be shown exclusively at Odeon Cinemas for one day only.

So if you're interested head over to your nearest Odeon to catch it!

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Garden of Words Stage Production To Hit London This Summer 2023

Date: 2023 May 09 19:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London's Park Theatre have just announced their Summer and Autumn line up. Anime fans will be very interested in the stage adaptation of Makoto Shinkai's Garden of Words. Originally it was set to run in August 2020, however COVID-19 prevented it happening. This time it's back and scheduled to run from Thursday 10th August until Saturday 9th September 2023.

Based on the original anime by blockbuster director by Makoto Shinkai (best known for your name and the just released Suzume). It tells the story of a meeting in a Japanese garden, with two people both out of sorts having a melancholy change encounter.

It's been adapted for the stage by Whole Hog Theatre, who are no strangers to bringing anime to theatre. They created a truly excellent stage version of Princess Mononoke.

We've been waiting since 2019 to see the stage version of Garden of Words, so naturally we're very keen to catch this summer in London.

Read More... | Souce: Park Theatre

Crunchyroll Partners with HMV UK This May 2023

Date: 2023 May 02 19:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime streaming giants Crunchyroll have just sent us news that they'll be partnering with UK retailer HMV this May for an Ani-May promotion.

HMV will be selling a selection of merchandise from series including Attack on Titan, JUJUTSU KAISEN, My Hero Academia, and Toilet Bound Hanako-kun and many more. Fans can expect clothing, accessories, footwear, homeware, and toys in over 100 retail locations and online.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll Announces New Movies to the Platform for April 2023

Date: 2023 April 24 20:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from streaming giant Crunchyroll have sent us details of their upcoming film slate available for home streaming. Normally when you think of the service series come to mind, but don't forget they've also got a great line up of movies to watch on the streaming service too.

They headline with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime The Movie: Scarlet Bond (which is out now), The Quintessential Quintuplets movie (which it out 28th April 2023).

Also out is the promising To Every You I've Loved Before and To Me, The One Who Loved You.

Plus for Gundam fans on 28th April 2023, they'll be releasing Mobile Suit Gundam Cucuruz Doan's Island.

The press release mentions various movies available, but it does vary by region, with the Mamoru Hosoda back catalogue not currently available in the UK.

If you are looking for something light, fluffy futuristic and enjoyable then give the Sing a Bit of Harmony film a try, we really enjoyed it.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Anime Limited to Release The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes in UK Cinemas

Date: 2023 April 14 15:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have revealed that they have the rights for the cinema distribution of The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes. The sci-fi romance is from director Tomohisa Taguchi and is based on the Japanese novel of the same name from Mei Hachimoku. The film was produced at animation studio CLAP who also made the truly excellent Pompo the Cinephile.

Anime Limited have said that they have the cinematic distribution rights for the UK, Ireland and Malta. They'll reveal more at a later date. For now you can check out the Official The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes website to register your interest.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

An Interview with Makoto Shinkai Director of Suzume

Date: 2023 April 10 19:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Makoto Shinkai's latest movie hits cinemas around North America, UK and Ireland from Friday 14th April 2023. We caught up the with the acclaimed anime director while he was in London to ask him about his new film.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Makoto Shinkai's Suzume Movie Review

Date: 2023 April 10 19:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Makoto Shinkai's latest cinematic offering Suzume hits cinemas from Friday 14th April 2023 in the UK, Ireland and North America. It's released by Crunchyroll. If you're curious about this animated marvel then you'll be pleased to know we've got a review ready for you!

Makoto Shinkai's latest cinematic offering Suzume hits cinemas from Friday 14th April 2023 in the UK, Ireland and North America. It's released by Crunchyroll. If you're curious about this animated marvel then you'll be pleased to know we've got a review ready for you!

If you want to know more about Suzume you can also read our interview with director Makoto Shinkai.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Crunchyroll casts actress Nichole Sakura as English voice of the title role in Makoto Shinkai's film Suzume

Date: 2023 April 04 19:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The new anime film from hit director Makoto Shinkai - Suzume is due to hit the cinemas next week from Friday 14th April 2023. Crunchyroll have just sent us details of the dub cast.

Nichole Sakura is cast as Suzume. You may have seen her as Cheyenne on Superstore or heard her other voice acting work on Star Wars: Visions.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

The 16th Manga Jiman Competition Results

Date: 2023 April 01 10:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The Embassy of Japan in the UK revealed the winners of The 16th Manga Jiman Competition. The awards ceremony for the prestigious competition was held at the Japanese Embassy in London on Friday 24th March 2023.

This years first place went to C M Kevin Li for Jonathan in Agony!, while Ewan Gallagher took second place withAUX. Third place went to Alex Brennan-Dent with Signal.

Read More... | Souce: Embassy of Japan in the UK

Crunchyroll Announces Spring Anime Streaming Season 2023

Date: 2023 March 23 17:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime streaming giants Crunchyroll have sent us details of their Spring 2023 streaming line up. This season has so much good stuff available this spring.

We're excited about the Skip and Loafer anime due for release on 4th April 2023, based on the popular and much loved manga it follows the of a rural girl getting used to life in the big city of Tokyo, amongst other things.

Ranking of Kings returns with Ranks of King : The Treasure Chest of Courage. This is due for release on 13th April 2023.

We're really looking forward to The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2, as the first season and specials were so good. That and it's great to see some anime set in the English countryside. After all not much anime is set in the Cotswalds.

Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch from Mercury returns for a second season. We're also curious about A Galaxy Next Door as we've read the first volume of the manga and it shows promise.

We've already covered Doctor Stone, which returns for a third season and are looking forward to more silly science adventures.

There's also more Vinland Saga Season 2 and One Piece.

There's something for everyone and we're sure you'll find something to enjoy this Spring 2023 anime season.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

BlackMilk Clothing to Release Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Collection

Date: 2023 March 19 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Aussie based clothing company BlackMilk Clothing have just sent us details of their up coming Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Collection. This official collaboration with Toei Animation has a range of various different designs from bright and bold to darker designs.

We really like the Ribbon Transformation Longline Evil Tee Dress with it's bright bold pink ribbons over the blue transformation background. While if you fancy something a bit darker the Sailor Guardians Stars Sheer Midaxi Dress is likely to appeal.

Fans can preview the collection in full and wishlist items ahead of the release. The collection is due to go live on 7am (AEST) 21 March / 2pm (PT) 20th March 2023.

BlackMilk Clothing have a great range of other collections including The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon and Sanrio.

Read More... | Souce: BlackMilk Clothing

Dr. Stone Returns to Crunchyroll for a Third Season

Date: 2023 March 13 21:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from streaming giant Crunchyroll have just sent us details that Dr. Stone will return from 6th April 2023 with Dr. Stone New World. The hilarious action show rocks back for a 3rd season with Senku getting up to more science as he brings more advances to the stone world. This series our team of science users build a ship to go off on a naval voyage to find the mystery of the global petrification event.

It's based on the manga by the same written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi. We've really enjoyed the first two season and the special episode which leads up to this season. The show is silly, fun and action packed, while watching it you'll feel like a science genius as you'll watch Senku use science to extract various raw materials to build components and then use them to make modern technology in post apocalyptic stone age.

You can catch previous season of Dr. Stone now on Crunchyroll or if you're already up to date, wait until Thursday 6th April 2023 for the new season.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Sony Adds Crunchyroll Button to 2023 Sony Bravia TV Remotes

Date: 2023 March 02 20:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime giant Crunchyroll have sent us news that Sony will be adding a Crunchyroll button onto their 2023 Sony Bravia TV line up. Smart TVs have long had Netflix Buttons, and new Sony Bravia line has other streaming services on it's remote including Disney+, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.

The fact Sony are willing to add a Crunchyroll button to their TV remotes shows how willing they are to invest in their anime acquisition and that they know there is enough demand for an anime stream service button! We believe it shows you how mainstream anime has become. Keen readers will note that Sony own Crunchyroll. It's fascinating to see that Sony are willing to do this. As getting an actual button on a remote can take a lot of corporate wrangling, even if Sony do own the company in question. They have to justify the existence of adding a button to a remote and there can be other services that are also up for consideration.

Read More... | Souce: Crunchyroll

Leiji Matsumoto 1938-2023

Date: 2023 February 26 11:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Current Affairs

This week it was announced that renowned manga artist Leiji Matsumoto had died on 13th February 2023 of acute heart failure in a Tokyo hospital, at the age of 85.

You may have encountered his highly influential works such as Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas, Space Pirate Captain Harlock or even Interstella 5555 his collaboration with Daft Punk.

You could read the BBC Obituary or equally well written Financial Times Obituary , but the best write up we've found is on Anime Limited's Blog it's written by anime expert Helen McCarthy, who has written numerous books on anime including a collection of Essays on Leiji Matsumoto.

Souce: Anime Limited

Junk Head UK and Ireland Cinema Release Details

Date: 2023 February 23 16:59 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us the details of their latest cinematic release. Junk Head is an stop-motion sci-fi action thriller set in a dystopian future. The film took Takahide Hori seven years to make. He crafted everything, sets, puppets, sound, music and special effects then animated it all!

The film is set to hits selected cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland from Monday 24th April 2023.

Read More... | Souce: Junk Head Offical UK Movie Website

Ballmastrz: Rubicon The Anime An Interview with Christy Karacas

Date: 2023 February 16 19:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Fans of Adult Swim will be aware of Ballmastrz: 9009 an anime inspired animation about THE GAME. The next logical step for the series was to get an anime studio to actually animated it. The result was the special Ballmastrz: Rubicon, animated by Studio 4℃ in Japan (Mind Game, Tekkonkinkreet, Detroit Metal City) with Takashi Nakamura (Robot Carnival, AKIRA, Yatterman, Catnapped!) serving as animation director. Keen to find out more we got in touch with Ballmastrz creator Christy Karacas to talk about this anime space opera.

Ballmastrz: Rubicon arrives Monday, February 20 2023. It premiere at Midnight on Adult Swim and the next day on HBO Max and digital retailers. All episodes of Ballmastrz: 9009 are now available on the Adult Swim hub on HBO Max.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Makoto Shinkai's Suzume Special UK Film Screening and Director Q and A

Date: 2023 February 15 17:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

The good folks from anime giants Crunchyroll have sent us details of a special UK anime screening of Makato Shinkai's latest movie Suzume.

The screening will take place on Wednesday 1st March 2023 at 18:00 the BFI Southbank in London. Not only will this be a chance to catch the movie more than a month ahead of it's national release, but the director himself will be there for a special Questions and Answers session. This is a rare opportunity to be able to get a chance to pitch questions at the director! Makoto Shinkai is best know for his two major films Your Name and Weathering With You. Tickets are on sale now and we expect them to sell out quickly. So book early to avoid disappointment.

The movie will be released across the UK and Ireland from 14th April 2023.

Read More... | Souce: BFI

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba- To The Swordsmith Village- UK and Ireland Cinema Details

Date: 2023 February 13 20:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Fancy watching some Demon Slayer in the cinema? Well the good folks from Crunchyroll have sent us details of the upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba- To The Swordsmith Village- movie. It's due to hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 1st March 2023. Tickets will go on sale from Friday 17th February 2023.

The movie consists of episodes 10 and 11 of the series' Entertainment District Arc as well as the extended Episode 1 of the Swordsmith Village Arc all remastered into a feature length adventure in 4K.

If you haven't seen Demon Slayer yet, you can catch it on Crunchyroll. You can also get the whole manga in a nice boxset.

Read More... | Souce: Demon Slayer Movie Website

Discotek Media Announce 2023 Licences

Date: 2023 February 05 12:56 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

US anime boutique label Discotek Media announced their upcoming titles for 2023 in their usual Twitch live stream channel on Monday night, the 30th of January 2023. It included some long-anticipated releases, some surprises, and clarifications on existing titles.

Read More... | Souce: Discotek Media twitch stream

Anime Limited To Distribute Suzume Movie Soundtrack

Date: 2023 February 01 20:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Anime Limited have just sent us some news that they have the rights to distribute the Suzume soundtrack. Makoto Shinkai's latest movie is due to hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland this April 2023. The director joins forces again with RADWIMPS to create the soundtrack for this film and also brings in Kazuma Jinnouchi.

Anime Limited are currently taking pre-orders for the Japanese Import edition on vinyl. It's currently priced at £59.99 (on offer from £69.99). An official western version is due for release sometime early Q3 2023.

You can also stream/download the soundtrack from many popular official streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Although an primarily an anime company, Anime Limited are also a record label with an excellent catalogue of anime soundtracks.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

What's on NHK World?

Date: 2023 January 29 13:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

Being a fan of anime, manga and Japanese stuff in general it's always good to find a great source of content. Most fans will hunt on DVDs and blu-rays for those extra features, read magazines and articles and various bonus features included in books and so on. They'll even read websites like this one, but one resource that we find that is frequently overlooked is NHK World.

NHK is the national state broadcaster for Japan. NHK World is it's international arm. It's content is available in a selection of languages including either dubbed into English or in Japanese with English Subtitles. The service is free to access and is available on a wide range of satellite and cable providers in the US, UK and further afield. You can also watch it free and legally on the website or app that's offered on many platforms including iOS (iPhone and iPad), Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Roku and more. You can watch the live broadcast or the video on demand service.

A lot of the content there is excellent for anime and manga fans.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

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